《Unexpected Second Chance at Love》


 Chapter 1 Please...

    Thunder roared as grey clouds cover the sky. Rain makes it way onto the grounds of City Z, Korea.


    People running to find shelter while the streets were busy with traffic.


    The sound of an ambnce siren wails as it makes its way to the emergency entrance of City Hospital and stops.


    The doors of the ambnce were push open with great force as two paramedics jump out. Nurses and doctors were already waiting to help to the patient on the stretcher.


    "We have a male patient in critical condition from a car ident. His pulse is extremely weak." Cries one of the paramedic.


    Laying on the stretcher was a man wearing a ck tuxedo. His handsome face and body was covered blood.


    "We cannot stall here. Bring him to the Operating Room!" Shouts one of the doctors to the nurses.


    Each person given their own task as they rush at full speed to the operating Room.


    After the quick disappearance of the doctors and nurses, a man with a short side parted hair descends from the ambnce.


    Despite the white bandages on his head and arm, he was still a handsome man in his twenties.


    Yet, his eyes at this moment were spiritless as if he was in a horrible nightmare.


    He follows after doctors and nurses into the OR, but unfortunately, he was stopped outside the operation room.


    The nurse that stopped the man asks, "Excuse me sir, did youe in with the patient just now?"


    The man did not answer. After a few calls from the nurse did heeback from his trance. He looks at the nurse and spoke in a choked and hoarse voice, "Will he be okay?"


    "I¡¯m not sure, but as of right now, the doctors and nurses are helping him. Please go to the front and fill out some paperwork for the patient." Ushered the nurse.


    Just when the man was about to turn around, the doors to the operation room opens and the same doctor from earlier steps out of the operating room followed by the nurses.


    Seeing how quick they were, the man frown and a deep dreaded feeling arose in him. He quickens his pace to the doctor, "Doctor, how is my brother?"


    The doctor looks at the man with a sorrowful expression, "Are you his family?"


    "Yes, he is my brother. What is it?" The man was eager to know.


    The doctor let out a long sigh as he shook his head. "I¡¯m sincerely sorry. We were not able to save him. His heart stopped the moment we entered the operating room. We had tried our best to bring him back. I hope¡ª."


    Hearing what he feared the most, the man grabbed the doctors cor coat and roared. "Lies!! I don¡¯t believe you!! You¡¯re a doctor, how can you not save him!!"


    Due to the man¡¯s sudden attack, the doctor was shocked and scared while the nurses try to pull the man away from the doctor.


    "We are truly sorry for this. His heart was too weak, the impact he received from the ident cause his heart to stop. I hope you can inform your family."


    *thud*


    The man falls to the floor, he felt as if someone had ruthlessness dug his heart out. His vision blur as he clench his fists tightly.


    "Please save him..."


    The man looks up at the doctor, streaks of tears slowly slides down his cheeks.


    "My hyung... today is my hyung¡¯s wedding. Please save him... please...."

 Chapter 2 I’m so sorry..

    Somewhere in the middle of City Z, a tall grey building stood its ground.


    Inside a condo, a woman with blonde shoulder length hair stood by a tall open window.


    She wore a long mauve pleaded dress outlining her protruding stomach, she was currently 7 months pregnant. She is a beautiful woman with a gentle aura but at this moment she was frowning due to the heavy rain.


    "What are you sulking about?" A deep voice sounded from behind the woman.


    The man was handsome and seductively charming. His dark long hair was neatly tied into a bun. He wore a fitted ck tux, shaping his body.


    Hearing the voice, the woman abruptly turns around as she pouts her lip.


    "Honey, earlier it was sunny, why would it just rain all of a sudden?! The weather forecast lied!"


    "Hana sweetheart, be careful. Don¡¯t harm our child." The man gestures Hana to not move so fast since she was pregnant.


    "Hmph! It was just a beautiful day a while ago, how can the weather change so quickly!" Hana was clearly annoyed and angry at the weather for lying.


    It was currently summer!


    Park Min Lee did not know whether tough or cry upon hearing his pregnant wife. He could only shake his head.


    "Hana, lets get ¡ª"


    *Ring ring*


    Before Park Min Lee could finish, his phone rang. He nce at his phone as it showed on the caller id, ¡¯Qin Jun¡¯.


    Knowing who the caller was, Park Min Lee did not hesitate at all to answer, "Jun, why are you calling? Hana and I are just now on our way."


    Park Min Lee waited for a reply, but he did not hear anything from the other line. He furrow his brows, "Jun, why are you not answering?"


    [From the other line was a low choking whisper voice, "Hyung.... lost.. battle..."]


    Not quite understanding, Park Min Lee sighed, "Jun, speak properly. I can¡¯t understand you. Are you crying? I know you are sad because your favorite hyung is getting marry, but you should also ¡ª"


    Cutting Park Min Lee off, a loud roar sounded from the other line.


    ["SHIN IS DEAD!!!"]


    "...."


    Park Min Lee froze in ce.


    The entire condo turned into a dead silence, Hana looks at her husband.


    For some unknown reason she did not have a good feeling about this phone call.


    "Honey, what is it?" She spoke worriedly as she looks at Park Min Lee, who¡¯s face is suddenly drained of all colors.


    Hearing his wife¡¯s voice, he reluctantly ends the call, even if the other line hadn¡¯t hung up. Park Min Lee looks at Hana.


    An intense amount of indescribable feelings exploded in his heart. He was at a loss for all words.


    Just...


    How is he supposed to tell Hana?


    ¡ª-


    Outside, the rain was now pouring more heavily onto the ground.


    Inside of a small Studio that was brightly lit inside, a grown man sat one the floor as he hid in the back of the dark hallway, his silent sobs were quiet but dreadful to anyone who hears.


    At this moment, he did not care if he looked like a horrible mess. He clench the phone in his hand tightly.


    "What am I suppose to say to her...?"


    ["Find an excuse and bring her here, I¡¯ll tell her."]


    Crying and huping, the man could only make a "mm" sound.


    *creak*


    Hearing the sound of the opening door, the man quickly wipes his tears and nose with the sleeve of his expensive tailored maroon tux as he stood from the ground. He forced himself to calm down and steady himself, knowing deep down he was torn into pain.


    "Liu Shan?" A soft voice spoke from a far, yet close distance behind Liu Shan.


    Taking a deep breath, Liu Shan turns around and smiles, "Wow, you look absolutely stunning!!"


    In front of Liu Shan, stood a peerless and beautiful girl with skin as white as snow.


    She wore a pure white wedding dress. The top piece of the dress was fitted withces, outlining her slender waist, as the full puffy skirt was made with tulle. Her long dark ck hair was bun loosely behind her nape, leaving loose strands of hair to frame her stunning face.


    The most attractive part about her was her bluish green eyes, that reminds one of waters that surrounds the inds in the ocean.


    Even with her neutral makeup, she was still as pretty as a painting, making many men and women turn their heads upon seeing her.


    "Liu Shan, are you okay?"


    She spoke with a worried voice seeing Liu Shan¡¯s red eyes and nose.


    "Mm-hmm." Liu Shan nods his head. "I¡¯m just very happy right now."


    ¡¯You can do this Liu Shan. Stay strong!!¡¯


    ¡ª-


    Inside a ck Rolls Royce, Liu Shan took the driver seat and in the back seat, sat the beautiful girl.


    Despite the heavy rain, a warm smile was ce on her lip as she stares out the window. Her mind wondered off to thousands of memories.


    Today was her big day and the happiest day of her life. She can finally share the same surname as him.


    "Mami, I forgot something at my apartment, is it alright if we make a quick stop and get it?"


    Mami smiles, "Mm."


    She was in a great mood today, so having to make a quick stop wouldn¡¯t ruin anything.


    What she did not know, was that, Liu Shan who sounded normal was silently crying in the driver seat.


    His heart ached so much for her.


    ¡ª-


    After a few turns, she realized they had passed the turn to Liu Shan¡¯s apartment.


    Confused, she spoke, "Liu Shan, you missed the turn."


    Liu Shan: "....."


    Ignoring her, Liu Shan continued to drive without answering her.


    "Liu Shan. Where are you going? Your apartment is back that way."


    ¡¯I¡¯m sorry Mami.. I¡¯m so sorry..¡¯ Liu Shan said to himself.

 Chapter 3 Why..

    The ckRolls Roycees to a stop after multiple turns. Liu Shan did not speak a word throughout the whole drive.


    "Liu Shan, What are you thinking?"


    Mami was angry, but not to the point it touched her bottom line. She guessed Liu Shan must have his reasons.


    Looking out the window, she was puzzled.


    "Eh? Why are we in front of City Z Hospital?"


    Confused, she stared outside, until her eyesnded on a slender figure walking towards them. She crease her brows intensely.


    The man had bandages on his head and arms. He was in extremely sorry state. But she knew exactly who this man is.


    "Jun? Why is he here? And why is he like that?"


    As Qin Jun approach the car, each step he took was like heavy pain to his heart. He took a deep breath before reaching out for the door handle to the back seat.


    Opening the door, he was greeted by the beautiful girl, except her facial expression was filled with confusion. Seeing her in her wedding dress, he felt like someone suffocated him.


    "Jun, why are you here? What¡¯s going on?"


    Qin Jun hesitated for a quick second before he gather himself together.


    "Mami..."


    He knelt down in front of the open back seat door to be at eye level with Mami.


    He tried to softened his voice as much as he could, gathering every ounce left in him, "I can¡¯t find any other way how to tell you.. but he is no longer with us.. Shin passed away.."


    The world seemed to have slow down for Mami. It was like darkness devoured her whole world.


    As if time just stopped.


    Her world came crumbling down hearing what Qin Jun said.


    ¡¯No longer with us...¡¯


    ¡¯Shin passed away...¡¯


    Those words repeated in her head. Mami¡¯s hands began to tremble, her eyes became blurry, yet she fought back to hold in her tears.


    She won¡¯t believe it.


    She won¡¯t believe Qin Jun¡¯s words.


    "Lies..." she forced an uttered in disbelief.


    Watching her, Qin Jun knew how she must be feeling at this moment. He took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes.


    "We got into an ident on the way to the church. Shin¡¯s heart stopped when we arrived in the hospital.. Mami, I¡¯m so sorry."


    Not believing him, Mami gets out of the car, pushing Qin Jun to the side and runs towards the hospital entrance.


    She won¡¯t believe it.


    He promised he won¡¯t leave her.


    He had promised!


    Watching Mami running towards the hospital, Qin Jun close his eyes and clench his fists tightly.


    He stand up and he took a step towards the hospital, but stopped, he spoke to Liu Shan who was now crying loudly inside the car. "You did good, Shan." Then he forced himself to walk towards the direction Mami went.


    ¡ª-


    Patients, nurses and doctors stare with curiosity as they see a beautiful girl in a white wedding dress run through the hospital doors.


    The loud sound of her nking heels attracted many people¡¯s attention, but the girl did not seem to care at all.


    She ran as if her life depended on it.


    "Is there a patient by the name Lee Shin here?"


    Mami asked in one breath upon arriving at the receptionist desk.


    The nurse was startled seeing the girl, she was taken away by Mami¡¯s beauty.


    "Ah Yes! He¡¯s in the emergency corridor. But Miss are you¡ª-."


    Mami didn¡¯t wait for the nurse to finish, she held the front of her dress and dashed for the emergency corridors.


    "Miss! Please wait! You need to¡ª." The nurse calls out after Mami but was stopped by arge slender hand.


    "She¡¯s his fianc¨¦."


    Qin Jun said as he looks in the direction Mami ran.


    Hearing Qin Jun¡¯s word, the nurse felt extremely sad for Mami. She sat back down on her seat and thought to herself.


    ¡¯Fianc¨¦? I can¡¯t imagine what that Miss must be feeling right now..¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª


    Reaching the emergency corridors, she didn¡¯t ask for a room number but for some reason, her legs knew exactly where to go.


    After running through the hospital, her legs finally came to a stop in front of a room with double doors.


    Everything became a massive blur, her brain filled with different thoughts, and her surrounding seemed to have slowed.


    She lift her trembling hands and push the doors open.


    As the doors open, everyone inside looked in her direction. More sadness creeped its way into everyone¡¯s heart seeing who the person was.


    One side stood a tall man wearing a ck fitted tuxedos, with a mauve rose on his chest pocket. His hair was tied into a ponytail. His red eyes stare at Mami with mix emotions.


    Near therge hospital window, sat a younger man in a chair, he wore the same ck tuxedo with a mauve rose on his chest pocket.


    Next to the young man, stood a pregnant woman in a mauve pleaded dress, she was in the embrace of a man who wore the same outfit as the other men.


    "Mami!!"


    Cries Hana as she breaks away from Min Lee¡¯s embrace and runs towards Mami.


    From the impact of Hana¡¯s hug, Mami was almost pushed back, but she steady her footing. She did not blink. Her eyes stared fixated on the white sheet covering the gurney in the center of the room.


    "I¡¯m so sorry Mami.." Hana sobs as she hugs Mami tightly. "Oppa... he... wuuuu..."


    Even with Hana¡¯s dreadful crying next her ear, everything seemed to have been muted in Mami¡¯s ears.


    Looking at Mami and his wife, Min Lee steps close to them. "Hana, let Mami through.." He spoke as he gently pulls Hana away from Mami.


    "Mm..." Hana nods her head as she sobs returning to Min Lee¡¯s embrace.


    Slowly, Mami made her way towards the gurney.


    Each step she took was like thunder and lightning to one¡¯s heart.


    Each step became harder to take, like quick sand sinking her legs in, making it harder for her to breath.


    But, she still arrived in front of the gurney.


    She looked at the White sheet that outlined a body, she raised her trembling hands and gently lift the sheet.


    The face of a handsome man came to her view, yet his eyes remained closed. There were traces of Almost dried blood on his perfectly sculpted face.


    She stare at the man with unblinking eyes.


    This is the man who she gave her whole heart to....


    For ten years, he has been the warmth of her cold world...


    The shining light to her darkness..


    A streak of dried blood was at the corner of his mouth and she reached out her hand to wipe it.


    She did not pull her hand away, but caress his cheek.. It was no longer warm.


    Looking at him, her heart broke into pieces, better yet, it was like her heart was ripped out with intense force.


    Mami stare at Shin¡¯s face as she recalls theirst meetingst night.


    He had told her that no matter what happens, he¡¯ll walk through life with her. Never leaving her alone in this world. That, she was the love of his life and he to her.


    Her eyes softened, as if the personying on the gurney was only sleeping.


    Softly, she caress his cheek with her thumb.


    "That¡¯s enough Shin.. Open your eyes."


    Her soft voice echoed in the room.


    Hearing her words, everyone looks at her with an even more broken heart.


    But she didn¡¯t care about the looks everyone in the room had. All she could see was the man she loves wholeheartedly.


    "Shin..." she softly spoke again. "Wake up.."


    silence.


    Shinid on the gurney with his eyes closed, unmoving. Mami gently lowers her body and kisses Shin on his lip, despite all the dried blood on his face. She didn¡¯t care.


    She moves 3 inches away from his lips, and yet, nothing...


    Again, she kisses him on the lips .


    And again.


    And again.


    Seeing Mami¡¯s actions, Hana cries even more in Min Lee¡¯s embrace.


    Mami pulled away from Shin¡¯s lips, seeing he did not once move or open his eyes, her legs gave up as she slowly falls to her knees.


    She lift his hand and gently caress it on her cheeks.


    "You liar.. you said before, if I kiss you when you¡¯re sleeping, you¡¯d wake up... so why aren¡¯t you?!"


    She gaze at Shin with watery eyes, as if waiting for him to sit up, smile at her and say it was all just a joke.


    But..... Nothing, only silence.


    The tears she had been holding back finally slides down when reality hit her..


    She held his hand tightly with hers.


    "Please don¡¯t leave me.... please don¡¯t..." her sobs echo through the room and out into the hospital corridors. "I¡¯m begging you.. please don¡¯t leave me..."


    Mami¡¯s cries and pleads were like a hammer that abruptly hit each one in the room.


    Min Lee guided his crying wife to sit down on a chair. He knew she was in pain, but she was pregnant as well...


    The man with the pony tail clench his fists tightly with his head down. Streaks of tears slid down his cheeks as he cries silently.


    The young man stares at Mami with red eyes from crying. He wanted to go over to her and tell her sorry, but how is a sorry going to bring back Shin?


    He looks away and press his forehead against the cold window.


    Mami¡¯s cries echoed throughout the hospital corridors. Anyone who hears can feel her pain and cry with her.


    Outside the room, Qin Jun sat on the floor by the door with his head hung low.


    ¡¯Why.... why must it be like this... why....?¡¯

 Chapter 4 Goodbye

    3 yearster; City Z Airport


    "Waaaahhh!!! Why?!!" A beautiful blonde hairdy cried while hugging anotherdy without caring about the many stares and whispers from the people passing by inside the airport.


    "Ok, Hana, stop crying, you¡¯re causing a scene."


    Park Min Lee spoke as he held his and Hana¡¯s 3 year old son, Park Shin.


    Hearing her husband, Hana res at him, "Men will never understand!!" She hugs the person in her arms even tighter. "Mami! I don¡¯t want you to go!!"


    "Hana, I¡¯lle back and visit." Mami spoke smiling as she pulls the reluctant Hana away from her, showing her beautiful straight white teeth.


    She wore a white T-shirt and beige loose knitted cardigan with light blue distressed denim jeans, paired with a pair of nude ankle booties. At her side was her all white luggage and brown Louis Vuittonrge tote. Her hair was let down with loose curls and she had on light makeup.


    Looking at her goddess, Hana¡¯s tears turns into a waterfall, "Promise you¡¯ll call me once yound!"


    "Mm, I will."


    ["Flight 0076 to Imperial, China is ready for boarding. All passengers please board the ne."]


    Mami looks out in the direction of the huge airport window with the view of City Z.


    A faint smile appeared on her lip, "That¡¯s my flight."


    She hugged and bid Hana, Min Lee and Little Shin goodbye.


    Just as she grabbed her luggage and was about to turn around, two voices shouted from behind the crowd.


    "Noona!!"


    "Mami!!!"


    Mami turns to the direction of the voices and smiles at the sight of the two people.


    Two handsome men, one around 30 and the other 25. Both men looked exhausted as they tried to catch their breath.


    "I thought I wouldn¡¯t get to see you!!" Song Jing Li, the 25 year old spoke while catching his breath and patting his chest. The other man nods his head in agreement.


    Mami smiles and walks up to Song Jing Li and Yamato Kira, her arms wrap around the both of them at once.


    "Thank you for seeing me off too."


    Both men, raised their arms and hugged her back. Each one held an indescribable feeling deep in their hearts.


    Pulling away, Mami scanned her surrounding, but she couldn¡¯t find the person she had hoped to see. She sighed and smiled faintly.


    She knows he¡¯s been busy, so it was only likely that he couldn¡¯t see her off.


    "Thought you¡¯d leave without a proper goodbye?" A deep voice came from behind her.


    Mami Sprung around quickly, she smiled from ear to ear, "Jun!"


    Qin Jun stepped forward and patted Mami¡¯s head. "Mm."


    She pout her lips, then hugs Qin Jun at the waist.


    Seeing her child like move, a sincere smile appeared on Qin Jun¡¯s lip.


    "Be good when you reach China. Don¡¯t forget, you still have family here."


    Mami steps back and look at Qin Jun. "I know. Everyone here will forever be my family." She looks at all the people she cares about sending her off.


    Hana sniffs, "Mami, don¡¯t forget about us okay?"


    Taking a deep breath, Mami bows in respect to them. "Thank you everyone, for being my family here. I will never forget any of you."


    ["Flight 0076 to Imperial, China. Ready for departure. All passengers please board the ne."]


    "Argh!! Stupid ne! I just got here and they¡¯re already taking my noona away!" Song Jing Li yells angrily.


    Hearing his words, everyoneughs at the youngest member of the group.


    "Take care everyone."


    Mami took a deep breath and looks at the group onest time before she grabbed her luggage and walks in the direction of the gate.


    As her figure disappears after entering the gate to the ne, Hana softly cries again, "Will She Be Okay?"


    Min Lee consoles Hana with one hand while holding their son in the other, "Mm. She will be."


    Kira ce both hands in his coat pocket, "It¡¯s not like it¡¯s forever. We¡¯ll surely meet again."


    "Yes! If Noona can¡¯te to us, we can always go to her!" Jing Li exim as he pats his chest proudly.


    Kira: "Jing Li, you don¡¯t have to act tough, if you want to cry, it¡¯s okay to cry. It¡¯s not like any of us will judge you."


    Jing Li: "....."


    Min Lee nce at Qin Jun, "What about you?"


    "....."


    It took a long minute before Qin Jun finally answered, he stare in the direction Mami went,


    "I made a promise, and for that promise, I will keep till the end of me."


    Hearing Qin Jun¡¯s words, Min Lee smile with a sigh. He then reach for Hana¡¯s hand and turn to leave the airport.


    Qin Jun, Jing Li and Kira took onest look at the gate Mami entered before they all turned around and follow out the airport.


    ¡ª-


    Sitting in the ne, Mami had booked her flight for first ss. Allowing her to have her own space from the rest of the passengers. She quickly settled into her seat.


    Minutes after her boarding, the ne was finally ready and takes up into the sky.


    "Miss, would you like anything to drink?" A flight attendant asked from the side.


    Mami smile and shook her head, "No thank you. I¡¯m alright for now."


    Taken by surprise, the flight attendant was amazed by Mami¡¯s peerless beauty. Especially her bluish green eyes. She wasn¡¯t sure if Mami was Asian or a foreigner, but it¡¯d be rude to just ask, so she didn¡¯t.


    Coming back to her senses, the flight attendant smiles, "Please feel free to let me know if you need anything." With that, she left to service the other passengers.


    Greeted with silence again, Mami turned her head and gaze out the airne window. It was currently 6 in the morning and City Z looked so stunning from the sky.


    Like stars in the sky.


    She had expected a long flight, but unfortunately, this flight from City Z, Korea to Imperial, China was only 4 hours.


    Her mind drifted to countless memories, she raised her hand and touch the window as she murmurs, "Goodbye.... Han Mami."


    ¡¯You are now only Han Yue Ling..¡¯

 Chapter 5 First Encounter..

    ¡ª¡ª


    Imperial, China; Airport: 10:45am.


    It was in the autumn season as the weather got cooler, at this moment, outside was currently raining.


    People entered and exited the airport, although, everyone¡¯s eyes were shifted to a certain direction.


    In that certain direction was a tall slender man at the height of 194cm. He wore a tailored fitted grey Versace suit, with a white dress shirt and a ck neck tie.


    His ink ck hair was styled in a shortb over, brown aviator sunsses sat on his high nose, his thin lip was a shade of peach.


    He was seductively handsome, yet he carried a cold and aloof aura.


    Trailing behind him were his assistant and 5 fully built body guards. Each person dressed in ck, with the Lu crest embroidered on the chest of their jacket.


    "Boss, you have a meeting with TB Corps at 3pm, then a social gathering at Imperial Hotel at 7pm."


    The assistant spoke as he tries to keep up with his boss¡¯s steps. ¡¯Why does the boss have to be born so tall!¡¯ He cried inwardly.


    "Mm." A deep voice sounded without Lu Tian having to open his mouth. At that same moment, Lu Tian also suddenly stops.


    "Ahh!!" A soft voice cries as she bumps into a hard solid figure.


    Mami, now known as Yue Ling pats away the invisible dust from her clothes, without looking at the person she bumped into, she spoke, "I¡¯m so sorry. I wasn¡¯t watching where I was going. Are you alright?" Her head finally lifts up to look at the person. "Uhhh...."


    "...."


    The man had an indifferent expression on his perfectly sculpted face. God must really have spent extra time in perfecting this man¡¯s face to the point where one nce can make any woman or man fall in love.


    The man wore a grey slim fitted tailored suit and white undershirt which emphasized his board shoulders and slender body.


    At this moment, the man¡¯s aviator sunsses hung crooked and loosely on his face. His cold and dark eyes re murderously at Yue Ling.


    Feeling the temperature drop intensely, Yue Ling force a smile and apologizes again, "I¡¯m so sorry. Are you alright?"


    Xu Long was amazed by the woman who just bumped into his boss. She stood at the same height as him at 180cm with her 2 inch ankle booties. Although she was dressed in simple attire, she was still the most prettiest woman he¡¯s ever seen!!


    Better yet, his boss was one of China¡¯s most eligible bachelors also the most handsomest. And everyone knows his boss is even a multi billionaire in the world!! Yet, this woman did not blush or go insane!!!


    "Xu Long, get me a new suit."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep and cold voice brought Xu Long back from his train of thoughts.


    "Yes, Boss!"


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, Yue Ling pouted her lips and mumble, "What a rude man."


    Lu Tian raised an eyebrow with a glint of danger in his eyes, "What did you say?"


    Angry at this unknown specie, Yue Ling was no longer going to be nice.


    "I said, you are a rude man! I identally bumped into you and apologized but you are being rude! Rude, I tell you! Are all the men nowadays this rude?!!!"


    The lines between Lu Tuan¡¯s brows creased into three lines, he stare at the woman in front of him.


    No one has ever raised their voice at him besides his parents. Better yet, everyone was afraid of him, but this woman actually dare to raise her voice at him.


    She even dare to call him rude!


    Suddenly, while looking at the woman, Lu Tian finally realized the colors of her eyes. It was bluish green, like beautiful soft emeralds.


    Especially with her ink like hair and pale skin, her eyes stood out, making them truly mesmerizing.


    Yue Ling: "When people apologized for their idents, its normal for the other person to ept. It¡¯smon sense, unless I murdered your entire family, then that¡¯s something else."


    Everyone: "...."


    Yue Ling on the other hand, raised attention from the many people inside the airport, but she paid no attention to the bystanders. As much as she hated public scenes, this was too much.


    "How can such a person exist in this world?!!"


    Lu Tian: "....."


    All she did was identally bump into him. She even apologized, but he acted as if she was some kind of cockroach that touched him.


    Truly despicable!!


    While in her dispute with the unknown specie, a voice sounded from behind the huge crowd inside the airport.


    "Boss!! Boss!!"


    Liu Shan who was assigned toe to China in advance to prepare things for Yue Ling, was now squeezing through the crowd to get to his boss.


    Completely ignoring the man, Yue Ling turned around to the source of voice.


    "Ah! Liu Shan!"


    Just as she was about to step away to Liu Shan, her arm was grabbed by a strong slender hand.


    "Did I say you could leave?" A deep, low voice sounded from behind her, sending a slight chill down her spine.


    Yue Ling turned around and frown with pursing lips, she red at the man then down to the hand that easily wrapped itself around her arm.


    Clearly, Lu Tian was not going to let her get away with it after yelling at him and calling him a rude man.


    Xu Long and the 5 body guards were staring at their boss with bulging wide eyes!


    Their boss, who is know for his cleanliness, ruthlessness and aloof personality has never once touched a woman or allowed any woman to touch him (well besides his mother), is now holding the arm of a random woman!! A beautiful one too!!!


    "uh... Can you please let go, any longer and you¡¯ll surely break my arm."


    As if he was suddenly electrocuted by her voice, Lu Tian quickly release Yue Ling¡¯s arm.


    "Hmph." Yue Ling snorted as she swung her head around, but not forgetting to run away the moment the man let go.


    She grabs Liu Shan by the shirt cor and darted out of the airport as fast as she could.


    "Run, Liu Shan! Run, before that rude man catches us!"


    Liu Shan was stuck in a daze. He has long muted his ears. The moment he saw the cold man his boss was yelling at, he felt as if the world had be dark and cold. He was so embarrassed and scared, he wanted to dig a hole and hide in it!


    Why did his boss have to encounter such a person when she first arrived here!!


    Watching the retreating figure disappear, Lu Tian didn¡¯t move at all from his position. Until he couldn¡¯t see the figure anymore, he looked down and stare at the hand he used to grab the woman¡¯s arm. His brows creased deeply as he thought of something.


    "Boss.. do you want me to investigate thatdy?" weeps Xu Long from behind.


    "No need. She already apologized."


    And once again, Xu Long and the 5 body guards were caught by another sudden shock.


    Their boss is actually letting someone off! And it was someone from the opposite gender!! Is the world finallying to an end?!!!


    Noticing something, Xu Long hesitated but asked anyways, "Boss, what about this?" His finger pointing to a white hard luggage and a brown Louis Vuitton tote. "I think thatdy forgot her belongings.."


    Lu Tian frown again, his eyes ring like daggers at the baggage. If Lu Tian¡¯s eye could send beams of daggers, Yue Ling¡¯s bag and luggage would of been shredded like minced meat.


    "Bring them with us." He ordered before walking away.


    And for the third time of the day, Xu Long and the five bodyguards were once again caught by shock.


    Is their boss okay? He wants to bring along a strange woman¡¯s belongings? Isn¡¯t this called stealing? Where is our cold and ruthless boss?


    ¡ª-


    Inside a ck BMW, Liu Shan was sweating like he just came out of a sauna.


    Yue Ling: "What¡¯s wrong with you?"


    Liu Shan: "Boss, do you know who that man is?"


    Yue Ling sighed and put her hand under her chin as she stare out the car window.


    "Whether I know him or offended him, it doesn¡¯t matter. I doubt I¡¯ll see him again while I¡¯m here."


    Hearing his boss¡¯s words, Liu Shan wanted to cry butcked the tears.


    ¡¯Boss, that man is very very powerful here! Anyone he wants to find, he will find no matter what. Even if he wanted someone dead, he can do it and get away with it! *sob* why was it him out of all the people in the airport!¡¯


    But knowing his boss, she could really care less about anyone. Even if it was the emperor himself who threatens her, she would just shrug her shoulder indifferently.

 Chapter 6 1503

    ¡ª-


    Momentster, the ck BMW finally came to a stop in front of a tall white building with magnificentrge windows.


    Without waiting for Liu Shan, Yue Ling opened the door and steps out of the car. She gaze up at the tall building while rain trickledown on her.


    Even with the grey clouds and rain, the building still looked eye catching and stood like a painting.


    Liu Shan jogged over to his boss and open a ck umbre, putting it over her.


    "Boss, your new ce is here. In all of Imperial, this is most expensive condos for only the wealthy." He said proudly before handing Yue Ling a pair of ck house keys.


    "I don¡¯t wish to stay here permanently. You know how I¡¯ve always been. I like peace and quiet." Yue Ling grabbed the umbre handle and keys from Liu Shan before walking to the ss doors to enter the condo building.


    "Hmm...." Liu Shan let out a sigh. His boss sure has been difficult to handletely.


    Before he could even take a step to follow his boss, her next words hit him like a huge rock.


    "Liu Shan, I forgot my things at the airport. I need you to go back and retrieve it."


    Slouching, Liu Shan cried no tears. "Right away Boss."


    He wanted to cry but reallycked the tears to shed. He thought, ¡¯Boss, if you knew already, why didn¡¯t you say something before we left the airport. *sob*¡¯


    ¡ª-


    Entering the Condo lobby, Yue Ling looked at the huge calligraphy fixture behind the front desk, ¡¯Jade Condos¡¯.


    A young man at the age of twenty stood up immediately from the front desk when he saw Yue Ling enter the lobby.


    In his entire twenty years of living, he has never seen such a beautiful goddess-like woman before. And she was even taller than him!!


    Unlike all the wealthydies who lives here and like to dress in fancy designer clothes, thisdy wore casual clothes, yet she still looked so mysterious and sophisticated.


    He gulped, "Good Morning Miss. How can I assist you?"


    Yue Ling nce down at the ck house keys, there was a small tag attached to it, ¡¯1503¡¯.


    "I¡¯m living in condo 1503." She said nonchntly to the young man.


    Hearing the number, the man almost choked on his own saliva.


    "1503? Did I hear you say wrongly?"


    With a frown, Yue Ling was constipating whether the young man in front of her should get his ears checked up.


    "Yes, room 1503. You did not hear wrongly."


    The young man gulped, "Miss, I don¡¯t mean to be rude, but can I see an ID? It¡¯s just to confirm identification that you live there."


    At his words, Yue Ling pout her lips in deep thinking. "My ID.. umm..." remembering she left her bags at the airport which contained her wallet, Yue Ling pinches the space between her brows.


    "Sorry, my assistant is going back to get it."


    Seeing thedy won¡¯t show him her ID, the young man could only sigh. "Miss, I¡¯m sorry but¡ª-."


    *ding* the elevator doors opened and someone stepped out.


    "Ting, what is going on?!" An old voice calls out.


    Seeing who it is, the young man greets the owner of Jade Condo.


    "Manager Luo."


    Yue Ling turn to see an old man with grey hair, he was wearing a ck simple traditional Changsha top with white trousers.


    "Uncle Luo." She nods her head in respect.


    Seeing the beautiful young girl, Manager Luo¡¯s eye beamed with surprise and joy.


    "Hahah, Little Han." Uncle Luoughed as he walks over to Yue Ling. "I did not expect you to arrive so soon."


    "I came early so I can make some arrangements." Yue Liang smiled.


    Seeing that she was still in the lobby, Uncle Luo looked at the young man, "Why hasn¡¯t Miss Han been taken to her housing?"


    Nervous, the young man stutter in his words, "I was inquiring Miss Han for her ID for proof of Resident.."


    "ID?! She needs no reason to show her ID!" Uncle Luo raised his voice.


    Cold sweat ran down the young man¡¯s back. Did he just do something wrong?


    "Uncle Lou, its alright, he was only doing his job. I forgot my things at the airport and my assistant is currently going back to retrieve them, as of now, I do not have any proof of ID."


    "Haaah..." Uncle Luo sigh. "No need. No need." He res at the young man. "Miss Han is a honor Resident here. Give her the keys to her residence."


    "Yes sir!" Salutes the young man. He then quickly search the key safe for the keys.


    "No need to Uncle Luo. My assistant already handed me the keys he picked up yesterday." She raise her hand and show a set of ck house keys.


    Seeing the keys, the young man¡¯s eye nearly popped out of their sockets. He thought, ¡¯Those really are the keys for the 52nd floor!!!¡¯


    Uncle Luo smiled when he saw the keys. Han Yue Ling is the precious granddaughter of his best friend, he was thankful to have such a person live in his condo building.


    "Ting, take Miss Han to her Residence."


    "Right away sir!" Ting quickly answered. He almost caused a problem for an important person!! Hopefully he doesn¡¯t get fired.


    "No need, I can manage on my own." Yue Ling said.


    Uncle Luo nod his head in understanding. "I¡¯ve made some preparations with your assistant in the penthouse. Please let me or the front desk know if there¡¯s anything not to your liking."


    "Mm. Thank you, uncle Luo."


    Yue Ling bid goodbye and walk into the elevator that was open.


    Watching the elevator doors closed, Ting was curious as to who the beautifuldy was, "


    "Manager Luo, who was that woman just now?"

 Chapter 7 White

    ¡ª-


    Uncle Luo re at Ting, but calmed himself. "She is someone you should never offend. No one in imperial can afford to offend her." He said his piece and walks out the double ss doors.


    Ting was rendered speechless but also curious. The beautifuldy was not only beautiful, she even own one of the keys to Jade Condo¡¯s most expensive penthouses.


    Each floor of Jade Condo consist of 10 condos, but it was only the 52nd floor that only has 4 penthouses and they were the best of the best in all of Imperial.


    Only billionaires can amodate those 4 penthouses.


    Reaching the 52nd floor, the elevator ding in arrival with the doors open.


    Yue Ling leisurely stepped out.


    She scan the floor and realize the long and wide hallway with white walls. What was more eye catching was that there were only 4 doors.


    The white walls brought natural lighting into the hallway, as the doors to each housing were dark gray with the same color border around. Both sides of the doors had tall windows.


    Each housing number was carved in gold onto the door, on top the peep hole.


    On the one side was two doors almost side by side, whereas across was the same. At the end of the hallway was two double ss door with the sign ¡¯pool and roof ess¡¯ on the side.


    Yue Ling walked to her door, which was the second door to the left. She wondered if the other floors were as elegant as this floor.


    Inserting one of the ck house keys into the key hole, it clicked and the door unlocked.


    Entering her new temporary home, she was dumbfounded by its view.


    The flooring to her Residence was glossy white, with white walls.


    The living room had floor to ceiling windows all around. The view of Imperial could be seen from any part of the living room windows. Two white mid-century couches were set in an almost L-shape, a white tub chair in one part, with a rectangr marble coffee table. Under was arge white fur carpet. A 50" smart tv was ced on a long white tv stand.


    The kitchen was separated from the living room by a white marble wall ind, 4 white stools sat on the outside. The cabs were also white with silver pulls. The only color beside white in her kitchen were the silver fridge, silver oven, silver microwave, and the silver air vent on top of the ck top stove.


    Across the kitchen was a dining room with a ck dining table and four white parsons chairs.


    She sighed at how white her housing was.


    But she also liked it because the natural lighting contrasted with the white made the ce look more brighter and not gloomy.


    Satisfy with the living room, kitchen and dining room, she walks to the hallway to check on the rooms.


    To an even more surprise, she realize that her ce has 3 bedrooms!!


    Like the walls, the rooms were white. The first room was on the left connecting to the kitchen wall. It was bigger, assigned as a guest room, which she will make since there was already a queen bed inside. All she has to do is buy new pillows and sheets to add some color to the room.


    Surprisingly, one whole wall of the guest room was floor to ceiling windows.


    Seeing this, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but frown as it¡¯s view was none other than her neighbor¡¯s. The only good thing was there¡¯s an automatic curtain setting for privacy.


    Across from that room on the right, was the guest bathroom. It¡¯s wall connecting with the dining room. The bathroom had a shower, toilet and sink. Yet it was bigger than normal bathrooms.


    Walking forward, next to the guest bathroom was another bedroom, just that, this bedroom was slightly smaller than the guest room and like the guest room, one whole wall was floor to ceiling windows.


    Yue Ling could guess this room must be the smallest despite its irregr size.


    She decided she¡¯ll turn this room into her walk in closet and office, since her career requires her to always deal with fashion.


    Passing the room, she finally reached the master bedroom.


    Her new bedroom.


    Opening the door and walking in, her eyes were on the verge of popping out. The room was the size of her guest room and walk in closet put together!


    First door on the left upon entering the room was the master bathroom, it had a shower and a huge bathtub. There was an adjoining door for the toilet. The only thing bugging Yue Ling was the huge window which she was sure would allow her neighbor to see her when she bathes.


    She¡¯ll definitely buy curtains!!! Who knows what kind of people her neighbor is!


    Across from the bathroom was the closet, which happened to bigger than she expected, but she guess she¡¯ll use it as extra storage for now.


    The rest of the room was all floor to ceiling windows, the only walls in the room were the wall next to the closet and another small wall on the left where her king size bed covered in all white was.


    There was also a double ss door near the bathroom door leading to an outside balcony. The only downfall for her was that the patio connected with her neighbor¡¯s. Only a ss wall separated the two balconies.


    If one wanted to go over, they¡¯d have no problem at all..


    After a few rounds of touring her new ce, Yue Ling decided to sleep since she was waiting for Liu Shan to bring her things.

 Chapter 8 Lu Corps

    ¡ª-¡¯


    In another part of Imperial, a tall ck building stood its ground.


    At this moment inside the meeting room, every worker was sweating beads. The temperature was negative degrees but they were still sweating.


    In the center seat was a handsome man, if looks could kill then this man¡¯s looks would definitely havemitted countless crimes.


    His cold eyes scanned every person sitting at the meeting table.


    Not one person looked up to meet the man¡¯s eyes.


    If Yue Ling was here, she would definitely remember him as the ¡¯rude man¡¯.


    Aftering back to Imperial from his meeting in Korea, he had learned that the contract between Lu Corps and TB Corps had not been terminated.


    "Before I left, I specifically gave order to terminate the contract with TB Corps. Why am I still meeting their Chairman at 3pm?" His deep and cold voice was low but it was loud enough to prate each person¡¯s soul with fear.


    No one wanted to answer due to fear of their boss.


    Seeing that no one wanted to speak, Lu Tian gestured his assistant.


    Knowing what to do, Xu Long clear his throat and spoke, "If no one wants to answer, then please have all your resignation letters turned in by the end of the day."


    Xu Long nce at the people and felt pity for them. But who could they me but themselves.


    The boss gave them one job, and yet this one job they couldn¡¯t even do.


    "Boss, we tried to terminate the contract with TB Corps, but Chairman Ning was persistence in keeping the contract. He said he¡¯ll meet you at tonight¡¯s social gathering and speak with you for reason." A male worker spoke with fear.


    Lu Tian nce at the man without saying a word.


    The man gulped in fear. His boss is known as the scariest man in the business world. Just one look from him could kill a soul!


    "Mm." was all Lu Tian said, then he stood from his seat and walked out of the meeting room.


    Everyone was confused and scared. Were they losing their jobs? What did the boss mean with ¡¯mm¡¯? All eyes darted to Xu Long with questioning eyes.


    Letting out a deep and long sigh, Xu Long pinch the space between his brow.


    "You all should be thankful that one of you spoke. If none of you did, you all would of been jobless."


    He cleared his throat and continue, "Everyone back to their work ces. Boss will handle the matters involving TB Corps."


    ¡ª-


    Lu Tian entered his office and sat in his chair as he read some business documents.


    A knock resounded at his office door.


    "Come in."


    "Boss, is there anything you need?" ¡¯Food? Drink? Clothes?¡¯ Xu Long asked, while leaving the rest in his thoughts as he dare not to say them aloud.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remained on the documents in his hand, "Have you found the person?"


    Eh? Person? What¡ª Oh My God! Boss is inquiring about that beautiful woman from the airport?


    "Did you find anything or are you just going to daydream there?"


    Breaking his train of thoughts, Xu long cleared his throat.


    "The owner of the bag and luggage is the woman who bumped into you at the airport, her name is Han Yue Ling. She is 28 years old. She is a model in the entertainment industry, but from my resources, tonight should be her farewell party to retirement. Also, she just moved to Imperial today and bought a ce at Jade Condo. Besides being a model, once she retires, she¡¯ll go back to living a normal life."


    "Jade Condo?" Lu Tian frown at the words. He also bought a ce at Jade Condo. "Is that all?"


    "As of right now, yes. Everything else seems to be nk." Xu Long answered as if he was a soldier in the military.


    Xu Long hesitated for a second, but he gulped and spoke anyways, "Also another thing, Han Yue Ling is rated as one of Asia¡¯s top models and beauty. She¡¯s been number one on the ranking since 6 years ago."


    Lu Tian creased his brows as he thought of something, then nod his head, "Mm. You can go then."


    "Yes Boss!" Xu Long raise his hand and saluted before quickly leaving the room.


    Lu Tian remained calm on the surface but deep down he was dumbfounded by what his assistant just did. Did he think Lu Tian was a general? He¡¯ll never understand this side from his assistant of 10 years.


    Lu Tian set the documents in his hands down and looked to the hard white luggage and brown Louis Vuitton tote.


    For some odd reason, his mind kept drifting to that woman¡¯s face and her voice, especially her mesmerizing eyes. Even more strange was, he didn¡¯t find her disgusting like all the other women.


    There was an unknown feeling he¡¯s never felt before creeping its way into his heart without him knowing.


    While Lu Tian was deep in his thoughts, in another almost rural part of Imperial, the Ji Mansion was currently a mess.


    "Why hasn¡¯t shee see me? Am I not important to her anymore?"


    An old man an all ck loungewear with white hair in his early 70¡¯s yelled out angrily.


    He paced back and forth in the middle of the living room, both his hands flying everywhere as he yells. "How can she just forget about me when she¡¯s already here?!"


    "Her assistant already sent me a message and confirmed it!!"


    "Grandfather, please calm down. I¡¯m sure Jie has her reasons." An attractive young man around 17 years old spoke, he was currently wearing his high school uniform.


    "Jingxu, how can I calm down? I am her yeye! That ungrateful child! Wait till I see her!" The old man cursed and cursed without giving a care.


    "I¡¯ll make her kneel outside and beg for forgiveness for forgetting someone as precious as myself!"


    "..."


    Jingxu could only shake his head while the servants all tremble in fear.


    But, Jingxu knows that although the old man was cursing and is ¡¯angry¡¯, anyone could see he was filled with worried and care.


    "Grandfather, Jie has a party tonight, so I¡¯m sure she¡¯lle visit tomorrow." Jingxu spoke while trying to calm his grandfather down.


    "Haaaaa..." Ji Huan let out a long sigh.


    "I hope she does visit soon. That girl has been through so much already. I¡¯m just really worried about her."


    He gently pats Jingxu¡¯s head, "Good thing I have you here."


    Ji Huan stood by the huge window and stare outside with both his hands behind his back.


    Quietness overtook as he drifted into his own thoughts.


    Jingxu smiled at his grandfather and nce out the window. But his heart was currently crying inside,


    ¡¯Jie, where are you?! I don¡¯t know how long I can dy for you. Grandfather¡¯s on the verge of going ballistic!!¡¯

 Chapter 9 I’m most relaxed like this!

    ¡ª¡ª


    Back at Jade Condo, Yue Ling who was oblivious to themotion at Ji Mansion, awoke from her long nap by a sneeze and her doorbell.


    *Ding dong*ding dong*


    She yawn while stretching her arms and legs on the soft king size bed before slowly sitting up. Yue Ling got up from the bed and made her way to the front door.


    Instead of going to the door, she stopped in the hallway, where a security camera system was, she pressed on a button which allows her to see whoever was outside her door.


    [Boss! It¡¯s me! Hurry I have all your things!"]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounded from the speakers of the Security screen along with his face.


    Without hesitation, Yue Ling pressed arger button with the unlock icon.


    *Click* her front door was automatically unlocked.


    Liu Shan opened the door and walks in, he took off his shoes and in his hand were a briefcase and several shopping bags and a garment bag.


    "Ahh, would it kill you to help me?"


    "I pay you for a reason."


    Yue Ling shrug nonchntly, but she still helped Liu Shan with some of the things in his hand.


    "I have no slippers at the moment so don¡¯t mind. Later, I¡¯ll send you an email a list of some things I need."


    "Haha, no worries boss!" Liu Shan puts down the garment and shopping bags on the couch.


    Yue Ling sat down on the other couchzily.


    "Sit anywhere."


    Liu Shan looked around the ce as if constipating Something, thening to a decision, he ce the briefcase on the marble coffee table and sits down.


    Seeing his choice of seat, Yue Ling arched a brow, "Of all the seats, you choose to sit on the ground? Am I really that evil?"


    Waving his hands, Liu Shanughs, "Haha! No boss! I¡¯m most rxed like this. You know that by now. I don¡¯t care where I sit at all."


    Yue Ling sighed and leans back on the couch. She really doesn¡¯t get Liu Shan sometimes, but who is she to question the way he is.


    "Were you able to get my things back from the airport?"


    Liu Shan scratch the back of his head and chuckle sarcastically, "Haha, uhh.. boss, about your things at the airport, the security said they didn¡¯t see it." He then opens the briefcase. "But I was able to get you a new copy of your ID, drivers license, passport and bank cards. Also some RMB notes and a new phone in recement of your missing one. It¡¯s thetest phone in rose gold."


    "Mm." Yue Ling nodded in satisfaction, looking at her ID¡¯s and the three bank cards, one gold and two ck. She didn¡¯t bother about the RMB notes and phone.


    "And because your luggage is missing, I went out and bought you some things." Liu Shan stood up and grab the shopping bags.


    Each shopping bag was marked with high end brand names, but most of them were from a brand called DeLamour.


    "I purchased the same Louis Vuitton tote you love, only not the same color, as well as a matching wallet."


    He unwraps the tissue papers in the LV bag, and takes out arge ck box with the LV logo on it, and handed the box to Yue Ling.


    Yue Ling took the box and unboxed it.


    The smell of fresh new product entered her nose. She smiled a faint smile while looking at the tote.


    "It would be great if I could get my old bag back."


    "Don¡¯t worry boss, I¡¯ll do everything I can to locate your bags." Liu Shan said with determination in his eyes.


    Seeing his determination, Yue Ling chuckled. "I¡¯m counting on you then. Also, stop calling me boss outside of work."


    Liu Shan chuckles as he scratch the back of his head again, "It¡¯s a habit, I guess."


    He reach for the other bags and scoot them to Yue Ling for her to open. He looked like a pet who was waiting for his owner to praise him.


    Yue Ling was greeted with tops, bottoms, cardigans, coats, heels, sneakers, boots, bags, makeup, skin care, socks, sleepwear and even bras and panties. Plus a few sets of ck velvet hangers.


    Liu Shan also did not forget to purchase some white towels and bathroom essentials.


    The both of them enter Yue Ling¡¯s closet room and put the things away.


    "Hey Mami, why don¡¯t you just stay here permanently, it¡¯s really not a bad ce. Plus, the security here is also good." Liu Shan said while hanging up Yue Ling¡¯s new clothes in the closet. "Do you know how many people in Imperial would die to live in Jade Condo?"


    He turned and looks at Yue Ling, "I mean, I don¡¯t get you sometimes. You¡¯re a billionaire, yet you don¡¯t want to stay here. I also know I went a little overboard by choosing this ce for you, but still, it matches your life career."


    Putting her new shoes nicely and neatly in a row against the floor to ceiling windows, Yue Ling stopped and looked out the window.


    The heavy rain from before was now sprinkling.


    She gaze out to the busy city.


    "I love my busy life but I want to live in a quiet ce to calm my soul. And from your time working under me, you should know I also want to lead a normal life too. Oh and I don¡¯t go by Mami anymore, it¡¯s Han Yue Ling now."


    ¡ª¡ª


    After 2 hours of sorting her things in her closet room, Yue Ling was finally able to shower. For some reason, she felt as if her first shower in Imperial felt amazing.


    Coming out of the shower, Yue Ling revealed her bare face. Even without make up she was naturally pretty. Her skin was pale and wless, neat brows and a rosy peach full lips. Her dark ck hair was tied in a high messy bun with loose strands of hair to frame her perfect face shape.


    Still, her bluish green eyes stood out the most.


    She wore an oversized tan knitted sweater, it¡¯s front was lightly tucked in front of her ck denims. She paired her outfit with some chrome bangles and ck espradrilles wedges.


    Seeing her, Liu Shan was in a daze. His mouth literally opening. He don¡¯t think he¡¯ll ever get tired of looking at his beautiful boss.


    "Do I need to invest in a mop so I can clean your drools?"


    Yue Ling ignores his stare and reach for her new LV tote and house keys on the coffee table. Without waiting for Liu Shan toe back from his little mind, she walks to the front door.


    "Come, lets go grab some food, I¡¯m starving!"


    Liu Shaning back fromlnd, quickly follows Yue Ling out the door, but before heading out, he did not forget to grab the garment bag on the couch.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 10 Have no fiancé

    ¡ª-


    Outside, even though gray clouds still cover the sky, the rain had long subdued for Imperial.


    Yue Ling and Liu Shan sat in a booth inside a small restaurant called Miora¡¯s. It was chinese restaurant for many locals andmoners to dine.


    "Now I really don¡¯t get you at all. You have so much money, but here you are, eating at a local restaurant. I have not met a single rich person who spends money like you." Liu Shan said while he looks around the restaurant.


    He frown as he realize, all the men in the restaurant were staring at Yue Ling with flushed faces but ring at him as if he was some kind of pest.


    Ignoring all the angry stares, he looks back at Yue Ling who was calmly sipping her warm coffee.


    "Plus, why do you dress like that? I thought billionaires like to unt their wealth around."


    cing the cup in her hand down, Yue Ling looks at Liu Shan.


    He was a handsome young man at the age of 27 and he knew his fashion professionally well. He wore grey cks with a white dress shirt and an oversized ck mid length zer, paired with some tan loafers. His hair was nicebed too.


    "Liu Shan, am I not paying you enough so you¡¯re now a busy body?"


    Startled, Liu Shan¡¯s face flushed red before he shrug his shoulders. "I¡¯m just saying. I mean, look at you. You¡¯re the most beautiful woman I¡¯ve seen seen in my entire life and yet, you don¡¯t ever brag about it at all like other women."


    "Plus you have money, but you don¡¯t sh it everywhere you go. Others may think your clothes are inexpensive, but I know that one clothing item of yours is half of what you pay me."


    "You just like really simple things, right?"


    "You¡¯re correct, but I prefer to enjoy my own needs, rather than worry about others opinions about myself." Yue Ling said before drinking her coffee.


    "Besides, what¡¯s the point of unting my worth? I¡¯ll just end up attracting hungry flies and scheming vixens only.


    Minutester, a waiter arrives at their booth with their food.


    Yue Ling ordered spicy fish and a side of rice, while Liu Shan ordered honey walnut shrimp and fried rice. Both were also served warm egg drop soup on the side.


    ¡ª-


    After eating, Liu Shan paid for their mean. Since he was a gentleman and he didn¡¯t want Yue Ling, who is his boss and gifts him a big cheque to pay for their small meal.


    Liu Shan looks down at his gold watch, ¡¯6:35pm¡¯.


    "We should get going, the party starts at 8pm. You still need to change and get your make up and hair done."


    Walking to Liu Shan¡¯s ck BMW, Liu Shan opened the door for Yue Ling as she got in. He then walks around the car to the driver seat and drove away,


    What they didn¡¯t see was two young teenage girls in school uniforms dying of happiness inside Miora¡¯s.


    "I can¡¯t believe I just saw Han Yue Ling! I never thought I¡¯d get to meet her in my entire life!"


    "I know! She¡¯s so different from other artists! I should have asked for her autograph!! BooHoo!!"


    - - - - -


    Inside Imperial Hotel, in a private room, a social gathering was taking ce.


    This gathering consisted of all the well known bachelors in Imperial and highly wealthy businessmen.


    Women were ordered to services all the men and keep them entertained for the night.


    Every men inside was handsome and super attractive and all the women present were different types of beauties.


    Yet, in a dark corner, a man around thirty years old was extremely nervous. He was sitting next to another man, but this man held an aloof and cold aura with an indifferent expression.


    "CEO Lu, I¡¯d like to know why you want to terminate our business contract. We¡¯ve been doing so good, did something go wrong?" Ning Xinyu asked nervously.


    He is the charming Chairman of TB Corps, but when it came to Lu Tian, the CEO of Lu Corps, he pales inparison by far.


    Ning Xingyu and Lu Tian have been business partners for 3 years. There¡¯s not a single businessman or industry in the world who doesn¡¯t want to be business partners with China¡¯s wealthiest man.


    And his business has been running good, but, he doesn¡¯t understand why Lu Tian would suddenly want to terminate their contract.


    He requested for a meeting today at 3pm, but Lu Corps never confirmed it. So, his only chance was toe to this social gathering and meet the man.


    Getting no response, Ning Xingyu became even more anxious. He quickly gestures for a pretty girl in a tight red body con dress toe over. He nce at Lu Tian and smile, "CEO Lu, please enjoy this gift from me. I made sure to save the best for you."


    The girl in the red dress was exceptionally pretty, but it was thanks to her thick makeup with bright red lipstick. The red body con dress outlined her body perfectly showing her curvy hips and big breasts. Her brown hair was tightly curled.


    Any man who sees her would definitely allow her to service them, but Lu Tian didn¡¯t even look at her, he just frown in disgust when he heard Ning Xingyu.


    "No need." His deep voice sounded before the girl neared him.


    The girl froze in ce hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words. She forced herself to keep smiling and stood by Ning Xingyu.


    With a tone so indifferently, he said, "Chairman Ning, I terminated our contract because your younger sister thought it was wise enough for her to go around pretending to be my fianc¨¦." He swivel the ss of red wine in his hand. "I have no fianc¨¦ and neither have I ever met your sister or n to. If you can¡¯t clear that mind of hers then consider our contract being terminated as a gift."


    "I... I.. I didn¡¯t know Ning Mei did such a thing." Ning Xingyu was dumbfounded. Of all reasons, it was his damn little sister¡¯s fault! He¡¯ll need to have a talk with her when he gets home. "Don¡¯t worry CEO Lu, I¡¯ll definitely talk to my sister."


    Lu Tian nod his head and stands up, "I hope you do bid by it. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me."


    He walks away from Ning Xingyu and heads toward the men¡¯s restroom.

 Chapter 11 Han Yue Ling’s Farewell Party

    [WARNING: Some scenes might be inappropriate for younger readers!!]


    ¡ª


    Knowing he still had a chance since Lu Tian hasn¡¯tpletely terminated their contract, Ning Xingyu was relieved. He wipes away the sweat that had formed on his forehead.


    "Xingyu! You said if I dolled up, CEO Lu would definitely court me!"


    The girl in red spoke angrily as she sits down next to Ning Xingyu and clutch his arm.


    "Guyao, I already have a n. Besides, no man can ever withstand your charm and skills." Ning Xingyu whispers as he leans forward and kisses Guyao¡¯s cheek.


    Blushing in embarrassment, Guyao softly hits Ning Xingyu¡¯s chest, "Oh stop it, there¡¯s too many people here. What if someone sees us?"


    "I¡¯m doing this because I¡¯m a gentleman, it¡¯s only likely that you return the favor."


    Knowing that they were at a dark corner and hard for others to see, Ning Xingyu¡¯s hand gently caress Guyao¡¯s exposed leg, slowly making its way under her dress, until his hand stops at her panties and he strokes the sweet spot between her legs.


    Guyao blushed and quivered feeling Ning Xingyu¡¯s hand between her legs. She didn¡¯t stop him and just let him continue, making her be wet.


    "Mnn..."


    Just when she let out a soft moan, Lu Tian had returned from the restroom.


    Guyao reluctantly stops Ning Xingyu¡¯s hand from sliding through her panties. "Xingyu, stop it, CEO Lu just came back. I¡¯ll definitely return the favorter."


    Seeing that Lu Tian didn¡¯t return to the seat next to Ning Xingyu, Guyao pout her lips, then she lowers her voice, "What is your n to get me together with CEO Lu?"


    Being stopped, Ning Xingyu was annoyed, but hearing Guyao¡¯s question, he smirked, "From the information that I gathered, CEO Lu will be spending the night here,ter, I¡¯ll drug his drink with two doses of aphrodisiac. Once the gathering ends, you can just go up and seduce him as much as you want. He won¡¯t be able to say no at all."


    Hearing Ning Xingyu¡¯s n, Guyao grinned from ear to ear.


    She was from a normal family and she had long set her eyes on Lu Tian, China¡¯s most eligible bachelor and multi-billionaire. With her beauty, she was sure no man can resist her. The only thing now, was to wait.


    The both of them continue to talk about Ning Xingyu¡¯s n for tonight.


    However, they didn¡¯t stop to think of the consequences.


    Who was Lu Tian? He wasn¡¯t just the CEO of Lu Corps, he was the ruthless man the government sent to handle the underworld. No one ns against him and ever gets away with it. Those who did are no longer living.


    ¡ª¡ª-


    In another private room inside Imperial Hotel, artists from CNJ Entertainment gathered to celebrate and bid farewell to A-list model, Han Yue Ling.


    Although she came from the headquarters in Korea, many from China have met her and are on friendly terms with her. Many have respect for her.


    Yue Ling¡¯s long hair was tied into a pony tail with loose curls at the ends.


    Her make up was light but on her lip was a deep red lip color that made her look like an enchantress, especially her bluish green eyes that makes one drown in them.


    Liu Shan had picked out a dress from De Lamour. It was a tight ck long sleeve dress with a low cut back, revealing Yue Ling¡¯s slim and wless back. The dress came down below the knees with a side slit on the left, allowing her long left leg to be exposed. On her feet was a pair of ck 4" heels, which strap at the toes and ankles only.


    Her dresspletely outlined her perfect slim figure and especially with her height at 178cm, she looked like the perfect model.


    Looking at Yue Ling amongst the many artists, Liu Shan was very happy. He stared at her like a proud father, ignoring the fact that she¡¯s his boss and older than him (by a year only).


    Many Asian artists envy Yue Ling for her tall height. She was a model on pare with westerners¡¯ and other countries¡¯ models. And she had the perfect modeling body and looks.


    "Senior Han! I¡¯ll definitely remember you!" A female artist cried as she raise the ss of wine in her hand.


    Yue Ling smiled and also raise her ss of wine. "Thank you, Junior Zu."


    "Senior Han, you must definitelye visit us! CNJ will always wee you anytime!" A male artist said with the ss in his hand raised.


    Everyone cheered,ughed and cried while making their toast and drank to their hearts consent.


    While everyone was busy with their happy conversations and drinking, no one seemed to notice a young female artist at the far end corner of the room.


    She was 24 years old with short blonde hair in an a-line style, her face was covered in thick makeup and she wore a loose green T-shirt dress with studs on the shoulders.


    Although she was pretty, on her face was a sinister smirk, full of malicious intentions and jealousy.


    "Junior Ning, I hope you are enjoying yourself."


    Yue Ling spoke as she sits down next to Ning Mei.


    Ning Mei quickly removes her malicious aura and changes into a sweet and innocent girl, she smiles, "Senior Han, don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯m definitely enjoying my time. I¡¯m just sad knowing today is yourst time with us at CNJ Entertainment."


    Yue Ling smiles cheerfully revealing her straight white teeth, "It¡¯s not forever. I¡¯ll still be around, plus if you need any help, you can always contact me."


    "Mm. Thank you, Senior Han." Ning Mei said innocently as she looks down at her hand like a shy high school girl.


    With the sudden urge to use the restroom, Yue Ling excused herself.


    The moment she walks away, Ning Mei re maliciously at Yue Ling with an evil smirk.


    ¡¯Hmph, we¡¯ll see just how you¡¯ll live after tonight, Han. Yue. Ling.¡¯


    She reach into her clutch and pulls out a small bag with powder. Checking her surrounding first, she quickly pours the white powder into Yue Ling¡¯s wine ss as no one watched. Seeing the drug dissolving quickly, Ning Mei was even more happy.


    A short while, Yue Ling returns from thedies restroom and sits next to Ning Mei again.


    "Sorry about that. Drinking always messes with my dder. Haha."


    Ning Mei grabs her ss of wine, "Senior Han, a toast to you for being a great senior to me during our times together in the modeling industry."


    Seeing no harm, Yue Ling grab her ss of wine and clink it with Ning Mei¡¯s.


    "Thank you for your toast, Junior Ning."


    Because she already had a few too many drinks from her other colleagues, she down her wine without hesitation.


    Ning Mei on the other hand, drank her wine while her eyes made sure not to leave Yue Ling.


    Watching thest drop of wine in Yue Ling¡¯s ss disappear, Ning Mei sneered inwardly.


    ¡¯Han Yue Ling, don¡¯t me me for doing this. me yourself for always being in the spotlight of me! In two hours, the drug will take its effect, lets see who you¡¯ll ¡¯thank¡¯ in the end!¡¯


    Yue Ling, who was oblivious to Ning Mei¡¯s cruelty continued to drink with the rest of her colleagues.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 12 Must be the alcohol

    ¡ª ¡ª


    After two hours, it was close to midnight.


    Since everyone had to be up for work the next day, Yue Ling¡¯s farewell party ended sooner than expected.


    She didn¡¯t mind. As long as she got to see everyone, she was fine.


    Everyone bid their goodbyes and hug Yue Ling before making their way to their designated cars waiting outside the hotel.


    Liu Shan drunkly stumbles over to Yue Ling, "Boss, I already booked a room here for you. It¡¯s... it¡¯s.. it¡¯s up their." His finger points up to the sky.


    The corner of Yue Ling¡¯s mouth twitched, she then smacks his head, "I know already. So hurry up and go. Junior Yun is nice enough to let you catch a ride with him, but I don¡¯t think Manager Wei will wait long for you."


    Yun Shaoting: "...."


    Manager Wei: "...."


    "Mm. Mm. I got it." Liu Shan stumbling walks away towards Yun Shaoting¡¯s car, where Manager Wei was eagerly waited.


    He stops and turns back to Yue Ling, "All.. All the things you... you need are i-inside..."


    Yue Ling: "Okay, Okay. Hurry up and leave."


    She also wanted to go home. She wanted to sleep in her soft andfortable king size bed but because she had errands to run in the morning near Imperial Hotel, she decided to spend the night.


    Hmm, to think her first night living in Imperial would be spent at a hotel...


    Well, at least it was a five star hotel.


    Also the fact that her cars haven¡¯t arrived and she was pretty much carless.


    Once Yun Shaotings car disappear, Yue Ling sighed and walks back into the hotel.


    She gave her id to the girl at the front desk and got the hotel keycard to her room.


    Entering the elevator, she stumbled for a quick second. She steadied herself and press the button for the 60th floor.


    Inside the elevator, she felt her body temperature rising drastically.


    It was now early autumn and it was mildly chilly, but did the hotel have to st their heater so high?


    It felt like she was soaking in a hot spring!!


    Throughout the elevator ride, Yue Ling was constantly fanning herself with the key card.


    Her body was feeling extremely hot. Like too hot!


    She knew she had a few too many drinks tonight, but was it really to the point that she would feel this hot??


    Something doesn¡¯t seem right. Was she running a fever?


    *ding*


    The elevator doors open revealing a long light grey hallway that was brightly lit.


    Yue Ling steps out of the elevator and fidgets with her steps to find her room number. She felt as if thousands of tiny ants were crawling on her body.


    She thought to herself, ¡¯Must be the alcohol. I just need a nice warm shower and change out this dress...¡¯


    Arriving at the end of the hallway were two doors across from each other.


    Yue Ling looked at the door to her right, then the door to her left, she squint her eyes and mumbled, "Rmm... 21.. 06..."


    She lift her hand to scan the keycard.


    *creaaak*


    Oblivious to her surrounding, she did not notice the sound of another door opening abruptly.


    That is, until a pair of hands suddenly grabs her by the shoulders.


    "Miss, I¡¯m really sorry!!!"


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 13 Be good part 1

    [WARNING: This chapter contains scenes inappropriate for younger readers!!]


    ¡ª¡ª


    Han Yue Ling was shoved into the room across from her room, with the sound of running foot steps after the door mmed shut.


    Inside the room, Yue Ling was suddenly grabbed by a pair of strong hands.


    These hands that grabbed her were more fierce than the ones that grabbed her first.


    She pushed (more like thrown) onto the soft hotel bed.


    "Ahh!!" She yelps!!


    Her mind was aplete mess due to the alcohol and her body was extremely hot.


    "What¡¯s... going on.. whmm¡ª"


    Before she could even finish, a shadow topples over her and she felt something soft abruptly cover her lips.


    Her whole body froze.


    "Mmm!!!"


    Yue Ling tried her best to push and hit whoever it is away, but to no avail, her body had be weak, her push and hit was like a soft tap only.


    "Quiet, I need your help for tonight." A man¡¯s deep seductive voice growled near her ear.


    Even with a messy mind, she knew what was going on and she knew this was wrong, Yue Ling tried to get up,


    "No... stop..."


    Yet again, those lips covered hers again, his tongue exploring her mouth. His hand started to trace every part of her body.


    From from her legs to her waist, her butt, her back and then.... her breasts.


    "Stop... this is... wronmn.."


    Even with theyer of her dress on, every part of her body that was touched felt intensifying causing an unexinable desire to bloom in her.


    Her body was extremely hot but the feeling of the rough hands that touch her skin sent chills to her core, yet in aforting way she¡¯s never experienced before.


    She suppressed the moan wanting to escape from her mouth. She tried to push the person off again.


    *Riiiiiipppp*


    The hands abruptly tore her dress with one tug, moving swiftly and fast until she was naked with only her heels, which were still strapped on her feet.


    Her bras and panties were tossed onto the floor like pieces of garbage.


    "Mmmmmmf!!!!!!!!"


    Her eyes shot open as she continues to hit the man as hard as she could.


    But... for some unknown reason, her body and mind were notprehending together.


    It was like her body did not belong to her anymore, as if something had suddenly taken over her.


    ¡¯What¡¯s wrong with me?¡¯ She thought to herself.


    Just when she was almost out of breath did the man¡¯s lips leave hers.


    Gasping for air, she squint her eyes and try to get a closer look at whoever it was since the room was dimly lit by onemp, but she couldn¡¯t make out the person¡¯s features.


    All she knew was that, the man did not stop for a minute, rather he shift his body and positioned himself above her.


    His knees spreading her tightly closed legs in one move, so he could position himself between her.


    She did not know when the man had be naked. It wasn¡¯t until she felt his sticky and warm body touching hers.


    Even she could felt something hard touching her sweet entrance!!!


    "Mnn.. s-stop... w-what.. what are you doing¡ª ahh!"


    Hearing the woman below him¡¯s sweet and soft voice, the burning tension he was feeling intensified more.


    He press his body closer to hers and increase the pace of his hands roaming her body.


    Yue Ling felt horrified inwardly. All she could hear was man¡¯s heavy breathing and groans.


    She didn¡¯t know what was wrong with her body nor did she have a clue who this random person was!


    But her body was extremely hot and each time she felt the rough hands touch her bare skin, her body would actually feel cooler!


    Her mind could not ept this!


    But her stupid body was saying else wise!!


    "No..."


    She struggled as much as she could under the man, "T-this... ahh.. is a mis¡ª"


    Before she could finish her words, she was cut off by a deep cold voice.


    "Be good." The manmanded.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 14 Be good part 2

    [WARNING: This chapter contains scenes inappropriate for younger readers!!]


    ¡ª ¡ª


    The man didn¡¯t wait for her to respond, he quickly captured her lips again like a predator devouring his prey.


    He grabbed both her hands and ce it above her head. One hand holding her wrists together, while his other hand continues to wonder.


    Yue Ling tries with all her strength to struggle free again, but the man was like a giant mountain on top of her.


    His tongue slips through her clenched teeth and ys with her tongue.


    Exploring every ounce of her mouth hungrily.


    She tried to resist by biting his tongue, but before she could even do that, she gasped loudly.


    "Hisss¡ª!!"


    The man¡¯s hand that was freely touching her body was now stroking her little nub!!


    The man moved his lips away from Yue Ling¡¯s.


    The room was silent with only the sound of their gasping breaths for air.


    He then lowers his head and suck on one of her nipples while his hand continued to stroke her sweet little nub.


    "Ahn.."


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but let out a soft moan.


    Suddenly, one of the man¡¯s fingers slides it way into her wet entrance.


    Like a fish out of the sea, she could not catch her breath and gasp aloud.


    "Haaaa¡ª-"


    His finger slowly starts to move inwardly and outwardly of her. Making her mindpletely filled with thousands of emotions.


    "Mnn.."


    She tried twisting and turning to get out of his grasp, but the urging heat that burned her body could not help but make her follow the motion of his hand.


    With her burning body, the man¡¯s touch sent a cool chill to her body.


    Unable to free herself, she could only whimper and plead the man.


    "P-Please... plea-ahh.. Ahh!"


    As the man¡¯s finger continue to torture her, she felt hollow inside. Her mind was starting to go crazy. She wanted him to stop, but at the same time wanted him to continue.


    Was she really going to give her innocence to a man she did not know?


    Even worse, she doesn¡¯t even know how this man looks like??!!!


    And from the dim light of the room, she could make out that the man was staring at her!!


    She felt humiliated inside but her body wasn¡¯t on the page as her mind.


    Hearing her pleading ¡¯please¡¯, the man mistook it as a cue that the woman below him was on the same page as him.


    He immediately hasten his actions while he pinch her little nub.


    "Ahhh¡ª-!"


    Yue Ling felt something warm flow down of her.


    She arc her body upward. Her bare chest sticking to the man¡¯s. Her inner walls could not help but she squeeze his finger.


    She could not believe that in her entire twenty-eight years of living, she had finally experience what climaxing felt like.


    "Ahh¡ª!!"


    All her nerves went erratic and she screamed a moan.


    She clench both her hands that were still trapped by the man¡¯s hand.


    After experiencing what she just went through, Yue Ling¡¯s mind and outer body felt extremely tired, but the burning sensation inside her body didn¡¯t seem topromise.


    Her head was starting to feel distorted and all her five senses were shutting down.


    She don¡¯t know if she can continue anymore...


    This is too much for her...


    Suddenly, the deep voice of the man whispers next her ear, "It¡¯s not over yet."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen at the man¡¯s words. She open her mouth to protest, the man already lowered his head and capture her lips.


    He slowly pull his finger out of her sweet spot, recing it his hot and sticky rod on her entrance.


    Slowly entering her. Spreading her inside more than his finger.


    "Mnn¡ª!!!"


    ¡¯It hurts so much!!!!!¡¯


    She squeeze her eyes shut to the intense pain.


    With her wrists still imprisoned, Yue Ling could only endure the abrupt pain as the man enters her.


    Her eyes turned watery as force herself not to cry.


    Yue Ling who was struggling to ignore the pain did not realize that man¡¯s lips had kissed her forehead as he entered her.


    He paused as he enters her, slowly breaking her barrier until he waspletely inside her.


    Without realizing, her body once again epted everything and opened up to the man¡¯s thrustings.


    Allowing him to explore her most inner part of a woman¡¯s body and eat her tofu until she waspletely dry.


    Moans and gasping breaths echo inside the dimly lit room as a man and a woman experience an intense ¡¯exercise¡¯, while the night carried on blushing.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 15 Who is this man?

    ¡ª¡ª


    It was early in the morning and the sun was just peaking in the sky, slowly bringing its light to Imperial.


    Yue Ling woke up early out of habit. She had always liked to start her day early in the morning. So it was only natural that she wakes up just when the sun rises too.


    ¡¯Ugh... why do I feel so exhausted...¡¯


    Her mouth was also dry and her head was throbbing in pain. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times to adjust her vision.


    The faint light from the rising sun outside shined through the small gap on the curtains of the windows. Slightly brightening the dark room.


    Staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, she thought, ¡¯Where am I?¡¯


    What happenedst night? She remembered getting extremely drunk with her colleagues.


    Then....


    Oh, that¡¯s right. Liu Shan had booked a room for her since she had errands to run today.


    She lift her body upwards to sit up but she suddenly, she felt an intense amount pain from her entire body! Even her forbidden ce was aching in pain!!


    The pain on her body was the same as when one hasn¡¯t exercised in a long time and one decides to exercise again.


    An aching pain that makes her entire body sore.


    Forcing herself to sit up, she thought, ¡¯Ahh! It hurts like hell!! Just what the heck happenedst night?! Eh? What is this¡ª?¡¯


    Yue Ling went stiff when she realize something heavy was draped over her waist. She slowly turns her head and was horrified.


    Oh! My! God!!!!!!!!


    Laying next to her was a man!!! A man!!!!


    Although the nket covered his body from waist down, she knew the man was naked. Fully naked!!


    She knows because she finally realize that one of the man¡¯s legs is on top of hers!


    She had not noticed the man because she slept on her side, with her back turned to him. His left masculine arm wrapped around her waist while his right arm was under the pillow she slept on.


    The corner of her mouth twitched.


    ¡¯Who is this man?!¡¯


    ¡¯Someone ate her tofu without her consent?!¡¯


    Her face drained from all colors. Her heart started to panic. She closed her eyes and tried to think hard about how things led to this.


    ¡¯Think Yue Ling, think! Just what the heck happenedst night? Did you really paid some random man for a nights service?!!¡¯


    Bits and pieces of what happenedst night slowly enters her head.


    The wine she had toasted with Ning Mei.


    The burning hot temperature in her body.


    Someone grabbing her when she went to her hotel room...


    and then...


    And then....


    A deep voice sounded in her head, "Be good."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes bulged open as she screams inwardly. The entire night till morning... she.. and him...


    ¡¯Wait, why does his voice sound so familiar? No, who cares about his voice. The main thing is, did I just have a... one night stand with this man?¡¯


    Her face paled even more as she turn to look at the man sleeping beside her.


    ¡¯Damn!!¡¯ She cursed inwardly.


    Looking at the man she shared the night with, she realized he was extremely handsome. His looks were beyond handsome.


    He had thick eyebrows and his eyshes were long. His hair was dark and a bit messy, probably due to what happenedst night. The corner of his lip had a small cut that seemed to be from a bite. His looks were definitely superior than most men. Even the most hailed celebrity actors probably paled inparison next to him.


    ¡¯Wait! Han Yue Ling, just what are you thinking?! Who cares about how good looking the man is! Just get to the point?¡¯


    Remembering bits of what happenedst night, Yue Ling wanted to cry butcked the tears to.


    Her mind was in a total chaos, she lift her hands and clutch her head tightly.


    ¡¯Han Yue Ling, how can you be so stupid and careless?!!!¡¯


    She shakes her head in denial and she nce down at herself. She froze like a statue.


    Aside from beingpletely naked, her body was full of love marks. Even her breasts weren¡¯t spared. Some parts of her arms and legs even had bruises!!


    She re daggers at the man sleeping soundly beside her. His body was nicely toned with his eight pack abs peaking from under the nket. He looked absolutely wless.. but then...


    Yue Ling gulped as she stare at the man without blinking. He also had tiny love marks on his smooth skin. There were also a bunch of small teeth marks on his shoulders and some light scratches on his arms.


    ¡¯Are.... t-those from.. m-me..??¡¯


    ¡¯Oh god... don¡¯t tell me.. I.. I.. him...¡¯


    ¡¯Wait! Did I even a-agree to this???¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 16 Guilty Pleasure

    [WARNING: This chapter contains scenes inappropriate for younger readers!!]


    ¡ª-


    ¡¯Aaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!¡¯


    Yue Ling screamed at the top of her lungs inwardly.


    She could not believe that in her entire twenty eight years of living, she would one day actually spend an one night stand with a stranger!!


    Let alone, her first time too!!


    She looks away from the man and bit her lower lip as she drifted into deep thoughts.


    ¡¯I need to leave. Yes, I must leave before this unknown species wakes up!¡¯


    Just when she turned her head away from the man, she failed to notice the man beside her had long opened his eyes and was now looking at her.


    "...."


    Suddenly feeling an intense stare from her side, Yue Ling robotically turned her head towards it.


    Two beautiful dark eyes were gazing right at her fervently. Like a the glistening universe, his eyes were shining brightly. His lips curved slightly upward as if mocking her, despite his cold and aloof facial expression.


    Like someone had just pped her silly, Yue Ling went stiff. She could not help but stare back at those dark eyes that seemed to see through a person¡¯s soul.


    They stared at each other without blinking as if they were in a staring contest.


    Yue Ling felt suffocated. She did not know why, but...


    ¡¯Wait... howe this man looks so familiar? Where have I seen him before..? I swore I¡ª-"


    "!!!"


    Without any warning, the man¡¯s arm that was still wrapped around Yue Ling¡¯s waist pulls her closer to him.


    In one scoop, Yue Ling fell back onto the bed and she came face to face with the man. She waspletely startled and tries to push him away but she was locked in his tight embrace.


    The man leaned forward and put his head between her shoulder and neck.


    He inhaled her scent.


    Yue Ling stiffened and felt ufortably awkward, all she wanted was to escape. This was her first time experiencing a one night stand.


    From dramas she¡¯s seen and novels she read, wasn¡¯t it normal for one person to leave first before the other one wakes up?


    Why are the both of them awake and still here?


    She took a deep breath to steady herself.


    "Umm.. excuse me, but.. I¡¯m really sorry for this to happen."


    Yue Ling tried to be reasonable with the man, "I understand this is only a one night stand due to our guilty pleasure... so.. so if you don¡¯t mind, we can both pretend any of this ever happened.. ah.."


    While speaking, she could not help but let out a soft moan as she felt something tickle her bare chest.


    ¡¯Huh??¡¯


    Coming to realization, the man had ignored her and now sucking one of her nipple and his hand was groping her other breast!


    And who knows when!!!


    Her face flushed red and she stopped the man by pushing him away.


    "Please! Stop it! Why are you doing this to me?!!"


    She crossed both her hands over her chest, guarding her twin peaks from the predator.


    "This is without my consent!! You can¡¯t¡ª"


    She swallowed her remaining words.


    The man re at Yue Ling like a child who just got his most favorite toy in the world taken away.


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded, she gulped again but in shudder before she cleared her throat and decided to ignore his cold eyes.


    "Like I said, this was only a one night stand due to our selfish guilty pleasures. We can just see this as bygones be bygones. So, if you¡¯ll be so¡ª"


    "Who said this was a one night stand?"


    Hearing the man¡¯s deep cold words, she was stupified, yet she also found his hoarse, deep voice extremely attractive.


    ¡¯Yue Ling ah, just what in the world is wrong with your head?!!!!¡¯


    At the same moment, Yue Ling felt a chill down her back.


    The man had ignored her reasoning, with his left hand, he moves Yue Ling¡¯s hands that were covering her twin peaks.


    Before she knew it, both her wrists were already behind her, trapped by his hand that held her back. He lower his head and continue his previous action, sucking one of her breasts like a hungry baby while massaging the other.


    Yue Ling struggled, but his right hand held her in ce, pulling her chest closer to his mouth.


    "Why are you so rude?!"


    He stopped and looked at her. His dark eyes held a dangerous glint.


    "I said, this isn¡¯t a one night stand."


    She open her mouth to say something but he captures her lips, forbidding her to voice her words.


    "Mmm!!"


    Yue Ling struggled to free herself from the man, but it was to no avail.


    The man shift his body, putting Yue Ling under him. His lips remained on soft lips as his legs part her legs apart.


    He rubbed his mighty staff against her sweet entrance until he felt she was wet enough, then he enter her once again.


    Spreading her sweet inner walls apart to wee him.


    "Mm.." the man groaned in satisfaction once he was fully inside of her.


    "Ahn!!" Yue Ling moaned in pain (or so ??).


    Early in the morning where the sun was just starting to shine it¡¯s way to greet the world, a man and women was engage in another harmonious ritual.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 17 Your worst nightmare

    (Part 1)


    ¡ª-


    Yue Ling woke up hourster to the sound of running water. Her eyes shot open and she bolted up on the messy hotel bed. Yue Ling looked at the wall clock in the hotel room.


    ¡¯12:16pm¡¯


    ¡¯Damn bastard! How dare he do this to me again!!!¡¯


    Without a single thought, Yue Ling ignored her aching body and struggled to get out of the bed.


    With the sound of running water, she knew the man must be taking a shower. ring at the closed bathroom door, Yue Ling grabbed one of the robes on the shelf and covered her naked body.


    Seeing her ck dress on the floor, she sighed in sorrow. It was an expensive dress and the only one, made, but it was torn like rubbage thanks to that ruthless man!


    Even though her dress was torn into two pieces, she still picked it up before picking up her ck heels, bra and panties.


    While doing so, her eyes suddenlynded on a gold room keycard, which she also grabbed without hesitation. It was her hotel room keycard.


    Her eyes caught a notepad and pen by the side table of the bed, where hotels usually leave for their guests to use.


    Thinking that it¡¯d be rude to just up and leave since the man had seen her face, she sighed and picked up the pen and started writing.


    Once she was done, she darted out the door like her life depended on it.


    The moment she stepped out of the door and closed it, she felt as if a huge mountain dropped on her entire body.


    Across from the man¡¯s hotel room was her room!


    Just how unlucky could she be!!!


    Shaking her head, she quickly scanned the key card and entered her room. mming it shut as if some scary beast was right behind her.


    The moment the doors closed, she dropped to her knees and trembled, hugging herself tightly.


    ¡ª-


    Back in the other room, the closed door to the bathroom opened. Steam leisurely escapes into the hotel room.


    The man walks out with the hotel¡¯s white robe over his body, leaving the cor slightly loose, revealing the center of his masculine chest and nice cor bone.


    In one hand was a towel, which he used to dry his drenched hair.


    The first thing he did was look at the bed, only to find it empty.


    A deep frown appeared on his handsome face, before he caught sight of the note at the side table.


    He walked over and picked it up the note.


    Reading it, the corner of the man lip arc into an evil, yet seductive smirk that could make any woman fall madly in love.


    Note: ¡¯I¡¯m truly sorry for what happened, but let¡¯s be civil and treat this as a one nightstand. Nothing else. -You¡¯re worst nightmare¡¯


    *ring ring*


    The man¡¯s phone suddenly rings. He nce at it and picks up the call.


    "What is it?" He answered in an indifferent tone.


    ["Boss, where are you now? You have a meeting at 2pm."]


    "Same ce. Send a car."


    He didn¡¯t wait for the other person to speak and hung up. He looked at the note again.


    ¡¯A one night stand? Keep dreaming!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª


    Coming out of her long shower, Yue Ling felt extra clean and refreshed. She had used the tire soap bar just to scrub herself.


    The only thing was her lower body part was in so much pain, even, her legs were in pain.


    She clearly works out! She just didn¡¯t understand how sex could make one so tired!!


    Yue Ling stood in front of the full body mirror and lowered the white bathrobe, revealing her bare upper body.


    She tilt her headband had to admit, she had a slim body and nice long legs. Her height was 178cm and as a model, it was only natural for her to keep her weight at 57kg. Even her breasts were perfectly shaped and fuller.


    Everything about her from head to toe was natural. She¡¯s never went under surgery like some artists in the entertainment industry.


    Staring at her body, she frown.


    The many red love marks and slightly purple bruises on her white skin were like an eye sore to her.


    She let out a long and regretful sigh at the thought of her first time being stolen by some stranger she didn¡¯t even know.


    She thought, ¡¯At least the stranger was handsome.. Besides something like this is normal nowadays *sniff*. I¡¯m sure we won¡¯t even cross paths after today.¡¯


    Thinking to herself, Yue Ling wanted to cry, but she knew she couldn¡¯t. It had already happened. She can¡¯t go back and demand for her virginity back.


    She closed her eyes to calm her self, pulling her robe up to cover her upper body she open her eyes.


    Turning away from the mirror, she walks back into the bathroom, blow dried her hair then to the couch where the things Liu Shan had left for her. There were a lot of things she still needed to do, so she decided to putst nights incident at the back of her head.


    Yue Ling took out a ck long sleeve turtle neck top out of one of the shopping bags. Seeing it, she sighed in relief, "Good thing Liu Shan prepared this turtle neck or else I won¡¯t be able to hide the marks on my neck."


    Taking off her robe, she wore a new matching set of ck VS bra and panties, then the ck turtle neck.


    Reaching for another bag, she pulled out a ck leather legging. Just as she was wearing the legging, a sudden realization hit her.


    ¡¯Oh. My. God. !!!!¡¯


    The devilish face of the ¡¯rude man¡¯ at the airport appeared in her head!!


    Even his voice was the same as the man in that room! Could it be?


    "Aaahhhhhh!!!!!!!!"


    She screamed her lungs out and hit her chest to calm her beating heart while gasping for air.


    ¡¯How can this be? The man I spent a one night stand with is the same man from the airport??!!¡¯


    Shaking her head and finally able to dress herself, she calmed herself,


    "Mistake. This was all just a mistake.. I¡¯m sure it wasn¡¯t that rude man. I mean how can it be him? Imperial isn¡¯t that small and he¡¯s probably not even in Imperial."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 18 Your worst nightmare part 2

    <h4>Chapter 15 Your worst nightmare part 2</h4>


    ¡ª-


    Yue Ling reach for her make up bag and began working on her face as she sat down on the couch. Her mindpletely brushing off the one night stand incident like it never happened at all.


    She first applied moisturizer then primer and a bb cream.


    Next, she lightly filled her eyebrows to give it a little life, follow by eyeliner to make her eyes look a bit more awake. Then mascara on her long and full eyshes.


    She didn¡¯t need bronzer or blush because her face was already slim enough and she had natural flushed cheeks. Toplete her face, she applied a light peachy lip tint to enhance her nicely full lips.


    Satisfied with her makeup, she puts everything back in the makeup bag.


    Yue Ling reach for another shopping bag, she took out a pair of ck strapped pointed toe heels.


    Once she finished putting on her heels, she pulled out a ck mid-length boyfriend zer in another bag. Wearing the zer she stands and straightens it.


    She had natural light wavy hair so she decided to leave it flowing down her back elegant.


    Fully dressed and satisfied with her look, she grab her ck medium Chanel boy bag brought by Liu Shan that sat patiently on the couch by her.


    Opening her bag, she made sure everything was inside, satisfied, she walks to the hotel door.


    Before leaving the room, Yue Ling made sure to also leave a note for the hotel staffs to send all her belongings in the room back to her new ce.


    Opening the door, she lifts one leg to takes a step out, but her entire body froze in ce. She stare out the door dumbfounded for a few seconds.


    Exactly five secondster, she mmed the door shut.


    ¡¯Oh god! It really is him!!! Why?!!¡¯

 Chapter 19 Slam the door

    ¡ª-


    Lu Tian who didn¡¯t think he¡¯d run into Yue Ling the moment he walked out of his room was just as shocked as she was.


    But because he was good at hiding his expressions, he held a supreme mastered pocker face.


    Seeing Yue Ling¡¯s expression as she ms the door, he smirked while crossing his arms over his chest and lean back on his hotel door.


    Meanwhile, Yue Ling calmed herself and gather all her courage. She pats her chest and whispers, "Get a hold of yourself girl. You got this!!"


    ¡¯That man probably forgot how you looked like.¡¯


    Taking a deep breath, she opens the door again.


    And to another surprise, the man was still calmly standing there against his door, staring at her with his dark eyes.


    *SLAM*


    Seeing Yue Ling m the door again, Lu Tian raised an brow with curious eyes.


    Normally, when women see him, they couldn¡¯t wait to open the door for him. Yet, here is this woman who called him rude and had shared an intimate exercise with him going rounds of door mming.


    He had to admit, she was truly beautiful. She was definitely the most beautifulest woman he¡¯s everid eyes on.


    But it wasn¡¯t her looks that caught his attention, it was her unique personality. No one has ever dare to raise their voice at him and she just happened to be the first.


    Surprisingly to himself, he was not disgusted by her at all.


    Without realizing, his mind drifted tost night.


    After the social gathering, he knew his drink was drugged by Ning Xingyu and his little servant. He just didn¡¯t know what.


    Good thing he called his assistant to change his hotel room, because he did not know when Ning Xingyu had drugged his drink.


    After the social gathering ended, he left straight to his room after feeling a change in his body. It was a burning temperature he¡¯d never experienced before.


    Like a burning fever.... but worse.


    He even took a long cold shower to ease the feeling down, but it didn¡¯t work at all.


    That¡¯s when he knew he was drugged with aphrodisiac.


    As much as he hateding into contact with the opposite sex, he knew his body better, and that was how he ordered Xu Long to find a woman.


    Lu Tian had also hesitated at the idea because he¡¯s never been with a woman before. But he figured he¡¯ll just use the woman and then give her a big figure she can¡¯t refuse to silence her.


    When his assistant tossed the woman in, his actually mind went wild from her scent and the softness of her skin.


    She had a scent like natural roses, unlike the other women who wore strong perfumes.


    Because of his burning lust due to the aphrodisiac, he did not hesitate to devour the woman. Without realizing, he had his way with the woman round after round.


    His mind detested the idea that he had taken some random woman in bed.


    For crying sakes, it was his first time in his thirty years of living sharing the same bed with a woman!


    And it was one he didn¡¯t know.


    But of course, his stupid body just wouldn¡¯tprehend with his mind.


    So much for having high EQ and IQ!!


    It wasn¡¯t until 5am that the drug finally wore off and he closed his eyes to exhaustion.


    He never knew he had so much stamina.


    When he woke up, he was pissed and nned to just up and leave, but once he got a clear look at the woman beside him, he was even more shocked.


    Yes, for the first time, he was shocked.


    The woman he had spent the entire night with was none other than the woman from the airport.


    He had nned to find her, but who would of thought, she¡¯d suddenly appear in front of him.


    Well, more like she was forced to appear in front of him.


    Seeing that she was fully naked and still had her ck heels on, he decided to take them off for her.


    After a few struggles, he was finally able to take her heels off. Like, who could me him, he¡¯s never done such a difficult task before.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but while he watched the beauty sleep next to him, he felt at peace, like nothing else in the world mattered.


    Lu Tianid back down on the bed, wrap his arms around the naked woman and while looking at her back, he drifted back to sleep.


    He thought it was probably just the drug still taking effect, but when the sun rose and he saw her sitting naked, the scorching desire in him was woken again.


    He knew he wanted... no, he needed her. And that was how he devoured in more rounds with her beneath him again.


    And this time, it wasn¡¯t the drugs or alcohol, he was fully sober.


    While Lu Tian was still thinking aboutst night and this morning¡¯s incident, Yue Ling was currently in her hotel room thinking too.


    ¡¯Why is he still standing there? What does he want? Oh god... Is... is he a male prostitute?¡¯


    With her mind waspletely a mess, ten minutes had gone by without her noticing.


    Coming to a conclusion, Yue Ling guessed it had been long enough since she closed the door on the man. She was sure that by now, the man had already left.


    For the third time, she gathered her courage and opens the door.


    And for the third time again, she was dumbfounded.


    The man was still standing there.


    He stood as if the hotel was his living room and was just enjoying his sweet time.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 20 All I see is air

    ¡ª-


    Yue Ling took a deep breath and with her chin slightly raised high, she steps out of the room.


    She had still had some of her dignity to look out for. She can¡¯t allow that unknown species bring her down.


    If she let something like this affect her, then she was not Han Yue Ling.


    She closed the door and looked at the man.


    "Good afternoon, sir."


    Her tone was indifferent, as if she and him had not did you know what or seen each other before.


    Like strangers meeting on the road and greeting each other after bumping into each other.


    She had gone through worse in her life, she couldn¡¯t let something like this get to her.


    Although, she did wanted to beat the crap out of the man, but she knew she couldn¡¯t. It¡¯ll only stain her hands more.


    After all, he was aplete stranger in her eyes. Which he was, because she didn¡¯t know his name or anything about him.


    Saying her piece, Yue Ling clench her fists and stride off towards the elevator. She didn¡¯t dare to look back.


    Who knows what the man would suddenly do.


    Lu Tian did not know if he wanted tough or cry at the woman¡¯s attitude.


    Just earlier she was a clumsy woman and now she is taking on the role of witch who didn¡¯t care.


    He let out a chuckle that one could not hear and followed behind her.


    He knew she was embarrassed because her flushed face told it all.


    Since she wanted to treat it as ignorance, he¡¯ll just y along with her.


    For now, that is.


    Feeling the cold presence of the man¡¯s stare like earlier this morning, Yue Ling increases her speed and presses the elevator button countless times.


    It was like her life depended on it.


    Seeing her cute behavior, a faint smile appeared on Lu Tian¡¯s lip. It was the same smile he did not know he could make.


    Just before he could retrieve back to his cold and aloof face, Yue Ling happened to turn her head just enough to see his smile.


    Although it was small, she was shocked to see that this rude and cold man could actually look even more dashing when he smiles!


    With no doubt, she was sure this man was the devil in disguise as a handsome man!!!


    *ding*


    The elevator doors opened, but due to the sudden shock, Yue Ling was oblivious to it.


    She thought, ¡¯Why does god have to spend so much time on the man¡¯s face? Ugh! I just want to punch him and make him ugly!!¡¯


    "Do you n to wait for the next lift?"


    A deep voice brought Yue Ling out of her thoughts.


    She looked around confusingly, her head darting in all directions, "Eh? Who said that?"


    Her eyesnded on the man who was already inside the elevator.


    Yue Ling was speechless, she thought, ¡¯when had the devil enter? And when did the elevator doors open?!!!¡¯


    She had nned to enter the elevator, press the closed button before the man could enter so that she had the elevator to herself!


    Of course such a n would have to fail.


    She cleared her throat to hide her embarrassment and she hesitantly steps into the elevator.


    After the elevator doors closed, Lu Tian stood on one side, he leaned his back against the wall as he faced Yue Ling. While she stood opposite of him and faced the doors.


    Lu Tian reached into his pocket and took his phone out, then he started texting.


    With her heart and mind a mess now, Yue Ling did not dare to look at the man next to her. She was still embarrass from her stupidity just moments ago.


    She had a high IQ and EQ, she did not understand how she could behave so childish.


    Unable to resist it, she decided to nce at the man. He was the bastard who stole her innocence.


    The man had his head down and was currently typing on his phone and he seemed to not care about her at all.


    She sighed in relief, ¡¯phew, at least I can rx a bit.¡¯


    Yue Ling has to admit, the man was extremely good looking. His posture was like a model on pare with western models. He looked so natural, like someone who just stepped out of an art work.


    His hair was nicelybed making him look even more charming. He wore a white shirt with ck slim fitted jeans and a simple mid-length coat.


    His outfit looked so simple, yet it seemed like each piece of clothing was meant just for him. Even his ck oxfords evened out his outfit.


    Suddenly realizing that he didn¡¯t have a wedding ring, Yue Ling let out a soft sigh.


    ¡¯At least I didn¡¯t sleep with someone¡¯s husband.... wait... what if he has a girlfriend? Oh god!! Han Yue Ling, now you¡¯ve done it!!!¡¯


    She wanted to cry, butcked the tears to even shed.


    Enough with looking at the man, she move her eyes from him but suddenly, she darted her eyes back to the man.


    Her eyes went wide as if they could pop out of her sockets at this moment.


    On the man¡¯s neck were visible love marks!!!


    Those love marks were probably the ones she must have given himst night!!


    ¡¯Oh god! Why didn¡¯t he at least cover them up? Anyone can see them!!¡¯


    She knows he was handsome, but does he have to that shameless??!!!


    "Like what you see?"


    "I do, but how can you just shamelessly walk out in broad daylight without¡ª¡ª."


    "....."


    Realizing she had just answered the man without thinking, Yue Ling flushed red in embarrassment.


    She hid her embarrassment by turning her head back to the elevator doors, cross her arms and said indifferently, "What¡¯s there to see? All I see is air."


    She did not even notice when the man had put his phone away and was staring back at her with both his hands in his jean pockets.


    ¡¯Why?! Why Han Yue Ling?! Why would you just answer him!!!¡¯


    Watching her face flushed red, Lu Tian smiled again the same smile he never knew he could make.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 21 She’s shy.

    [WARNING: Some scenes and words in this chapter is inappropriate for younger readers!]


    ¡ª-


    Lu Tian knew that behind Yue Ling¡¯s facade, she was holding in her anger from what happened.


    Any one would be angry if they had their innocence taken by some stranger. Even he was angry knowing he had to sleep with some random woman.


    He was d that it was her and not someone else.


    Maybe he should give his weird assistant a bonus.


    From his time in the business industry, he could tell that this woman knew how to carry herself.


    She wasn¡¯t like other women he¡¯se across. Her clothes weren¡¯t shy like other rich women, but he knew her clothes weren¡¯t something anyone could afford.


    She also wasn¡¯t like other women who wore thickyers of makeup. Neither did she unt about her beauty.


    Plus, the bag she carried wasn¡¯t cheap, he¡¯s seen his cousin carry one before, and she spent a good amount of money on it too.


    But one thing that still stood out and caught his attention the most was her mesmerizing bluish green eyes. He was for sure now that she was not full Chinese.


    Knowing that it was him who forced himself onto her, it was only natural that he takes responsibility for his own selfish mistake.


    *Ding* the elevator stops at another floor.


    "Haha, excuse me if I catch the elevator with you both."


    A man in a navy suit spoke before entering the elevator.


    ncing at the man, Yue Ling forced a smile, "Of course. There¡¯s plenty of room."


    ¡¯Yes! Plenty of room! Now I don¡¯t have to be in such an awkward situation.¡¯


    The man smiles happily at Yue Ling, he did not hesitate to get in the elevator, especially when there a total beauty inside.


    But, before he could even take a step forward, he paused dumbfounded.


    Lu Tian who was standing across from Yue Ling had now taken two steps to stand next to her.


    Leaving his spot empty.


    The man stared awkwardly and suspiciously at Lu Tian¡¯s sudden move, he curse inwardly. He had thought the beauty was by herself, he did not expect this man was with her.


    But who cares, the beauty was too tall for him. He liked petite women anyways.


    He sigh with a heavy heart and enters the elevator.


    Lu Tian stood next to Yue Ling like a general protecting his empress from the enemy.


    Looking at him, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.


    She didn¡¯t like the man, but she was also thankful. The look the new man gave her made her feel weird.


    The rest of the elevator ride was nothing but silence as no one spoke.


    Well, more like an awkward silence.


    Upon arriving on the first floor, the moment the elevator doors slide open, Yue Ling bolted out the doors. She ran as if she was in a marathon aiming for first ce.


    The man was rendered speechless. He looks at Lu Tian then in the direction Yue Ling ran, then back to Lu Tian.


    He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out.


    "She¡¯s shy."


    Lu Tian said to the man as if it was the most natural thing, then he exits the elevator and leisurely stride in the direction Yue Ling ran.


    The man was left bbergasted at Lu Tian¡¯s words. He hadn¡¯t even exit the elevator but the doors already closed with him still inside.


    ¡ª-


    In one of the rooms of Imperial Hotel, a woman was currently throwing a huge tantrum.


    "Agghhh!!!!!!!"


    Even though she waspletely naked to the eyes, at this moment she didn¡¯t care.


    She angrily throws the pillows and nket on the floor. Not satisfied, she shoves all the magazines and ss cups on the table onto the floor too.


    "Aaahhhhh!!!!"


    Huffing and puffing, the woman re angrily at the things on the floor.


    "Babe, why are you so angry?" A manly voice spoke in fluent English.


    Hearing the voice, the woman became even more angrily, her face was red due to anger. She red daggers at the man. If looks could kill, the man would of already been stabbed to death.


    Looking at the man only intensified her anger.


    "Get out! Get out right now!!!" She yells furiously, with her feet stomping the floor and her finger pointing at the door.


    "Alright, alright. Sheesh." The man stood from the bed, he quickly got dress and walks out of the room.


    Before he closed the door, he nce at the woman with disgust and sneered, "You¡¯re not even good in bed. You should be thankful I fucked you."


    The moment the door closed, a ss cup was thrown viciously, hitting the door it shattered onto the floor.


    Raging with anger, the woman stomped her feet to the bed and sat down. Her eyes were red and almost in tears.


    She bit her nails.


    They had nned everything outst night. Just, how could it have gone wrong?


    Guyao tried to recall everything that had happenedst night.


    Duringst nights social gathering, she clearly saw Ning Xingyu secretly pour the aphrodisiac into Lu Tian¡¯s wine ss before handing it to him.


    Not only that, she clearly saw Lu Tian drink it.


    Thirty minutes before the gathering ended, Ning Xingyu signaled her to leave and she did just that.


    She bribed a hotel staff for a spare keycard to the room Lu Tian booked.


    Once she got inside the room, she took a quick shower, redid her makeup and put on a sexy red mesh lingerie that no man could possibly resist.


    She dimmed the light to its lowest andid on the bed and waited, but after fifteen minutes, Lu Tian did note to the room.


    She figured he might still be bidding farewell to the other people, so she got out of the bed and poured herself a ss of wine provided by the hotel.


    By the time she knew it, she had drunk two wine bottles and was drunk.


    Then, the door clicked as it unlock and opened.


    Quickly, sheys on the bed again as she hears the door closed. Her heart began to beat happily.


    She heard footsteps, Lu Tian had gone into the bathroom to shower.


    After he showered, his footsteps came to the bed and heid down.


    The moment his hand touched her skin, she felt him jump in startled and move his hand, but she quickly grabbed his hand and ce it on her breasts.


    She used the softest voice she could make,


    "Don¡¯t. I¡¯ve always been in love with you. I¡¯m willing to give myself to you. So, lets make tonight special. Please."


    Lu Tian did not say anything, he paused for a minute before he touch her breasts and massage them then he kissed her, slowly sliding off her lingerie.


    He roughly thrust in her without waiting for her to be wet. It was painful for her but worth it.


    Following after, her moans and his groans sounded inside the room.


    Even though the room was covered in darkness and she couldn¡¯t see Lu Tian¡¯s face, Guyao was extremely happy.


    Even if he wasn¡¯t gentle, she didn¡¯t mind. She had be one with the man of her dreams. The man she¡¯s been in love with.


    She swore that after tonight¡¯s intimacy, she would make him take responsibility and marry her.


    But who would of thought, that once morning came, the man next to her was not her dream man, but some American man!!


    Angry at the remembrance ofst nights incident, Guyao was even more furious. She clench her hands tightly and falls on the bed with tears in her eyes.


    She wasn¡¯t from a rich family. She had met Lu Tian once at a five star restaurant she once worked. Although he¡¯s never interacted with her or look at her, she fell in love with him the moment sheid eyes on him.


    In order to get closer to him, she had slept with many wealthy men just to get a small nce at him.


    She wasn¡¯t pretty like other woman, she had used makeup to make her more pretty. Then from the money she received from the men she slept with, she changed her face and body. Even her breasts were not as big as how they are now.


    When Ning Xingyu, who she also sleeps with told her about his n and needed a woman to make his n work, Guyao didn¡¯t hesitate at all to help.


    If it meant getting to sleep with the man of her dreams, then she would do it.


    Lu Tian was the man she loves and it was only likely that he loves her too.


    Her head full of Lu Tian, remembering his handsome cold face fromst night, she close her eyes.


    Raising her left hand, she started massaging her breasts while her right hand explore her sweet spot. Taking herself into a lustful world.


    "Ahh¡ª Lu Tian.. Ahn.!!"


    Guyao moaned and gasped for air. In her head, it was Lu Tian who was touching her and not herself.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 22 Who’s glaring at me?

    ¡ª¡ª


    Outside of Imperial, people crowded the sidewalks and cars drove in the streets.


    Finally escaping from her predator, Yue Ling breathed in relief. To her, seeing that man was just too awkward and makes her blood boil.


    Especially when they had a one night stand and still bumped into each other.


    She took her phone out from her Chanel boy bag and checked the time.


    ¡¯1:24pm¡¯


    Putting her phone away, she sighed in relief again, "Good. I still have enough time for my errands. A little shopping will clear my head."


    Straightening her unwrinkled ck mid-length boyfriend zer, Yue Ling took a step forward.


    The first thing on her list was to buy some open wardrobes and shelves for her closet room.


    Although it had a good size closet, she still needed more space to hang all of her clothes and shoes that wereing in.


    It was only normal for all women to want a huge closet, and she was one of them.


    She happily smiled at the thought of her things that would be arriving soon from City Z.


    "Did you really think you could run away?"


    The moment she heard the voice, Yue Ling¡¯s entire body froze, her right leg that was about to step forward froze in mid air.


    Just by the hearing the voice, she already knew who it was.


    Goosebumps crawled on her skin, making her shudder.


    Yue Ling¡¯s heart started beating at a rapid speed. If her heart could run a marathon, she was sure it would win first ce!!


    She forced herself to turn around. Her smile froze and the corners of her mouth twitched trying to maintain her smile at the person,


    "C-Can I help you, oh g-good sir?"


    Seeing her forced expression, Lu Tian wanted tough, but he held it in with his supreme mastered poker face.


    At first he wasn¡¯t sure if she would turn around but surprisingly, she did. He didn¡¯t beat around the bush and got straight to the point.


    "Apany me today."


    He said in a not so friendly way, but anyone, it sounded more like amand.


    Struck with stupidity, Yue Ling frown at the man, "I have my own ns. I don¡¯t have time to apany you." Her smile disappears she continued, "besides, I don¡¯t know you and you don¡¯t know me."


    ¡¯Just who does this man think he is? Yes, we had a ¡¯one night stand¡¯, but it was out of our own carelessness. Does he expect me to follow him like I owe him something? Pssh, no way!!¡¯


    Lu Tian looked at Yue Ling indifferently, "Then, let me apany you."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. She squint her eyes at the man, sending invisibleser beams.


    Is she not speaking properly? It¡¯s like every word she says is going in one of the man¡¯s ear but out the other.


    Just how shameless can this man be?! She opened her mouth to speak, but someone else beat her to it.


    "Boss! Boss!! Sorry, I¡¯mte!!"


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Lu Tian: "...."


    Yue Ling nce and the person with one raised eyebrow, while Lu Tian¡¯s expression darkened.


    Xu Long was so scared, his boss had suddenly messaged him to cancel the meeting at 2pm. Afterst nights incident, he was scared shitless!


    Knowing his boss¡¯s personality, he was sure the world woulde to end! Just who the hell was it that decided it was a clever idea to drug his boss¡¯s drink?!


    Did that stupid person not want to live anymore?!!


    Huffing and puffing, Xu Long stopped next to his boss. He had one hand on his knee while his other hand wipe the sweats on his forehead.


    He tried to catch his breath, "Whew, I seriously need to workout more.. ah.." he quickly straightened himself and cough, "ahem, I mean Boss... Sorry... eh?"


    He looks at his boss then follow his boss¡¯s gaze.


    Xu Long¡¯s jaw dropped and his mouth turned in an ¡¯O¡¯.


    His boss is talking to a woman!!!!


    A woman!! And she was beeeeeeautifuuul!!!


    Wait.. eh!!! Why does this woman looks so familiar?


    She looks like... Oh my gosh!! It¡¯s the woman from the airport!!!


    The woman who called his boss a rude man in front of his face!!!!


    Feeling a murderous re at him, Xu Long shivered, he looked to his right, then his left, behind his boss, next he looked behind him.


    Seeing no one, he frown, ¡¯I swore someone¡¯s ring at me, just who is it?¡¯


    Finally, he nce at his boss.


    The feeling of cold water from a melted iceberg pour on him.


    ¡¯Ahhh!!! I¡¯m so dead!! Boss is angry! It¡¯s already Autumn but why does boss have to make the temperature drop to below negative degrees!! *sob*¡¯


    Seeing that the one night stand man was not responding to the man who just appeared, Yue Ling pointed to Xu Long, "umm.. I think he¡¯s talking to you."


    "...."


    Without taking his eyes off of Yue Ling, Lu Tian answered indifferently.


    "I don¡¯t know who he is."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Xu Long: "...."


    ¡¯Boss, how can you do this to me! I¡¯m your most loyal subordinate and fan!!¡¯


    Yue Ling tilt her head and crossed her arms, she arched a brow, "But just now, he was clearly calling you boss."


    Hearing her, Xu Long¡¯s eyes lit up like a puppy, ¡¯Yes, yes, he is my boss!! At least someone acknowledges this subordinate¡¯s existence!¡¯


    Lu Tian: "I¡¯m his boss, but I don¡¯t know who he is."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Xu Long: "...."


    ¡¯Where did my cold and ruthless boss go?!! *sob*¡¯


    Xu Long cried inwardly, now he¡¯s starting to question if his boss really does have a high EQ and IQ.


    Unable to hold it in anymore, Yue Lingughed cheerfully, showing her straight white teeth.


    "Pffahaha! What kind of boss are you to not know your own subordinate?!"


    Both Lu Tian and Xu Long were shocked.


    The sound of herugh was like a muse to one¡¯s ears. It sounded so harmonious and peaceful. Herugh was one that could bring ease to one¡¯s heart.


    Lu Tian was mesmerized by Yue Ling¡¯s cheerful expression. It made one sees her as a carefree and cheerful person.


    She looked like one who didn¡¯t care about what others think. Herughing smile was like, the shining light to one¡¯s darkness.


    Oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts, she wipes away the tears at the corners of her eyes, Yue Ling calmed herself, "Sorry, I just found this situation hrious."


    Seeing that both men were just staring at her with weird expressions, she cleared her throat awkwardly,


    "I think you should listen to what your subordinate has to say. He must have something important to discuss with you since he ran like his life depended on it. So pay no mind to me at all."


    She sh a quick smile at Lu Tian with her straight white teeth, turned around, and walked away in the fastest speed her long legs could.


    Lu Tian: "...."


    Xu Long: "...."


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 23 Her plan was completely ruined

    ¡ª-


    Watching Yue Ling¡¯s figure slowly disappear into the crowd, Lu Tian re coldly at Xu Long, "Report."


    Xu Long shivered and quickly straightened himself like a soldier, "Boss! This subordinate didn¡¯t mean toe find you, but Old Master Lu phoned, he wants you to return to the old household for dinner tonight at 6pm! Boss!" He saluted then his hands drop down at his sides.


    The corner of Lu Tian¡¯s mouth twitched, he looked at his assistant and wondered if he had made the wrong decision back then to hire such this kind of person.


    Without answering his assistant, Lu Tian turns around and strode away in the opposite direction of Yue Ling.


    Xu Long sighed, ¡¯Now I¡¯ve really done it. Boss is angry. *sob* I was only doing my job..¡¯


    "Eh? Where did Boss go?"


    His head turned in all directions, until he circle around sees his boss tall figure in the crowd, he gasp before quickly follows after.


    He cried in his thoughts, ¡¯Boss! Don¡¯t leave this one behind. This one is really sorry!¡¯


    He didn¡¯t want to be left behind, especially not since he knew he had messed up big time!!


    He has been working under his boss for years now, and he¡¯s never once seen his boss speak to a woman besides his mother.


    Even at Lu Corps and business meetings, his boss rarely spoke to any of the female workers. Every time woman see his boss, Xu Long who¡¯s always at his side could see the greed in their eyes and their drool at the corner of their mouth.


    Most of the time it was him, Xu Long who had to carry the message.


    Xu Long slouch his shoulders and walked following behind his boss.


    ¡¯Haaaa, just how big of a crime did I make...?¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª


    In another part of Imperial, inside a building called ¡¯Pce Apartment¡¯, a girl dressed in a maroon body con dress sat on a red sofa. She was young, around 24 years old, her blonde hair was styled in a short a-line.


    At this moment, she has her arms cross in front of her chest and she re angrily at the handsome American man seated across from her.


    "Robert, I gave you one job and you couldn¡¯t even do it?" She spoke in English, but it was broken and had an ent.


    Robert, the American man didn¡¯t seem to be bothered at all by the girl¡¯s tone and words.


    He leisurely drank his ss of wine, "I did what you requested. I went into the room like you said, but who knew that the person inside was not Han Yue Ling."


    Annoyed at his words, the young girl clench her fists. Looking at the man only raised her irritation.


    "Leave. I want to be alone at this moment."


    Robert ce his ss of wine down and eyes the girl.


    Her short blond hair matched and framed her face, even though she wasn¡¯t a total babe, she was still average enough to be pretty.


    The maroon body con dress she wore outlined her body. She didn¡¯t have nice curves but there was enough to enhance her.


    Her chest wasn¡¯t big like the woman he had enjoyedst night, but it wasn¡¯t t either. She must be an A-cup, which was fine with him.


    Robert stood from sofa he was sitting on and walked over to the young girl.


    The girl res at Robert, "Why aren¡¯t you leaving? I don¡¯t have time."


    Robert leans back on the sofa, "Babe, you¡¯re seriously telling me to leave? Have you forgotten who pays for this apartment?"


    Hearing his words, the girl bit her lower lip.


    He was right, Pce Apartment wasn¡¯t as rich and nice like Jade Condos, but it was still third on the chart for ¡¯best ces to live¡¯. And it was expensive, with the money she makes, she couldn¡¯t possibly afford this ce.


    If it wasn¡¯t for Robert paying her rent, she would never got the chance to live here.


    But still, he had messed up her ns. She wanted to ruin Han Yue Ling¡¯s image. Her n was to drug the slut, have Robert record their intimate act, then expose her to the world for being nothing but a cheap slut.


    Yet, her n waspletely ruined!!


    Knowing that his words were on point, Robert smirk as he stands up and walks over to the girl.


    He didn¡¯t care if she was angry because her n was ruined, none of it mattered to him.


    "Ning Mei baby, don¡¯t be mad."


    Robert sat down and his hand trace up and down Ning Mei¡¯s exposed legs.


    "Robert, not now!" Ning Mei re viciously at Robert and stop his hand. She acted like she wasn¡¯t in the mood, but one could tell from her tone that she wants him to continue.


    Hearing her tone of voice and looking at her dark brown eyes, Robert was turned on. His didn¡¯t stop and hand moved from Ning Mei¡¯s legs to her small breasts, squeezing them. He nt kisses on her shoulder, to her neck and then he nibble her ear.


    He whispers, "Baby, are you also forgetting, you still need me to make it to the top."


    "Ah.." Ning Mei let out a soft moan.


    Aside from her lustful mind, she really did still need him.


    Robert is a famous international actor staying in Imperial due to a movie he¡¯s shooting.


    If she really wants to be one of Asian¡¯s top model and be first in the ranking, she needed his help.


    He has more resources than her and with his connections, filling some strings will allow her to achieve her dream faster.


    It was only a matter of time before she can proceed with her next n and ruin Han Yue Ling.


    Ning Mei sneered inwardly, throwing her next n behind her head, concentrating on the man in front of her.


    Clothes and undergarments were tossed on the floor in seconds with the sounds loud thrusting and panting taking ce on the red sofa.


    ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª

 Chapter 24 FAITH

    ¡ª¡ª


    After a few hours of shopping, Yue Ling was finally done with her errands.


    One thing she liked about Imperial was that, the stores have a policy where they can deliver the things you buy straight to your house.


    And that, she did not put to waste at all.


    Walking amongst the crowd, she thought about what do next. It was actually her first time exploring Imperial since she moved here.


    Suddenly, her footsteps came to a stop.


    Her bluish green eyes looks at a building wall.


    On that wall were countless posters and flyers, but her eyes stayed fixated on only one out of the many posters and flyers.


    The poster was old and the colors were slightly faded.


    It was a poster with five people, each person wearing the color ck but in different styles. At the top of the poster was the word ¡¯FAITH¡¯ in bold white print.


    And at the bottom corner was the word, ¡¯Disband¡¯ and the date in red letters.


    The date was dated back to three years ago.


    Yue Ling stared at the poster before she slowly raise her hand and gently touch the poster.


    Her fingers softly stroke the person in the middle as if she was touching the person again.


    The man had a short faded hair cut. Both his arms were on the shoulders of the two men next to him. His eyes were closed as he grinned cheerily.


    Even with his eyes closed, one could see that he was a man with great looks that god took the time to sculpt.


    She stared at the face of the man, her eyes softened with a glint of sadness.


    Her heart felt like it had suddenly disappeared.


    After a long while,she part her lips and whispered quietly, "I¡¯m sorry I betrayed you..."


    Yue Ling continued to stare at the man in the poster with unblinking eyes.


    He was the man she loves, the man who brought light into her dark world.


    Three years... to think time hadpletely gone by. Even she did not realize it...


    "Excuse me Miss. Are you alright? Can I help you with anything?"


    A soft voice spoke next to Yue Ling, breaking her train of thoughts.


    Yue Ling turned her head to her left and sees a woman in her early twenties, with auburn medium length hair. She stood about 165cm and because Yue Ling was taller, the woman had to look up at Yue Ling, while she smile sweetly.


    "Thank you, but I¡¯m alright." Yue Ling smiled before turning to leave.


    Sensing that Yue Ling was going to leave, the woman quickly blocks Yue Ling¡¯s way, "How abouting in for a cup of tea or coffee?" She pointed to a ss door.


    Looking at the door, Yue Ling realized that the supposedly building wall with posters and flyers was actually a huge tinted ss window.


    She pursed her lips slightly in whether she should go in or not. Coming to a decision, she nods her head and follows the woman into the cafe.


    "Please sit anywhere you like. I saw you stopped in front of the window for a long time, so I got curious and came to see if you wanted toe inside."


    The woman said as she walks behind the counter and puts on an apron with the logo ¡¯An¡¯s Cafe¡¯.


    Yue Ling sat on a high stool near the counter, "Is this your shop?"


    The woman smile, "Mm. This was my dream, after I married my husband, he helped me achieve it. Now, it¡¯s like a dreame true."


    Hearing the word ¡¯dream¡¯, Yue Ling¡¯s lip curl into a small smile.


    She once had a dream too... but it was taken from her...


    Not noticing the change in Yue Ling¡¯s expression, the woman asked, "Would you like tea or coffee?"


    "Coffee please."


    Smiling, the woman started to make a cup of coffee for Yue Ling.


    Yue Ling looked at the happy woman, then she scanned the cafe.


    It wasn¡¯t big, but it wasn¡¯t small either. The walls were charcoal grey with paintings of different aspects.


    There were approximately ten tables; five for four person tables and five for two person tables, then there were the four stools by the counter, which she sat on one.


    "Here you go miss. A nice cup of coffee."


    "Thank you. How much is it?"


    "No need, it¡¯s on the house." The woman smiles and leans against the counter. She rest her chin under her hand and stares at Yue Ling curiously.


    "Are you a fan of FAITH too?"


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 25 A gratitude gif

    ¡ª¡ª


    Seeing the woman¡¯s fan girl expression, Yue Ling wanted tough. She let out a soft chuckle and nod her head, "Mn. I am."


    The woman eyes shot wide open. She felt as if she had just cheated on her husband, because when she saw Yue Ling smile, she was struck with love.


    Even as a woman, she thought Yue Ling was very pretty. Like, too pretty.


    Most women nowadays go through stic surgery just be pretty, but she knew from one nce that Yue Ling was a natural beauty.


    Was she leaning more on the opposite gender?


    Staring into Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes, she ask curiously, "Are you mix with another nationality?"


    Feeling no harm from the woman, Yue Ling held in herugh and answered truthfully, "My mother is full Chinese, whereas my father is Korean and American mix."


    "Ohh.. I see, that exins¡ª-."


    "The eyes." Yue Ling finishes the woman¡¯s sentence. "I get it a lot from people. My eye colors the same as my father¡¯s."


    "Oh... That¡¯s so cool!! You rarely see Asians with different eye colors."


    Yue Ling smiles at the woman then takes a sip of her warm coffee.


    Remembering something, the woman lightly ps the counter, "That¡¯s right! I asked if you were a fan of FAITH because I¡¯m also a fan of them. A die hard fan too!"


    She said happily before her expression change into a sad one, "It¡¯s just heartbreaking that such an amazing band decided to disband."


    Yue Ling: "At least you¡¯re a real fan. Some people who im to be real fans of FAITH are very few now, some are even anti-fans. I believe that as a loyal fan, you should respect their decisions and hold on to them still, even if they aren¡¯t together anymore. Know the truth before you judge them."


    Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words, the woman smiles again, "You¡¯re right. I¡¯m one of their biggest fan! Even though they disband, they¡¯ll always be my favorite group. I still listen and y their songs here."


    Yue Ling was happy inside knowing that there was still a fan in this world who remembers and cherishes FAITH.


    After chatting with the woman for a while about different topics. She had learned a lot about the woman, from how she dreamed about opening a cafe, to her marriage and finally how she opened her dream cafe.


    Yue Ling nce at the abstract wall clock; ¡¯5:12pm¡¯


    "It¡¯s gettingte, I still have some things to do, so I¡¯ll take my leave."


    The woman was reluctant to let Yue Ling leave, she enjoyed her conversation with the goddess but she knew it wasn¡¯t her ce to say anything. They had just met. She nod her head and chuckled, "Okay, sorry for troubling you with all my nonsenses."


    "I didn¡¯t mind, it was a nice chat."


    Before leaving, Yue Ling ced an order of two dozen coffees and pastries each.


    The woman was shocked, ever since she opened this cafe, no one has ever ordered so much.


    Excited and thankful, she bows to Yue Ling before preparing the order.


    Once the order was done, the woman added a few more pasteries and desserts because Yue Ling was nice and she even ordered the most expensive coffees and pasteries in her cafe!


    Yue Ling took out her gold card and swipe it. She signed the receipt and looked at the woman who was still in a daze. She smiled then takes the bag of pasteries and box of coffees.


    "Thank you."


    Watching Yue Ling leave, the woman finallyes out of her daze, calls out, "I¡¯m Feng An! Pleasee back and visit!"


    Yue Ling nod with a smile at Feng An and leaves the cafe with the help of a man opening the door for her.


    Feng An let out a long sad sigh.


    "Why are you sighing? What¡¯s wrong?" A male voice spoke as he close the door.


    "Ah, Honey!! It¡¯s nothing, I was just with a customer. She was really nice and polite. She even ordered two dozens of coffee and pastries each!"


    The man chuckled and pinch Feng An¡¯s nose, "So silly. Happy over the smallest things."


    He walks to the counter and sees a receipt and a note on top one of the cafes envelopes for customers, "Eh? Who is this from?"


    Feng An: "Oh, that¡¯s from thedy customer I just told you about."


    Feng An¡¯s husband reads the note aloud, "Thank you for still being a fan of FAITH. A gratitude gift from me to you. Signed, Han Yue Ling."


    He frowned, "An, I thought FAITH was an guys group?"


    Feng An: "Of course they are! Who said they weren¡¯t?!"


    The husband looks at Feng An then back to the note, "Then howe the woman, Han Yue Ling said ¡¯thank you for still being a fan of FAITH¡¯? She wrote it like she was a member..."


    Feng An res at her husband, she scofffs, "That¡¯s because only die hard fans like myself knows that FAITH¡¯s leader¡¯s only long time girlfriend was¡ª-."


    Coming to realization, Feng An¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground. She quickly snatch the note from her husband and screamed.


    "Ahhhh!!!!!! Oh! My! god!!!!"


    Her husband taps her head, "Why are you so excited?"


    Feng An stares at the note then to her husband, she gulped before saying, "Do you not understand? Thatdy customer is Han Yue Ling, as in THEE Han Yue Ling!! Asia¡¯s number one ranked model and beauty!!!!"


    Husband: "...."


    Pushing her excitement away, Feng An picks up the envelope and her eyes fell from their sockets when she saw what was inside.


    Seeing his wife¡¯s expression, the husband walks over to see why his wife looked like she was going to die, and just like Feng An, his eyes fell from their sockets too.


    They both looked at each other then to the envelope in Feng An¡¯s hand.


    Inside the envelope was a stack of banknotes. It¡¯s amount was probably the total of what the couple would make in a year!!!


    Just what kind of person gives a huge amount of banknotes as a gratitude gift?


    But of course, Feng An and her husband had forgotten that the person Feng An had just met was Han Yue Ling.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 26 De L’amour

    ¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling walked through the streets of Imperial


    carrying the box of coffee and bag of pastries from Feng An¡¯s Cafe.


    "Look at that girl, she¡¯s extremely tall. Is she a model?"


    "Even her looks are outstanding! Even her eyes! Is she a foreigner living in Imperial? She¡¯s definitely a model. Right?"


    "I think I¡¯ve seen her somewhere, but I can¡¯t remember where..."


    Passing by the people of Imperial, Yue Ling paid no mind to the stares and whispers about her.


    She was never one to mind what others had to say. Of course, it wasn¡¯t all the time.


    Her lips curled upwards as she pictures what Feng An¡¯s face would like once she saw the "gratitude gift¡¯¡¯ she had left.


    Truth was, she didn¡¯t just go around and randomly give people stacks of banknotes.


    She only did so because she was thankful that there was still someone in the world who remembers FAITH.


    Because FAITH was her Shin¡¯s dream...


    ¡ª ¡ª


    Thirty minutes into her walk, Yue Ling arrives in front of a thirty story building. The building could be considered small because inparison to the other buildings, they were way taller.


    The building was all ck with dark tinted windows, looking like a glooming building out of a haunted movie.


    It wasn¡¯t as fancy looking and eye catching like the other buildings around, but to her, it was the most simplest that she found eye catching.


    Ignoring all the confusing and curious stares at her, she takes steps forward, she enters through the automatic ss doors.


    "Why did that beautiful young Miss go inside that building?"


    "The building looks so scary, I walk to work everyday and realize this ce just opened, is she really nning to apply there? I hardly see anyone go in ore out, most of the time it¡¯s just the workers."


    "I think she might just be delivering some things since she was carrying a box and bag that looked like take outs."


    Of course, Yue Ling didn¡¯t hear the whispers because the automatic ss doors had already closed behind her.


    As for the people that walks by this building everyday, they would turn a blind eye because of the gloomy color outside.


    No one bothers to care for things that didn¡¯t stand out to them.


    What those people did not know was, once inside, this building brought a whole new atmosphere.


    The front lobby had white marble walls, behind the reception desk was a two beautiful ss waterfall and the name of the building in the center in cursive.


    ¡¯De L¡¯amour¡¯


    The seating area had ck leather club chairs on both sides for awaiting guests and the walls had huge canvas of fashion sketches.


    The flooring was white tiles and the lighting inside were the most brightest, bring a natural feeling even with the dark tinted windows.


    Yue Ling stood in front of the door and eyed the ce like a proud mother.


    A young girl about 23 years old was working at the receptionist desk. She wore a yellow long sleeve a-line dress and her brown hair was cut short into a bob with bangs.


    She was currently typing on the keyboard. When she saw sight of Yue Ling, she quickly stands up and rushes over to Yue Ling.


    The girl bows and greets Yue Ling.


    "Good evening, Boss."


    Yue Ling smiles at the girl and slightly nod her head, "Good evening, Sophia."


    That¡¯s right, Yue Ling is the owner of this small building in Imperial. It was her life¡¯s hard work and passion that she put into. It was her creation, De L¡¯amour.


    "Boss, what is that?" Sophia asks curiously while pointing to the things in Yue Ling¡¯s hand.


    Yue Ling walks over to the receptionist counter and ce the box and bag down.


    "Help me pass these out to everyone for working hard."


    Not shy at all, Sophia starts rummaging through the goodies like a child at the toy store. Her eyes lit up happily!


    Sophia: "Wow boss! You really didn¡¯t have to!"


    Yue Ling: "It¡¯s the least I can do, since everyone¡¯s been working hard upon arrival."


    Sophia: "Ah, my friends will be so jealous when I tell them how good my boss treats me!! Hahah!"


    Sophia ran behind her desk and paged everyone toe to the first floor. She did it forget to tell everyone that their boss is here.


    Soon after, the first floor was filled with all the employees.


    Yue Ling¡¯spany only consisted of 24 employees, including Liu Shan. Plus her then 25.


    All her employees were happy. Just what kind of boss did they have? She treated all of them equally even though she sometimes appears cold and aloof. It just depended if you meet her during her good side or worse, her bad side.


    "Thanks boss!"


    "Our Boss is the greatest!"


    Yue Ling nce at all her employees. Every one of them ranged from the age of twenty to forty. No one younger or older.


    She knew they had all worked hard, especially since she moved thepany to Imperial in 2 months time only.


    Her oldpany had more people, but because of the move, she decided not to bring everyone since majority of her old employees had lives and families in City Z. The ones currently still working for her now were the ones who had been with her for a long time and didn¡¯t mind the sudden move.


    It was a sudden move for everyone, but she had to make this move.


    She couldn¡¯t dy any longer.


    Walking over to Yue Ling with a cup of coffee in his hand, Liu Shan hands her a ck hardcover book. It was twelve by ten inches and two inches thick.


    The front cover only has the word, ¡¯De L¡¯amour¡¯.


    "These are the new designs for this month."


    Taking the ck book from Liu Shan, Yue Ling opens the book and flips through the pages.


    "...."


    She gave small nods to some pages and frown to some.


    The entire building became silent. Only the sound of Yue Ling flipping pages could be heard.


    Liu Shan and the rest of the employees were nervous and sweating looking at their boss. No one dares to bother with the goodies anymore, nor did they make a sound.


    No matter what day it was, Yue Ling going through the ck book was the scariest.


    It wasn¡¯t just a book, it was the book that contains all of De L¡¯amour¡¯s uing designs.


    Even if they had worked hard on each designs, it was still Yue Ling¡¯s approval that matters.


    If she doesn¡¯t like any then everything in the ck book has to be redo from scratch.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 27 Enjoy it while you can

    ¡ª-


    "Everything seems to be fine, only a few designs need to be adjusted."


    Hearing her words, everyone sighed in relief. It was as if a huge weight had just been lifted from their shoulders.


    Liu Shan, like everyone else was so nervous he wanted to cry out loud.


    He¡¯s been by Yue Ling¡¯s side long before he became her personal assistant and he knew her better than all the employees here.


    Every time he hands the ck book to Yue Ling, he felt like he was going to his first interview again.


    It was an extremely scary feeling.


    He knows that although she may appear like an easy going person, if ites to work, she can turn into the devil himself.


    Yue Ling held in herugh remembering her all employees¡¯ nervous looks from just a moment ago.


    It wasn¡¯t that she wanted to be the evil witch in their eyes, it was her hard work that created De L¡¯amour. So as the owner and designer, it was only natural that she wants the best for herpany.


    In an indifferent tone, she said, "Everyone enjoy the coffee and pastries, it¡¯s a small thanks for all your hard work upon arriving here."


    Not waiting for a response, she heads towards the elevator. Ignoring the shocked and happy looks from her employees.


    Liu Shan quickly follows after his boss, but he halted. He turned back to looked at everyone, "Enjoy it while you can, we¡¯re still on the clock."


    ¡ª-


    Reaching the top floor of De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling sized the details of this floor.


    It was actually her first time here.


    She had ordered Liu Shan toe to Imperial in advance to get herpany ready.


    She had given him a blueprint of how she wanted herpany to look like, and he did not fail her.


    "What do you think?" Liu Shan asked, he was nervous but also proud of what he did.


    Yue Ling nod her head, "Not bad."


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes glisten with sparkling stars. He patted himself on the back.


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Seeing him actually pat himself on the back, Yue Ling was speechless. Sometimes, she wants to ask him if his brain was working correctly, but it would be rude to ask, so she doesn¡¯t.


    She lightly shakes her head and looks back to the details of the floor.


    Everything was exactly like how she wanted, but she couldn¡¯t let the man know. If she did, he would brag to everyone.


    Stepping out of the elevator, her secretary¡¯s desk is first to the right, follow by four white modern wingback chairs and a ss table.


    A white glossy wall sectioned the middle, leaving a wide open gap hallway.


    The walls for the hallway was ss. There are eight other offices, four on each side. Liu Shan¡¯s office was at the far left end, and across from his office was another room but it was slightly bigger and filled with clothing designs on ck fixtures.


    Straight ahead was white double doors withrge inner wave ss screens and bronze Aurora door handles.


    It was the doors to her office.


    Yue strode towards her office with Liu Shan following behind.


    The lights to her office were automatic sensor by the door, so once she opens the door and steps in the lights woulde on.


    Her office was one fourth the size of the building floor. Tinted floor to ceiling windows were her walls, giving her the perfect view of Imperial.


    Looking at the furnitures and details inside, she was really satisfied. Her office was spacious and very minimal.


    Although, she did wonder why everything was either white, marble or clear ss.


    It wasn¡¯t like she mind, but her new ce was already white, so did her office have to be white too?


    She sighed inwardly at the thought and sits on one of the white tuxedo couch in the middle of her office.


    cing the ck book down, she pointed to the couch across from her.


    Seeing his boss¡¯ gesture, Liu Shan quickly sits down.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t beat around the bush, she asked indifferently, "When will Inu and the rest of my things get here?"


    Liu Shan: "Boss, I¡¯ve tracked Inu and your things, they should be here at the end of the week."


    Yue Ling nod her head, "Mm. And my cars?"


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 28 Thank you

    ¡ª-


    Hearing his boss ask about her cars, Liu Shan sighed with a heavy heart, "Boss, it¡¯ll take about another month or less. The transportation this time is slower. If you like, I can go and get you a new car."


    Pondering at the thought of buying a new car, Yue Ling frown. She already has all the cars she likes, was it really necessary to buy another one?


    But then again, she doesn¡¯t have a car, and Liu Shan couldn¡¯t always drive her everywhere.


    Well, he can but she doesn¡¯t like to over work the guy, he¡¯ll end up whining.


    "Fine. But I need a car by tomorrow afternoon, I need to pay a visit to my yeye and brother. Also don¡¯t get an eye catching one, a simple is enough."


    Liu Shan leans back on the couch, looking as if he was the owner of the office. He cross both his arms on his chest and squint his eyes at his boss,


    "Honestly, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get your way of thinking."


    Yue Ling arch one brow, she didn¡¯t speak a word but her expression was enough to indicate Liu Shan to continue.


    "You know what I mean. You¡¯re a billionaire! Even with your retirement from the modeling world, you are still the fashion designer and owner of the famous brand De L¡¯amour. Not only that, you are also the heiress to two high level corporations in all of Asia. Yet, here you are, staying unknown to the world. Why is that?"


    "...."


    Yue Ling nce indifferently at Liu Shan, after a long silent moment, she stands up and walks to the floor to ceiling window.


    She gaze out to Imperial, with the rays of the setting sun on her body.


    Anyone who sees her at this moment would mistake her as a goddess in a painting looking down from the heavens.


    The room was quiet, until Yue Ling finally spoke,


    "Liu Shan, you have known me for eleven years. From the first time we met till now, you should already know that I am not greedy with money. Nor do I like to unt my wealth for others to see. How I was raised is not the same like other daughters from wealthy families. I may have the money and a set career, but I also wish to live a normal life."


    She paused for a second, then continued, "As my personal assistant and long time friend, I hope you understand."


    Liu Shan let out a deep sigh, "I seriously have never met a wealthy woman in this world that acts and sees life like you. But one thing I know is, no matter what you decide in life, I¡¯ll always respect your decisions."


    Yue Ling looks at Liu Shan and faintly smiles, "Thank you."


    Looking at his beautiful boss, Liu Shan¡¯s heart felt extremely loved, like the love siblings share.


    He nce out the window from where he sat and his eyes softened,


    "It¡¯s me who should be thanking you. It was pure luck that I met you back then."


    Yue Ling looked at Liu Shan, she didn¡¯t say a word and just turn her head back to the window.


    It was also her luck that she met Liu Shan during her time in the States. She was d to not only have an assistant like him but also a friend.


    One who was truly loyal and supports her.


    Knowing that there was nothing else to discuss, Liu Shan stood up to leave.


    "I¡¯ll take my leave then."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t answer him, it wasn¡¯t until his hand almost touch the door handle when her voice sounded.


    "I need you to find more information on someone."


    Liu Shan¡¯s body froze, he turned back to look at his boss. Her tone was indifferent but just by looking at her back, he could feel traces of coldness and danger, Liu Shan quivered, "Who?"


    He thought, ¡¯Just who in the world offended my boss? Did they not want to live anymore?!!!¡¯


    "Ning Mei."


    Hearing the name, Liu Shan frown in confusion, "Eh, Ning Mei? As in your junior Ning Mei?"


    "Mm. I need you to dig all the information about her. I don¡¯t want a single thing left out."


    Liu Shan scoffed ignorantly while patting his chest, "Boss, if I can¡¯t dig up anything then my name isn¡¯t Liu Shan. I¡¯ll definitely bring you back some good report."


    "I¡¯ll give you one day."


    Hearing the words ¡¯one day¡¯, Liu Shan felt his body be a big blob and falls to the floor like jello.


    But of course, he didn¡¯t fall to the floor, it was all in his head.


    Not hearing him, Yue Ling took it as an understanding.


    "That¡¯s all, you may leave."


    Liu Shan however, dragged his feet out of her office. He was always a busy body who can dig up anyone¡¯s life, even their darkest secrets, but his boss had given him only one day.


    Just what in the world can he find in one day?!!


    "Hmmm..." he sighed.


    But then again, he was always up for the challenge.


    His defeated look was now reced with an evil grin and his palms rubbing together, he thought, ¡¯Hu hu, Ning Mei ah, I don¡¯t know what you did, but you are sooo~ dead. You should have never crossed the lines to enter the devil¡¯sir.¡¯


    Back in Yue Ling¡¯s office, her figure stayed the same with her eyes looking out the window.


    The quietness of her office travel to her ears as her mind drifted to thousands of thoughts.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 29 Lu Family

    ¡ª¡ª


    Peony Vi, the most expensive and highly guardedmunity in Imperial. Only the wealthiest families live here.


    This residential area is rated number one as ¡¯best ce to live¡¯.


    Given it¡¯s name because here is where the most peonies bloom in thete spring and early summer.


    Theyout of this gatedmunity consists of only 34 home structures, forming a circle.


    Each houses¡¯ backyard allows ess to the hugeke in the center of the gatedmunity.


    To enter, one must show ID of residence. The security guards here don¡¯t joke around. If your name is not on the list, then don¡¯t even try to find another way to get inside.


    At the end of this gatedmunity, on a small hill, a beautiful neo-eclectic home crafted of limestone exterior stood elegantly.


    It¡¯s features outshines all the other residences as it is the most expensive, costing at the price of 1 billion yuan.


    This 23,650 square feet of interior space is owned by the highly influential Lu Family.


    Although the Lu Family household is in a gatedmunity, their house is still gated and secured with their own Lu guards.


    Not because they are wealthy, but because they also have enemies that lurk in the dark.


    They can¡¯t trust just anyone on their safety except those who are truly loyal to them.


    The outer appearance of the Lu Family Household looks like a magnificent paintIng as the sun begins to set.


    The setting rays of light, gives the house a peaceful and tranquil aura.


    Although, at this moment, inside the living room of the Lu family household, it is extremely cold like a winter night.


    A woman at the age of fifty sat on the sofa. Even though she was old in age, she still held the looks of a forty year old.


    One can see that she was a woman of great looks in her younger days.


    "Tian, when are you going to get marry? I want to hold my grandchildren before I die. "


    Madam Lu looked at her oldest son and said without a care.


    "...."


    Lu Tian looks indifferently at his mother.


    When Xu Long ruined his ns in the afternoon with the news of tonight¡¯s dinner at the old house, he already had a feeling it was about the same thing.


    He only came back because his father had something he needed to discuss about.


    Seeing her cold and aloof son ignoring her, Madam Lu looks to her husband.


    "Old man, are you not going to help me? Look at him. I¡¯m his mother yet, he¡¯s ignoring me."


    Her tone sounded irritated but one must know that Madam Lu had long be ustomed to her oldest son¡¯s attitude.


    Even she did not mind the way he is.


    But of course, she¡¯s getting older and like any parent, they want their children to give them grandchildren.


    Old Man Lu nce at his wife then to his oldest son. He cried inwardly.


    He put on a sad and pitiful old face, as if hinting Lu Tian to give the old man some face and not make his mother angry.


    "...."


    In the end, Lu Tian¡¯s expression remained the same.


    He was not affected at all by his old man¡¯s face. He sat leisurely in his seat and gave no face to his old man.


    Old Man Lu: "...."


    Seeing that Lu Tian didn¡¯t even budge at the old man¡¯s sympathy expression, Madam Lu was enraged.


    She raise her voice, "Tian, just how long do you n to remain single?! If you don¡¯t do anything about it then I will find a wife for you! Besides, I already have on in mind."


    At his mother¡¯s words, Lu Tian felt disgusted inside.


    What he hated the most abouting back to the old house was his mother¡¯s schemes about him getting marry.


    Well, it¡¯s not that he hated his mother, but it more like he hated the women his mother finds.


    Each one of them are only after his wealth.


    He¡¯s seen the greed in their disgusting eyes.


    "Tian, are you listening to me?!"


    Lu Tian¡¯s cold eyes look at his mother, "I don¡¯t need you to interfere in my private life."


    "You are my son! I have every rights to interfere in your private life! This is an important matter about your future heir!"


    "...."


    Lu Tian looks away from his mother. He decided it was best to just ignore the old woman.


    He thought again.


    It¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t respect his mother. The way he is now is because of his parents. As the oldest son of the Lu family, he was force into a life of cold and loneliness.


    The more he grew, the more he came to understand the world he lives in.


    Any one can be either a friend or a foe. Even friends be foes out of greed.


    He knows because he once had a good friend who became a foe. For money and wealth, that friend did not hesitate to betray him.


    And just like those fake daughters from so call prestige families, give them money and they¡¯ll do anything.


    Lu Tian hated that kind of people.


    Money and wealth is not the answer to one¡¯s true happiness.


    Growing up, even he was a nobody. Only the name Lu made a difference in other¡¯s eyes of him.


    He had shed blood, sweat and tears to get Lu Corps to where it stands today.


    Besides, from a young age till now, he¡¯s always had a dislike for the opposite sex, but that didn¡¯t mean he liked men.


    Others can say whatever they want, his body was his and as the owner, he knew his body better than anyone.


    "Hmmm.." Old Man Lu sighed heavily.


    His wife was ranting like her usual self and his oldest son was just sitting there like the heavenly emperor.


    Just what kind of live drama is this?


    He stood from the sofa and held his hands behind his back, "Follow me to the study."


    Lu Tian nce at his father. He oblige and stood up.


    Following his father was always better than being in the same room as his busy mother.


    Being left alone in the living room, Madam Lu faces turn red from anger.


    ¡¯How dare this father and son ignore me?!! I was in the middle of my speech!!¡¯


    She shouts angrily at their backs, "Tian! As the mother who gave birth to you, you will listen to me! You will meet this girl that I¡¯ve picked out for you!! I don¡¯t care what you say! I am your mother and only my words matter! Hmmf!"


    Old Man Lu: "...."


    Lu Tian: "...."


    Madam Lu huff and puff with invisible steam blowing out of her nostrils. She looked like Spanish bull.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 30 What kind of mother was she?

    ¡ª-


    Watching her husband and Lu Tian disappear, Madam Lu angrily mumbles to herself,


    "How dare they leave all alone here?!"


    "Mom, how can you forget about me? I¡¯m still here you know."


    Madam Lu¡¯s body froze at the sudden voice.


    She robotically turn her head to the owner of the voice.


    She faked a smile, "ah ha ha.. Han.."


    She was so into her ¡¯speech¡¯ about her oldest son getting marry that she had forgotten all about her youngest son.


    How could she have forgotten the second holy masterpiece her and her husband created?


    Good lord, just what kind of mother was she?


    Lu Han squint his eyes at his mother. He had long seen thising. Every time him and Lu Tian were force toe back to the old house, his mother would rant and rant like there¡¯s no tomorrow.


    Of course, it was always about his older brother¡¯s marriage.


    Good thing he was the youngest, or else he would be the one to hear from their mother.


    He really pities his older brother.


    Lu Han sighed, "Mother, I forgive you for forgetting about this great one, but can¡¯t you leave older brother alone? He knows what he¡¯s doing."


    Madam Lu cried at her youngest son¡¯s words.


    "Why can¡¯t your older brother be more like you and show interest every time a pretty girl appears. Aiya.."


    Lu Han felt as if he was a blown balloon that just been deted.


    He cried inside, ¡¯Ma, why do you know so much about this one..?¡¯


    It was true that with his good looks, he had a habit of changing women like changing his clothes, but admires were nothing close to his older brother¡¯s.


    If looks could impregnate a women, his older brother would already have countless children.


    Lu Han thought, ¡¯I must be the emperor of the mundane world and older brother is the Heavenly emperor.¡¯


    ¡ª-


    In the study, old man Lu sat behind his desk while Lu Tian sat across.


    "I called you back today because next month is a good friend of mine¡¯s birthday."


    Lu Tian arch one eyebrow and look at his old man, "You¡¯re telling this because?"


    Old man Lu: "I know you don¡¯t like attending these kind of events, but you remember grandfather Ji, right? It¡¯s his 71st birthday and his grandson is hosting a birthday banquet at the Ji Mansion."


    He paused to look at his son, then continue, "Grandfather Ji is someone we Lu¡¯s cannot offend. I want you and Han to do this favor for me. You don¡¯t have have to stay till the end of the banquet, just be there for a few minutes to wish the old man good health."


    Lu Tian: "His adopted grandson?"


    Old man Lu nod his head, "Mm. Even though that child is adopted, the old man really loves that boy. I hope you can do this request. Not just me, but also for grandfather Ji."


    Lu Tian listened attentively to his father¡¯s words.


    Grandfather Ji was a highly well known prestige figure of China. Even at an old age, he is still the General in the army and Chairman of Ji Corporation.


    The old man was a figure that Lu Tian really looks up to and respected.


    One should know that there are only a few amount of people in this world that Lu Tian respected.


    The old man had adopted a little boy few years ago and gave the boy the Ji family¡¯s surname.


    And that was how you know someone really cares about another, even if they weren¡¯t tied by blood.


    Seeing his son¡¯s silence, old man Lu started to feel sweat forming on his forehead.


    Back in the days, he was also cold and ruthless as the CEO of Lu Corps, but watching his own son grow into a fine man, he realized his ways of ruthlessness then was nothing inparison to his son¡¯s.


    Even he was sometimes scared of his own son.


    Lu Tian who oblivious to his father¡¯s mind, was still pondering about his father¡¯s request.


    Coming to a decision, he didn¡¯t say a word but only made a, "Mm."


    Old man Lu smiles cheerfully inside hearing his son. He nod his head like a proud father, "Thats good then. I¡¯ll have my assistant notify Xu Long."


    Though it was just a ¡¯mm¡¯, to old man Lu, he knew it meant a yes.


    Outside the study, Madam Lu had her ears glued to the door. She made sure no words escaped her old ears.


    Suddenly, she grinned from ear to ear, like a wicked witch.


    Her oldest son had agreed to attend the birthday banquet!


    "Why are you grinning like that? Are you trying to scare away evil spirits?"


    Lu Han said as he rolled his eyes. He couldn¡¯t believe his mother would eavesdrop on his father and older brother¡¯s conversation.


    How can he have such a noisy mother?


    Yet, he ignored the fact that he was no different from his mother.


    His ear was also glued to the door.


    Suddenly, his eyes shot open and his jaw dropped. He stare at his mother, and said loudly, "Don¡¯t tell me you n to¡ª ahh¡ª-!"


    Before her youngest son could blow their cover for eavesdropping, Madam Lu drags him away by the ear.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 31 His REAL granddaughter

    ¡ª-


    "Ahh, Mother be careful! My beautiful hair!" Lu Han cried, pretending to be hurt.


    Madam Lu re daggers at her stupid son.


    She thought, ¡¯What hair?! My hand is on your ear!!¡¯


    She lift her hand and put her index finger on her lips, "Shh! Don¡¯t let your brother find out we listened. You know he dislikes others listening behind his back."


    Lu Han: "Ma, we¡¯re his family. Besides, I¡¯m his precious younger brother, he will definitely not mind. Plus, brother already knows that you always¡ª ahh! Ma, why did you hit me?"


    Smacking some since to her son¡¯s head, Madam Lu re at her son again.


    She did not know why one son was cold and aloof while the other was so... indescribable!!


    Madam Lu sighed, then whispers as she leans closer to her son as if telling him some top secret information,


    "The girl I mentioned I found for your brother will also be attending grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday. I want to use this chance to introduce them."


    Lu Han¡¯s mouth turned into a ¡¯O¡¯, "What makes you think brother will agree to this?"


    Madam Lu snorted, "He will. I¡¯m his mother, so whatever I say goes. Also, the girl I mentioned is grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter."


    Lu Han¡¯s brows creased at the mention of grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter.


    "Ma, you¡¯re nning to introduce brother to the old man¡¯s granddaughter, Ji Chu Hua?!"


    Madam Lu scoffed at her son¡¯s words, then she shook her head with a long sigh, "Hmmf, not lousy girl."


    Lu Han¡¯s eyes lit up, from his mother¡¯s word, but he frown again.


    "Ma, what other granddaughter does old man has then?"


    "....."


    He looked to his mother with attentiveness.


    He was someone who loved gossips about others.


    And this, he wouldn¡¯t want to miss at all. Since it wasn¡¯t Ji Chu Hua then who else was it?


    Especially when it involves finding his brother a wife!!


    "Grandfather Ji has only one child and that is his daughter, but when she got married, she moved to another country. What people didn¡¯t know was that, his daughter gave birth to only one child, and that child is his REAL granddaughter."


    Lu Han nce at his mother, on his face was a confused expression, "Ma, what do you mean by real granddaughter?"


    "Listen, Grandfather Ji¡¯s daughter wasn¡¯t like every rich families¡¯ daughters. She was had a pure and kind hearted soul. Not only was her personality great, even her looks were outstanding in all of Imperial. But she liked to keep a low profile, even when she married her husband, no one knew that she got married."


    Madam Lu paused and looked to the window, her eyes staring out into the vast sky that had be dark.


    "Ji An Ling, gave birth to a beautiful healthy daughter one year after she married her husband."


    Lu Han remained in silence as he listens to his mother.


    "Eighteen years ago, fate¡¯s cruelty took away the couple, leaving their ten year old daughter behind. I don¡¯t know the reason, but that child didn¡¯te live with grandfather Ji, she continued to stay in Korea... I only learned about her arrival when the old man called to brag to your father."


    "Ji Chu Hua is Grandfather Ji¡¯s nephew¡¯s daughter. And because many don¡¯t know about his real granddaughter, everyone just assumed Ji Chu Hua was the old man¡¯s granddaughter."


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 32 This noble one

    ¡ª-


    From start to end, Lu Han didn¡¯t utter a word. He was too lost in words to say anything.


    He had always thought Ji Chu Hua was Grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter. Well, only because the girl acted like she was the heiress to Ji Corporation everywhere she went.


    Then again, who could me her. Right?


    Lu Han: "Ma, how do you know so much?"


    Madam Lu: "Thats because An Ling and I are best friends."


    Lu Han looked at his mother, his expression saying, ¡¯yea, sure, you two were best friends.¡¯


    Lu Han: "Ma, what is Grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter¡¯s name?"


    Madam Lu: "uhh... I think I remember An Ling say ¡¯real beauty¡¯ or something like that. Heh heh, let me ask your father again."


    Lu Han: "...."


    ¡¯Ma, how can you say someone is your best friend and not know their child¡¯s name? You even talked so highly about the girl! Are you sure about introducing brother to this unknown girl?¡¯


    As a mother, Madam Lu could guess what her youngest son was thinking.


    "Han, I¡¯m not doing this for you, but for your older brother. I¡¯m clear on my decision this time. This girl will definitely be the right one. Besides, when Lu Tian and the girl were younger, An Ling and I had nned to betroth them, just that things just took another turn."


    Lu Han: "....."


    Without waiting for a response, Madam Lu walked away, leaving her dumbfounded youngest son.


    She grinned like a evil witch as she starts brainstorming her ¡¯evil¡¯ ns.


    No matter what, she has to make Lu An Ling¡¯s daughter her future daughter-inw.


    Lu Han stood in a daze.


    He sighed and pity his older brother.


    Their mother has found another rich family¡¯s daughter and she was a weird one too.


    Lu Han sighed again, but this time longer.


    "How long do you n to stay there?"


    "....."


    Hearing the cold voice behind him, Lu Han¡¯s body tensed up as he felt all the hair on his body stand.


    He struggled a gulp and slowly turn his head.


    Even though he already knew who it was, he still jumped in fright.


    "Ah¡ª! Bro! How can you not make any sound at all! I¡¯m too handsome to be scared!"


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Lu Han: "Hey bro, I just learned something new. Want to hear? Yea?"


    His eyes beaming with shiny stars at his older brother.


    Lu Tian: "No."


    Lu Han: "But it involves your future wife. It¡¯s really interesting!"


    Lu Tian: "No."


    Lu Han: "Come on bro, just hear me out. You won¡¯t regret hearing what I have to say at all!"


    Lu Tian: "I regret having a brother like you."


    Lu Han: "...."


    Like the cold and aloof person he was, Lu Tian didn¡¯t want to stay and chat anymore.


    His mind had been too upied with the beauty he found interest in.


    He wanted to go back to his ce and sort his brain out.


    He strode pass his younger brother and walked out of the Lu household.


    Lu Han stood rooted on the floor. His mouth slightly open and his older brother¡¯s words floated like clouds on a clear sky in his head.


    ¡¯Regret..... regret... ah...¡¯


    ¡¯How can he say that to me... *sob* I¡¯m the... Eh? Where did he go?¡¯


    A cold wind blew him back to his senses, he nce left and right, up and down but didn¡¯t see his older brother.


    He jogged to the front door and catches a glimpse of Lu Tian getting inside the car with Xu Long standing by the side.


    He grinned and yells out,


    "Bro! You have no choice but to ept that this noble one is your one and only precious younger brother!! Hmmf!"


    Lu Tian: "...."


    Xu Long: "...."


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 33 Also her faul

    ¡ª-


    After she left De L¡¯amour, Liu Shan had dropped Yue Ling off at Jade Condos before heading home.


    Yue Ling did not hesitate to take off her clothes and hopped into the shower when she got home.


    The weather in Imperial was getting colder, so a nice warm shower was what she needed.


    She had hoped to take a nice and long warm bath but when she remembered the huge window, she decided not too.


    She¡¯ll remind Liu Shan to get some window curtains.


    She wonder what Uncle Lou was thinking when he constructed Jade Condos.


    As the water from the shower head pour onto her skin, she thought, ¡¯Maybe when I have some free time, I¡¯ll take a swim in the heated pool.¡¯


    She shampooed her hair and cleaned her body.


    Getting out of the shower, she didn¡¯t change into anything warm. The temperature in her penthouse was warm enough.


    She wore a beige matching sleepwear set: a flowy silk tank and silk shorts.


    Pairing her sleepwear with her white house slippers.


    And out of habit, she did not wear a bra, allowing her breasts to have some breather. She tied her hair into a high ponytail after blow drying it.


    Walking out to the kitchen, she nce at the wall clock; 9:43pm.


    Seeing that it wasn¡¯t time for bed, she made herself a ss of warm milk brought by one of the stores she shopped at during her errands.


    While the milk warmed up, she strode to her closet room and grabbed a long oversized knitted cardigan in the color mauve.


    She put the cardigan on and grab the warm milk.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t sit in the living room, she decided to out to the balcony in her room.


    She wanted to watch the scenery of Imperial at night.


    Sitting on a lounge chair, she stare out to the panoramic view covered by the dark sky. Imperial from where she sat looked like the night sky full of stars.


    Yue Ling has always been a girl who loved sight seeing and she had a love for city views.


    To her, sight seeing gave a peaceful feeling.


    A feeling that could ease one¡¯s mind and soul.


    She should really thank Liu Shan for such a breath taking view.


    Her bluish green eyes reflected with the lights of Imperial.


    She sat quietly and enjoyed the view while casually drinking her warm ss of milk.


    The oversized cardigan she wore was like a nket keeping her warm from the cool night breeze.


    Yue Ling started thinking about about the people she cared about back in Korea, then to the one¡¯s here, and finally, she thought about her day.


    Suddenly, the rude man¡¯s face pops in her head and she frowns.


    How dare that evil bastard rob her of her innocence!!


    Any girl who¡¯s innocence was robbed from them by a stranger would cry and want to kill themself.


    But she knew she couldn¡¯t do that..


    If she hadn¡¯t been drugged, the man would have suffered from her might wrath!


    Even though she didn¡¯t cry or get mad, it wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t care. Her innocence being taken was also her fault.


    Her fault for being careless and trusting the wrong person.


    It was her fault for falling into Ning Mei¡¯s ugly scheme.


    Others may call her stupid for not getting mad, but can she really get mad when she was to me too?


    Thinking about it, her eyes turned dark then moist like she was going to cry.


    But she didn¡¯t cry. She had shed too many tears in almost her entire life.


    Throughout her life, she had learned that crying won¡¯t solve anything.


    When that rude man stole her innocence, she had wanted to cry, but in the end she didn¡¯t bat a tear over it.


    Even if she was to murder that rude man, what will it do?


    Besides, she was sure she¡¯ll never see that man again. They were strangers and nothing more or less.


    The only thing she regretted was... betraying the man she loves...


    How can she possibly go back and face him?


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes softened and she gaze out to the beautiful night with her mind drifting to miles and miles away.


    ¡ª-


    The night became colder and Yue Ling felt a small chill brush her skin. The ss of warm milk in her hand had be cold.


    At the same time she could feel her eyes bing heavy as if telling her it was time for bed.


    She stood up and stretch her arms while she open her mouth to yawn.


    While doing so, she turned her body at the same time to the left.


    "Hmm~~."


    With her arms still stretched out, her heavy eyes bolted wide open at her neighbor¡¯s balcony.


    She froze on the spot.


    "...."


    Sitting in a lounge chair in the dark was the one person she did not want to see.


    The man was a very handsome being. His dark brows made him look like a wolf in the shadows. Especially his dark eyes... he had eyes that seemed as if they could pierce one¡¯s souls.


    Yue Ling was so speechless and shocked, she had forgotten to move.


    Suddenly....


    "I actually like what I¡¯m seeing."


    His deep voice rang like melodious rhythm, but to Yue Ling it was like the buzzing of a bee.


    "...."


    It took Yue Ling a few seconds toe to realization that her arms were still stretched out and her cardigan was widely open, fully exposing herself despite the clothes she had on.


    To make things worse, she wasn¡¯t wearing a bra!!


    ¡¯Oh god!!!!¡¯


    She quickly wrap her cardigan over her chest and pointed at the man with ring eyes, "Y-You! How are you here too?!"


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 34 I live here

    ¡ª


    [NOTE TO READERS: This chapter is mainly about Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts at the moment. Please bare with it. Thank you!]


    ¡ª¡ª ¡ª-


    Lu Tian¡¯s cold and dark eyes stare at Yue Ling with an indifferent expression.


    He shrug his shoulder and pointed to his right, "I live here."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes followed his finger and her face flushed red.


    "...."


    She felt so stupid for asking something that was so obvious to the eyes.


    The man was sitting in his own balcony and yet, she had just ask him why he is here.


    To ask someone how they¡¯re in their own home is truly humiliating!


    Without any intentions of continuing to embarrass herself, Yue Ling dash into her penthouse and m her balcony door shut.


    *Click!*


    Hearing the loud lock of her door, Lu Tian¡¯s indifferent expression finally changed. His lips curl upwards, revealing the smile he had been trying to hold in the moment she stood up from her chair.


    When he left the Lu household, he decided not to go back to Lu Corps, but to Jade Condos.


    He had purchased a penthouse here to get away from his mother¡¯s nagging.


    But the truth was, he hardly came back here. He spent most of his nights at work.


    Coming back to his own ce, he realized how dark and cold it was.


    It¡¯s appearance truly matched his personality.


    After he showered and changed into a set of light grey loungewear, he grabbed a cigarette and lighter from the drawer by his bed.


    Without much thinking, he walked out to the balcony.


    Walking to the balcony chair, he sat down and Xu Long¡¯s information about Yue Ling also living in Jade Condos appear in his mind.


    The only thing was, she could be living in any of the condos here.


    He ce the cigarette on his lips and flick the lighter.


    Before the lighter could lit the cigarette, his eyes caught sight of the light from the penthouse next to his, then the figure sitting down.


    His brows creased. When he first moved in, Manager Lou had told him that no one was living in the penthouse next door.


    How was vacant penthouse suddenly owned?


    Staring at the figure, he felt like he¡¯s seen her somewhere. Even his heart was suddenly beating at a rapid speed.


    All of a sudden, his cold and aloof eyes held a glint of surprise.


    He was just thinking about her and just like that, she appears before him.


    He thought about when they met at the airport, when they shared an entire night together, and then when they bumped into each other going to the elevator.


    They had encountered each other three times.


    Was this luck?


    Even he, who had never felt this way before found this feeling inside him childish.


    He sat quietly without lighting his cigarette and watched her enjoy the view of Imperial at night.


    She looked like a fairy in a painting. A painting that makes one afraid to touch out of fear in ruining it.


    The longer he watched her in silence, he realized that she looked so far and alone.


    Her eyes at this moment looked so.....sad.


    Completely different from the eyes she had earlier from their first encounter and this morning.


    It reminded him of someone who had been abandoned by the world.


    Like....


    And just when he wanted to continue watching her, she suddenly stood up with her arms stretched out with the front of her body turned to him.


    Seeing her sudden move, he didn¡¯t notice that he had held in his breath.


    The view of her toned white stomach and legs came to his eyes.


    She had a light four pack abs, saying she works out, and he could also see her harden nipples peaking from behind her top due to the cold breeze.


    Lu Tian¡¯s heart became chaotic remembering how her breasts felt so soft. They fitted so perfectly in his hands from their intimate actst night and this morning.. like they were created just for him..


    Feeling the beast in his lower body start to rise, Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease intensely.


    He thought, ¡¯Even from looking, she can turn me on?!¡¯


    When she finally noticed him and their eyes met, he was even more turned on. He had to fight the burning desire in him to go over and devour her again.


    But he knew he couldn¡¯t... just not yet.


    Watching her cute reaction as she ran into her penthouse, Lu Tian finally revealed his smile.


    He had a charming smile that makes one be hypnotized and can¡¯t help but stare.


    Of course, no one¡¯s ever seen this smile before.


    Even he didn¡¯t know he could make such a smile.


    He lit the cigarette in his hand and began smoking. He leanedzily on the chair with his head slightly tilted and his dark pupils staring out to Imperial.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 35 Imbecile

    ¡ª-


    While Lu Tian was enjoying the night view and his cigarette, Yue Ling was currently struggling on her king sized bed.


    ¡¯Oh god! Why must my neighbor be him?! Why?!¡¯


    She tossed and turned under her nket until her hair resemble a birds nest.


    Remembering how the man had seen her just now, Yue Ling wished she could dig a hole deep into the ground and hide in it.


    ¡¯Han Yue Ling! You stupid stupid stupid girl! How can you let that pervert see you?!¡¯


    ¡¯Oh god!! Now he knows where I live!! What if he demands money? Or worse... What if he.... ask for responsibility?? Wait, he wouldn¡¯t right?¡¯


    Her embarrassment took over as shepletely forgot that the man had already seen every inch of her. Naked.


    Twenty minutester, she fell asleep with an embarrassed and heavy heart.


    ¡ª-


    Late into the night while the people of Imperial slept, a tall silvery blue building still had some lights on. This building is one of the top entertainmentpany in Imperial.


    ¡¯CNJ Entertainment¡¯, a name known to many in Asia.


    On the 60th floor, there isn¡¯t a single person in sight.


    But, the faint sound of a man¡¯s groan after releasing his load could be heard from the closed office door at the far end.


    Behind the closed door, a middle aged man was currently fixing his ck suit pants, after tucking his grey dress shirt in.


    This man was around the age of 45 but he still had a charming face and he had no wrinkles like some middle aged men his age.


    He nce at the young figure inside his office, "I don¡¯t know why you came, but you shouldn¡¯t have acted so careless. If someone was to see us together, it would only be a disastrous headline."


    The man fix his ck and white stripe tie and lean on his desk, "I hope you don¡¯t pull this stunt again, Ning Mei."


    Ning Mei sat on the ck leather couch and her hands paused for a second when she heard the man. She nce at him then continue to button her purple blouse.


    With an innocent smile, she said, "I couldn¡¯t wait, so I had toe see you."


    She stood up and adjust her white flounce skirt down, then she tuck her blouse in.


    She parted her red lips and continued shyly, "Director Yeun, I hope you still remember your promise to me from the other night.."


    Director Yeun has just finished fixing his tie, when he heard Ning Mei, he frown for a second then smile, "Don¡¯t worry. When have I ever gone back on my words?"


    He took three steps to the young girl and wrap his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to his chest.


    Ning Mei¡¯s cheeks blush red, "D-Director... we just..."


    Seeing her innocent reaction like a shy school girl, Director Yeun smirk. He lower his hands and squeeze her bottom as he kiss her neck.


    "I just wanted to get a sniff of your beautiful scent."


    "Ah.." Ning Mei let a soft moan escape her lips. She wanted protested but before she could do anything, she was gently pushed away.


    "..."


    Director Yeun didn¡¯t look at the young girl again, he walked behind his desk and sat down, "It¡¯ste, you should go now."


    Ning Mei was rendered speechless. She clench her fists tightly at her side.


    She couldn¡¯t believe that the old man had just pushed her away.


    Well, she had wanted to push him away, but who would of thought the man would push her away first!


    Was he looking down on her after having his fun with her?!


    Ning Mei forced a smile and walked over to the man, "Director, about¡ª."


    Director Yeun: "I know. As long as you do your part, I will do mine. Our discussion here is done, you should leave."


    Ning Mei: "...."


    Director Yeun had wanted to go another round of their love making since Ning Mei Is an easy girl to bed, but after hearing her bring up their discussion from the other night, he wasn¡¯t in the mood anymore.


    He knew what kind of girl Ning Mei was. He¡¯s been a film director in the entertainment industry long enough to see how filthy the industry was.


    When he first met Ning Mei, she was only an innocent young rookie starting to bloom.


    But, it wasn¡¯t untilter that he finally saw the real her.


    Who would of thought that behind that innocent face was nothing but a wild whore in bed.


    It was a huge shock for him at first, but after a while, he didn¡¯t care. He got to taste her.


    Oblivious to Director Yeun¡¯s thoughts, Ning Mei wrap her arms around his neck and leaned down to shyly kiss his lips.


    "Then I hope to hear the good news soon."


    She put on her tan trench coat and walked out of his office.


    "...."


    Once she closed the door, the innocent and pure facade on Ning Mei¡¯s face vanished.


    She nce at the door and scoffed then walked to the elevator with her heels cking.


    "Nothing but an old imbecile."


    If it meant a step closer to her dream, she would risk it all.


    She was a daughter from the wealthy Ning family. Anything she wanted she would get. All she had to do was say it.


    But because her family¡¯spany didn¡¯t deal with the entertainment industry, that was how she came to CNJ Entertainment.


    If not for that, with her family¡¯s background she would of long been Asia¡¯s number model model and not that slut, Han Yue Ling.


    Ning Mei sneered inwardly at her thoughts.


    This time, she chose Director Yeun despite his age because he was a famous film director who¡¯s won 3 Best Film Awards in thest three years. She knows that the man is married with kids, but she didn¡¯t care.


    All her partners were always able to give her anything she ask in return. She had slept with single men, men who had girlfriends or fianc¨¦s and married men. It wasn¡¯t her fault that these men were so easy to be manipted..


    If anyone was to be med, then it would be the girlfriends and wives. It was their fault for not being able to keep their man¡¯s p*nis in his pants.


    Ning Mei grinned evilly, not realizing that her face had turned into an ugly old witch.


    She was getting closer to dream and ruining Han Yue Ling.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 36 BMW x5m

    ¡ª¡ª


    The long night pass by in a quick second as the sun rose in the sky, bringing it shining light to wee Imperial.


    *DING! DING! DING!! DING~!!*


    "Mmm..."


    Yue Ling grunt in bed at the loud sound of doorbell.


    She reach for her phone on the side table;


    ¡¯7:36am¡¯


    "Ah! Who is it so early in the morning?!" She grunt angrily and stumble to get out of bed.


    She wrap her knitted cardigan fromst night over her body and slip into her slippers, walking out of her room grumpily.


    Standing in front of the security camera screen, Yue Ling press the answer button to see who was at her door at 7 in the morning.


    ["Boss!! Hurry!! Open the door for me!! Please!!"]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice cried through the speaker.


    His hoarse voice made him sounded like a dying animal.


    Yue Ling frown and press the unlock button. She then forcefully drag her legs to her couch and sat down in a slouchy position, pulling her oversized cardigan over her body like a warm nket.


    At the same time, Liu Shan bolted inside, mming the door shut.


    He leaned against the door and pat his chest.


    His face was as white as a piece of paper and his breathing like something was out to get his life.


    Yue Ling looked at him with one raised brow. She thought, ¡¯This... why does he look like the grim reaper was out to get him?¡¯


    "Did you get chase by a ghost?"


    Liu Shan calmed his beating heart by patting his chest again.


    "No, it was... Ah, nothing."


    He swallow his saliva and wobble over to the couch next to Yue Ling with trembling legs.


    His body dropped onto the couch in a S shape. He stuck his right hand out while his faceid t on the couch.


    "Here. Keys to your new car."


    He slightly turned his head, revealing only half his face so he can speak.


    "...."


    Yue Ling at this moment was too speechless to say a word. She just grab the keys in Liu Shan¡¯s hand.


    It was a ck and silver key with the BMW logo in the middle.


    She arch an eyebrow, "BMW?"


    Liu Shan gathers all his strength and sits up.


    "It¡¯s the newest BMW x5m, sports model, white with tinted windows and ck rims."


    Yue Ling: "Price?"


    Liu Shan: "Not much. It¡¯s a good low key car."


    Yue Ling: "How much?"


    Liu Shan: "*cough* 730,000 yuan.."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Liu Shan: "Boss, don¡¯t give me that look. I tried, okay. Besides, think about it, with all your other cars, this tiny x5m is nothing inparison."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    She rolled her eyes at Liu Shan.


    She had specifically said ¡¯low-key¡¯ yet, his idea of low key is always too eye catching.


    Remembering something, she narrow her eyes and cross her arms over her chest, "Why were you so scared just now?"


    Hearing his boss¡¯s question, Liu Shan quiver at the remembrance of what he just went through.


    He mumbled nervously, "n-nothing."


    Yue Ling squint her eyes suspiciously at the quivering man. She knew he was scared, but since he wouldn¡¯t say, she won¡¯t force him.


    Liu Shan sighed in relief knowing that his boss wasn¡¯t going to force it out of him.


    He leaned back on the couch and wipe the sweat on his forehead away.


    Truth was, after he picked up his boss¡¯s new car from the dealership and drove it the car here, he was so excited.


    He had chosen the most ¡¯low-key¡¯ car in his eyes.


    And couldn¡¯t wait to show it to his boss.


    But, when he arrived at Jade Condos, his excitement was ruined the moment he stepped out of the elevator.


    He saw the one person he feared to meet.


    The man who is known for his ruthless ways in the business world.


    The man who deals with the dark and cold underworld for the government.


    The man who¡¯s name alone could shake one¡¯s soul.


    The man who¡¯s name is Lu Tian..


    Ahh!!! It was still early in the morning! How could he be so unlucky to run into the devil?!!


    Liu Shan gulped in fear when he identally made eye contact with the cold man.


    Just from looking at those dark eyes, he felt his soul leave his body without hesitation.


    "....."


    He realized that Lu Tian had just stepped out of his penthouse door and his eyes shot open when his brain processed!


    His boss¡¯s neighbor is the man she had offended at the airport when she first arrived!!


    Dear lord! What¡¯s going to happen?!!


    Suppressing the fear creeping inside of him, Liu Shan walked in long strides to his boss¡¯s door. He even lunged forward like Superman to press the doorbell.


    As he rung the doorbell, the air be so heavy it felt like he was suffocating.


    Suddenly, he felt a murderous re on him.


    Was it all in his head?


    He shivered and turn his head to take a small nce to his side.


    "....."


    This was the worst mistake he ever made in his entire life. Why did he stupidly decide to steal a nce at the man? What gave him such courage?!!


    The Lu Tian at this moment looked so terrifying, like he could kill at any time.


    His eyes were even more dark and Liu Shan could see a dangerous aura emitting from them.


    As if sendingser beams to end him.


    Liu Shan gulped in fear and press the doorbell vigorously.


    ¡¯Boss! Open the door for me! I don¡¯t want to die! I¡¯m too young! This subordinate is scare of your neighbor!!! Boss!!!¡¯


    After who knows how long, he finally heard the the door unlock and bolted inside.


    He didn¡¯t dare to look at the devil with the deadly re.


    Liu Shan thought, if looks could kill, he, a pure and innocent man would have died at the eyes of the almighty Lu Tian!


    "Liu Shan, did you hear me?"


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 37 An Qing

    ¡ª-


    "Liu Shan, did you hear me?"


    "..."


    "Liu Shan!"


    Liu Shan nce at his boss. He decided he¡¯ll never tell his boss about what just happened to him.


    One, it was already embarrassing enough for him. And two, his boss had already offended her neighbor.


    He shook his head, shaking away the remembrance of what happened to him.


    "Ah, sorry boss, what was it?"


    Yue Ling rolled her eyes at him, "I said, you don¡¯t have to give me the reports on Ning Mei yet. Until you find every ounce of information on her, I¡¯ll let her live in her world."


    Liu Shan: "....."


    Hearing her words, he felt like a heavy weight had just been lifted from his shoulders.


    He had spent the entire night gathering information, he found enough, but he knew that it wasn¡¯t enough for his boss.


    So when she said what she said, he was relieved.


    Yue Ling: "That¡¯s all, you can head to De L¡¯amour."


    Liu Shan looked his boss. He hesitated about asking, but gathering all the courage left in him, he asked anyways.


    "Www-what about ¡¯that¡¯pany?"


    With one raised brow, Yue Ling nce at Liu Shan, "An Qing?"


    "Mm hmm." Liu Shan nod his head three times.


    "I¡¯ll give them another month."


    Liu Shan pout his lips and sighed, "Alright, since you¡¯re the boss, it¡¯s your call. Everything is ready and ready when you give order."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Liu Shan cross his arms over his chest. His scared expression from earlier disappeared, reced with an ignorant and evil grin.


    "Heh heh, I¡¯ve been waiting for so long just for this. I can¡¯t wait to see the looks on their faces when you walk in there unannounced."


    "....."


    Yue Ling looked dumbfounded at her assistant. The look on his face reminded her of a sinister old minister who was out to dethrone the emperor.


    Liu Shan suddenly thought of something and his eyes lit up, he grinned at Yue Ling, "Boss, I¡¯ll take my leave then."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling watched Liu Shan leave out the door. She smiled and pressed her lips tightly together, trying not tough.


    Liu Shan at this moment was slowly opening the door. He stretch his head out and looked right and left. After making sure that it was safe to leave, he stepped out and closed the door.


    The sound of his running foot steps echo in the hallway.


    "....."


    Yue Ling shook her head lightly at her assistant¡¯s stupidity.


    Sometimes he was a very mature man, while other times he could be such a child.


    She walked towards her room and decided to get ready for the day.


    While she was getting ready, she thought about Liu Shan¡¯s question.


    ¡¯What about thatpany?¡¯


    She understands why Liu Shan is so tempted to go over to An Qing and show them who¡¯s boss.


    As the founder and creator of De L¡¯amour, she knew the ins and outs of the fashion and business world.


    She had started De L¡¯amour as an university student during her time overseas. It started as a small boutique until it shot high rocket after 2 years of her hard work.


    After she graduated, she moved back to Korea with De L¡¯amour. Once De L¡¯amour had a strong standing, she attached branchpanies all over the world.


    Only thing was, because of her mother¡¯s heritage and her wanting to keep a low profile, she named these branchpanies, ¡¯An Qing¡¯ and not De L¡¯amour.


    ¡¯An¡¯ from her mother¡¯s name, Ji ¡¯An¡¯ Ling and ¡¯Qing¡¯ from her father¡¯s chinese name Han Lin ¡¯Qing¡¯.


    And because An Qing was a chinese name, the branchpanies came to believe that the An Qing in Imperial was the main headquarters and the name De L¡¯amour was just a brand logo.


    What these people didn¡¯t know is, the main headquarters of An Qing is the small De L¡¯amour that Yue Ling kept hidden in the dark with only a few people knowing.


    As time flew by, An Qing in Imperial started acting like it was the main headquarters and owner of the brand De L¡¯amour.


    Of course, what these branches didn¡¯t know was that, Yue Ling has purposely done this confusing act to see who was truly loyal to her and who was not.


    She new how corrupted the business and fashion world was.


    In the end, she learned that only five out of the twenty branchpanies she owns stayed loyal to her, while the rest sided with the An Qing in Imperial.


    Only those who are really close knows that she, the supermodel Han Yue Ling is the owner.


    Yue Ling chuckles to herself at the thought of how careless An Qing has been.


    Did they forget that it was her who called all the shots for An Qing?


    Everything they do must bypass her before they could do anything.


    Stopping her thoughts, Yue Ling stood in front of her full body mirror.


    Her makeup today was light as usual and matched her outfit perfectly.


    She wore a short navy round skirt with a white cor shirt that peaked under her ck crewneck sweater. The cor and cuffs of her white inner top was folded out to color coordinate her dark outfit. With ck stockings covering her slender legs and pair of 3" suede knee length boots.


    Majority of the clothings in her closet belongs to her brand De L¡¯amour.


    Finished getting ready, she grabbed her ck Chanel medium boy bag and a ck wool coat in case the weather decided to get chillier.


    ncing at her outfit in the mirror onest time, she smiled and thought aloud,


    "I should prepare a list for my uing spring cleaning."


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 38 Buy a mop

    ¡ª-


    Outside of Jade Condos, Yue Ling leisurely strode to the parking garage assigned for residents.


    In her packing space was her new car.


    She had wanted a ¡¯low-key¡¯ car so it wouldn¡¯t attract attention, but who was Liu Shan? He was someone who would consider a Ferrari a low-key car.


    She shook her head, she thought, ¡¯Liu Shan ah, what goes on in that brain of yours?¡¯


    The only good thing was, her new car wasn¡¯t eye catching like her others car.


    She enter her new BMW x5m and started it up. Without any inspection of the interior, she drove out of the garage.


    ¡ª-


    Lu Corps;


    All the workers were nervous and trembling. No one utter a sound nor did anyone think to move.


    Everyone had one thought in mind only.


    What was wrong with their boss?


    Were they going to loose their jobs?


    He came in to work bringing a winter blizzard with him.


    On the 125th floor of Lu Corps, Xu Long stood nervously inside his boss¡¯s office.


    Unlike the other days, his boss had called him and said he was going to drive himself to thepany.


    Others may think it was normal, but Xu Long knows exactly what it meant.


    It meant his boss was either really really angry or really really irritated.


    And driving was a way for him to lessen his mind.


    Xu Long¡¯s expression was calm as if seeing his boss this way was natural, but if one was to look closely, he had beads of sweats on his forehead.


    He at this moment was crying inwardly, ¡¯¡¯God, who made my boss angry??!!.¡¯


    Thank god his boss only drove his Audi R8.


    If he had driven his Aston Martin Vulcan or any of his other million dor sports cars, that would be a whole different story.


    It meant someone was going to disappear from this world!


    "Xu Long."


    Xu Long tried to act normal hearing his boss¡¯s low and timeless voice, but he ended up stuttering when his eyes met those cold and ruthless eyes.


    "Y-Yes bb-boss?"


    Lu Tian sat in his chair behind the desk with his eyes never leaving the documents in his hands.


    "I will give you till the end of the day to gather all the information on a man who¡¯s always by Han Yue Ling¡¯s side."


    "...."


    Xu Long stare at his boss with mouth in a ¡¯O¡¯.


    He lift his hand and started counting with his finger.


    One, two, three... ten.... t-twenty.. f-five....


    Xu Long¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground and his soul left his body.


    His boss who is always short with words.... he said twenty five words!!!


    A full andplete sentence!!


    Eh? Wait, his boss wants him to do what?!!


    "Buy a mop."


    "....."


    He stare at his boss¡¯s unreadable expression and ask confusingly, "uhh, boss, why do you need a mop?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes move from the documents and to his assistant.


    He said indifferently, "Clean after yourself."


    Xu Long: "...."


    Lu Tian looked unblinking at his assistant with a straight face.


    Xu Long however wanted to cry butcked any tears to shed.


    ¡¯Boss, how can you joke at a time like this... *sob*¡¯


    Lu Tian shift his eyes back to the documents in his hand, "That¡¯s all."


    Xu Long straightened like a soldier right away and saluted, "Yes Boss!"


    Dragginv his feet out of his boss¡¯s office, he sighed. He had till the end of the day to find information on some man by his boss¡¯s woman¡¯s side.


    Without a name, how was he supposed to know who to look for?


    Hmmm... the world may never know just how pitiful he is...


    ¡ª-


    Outside Lu Tian¡¯s office, all the workers on the 125th floor shift their heads to the pitiful man for an exnation.


    Xu Longposed himself, getting rid of his pitiful look, he cleared his throat, "What are you all looking at? Get to work."


    Hearing Xu Long¡¯s words, like a bunch of ants, everyone scatter back to their work.


    It was confirmation that their boss¡¯s temper had calmed down a little since no one was getting fired.


    "Assistant Xu, how is Boss?" A soft and silvery voice sounded.


    Xu Long looked to the owner of the voice and he pursed his lips.


    A beautifuldy stood about five feet away from him. She was exceptionally pretty to the eyes of most men, but towards Xu Long, he saw her as nothing but a hoax.


    "Miss Qian, there is nothing on this floor for you. So, I suggest you go back to your floor. It¡¯s still work hours."


    Not waiting for a response or giving her another look, Xu Long strode away to his office without any care.


    As Lu Tian¡¯s assistant of a long time, he¡¯s seen all kinds of women try to get into his boss¡¯s bed. Even if they had outstanding looks, none have seeded.


    And neither will this woman.


    He has never liked Qian Li Li. There was nothing good about her except being a scheming vixen.


    "...."


    Watching Xu Long¡¯s figure disappears into his office, Qian Li Li¡¯s temper was calm but at her side were her tightly clenched fists.


    The employees on the 125th floor started whispering,


    "Why is Beauty Qian on this floor? Isn¡¯t her office on the 50th floor?"


    "Assistant Xu is correct, there is nothing in her department on this floor and it¡¯s still working hours."


    "Is the beauty possibly here for CEO Lu?"


    Ignoring all the curious stares and whispers, Qian Li Li sh a sweet smile to everyone and turned around to leave.


    "....."


    Going back down to the 50th floor, Qian Li Li didn¡¯t head to her office, instead she walked to thedies restroom.


    Once she made sure no one was inside, she toss away her demure image and kicked the trash bin hard with her ck 5 inch heels.


    "How dare that lowly assistant treat me like this?! Who does he think he is to talk to me like I¡¯m inferior!!"


    She was the beauty at Lu Corps!


    If it wasn¡¯t for her needing to keep her kind and pretty image, she would havesh out at Xu Long for speaking to her like she was nothing.


    After countless breaths, she gradually calmed down.


    She ced her palms on thevatory sink and looked at her reflection.


    Today, she had worn a pink v-neck dress that wrapped nicely around her curves. Her make up was always on point and it hid her ws well.


    So what if she had her nose down and had lip injections, she is one of the most beautiful women in Imperial. She even made her breasts bigger to a size D in American measurement.


    Her change in looks was solely for her purpose in working at Lu Corps.


    Get the attention of Lu Tian and marry him.


    Only she was good enough for Lu Tian and if she can¡¯t make the man marry her, she¡¯ll go with her second n.


    Her father.


    As a shareholder of 10 percent in Lu Corps and one of the board of directors, she is sure her father can pull some strings.


    It was only a matter of time until Lu Tian falls for her trap.


    Curling her lips upward, Qian Li Li tug her dress a bit to reveal more of her cleavage.


    Nodding her head in satisfaction, she turned to leave.


    Just as she was about to take a step forward, two girl employees enter thedies restroom and halted in their steps when they saw her.


    "Ah, Miss Qian."


    "Mm."


    Qian Li Li sh a sweet smile and walked out of the restroom, but just as she passed the two workers, she scoffed quietly in disgust.


    ¡¯I am the beauty of Lu Corps, all these sluts are far below me. There¡¯s only one person in all of Imperial who is superior to me. But of course, who is Han Yue Ling to just casually walk in here.¡¯


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 39 He was pissed

    ¡ª-


    Back in Lu Tian¡¯s office, he sat coldly in his ck swivel chair without giving a care to his workers.


    He set the documents in his hands down and turn hisputer on.


    He wanted to distract his mind, but no matter what he did, his mind would return to the incident from earlier at Jade Condos.


    Every time he thought about the woman, an unknown feeling kept rising in his heart. A feeling he¡¯s never felt before.


    This feeling was something that annoyed him but at the same time he didn¡¯t mind it too.


    Lu Tian leaned back in his chair and pinch the space between his brows.


    The incident from early in the morning reyed in his mind.


    This morning, when he opened the door to leave his penthouse for work, a man walked out of the elevator.


    Lu Tian: "...."


    Man: "...."


    He didn¡¯t pay much attention to the man. He assumed the man lives in one of the two penthouses across from his or Yue Ling¡¯s.


    Stepping out of the door, he closed it and locked it, but from the corner of his eyes he noticed the man had stopped in front of Yue Ling¡¯s door.


    With his supreme mastered poker face, he turned his head slightly and looked at the man.


    Seeing that the man really did stop in front of Yue Ling¡¯s door, anger rose in him.


    Or more like, he had suddenly consumed an entire jar of vinegar.


    He didn¡¯t have Xu Long do a thorough investigation on Yue Ling because he for some unknown reason wanted to respect her private matters.


    Deep in his heart without him realizing, he knew the woman was special to him.


    But seeing some unknown maning to his woman¡¯s ce was out of line.


    His eyes darkened and he re murderously at the man.


    And to make things worse, he heard Yue Ling¡¯s door unlock and the man walked right inside!


    At that moment, his heart was like ticking bomb that just set off!


    He was pissed. Extremely pissed off!


    Lu Tian leaned his head back on his chair and closed his eyes.


    *knock knock*


    The sudden knock on his office door interrupted his train of thoughts.


    "Come in." he spoke indifferently.


    The door opened and a woman in a pink dress enters. In her hands were a stack of papers and folders.


    She stopped about three feet from Lu Tian¡¯s desk.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t look at the woman, but his brows creased intensely.


    He had a good sense of smell and the strong perfumeing from the woman was too unbearable.


    Qian Li Li looked nervously at Lu Tian. She heard the rumors about Lu Tian not liking others near him, especially woman, so she wasn¡¯t going to test her luck.


    Just not yet.


    She smiled and spoke in the softest tone she could voice, "CEO Lu, I have some things here regarding the contract with TB Corps."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t speak a word, but his expression remained indifferent.


    Qian Li Li took Lu Tian¡¯s silence as cue to continue, "You see, I¡¯m having a bit of difficulty because TB Corps¡¯ Chairman Ning sent in a new contract. I¡¯ve checked it and he has revised the old contract, adding in more offers for Lu Corps."


    She paused and nce at the man sitting down. With her cheeks blushing shyly, she continued, "Stated in the new contract, Chairman Ning will be a shareholder to Lu Corps and would increase your shares at TB Corps by five percent."


    Finish with her words, Qian Li Li takes a few steps forward and ce the documents and folders down on the man¡¯s desk.


    As she moves her hands away, she brush her fingers on Lu Tian¡¯s smooth and cold desk.


    Taking a step back, she blushed again, "These are the new printouts of the new contract sent by Chairman Ning."


    She bit her lower lip with a small lick, "I couldn¡¯t possibly make a decision, so I came to find you."


    ncing at the man again, she blush innocently like a love struck girl and stare at the floor.


    "...."


    Lu Tian frown with his lips slightly pursed.


    He had remained indifferent paying no mind to the woman because she was his employee, but that was until the woman touched his desk.


    He was someone who had a strong dislike... no a strong hate when others touch his things, especially woman.


    Only his mother and Han Yue Ling were exceptional.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 40 Sanitize

    ¡ª¡ª


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes softened at the sudden thought of Han Yue Ling.


    Then... remembering that a foul odor was still in his office, his eyes turned ten shades darker and the temperature of his office turned to a freezing winter night.


    Just who the hell is this woman?!


    Qian Li Li who was nervous became more nervous when she didn¡¯t hear a response from the handsome god like man sitting behind his desk.


    Did she make a mistake in taking this risk?


    No! Every man who sees her always fall for her charms!


    She was too lost in her ns that she did not notice the murderous look emitting from the man.


    With a quick step forward, she spoke in a brittle voice, "Ah, CEO Lu, i-it¡¯s like this, I wanted to¡ª"


    She reach her hands out and put both her palms on Lu Tian¡¯s desk.


    But before her palms could even touch his desk, Lu Tian¡¯s cold voice abruptly stops her in ce.


    "Find Assistant Xu."


    "...."


    Qian Li Li was bbergasted. If she hadn¡¯t steadied herself, she would have fallen onto the floor. Face first.


    She calmed her mind and yed with her fingers, looking like a shy school girl speaking to her crush.


    "I came to you, because this matter is something I thought only you can do.."


    She didn¡¯t forget to throw her world famous innocent nce at Lu Tian. No man can resist her seductive charms.


    However.....


    "Do I need to repeat myself?"


    "...."


    At his words, Qian Li Li wanted to cry. No man has ever treated her this way.


    She could only reply reluctantly, "No, CEO Lu."


    Qian Li Li stretch her arms out to pick up the documents and folders she had put down.


    "Leave the contract."


    "Mm." She grinned ear to ear happily when she heard Lu Tian. She nod her head, "I¡¯ll take my leave then."


    ncing at the handsome cold and aloof man one more time, Qian Li Li strode out of the office cheerily.


    Lu Tian re daggers at the stack of papers and folders.


    He frown deeply and called Xu Long toe to his office.


    In less than fifty seconds, Xu Long sprinted into Lu Tian¡¯s office, "What¡¯s your order Boss?! Who¡¯s going to die this¡ªeh?"


    Xu Long stare at his boss¡¯s figure.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t look away from hisputer screen but his finger pointing to the things on his desk.


    "Revise them then give me a new copy."


    Xu Long follow his boss¡¯s finger and his almost left their sockets! He gulped and thought,


    ¡¯W-wwho in the world brought these to boss?! Everyone here knows that everything must be handed to me, then I pass it to the boss!! Did someone not want their job anymore?!!¡¯


    Lu Tian paid no attention to his assistant, he stood from his chair once he finished with what he was doing on theputer.


    He put on his ck suit jacket then his ck wool coat and walk out of his office.


    "Before I return, rece my desk and have my entire office sanitized."


    His tone of voice sounded like his usual cold and indifference self, but Xu Long could hear a trace of intense disgust.


    Now he got an idea of what happened. It was that scheming vixen!!


    "Right away boss!!" Xu Long saluted facing his already departing boss¡¯s figure.


    ¡¯Eh, wait! Where is boss going?!¡¯


    Chasing after his boss, Xu Long left Lu Tian¡¯s orders to the secretary.


    Secretary Ye shook her head in pity.


    She could already guessed that her boss¡¯s sudden order is due to Qian Li Li. It wasmon knowledge in Lu Corps that their boss hated when others enter his office. The only one exceptional was Xu Long. Even she, who was his secretary dare not to enter the devil¡¯sir.


    Everyone in Lu Corps fear the ruthless man, so everyone just toss whatever assignments they finish and questions they have to Assistant Xu.


    Secretary Ye sighed, and thought, ¡¯Qian Li Li may be a beauty to other men, but just who was boss? He is far from Qian Li Li¡¯s league.¡¯


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 41 I want this dress

    ¡ª-


    Timeless Mall; 10:56am


    Due to a week day, the mall was not as packed and hectic as the weekend.


    Walking around with the heels from her boots cking on the floor, Yue Ling leisurely took her sweet time shopping.


    She held the handles of three shopping bags in each hand. Each bag was stamped with designer brands.


    Yue Ling stopped in front of the mall directory and look for a store.


    It was her first time here, so it was only natural that she needed directions.


    Besides, she wasn¡¯t here to shop only for herself.


    She wanted to buy gifts.


    "Ah hah!" She pointed to a store on the directory, ¡¯Essence¡¯.


    She smiled and looked away from the mall directory and walk in the direction of thest store on her mind.


    Yue Ling however, did not notice, or rather, she didn¡¯t pay attention to all the head turns she caused from both men and women.


    Even workers couldn¡¯t help but step out of their stores to get a second nce.


    Her beauty was natural and captivating. And the peaceful aura emitting from her makes one think of the Greek goddess, Eirene.


    Two girls chatted and giggle after Yue Ling walks pass them.


    Girl 1: "Did you see how pretty and tall that woman was?"


    Girl 2: "Yea! She sooo beautiful! Even her outfit! It was so~ chic! She looks just like goddess Han Yue Ling! Wait, is she..?"


    Girl 1: "They do look alike... no, no way. I doubt our goddess would ever appear in a mall alone."


    Girl 2: "But their eyes... I feel like it¡¯s the same colors."


    Of course, the two girls didn¡¯t think that the woman they just saw was actually the same goddess they admire.


    The two girls continued to chat while Yue Ling was oblivious as ever.


    She was never one to care for attention.


    This was a reason why she kept a low profile even though she was world known model. She wanted the ability to walk out in public without attracting attention.


    Her face may be in magazines, advertisements and on billboards, but nowadays, people can go under surgery or cover themselves with makeup to look like someone.


    She leisurely continue to walk on.


    ¡ª


    Coming to a stop, she stood in front of the store ¡¯Essence¡¯.


    Without any hesitation, she enters the gold double doors.


    The sound of her shopping bags shuffling pass the doors made quite a noise that caught the attention of the workers and customers inside.


    "....."


    Yue Ling wanted to cry, because she understood the stares.


    It was really quiet inside and what just happened as she walked in was even louder than the music ying.


    A girl worker walks up to Yue Ling with a polite smile.


    "Good morning miss, can I help you find anything?"


    Yue Ling looked at the way all the girl workers dressed.


    Their white button down blouse was tucked neatly in their navy blue knee length pencil skirts. Even their hair was styled the same into a high bun.


    The red scarf around their neck reminded her of flight attendants.


    She smile to the worker, "Thank you, but I just want to take a look around."


    The girl smiles back politely, "Okay. Feel free to let me or any of the other workers know if you need help with anything."


    She turned around back to work while Yue Ling stroll through the store looking at the items on each fixtures and shelves.


    ¡¯Essence¡¯ is a store that sells both men and woman clothing and shoes. The only difference in this store and other stores was the expensive price tags.


    The lowest price was a set of silver earrings costing at 7,000 yuan.


    Others may think the price was too high in the store, but as a fashion designer, she knew that all the materials for each items were the best of the best.


    Suddenly, from the corner of her eyes, she sees a mannequin wearing avender mermaid dress ofce design.


    She raised one hand to couch the dress, to feel the material used to design such nicely made dress.


    But, before her hand could touch the dress, a girl¡¯s voice squealed at the side of her.


    "I want this dress!!"


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 42 Narrow day

    ¡ª-


    "I want this dress!!"


    Hearing the voice, one end of Yue Ling¡¯s lip curl upward into a smirk.


    ¡¯Ah, they always say enemies tend to meet on narrow roads. I suppose today must be a narrow day.¡¯


    Yue Ling turned her head to the side and looked down at the girl.


    At the same time, the girl also looks at Yue Ling, but because she was only 167cm, she had to slightly tilt her head back to look up.


    The girls eyes lit up when she sees Yue Ling¡¯s face.


    "Senior Han!"


    Yue Ling nod her head, "Junior Ning."


    "Miss Ning, how can I help you?" The same worker who greeted Yue Ling at the door walks up to the two woman.


    Today was her luckiest day to be able to assist Ning Mei. She¡¯s seen Ning Mei in almost all the magazines in Imperial.


    Being greeted first, Ning Mei sneer inside. Finally, someone sees her instead of Han Yue Ling.


    She wanted to p Yue Ling¡¯s face and tell her that she, Ning Mei was more important than Yue Ling. But of course she couldn¡¯t, just not yet, she still needed to maintain her image.


    So, in the softest voice she could make, she lower her head, "I wanted this dress.." her index finger pointing to thevender mermaid dress on the mannequin, "b-but....." her eyes moistened and she nce at Yue Ling.


    The worker looked at Ning Mei then to Yue Ling. Her eyes sizing up Yue Ling then Ning Mei.


    Yue Ling was tall and very very beautiful, even her outfit was nicely styled, but the worker didn¡¯t know what brand they were. Whereas Ning Mei always wore top designer brands she was familiar with.


    Today, Ning Mei wore a red id princess button dress and ck stockings with white ankle booties. Over her outfit was a navy blue trench coat.


    Every piece of clothing Ning Mei has on is from Essence¡¯s fashion line.


    Plus, Ning Mei was a loyal customer at Essence, while this was the worker¡¯s first time seeing Yue Ling.


    Guessing that Ning Mei was more wealthier and well known, the worker decided to help Ning Mei instead.


    She re at Yue Ling like a royalty finding a servant in disgust, then she made a 180 degree turn of expression to Ning Mei and smile.


    "Miss Ning, since you saw the dress first, it is likely yours."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Ning Mei jumped in joy inside. Finally, she beats the slut at something, but she hid her feelings. Continuing with her innocent facade, she nce hesitantly at Yue Ling.


    "Senior Han, I... you also want the dress.. right?"


    Yue Ling looked at her junior indifferently, she thought, ¡¯Ning Mei ah, do you really think I can¡¯t see your stupid facade? You¡¯ve already crossed my bottom line when you drugged my drink. Did you stop to think about what I went through?¡¯


    She wanted to punch Ning Nei¡¯s annoying face, but she stopped herself. For now, she¡¯ll y along with Ning Mei¡¯s little game.


    But of course, was she going to be nice? Nope!


    Yue Ling shrug her shoulders, "If Junior Ning wants the dress then she can have it. I don¡¯t NEED it."


    She purposely emphasize the word ¡¯need¡¯.


    Ning Mei clench her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms.


    She wasn¡¯t close to Yue Ling, they¡¯ve actually only met a few times when Yue Ling came to China for photoshoots or runways in the past.


    They had spoken to each other, but it was more of simple greetings between a senior and a junior at work.


    Just from listening to Yue Ling¡¯s words, she could hear the mocking tone in it.


    Ning Mei bit her lower lip, "Senior Han, if you also want the dress, I can step down and let you have it. I won¡¯t fight for it with you. I mean it. I really do."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Ning Mei looked like a kind and innocent junior who has respect for her senior.


    However, in the worker¡¯s eyes, she saw otherwise. In her understanding, Ning Mei looked like the younger sister who always had to hold out on everything she wants so her older sister can have it first.


    She took a step forward, "Miss Ning, as a loyal customer of Essence, the dress is likely yours. You don¡¯t need to ask for permission from another customer."


    Ning Mei pursed her lips, "But... I don¡¯t want to look like I¡¯m fighting with Senior Han over the dress.. others will think...." she didn¡¯t finish her sentence and just nce up at Yue Ling.


    The worker sneered at Yue Ling, "Ma¡¯am, please be understanding. Miss Ning saw the dress first. So, I suggest¡ª"


    Yue Ling has on her famous maintained poker face. She even thought about cing a call to Liu Shan to bring some popcorn over so the both of them can sit down and watch Ning Mei¡¯s good acting.


    If Ning Mei was an actress instead of a model, Yue Ling wouldn¡¯t be surprise if the little girl won an award.


    In the end, she didn¡¯t want to continue watching Ning Mei¡¯s stupid facade, so she interrupted the worker.


    "Like I said, I don¡¯t need the dress. If she wants it, she can have it. Besides, I don¡¯t even see anyone fighting with her for it. So, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I don¡¯t want to waste my time."


    Ning Mei: "...."


    Worker: "...."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t wait for their response or look at the two woman, she just brush pass them and continue with her shopping.


    Her personality was, be nice to her and she will be nice to you. But if someone decides to test her bottom line, don¡¯t me her for being ruthless.


    After all, the world is a cruel ce.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 43 Sister Ji

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Ning Mei was dumbfounded. She did not expect that Yue Ling, who was her Senior would not give her any face at all!


    She turned in the direction Yue Ling went and she sent daggers with her eyes.


    ¡¯Just you wait! I¡¯m going to make you kneel and beg for forgiveness!!¡¯


    "Miss Ning? Do you still want the dress?"


    Ning Mei pursed her lips at the workers question.


    The dress was very pretty, but she didn¡¯t want it. The only reason she made a fuss over it was because she had long seen Yue Ling walk into Essence.


    When she saw Yue Ling reach out for thevender mermaid dress, she purposely spoke out.


    She hates Han Yue Ling to the core for always overshadowing her. So, she wanted to take everything from Yue Ling.


    Seeing no response, the worker asked again, "Miss Ning, do¡ª"


    "Shut up. I don¡¯t want the dress."


    "...."


    The worker was rendered speechless. Just a few seconds ago, Ning Mei was nothing but a kind and virtuous girl, but....


    How can a person just do a 180 degree change?


    Ning Mei re at the worker. She didn¡¯t care if she had revealed her true self, it was only a lowly no body.


    She scoffed and turn around to leave.


    "Mei Mei, what¡¯s going on?"


    Hearing the voice the moment she turned around, Ning Mei quickly changed back to a innocent girl.


    She smile sweetly and called out, "Sister Ji!"


    Worker: "...."


    The worker felt extremely regretful. Yue Ling was nice and held a kind aura, but she failed to recognize mount Tai and made a huge mistake.


    She sighed and thought, ¡¯should never judge a book by its cover.¡¯


    "Ning Mei, why did you suddenly run off? I was still trying on dresses and needed your opinion."


    Ning Mei wrap her arm around the woman¡¯s arm and sugar coat her words, "Sister Ji, anything you wear will look nice. I¡¯m sure which ever dress you wear will always make you stand out!"


    Her words were polite and kind, but she sneered inside,


    ¡¯Hmmf, Ji Chu Hua, you¡¯re nothingpare to me!¡¯


    Ji Chu Hua was a beautiful woman standing at 172cm. She had natural light brown hair that curl at the ends and it was cut a little below her shoulders.


    She was wearing a white v-neck blouse and a soft pink pencil skirt with tan heels and a pink Fendi purse. Over her outfit was the same navy blue trench coat Ning Mei has on.


    Ji Chu Hua chuckle when she heard Ning Mei¡¯s words, "I¡¯m d to have invited you out to apany me today."


    Thinking of something, Ning Mei¡¯s eyes lit up.


    She lower her head and tighten her hold on Ji Chu Hua¡¯s arm, "Sister Ji, I have a favor to ask.."


    "What is it, Mei Mei?"


    Ning Mei looked like a child nervously asking her parents for a new toy.


    She bit her bottom lip, "I... forget it. It¡¯s nothing."


    Ji Chu Hua looked at her mei mei. She smiled and pointed to a mannequin, "Mei Mei, how about I gift this dress to you?"


    Ning Mei looks up at Ji Chu Hua and follow her pointed finger.


    It was thevender mermaid dress!


    Her eyes lit up, "Sister Ji, it¡¯s pretty but too expensive.."


    "I saw you looking at it when I came out of the dressing room. Just think of it as a thank you gift for apanying me."


    Ning Mei sneered inwardly. She came from a rich family but she was no where near Ji Chu Hua¡¯s status in Imperial.


    She purposely made Ji Chu Hua Buy the dress for her because she didn¡¯t feel like spending money.


    Ji Chu Hua who was oblivious to Ning Mei¡¯s thoughts smiles and gesture the worker to bring the dress to the front counter.


    "...."


    Seeing the worker hasn¡¯t moved, Ji Chu Hua frown, "I¡¯m talking you. Why are you still standing there?"


    The worker was so dumbstruck at what just happened, it took a while for her to process Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words.


    She quickly bow and apologize.


    "Ah, right away Miss Ji."


    At the counter, Ji Chu Hua swiped her gold card for their dresses and both women walked out of Essence.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 44 1,200,000 yuan

    ¡ª-


    Meanwhile, Yue Ling was leisurely taking her sweet time in the store.


    She didn¡¯t look at women¡¯s apparel for long, her purpose ining to Essence was for the men¡¯s department.


    She wanted to buy new clothes for her yeye and brother.


    Coming to a decision, Yue Ling picked out 3 loungewear sets for her yeye and 3 shirts for her brother plus two coats and two pairs shoes.


    At the counter, her total rung up to 1,200,000 yuan.


    The girl worker at the register was struck with speechless. Her wide eyes stare unblinking at theputer then to Yue Ling.


    Seeing that the worker kept looking back and forth, Yue Ling arch a brow and asked politely, "Is something the matter?"


    The worker gulped and smile with her hands waving no, "No, no miss. Nothings wrong." She gulped again and continue, "Your totales up to 1,200,000 yuan. Will you be paying with note or card?"


    "Card."


    Yue Ling had nned to use the banknotes that Liu Shan took out for her from her bank, but she gave it away to Feng An as a gratitude gift. Now she only has a total of 1,000 yuan with her, so she can only use her card.


    She took out her wallet and hand one of her three bank cards to the girl.


    The workers eyes fell from their sockets.


    "..."


    The girl reach out to the bank card in Yue Ling¡¯s hand. She didn¡¯t even realize that her hands were trembling.


    She held the card as if she was holding an ancient treasure.


    The worker who decided to help Ning Mei was also at the counter and her jaw dropped to the ground when she nce over and saw the price total then the bank card.


    It was a ck card!!


    She stare at the ck card in her coworkers hand then to Yue Ling.


    From her understanding, every time Ji Chu Hua and Ning Mei shop here at Essence, they only had gold cards.


    Gold bank cards are the cards banks provide for rich people with money, which was already hard to get.


    But the ck bank cards were different.


    In all of China, only billionaires and prestige customers of Celestial Bank have these cards.


    Everyone knows that Celestial Bank is a top rated bank and only a few amount of ck cards have been issued out. Just that, no one knows who they went to because of confidential purposes.


    The girl helping Yue Ling swipe the ck card with extra care. After the transaction approved, she handed the card back to its rightful owner.


    "Here you go, Miss."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t give much care to why the two girl workers acted the way they did.


    She put her card back into her wallet.


    To her, the ck bank card was just a bank card.


    Of course, she didn¡¯t know about it purpose for owning a ck card. After all, who could me her. It was Liu Shan who got the cards for her.


    Thinking of something, Yue Ling looks at the girl, "Um, is it alright if someone helped me bring the bags to my car?"


    "Y-Yes, of course."


    Within five minutes, two muscr men appears from behind the stores back door.


    Yue Ling looked at the two men, she could guess that they were part of Essence¡¯s security group.


    Each men carried the bags from Essence and even her other shopping bags.


    Yue Ling ended up with herself carrying only her legs and handbag.


    During the trip out of the mall to her car in the parking lot. Yue Ling wanted to find a hole and cry.


    Due to the two muscr men walking behind her, it seemed as if she was some rich girl shopping with her body guards.


    She could see the questioning stares from the people she bypasses.


    Pinching the space between her brows as she walks, she decided to pick up her speed so she can get out of this situation.


    This was a reason why she wanted a normal life with no bodyguards following her everywhere she goes.


    It was too much attention grabbing.


    Once everything was in the trunk of her BMW x5m, she nce at the time clock in her car and began to estimate a time trip.


    It is 2:37pm. So, her next trip would take about forty minutes to an hour to get to her yeye¡¯s, and by that time, her brother should be home from school.


    She turned the volume in her car up, and drove out of the mall¡¯s parking lot.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 45 Evil spirits

    ¡ª-


    Lu Corps; 2:37pm


    "Boss, what do you n to do with Miss Han¡¯s things?"


    Xu Long asked curiously, his eyes staring curiously at Yue Ling¡¯s things that have been in the same spot since they brought it back from the airport.


    "Nothing."


    "....."


    Xu Long squint his eyes at his boss who is typing on the keyboard. He suddenly couldn¡¯t understand his boss anymore. This is the first time his aloof boss questions about a woman¡¯s personal life and he even has her things as hostages!


    Is his boss nning to ever return the items? This is a crime right?


    "Have you started what I asked you?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s sudden deep voice interrupted Xu Long¡¯s thoughts.


    He set the suddenly appearing folder in his hands down on his boss¡¯s desk, "Yes Boss! I¡¯ve got all the information you asked for! Every detail, not one thing missing!"


    Lu Tian who hadn¡¯t stop typing suddenly stopped.


    His eyes shift to the folder his assistant set down and his eyes narrowed, emitting beams of energy from his eyes like Cyclops from x-men.


    He stretch his arm forward and grab the folded.


    His movement was like all the other times he reach for work rted folders and documents Xu Long puts on his desk.


    Lu Tian open the folder and started flipping through the pages, his eyes scanning every page.


    Xu Long stood nervously watching his boss. Beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He had gathered everything he could before the time his boss had given him.


    But, he didn¡¯t know if the information was good or bad.


    It took Lu Tian exactly one minute to look through the information.


    His lips curl into a faint smile as he closed the folder and set it down.


    Quickly as his smile appear, it also disappears.


    Xu Long¡¯s jaw dropped and he stare at his boss speechlessly. His boss barely ever smiles and here he is, smiling!! Is the world reallying to an end?!!


    He rub both his eyes and gaze at his boss.


    It was quick and small but he was absolutely sure he saw his boss smile! Oh good Buddha, please spare this one. This one isn¡¯t even married yet!


    "You can leave."


    Lu Tian¡¯s cold voice once again interrupted Xu Long¡¯s train of misery.


    He gulped, "Yes, Boss!"


    After saluting to general, he quickly turned to leave.


    Who knows what his boss will do next! One moment he¡¯s calm and in the next he can turn into Yama!


    Coming out of the office, Xu Long thought about their little trip earlier. Actually, they didn¡¯t go anywhere but drove around in his boss Audi r8.


    But the most terrifying part was, he wasn¡¯t the one driving. It was his boss!!


    Only god knows what was going on his head when he held onto the door for his dear life.


    Xu Long shook his head and body to get rid of the small trembling still inside of him.


    Just as he pass Secretary Ye¡¯s desk, his thoughts were disrupted by a strong perfume smell and a voice he loathed.


    "Assistant Xu!"


    Xu Long narrow his eyes with a glint of disgust on his face. He spoke coldly,


    "What is it Miss Qian?"


    Qian Li Li blushed embarrassingly, "Is... is CEO Lu in his office? I want to discuss with him about TB Corps¡¯ contract.."


    Xu Long sneered at the scheming vixen¡¯s words. He didn¡¯t care if she was hurt by his unruly manners, he didn¡¯t care about her at all!


    "Miss Qian, in regards to TB Corps¡¯s contract, CEO Lu has already given it to me to revise. If you have any questions, you can just send an email to me."


    His words may seem harsh to the ears, but he could careless. He had long seen through Qian Li Li¡¯s ugly schemes.


    He will never allow the filthy woman to seduce his pure and holy boss! Never!!


    "...."


    Qian Li Li stood dumbfounded at Xu Long¡¯s words. She parted her lips to speak but in the end she couldn¡¯t say anything.


    She had hope to use the contract as an excuse to get closer to Lu Tian, but....


    "Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, the boss is in a meeting. I was told toe back to retrieve some important files."


    He turned to secretary Ye¡¯s desk and quickly grabbed some papers, pretending they were ¡¯important files¡¯.


    Secretary Ye: "...."


    Not waiting for Qian Li Li, Xu Long bolted pass her as if she was some evil spirit.


    He cried loudly in his heart,


    ¡¯Boss!!! Please don¡¯te out of your office!! The vixen is here and she¡¯s brought her evil spirits with her!!!¡¯


    As he speed walks toward the elevator, he sends his boss a message.


    Because he had moved so fast and didn¡¯t look at Qian Li Li again, he didn¡¯t see the disoriented look on the vixen¡¯s face.


    Qian Li Li clench her fists and re at Xu Long¡¯s retreating figure.


    She sneered inwardly, ¡¯Just you wait! Once I marry Lu Tian, you¡¯re the first person I¡¯m firing!!!¡¯


    Secretary Ye held in herugh, she could never get enough of Xu Long¡¯s ways in handling things.


    The man even lied about their boss being in a meeting! And those ¡¯important files¡¯ he grabbed were just nk white papers!!


    She nce at Qian Li Li who was still standing there. She cleared her throat awkwardly, "Miss Qian, is there anything I can help you with?"


    "No need."


    Qian Li Li walked away angrily with the loud cking of her heels.


    Watching the evil vixen leave. Secretary Ye sneered, ¡¯Hmmf, serves you right!¡¯


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 46 Innocent ears

    ¡ª-


    The elevator opens and at the same time Qian Li Li and a male coworker enters.


    "G-Good afternoon Miss Qian." the man said nervously.


    Qian Li Li nod her head and smiled, "Good afternoon to you too."


    Inside the elevator ride, she sized the man from head to toe. He wasn¡¯t extremely handsome but still eptable to the eyes. He did leaned more on the skinner side and he was probably three inches taller than her. She stood at 167cm and was more attracted to taller men, but this man was very fashionable in style.


    If she had seen correctly, this man works on the 125th floor. Anyone who works on the same floor as Lu Tian is highly valued in Lu Corps and receives a good cheque.


    Suddenly, her eyes lit up at the thought of something.


    She adjusted her posture in standing and slightly twist her ankle, "Ahh¡ª!"


    The man reacted quickly and caught Qian Li Li in time, "Miss Qian are you alright?"


    "I¡¯m sorry." Qian Li Li blushed as she ce both her palms on the man¡¯s chest.


    "...." the man¡¯s face turned cherry red. He just realize that Lu Corps¡¯ beauty is in his arms! Even her huge breasts were pressed against his body! Just how lucky was he today?!


    "It¡¯s alright, be careful next time." He said shyly.


    Qian Li Li nod her head bashfully and pulls away from the man, "Ah-!" She lets out a cry.


    "Miss Qian did you sprain your ankle?"


    She nod her head, "I think so.... it hurts."


    The man¡¯s expression turned worried, "I¡¯ll send you to the hospital. Your ankle should be checked right away."


    Qian Li Li shook her head, "It¡¯s only a small sprain." She looks up at the man, "You can just help me to my office. After a little rest, it should be fine."


    "Mm." The man nod his head and put one arm around Qian Li Li¡¯s waist. He looked like a knight in shining armor protecting his princess.


    Qian Li Li, sneered at the man when he wasn¡¯t looking at her.


    ¡¯Hmmf. Just another fool in my trap.¡¯


    Once they reached the 50th floor, the man supported Qian Li Li to her office.


    Luckily, everyone on this floor was on a short break, so the floor was empty. If not for that, she would of ever lure the man.


    "You should rest for the remaining time. Try not to walk around much."


    The man nned to leave since he¡¯s already helped the beauty to her office, but before he could fully pull away from, Qian Li Li wrap her arms around the man.


    And her lips cover his.


    The man was so shocked, he could feel his heart beating at full speed.


    He tried to pull away, "Miss Qian, we are at work."


    "Shh... its alright, no one will know.."


    Qian Li Li deepened their kiss with her tongue and the man soon follows.


    Pieces of their clothing fell onto the floor with their heavy breathing and moans filling the her office.


    ¡ª-


    Outside of the office, Qian Li Li and the man did not notice that there was another man currently sitting in a cubicle.


    His face was paled like a piece of white paper. He looked like he had just seen a ghost.


    Xu Long wanted puke blood when he heard the disgusting moans from the closed door.


    He sneered, ¡¯And to think she wants to seduce Boss! Keep on dreaming! Better yet, don¡¯t dream at all!!!¡¯


    He had hid in the 50th floor because he came to find his friend since he lied that his boss was in a meeting, but who would thought that his friend left for a short break!


    When he saw Qian Li Li and the man exit the elevator he quickly ducked down to hide from the evil spirit.


    How could forget that the vixen works on the 50th floor?!!


    Not caring much of what was going on, he hid till he heard the door closed.


    And when he stood to leave, that¡¯s when he heard the moans. He froze and his face held all kinds of disgust.


    Oh god! My poor innocent ears!!!!


    Xu Long ran to the elevator like his life was at death¡¯s door!


    He swore, when he finds his friend he¡¯s gonna murder the man for making him experience such a traumatizing scene!!!!


    He was still a 29 year old virgin!!!


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 47 Three years

    ¡ª-


    Oblivious to what was going on outside his office, Lu Tian stood facing the floor to ceiling window, gazing out to the vast sky.


    His assistant had sent him a message saying a vixen was outside his door and she brought along her evil spirits. So he shouldn¡¯t leave his office.


    So naturally, he would go along with his assistant.


    He had just gotten his desk changed and office sanitized so how can he let some woman enter his office again.


    Who knows what she ns to do.


    Lu Tian nce at the folder Xu Long brought and he chuckled to himself.


    All morning, he had been eating a jar of vinegar because of some unknown man that turned up at his woman¡¯s door.


    After reading the report, it turns out he had ate vinegar over nothing.


    The unknown man was none other than his woman¡¯s assistant. From the report, it was stated that they met eleven years ago when she was studying overseas and the man became her assistant one year after their meeting.


    With a deep sigh, he felt as if something heavy in his heart was finally lifted.


    cing his hands behind his back, he stare back out the window with the smiling image of Yue Ling in his mind.


    He smiled at the thought of her and whisper in a seductively voice,


    "Han Yue Ling.... you will be mine."


    ¡ª-


    "Aaaa-choooo!!"


    Inside her white BMW x5m, Yue Ling suddenly sneezed.


    "Eh? Who¡¯s talking about me?!"


    She ponder at the thought until her eyes lit up at the sudden view in front of her.


    Her lips curl upwards and her entire soul softened.


    Unlike the rest of Imperial, on both sides of the road was nothing but vastly open grass fields. One would think they were in the country side, but it wasn¡¯t.


    She slow down her speed and enjoy the peaceful view.


    Memories from her childhood floated in her head like clouds in the clear blue sky.


    Just when she wanted to keep enjoying the the view, she had to stop her car.


    She stare at the tall ck metal gate.


    A bulky man dressed in a military uniform steps out of the guard booth, with a QBZ-95 in his hands. He was a good looking man in his early thirties, but the crease between his brows gave him an intimidating look.


    "Sorry, but this is private property. Please¡ª" he spoke in deep hoarse voice, but before he could finish, his eyes shot open and he squeal like a little girl, "Young Miss!!!"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She cleared her throat and nod her head.


    "Mm. It¡¯s been a long while."


    Yue Ling smiles at the guard, she wanted tough at his sudden change of voice, but decided to let him keep his dignity.


    "Haha, this subordinate apologies. I almost couldn¡¯t recognize you."


    The guard chuckle and scratch the back of his head.


    "The general and young master have been waiting for your arrival."


    He returned to the guard booth and and opened the automatic metal gates.


    She looked to the guard and gesture him to keep quiet.


    "Don¡¯t notify them that I¡¯m here."


    "..."


    The guard stood rooted to the ground watching Yue Ling¡¯s white car slowly disappear.


    Closing the metal gate and the guard chuckled to himself.


    ¡¯The Young Miss has grown more prettier from thest time I saw her.¡¯


    Realizing his thoughts, he blushed and clear his throat.


    ¡¯Eh? The Young Miss said to not inform the mansion? Oh god! Just how shocked would the general and young master be?!!¡¯


    Driving on the long pavement, Yue Ling felt that everything was like a beautiful fairy talee to life...


    On both sides of the road were rows of cherry blossom trees. Only thing was, these cherry blossom trees have yet to bloom because of the season.


    Her lips curl upwards remembering her childhood. Back then, her parents would bring her here every year just to watch the cherry blossoms bloom.


    It was a memory that will forever be engraved in her heart...


    The road curve into a circle and she parked her car.


    She looked at the beautiful structure house as she gets out of her car.


    Actually, to call this structure a house would be an insult to it. As, it was an elegant detailed Spanish style mansion. It has dark green bushes lining elegantly against the exterior walls of the mansion.


    It was beige in color with red tile roofs, and countless windows around.


    Red cement stairs wees it¡¯s guest to the huge front door.


    Yue Ling let out a deep sigh taking in the sight of such a beautiful mansion.


    ¡¯It¡¯s been three years since Ist came here...¡¯


    She had once asked the owner why he chose a rural ce to build his home.


    And his answer was, "I want to live in peace. Far away from people¡¯s cruel minds."


    At the time, she was only 8, so she didn¡¯t quite understand the meaning behind those words. But now... she understands.


    She also wants to live in peace....


    Closing her car door, she walks up the stairs and stops in front of the huge brown double doors.


    She hesitated on ringing the doorbell.


    Taking a deep breath, she press the doorbell.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 48 Important visitor

    ¡ª-


    In just one ring, the door clicked open and an old man opens the door. His eyes glistening with tears.


    "Y-Young Miss... it really is you.." his old voice choking with sobs.


    Yue Ling smiles at the old man, "Housekeeper Hu."


    He was cleaning upstairs when he nce out the window and saw an unfamiliar white car pull up on the driveway. His master hadn¡¯t inform him of any visitors so he found it strange that the guard at the gate would just let someone in unannounced.


    But it wasn¡¯t until he saw the car door open and a figure get out of the car.


    It was a figure he was too familiar with.


    A figure he had held as a baby.


    A figure he had watch grow up beautifully.


    It was none other than his Young Miss.


    Thinking his eyes were poor due to old age, he rushed down to the door almost missing a few steps.


    It had been such a long time since he¡¯s seen the child, so he wanted to make sure it was not his imagination before he informed the master.


    And when he opened the door, it was really her.


    Their Young Miss has finallye!


    Housekeeper Hu¡¯s wrinkled lips tremble and tears pour down his old cheeks.


    "Young Miss..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s heart softened seeing the old man cry. He was also like a grandfather to her. She part her lips to speak, but suddenly a voice trail from behind the door and her heart started to speed rapidly.


    "Old Hu, who¡¯s at the door?" An old voice spoke. "Why are you trembling? Are you crying? You¡¯re so old already why are you crying?"


    Housekeeper Hu: "...."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Housekeeper Hu wipes his tears and nose with his sleeves, "Master, it¡¯s¡ª."


    Before he could finish, he saw Yue Ling smile and gesture with her finger not to reveal anything.


    His old face smile in excitement like a little kid, "Master, you have a very important visitor."


    "Hmmf. The only important visitor is my precious granddaughter." the old man reluctantly walks to the door, and whispers to Housekeeper Hu, "If it¡¯s not her then just drive the person away. Tell him I¡¯m not home ande backter."


    "...."


    Both Yue Ling and Housekeeper Hu we¡¯re dumbfounded. Did the old man actually think he was whispering just now?


    Yue Ling who stood 3 feet away from the door could hear him loud and clear!


    She didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at the old man¡¯s childish behavior.


    But then again, who can me him. He was a general and has been in the military almost his entire life. Being blunt was his best aspect.


    And it was also the part she loves most about the old man. He feared no one.


    Housekeeper Hu was at a lost. He nce at Yue Ling then turn his head to the old man hiding behind the door.


    "Master, it¡¯s actually a very important visitor."


    Old Man Ji snorted and flung the invisible sleeves he has, "Very important? If he was so important, how dare he show up unannounced. What kind of important visitor does he think he is?! Hmmf!"


    Housekeeper Hu: "...."


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 49 Three years ago

    ¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling stood outside, with her lips pressed tightly together, she tries to hold in herugh.


    Old Man Ji: "Old Hu, why haven¡¯t you scare away the ¡¯important¡¯ guest? Where¡¯s the soldier I once remember? Huh? Just tell him to¡ª."


    "Who said it was a him?"


    Old man Ji: "of course it¡¯s a him! Eh? Why is it a girl¡¯s voice? And it sounds just like¡ª."


    Yue Ling gently push the door open and came face to face with the old man hiding behind the door.


    She arch a brow and smile, "Yeye, I¡¯m here."


    Old Man Ji¡¯s mouth opened and closed. He wanted to say something but no words came out.


    Yue Ling watched her Grandfather turn into a goldfish and held in herugh.


    If she didugh, it would only make the old man lose face.


    Old man Ji¡¯s expression changed from shock, to surprise, to angry, to disbelief andstly his eyes turned watery.


    He looked like an abandoned child. His eyes turned watery and his old body trembled.


    He lift his trembling hand and hit Yue Ling¡¯s head.


    "You unfilial girl! How dare you show up here?! Go! Go back to Korea! Go back to America!"


    Old Man Ji looked at his granddaughter and tears fell from his wrinkling eyes.


    "How can you be so unfilial?! Wuuu... How can you forget that you still have your precious yeye here?! Wuuu...Three years! For three years you didn¡¯t even bother toe visit!"


    Housekeeper scooted to the side and he sob quietly. He was just Old Man Ji. Everyone in Ji Mansion has missed their Young Miss! They always prayed for her toe live here, but she never did.


    Until now, their prayers has finally been granted.


    Yue Ling looked at her grandfather and her heart softened.


    Even though he had hit her on the head, it couldn¡¯t be consider a hit. It was more like a soft pat on the head.


    He was her grandfather and he doted on her like she was his world.


    He was a very honorable and strong hearted person. He didn¡¯t show fear when he faced his enemies on the battlefield.


    Nor has he ever cried in front of people, but here he is, crying his eyes out.


    ¡ª-


    After what seemed to feel like forever, Old Man Ji finally calmed down.


    He sniffed and cleared his throat while wiping his tears. cing his hands behind his back, he re at Yue Ling with an intimidating look.


    "Hmmf. What are you still standing there for? Hurry ande inside!"


    His aura turned back to the pressuring General he is. It was as if the old man had not cry at all.


    Yue Ling grinned and enters the mansion. She lock her arm with her grandfather¡¯s.


    Putting on a pitiful expression, tug his arm, "Yeye, I¡¯m sorry. I had to take care of some things before I coulde here."


    Old Man Ji turned his head away and scoffed, "Hmmf. Who is your yeye? If I was, then I would be the only thing important to you!"


    Yue Ling and Housekeeper Hu were bbergasted.


    Remembering something, Yue Ling turned to Housekeeper Hu,


    "Housekeeper Hu, I have some gifts in my car, can you have someone bring them in?"


    Housekeeper wipe his tears and nod his head, "Right away, Young Miss."


    Old man Ji looked at his granddaughter.


    He could see the resemnce of his daughter and son-inw.


    Remember them, his eyes softened. How proud would they be if they saw their daughter?


    Even he was proud of his granddaughter.


    Deep in his thoughts, Old Man Ji did not realize that he and Yue Ling had enter the living room and were already sitting down.


    He looked at his granddaughter and his expression turned into grief and guilt.


    This granddaughter of his had lived a life full of tears. She was an only child and when she was just ten years old, she lost both her parents at once.


    He had asked her toe live with him, but she had said, "Yeye, you have nai nai. Hal-abeoji only has Mami. So Mami stay, okay?"


    At the time, he didn¡¯t mind the girl calling him yeye insteadoye. She was a child and didn¡¯t understand the honorifics due to her being Chinese, Korean and American mix. In the end, time flew by and yeye became more of a nickname she nted on him.


    For three years since hest saw her, she never once came to visit.


    Old man Ji¡¯s thoughts suddenly drifted to three years ago.


    His precious granddaughter had matured into a beautifuldy and fell in love. Even he approved of the youngd. All because he knew the youngd loves and treasure his granddaughter.


    But, who would of thought that fate would be so cruel and take another person from his granddaughter. Hadn¡¯t she lost enough people in her life?


    He could still remember the day of the youngd¡¯s funeral. His granddaughter did not shed a tear at all. She sat quietly on the floor and gaze at thed¡¯s mourning photo. Even when the funeral ended, she did not cry a single tear.


    He had thought she was a strong child, but it wasn¡¯t until that same night when he went to check on her....


    Curled in the middle of the bed, he saw her silently crying her heart out in the dark while hugging thed¡¯s picture and shirt.


    That night, he sat outside her room door and cried silently for her without her knowing....


    "Yeye, are you alright?"


    Hearing his granddaughter¡¯s voice, Old Man Ji came back from memoryne. He smile at Yue Ling, "Yeye is fine."


    Yue Ling squint her eyes at the old man.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 50 Necklace

    ¡ª


    Old Man Jiughed at his granddaughter trying to read him, "Little girl, don¡¯t even try it. You¡¯ll never be able to guess what the noble me is thinking"


    Yue Ling: "..."


    She could already guess what he was thinking. His expression said it all, but since she was a kind person, she¡¯ll not ruin his dignity.


    Yue Ling nod her head, "Mm. No one can ever read you."


    Hearing this, Old Man Ji stuck his chest out and his chin raised high.


    Yue Ling press her lips together and smile.


    "Young Miss, where should we put all of these?"


    Both Yue Ling and old man Ji turned to Housekeeper Hu.


    Housekeeper Hu and a young soldier around 19 years old held the shopping bags from Yue Ling¡¯s car. Well, more like the young soldier.


    "Set it down there." Yue Ling stood from her seat and pointed to the empty sofa.


    Housekeeper Hu and the young soldier did what Yue Ling asked.


    Once everything was set down, Housekeeper Hu dismisses the young soldier.


    Just when the young soldier was about to turn and leave, Yue Ling was reminded of something. She calls out to the young soldier.


    "Ah, I just remember something. Hold on."


    He turned around hesitantly and point a finger at himself, "Miss... y-you mean m-me?"


    "Mm"


    Yue Ling at this moment was checking inside each bag, trying to find something.


    The young soldier felt as if his soul had left his body. Sweat starting to form on his smooth forehead. He gulped and thought,


    ¡¯Oh god! I didn¡¯t take anything! I swear on my innocent life that I didn¡¯t steal anything from the Miss!¡¯


    Old Man Ji sat quietly and his lip curl upwards as he observe the situation.


    Housekeeper Hu was just as confused as the young soldier. He wanted to say something but he was only a housekeeper, so he decided to keep quiet.


    Seeing Yue Ling still rummaging through the bags, the young soldier became even more nervous. His lips tremble in fear. He didn¡¯t know what was going on.


    "M-miss, I... t-this one didn¡¯t t-take a-anything."


    Yue Ling nce at the boy indifferently, then she nce back to the bags.


    While Yue Ling continued to find what she was looking for, everyone else, besides Old man Ji, stood nervously. Not just for the young soldier but for themselves as well.


    After who knows how long, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes lit up and a smile appear across her face. She turn and face the young soldier.


    Being looked at attentively, out of habit, the young soldier straighten his posture and takes one small step forward with both his hands at his side.


    Looking like the real soldier he is.


    Yue Ling arch a brow at the boy. She wanted tough, but seeing how he turned so seriously, she decided to y along.


    She ce both her hands behind her back and look the young soldier in the eyes.


    Yue Ling: "Name."


    Young soldier: "Xue Yi!"


    Yue Ling: "How long have you¡¯ve been in the army?"


    Xue Yi: "12 months and 23 days! Miss!"


    Yue Ling nod her head. She reached down for two shopping bags and handed it to Xue Yi.


    "Help me pass these out to the soldiers here at Ji Mansion."


    Xue Yi: "Yes.. ahh, pass what?"


    Housekeeper Hu: "....."


    Old man Ji: "pfffffahahahahah!"


    Yue Ling smiles and puts the bag handles in Xue Yi¡¯s hands.


    "Pass these out for me."


    Xue Yi was so shocked he didn¡¯t know what to say. Yue Ling had been so intimidating that he was scared of her. Far more scarier than the general!


    "That¡¯s all, you can leave."


    Xue Yi nod his head and turned to leave with his feet dragging.


    Old man Ji watch his granddaughter and shook his head.


    "You¡¯re a girl, don¡¯t scare the soldiers like you¡¯re a man."


    Yue Ling wasn¡¯t bothered at all by the old man¡¯s words. Sheughed inside because it was actually her two grandfathers who taught her how act tough like a man!


    She grabbed two more bags and handed them to Housekeeper Hu,


    "Help me pass these to the servants. It¡¯s for all their hard work working here."


    Housekeeper Hu¡¯s eyes moisten with tears. He quickly wipe away the tears that have yet to fall and nod his head, "Young Miss is too good."


    "It¡¯s the least I can do for everyone¡¯s time in past three years."


    ¡ª-


    Outside the Ji Mansion, Xue Yi walked back to the break room for the soldiers.


    In his hands were the two bags Yue Ling had given him. He was still shocked that he didn¡¯t even bother to look at what was inside.


    He had thought that he was going to get kick out!


    With a sniff, he lift one hand holding a bag and wipe his eyes.


    "Hey Xue Yi, what¡¯s that you holding?"


    Xue Yi turned to the person, it was another soldier, but older by 3 years. He nce at the bags in his hands then to the soldier again.


    "Ye Fei, these are from the young Miss. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s inside."


    Xue Yi lifted both bags up to his face and grinned, forgetting he was just about to cry earlier.


    Ye Fei took one bag from Xue Yi and sat it down on the table inside the break room. Soon, some of the other soldiers gather around the table to watch.


    Xue Yi sat down and rest his chin on his hand and observe attentively.


    "Eh? What¡¯s in the box?"


    Not long after, Ye Fei had pulled out a bunch of tiny gift boxes and set them neatly on the table for everyone to see.


    They had no idea what was inside the boxes nor have they ever received such a tiny pretty box before.


    Another soldier who was one of the oldest couldn¡¯t stand the silence and his curiosity was rising, so he grabbed a box and opened it.


    His mouth opened into a ¡¯O¡¯ and he quickly close it.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes shift to him and their curiosity rose more.


    "Liangcai, What is it?"


    "Yea, tell us, what¡¯s in the box?"


    Liangcai gulped and he looked back down to the box in his hand.


    He said in a choking voice, "ne...."


    Everyone: "...."


    Liangcai heart raced a thousand miles per hour and he gently opened the tiny box again.


    Xue Yi tilt his head to get a glimpse and he gasped.


    "It is a ne!!!"


    Everyone was shocked and in disbelief. Why would the young Miss give them nes?


    Another soldier opens a tiny box and he frown, "This one is a ne too?"


    Shortly after, everyone grabbed a tiny box and confusion arose in them. Each box held the same ne. A silver ne with a pendant.


    Ye Fei scratch his head andughed sarcastically, "Xue Yi, maybe the young Miss gave you the wrong bags."


    Xue Yi: "I don¡¯t think so, young Miss personally look through each bag and hand them to me."


    Ye Fei: "But these are just nes. What are we¡ª- ah! Who hit me?!"


    Everyone: "....."


    Ye Fei re at all the soldiers. His hand rubbing the back of his head that was suddenly hit.


    "I hit you."


    "....."


    Ye Fei pout his lips, "Liangcai, I didn¡¯t do anything to you, why would you hit me?"


    Liangcai looked at Ye Fei with a cold and indifferent expression.


    "Since you haven¡¯t been here for long, I won¡¯t beat you up for talking bad about young Miss¡¯ gifts."


    "Liangcai, do you mean to say, young Miss actually wants us to wear these nes?"


    Liangcai looked down at the box in his hand, his eyes moisten, but he held in his tears. He gulped and stretch his left hand out.


    Ye Fei arch a brow, "Bro, what are you trying to tell us?"


    Liangcai re at Ye Fei, then he tug his sleeve and reveal a gunmetal bracelet.


    "You all know I¡¯ve been a soldier here for eight years under General Ji. This bracelet," he pointed to his wrist, "is a gift the young Miss gave me. Not just me, but all of us who have been here long. Young Miss treats each of us like her own brothers. She said, even though we are orphans that join the military, for us to always remember that as long as we have this bracelet, we will always be part of the Ji family."


    "....."


    Some of the younger soldiers mouths opened in surprise. They had always wonder why the older soldiers have a unique bracelet. They thought it was a reward in the military. Who would have thought it was actually a gift from the young Miss!


    "The pendant on the nes have the Ji crest. It is the young Miss¡¯ way of saying you are family to her. Treasure it well."


    Xue Yi and Ye Fei looked down at the tiny box in their hands. Their eyes turn watery and the both of them sniff.


    Some of the soldiers in Ji Mansion don¡¯t have family. And it was General Ji who took them in and gave them a life to look forward to.


    There are one hundred orphans, including Xue Yi, Ye Fei and Lingcai.


    They had always thought the world was unfair, but that was until they met General Ji, who they look up to and thought of as a father.


    Xue Yi, Ye Fei, and everyone else didn¡¯t say a word and just stare at the ne in the box.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 51 You are a grown man

    ¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling had just finish passing out the gifts to all the servants with the help of Housekeeper Hu.


    She loves everyone in Ji Mansion, they were like family to her and always treated her well. Even though she only visits and it¡¯s been three years since she wasst here, everyone still treated her the same.


    While she was smiling happily watching the excited looks of all the servants, she didn¡¯t notice that Old Man Ji was ring bullets at the servants.


    Housekeeper Hu nce at the old man and wanted tough. The old man looked like a angry and jealous kid who didn¡¯t get anything for Christmas.


    He pout his lip and whistle. "Wheew"


    Yue Ling stopped what she was doing and looked at Housekeeper Hu. She wanted tough but at the same time cry.


    From young till now, she knew Housekeeper Hu could never whistle. His whistle was like a blow only, but it always worked.


    Housekeeper Hu gesture with his eyes to the sofa.


    Yue Ling follow his eyes and she was dumbfounded. Her grandfather was so angry and jealous that his old face turned ten shades of ck.


    She cleared her throat awkwardly, "Ahem." She straighten her posture and walks to the bags from Essence.


    "Yeye, I also¡ª"


    Suddenly, a pair of slender arms wrap around her from behind with a loud thud.


    The impact caused her to take a step forward, but she steadied herself.


    She felt something press on her back and the arms tighten more.


    Old Man Ji frown, Yue Ling was just about to say something, but how dare this boy interrupt her. He scoffed, "Jingxu, where are your manners?"


    Ji Jingxu did not care about the old man, he continued to hug his older sister like a child who¡¯s just been reunited with his long lost mother.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes softened and she smile, "I¡¯m here now, Jingxu."


    Jingxu sniffed and reluctantly let go of Yue Ling, he spoke hoarsely was teary eyes, "Jie, What took you so long?"


    Yue Ling turn to looked at the boy and her heart softened like marshmallow. His words made her heart ache and a guilty feeling tug in her. Raising her hand, she gently pat his head.


    He was still wearing his school uniform, so she could tell he had just gotten home from school.


    "Sorry it took me so long, but I¡¯m here now."


    Old man Ji erupted with jealousy, he hadn¡¯t even spent much time with his granddaughter and Jingxu, that brat is already hogging her to himself.


    He coughed loudly without a care, "Jingxu, you are a grown man, why are you crying?!"


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Ji Jingxu: "...."


    Housekeeper Hu: "...."


    Yue Ling cast a look at the old man with speechlessness. Did he really just say Jingxu was too old to cry? Didn¡¯t he also cried earlier too?!


    Ji Jingxu re at the old man and blush embarrassingly at the same time, but he didn¡¯t care. The only person important at this moment was his older sister.


    Old man Ji ignores Jingxu¡¯s vicious res and ushers Yue Ling to finish what she was going to say earlier.


    "Ah Ling, what was it that you were going to say?"


    Yue Ling looked to the old man and she shook her head lightly.


    She decided, she had made him wait long enough, besides, Jingxu was here too, so there¡¯s no need to wait anymore.


    Grabbing the remaining shopping bags, she handed them to Old man Ji and Jingxu.


    "I stopped by Timeless Mall and bought some things for you two beforeing here."


    Both the young and old man¡¯s eyes lit up like fireworks.


    Anything Yue Ling buys for them were like the most precious treasures in the world.


    Old man Ji pulled a pair of ck shoes out from one of the bags, he nce at Jingxu¡¯s and see that it was a pair of nice tan oxfords. He pout his lips.


    "Jingxu, let¡¯s trade shoes."


    Jingxu re at the old man, "Grandfather, will you even fit my shoes?"


    "Don¡¯t worry, I can just wear extra socks."


    "....."


    Watching their childish reaction, Yue Ling chuckled. They looked like little kids opening gifts on Christmas.


    She sighed and thought, ¡¯It¡¯s great to see them again...¡¯


    ¡ª-¡ª-


    Inside a room at Imperial Hotel, Ning Xingyu lift the nket covering him and stood from the bed. He drape a robe around his naked toned body and lit a cigarette as he sat on a chair by the opened window.


    "W-What¡¯s wrong?" a woman¡¯s voice sounded from the bed.


    Ning Xingyu blew a puff of smoke and looked at woman expressionlessly.


    "Did the n go ordingly, Guyao?"


    Hearing the man¡¯s question, Guyao felt a chill crawl on her skin. What was she supposed to say? If she told him the truth, knowing Ning Xingyu¡¯s temper, the man will surely snap. Then again, wouldn¡¯t it be the same if she lied?


    Hesitating over what to say, she decided to take a chance.


    "No. I waited the entire night and CEO Lu never came."


    Ning Xingyu nce at Guyao, "really?"


    Guyao nervously bit her lower lip and nod her head, "He really didn¡¯te. I stayed till morning just to make sure."


    She couldn¡¯t possible tell Ning Xingyu that she had ended up tossing in bed with an American man.


    The man leaned back on the chair and his head slightly tilt as he stare at the woman sitting on the bed.


    He had to admit, Guyao was an exceptional girl. She wasn¡¯t the most prettiest woman, but she was still pleased to the eyes. Her skills in bed weren¡¯t as bad too, but he¡¯s slept with better skilled women.


    Anytime he needed to release his load, all he had to do was call her and she will agree without a second thought. If it wasn¡¯t because of that, he would have long disregarded her. She was only another whore in bed for him.


    She was an easy girl, and any man would sleep with a woman who would openly spread her legs for him anytime of the day.


    Noticing Ning Xingyu¡¯s intense stare, Guyao became even more nervous. She could never read his expressions.


    One minute he could be a gentleman and in the next minute, he could be cold blooded.


    Ning Xingyu killed his unfinished cigarette and walks over to the bed.


    Guyao gulped in fear watching the man quietly near her.


    Stopping at the side of the bed, Ning Xingyu leaned close to Guyao. He smiled, "If I find out you are scheming behind me, don¡¯t even think about living."


    Guyao shivered at his malicious smile, she wanted to retort, but before she could utter a word, Ning Xingyu had already grabbed her legs and flung her body around.


    "Ah!"


    She yelped in fear and shock as her body flip and her breasts hit the soft bed while her feet touch the floor.


    Ning Xingyu parted the lower part of his robe, revealing his aroused rod. Without waiting for Guyao to be wet, he roughly thrust into her.


    "!!!!!!"


    Guyao¡¯s eyes shot open and she clench onto the bedsheet tightly.


    Although it hurts, it also felt good. Within seconds of Ning Xingyu¡¯s movements, she had be soaking wet.


    While Guyao was moaning to great pleasure, Ning Xingyu stare with no emotions at the woman he was fucking.


    His mind waspletely else where.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 52 I need to take this call

    ¡ª¡ª


    In the living room of the Ji Mansion, Yue Ling and old man Ji sat on one sofa, while Ji Jingxu sat on the other one.


    Ji Jingxu held a sulking expression on his youthful handsome face.


    A while ago, after he and the old man finished looking at the gifts Yue Ling bought them, Housekeeper Hu informed them that dinner would be ready soon.


    While they waited, they decided to catch up on life. He told Yue Ling about all his achievements in school and that he scored the highest out of the 500 students at his elite school.


    He wants to follow his sisters footsteps and go aboard for university. He wants to attend the same university as her.


    Their chat continued withughters.


    But why he was sulking? Well, he had wanted to sit next to his sister, but who would of thought, the old man was so shameless!


    Thinking about it, Ji Jingxu re at the old man beside Yue Ling.


    Feeling the intense re, Old man Ji didn¡¯t care and said nonchntly,


    "Jingxu, set an appointment with the eye doctor this week. I think something is wrong with your eyes. You keep squinting them, it¡¯s not good for your young health."


    "Y-you old man! My eyes are perfectly fine!" he roar angrily with his finger pointing to his grandfather. His nostrils re and he continued, "Old man, how can you be so childish?!"


    Old man Ji lookedzily at his grandson and grinned evilly, "jealous?"


    Jingxu: "You! I wanted to sit with jie! How can you push me and just purposely lie down!"


    Old man Ji: "This one is too old to sit for long. So,ying down is good for the old. Right,Ah Ling?"


    *swiss*


    Both men¡¯s head turn to Yue Ling, who had not said a word while the quarrel like little kids.


    "Uhh...."


    She wanted tough but she couldn¡¯t. It would only sully the mood more.


    ncing at her red face younger brother, she sighed. Then looking at the old man next to her, she shook her head and sighed.


    The old man was too shameless. He¡¯s already in his seventies but he was still as strong as the young man he was back in the days. How can he say he was old and needed rest?


    She was sitting in the middle of the long sofa earlier, but now she sat at the end.


    All because when Jingxu decided to sit next to her, the old man had ¡¯identally¡¯ push... no, he shoved Jingxu away and quicklyid down, saying he was old and tired.


    Ji Jingxu cross his arms and re at the shameless old man. He scoffed and thought, ¡¯So much for being a general with dignity!¡¯


    He shift his eyes to his sister, and his expression change to one of loving and care, "Jie, am I right? Or am I wrong?"


    Old man Jiid on his side, with one hand supporting his head and a mischievous smile on his old face.


    "Jingxu, you are wrong."


    "Old man, I¡¯m not talking to you!"


    Yue Ling, however, was too speechless to even say a word. But deep inside, she felt warmth, she knew the both of them. They may bump heads at times and others may think even think they hated each other, but they loved each other unconditionally.


    Their arguments were more like little kids fighting over a toy.


    She parted her lips to stop them from quarreling like a married couple, but...


    *ring ring*


    It was her phone.


    She reached for her phone in her bag and looked at the screen name;


    ¡¯5:37pm; Jade Condos¡¯


    Three lines appear between her pretty eyebrows. She thought, ¡¯Why would Jade Condos suddenly call me? Did something happened?¡¯


    Before she left Jade Condos, she had informed the front desk about the things she purchased yesterday. Today was the day they were being delivered.


    Pondering at the thought, she decided it was best to answer.


    "Yeye, Jingxu, I¡¯m¡ª-"


    She nce at the two man and was struck with speechlessness again.


    While she was getting her phone, both men had stopped arguing and their attention ring at the phone in her hand.


    She was sure, if their eyes can sendser beams, her phone would have innocently died.


    She coughed awkwardly, "Excuse me, I need to take this call."


    Watching her figure disappear, old man Ji re daggers at Jingxu, "See, now you¡¯ve done it!"


    Ji Jingxu also re daggers at his grandfather, "Me? It¡¯s your fault for being shameless!"


    "My fault? If you had just sat quietly, the situation wouldn¡¯t havee to this."


    "Y-yyou!!!"


    Quickly stepping out of the room, Yue Ling lets out augh, she could still hear the two men arguing from behind.


    Looking down at her phone, she didn¡¯t hesitate to answer the call.


    "Hello. This is Han Yue Ling."


    [From the other side was Ting, the young man working at the front desk of Jade Condos, "Miss Han, this is Ting from Jade Condos, I called to let you know that all the things you ordered have arrived and put in your penthouse."]


    "Mm. Thank you for calling."


    ["You¡¯re wee Miss Han, if there¡¯s anything else you need help with, just let me know."]


    Yue Ling thanked the young man again and hung up while walking back to the living room.


    Just when she took one step in, her grandfather¡¯s voice stopped her and she looks at the old man who was now sitting up.


    "I assume you won¡¯t be staying for dinner?"


    Yue Ling felt guilty, but she still nod her head, "Mm. The receptionist at Jade Condos called, I have to sign some paperwork."


    She really did have to sign some papers, the delivery papers.


    Old man Ji sighed, "Child, you know that there are over thirty rooms here at the Ji Mansion, but you still went and bought yourself a ce."


    Yue Ling walked to the old man and sat down beside him, "Yeye, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to live here. You know the situation I am in and Jade Condos is closer to my work ce."


    "I know, I know." The Old man sighed again, "I just envy Old Lou for having the advantage to see you more than this old me. Why don¡¯t you juste work at Ji Corporations?"


    Yue Ling stare at the old man when she heard his question, she smiled faintly and replied, "Yeye, I have my ownpany to take care of. Plus, I don¡¯t want to fight for position with the other Ji members."


    Hearing her answer, the old man snorted, "Hmmf! What fight? The position of CEO at Ji Corporation is rightfully yours. All those people do is spend money like there¡¯s no tomorrow and brag for being a Ji. If my Ji Corporation were to fall in their hands, who knows what will happen! Hmmf!"


    Yue Ling looked helplessly at her grandfather, "Yeye...."


    Old man Ji lift his palm and stopped her.


    "No need to exin. I already gave my word to you. I will respect your decision and wait until you are fullypromise in taking over."


    "Thank you, Yeye."


    Old man Ji nce at his granddaughter and pat her hand, "Just make you don¡¯t forget about my uing birthday."


    At his words, Yue Ling gently squeeze the old man¡¯s hand, "Of course I won¡¯t. I wouldn¡¯t miss it for the world."


    She had already missed his birthdays thest three years. So naturally now that she¡¯s living in China, she wouldn¡¯t miss it.


    Old man Ji¡¯s expression became more happier, he nod his head and smiled a small smile, "You may leave then."


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 53 Return one thousand fold

    ¡ª¡ª


    Old man Ji and Ji Jingxu walked Yue Ling to the door.


    Outside, Yue Ling turned to look at the young man and her heart softened to the core. Thest time she saw him, he was only up to her neck, but now, he stood at the same height as her. He had matured into a fine young man.


    But, at this moment, she could see the sadness in his brown eyes. Like a child who was going to be abandoned again.


    Lifting her hand, she gently pat his head, "Be good and listen to Yeye."


    Jingxu held his feelings in and nod his head obediently, "Mm."


    Yue Ling reassured him with a warm smile, "I¡¯m here now, so don¡¯t worry anymore."


    Without a reply, Ji Jingxu smiles with glistening eyes.


    His older sister was really here and she was here to stay.


    Only god knows how much he misses her every day.


    Saying their goodbyes, Yue Ling enter her car and drove away from the Ji Mansion.


    ncing at the rear view mirror, she could see her grandfather going back inside the house, but Ji Jingxu was still standing in the porch.


    His lonely figure getting smaller and smaller as her car drove further away.


    It wasn¡¯t until her car exit the metal gates, did he reluctantly go inside the mansion.


    Yue Ling stare at the setting sun ahead. The red sky really makes one drift into deep thoughts.


    She thought about the sad look Jingxu gave her.


    She knew that look all too well. From her parents death till now, she still remembers the feeling of being talked and looked down on.


    Thirteen years ago, when her maternal grandmother was still alive, the old couple had visit a small town by the ocean. Due to mishap, they found a little boy unconscious in the fields covered in dirt and burnt marks.


    Grandmother Ji took pity on the little boy and made the old man carry the little boy back with them to the town. It was then that they learned the little boy¡¯s family was murder by some hooligans and their family home was burned down.


    As for the little boy¡¯s family members, no one survived.


    Old man Ji felt sympathy for the little boy, who reminded him of Yue Ling.


    When the old couple adopted Jingxu, they gave him the surname Ji and gave him a new home and life.


    Ji Jingxu wasn¡¯t her brother by blood. Nor was he born with the surname Ji, but Yue Ling loved the Little Jingxu when they first met. It was the feeling of an older sister¡¯s love for her younger brother. He was her family even if they weren¡¯t rted by blood.


    Because she lived in a different country, she could only visit when her paternal grandfather had the time to take her. But every time she visited him, she noticed that he was always covered in bruises and wounds.


    He had always used some kind ofme excuse to cover up, so she didn¡¯t think much of it.


    It wasn¡¯t untilter, she found out that it was the children from the other Ji families that picked on him for being adopted and a child who didn¡¯t have a family. Those children cursed him and bullied him.


    But who was Yue Ling? She was one who never liked to see others get bully, especially when it came to her family. To her, Jingxu was her family, whereas the other children were just kids with the same surname.


    For every time they picked on Jingxu, she would return it a hundred folds.


    Her parents and maternal grandparents had kept her identity hidden from the other families, so everyone just mistook her as a rtive because of her surname, Han.


    Even though she was never around, she had kept close contact with people she hid in the dark to protect her grandfather and brother. She learned that even now, Jingxu was still bullied and looked down on.


    Thinking till there, Yue Ling smirk as her car drove into the distance in the direction of Imperial.


    ¡¯Second Ji family, I, Han Yue Ling am here now. Don¡¯t think your schemes against my Yeye and brother will escape my eyes! For what you did, I will return one thousand folds!¡¯


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 54 I’ll be going home

    ¡ª-


    As the sky start to darken, the workers of Lu Corps rush to finish their work so they can go home on time.


    On the 125th floor, Lu Tian leaned back on his chair and he nce at the wall clock; 6:37pm.


    He sighed and thought, ¡¯I wonder what she¡¯s doing right now?¡¯


    His eyebrows crease into three lines, ¡¯Should I just go see her when I return to Jade Condos? But wouldn¡¯t it be rude? Should I bring a gift? Woman likes gifts, right? Or was it flowers?¡¯


    He exhaled and pinch the space between his brows.


    At times like this, he should of yed close attention to his younger brothers ways of handling women. Maybe he can get a few tips from the expert.


    Saying his younger brother was an expert, Lu Tian frown. No, Yue Ling isn¡¯t like all those other women his younger brother fooled around with. Neither was she like those women who tries to get near him for his money and name.


    Thinking about how Yue Ling was so different, a small smile appear on his lips.


    To him, she was like a delicate jade that he wants to engrave in his heart.


    Just when he wanted to continue his thoughts of the woman he didn¡¯t know he was falling for, the door to his office opened with a knock.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darken and he re dangerously at the intruder.


    Xu Long nonchntly enters his boss¡¯ office and spoke without noticing the angry re at him.


    "Boss, it¡¯s near closing hours. Are you nning to stay here or go home?"


    The corner Lu Tian¡¯s twitch. Was it just him or did his assistant be more bolder nowadays.


    He retrieve his dangerous aura and looked to hisputer, "Gather all the drafts I need to look over. I¡¯ll be going home."


    "Alright. I¡¯ll go and get everything rea¡ª Eh? Boss what did you say?!"


    Xu Ling¡¯s jaw dropped, he could not believe his ears! His boss who always stays in office like it was his house is actually going home?


    Dear lord, what was going on?


    Lu Tian looked indifferently at his assistant, then back to theputer screen.


    "Xu Long, did you go buy the mop?"


    Confused at the sudden question, Xu Long scratch the side of his head, "Boss I haven¡¯t, but why do you need a mop?"


    "So you can clean your drool."


    "...."


    Dumbfounded, Xu Long grinned sarcastically, "Heh heh, Boss, no need, no need. This subordinate will go get everything ready for you."


    He didn¡¯t wait for his boss¡¯s approval and bolted out the door.


    Xu Long sighed with slouching shoulders. He thought, sometimes he wonders how his boss has such a high IQ and EQ... he sighed again, ¡¯Maybe I should really invest in a mop... hmm...¡¯


    Walking back to his office, he started gathering all the drafts that needed to be overlooked by his boss.


    ¡ª-


    Once the time hit 7:00pm, all the employees had just finished all their assignments. They sighed in relief and head for the first floor, eager to go him and rx.


    Back in Lu Tian¡¯s office, he shut off hisputer and cover his ck tailored suit with his tan wool coat. He couldn¡¯t wait to get back to Jade Condos.


    Stepping out of his office, he closed the door and locked it. Turning around he frowned and took a big step to the side.


    "Ahhh!"


    *thud*


    A small figure falls directly onto the spot he was just standing.


    Lu Tian re coldly at the person.


    Qian Li Li was bbergasted. She hade running all the way to the 125th floor just to see the man she loves. Seeing him leave his office, her eyes lit up with happiness. Everyone at Lu Corps knows that the man hardly ever leaves his office to go home.


    Picking up her pace, she came with the idea she used on the man in the elevator.


    Pretending to fall, she could already picture Lu Tian¡¯s strong hands reaching out to grab her. No gentleman would watch a beauty like her fall, but.... who would have thought that instead of catching her, he moved to the side.


    Luckily she didn¡¯t hit the door handle. Instead her hands caught it for support.


    Even so, she was still embarrassed to experience such situation. Her face flushed red in embarrassment and anger.


    Clenching the door handle tightly, she force a seductive smile and pout her lips like an innocent child. She nce at the handsomely aloof man,


    "Oww, CEO Lu, why didn¡¯t you catch me?"


    "...."


    The corner of Lu Tian¡¯s mouth twitched. He has no idea who this woman is, and he hated women, except for his Yue Ling.


    Was it mandatory that he had to catch her? Of course not! She fell on her own!


    "Boss!! Are you alright?!" Xu Long quickly ran out of his office panting, "I heard an earthquake! It was an earthquake right?!"


    Qian Li Li press her lips tightly together and re at Xu Long as she force herself to stand up, ¡¯This stupid assistant! How dare he call me an earthquake!¡¯


    Before Qian Li Li could fully stand up, Lu Tian deep and cold voice sounded.


    "Xu Long, have the door and handle change."


    He didn¡¯t care about the woman, he finished his order and stride towards the elevator. He didn¡¯t have time, he wants to get back to Jade Condo so he can see his woman. Even a glimpse was enough to satisfy him.


    "..."


    Qian Li Li staggered and fell back to the floor.


    Sitting on the floor, she wished she had a shovel to dig a hole and hide in it forever. Lu Tian had ordered to have his office door and handle change, was it because she touched it?


    Was he really not interested in her at all? No, that wasn¡¯t possible. Any man she wants, she can have!


    Looking at the woman sitting on the floor embarrassed, Xu Long sneered.


    "Miss Qian, I suggest you understand your boundaries."


    "...."


    Xu Long runs into his office and grabs a briefcase, then he steps out and closed the door. Seeing that Qian Li Li was still sitting on the floor, he pursed his lips, "As your coworker, I also suggest you keep your ¡¯private matters¡¯ at home."


    He purposely emphasized the words ¡¯private matters¡¯ at Qian Li Li. Not waiting for her response or bother to help her, he turned around and runs to catch up with his boss.


    Qian Li Li was frozen in ce. Her heart thumping hard at Xu Long¡¯s words. Suddenly, her eyes shot open when she finally understood what the man¡¯s words meant. Her lips quiver and she thought, ¡¯H-How? I made sure no one was on the floor...¡¯


    Struck with sudden fear, she bit her lower lip.


    ¡¯If Xu Long knows what she did, then does that mean Lu Tian also knows?¡¯


    Shaking the thought away, she thought again, but this time whispering to herself, "No... no, I made sure no one was around. I¡¯m sure of it..."


    Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she stood up from the floor and stagger her way to the elevator.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 55 What a beauty

    ¡ª¡ª


    Inside the parking lot of Jade Condos, the ignition of the white BMW x5m turns off.


    The driver side door opens and Yue Ling steps out with her Chanel bag in hand. Walking to the back of her car, she opened the trunk.


    After she left Ji Mansion, she had stopped at the supermarket nearby to stock up her empty fridge. Also, she wasn¡¯t someone who was fond of eating out, she rather cook her own meals.


    Reaching for her grocery bags, her hand stops in mid air. Slowly, she turns her head to the left and was in full shock.


    Parked next to her white BMW x5m was a matte ck Audi r8!


    She tilt her head and stare in astonishment at the sportscar. Letting out a sigh, she slowly walks over to the car, ignoring her grocery bags.


    "What a beauty...."


    She slowly walked around the car, circling it a few times as she admire the wless details. It wasn¡¯t a stock Audi r8, but one that had been modified nicely.


    Observing the sportscar, Yue Ling thought about her cars that were still being transported here. She owns an Audi r8 too, except, hers was white, and looking at the matte ck Audi R8, she had to admit, hers was probably nothing inparison.


    "Hmmm.." she stood at the front hood of the sportscar and sighed. "Your owner must be one heck of a lucky person to have you."


    Her bluish green eyes glisten as she stare at the car again. As a person who is fond of sports cars, she had the urging temptation to touch the sportscar, but she held herself back.


    It would be rude and inappropriate to the owner of the beauty.


    She took a deep breath and decided it was enough for her to see such a beauty. Forcing her legs, she walks back to her car.


    *click*


    Before she could even take a step forward, the driver side door of the beauty opened, Yue Ling¡¯s feet halted and she was dumbfounded.


    She had not expect someone to be inside the car!


    But who could me her, the windows to the sportscar was tinted ck. Like, so tinted to the point no one could even see inside at all!


    As the door open and the owner of the beauty stepped out, Yue Ling was even more dumbfounded.


    Her bluish green eyes that were glistening earlier shot open, along with her mouth.


    "..."


    "Like what you see?"


    Lifting her trembling hand, she points at the person and stutter, "I-It¡¯s y-you!!"


    Lu Tian¡¯s lip curls upward at Yue Ling¡¯s stunned expression. It was that same smile he didn¡¯t know he could make.


    Normally, if someone was to point their finger at him, he would make the person disappear from the world, but right now, it was exceptional because the person pointing her finger at him was his woman.


    Yue Ling on the other hand, wanted to say more, but remembering how she was just leisurely walking around the car in circles, she was even more embarrassed.


    This man, who was sitting inside his own car must have thought she was some crazy woman! Oh god!


    Every word in her brain stuck at her throat. She didn¡¯t know what to say at all.


    Lu Tian kept his smirk and continue to look at the beauty. His dark pupils like a pool of ink stare straight into her bluish green eyes like the ocean that surrounds the ind.


    Yue Ling gulped at the intense gaze. The man¡¯s eyes were like the kind of eyes that could prate one¡¯s soul to death.


    To make things worse, the man was the man she called rude and the man who took away her innocence!!


    She gulped again and cried inside, ¡¯oh god! Why does this man have to look so seductively handsome?! God, you are too unfair to peasants like us!¡¯


    ¡¯No!! I have to run!! This man is nothing but evil!¡¯


    Thinking of the idea, she didn¡¯t wait any longer and dash away, ignoring the man.


    Seeing Yue Ling suddenly runaway, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes beam in astonishment and he chuckle lowly. He close the door to his car and walks towards the entrance of Jade Condos.


    The expression on her face when she circled his car was enough to tell him, she had a love for cars. That expression was sincere and genuine.


    Just as he passed the back of his car, he stopped in his steps and turn his head to Yue Ling¡¯s car. He arch a brow seeing the grocery bags still in the trunk.


    He pout his lips in thinking of what to do.


    Just when he reach out to close the trunk door, he was struck with an idea. He smirk evilly, yet at the same time his smirk made him look extremely seductive.


    ¡ª-


    Oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s mind, Yue Ling mmed the door shut as the lights to her penthouse automatically turn on.


    Leaning against her front door, her chest moved up and down as she wipes away the sweat of her forehead.


    "Phew... good thing I had my bag and keys."


    Taking a deep breath, she took off her suede boots and slip into her house slippers. With one hand holding her boots, she drag her legs to her closet room and change clothes.


    Feeling like something wasn¡¯t right, she paused and touch her chin, "Hmm, am I forgetting something?"


    ncing at the boxes bigger than her and small boxes with various bags, she chuckled at her idiocy, "Ah, that¡¯s right, I still need to sign the delivery papers."


    Walking to her closet room, she set the boots in her hand down on the floor by the floor to ceiling window. Wanting to change clothes, she was interrupted.


    *Ding dong*


    Pursing her lips, she walks out of the room, "Eh? Why did Liu Shane?"


    Liu Shan was the only person who knows that she lives here at Jade Condos. So taking a guess, she didn¡¯t go to the security camera, instead, she walked to the door and personally open it.


    "Liu Shan, why are you¡ª-."


    The remaining words she wanted to say stuck at her throat and she froze like a stone statue.


    Without a care to who the person was, she m the door shut.


    ¡¯Oh! My! God!!¡¯


    Standing outside was the man she didn¡¯t want to see, but for some reason have been running into!


    "....."

 Chapter 56 Dinner

    ¡ª¡ª


    For the first time in his thirty years of living, Lu Tian was dumbfounded by a woman. He re viciously at the door. This was the second time since their encounter that the woman dare to m a door at him.


    Just who was he? Many people fear him, and yet, this woman treats him like some fool.


    He lower his head and looked at the grocery bags in his hands. A deep frown appear on his handsome face and his lips pout.


    Was his idea... a mistake?


    Yue Ling leaned against the door and tried to catch her breath. She got her heart and thought, ¡¯Why is he here? Did I somehow anger him by walking around his car?¡¯


    Suddenly, her eyes shot widely open and cover her mouth as she gasp, ¡¯Oh go! My grocery bags!!!¡¯


    How could she have forgotten about them! She hadn¡¯t even had the chance to eat dinner!


    Patting her chest, she whisper to herself, "Han Yue Ling. Get a hold of yourself. You got this!"


    It was now or never. Her Yeye told her that those who show fear will only be consumed by their own fearful thoughts.


    And as her Yeye¡¯s granddaughter, she is a strong woman!


    Taking an extra deep breath, she gathered all her courage and open the door.


    The moment her door opened, and she came face to face with the devil. She wanted so badly to m the door shut again, but she thought about her yeye¡¯s words again and held herself back.


    She looked the man in the eyes with her bluish green eyes. Her aurapletely different from earlier.


    Clearing her throat, she pointed to the grocery bags in Lu Tian¡¯s hands, "Are those mine?"


    Lu Tian stood unmoving from his spot.


    Just like the her, he stared back at her.


    "Mm"


    Hearing him, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes shook for a second.


    ¡¯Oh god! Why does his voice have to sound so appealing too!! So unfair!¡¯


    Shaking off the thought, she reach her arms out to take the bags. As if the man outside was just a delivery boy.


    "Thank you, I can take them from here."


    Before she could even touch the bags, she was struck in the head by his next words.


    "Dinner."


    His voice was very sexy and a little hoarse. Any woman would fall for a handsome man with a seductive voice.


    With her hands pausing in mid air, Yue Ling crease her brows at the man, "Eh?"


    Lu Tian maintained his supreme mastered poker face, "I haven¡¯t had dinner."


    "...." and what does that have to do with me?


    Of course, she didn¡¯t say it out loud.


    She pursed her lips and turn her head to look at the wall clock; 7:45pm.


    It¡¯s was gettingte, and she was hungry. She also needed to unpack. ncing at the grocery bags in Lu Tian¡¯s hand, an idea came to her.


    "Fine, I¡¯ll cook you dinner."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes lit up like fireworks, but he quickly hid it. His n actually worked!!


    Yue Ling sighed and step to the side as she opened the door wider for the man.


    Lu Tian did not hesitate to enter the devil¡¯sir.


    At the same time, she was cursing herself for being so reckless in letting some stranger inside her house.


    Well, they weren¡¯t actual strangers. They have already done the deed. Once he finishes his food, she¡¯ll just kick him out.


    "Here, wear these."


    Yue Ling¡¯s words were indifferent as she takes out a pair of house slippers from the small closet by the front door.


    Lu Tian nce at his woman then removed his ck oxfords and slide his feet into the slippers.


    Although his expression was aloof like he didn¡¯t care, he was smiling happily inside. He was inside his woman¡¯s home!


    Just how lucky was he?!


    Oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling pointed to the wall attached ind, "You can set the bags on the counter."


    And just like a servant following his master¡¯smand, Lu Tian did exactly what he was told.


    "You can sit on the couch and wait. I¡¯m going to change then I¡¯ll cook."


    Hearing the words ¡¯change¡¯, Lu Tian nce at the woman in astonishment. He had never met a woman who was so careless in words. She spoke those words as if he was a woman friend. And he was not a woman!!


    Think of her words, he frown in thought. Would she have been like this if it wasn¡¯t him and some other man? No! He won¡¯t allow it!


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t bother to care about the man and just walked to her room closet.


    She hadpletely forgotten that he was still a stranger to her. Even worse, she didn¡¯t even know his name!


    While Yue Ling left to change, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remained on her slender back.


    A sudden thought came to him, he felt as if he¡¯s seen that back somewhere before.. he just couldn¡¯t remember where...


    Without him knowing, a faint smile rose on his lips. She was really pretty. The way she dressed herself wasn¡¯t like other women he¡¯se across.


    Her style was simple but elegant.


    Removing his tan wool coat, he unbutton his tailored suit jacket and removed it, cing both clothing onto the couch.


    Sitting down, he now realized that her penthouse was a mess. Boxes and bags were everywhere!


    Usually when someone invites someone into their home, wouldn¡¯t they say, ¡¯Sorry, my house is messy.¡¯?


    Shortly after, Yue Ling walked out of the room wearing a grey oversized knitted sweater dress that reached her knees. Gathering all her hair, she tied it into a messy bun with the stic band in her hand.


    As if Cupid has just shot an arrow to his chest, Lu Tian could feel his heart beating rapidly. It was a suffocating feeling, but it also felt good.


    Like a person who was struck with love.


    Getting a clear look at her facial features, he was once again mesmerized by her.


    She didn¡¯t wear thickyers of makeup allowing one to see she was a natural beauty.


    A real beauty.


    Every step she took matched the thumping of his heartbeat.


    Walking to the kitchen, Yue Ling dig through the grocery bags and took out a new apron. Putting on the apron, she continue to take the things out.


    "Oh, don¡¯t mind the mess, I just moved in."


    Lu Tian lower his head and smiled faintly, "I know."


    "Eh? What was that?"


    Looking up, Lu Tian was surprised. He shook his head, "Nothing."


    "..."


    Yue Ling hands Lu Tian a ss of warm milk, "Drink this for now."


    Lu Tian, however was confused. How did she warm the milk so fast?


    Looking at his expression, Yue wanted tough, but instead, she coughed, "It¡¯s not poison."


    How could she tell him that when she said she just moved in, the man had doze off while she warmed up the milk.


    Lu Tian reached for the ss like it was the most natural thing to do. As if, it was an everyday thing where his woman hands him a ss of warm milk.


    However, instead of touching the ss, his hand ended up touching hers.


    Like suddenly being electrocuted, Yue Ling jumped and just when she was about to release her hold on the ss cup, Lu Tian¡¯srge hands covered hers and secured the ss from falling.


    "....."


    Her face redden and retrieved her hand, "um, I¡¯ll go cook."


    Looking at her retreating figure, Lu Tian felt his heart softened without him knowing. He held the ss of warm milk in one hand and he gaze at the hand he used to touch hers.


    Her hand was small and very soft. It was his first time holding a woman¡¯s hand.


    In the kitchen, Yue Ling didn¡¯t dare to look at the figure sitting in her living room. She could still feel the warmth from the man¡¯s hand on hers.


    His hand was bigger than hers and she could feel the calluses on his palm. The veins on his the back of his hand made it look even more sexier...


    Realizing what she was thinking, she pinch the space between her brows.


    ¡¯Han Yue Ling, get a hold of yourself!!¡¯


    Forcing all the thoughts to the back of her head, she started preparing dinner.


    To her, eating with someone was better than eating alone. Even if that someone was a stranger.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 57 Kind of late

    ¡ª-


    While Yue Ling was busy cooking and her attention was fully on the food, she did not realize that the man sitting in her living room had already started keeping himself busy.


    Lu Tian was starting to feel ufortable just sitting down. So, instead of waiting, he decided to help Yue Ling unpack, but only the big boxes.


    How can he let his woman deal with boxes that were twice her size?


    As he unbox the big boxes and put the wooden pieces against the wall, he came to realization that if he was to put the pieces together, they all make opened wardrobes.


    The space between his brows crease into the three deep lines.


    Just how much space does his woman need for a closet? Does she really have that many clothes?


    But then, who can me Lu Tian for not doing a full research on his woman. If he did he would have known that she was the famous fashion designer of De L¡¯amour.


    With no further questions, he started assembling the wardrobes since he knew they were the heaviest and he would not allow his woman to carry these heavy things.


    Almost an hourter, Yue Ling looked at the dishes she prepared and smile like a proud mother. She had already set them on the dining table.


    She cooked spicy fish, braised pork, stir-fried vegetables, egg drop soup and steamed rice.


    Looking at her work of art, she nod her head in satisfaction.


    Turning to inform her stranger guest, her eyes and mouth shot open.


    "Oh my god! You didn¡¯t have to!"


    She quickly runs to the living room and stops the man.


    Lu Tian positioned thest wardrobe he was working on, making a total of five. Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s voice, he looked at her with a poker face,


    "It¡¯s nothing."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stare at the man in disbelief. Was she really that deaf to not hear the man assembling the wardrobes? Her kitchen and living room were not even far apart. More embarrassingly, she can see a clear view of her living room from her kitchen!


    With no other choice, Yue sighed and could only thank the man.


    "Thank you, but you really didn¡¯t have to."


    "It¡¯s the least I can do. After dinner, I can help you put them in the ce you want."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless. How can she let a man she did not know enter her closet?! She was not that shameless!!


    Waving both her hands at the man, she wanted to cry.


    "No, no need to. It¡¯s already enough that you helped assemble them."


    Lu Tian frown again at her words. She was his woman and as her man, doing things like this for her was only natural.


    If his assistant was here, he would definitely be in a huge shock and question the cold and ruthless Lu Tian!


    ¡ª-


    In another part of Imperial, a man was currently hanging out with his friends.


    Suddenly, his nose twitch and he sneezed.


    "Aaa-choooo!"


    Rubbing his nose, Xu Long looked left and right. Seeing no one paying any attention to him, he frown and mumbled, "who dares to talk about this noble one?!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Lu Tian and Yue Ling sat at the dining table, across from each other.


    The delicious aroma enter Lu Tian¡¯s nose and he was surprised. If he had not witness her cooking in the kitchen, he would have thought she ordered take out from a five star restaurant.


    Yue Ling smiles at the man¡¯s aloof expression with glistening eyes, "It¡¯s not much, but eat up."


    Seeing her pure smile, Lu Tian was once again captivated by the aura she carried with her. Her smile alone can really rx one¡¯s mind.


    He nce down at the food.


    In his entire life, he had never ate at the same table with a woman, besides his mother and cousin.


    Even stranger to him was he liked this feeling.


    The feeling of being able to apany her at the dinner table.


    When she was cooking in the kitchen and he was in the living room, he felt a piece of him was put together, bing whole.


    Just knowing that she was near, already made him happy.


    Never in his entire life had he ever felt this way towards a woman...


    With a faint smile, he did as he was told and ate the food his woman had prepared for him.


    Being able to catch a glimpse of the man¡¯s smile despite it being unnoticeable, Yue Ling was surprised.


    She stare at the man and her mind was a mess. How can someone look so charming by just smiling so faintly? She had thought his only expressions were a seductive smirk or remaining aloof!


    Suddenly, something trigger her brain and she ce her chopsticks down.


    Noticing her sudden movement, Lu Tian also put his chopstick down and looked at her.


    Once his dark eyes met hers, Yue Ling felt her cheeks fire up and she quickly avert her eyes from the man.


    "Ahem." She clear her throat and look back at the man. Ignoring her blushing cheeks, she reach her hand over to the man.


    "Kind ofte, but I am Han Yue Ling."


    Lu Tian arch a brow, then he reach out to shake her hand. "Lu Tian."


    "It¡¯s nice to meet you, Lu Tian"


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling quickly pull her hand back, picked up her chopstick and continue eating.


    She hadpletely forgot that the man she just leisurely shook hands with was the man she lost her virginity to.


    However, she missed the look in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes. He, at this moment was full of happiness like a teenage boy in love.


    Hearing her finally say his name was the most soothing sound to his ears. Like a favorite song on repeat.


    In a good mood, he continued eating all the food she cooked.


    What made his heart softened more was he actually wanted to hold her small hand again and never let go.


    Thinking of it, he swore inside, he¡¯ll never let her go.


    Even when he told her his name, she did not treat him differently like other people who only got close to him for status.


    Ah, but what Lu Tian didn¡¯t know was that Yue Ling has no idea who he is. She was never one to care about wealth and she was never one to judge others. Her motto in life was, if you respect her, she will respect you, but if you cross the line, she won¡¯t hold back.


    So even if it was emperor standing in front of her, she will still shrug her shoulders indifferently.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 58 His plan worked again

    ¡ª-


    After their dinner, Lu Tian offered to help with the dishes, which Yue Ling found reasonable since she cooked.


    Curious about the man, she asked, "Hey Lu Tian, what do you do for a living?"


    It wasn¡¯t that she wanted to be noisy, but thinking about her expensive penthouse, she wanted to ask since he was her neighbor.


    "Business."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t flinch at her question, he just answered her truthfully.


    Yue Ling pinch her chin and nod her head, "I see."


    "You?"


    "I was a model, but I just retired." she answered him like she was talking to a friend.


    Lu Tian slightly purse his lips, "Why?"


    "Mm... I wanted to pursue my all time passion, so I retired from modeling."


    Hearing her answer, Lu Tian nod his head in understanding. At the same time he finished washing the dishes and dry his hand with a white dishcloth.


    "Why did you ask about my career?"


    His eyes turned dangerous, he had thought she was different from other women. Was he wrong?


    "I was just curious. I mean, you¡¯re also living in one of the penthouses here and with the high price, I just wanted to ask."


    Yue Ling shrug her shoulders and said indifferently,


    "Even if you said you were a gigolo, I could care less. It¡¯s your life anyways."


    The dangerous look in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes vanish at her words. He sighed in relief inwardly knowing she was really different.


    Seeing that the dishes were washed and put away, Yue Ling touched her nose and said awkwardly, "It¡¯s gettingte, so you should go back to your ce."


    Lu Tian looked at the wall clock and frown.


    It was already 9:15pm.


    He knew it waste and he had to go, but he also wanted to stay and spend more time with her.


    This was the first time since their encounter that she didn¡¯t run away from him.


    Well, she couldn¡¯t since they were in her home.


    He nce at the five wardrobes standing like warriors in her living. His eyes lit up with an idea.


    "I¡¯ll leave after I help you put the wardrobes away."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was so speechless at his words, she couldn¡¯t find the words to refute him. Just by looking at the man, she could already guess he was the type who wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer.


    Then again, she couldn¡¯t possible move the wardrobes by herself, and Liu Shan was definitely no hope. Knowing him, he would whine and whine like a wife.


    As reluctant as she was, she ended up nodding her head.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In another part of Imperial, Liu Shan was currently rxing in his apartment, watching a k-drama.


    Suddenly, his nose started to get itchy and he sneezed.


    "Aaaa-chooo!!"


    Liu Shan rub his nose and shouts out loud, "Han Yue Ling! I know you are talking about me!! How dare you?! Hmmf!"


    ¡ª-


    Getting her approval, Lu Tian¡¯s heart leap in joy.


    His n worked again!


    Coming to an agreement, Yue Ling then tells Lu Tian where she wants the wardrobe to go.


    And because she was his woman, he didn¡¯t let her lift a finger in moving the heavy wardrobes. He leisurely took his time carrying the wardrobes one by one to the room Yue Ling said was her closet.


    While he did his job, Yue Ling sized up the man. She finally realized how much taller Lu Tian waspared to her. As a girl who was born with a tall height, thanks to her father, she didn¡¯t pay attention to other people¡¯s height.


    It was either they were shorter than her or stood at the height or a tad bit taller.


    If she remembers correctly, earlier when they were washing the dishes, her head only reached his bottom lip.


    Oblivious to her own self, her eyes never left the busy man and a faint smile curl on her lips. For some unknown reason to her, Lu Tian at this moment, gave her home a warm feeling. Maybe it was because she wasn¡¯t alone.


    Suddenly, she jolted awake from her thoughts. The five wardrobes that Lu Tian was moving were not light at all. It would have taken two or three strong people to move them.


    Yet, the man carried them like he was carrying a bottle of water!


    "Anything else?" Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice floated into Yue Ling¡¯s ears.


    Still in the middle of her thoughts, Yue Ling sighed and stare at the man.


    ¡¯At least he¡¯s handsome and strong... uh... oh god! Girl, get a hold of yourself!¡¯


    She slightly tap her forehead for thinking out of the box.


    Lu Tian looked at the suddenly foolish woman and he held in his smile.


    Suddenly realizing how stupid she must have looked, Yue Ling cleared her threat and point to a few smaller boxes, "You can help me bring those boxes to the same room the wardrobes are in."


    Like a husband listening attentively to his wife¡¯smands, Lu Tian did what he was told. And he didn¡¯tin or found it unreasonable.


    If it meant he could spend more time with her, he is willing to be a ve for her.


    On the other hand, if Xu Long or any of his subordinates were to see him, their almighty boss who they worship and respect being so attentive and following a woman¡¯s orders, just how shocked would they be!


    Yue Ling who was always oblivious to others, leisurely carried the small boxes to her closet room with Lu Tian tailing behind her like a pet.


    Once again, she forgot that Lu Tian was the man she lost her innocence to. She had even forgotten her n to kick the man out after he finished his dinner.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 59 I just did

    ¡ª¡ª


    Setting down thest box that goes in her room closet, Yue Ling finally noticed how dark it was outside.


    The n was to only move the five wardrobes, how did it be like this?


    Because she had put thest box down by the floor to ceiling window, she turned to face the view of Imperial.


    Slowly, she raise one hand and gently touch the window ss. The view of Imperial reflected in her eyes. Imperial from where she stands, looked like another night sky full of stars.


    Her mind drifted to thousands of memories.


    Lu Tian enter the room and put the box in hand down. Noticing her quietly stand in front of the huge window, he walked over to her. Standing just three feet away from her, he admire the view of her like a painting in a museum .


    He could see her face reflected from the ss window, making his heart filled with waves of warmth.


    Just how nice would it be to always see her everyday?


    He continued to gaze at her like a high school boy admiring his crush from afar. Full of love and devotion.


    "What are you thinking about?" He said as he takes two steps forward, closing the gap between them a bit.


    Without moving her eyes away from the view outside, she didn¡¯t answer him right away.


    With a long pause, her soft voice finally sounded,


    "Have you ever experienced a moment where everything turns into one massive blur? Like, nothing registering in your brain, where everything and everyone around you seem to have slow down?"


    "...."


    Lu Tian frown at her question and did not answer.


    From his experiences in life, he¡¯s sure he¡¯s never experienced such feelings before.


    Yue Ling slowly move her hand from the window and turned around to face the man standing behind her. Her bluish green eyes looked the man straight in the eyes and her lips parted,


    "I have."


    Her voice was tranquil, but when Lu Tian met her mesmerizing eyes, he was reminded of the night she sat outside on the balcony.


    The look in her eyes made his heart tighten, like suffocation.


    He could see the pain and loneliness deep within those calm and beautiful eyes.


    It was a feeling he did not want her to feel.


    He may have just encountered her and not know anything about her, but he does not want her to have those kind of looks in her eyes.


    A feeling he wants to remove for her.


    As they gaze into each other¡¯s eyes, Lu Tian felt like the world had be a massive blur. His mind was full of the woman in front of him. Everything seemed to have slow down and all he could hear was his heart beating uncontrobly and only the woman standing in front of him.


    He takes a step forward and gently, he caress her cheek with one hand.


    Not expecting his sudden move, Yue Ling jolted awake at the warmth from Lu Tian¡¯s palm.


    For some reason, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to push the man away. Nor could she move her eyes away from his dark pupils that seemed to see through her soul.


    Their eyes remained locked while Lu Tian¡¯s hand held Yue Ling¡¯s cheek.


    Neither of them made a sound, but stare deeply into each other¡¯s eyes.


    After a long silence, Lu Tian finally made a move.


    He deepened the gap between them by wrapping his other hand around Yue Ling¡¯s back, pulling her body closer to him.


    His hand on her cheek, slowly and gently move to her chin, raising her head to look up at him.


    Never leaving her eyes, he lower his head next to her ear and whisper, "I just did."


    "!"


    Realization finally kicked in Yue Ling¡¯s brain when she heard Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice and breath on her ear. The feeling sent a shock wave through her entire body.


    She had asked him a very deep out of line question and he actually answered her!


    Before she could even react and push him away, he tighten his arm around her waist and his hand that was on her chin had already moved to the back of her head near her nape.


    He lower his head and kissed her forehead, then her eyes, her nose, her cheek, and finally his lips cover hers.


    He tilt his head slight and kissed her tenderly, like he was afraid to hurt her.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes were wide awake. She could see the man¡¯s longshes as his eyes closed.


    She was in shock, but like her mind was in a trance, she slowly closed her eyes and kissed the man back.


    Getting a response from Yue Ling, Lu Tian felt the heat rising on his lower body. His hands tightened on the woman and he deepen their kiss until their mouth open and their tongues explore each other¡¯s.


    Just when Yue Ling was almost out of breath did Lu Tian reluctantly pull away. The sound of their panting breaths filled the room. He press his forehead against hers and asked in a low hoarse voice,


    "Do you hate this?"


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 60 Well proportioned and perfec

    [WARNING: This chapter inappropriate scenes for younger readers!]


    ¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling looked at Lu Tian and her cheeks flushed into a deep red shade.


    She asked herself inwardly, did she hate this? She didn¡¯t know why, but she felt it was a normal thing for her to be close to him, despite them not fully knowing each other. Even if they had met in such an awkward way or had tossed in bed unwillingly, did she really hate this?


    What if he was psychopath? Or a murder? Or a fugitive?


    But the real question was, did she hate this?


    Probably because of the mood they were suddenly in, Yue Ling bit her lower lip and shook her head faintly.


    She didn¡¯t know why, but Lu Tian gave her a safe feeling. Like he would never do anything to hurt her.


    Was it because she was lonely? Or was it because of another reason?


    Oblivious to Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian exhaled in relief and smiled widely.


    If she had said she hated what he did, he would step away even if he didn¡¯t want to.


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but stare at Lu Tian. His smile captivated her, making her unable to tear her eyes away. He lookedpletely different from the aloof man he was.


    She continued to stare at him, not knowing that she looked like an adorable porcin doll in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes.


    Unable to hold back any longer, he captures her lips again with his, as his hands gently trace every inch other body.


    As their kiss deepen, Lu Tian grabbed Yue Ling¡¯s sweater dress and slides it upwards until it waspletely removed.


    Tossing her dress onto the floor, he pulled away from Yue Ling and gaze at her body. The only things covering her naked body at this moment was her matching ck bra and panties. He could feel the hardness of his beast throbbing below.


    She was slim and toned in every part of her body. Her curves were well proportioned and perfect.


    Being looked at intensely, Yue Ling could feel her face burn up like she was having a fever. She bit her lower lip embarrassingly.


    Even though she was a model and had taken photo shoots and done runways for Victoria¡¯s Secret, being stare at so attentively like this wasn¡¯t the same.


    Seeing her blushing face and her swollen red lips, Lu Tian felt the beast below harden even more.


    He kiss her lips again, then her chin and her neck.


    With one hand on her back, he unhooked Yue Ling¡¯s bra with his other hand and slides the straps down her shoulders as he caress her smooth skin, allowing her full and nicely shaped breasts to bounce freely.


    "Ah~," Ling shivered slightly at Lu Tian¡¯s touch and let out a soft moan.


    His hand on her back press her body closer to his.


    Lu Tian lower his body until his lips touch Yue Ling¡¯s breasts.


    Like a hungry baby, he sucks on her nipple while he massage the other.


    Yue Ling felt her mind be a mess. Lu Tian¡¯s hot breath and tongue on her breasts were making her mind go crazy, like torture in a pleasuable way. She wrapped her arms around his head.


    She did not know how long they¡¯ve been at it. All she knew was that her legs had now be weak.


    Feeling a slight cool breeze brush against her skin, Yue Ling finally realized she was naked with only her panties still on, and Lu Tian was still fully clothed.


    "L-Lu Tian... no.. ah.. enn..."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian suddenly stops. He reluctantly moves from Yue Ling¡¯s breasts and he straighten himself, he press his forehead to hers and in a rasping low growl, he whispers to her, "Tell me Yue Ling. Tell me you want me too."


    Yue Ling felt conflicted. She never went anywhere beyond kissing. Lu Tian was the only and first man she had ever done it with, but at the time she was drugged.


    Everything seemed to be moving so fast and so unreal, what if after tonight, he decides to leave?


    Wait, was that even a question she should be asking herself?


    She doesn¡¯t know if her decision was right or wrong, but she didn¡¯t want this moment to stop.


    She doesn¡¯t want this heart throbbing moment to end. Even if this was just another one night stand between them. Even if after tonight, they be strangers again.


    She was willing to take this small chance.


    Not getting a response, Lu Tian felt his heart had stopped. His eyes remain on the beautiful face that he couldn¡¯t get out of his mind.


    "Yue Ling..." he uttered in a whisper that could prate one¡¯s soul.


    Coming out of her daze, Yue Ling looked at Lu Tian. She could see the worried look in his eyes.


    He looked like a child waiting for approval from his mother to buy a toy.


    "Do... you want me to stop? It¡¯s not toote."


    After he saw her daze expression, he had to stop himself. Even if he wanted to take her so badly, he also wanted to respect her if she said no.


    Even if the beast down there was fully erected, he would suppress the desire in him for wanting her.


    Their first time was because he had been drugged, while the second was out of his own selfishness. This time, they were both sober and he wants her to want him too.


    After thinking thoroughly, Yue Ling looked at Lu Tian and shook her head shyly.


    Getting the answer he had hoped for, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes lit up like the brightest star in the night sky.


    Swiftly, he grabbed hold of her and lower Yue Ling on the floor carpet. Gently, heid her down. He smiled happily at her blushing red face.


    How he loves looking at her.


    Lu Tian sat on his knees, and loosen his tie, then he unbutton his dress shirt.


    Taking his shirt off, he ce it on the side with Yue Ling¡¯s sweater dress.


    Looking at his bare and toned upper body, Yue Ling blushed even more.


    She thought, ¡¯Oh god! How can this man look so god-like?!!¡¯


    Before Lu Tian couldy his body over Yue Ling¡¯s, she gulped and pointed to the light switch.


    How could she forget that the light was still brightly lit?!


    Seeing her cute and innocent gesture, Lu Tian chuckled. He had been holding back this entire time to take her, and yet she¡¯s here worried about the lights.


    Then again, with the lights on, others may see them from outside and the thought of another man seeing his woman naked was uneptable.


    He stood up and walked to the light switch, turning it off.


    Yue Ling nce at Lu Tian and she blushed tremendously when she saw a glimpse of his bulging manhood trapped behind his suit pants.


    She quickly cover her eyes with both her hands and screamed inside.


    ¡¯How can someone be so handsome and so big!!! How in the world is ¡¯that¡¯ going to fit inside me?! Oh god! Han Yue Ling! When did you be such a pervert?!!!!¡¯


    Even with the light turned off, the room was still dimly lit by the hallway light and the bright moon outside.


    Lu Tian walked back to Yue Ling and let out a soft chuckle when he saw her covering her eyes.


    A sudden realization came to him.


    She wasn¡¯t just beautiful, but also cute and lovely.


    He unzip his suit pants and takes it off with his ck Balenciaga boxer briefs, allowing his harden beast to be free, before continue his next step.


    With both her hands cover her eyes, only her nose and lips were exposed. She was too nervous to remember that she was also naked to the eyes with only her ck panties still on.


    Suddenly hearing the shuffle of clothing being taken off, her heart nearly stopped. She could hear own heartbeat thumping loudly.


    Lu Tian kneeled down and smiled softly at her.


    Finally, he slid Yue Ling¡¯sst piece of clothing off her.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 61 I want to see you

    [WARNING!!!]


    ______


    Parting her legs, Lu Tian lower his body between her spread legs.


    Afraid he would her hurt her, he made sure he didn¡¯t put his full weight on her.


    Yue Ling could feel the warmth from the tip of Lu Tian¡¯s bulging beast touching her entrance between her legs.


    She blushed more and couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at the man at all. She wanted so badly to dip out, but she knew it was toote. Her hands covering her eyes pressed down more, making sure she couldn¡¯t see the man.


    Unlike her, Lu Tian thought otherwise, just the touch of her soft skin on him felt like he was on cloud nine.


    Lu Tian wanted to just go ahead and thrust into her, but he held in the desire to do so. It was best to slowly advance his way.


    Looking down at the beauty under him, he smiled warmly.


    Even now when they¡¯vee this far, she still has her hands covering her eyes.


    With one hand supporting him, he leaned forward and nt a kiss on her exposed lips as his other hand move one of her hand away from her face.


    "Don¡¯t cover your eyes.. I want to see you."


    Reluctantly, Yue Ling slowly move her hands away. When her eyes met his, she froze.


    Lu Tian at this moment looked extremely handsome. The faint light from the moon outside shone on his body, making him look like the world¡¯s heavenly god.


    She could faintly see the glistening lust in his eyes, and she knew he was holding back. Just for her.


    Lu Tian lower his head to her ears, and whisper in a hoarse voice, "Yue Ling... do you want me inside you? Hm?"


    Already embarrassed enough, hearing Lu Tian¡¯s question, she re at the man in speechless with her tomato red cheeks.


    His words were very dirty and shameless.


    Anyone would blush and not know how to answer if they were asked such question!


    Yue Ling brace herself as she epted the fact that she could no longer turn back. It was now or never. Right?


    She gaze into Lu Tian¡¯s lustful eyes and slowly, she nod her head.


    Only god knows how much energy it took her to nod her head.


    Lu Tian smiled in relief at her answer. He held her cheek and stare at her passionately.


    "You are very beautiful, Yue Ling."


    To him, she really is beautiful. She is the most beautifulest woman he¡¯s ever met in his life.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t reply back, but the dimly light casting from the moon radiated on her face and Lu Tian was able to see her shy expression.


    Lowering his face to hers, he captures her lips. He liked the fact that the womanying under him was pure and innocent.


    He has never been with a woman before and he was thankful, he got to meet Yue Ling.


    He was thankful, his first time had been with her and not someone else.


    Yue Ling slowly closed her eyes as she wraps her arms around Lu Tian¡¯s neck and kiss him back.


    Into their passionate kiss, Lu Tian could feel the change in Yue Ling¡¯s body. She was starting to be wet beneath him like a lily flower in a pond.


    He move his hand from her cheek and wrap it under her shoulder, then he slowly enter her, helping her adjust to his size.


    Feeling his big and throbbing shaft spreading her inner walls and entering her inch by inch, she clutch onto his arms and let out a moan between her gasping breath and their kiss.


    "Ah! Lu... Tian.. ww¡ª-!"


    Yue Ling wanted to tell him to wait, but before she could even finish her words, Lu Tian suddenly thrust deeply in her.


    She inhale an intense amount of air, her eyes squeezed tight, and her hands move from his arms to his back and her nails dig into his skin.


    Lu Tian groan at the sudden pain, but it erected him more and the lust in him intensify more.


    He wanted to be one with her right away.


    She made him feelplete.


    Reluctantly, he pull his lips away from Yue Ling¡¯s, he wanted to see her face.


    But, when he saw the look on her face, he felt a tinge of guilt hit his cold heart. He didn¡¯t want to be the hungry wolf he was like their first love making. He wanted to consider her feelings too, but....


    When he enter her and felt the tightness of her ingulf him, he suddenly lost control. He knew she was hurt from his selfish move.


    He press his forehead on hers with his lip an inch away from hers, he groan in raspy voice, "I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you."


    Yue Ling slowly open her eyes, and her body softened. Although it hurts, it didn¡¯t hurt like the first time they did it.


    Lu Tian¡¯s guilty expression mixed with lust gave it away. This man, just how can he still apologize when he¡¯s already inside her?


    Unexpectedly, she tilt her head and press her lips onto the man¡¯s.


    "!!!"


    Lu Tian raise both his brows and his eyes slightly open widely.


    He did not expect Yue Ling to kiss him at all! Just what did that mean?


    Seeing a new expression from the aloof man, Yue Ling let out a soft sigh, "I¡¯m okay."


    She wanted to reassure him, not because he was already deeply inside her, but because she also wanted this.


    It was a mutual feeling between them at this moment.


    Even if morning came and he was to disappear, deep down, she knew this was a moment she won¡¯t regret. Right?


    Suddenly turning into a hungry wolf, Lu Tian quickly captures Yue Ling¡¯s lips. His tongue twirling with hers.


    His hands touching every inch of her. He massage her soft breasts that felt as if they were created just for his hands. He gently pinch her harden nipple with his thumb and index finger.


    "Mm..." she lets out moan. The calluses on his palm tickled her skin, sending a pleasurable sensation in her.


    Lu Tian put one hand on the back of Yue Ling¡¯s nape and his hand that was massaging her breasts slowly caress it way down to her legs.


    Gently, he lift one of her legs and press it to the side of his waist, holding it in ce.


    Slowly, he move his waist and thrust inwardly and outwardly of the beautyying under him.


    Making sure he wasn¡¯t rough like before, he continued to kiss her and carefully thrust deeply into her.


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but arch her body upwards, pressing her bare chest against the man¡¯s.


    She could feel him deep inside her and spreading her more, like he was preparing her for his next action.


    They moved together slowly like a beautiful rhythm in the night.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 62 Is he leaving?

    [WARNING!!!!]


    ¡ª-


    After a few slow thrusting, Yue Ling was soaking wet and Lu Tian increase his speed.


    Feeling her wetness, his movements became more faster and he thrust deeper into her.


    "Hh¡ª nn¡ª ahh¡ª Lu... Tian!"


    Yue Ling moaned and grip the man¡¯s shoulders as he continue to ram himself inside her.


    "Ahn¡ª!"


    Lu Tian gaze at the womanying below him. His eyes melted at the view of her sexy expression.


    Just like the beautiful her, she was even more beautiful in ecstasy.


    Her lips were swollen from their passionate kisses. ncing lower, he stare at the way her breasts bounce up and down from his moves.


    Suddenly, the desire in him rose and he could feel his shaft harden more. He quicken his hips and movements. He wanted to keep looking at her expression each time he thrust into her.


    The woman really turned him on. Even if it was just one look, he was for sure he would not be able to hold back his desire to keep wanting her.


    He let out a groan and kiss Yue Ling¡¯s swollen red lips again.


    Through, the gasps of their kiss, he pant and whisper, "Yue Ling, be mine."


    His lips move to kiss her cheek, then he nibble her ear, and whisper again, "Will you be mine?"


    Lost in the passionate moment, Yue Ling without knowing answered his question with a ¡¯mm¡¯ as she continue to moan at each thrust he sent her.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes glisten at her answer. She was finally his! Even if shees up with an excuse once their love making was done, he won¡¯t let her go. Never!


    Their intimate act continued into the night. Both forgetting that they had work in the morning.


    Their body pound against each other loudly, echoing throughout Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse.


    The sound of their gasping breaths and moans made the bright moon in the night blush embarrassingly having to witness such scene.


    ¡ª-


    After hours of intense love making, Yue Ling dug her nails into Lu Tian¡¯s arms and gasped a moan.


    "Lu Tian... I- I-!"


    Lu Tian groaned hoarsely, he knew Yue Ling was almost at her climax and so was he. He could feel her inner walls tightening more around his harden shaft.


    He tighten his arms around her and quicken his pace with her legs wrapped around his waist. He stare at her with loving eyes, and murmured, "Me too."


    "Aahhn-!!"


    Yue Ling tighten her legs around Lu Tian¡¯s waist as she climaxed from their insane, wild and primitive love making.


    At the same time, Lu Tian didn¡¯t pull out of her, instead, he sought his own release inside her.


    He didn¡¯t care if mistakes happened and she ended up with his child.


    She was his woman and soon she would be his one and only wife.


    She was already his from the moment they met.


    ¡ª-


    Yue Lingid on the carpet of her room closet. Her entire body was covered in sweat and her chest heaving up and down.


    She was very exhausted and she could feel the breathing from the man still on top of her.


    Lu Tianid on top of Yue Ling with one hand supporting her head like a pillow and the other under her back.


    His head resting between her neck and shoulder and even after they reach their desire climax, he was still inside her.


    He didn¡¯t want to pull out of her.


    If he could, he wanted to stay as one with her forever.


    Thinking of the idea, his eyes lit up and he thought of another mischievous n.


    Yue Ling could feel Lu Tian still deep inside of her, but she was too tired to argue with the man. Her sleepiness was starting taking over.


    Thinking it¡¯s been long enough, Lu Tian lift his head and looked at the woman he had just devoured. His lips curl upwards and he chuckled.


    He wanted to go another round, but seeing the beauty¡¯s exhausted figure, he could only suppress the desire rising in him.


    After all, the once dark sky was starting to light up and he wants her to have a bit of rest.


    Lu Tian smiled warmly and kissed Yue Ling on the forehead, then he slowly pull his beast out of her.


    He moved from Yue Ling who was now sound asleep and walked out of the room.


    Before her vision darkened and she drifted into slumber from exhaustion. She could faintly see Lu Tian¡¯s figure stand up and leave the room.


    She felt her heart tightened and she thought, ¡¯Is he leaving?¡¯


    However, her vision turned ck with the sound of steady footsteps leaving the room as she was consumed by slumber.


    ¡ª-


    Lu Tian returned to the room with a warm wet towel in his hand. He kneeled nakedly beside the sleeping Yue Ling and wiped her clean from theirte night exercise.


    He dressed himself then carried the naked Yue Ling princess style to her bedroom.


    Gently cing her on the soft bed, he cover her with the nket. He bent down and kiss her lips before pulling away.


    Lu Tian stare at the sleeping beauty for a long while with a smile on his face, like a man madly in love.


    He sighed and reluctantly, he moved his eyes away from the woman sleeping peacefully and walked out of the room.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 63 Take responsibility

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Jade Condos stood like a pir under the painted blue sky glistening with golden rays of light from the rising sun.


    Inside Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse, she woke up exactly at 7am. Her arms stretch out and she purr like a cat on her soft andfortable king sized bed.


    Sitting up, the nket covering her slid down revealing her naked upper body. However, her attention was not on herself, but the empty spot next to her.


    There was no sign of wrinkles at all.


    Recalling the image before she doze into slumber, Yue Ling scoff in self-mockery.


    So, afterst night¡¯s ¡¯deed¡¯ he really did leave..


    But what could she have done? Ask him to stay?


    No, she wouldn¡¯t let that happen. It was partly her fault for letting things get out of control too.


    She had already decided that if he was to leave, then she wouldn¡¯t me him.


    Shaking the thoughts away, she lift the nket and sluggishly makes her way to the bathroom.


    She pursed her lips in frowning and cursed inwardly at Lu Tian for not even showing her a tiny bit of mercy.


    ¡¯That damn man! How can he have so much stamina?!¡¯


    Her body ached all over, even in the ces that shouldn¡¯t hurt.


    After Yue Ling finished with the toilet, she washed her hands and reach for her toothbrush. Squeezing the toothpaste, she nce at her reflection in the mirror and her entire body turned into a statue.


    The ends of her mouth twitch and her eyes fell out of their sockets.


    Was this really her? Had she always looked like this in the morning?


    For gods sake, even she couldn¡¯t recognize herself in the mirror.


    Her hair that was supposed to be in a bun, now looked like a birds nest. It looked like she had gotten into a cat fight!


    Her lips were swollen red and her fair skin was covered in red love marks, especially on her neck and chest.


    She let out a long sigh and put her hand holding the toothbrush on her hip, while she lift her other hand and pinch the space between her brows.


    Every time she wakes up in the morning, she never cared to look carefully at herself in the mirror.


    But now that she saw herself, she really envies those women in movies who would wake up in the morning and still looked on point.


    Thinking of something, she chuckle in her own foolishness.


    No wonder he left. If she was him, she would probably leave too. Who would want to wake up first thing in the morning to see a crazy looking person next to them.


    Ignoring her crazy appearance, she brush her teeth and step into the shower.


    Last night, she didn¡¯t get to shower because after Lu Tian ate her tofu, she was too exhausted and fell asleep right away.


    While showering, the warm water from the shower head pour onto her skin, making her body rx.


    Her mind drifted to how she saw him leave out of the room and how she woke up alone on the lonely king size bed.


    It was clear that the man had gone back to his penthouse. The wrinkle free side of the bed was proof. Right?


    Yue Ling vowed to buryst night¡¯s activity deep in the back of her heart. She will not let herself be tempted by him or any other man again. She felt humiliated for letting him eat her and just disappear without a word. How foolish of her!


    After she washed up and dried her hair, she put on a light gray t-shirt dress.


    Knowing that it was still early in the morning, she decided to cook herself breakfast.


    Walking towards the kitchen, the faint aroma of bacon enter her noses with the sound of flowing water, as if someone was washing the dishes.


    She frown at the smell and sound.


    "Did I forget to turn the tv off?"


    stepping into her kitchen, she halted with her mouth open into an ¡¯O¡¯ and her eyes widely open.


    ¡¯Holy crap! Why is he here?! Didn¡¯t he leave?!¡¯


    Standing in her kitchen was a tall figure with his back facing her.


    The man had the perfect body structure, even from behind he still looked good! The in ck T-shirt on him outlined his upper body nicely and the light grey lounge pants wrapped around his legs like an armor.


    He lookedfortable, like he was standing in his own home.


    The water shut off, and Lu Tian turns around. Seeing Yue Ling standing in a daze, his heart melted at the sight of her.


    "You¡¯re awake. I¡¯ve already prepared breakfast,e eat. You need all the energy you can get after experiencing an intense workout."


    Yue Ling pout her lips and re at Lu Tian with inexpressible eyes.


    ¡¯Workout¡¯ your head!! After eating me, you want to eat my food too?! Hmmf! No shame at all!!¡¯


    ring at Lu Tian, Yue Ling suddenly felt that the man was somehow treating her like a guest and he was owner.


    She frown at the thought, then letting out a deep breath, she pinch the space between her brows for the second time.


    Raising one palm out, she asked, "Hold on. What are you doing?"


    "Cooking."


    "I can see that, but what I mean is, what are you doing in MY house? Why are you still even here? Shouldn¡¯t you be next door at YOUR own ce?"


    "Because I¡¯m cooking."


    "...."


    Yue Ling¡¯s mouth twitched.


    She suddenly felt speaking with Lu Tian just made her IQ and EQ drop into one digit.


    "I willpensate you for your time, so you can go now..."


    "...."


    ¡¯Wait, that doesn¡¯t sound right..¡¯


    Her words sounded like she was paying a male prostitute after she had her way with him.


    She looks at the man and she didn¡¯t know what to say at all!


    Lu Tian squint his eyes and re at Yue Ling. He clenched his teeth and growl in a low voice, "You¡¯re telling me to leave?"


    "..."


    A slight chill crawl on Yue Ling¡¯s skin making her gulp when she heard Lu Tian¡¯s words.


    Why does he sound so angry? Did I offend him by making it sound like he was a cheap male prostitute?


    Taking a deep breath, Yue Ling tried to reason with the man. However, seeing his dark and dangerous eyes staring into her soul, she was at a loss for words.


    "...."


    In the end, she could only ask him directly, "What do you want then? If it¡¯s within my reach, I can give it to you."


    "You know what I want."


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice sounded deadly and murderous, like someone had offended him badly.


    "...."


    Yue Ling wanted to cut open the man¡¯s skull and see if his brain was still working properly.


    "I wouldn¡¯t be asking you if I knew what you want."


    Lu Tian stare intensely at the woman, he was angry that she wanted him to leave. He knew just by looking at her eyes. However, since she didn¡¯t know what he wants, he¡¯ll say it loud and clear.


    "Take responsibility."


    "Fine, I¡¯ll¡ª Eh?! What?!!"


    Yue Ling was tongue-tied, her mouth opened and closed like a goldfish.


    "W-wait." She pinch the space between her brows for the third time, "You want me to take r-responsibility? Why are you saying it like I raped you? It was clearly mutual between us when we had se¡ª-.."


    Her cheeks turned crimson red realizing what she was saying.


    ¡¯Dammit! How can someone know no shame?!¡¯


    Lu Tian looks at Yue Ling with his mastered supreme poker face,


    "You agreed to be mine. So naturally, you have to take responsibility. If not, then I¡¯ll take responsibility since you are mine."


    "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 64 Like a concubine

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Yue Ling was choked by Lu Tian¡¯s words. All her courage in thinking of retorting back vanished into thin air.


    ¡¯Ahhh!!! I want to die!!! Han Yue Ling!! You stupid stupid girl!! How did you not see thising?!!¡¯


    She wish a hole would suddenly appear, so she can bury herself from the shameless man!


    How could she agree to something out of question?! Take responsibility? What responsibility?!!


    Well, it wasn¡¯t her fault, she was so lost in the moment that she agreed without thinking!


    Yue Ling exhale deeply. Since it was her own stupidity that got her into this situation, her only option is topromise... or...


    "So tell me, what do you want then? Money? Fine, how much?"


    Lu Tian: "....."


    ¡¯Urgh!! Why does my question this time sounds even worse than the one from before?! I made myself sound like a rich and shameless bastard, who wants to flee from his responsibility after deflowering an innocent maiden!¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s countenance darkened, "I don¡¯t need your money. Since you are mine, I want to stay here with you."


    "...."


    One end of Yue Ling¡¯s mouth twitched like crazy.


    ¡¯How can this man know no shame at all! They barely know each other and he already wants to move in?! She could be a serial killer for crying out loud!!¡¯


    She can¡¯t possibly live with an unknown man. What will her Yeye and Jingxu think of her?


    "No, you can¡¯t stay here."


    Lu Tian: "Why?"


    Yue Ling: "We just met, and it¡¯s improper for a man and a woman to live in one house together."


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Yue Ling: "What if something happens? Like, you finding someone you like or I find someone I like, wouldn¡¯t it be awkward for the person we¡¯re seeing?"


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Yue Ling: "Besides, you live next door. I don¡¯t see why you have to live here. So, let¡¯s be civil and treat this as two strangers who had consent in what happenedst night. Okay?"


    Lu Tian re coldly at Yue Ling, as if he wanted to strangle her to death. Finding someone he likes? The only woman for him is her and her only!


    And what is she talking about herself finding someone? She¡¯s already found someone and that someone is him!


    In a murderous tone, he takes a step closer to her and sneers, "Strangers?"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t care about the murderous auraing from the man, she cross her arms over her chest and tilt her chin up confidently.


    "Yes, we are two strangers who don¡¯t know anything about each other at all."


    Hearing herme answer, Lu Tian smirked, "Don¡¯t know anything?" He takes another step, "You know my name and I know yours. You know my upation and I know yours."


    The smirk on his lips deepened, "You and I already had sex. I¡¯ve seen every inch of you and you¡¯ve seen me." He paused and takes another step forward, "Or, did you forget everything? I don¡¯t mind demonstrating it again and again."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was choked to death again by Lu Tian¡¯s shameless words.


    Why is this man so thick skinned?!!


    She stuck her palm out and hit her heart with the other. Any longer and she was sure, she¡¯ll need to call for an ambnce.


    "Fine! You can stay here TEMPORARILY." She res at the handsome devil man. She knows that no matter how many times she tell him no, he will definitelye up with some shameless words until she says yes.


    To think the man actually voiced his way in letting himself stay here!


    Yue Ling, who was currentlymenting to herself did not catch the suppressing smile on Lu Tian¡¯s face. Like a cool breeze in the summer, it was fast and fleeting.


    She sighed and her shoulders drop,


    "BUT, there are some ¡¯THINGS¡¯ you can¡¯t cross."


    "What ¡¯things¡¯?" he asked with an indifferent expression.


    "Hmm... Since you are going to stay here, you NEED to behave. There are rules you shouldn¡¯t cross. For example, DO NOT disturb me when I¡¯m working. Neither will I bother you. And NO SEX. Of course, unless I initiate it first. Understand?"


    ¡¯Heh, don¡¯t even think about eating my tofu again, you shameless bastard!¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes met Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes. He takes slow steps towards her, "So, you¡¯re saying, I should wait for you? Like a concubine waiting in her room for the Emperor?"


    Yue Ling touch her chin and calcte the man¡¯s words, then she nod, "Something like that."


    Lu Tian: "But I can still kiss and touch you?"


    Yue Ling: "Yes, that¡¯s ri¡ª" -_-


    "Deal." Lu Tian didn¡¯t wait for Yue Ling to finish, he cut her words right away.


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. The man had trick her again!


    Her chest moving up and down. She looked like an angry Spanish bull as her eyes sent daggers at the no shame man.


    "I didn¡¯t agree to that!"


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulders indifferently, "A deal is a deal."


    "...."


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 65 Good gracious

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Inside Yue Ling¡¯s kitchen, she was having a staring contest with the shameless man.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t divert his eyes at all. How could he when he had sessfully fulfilled another ¡¯evil¡¯ n. It was only a matter of time until he fulfills the next one.


    In a blink of an eye, he stood in front of Yue Ling and his hand held her back, bringing her closer to him.


    Yue Ling was still in a daze. She couldn¡¯t believe she had agreed to let the man live with her! Just what did she get herself into?!


    It was only when Lu Tian¡¯s voice spoke near her ear that she finally realized the man had wrap his arms around her.


    "I¡¯ll demonstrate our exercise fromst night again."


    "N-no need!!"


    Yue Ling shouted as she tries to push Lu Tian away. However, he was like mount tai, he did not budge at all.


    His right hand held Yue Ling close to him, with his right hand, he trail down to her exposed thigh and he gently caress it. Slowly, making his way under her grey T-shirt dress.


    Lu Tian¡¯s rough hand made her heart skip a beat and her cheeks turn red, but the slight chill on her skin was enough to wake her up.


    He swiftly change their position and pinned her to the wall. She tries to push him away again.


    "Lu Tian! Stop, you¡¯re breaking the rules!"


    Instead of following her ¡¯rules¡¯, Lu Tian continued his act. Her rules didn¡¯t say anything about no touching or kissing. And her NO SEX rule? Psssh.


    He will make sure that she remembers everything. In the morning and at night, no matter what time of day it is, he¡¯ll make sure to demonstrate for her.


    She will remember how his hands touch her and how he bes one with her!


    *Click*


    Just when Lu Tian touched one of Yue Ling¡¯s breast, he abruptly stops.


    His eyes darkened, while Yue Ling who was still trying to push the man away froze like an ice berg.


    The sudden sound was her front door unlocking.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen in disconcert. She cursed inwardly.


    ¡¯Shit!! Of all days, Liu Shan!!¡¯


    She knows it was her assistant at the door. Liu Shan is the only other person who has a spare key to her penthouse!


    Of all the days! He would choose today to use the damn key instead of ringing the doorbell!!


    Yue Ling re at Lu Tian. His hand was still on one of her breasts. With all her might, she pushes Lu Tian who was suddenly in a gloomy mood.


    However, the man was still like a mountain, he remained unmoving. He made her push look like a slight pat.


    "....."


    She re at Lu Tian despite her flushing cheeks.


    "Quick, hide."


    Seeing Yue Ling panicking like a woman who was going to be caught cheating, Lu Tian¡¯s brows furrowed and he pursed his lips.


    "Why do I have to hide? I live here."


    Yue Ling felt incredulous. Can¡¯t he just listen to her for once?!!


    "Lu Tian, my assistant is¡ª ah~"


    Into her sentence, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but let out a soft moan. Lu Tian¡¯s thumb caress her nipple!


    Before she could even say anything, Liu Shan¡¯s figure appears behind the door.


    ¡¯Oh god!! Why?!!!!!!!!¡¯


    "Boss! Are you awake? I got some good~ news for you!"


    Lu Tian shifts his body so that he was covering Yue Ling from Liu Shan¡¯s line of sight.


    Liu Shan oblivious to the situation his boss was in, he close the door and turns around.


    His eyesnds on the tall and broad back of a man in the kitchen, then they pop out of his sockets.


    "....."


    He could not believe what he¡¯s seeing! This is first time witnessing two people acting so shamelessly early in the morning!


    For gods sake the sun is out!!!


    With a face as red as a baboon¡¯s bottom, he quickly spins around and opens the door.


    "Sorry! Please continue, I came into the wrong house!"


    After closing the door, he giggled uncontrobly like a shy little girl.


    ¡¯Heheh. Good gracious, what a shameless couple.¡¯


    He walks to the elevator and when the doors open he steps inside, "Hehe, should I share this shameless news with boss?"


    ncing at which floor he was on, his jaw dropped to the floor.


    ¡¯Oh! My! God! T-That was bbbbb-boss and... and... a man!!!!¡¯


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 66 Unlike the first time

    ¡ª-


    Back in Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse, she was speechless at what just happened.


    Just how in the world is she going to exin the situation to Liu Shan?!


    Deep in her own thoughts, the man towering over her like a mountain was thinking otherwise.


    Lu Tian press his lips tightly together, trying no hold his smile back. Thinking of something, his lips curl upwards.


    He move his hand on Yue Ling¡¯s breasts and caress his way downwards until his hand touch thece of her panties.


    His lip curls more and he looks down at the woman still in a daze. He wants to see what kind of reaction she will make.


    Slowly, he slides his hand under her panties with his eyes staring deeply at her. When his finger touched her small nub, he couldn¡¯t help but gently stroke it.


    "Ah~"


    Yue Ling whopletely lost in thoughts suddenly shudders and a moan escapes her mouth. Feeling the sensation between her legs, she finally returns to her senses.


    "Y-you!! Sto¡ª Ah~!"


    Lu Tian was pleased with her reaction. It was the reaction he wanted, but hearing her moan and feeling her wetness on his finger, he was fully erected now.


    He let out a small groan and press his lips on Yue Ling¡¯s forehead.


    "I want you, Yue Ling. Right now."


    Yue Ling wanted to argue back, but the man¡¯s hand was working it¡¯s magic on her sensitive nub. The only thing escaping her mouth was her gasping breath and moans. She could feel his erected beast touching her and the lust in his dark eyes.


    Not getting a response, Lu Tian¡¯s finger gently press her nub, making her body arch forward and her hands gripping his shoulders.


    "L-Lu Tian... stop¡ªmm"


    He lower his head and kiss her lips, forcing his tongue into hers. Knowing that she was wet and ready, he slides his hand out of her panties.


    Only the sound of their kisses and panting breaths echo in the penthouse.


    Lu Tian slightly lowers his body and both his hands grip Yue Ling¡¯s legs.


    In one swift move, he picks her up with her legs wrapped around his waist and his hands supporting her bottom.


    Surprised at the man¡¯s sudden move, Yue Ling wraps her arms around Lu Tian¡¯s neck. Afraid she would fall.


    Lu Tian grinned ear to ear and makes his way to the bedroom carrying Yue Ling.


    *Ding! Ding! Ding!*


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Lu Tian: "...."


    Unlike the first time, it was the doorbell this time.


    Yue Ling¡¯s blushed shyly, while Lu Tian eyes darkened ten shades ck.


    She clears her throat and taps the man¡¯s shoulders, "You should put me down."


    She knew he was angry. He was so close to eat her dry again.


    Lu Tian pout his lips, then reluctantly sets her down. No one knows how he felt at this moment. All he wanted to do was be one with his woman! Was that so hard to ask? Why are they being disturbed?!


    Looking at the man expression, Yue Ling wanted tough. Lu Tian looked like a angry child who¡¯s mother just told him no.


    Ignoring him, she walks to the door, but she stops and turns back to him.


    "You should go hide and don¡¯t make any noise."


    Not waiting for his response, she heads to the front door.


    What she didn¡¯t see was the murderous glint in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes. ring at the door, he wants to rece it with a wall, so only he and Yue Ling can stay in here without any disruptions.


    Suddenly thinking of what Yue Ling said, he frown and mumble angrily, "I don¡¯t want to hide. Why should I?"


    Yue Ling disregarded the sulking man standing in the kitchen. She prayed in her heart that he listens to her and hides.


    She stops in front of the door and takes a deep breath. Shaking away her emotions just now, sheposed herself and change into a person with an indifferent expression.


    Lu Tian from the kitchen chuckled inwardly at his woman. Calming himself out of his lust, he walks away from the kitchen to hide.


    ¡ª-


    The door to Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse open and Liu Shan sighed in relief seeing his boss¡¯s normal expression.


    What he saw must have been his imagination.


    He thought to himself, ¡¯Liu Shan ah, you shameless man. You need to go out more and find a woman.¡¯


    He walks through the door and the moment Yue Ling close the door, the both of them froze in ce.


    The corners of Yue Ling¡¯s mouth twitched intensely, while Liu Shan¡¯s mouth opened into an ¡¯O¡¯.


    Sitting leisurely like a noble king on one of Yue Ling¡¯s white couch was a man so handsome, he looked like a god, despite his cold and aloof aura.


    His arms crossed over his chest as he lean back on the couch with one leg cross, making a four figure.


    Yue Ling re at the man. She had told him to hide. How could he not listen to her at all?! Did her words go in one ear and out the other?!


    Taking deep long breath, she walks over and sits down on the empty seat next to the man. Her movements looked natural, like it was a normal thing to do.


    Liu Shan stare at the duo sitting on the couch. His boss was tall but,pare to the man, she looked so delicate and tiny.


    Suddenly, the man uncross his arms. cing one hand in his leg and the other behind Yue Ling on the couch.


    His movements were also natural. Like someone who was at home and justfortably enjoying his day off work!


    Yue Ling sighed. Just looking at Liu Shan¡¯s confused face, she could already guess what the dude was thinking.


    "Sit."


    Liu Shan oblige his boss¡¯s order. Walking over to the other couch, he was intrigued to the max. His boss actually has a man in her home so early in the morning, and a mighty good looking one too.


    It¡¯s been three years since he¡¯s seen his boss in a rtionship. Just how shocking is that for his pure heart?


    Liu Shan squat down to sit, however, instead of sitting on the couch, he sat on air and fell to the ground with a loud ¡¯thud¡¯.


    Yue Ling: "....."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 67 Friends with benefit?

    ¡ª¡ª


    Realizing something, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes popped to the floor. He opened and closed his mouth like a fish with no water.


    This god like man... is no ordinary man! He is China¡¯s most eligible bachelor and the ruthless king of the business world!


    Dear Heavenly Father, why is the well known and mighty Lu Tian sitting on his boss¡¯s couch?!


    Wait, howe these two people look like a ruthless Emperor and a fairy Empress? Like, husband and wife....


    Suddenly, Liu Shan inhaled an intense amount of air, ¡¯Oh god! I just witness my boss being shameless with the man she called rude!!!¡¯


    "Ahem!" Yue Ling clear her throat. Any longer and she was sure Liu Shan would faint from his own thoughts.


    Liu Shan blinked countless times. Still seeing Lu Tian sitting next to Yue Ling, he cried inside, ¡¯Boss, how can you do this to me?¡¯


    He crawled his way from the ground and sluggishly sits on the couch.


    Yue Ling leaned back on the couch and cross her arms. However, she slightly jumped when her back touched Lu Tian¡¯s arm.


    ¡¯Shit! How can this shameless man be so rxed?!¡¯


    Obvious to Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian smiled happily inside while maintaining a poker face, ¡¯Hmmf, want me to hide? Alright, I¡¯ll hide right here!¡¯


    Yue Ling sneer at the man next to her. Ignoring him, she looks at Liu Shan,


    "Why are you here so early in the morning?"


    Liu Shan nce nervously at Lu Tian then back at his boss. His eyes narrowed in suspicion for a short second, then back to normal.


    "I came to report to you and give you a rough draft of the new design."


    He hands a thin ck folder to Yue Ling.


    Yue Ling frown at the folder, but she still took it. Scanning through it, she nod her head in approval and close it.


    "You could have handed it to me at work."


    Embarrassed, Liu Shan scratch the tip of his nose, "I nned to, but... I have to pick up Inu and the rest of your things. Remember?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes lit up like the first star in the sky, "Inu is here? Bring him here after you pick him up. No, buy him the things he needs then bring him here."


    She sped her palms together in excitement, "Oh, my baby is finally here. I can¡¯t wait to see him!"


    "....."


    Liu Shan looked at his boss and his shoulders rose, until he looked like a turtle who just went back inside its shell.


    ¡¯Boss, can you not act that way? Can¡¯t you see that the man next to you has turned into Asura? Sob* your assistant here still wants to live. I¡¯m not even married yet!¡¯


    Yue Ling was in a wonderful mood, she had the urge to go shopping! However, unlike her, Lu Tian was in a very foul mood. He was eating a jar full of vinegar!


    He didn¡¯t know who this Inu was. His woman is overjoyed by another man, so as her man, it was natural for him to feel this way!


    Thinking of something, Lu Tian sat up and lean his head to Yue Ling. He pecks a kiss on her cheek and stands up.


    "Love, I¡¯ll go set the table."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Liu Shan: "....."


    Both their eyes widen at the same time. (??)


    Yue Ling turned her head and re viciously at the man with no shame.


    ¡¯What Love?! What the heck is wrong with this shameless bastard?!¡¯


    She humf inside and turn her head back to Liu Shan.


    "..."


    Her eyes nked as if she had dirt in it.


    Liu Shan¡¯s expression was far worse than hers. He was gaping like a fish out of the sea on death¡¯s door.


    Just what did he experience? Dog food? No, no, no. What just happened? The almighty man just kissed his boss!!


    How will all the women in China react when they learn their most eligible bachelor is taken?!!


    Returning to his five senses, Liu Shan stutter at his boss, "B-Boss, w-who is h-he?"


    He knew who the man is, but he doesn¡¯t know the rtionship between them. As Yue Ling¡¯s assistant, he needs to know! He knows from past experience that once his boss loves, she loves wholeheartedly and unconditionally.


    Yue Ling ponder at her assistant¡¯s question. She was in a good mood about Inu, but now, she wanted to run and escape from the question.


    ¡¯Uhh... what do I say? Lu Tian is my... friends with benefit? Adopted man? My... male prostitute? Shit!¡¯


    Coming to a final answer, she wanted to say ¡¯friend¡¯, but before she could even voice her word, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice answered from the kitchen.


    "I¡¯m her boyfriend, Lu Tian."


    "....."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 68 Everything

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Liu Shan was dumbfounded by Lu Tian¡¯s answer. The word ¡¯boyfriend¡¯ floated through his mind as if it was put on repeat.


    Then he pout his lips and thought of something.


    Noticing Liu Shan¡¯s weird expression, Yue Ling asked curiously, "Liu Shan, do you know Lu Tian?"


    Hearing the question, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes lit up. He nod his head, but half way through his eyes met a pair of murderous cold eyes. Not wanting to die yet, he shakes his head no.


    Oblivious to both men¡¯s secretmunication, Yue Ling spoke casually, "Lu Tian, this is my assistant, Liu Shan."


    From the kitchen, Lu Tian nod his head at Liu Shan.


    Liu Shan gulped and nod his head robotically back. Feeling the dark aura emitting from the man in the kitchen, Liu Shan gulped again, "B-Boss, I¡¯ll take my leave now. Also..." he steals a nce at the aloof man.


    Even though the man was no longer paying any attention to them, he still whispers to Yue Ling, "I have all the information you wanted, also I found what happened during your retirement party."


    Yue Ling nod her head once in understanding. She stood up and without looking at Lu Tian, she said, "I¡¯m sending Liu Shan out. I¡¯ll be back."


    Lu Tian replied with a ¡¯Mm¡¯ and continued to prepare their breakfast on the tes.


    Unlike the two people in the penthouse, Liu Shan was left speechless again. Who would ever expect to one day see the almighty king of the business world obeying someone else? No, even worse, cooking for a woman!! And that woman is his boss!


    Good heavens, is the worlding to end? Are pigs really going to fly now?


    ¡ª


    Watching Yue Ling and Liu Shan leave the penthouse, Lu Tian stopped what he was doing.


    His face turned ten shades darker and he reach for his phone inside his pocket.


    Pressing a number on speed dial, he waited. After two rings, someone answers from the other line.


    ["Boss! Where have you been? The meeting is going to start¡ª."]


    "Push back all my schedule in the morning."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression was cold and darkening. He looked like he was on a mission to kill the person who murdered his family.


    "I want you to find everything about Han Yue Ling. Her family, business, work... everything. Find if anything happened during her retirement party.. Also, find everything on a man name Inu."


    ["..."]


    Xu Long was left speechless. He could not believe what he was hearing! His boss who was never attracted to a woman is actually inquiring all the information on a woman! And it was the same woman again!


    Suddenly, his eyes lit up like wild flowers blooming in a vast grass field.


    ¡¯Did boss finally found our futuredy boss?! The Lu family¡¯s future Madam?!¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s cold voice interrupted Xu Long¡¯s thoughts, "Send it to meter."


    ["Yes Boss!"]


    Lu Tian ended the call and looked at the door.


    Born and raised in the business world, he had good ears. Earlier when Liu Shan whispered to Yue Ling, he had heard everything.


    A dangerous smile bloomed on his face.


    ¡¯Someone tried to harm my woman? Wait till I find out who, I¡¯ll make sure they disappear from this world. And Inu? Heh, dream on, Yue Ling is mine."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 69 Big shots

    ¡ª¡ª


    Outside in the hallway of Jade Condos¡¯ highest floor, Yue Ling apanied her assistant towards the elevator.


    Coming to a stop, she looks at Liu Shan, "What did you find?"


    Liu Shan was still thinking about what just happened. His boss is actually in a rtionship! Has she finally moved on?


    Hearing her words, he quickly hands a ck folder to Yue Ling, it was simr to the one with the draft design.


    "Everything is inside."


    Yue Ling took the folder and ce it at her side.


    "What did you find?"


    She knew it was Ning Mei who drugged her drink that night, but she didn¡¯t know why. With Liu Shan¡¯s hacking skills, she could count on him to dig people¡¯s deepest and darkest secrets. He has never failed.


    "Boss, I hacked into Imperial Hotel¡¯stv, there was evidence that Ning Mei drugged your wine. Someone had wiped the video clean, but I was able to retrieve it."


    Yue Ling listened attentively.


    "I traced her steps back and found she purchased the drug from an unknown dealer a month ago. Her reason is to ruin you from the modeling industry."


    "Ruin me from the modeling industry?"


    "Seems so."


    Yue Ling arch a brow, she cross one arm over her chest and the other touch her chin.


    "The modeling world has nothing to do with me now. So what is her motive?"


    "Boss, that¡¯s because you are THEE Han Yue Ling. You will always be at the top in the modeling world even if you retired. Ning Mei can never get to your level, so the only way is to ruin you."


    Yue Ling pursed her lip listening to Liu Shan.


    "Also, I hacked into CNJ Entertainment. It seems Ning Mei has been going around with big shots to get her name and face out."


    Yue Ling: "Big shots?"


    Liu Shan: "Yes, she¡¯s been seeing Director Yuen, Robert Smith and other people. Not just them, she¡¯s even a mistress of CNJ Entertainment¡¯s COO Lin."


    Yue Ling: "So, that¡¯s how she got hertest role as Floral¡¯s spokesperson. Director Yuen is an award winning film director and COO Lin is an important figure for CNJ Entertainment."


    "That¡¯s correct. It was COO Lin who pulled the strings for the rookie." He sneered the following words, "That nobody thinks she can do whatever she wants all because CEO Wang ignores her."


    Yue Ling sighed at Liu Shan, "Whether CEO Wang knows or not, does not matter. The entertainment world is full of dark secrets and schemes. CEO Wang will turn a blind eye to anyone, as long as it doesn¡¯t taint hispany."


    Hearing his boss, Liu Shan scoffed, "At least you¡¯re not corrupted like them. Following you for such a long time now, I know you¡¯re not like those disgusting people."


    A faint smile curl on Yue Ling¡¯s lip, "Liu Shan, I may not be corrupted in the entertainment industry, but I have dark secrets of my own. You should know that."


    Liu Shan: "Boss, even if you have to live the rest of your life with those dark secrets, I was there to witness them. The oath I made to follow you will never falter."


    Yue Ling¡¯s heart softened. Liu Shan has been by her side for a long time and never once has he done anything to harm her. Even during her darkest days, he was one of the friends who stood by her till the end.


    He is the exact image of loyalty.


    Thinking till there, she press the elevator button for Liu Shan, "Follow Ning Mei. Find out who the dealer is and report back to me."


    "Yes boss!"


    The elevator door opens and Liu Shan takes a step forward, but he stops and turn to look and Yue Ling, "Um, Boss about¡ª."


    Remembering the murderous eyes of the man still inside his boss¡¯s penthouse, Liu Shan swallow his remaining words..


    Shit! How was he supposed to tell his boss? The man is evil? The devil? A bad man? Ahh!!!


    "What is it?"


    Liu Shan hesitated, but after thinking thoroughly, he decided not to say anything.


    "N-nothing. I¡¯ll stop by De L¡¯amour to grab some paperwork, then pick up Inu."


    Yue Ling shrug her shoulders and turned around, "Mm, remember to stop by the store and buy things for my baby."


    Liu Shan steps into the elevator and watch Yue Ling¡¯s figure walking back to her penthouse. He sobs with no tears.


    ¡¯Boss, this subordinate is not betraying you. I¡¯m your most loyal and right hand man but... that man you let inside your home is not someone easy to handle. I¡¯m scared of you, but I¡¯m more scare of that man! Please forgive me!!!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 70 We are dating

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Yue Ling entered her penthouse and found Lu Tian sitting at the dining table. He was calmly drinking coffee. His expression was like everything that had happened a while ago was just a figment of her crazy imagination.


    Walking over, she sits on the chair across from him. After all the ¡¯heart throbbing¡¯ and ¡¯mind blowing¡¯ struggles she just went through, she was very hungry.


    Lu Tian had already put food on her te, so she went ahead and ate.


    Stealing small nces at the man, Yue Ling felt awkward.


    It had been a long time since she ate food someone cooked for her. Ever since her parents passing, she stayed with her paternal grandfather, but the old man was always busy with medicine, so she learned to cook for them.


    Later on, it was Shin who would cook food for her.


    Thinking of the man she loved, Yue Ling feltplicated. Sitting across is her ¡¯new¡¯ boyfriend, but she couldn¡¯t help think about her ¡¯old¡¯ boyfriend.


    Last night when she and Lu Tian had dinner, she was very touched, and here they are eating breakfast together.


    But were they really together? Maybe Lu Tian has said he was her boyfriend just so Liu Shan wouldn¡¯t keep asking. Right?


    With her mind deep in thoughts, she frown and spoke without thinking, "Lu Tian, are we really dating? Like, together?"


    ncing up, two beautiful dark eyes re at her as if the man wanted to drill holes in her body.


    She swallow her food and thought, ¡¯Err! Fine! I only wanted to confirm our rtionship! No need to look at me like I¡¯m an idiot!¡¯


    Yue Ling wanted to stab those soul piercing eyes with her chopsticks, but she held her itching hands back.


    "Yes, we are dating."


    "...."


    Yue Ling nod her head and blushed lightly.


    Three years... It¡¯s been three years since she¡¯s let a man into her life after Shin¡¯s passing....


    Looking at her ¡¯new¡¯ boyfriend, Yue Ling¡¯s heart felt tangled. Will she really move on? Is she ready?


    Should she tell everyone back in City Z? Would they be angry with her?


    ¡ª-


    Finishing their breakfast, Lu Tian washed the dishes while Yue Ling dried them. Once she was done, she grab the two ck folders Liu Shan brought over.


    Heading to her bedroom, she said to Lu Tian without looking back, "I¡¯ll be in my room going over some work drafts. If you need to leave, a spare key is on the counter. Since you live here now, feel free to make yourself at home."


    She quickens her steps and enters her room. Who knows if the man would continue to pester her and tease her like earlier!


    Lu Tian stare at his woman¡¯s back as she runs for her life. Hearing the door m shut, he smiled. His woman really loves mming the door.


    Walking to the living room, he sat down on the couch and stare unblinking out the floor to ceiling window. His mind drifting tost night.


    After he ce her on the huge king size bed, he left back to his penthouse to shower and change. He also grabbed a new suit for work.


    When he came back to her, he didn¡¯t sleep on the empty space next to her, instead he held her soft body close and they bothid on one side of the huge bed.


    Feeling her naked skin brushing against him, he slightly regretted not putting any clothes on her.


    He was aroused again.


    However, he held the desire to take her. Looking at her sleeping peacefully in his arms, he couldn¡¯t bare to disturb her. He didn¡¯t know when, but he drifted into slumber while watching her and listening to her steady breathing.


    When he woke up, he decided to not wake her up and got up to cook breakfast.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 71 Make myself at home

    ¡ª¡ª


    Due to not getting enough sleep, Yue Ling fell asleep near the edge of her cozy and soft king sized bed while reviewing her work.


    The rough draft Liu Shan brought over was her design for the dress she ns to wear to her grandfather¡¯s birthday banquet.


    In her sleep, she could feel her body floating in air, like someone carrying her. Then she was gently ced down.


    "Mmm..."


    She couldn¡¯t help but moan softly when she felt her head touch the softness of her jumbo pillow and her body on her bed again.


    A slight chill brush against her skin and then she felt something soft tickle her.


    ¡¯Huh?¡¯


    Yue Ling frown in her sleep then she open her eyes. Not to slow or too fast.


    "....."


    Her eyes shot open when she saw the top of someone¡¯s head.


    "Lu Tian! Stop!!"


    She blushed and pushes him away.


    Lu Tian frown and looks up at her, "Why?"


    He looked like a child who was suddenly forced away from drinking his mother¡¯s milk.


    Yue Ling cross one arm over her breasts and supported herself up with the other. She didn¡¯t know when her bra hade off! Even worse, the man was heavier than her and he wasying between her legs, so sitting up wasn¡¯t an option for her.


    "I already told you my rules. If you want to stay here, follow them!"


    Lu Tian pouted, "You said to make myself at home, so I¡¯m doing that."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    He moved one hand to hold her back and the other pulls away her hand guarding her twin peaks.


    Seeing her perfectly shaped and bare breasts in front of him again, his eyes lit up with fireworks. He lower his head and captures one of her nipples. His mouth sucking and his tongue twirl with her nipple.


    Yue Ling¡¯s face turned red and she struggles under him while protesting, "Lu Tian! I have to work at 1pm!"


    Lu Tian paused and looks up at Yue Ling. His mouth was still on her breast, "I won¡¯t tire you out."


    His tongue flicks her harden nipple and he pulls away. Seeing she was going to retort, he quickly seals her lip.


    "Mmmmf!!!"


    Yue Ling wiggles and push the man away. However, her movements under him only aroused the beast inside.


    Lu Tian moved like a ninja in the shadows and with his ninjitsu, their clothes were toss onto the floor.


    He tease his phallus against her entrance, making sure she was wet enough for him.


    "Let¡¯s continue from earlier."


    "W-waait¡ª"


    When the time came, he easily enter her tight walls.


    "Ahn~"


    Feeling his hard prick entering her, Yue Ling let a moan escape her lips, while Lu Tian groan in satisfaction.


    They had be one again.


    Lu Tian move his hips slowly with rhythmic and gentleness. He stare down at the beautiful woman under him, each time he thrust, he could see the pleasures on her facial expression.


    "Lu... Tian... Ah~"


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but move her hips with the man on top. He was just too good.


    Hearing her moans, Lu Tian swore inside, only he is allow to see this side of her and she is only allow to call his name. If anyone dares to try, he¡¯ll make them wished they never lived.


    Thinking of it, his speed quickens. He couldn¡¯t help but want to see more of the beauty¡¯s reaction.


    Following came Yue Ling¡¯s moans and Lu Tian¡¯s groans. Sensual sounds and thrusting echo throughout the penthouse.


    Outside, the bright and shiny sun wanted to hide. Such a shameless act in the morning was too much for it to bare. How it envies the moon at night for having courage.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 72 It is still a cage

    ¡ª¡ª


    Outside of Imperial¡¯s Union Hospital, a white Rolls Royce parks in front of the private hospital.


    An old man coughs and gets inside the car with the help of his old driver.


    The car starts and drives away.


    From the front seat the driver nce at the mirror. His eyes held countless emotions. He felt timid inside, but he spoke anyways, "Chairman..."


    "There¡¯s no need to inform them about this."


    "But Chairman. Shouldn¡¯t the young¡ª."


    Before the driver could finish, the old man interrupted him.


    "Zhang Yong, you¡¯ve been my assistant for three decades. Just this once I ask you not to tell them."


    The old man took a deep breath and lean his head back. He shut his eyes for a little rest. Silence entered the car, until the old man finally spoke.


    "Do you know why I don¡¯t want them to know?"


    Zhang Yong shook his head while driving. He has been the chairman¡¯s assistant for more than thirty years. What he¡¯s seen and heard are things that can wake up the dead.


    Watching the once proud and strong man be old, even he couldn¡¯t understand why the old man would hide this.


    "This subordinate does not know. I think, Chairman should let the children know. They will be heartbroken if they find out."


    The old man opens his eyes and looks out the window. Buildings passing one by one.


    "That girl may look tough and strong, but that¡¯s her way of protecting herself. Her way of protecting me and the boy."


    Zhang Yong continued to listen quietly as the car moves through the streets of Imperial.


    "Ever since both her parents passed away, that girl withdrew from the outside world. To her, living was just living.


    Shi Yan and I asked her toe live us, we hoped to protect her, but she wanted to stay with her paternal Grandfather.


    After Old Han¡¯s passing, I learned that she found a light in life. The youngd opened her heart and helped her. He did more than I, her own grandfather could do. It is only a pity that youngd had to leave so early...


    I¡¯ve seen her cry alone at night many times. She acts like she is fine, but she is still human, and humans shed tears, no matter how much time has passed by.


    As her grandfather, I want to support her dreams and let her be free of heart ache."


    Zhang Yong nce at the old man from the mirror. Thousands of feelings erupted inside him, "Chairman..."


    "As for the boy... he may have been adopted but he is strong willed. The other family members may look down on him, but he is not an easy opponent. I don¡¯t want him to experience the cruelty of the world I live in at such a young age."


    Zhang Yong sighed dreadfully. It was only he who gets to see this heartfelt side of the old man.


    "Chairman, I believe, if young Miss hears your real reason in wanting her to take over the Corporation, she will definitely agree."


    The old man looks down and slowly, he retrieves a picture from his wallet. The picture was old and fading in colors. His eyes softened at the two young people.


    "Han Min Joon and Ji An Ling never wanted to drag their daughter in the power struggle world. For them, I will keep my words and not force her. As for the boy, I hope when hees of mature age, he will join the military and take over my position. If doesn¡¯t wish to, then I will respect his decision."


    The old man takes a deep breath.


    "Like a bird trapped in a golden cage, I don¡¯t want the both of them to lose their wings."


    Zhang Yong: "Chairman, I believe Miss and young master are happy, even if they have no freedom, as long as you are happy."


    The old man shakes his head, "No matter how pretty the cage is... it is still a cage *cough*cough* I don¡¯t want to see them sad."


    Maybe due to him expressing himself too much, the old man felt depress and starts coughing.


    "*cough* You must keep this a secret. I don¡¯t want *cough* to give those snakes a chance."


    "Yes, Chairman.."


    Zhang Yong felt awful. He really wants to let Yue Ling and Jingxu know about Chairman Ji¡¯s illness, but... he is just an assistant.


    He isn¡¯t afraid of getting fired, but as a man who¡¯s been by Chairman Ji¡¯s side for so long, he wanted to respect the old man¡¯s decision.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 73 What is this?

    ¡ª¡ª


    At Jade Condos, Yue Ling woke up even more tired than she did early in the morning. Her body felt like she had just climbed up a mountain.


    Her eyes were still closed and she stretch her arms, but she touched something warm and soft.


    She furrow her brows in confusion, ¡¯Eh, what is this?¡¯


    The crease between her brows deepened, ¡¯It¡¯s so soft.¡¯


    Just when she thought of that, the thing in her hand turned hard and grew bigger.


    ¡¯Huh? What happened to the softness?¡¯


    Curious, she couldn¡¯t help but wrap her hand around it and squeeze, ¡¯Wait... Why is there a rod in my bed?¡¯


    "Don¡¯t squeeze it too hard."


    "...."


    Hearing the deep and hoarse voice, Yue Ling opened her eyes and was greeted with the face of a smiling Lu Tian.


    "Y-you..."


    Lu Tian leans forwards and pecks her on the lip. However, Yue Ling without realizing tightens her grip, making him groan in pain and lust.


    "Be more gentle."


    Suddenly feeling the thing in her hand move, she inhaled an amount of air.


    "Ahhh!!"


    Yue Ling screamed in blushing embarrassment. She quickly moves her hand away.


    How could she not know?!! Looking at her hand that just touched Lu Tian¡¯s beast. She was at a lost for words.


    When she wrapped her hand around it, her thumb could barely touch the rest of fingers. Like she had made a ¡¯C¡¯ with her hand.


    Blushing even more at the thought of how big Lu Tian was, she looks at the smiling man and res angrily.


    "Lu Tian! Y-you!!! You broke the rules!!"


    She quickly sat up and point her finger at him. Seeing him leisurelyying in bed with her. Her heart felt even more chaotic, causing her chest to move up and down.


    Lu Tian supported his head with his hand and stare at the beauty. He smirk, looking at Yue Ling¡¯s blushing face, then with one arch brow, his eyes trail downwards.


    "I don¡¯t mind this view."


    Seeing his shift of eyes, Yue Ling froze. Slowly, she lowers her head and she felt like crying.


    She was so shocked that when she sat up, the nket over her had fallen to herp. Allowing Lu Tian to have a clear view of her naked breasts.


    "D-Don¡¯t look!!"


    She quickly covers his shameless eyes with both her hands. How did things lead to this?!


    ncing down, she can see his firm and sexy chest. Her face continued to redden.


    ¡¯My goodness, how can his chest be so perfect and toned? Even his big¡ª¡¯


    Realizing her own thoughts, she wanted to smack her head for being shameless.


    ¡¯Han Yue Ling, you pervert!!¡¯


    Wait... how will she escape then? If she moves her hands, he will see her naked... but if she keeps covering his eyes, she can¡¯t escape...


    While Yue Ling was thinking of a n, Lu Tian was smiling happily with his straight white teeth showing.


    Feeling her soft hand on his face, he felt like teasing her again. He had long been awake, just when he nned to wake the beauty up for work, she moved and touched his shaft.


    It was her who woke up the beast with her curious hand. She ¡¯initiated¡¯ first. So, it¡¯s only natural that heplies.


    With her hands still covering his eyes, he wraps his free arms around her waist and pulls her closer to him. Swiftly, he pulls her back on the bed and moves her hands from blocking his eyes.


    "What are you nning to do?!!"


    "I¡¯m doing what you initiated."


    Yue Ling wanted to escape, but Lu Tian¡¯s arms wrapped around her like a snake catching it¡¯s prey.


    "L-Lu Tian! I have to go to mmf¡ª"


    The man ignores her and kisses her, not allowing her to speak another word.


    Repositioning himself on top of her, it didn¡¯t take long before he was able to enter her again.


    And so, another love making session resounded inside Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 74 Dress like what?

    ¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling woke up for the third time, her body was beyond tired. She did not want to get up all, but she faught with herself and sat up.


    Seeing the empty side of the bed, she sighed a long and heavy breath.


    Just what the world is Lu Tian made of? Is he some kind of android? How the heck can his stamina be so strong?


    Reaching over for her phone, she check the time, ¡¯3:21pm¡¯.


    "Shit!!!!"


    She cursed and hurriedly stands up, but the moment her feet touched the cold floor, she fell with a thud.


    "Ahhh!"


    Stabilizing herself, she involuntarily cries. Grabbing onto her bed for support, she propel herself upward.


    ¡¯Lu Tian!! That shameless man!! How can he do this to me?! I¡¯m alreadyte because of him!¡¯


    Like a newborn calf, she wobbles her way to the bathroom. Every step she took was like being torture inside and out.


    During theirst love making, Lu Tian had been so rough that she could only beg for mercy under him! All her vanity had been drained! Yet, he didn¡¯t show her any mercy at all!!


    Her lip tightens together and she swore inside,


    ¡¯Next time, I¡¯ll make sure I squeeze him dry and have him beg for mercy!!¡¯


    With her shaking legs, she continues to the bathroom to get ready.


    In thirty minutes, she was fully ready.


    Running to the living room, she ignores the handsome devil cooking in her kitchen. She set her white LV neverfull MM tote on the counter and put on her tan trench coat.


    "I¡¯mte, so I can¡¯t eat here."


    "Why are you in such a hurry?" Lu Tian said sulkily.


    Yue Ling re at the man, "Who¡¯s fault is it that I¡¯mte, huh?!"


    Lu Tian: "Fine, but make sure you eat something."


    Yue Ling nod her head and grabs her tote. She walks to the door and opens it.


    Just when she was ready to go out, her arm was pulled back, causing her head to hit something hard.


    Turning around, she frown at the man. It¡¯s like he had superpowers or something. He tends to appear out of nowhere!


    However, seeing his displeased expression, she was speechless.


    "....."


    "Do you have to dress like that?"


    "Dress like what?"


    Lu Tian looks at Yue Ling¡¯s face, he furrow his brows, then he looks down at her choice of clothing and his lips pout.


    Earlier when he saw here out, he realized that his woman is too eye catching. She¡¯s the reason for many men¡¯s broken necks.


    Wearing a ck long sleeve, turtleneck dress. The dress came down below her knees, but it tightly wrapped around her slim figure. Showing every curve she has. On her feet was some 3" ck sock boots. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, allowing others to see her beautiful face.


    ncing back up to Yue Ling¡¯s face, Lu Tian felt even more stressed out. Of all the lip colors she could have picked, she decided to go with a dark red lipstick. The color and her fair skin made her look extremely seductive.


    How he wish to just toss her in bed again.


    Yue Ling stare at Lu Tian, then she nce down at her outfit.


    She couldn¡¯t help but frown confusingly. There was nothing wrong with her outfit.


    Looking back up, she tilt her head, "Lu Tian, I work in the fashion industry. It¡¯s onlymon that I dress the part."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian could only sigh inside.


    All he did was think about all the head turns she would receive from other men. How can this woman not understand that he was eating vinegar?


    But what can he do? Even if he wanted to keep her here, she has to go to work since she¡¯ste.


    Reluctant to let her go, he leans down and peck a kiss on Yue Ling¡¯s lip.


    Like a lovestruck wife sending her husband off to work, he smiles, "Alright, drive safe."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was very shocked. She stare at the man, then to his lips. They were now stained with her lipstick color!


    Shaking her head, she leaves her penthouse and runs to the elevator. She waste! Like very, veryte!


    However, she had forgotten that the man just kissed her.


    ¡ª-


    Closing the door, Lu Tian frown in displeasure again. His woman is already beautiful, does she have to look so sexy too?


    Wouldn¡¯t she be attracting noisy flies?


    Remembering how Yue Ling¡¯s dress showed how full and perfect her breasts were, Lu Tian was extremely displeased.


    ncing down, he couldn¡¯t help but frown again.


    He was already displeased about the flies, but thinking about his Yue Ling, the beast below isn¡¯t cooperating.


    "Damn it." He growl under his breath.


    He hase across many women with pretty faces and figures. However, he did care about them all. The more they got near, the more he felt disgusted.


    He even thought he was gay, but in the end he turned out to be asexual. Which was a relief for him. He wasn¡¯t at all attracted to men.


    Being asexual, he made the decision to be a bachelor his whole life, but suddenly, he met Han Yue Ling. She was different and she made him want her more and more.


    Like ck hole, engulfing him fully. Everything about her is engraved in his mind.


    Walking to the kitchen with thoughts of his woman, he store the food he cooked, then turn to the bathroom.


    Since he couldn¡¯t go another round with his love, he will take a cold shower to calm the uncooperative beast below.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 75 Are you the boss here?

    ¡ª¡ª


    Arriving at De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling ignored all the whispers and curious stares from her employees.


    She went straight to her office and sat down. Her mind was on the man staying at her home and her beingte for the very first time.


    As the CEO of apany, she should be a role model of attendance, but here she iste to the max. It wasn¡¯t just 5 minutes, she waste by almost 3 hours!


    Even she didn¡¯t know how she got to work safely. Or worse, how many red lights she ran over.


    Leaning back on her swivel chair, she called for her secretary toe in.


    Brushing everything to the back of her head, she started to work on assignments. Right now, work was the most important.


    Soon, a knock sounded then a gentle voice.


    "CEO Han."


    Yue Ling nce up at her secretary of 3 years then back to theputer.


    Her Secretary was a young and very pretty woman. Her cat like eyes were the most attractive about her. Although she was one head shorter than Yue Ling, her secretary, Ming Yue was slim and had curves that can make many man want her.


    Today, she wore a white bat wing dress and ck pumps that¡¯s matched her dark brown, curly shoulder length hair.


    Ming Yue is her secretary and assistant at De L¡¯amour. She handles the work strictly in thepany, while Liu Shan was her personal assistant. He handles both work and personal matters.


    "How far along is the design?"


    Yue Ling asked without taking another look at the woman.


    Ming Yue felt like crying to the heavens. She knew her boss¡¯s personality well and hearing the question, she didn¡¯t know how to answer.


    Taking a deep breath, she spoke the truth, "CEO Han, the design you wanted has not been made yet. We are still gathering the materials needed."


    Yue Ling frown, "Not been made?" She turn to look at Ming Yue, "I assigned the design beforeing to Imperial. How is it that the materials have yet toe?"


    Ming Yue was tongue tied. What other excuse can she make? The materials didn¡¯te in time because of her. She forgot to hand the design printout to the design team.


    "CEO Han, about that¡ª"


    "I want the dress started right away. No excuses."


    "Right away, CEO Han."


    Without any other choices, Ming Yue could only follow her boss¡¯s order. If words were to get out that it was her fault, she would be in big trouble.


    ¡ª-


    Around five in the afternoon, Yue Ling¡¯s stomach started growling. She hadn¡¯t ate anything but ¡¯exercised¡¯.


    She went out to grab something to eat at the nearest food vendor. Her n was to just eat in the cafeteria, but herpany felt stuffy, so she went for some fresh air.


    After she ate, she needed to use the bathroom from all the water she drank. So instead of going to the private bathroom in her office, she stopped by thedies room on the first floor.


    Sitting inside one of the stalls, she hears footsteps, then two voices.


    "Did you know, Secretary Ming just informed the design team that CEO Han wants the new project started today."


    "What? Are you serious? She knows that can¡¯t be done, the materials haven¡¯t been gathered yet."


    "I don¡¯t know, but I also heard that she came inte today. Like three hourste."


    "Hmmf, she knows how to bete too?"


    "That¡¯s what I said too! Haha, I bet it was a great sight to see herte."


    "Hmm, I wish I was there to see. She¡¯s only making us workte for her own needs. Did she think she the empress?"


    The two girls were so engrossed in their own gossip, they didn¡¯t notice the toilet flushing and one of the doors to the farthest cubicle open.


    "I didn¡¯t know that I had such busy bodies employees."


    Both the girls felt like they were standing in the middle of a snow storm.


    "C-CEO Han.."


    Yue Ling calmly walks to thevatory and wash her hand. Without looking at the two girls, she spoke,


    "Instead of finding the time to gossip behind people¡¯s back, shouldn¡¯t you two be doing your work properly? I hope your work is enthusiastically like the way you open your mouth."


    She turns off the water switch and looks indifferently at the two girls, "Before you gossip about someone, make sure you can take the actions of your crime when facing them."


    Reaching for a paper towel, she dries her wet hand and toss it in the trash bin. ncing the name tags on both girls, Yue Ling sneered inside.


    "As two volunteers, you shouldn¡¯t be so thick skinned." Leaning closer to the girls, "Walls have ears."


    Paying no more attention to the girls, she strode out of thedies room, leaving behind two trembling girls.


    Reaching her office, she stopped in front of Ming Yue¡¯s desk.


    "CEO Han, what can I do for you?" Ming Yue ask with a polite smile.


    Yue Ling looked at her secretary, her mind was filled with anger. She had just met unknown girls in herpany. How can she not be angry?


    Her eyes darken, "Secretary Ming, are you the boss here?"


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 76 Entered the wrong lair

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Hearing the question, the polite smile on Ming Yue¡¯s face froze. She didn¡¯t know what triggered her boss to ask the question.


    "No, CEO Han."


    "If you aren¡¯t, then who is?"


    Ming Yue gulped with sweat forming on her forehead, "CEO Han is the boss here."


    Watching her Secretary be a coward, Yue Ling wanted to p some sense for the girl¡¯s stupidity. However, she held herself back.


    "Ah, that¡¯s right. I¡¯m the CEO here, but... how is it that all of a sudden, mypany has two volunteers working here that I¡¯m not aware of?"


    Ming Yue felt like crying, she did not think that her boss would find out, she epted two volunteers to work at De L¡¯amour.


    "Whatever contract you gave them, I want it terminated today. Any more mistakes..." Yue Ling nce at her Secretary, "you can turn in your resignation letter."


    Not waiting for a response, Yue Ling went to her office.


    Did her employees think that she was nice? Of course she was, but if you do things behind her back, don¡¯t even think of her being nice.


    She can be an angel and the devil.


    Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s office door close, Ming Yue was finally able to breath. Turning her head, she re daggers at the close door.


    Cursing inside, she wanted to p the two volunteers. How could they make a stupid mistake on their second day?! She had epted their application, because she felt it was her duty.


    Turn in her resignation letter? Hmmf, who did Han Yue Ling think she was. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that she couldn¡¯t get into An Qing, she would have never applied for De L¡¯amour.


    ¡ª¡ª ¡ª- ¡ª¡ª


    "Boss..."


    Xu Long nervously looks at the aloof man sitting behind the desk.


    "Is this everything?"


    Lu Tian held Xu Long¡¯s report in his hands. Flipping through the pages, he furrow his brows more and more. The report consisted of Yue Ling¡¯s personal data. All the information from birth to the current date.


    "Yes boss. Everything I gathered is there."


    He takes a deep breath and continues, "Miss Han is the CEO of the well known fashionpany, De L¡¯amour. To be exact, she is the owner of An Qing, a branchpany under De L¡¯amour."


    Xu Long nce at his boss again. Seeing the quiet man, he continues his report,


    "Both Miss Han¡¯s parents passed away in a car ident when she was 10. She lived in City Z, Korea with her grandfather. Later, she moved to America and major in fashion and business, while being a model.


    Boss, she is a prodigy. She sessfully brought her fashion line to the highest peak at the age of 20.


    However, it seems, she doesn¡¯t want people to know that she is the designer and founder of De L¡¯amour and An Qing."


    Lu Tian was drawn into deep thoughts. He recalled himself not wanting Yue Ling to dress the way she did, but as a fashion designer, it was her passion to doll up.


    He sighed and stopped reading the report.


    Although he didn¡¯t say anything, Xu Long knew his boss was waiting for him to finish his report.


    "Miss Han is no ordinary woman, she has connections all over the world. However, her circle of friends is very small. Aside from work, she likes to do yoga and go on long walks on the beach¡ª Ah, I mean, morning runs."


    "....."


    Lu Tian stare dumbfounded at his assistant, then he thought about his Yue Ling.


    She was always staring daggers at him, but the way she blushes when he teases her makes his heart swell with a feeling he¡¯s never felt before.


    Unknowingly to him, his lip curl and he looked like a man in love.


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes widen, ¡¯Good heavens! It¡¯s another miracle! Boss has been smiling so much the past few days!¡¯


    His eyes blinked and blinked, until he met a sudden pair of deadly eyes. All his senses were quickly brought back.


    Lu Tian: "Anything on the night of her party?"


    Xu Long: "From the information I collected, Miss Han was drugged with aphrodisiac by Miss Ning Mei. The reason behind it was to embarrass Miss Han in public."


    Lu Tian narrow his eyes, ¡¯Ning Xingyu and Ning Mei. Truly like brother, like sister. It¡¯s very fortunate that they allowed me to share a great experience with my future wife, but it¡¯s unfortunate, they entered the wrongir.¡¯


    Thinking of the word wife, Lu Tian felt warm inside. He couldn¡¯t wait to make Yue Ling is wife.


    Coming out of his thoughts, he leans back on his chair.


    "What about ¡¯that¡¯ person?"


    Xu Long¡¯s expression stiffened, "uhh... about that.. this.."


    "Speak."


    "Boss, there¡¯s no clue regarding the person. I believe, only Miss Han and her assistant knows who this Inu guy is."


    Lu Tian pinch the space between his brows. His assistant has never failed in finding someone. Since it¡¯se to this, there¡¯s only one reason.


    Yue Ling wants this Inu person hidden from him.


    "Continue to gather data about the Inu guy. Also, find out what the Ning siblings are up to."


    He paused for a quick second, then continued, "I will be living in penthouse 1503. Move all my things there."


    "Right away boss! This subordinate will get to it!"


    "That¡¯s all."


    Xu Long walks out of his boss¡¯s office with a sigh of relief. He did not know if his report was good or bad. Anything could happen.


    Remembering something, he gasped a mouth full of air.


    ¡¯1503?!!! That¡¯s Miss Han¡¯s penthouse! Boss is living with thedy boss?! Oh my goodness!!!¡¯


    Back in Lu Tian office, he was deep in thoughts on the Inu guy. His woman is keeping a man hidden in the dark! And she calls him baby!


    Thinking of something, Lu Tian grinned evilly, he¡¯ll definitely ¡¯punish¡¯ herter.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 77 Eat her delicious cooking

    ¡ª-


    For the rest of the remaining day, Yue Ling decided to send her employees home early. Her reason was to work on the dress by herself.


    The time was; ¡¯6:37pm¡¯.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t trust her employees. As their boss, she wanted to give them a break for their hard work since they came to Imperial.


    And since tomorrow was the weekend, why not let them go home early.


    Walking out of her office, she went to the designing room on the tenth floor. Upon entering, the lights lit up the entire room.


    Looking around the room, she smiled.


    In the center of the room, a mannequin stood like an noble empress. Although it was barely worked on, she was still moved.


    Earlier when she made the order to have the design started, she knew with her design team¡¯s capabilities, they could gather the materials in 2 hours time.


    Walking up to a table with piles of design papers and fabrics, she picks up a piece of paper.


    It was the finished design of the dress she ns to wear to her grandfather¡¯s birthday banquet.


    She could have gone to the store and purchase a dress, but her passion for fashion too strong. She never liked to wear the same thing as other women. As a fashion designer, why should she? If she can design and make her own clothes, for every piece made, she wants to wear it and show it off.


    The clothes she wear may be one of a kind and not sold in stores, but she was always proud of her creations. Even if others didn¡¯t know its value, she could careless.


    It was her very own brand and the proof of her hard work.


    Shutting everything out, her mind was now focus on her design. Once she starts working, who knows how long it will be until shees out of her trance.


    Shin had once told her to not forget about taking breaks, but what could she do? Fashion was her most prize possession and the proof of her passion.


    ¡ª¡ª


    When Lu Tian was finally able to leave his office, he was so excited. He couldn¡¯t wait to proceed with evil ¡¯n¡¯ to ¡¯punish¡¯ his woman.


    Hisst meeting ended at 8pm,ter than usual, but he was full of energy. Once he gets back to Jade Condos, he knew his woman would already be home waiting for his return.


    He might even get to eat her delicious cooking again!


    Even though he was excited inside, he still maintained his aloof aura on the outside. He didn¡¯t want to show this side of him to anyone other than his wife.


    Wife, how nice did that sound to him.


    "Boss, your coat."


    Xu Long hands Lu Tian¡¯s navy blue wool coat, and without stopping, Lu Tian quickly puts it on.


    While waiting for the elevator, a woman stood next to him.


    Lu Tian was eager to get home, so he didn¡¯t bother with the unknown woman. Once the elevator doors open, he walks in.


    Inside, his mind and heart was thumping, he thought, ¡¯Why is the elevator so slow today?¡¯


    He could hear Xu Long talking to another person, but he didn¡¯t care, he just wanted to go home. His wife was waiting for him and he wanted to see her.


    The elevator finally reached the first floor and just when the doors slide open, Lu Tian reach out to help slide the doors open. He then squeeze himself out.


    "....."


    Xu Long sighed and shook his head at his boss, ¡¯where did my almighty boss go? *sob*"


    He takes a step forward, but he stops and turn back to the other person in the elevator.


    It was pretty curly blonde hair woman. She wore a ck v-neck long sleeve top, tucked inside her grey id skirt and red 5" pumps.


    Men would find this woman beautiful, but to Xu Long, she was nothing but a disgusting vixen who only knows how to bring evil spirits.


    "Miss Qian, I told you before, if you can¡¯t differentiate your priority between work and personal matters, you don¡¯t belong here at Lu Corps. As a warning, you should clear that head of yours before boss fires you."


    Xu Long swung his head around with attitude and chase after his boss. He could feel the intense re from behind, but he could careless about the woman.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 78 Stuck in traffic

    ¡ª-


    After Xu Long drove Lu Tian to Jade Condos, he got out of the car and picked up his speed to his new home. The cold and aloof image of him waspletely ripped off.


    Ting, the front desk worker has always looked up and admire the almighty king of the business world like a god.


    Yet, at this moment, he was rendered speechless at what he was witnessing.


    The godlike figure that just entered the elevator had glistening eyes of a high school boy struck with love.


    First, he met the beautiful Han Yue Ling and now, he¡¯s seeing this side of the ruthless business king?


    What is happening to the world?


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t care about how he looked at this moment. Once he stepped out of the elevator, he took big strides to the door of penthouse 1503.


    Taking a deep breath, he calm his excited heart. Checking the time on his wristwatch, it was 8:35pm.


    Yue Ling should already be home since he waste. Ignoring his still chaotic heart, he unlocks the door with his new ck house keys. Slowly, he opens the door the enters. He did not realize that he was holding in his breath.


    He frown at the pitch dark livingroom, then the lights lit up brightly.


    Being greeted by more shipping boxes, his frown deepen. Even the wall connecting ind had boxes.


    Looking around, he didn¡¯t see the person wanted to see.


    ¡¯Did she go to sleep already?¡¯


    Making his way to the bedroom, the door was ajar, but there was no light.


    He sighed, Yue Ling must be tired and went to sleep first. As gently as possible, he push the door open.


    The lights came on and he was weed with silence. The bed looked the same from the afternoon when he left.


    Checking the bathroom, she wasn¡¯t their. Going out to the balcony, she still wasn¡¯t their. Coming back inside, he went to her closet room. Nothing. He frown and went to the guest room, it was also empty.


    Closing the guest room door, he turned back to the livingroom. Pinching the space between his brows, he sighed in frustration.


    ¡¯Why isn¡¯t she home? Where could she be?¡¯


    He took off his coat and his Oxford shoes.


    His happy and excited mood from moments ago vanished into thin air. His expression turned sour and a dangerous aura emitted from him as he sat down on the couch.


    Maybe she¡¯s stuck in traffic.


    Thinking of that, he took out the documents for tomorrow¡¯s meeting and distract himself, while he wait.


    ¡ª¡ª


    A long while after, he mmed the documents in his hand on the coffee table. His breathing became rapid like an angry bull ready to strike.


    ring dangerously at the wall clock, he felt even more angry. It was 10:13pm.


    Massaging his temples with one hand, he mumble in a low growl, "She¡¯s still not back? Does she not know what time it is?!"


    He looked like an angry wife who¡¯s husband iste because he¡¯s out cheating.


    Unable to sit still, he stood up and starts rearranging the new messy boxes. Each box had abel indicating where they go, so he did just that.


    He now looked like a housewife cleaning up her husband mess.


    When he finished putting thest box away, he stood in the middle of the kitchen, dining room and living room. However, his eyes were sending bullets at the wall clock like it was a target practice.


    ¡¯11:48pm¡¯


    His nostrils re and his mood decreased. He cannot believe she¡¯s been out for so long!


    He has been waiting since he got home and she still wasn¡¯t back yet. What traffic?! She was probably out with Inu!


    Angry and nothing else to do, Lu Tian went out to the balcony to smoke a cigarette.


    Staring out to the night sky, he started thinking. Was she really out with the man name Inu? What about him then? They are boyfriend and girlfriend. Wasn¡¯t he a bit important to her?


    No, if he wasn¡¯t important, she wouldn¡¯t have let him live here with her.


    About to light his fifth cigarette, he decided he had enough. Walking back inside, he grab a set out loungewear and turn to the bathroom to shower.


    He needed to keep himself distracted or else he was going to explode from not knowing where she is.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 79 What time it is?

    ¡ª¡ª


    After constant cutting, sewing and putting together each pieces together. Yue Ling sighed in relief.


    She wasn¡¯t finished with the design, but it was better than not having anything done. Within her one month time, she should have the dresspleted.


    Taking a step back, she smile in satisfaction. Her eyes glistening like a proud mother witnessing her child win an award.


    Turning to a table she grabs her phone and dials a number.


    Within three rings, a groggy voice answered from the other line.


    ["Hello? Boss, do you know what time it is?"]


    Yue Ling rolled her eyes, "I don¡¯t care about the time, I called to ask if you picked up Inu."


    ["I did, but..."]


    "But what?"


    [*yawn* I delivered your things to your ce, but Inu didn¡¯t want to stay alone, so he¡¯s with me at the moment. Tomorrow is a weekend, so I¡¯ll drop him off in the morning."]


    Yue Ling frown at Liu Shan¡¯s words. She wanted to see her baby. Then again, she was busy with work and Inu probably wasn¡¯t used to her new ce yet.


    "Fine. Take care of him until tomorrow."


    ["Yes Boss. So, can I go now? Thank you."]


    Not waiting for Yue Ling to give permission, Liu Shan hung up.


    The ends of Yue Ling¡¯s mouth twitched and she looked down at her phone.


    Liu Shan was her only employee who had the courage to act this way towards her. Which she did not mind, because he was also one of her best friends.


    Suddenly, the ck screen change to her lock screen and the time appears.


    ¡¯12:15am¡¯


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes fell to the ground.


    ¡¯Oh shit! I thought Liu Shan was just kidding! I actually worked till thiste!¡¯


    After getting her things, she locked thepany and set the security system. Inside her car, she couldn¡¯t wait to get home. She was tired and wanted to shower then fall onto herfortable bed.


    What Yue Ling forgot is that there¡¯s a man living with her, and he, at this moment was eating a jar full of vinegar.


    ¡ª¡ª


    While Yue Ling was on her way home, Lu Tian was still taking a shower. The warm water from the shower head pour onto his masculine naked body.


    His mind at this moment was only focused on Yue Ling. Her beautiful face when she smiles and res at him. Then, her wless body and how her breasts bounce each time he thrust in her... even when he massage them, the softness felt so great in his hands..


    How he want so badly to be one with her again.


    Suddenly, the image of Yue Ling¡¯s moaning face appears in his mind. She looked so sexy and alluring. Making him want to explore more of her.


    Feeling the beast below awaken, Lu Tian nce down and cursed.


    "Damn it."


    He close his eyes and change the shower switch to cold. He needed to suppress the beast below before it gets harder.


    Slowly feeling the beast go back to sleep, he sighed helplessly. Turning off the water, he steps out, wrapping a white towel around his waist.


    Finished drying himself, he wore only his boxer briefs and a ck lounge pants. Exposing his toned masculine arms and perfect upper body, along with his eight pack abs.


    His body alone could make one think of the unimaginable.


    Walking out to the living room, he couldn¡¯t help but frown again. Since he came back, he¡¯s been doing nothing but frowning.


    Looking at the wall clock again, he had the sudden urge to go over and destroy the damn thing.


    It was ¡¯12:35am¡¯ and she still wasn¡¯t back!


    He sat on the couch angrily and reach for the documents he hadn¡¯t finish looking over.


    Now, he couldn¡¯t wait till Yue Linges home. He will definitely punish her for not knowing the how to check the time!


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 80 Am I running a cold?

    ¡ª¡ª-


    "Aaaa-cho!"


    Outside in Jade Condos¡¯ garage parking, Yue Ling just parked her car when she sneezed. Rubbing her nose, she frown.


    "Am I running a cold?"


    With a yawn, she grabs her things and makes her way to her penthouse. Before going inside, she didn¡¯t forget to admire Lu Tian¡¯s matte ck Audi R8. It was truly a real beauty.


    Ting greeted her at the front desk, then she enters the elevator.


    Yue Ling was very tired, she didn¡¯t get her usual 6 hours of sleep. Her stayingter at work made it worse for her.


    Not just sleep, her body was very tired. Like aching tired. Tomorrow was the start of the weekend, so could sleep in.


    Walking in a sluggish way to her door, she froze and finally remembers about someone when she walked pass his door.


    ¡¯Oh god! Ipletely forgot about him! Did he even eat?! Wait, is he even at my ce or did he go home?¡¯


    Thinking about the man, she remembered their exercise and her cheeks turn red. Then the size of his beast in her hand...


    ¡¯Ahh! Han Yue Ling, when did have such a shameless mind?!¡¯


    She smacks her palm on her forehead for thinking way out of the box.


    "Wheeew."


    Taking a deep breath, she unlocks her door and enters. She felt like she was breaking into someone¡¯s home. Like usual, she takes off her shoes and slip her feet into her house slippers.


    Just when she was about to take a step forward, she felt a cold and murderous re on her. The sudden feeling sent a chill down the back her spine, making every hair on her stand.


    Without moving her head, she gulped as her eyes move to look in the direction of the dangerous aura and she was dumbfounded.


    Sitting on the white couch was a half naked Lu Tian. He sat leaning back with one leg crossing over the other in a manly way. In one hand, he held some documents and the other hand on the couch arm rest, supporting his head.


    He looked like a model in the middle of a photoshoot. The only thing was, his eyes at this moment could send a person¡¯s soul away from their body.


    Yue Ling struggle another gulp meeting the man¡¯s deathly eyes. ncing down to his exposed upper body, she couldn¡¯t help but gulp again.


    ¡¯Oh Buddha, please be with me as I face this holy man. Amitabha.¡¯


    Shepose herself and smile with her straight white teeth at the man.


    "I¡¯m home."


    Lu Tian took onest look at her. He didn¡¯t say anything and just look back down at the documents in his hand.


    "Uhh.. I¡¯ll go shower and get ready for bed."


    Yue Ling said in one breath and ran for her life to the bedroom. Her mind was thinking of only one thing.


    ¡¯Oh god! Why does he look like a wife who is suspecting her husband of cheating?!!¡¯


    Once she ran pass him, Lu Tian set the document in his hand down. He tilt his head and massage his temples before pinching the space between his brows.


    When he heard the door unlock, he was tempted to explode and teach her a lesson for staying out sote without notifying him. Anything could have happened to her. The world wasn¡¯t nice.


    However, when he saw her safe and fine, an unexinable feeling swelled inside him. Like a feeling of relief.


    And then, she just had to smile like an idiot at him and say she was home.


    Home... She was finally home atst.


    The feelings he had felt earlier disappeared, like a ballon that had been deted.


    Turning his head to the wall clock, he couldn¡¯t help but frown with a sigh, ¡¯12:47am.¡¯


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 81 How was work?

    ¡ª-


    "Have you eaten yet?"


    Yue Ling asked as she opens the refrigerator. She didn¡¯t eat, so she was as hungry as a mother bear.


    Lu Tian turned around from the couch and the moment he saw what she was wearing, he felt his heart tighten.


    It wasn¡¯t a suffocating feeling, more like butterflies flying around his heart.


    She had just came out from showering. Her hair was still damp. On her was a ck oversized T-shirt with the word De L¡¯amour on the front in cursive.


    The T-shirt on her figure was enough to make his heart flutter. However, seeing the grey thigh high socks, it made him felt even more turned on.


    He gulped in frustration. He needed to calm down, before the beast down there decide it wants to wake up.


    He couldn¡¯t turn back to being the hungry wolf he is... not just yet.


    Not hearing an answer, Yue Ling tilt her head to look at Lu Tian.


    "Tian, did you eat yet?"


    "...."


    Hearing her say his name alone, he felt like he was floating on cloud nine. A warm and faint smile cross his lips.


    ¡¯Tian.... how nice did that sound from her.¡¯


    Remembering her question, Lu Tian wanted to lie that he ate the untouched food from the afternoon, but hearing her ask again, his stomach decided it was the perfect time to growl.


    "No."


    Yue Ling stare at the man with her brows raise in amusement, "You haven¡¯t? I thought you would have cooked when you came home."


    While she got busy rummaging through the fridge, she didn¡¯t see the expression on the man in the livingroom.


    First, it was the way she said his name, and now, she had said ¡¯home¡¯.


    Looking at the busy woman, he couldn¡¯t help but feel at ease. To him, she was his home from now on.


    The tension in Lu Tian¡¯s heart rxed, destroying all the anger and frustrations he had for her.


    Due to it beingte, Yue Ling decides to make congee, since it was easier for the stomach to digest.


    Letting the congee slowly cook, she wash some vegetables and shrimp. Then she stir fry the shrimp and vegetables separately. Adding some seasonings to each dish, the aroma rise throughout the penthouse.


    Slowly, it makes it way to Lu Tian¡¯s nose.


    Setting the documents down, he couldn¡¯t but go to the kitchen. The smell was enough to let him know her cooking was delicious.


    Before he could step into the kitchen, he stopped and looked at Yue Ling with loving eyes.


    From where he stood in the livingroom, he could still see her busying herself in the kitchen. The same unexinable feeling he¡¯s been feeling swells in his heart again.


    He really wouldn¡¯t mind being able to stay like this forever.


    They may have just met, but the feeling of having her close by made him felt at home.


    She gave him a feeling he¡¯s never felt before.


    Staring at her back, he frown when a sudden image sh in his mind. It was the back of a little girl from his past... But he couldn¡¯t remember when and who...


    "Come, I just need to get the congee then we can eat."


    The sound of her soothing voice enter his ears, bring him back. Ignoring what he just thought about, he sat down and waited for Yue Ling to bring the congee.


    Yue Ling ce one bowl of congee in front of Lu Tian, then one for her. Sitting across from him, she could feel the happiness behind his cold expression. She smiled and couldn¡¯t help but feel happiness too.


    She didn¡¯t wait and started eating. She was hungry and she didn¡¯t care if she wasn¡¯tdy-like. To her, if a man really loves a woman, he wouldn¡¯t be bothered by the way she eats.


    Yue Ling: "How was work?"


    Lu Tian: "Fine." he paused, then asked, "You?"


    He wasn¡¯t sure if she would tell him why she was outte, but did he have the rights to know?


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t hide anything. She smiled and told him about her day at work in full details.


    Lu Tian stopped eating and just look at her. Every time she spoke, she would make all kinds of expressions and from time to time, she would wave her hand making gestures.


    He knew just from seeing her, he¡¯ll never get tired of her. Especially seeing all kinds of expressions from from her, he found her more attractive.


    "Andstly, I sent my employees home at 6:30pm."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian pout his lip. She had dismissed her workers early, but why did she get back sote?


    Did she really meet with...Inu?


    He felt like asking, but he knew he couldn¡¯t. She wasn¡¯t questioning him, so how can he just question her...


    But.. she is his woman, it should be fine right?


    Hesitating for a good five second, he decided to ask. If she answers then she answers. If she doesn¡¯t, he won¡¯t press her.


    "Why did youe back sote?"


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 82 Do you hate this?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Why did youe back sote?"


    Yue Ling had been waiting for Lu Tian to ask her the question. From the moment she step foot inside, she had already guessed from his deathly re.


    "Why I came back sote?"


    She arch a brow while trying to conceal herughter. He looked like a little boy who¡¯s mother just tried to abandon him.


    Seeing her answer him with a question, Lu Tian pucker his bottom lip with a frown. Was she afraid to answer him truthfully?


    Thinking again, he nod his head once. He wanted to know why.


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling touch her chin and acted like she was thinking of what to say.


    "My employees weren¡¯t able to get the new design I assigned started by tonight, so I made them go home early. Naturally, I stayed behind and worked on it. I just didn¡¯t realize that once I finished halfway through, the sky outside was already very dark."


    She shrug her shoulders, and continued to eat. If she keeps looking at the man, she would soon die from holding in herugh.


    "....."


    Looking at Yue Ling, he could tell she was telling the truth.


    He sighed in relief inside. So she wasn¡¯t out with Inu but at work.


    Lu Tian nod his head in understanding. He felt like something heavy was lifted from his chest.


    ncing back up to look at Lu Tian, a faint smile cross her lips. He is her boyfriend, so she didn¡¯t need to hide anything from him. Of course, if he asks then she¡¯ll tell, if he doesn¡¯t then she won¡¯t.


    ¡ª-


    After they finished eating, the both of them decided to watch a movie. Staying upter than usual was fine, they didn¡¯t have work the next day.


    As they watched an action movie, they didn¡¯t cuddle but sat next to each other.


    Half way through the movie, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but interrupt the peaceful moment between them.


    Turning her head to look at him, she hesitated, but summoned all her courage.


    "Lu Tian."


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian answered without taking his eyes from the tv. His attention was on the movie.


    "Lu Tian."


    "Mm?"


    This time, he turn his head and stare back at her.


    Meeting his dark ink like eyes, Yue Ling blush and avert her eyes down, however she blush even more when her eyesnded on his naked upper body.


    ¡¯Oh god! How could I forget that he¡¯s shirtless?!!¡¯


    Taking a big gulp, she close her eyes to steady her shaking heart. Looking back up, she takes a deep breath.


    "Can we sort things out?"


    Lu Tian raise a brow in puzzlement. He stare at her as if telling her to continue.


    Seeing this, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but sigh at this noble king.


    "I meant, can we sort out things between us?"


    She said with one index finger pointing to him then to her.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t say a word expect make another "mm" sound.


    "I think we should think this thoroughly. It¡¯s still not toote if you want to back out on this rtionship. I will understand."


    "....."


    Listening to Yue Ling¡¯s words, Lu Tian wanted to knock on the woman¡¯s head and have it open, so he could see what she ever thinks about.


    It¡¯s not toote? Understand? Did he sound like he was joking?


    His eyes dimmed, making him look dangerous and dejected.


    "I¡¯m serious."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep and low voice triggered Yue Ling¡¯s heart to pound faster and faster. He sounded very serious. Extremely serious.


    Before she can even say another word, she yelp in surprise.


    "Ahh-!"


    Lu Tian without warning had grab her by the waist and hug her close to him.


    Yue Ling ce both her hands on his chest. The touch of his skin felt like she was getting electrocuted, in a good way. ??


    She struggle with blushing cheeks and try to push him away, "Lu Tian, let go."


    He tighten his hold on her, hugging her as if he wanted to knead her with him. He whisper near her ear.


    "Do you hate this?"


    His tone of voice was indifferent, but there was a small hint of sadness. Like he was deeply hurt by her words.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 83 Breathe silly

    ¡ª¡ª


    Like a ticking bomb that suddenly stopped. Yue Ling froze in her struggle and held her breath.


    ¡¯Do I hate this...? No, I don¡¯t.. I actually like.. ehh....¡¯


    ¡¯Wait... Have I somehow be shameless like him?¡¯


    ¡¯Shameless cccouple?!!!¡¯


    ¡¯Oh god! He rubbed his shamelessness onto me?!!¡¯


    Coming to an agreement with her brain, Yue Ling lower her eyes and lightly shook her head. Completely forgetting that Lu Tian is still shirtless.


    One end of Lu Tian¡¯s lip curl upward into a smirk. He loosen his arms around her and pull back, but just enough so he could see her.


    Her bluish green eyes met with his dark ones. He bent his head and lean forward, his lip brushing lightly against her cheek. It was a light touch, but it sent shivers through Yue Ling¡¯s nerves.


    He whispered, "Do you hate this? I can stop if you do."


    Yue Ling¡¯s mind was too much in a mess. She didn¡¯t know how to answer him. His kisses alone were enough to make someone melt in his arms!


    Could she tell him that? Of course not! He was already shameless enough!


    Not hearing an answer from her, Lu Tian brush his mouth against the hollow of her temple. "What about this?" He traced line on her defined cheekbone, "Or this?" Lastly, his lips brush against her soft lips again, "Do you hate¡ª"


    The rest of Lu Tian¡¯s words were lost. Yue Ling held both his cheeks and pulled him closer to her, deepening the kiss.


    Lu Tian was shocked, but a small, yet seductive smile curl on his lips, he close his eyes and kiss Yue Ling. He kissed her gently and carefully.


    However, Yue Ling didn¡¯t want his gentleness, not now anymore, she wrap her arms around his neck and pull him harder against her. Lu Tian groan low in his throat. His arms circling around her tightens.


    He parted her lips with his tongue and explore her mouth, while she explores his. Both ignoring to breathe.


    His hands brush against her soft skin, from her back to her thighs, slowly pulling her shirt upwards.


    "Mmm~"


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but moan in her throat, Lu Tian¡¯s hands were cold and rough, but the way he touch her sends a sensational feeling. Like she was a precious treasure to him, drowning her into a deep abyss of the unknown.


    Lu Tian unhook Yue Ling¡¯s bra in one move and pulls her shirt over her. cing one hand on her back, he supported her, while his other hand, gently tug the strap of her bra off one side her shoulder. Her bra slid off her like a leaf falling from a tree on an Autumn day.


    He gently cup her breast in his hand and continue to kiss her passionately. Slightly brushing his thumb against her nipple until it harden.


    When she was almost out of breath, Lu Tian finally pull away from her lips.


    "Breathe silly."


    He said, but he lower his head, he captures her harden nipple with his mouth.


    "Ahh~"


    Just when Yue Ling wanted to breathe, she gasp a moan. Her arms tighten around Lu Tian¡¯s head. She couldn¡¯t help but gently stroke her hands through his soft hair.


    Lu Tian move from her breast to her corbone, then her neck. He peck her on the lips before moving to her ear and nibble with a whisper,


    "Should I stop?"


    Yue Ling shudder. She likes how his voice is deep and low, mix with his heavy breathing, it sent a tingling feeling in her heart.


    Hearing his question, she felt shy and humiliated. His way of teasing her is too much for her heart. However, she didn¡¯t want him to stop.


    "Don¡¯t-Don¡¯t stop..."


    Feeling the beast below turn into a rocket ship ready to st off to space at full speed, Lu Tian lift Yue Ling up by the waist and ce her on top of him. He continues to kiss every inch of her body and murmur, "Yue Ling... I want you.. can I?"


    Through her gasping voice, she blush and nod her head.


    "En."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 84 Shameless?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Lu Tian tug his lounge pant, lowering it with his boxer briefs. His lips never leaving her body. Finally, the bulging beast trapped was out.


    Even though his hand was supporting her body frompletely sitting on him, Yue Ling could feel the tip of his hard and throbbing beast teasing her entrance. The only thing blocking him from taking her was her thince panties.


    Hearing her response, Lu Tian slid her panties to the side, allowing her sweet spot to breath and wee his mighty shaft.


    Just when he nned to enter her, his eyes lit up with an idea. She had made him wait and with the position she is in, he should ¡¯punish¡¯ her.


    He stare at her with eyes of a man in love, but evil intentions. Lowering his voice, he whisper in a seductive devil¡¯s voice,


    "You have to work hard for it."


    "...."


    Yue Ling pout her lips and lower her head. She felt like smacking the man¡¯s head for saying something beyond shameless to her ears.


    However, instead of getting angry or getting off the man, she replied with blushing cheeks, "I-I don¡¯t know how..."


    She really didn¡¯t. She never went beyond kissing and cuddling with Shin. Her Shin was not a hungry beast.


    Would Lu Tian believe her that he¡¯s the first man she¡¯s ever done the deed with?


    Deep in her thoughts, she was suddenly awoken when Lu Tian capture her lips.


    He liked the fact that he was her first, as she was his first. He was a man and even if he never had experiences, he knew his body and he knows what makes him feel good.


    And she is what makes him feel good, inside and out.


    "I¡¯ll guide you."


    cing both hands on her waist, he lower her body down, adjusting her to his size in a different position. He held in every desire, he didn¡¯t want to be selfish again, he didn¡¯t want to hurt her.


    Feeling his harden beast entering her, Yue Ling bit her bottom lip, holding in the temptation to moan. However, once he was deep inside her, spreading her inner walls with his shaft, she clutch his arms and a moan escape her mouth.


    "Ahh~"


    Lu Tian also groan in satisfaction. Tightening his hold on her waist, he guide her body in a bouncing motion. Moving up and down on him.


    With their position this time, he was deeper inside her and her tightness was enough to drive him crazy. Turning him back to the hungry wolf he is again.


    Moving one hand to her back, he press her closer to him and sucks on one of nipples, while his other hand continues to guide her movements.


    "Lu... Tian.. mn~...!"


    Moving back to her face, he kiss the corner of her lip and growl seductively,


    "I will make you cum a hundred times."


    "Ahh~"


    Yue Ling whimper a moan. She could not believe what she just heard! They just started and she was already tired! How could she survive more rounds? A hundred times? Wouldn¡¯t she die?"


    Unlike her, the man below was thinking the opposite. He wants to make her unable to get up the next day. He¡¯ll make sure to make use of their long weekend to devour her whole.


    Shameless? Ah, but he¡¯s only shameless to her. The taste of her was the best.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 85 Going overtime

    ¡ª-


    Hourster, their gasping breaths were the only thing heard in the penthouse. Their intense workout was very intense this time.


    Laying on the same couch they just workout on, Lu Tianid on the bottom with Yue Ling on top of him. Her head rested on his chest and he hug tightly. He could see that she was fast asleep due to exhaustion.


    Turning his head to the nk tv screen, Lu Tian chuckled. Their action movie had became a live ¡¯action¡¯ for them.


    ncing at the wall clock, he frown, ¡¯5:09am¡¯.


    It was close to sunrise. He regretted being a beast again. All he¡¯s been doing is devouring her every time they were together. Whether it was early morning orte at night...


    But it wasn¡¯t just lust that made him want her.. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her...


    To grow old and hold her hand in life...


    He wants.. no he needs her both physically and mentally.


    That, he knows for sure.


    Thinking of something, he smile widely. He¡¯ll take her out on a date!


    Looking back down at the sleeping beauty, she looked as peaceful as ever in his arms. If he can, he wants to be like this forever. Just him and her, together, like nothing else matters but the both of them.


    "Mmm..."


    Feeling a slight cold breeze on her body, Yue Ling shiver and cuddles closer to Lu Tian for warmth.


    Lu Tian smile, it was better to sleep in the room. He doesn¡¯t want his wife to catch a cold.


    However.... with the position they¡¯re currently in, he can¡¯t move. If he does, he¡¯ll end up waking her up...


    Letting a small sigh out, he decided to wake her up. Once she¡¯s up, he¡¯ll carry her to the bedroom.


    He gently shook Yue Ling and spoke in a hoarse low voice, "Yue Ling.."


    "Mm?"


    Yue Ling mumble and rub her head on Lu Tian¡¯s chest, like a cat.


    Lu Tian chuckle and shook his head. Again, he gently shakes her.


    "Yue Ling.."


    "Hmm?"


    She mumble and slowly sat up in a side saddle position with her head lowered. Her eyes still remain closed, forgetting that her position at this moment cause her to sit between the man¡¯s legs.


    Lu Tian sat up a few seconds after Yue Ling, but when he saw the way she looked, his eyes darkened.


    Even without her bra on, her breasts were still perfect and full in shape. She had nothing on except her grey thigh high socks on.


    Her long ck hair fell down to one side of her shoulder, covering one of her breasts. The look of her at this moment was more sexy and alluring.


    Lu Tian had to admit, it was no wonder she ranked above as a model. She didn¡¯t need to be behind cameras to be a model. It all came naturally for her.


    Feeling the sudden intense gaze on her, Yue Ling raise her head up, half tilting it. She blinks a few time to adjust her eyes. However, she was too tired, so she lower her head again.


    Then.....


    As if someone had pointed a gun to her head, she open her eyes. They were both still naked...


    Then...


    As if that someone had pulled the trigger, her eyes open wider than they could ever open.


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Lu Tian: "....."


    In between Lu Tian¡¯s legs, the almighty sleeping dragon was wide awake and ring at her as if she was a prey. It was long and magnificent.


    Yue Ling could feel her cheeks burning to the max. Like she was set on fire. She was too shock that she couldn¡¯t even move her eyes away from the predator. Taking a big gulp, she actually felt scared.


    ¡¯Oh god! Is he not tired at all? All those twisting and pounding... how...¡¯


    She was exhausted and didn¡¯t want to experience being torture endlessly again. Can¡¯t he give her break?


    For some odd reason, Lu Tian was slightly on the same page as Yue Ling. Even he was utterly shocked to know that the beast below was still able to stand up. He was not a masochist, but when he saw the way Yue Ling looked just now, he got a boner...


    Like a robot suddenly put on active mode, Yue Ling immediately stands up. She was scared. Any more rounds and she will not be able tost. Lu Tian¡¯s dragon was getting too excited and she could see it gettingrger by the second.


    Dear Heavenly Father, was this some kind of punishment for her?


    This is her first time experiencing such an urrence.


    Forgetting that she is currently naked, Yue Ling takes a step back. Ignoring the fact that her alluring body is put on disy in front of Lu Tian. She needed to flee and run for her life.


    "Ahh... I¡¯ll go to sleep now."


    Unfortunately, when she was trying to use her imaginary qinggong and escape, Lu Tian made his move first and captures her in one swift move.


    "....."


    He grabbed her arm and ce her over his shoulder. Carrying her like a rice sack.


    "Lu Tian!! Put me down this instant!!!"


    Yue Ling struggle and struggle while shouting as if her life was on the edge of a cliff.


    Lu Tian was not bother by her shoutings at all. To him, her voice was like a muse to his ears. Smiling like the devil, he effortlessly walks to the bedroom.


    "We still have 68 more sessions to go. You better converse your energy instead of struggling. I won¡¯t be going easy on you."


    Yue Ling shudder hearing the man¡¯s words. This was clearly bullying the weak!


    ¡¯Will I still be able to walk after this? And why so many sessions? Didn¡¯t we have enough already?!!!!¡¯


    Wanting to negotiate with the shameless man, Yue Ling parted her lips to speak, but before she could, Li Tian¡¯s words cut her short. Turning her to a speechless statue.


    Lu Tian: "We¡¯re going overtime until we reach our goal."


    Yue Ling. "..."


    Lu Tian push the bedroom door open with a slight kick. Striding in, he toss the woman he captured on the bed.


    Yue Ling yelped shyly and embarrassedly. Laying on the bed, she gulp at the man. He looked like the grim reapering to collect souls.


    "L-Lu Tian, let¡¯s be reasonable here... wwaait¡ªAh~"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t hesitate at all. Positioning himself on top of her, he spread her legs to wee him. However, instead of entering her right away, he tease her tiny nub with his finger and her entrance with his dragon.


    Capturing her lips, he massage her breasts and tease her until she was drenching wet for him. Once she was ready, he didn¡¯t wait or take it slow. He thrust into her in one go.


    "Ahh~!!"


    Yue Ling clench the bed sheet and arc her body upwards feeling Lu Tian thrust inside her. Him inside of her drove her crazy in a lustful way.


    Unknowingly to her, she wraps her legs around his waist and moved in the same rhythm as him.


    Moans and whimpers from the duo resounded, just, this time it came from the bedroom.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 86 First time he saw her

    ¡ª-


    After another long session of rolling in bed, Yue Ling was finally shown mercy and allow to sleep.


    Lu Tian, however, wasn¡¯t the least bit tired yet.


    Looking at the woman resting on his shoulder, he inwardly sighed. Bringing her closer to him, he gently kiss her forehead.


    In thirty years of his life, this was the first time he wanted something so badly. She was like a drug, making him addicted and lose control.


    "Mmm..."


    Watching the woman in his arms, he couldn¡¯t help but feel his cold heart soften to the core. Yue Ling has subconsciously wrap her arms around his waist and snuggle closer to him.


    Yue Ling was tired to the max. She had barely got any sleep the night before and now, she feels far worse and tired.


    Lu Tian caress her hair and continue to stare at her blissful face. Listening to her steady breathing, he was reminded of the first time he saw her...


    As the CEO of a Lu Corps, he had to travel to other countries for business meetings. He never wanted to be the CEO, but because his father was getting older, he made the decision to take over and ept being the future head of the Lu family.


    Just recently, he had gone to City Z, Korea for a meeting with an investor. After the meeting, like usual, he always book the soonest flight back to China.


    Sitting inside the cubicle of his first ss flight, he read some documents to make the flight go by faster. Unknowingly to him, he nce to the cubicle across from him and that¡¯s when he saw her...


    She looked so breathtaking, even he couldn¡¯t believe he was thinking the way he did. Like a painting set in an exhibition only to be looked at and not touch.


    When the flight attendant came to serve her, she spoke gracefully and politely. Completely different from the other women who unt their wealth when flying first ss.


    As if someone had kicked his chest, she caught his attention not because of her beauty but the aura she carried. Without him knowing, his eyes did not leave her at all. He stare at her as she stare out the ne window.


    He felt they were somehow simr to one another. Like, someone who is at the top of the world. But has no one to rely on.


    No one to share the view with...


    When the nended, his eyes had subconsciously wonder to find her. Wanting to see her again, but he couldn¡¯t find her. He felt like an idiot for acting in such a childish way.


    But... that changed the moment he found her amongst the many people in the airport. She was looking down at her phone. Her clothes weren¡¯t extravagant, it was very simple, but she looked so beautiful. He could see men hovering around her, trying to get her attention, but she didn¡¯t bat an eye, like nothing mattered to her.


    Knowing that she wasn¡¯t paying attention, he had purposely stopped in front her and let her bump into him.


    And that was how it started for him. From when she bumped into him to her calling him a rude man. He could feel the unknown feeling rising inside.


    He was never the kind to believe in love at first sight, but one thing he was sure of was, he wants her and only her. Like he wanted to possess herpletely.


    Just from their short time together, he could be another person he never knew existed in him. He was not the eldest young master of Lu family or the ruthless CEO of Lu Corps. He was just Lu Tian.


    "Mmm..."


    Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts were broken when Yue Ling move again. He gently caress her cheek and his heart swell when he thought of how she melts in his embrace.


    Intimately wrapping his arms around her, Lu Tian tilt his head on top of hers. Closing his eyes, he drifted into slumber with the beauty.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 87 Live a normal life

    ¡ª¡ª


    Somewhere in the world, a dark brick red building stood its ground under the blue sky that have yet to light up brightly.


    Inside the building, countlessputer screens were set up, but only one keyboard was design to power all the screens.


    The door that was shut tight suddenly opens.


    A handsome man with dark brown hair enters. He wore a in white shirt with blue jeans and a ck wool coat. His eyes are the most attractive about him, but at this very moment, it held a dangerous aura in them.


    "Have you found them?"


    This time, another handsome man spoke, but his expression was calm. His long hair was tied into a high ponytail and with his cat like eyes, he looked exactly like a modern day samurai. He is the creator of this high tech ce.


    "Choi Li Sun and a Chinese girl."


    The dark brown hair man looked at the long hair man, he couldn¡¯t help but be amazed by this friend of his. Give him an inch of word and he can go a mile to dig anything up.


    The long hair man¡¯s eyes remain on theputer screen, oblivious to his friend¡¯s murderous expression.


    Leaning back, he said casually, "I¡¯ve tracked the vehicle¡¯s location after the driver crashed into you and hyung that day. It was a middle age man. He went into hiding at an abandon construction site that is own by Winry Properties."


    Sighing, he continued, "I have no idea which dumb ass was smart enough to think a construction site was the best ce. Didn¡¯t they stop to think how many surveince cameras are set up?"


    He tap the mouse and open up 15 different angles fromtvs.


    "That¡¯s..." the brown hair man growl and pointed to a screen.


    "Kim Siwoo." The long hair man finish his friends words, but unlike the aura he had before, the him now was like a real samurai. Ready to charge out in battlefield.


    The brown hair man clench his fists tightly until his knuckles could be heard. Through his gritted teeth, he growl lowly, "So it wasn¡¯t an ident."


    "What do you mean?"


    Brown hair man lower his head and his eyes darkened, "The whole team has been working undercover, a week before that day, hyung sent an email through a private IP address. The email only said, ¡¯Choi Li Sun ns to expand.¡¯ Before hyung could get proof, Choi LinSun¡¯s right hand man Eagle caught hyung. In order to hide his tracks, hyung killed Eagle." He paused then continue as his eyes grew darker by each second, "Hyung also said we have a mole in the team. That was probably how Choi Li Sun found out it was hyung who killed Eagle. If my guess is correct, that same mole is still out there and he or she was the one who tampered the car."


    Samurai man (long hair man) clench his jaw, "That bastard..."


    Looking up at his friend, he couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What about her? Are you nning to tell her?"


    "I don¡¯t know... She left that life when hyung passed away, I don¡¯t know how she will take it."


    Samurai man frown, "I think she has the rights to know. It involves her cousin and with her, she can get to the bottom of this."


    Brown hair man turn his head to the window. His dark brown eyes stare out to the vast sky as if he was staring at something else.


    "She left because she wanted to live a normal life, if we tell her, wouldn¡¯t that be pulling her back to the world she wanted to escape from? If she learns about this... she will surely, turn the world upside down and no one can stop her."


    Silence follow the man¡¯s words. Neither of them spoke a word.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 88 Take care of her

    ¡ª¡ª-


    "Jun?"


    "Hello? Jun?!"


    Annoyed, Qin Jun turns to look at the pest that broke him out of his thoughts.


    "What Kira?"


    Yamato Kira frown, "What¡¯s wrongs with you? I asked you a question, but you didn¡¯t answer. Sheesh."


    Qin Jun: "What is it?"


    Kira: "I said, did hyung say anything to you on that day?"


    Qin Jun stare unblinking at Kira then his eyes move back to the window.


    ¡¯Did hyung say anything....¡¯


    He could remember that day as if it was just yesterday... no.. as if it had just happened. It was a nightmare he will never forget.


    A nightmare he has yet to wake up from.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Three years ago....


    Qin Jun was with Shin, waiting for the groom to get ready. Everything went smoothly with nothing admist.


    Qin Jun was happy for his brother and sister. They were bound by the red thread of fate.


    When 8am arrived, Shin wanted to go to the church first. He wanted to arrive before his soon to be wife and wee her with opening arms.


    Instead of driving Qin Jun¡¯s car, Shin wanted to drive his Aston Martin One. Qin Jun didn¡¯t find anything wrong with the idea so he agreed.


    However, who would have thought, half way to the church, Shin¡¯s car brakes suddenly stopped working. Sounds of cars honking could be heard from every direction. They ran light after light.


    Shin had always loved racing, so they made it without hitting any other cars or getting hit.


    But their only option left was to crash the car into something to stop it. Just when they found a good spot with no pedestrians..... a semi-truck smash into their car from Shin¡¯s side. The car was total but the both of them survived with a few wounds.


    Qin Jun was able to get out of the car and help Shin get out, but the moment he got Shin out, his eyes widen in disbelief.


    "Hyung...."


    Shin was smiling his usual free spirit smile, his smile was one that can make someone want to smile too.. but... blood... there were blooding out of his nose and mouth..


    "Hyung... you¡¯re¡ª"


    *thud*


    Before Qin Jun could finish, Shin had fainted.


    "Hyung!!!!!!!"


    Qin Jun remembered calling the ambnce, but he didn¡¯t remember how he got inside. Everything happened so fast. As if he was in a terrifying nightmare.


    Inside the ambnce, the paramedics had put an oxygen mask on Shin to help stabilize him. But... he kept coughing. His cough was far worse than usual.


    "Hyung! Hold on! We¡¯re almost to the hospital!"


    Shin couldn¡¯t answer but try to gasp for more air and cough.


    "Hyung!!"


    Qin Jun felt helpless watching as more blood continue to escape Shin¡¯s mouth. Each time he cough, more blood ooze out.


    A paramedic change the oxygen mask because the blood was clogging the oxygen airway for Shin. Just when a new mask was about to be put on, Shin weakly lift his hand to stop the paramedic.


    "Jun...."


    Shin turn his head to look at Qin Jun, his eyes held thousands of emotions. However, his eyes at this moment were mainly filled with guilt and regret.


    "Help me... take care of her....."


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Qin Jun? Jun? Hyung?"


    Coming back to reality, Qin Jun turn his head and stare at his friend for a long minute, then he slowly shook his head.


    "Hyung didn¡¯t tell me anything, except to take care of her."


    For his hyung, he will take care of her. Even if it meant till the end of him, he will watch her from the shadows.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 89 Overwork yourself

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Heavenly Hotel; 5:46am


    A man with dark hair leaned on the bed frame with his phone next to his ear. Many people in Imperial knows that he is also rank as one of China¡¯s most eligible bachelors, but his aura is full of arrogance.


    "Have you done what I asked?"


    [A woman¡¯s voice rang from the other line as if she was whispering, "I have checked her schedule, everything should go smoothly, Chairman Ning."]


    Ning Xingyu smirk, "Can I rely on your sources?"


    ["Yes, I¡¯ve already checked her schedule. She will be there today."]


    "You won¡¯t get found out, will you?"


    ["Of course not, she¡¯ll never suspect me."]


    "Good."


    Ning Xingyu smirk sinisterly, hanging up the phone, he toss it to the side table. Seeing his n making progress, he nce down, but his expression changed into an indifferent one.


    "You¡¯ve improved a lot."


    At this moment, the rod between his legs is being licked and capture in the mouth of a beautiful blonde hair woman.


    cing one hand on the woman¡¯s head, he helps her move up and down, taking his rod in her mouth deeper.


    "Mmm..."


    He groan in satisfaction and tilt his head back on the headboard. Closing his eyes to enjoy the woman work her mouth and tongue.


    "Your mouth is good, Qian Li Li."


    Hearing his words, Qian Li Li felt joyful inside, she grab Ning Xingyu¡¯s rod and stroke it with her hand as her mouth continues to pleasure the man.


    It was thanks to his guidance that she was able to improve her skills in bed. With him teaching her, she¡¯s been able to give and receive all the pleasures.


    After moments of her mouth doing it¡¯s job, Ning Xingyu grew tired, he sat up and reach to grab Qian Li Li, changing their position.


    He never was one to wait until the person below is wet enough for him, he prefers rough sex. So, like the arrogant man he is, he roughly thrust into Qian Li Li.


    He knows that he¡¯s not the only man Qian Li Li sleeps with, but does he care? No. She was just another whore in his bed like Guyao and other women. Both women were loose.


    But, no matter what beauty he takes into bed, it is only to please his desires of lust. He never kiss them nor does he make an expression of a man in passion.


    That is because every time he looks at woman he¡¯s pouncing, she is not the woman he wants.


    Thinking of the woman he wants, he quicken his rod in and out of Qian Li Li like she was a ve to release the lust inside of him.


    Grabbing one of her breast, he massage it and sucks on her nipple.


    He thought inwardly, ¡¯Asia¡¯s number one model, I will make you mine.¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª-


    When morning finally rose high into the sky, Lu Tian was already out of bed and nowhere to be found.


    Yue Ling wasn¡¯t bother by the man¡¯s disappearance, she got out of bed to shower.


    Dressing herselffortably, she walks out to the kitchen. With a sudden surprise, she sees cooked breakfast and a note on the dining table.


    ¡¯Sorry I can¡¯t eat breakfast with you. Have to make a trip to the old house. Don¡¯t overwork your body. See you when Ie home. -Lu Tian¡¯


    *cruuuumble*


    Yue Ling ruthless crush the note in her hand, not showing any mercy to it¡¯s innocent life at all.


    ¡¯Don¡¯t overwork my body?!! Hah! Overwork yourself!!! Who¡¯s fault is it that my body is overworked?!!! Hmmf!¡¯


    Even though her mind was mentally unstable, her heart still melted at the words Lu Tian left. They had just met, yet, the man already considered here his home.


    Looking at her penthouse, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but sigh. For him, this was home, but to her... it was only a temporary ce until she found her real home.


    Home... eh? Did that mean he¡¯ll move into her new house too? What about his penthouse? Wait... will their rtionship evenst for that long?


    *ring ring*


    Coming to her senses, Yue Ling turn around to the bedroom. It was her phone.


    Reaching out to it, she nce at the caller id.


    ¡¯Lee Hana¡¯


    "....."


    Like an anchor that was dropped in the middle of the ocean, Yue Ling felt a sudden suffocating feeling.


    Her bestfriend was calling...


    Taking in a deep breath, Yue Lingpose herself, and swipe the answer button.


    "Hello, Han Yue Ling speaking."


    ["MAMI!! YOU UNFILIAL GIRL! HOW CAN YOU FORGET ABOUT ME?!! Wuuuu!!!"]


    "....."


    Yue Ling move her phone away from her ear at arms length. One end of her mouth twitch uncontrobly.


    ¡¯Unfilial? When did she be unfilial to Hana?¡¯


    "Hana, sorry I couldn¡¯t call you, I¡¯ve been..... uh, busy."


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t just tell Hana about what she¡¯s been through. It wasn¡¯t something to just easily say.


    ["Mami, when are youing back? I have no one to spend time with anymore. My husband is busy with work and little Shin doesn¡¯t want to do anything except y on his tablet! Wuuuu!!"]


    ["Mami, don¡¯t listen to her, she¡¯s over reacting."]


    "..." ??


    It was Park Min Lee¡¯s voice from the background.


    Yue Ling walked out of the bedroom and sits down on the dining chair. She pinch the space between her brows. Hana is her best friend but at times she can be very demanding, but who can me her, Park Min Lee was the one at fault. He spoiled Hana to the ends of the world.


    ["Hello? Mami? Are you still there? Hello?"]


    "Mm."


    ["Ignore Min Lee, anyways, how are you doing? Anything new happened?"]


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling felt a tinge of guilt crawl on her heart. With her new rtionship, can she really tell Hana? It¡¯s not that she doesn¡¯t trust Hana, but.... Hana is Shin¡¯s only sister and family...


    Will Hana be disappointed in her?


    Making up her mind, Yue Ling decided to wait. She wasn¡¯t sure if Lu Tian was serious in their rtionship. So, until they¡¯ve reach a certain time in their rtionship, she will tell everyone back in Korea.


    For now, it¡¯ll be her secret.


    "Nothing¡¯s happened. Just the same things that need a little spring cleaning."


    ["Hahah, tell me all about it when you¡¯ve clear everything over there! I want to know in full details of those foxes expressions!"]


    "Mm, I will."


    ["Hmm, Mami, I have to cut the call short. Little Shin is ring at me like I¡¯m not his mother. Take care okay?!"]


    "You too. Kiss little Shin for me. Tell him, Aunty Mami loves him the most."


    ["okay, I will¡ª Yah! I love my son the most!"]


    "Okay, okay."


    Yue Ling hung up the phone. Her heart couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty... Was it the right thing to do?


    Taking another deep breath, Yue Ling decided she¡¯ll have another talk with Lu Tian. If he¡¯s really serious andmitted in this rtionship, she will make a trip back to Korea and tell everyone there.


    She will tell Shin too....


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 90 Far from you

    ¡ª¡ª


    At the Lu household, Lu Tian sat on the sofa and remain indifferent, while his younger brother sat next to him, but nervously.


    Lu Tian had left early in the morning to meet an investor and then getting a call from his father, he ended up here.


    Madam Lu re angrily at her oldest son, "You will meet grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter whether you like it or not."


    ncing at his mother, Lu Tian¡¯s expression turned ten shades darker and the aura emitting from him was no different, "I said I will attend the banquet, not meet his granddaughter."


    He already has Yue Ling, he doesn¡¯t need any other woman in his life. It was either her or no one.


    "Tian, how can you be so rebellious?!" Madam Lu angrily roar at her son, "You are already thirty, I want to meet my grandchild before I perish from this world!!"


    Lu Tian stare at his mother, "Then have Han meet her."


    Lu Han: "....."


    Madam Lu: "...."


    Old Man Lu looked at his oldest son then his wife. Like usual, he could only sigh and shake his head. Every time both his sonse back, his wife is always being a busy body. She was never like this when they were dating.


    Madam Lu hit the arm rest of the sofa and point at Lu Tian, "Whether you agree to or not, you are meeting grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter! I don¡¯t care what you say!"


    Looking at his mother, Lu Tian wanted to just leave, but he knows he can¡¯t. The old woman will never let this go. Clenching his jaw, he growl behind his clench teeth,


    "Fine, but I will not marry her. Take it or leave it."


    "Y-yyou!!"


    Old man Lu couldn¡¯t help but butt in. His wife¡¯s expression was too much. "Tian already agreed, let it go for now. Come, let¡¯s go get ready. We have to go visit the temple."


    "Darling... how can we have such an unfilial son.. wuuuu.." madam Lu sobs with no tears as her husband walks her out of the living room.


    Feeling the tension in the room finally disappear, Lu Han who had been quiet the entire time was now able to rx. ncing at his older brother, he squint his eyes in suspicion, "Bro, do you have to be so rebellious every time?"


    Lu Tian re at his younger brother, "You want to meet the granddaughter then?"


    "No way." Lu Han snorted and sits up quickly. Patting his chest like a proud hero, he said with confidence, "I am Lu Han, the free and man of many women¡¯s dreams. I can¡¯t be tie down just yet. I still want to explore the vast ocean that surrounds this holy one."


    "....."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Every time he talks to his younger brother, he can¡¯t help but wonder why they are so different.


    Thinking back to his mother¡¯s words about marriage and children, Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but think about his woman at home. He wonder what she is currently doing, did she miss him just as much as he miss her at this moment?


    Reaching into his pocket, he takes his phone out, he wanted to call her and hear her voice that he loves. However, remembering something, he frown.


    He didn¡¯t have her number....


    Curious, Lu Han tilt his head over to see what his older brother was doing. Seeing the nk ck screen, he frown confusedly, "Bro, what are you looking at?"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t answer, he put his phone away leisurely and stood to leave the room.


    "...."


    Lu Han roll his eyes before quickly following behind Lu Tian.


    "Bro, want to know about grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter? Yea?"


    "No."


    "Come on, ma¡¯s given me quite a lot of details about her!"


    "No."


    "Bro, I know¡ª hey! Where are you going?"


    "Far from you."


    "..."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 91 Liu Shan, the grea

    ¡ª¡ª


    After Yue Ling ate the breakfast Lu Tian cooked for her, she applied her everyday makeup and went into her closet room to change. She styled her hair in a low messy bun, allowing strands of loose hair to frame her sculpted face.


    Today wasn¡¯t as cold like yesterday, so she decided to wear a ck loose knitted sweater with a ck mini a-line skirt. Pairing her outfit were her ck Chanel leather thigh highs boots, along with some silver ne to add a touch of chic to her outfit.


    Once she finished transferring all her things from her LV neverfull tote to her ck Herm¨¨s Birkin bag, she was ready to go.


    *ring ring*


    Just when she step out of her penthouse, her phone rang. ncing down at the caller id she was dumbstruck to the maximum.


    ¡¯Liu Shan, the great¡¯


    "...."


    She never paid any attention to her phone list, but seeing who was calling, she was sure Liu Shan was the one who added words to his name. After all, he got her the new phone to rece her old one that disappeared without a trace.


    Shaking her head, she swipe the phone and answers normally as she steps into the elevator.


    "Speak."


    ["uhhh, Boss, is someone going to die again? Why do you sound so angry?"]


    "What is it, Liu Shan.... the great?"


    She made to sure to emphasize ¡¯the great¡¯ part for Liu Shan to hear.


    ["....."]


    "...."


    ["Heh heh, I am the greatest huh?"]


    "If it makes you happy, I¡¯ll agree."


    Her tone was indifferent, but it held a glint of sarcasm.


    ["*sniff* I was just kidding boss, no need to agree.... anyways, I called to tell you that I¡¯ve found more information on Ning Mei, also I¡¯ll be dropping Inu off in the afternoon instead."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling frown, but then, she still need to meet someone today, so it was okay.


    "Mm. Keep an eye on her, don¡¯t make a move until I say so. And make sure Inu has everything he needs. Don¡¯t forget to feed him and y with him."


    ["Roger, Boss!!"]


    Yue Ling ended the call with the elevator doors opening. Stepping out, she sees Ting working the front desk. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder... Today is a Saturday and he¡¯s working.. no, he was always working, like the afternoon till night.


    "Good morning, Miss Han!" He greets her with blushing cheeks and bright eyes.


    Yue Ling smiles at the young man with a nod, "Good morning, Ting."


    She stayed and chatted with him for a bit out of politeness. Throughout their chat, she learned quite a bit of the boy. He¡¯s just been epted to a top university in China, but because his family wasn¡¯t rich, he ended up working to pay his tuition fees that his schrship couldn¡¯t cover. For the boy, it was school, work, homework and repeat. He even asked Old Lou for more work hours instead of going out to fool around.


    After their little chat, she bid goodbye and walk to her car. Ting reminded her of Jingxu, just that Ting was older. Thinking of it, she decided she will give Ting a gratitude gift, to help him from his struggles. It¡¯s the least she can do for him, after all, he treated Yue Ling with pure kindness and not the fake kind of kindness some people give.


    Stopping in front of her car, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh heavily.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t like her x5m. She just miss the feeling of being in a fast car, the feeling of taking the steering wheel and shifting each gear when she press on the elerator and clutch.


    How she envies Lu Tian for being able to drive his beauty.... her cars need to hurry and get transported here.


    Suddenly, her eyes sparkled as brightly as the sun, ¡¯Maybe, if I ask himter, he¡¯ll let me test drive it!¡¯


    With her heart pumping in a wonderful mood, she gets inside her car and drive out of the parking garage.


    Her n today is to meet an old seller and do some shopping for Inu.


    Once she returns home, Liu Shan should be on his way to drop off her baby.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 92 Do you have a pass?

    ¡ª¡ª


    Driving around Imperial for a good 30 minutes, Yue Ling pull over to the side and park her car. Stepping out, she look at the building in front of her.


    It was an old rundown building that looked abandoned. All the people that pass by this building don¡¯t even bother to pay any attention to it, nor do they feel anything good from it.


    Like a haunted building in a horror film, this building definitely ys the part. However, unlike everyone else, a smile curl on Yue Ling¡¯s lips as she stare at the building, as if it was a masterpiece.


    Without any hesitation or fear, she calmly enters the building. Her movement made it seem like she was out shopping on a warm sunny day.


    Bystanders stare at her with shock and strange expressions. She didn¡¯t look like a poor person, but why was she going inside such a scary ce.


    "Did you see that girl? She just went inside that scary looking building."


    "I saw her face, she looks like a wealthy daughter, but..."


    "Who knows, young women these days take in roles of mistresses. Maybe this building is her meet up ce."


    "Shhh. Don¡¯t say things that will harm you. Walls have ears, anyone can be listening. You don¡¯t want to end up on some big shot¡¯s ck list."


    "Come on, let¡¯s go. Just looking at this ce scares me."


    Ignoring what they just saw, the people passing by decide to ignore Yue Ling going inside the scary building. Who are they to question someone¡¯s business.


    Through the long dark hallway, Yue Ling who was oblivious as always was leisurely taking her sweet time walking inside. The hallway looked scary with dusts and spider webs, but she wasn¡¯t in the least bother by it.


    Reaching the end of the long hallway, she made a turn and sees two security guards standing in front of a closed metal door.


    The taller and masculine security guard looks at Yue Ling, "Can I help you, Miss?"


    Yue Ling sized the guard. His aura may be dangerous and arrogant, but he¡¯s on the job, so it normal for someone to act that way.


    With a polite smile, she said, "I¡¯d like to enter and take a look around."


    Masculine guard also size Yue Ling. He¡¯s seen many beautiful womene and go here, but he¡¯s never seen one as breath taking as Yue Ling.


    But he¡¯s on the job, so he can¡¯t flirt around. Keeping his dangerous and arrogant aura, he narrow his eyes, "Do you have a pass?"


    A pass? Yue Ling purse her lips, then she shook her head, "I do not."


    Masculine guard: "Then you cannot enter."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Sighing, she pinch the space between her brows. Why is it that people were always giving her a hard time? First, it was when she arrived at Jade Condos, then at Essence and now here?


    The other security who was skinner finally looks at Yue Ling. At first he thought her voice was very soothing to the ears, however seeing the person, he blush like a innocent boy.


    Her voice matches her looks, and she held the aura of someone who draws people closer to her.


    Squinting his eyes, he was mesmerized by Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes, but he feels like he¡¯s seen her somewhere before... he just can¡¯t remember where...


    "Miss, I suggest you leave. Only guest with passes can enter, since you don¡¯t have one, don¡¯t me me if I toss you out."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling arch a brow in amusement, "Really?"


    Masculine guard held his stance, "Yes."


    However, deep down he was nervous. This beautiful woman didn¡¯t look like your normal wealthy family¡¯s daughter. The aura she carried with her was benevolent, but he could also feel the aura of someone very dangerous.


    He¡¯s been in the underworld for a long time and he knew this aura all too well.


    "Miss¡ª"


    Yue Ling shrug her shoulder nonchntly, "No need. I get it."


    Turning around, she takes three steps away from the two security guards. Reaching for her phone in her ck Herm¨¨s Birkin bag.


    She dial a number and after two ring, someone answered from the other line.


    ["Hello?"]


    "I¡¯m here."


    ["Here? Where?"]


    "I¡¯m outside your shop, but I don¡¯t have a pass."


    ["No, no, no, don¡¯t worry. Stay where you are, I¡¯lle get you."


    Ending the call, Yue Ling step to the side and leans against the wall.


    Both the guards were confused. They had heard her conversation, but they didn¡¯t know who she was on the phone with.


    Neither of them have ever met a rich woman who would wait patiently like Yue Ling. Most of the time, they¡¯d either throw a huge tantrum or leave and nevere back.


    Yet, here she is, just waiting, as if she was waiting at a bus stop for the bus to arrive.


    After fifteen minutes, Yue Ling nce at the time on her phone and sighed. The masculine guard was running out of patience, although he didn¡¯t find Yue Ling a threat, as a security guard, it is his job to secure the premises.


    "Miss, I think you should¡ª"


    *creeeeak*


    Both the guards turn around to look at the source of sound. It was the tightly shut metal doors behind both the security guards. A middle age man walks out, bringing with him the aura of a noble and well respectful man.


    The masculine guard was speechless, but he utter, "Master Zhi..."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 93 Do not let her wai

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Master Zhi didn¡¯t pay any attention to the two security guards, he scan the hallway until his eyesnded on the beautiful youngdy.


    Seeing Yue Ling waiting patiently, he couldn¡¯t help but get excited.


    Changing his aura into a different person, a wide and happy grin rose on his face, "Young Miss!"


    Yue Ling nce at Master Zhi and nod her head, walking towards the middle age man, she smile faintly, but politely, "Uncle Zhi."


    The masculine guard felt as if lightning had just strike him. Just who is Master Zhi? The man was a well known figure amongst the wealthy families in Imperial. Getting on the man¡¯s good side was a blessing. Everyone knows that he only respects very few people.


    Yet, at this very moment, he is showing nothing but respect to the woman. Not just that, Master Zhi even personally came out to greet her!


    Just like the masculine guard, the skinner guard thought the same thing.


    Looking at Yue Ling, the middle age man felt nervous, but he still let out a chuckle and bow, "Please excuse this lowly subordinate for noting out to wee you. If I had known young Miss was visiting, I would have made preparations in advance."


    Yue Ling smile, "No need."


    Seeing Yue Ling¡¯s smile, Uncle Zhi felt a slight chill crawl on his skin. He could never tell if that smile of hers was genuine or...


    Turning his head to the two guards, he re at them.


    "Next time, don¡¯t make the same mistake. If Young Miss visits again, do not let her wait."


    "....."


    Both guards were now dumbfounded. The beautiful woman who appeared out of no where is actually someone they couldn¡¯t offend. Did that mean... their job...


    Yue Ling watched things unfold and shook her head. The uncle Zhi now was still the same as back then.


    "Its alright, Uncle Zhi. They were only doing their job. Besides, no need to be formal, I am no longer the young Miss. Just Miss Han now."


    Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words, both the security guards sighed in relief. Good thing Yue Ling has a heart of gold, or else she would of made a scene to get them fired.


    But one thing still bothered them, why is Master Zhi calling her young Miss?


    "Mm..." Uncle Zhi nod his head and sighed, then he gestures to Yue Ling, "Come child, I just received some new shipments. You can take your time to look around if there¡¯s anything of your interest."


    Uncle Zhi ce both hands behind and thought to himself as he guide Yue Ling through the metal door. Even if he is highly influential in Imperial, Han Yue Ling is the one person he can not offend. Nor will he ever.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 94 I’ll take i

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Unlike the outside, the inside of this rundown building was in perfect condition. The walls were ck and white in abstract. Uncle Zhi had designed one entire wall with only the yin and yang symbol. The open window from the ceiling allow natural light to beam inside like the shop was outside on a broad daylight.


    To not attract attention from unwanted guests, the shop was built the way it is. No one ever bothers about an old rundown building, so it was the perfect cover up.


    Yue Ling likes it when there¡¯s people who sees things the same way as she does. Not eye catching, but can blow one¡¯s mind away.


    "Take a look around, if you need any help, just notify me."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling nod her head and tour around the shop. There were rows of shelves neatly in order, each shelf held different items of valuables.


    Slowing down in her steps, Yue Ling observe each item with attentively until she came to thest item.


    "Hmm..." she sighed in slight disappointment.


    There wasn¡¯t anything that caught her eyes, nor was there the one thing her grandfather has been looking for. Straightening herself, she turns to look at Uncle Zhi.


    "Are the new shipments also put on disy?"


    "Hahah, of course not. I¡¯ve specifically put them in the back for my prestige customers only."


    Uncle Zhi grin ear to ear with an evil look. Walking towards the back wall, he move an item on the shelf near by and the wall move.


    It was a hidden door.


    Following behind the man, Yue Ling scan the hidden room. The walls this time was all ck and the room was dimly lit. If a someone else was to enter they would probably think they were on a horror film set.


    Inside the room, there was only an oak wardrobe against the wall and a table in the center. Yue Ling arch a brow curiously as Uncle Zhi opens the wardrobe with a key and reach for a wooden box. Turning back to Yue Ling, he sets it down on the table.


    "This is?" Yue Ling asked.


    Uncle Zhi smiles like an evil minister from ancient time, "This Miss Han, is the new shipment I received."


    Yue Ling touch her chin and nod her head. "I see."


    Looking at the man, Yue Ling didn¡¯t say anything, but her expression was enough to tell Uncle Zhi to open the box.


    Once he opened the box, he gestures to Yue Ling, "Come take a look. I promise, you won¡¯t be disappointed at all."


    Yue Ling leaned forward to look inside the box. Seeing the item, a smile bloom on her lips.


    Lifting her hands, she close the box.


    "I¡¯ll take it."


    Uncle Zhi stare at Yue Ling in confusion, "But Miss, you didn¡¯t even look at it. Are you sure?"


    Yue Ling: "It¡¯s what I¡¯m looking for."


    Uncle Zhi: "What if it¡¯s not?"


    Yue Ling: "Uncle Zhi wouldn¡¯t lie to me."


    Uncle Zhi: "Heh heh, true, true."


    Yue Ling turned around and walks out of the hidden room, "Please help wrap it for me."


    Uncle Zhi carries the box in his hands and trails behind Yue Ling. Closing the door to the hidden room, he snaps a finger and from some unknown spot, a worker appears.


    "Wrap this up nicely for Miss Han."


    "Yes, Master Zhi."


    Yue Ling tilt her head and cross her arms over her chest. Looking at the way Uncle Zhi organize his shop, she couldn¡¯t help but think about her paternal grandfather...


    "Miss Han, is there anything else this subordinate can do for you?"


    Yue Ling shakes her head, "That should be it, thank you Uncle Zhi."


    Uncle Zhiughs heartily, "Haha, whats there to thank? I am grateful to be of help to you."


    ¡ª¡ª


    Once the box was nicely wrapped and secured, Yue Ling didn¡¯t stay to chat, she needed to do some more shopping and go back home.


    She wanted to see her baby!


    From behind, Uncle Zhi watched Yue Ling¡¯s figure walk through the hallway until she disappeared out the building, he sighed heavily with moisten eyes.


    His heart felt pain and sadness watching the once small child he knew.


    The masculine guard was still speechless at what happened moments ago, however, he gulped and ask, "Master Zhi, that Miss...."


    Uncle Zhi re at the guard for being an idiot, but being reminded of Yue Ling, he smile faintly and his heart melted.


    "Thatdy is the young Miss. If it was not for her, this ce would not have existed, neither would I be the person I am today. Remember her well, I don¡¯t want any mistakes again."


    Not waiting for a response, Uncle Zhi walks back into the metal doors. He didn¡¯t bother about the two idiot security guards who became even more idiotic.


    Closing the metal door, Uncle Zhi ce his hands behind his back and looks up at the ceiling window. He couldn¡¯t help but think of the past.


    Before he came Imperial, he was once ackey of a very wealthy underground boss in Korea. Although they stayed hidden in the dark, they also worked with the government in the shadows.


    When the old boss passed away, his granddaughter decided to go into business, she only maintained a good rtionship with those who were loyal to her.


    She wanted to help change the paths for herrades and bring them to a new life. Some members decided to stay and work for her as employees, while others like himself, pursued a different path.


    Of course, the granddaughter made sure that everyone who left had a stable standing before she fully cut ties with them.


    But unlike the other members, Uncle Zhi did not cut ties with that familypletely. Although his path is different now, he still remains loyal to the granddaughter.


    Uncle Zhi smiles as he remember his life¡¯s journey with that family. He was friends with young master, but things changed after he passed away.


    It was thanks to that family that even an orphan like him got to experience the warmth and feeling of the word ¡¯home¡¯.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 95 Even look at you

    ¡ª¡ª-


    After leaving Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, Yue Ling did a little more shopping than she had expected.


    She nned to buy just things for Inu, but she ended up buying other things... she even bought things for Lu Tian...


    But she doesn¡¯t know how Lu Tian will feel....


    Sighing, she opens the door to her parked car and steps out. She was hungry, so why not order something to bring home.


    "I won¡¯t be in for long."


    She said as she hands the keys to her car to a valet worker. Normally, she would just park in the public parking areas, but she had her grandfather¡¯s gift. So it was best to be safe than sorry.


    Walking away, she didn¡¯t notice the valet worker had on a shocked and flushing red face. He could not believe who just spoke to him. Out of all the days he¡¯s been working here, today way the best!


    He knew his goddess and he knew she was the woman he just spoke with. Watching Yue Ling enter a restaurant, the man swore, once shees out, he¡¯ll ask for her autograph.


    "Good afternoon Miss, how many seats?" A waitress greets Yue Ling upon entering.


    Yue Ling scan the restaurant.


    It was a Saturday and people didn¡¯t have work, so it was normal for a fancy restaurant to be crowded. There was not one person not from a wealthy family inside. Just from the way they dressed themselves, Yue Ling could see how their personalities were.


    Averting her eyes from the customers, she notice a few empty tables by the window. Parting her lips, however, just when she was about to speak, her eyes caught a glimpse of an open space leading to the back patio of the restaurant.


    Coming to a decision, she looks back at the waitress, "I want to order for to go, is it possible if I wait out in the patio?"


    The waitress was surprise to hear Yue Ling. From her experiences, most rich women thate here always asks to dine indoors, no one ever request for outdoor at all.


    "Is something wrong?" Yue Ling ask since the waitress didn¡¯t answer.


    "No... right this way Miss."


    Following the waitress to her table out in the patio, she, like always did not know that she has attract attention inside the restaurant. Each table she walked by, no matter if it was man or woman, the person would turn to look at her beauty.


    From a far away table, a woman with auburn hair leans to her friend, "Who is that woman?"


    Her friend shakes her head, "I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve beening here for five years and I¡¯ve never seen her before."


    Auburn hair woman nod her head then turns to other friend who had a pixie haircut, "Zhao Ya¡¯Er, why are so quiet? Do you know that woman?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stare in disbelief at the direction Yue Ling walked, she gulp and her eyes lit up for a quick second. "I don¡¯t.... but I just found the perfect match for my older cousin."


    "What match? Your older cousin is so handsome, I doubt there¡¯s a woman who is on pare with him." The auburn hair woman said with a sulking expression. She has had a crush on Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s older cousin for a long time, but they were never introduced.


    Like eyes of Asura, Zhao Ya¡¯Er res at the auburn hair woman, "Xie Na, I know my older cousin best and he¡¯ll definitely agree with me too."


    Xie Na re at Zhao Ya¡¯Er in annoyance, "Hmmf. Ya¡¯Er why don¡¯t you introduce me to your older cousin? I¡¯m a good match for him."


    "You? Will my older cousin even look at you?" Zhao Ya¡¯Er spoke as she turn her head to steal quick nces at Yue Ling, she started to mastermind her n. Grinning ear to ear, Zhao Ya¡¯Er continue to eat.


    ¡¯These two idiots! How can they not see that woman just now is none other than Han Yue Ling. Ahh, I finally see her in person and she¡¯s even more prettier than in the magazines and tv. Oh~ my long time idol!! Hmmf, I¡¯ll definitely make my cousin meet her!!¡¯


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was too into her thoughts that she did not notice the malicious look on Xie Na¡¯s eyes.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 96 Don’t even know her

    ¡ª¡ª


    Stepping out to the patio of the restaurant, Yue Ling felt like she had just walked into an oil painting.


    A huge greenke came to view, in the center was a running fountain. With gray and blue sky in the back ground, the view could take one¡¯s breath away. Surrounding theke were other restaurants, but just like the one she is in, there was not a lot of people sitting outside.


    Sitting down, she hurriedly ce her order and sat quietly as she waited for her order.


    Staring at theke, she suddenly thought about Lu Tian. ncing at the empty chair across from her, she thought, how great would it be if they could enjoy the view together while having lunch...


    Uhh.....


    Realizing she had thought about the shameless man, she smiled a small smile.


    ¡¯Am I....falling for him?¡¯


    Thinking of it, the face of a man smiling appears in her mind. The man¡¯s smile was one that can shake one¡¯s heart. His face was one that can make any woman fall in love with him.


    Being reminded of her Shin, the smile in Yue Ling¡¯s lip disappears. Looking at the empty chair, she turn her head and stare out to theke again.


    It¡¯s been three years since any man had enter her heart, let alone, get her attention.. well, it was more like she didn¡¯t let them.


    It was not that she didn¡¯t want to move on... She just couldn¡¯t bring herself to... she has love Shin for ten years and he was with her when life had her at her lowest... He helped her see a new light in life..


    He was the reason why she smiled...


    After he passed away, she couldn¡¯t bare to betray the man she loves, even after his death.


    Others may say for her to move on, but what do they know.. Have they¡¯ve experience the heart wrenching pain of losing someone they love?


    Whenever she closed her eyes, she couldn¡¯t help but remember him. She had wanted to forget, so she couldn¡¯t feel the pain in her heart. Like a dream, she prayed to be woken up from.. but in the end, it was reality.


    Losing someone you love can really change a person¡¯s view in life. Even if the person is gone, the memories and love will remain deep inside the heart.


    How can the person who was left behind even move on?


    Shin had once told her, time will heal, but...


    Was it really okay for her to find her own happiness? Can she find happiness or will it be taken away from her again?


    Can she love again....?


    Staring out to theke, she let out a small whisper, "Will you be mad if I fell in love with another man?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Miss, your order is ready."


    Yue Ling woke up from her thoughts by the waiter¡¯s voice. She did not know if he¡¯s been there calling her or had just arrived, but it didn¡¯t matter to her.


    Standing up, she follows the waiter to pay for her order. Swiping her gold bank card, she takes the bag of packed food and leaves the restaurant.


    Seeing Yue Linge out of the restaurant, the same valet worker who parked her car greets her.


    "Miss, please wait here while I go bring your car."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling nod her head and waited. She didn¡¯t mind that her car wasn¡¯t in front of her the moment she stepped out of the restaurant.


    It was nice to catch a little breather from time to time.


    "Excuse me Miss." a woman¡¯s voice sounded next to Yue Ling.


    However, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know who the woman was referring to, so she didn¡¯t bother to look. Minding her own business, she continue to wait.


    Next to Yue Ling, three woman stood waiting for their car too. Zhao Ya¡¯Er felt like an idiot. She had spoke to Yue Ling but the goddess didn¡¯t even give any attention to her. Then again, who would?


    nning to speak again, she was suddenly interrupted.


    "Ya¡¯Er, why are you talking to her? We don¡¯t even know her."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 97 I’ll be in your care

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Xie Na was annoyed as she size Yue Ling. Today, she had wore a tan capelet coat for style. She even thought her outfit stood out more than Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Ling Ni, but seeing this unknown woman, she felt jealousy boiling inside.


    The woman wasn¡¯t even wearing any designer brand, but Zhao Ya¡¯Er still wanted to talk to her.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er sneer at Xie Na, "So what if I¡¯m talking to her. What¡¯s it got to do with you?"


    She didn¡¯t like Xie Na at all. Since the beginning she never did. The only reason why she hung out with Xie Na was because her mother made her. She has long seen through the reason why Xie Na wanted to join her circle. It was only an excuse to get closer to either of her cousins!


    Hmmf.


    Flipping her head around with attitude, she makes another attempt to get her idols attention. Except, this time she taps Yue Ling on the shoulder.


    "Excuse me Miss."


    Feeling the sudden tap, Yue Ling turn to look at the person. Her expression was indifferent as usual, but still approachable.


    Seeing three women, she didn¡¯t know what to say. One had a short pixie hair cut and wore a red wrapped dress with a white pea coat, the other woman had auburn hair and wore a tan capelet dress coat, and thest girl had long brown hair and was wearing a white sweater with khaki dress pants.


    Weren¡¯t they inside the restaurant too?


    ncing at the woman with the pixie hair cut, Yue Ling smile, "Can I help you?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was struck with love like a fan girl meeting her idol. She couldn¡¯t help but be mesmerize by Yue Ling¡¯s graceful smile and beauty. Especially those greenish blue eyes that can entrap someone¡¯s soul.


    Remembering her n, she smiles at Yue Ling, "I¡¯m Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Let¡¯s be friends."


    She stretch her hand out for a shake.


    "...."


    Yue Ling and both the other girls were dumbfounded. Was this the correct way to approach someone? So straightforward.


    "Friends?" Yue Ling ask with an arch brow.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er nods her head, "Yes, friends. I want to be friends with you."


    Looking at the woman, Yue Ling felt she was meeting another Hana. Back then, Hana also approached her in the same way.


    Thinking if the word ¡¯friend¡¯, she was new to Imperial, so being friends with someone here wasn¡¯t a bad idea. Besides, this woman didn¡¯t seem to hold any malicious intents, unlike....


    Yue Ling nce at the auburn hair girl. She knew that look all too well, but did she care? Nope.


    Reaching out to shake Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s hand, Yue Ling¡¯s smile widen, "Han Yue Ling, I¡¯ll be in your care then."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er could feel her heart leap to moon and back. She could not believe she easily became friends with her idol, better yet, she even got to hold hands with the goddess! She¡¯ll never wash this hand again!


    Unlike Zhao Ya¡¯Er, both her friends were surprised. They knew who Han Yue Ling was, but not the person. To think this unknown woman is actually Asia¡¯s most well known supermodel!


    Xie Na clench her fists, her newpetition was someone out of her reach. Someone she can¡¯t evenpete with. ring at Yue Ling, she was taken by surprise when their eyes met. Quickly retreating her malicious gaze, she smile sweetly at Yue Ling and stuck her hand out.


    "I can¡¯t believe you are actually the supermodel, Han Yue Ling. It¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you. I¡¯m Xie Na."


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 98 You have a baby?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Due to their height difference, Xie Na, who is 164cm has to look up at Yue Ling.


    Yue Ling on the other hand, didn¡¯t even lower her head, except for her eyes. She, at this moment was having a little trouble inside.


    Looking at the small woman, Yue Ling wanted tough. Did she really think Yue Ling was some idiot to not know her inner thoughts?


    Finally, looking down at the woman¡¯s hand, Yue Ling pout her lips, she didn¡¯t like to shake hands with fake people or be friends with them, but since she¡¯s friends with Zhao Ya¡¯Er now, wouldn¡¯t it be rude?


    This was why she liked to keep her circle small. The smaller it is, the less trouble it brings.


    Left with no other choice, she reluctantly shakes hands with Xie Na.


    When she shook hands with Xie Na, she wanted tough even more.


    Xie Na at this moment actually tighten her grip on Yue Ling¡¯s hand.


    Holding in the urge tough uncontrobly, Yue Ling maintains her same elegant smile, but she also tightens her grip.


    Trying to hurt her? Okay! Two can y that game.


    "Nnn.." Xie Na whimpers at the sudden intense pain. She felt as if her hand was ran over by a car! No, like it was crushed by a mountain!!


    Unable to take the pain, Xie Na quickly snatch her hand back. Looking down at her fair hand that is now red and slightly swollen, she res at Yue Ling, but she felt a chill crawl on her.


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression at this moment looked as if she was saying, ¡¯Don¡¯t even think about it.¡¯


    Xie Na clench her fists in anger and jealousy. The strength Yue Ling used was enough to break her hand! How can someone who looks so delicate be so strong?! She was ck belt in karate!


    From the other side, the brown hair woman steps forward with a polite smile.


    "I¡¯m Ling Ni, it¡¯s nice to meet you."


    Yue Ling ignores Xie Na¡¯s crazy eyes and looks at Ling Na, then shakes her hand. This woman didn¡¯t hold any stupid intentions like Xie Na.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stood next to Yue Ling, her eyes were sending beams of destructive energy to Xie Na. She could not believe this stupid woman actually tried to hurt her best friend, Yue Ling!!


    Turning back to Yue Ling, she smiles cheerfully again. She wanted to get to know her idol more. Even spend more time together would be wonderful!


    "Yue Ling, are you heading home?"


    "Mm, my baby is waiting for me."


    "....."


    Like cold water had just been poured on her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er couldn¡¯t believe what she just heard. Not just her, Xie Na and Ling Na were no different. Who would have thought that the famous supermodel has a kid!!


    Xie Na sneered inwardly. Since Yue Ling has a kid, that means she can¡¯t get close to Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s older cousin!


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stare at Yue Ling like a goldfish. After countless mouth opening and closing, she was able to voice her words.


    "B-bbbaby? Y-You have a baby?"


    "Mm, my baby is¡ª"


    "Miss, your car is here."


    The valet worker interrupts Yue Ling¡¯s sentence, causing all four women to look at him.


    Seeing her car arrive, Yue Ling didn¡¯t want to stay and chat. She didn¡¯t mind Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Ling Na, but she really mind Xie Na.


    That woman was too readable and nothing good wille from her, so it¡¯s best to avoid women like Xie Na first.


    "My car is here, so I¡¯ll take my leave first."


    Knowing her best friend is leaving, Zhao Ya¡¯Er felt something heavy dropped on her heart. She just met Yue Ling.... then, like a light bulb turned on, she reach into her bag.


    "Let¡¯s exchange WeChat!"


    Yue Ling shrug her shoulders with a "Mm."


    After all four women exchange their WeChat, Yue Ling got inside her car and drove off.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stare as Yue Ling¡¯s car disappear into the far distance. She looked like a mother who just sent her child off to a far away college.


    Taking a deep breath she wanted to p herself for not meeting Yue Ling sooner. Suddenly remembering something, she ps her forehead hard.


    ¡¯Oh my god! I forgot to ask if she really has a kid!!! What about my poor older cousin? Wuuu.. Cousin, you¡¯re now out of luck! Wuuu.¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 99 Hurry up, peasant!

    ¡ª¡ª


    Inside her car, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t wait to get home. She wants to see her baby! With all the new things she bought, Inu will definitely love all of them.


    *ring ring*


    ¡¯Liu Shan, the great is calling¡¯


    Yue Ling sighed when the voice activation sounded who was calling. She needs to remind herself to change Liu Shan¡¯s name.


    Then again, the man does fit the name ¡¯the great¡¯ since he¡¯s great in finding people¡¯s secrets.


    *ring ring*


    ¡¯Liu Shan, the great is calling.¡¯


    Not reaching for her phone, she shakes her head hearing the alert again and press the answer button on the steering wheel.


    "Hello?"


    ["Boss!! It¡¯s me!!"]


    "....."


    ["Hello? Boss? Ohhh~~ Boooosssss~~"]


    "What?"


    ["I said it¡¯s me, howe you didn¡¯t answer?"]


    "I know it¡¯s you. What is it?"


    ["Heh heh, uh Boss, I have to make a quick run somewhere, so... can I drop Inu off?"]


    "Mm. I¡¯ll be home in fifteen minutes."


    ["okay!!!"]


    Hanging up, Yue Ling felt all kinds of emotions stir inside her.


    She had Inu ever since Shin passed away. Inu was a life¡¯s blessing for her, keeping her days busy and distracted.


    Every time she sees Inu, she could remember the first time they met. Her baby was so tiny and cute.


    At first her baby didn¡¯t get like her, he acted like a mighty king looking down her, who was his ¡¯ve¡¯.


    His expression would say, ¡¯Feed me, you peasant!¡¯


    Or ¡¯Hurry up, peasant!¡¯


    But as their time together grew each day, so did their bond. Thus, allowing love to bloom.


    He was the one who kept her sane.


    Yue Ling smile in excitement thinking about her baby. Just a few more minutes and she can finally be reunited with¡ª-


    ¡¯Shit!! I forgot all about Lu Tian!!¡¯


    Yue Ling for the first time in her life regretted so much for being someone who could careless about things.


    She has spoken about Inu in front of him.. but.... Shit! What if he¡¯s back already?


    Reaching for her phone, she wanted to call him, but remember they never exchanged numbers or WeChat, she cursed inwardly,


    ¡¯Ahhh!!! How can I not have my own boyfriend¡¯s contact at all?!!¡¯


    Lu Tian had left in the morning before she woke up, so she couldn¡¯t tell him about Inu.


    Will he be okay? Will he like Inu? What if he doesn¡¯t like Inu? What if Inu doesn¡¯t like him?! Oh god!


    Feeling a storm slowly rising, Yue Ling steps on the elerator, she needs to increase the speed of her car so she can get home fast.


    Who knows how things will end up!!


    At times like this, she really wish she was in one of her fast sports cars!!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 100 I’ve been tricked!!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    *reeeeech!!*


    A white BMW x5m drifted through Jade Condos parking garage. With a pro-expert, the car was parked nicely in the parking space.


    The driver side door flung open and Yue Ling bolted out of her car at lightning speed.


    Reaching the front door of Jade Condos, she wanted to hit herself.


    ¡¯Shit! I forgot about the things!¡¯


    Turning around like a speed boat, she runs back to her car and open the trunk. Grabbing everything she bought and the food, she quickly shut the door and runs back to Jade Condos.


    "Hi Ting! Bye Ting!"


    "....."


    Ting was having a good day, he had finished all his homework in advance so he can enjoy his time when he gets off work.


    However, seeing his goddess running in, he didn¡¯t know what to say. Moments ago, he had seen his role model and now his goddess?


    Could his day possibly get any better?!!!


    Inside the elevator, Yue Ling pinch the space between her brows and tap one foot on the ground.


    One.... five.... twenty....


    Ahh! Could the elevator be any slower today? She¡¯s in a rush!!


    *ding!* the elevator door opens.


    Running to her door, Yue Ling set some bags down and fumble through her Herm¨¨s Birkin bag for her keys. She could feel small beads of sweat forming on her forehead.


    Unlocking the door lock, she swallow her saliva and open the door. Slowly, she peaks her head inside.


    Seeing no one, she sighed, ¡¯Good, he¡¯s not back yet.¡¯


    Seeing something, her eyes lit up. At the far end of her living room, near the floor to ceiling windows, she sees a big white fluffy ball sitting in his bed like a noble ruler.


    It¡¯s thick triangles ears perking upwards with fur and its distinguish furry tailys on the floor in rxation.


    "Baaaaabby~~!!!"


    Tossing all the bags to the floor, she rush insides with open arms. Hugging the familiar soft and chubby body of her baby, Yue Ling grinned happily.


    She nts kisses and rub her cheeks against her baby. Her baby was the best teddy bear!!!


    "Oh Inu! My favorite Samoyed!! How I missed you so much! No one can tear us apart now!"


    Yue Ling moves away to look at Inu, then due to her being too excited, she hugs him again and rubs her cheeks against him again.


    "Ahh!! My baby is soooo~ soft and fluffy!!!"


    "Woof!"


    "Hmm? What¡¯s wrong?"


    Yue Ling stare at Inu confusedly, now realizing that her cute Inu was not paying any attention to her...


    "Baby, what¡¯s wrong? Tell mommy."


    "Woof!"


    Tilting her head, Yue Ling follow Inu¡¯s beautiful ink eyes.


    When her eyesnded on the spot Inu was looking at, she felt she had be the worlds most idiot person walking the earth.


    "....."


    "Favorite? No one can tear you two apart?" a deep and cold voice sounded.


    The tone of this voice was so dangerous, it sent a chill to Yue Ling¡¯s soul!


    She struggle a hard gulp, she could even feel an imaginary bead of sweat sliding down from her temple to jaw, "W-When did you get there?"


    How did she miss him when she peeked inside? Was her eye sight going bad?


    Sitting on one of the couches was the man she had hope yet toe back. He sat like he was the Heavenly emperor, while she and Inu looked as if they hadmitted a huge crime against the heavens.


    "I¡¯ve been here. I just wasn¡¯t important enough for you to notice."


    "....."


    "It¡¯s not like I¡¯m your favorite."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was render speechless. This man has no stop to his shamelessness at all. Looking at him now, she felt like a turtle going back inside it¡¯s shell.


    "Hah hah, Tian..." she tried to remain calm, but she ended up sounding sarcastic, "Inu is¡ªAhh!!! Put me down!!"


    "Not yet."


    Before she could even finish, the heavenly emperor had somehow used his powers to appear in front of her and put her over his shoulder.


    Just how does he do it? Always appearing out of now where!!


    Carrying her like a sack of rice, Lu Tian strides towards the bedroom.


    "Woof! Woof!! Grrrr!!"


    Inu stood on all four legs and growl at the man holding his favorite peasant hostage. His fluffy tail curls on his back. He takes on his stance ready to attack.


    His expression saying, ¡¯You peasant! Let my peasant go!¡¯


    Lu Tian stare indifferently at Inu. Due to their size difference, Lu Tian looked more intimidating, but Inu looked like a beast ready for battle with his chest sticking out.


    However, the both of them re at each other as if fighting over a piece of meat.


    Being ignored, Yue Ling wanted to cry, she hit Lu Tian¡¯s back with her fist.


    "Tian! Put me down right¡ª ah! You shameless!!"


    "Stay still or I¡¯ll do it again."


    "...."


    Yue Ling could not believe that Lu Tian had actually p her bottom!! Just how embarrassing was this?!!


    "Woof! Woof!!"


    Inu continues to bark at Lu Tian, ¡¯Let my peasant go right now or I¡¯ll bite you!!¡¯


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t felt intimidated by Inu at all, but remembering the way his wife acted uponing home, he couldn¡¯t help but eat another jar of vinegar.


    She doesn¡¯t even act that way towards him, yet....


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darken, his wife needs to be ¡¯punish¡¯.


    He¡¯ll make sure to remind her who¡¯s her favorite and who she can¡¯t be separate from.


    Turning to the hallway, he continues with his new mission: Punish the wife.


    "Lu Tian! What are you nning to do?!!"


    "Woof!! Wooof!!!"


    "Do you hear me?! I said put me down!!"


    As both Yue Ling and Inu continue to shout and bark at Lu Tian, he paid no attention to neither of them.


    Inu seeing his favorite peasant still being held hostage, he runs after the two peasants.


    "Woof!!! Woooof!!"


    Hearing the sounds of Inu¡¯s paws on the floor, Lu Tian stops by the wall attached ind and grabs something from a box.


    Yue Ling felt so wronged at this moment. She could hear her own heart pounding... she did not know what Lu Tian ns to do..... She wanted to cry, butcked the tears to shed.


    How did she not see thising...? All she wanted to do was see her baby...


    Lu Tian retrieve his hand out of the box and continues to walk in the direction of the bedroom with Yue Ling over his should and Inu tailing behind.


    Stopping in front of the bedroom door, he turns to look at Inu. With an evil smirk, he throws something in the direction of the living room.


    "Woof! Wooof!!"


    ¡¯You evil peasant! Let my favorite¡ª- ohh what¡¯s this delicious smell?!¡¯


    Inu quickly turns back around and runs back in the direction he had juste from. Sniffing the floor, he picks up something and eats it.


    Licking his mouth, he felt so happy.


    ¡¯Mmm~, so¡ª oh no! I¡¯ve been tricked!!¡¯


    Lu Tian smirk at his seeded n. He shut the door to the bedroom and locks it, as if Inu could open it.


    "Woof!! Woof!!" Inu continues to bark outside the door, ¡¯You peasant! How dare you trick this noble king!! I won¡¯t forgive you!!!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 101 Very very jealous

    ¡ª¡ª-


    "Wooof!! Wooof!!"


    Inu continues to bark outside the door, but no matter what he did, the door won¡¯t open for him.


    ¡¯How dare these peasants do this to me?!¡¯


    ring at the door, he turn around to the living room with his dignity.


    ¡¯Just you wait. It¡¯s not over yet!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª


    Inside the locked bedroom, Lu Tian tossed Yue Ling onto the bed. He didn¡¯t pay any attention to the dog barking outside the door. Sooner orter, Inu would give up.


    "Are you crazy?!"


    Yue Ling struggle to sit up, but before she could, Lu Tian with his ninjitsu skills tower over her and was taking off both of their clothes one after another. She knew where this was going!


    "Lu! Tian!!!"


    Immediately stopping at his name, Lu Tian press his lips tightly together and res at Yue Ling. He knows that she is angry with the way he¡¯s acting, but who can me him for acting this way?


    It was her fault for always making him eat jars of vinegar.


    He was already jealous that many men are attracted to her, but now he has topete with a dog?!


    Yue Ling not knowing about Lu Tian jealous mind also re at the man. How can he be so childish if not shameless?!


    Lu tian was only able to remove her ck knitted sweater. Leaving her bra to cover her breasts and everything else still intact. Grabbing the nket, she covers her upper body.


    Ignoring his shirtless body, she zoomed in on his face only.


    "Why are being like this? Is sex the only thing you want? Is this rtionship to you based on sex only?"


    Yue Ling re coldly at Lu Tian. Ever since they met, this was all they¡¯ve been doing. Sex. Sex. Sex!! Clenching her teeth together, she gritted,


    "If it is, you can leave and go find someone else for your own selfish needs!"


    "..."


    Lu Tian eyes darkened at Yue Ling. She dares to say all of this to him?!


    Looking at her angry expression, he felt even worse. It wasn¡¯t just sex that he wanted. He wanted her, all of her.


    She is the reason why he¡¯s be like this. She engulfed him into her abyss. Every time he¡¯s with her, he can¡¯t help but want to touch her more, to be close to her...


    He craves for her both mentally and physically. He had been by himself without any sort rtionship. For her to suddenly appear in his life, it lets him know that she wasn¡¯t just some kind of imaginary woman he had made up...


    Taking a deep breath, he lower his head and press his forehead against her. Closing his eyes to calm himself, he mumble in a whisper of the truth, "I was jea..lous..."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was angry, but hearing his voice trail into her ears, she could not believe what she had just heard. Wait, did really just hear what he said?


    "You were what?"


    Feeling irritation dawn on him again, he lift his head and re at Yue Ling.


    "I said, I was jealous! I was very very jealous!!"


    Flipping over, he moves from Yue Ling andys down next to her. Rubbing the temples of his head for acting the way he did.


    Even he couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯d have this side in him.


    Yue Ling was too speechless to say anything. Feeling the heavy weight of the man get off from her, she still didn¡¯t know what to say.


    He was jealous? Over what? Inu? But...


    Turning her head to look at the man, her heart softened when she saw the stressed expression on him.


    "You were jealous? Over what?"


    Hearing this, Lu Tian move his hand from his temple and his dark eyes re viciously at the idiotic woman.


    Was he really going to exin himself, when all the clues are written on his face?!


    Yue Ling turned to her side and held her chin with one hand. She could guess why he was jealous, but she wanted to hear from him.


    Trying to notugh, she puts on a solemn expression. Her attention fully on the man eating jars of vinegar.


    "Tell me, what were you jealous about?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 102 She lock the door

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Ahahahahah!!!"


    Yue Ling sat up as sheughs her heart out, she could not believe what she heard. Lu Tian¡¯s reason for being jealous was too hrious for her to handle. Breathing hard fromughing, she pat Lu Tian¡¯s shoulder while wiping away some tears from her eyes.


    "I really can¡¯t believe that was why you got jealous. First Liu Shan and now Inu. Goodness, you should change your name to King of Jealousy!"


    "....."??


    Lu Tianid on his back with both his hands behind his head, but he was ring at Yue Ling. He wanted to strangle the woman forughing at him. He had been serious while exining to her and yet, here she is,ughing at him. Was it really that funny?


    Looking at her smile that can put all flowers to shame, he smile faintly. He knew he had fallen in love with her more. But remembering why she was smiling, he frown and pout his lips.


    "Is it that funny?"


    "It¡¯s not, it¡¯s not funny at all."


    Yue Ling clear her throat wave both her hands out. but she was stillughing. How can she stopughing? This man¡¯s jealousy was beyond stupid.


    Lu Tian stare at Yue Ling. He regret telling her his reason, if he had known she¡¯d act this way, he would have never told her. Taking a deep breath, he nce at her, but seeing how she has forgotten how she looks like, he smirk at an idea.


    An idea that will definitely drive her insane.


    Afterughing so hard, Yue Ling finally stops. Her stomach was starting to hurt.


    "Tian, I think you should see¡ª ahh!!"


    Before she could finish, Lu Tian in one swift move, wraps his arms around her waist and flip her on the bed. Getting on top of her, he grin evilly.


    "What I should see, is only.... you."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was taken by surprise. She was too busyughing she had forgotten the situation she was in. The moment his bare chest touched her, she could feel an unknown sensation stung her.


    Gulping, she looks into his deep eyes. The man did not hide the lust and love that re in them.


    "T-Tian... wait..."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t wait, he lower his head and captures Yue Ling¡¯s lips. He had been humiliated by her enough. It was his turn now.


    Grabbing hold of her remaining armor, Lu Tian removes each piece slowly. Starting with her thigh high boots to her skirt, then her bra andstly, the thin armor blocking him from entering her.


    "W-wait!!" Yue Ling stops his hands from further advancing.


    "Why?" Lu Tian frown, his hand was still on Yue Ling¡¯s panties. Just one quick move and it¡¯ll be removed.


    "I... Shower. Let me shower first."


    She needed to make an excuse. Their intense workout fromst night had already tired her out, how can she go more rounds with him! And Inu was outside!!


    Hearing her words, he found it reasonable. She had just gotten home, so it¡¯s natural to want to shower.


    Lu Tian tilt his head and pretend to put on a thinking face, he pout his lips again, then nod his head.


    "Fine."


    Yue Ling did not wait another second! She grab her sweater to cover her breasts and ran for the bathroom door, slumming it shut and not forgetting to lock it.


    She had move so fast that she missed the evil look on Lu Tian¡¯s face.


    He had agreed to let her shower, but did he say he wouldn¡¯t join her?


    Nope.


    Laying on the bed. He started counting for the right time to surprise her. Once Yue Ling is busy showering, he¡¯ll make his cunning move.


    "????????"


    ¡ª¡ª


    The warm water cascade down Yue Ling¡¯s hair and over her naked body. However, she couldn¡¯t help but feel something was amiss.


    Lu Tian had let her off too easily....


    Frowning at the thought, she decided it was just mind thinking too much. Closing her eyes, she rinse off the shampoo along with all the stress and dirt from her day. She had finally found a gift for her yeye and made a new friend in Imperial.


    It was only a matter of time before everything finally falls into ce.


    Continuing to let the warm water fall on her body, she decided to rx a bit before washing her body.


    The clear bathroom soon turned steamy. Only the sound of the shower running could be heard.


    With her eyes close and her mind rx, she did not hear the locked door slowly unlock and a ninja sneaks into her domain.


    Creasing her brows, Yue Ling sense something was really not right. Opening her eyes not too fast or too slow, she was struck by lightning.


    "....."


    Standing inside the shower with her was the man she had wanted to escape from. Her mouth twitched as she stare in disbelief at this Heavenly emperor.


    When.... How did he get in? Didn¡¯t she lock the door?!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 103 I want to shower too

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [WARNING: This chapter is inappropriate for our young readers! You¡¯ve been warned!]


    ¡ª¡ª-


    Staring at the heavenly emperor, Yue Ling could not bring herself to move. Like her feet were glued onto the ground. She force her eyes to not trail too far.


    However, seeing his lean, 194cm frame standing naked in front of her, she couldn¡¯t help the shameless side of her. Slowly, she lowers her eyes.


    Taking a small step back, she felt another lightning bolt strike her again. How she regret moving!


    The droplets from the shower head did nothing but entuate Lu Tian¡¯s strong and broad shoulders. It even added a glistening effect on his toned arms, slowly dripping down his masculine chest....


    Yue Ling gulped hard. Fighting hard with her eyes not to follow the droplets... if she did, her eyes will be drawn too low... to...


    ¡¯Oh god! The sleeping dragon has awoken!!¡¯


    It was super thick and long... staring back at her like an arrow ready to shoot...


    She inhale a huge mouthful of air. Just what in the world happened to her?!!


    "Are you seducing me?"


    "....."


    Like someone had ssh a bucket of cold water on her, Yue Ling woke up from her shamelessness. Moving her eyes up, she sees his sexy smirk and she grit her teeth and point at him.


    "You! When did you¡ª How did you¡ª?!"


    Her bluish green eyes re with sparks at the man.


    "I locked the door!!"


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulders and put his hands on his hips, posting like Superman with his erected rod out proudly. He didn¡¯t care if his naked body was fully exposed or the beast below was clear in view. It was his wife who was looking at him.


    Tilting his head, he grin, "I don¡¯t mind this everyday."


    "Huh?"


    Yue Ling tilt her head and stare confusedly at Lu Tian. What did he mean? Why is he looking at her that way?


    Then....


    "Ahh!! You pervert!!"


    Understanding his words, Yue Ling quickly covers her breasts with one hand and the other hand cover her Celestial cave. He did all this on purpose! Him letting her off easily was just to tease her!!


    He had tricked her again!


    Lu Tian chuckles at her cute expressions and moves. He loves seeing her reactions when he teases her.


    "What¡¯s there to cover? I¡¯ve already seen everything."


    Yue Ling re at the intruder with her chest heaving up and down.


    "I said I was going to shower, how can you juste in?!"


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulders again, "I want to shower too."


    Yue Ling: "Can¡¯t you wait until I was done?!"


    Lu Tian: "Toote."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Will this man ever rip off that shameless side to him? Can¡¯t he just let her shower in peace?!


    Lu Tian takes a step forward and easily picks Yue Ling up and press her back against the wall. She was position at eye level with him.


    "Lu Tian!!" Yue Ling yelps at the sudden move. She quickly wrap her legs around his back and her hands gripping his shoulders.


    She didn¡¯t know if the man would drop her.


    Unlike her, Lu Tian felt another sessful n aplished. With her bare skin rubbing against his, he could feel himself hardening more.


    "Lu Tian, why do you always have to¡ªmmf!"


    He didn¡¯t let her finish, he quickly showers her with small pecks of kisses.


    "Stop Tian! Put me down!"


    Yue Ling cries through each gap from Lu Tian¡¯s kisses.


    Reluctantly, he moves his face 3 inches from hers. He wants her badly, but he still respects her when she tells him to stop. Looking at her, he put on a sad little kid expression, "But I want you. Can¡¯t I?"


    "...."


    Yue Ling has always thought she was a very straightforward person, but ever since she met this man... she is nothing inparison, even her high IQ and EQ have dropped.


    "Tian, let¡¯s...."


    Gazing into his deep hypnotizing eyes, she feltplicated inside. The rest of her words seemed to be stuck at her throat. Even though she tells him to stop, another part of her also wants him...


    She can also feel his harden beast resting under her open and parted legs.


    Subconsciously to Yue Ling, she tilt her head and close her eyes to kiss the man¡¯s lips. Lu Tian was taken by surprise, but he quickly regain his senses and kiss her back.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 104 I only want you

    [WARNING: This chapter contains inappropriate scenes for me fellow young readers!]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    What started as innocent pecks turned into instant hunger. Lu Tian¡¯s arms grip around Yue Ling tighter, pressing her gently and harder against the shower wall with his body.


    Her arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer to her as their lips melt into one, searching and exploring each other.


    Reluctantly, Lu Tian pulls away from Yue Ling. Seeing her red and swollen lips, he groan to control his beating heart full of desire and press his forehead on hers.


    "I swear, I lose my self-control every time I¡¯m with you."


    Looking up at the man, Yue Ling felt everything inside of her melted. She liked it when he press his forehead against hers. It was a very beautiful gesture, as if he was transferring his love, affection and plea for closeness to her.


    He gave her the feeling of safe... like he was her safe haven...


    Seeing her gaze at him with passionate eyes, he pecks her lips again before lifting her by the waist higher, until his eyes zoomed in on her breasts. He loves her breasts, how it shapes perfectly and round. Leaning forward, he takes her breast into his mouth.


    "Ahh~"


    Feeling his mouth suddenly over her left breast, Yue Ling moans instantly. His rough hands holding her bottom and palming her round butt cheeks.


    Lu Tian¡¯s kisses trail from her lips, to her neck, shoulders and making it ways back to her lips.


    Their kiss was passionate and long, until they pulled away in gasping breaths.


    Shifting their position, Lu Tian gently ce Yue Ling back down and kiss her lips. He reach out to the shower head and tilt it downwards, so the water wouldn¡¯t spray onto them.


    Yue Ling shiver at the sudden cold wind that brush against her, but Lu Tian¡¯s warm body was enough to keep her heated.


    His hand makes its way down, parting her legs. He slides his hand down in between her thighs. cing his thumb on her little nub and his four fingers trace the outer part of her cave.


    "Nnn"


    Yue Ling shudder at his touch and gasp for air. His touches feels so good, making her crave for him more.


    Then, he slip a finger inside her, making her unable to breath even more.


    "T-Tian!"


    Lu Tian responded with a low groan. He could feel her wet and clenching tightly onto his finger. He wants her but he wants to tease her first.


    "Ahh~ Tian.. mmm."


    Just when she thought she couldn¡¯tst any longer, Lu Tian added a second finger, making her arch from the wall. His thumb continue to caress her little nub and his fingers moving in and out of her.


    Yue Ling dug her nails into Lu Tian¡¯s shoulders. She could feel waves of pleasure throughout her entire body and his throbbing beast rubbing against her.


    "T-Tian.. I.. Ah~ no more.. ah~"


    Lu Tian slowly slide his fingers out of her, he wanted her wet and ready for him before he proceeds. He kiss her forehead then her lips.


    "Ready?"


    Yue Ling was too lost in their passionate act, she could only hear their gasping breaths and her heart beat.


    He lift one of her leg and held it at the crook of his arm. Lowering himself a little, Lu Tian adjusted their position getting a better hold of her leg that is being supported by the crook of his arm.


    Massaging her breast and kissing her lips, he thrust into her in one swift move.


    "Ahhhn~!!"


    Yue Ling wince a moan, feeling her cave spread by Lu Tian¡¯s dragon. It still hurts a little because of his size, but it was a pleasant feeling.


    Grunting in the feeling of being inside her tight cave, Lu Tian slowly pulls out, but not all the way. However, when he thrust back in, he was a bit rougher. Then again and again. His movements continue into the abyss, sending streams pleasure to the both of them.


    Long after, Lu Tian makes a near growling sound and starts to quicken his thrust.


    "Ah~ Ah~ Tian!"


    She bit her bottom lip to not moan, but Lu Tian¡¯s thrusting prated her deeper and rough, making her unable to hold in her moans.


    "Come for me, my love."


    He groan a breathing whisper into Yue Ling¡¯s ear.


    Yue Ling whimper at Lu Tian¡¯s shameless words, his thrusts were getting even rougher and faster than before. Lu Tian lower his head and mark his woman, he wanted her to remember that she belongs to him.


    Every time she sees his mark, she¡¯ll have to think about him.


    Unable to hold on anymore, Yue Ling writhed and moan against him as she feels herself reaching her desire climax.


    Lu Tian mmed in again, continuing to prate her deeper.


    "T-Tian.. ah~ I¡¯m¡ª"


    Yue Ling moans her words. She was once again powerless to do anything but take everything Lu Tian gave her.


    He groan and move his hips faster, she was clenching tighter around his rod.


    "Tian~ Tian!"


    She grip his shoulders tightly. His beast inside of her made her scream his name as orgasm ripped through her entire body.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t pull out of his wife. He slowed down his pace and continue to move his hips through their orgasm.


    "Ah~.. no... mnn~"


    Until Yue Ling whimper in sensual pleasure-pain every time he moves, did Lu Tian pull out. He wanted to tie her down with him in any possible way.


    Gently setting her leg down, he held her close to his chest. From the position they just experienced, he knew she was tired out.


    Yue Ling slump against Lu Tian¡¯s chest. She didn¡¯t care if he was naked. She was tired out by the Heavenly Emperor with stamina of a war god!


    She swallow past her dry throat and hears a chuckle from the man supporting her now weak body. Lifting her head, she tries to straighten herself, but she could feel the soreness all over. If it wasn¡¯t for him holding her still, she would have fallen.


    Lu Tian lower his head to look at his beautiful wife. Seeing her tired and sullen expression, his lip curl upwards into an evil, yet captivating grin.


    "Tired?"


    Yue Ling re at the man. Was she tired?! Yes! She is very tired! He ate her tofu dry and drained her out.


    "Tired?! Yes! I¡¯m very tired! I told you earlier, if it¡¯s only sex that you want, you should go find someone else¡ªI¡ª"


    "I only want you."


    Not nning to wait for her response, Lu Tian lower his head again and his lips capture hers into another passionate kiss.


    The warm water spraying from the shower head had long turned cold. However, their heated body was what kept them warm as they kiss into their after sex cuddling. Of course, things led to another and more rounds of passionate scenes makes it¡¯s tour again.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Outside the bedroom, Inu who was oblivious to the two peasants was sleeping soundly on his bed. He was not nning to wait for the two peasants that forgot about him.


    As a noble king, he¡¯ll do his favorite hobby and that is sleep.


    Sooner orter, his favorite peasant will return to him. He just had to wait patiently.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 105 I’ll give you a bonus

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Yue Ling did not know how she ended in her bed, but the moment her body touched the softness of the bed, she fell asleep right away. Lu Tian was a beast when it came to rounds of sex. Being able to finally sleep, she did not let it go to waste.


    Watching the beauty sleep, Lu Tianid by her side and felt a tinge of guilt. He had been rough and his desire to want her was beyond imagination.


    She drew him in and became his drug...


    Wanting to allow her to rest, he stood up from the bed. He wasn¡¯t tired, so dressing himself into sweatpants and a T-shirt, he also dressed Yue Ling intofortable clothing.


    cing a soft kiss on her forehead, he grabs a cigarette and walks out to the balcony. Sitting down, he lights it and inhales.


    Into his cigarette, he nce at his now empty penthouse, then Yue Ling¡¯s. Even though the design structure of their penthouses were simr, he could feel and see the difference.


    His penthouse was dark and gloomy, while Yue Ling¡¯s was bright and peaceful. She carried an aura that was unique and one of a kind.


    Cutting his thoughts short, Lu Tian kills the cigarette and goes back inside the penthouse. Upon entering, he sees that the nket covering Yue Ling had slid down. Walking over, he fix the nket to cover her warmly as he tuck her in gently, making sure not to wake her up.


    Listening to her steady breathing, Lu Tian knelt down beside the bed. His eyes never leaving her. She looked so peaceful... watching her was enough to make him feel at ease too.


    Lu Tian smile warmly and leans forward to kiss Yue Ling on the forehead again.


    He whispered, "Stay with me forever.."


    "Mmm..."


    Yue Ling murmur in her sleep, rubbing her head against the pillow for a morefortable position. Seeing her cat like move, Lu Tian let out a quiet chuckle. Standing up, he turns to leave the bedroom. The sky was getting darker, so he needed to prepare dinner for his wife.


    Dinner...


    The word dawn on him with an idea. A perfect idea! Reaching for his phone, he dials a number and walks out of the bedroom.


    After two rings, someone answer from the other line.


    ["Hello? Boss?"]


    "I need you to make some arrangements for me."


    ["Uh... now, boss?"]


    "I¡¯ll give you a bonus."


    ["Hahah, What is it? Tell this subordinate. I¡¯ll definitely get it done."]


    "I¡¯ll send you the list."


    ["Yes boss! Please send it this way!"]


    Lu Tian ended the call, then sent a message. Walking out to the kitchen, he stopped in his tracks. He had been so busy with his wife, he had forgotten that there was another intruder still her.


    At this moment, Inu sat up when he heard the tightly shut door to the bedroom open. Hoping that it was his favorite peasant, he ended up with a gloomy expression in disappointment.


    He re at Lu Tian as if saying, ¡¯Oh, look who it is? The peasant who dared to trick this noble king!¡¯


    Lu Tian ignores Inu¡¯s angry eyes, he remembered that Yue Ling had toss some bags on the floor when she came home. Walking over, he grabs the bags, but he frown. Not at the bags but at the so-called noble king.


    Inu¡¯s head and eyes followed Lu Tian¡¯s every move. Not missing a single thing.


    He had been tricked by this evil peasant, he won¡¯t fall for it again!


    Inu continue to watch and re at Lu Tian, his expression saying, ¡¯Don¡¯t think you can escape this noble King¡¯s eyes! I won¡¯t fall for your shameless tricks again!¡¯


    While Inu paid full attention on Lu Tian, the man was not bothered by it at all. He walks over to the kitchen counter and set the bags down. He didn¡¯t look inside, he felt it was noisy of him if he did.


    Looking at Inu, he wanted tough. The Samoyed¡¯s expression was written all over his face. If Inu could speak, Lu Tuan was sure the dog would talk nonstop.


    The dog would probably be on pare with his busy body mother.


    Catching a glimpse of the time on the wall clock, Lu Tian purse his lips... it has been almost four hours since he and Yue Ling stayed in the bedroom.


    Turning back to look at Inu, Lu Tian felt frustrated. He lift his hand and pinch the space between his brows. In frustration, he walks to the guest room ande back out quickly.


    Zipping up the windbreaker jacket he just put on, he puts on his running shoes, before rummaging through one of the bags Liu Shan has left.


    Hearing the sound of the bags crumpling, Inu¡¯s cute pointy ears perks up and his tail unknowingly wags slightly side to side.


    Lu Tian moves from the bag and walks over to Inu. His expression remains indifferent as he stare into a contest with the white fluffy ball.


    "I don¡¯t like you, but my wife does. Let¡¯spromise."


    Inu tilt his head and his eyes seemed to have squint at Lu Tian.


    ¡¯Hmmf! You think this noble king likes you either?!¡¯


    Turning his head to the side with attitude, Inu allow the ck leather cor Yue Ling bought hime to view.


    Lu Tian sighs heavily and secure the retractable leash onto Inu¡¯s cor. He could not believe he was going to do something he¡¯s never done before.


    He doesn¡¯t want to, but knowing that his wife is resting, how could he wake her up....


    Ahhh.... the things for love...


    Inu tails behind Lu Tian before he increase his speed to walk ahead. With his head held high, he felt just the same as Lu Tian.


    ¡¯Hmmf! If this noble king didn¡¯t have to go potty, this one would neverpromise with you!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 106 Thinking about you

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Mmm....."


    Yue Ling woke up feeling her body sore all over. She could not believe they had done it in the shower. Not only that, they did it on thevatory and the bed... well, more like the edge of the bed. She wouldn¡¯t be surprise if the man wanted to eat her out in the balcony.


    Thinking of it, Yue Ling shiver in goosebumps. Just the thought of doing it outdoors was too much. Of course, she won¡¯t tell him of the thought, who knows what Lu Tian might do.


    Stretching her arms out, she felt the empty space next to her. This time it had traces of wrinkles, letting her know everything that had happened was real. She smiles at the thought of Lu Tian, but remembering what they did, her cheeks burns to max.


    Sitting up, she looks at her clothes andughs. Lu Tian had put clothes on her, but it was not her own clothes. It was his shirt, although he did make sure she had her panties on.


    Shaking her head, she stands up and walks out of the bedroom to her closet room. It was best to change. Finish changing, she wore an oversized white T-shirt with ck leather sleeves and a ck leggings.


    She tie her hair up into a high pony tail as she walks out to the living room. Seeing it still a mess with unpacked boxes, Yue Ling sighed. Since she doesn¡¯t have work tomorrow, she¡¯ll tidy as much as she can.


    Thirty minutes into her unpacking, Yue Ling realized that her baby had been too quiet. Usually, he¡¯de and sit ory down next to her. Where could he...


    *Click*


    Yue Ling looks up from the boxes to the sound of her front door unlocks. Lu Tian enters with a white fluff ball following behind.


    "Inu! My baby!"


    She eximed excitedly.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    "I was just thinking about you!!"


    Inu ignores Lu Tian and pounce towards his favorite peasant. Yue Ling stretch her arms out and embrace her non human baby with love.


    "Oh my baby, where did you go? Did you have a good time?!"


    Inu whimper excitedly and rubs his head under Yue Ling¡¯s chin. Hearing Yue Ling speak long words, he paused to look at his human. Turning his head back to Lu Tian, then flung his head back to Yue Ling.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    ¡¯You dare ask if this noble king had a good time? Shame on you!"


    He looks at Yue Ling then walks away to his nice and cozy bed that Liu Shan bought for him. Laying down, he position himself and close his eyes.


    "....."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless. Inu has never acted this way before. He was a friendly Samoyed that loves attention.


    Tilting her head in confusion, she turn to look at Lu Tian. Her eyes saying, ¡¯what happened?¡¯


    Lu Tian looks at Yue Ling. His expression saying, ¡¯Oh, now you remember me?¡¯


    He felt a wave of jealousy sweep through his heart. She did not even wee him! Crossing his arms over his chest, he res at her.


    "You¡¯re not going to me ask too?"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She was too excited to see her baby that she had forgotten about the heavenly emperor. Then again, she enjoys his jealous reactions. They were pay backs for always tricking and teasing her.


    "Did you also have a good time?"


    "If you¡¯re referring to our time earlier, then yes I had a great time, but if you¡¯re referring to taking him outside, then eh."


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder at ¡¯eh¡¯ then bent down to take his shoes off. Slipping into the slippers, he strode to the bedroom to change after cing a kiss of Yue Ling¡¯s forehead.


    "....."


    Yue Ling stare at Lu Tian¡¯s back as he walks to the bedroom then she turn to look at Inu, who was already snoring.


    "....."


    Her mouth twitch uncontrobly. Uhh.... what in the world just happened??


    Her boyfriend was eating another jar of vinegar and her baby was ignoring her..


    Did shemit another crime against the heavens?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 107 Doting and love

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Grabbing a cigarette, Lu Tian walks out to the balcony.


    Earlier, he had n to just take Inu out for a bathroom break, but who would have thought that the damn dog ended up running around like it¡¯s life depended on it.


    What led as a quick break ended up longer than he had expected. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he runs, he was sure the crazy animal would have needed to call an ambnce for him.


    Inhaling the cigarette, he leans back on the chair and stare out to Imperial with the setting sun in the background. His mind drifting to when he came back from the Lu household.


    How he felt like idiot again.


    After visiting the temple with his parents, he didn¡¯t stay for dinner. Once he got inside his car, he drove like crazying back all because he wanted to see his wife. Being apart for a quick minute nearly drove him insane.


    However, the moment he opened the door, he did not see her. Did she go out? Disappointed, he decided to arrange some of her unpacked boxes. It was best to kill some time.


    So, like a good wife cleaning the house, he did just as he wait for Yue Ling, the husband, toe home.


    After sorting them out nicely, she still wasn¡¯t back. With nothing else to do, he went out to the balcony to smoke. He didn¡¯t know how long he stayed out there, but he had finished six cigarettes. Killing thest one half way, he goes back in.


    "Inu, your mommy will be back. I have to go somewhere."


    Hearing the words, he frowned. Yue Ling didn¡¯t say anything about her assistant dropping someone off...


    Inu... the name triggered an intense anger rising inside of him. Hearing the door closed, Lu Tian quickly stride out of the bedroom.


    How dare she have her assistant bring some man over to her ce. Did she forget that he was living with her now?! Was she cheating? No, she couldn¡¯t be...


    "Grrrr...."


    Passing through the hallway, he halted in his steps. What the heck? Was that his stomach? Frowning, he slightly scratch his head. He hadn¡¯t ate breakfast or lunch so it was natural to be hungry.


    Ignoring his stomach, he was eager to meet this Inu guy. Striding into the living room with a cold expression, he was dumbfounded. He did not know what to say.


    "Grrr.." another growl was made at him.


    Sitting on one of the white couch was a big white fluffy thing.


    "....."


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Staring at this thing, the end of his lip twitch. He was expecting to meet some man, but....


    "Grr.. Woof! Woof!"


    Looking at the white dog, Lu Tian pinch the space between his brows. Was this some kind of joke?


    Inu... Inu...


    Thinking of the name, heughs at himself. How could he have missed the biggest clue.. Inu in Japanese meant dog.


    Rubbing his temple, he walks over and sits on the other empty couch. Remembering how his wife was so excited, he purse his bottom lip. She was never that excited for him. All she did was either be herself or yells at him.


    ring at the white fluff ball, he wanted to throw the dog out. How was he going to get his wife¡¯s attention now? He knew he couldn¡¯t throw the dog out. He can¡¯t afford to make his wife angry.


    "Grrr...."


    Hearing the low growl from the dog, Lu Tian came out of his thoughts and was even more pissed. This dog is growling and ring at him like he was an intruder.


    "I¡¯m not the intruder, you are."


    "Grr... woof! Woof!"


    "Don¡¯t think because you¡¯re a dog, I¡¯ll go easy on you."


    "Woof! Woof!"


    "....."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He was actually having a arguing with a dog. Shaking his head, he stands up. Looking at the dog, he sighs.


    "I was eating vinegar over nothing."


    "Woof! Woof!"


    "..."


    "Woof!"


    "Stop barking, I don¡¯t understand you."


    Annoyed with himself and Inu, he quickly walks back to the bedroom. He needed another cigarette to calm himself down.


    "Wooof! Wooof!"


    Inu barks at the unknown man. He was supposed to meet his mother, not some unknown peasant he¡¯s never met before!!


    How dare his favorite peasant do this to him?! First, he was left with that annoying assistant of hers and now, it¡¯s this evil peasant! Every time humans see him, they shower him with love, but this peasant only gives off a gloomy feeling! Hmmf!


    Lu Tian who was oblivious to dognguage, was outside the balcony smoking again. After a few minutes, he hears the front door opening. Knowing it was his wifeing back, he kills the cigarette and walks back in.


    Then, that¡¯s when he heard her talking to the non human intruder with doting and love.


    Seeing her hug the dog and act like it was the only love of her life, he ate more endless jars of vinegar.


    Hispetition this time is a dog!


    Walking to the couch, he sat down and watched his wife ignore him while Inu res at him. To Lu Tian, Inu¡¯s expression was mocking, as if saying, ¡¯Hmmf! My mom loves me more than you! Ahaha!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 108 So good

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Back in the living room, Yue Ling ignored the man eating vinegar and her snoring baby. She did not want to know what happened between the two.


    Shaking her head at how cute they were though, she unbox a medium size box. Inside had some of her fashion designs from her starting days. They were the proof of her hard work as a nobody.


    Picking up the box, she walks to the guest room.


    Opening the door, she froze in her steps. The bed that once was in the guest room had been reced with a smaller one and pushed to the wall. Right by the floor to ceiling window were two desks facing each other, one white and one ck. Like yin and yang...


    Walking in, she set the box on the white desks. On her face was an indescribable expression. When did she change the idea of turning this room into a study room? She had nned to use it as storage or have Lu Tian sleep in here!


    "What are you doing?" a deep voice sounded from behind her.


    Yue Ling turned around and met Lu Tian¡¯s indifferent gaze. It was as if the man had never ate jars full of vinegar. She tilt her head and crease her brows, "This¡ªwhy are there two desks in here?"


    After calming his childish mind, Lu Tian re-enter the penthouse. He saw her enter the guest-room and could already guess what to expect. Earlier, before Liu Shan dropped Inu off, he had called two of his bodyguards toe over and move his work desk at his old penthouse here. Then he moved her desk from her closet room in here too.


    Hearing her ask the question, he shrug his shoulder while he remain indifferent.


    "One is yours and the other is mine."


    He walks towards her, his eyes never leaving her beautiful eyes. When he stood a foot away from her, his lips curl up.


    "We should work hard together."


    ¡¯Work hard my head!! You shameless man!¡¯


    Yue Ling wanted to punch Lu Tian for his words of trickery. Turn her head, she looks at the two desk and frown.


    "Wouldn¡¯t I disturb your quietness then? My career is different from yours."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian felt like Cupid had shot another arrow to his heart. All the people he¡¯s met didn¡¯t care whether he could do his work in peace or not, but she did.


    Taking a step, he stands side by side with her. Lu Tian turn his head and looks down at the woman he wants to spend everyday with. Reaching his hand out, he held her chin and turn her head to look at him. Once their eyes met, he move his hand to caress her cheek.


    "You are never a disturbance to my world."


    "....."


    Touched to the core by his romantic words, Yue Ling did not know what to say. This man was shameless, but at the same time, he knew his romantic words very well!


    Feeling the palm of his hand on her cheek, she turn slightly to face him. Then she close her eyes and couldn¡¯t help but sigh. It was like she wants to absorb every ounce of warmth in his hand to her.


    Lifting her hand, she ce it on the back of his strong andrger hand.


    "Tian... Why are you so good to me?"


    Lu Tian frown at Yue Ling¡¯s question, but then his eyes softened. With his free hand, he held her back and pull her closer to him. His arm embracing her with all his warmth.


    "Because youplete me."


    Hearing his cheesy line again, Yue Ling met his dark pupils. This man who has a cold and aloof expression all the time actually knows how to say things like this? He had said those words, but looked indifferent.


    She couldn¡¯t help but blush shyly and wrap her arms around his waist. She does not dare to show Lu Tian her expression at this moment. Who knows what he¡¯ll do!


    Inhaling his masculine and manly scent, she felt like an old pervert, but what else was she supposed to smell? They were hugging and he smelt good.


    Remembering his spoken words, she felt as if someone had lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. Although they haven¡¯t got to know each other well or talked about their rtionship, she was thankful to him. His eyes and words were enough for her to know he was serious.


    Who would have thought that their unknowingly one night stand would turn into this.


    Lu Tian embrace Yue Ling in his arms. He swore inside, no matter whates their way, he will never let go of her hand. He will keep her by his side forever, because she is his and he is hers.


    Always and forever...


    The both of them remain in each other¡¯s embrace as the sound of their steady breathing and heart beat trail into each other¡¯s ears.


    ¡ª-


    Outside the room door, Inu wanted to bite Lu Tian. His eyes are sending daggers at the evil peasant, but seeing his favorite peasant¡¯s expression, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to bite Lu Tian...


    He doesn¡¯t want to make his mommy sad...


    Turning around, he goes back in the direction of his cozy bed.


    ¡¯Stupid peasant, for now, this noble king will let you win this round. Be thankful that I love my mommy the most! Hmmf!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 109 Never get the chance

    ¡ª¡ª-


    In another part of Imperial, Ning Mei sat in a chair as she enjoys a secret dinner with Director Yeun. They were in a private room at a fancy five star restaurant, but she couldn¡¯t keep waiting, her patience was running out.


    "When are you going to fulfill your promise to me?"


    Director Yeun lift his head to look at the girl. He had wanted to enjoy a good dinner, but this girl just never stops with her questions. cing the fork and knife in his hands down, he sighs.


    "I heard from Photographer David that there is an uing shoot for Beauty¡¯s winter cover photo next week. I¡¯ll help contact Beauty¡¯s CEO. Once you secure the role, you will definitely rise to the Top Ten."


    Hearing the word Beauty, Ning Mei grinned happily. Beauty is a well known magazine in Asia. It¡¯s name is exactly what it is. Every person featured in the magazine were beautiful women and men, even the clothes were from high end fashion lines. Even the famous designer brand An Qing is a sponsor.


    If she secures the role, she will definitely rise to the top and defeat Han Yue Ling.


    Putting on her innocent facade, she smiles sweetly at Director Yeun. Stretching her hand out, she touch the man¡¯s hand.


    "Will you be going home after this or are we...." she blush, then continue, "going to the usual ce?"


    Director Yeun looks at the young and decent girl sitting across from him. His annoyance disappears and he smile in response to her.


    "I¡¯ve spent a good amount of time to be here, why will I leave?"


    Ning Mei sneered inside, but she still held her outer facade, "But... wouldn¡¯t your wife suspect you?"


    Director Yeun: "She won¡¯t. She¡¯s too busy being a good wife for me. Come, let¡¯s go."


    He needed to release his load, so why would he skip out on someone young and pleasing like Ning Mei.


    The two individuals stood up from their chairs. No longer hungry, they walked out of the private room, heading to their next ce. Director Yeun ce his hand on Ning Mei¡¯s back, they couldn¡¯t wait to engulf themselves in their intimacy.


    However, they did not realize that someone had seen them while out with his friends and he is currently looking at them with a disgusted expression.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    At Jade Condos, the boxes have yet to finish, but there was only a few left. Yue Ling takes a deep breath. She does not remember having so many things. Was she a hoarder? Shaking her head, she walks to the kitchen counter.


    Earlier, she had bought some food for them to eat. So, since it was gettingte, she¡¯ll heat the food so Lu Tian and her can eat dinner. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t forget to feed her baby too.


    Lu Tian walks out of the guest room, now study room after arranging his desk. Seeing Yue Ling take out some boxes of food, he quickly walks over. Taking the food away from her, he ce them back in the bag.


    "Let¡¯s go out."


    Yue Ling blink in confusion at his words. She had bought dinner, yet he wants to go out? Right now? At this time?


    Looking at the man, she didn¡¯t know what to do or say. She doesn¡¯t know if he ate or not earlier when he went out, but she didn¡¯t. Was he not hungry at this hour? Because she was.


    She turn to look at him with a frown, "You want to go out? Like... right now?"


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling wanted to protest, but remembering how they¡¯ve never gone out in public together, she felt like tiny butterflies were flying in her stomach.


    She lower her head and nod her head, "Fine, let me go change first."


    "Just grab a coat. You look beautiful in anything you wear."


    Yue Ling sneer inside, ¡¯Always sugar coating. He¡¯s getting way too good with his words.¡¯


    Thinking of something, she narrow her eyes and ask, in wonder of what he¡¯d say, "Even in a box?"


    "Mn, even in a box."


    "....."


    Lu Tian stare at Yue Ling, his expression was unemotional as always. She, however, really does not know what to say... He, for one, was not normal at all. Rolling her eyes at the man, she walks away to her closet room to grab a coat.


    When she came back out to the living room, she puts on a tan oversized knee length cardigan with wide sleeves. Her outfit wasfy but very stylish.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t change, he just wore an olive parka over his loungewear. He brush his hair back and wore a ck beanie.


    Yue Ling lean on the counter and held her chin with her palm. Her eyes following Lu Tian¡¯s every move. From the moment he put on his parka to his beanie. She could hear her heart speed up watching him be naturally handsome.


    Whether it was his tailored fitted suits or loungewear, the man looked good in anything he wears...


    Sighing at the heavenly emperor, Yue Ling straighten herself. Grabbing Inu¡¯s leash, she walks around the counter and towards her baby.


    Lu Tian furrow his brows seeing the leash in Yue Ling¡¯s hand, "What are you doing?"


    "Inu¡¯sing too."


    Hearing his name being called by his mommy, Inu¡¯s ears perk up and he woke up immediately. Running over to his mommy, he rub his head and circle around her legs.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    ¡¯Yes!! Take this noble king too! Don¡¯t you dare think to leave me!¡¯


    Lu Tian pout his lips. Did he want Inu toe? Of course not! How was he supposed to spend time with his Yue Ling? But, he couldn¡¯t tell her... it¡¯d only make her sad and he doesn¡¯t want her to be sad...


    Taking a deep breath, he massage his temples.


    "Fine. He cane too."


    He res at the dog in annoyance, ¡¯You better be thankful, if it wasn¡¯t for my wife, you wouldn¡¯t be able toe along. Hmmf!¡¯


    Inu sat patiently as Yue Ling hook the leash on his cor, but his eyes were mocking Lu Tian, the evil peasant.


    ¡¯Heh heh. Don¡¯t think you can have my mommy all to yourself. As long as, I, this noble king is here, you will never get the chance! Muahahah!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 110 What about me?

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Driving through the streets of Imperial was Yue Ling¡¯s white BMW x5m, however, she wasn¡¯t the one driving. It was Lu Tian. Sitting in the passenger seat, Yue Ling was currently holding in herugh, while Inu fell back to sleep in the back.


    "Why are you sulking? It¡¯s just a car."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian kept his face to the road but his eyes move to the corner, sending bullets at his wife. He didn¡¯t answer her and just continue back on the road.


    Earlier when they left Jade Condos, he had wanted to drive his Audi r8, but Yue Ling kept pestering him on taking hers. He wanted to drive her in a nice car seeing how she liked his car so much. Knowing that he couldn¡¯t disagree with her, he reluctantly agreed, but he took her keys to drive.


    Of course, he doesn¡¯t know the real reason why Yue Ling didn¡¯t want to take his car. She was a model, who¡¯s face had been all over the Inte. If she shows up in public with an extravagant car, people will definitely know that it was her. Driving her none eye catching car was a good cover up.


    She loves her fans, but she didn¡¯t want to draw attention. The only time she interacts with her fans were on social media or during her meet and greet sessions.


    As a human being, she wants to enjoy her private life too.


    *ring ring*


    Lu Tian¡¯s phone broke Yue Ling from her thoughts. ncing at the man, she turn her head to look out the window. She wasn¡¯t one who likes to look through other people¡¯s business.


    "Report."


    Hearing how he answered his phone, Yue Ling turns back to look at him. The corner of her mouth twitch. Lu Tian didn¡¯t answer like a normal person. If she was to call him, what would he say?


    What? Yes? What do you want? Uhhh.....


    Ignoring the man, she focus her attention back out the window. Imperial at night was very beautiful when all the street lights and building lights are on. Into her enjoyment, she hears Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice.


    "We¡¯ll be there in 20 minutes. Make sure everything is prepared."


    Ending the call, Lu Tian puts his phone in the cup holder and his eyes back on the road. Yue Ling nce at the man and couldn¡¯t help but be curious as to where they were going...


    However, she didn¡¯t ask, she was always up for a surprise.


    Inuid in the back, he looks at his mommy then the evil peasant. He roll his eyes and goes back to sleep.


    ¡¯Stupid human, don¡¯t think you can win over my mommy.¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Exactly 20 minutester, they arrive in front of a tall structure building. The lights outside of the building made it glisten like gold. Yue Ling was in awe at the sight. She did not think such a ce would exist in Imperial.


    While she was in awe, Lu Tian drove the car into the underground parking garage. Once he parked the car, he got out and opened the door for Yue Ling.


    Stepping out, Yue Ling held the same awe, but confused expression. Lu Tian smile at her reaction, then close the door.


    "Come, let¡¯s go."


    Like she had be hypnotized, Yue Ling nod her head with Lu Tian¡¯s arm around her shoulder. Just when she took her second step, she remembers something.


    "Oh! We forgot about Inu!"


    "....."


    Inu, who was left in the car was barking and annoyed.


    "Wooof! Wooof!"


    ¡¯You damn humans! How can you do this to this noble king?! Mommy, how can you leave me all alone here?!¡¯


    Lu Tian cursed in his heart. He had hoped his wife would forget, but of course how could she, then again, it was bad to leave an animal in the car.


    Taking a deep breath, he turns back around and walks to the car. Reluctantly as he was, he struggled to open the door for his nonhumanpetitor.


    Inu hops down right away. His eyes not forgetting to re at his enemy.


    ¡¯Hmmf! Don¡¯t even think about leaving this one behind!¡¯


    He walks towards his mommy with his head held high and four paws taking each step with royalty.


    Yue Ling squat down and hook the leash in her bag back on Inu¡¯s cor. She smile cheerfully seeing her cute teddy bear.


    "Oh my baby, you¡¯re so cuuute~!!!"


    "Woof!"


    Lu Tian crease his brows and pout his lips when he heard Yue Ling¡¯s words. Closing the door, he walks over to her with a sad expression.


    "What about me?"


    "...."


    Standing up, Yue Ling almost lost her bnce from the man¡¯s words. The top corner mouth twitch up. Was he eating another jar of vinegar?


    Straightening herself, she clears her throat.


    "Mm, you¡¯re.... very handsome too."


    Like fireworks on New Year eve, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes lit up and he smile happily inside. His wife said he was very handsome. How can he not be happy?!!


    In a sudden good mood, he intwine his hand with Yue Ling¡¯s hand and walks her towards the hotel with a idiotic happy expression on his handsome face.


    "...."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Looking at the man who had just ate vinegar be happy, she looks down at her tightly held hand, then she turn to look at her baby.


    Inu¡¯s expression this time was like he had ate something extremely foul.


    ¡¯Darn peasant. Don¡¯t think it¡¯ll get easier from here! Hmmf!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 111 Yea, yea

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Entering the hotel, Yue Ling and Inu scan the ce like detectives on the job. They¡¯ve never been here, so they were very curious.


    Yue Ling was taken by surprise, after realizing the inside of the hotel was even more dashing than the outside. Seeing the name of the hotel, she frown.


    "Rosewood Hotel?"


    Lu Tian chuckle seeing her expression, it wasn¡¯t just her¡¯s but Inu¡¯s too. The both of them looked like two kids, who¡¯s parent said they¡¯d go to the toy store but ended up at school.


    Brushing off the silliness of his love and the enemy, he answers with a short "mm".


    "Boss! Boss! You¡¯re here!"


    Xu Long exims from the front desk with both his arms waving. Without waiting, he jogs over with a cheery expression. Stopping in front of his boss, he salutes.


    "Assistant Xu, ready for duty!"


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Inu: "..." ¡¯Another idiot?¡¯


    Lu Tian ignores his assistant weird personality, "Is everything set?"


    "Yes, Yes, everything is well prepared." Xu Long put his hand down and looks to Yue Ling, he grins like a fan boy meeting his favorite female idol.


    "Greetings to thedy boss¡ª- uh, I mean, greetings to Miss Han. I am Xu Long, but you can call me Assistant Xu."


    Yue Ling nod her head and smiles, "Good evening, Assistant Xu."


    Seeing Yue Ling smile lovingly at his assistant, Lu Tian felt another wave of vinegar pour in his mouth. He quickly, but gently tugs Yue Ling behind him.


    "....."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Her boyfriend was definitely the King of Jealousy. Xu Long, however, was shocked speechless. His jaw dropped to the ground seeing his boss act this way.


    ¡¯Boss, why are you acting like Imitted a crime? All I did was greet thedy boss... *sob*"


    Never in his entire life had he encounter this side of the almighty business king! Just what would the world think if words were to travel?!


    ¡¯Dear lord, where is my ruthless and cold boss? Should I inform the others?¡¯


    Lu Tian ignores his assistant. Did he care about how others see him? Of course not. As long as he was with his Yue Ling, no one else matters.


    Inu sat down by his mommy¡¯s side. He had seen everything that his enemy did when the new idiot arrive. Looking up at Lu Tian, he res at the man, then decided something.


    "Woof!!"


    ¡¯Finally you did something eptable!¡¯


    Lu Tian nce down at the non humanpetitor, his expression remains indifferent, then he flung his head the opposite way.


    "Yea, yea."


    Inu roll his eyes and turn his head in the other direction.


    "Woof!"


    ¡¯Hmmf!¡¯


    "....."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless. She felt like a teacher babysitting two students. Not knowing what to do, she peeks her head out from behind Lu Tian¡¯s side to look at Xu Long for help. However, seeing him, she felt even more stupefied.


    With his mouth open in an ¡¯O¡¯, Xu Long felt he was in a dream. A very very unbelievable dream!


    He did not notice the third wheel, but when he heard his boss, he had thought the words were for him... then... a white fluffy dog..


    His boss was actually talking to a dog? Uh..... a dog?


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t want to waste anymore time. His wife was probably hungry and as her husband, he needs to feed her. Ignoring his assistant, he tighten his hand on Yue Ling¡¯s and stride away towards the elevator.


    Watching his boss anddy boss walk away with a very white fluff ball tailing, Xu Long heaved a sigh in relief.


    He could not believe what he just experienced. Shaking his head, he could only me himself. If it wasn¡¯t for the bonus, he would of never left the bar toe here.


    Realizing something, he tilt his head and touch his chin. He couldn¡¯t help but think about his boss anddy boss.


    ¡¯Eh? Boss prepared such a fancy thing and yet, the both of them are dressed like they¡¯re going to eat pop corn and watch a movie at home?¡¯


    Wouldn¡¯t people usually dress up extravagantly when it came to things like this?


    Thinking about the way Lu Tian and Yue Ling dressed, Xu Long heave a long sigh.


    Why were some people so blessed in life, that no matter what they wear, they¡¯d still look noble and shy. If he had worn something like his boss, he was sure he would look like homeless man.


    "Hmmmm....."


    He sighed again and walks away. His job here was done. Back to the bar!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 112 I am still here

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside the private elevator of Rosewood Hotel, Yue Ling could feel her heart beat rapidly. She tighten her hold on Inu¡¯s leash. Her mind was going south with loads of mix imagination. Stealing a look at the calm and collect man, she frown.


    ¡¯What is he nning? What¡¯s here? Why a hotel? Is he.... oh god! Should I call someone to let them know where I¡¯m at? What if he¡¯s a.... murderer? Wait... hotel... Oh god, is he nning to....¡¯


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice brought Yue Ling out of her crazy thoughts. She swallow down her dry throat and stare at the handsome devil next to her. She thought, ¡¯What am I thinking? What are YOU thinking?!!!¡¯


    But of course, she couldn¡¯t say that to him, so she shook her head.


    "Nothing. I wasn¡¯t thinking of anything."


    "Is that so?"


    Lu Tian smirk evilly. Turning to face her, he leans forward, making Yue Ling blush and take a step back. Unfortunately, they were in an elevator, so her one step back caused her back to greet the elevator wall.


    "Why do I have this feeling your imagination is running too wild?"


    Hearing him, Yue Ling wanted to find a hole and hide. This shameless man clearly had her trapped and was mocking her!


    "Are you thinking about...."


    As Lu Tian continue to tease his wife, he was oblivious to Yue Ling¡¯s mind. She, on the other hand, thought of an idea. In movies she¡¯s seen, if a person wanted to quiet their boyfriend or girlfriend, they¡¯d kiss the person.


    Thinking of the idea, she stares at him in the eye and tilt her head with her toes tipping. Leaning forward, she covers his lips with hers.


    "....."


    Lu Tian was in for a huge surprise. The situation he was in did not process correctly in his head. It took him a moment to find all his five senses. Closing his eyes, he groan and deepens the kiss.


    Releasing his hold on Yue Ling¡¯s hand, Lu Tian held her back with one hand and the other hand moves up to the nape of her neck. Pulling her closer to him, he part her mouth open and slides his tongue to meet hers.


    Yue Ling unknowingly wraps her arms around Lu Tian¡¯s waist, while Lu Tian¡¯s caress her body, making its way under her shirt.


    Touching her bare and soft skin, Lu Tian reluctantly pulls away. He needed to suppress the sudden desire to take her. Breathing heavily, he press his lip on her forehead, then touch her forehead with his with his eyes closed.


    "Don¡¯t make me take you here. You know I will."


    Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes stare glistening at the man. She felt guilty for tempting him, but at the same time, she liked this side him. Her lip curl into a warm smile and she pecks his lips.


    "But you wouldn¡¯t."


    Knowing her words were half true, Lu Tian groan a chuckle, he pulls her into a hug and inhale her unique scent he loves. He whispered, "I will, if I have to."


    Yue Lingughs at his words. She knows he really would, but at the same time he wouldn¡¯t.


    Just like Yue Ling¡¯s words, Lu Tian wasn¡¯t going to take her here. Of course, if he wanted to, he could, but why would he want to take his wife inside an elevator? That was inappropriate and disrespectful to his wife. Plus, they had a perfect bed at¡ª-


    "Grr.. Woof! Woooof!"


    Being interrupted, both Yue Ling and Lu Tian turn to look at the white fluffy ball they had forgotten.


    Inu¡¯s expression at this moment was as if saying, ¡¯Heeeeeelllo??? Did you guys forget that I am still here too?!¡¯


    Yue Lingughs and pull away from Lu Tian. Squatting down, she hugs her fluffy baby and rub her cheeks next his.


    "Ohh my darling baby, how can I ever forget about you? Never."


    Inu tilt his chin high and rub his head back, his eyes re mockingly at his archenemy.


    ¡¯Ah-hah! I have my mommy¡¯s attention now!¡¯


    "??"


    Lu Tian stare at the little animal. He could not believe that his wife would leave him just like that for hispetitor. Shaking his head hopelessly, he leans against the wall and stare at his wife.


    As long as she¡¯s happy, then he¡¯s fine with it. He¡¯ll protect that smile of hers even if it means having to give a little dignity to his nonhuman enemy.


    So, for now, he¡¯llpromise with Inu.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 113 Do you like it?

    ¡ª¡ª-


    *Ding!*


    The elevator doors slide open. Lu Tian takes Yue Ling¡¯s hand and walks out with Inu tailing behind them.


    Two waiters bow and greets the both of them.


    "Good evening, boss. Everything has been prepared for you and Miss Han."


    ncing at Yue Ling, both theirs faces redden. They¡¯ve been workers at Rosewood for three years now, never in their life would they think of getting to see the world¡¯s beautiful supermodel, Han Yue Ling.


    Not only that, their boss who¡¯s never been any kind of scandal with women is here with one! And not just any woman, it was every man¡¯s dream woman.


    Ignoring the annoying looks of his employees, Lu Tian nod his head with his supreme mastered poker face. He needed to make a good impression on his future wife.


    "Bring them out then."


    "Right away, CEO Lu."


    As Lu Tian guides Yue Ling to their table, she at this moment was shocked speechless. The moment she took a step out of the elevator, what weed her was far beyond her expectation.


    ncing at Lu Tian, she couldn¡¯t help but smile. He had brought them here for a rooftop dinner.


    From every view of the rooftop was a panoramic view of Imperial. Unable to hold back her excitement, she pulls her hand away from Lu Tian¡¯s and walks over to the edge of the roof. cing a hold on the ck metal rail, she sigh at the beautiful view.


    "....."


    Lu Tian stood rooted to the ground. His eyes follow Yue Ling¡¯s figure, then he looks down at his sudden cold hand and frown.


    Was the view better than holding his hand?


    Inu snorted in mockery at what just happened, making Lu Tian re at his enemy. Pushing his thoughts away, he smirks at the non human.


    "She left you too."


    Ignoring Inu, he walks towards his wife. She didn¡¯t just ignore him, but Inu too, so it was okay.


    Inu stare dumbfounded at Lu Tian¡¯s words. His expression saying, ¡¯Really?¡¯


    Lu Tian stands behind his wife and wrap his arms around her waist from behind. Resting his chin on her shoulder, he couldn¡¯t help but feel like the luckiest man in the world. He hopes to enjoy everything in life with her. For everything he has, he will give to her. For everything she wants, he will gift her.


    Tilting her head, Yue Ling lean against his and sigh again, "It¡¯s so beautiful here."


    Lu Tian: "Not as beautiful as you."


    Yue Ling: "Hm? What did you say?"


    This time, Lu Tian sighs. His wife was too focused on the view. Shaking his head, he steps back and lock his hand with hers.


    "Let¡¯s go sit. You can enjoy the view even from the table."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling nod her head and obediently follows Lu Tian. Turning to look at Inu, she whistles.


    "Fweet."


    Hearing the whistle, Inu¡¯s ears move and he runs after his favorite peasant.


    "Woof!!" ¡¯Yay! My mommy is the best! She never forgets about me!¡¯


    Rolling his eyes at the annoyance to him, Lu Tian helps Yue Ling sit, then he sits across from her. Inu sits next to his mommy and wag his tail. He could smell the food from a distance.


    Yue Ling looks around the roof and realize there were empty tables, but no one else was here. Her eyesnd on the man across from her, and she narrow her eyes.


    "Did you prepare all this in advance?"


    "I did. Do you like it?"


    Lu Tian stare at Yue Ling with the expression of a little boy waiting to be praise by his mother for doing a good job.


    Seeing his reaction, Yue Ling smiles with her teeth. She did not know if Lu Tian was the dog or if Inu was. Smiling, she nods her head.


    "Mm, I do."


    However, seeing how fancy and extravagant the ce was, Yue Ling sighs.


    "If I had know we wereing to ce like this, I wouldn¡¯t have dressed sofortably."


    She point her index finger up and down on her in outfit.


    Lu Tian leans back on the chair and shrug his shoulders, "Anything you wear is beautiful." He paused, then the corner of lip curl upwards, "but I think you look more beautiful wearing nothing."


    "....."


    Yue Ling scoffs inside her heart. Lu Tian always has to say something shameless every time they have a conversation. Turning her head back to the panoramic view, she supports her head with her palm.


    She was always one to love sceneries like this. Whether it was standing on top of the mountain to see the view of Mother Nature or sitting at beach, she loves it all. A beautiful scenery can always calm one¡¯s mind and heart.


    As she watches the night view of Imperial, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remain on her, never once moving away.


    Inu on the other hand, was angry because he¡¯s been waiting and no food hase. With an angry heart, heys down and close his eyes. He was sure that once he wakes up, food will be in front of him.


    Suddenly, something pops up in Yue Ling¡¯s mind. Turning to face Lu Tian, she narrow her eyes.


    "Earlier, they referred you to ¡¯Boss¡¯, are you...." Yue Ling squint her eyes more, as if she had vision of a x-ray that can see through people.


    Lu Tian chuckles at his love¡¯s expression. He wasn¡¯t going to lie to the woman he loves, so he answers her truthfully.


    "Mm, I own Rosewood Hotel."


    "Haaaaaa!" Yue Ling gasp a mouthful of air as she covers her mouth with widen eyes. Coming to an understanding, she ce her hands on herp and straightens her sitting posture.


    "I see.... so you own this very extravagant hotel.. if I want to spend a night here, will you be able to give me a discount? I mean, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m poor, but I¡¯m just curious."


    "....."


    Lu Tian stare at Yue Ling like she was really an idiot. Discount? What discount?! He owns the ce and has the top floor as another penthouse! If she wants to spend the night here, she can just stay in his penthouse. Free of charge too!


    Following their conversation, the two waiters return with a cart of food. Neatly setting the table with delicious aroma rising from the food, Yue Ling¡¯s stomach growls while Inu sits up quickly. His tail wagging side to side and saliva falling from his mouth. He was now wide awake.


    ¡¯Yaaay!! Food!! Food! Food!! Yeppppeee!!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 114 Let me go

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    In the outskirts of City Z, an abandon construction site stands it¡¯s ground, giving off an eerie aura.


    Inside a dimly lit warehouse, Qin Jun stood in front of therge open window. Dressed in a ck T-shirt and ck jeans, he wore a tan wool coat over. His calm and handsomely define face was one that can make any woman fall head over heels for him.


    Holding his hands together behind his slim back, he stare out to the dark vast sky. His mind traveling to thousands of miles away.


    "I swear on my life, I don¡¯t know where he is!"


    A voice wails from behind, breaking Qin Jun¡¯s thoughts. Calmly as he was, he turns around, his light brown eyes meeting the man¡¯s red eyes.


    The man is in histe thirties. He was on his way to meet with a young woman from a wealthy family, but who would have thought he¡¯d end up here. The him now was in messed up shape. Everything about him is disordered, even his face was beaten ck and blue. Tears, snob and bloody saliva were all over his face as a group of men in ck suits surround him.


    Qin Jun looks at the man with his calm eyes. No one would ever think that such a handsome man would be at a ce like this.


    "Kim Siwoo."


    Hearing his name being called, Kim Siwoo lift his head to look at Qin Jun. Meeting those dark eyes, he felt a chill crawl on his back. He felt fear in his heart as more tears fall from his eyes.


    He begs and wails, "Please.. let me go. I won¡¯t tell anyone about this. Please, I haven¡¯t done anything to you people."


    Qin Jun tilt his head, "Let you go?"


    Kim Siwoo nods his head quickly five times.


    "Yes, let me go. I promise with my life I won¡¯t tell a soul."


    In slow and steady steps towards the disfigured man, Qin Jun¡¯s expression remains calm and collected. However, to Kim Siwoo, each step Qin Jun took was like an earth shattering eruption to his heart.


    It was as if the calm man was the reincarnation of the grim reaper. Coming to collect the souls of those who owe him.


    Stopping in front of the trembling Kim Siwoo, Qin Jun squat down and slightly tilt his head.


    "If I remember correctly..." he pause then continue, "those were the exact words you said to my hyung."


    Kim Siwoo¡¯s body tremble tremendously. He rather face someone angry than someone who was calm in a situation like this.


    "My hyung let you go, but you people still came after him."


    Hearing Qin Jun¡¯s words, Kim Siwoo frown. He didn¡¯t know this man, but his words seemed very familiar.


    Qin Jun sneer at the confused beat up man, "Let me help refreshen your head." He leans closer to Kim Siwoo, "Does the name Lee Shin rang a bell?"


    Like a bullet prating his head, Kim Siwoo¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief at the name. He was now scared, not just scared, but terrified to death¡¯s door.


    Three years ago, they had made sure no one would find out. All the evidence should have been destroyed. They even checked Lee Shin¡¯s background, the man was a nobody.... how... who was this man then? How does he know?


    "Now tell me, where is that coward boss of yours?"


    Qin Jun¡¯s tone of voice was steady, but Kim Siwoo could hear the danger in it. Left with no other choice, he could only cooperate.


    "He said he was going to China. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s left Korea, but all I know is that he¡¯s going to find someone with the name Hua."


    Getting the information he needed, Qin Jun stands up. Dusting away the dust that wasn¡¯t on his coat, he didn¡¯t look at Kim Siwoo and walks away indifferently.


    Reaching therge metal door, he stops. Without turning around, he nod his head once before striding out.


    Getting a signal, a young man around the age of 25 gets up from the chair he¡¯s been sitting on. Walking over to Kim Siwoo, he sneers in disgust and hatred, giving off a different side to his good looks.


    Song Jing Li stare at Kim Siwoo with eyes of Asura. Reaching his hand into the inner pocket of his ck parka, he pulls out two ck objects. Taking his sweet time, he assembles the objects together.


    "W-What are y-you going to do? I-I already told you guys hat you wanted!"


    Kim Siwoo could not believe his eyes. This young man, who looked more innocent that the man from before is actually holding a.... gun.


    Not only that, he¡¯s easily assembling the weapon and suppressor as if he was out at a gun range!


    Realizing what was going on, he screams inside to run! He needs to escape from here and find his boss! However, he couldn¡¯t move his legs.


    ¡¯Shit!¡¯ He cursed inside for falling into a stupid trap. He was Kim Siwoo, a well known member of a notorious gang in the underworld! These people were able to capture him and break his arms and legs!


    *click*


    Hearing the sound of the gun assembled, sweat mix with blood slides down from his forehead.


    "Wwait! Let¡¯s talk this out first. I can¡ª."


    Song Jing Li points the tip of the suppressor an inch away from Kim Siwoo¡¯s forehead. Tilting his head, he said indifferently, "Toote."


    *puuu*


    The bullet shoots through Kim Siwoo¡¯s forehead. His eyes widen in disbelief and regret as his body slumps to the ground and blood flow out from his head.


    Song Jing Li looks expressionless at the dead body. This man was one of the reasons why his hyung died. Even if he has to keep staining his hands, he will. As long as it means revenging his hyung, he will search high and low for Choi Li Sun.


    "Clean this up."


    Giving order to the other men, he turns around and walks out. Outside the warehouse, Qin Jun leaned against the wall as he and Kira wait.


    Seeing Song Jong Lie out, Kira sighs, "Do you always have to be so ruthless? Even a silencer?"


    "It¡¯s a habit."


    Qin Jun looks at the two of them, then he walks away. They can¡¯t stall time here.


    Kira and Song Jing Li quickly follows after, all three men heading towards a ck Maserati Quattroporte.


    Kira: "What now?"


    Qin Jun: "We¡¯ll keep searching. If there is no lead on Choi Li Sun here.... we will go to China."


    Kira: "Are we going to ask her for help?"


    Qin Jun: "..."


    Song Jing Li: "Hyung, I think its best to tell her, she will¡ª"


    Qin Jun: "No one is to tell her. Until we really need her help, we will keep this in the dark."


    All three men get inside the car and drives away as if nothing had ever happened. Like, three friends out for a night cruise.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 115 Entire nigh

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Morning came quicker than expected. Yue Ling woke up at 6:30am to an empty bed. Sitting up, she thought aboutst night.


    After their beautiful dinner, they had stayed at Rosewood Hotel to enjoy the scenery beforeing back to Jade Condos.


    Unexpectedly, they did not do the deed. Lu Tian had said he¡¯ll let her rest. Thinking of his words, she chuckles. Of course she wasn¡¯t going to do it with him, especially not when Inu was sleeping with them.


    For the entire night, she slept in Lu Tian¡¯s arms and Inu slept by her other side. It was as if she had two body guards keeping her safe from the enemies.


    Getting out of bed, she walks to the bathroom to wash up and brush her teeth. Then she furrow her brows. Where is Inu?


    Walking out of the bedroom towards the living room, the front door unlocks. Yue Ling turn to face her two knights in shining armor.


    Inu rushes in with Lu Tian following behind. He bends down to unhook the leash on Inu then change out of his shoes.


    Being released and free, Inu ran for his life to his mommy.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Yue Ling looks at her baby and chuckles. He was panting and barking, as if telling her about his time outside. Squatting down, she pats and run her finger through Inu¡¯s soft and white fur.


    "Had a good time?"


    "Woof! Woof! Woof!"


    ¡¯Mommy!! That peasant is crazy! He wouldn¡¯t stop running!!!¡¯


    Inu was extremely tired, he rubs his head against his mommy¡¯s then turns around to drink some water before going toy down on his bed. Unlike the noble king he always was, he slumps onto his bed with a ¡¯poof¡¯.


    "Zzzzzzzz."


    "..."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Standing up, she looks at Lu Tian and cross her arms over her chest.


    "What did you guys do?"


    Lu Tian wore his house slippers and walks over to the couch. Unzipping his windbreaker jacket, he hears Yue Ling¡¯s question. Pausing, he looks at the already snoring Inu, then he chuckles.


    "Nothing, we just went for a run."


    Hearing the world ¡¯run¡¯, Inu who was asleep jolted awake and res at Lu Tian. His expression saying, ¡¯Run my head! You said it was only a potty break for this king! Who knew that a peasant like you would run nonstop!!!¡¯


    Inu scoffs and goes back to sleep.


    ¡¯This noble king is too tired. I will deal with you when I wake up! Hmmf!¡¯


    Yue Ling smiles at the conversation between her boyfriend and baby. She somehow felt, Inu liked Lu Tian more he likes her. As if the two actually understands each other...


    "Did you two really just go for a run? Why is Inu so tired?"


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulders, "Just a run."


    However, what Yue Ling did not know was that, this runsted for 2 hours without any stop. Lu Tian was always a morning person who enjoys running in the morning. Since he couldn¡¯t eat his wife¡¯s tofust night because of his enemy, he decided to test the animal. Who knew the little guy would see it as torture. Didn¡¯t dogs like to run?


    Removing his jacket, Lu Tian walks over to Yue Ling and kiss her forehead, then he pecks a kiss on her lips.


    "Did you miss me?"


    "...."


    Yue Ling stare at Lu Tian with no words processing in her head. She just woke up and finished washing her face and teeth. Was she supposed to miss him the moment she wakes up?


    "Uhhhh..... was I supposed to?"


    "Yes."


    Lu Tian grip behind Yue Ling¡¯s nape and kiss her again, this time deepening their kiss. He had missed her when he went out for his morning run. How could she not miss him too?


    Pushing him away, Yue Ling blush with ring eyes.


    "Tian! You¡¯re cover in sweat, go shower!"


    Hearing the word shower, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes lit up. Looking at his wife, he grin seductively. However, to Yue Ling, that seductive grin was sinister. One that a person makes when they¡¯ve thought of an evil n....


    Taking a step back, she ns to escape, but unfortunately, Lu Tian was quicker. Scooping her up in one swift move, he carries her princess style and heads to the bedroom.


    "Ahh! Tian! Put me down!"


    Lu Tian grin like a fool in love. "Mm. I¡¯ll put you down."


    However, he didn¡¯t, he just continued to walk towards his destination with a struggling Yue Ling. Since he couldn¡¯t have her for dessert, he¡¯ll have her for breakfast.


    With one foot, he shuts the door closed. He didn¡¯t want to be disturb as he takes his wife into sweetnd.


    As Lu Tian unclothed himself and Yue Ling to ¡¯shower¡¯, Inu who was left outside was not bothered by it at all.


    Well, it was more like he couldn¡¯t. He was so tired that he fell into a deep sleep. Laying on his back, his head sticks out of his bed and he snore into dreand.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 116 Take off your shir

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    After their round of intense workout in the shower, Yue Ling felt beat up inside and outside. She had thought the man was giving her break since nothing happenedst night, but she had clearly thought wrong!


    He shamelessly ate her tofu over and over again! And it was in the shower again!!


    Walking out to the living, Inu was still knocked out on his bed, while Lu Tian finish unpacking for Yue Ling. He had already cooked breakfast, so he was just waiting for here out.


    Seeing her, Lu Tian walks over to her with a big happy smile.


    "Come, let¡¯s eat."


    Yue Ling res at the shameless man. He looked like someone who just restored all his energy and is all freshened up. Scoffing in her heart, she sits down and eats her actual breakfast.


    Once they finished, the both of them wash the dishes then finish unpacking. There wasn¡¯t much boxes left, so they¡¯d should be done within an hour or two.


    While they open and move boxes, Inu remains deep in slumber. He snored his heart out not caring about giving quietness to the two peasants working around him.


    Walking around the couch, Yue Ling sees the bags of things she bought for Inu and Lu Tian. Seeing her baby was still asleep, she put the bags with his things to the side and hand the sitting Lu Tian his.


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian crease his brows and asked curiously. No one¡¯s ever given him things out of the blue. Usually it was to get on his good side. But...


    "I bought these for you when I went out."


    Yue Ling grin sarcastically. She couldn¡¯t possible tell him she didn¡¯t know what she was thinking and just bought things for him right?


    Knowing that the bags were for him, Lu Tian takes it. Opening the bag, he sees shirts and shoes. He frown at them, then his heart softened. These were gifts his wife had chose for him.


    "Do you like them?"


    Yue Ling squat down and rest both her elbows on her knees, while her palms hold her cheeks. She wanted to know Lu Tian¡¯s opinion on her choice of gifts.


    Lu Tian nod his head with a ¡¯mm.¡¯


    "Try them on! I want to see if they fit!"


    Hearing this, Lu Tian pout his lip in thinking. Slowly, he set the bags down and lift his shirt, revealing his masculine body.


    "Ahh!! Stop!!!"


    Yue Ling shrieks in shock. One hand covers her eyes and the other stopping Lu Tian¡¯s hands from further advancing.


    "You said you wanted to see."


    "I didn¡¯t mean for you to take off your shirt!"


    She moves the hand covering her eyes and re at Lu Tian. Rummaging through one of the bag, she takes out a ck shirt with three white vertical lines on the middle. Holding it out, she ce it in front of Lu Tian¡¯s body.


    "I meant like this! This is enough for me to know how the clothes will look on you."


    Lu Tian lower his head and nce at how Yue Ling measure the shirt to him. Realizing that the shirt actually fits him perfectly just by looking, he frowns.


    "You didn¡¯t ask for my size, so how did you know the shirt would fit?"


    She gently taps his forehead and smiles with her teeth.


    "You silly. I work in the fashion world. One nce is all it takes."


    "....."


    Lu Tian furrow his brows again. Never in his thirty years of living has anyone hit him, let alone tap his forehead. However, he couldn¡¯t get mad, it was his wife who did it, so he has no objections in whatever she does.


    But.... seeing how she bought him things, he couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty.


    "I didn¡¯t you buy you anything though..."


    Smiling sweetly at the man, Yue Ling continues to measure the shirt sizes against Lu Tian. She felt like she had aplished something big. Everything she bought fits the man perfectly!


    "No need to, I can buy my own things."


    While Yue Ling was busying herself, Lu Tian¡¯s mind was elsewhere. He was never one who likes to ept gifts from others, nor has anyone just randomly buy him a gift, especially when it was from women. But this time was different... how could he not be happy that his love took the time to buy him things?


    He nce down at her fair and slender hands that was constantly moving in front of him. His eyes stare at her left hand. Creasing his brows into three lines, he pout his lips... then his eyes lit up with the perfect gift in his mind.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 117 Busted

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Standing in the middle of her living room, Yue Ling sighs in relief and ce both her hands on her hips. Her lip curls into a happy grin seeing her messy penthouse finallye into ce.


    Although she wasn¡¯t going to live here permanently, she still prefers afy home rather than a home that looks like a warehouse.


    Turning to look at the wall clock, she was surprised. It was already 1:35pm. Feeding Inu his afternoon lunch, she walks to the kitchen.


    Since Lu Tian was busy throwing the now empty boxes away, she¡¯ll cook lunch for them. Besides, he¡¯s been cooking for her, so she should cook a good meal for all his hard work in helping her.


    However.....


    The moment she opens the fridge, she was dumbfounded.


    "What are you doing?" a sudden voice sounds from behind Yue Ling.


    Swinging her head around, Yue Ling stare at the suspect with her eyes sending thousands of daggers at the man.


    Taking a deep breath, her cheeks puff out before she could exhale.


    "Tian, if the fridge is empty, you should have said something."


    "..."


    Looking at the guilty man who cleaned her entire fridge, she cross her arms and arch a brow, "Well? Care to exin?"


    Like an elementary student who just got caught cheating on a test, Lu Tian pout his lips in quilt.


    ¡¯Shit!¡¯ He curse inside. Earlier when he cooked breakfast, he knew the fridge was empty. He had nned to call his assistant to go buy more grocery, but he forgot..


    Knowing that he had forgotten, he felt even worse inside. He¡¯s never forgotten anything before. How was he supposed to exin to Yue Ling?


    While thinking of what to say, he could see Inu sitting from the corner of his eyes. It was as if the Samoyed wasughing at him.


    Inu¡¯s expression clearly says, ¡¯Ahahah!! Busted!!¡¯


    Moving his eyes away from his archenemy, Lu Tian looks at his angry wife. Not knowing what to do in a situation like this, he decided to do what he thinks was best. He shrug his shoulders while maintaining an indifferent expression.


    "It¡¯s the thought that counts. Since there¡¯s no more food, I¡¯ll have Xu Long buy more."


    And exactly as he said, it was the thought that counts. Even though there was no more food, it was all because he cooked for her.


    "....."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless. Like her eyes had be heavy, she blinks slowly at the man with no shame.


    "Let Xu Long buy food?"


    "Mm."


    "Does he even know what to buy?"


    "....."


    "Does he know what I like to eat?"


    "....."


    "Does he know my favorite drink? My favorite vegetables?"


    "...."


    "Shouldn¡¯t it also be YOUR responsibility to fill the fridge that feeds you too?"


    "....."


    Lu Tian did not know how to respond. Every word Yue Ling said was like a heavy weight that dropped on him one after another. Since he didn¡¯t know anything about her likes, there was no possibility that Xu Long would.


    "We¡¯re going grocery shopping."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t wait for the man¡¯s response, turning around, she walks to her closet room to change. She was hungry but there is no food.


    It was exactly like how the Americanmercial on Snickers goes, ¡¯You¡¯re not yourself when you¡¯re hungry¡¯.


    Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words, Lu Tian furrow his brows. Grocery shopping? He¡¯s never gone grocery shopping before... let alone, step inside a grocery store...


    Growing up, the Lu household had servants and personal chiefs who cooked all the meals. Even though he knows how to cook, it was his assistant who stocks up the fridge for him.


    "Wrooof!" ¡¯Ahahahah!!!!¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s sullen expression res at the nonhumanpetitor. He swore, if Inu was human, he could see Inuughing and rolling on the ground with his fist pounding the floor.


    How he wants to throw the dog outside.


    Then, like a light bulb suddenly turned on. Lu Tian sneers an evil grin.


    "What are youughing at? You¡¯re going to be staying here by yourself."


    Not wanting to stay with the enemy, Lu Tian walks away in the direction his wife went.


    "....."


    Inu was dumbstruck. He had been so happy seeing the evil peasant get in trouble, he forgot the most important fact.


    He can¡¯t go to the supermarket with his mommy!!!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Shortly after, Yue Ling and Lu Tian leaves Jade Condos in Yue Ling¡¯s car. Meanwhile, Inu, who has no choice but to stay behind sits by the floor to ceiling window and peer out.


    How he wish to be able to go everywhere with his mommy....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 118 If you don’t mind

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Lotus Food City. One of Imperial¡¯s top listing food store. Inside, Lu Tian tightly holds Yue Ling¡¯s hand, guiding her through the crowd. He has never been fond of crowded ces, especially when there¡¯s lots of people. However, now, he was scared that any second, Yue Ling would be swept away by the waves.


    Like a mother holding her child¡¯s hand, Lu Tian ys the mother very well.


    Yue Ling press her lips together, trying to hold in herugh. Looking down at her tightly held hand then at Lu Tian. He has one hand pushing the cart and one holding hers.


    Also trying to ignore all the stares and whispers around them, Yue Ling tries to focus on what to buy. She had thought, even with their normal attires on, they wouldn¡¯t catch any attention, but sadly they did. Especially when she was with someone as handsome as Lu Tian.


    Shaking her thoughts away, she continues to look around each aisle on what to buy.


    Arriving at the drink aisle, Yue Ling reach down to get a pack of water bottle, however she couldn¡¯t. With one hand on the item, she turn to face her mother.


    "Tian, can you let go, I need to get water."


    Lu Tian looks at Yue Ling, then down at the pack of water bottle. Seeing her try to lift the item, he move his hand on the cart handle and grabs the other side of the item.


    In on swift move, he puts the item in the cart.


    "....."


    Yue Ling blinked her eyes at the man. Was it so hard to just let go of her hand for a quick second?


    Seeing her expression, Lu Tian stares indifferently at her.


    "Team work. Where to next?"


    However, not waiting for Yue Ling to reply, he push the cart and drag her down the aisle. Was she expecting him to let go of her hand? Of course not. Who knows what might happen.


    Yue Ling stare dumbfounded. Following next was exactly Lu Tian¡¯s way of team work. Whatever she picks up, he would hold the other side and put it in the cart.


    The more they acted out their team work, the more people stare at them.


    "Aw, look at that couple. They¡¯re so cute!"


    "My husband and I did that when we first got married. They must be newly weds."


    "A pretty wife and a handsome husband, how adorable!"


    Listening to the old women whispering, Yue Ling blush in embarrassment while Lu Tian¡¯s expression remains indifferent, but deep inside, he was grinning like an idiot in love. He liked listening to the old women talk, they made him feel good about being Yue Ling¡¯s husband.


    After picking out all the things they (more like Yue Ling) needed, it was time to pay at the register. Coming to an empty line was a young man around the age of 18.


    "Hi, ready to check¡ª"


    Before he could even finish, his jaw drops to the ground. Was today a day of luck? Not only is he seeing the famous business king Lu Tian, but even his idol Han Yue Ling!


    Even if they were dressed like normal people, he could point them spot on amongst the crowd!


    Turning into a goldfish, every word he knew in life disappears into thin air. As if he had been reborn with no knowledge at all.


    "....."


    Yue Ling stare confusedly at the young man while Lu Tian frown. He didn¡¯t like the way this kid was looking at his wife. Turning his head to Yue Ling, his frown deepens. She was staring at the kid far too long.


    "If you don¡¯t mind, we¡¯re ready to check out."


    Hearing this, the young manes back to his senses. He nods his head and starts scanning each item, not forgetting to steal nces at Lu Tian then his idol.


    Finally meeting the woman of every man¡¯s dream, he blush shyly. Yue Ling was even more prettier in person. Although she was tall in height, whenpared to Lu Tian, she looked very delicate and small.


    As he thought to himself, he did not see that the man he sees as a role model is eating a jar full of vinegar!


    Lu Tian res at the young man, while the young man was staring at Yue Ling, and she was staring at the items being scanned. Once thest time was scanned, Yue Ling reach into her bag and takes her wallet out.


    "Swiiipe¡ª*beep beep*"


    "..."


    Both Yue Ling and the young man turn to look at Lu Tian with their dumbfounded expressions. Before Yue Ling could even take her card out or the young man say the price total, Lu Tian had already swipe his ck bank card.


    Yue Ling frowns at Lu Tian then the ck bank card that¡¯s already ce back inside his wallet.


    "...."


    How does he always move so fast? Is a ninja in disguise? Oh god! Is he inhuman? Maybe he has superpowers!!!


    The young man looks back and forth at the two celestial beings in front of him. He was going to say the price total for their things and ask for his idol¡¯s autograph... but.....


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 119 I’ll take care of this

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Lu Tian res at the kid as he shoves all the bags into the cart. He wasn¡¯t the king of the business world for nothing. Just seeing the kid¡¯s expression, he was able to know that the kid is fond of his wife.


    Even if it wasn¡¯t in a romantic way, it was still fond.


    Turning to look at Yue Ling, he ignores her dumbfounded expression and grabs her hand.


    "Come WIFE, let¡¯s go."


    "..."


    Lu Tian made sure to emphasize the word ¡¯wife¡¯ too. Not just emphasizing, he said it loud and clear, as if wanting everyone near to hear.


    He could careless about how he looks at this moment. If he can, he wants to shout to the whole world that Han Yue Ling is his love.


    "..."


    Watching his two idols leave out the supermarket, the young man¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor. Did he hear wrong? Or.... the almighty business king just called the well known supermodel his wife...


    What in the world just happened?!!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Lu Tian helps the still dumbfounded Yue Ling into, then he puts the grocery bags in the trunk and gets in the driver seat.


    After a long moment of silence, Yue Ling slowly turn her head to look at the man who either, knows no shame or is the King of Jealousy.


    Looking at the handsome man driving her car, she frowns remember what he had said earlier in the store. She couldn¡¯t exin this strange feeling growing inside of her.


    "Why did you call me that back there?"


    Hearing her, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remain on the road.


    "I¡¯m your boyfriend."


    Coming to a red light, he stops the car and turn to look at Yue Ling.


    "Sooner orter, I¡¯ll be your husband and you will be my wife."


    ¡¯Husband and wife...¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s words floated inside Yue Ling¡¯s head. He had said it to calmly, as if they had been in love for years and she was the only person in his heart...


    As the light turns green and Lu Tian focus back in front of the road, Yue Ling rest her head against the headrest and stare out the window.


    Those words were ones that stabs her heart with thousands of arrows. Like a taboo to a dream she once dreamed to have....


    Lu Tian has been really good to her... but is he really serious? To say it like he¡¯s thinking of proposing to her... They¡¯ve just met....


    Should she tell everyone back in Korea about Lu Tian? What will her Yeye and Jingxu think?


    What about Lu Tian? How will he feel if she tells him about Shin?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Reaching Jade Condos, Yue Ling and Lu Tian carries the bags up to their shared penthouse. The moment Lu Tian opened the door, all they saw was a fluffy white ball jumping everywhere.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    ¡¯Yay!!! Mommy¡¯s back!!!¡¯


    Inu runs around his mommy with his fluffy white tail wagging excitedly. He felt as if he had been separated from his mommy for hundreds of years!


    Seeing her baby¡¯s cute reaction, Yue Ling quickly put the bags on the counter. Squatting down, she hugs her baby and exims happily.


    "My baby! Oh, I¡¯m so sorry for leaving you all alone. Did you miss me?"


    "Woof! Woof!!"


    From the kitchen, Lu Tian res at Inu. He already ate vinegar at the store, did he really have to eat more vinegar here?!


    *Ring ring*


    Both Yue Ling and Inu quickly turn their head to Yue Ling¡¯s handbag that was on the kitchen counter. Yue Ling frown and Inu res at the sound of the phone ringing.


    "It¡¯s mine."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. As the saying goes, ¡¯Like mother, like daughter¡¯... ah.. son..


    ¡¯Like mother, like son?¡¯


    Yue Ling felt like aplete idiot. Coincidently, Lu Tian has the same ringtone as her phone.


    "Oh, heh heh, it was your phone."


    Inu was bummed out at first hearing the ringtone. It means no more time with his mommy, but seeing that it is the evil peasant¡¯s phone, he was relieved. Looking at the enemy, his expression read, ¡¯Finally, you did something right again.¡¯


    Lu Tian sighed inside and looks down at the screen. Seeing who it was, he frown.


    "I need to take this call."


    "Mm."


    While Lu Tian takes the call in the study room, Yue Ling feeds Inu his food, then she starts to put away the things they bought.


    Just when she finish with the first bag, Lu Tian walks out of the room. His expression was as cold and aloof as always, but Yue Ling could see the annoyance in his dark eyes.


    "Everything okay?"


    Lu Tian sighs and run his hand through his hair, messing it up.


    "My father. He wants me to return him for a bit."


    Hearing the annoyance in the man¡¯s voice, Yue Ling felt confused. It was normal for parents to want their children to go home?


    Looking at Lu Tian, she really envies him for being able to use those words.


    Parents... father... mother....


    How she yearns to say those words again....


    Letting out a small sigh, she smiles at him, "You should go. I¡¯ll still be here when you return."


    No matter how annoying one¡¯s parents may be, they are the reason why one was given life.


    Seeing her smile full of warmth that he loves, Lu Tian really doesn¡¯t want to leave. Why would he go to the Lu Household when he can stay here with the woman he loves?


    But... remembering his father saying it was important, he knows he needed to go.


    "I won¡¯t be long."


    He press his lip on Yue Ling¡¯s forehead, then reluctantly, he leaves out the door.


    Turning back to the grocery bags, Yue Ling continues to put away the things. Inu, however, was running around in blissful joy.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    ¡¯Yay!! The evil peasant is gone!! It¡¯s just me and mommy now!!¡¯


    However....


    *Ring Ring*


    *Baaaam*


    Inu crashes into the wall and looks around, searching with ring eyes for the sound he hates.


    ¡¯Did that evil peasant not leave?!!¡¯


    Yue Ling chuckles at her baby. Reaching into her bag, she takes her phone out. Seeing who was calling, she frown.


    ¡¯Ji Mansion¡¯


    "Did something happen?"


    Usually when it was her grandfather or Jingxu calling, they¡¯d normally call from their own phones. Not thinking much, she answers the call.


    "Hello, Han Yue Ling speaking."


    ["Young Miss... umm, is young master with you?"]


    Yue Ling frown at the question, "Jingxu is not with me. Housekeeper Hu, did something happen at the Ji Mansion?"


    ["No... no, nothing happened. I was just¡ª"]


    "Speak."


    On the other line, Housekeeper Hu could feel cold sweat sliding down his old face. He was scared of Old Man Ji, but Han Yue Ling was different. She was a very nice and polite girl, but she can also be someone¡¯s worst nightmare.


    She could be more colder than Old Man Ji.


    Swallowing his saliva, he wipes the sweat from his forehead. He knew he was left with no other choice but to exin everything.


    ["Y-Young Miss, it¡¯s like this¡ª"]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    From start to end, Yue Ling did not say a word but listens to Housekeeper Hu¡¯s words attentively. However, her eyes darken one shade darker after another.


    Her peaceful aura from before was gone.


    "Tell Yeye to rest. I¡¯ll take care of this."


    ["Yes, Young Miss."]


    Ending the call, she clench her phone tightly and her expression turn cold and dangerous. Not waiting for time, she dials a number.


    Just after one ring, someone pick up from the other line.


    ["CEO Han, what can I do for you?"]


    "Locate Jingxu."


    Not waiting, Yue Ling hangs up the phone and grabs a ck coat from her closet room. Putting it on as she walks out, she looks at Inu.


    "Str¨¢?."


    Hearing the word, Inu¡¯s happy demeanor quickly changes. Like a dog trained in the battlefield, he bes serious.


    "Wroof!"


    Yue Ling pats Inu¡¯s head, then grabs her handbag and leaves.


    Getting inside her car, she speeds out of Jade Condos garage parking. As she drives to her designated ce, she call Liu Shan.


    ["Hi Boss!!!"]


    "Kodeu Ledeu."


    Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s order, the jolly tone Liu Shan had when he answered the call disappears. His tone now was serious and dangerous.


    ["Where?"]


    "De L¡¯amour. Ten minutes."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 120 Let’s go

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Arriving at De L¡¯amour, when Yue Ling walked inside her office, Liu Shan was already waiting for her.


    "Boss! What happened? You even called Lin Hui toe here too?!"


    Yue Ling looks at Liu Shan, then she walks over to one of the couches in her office.


    "Jingxu is missing."


    She then sits down and looks at the other man in the room. He was older than Yue Ling by a year, however the ck Moto jacket he wore made him look extremely young. Not only his clothes, but the pretty and wless features on his face did too.


    "Have you found him?"


    "Almost. It seems like someone else is trying to hack into thetvs set up in the streets of Imperial.


    However, I set up a code, they need to break it first to get in."


    Lin Hui did not look up at his boss. As he spoke, his fingers continue to dance with the keyboard.


    "However, it¡¯s not one person, but two. I don¡¯t know if they¡¯re together, but from what I saw, they¡¯re using two different IP addresses."


    Liu Shan walks over and sits down next to Lin Hui. He nce at theptop, then he looks at his boss.


    "Boss, how do you know Jingxu is missing?"


    "Housekeeper Hu."


    "Ohh....."


    Liu Shan nods his head. If Yue Ling has said someone else, he would still have his doubts, but Housekeeper Hu is a trusty subordinate of Old man Ji. Since he called then something serious must have happened.


    "Found it!!"


    Lin Hui exims. He ce theptop on the coffee table and turn it to face Yue Ling. Reaching forward, he taps a button.


    *beep*beep*beep*


    Three video screens pop up on theptop in a neat order. Lin Hui points to the first video and starts exining.


    "The first video, Jingxu just came out of Timeless Mall." Then he points to the second screen, "A few minutes after he came out, he bumps into a bunch of dimwits."


    From the side, Liu Shan frowns at the videos. In the video, Jingxu was just walking amongst the crown in the streets.... until he sees something that made him shout and runs towards a dark alley.


    Lin Hui continues to exin each video from his opinion.


    "This one is the third video. It¡¯s quite dark, but because it was in broad daylight, everything is still quite clear."


    Yue Ling did not say a word except listen. After watching the videos, it seems Jingxu wasn¡¯t kidnap for threat. He was taken because he was a witness.


    "Can you clear their faces?"


    "I can try."


    Lin Hui then taps on the keyboard. After adjusting the video quality, everythinges into clear view.


    Rewatching the videos from start to end, Yue Ling¡¯s beautiful expression turned uglier by the second.


    Jingxu was out shopping at Timeless Mall, when he left, he witnessed a man getting beat up by a bunch of hooligans. Yue Ling knows the type of person Jingxu is, even if he is weak, he will still lend a helping hand.


    In thest video, Jingxu and the man he tried to help were both beaten up until they passed out. Following that, a ck van pulls up and they were dragged away.


    Just when the hooligans shove the man Jingxu tried to save into the van, the camera was able to capture a small fragment of his face.


    "Haaaaaaaaa¡ª-!"


    Liu Shan gasped in shock and his eyes widen to its maximum. Pointing to theptop, he stutters.


    "T-t-t-tttthhhh¡ª-ttthat¡¯s...."


    Lin Hui frowns at Liu Shan. He¡¯s never seen the man, but Liu Shan has? When?


    Tilting his head, he looks at his boss for an answer, however.... when his eyes met her bluish green eyes, he swore, they had turned ck.


    Yue Ling: "Locate the van."


    Lin Hui: "I did. It¡¯s¡ª"


    Yue Ling: "Let¡¯s go."


    Not wanting to waste time, Yue Ling stood from her seat and walks out of her office. However, before she could, her phone rings.


    Both Liu Shan and Lin Hui turn their heads in her direction. Who knows what that call can be about.


    Oblivious to her two subordinates, Yue Ling looks down at her phone, but she frowns.


    "Hello?"


    ["Han Yue Ling."]


    From the other line was a woman¡¯s soft voice. Yue Ling knew this voice very well and the reason for this call. Her lips curl upwards and she decides to y along.


    "Zhi Yn."


    ["Hahah, I knew you wouldn¡¯t forget about me!"]


    "What can I help you with?"


    ["Ahem. I called because I know who¡¯s blocking my hacker from essing thetvs in Imperial."]


    "Your point is?"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t feel like ying along anymore. She was never one who likes to beat around the bush.


    ["Yue Ling, as your friend, please don¡¯t get involve. We have everything under control and we already have someone on the case. You just arrived in Imperial, you wouldn¡¯t¡ª"


    "Jingxu is involved."


    ["..."]


    "Detective Zhi, you can handle this matter in your own way, as I to mine."


    ["Yue Ling, you cant¡ª"] *beep*


    Yue Ling ends the call without letting Zhi Yn finish. She was running out of time... no, Jingxu was running out of time.


    Any minute lost can be a life at lost.


    "Boss, are you¡ª"


    Yue Ling nce at Liu Shan, her expression indifferent and murderous. She knows what he¡¯s thinking. Even if she doesn¡¯t want to get involve, Jingxu was taken.


    Remembering how those hooligans beat up Jingxu, the raging devil inside Yue Ling rises. Those whoy a finger on her loved ones must pay the price.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    She strides out of her office with Liu Shan and Lin Hui quickly following behind her.


    As they walk to the parking lot, Lin Hui was very curious as to who the man Jingxu tried to save was. He leans closer to Liu Shan and whispers,


    "Shan, who¡¯s the guy? How do you know him and I don¡¯t?"


    Hearing the question, Liu Shan rolls his eyes at Lin Hui then his expression turns serious.


    "His name is Ting, an employee at Jade Condos."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 121 No one did anything

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside the study room of the Lu Household, Lu Tian sat with his master supreme poker face.


    He had left Jade Condos toe here because his old man had said it was very important.


    And indeed, it was important.


    "Will you be able to get your team and solve this?"


    Lu Tian leans leisurely against the chair. He cross his arms over his chest and ponder at his father¡¯s questions.


    Will he be able to solve it?


    Did his old man forget who he was asking the question to? When was there ever anything he, Lu Tian could not do?


    "How long?"


    "They¡¯ve given you 24 hours."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian nod his head, then he looks at the current time; 3:37pm.


    It seems he won¡¯t be able to keep his words when he left Jade Condos... This was something serious that he needs to do...


    Lu Tian looks at his father, then he stands up, "I¡¯ll have this finish within 7 hours."


    Walking out of the study room, he didn¡¯t see the stunned expression on Old Lu¡¯s face.


    Old Lu was very shocked, this was a serious matter and his son said he¡¯d get it done in 7 hours? Good lord, what does his son have in mind?!


    Outside, Lu Tian heads to his car and calls Xu Long.


    ["Xu Long! Ready for duty!"]


    "Commence Wolf Team."


    ["Sir yes sir!!"]


    Ending the call, Lu Tian gets into his car and drives away into the distance. He needs to get this problem solved so he can return to her.


    She was waiting for him.


    Stepping on the elerator, his car vrooms faster into his next designated ce.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    As the sun slowly sets, emitting rays of gold and orange lights onto Imperial, Liu Shan¡¯s ck BMW moves amongst the streets.


    Yue Ling sat in the rear seat, while Liu Shan drove and Lin Hui sat in the passenger seat.


    "What have you found on Ting?"


    "Boss, the kid is very normal. Like extremely normal. He has no records of any arrest or has ever brokew. However, from the informations I just gathered, a few days ago, Ting¡¯s father was tricked by some men into borrowing money to pay for Ting¡¯s college fees. Now, those people want the money back."


    Yue Ling pursed her lips, Ting was a very sweet boy who works at Jade Condos. She knew about his life¡¯s struggle from their little chat the other day... so it seems, he lied to her. He wasn¡¯t working more shifts to pay for his college tuition, but for the debt his father created....


    Not only were innocent people involve, even Jingxu was pulled in. Thinking of how innocent lives were at stake, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes darken more than they already were.


    "What else?"


    "Ting made a report at the police station yesterday.


    It seems his parents are missing. I hacked into all his ounts, this morning he received an email from an unknown IP address threatening him to find 10 billion yuan or he¡¯ll be collecting his parents bodies to bury."


    Yue Ling frown hearing Lin Hui¡¯s report. If Ting went to the police to im a missing persons case, how did things end up like this?


    "What did the police say?"


    "I¡¯m not sure. Camera footages shows he went to the police station yesterday and this morning, but nothing happened. No one did anything."


    Yue Ling sneers at her subordinate¡¯s words, "Seems like I need to have a talk with Yeye about the police force in Imperial."


    Turning to look out the window, she leans back on the seat, "Continue."


    She knows Lin Hui has more to report. His hacking skills are on pair with Liu Shan¡¯s.


    Put them together in a room full ofputer and they can definitely dominate theputer world. Hacking to them was like eating a piece of cake.


    In the passenger seat, Lin Hui struggles a hard gulp.


    "B-Boss... the people who took Jingxu and Ting is the Ghost Gang."


    Hearing the name, Yue Ling eyes dimmed to the ckest of ck.


    She had left that cold and dark world three years ago after Shin passed away. To think these people actually have the courage to touch her people.


    "Did they think, just because I¡¯m no longer connected to that world, I won¡¯t know what goes around?"


    Both Liu Shan and Lin Hui shiver in cold sweat at Yue Ling¡¯s sinister cold voice.


    Liu Shan has been with Yue Ling longer than Lin Hui, but Lin Hui has been around long enough to know Yue Ling¡¯s temper.


    When she¡¯s nice, she can be the sweetest person one will ever know, but once you cross her line, that¡¯s like giving her the gun to shoot you.


    Once she says she¡¯ll do something, it¡¯ll happen. She never goes back on her words.


    Yue Ling: "Lin Hui, have you locate their whereabouts?"


    Lin Hui: "I have. They¡¯re just outside of Imperial. Boss should wemence Alpha Team?"


    Yue Ling: "No need. Ghost Gang already entered the devil¡¯sir. For that, I will let them meet the devil."


    In the front seats, Liu Shan and Lin Hui could not help but pity the Ghost Gang. They may be well known in the underworld for their ruthless ways, but were they on pair with Yue Ling?


    Nope. Yue Ling is like the reincarnation of the devil himself.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 122 Want to know what they said?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Outside of Imperial, an abandon warehouse was hidden within the woods as tworge mountains stood on each side. Due to business failure, no one pays attention to this warehouse anymore.


    With it being out of view, it became the perfect base for underground Ghost Gang.


    Inside, two young men were held captive inside a metal room with their wrist tied behind their backs.


    "Hey, I¡¯m sorry for dragging you in this mess..."


    Ting was really guilty. Earlier, he didn¡¯t expect this kid to try and save him. Everyone else just watched and walked by, but this kid didn¡¯t. In the end, they were both taken away...


    Jingxu looks at Ting. He did regret helping, but if he didn¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t be the Ji Jingxu his grandfather and sister raised him to be.


    "It¡¯s alright. Why were they after you?"


    Hearing the question, Ting hits the back of his head gently against the cold metal wall.


    "My father was scammed by these people. Now, they want arge figure that my family haven¡¯t even seen before..."


    Ting close his bruised eyes and continue, "These people took my parents yesterday."


    "Why didn¡¯t you go to the police?"


    Jingxu frown. Wouldn¡¯t people go to the police station to make a missing person¡¯s report?


    "Heh, police?" Ting scoffs in self mockery, "I did. All they said was, my parents probably went out and will be backter. How was I supposed to depend on them after hearing that? This morning, I even went back in to show them an email I received. Want to know what they said?"


    Jingxu didn¡¯t answer, but his expression was enough to let Ting know, he wanted to know.


    "They said, either I get lost or they put me behind bars for scamming cops."


    Ting lets outs a sarcastic chuckle for his own stupidity, "So much for being protectors of thew."


    "....."


    Jingxu didn¡¯t know what to say. Looking down at his dirty and messed up self, he looks at Ting.


    Ting¡¯s face was covered in dried blood and bruises. His condition was far worse than Jingxu¡¯s.


    *click*


    The tightly shut metal door unlocks and it was push open. Both Jingxu and Ting turn to see two masculine men twice their size walk in.


    "You two are pretty lucky. The boss wants to see you too."


    "Where are my parents?!!"


    Ting shouts out as he struggle to stand up with the help of his legs since his hands were tied.


    "Shut up! No one said you could speak!"


    One of the men punch Ting on the head, quickly knocking him out. He grabs Ting by the cor and drags him out the door.


    "You want to be knocked out too?"


    The other man smirks at Jingxu. It¡¯s been a while since he¡¯s killed someone and his hands were itching for it.


    Looking at the man, Jingxu clench his fist. He hated being so weak at this moment. He should have listened to his grandfather and strengthen his strength. Cursing inside, he knew his only option was to stay quiet and cooperate.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Outside the warehouse, as the Ghost Gang enjoyed their sweet time doing who knows what, they did not notice that one of the mountains around their base has been upied.


    Liu Shan¡¯s car parks at the top of the mountain and Yue Ling steps out. Walking to the edge of the cliff, her eyes scanned the premises like an Eagle.


    "Boss, What now?"


    Liu Shan walks up next to Yue Ling, he crouch down next and looks down the cliff. They were very high up.....


    His boss isn¡¯t thinking of climbing down right?


    "We climb down."


    "..."


    Liu Shan wanted to punch his mouth. If only he had just kept his mind shut.. ahh!


    "Pfff!" Lin Hui chuckles from behind.


    Yue Ling looks at Liu Shan then Lin Hui.


    "Liu Shan will stay up here. Lin Hui, you will go down with me."


    "..."


    Lin Hui was dumbfounded. He was hoping he would be the one who stays up here and Liu Shan goes down... ahh!


    "Pfffff!!!!!"


    Liu Shanughs theugh he was trying to hold in. How lucky was he?!!


    As if he wanted to send a bullet to the man¡¯s head, Lin Hui res at Liu Shan for having such bad luck.


    Moving from the edge of the cliff, Yue Ling walks to the car and gets her zip up hoodie. Putting it on, she looks at at Liu Shan.


    "Did you bring the things I asked?"


    "I did, they¡¯re all in the trunk." He was to the back of the car and opens the trunk.


    What greeted them were all sorts of equipments. From weapons to technology, anything you could name for a mission.


    Yue Ling reach down and grabs a SIG sauer P226. She ejects the magazine and check the bullets. After putting it back in, she racks the slide.


    With a firm hold on the pistol, she aims it out, as if she was aiming it at someone.


    Her posture and movements were proof of her professional marksmanship.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 123 Wait for my signal

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Yue Ling puts on her tactical ear gadget. Looking at her two subordinates, she nods her head.


    "Liu Shan you will cover from up here and Lin Hui will cover from mid way. I need you both to be my eyes from my blind spots. Understand?"


    "Got it Boss!"


    "Yes Boss!"


    Liu Shan gives an okay hand signal while Lin Hui secures the sniper rifle on his back and nod.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Across from the mountain Yue Ling¡¯s Team is on, five ck cars arrives at it¡¯s peak.


    The moment each car¡¯s engine were turned off, men clothed in all ck. From body armor, helmet, eye wear, and assault webbing. Some wore knee pads, gloves, and harnesses, as well as weather-proof tactical pants, shirts, and jackets.


    Like a professional special force team, ready for duty.


    Lastly, the back door to a ck Maybach opens and a man with handsome features step out.


    He wore a long sleeve with cargo pants tucked inside his tactical boots. Everything on him from head to toe was ck.


    "Wolf Team, formation."


    In one swift move, everyone quickly gets into an orderly formation with their hands behind their back.


    Lu Tian stood in front of his team with the setting sun to his back. The him at this moment was like a true general in battle.


    Like eyes of a tiger, Lu Tian looks at each of the men. There were a total of 22 men. They were the men he¡¯s shed blood and sweat with ever since he took over Lu Corps. These men were the ones who dealt with the dark work with him.


    "Once the sun sets, we will be carrying out Unauthorized ck Operation. Except us, there are no back ups.


    There is a chance you may not return. Anyone who wants out, can do so now.


    Does anyone want out?"


    "No sir!"


    All 22 men raise their voice together. They were the Wolf Team and the most elite team in all of Lu Tian¡¯s forces. When have they ever known fear?


    Lu Tian nod his head, "Good. Scout the enemy base, but do not advance too close."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    While Lu Tian and his Wolf Team wait for the sun to go down, Yue Ling secures the carabiner to her harness and rope.


    They couldn¡¯t go on ground because it¡¯ll give away their arrival. If they wait, by the time they get down, it¡¯ll be toote.


    She looks at Liu Shan who is sitting on top of his car hood with hisptop.


    "Wait for my signal."


    "Got it!"


    Yue Ling looks to Lin Hui. He also secures his carabiner to his harness and nod his head in ready.


    She nods her head, turning her head to look at the setting sun, her mind drifted to one thing.


    Save Jingxu and Ting at all cause.


    *swooosh*


    She jumps down from the cliff smoothly, making her way to the bottom. Following after her was Lin Hui.


    Seeing both individuals jump down with no fear, Liu Shan shudders. He¡¯s fortunate to know Han Yue Ling, but sometimes, he forgets that his boss is someone who is very capable at everything. Her pretty looks can be very deceiving.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside the abandon warehouse, Jingxu and Ting were covered in more bruises and blood. They were taken back to the same room they were locked in.


    Both their faces were pale as if it could be transparent. Neither of them utter a sound or word....


    Jingxu looks at Ting and clench his fists tightly. Ting at this moment,id on the cold and dirty floor with a bloody leg and his eyes stare into emptiness....


    Earlier, when they were taken to meet the so-called boss, they witnessed nothing but a dreadful scene. A scene that will traumatize someone for life.


    He close his eyes and tries not to remember what happened, but.... how could he.....


    Like a movie put on rey, everythinges flooding back...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 124 Bastard!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [WARNING: This scene contains inappropriate words and scenes that might upset my fellow readers. As your author, I would like to apologize in advance.]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Jingxu and Ting were taken to a dark and smelly room. Just when Jingxu tried to adjust his vision to the dark, someone turns the lights on.


    The room wasn¡¯t big, but it was bigger than the room they were locked in. Jingxu move his eyes to look at the room, then.....


    Right in the center of the room was a metal table. A table that doctors use when they perform surgeries and on this tableid a woman...


    Her clothes and hair were disheveled. She had dried blood and bruises all over her body.


    Jingxu has never seen this woman before, but from the way her wrists and ankles were tied, he knew what had happened.


    He clench his fists tightly until his nails dig into his skin. What he is seeing now was something he knew very well... The him then may have been very young, but he was old enough at the time to know...


    His mother... He had witnessed the same thing happen to his birth mother.


    "Argh! Bastard!"


    Ting who was knocked out was woken up by a ssh of smelly cold water. His eyes shot open and he res at the men in the room. Until....


    "Mother!!!!"


    His entire body trembles as he stares at his mother with disbelieving eyes.


    "Ma!!!"


    Ting¡¯s motherid lifeless on the metal table. Her eyes were opened, but they were red and she stare up at the ceiling like an empty doll.


    Jingxu turn to look at Ting. Like a mountain had suddenlynd on him, he could not believe what he just heard.


    This woman.... she is his mother...


    Like a dam that was broken, tears ran down Ting¡¯s cheeks. He felt so powerless.


    "Ma..."


    Just one look... one look was enough to know what happened to his mother.


    Ting sat on his knees and he leans forward, hitting his forehead onto the floor. His body tremble as he wails in agony.


    Breathing heavily, he lift his head up and his expression turned murderous. As if, he had sold his soul to the devil.


    "Why... why... why?!! Fucken bastards?!!!"


    One of the men sneers at Ting, he grab Ting by the hair and lift his head up.


    "Why? Should we demonstrate how your mother screams when we lined her up?"


    "Fucken bastard!!!!"


    Ting spits at the man¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t care if he dies at this moment. Life was never fair to him and his family.


    "Son of a bitch! You fucken spit on me!"


    The man lifts Ting higher and punch his face. Fist after fist, messing Ting¡¯s face up even more.


    "Stop! You¡¯re going to kill him!! You fucken bastard!!"


    Jingxu couldn¡¯t take it anymore. He stands up and bumps the man with his head.


    "Y-you!!!"


    And just like that, Jingxu was also beaten up. Punches and kicksnd on them one after another, to the point where they couldn¡¯t even feel the pain anymore.


    "Enough."


    A man¡¯s voice trails from the door, stopping the men seconds away from killing Jingxu and Ting.


    "Boss!"


    All the men moves away from Jingxu and Ting as they greet their boss.


    The boss was a middle aged man, he wore gray suit. Stopping in front of the two good for nothing kids, then slightly bend forward and he sneers at them.


    "I don¡¯t want them dead. Not yet. I can still use them to get my money."


    Straightening up, he turns to look at Ting¡¯s mother. His lips curl upwards into a sinister smirk. Licking his crusty lips, he walks towards her like a hungry hyena.


    Ting¡¯s mother is a very pretty woman. Even in herte forties, she still looked young and had a great body.


    The middle man can¡¯t help but drool as he eye every inch of Ting¡¯s mother. Seeing how both her wrists and ankles were tied to each corner of the metal table, the desire in him grew more.


    He was the first to taste her, then his men, but would that stop him? No. Every women he takes, he shares with his brothers.


    "So pretty...."


    He reach down and caress Ting¡¯s mother¡¯s face, slowly trailing down her neck to her body.


    "Don¡¯t fucken touch her!!!!"


    Ting roars at the top of his dry lungs.


    "Get the fuck away from her!!!"


    Stopping his hand, the middle age man nce at Ting. Tilting his head, he sneers like an evil minister. He signals to one of his men.


    The man nods his head and leaves the room only to return quickly. In his hand was a body, without any warning, he throws the body in front of Ting like it was garbage.


    "If you don¡¯t shut up, you¡¯ll end up like him."


    "...."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 125 I swear on my life

    ¡ª¡ª-


    [WARNING: This scene contains inappropriate words and scenes that might upset my fellow readers. As your author, I would like to apologize in advance.]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Seeing the body, both Jingxu and Ting¡¯s eyes widen, especial Ting¡¯s. His clench his jaw as veins pop on his forehead.


    "Father!!!!!"


    Ting cried in extreme agony. What kind of nightmare was he in? Was this even real?


    His fatherid on the ground with his eyes opened.... but Ting could see the bullet hole in his father¡¯s forehead.... His father.....


    "You son of a bitch!!! I¡¯ll fucken kill you!!!"


    "Hahah, you? What can you even do?"


    The middle age man and his menughs at Ting¡¯s taunt. He was the boss of the Ghost Gang, no one has ever dare to cross his path or mess with him.


    Yet, this kid was actually threatening him?


    He scoffs then wave his hand to his men.


    "Lock them up. Also..." he looks at Ting and sneers, "Break one of his legs, but make sure he doesn¡¯t die."


    "Yes boss!"


    Turning back to Ting¡¯s mother, he starts to unbutton his shirt.


    "Everyone leave. I want to enjoy my delicious meal again."


    "Don¡¯t you fucken dare touch my mother!!!!"


    "Shut up!"


    Two men punch Ting at the same time, grabbing his arms, they drag him out of the room.


    Ting struggles and kicks with every ounce of strength he has left. Even if he dies, at least he can say he tried.....


    "I swear on my life, you will get your fucken retribution!!!!!"


    *m*


    The door shuts and the room turns into silence. The middle age man grins. He unzips his pants and climbs on top of Ting¡¯s mother.


    Leaning down, he licks her cheeks, trailing down until he stops at her breasts. Like an ugly snake, he sucks on them and thrusts inside her.


    As the man groan in his list, Ting¡¯s mother did not make a sound or show any kind of reaction. The sound of skin hitting against each other echo inside the room with metal scraping the floor.


    "How does it feel? Does it feel good to be watched by your husband?"


    The man grabs Ting¡¯s mother¡¯s cheeks and turn her to look at Ting¡¯s father.


    Seeing her husband, she finally shows a small reaction. Her eyes turned watery as she looks at the man she loves.


    On top, the middle age was really turned on. This is a sexual fetish to him, he loves it when he¡¯s banging a woman in front of her husband.


    It gave a very exotic and exciting feeling to the scene.


    "Moan for me woman! Why are you so fucking boring?"


    He groans and shouts at the woman below in annoyance. Does this stupid woman not know that her actions can turn a man off?


    "..."


    As the man thrust in and out of the woman, tears slowly makes their way down the woman¡¯s eyes.


    She was no longer crying because of what the disgusting man was doing to her.. she is crying because of how unfair life was to her and her family...


    Her red and teary eyes stayed fixated on her dead husband... Guilt and pain grips her heart.


    ¡¯Ting... my son, don¡¯t hate your father... you know he¡¯s a very gullible person... From now on, you must strong and live on... Please forgive us...¡¯


    Looking at her husband onest time, she close her eyes and clench her jaw.


    As the man on top continue into his lust, he did not realize that the woman he is doing had already stopped breathing.


    ¡ª¡ª-


    In the dark room, Jingxu snaps out from his thoughts. Slowly, he looks at Ting.


    Those people had actually broke Ting¡¯s right leg and tossed him in here with no treatment at all. Ting at this moment was like someone who had given up all hope in life.


    As if he was just waiting for death to take him.


    Jingxu could only stay in silence. How is he supposed to tell someone that everything will be okay after witnessing their parents.....


    Looking up at the small high window, he could see that outside had turned dark. Closing his eyes, he hope that someone wille save them....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 126 We have company

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    The sun finally sets as darkness cover the sky. At this moment, Lu Tian¡¯s team just finished securing and checking their equipments.


    Clipping his tactical vest, Lu Tian looks at his men.


    "Team A, take the east. Team B will secure south. Team C will secure the west."


    "Captain, what about North?"


    "I¡¯ll cover it."


    Just when Lu Tian and his team were about to descend, Xu Long stops his boss.


    "Boss, there¡¯s something wrong."


    Lu Tian furrow his brows, "What is it?"


    Xu Long turns theptop he was working on to his boss, he points to certain videos on the screen, "I don¡¯t know what kind of hacker these people have, but he or she seems to be blocking me from hacking in."


    He straighten up and scratch his head, "although, this person doesn¡¯t seem to be hacking for long. The max is ten seconds before everything goes back to normal then he or she moves on. It¡¯s like this person is covering someone from view."


    A bulky man from Wolf Team A walks up, "Can the person they¡¯re trying to hide be the boss?"


    Hearing this, Xu Long pout his lip, "Maybe, but I¡¯m not 100 percent sure."


    "Find out."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t want to waste anymore time. He was going against time here, he needs to get this mission done and go back home to his wife.


    "Wolf Team,mence!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    While Lu Tian¡¯s team was starting to make their move, Yue Ling had already started hers.


    To get inside the warehouse unnotice, she needs to take down all the people watching outside first.


    ["Boss, two; right. You have ten seconds."]


    "Got it."


    Yue Ling squat down and put her hand on the knife strap to her leg. She was hidden behind a small shed, so no one can see her.


    ["Now."]


    Like a ninja in the shadows, Yue Ling leaps a sneak attack behind the two men just when they walked pass the shed.


    Her arms lock one man¡¯s and she stabs his neck, at the same time, she swings her legs over the other man¡¯s shoulder and flips him over, breaking his neck with a twist.


    ["Five seconds."]


    With lightning speed, she drags both dead men and toss them into the shed.


    ["Boss, south."]


    Yue Ling quickly runs to lean her back against the warehouse wall. She waits for this person, then ambush him.


    A masculine man from the Ghost Gang walks out from the corner, just when he open his mouth to call for the other two men, a fist came to his vision.


    *bam!*


    Yue Ling¡¯s punch was quick and deadly, knocking the masculine from his feet. Before his body could touch the ground, she moves faster and stabs his neck.


    Killing him with an instant death.


    The man stare in wide eye at the person who killed him.


    Yue Ling stands in front of the man and tilt her head at him indifferently. Her expression wasn¡¯t one a normal person would have when they see a dead person.


    She doesn¡¯t n to let anyone from Ghost Gang live. She will make sure they pay the consequences forying a hand on her people.


    "Hey, whats taking you so long?"


    A voice trails from where the masculine man just walked out from.


    Turning her head in that direction, Yue Ling did not run or hide. She waited for this new man.


    As the man walks out, he halted his steps and grab the gun on his waist.


    "Who are you?!"


    Yue Ling stare at the new man, her bluish green eyes did not falter.


    "...."


    The man felt a chill crawl on his spine when his eyes met this woman¡¯s cold eyes. Getting a clearer look, he was shocked to see a beautiful woman.


    If he can knock her out, he can do whatever he wants with her and then share her with his brothers!


    How lucky would they be to get a beauty like this?!!


    He smiles at Yue Ling with a sinister expression.


    "If youe with me, I¡¯ll let you live."


    Yue Ling slowly blink her eyes at the man. Did he not know the situation he is in? Moving her eyes from the man, she lowers her head down.


    Subconsciously, the man follow Yue Ling¡¯s move and looks down. His eyes widen and he tightens his hold on his gun.


    "Y-You!!!"


    This beautiful woman, looks so fragile, how was she able to kill one of his brothers?


    Looking at his dead brother, he sees the bloody knife in Yue Ling¡¯s hand. Blood boiled to his head. No longer wanting to desire this woman, he wants to tie her up and use all kinds of torturous methods on her.


    He pulls the trigger and shoots at Yue Ling, aiming for her head.


    "You whore!!!"


    *Puu!*


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t move from her spot. She stood her position and stare at this nobody.


    The man stop all his movements and his eyes stare widely at Yue Ling. He could not process his mind at what is happening. Didn¡¯t he shoot her?


    Whh is he falling and not her?


    Yue Ling watch the man fall and hit the ground. Turning her head to face the mountain, she stare at certain part of the mountain.


    "Lin Hui."


    On that exact spot Yue Ling looked at, Lin Hui wasying on his stomach holding the sniper rifle with one eye looking through the scope. He wore a ghillie suit that blends in with the trees and bushes on the mountain.


    ["Heh heh, sorry boss. I wanted to shut that man¡¯s filthy mouth up.]


    Lin Hui hates it when people bad mouth his boss. She is greatest person he¡¯s ever known, for those she loves and cares about, she will go against heaven and earth. To him, anyone who uses disgusting words on his boss should not be allowed to breathe the same air as her.


    On Liu Shan¡¯s end, he rolled his eyes at Lin Hui. Yue Ling was capable of killing the man, but he knew why Lin Hui made the shot, he too, hates it when others bad mouths his boss.


    For once, he actually sees eye to eye with Lin Hui.


    *du du du*


    Liu Shan taps the key board and a radar map pops up on hisptop screen. He frown at what he is looking at.


    "Boss, we havepany."


    On the map, red dots appear from the other mountain, then suddenly, they all scatter.


    From below, Yue Ling turn her head to look at the other mountain. Her expression was the same, emotionless.


    "Do you know who it is?"


    ["I don¡¯t, they seem to have a hacker blocking me from checking."]


    "Friend or foe, I do not care. The most important thing is to rescue Jingxu and Ting."


    [Liu Shan: "Understand."]


    ["Lin Hui: "Roger!"]


    "Lin Hui, move south and proceed as n."


    ["Got it!"]


    Yue Ling looks at the other mountain onest time, then she heads toward the direction she told Lin Hui to go.


    She can careless about who these new people are. If they are friend, she will not attack, but if they are foe, she will show no mercy.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 127 Captain, over here!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "What¡¯s your name, kid?"


    "Ji Jingxu. You?"


    "Ting... I¡¯m Gu Ting."


    Jingxu looks at Ting. He was confused. Even at a time like this, he still wants introduction? And kid? Ting doesn¡¯t look that much older than him..


    Tingid on the cold floor. He was in a lot of pain from his broken leg and with both his hands tied behind his back,ying down was all he can do. Also, it wasn¡¯t such a bad idea too. He looks at Jingxu and furrow his brows.


    Ji....


    "You¡¯re from ¡¯that¡¯ Ji family?"


    "Mm."


    Jingxu nod his head, "My grandfather is General Ji."


    "Heh, you¡¯re pretty lucky kid. To be born from a good family, I¡¯m sure your grandfather has already sent a search party for you."


    Like a closed wound had suddenly open, Jingxu stare at Ting with pain. He knows how it feels to lose all hope in mankind and envy those rich kids.


    Because, he wasn¡¯t born rich... he was just lucky to have met the old couple back then...


    "I¡¯m sure my grandfather will rescue us." Then remembering something, his eyes held a tinge of hope, "There¡¯s still hope, my Jie, she is back, so she will definitely find us."


    Ting looks at Jingxu, then back to the ceiling.


    Rescue... save... hope...


    Were those words even an option for him to hold on? His parents... what kind of world is left for him?


    ¡ª¡ª-


    *aaash!*


    Upstairs in the warehouse, a ss of wine was thrown onto the ground.


    "What did you say?!"


    The middle aged man grab one of his subordinate¡¯s shirt, "You¡¯re telling me that woman¡¯s dead?!"


    "Y-Yes. She¡¯s been dead for an hour now."


    "Fuck!!!"


    The middle aged man loosens his grip and stumbles backwards, falling onto his chair.


    How disgusting was this? He was fucking a dead woman! Shit!


    "Throw both their bodies in the wood. The animals can clean up this mess."


    "Yes boss!"


    The subordinate quickly leaves the room, who knows what his boss will do.


    Massaging his temple, the middle age man pours himself a ss of wine. Remembering something, he reach for his phone and calls someone.


    After a few rings, someone answers from the other line.


    "I have two innocent lives in my hand. If you want them alive, bring 10 billion yuan to the same ce."


    ["You¡ª!"]


    The man didn¡¯t wait to negotiate, he quickly hangs up. Sitting down, the dead woman¡¯s face suddenly appears in his head.


    ¡¯Fuck!!!¡¯


    He throws the ss of wine at the wall as he cringe in disgust. He is the boss of the Ghost Gang, the ruthless man who shows no mercy to anyone he crosses. How can a fucking dead woman scare him?


    *ring ring*


    Hearing his phone, he sneers. Taking a deep breath, he quickly picks up his phone.


    "Ah, that was quick, have you made up your mind already?"


    He grin ear to ear listening to the other person speak, but the longer he listens, his face turn disoriented by the second.


    Clenching the phone, he ms it on the table. His breathing became rapid and unsteady.


    He grit his teeth with veins on his forehead.


    "Bring those two useless waste here!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Lu Tian and three of his men arrived just outside of the warehouse. He hides behind a tree and signals with his hand to move forward.


    Two of his men quickly make their move, their guns out and ready to shoot anyone. Quietly, they scan the premises for a clear call, however, there was no one and everything was silent. Only the sound of birds in the distance.


    "...."


    The skinner man slightly put his gun down and frown. Scratching his head, he turns back to his boss and gesture a clear call.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian frowns. Earlier when his team scout from the mountain, there were more than fifty men keeping watch. How can the ce be cleared already?


    *shzz*


    ["Captain, we found two bodies, west."]


    "Mm."


    Now, Lu Tian feels something is definitely out of ce. This mission was unauthorized and no one else should know about it.


    "West point now."


    As Lu Tian and his three men make their way to the west side of the warehouse, he tries to process everything.


    The only reason why he and his team are here is because this underworld gang has taken innocent civilians hostages.


    His old man happened to be at the police station earlier with General Ji and that was when a kid came in to show an email to the cops.


    They didn¡¯t speak to the kid, but they knew it was a call for help. The boy was enough proof that his end was near deaths door.


    From his father¡¯s words, the cops didn¡¯t do anything, but that didn¡¯t mean the Lu family was going to sit by. Lu Tian and his men had tried to locate the boy but it was as if he disappeared without a trace.


    And after Xu Long¡¯s intense amount of hacking everytv in Imperial, that was how they ended up here, but.....


    "Jiang Yu."


    Arriving at the West Point, Lu Tian looks at his subordinate that radio him.


    Five feet away, Jiang Yu, a masculine man salutes to Lu Tian, "Captain, over here."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 128 You are—!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Lu Tian follows Jiang Yu and two other men to the back part of a small shed. Upon reaching, two bodies wereid on to the ground.


    "We found them tossed inside the small shed."


    Jiang Yu crouch down next to the two bodies and point his fingers on certain parts of the two men.


    "One was stabbed on the neck and other¡¯s neck was broken."


    The space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three lines. He slightly nod his head and squat down next to Jiang Yu to get a closer look at the wounds.


    The stab wound on the first man was clean and small, but it cut the vein immediately. Looking at the second man, he frown. To break someone¡¯s neck in one move requires great strength.... there¡¯s no doubt that the one who caused this is likely to be a man.


    But who?


    He put his index finger on his ear piece, "Xu Long."


    ["Boss, who ever this person is, he or she is very cunning. We can¡¯t see them while they can¡¯t see us. However..."]


    "Speak."


    ["*ahem* Boss, there¡¯s more bodies outside the warehouse."]


    "...."


    Hearing this, not only Lu Tian, but all his men¡¯s eyes darken. Someone else is definitely here and this person had made a move before them.


    Is he a friend? They can¡¯t say.


    "Xu Long, find out who this person is. Wolf Team,mence as n."


    ["Understand!"]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    *Fa-thud!!*


    A man falls to the ground. On the center of his forehead is a bullet hole as crimson liquid ooze out.


    Standing in the center of the room is a woman who looks as if she just came out of a painting.


    However, to the members of Ghost Gang who are still holding onto life as they witness this scene are trembling in fear.


    Yue Ling stare at the tightly shut metal door in front of her. Walking forward, lift her hand and push it open.


    *creeeak*


    Entering the dark room, she scan every inch of it. Her eyesnd on something and her eyes dimmed, turning her aura into Asura from Hell.


    Two bodies were in this room. A woman and a man. Looking at the woman who was half tied to the table, she knew what these people did and while they were about to throw her out.


    However she ruined their n...


    Yue Ling walks over to the woman and takes her ck zip up hoodie off. cing it on top of the woman, she brings the woman down.


    "Liu Shan."


    ["I¡¯m here, boss."]


    Laying the woman down next to the man, she sees the matching wedding bands on their finger. Her expression change into sorrow and grief.


    She was toote to save them....


    "Contact Detective Zhi."


    ["I¡¯ll get on it."]


    Yue Ling slowly close her eyes to steady her rapid breathing. She did not want to let Detective Zhi know at first, but now she¡¯s change her mind.


    She wants every cop in Imperial to see what they turned a blind eye to. To know, they let two innocent lives die without helping.


    Putting the man and woman¡¯s hand together, Yue Ling stands up and walks out of the room.


    Her eagle eyes looks at the remaining Ghost Gang members she didn¡¯t kill instantly. Seeing someone, she walks towards him.


    "Where are they?"


    Her tone was very calm, but Liu Shan and Lin Hui shiver upon hearing it. It was the calm before the big storm.


    "Just kill me already, you bitch!"


    The man had a swollen bruised eye and blood on his mouth. His right hand was clenching his chest with blood.


    Yue Ling tilt her head at the man as she stood in front of him. She doesn¡¯t say a word.


    "I¡¯ll never betray my brothers!"


    The man was very scared, but he¡¯s already near King Yama¡¯s door, why should he cooperate. This unknowingly beautiful woman just walked into Ghost Gang¡¯s territory and tore the ce up!


    No one saw thising.


    *Shzz*


    ["Boss, they¡¯re upstairs."]


    ¡¯Fuck!¡¯ The man curse inside when he heard the faint voice from the woman¡¯s ear piece.


    How did they.... Just who are these people?!


    Yue Ling squat down to the man. Her beautiful and wless face leans in closer to the man.


    "Don¡¯t want to tell? That¡¯s fine with me."


    Getting a clear view of the woman¡¯s face, the man¡¯s eyes falter and his body tremble in intense horror. This face... he¡¯s only seen it once, but it is the only face he never wants toe across.


    "Y-Y-You are¡ª"


    *pu!*


    The man¡¯s head flung back as a bullet suddenly prate his forehead. With his eyes open, he falls back and enter death¡¯s door in regret.


    He knows who this woman is, but it¡¯s toote... toote to warn his boss...


    *shz*


    ["Boss, the unknown group is closing in."


    Yue Ling stood up and stare down indifferently at the man she just killed. She had chose him because she knew he¡¯s seen her before. For that, she wants him to know before death who killed him and who he they chose to mess with.


    Walking towards the only stairs in the warehouse, she didn¡¯t look at any of the remaining members from the Ghost Gang.


    "Annihte Ghost Gang."


    *Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu!*


    As she climbs up the metal stairs, step by step, the faint sound of bullets prates all the remaining men still holding onto a small amount of air.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 129 Abandoned

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Upstairs, Jingxu looks around the room the people had brought him and Ting in. There were a total of ten men, including the boss.


    "I nned to let the both of you live, but it seems..."


    The middle aged man stands up from his chair and walks over to Jingxu, "You two have been abandoned."


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, both Jingxu and Ting¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief. They were abandoned? No one ising?


    "Hahaha!!! What? Did you two think you both held some kind of importance in this world?"


    *thud*


    Ting falls to his knees. His face turns pale as a sheet of white paper. Abandon? So.... his parents...


    Next to Ting, Jingxu stare into nothingness. His mind filled with thousands of questions. Did his grandfather and sister really abandon him? Did they not care about him anymore? No.... that¡¯s not true.


    The man continues tough, then seeing how dreadful the two beat up kids expressions were at this moment, he gasp in shock.


    "Oh... you actually thought.."


    He curl his lip into a sinister and mocking grin. His eyes move from Jingxu to Ting andughs again.


    "Hahah! Don¡¯t worry, pretty soon you¡¯ll be reunited with your parents."


    Ting¡¯s eyes widen as thousands of arrows pierce his heart at once. His shoulder slump like a giant rock was dropped on him.


    He knew his father was dead, but... his mother too?


    "Liar!! We haven¡¯t been abandoned!!!"


    Jingxu roars in anger at the man. He won¡¯t believe this evil man¡¯s words. His grandfather and sister will never throw him away. If they wanted to, they could have done it a long time ago.


    "Hahah, whether you believe me or not, it¡¯s the truth. Why would I lie to you at a time like this?"


    The man shrug his shoulders, turning his back to them, he wave his hand.


    "Get rid of them. I have no use for them."


    The men in the room all nod their heads and point the guns in their hands at Jingxu and Ting.


    Seeing this, Ting clench his teeth as he res at the man sitting behind the desk. Struggling to stand up, he gathers every strength left in him and throws himself at two men on the side to cause distraction.


    "JINGXU!! RUN!!!!!"


    The bulky man that Ting hit, grabs Ting by the neck and chokes him.


    "You fucken shit!"


    Ting struggles to breath as his eyes look to Jingxu, as if telling him to escape. Ting didn¡¯t care if he dies. He had lost all hope in mankind when he went to police station to ask for help and they turned him down.


    He regrets one thing in life and that is having drag Jingxu into this mess without asking. If Jingxu can escape from this, even if he dies, he¡¯ll have no regret.


    "*cough* run...."


    He struggles in his words to Jingxu as the big hand around his neck tightens.


    Jingxu stare in disbelief at Ting. Run? Ting was willing to risk his life for him.... He clench his fists tightly together.


    "Let him go!!!!!"


    Instead of running away, Jingxu struggles up and use his head to hit the man choking Ting. The man stumbles and his hand loosens on Ting, dropping him.


    "Argh! Brothers get him!!!"


    The bulky paint yells in pain to his brothers. He looks down at Ting and starts kicking.


    One man grabs Jingxu up and wrap his arms around Jingxu, then another man starts throwing fists at Jingxu.


    Turning into a punching bag for the man, Jingxu holds in his pain as blood slowly makes it way out of his mouth.


    *ptui¡ª!*


    Jingxu spits a mouthful of blood at the man hitting him.


    "Fuck! I¡¯m gonna fucken kill you!!"


    The man takes a step back and reach for the pistol at his waist. He rack the slide and points the tip on Jingxu forehead.


    Not letting fear show on his face, Jingxu res at the man with cold eyes. His expression was one of taunting as if the word fear was not in his brain. Even if darkness was creeping in his vision, his grandfather and sister raised him to be a strong man in heart.


    Seeing this, the man sneers.


    "I admit, you got guts kid. It¡¯s too bad you have to die."


    Ting¡¯s eyes shot open seeing the situation Jingxu is in. He struggles to move, but he felt so useless. One of his leg is broken and the man kicking him was making him lose conscious.


    "No.... don¡¯t kill him...."


    The man pulls the trigger and shoots Jingxu.


    *Bang!!*


    *Pu! Pu! Pu!*


    Jingxu slowly falls to the ground as Ting¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 130 Come to collec

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Blood stter on the floor as Jingxu¡¯s body touch the ground. Darkness slowly starts to cloud his vision, but could see a faint figure.


    A figure he is very familiar with...


    Ting stare with his eyes wide. He could not process everything that just happened. However... that figure.... the gun shots...


    Before he could get a clearer view, his vision turned ck and he fell into his consciousness.


    The middle aged man and his men stare in shock at what just happened. No one saw thising at all.


    The gun shot sounds wasn¡¯t from their man, neither is the blood Jingxu¡¯s...


    The blood is actually from the two men who were beating up Jingxu and the bulky man who was kicking Ting....


    All three of them were dropped to the ground and each one has a bullet to their head.


    How.....


    "Ti Lung."


    A soft and gentle voice sounds from out of nowhere. It was a voice so soothing, it can ease one¡¯s heart and soul.


    *swoosh*


    Everyone from the Ghost Gang turn their heads in the direction of the angelic voice.


    Seeing the once tightly shut doorpletely knocked down and a tall figure dressed in ck, they were shocked speechless.


    It was as if a fairy had justnded in the mundane world. This woman is iparably beautiful. One so beautiful, none of the men in the room has ever seen before.


    When did this fairye in?


    All six of the remaining men stare at this unknown beauty with eyes of hungry coyotes.


    However... unlike his men, Ti Lung, the middle aged man wasn¡¯t looking at the beauty like a hungry coyote. His eyes shook and his expression turned into one of fear.


    His mouth open and close, until he choke his words out.


    "Y-You... why are you h-here?"


    "....."


    Hearing their boss, the six men were dumbfounded and confused. Why does it sound like their boss, who is known as a ruthless man in the underworld sound like he¡¯s scared? And he seems to know who this woman is?


    Jingxu stare at the blurry figure.. Is death letting him see one of the people he wants to see?


    Before he can try to further adjust his vision, everything turns dark and he lets out a whisper, "Jie...."


    Yue Ling stood at the door. Her eyes looks at Jingxu and Ting. Slowly, she blink her bluish green eyes, but when that one blink opened her eyes again, she stared right at Ti Lung.


    "It seems my message was not clear."


    Hearing this, Ti Lung felt like someone had dropped a bomb on him. Trembling in fear, he raise his hand and points at Yue Ling.


    "Y-You! You left the underworld, w-what are you doing h-here?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression was the same, indifferent, but murderously cold. Taking steady steps forward, she moves her eyes from the filthy man and looks back her brother.


    Jingxu was in a bloody and disheveled mess. His face was beaten up to the point she could even recognize him. If it wasn¡¯t for the sweater he is wearing, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to tell...


    That sweater is one of a kind and it was the sweater she designed just for him...


    Looking at the blood covering his body, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes darken.


    If she had been a secondte, he.....


    "W-We haven¡¯t done anything wrong to y-you. So, why is the l-leader of Fate here?!"


    The members of Ghost Gang were dumbfounded. Did their boss just say this woman is from Fate?


    Yue Ling looks back at Ti Lung and stops in the middle of the room. To her leftid Jingxu and Ting, in front of her was Ti Lung with two men on each side and on her left stood three men.


    Like Asura resurrected from Hell, she part her lips, "I¡¯vee to collect your fate."


    "....."


    Ti Lung¡¯s eyes grew wider hearing the words he fear the most. He could not believe it.


    Every time this woman appears, she will say this one sentence before killing.


    Whoever falls into her hands, their fate is hers to decide!!


    Just how did he offend this woman?


    He struggle a dry swallow, "M-Mami, let¡¯s t-talk this out. I haven¡¯t done anything t-to offend you. I s-swear."


    Hearing the name, the men standing in the room felt like their brains were blown. Not only did their boss mentioned the group people from the underworld fear the most, but also the name that can shake one¡¯s soul!


    This beautiful woman... she is actually the most cold blooded person known in the underworld. Ghost gang may be a ruthless gang, but whenpare to the name Mami.... they were like a stepping stone, no more like dirt for her to walk on.


    Shit! What the hell is going on?! Why did someone they couldn¡¯t afford to offende here?!


    Oblivious to the people in the room¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling didn¡¯t leave her sight on Ti Lung.


    "Like I said, I¡¯m here to collect your fate."


    While his men were dumbfounded in words, Ti Lung quickly grabs his gun and points it at Yue Ling. He could never read this woman¡¯s moves.


    All he knows is that, once this woman says something, she will follow through with it.


    For now, he needs to protect himself at all cost and escape.


    Thinking of something, Ti Lung sneers as the fear in him disappears.


    "Mami, I¡¯m warning you. You left the underworld, if words get out that you crossed the line back, do you think you will live?"


    Yue Ling arch a brow at the man¡¯s stupid threat. Was she supposed to be scared? When has she ever been scared of those from the underworld?


    "Before I left, I had sent a message to everyone, including you. My words were clear. I said I will not cross the line with anyone from that world, unless they cross mine first."


    She nce at Jingxu then back to Ti Lung, "You, however, just happened to be the stupid one to cross my line."


    Seeing her quick shift in eye to the boys, Ti Lung was dumbfounded with chills crawling throughout his entire body.


    Fuck! Did he just take.....! Why didn¡¯t he have his men check the other boy¡¯s background?!


    How fucken screwed is he?!!!!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 131 Save me

    ¡ª¡ª-


    "Men! Shoot her!! Kill this bitch!"


    Ti Lung roar at the top of his lungs. He points his gun at Yue Ling. He¡¯s terrified, but Mami is alone. The stories behind her were that she is only to be feared when she has her team with her.


    Since she is alone and there is seven of them, they have the upper hand. Ti Lung sees the p226 in Yue Ling¡¯s hand, that should be the only weapon she has... right?


    The Ghost Gang members couldn¡¯t decide on what do. If they shoot, there¡¯s a chance she might die, but... if all fails... their fate will be in her hands.


    "Fuck!"


    One man couldn¡¯t take it anymore, gripping his gun, he points it at Yue Ling.


    *baang!*


    *pu!*


    Seeing his man get shot in the head and dropped to the ground, Ti Lung flew into rage. Never has anyone been so daring in front of him. This is his territory, how dare shees in unannounced!


    He pulls the trigger on his pistol.


    *bang!*


    "Die bitch!!!"


    *pu! *click*


    "Arg!" Ti Lung drops to the ground. Yue Ling had moved faster and shot his right knee. However, hearing the sound of Yue Ling¡¯s gun go empty, Ti Lung sneers at her.


    "Seems like our famous underworld Queen is out of ammunition."


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression was the still the same.


    *shz*


    [Liu Shan: "Boss, the other group has enter the premises."]


    [Lin Hui: "I can see them, but they don¡¯t seem to be foe."]


    "Men!!! Kill her!!! Now!!"


    Hearing their boss¡¯s order and knowing that the cold blooded person has no more ammunition, the five men left starts shooting at Yue Ling.


    *Bang¡ª! Bang¡ª! Bang¡ª!*


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Downstairs, Lu Tian and his Wolf Team arrives inside the warehouse to the sound of gun shots.


    Not only were there gun shots but also dead bodies everywhere. Not once did he or his men pull the trigger on their weapons.


    Lu Tian frowns, "Team B and C. Upstairs with me. The rest, check the bodies."


    "Yes Captain!"


    Quietly making their way up, everything was quiet except the sound of gun shots echoing in the warehouse.


    But....


    The moment Lu Tian, who is leading his team stepped onto the second floor, all was silent.


    Too silent.


    It was as if the sounds of gun shots had never happened. He frown trying to put what¡¯s happening together.


    "Xu Long."


    ["Boss, theres heatwaves from people still in there, it appears the leader of Ghost Gang is still inside."


    Coming closer to the only door on the second floor, Lu Tian slightly hunch over.


    "Don¡¯t shoot the hostage."


    Wolf Team nod their heads, "Roger, Captain."


    ["Ghost Gang¡¯s Boss is by the window."]


    Lu Tian turn his head and nods to Jiang Yu who is behind him. Putting his index finger on his ear piece, he speaks almost in whisper.


    "All snipers on standby."


    ["Understand."]


    Holding onto his QSZ-92, Lu Tian takes a step and shows himself into the room.


    Jiang Yu quickly follows behind and point his QWC-05 at the Ghost Gang.


    "Weapons!! Down¡ª?"


    "....."


    He was bbergasted at what he¡¯s seeing. Everyone in the room wereying on the ground with bullets to their head. The room was in a total mess!


    Just what in the world is going on?


    Did they miss something?


    "Help...."


    A faint struggling choke sounds from behind the desk.


    Lu Tian furrow his brows. Putting his gun back in his waist harness, he nce at Ting then strides forward.


    "Check the boy."


    "Yes, Captain." Jiang Yu runs to Ting and checks Ting¡¯s pulse on the neck, "Boss he¡¯s still breathing."


    Lu Tian nod his head as his figure reach around the desk. His dark eyes stare indifferently at the person who just called for help.


    "Help me... I don¡¯t... want to die..."


    Ti Lung was at death¡¯s door. The only reason why he¡¯s not dead yet, is because Yue Ling purposely did not kill him. Her message was loud and clear.


    And now, he knows, the stories about the cold blooded Mami from Fate is not as it is told.


    She alone is enough to make an entire underground gang¡¯s fate fall into her hands.


    He, at this very moment, knows what death feels like and he does not want to die.


    Seeing a group of peoplee in just after the devil suddenly left with one of the boys, he press the wound on his chest and cry for help.


    "Please.... save me...."


    Lu Tian looks at the man, then turn to leave. Save him? This man was actually asking for help? What about the kid he took?


    "Xu Long, send the medical team in."


    ["Got it Boss!"]


    Ignoring the man crying for help, Lu Tian strides out of the room. His mind is set on two things as of right now.


    One, his wife and two, the person who annihte Ghost Gang and disappears without a trace.


    Just before his figure exits the room, a member from Wolf Team appears in front of him. The man¡¯s expression was pale with grief and anger.


    "Boss..."


    Lu Tian: "Report."


    The man clench his fists tightly together and res at Ti Lung, "We found two dead civilians in one of the rooms downstairs... A man and a woman.. Xu Long checked their backgrounds, they are the parents of the kid."


    Like someone had just awoken the almighty dragon from his deep slumber, Lu Tian press his lips tightly together. Without looking at the half dead man, he slightly turns, reach for his gun and....


    *Bang¡ª!*


    "Arrrrgh!!"


    Ti Lung shrieks in pain. His other hand covers his now bloody hand that was shot. He falls to the ground and groan at the intense pain.


    He was already shot above his heart, to think this unknown man would send a bullet right through his hand and to his still bleeding wound.


    The man who just reported to Lu Tian was shocked. His boss actually.... well, his boss never showed mercy to those bastards anyways.


    He sneers in disgust at Ti Lung, ¡¯That¡¯s what you get for trying to be a smart ass.¡¯


    Not paying anymore attention to the now crying man, the man looks at his boss.


    "Captain, what¡¯s your order?"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t look at the almost dead man. Whoever left him alive wants this man to suffer. For that, he should follow through, since this person dealt with the mess for him.


    "Hold a proper burial for the parents. As for him, make his life a living hell."


    Not waiting any longer, he strides out of the room to meet Xu Long. He¡¯s never spoken with Ting at Jade Condos, but he can see that Ting is a good kid.


    Thinking of how Ting has to live in this world differently, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darken.


    His mind drifted to one unknown thought, but for now, he¡¯ll be courteous to this unknown person and clean up the mess left behind.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 132 Assemble the troop

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    *beep beep beep*


    Inside a private room in the military hospital of Imperial, a young manys on the white bed. From his head to toes, bandages covered every inch of him.


    He was hooked up to a breathing machine with countless medical tubes and wires attached to him.


    "Nnn..."


    Suddenly, like he is suffering from a horrible nightmare, the space between the young man¡¯s brows crease into three lines. He groans in his unconsciousness.


    A fair slender hand reaches out from Jingxu¡¯s side and holds his bandage hand.


    "Jingxu..."


    The soft soothing voice floated like clouds into Jingxu¡¯s unconscious mind. His expression rxes.


    Even if the bandages on him were thicklyyered, he could feel the warmth bring transferred to him.


    It was the warmth he loves the most.....


    Yue Ling looks at her younger brother. She was in guilt for not saving him on time. If she had gotten there early, Jingxu wouldn¡¯t be in this condition.


    Neither would Ting have to lose his parents...


    "Jingxu... forgive Jie for noting in time...."


    *SLAM!!!*


    Suddenly, the door abruptly opens.


    Yue Ling quickly stands up from the chair. Her posture turned into one on guard. After they left the warehouse, they didn¡¯t follow up on the unknown group. If they followed or not, she does not know.


    "Jingxu! You brat! What did you go do¡ª-"


    "...."


    Old man Ji was pouring in rage. He had been trying to find his ungrateful grandson, not only that, he even flipped Imperial upside down!


    Just when he was about to mobilize the army troop to search, Housekeeper Hu notifies him of something. It was that his granddaughter had been informed and will search for Jingxu.


    Knowing this, he rxed a bit. If it¡¯s his granddaughter, he knows she can find Jingxu. They were close kins, even if they were not blood rted.


    Just a while ago, Liu Shan had personally called him that they found Jingxu and have taken him to the military hospital.


    Old man Ji was angry, that grandson of his actually disappeared to get himself in trouble only.


    Arriving at the door, he had purposely kicked the door open to scare the boy, but.....


    His eyes at this moment stare in disbelief at what is in front of him. Like someone had ruthlessly rip his heart out, tears form in his eyes


    "J-Jingxu....."


    *beep beep beep*


    The sound of the breathing machine answers Old man Ji. Jingxu did not move as hey unconscious.


    Old man Ji stumbles his way towards the bed. His mouth open and closed, however, every word seemed to be stuck at his throat.


    His beloved grandson is this person on the bed? Jingxu looked like a person who¡¯s on life support....


    Like a person who¡¯s life will end if the machines connected to him is pulled off...


    He stops by the bed. Not once did he move his line of sight from the boy. He stretch his trembling old hand and holds Jingxu¡¯s.


    "Ya... you brat! Wake up! Stop pretending. Wake up so grandpa can bring you home and hit you!"


    Tears slowly fall from Old man Ji¡¯s wrinkled eyes.


    "Am I not your grandpa? Why didn¡¯t you call me? Wake up and tell me who did this to you! Grandpa will make that person perish from this world!!"


    Old man Ji lower his head and put Jingxu¡¯s hand on his forehead as he wails dreadfully.


    Where is the boy who always acts tough and argues with him? Where is the boy he is proud of? The boy he loves with all his heart?


    "Yeye..."


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t bare to keep watching her grandfather cry. She knows he loves Jingxu like his own. They may argue like water and fire, but her Yeye loves Jingxu just as much as he loves her.


    Whether if it¡¯s her or Jingxu, if they are in pain, yeye is in pain too.


    Seeing how Jingxu still hasn¡¯t woken up and her Yeye crying, she suddenly regrets not killing Ti Lung.


    Hearing Yue Ling call him, Old man Ji lift his head and stares unblinkingly at Jingxu.


    "How did Jingxu be like this?"


    "Ghost Gang."


    Yue Ling told him the truth. She is not one to keeps secrets from her loved ones. If they ask, she will tell.


    Hearing the name, Old man Ji¡¯s eyes darken as blood boil to his brain. His brows crease together and lip press into a tight line.


    As the General, he¡¯s helped aid along side the Lu family to take down gangs from the underworld. He¡¯s also heard stories about this Ghost gang. It was said, the gang is one of the most ruthless gang in the underworld.


    They will kill in the most torturous way, even a newborn baby is not spared.


    "Zhong Yang!!!"


    His voice raised like thunder for his assistant.


    Outside the room, Zhang Yong¡¯s old body jolted when he heard his master call for him. Cold sweat starts to form on his forehead.


    Was the young master really in trouble? What happened?


    He didn¡¯t follow Chairman Ji inside, because he couldn¡¯t bare to watch the young master get lecture.... swallowing his saliva, he wipes the sweat on his forehead.


    "Pheww¡ª"


    Zhang Yong takes a deep breath and enters the room.


    "Y-Yes Chair¡ª"


    Taking only one step in, his eyes widen in shock. Is he seeing things? How....


    His young master, who is the sweetest boy he¡¯s known, is the personying on the bed? As if he is in aa.....


    "Zhong Yang! Assemble the troop! I¡¯m going to make sure this puny Ghost Gang be ghosts! No! I¡¯m going to make them perish without a soul to reincarnate!!!"


    Old man Ji ignores his assistant¡¯s shocked expression, his heart at this moment is too angry to care. His breathing was rapid and both his hands swung all over the ce.


    "Inform the troops right now. We will show this Ghost gang who they chose to cross lines with! I want everyone to know what it¡¯s like to cross me!!"


    "Yes, Chairman!"


    Zhong Yang was also angry. He could guess what had happened to Jingxu. His young master is like this because of Ghost Gang.


    It¡¯s only fair that they all get their retribution!!!


    Zhong Yang quickly turns to leave the room. The old him now looked like the strong soldier he was back then.


    "Yeye. Uncle Zhang."


    Yue Ling¡¯s soft voice stops the two old men. Both Old man Ji and Zhang Yong finally turn their heads to look at Yue Ling.


    "Ah Ling! Why are you stopping Zhang Yong? Don¡¯t you want to get justice for Jingxu? Look at what those low lives did to him!!"


    Old man Ji huffed and puffed as his chest move up and down.


    "I will make them suffer one thousand... no one trillion times more than Jingxu! I will make them die with no grave or soul!!"


    "Yeye, Ghost gang has already be ghosts."


    "Hmmf! Ghost? The shouldn¡¯t even be left with any soullll¡ª- what?!!"


    The old man was pissed, but hearing his granddaughter¡¯s words, he was rendered speechless.


    She had said Ghost gang is no more...?


    Meeting Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes, he slowly nod his head. She wasn¡¯t lying... just one look at her was enough to tell she was speaking the truth...


    How could he forget.... His granddaughter is also a Han and she was raised by Old Han.


    His heavy heart is at ease a little.


    Steadying his old heart, Old man Ji close his eyes. He is ill and too much can give his deepest secret away. Yue Ling isn¡¯t stupid, one false move of his and she will know that he is dying....


    "Tell me exactly what happened."


    Yue Ling looks at her grandfather. Taking a few steps towards him, she holds his hand and help him to a chair.


    "Yeye, I won¡¯t keep anything from you, but...."


    She pause. Her expression turned dark remembering how she found Jingxu and Ting in a bloody mess.


    "You have to stay calm at what I¡¯m about to tell you."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 133 Took an oath

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    *click*


    Yue Ling quietly closed the door. She had just finished exining everything to her grandfather. From start to end, she did not leave anything out. Not even what happened to Ting¡¯s parents or the unknown group that showed up.


    She decided to leave, because she knew her grandfather wanted to stay with Jingxu.


    Although, she didn¡¯t mind leaving because she still has one more thing to do before going home.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Getting inside her car, she dials Liu Shan¡¯s number.


    ["Boss."]


    "Have you locate Ting?"


    ["I have, he was admitted to Union Hospital."]


    Yue Ling starts her car and drives out of the military hospital parking.


    "What about Detective Zhi?"


    ["She¡¯s heading there now."]


    She stare indifferently to the road in front of her, "Alright. Make sure that group doesn¡¯t find anything about us."


    ["I¡¯m already on it. Lin Hui also made sure we weren¡¯t followed."]


    "Mm. Destroy all the footages from Ghost Gang¡¯s warehouse. I don¡¯t want that world to know what I did."


    ["Got it."]


    Yue Ling ends the call. She will definitely meet Detective Zhi and makes things clear.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    In one of the rooms in Union Hospital, Ting who had came in unconscious slowly open his swollen and bruised eyes.


    Seeing the unfamiliar white ceiling, he frown. The ceiling now is different from the dark ceiling he had been looking at...


    "Heh..."


    He chuckles quietly at himself.


    Before he lost conscious, he had seen a angel appear in front of him... She must have came to guide him to Heaven... to be with his father and mother....


    "Ugh."


    He suddenly groan when he felt the sudden pain from his right leg. It hurts so much....


    Wait, isn¡¯t he dead? How can he still feel pain?


    Finally looking around the room, he was shocked. He wasn¡¯t in heaven.. he¡¯s in the hospital...


    But how?


    Didn¡¯t the beautiful angele get him?


    *knock knock*


    Ting slightly turn his head to the door as it opens. Seeing a tall and slender figure walk in, his eyes widen.


    Of all the people in the world, why is she here?


    Wait.... why does she resemble the angel he saw before he lost to darkness?


    Ting ignores the aching pain in his body and moves to sit up. He doesn¡¯t want this person to see him like this. Anyone but her....


    "Don¡¯t move. You haven¡¯t fully recovered from your wounds."


    Hearing the most soothing voice to his ears when he first open his eyes, Ting¡¯s eyes turned moist.


    Besides his mother¡¯s voice, this person gives him a safe feeling....


    His lips tremble and he stare at the woman. He looked like a child who had just been in a horrifying nightmare....


    She is his goddess....


    "A-Are you really here to see me?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s heart soften and smiles warmly at Ting. His question was enough to let her know he was still in doubt.


    "Mm. I¡¯m here to see you."


    Watching the famous supermodel Han Yue Ling approach him, Ting felt like he can be the happiest fan in the world. However, it was also proof that she was the angel he saw. He wasn¡¯t an idiot. Even if he didn¡¯t get a clear view, if she is here then that was the proof for him.


    His goddess was the person who save him and Jingxu.


    "Thank you, Miss Han."


    Yue Ling arch a brow at the boy. Did he really know it was her who saved him?


    She had purposely left him back there because she didn¡¯t want to bring attention. Lin Hui had said the unknown group was not foe. So she had decided to not take him. She did feel bad for leaving him, but after they left, she had Liu Shan keep an eye on his location.


    Even if she left him to those people, she had a gut feeling they would help him. She had also left Ti Lung for those people to deal with.


    Looking at Ting, Yue Ling felt heartache for him. She lost her parents too, but their death was not traumatizing as Jingxu¡¯s or Ting¡¯s.


    She may have lost her parents, but at the time, she still had both her grandfathers.


    The Ting she got to know is a sweet boy, just like Jingxu.... how will he see the world now?


    However, one thing she knows is, she wants him to know that he is not alone in this world.


    Reaching the side of Ting¡¯s bed, Yue Ling pulls a chair from the side and sits down beside him.


    Ting looks at Yue Ling, he couldn¡¯t help but get a warm feeling. The feeling an older sister gives to her younger brother...


    How great would it be to have a sister like her....


    Suddenly remembering his parents, sadness and sorrow took over.


    "My parents... were they saved?"


    Hearing the one question she had hoped him would not to ask, Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes turned into grief. She may be a blunt and opened minded person, but now... how is she supposed to tell him? To have to face reality, he would have to face the truth that his parents are no longer here...


    Ting knew the answer just by seeing Yue Ling¡¯s silence. He knew his parents were gone, but he still wanted to ask.


    He wanted to see if there was a possible chance that his parents had survived too...


    Unfortunately, everything was the truth and the truth hurts...


    Ting: "Those people... what happened to them?"


    Yue Ling: "Gone. They won¡¯t be able to harm you anymore."


    Ting nod his head, then, "What about the other kid? Jingxu, is he alright?"


    "...."


    Not getting an answer, Ting felt guilt and pain in his heart. He slowly looks to the white ceiling.


    "I had told him to run.... but he didn¡¯t.... what a silly kid to try and help....."


    Yue Ling smiles inside. Liu Shan had told her about a footage he caught. Ting had tried to distract the men so Jingxu can escape, but she knows her brother. He wouldn¡¯t run to save himself, even if he was scared.


    "He¡¯s fine. Although, his condition is still unstable."


    "....."


    Ting stare in disbelief at Yue Ling. He had thought the kid didn¡¯t make it, but he actually did?


    He sigh in relief, "That¡¯s good. He¡¯s a good kid to help someone like me. You know, he said he is from¡ª"


    *knock knock*


    Both Yue Ling and Ting looks at the door.


    A pretty woman with dark curls in a light gray suit walks in. She had a detective badge pinned to her suit pocket.


    "Sorry for intruding."


    This woman is pretty, but her aura and looks were inferior to Yue Ling¡¯s.


    When Ting saw the woman, his expression turned dark. Turning his head the opposite way, he stares out the window. He doesn¡¯t want to see this person. Not only her, but anyone from the police station.


    "..."


    Yue Ling smiles at small smile at Ting. She sighs inwardly and stands up. Looking at the woman, she nod her head.


    "Detective Zhi."


    Zhi Yn nod her head back in greeting. She nce at Ting and guilt grew more in her. This young man was the one who hade to ask for help...


    Looking at Yue Ling, she points to the door.


    "Can we talk outside?"


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling follows behind Zhi Yn. Reaching the door, she looks back at Ting.


    "Get some rest. I won¡¯t let anyone you don¡¯t want to see disturb you."


    Zhi Yn frowns when she heard Yue Ling¡¯s words. She hade here to ask Ting some questions about what happened. However, with Yue Ling¡¯s given words, how is she supposed to look into this case now?


    Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s promising words to him, Ting slowly close his eyes. At the same time the door closed and the tears he had been trying so hard to hold in, finally falls. His tears slowly staining the pillow.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Outside of the room, Yue Ling and Zhi Yn walked to the far end of the hospital hallway. Zhi Yn stops and turn around to face Yue Ling.


    "How is he?"


    Yue Ling nce at Zhi Yn, "How would you feel? He asked for help and you people ignored him."


    Her tone was her usual calm tone, but it was still enough to make one have chills.


    Zhi Yn ignores the hair standing on her arms, "We tried our best."


    "You tried your best by turning a blind eye."


    "...."


    Zhi Yn did not know what to say. Yue Ling¡¯s words were the truth, but she did try her best. She had tried to convince the higher ups to take on the case... it was just, they wouldn¡¯t. At least, not until the Lu family got involved.


    "Yue-yue, you know that it¡¯s not in my authority to make unauthorized calls. I couldn¡¯t just¡ª"


    "They were innocent people, Yn. Innocent people who lost their lives and left their only child behind, because you people didn¡¯t want to help. Now that boy will only see, that no matter what happens, he can never turn to cops for help."


    Even though she knows she is wrong, Zhi Yn was half angry at Yue Ling¡¯s words. How is she supposed to exin her situation to Yue Ling?


    Pinching the space between her brows, she takes a deep breath.


    "What was I supposed to do then? I could have lost my job for going against protocol."


    Yue Ling stare at the woman standing in front of her. If she was not a friend, Yue Ling would have ended this woman¡¯s life for being so stupid.


    "Zhi Yn, you took an oath."


    Zhi Yn: "I know I took an oath. You once took it too, you should know how it is."


    Yue Ling: "I did take the same oath. However, I never once turned a blind eye just because of a job."


    Zhi Yn: "....."


    "For that oath, you should do your job properly."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t want to stay and chat anymore. Her purpose in meeting Zhi Yn is done. She turns back to the way they came from and leaves.


    However, taking three steps, she stops. With her back facing her friend, she gives a warning.


    "I gave my words to Ting. No one is to disturb him. Not even you."


    "...."


    Zhi Yn watch her friend leave in speechlessness. What is she supposed to do now?


    In aplicated situation, she scratch her head.


    Ahh!! Her friend is angry with her and she can¡¯t go see Ting, because going against Yue Ling¡¯s words is the biggest mistake one can make.


    Sighing, she decides the best thing to do now is try to make it up Yue Ling.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 134 What do you plan to do?

    ¡ª¡ª-


    In Jade Condos¡¯ highest floor. The atmosphere inside penthouse 1503 was very stiff. As if a dark cloud had suddenly floated in.


    Inu roamed around the ce with his ears listening attentively for any unknown movements. He has been on guard ever since his mommy left. Every time she says ¡¯str¨¢?¡¯, he knows that something dangerous happened.


    *click*


    He runs from the study room and stops besides the couch. Hiding himself as he watch the front door closely without making a sound.


    Seeing the door open, he jumps out. His chest stuck out and his posture ready for attack.


    "Grrrr¡ª wroof!!"


    "It¡¯s just me, little guy."


    A deep voice sounds from behind the door and a tall mighty figurees to view.


    "Grrr...."


    Inu growls until he sees the person clearly. Seeing the evil peasant, he calms down a bit. Looking at the man, he turns around and continues to keep watch.


    His mommy isn¡¯t back yet, so he still can¡¯t let his guard down.


    "....."


    Lu Tian did not know whether tough or cry. He found the Samoyed¡¯s temperament right now is different from the one before.. like a very well trained dog in the field.


    Ignoring the thought, he takes his shoes off. As he does so, he looks around the living room, then to the kitchen.


    Not seeing the only person he had hoped to see, he frown. Quickly, taking big steps he checks all the room in the penthouse.


    Before he left, she was here and didn¡¯t say anything about leaving..


    Lu Tian walks to the living room and looks at Inu, "Where is my wife?"


    "Wroof!"


    Inu answers and flung his head with attitude as he continue his task. His expression saying, ¡¯As if I would tell you!¡¯


    "...."


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded at the Samoyed, especially at himself. Did he really just ask a dog where his wife is? Uhhh...


    Shaking his head, he walks back to the bedroom. He was disappointed in not being able to see her the moment he opened the door...


    Where could she have gone?


    Looking down at his clothes, he lift his arm and sniff his sleeve. His brows furrow more. Walking faster to the bedroom, he grabs a set of new clothes and enters the bathroom.


    Earlier, during their unauthorized ck operation, neither he or his team shot at the enemy. Except that time he sent a bullet to Ti Lung. However, entering the blood bath ce, the stench of blood clung onto him.


    Removing each piece of his clothes, he enters the shower and cleans himself. He doesn¡¯t want his wife to return and smell blood on him. She is too innocent and pure to know the other him.


    *sssshhhhaaaaa*


    As the shower running sounds from the bedroom, Inu stood in the hallway. He stare in the direction Lu Tian had gone. For some unknown reason, he had smelt blood.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Outside, Yue Ling push the door open to Jade Condos¡¯ lobby. Looking at the empty front desk, she felt a wave of sadness dull on her again.


    Walking in, she looks at the elevator. She didn¡¯t feel like going up yet. Seeing a long bench facing the desk, she decides to sit down for a bit.


    Usually, Ting would have greeted her the moment she walks in. However... even if everything had happened today, it feels so different not seeing him. His usual cheerful smile... Will that smile fade from now on?


    "Miss Han, is everything alright?"


    Yue Ling looks to the owner of the voice. Her lip curl into a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. She nod her head.


    "Uncle Luo."


    Manager Luo smiles at Yue Ling. It is very unusual to see a resident of Jade Condos sit in the lobby. Wouldn¡¯t someone want to go home instead of sitting here?


    Looking at the beautiful youngdy, he sighed inside. He could guess why she is feeling this way.


    "Uncle Luo, about Ting¡ª"


    Before Yue Ling could finish, manager Luo interrupts her with his palm out. He walks to her and sits on an empty spot next to her.


    "I had been informed about his situation."


    He takes a long and deep breath. His eyes looks at the desk across from him.


    "If I had known that boy was in trouble, I would have used every possible way to help him."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t say a word but look at the old man with grey hair. Her heart softened hearing his words.


    Uncle Luo is one of the few elders she looks up to and respected. The old man had pretty much watched her grow up from young. He is like a grandfather too her, just like her yeye and hal-abeoji. The only reason, she calls him uncle, is because he had asked her to. He didn¡¯t want to be reminded that he was getting old.


    Knowing Uncle Luo, he is someone who will help those in dire need. He is a person who values life more than money. Even if it was an animal, he will do everything to help it survive.


    To him, money cannot rece someones¡¯s life.


    If Ting hade to him for help, maybe.... just maybe, everything would have turned out different for him and his family....


    "That boy, what do you n to do?"


    Manager Luo couldn¡¯t help but ask. He had found out about Ting¡¯s situation, because the almighty Lu Tian had personallye to inform him. However, after Lu Tian left, Old Ji called.


    He then found out that Yue Ling saved Ting and even Jingxu was involved. His old heart aches for the two boys knowing their current condition.


    However, he isn¡¯t one bit surprised that it was Yue Ling who saved the boys, after all, he knows her background very well.


    Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes stayed glued to the empty desk. After a long silence, she part her lips.


    "I want him to know that not everyone in the world is the same. To know, he is still not alone."


    Manager Luo nod his head in understanding. To be on Han Hue Ling¡¯s good side is one¡¯s good fortune.


    "If there¡¯s anything I can do, don¡¯t hesitate to ask. I¡¯m willing to help as much as I can."


    "Thank you, Uncle Luo."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    *click*


    "Grr...."


    Inu quickly turn his head to the front door. His eyes turned serious as he runs to the living room. Is it another intruder?


    "Wroof! Wroof! Wroof¡ª"


    "Baby! Mommy¡¯s back!"


    Yue Ling soft voice enters Inu¡¯s ears as her figure walks inside her penthouse. She quickly takes her shoes off and slip into her slippers.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Inu¡¯s temperament does a 180 degrees change. He wags his tails and jumps excitedly seeing his most favorite person in the whole world.


    ¡¯Yay!! My mommy¡¯s finally back!!¡¯


    Yue Ling squat down and hugs her precious baby. Feeling his soft and fluffy body on her, she sighs.


    So much had happened in just one day...


    Thinking of it, she lifts her head and sniff her arm.


    ¡¯Ahh... I reek of blood..¡¯


    "Grr...."


    Inu also sniffs his mommy. He growls at the smell of blood. Is the blood aroma from his mommy? Did she get hurt?


    Yue Ling chuckles a sigh. Lifting her hand, she pats Inu¡¯s fluffy head softly. She could tell he is worried about her.


    "I¡¯m alright. The blood isn¡¯t from me."


    Seeing the smile that always warms him, Inu moves his head and licks Yue Ling¡¯s palm.


    Yue Ling smiles and straightens up. She walks to the kitchen to get food and water for Inu then she heads for the bedroom. She needs to get rid of the bloody smell and her clothes.


    At least, before Lu Tian returns.


    Entering the bedroom, the faint sound of water running enters her ears. The crease between her brows furrow together as she tilt her head in thinking.


    ¡¯Did Lu Tian return already?¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 135 Wanted to see i

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡¯Oh god! I can¡¯t let him see me!¡¯


    Yue Ling definitely can¡¯t let Lu Tian see her. Not only does she reek of blood, there were blood stains on her clothes.


    Dashing for the bedroom door, she quickly leaps for closet room.


    ¡¯Almost there.... just a little bit¡ª¡¯


    "What are you doing?"


    The sudden deep and low voice froze Yue Ling¡¯s body. It was a voice that can make any woman drown in it. However, to Yue Ling, it was like ice water pour onto her.


    Like a broken robot, she turn her head twitchingly to the bathroom door.


    "....."


    Seeing the one person she was trying to avoid, the corner of her mouth twitch uncontrobly.


    When did the water turned off? And why does it seem like this man just walked out of a photo shoot in a magical fog?


    The slight steam from the bathroom, made him look like a god who just descended to the mundane world.


    Lu Tian stood at the bathroom door. His upper body was well toned with bulging abdominal muscles and water drops on his wless skin made everything glow.


    Lowering her eyes, she sighs a small relief knowing he was fully clothed down there. However, she couldn¡¯t help but struggle a hard swallow. Even with his lounge pants on, she could see arge bump between his legs....


    Lu Tian was also taken by surprise seeing his wife the moment he came out of shower. Not only was he seeing her, he gets a feeling that she¡¯s being very sneaky. As if she is trying to avoid him.


    Seeing where her eyes were stuck on, he arch his brows and smile inside. Moving the towel in his hand, he drape it around his neck. Both hands held the ends of the towel and he moves towards his wife.


    He narrow his eyes, "If I¡¯m guessing correctly. It looks like you wanted to see it."


    "....."


    Hearing him, Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Moving her eyes from the man¡¯s lower part, she looks at him.


    Each step he took seemed to match up with her beating heart. His one step forward was her one step backward.


    *thud*


    Unknowingly, Yue Ling did not know when, but her back suddenly hits the door frame. Her heart starts beating like crazy and her mind is thinking way out of the box.


    He isn¡¯t nning to do ¡¯that¡¯ right?


    "....."


    Like a mouse trapped, she watch the Tigere closer. Too close. Any closer and he will smell the blood.


    "W-wait!"


    Yue Ling quickly stuck her arms out and wave them in front of Lu Tian. She can¡¯t do this...


    Seeing him not stop, she looks at him with angry and distraught eyes. She stomp one foot and raise her voice at him, "Lu Tian! I said wait!!"


    Just like an Android listening to it¡¯s creator, Lu Tian stops just two feet away from Yue Ling¡¯s palms. His eyes never leaving her beautiful face. He had not listened to her the first time, because he wanted to tease her.


    He looks at her with a straight face, his expression saying, ¡¯go on. I¡¯m listening.¡¯


    Yue Ling straighten herself, "Let me shower first."


    Lu Tian arch one brow. Hearing her words, he knew she got the wrong idea. Keeping his outer appearance indifferent, he wasughing so hard inside. He was going to take her, but not until he¡¯s fed her first.


    "Mm."


    Hearing his usual ¡¯mm¡¯, Yue Ling quickly moves out the door and into her closet room.


    *m!*


    She ms the door shut and press her back against it. Using all her weight to keep the door close. Her chest heaving up and down. Who knows if that shameless man will barge in.


    Outside, Lu Tian was dumbfounded. His wife seems to love mming doors. He should just get rid of every door in the penthouse.


    He shakes his head at his wife¡¯s cute side and decides to leave her alone. The most important thing now, is to cook a nice meal for her.


    Putting the towel away, he heads to the kitchen. However, his feet halted. His eyes stare directly at the end of the hallway to the kitchen.


    "What are you looking at?"


    "Wroof!"


    Inu had seen everything that just happened. If he had fingers, he would have given his mommy a big fat thumbs up for mming the door.


    He looks at Lu Tian as if he was mocking the man, then he swing his head around with attitude. His head held high and his fluffy tail wag side to side like a noble beast.


    "....."


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded again. He blinked his eyes at the dog before sighing and head to the kitchen.


    While Lu Tian busy himself. Yue Ling nt one ear to the door. She listened to his every move until she heard noise from the kitchen.


    She sighed in relief. Quickly removing her dirty clothes, she puts on a robe. Grabbing a new set of clothes, she quietly opens the door.


    Peaking her head out, she looks left and right. Seeing the coast is clear, she bolted out of the closet room and runs for her dear life to the bathroom.


    "....."


    Because she had moved so fast, she did not notice the tall figure and fluffy white ball staring at her dumbfounded.


    Lu Tian and Inu looked at their favorite person act like an idiot. Neither said a word or sound. At the same time, Lu Tian turn his head and looks down, while Inu looks up.


    Their eyes met and sparks sh together like lightning in the sky. Lu Tian turn his head and goes back to cooking. Inu turns his head and heads for his bed.


    *ring ring*


    Lu Tian takes his phone out of his pocket and looks at the caller. His expression darkens and he answers.


    "Report."


    ["Boss, I hacked every footage from Ghost Gang¡¯s base. Someone wiped the entire thing clean, however I was able to retrieve a little footage."]


    "....."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darken ten shades ck heading the report. Xu Long is the best hacker he¡¯s known. If Xu Long can only get a little information, that means, whoever the person is, they have a very skilled hacker on their side.


    "Use whatever means you have to find the unknown person. I want everything on my desk tomorrow."


    ["Yes, Boss!"]


    Lu Tian ends the call and pinch the space between his brows. Whoever this man is, he must be very cunning to block Xu Long from finding him.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Yue Ling finished her shower in half an hour. She felt refreshed and extra clean. The blood stench is now reced with her fresh body wash.


    After drying her hair, she puts on a silky nightgown and an oversized knitted cardigan. The moment she stepped out of the bedroom, she could smell a delicious aroma. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the smell and smiles. She was exhausted and very hungry.


    Walking into the kitchen, she sees the broad back of Lu Tian. She sighed at his figure.


    She ignores his naked upper body. Ever since he¡¯s moved in, she¡¯s noticed that he never wears a shirt to sleep. It¡¯s also like, she¡¯s gotten used to it? Well, kind of, not really.


    Standing behind him, she peaks her head out and exims at his side.


    "Smells delicious!"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t say anything but turn his head. His eyes looked at the world¡¯s most beautifulest woman. She looked like a small child with her bare face and flushed cheeks.


    Without thinking, Yue Ling lifts her head and her bluish green eyes meets Lu Tian¡¯s dark ones. Her cheeks flush even more red like she had a fever.


    Feeling embarrassed and nervous, she decides to get out of the kitchen. Her baby! She needs to see her baby!


    Just when she thought of it, Lu Tian had already read her mind and moved faster.


    His left hand moves behind Yue Ling and wrap around her. Without any warning, he brings her closer and lower his head to capture her arousing peach lips.


    "..."


    Yue Ling was surprised and speechless. Lu Tian had moved so fast, she didn¡¯t have enough time to react. His lips started as slow pecks to a hungry beast. His tongue broke through the barrier and dance with hers.


    Until she was going to lose her breath, he reluctantly pulls away. Lu Tian move his hand on her back to the back of Yue Ling¡¯s nape. He kiss her forehead and like always, he press his forehead to hers.


    The sound of their dinner faintly sizzles mixing with their heavy breathing.


    Lu Tian closed his eyes to feel Yue Ling¡¯s warmth, he whispers behind his breath, "I really want to take you now."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 136 Washing my hands

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Staring at the man in front of her, Yue Ling felt she couldn¡¯t breathe. Hisshes were beautiful and long. This man is very alluring. Like a drug that keeps her wanting to be closer to him.


    With blushing red cheeks, she gently pushes him. However, Lu Tian didn¡¯t budge one bit. He slowly lift his head and pecks her forehead, then finally, he reluctantly let her go.


    "The food is almost done."


    "...."


    Yue Ling bashfully nod her head and leaves the kitchen with her burning cheeks. This is too much for her poor heart to handle.


    Coming to the livingroom, Inu jumps from his bed and races to his mommy. His expression full of loving and cheer.


    "How¡¯s my baby? You did a great job!"


    Yue Ling stroke Inu¡¯s soft fur and scratch the back of his ears. She loves her furry baby the most. Rubbing her head against Inu¡¯s, she tells him how much she loves him.


    "I love my baby the most!"


    In the kitchen, Lu Tian frown when he heard Yue Ling say Inu did a job. He didn¡¯t hear her tell him to do any tricks or anything that resulted in a praise. Then, hearing his wife express her love to the enemy, Lu Tian¡¯s brows furrow more. His hand tightens on the wooden cooking utensil.


    She doesn¡¯t praise and tell him she loves him!


    *snap*


    Hearing the sound of wood snapping, Yue Ling turn her head to the kitchen. She frown and stands up. Walking in the direction of the kitchen, she sees Lu Tian standing in front of the sink. The sink water was on and his broad back was facing her. Walking to him, she tilt her head trying to see what he is doing. However, Lu Tian slightly moves his body and blocks her view.


    "...."


    Seeing this, Yue Ling narrows her eyes in suspicion. She lift her hand and pinch his waist.


    "Nn."


    Lu Tian winch at the sudden pinch. He looks at Yue Ling and res at her with bullets. No one has ever done a childish move as to pinch him! Yet, she dares to! If it was someone else, he would have put a bullet to their head.


    He takes a deep breath and continues what he was doing.


    Yue Ling stare at the man, now she is very curious. Just what is he doing that he won¡¯t let her see?


    "What are you doing?"


    She ask him like a noisy kid, bugging someone. Lu Tian nce at her from the corner of his eyes.


    "Nothing. Just washing my hands."


    "What are you doing now?"


    "Still washing my hands."


    "I see..."


    Yue Ling squint her eyes more. Did he really think she was an idiot? She heard the sound already. If she looks from the other side, there¡¯s no doubt he¡¯d block her again. Pursing her lips, she thinks of an idea.


    Watching him attentively, she walks to the stove, and switch the fire off. She curl her lips upwards as she thought of something.


    "Ouch¡ª"


    Just like her n, Lu Tian quickly turn slightly around to her.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Did you get burn?"


    Seeing him do so, Yue Ling quickly moves. Ignoring his naked upper body, she wrap her arms around his waist and adjust her body under his arm.


    "...."


    Lu Tian was speechless. Looking at the the woman hugging him, he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Did she lie just to do this?


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t look at the man. Her eyes stare unblinkingly at Lu Tian¡¯s right hand under the sink water.


    Lu Tian had a slightly deep three inch cut on his palm. His blood was being washed by water.


    "...."


    Looking at her, Lu Tian felt slightly guilty for trying to hide it from her. He didn¡¯t know when or how he snapped the wooden utensil, but the top half deeply cut his palm.


    "Uh... it was a small cut."


    Yue Ling quickly grab his wrist and drag him to the living room. While doing so, she wrap a towel on his hand to hold the bleeding.


    "You call that a small cut?! What if I got shot? Can I say it was a small cut?! Hm?!"


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darkened when he heard her say if she was to get shot. That will never happen because he won¡¯t let that happen! However, hearing her worried tone, one corner of his mouth curl up and he stares at Yue Ling¡¯s back.


    "I¡¯m alright. Really."


    She huffed and puffed. She turn to him and press his shoulder to make him sit on the couch. Looking at Lu Tian with cold eyes, she cross her arms over her chest.


    "Really, it¡¯s¡ª"


    Lu Tian force a smile and tries to stand, but Yue Ling cuts his words and point to the couch.


    "Sit."


    Like he had be a dog, Lu Tian sits back down immediately. He knows his wife is mad and he cannot afford to make her even more mad.


    Yue Ling res at him, then quickly, she stomps her feet to the study room. Grabbing a first aid kit, she stomps back out to the living room. She ms the first aid kit on the coffee table and sits down.


    "....."


    Lu Tian watched her every move. Looking down at his towel wrapped palm. He couldn¡¯t help but swallow. Would she purposely put pressure on his cut since she¡¯s upset?


    Watching from his cozy bed, if Inu was human, he would beughing out loud and rolling on the floor. His enemy was in big trouble.


    Oblivious to her baby¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling grabs Lu Tian¡¯s hand and slowly unwrap the towel.


    "Next time, don¡¯t keep any wounds hidden from me."


    "Mm. "


    Lu Tian nod and stare indifferently as Yue Ling starts her medical work on his hand. Watching her every move, his lip curl into a warm smile. He didn¡¯t think the identally cut on his palm would get his wife¡¯s full attention.


    Thinking, he wonders if he should get more wounds..... Then his eyes lit up with an idea.


    Looking at blood stained towel and the deep cut, Yue Ling sighs. The bleeding had subdue, so she cleans the cut with a wet towel, then apply an antibiotic ointment on the cut. Next, she puts a gauze pad on the cut then she wraps it neatly with a gauze.


    Lu Tian watched Yue Ling bandage his wound. The more he watched her movements, the more he frowns. Her movements were quick and looked like a medical expert. Like someone who¡¯s done this a lot of times.


    Finished, Yue Ling closed the first aid kit and looks up at Lu Tian.


    "Try not to get it wet. Let it heal before you start using your right hand again."


    "Mm."


    "I¡¯ll go set up the table so we can eat."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling stare at the cold looking man. She sighs again before going to the kitchen. She really does not know what to do with this man. How can he be so clumsy?


    "Grrr....."


    From the floor to ceiling window, Inu¡¯s low growl catches Lu Tian¡¯s attention. He looks at the dog and lift his chin up with a smile.


    His expression mocking Inu, ¡¯Ahah, I got my wife¡¯s attention.¡¯


    Inu res at the evil peasant, he scoff and close his eyes.


    ¡¯Just you wait, you evil peasant!¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Let¡¯s eat."


    Yue Ling calls for Lu Tian after she finished setting the table. She sat down on one side as Lu Tian sits across from her.


    Holding a bowl, she puts rice in it and ce it in front of Lu Tian. Then she gets herself a bowl of rice, and she starts eating.


    Just when she took her first bite, she frown.


    Why is he not eating?


    Raising her head, she looks at the man and she was dumbfounded.


    Lu Tian at this moment held sulking expression. He pout his lips and looks directly at his wife. Like a child who was upset.


    Yue Ling tilt her head in confusion, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "I can¡¯t use my right hand."


    "..."


    Yue Ling blinked her eyes and stare bbergasted at the man. Is he serious? He can¡¯t use his right hand, but what about his left?


    She puts her chopsticks down and sighs.


    "What do you want me to do? Feed you?"


    Like fireworks sparking brightly, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes lit up. That was exactly his idea. However, he didn¡¯t show his feeling. Keeping a straight face, he nod his head.


    "Mm."


    "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 137 Delicious

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Haaaaah¡ª"


    A long sigh escapes Yue Ling¡¯s lip. She stands up from her chair and goes over to Lu Tian¡¯s side. While doing so, she moves a chair and ce it next to his. Sitting down, she grabs his chopsticks and sulk.


    Feeding him wasn¡¯t a problem. The reason why she is sulking is because, she had only taken one bite from her bowl. Couldn¡¯t she at least finish eating first?


    Feeling sorry for herself, she grabs Lu Tian¡¯s bowl and starts putting meat and vegetables in it.


    "Haaaaah¡ª"


    Looking at the delicious food, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh again. Even her stomach was yelling at her for not feeding it. Ignoring her empty stomach, she picks up a piece of meat from the bowl and feeds Lu Tian.


    "Here."


    Lu Tian looks at the piece of meat, then his wife. He did not know whether tough or cry. He did want her to feed him, but he wasn¡¯t evil enough to let her starve.


    "You eat first."


    "....."


    Yue Ling stare confusedly at the man. She pursed her lips in thinking. Didn¡¯t he want her to feed him? However.....


    "Fine then. I¡¯ll take your offer."


    She quickly stuff the meat in her mouth. Chewing and tasting the deliciousness of the meat vor, she smile happily in satisfaction. Not caring about the man next to her, she takes another bite, then another and another. She didn¡¯t care if she looked like a pig, she was very hungry.


    Lu Tian wanted tough, but he held it in. He knows his wife is hungry, but did she have to eat like the food was going to run away? Seeing her stuffed cheeks, he was reminded of a chipmunk. Shaking his head, he hands her a ss of water.


    "Drink this. Is the food that good?"


    Yue Ling swallow her mouthful of food and takes the ss of water. Maybe because she was so hungry, she was already full. She quickly drinks the ss of water and ce it down.


    She nods her head, "Mm. Very delicious¡ª-"


    Suddenly, soft lips covers hers and cuts the rest of her words. Her eyes shot open and her body froze.


    "....."


    Lu Tian pulls away and nod his head in agreement. He then licks his lip which made him look extra seductive.


    "Mm. You are delicious."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stare speechless at the shameless man. Her cheeks redden and her expression was clear to the eyes, as if saying, ¡¯really?¡¯


    Seeing this, Lu Tian scratch the tip of his nose and hides his urging need to smile. He quickly clear his throat and act as if nothing happened.


    "I¡¯m famished. Feed me."


    "...."


    Yue Ling continue to stare at Lu Tian and now she really didn¡¯t know what to say. This man just keeps saying things that will make her speechless. If there was an Oscar award for a person making others speechless, she was sure Lu Tian would win first ce.


    Shaking her head, she picks up the chopsticks an bowl. Putting more food in, she looks at Lu Tian with a piece of meat on the chopstick. She thinks of something and looks at him. Her lips curl upwards into a cunning evil smile.


    "Say ahh."


    "..."


    This time, it was Lu Tian who was speechless. He stare at Yue Ling like she was an idiot. Say ah? Did he look like a one year old?


    Looking at the food then his beautiful wife, Lu Tian sighs inwardly. Even his own mother never once made him do such a thing. He sighs again and open his mouth.


    "Ah..."


    "Hm? What was that?"


    "Ahh!"


    Seeing his annoyed expression, Yue Ling smiles sweetly and stuff the meat inside his mouth. She had heard him the first time, but she wanted to tease him. It was her payback for him always teasing her. Besides, knowing he always has on a cold and aloof expression, she wants to see if he¡¯d do it. Surprisingly, he actually did!


    From the living room, Inu res at the evil peasant. He is a noble king, but the peasant was very cleaver. He actually got his mommy¡¯s full attention!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    After dinner, Lu Tian puts on a shirt and coat. He then takes the noble king outside to do his business. Yue Ling was not allowed to go, because Lu Tian said it was toote and not safe for a woman to go out.


    Ahh, if only he knew the other side of Han Yue Ling.


    Sighing, Yue Ling warms herself a ss of milk and walks out to the balcony. Stepping out, the cool night breeze brush against her. She walks to the end of the ss rail and stare out to the night view of Imperial. Just like the wind, sadness quickly crawls it¡¯s way to her heart...


    Her mind couldn¡¯t help but think about Jingxu and Ting... One is physically unstable, while the other is mentally unstable. Everything from now will no longer be the same... especially for Ting.


    When she went to visit Ting, she had spoke with the doctor. They were able to stabilize his leg, but he will be limited to do things. Too much pressure will add more harm his bone.


    Thinking of Ting¡¯s sudden life change, Yue Ling sighs. For some people, they recover and strive to live on, however, for some, they live in pain and lose themselves into darkness.


    Which path will Ting choose?


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice from behind brings Yue Ling out of her thoughts. She did not turn to look at him, but continue to stare out to Imperial.


    "Nothing. The view was just very beautiful."


    Indeed the view was very beautiful. However, to Lu Tian, it wasn¡¯t Imperial. Instead, it was the beautiful woman standing in front of the view. He walks to her and wrap his arms around her waist and rest his head on her shoulder.


    When he came back from taking Inu outside, he didn¡¯t find her inside the penthouse. He knew she didn¡¯t leave because her house slippers were not by the door. So, he came to check the balcony, and found her. Instead of going to her right away, he leaned against the door and decided to enjoy the view of her for a big.


    However, strangely to him, the longer he stare at her back, he can¡¯t help but get this tightening feeling in his heart. The same feeling he got when he first saw her on the balcony.


    Alone and distant.....


    Thinking till there, Lu Tian tightens his arms around Yue Ling¡¯s slim figure. This woman gives him an unexinable feeling that he cannot describe, but he wants her to trust him. To know that she is not alone, because she has him.


    He wants her to lean and depend on him.


    He tug her hair to one side and kiss the side of her neck. Slowly, he pulls her cardigan down and his kiss trail to her shoulder.


    "Mm~"


    Yue Ling subconsciously close her eyes and let out a soft moan. The sudden cold wind and Lu Tian¡¯s lips on her skin somehow made her feel rxed.


    Like it was the most natural thing to do, she turn her body to face the man and wrap her arms around his waist.


    Lu Tian slips his bandage hand through Yue Ling¡¯s cardigan and held her back, feeling the silk of her nightgown. His other hand moves up and caress her cheek.


    They stare deeply into each other¡¯s eyes. Then like a spell suddenly being cast, Lu Tian lower his head and Yue Ling raise her head. Their eyes closed as their lips touch and everything following deepens.


    Lu Tian scoops Yue Ling in his arms. His lips never leaving hers as he carries her princess style inside.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 138 If she knows

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Being set down, Yue Ling could feel the softness of the bed, then Lu Tian¡¯s weight on top of her. Not only was it his weight, but also the awoken dragon, slightly touching her entrance.


    Realizing something, she quickly moves and tries to sit up.


    "W-wait."


    Lu Tian lift his head and looks at Yue Ling with both his forearm ce on the side of her head.


    Yue Ling stare at Lu Tian and she fell into a trance. She had to admit, Lu Tian is a very good looking man. Like too good looking. He is one of the most handsomest man she¡¯s ever met. Strangely, she, out of all people, he chose to be in a rtionship with.


    Even more strange was, he is the person she allowed herself to be in a rtionship with....


    Will he leave once he knows the real her? The her who¡¯s hands has been stained with blood? Will he think she had used him as a recement for Shin?


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice once again, broke her from her thoughts. Knowing he is waiting for her to answer and she doesn¡¯t want him to know what she thought of, she points to the door.


    "The door... Inu mighte in..."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian arch a brow. She had told him to wait because she was worried about the enemy? He stayed unmoving on top of her and stare deeply into her bluish green eyes that color the inds.


    "I already locked the door."


    "....."


    Beneath, Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Was this his motive? Lock the door and then eat her tofu? Ahh! He must have nned this all out!!


    Wait.... didn¡¯t he hurt his hand? Oh god! He even carried her from the balcony to the bedroom!


    Taking a deep breath, Yue Ling looks seriously at Lu Tian, "I think we should just go to sleep. Your hand is hurt and it needs to heal."


    Lu Tian lower his head and whispers into Yue Ling¡¯s ear, "I can use my left hand."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was even more dumbfounded. He can use his left hand to eat her tofu but not his food? Did she look like an idiot to him?


    She part her lips to retort, but before she could utter a sound, Lu Tian¡¯s face shadow hers. His lip captures hers, blocking all her words.


    Their kiss deepened and became more passionate. Through each gap of their kiss, Yue Ling tries to speak.


    "Wait... Tian... the light..."


    Having the lights on was too embarrassing for her. She wasn¡¯t ashamed of her body, but the feeling of being looked at while they do it was too much. Especially when the man is the shameless Lu Tian!


    Lu Tian pulls away and looks at her red and swollen lips then her eyes.


    "I want to see you. All of you."


    The gravel in his voice sent sudden shivers to Yue Ling. With his bandage hand supporting his weight on top of her, Lu Tian lower his head and press his lips onto hers again.


    His left hand arch her right leg and he caress the side of her thigh. Their lips never parted as his tongue soon dance together with hers.


    "Ah~"


    Lu Tian¡¯s hand slid under Yue Ling¡¯s silk nightgown and she was forced to break the kiss in a soft moan. She felt his hand make it¡¯s way to her entrance.


    "Haa~"


    She gasp a mouthful of air as he rubbed her through the fabric of her panties and his lips move lower to neck.


    Feeling her be wet, he moves his hand and removes her cardigan. Doing so, he slides the strap of her nightgown down and takes her bra off in one swift move. Lu Tian lowers his head and takes her right breast into his mouth. Yue Ling could feel his tongue y with her nipple, sending a tingling sensation to her body.


    "Mmm~"


    Yue Ling did not know when or how, but Lu Tian who is supposed to have a wounded hand had removed both of their clothes.


    He lift her legs up and spread them apart. Knowing she is ready to wee him, he plunge himself into her.


    "Ahh~~!"


    Yue Ling cries a moan as Lu Tian groan feeling the inside of her. He slightly lift his upper body and looks down at her. The sound of her moaning voice and her expression into passion always drives him crazy. Making him want her more and more. Like a dream he never wants to wake up from.


    After a few thrusts, Lu Tian lowers his head and kisses her again as his hips continue to move. Yue Ling wraps her legs around his waist. Her hands can¡¯t help but run through his dark silky hair as he keeps thrusting deeper into her.


    "Mn~ Tian~!"


    Within minutes, her body was bouncing up and down on the bed as Lu Tian plunged into her harder and harder. Her body shudder with pleasure each time he increase his hips.


    His thrusting was apanied with the kisses he showered on her. Sometimes, his lips press on hers, while other times, they press other parts of her body.


    Yue Ling was given a good hard groping as Lu Tian thrust deeply into her relentlessly. Until she was reaching her limit, he roughly shove into her as he finished inside her. He slump down on top of her and his head nuzzle against her cheek.


    Their moans and groans were now reced with their gasping breaths. Their body still joined as one.


    Even though they were covered in sweat, Yue Ling found the feeling of Lu Tian beside herforting. She closed her eyes andy beneath him, breathing hard.


    After a long while, Lu Tian finally pulls out of Yue Ling. He kiss her forehead and gets up. Going into the bathroom, he cleans himself then walks back to the king sized bed. With a warm damp towel, he wipes Yue Ling clean and puts her nightgown back on her. Then he pulls theforter and covers her.


    Yue Ling was extremely tired. She had busted a mission to save Jingxu and Ting; and now she just had an intense workout with the man who seems to be rubbing his shamelessness onto her. Her eyes at this moment were very heavy and letting sleep take over, she falls into slumber.


    Lu Tian watched the beauty sleep and his lip curl upwards. He dress himself and nts a kiss on Yue Ling¡¯s forehead. Grabbing a cigarette, he goes out to the balcony.


    Sitting down on the lounge chair, he lights the cigarette and his thoughts trail to now sleeping beauty inside.


    If she knows he is a ruthless man of the business world, would her attitude towards him change?


    If she knows he is a multi-billionaire, will she see him for his money or for himself?


    If she knows he is a man who¡¯s hand has taken countless lives, would she still want to be with him?


    Deep into his thoughts, the cigarette in his hand burn to the end and burn his hand. Lu Tian nce down at the dead cigarette, he throws it away and walks back inside.


    Walking over to his side of the bed, heys down and gently pulls the sleeping beauty into his arms. He kiss her on the lips and hugs her tightly, but not too tight that it¡¯d disturb her sleep.


    The sudden image of her on the balconyes to his mind. He softly press his head against hers and whispers in a voice that can barely be heard.


    "Please let me be your strength."


    "Mm....."


    Yue Ling softly hummed as she adjust herself loser to Lu Tian for more warmth andfort. Her arms unknowingly wraps around his waist and she drifts back to sleep.


    Seeing her cat like movement, Lu Tian¡¯s heart softened. He knows it wasn¡¯t possible, but he couldn¡¯t help feel that she had heard his words and answered him. Unknown to him, he smile faintly as he closed his eyes and allow sleep to take over.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 139 I think you will

    ¡ª¡ª-


    Rays of light beam it¡¯s way into penthouse 1503. Yue Ling slowly open her eyes and stretch her arms and legs.


    "Hmm~!"


    Sitting up, she nce at the empty spot next to her. Surprisingly to her,st night the shameless man had not eaten her tofu till sunrise. He actually allowed her to sleep. Moving theforter, she makes her way to the bathroom.


    Finished washing up, she puts on a T-shirt dress. Wrapping a shawl around her body, she goes into the kitchen to make breakfast. However, the sound of sizzling and a delicious aroma enters her five senses.


    She frowns, ¡¯Hm? Didn¡¯t he leave?¡¯


    Stepping into the kitchen, she sees the broad back of Lu Tian. He stood like an expert chef in front of the stove. Only thing different was, he had a shirt on this time.


    Seeing him struggling with the spat in his left hand, she finally remembers something. Running to him, she reach her hands out.


    "Wait! Let me cook!"


    Lu Tian turns to the sleeping beauty who¡¯s now awake. He looks at her, then at the spat in his hand. His mind pondering in thoughts. Thinking of something, he moves his hand and hides the spat behind him.


    "You¡¯re awake. Good morning."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stare at the man dumbfounded. Did he really think he was slick? She knows he¡¯s having a hard time cooking breakfast and he had heard her. Yet, he still tries to hide the spat?


    She sighs, "Tian, give me the spat."


    Lu Tian: "I can cook."


    Yue Ling: "Give me the spat."


    Lu Tian: "It¡¯s not a big deal to cook."


    Yue Ling: "Give me the spat."


    Lu Tian: "Give me a kiss first."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush red. She really doesn¡¯t know what to do now. She was worried about his wounded hand, but who would have thought she¡¯d fall into his shameless and childish trick!


    Taking a deep breath, she pinch the space between her brows, "Fine. Will you give me the spat then?"


    Lu Tian pretends to think at her question. Did he care if he was being childish? Of course not! If it¡¯s to get his wife¡¯s attention, he will be anything for her! After thoroughly thinking, he nod his head.


    "Mm."


    Taking a step forward, Yue Ling locks her eyes attentively at Lu Tian. She raise her left hand and grabs his nape. Using a little strength, she pulls him lower and her lip press against his.


    At the same time, Lu Tian¡¯s lips curl upwards into a satisfy smile. Yue Ling quickly snatch the spat and pulls away. She scoffs at him sarcastically, like she was unsatisfied.


    "Go sit down."


    "Mm. Mm."


    Lu Tian smiles widely like an idiot and obliged to his wife¡¯smand. A morning kiss from her was the best. However, he didn¡¯t go sit, instead he puts on a windbreaker jacket.


    Inu¡¯s ears perk up when he heard the shuffle of Lu Tian¡¯s windbreaker. He gets up and looks at the evil peasant. Turning his head, he walks to the front door and sits.


    Walking to the counter, Lu Tian grabs the dog leash. When his eyesnded on Inu, he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. The enemy was actuallypromising very well with him. Is it because Yue Ling is here?


    Of course, Inu had topromise. His mommy is here and he needed to go handle his business.


    "Wroof! Wroof!"


    ¡¯Hurry up you peasant! This noble king needs to go use the bathroom!¡¯


    Lu Tian shakes his head and takes Inu out. From the kitchen, Yue Ling tries to hold in herugh. She can¡¯t help but imagine Inu as a human kid and both he and Lu Tian shing heads together.


    What a scene that would be?!


    Shaking her head, she continues to cook.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    When the time reached 7:30am, Yue Ling and Lu Tian had already finished their breakfast and got themselves ready for work.


    Yue Ling wore a white turtle neck sweater and tuck the front slightly in her ck faux leather pencil skirt. Her makeup was light and she let her wavy hair loose.


    She walks out of the closet room. Her ck trench coat and LV tote in one hand, while her ck Christian Louboutin in the other hand.


    "Need help?"


    She asks as she steps into the living room. Lu Tian at this moment was struggling to fix his necktie. He looks at his beautiful wife and pout his lips. Then he nod his head.


    His expression looked like a genius elementary kid who couldn¡¯t solve a problem and reluctantly asks for help.


    Yue Ling chuckles inside and sets her things on the couch. She reach over and starts fixing his tie. As she fix his necktie, Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but sigh at the way his wife looks. She was indeed too breath taking. Remembering Xu Long mention she was a supermodel, he felt annoyed in his heart. Just how many men has seen his wife¡¯s face? Then again, remembering that she retired from the modeling industry, he felt slightly better. There won¡¯t be any noisy buzzing bees around his wife. Right?


    "All done."


    Yue Ling smiles and trace the tip of her fingers on Lu Tian¡¯s neck tie. Then she takes a step back. Turning to get her things, she sees Lu Tian¡¯s ck suit jacketying next to hers. She naturally picks it up.


    "Here, I¡¯ll help you put it on."


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian looks at her and he can¡¯t but feel like he is on cloud nine. She isn¡¯t his wife yet, but the them at this moment looked like real husband and wife. He turn and slip his arms into the sleeves of his suit jacket.


    Putting it on, Yue Ling takes a few steps to stand in front of Lu Tian and fix the cor of his suit. She smiles in satisfaction before she puts her Christian Louboutins on, then her trench coat. As she did so, Lu Tian was in awe. He will never get enough of her.


    Once Yue Ling was ready to leave, she hugs and kiss her baby, then she and Lu Tian leaves the penthouse.


    Inu watched the two peasants leave and he sighs. Here¡¯s to another day of waiting for his mommy.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Stepping out of the elevator, Yue Ling and Lu Tian looks at the front desk. Neither of them were aware they had done the same thing at the same time.


    "Good morning!"


    A cheerful voice sounds from the desk and a young girl in her twenties stands up. She bows and greets the couple.


    Yue Ling stare at the girl. She smiles a polite smile at the girl, "Good morning."


    Her heart felt heavy, thinking how it¡¯s not Ting but someone else...


    From her side, Lu Tian nod his head. However he didn¡¯t care about the girl. When he looked at the desk, it was the desk that he looked at. To him, the only woman he wants and will look at is his wife. Of course, there¡¯s his mother too, but she doesn¡¯t count.


    Gently, he ce his hand on Yue Ling¡¯s back.


    "We¡¯re going to bete."


    His tone was his usual cold and indifferent voice, but to the girl, Lu Tian sounded like a caring husband.


    "Haaaa¡ª"


    She sighs when Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s figures disappears out the door.


    "Haaaaaah!!!"


    Just when she sat down, she sucks in a mouthful of air. Both her hands cover her mouth and her eyes widen.


    How could she be so slow and stupid?! The beautiful woman and the handsome man weren¡¯t just anyone! They were actually the highly well known supermodel, Han Yue Ling and China¡¯s most eligible bachelor, Lu Tian!


    She grabs her phone and opens her WeChat to make a post, however....


    "Haaaah....."


    She puts her phone down and sigh again. Manager Luo had specifically said everything that goes on in Jade Condos is confidential. He doesn¡¯t want his guests¡¯ personal lives to be known to the world.


    Just how big of a shocking news this would this be? The supermodel Han Yue Ling and the bachelor Lu Tian are no longer on the avable chart!


    How many men and women would be heartbroken?


    Even sadder, she can¡¯t tell anyone....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Give me your phone."


    Lu Tian stretch his hand out the moment they arrived at their cars and ask for Yue Ling¡¯s phone.


    "...."


    Yue Ling stare confusedly at him, then she gets her phone in her bag and hands it to Lu Tian.


    "Why do you need my phone?"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t answer. He works his fingers on her phone then his. After he was done, he hands it back to her. He ignores Yue Ling¡¯s confused look and kiss her lips.


    "Come to my workce for lunch."


    "....."


    Yue Ling blinked her eyes at Lu Tian. Lunch? Will their schedule even fit? She looks at him, then she frowns.


    "Do I have to?"


    Lu Tian smiles and sneakingly kiss his wife¡¯s lips again.


    "If you want to see your airport bags alive, I think you will."


    "...."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen and her mind went nk for a second. Her luggage and bag that had went missing were actually in his hands this whole time?!


    Her chest heave up and down. He didn¡¯t say anything until now?! Does he not know that he stole her things?!


    "Tian, how can you¡ª"


    Before she could finish, Lu Tian¡¯s lips captures hers again. He moves away and pecks her forehead.


    "I¡¯ll see you at lunch."


    Ignoring her blushing and angry look, he strides to his car.


    "...."


    Yue Ling stood rooted to the ground. She could not put everything that just happened together. Unknowingly to her, Lu Tian had already got inside his car and drove towards the exit of the parking garage.


    *ring ring*


    Looking down at her phone, she was even more dumbfounded. Lu Tian had actually saved his number into her phone. Not only that, he saved himself under ¡¯Darling, Tian¡¯. Ignoring the name, she answers.


    Yue Ling: "Tian."


    Li Tian: "If you keep standing there, you¡¯re going to bete for work."


    Yue Ling: "Y-You¡ª"


    She moves her phone from her ear and nce at the time on her phone and her eyes widen more! She was going to bete! Not caring about the man she quickly hangs up and dash into her car.


    Her mind forgetting that Lu Tian had kissed her three times. She at this moment is focused on getting to work on time!


    In Lu Tian¡¯s Audi R8, he chuckles in thought of his wife. He didn¡¯t mean to leave her, but if he stayed any longer with her, he¡¯ll not want to part from her.


    Remembering how he told her toe to his workce for lunch, he sighs. He actually wanted to pick her up from De L¡¯amour and take her out to lunch, but he couldn¡¯t. If he did, she will know that he knows she¡¯s is the CEO of both De L¡¯amour and An Qing.


    So for now, he¡¯ll wait until she personally tells him, since she hasn¡¯t told him much about her new career.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 140 As your friend

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling parks her white BMW x5m in the parking lot located in the back for De L¡¯amour. Walking through the double doors, Sophia greets her.


    "Good morning, CEO Han."


    "Good morning, Sophia."


    Sophia smiles at her beautiful boss. Watching her boss head towards the elevator. Just when the elevator dings, she suddenly remembers something.


    "Ah! CEO Han, this came for you."


    She picks up a package and walks to her boss.


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling takes the package and looks at it. It was quite heavy and there was no sender, but she knew very well who was sent from. She looks at Sophia and smile, "Thank you."


    She turn and enters the elevator. It didn¡¯t take long before the elevator dings again and she arrived at her floor. Neither Liu Shan or Ming Yue had arrived. ncing at the wall clock above of Ming Yue¡¯s desk, Yue Ling sighed.


    ¡¯Today¡¯s going to be a very long day.....¡¯


    She walks into her office and prepare herself for work. Sitting in her chair she turns herputer on. As it was loading, she pursed her lips at the package.


    Why would Beauty reach out to her? Don¡¯t they know that she is no longer a model?


    Looking at the package, Yue Ling was in awe though. It was a white gift box, with three inch width ribbon wrapped around into a bow. Every time she received a package from Beauty, it was always packaged the same, because she had once told them she liked this style.


    Shaking her head, she opens it without hesitation. Seeing what was inside, she arch her brow then she chuckles.


    "Ah.. really...."


    Inside the box was a greeting card with five magazines from Beauty in different years and seasons; and on the front cover of each magazine was her.


    She sighs and opens the card.


    *ring ring*


    Before she could read the card, the phone in her office rings. Not thinking much, she answers.


    "Hello. Han Yue Ling speaking."


    ["Yue Ling! Yue Ling!"]


    Hearing the man¡¯s cheerful voice, Yue Ling nce at the card in her hand and sighs. She slightly shakes her head. Did this person attach a camera to see when she¡¯d open the package?


    "Wu Jing."


    ["Hahah, did you open the gift I sent yet?"]


    "Mm. What is your purpose in doing so? You know I¡¯m no longer a model."


    ["Yea, I know, but how can I not take the chance and ask you to be the model for my Beauty. *sigh* You know, for the past years, it¡¯s you who have been on the front cover of all my magazines."]


    "You can find someone else."


    ["I don¡¯t want to... Did you see the five magazines I sent you?"]


    "Mm."


    ["Well, there¡¯s twenty more in my office from the past seasons you worked with Beauty. I didn¡¯t want to send all of them because it¡¯d be too heavy. I also know that you are no longer a model, but did some thinking, how about you do Beauty¡¯s front cover shoot as the designer and CEO of De L¡¯amour."]


    "...."


    Yue Ling did not know whether tough or cry. This man would go to any means (in a good way) to get what he wants. She¡¯s known him since she started modeling and he¡¯s a very good hearted person.


    ["Yue Ling? Yue Ling? Are you still there?"]


    "Mm."


    ["Pheww¡ª. How about it? I know you have new designs for De L¡¯amour¡¯s winter fashion. I get you as the face of Beauty¡¯s cover and you get your designs shown to the world."]


    Yue Ling pout her lips and ponder in Wu Jing¡¯s words. She was no longer a model, but she was still a fashion designer and Beauty was also a well known in China.


    Leaning back in her chair, she looks at the ck book with De L¡¯amour¡¯s designs. Lifting her hand, she touch her chin.


    But is it a good idea? Even without Beauty, she still has her ways to get her line out. The week before her yeye¡¯s birthday banquet is the winter fashion show in Imperial. To her, winning isn¡¯t a big thing, as long as her designs get recognized, she is fine.


    Thinking till there, shees to a decision.


    "Give me some time to think."


    ["Ahhh... Okay, the shoot is on Wednesday. Let me know when you¡¯ve decided. *sob* Remember, I only want you on the cover of my magazine."]


    "Mm."


    Not waiting, she ends the call. Looking at the five magazines, an unexinable feel dull in her. The first time she modeled was when she wore her first finished design. It was also why she became a model. She wanted to show the world her hard work and let models walk the runway in her designs.


    *knock knock*


    The sudden knock at the door interrupts Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts. Then a sluggish Liu Shan enters her office.


    "Boss...."


    Yue Ling nce at her assistant and she swore, her soul had left her body for a split second. She calm herself and looks at Liu Shan.


    "Why do you look like that?"


    Liu Shan no longer held his youthful and handsome look of a 27 year old. His usual nicelybed hair was messy with fringes cover his eyebrows. Dark eye bags hung under his eyes and his clothes were disheveled. His outer zer was wrongly unbuttoned and he even wore two different shoes; Oxford on his right and sneaker on his left.


    Yue Ling sighed in relief inside. At least he got his pants on correctly.... right?


    Liu Shan drag his feet to his boss¡¯s desk. He puts some folders down, "Boss, these are the drafts and blueprints for today¡¯s meeting."


    "You didn¡¯t answer my question. Why do you look like that?"


    Hearing this, Liu Shan res at Yue Ling, then he sighs, "Why? You¡¯re asking me why? me your secretive life. *sob* I was up all night staring at myptop. Who ever that unknown group was, they also have an expert hacker. Not only that, they were trying to dig more information about you. Haaaah.... Thankfully Lin Hui and I were able to block all their ess."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    "Why do you have to live so secretive? Do you know how hard it is to block people from trying to hack your information...."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Liu Shan turns and sluggishly makes his way to the couch in his boss¡¯s office. He flops down with his face and stomach hitting the cushion.


    "If you see me as your friend, let me sleep a bit. I won¡¯t bother you¡ªzzzz."


    Yue Ling watched her assistant friend and the corners of her mouth twitch. If Liu Shan looked like this? What about Lin Hui?


    Thinking of them, her lip curls upward. She needed to protect her identity, because it¡¯s too dangerous for those by her sides. She only allowed some things about her to be easily hacked, because those things were what she didn¡¯t mind others knowing.


    Even with Shin, she had Liu Shan and Lin Huiplete block anyone from finding more about him. Shin wasn¡¯t just a regr pop idol of FAITH, he had his other identity too. Neither were any of the members of FAITH. FAITH was just a cover up for the them and for them, she will definitely protect.


    Not just FAITH, but her Yeye and Jingxu too.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 141 The footage

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    In the center of Imperial, Lu Corps¡¯ dark and high building stood like a mighty king.


    Inside, Lu Tian sat on the couch in his office. His back leaned on the couch and his arms crossed over his chest. With one leg crossed over the other making a four figure, he stare indifferently at the man across from him.


    "Report."


    Xu Long nervously swallow his saliva. He looks down at theptop in his arms, then he takes a deep breath to steady himself.


    "I wasn¡¯t able to get everything, but I was able to retrieve a small footage from the warehouse."


    He sets hisptop on the table and opens it. Turning it on, the screen quickly loads and he taps a button to open a window.


    "The footage is from the time you and Wolf Team heard the gun shots."


    Xu Long quickly press y and turns theptop to his boss. Like he was in a volcano, sweat slowly form on his forehead. His entire body bes more nervous as he watch his boss¡¯s expression.


    Lu Tian watch the video and each second that passed, his brows furrow tighter together.


    The video was very staticky, the figures in the video were not clear, but one could still faintly see who was foe. The video shown was as Xu Long said, Lu Tian and his team had just stepped into the warehouse.


    There were six remaining men from Ghost Gang, including Ti Lung. Laying unconscious wasn¡¯t just Ting but another boy too. Standing in the center of the room was another figure...


    Seeing the figure, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes narrowed. If the video was clearer, they would have been able to see the person¡¯s face. However.....


    Ti Lung seemed to have shouted something that made all the five men point their guns and shoot at the figure in the middle.


    Like a movie suddenlye to life, the figure dashes towards the man on the right. The figure dodges the bullet and swiftly, right foot on the man¡¯s knee, the figure jumps up and legs wrap the man¡¯s neck.


    The figure¡¯s hand at the same time reach for something on his leg and then blood squirt out as the first man is stab in the heart. The figure quickly grabs the man¡¯s gun in his hand, leaps down and a bullet shoots to the man across in the head.


    The figure didn¡¯t stop there, but quickly dash for the remaining men. Another bullet shoots the third man in the heart. When the man fell to the ground, the figure sends another bullet to his head.


    Like a shadow in the dark, the figure dodged all the bullets sent to him. Grabbing the fourth man¡¯s hand with the gun, the figure¡¯s body swings over around the man and sends a bullet to the head.


    As the fifth man fires his gun, the figure¡¯s head dodge to the left, then a bullet is sent to the fifth man¡¯s head then heart. The fifth man falls and the figure leaps for Ti Lung. However, the gun in the figures hand ran out of bullets. Throwing the gun, it hits Ti Lung on the forehead, making him stumble and falls backwards. The figure moves faster and snatch his gun from his hand.


    Ti Lung half sat on the floor behind his desk and looks at the figure. His mouth opens and closed, saying something, but becausetvs don¡¯t capture sounds, Lu Tian didn¡¯t know what Ti Lung had said.


    Continuing to watch, the figure sends a bullet to Ti Lung¡¯s heart. Quickly moving, the figure dashes for the boy beside Ting. Lifting him up, the two figures jumped out of the window. Then after a few seconds, Lu Tian¡¯s figure appears at the door followed by Jiang Yu.


    *du*


    The video ended and the screen turns ck. Lu Tian sat with his indifferent expression. He thought about the figure in the footage. Who ever this person is, he has very skill marksmanship and fighting skills. Not only that, this person¡¯s moves were fast and extremely deadly. But.... for some reason, he felt this person looked very familiar.....


    Except, he was sure he¡¯s never encounter this man before.....


    Not only that, but who was the other boy?


    "Boss...."


    Hearing Xu Long, he nce at his assistant. His expression saying, ¡¯what?¡¯


    Xu Long swallow no saliva, "Boss, the time frame of this footage was longer but from my calctions, everything in this one footage is exactly ten seconds."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darkened. This person killed in ten seconds? That means, this person has killed for a long time....


    "Find out who the man and the other boy is. Ask Ting if you have to. Report back when you¡¯ve gathered information."


    "Y-Yes Boss!"


    Xu Long quickly stands up and grabs hisptop. Just when he was about to turn the door knob to leave, Lu Tian¡¯s next words made him dumbfounded.


    "Yue Ling ising here for lunch."


    "..."


    He turns back to look at his boss and he was even more dumbfounded. Lu Tian who was just sitting on the couch is now sitting behind his desk. Xu Long couldn¡¯t help but wonder if his boss has superhuman powers. How can someone move from one spot to another without making a sound?


    Xu Long shakes his head to clear his mind, then he salutes to his boss, "Got it Captain!"


    He quickly open the door and leaves the office. His boss has given two missions; one, make preparations for thedy body and two, find the man and boy in the footage.


    Closing the door, Xu Long¡¯s expression turns ugly and his hands itching to throw his expensiveptop.


    "Miss Qian, What business do you have up here?"


    Qian Li Li looks at Xu Long. She sneers inside at how she wants to get rid of this annoying assistant. However, she can¡¯t ruin her image, so she smiles sweetly at Xu Long and shows the papers in her hands.


    "I came to ask CEO Lu a question about these blueprints."


    Xu Long didn¡¯t care about formality, he scoffs in disgust, "Hem. If it¡¯s just that, you can just send me a question and I will answer them for you. CEO Lu is busy and has no time to answer your questions."


    "..."


    Qian Li Li was rendered speechless. She hates that she always encounters this annoying assistant every time shees to the top floor. Not only that, this man has no respect for her at all.


    "Miss Qian, if you¡¯re just here for your personal matters, then you don¡¯t belong here. Work is for work, not a ce for you imagine your fantasies."


    "...."


    Again, Qian Li Lin was at a loss for words. She clench her hands on the blueprints and crumples it a little. She res at Xu Long, then noticing the stares from the other workers, she smiles.


    "I¡¯lle back when CEO Lu isn¡¯t busy then."


    "Don¡¯te back. Your job had no reason to be on this floor. If you need anything answered, you can let Secretary Yu or me know."


    Xu Long didn¡¯t care if he hurts the woman¡¯s feelings or put her on st. To him, she is a disgusting evil vixen who he can careless about. Besides, hisdy boss is one trillion times better than this filthy witch.


    He sets hisptop on Secretary Yu¡¯s desk and steps back to the door. He cross his arms over his chest and stood in front of Lu Tian¡¯s closed door like a bodyguard.


    His expression clearly saying, ¡¯I won¡¯t go anywhere, so don¡¯t even think about going inside!!¡¯


    Qian Li Li sneers inside. Quickly turning around, she stride back to the elevator in a foul mood. She wanted to see her future husband, just one look is fine with her. Entering the elevator, she thinks of a n to get inside Lu Tian¡¯s office without Xu Long noticing.


    Watching the evil vixen leave, Xu Long sighs. How can this woman be so stupid? Can¡¯t she get the hints in his clear words? She¡¯s like blind to everything, did she really think his boss would fall for such a loose woman?


    Shaking his head, he grabs hisptop.


    "Secretary Yu, no matter what Miss Qianes here for, don¡¯t let her in boss¡¯s office. You of all people should know how he feels about women going inside his office." ¡ª of course, that doesn¡¯t apply to hisdy boss.


    Oblivious to the rest of Xu Long¡¯s unspoken words, Secretary Yu nods her head and gives Xu Long a thumbs up.


    She never liked Qian Li Li, so why would she let the woman near her boss? Of course, she¡¯s already seen Qian Li Li¡¯s ugly and real self too.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Sitting in his office, Lu Tian who was oblivious to the scene outside decides to push Ghost Gang¡¯s incident behind his head. The most important thing now, is where to take his wife for lunch.


    ncing at his phone, he pout his lip and frown.


    Why hasn¡¯t she contact him yet? Did she not miss him like how he miss her?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 142 Dear Readers !!!!

    <h4>Chapter 139 Dear Readers !!!!</h4>


    PLEASE READ!!!


    I¡¯M NOT DROPPING MY NOVEL. I JUST WANT TO LET YOU ALL KNOW, I¡¯VE BEEN BUSY WITH MY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SPENDING TIME WITH MY LOVED ONES.


    I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LATE AND SLOW UPDATES. I HOPE TO GIVE YOU ALL A MASS RELEASE ON MY NEXT FEW CHAPTERS FOR CHRISTMAS!


    I¡¯D LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR STILL BEING AROUND AND READ MY NOVEL!!!


    I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! ???????? ??


    SEE YOU IN THE CHAPTER!!!!


    -Abeehiltz ????????????????

 Chapter 143 A new trend

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    At De L¡¯amour, Ming Yue arrived to work and quickly gathers all the design drafts for the meeting. She walks towards Yue Ling¡¯s office. Like usual, she knocks first then enters.


    "CEO Han, I have all the drafts ready for¡ª"


    Before she could finish, she froze in ce. She stare in wide eye at one of the couches in her boss¡¯s office. Quickly, she rubs her eyes. Still seeing the figure, she looks at her Boss.


    However, she was dumbfounded. Her boss at this moment was calmly typing on herputer. She was not even bothered by the figure on the couch.


    Was this really her boss? Her boss who is a workaholic and doesn¡¯t allow anyone to ck off? Is this a dream? Was she seeing things?


    "What is it?"


    Yue Ling spoke as her eyes remain fixated on herputer screen.


    Ming Yue clear her throat and walks to Yue Ling¡¯s desk. She sets a few folders with the design drafts down.


    "These are the designs for today¡¯s meeting."


    Yue Ling stops typing and reach for one of the folders. She opens it and scans through the designs. She nod her head at some pages and frown at some, but she did not say a word.


    She scanned through a total of ten folders in fifteen minutes. Setting thest folder down, Yue Ling looks back to herputer screen and starts typing again.


    "Everything seems fine. You may leave. There¡¯s still thirty minutes until the meeting."


    "Yes, CEO Han.


    Ming Yue turns to leave, but she suddenly stops. Quickly, she nce at the couch then turn back to face her boss. Her mouth open and closed to say something, but nothing came out.


    From the corner of Yue Ling¡¯s eyes, she could still see her secretary¡¯s figure. She stops typing and nce at Ming Yue with an indifferent expression.


    "Anything else?"


    Ming Yue felt a sudden cold chill go down her spine when her eyes met her boss¡¯s. It was always those bluish green eyes that made her feel scared. As if those eyes could see straight into one¡¯s soul.


    Quickly diverting her eyes, Ming Yue takes a deep breath to calm her imagination.


    "CEO Han, as your secretary, I think you shouldn¡¯t allow assistant Liu to casually sleep at work, especially not in your office. Words might travel about you and assistant Liu."


    "...."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t say anything but look at Ming Yue. She calmly leans back on her chair and slightly tilt her head. Her eyes never once leaving the woman¡¯s eyes.


    Ming Yue became even more nervous after she finished what she wanted to say. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at her boss at all. To her, it was as if the temperature in the room had turned negative degrees. However, she already said what she wanted, so why stop there. Plus, her Boss wasn¡¯t saying anything, so that was a sign for her to continue.


    "CEO Han, don¡¯t take what I said to the heart. I¡¯m just trying to help you from allowing others to spread rumors. I¡¯m just looking out for you. You know I¡¯ve been here¡ª"


    "By ¡¯others¡¯, do you mean you?"


    Yue Ling arch a brow and her calm voice interrupted Ming Yue. However, one can definitely hear the coldness in her tone.


    Ming Yue bit her lower lip, then she nods her head, "CEO Han, what I mean is¡ª"


    "What you mean is, if I keep treating Liu Shan this way, everyone here at De L¡¯amour will say I¡¯m favoring him?"


    Ming Yue: "....."


    Yue Ling leans forward. Both her elbows on her desk and her chin rested on her intwine fingers. Her eyes locked on Ming Yue¡¯s.


    "I pay you to be my secretary, not to question me. However, from what I¡¯m getting from you, is someone who thinks to highly of themself. You say you¡¯re helping me? By doing what? Comining? Have you seen any of my employeesing into my office andin about you?"


    Ming Yue: "....."


    Ming Yue was rendered speechless. Sheined because she hated how Yue Ling treated her and Liu Shan so different. Liu Shan¡¯s work wasn¡¯t much except follow Yue Ling around. Why is he more favored?


    Yue Ling sneers inside. She already know what was on Ming Yue¡¯s side. Ignoring the stupid woman, she continues to type on theputer.


    "If that¡¯s all, you can leave."


    "Yes, CEO Han."


    Ming Yue bows and quickly turns to leave with an ugly expression. Walking pass the couch, she res at Liu Shan. He slept like he was at home in hisfy bed. She sneers and walks out of the office. However, before she could even exit, Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounded from behind her.


    "Ming Yue, don¡¯t take what I said to the heart. As your boss, I¡¯m helping you by giving you an advice. Also, think before you decide to do something. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know about the ws that goes around MY De L¡¯amour."


    Yue Ling made sure to emphasize the word ¡¯my¡¯. Who was Ming Yue to question the way she handles her employees? If Yue Ling wanted to, she could get rid of the stupid woman. The only thing keeping her here is because Ming Yue is the mole An Qing nted.


    Oblivious to Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts, Ming Yue shivers as she didn¡¯t know what to say. Nodding her head, she quickly leaves the cold office. Closing the door, she walks in fast steps to her desk and sits down. Lifting her right hand, she bites her nail. It was a habit of hers when she¡¯s nervous.


    ¡¯Could it be? Does Han Yue Ling know about what I¡¯ve been doing? No.. that can¡¯t be. I¡¯ve made sure to destroy all the evidence.¡¯


    Thinking till there, she gets her phone and looks around. After making sure no one is around, she sends a message to someone.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Back in Yue Ling¡¯s office. She continues to work on theputer, "You can get up now."


    "Hmmf. Who does she think she is?"


    Liu Shan who was ¡¯sleeping¡¯ sat up with an annoyed expression. He had woke up when he heard the door open, but he decided to pretend to be asleep. He didn¡¯t expect that Ming Yue was so thick skinned and spoke to Yue Ling like she was superior.


    "Why don¡¯t you just get rid of her? She¡¯s a nuisance to De L¡¯amour."


    Yue Ling nce at her assistant. She wanted tough at his angry and sluggish appearance, but she decided to hold it in. Looking back to theputer screen, she clears her throat then spoke.


    "I¡¯ll let her do what she wants for now."


    Liu Shan frowns, "Why? You already have all the proof you need to get rid of all those scheming foxes."


    "It¡¯s not so bad to let them enjoy their life now for a bit. I want to wait until the fashion show to see what they¡¯vee up with. It is them, who gave me the chance to kill two birds with one stone."


    Listening, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes widen, "You mean..."


    "Ming Yue has been giving our fall fashion designs to An Qing."


    Liu Shan: "Hmmf. Can she any more stupid? She¡¯s been working for you for three years. How does she not know that An Qing is under De L¡¯amour."


    Yue Ling: "Liu Shan, you know that not everyone here knows that truth. Only those I brought from Korea knows."


    Liu Shan: "I know, I know."


    Standing up, he stretch and prepares to leave, "Thanks for letting me get some shut eye. I¡¯ll go prepare for the¡ª-"


    His eyes nce to the window, then taking a double look at the window again, he was dumbfounded.


    "Boss!! *sob* how could you not tell me I look like a beggar?! *sob*"


    Yue Ling: "Beggar? I think this look suites you quite well. Like.... a new trend."


    Liu Shan: "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 144 Double your salary

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    In the dark wall office of Lu Corps. Lu Tian frowns as he looks at the ck screen on his phone. He couldn¡¯t remain patient anymore. He unlocks his phone screen and sends a text.


    He¡¯s been waiting and waiting. Everything that he had been receiving on his phone was either work rted or from his family. He didn¡¯t answer any of those calls because he was worried he¡¯d miss his wife¡¯s call but.... not once did his wife call or send him a text.


    Looking at the time, he sighs. It was time for one of his boring meetings. Standing up from his chair, he buttons his suit jacket with his left hand and walks out of his office.


    Seeing his boss leaving, Xu Long also leaves his desk and runs after his boss. He held countless documents and folders in his hands.


    "Boss! Wait for me too! Don¡¯t leave me behind! Aiyah! Boss... oss¡ª"


    However, he frown when he saw his boss¡¯s bandage right hand. He couldn¡¯t help but let his mind wonder.


    ¡¯Did boss hurt himself during the unauthorized ck operation? Or.... did he make thedy boss angry?¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside the conference room, Lu Tian was seated in the main center seat. On both sides of the long glossy ck table were Lu Corps¡¯ board of directors. Each one dare not to look at their cold and ruthless boss.


    To them, every meeting had always been scary. No one dares to speak unless spoken to. Despite some of them being older than Lu Tian.


    In their eyes, Lu Tian was like a god, but behind that handsome and perfect appearance was no different than King Yama.


    Lu Tian scan the room with his dark eyes, then he looks at the wall clock; 10:00am. He needs to finish this meeting quick, before his wife gets here. Not only that, he still doesn¡¯t know where to take her to eat.... He¡¯s never been in a rtionship, so... what is he supposed to do? He took her to dinner, but....


    Thinking till there, he decided, he¡¯ll let Yue Ling pick where they should eat for lunch. It¡¯ll give him an idea of what she likes to eat.


    Ending his thoughts, he looks back at the board of directors, his appearance remained the same. It was as if the man now, was not just thinking about a woman.


    "It seems, when I returned from Korea, my words were not clear enough."


    His words were like dark clouds had suddenly roamed inside and the temperature dropped. Even if he was speaking calmly, his words sent chills to each board of director¡¯s hearts.


    "CEO Lu, as a member of the board of directors and shareholder of Lu Corps. I rmend you as the CEO of Lu Corps reconsider the new contract with TB Corps."


    Lu Tian nce to the middle aged man who just spoke, "Why do you propose I reconsider?"


    The man heaved a sigh in relief inside. He clears his throat and straighten his posture in his chair.


    "In the new contract, CEO Ning stated an increase of the shares to TB Corps. He also will be a shareholder at Lu Corps. If we can keep the contract from voiding, TB Corps¡¯ shipping docks will be of great aspect to Lu Corps."


    Another member of the board of directors follows after, "I agree with Director Qian. If we keep this new contract, it will be of great benefit to Lu Corps."


    "CEO Lu, we cannot terminate the contract with TB Corps. It¡¯ll cost too much loss for Lu Corps."


    "Yes, I agree, especially now that the year is ending. If we end the contract, Lu Corps will fall from the chart."


    "I disagree. TB Corps has always been under Lu Corps. This new contract is only so they can climb up in the business industry."


    "That¡¯s right, this new contract is their way to overthrow Lu Corps. I disagree in epting this new contract."


    Soon, the discussion amongst the board of directors turned into an argument. Some agrees to terminate the contract with TB Corps, while some wants to ept it.


    As their argument continue, Lu Tian remained quiet. He looked at all the faces of the people inside the room. Ever since he took over the position of CEO, he knew who truly supported him and who was scheming against him.


    Was he the type of person to let everything go? Of course not, if he wants to make something clear, he will do it.


    "Those who are against my decision, is that really how you see?" He paused to look at the men, then he continue, "Or is there a hidden agenda?"


    "....."


    His cold and deep voice silenced the conference room. Everyone held in their breaths and no one made a sound.


    "I am the CEO of Lu Corps, those who find my decision wrong, you can turn in your resignation letter after this meeting. I have no use for those who oppose my decisions."


    Lu Tian spoke as if he was having a normal conversation drinking tea. His dark eyes scan all the men who disagreed with his decision. Until his eyesnd on Director Qian.


    "I¡¯m sure, CEO Ning will double your sry."


    "..."


    Director Qian swallow no saliva as cold sweat form on his forehead. He lower his head nervously, avoiding any eye contact with the other members who were on his side. He never liked Lu Tian, but for now, he must bare everything patiently.


    He forced a smile and chuckles, "If CEO Lu has decided to terminate the contract, this subordinate will agree."


    As the room continued into a different topic, Xu Long who was quietly standing behind Lu Tian, clench his fists tightly. His eyes ring murderously at Qian Chi Xue.


    Xu Long had done a thorough investigation on the man and his evil vixen daughter, Qian Li Li. He found disgusting things about the father and daughter duo. All they want is wealth and power, nothing else. Also, they¡¯d do anything to climb up thetter.


    The only reason Xu Long hasn¡¯t done anything is because his Boss is letting the duo enjoy their remaining days before their life crumbles.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 145 Defying my order

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    While Lu Tian was in a meeting, Yue Ling was also in a meeting with her designers. Spread across the ss table were sketches and design drafts that were printed onto ck card stock sheets. Fall/Winter is one of the biggest season for the fashion industry.


    Sitting in the main seat, she nod her heads as she listens to each designer voice their opinion for the designs. Yue Ling looks at the seven people in the room.


    Tang Zhong Hui, technical designer; Lian Ni Shang, pattern maker; Shan Sinan, textile designer; Gui Tian Lan, tailor; Gui Zhongming, stylist; Ju Suo, fashion forecaster; and illustrator, Qi Li.


    Gui Zhongming, a handsome man wearing a very stylish outfit pass a design draft to Yue Ling, "These are the sketches I came up with when I visited Mnst week."


    Yue Ling scanned the draft and nod her head, "Mm. It looks good. We can start with the preparations for the uing fashion week."


    She then looks at Tang Zhong Hui, "Will you be able to ensure the correct garment construction?"


    "Of course I can."


    Tang Zhong Hui answers confidently. His baby face smiling with his teeth as he pats his chest. Even at the age of 28 year old, he stills looks young.


    Yue Ling reach for the ck 2 inch thick hardcover book in front of her. Scanning each page until shees to thest page, she leisurely close it.


    "Lian Ni Shang, Shan Sinan, Gui Zhongming, you three will go with Tang Zhong Hui to Mn. De L¡¯amour needs the best of all materials for this season¡¯s designs."


    Hearing their boss¡¯s order; all three people nod their heads. However, Tang Zhong Hui frowns. He leanszily on his chair and pout his lips.


    "Boss, how can you make me travel with the three of them? Myself, alone is already enough."


    "...."


    Everyone re at Tang Zhong Hui like he was an overconfident idiot. They have all followed Yue Ling way before she built De L¡¯amour. They know their boss isn¡¯t someone to cross the line with, even if she looked delicate. Did he really just speak to their boss like he was better than them all?


    Even knowing everyone else¡¯s thoughts, Tang Zhong Hui wasn¡¯t one bit bothered by the angry looks. He is the second person behind Liu Shan who knew Yue Ling the longest.


    Yue Ling looks at Tang Zhong Hui, "Are you defying my order?"


    Hearing this, Tang Zhong Hui looks at the other six people present, then his boss, he could only sigh, "Fine, Fine. You¡¯re the boss, so it¡¯s your call. I¡¯ll listen."


    "Good."


    Yue Ling looks at her subordinates. Her expression remained straight faced, but she was smiling inwardly. All seven of these designers were also her most trusted subordinates. They were considered family more than workers.


    After giving each designer their assigned job, Yue Ling stands up from her seat.


    "That¡¯s all for now."


    She didn¡¯t look back but leaves the room and heads to the elevator to her office.


    However, she did not realize that as her figure walks away, all the people left behind were staring at her. Until she got inside the elevator, Lian Ni Shang looks at Tang Zhong Hui.


    "How can you even think to defy boss¡¯s order?"


    Qi Li, the illustrator also agrees, "Bro, you know boss hates it when we don¡¯t follow her orders."


    "I already know that," Tang Zhong Hui sighs, then he pinch the space between his brows, "It¡¯s not that I want to defy her orders. I¡¯m just worried that if too many of us were to leave her side, those disgusting people will make their move."


    "....."


    Hearing his words, the room became quiet. Everyone¡¯s mind thinking of the same thing.


    After a long silence, Qi Li¡¯s expression darkens, his voice turned cold as he spoke, "As long as I¡¯m here, I won¡¯t let anyone harm Boss. She gave me a reason to continue living. I won¡¯t let those people sabotage and take credit for boss¡¯s hard work."


    Ji Suo nods her head, "That¡¯s right. Even if you four are away, Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan and I are still here."


    Gui Tian Lan: "We won¡¯t let anything happen to Boss. Don¡¯t forget, we are boss¡¯s Alpha Team and we have Liu Shan and Lin Hui here too."


    Everyone soon came to an understanding. For them, Yue Ling wasn¡¯t just their boss. She was their savior. The person who walked into their dark world and gave them a new life.


    Even if the other four members have to leave somewhere, with Liu Shan at Yue Ling¡¯s side means they have less to worry about. The man may act like a fool sometimes, but they all know and have seen the him behind the mask. Not only Liu Shan, but Lin Hui, who likes to stay in the dark.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Boss! I¡¯m over here!!"


    Liu Shan waves his arms out and calls out with a happy smile. He knew the time to all of Yue Ling¡¯s schedules, even when she¡¯s done. So he waits for her all the time.


    Yue Ling steps out of the elevator and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Liu Shan¡¯s appearance really matches well with his personality. The beggar style really suited him. Shaking her head, she walks to her office.


    "Follow me."


    As her figure walks pass Ming Yue¡¯s desk, Ming Yue dare not to look up. She was still scared after their conversation. Once Yue Ling and Liu Shan¡¯s figures enter the office, she sighed in relief. She can¡¯t screw this up.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling spoke as she sits down. She picks up a folder and starts reading the documents.


    "Book four flights in three days to Mn. I¡¯m sending Tang Zhong Hui, Lian Ni Shang, Shan Sinan and Gui Zhongming."


    Hearing the order, Liu Shan pout his lips. Usually, it was him who goes to gather all the materials... however, looking at his boss, he knows she¡¯s has her reasons.


    "What have you found on Ning Mei?"


    Liu Shan scoffs when he heard the question, "Heh, I found something very interesting. It seems CNJ Entertainment¡¯s Director Yeun is trying to get her the photo shoot for Beauty¡¯s Winter magazine. However, they haven¡¯t heard from Beauty yet."


    "Mm." Yue Ling nod her head, she nce at the package she received from Wu Jing. Her mind pondering to find her decision.


    At the same time Liu Shan¡¯s eyes follow his boss¡¯s and he crease his brows in confusion. What is this package?


    As he thinks about who sent the package, Yue Ling¡¯s voice answers his unspoken question.


    "Call Wu Jing. Tell him I ept his proposal."


    "....."


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes widen in shock. Wu Jing? Proposal? Does that mean Beauty¡¯s CEO had already asked Yue Ling to be the model? Holy cow! Just how pissed off will Ning Mei be!!!


    Yue Ling: "That¡¯s all. You can prepare the flights, then go on your lunch early."


    Liu Shan: "Yes, Boss."


    Yue Ling: "Oh and try not to scare the other workers too."


    Liu Shan: "..."


    Liu Shan was at a loss for words. Why did his boss have to make it seem like he always dressed like a beggar? If he wasn¡¯t an assistant, he would have be a stylist like Gui Zhongming! Then again, he couldn¡¯t me his boss. Even he was scared when he saw himself.... That was also a reason why he didn¡¯t go to the meeting.


    ncing at his disheveled clothes and mismatched shoes, he sighs. He should really go change when he go to lunch.


    Just as Liu Shan close the door, Yue Ling stop what she was doing. Leaning back, she rest her eyes, the day has barely started and she knows it was going to be very long.


    However, exactly five seconds into her rest, her personal phone rang. With her eyes closed, she crease her brows.


    *Ring ring*


    She sighed and reach for her phone. Not looking to see who the caller was, she answers the call.


    "Hello, this is Han Yue Ling."


    ["What¡¯s wrong ?"] a deep voice sounds from the other side.


    Without thinking, she blurted, "I¡¯m just tired."


    ["Tired? Should I pick you up for lunch then?"]


    "..."


    Lunch? Yue Ling¡¯s brows crease more. Why would this person call her and seemed to be worried about her? Not only that¡ª- Shit!!


    Her eyes shot open and she sits up, "T-Tian?"


    ["Mm."]


    "Why are you calling?"


    ["....."]


    "Hello? Tian?"


    ["Lunch."]


    "...."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Why would he call her to tell her that he¡¯s hungry? But it is close to lunch time, so did he call to remind her to eat? How sweet....


    She sighs a smile, "Tian, I¡¯ll eat lunch on time. Make sure you eat yours too."


    ["...."]


    "....."


    "Tian??" After a long silence, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but call for him. Why isn¡¯t he answering? Did the line cut off? She moves the phone from her ear and looks at the screen. ¡¯Darling, Tian¡¯ was still on the screen. The crease between her brows deepens. She ponder in thought, then....


    ¡¯Oh god!!! How could I have forgotten!!!¡¯


    "Haha. Tian, I was just kidding. How could I forget our lunch?" She force augh and looks at the wall clock in her office; 11:09am, "I¡¯lle pick you up at 11:45am, Okay?"


    Yue Ling spoke in one breath. She sighed inside and wipe the sweat that was not there on her forehead. If she had forgotten, she knows thatter, the shameless man will definitely torture her!


    However, Lu Tian did not answer her. She frown and calls his name again.


    "Tian?"


    After a shorter silence, a deep ¡¯mm¡¯ sounds from the other line. She sighs in another relief. He didn¡¯t seem mad, so she¡¯s safe for now.


    "Send me your work address. I¡¯ll see you in a bit then!"


    She didn¡¯t wait for Lu Tian to answer and quickly hangs up. Just as the call ended, her phone beeps with a message right away. She looks at it and takes a deep long breath. Gathering all her things, puts on her trench coat and leaves.


    "Boss! Boss, where are you going?"


    Liu Shan calls out from his office when he saw his boss leave her office. His boss usually doesn¡¯t go anywhere outside of work.. even during lunch. So does she have her coat and bag?


    Oh god! Is his boss meeting¡ª-


    "Lunch."


    Yue Ling spoke quickly and increase her speed to the elevator. He already knows about her rtionship with Lu Tian. Any slower and she knows Liu Shan will use this chance to make fun of her for making fun of him.


    "...."


    Liu Shan presses his lips tightly together. He tries to hold in hisugh. Seeing his boss act like a shy school girl, he is very happy for her. Like a proud father watching his little girl go off to college.


    What neither Yue Ling and Liu Shan knows is that, a certain someone had watched the entire scene. Ming Yue sneered in jealousy at Liu Shan. It is only a matter of time until An Qing takes over De L¡¯amou. When that happens, she will be the new CEO and the first person she¡¯ll get rid of is Liu Shan. Then Yue Ling will be her assistant!


    Of course, Yue Ling wasn¡¯t oblivious to Ming Yue¡¯s thoughts, however, she didn¡¯t even care. Getting inside her car, she types in the address given. Following, her car leaves De L¡¯amour¡¯s parking and drives off.


    To her, the most important thing right now, is to make sure the King of Jealousy is not having a childish tantrum.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 146 Important person

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    As Yue Ling heads to Lu Tian¡¯spany, Lu Tian sat in his chair and a small smile curl on his god-like face. His wife was going to be here. How he wish to let the whole world know how happy he is... actually, he can, but he needs his wife¡¯s approval first.


    As Lu Tian was in his own sweet thoughts, he did not realize his dumbfounded assistant. Xu Long stares in wide eyes and his mouth open in the shape of an ¡¯O¡¯. He could not believe his eyes at all. His boss had just return to his office from the meeting and he made a phone call. A phone call! His boss never makes a phone call, it was always others calling him!


    However, the most unbelievable thing did happen. Not only that, during that phone call, Xu Long paid very close attention to his boss¡¯s expressions. From happy to murderous and then happiness! Without a doubt, he knows there¡¯s only one person who can make his boss¡¯s cold and aloof aura break, and that person wasing here for lunch!


    Hisdy boss is reallying here!! Just what kind of uproar will Lu Corps be in today?!!!


    As quickly as the smile came, it disappears. Lu Tian returned to his mastered supreme poker face. He looks at his still dumbfounded assistant.


    "My wife will be here at 11:45am. Inform the security guard in advance to let her in right away."


    Wife.....?


    Xu Long tilt his head. Did his boss just called thedy boss wife? Oh lord! What kind of news is this?!! Never in his entire life, did he think to ever hear his boss use the word!! Wait... wife? His boss and thedy boss got married?


    Shaking his head, he straightens himself and salutes, "Sir! Yes sir!!"


    Xu Long sh out the door at the speed of light. He must notify the security guard and Secretary Yu of thedy boss¡¯s arrival!!! If he doesn¡¯t and hisdy boss gets into aplicated situation, who knows what kind of wrath will await him!!


    "...."


    Lu Tian watched his assistant leave. He didn¡¯t know tough or cry. Shaking his head, he looks at the time and goes back to working. He wants to get all his work done, so he can spend lunch with his wife without anything bothering him.


    While Xu Long ran like a maniac inside Lu Corps, all the employees were curious. However, no one dared to ask.


    Two female workers watched everything unfold and couldn¡¯t help but start a conversation.


    Girl 1: "Why is assistant Xu in such a hurry?"


    Girl 2: "I¡¯m not sure, something must have happened."


    Girl 1: "That reminds me, I have a friend who said she saw CEO Lu with supermodel, Han Yue Ling at the supermarket."


    Girl 2: "Eh?! You mean, THEE Han Yue Ling? The woman of every man¡¯s dream?!"


    Girl 1: "Yes, that Han Yue Ling. My friend said they were shopping together and CEO Lu even called her ¡¯wife¡¯."


    Girl 2: "Our cold and aloof CEO, who is handsomely charming with the delicate and beautiful, Han Yue Ling... What a perfect match."


    The woman sighs, "Its a pity, that mean our boss is no longer China¡¯s most eligible bachelor. Just how many women would be heart broken..."


    Girl 1: "I¡¯m also heartbroken. Ie to work everyday just too see our handsome boss! But, I don¡¯t mind mydy boss being Han Yue Ling. She¡¯s a true beauty and everyone says she¡¯s a good person. Unlike the so-called beauty here, who is a fake."


    As the two women continue into their conversation, they did not realize that everything they said was heard. Qian Li Li stood behind the two women with only a giant nt blocking her from view.


    She wore a pink blouse tucked inside a navy pencil skirt with matching pink sandal heels. Her nails digging into her clenched palms and her eyes ring daggers at the two women.


    Qian Li Li had follow Xu Long to the first floor because she wanted to know why he was in such a rush. But who knew she¡¯d overhear the two women¡¯s conversation.


    ¡¯My Lu Tian and Han Yue Ling? Hmmf, dream on! This world isn¡¯t so small. Han Yue Ling may be Asia¡¯s number one ranking model, but doesn¡¯t mean she knows Lu Tian. How dare these lowly sluts say the two were a couple! Only, I, Qian Li Li am worthy to be Lu Tian¡¯s wife!¡¯


    Just then, her eyes caught sight of Xu Long¡¯s figure. He said something to the front receptionist and quickly leaves out the double doors of Lu Corps. Quickly, she ignores the two women and heads over to the front desk.


    Seeing Qian Li Li, the girl at the receptionist desk smiles, "Miss Qian, how can I help you?"


    Qian Li Li smiles politely, "I have a packaged delivered, is it here yet?"


    "Oh, let me check." The girl looks at theputer and types away.


    Purposely distracting the dumb girl, Qian Li Li sneers inwardly, "I just saw assistant Xu, Why was he in such a hurry?"


    Without thinking, the girls answers as she types on the keyboard, "Oh, assistant Xu said a very important person ising to Lu Corps."


    Qian Li Li pout her red lips, "Important? Did he say who?"


    "Assistant Xu said it was¡ª-"


    Realizing she had messed up, the girl looks at Qian Li Li then she lower her head, "Assistant Xu said it was confidential."


    Qian Li Li clench her fists. She is the future wife of Lu Tian, how dare these workers talk and keep things from her! Annoyed, she turns and leave from the receptionist.


    "Miss Qian, What about your package? I haven¡¯t¡ª"


    Before the girl could finish, Qian Li Li¡¯s figure had already turned around the corner.


    "...."


    Qian Li Li stops at a corner where no workers were in sight, she stomps her heel and her nostril ring. Taking out her phone, she dials a number. After five rings, someone answers.


    ["Li Li, I am currently busy. What is it?"]


    "Dad, who is CEO Lu meeting today?"


    ["Meeting? His next meeting isn¡¯t until 2pm.]


    "Dad, I heard that a very important person ising to meet CEO Lu. Do you know if this person is a man or a woman?"


    ["Li Li, why would CEO Lu meet a woman? You know how he is. The very important person he is meet is Zi International¡¯s CEO."]


    Hearing her father¡¯s words, Qian Li Li sighed in relief. She said goodbye and ends the call. So, Lu Tian wasn¡¯t meeting a woman. Just as her father said, Lu Tian has never been in a scandal and he didn¡¯t like to be close to women. She has been slowly making her progress to get closer to the man of her dreams.


    Calming herself, she heads to her office with a happy smile, making all the male workers blush and admire her beauty.


    How they wish to court her....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 147 Dream finally come true

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    After Yue Ling left De L¡¯amour, she stopped by a Japanese restaurant and purchased two bento boxes to go. She didn¡¯t feel like dining out for lunch. It wasn¡¯t that she was embarrass to be seen with Lu Tian, she rather it be only them. Plus, with she wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d like all the attention when fans notice her.


    Arriving at Lu Corps, Yue Ling was mesmerized by the tall and luxurious ck building. It reminds her of a painting and at the same time, the headquarters of an assassin organization in a movie.


    Turning the steering wheel, she pulls up into the garage parking. Rolling down her window, she greets the security guard.


    "Hello."


    "Hi miss, how can I¡ª-"


    The security guard steps out of the gate booth and he was rendered speechless. His mouth opened into an ¡¯O¡¯. He could not believe his eyes at all! When assistant Xu informed him, he almost choked on his saliva. Not only that, he even told assistant Xu to stop joking. He¡¯s been working at Lu Corps for years and has not once thought he¡¯d get to see his goddess.


    He stare at the beautiful woman sitting in her car. He turned into a gold fish, lost for all words known to him.


    "Sir?"


    Yue Ling looked confusedly at the security guard. Did shee to the wrong ce? She looks at her navigation, but seeing the words, ¡¯arrived at your destination,¡¯ she looks back at the security guard.


    Coming out of his daze, the security guard clears his throat and flushed, "Miss, can I see your id for confirmation?"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t find anything wrong. Checking id was for security precautions, so she hands the man her id.


    Observing the id, the security guard grinned ear to ear reading the name. It wasn¡¯t his imagination and neither was assistant Xu joking! How lucky is he to be given an opportunity like this? Not only is he meeting the number one beauty, he¡¯s also holding her id!


    "Is everything alright?"


    Hearing the soft spoken voice that sounded so soothing to the ears, the man shakes his head. He quickly hands his goddess her id, "No, no. Nothing is wrong. You go ahead,dy boss.... ah Miss Han."


    Yue Ling smiles and and drives her car inside. Watching her car from behind, the security guard was still in a daze. He sighs remembering how beautiful Yue Ling looked when she smiled.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Walking towards the entrance of Lu Corps, Yue Ling was still in awe. She envied Lu Tian for working in such a luxurious ce. Even De L¡¯amour didn¡¯t look this extravagant. However, she did not know that her boyfriend is actually the CEO here.


    In one hand, she held a nicely a nicely wrapped furoshiki and her phone in the other hand. Checking the time, it was 11:35am.


    Good, she wasn¡¯tte.


    Stepping through the doors, she heads towards the receptionist desk. She wasn¡¯t one bit nervous, instead, she was very calm. Neither did she try to hide her face with a mask. To her, she rather meet people face to face, instead of hiding.


    As she nears the receptionist desk, she was oblivious to all the stares and head turns from the male and female workers. Each person she walked passed or saw her from a distance would look her way.


    It was like a paintinge to life. She was very tall and slim, but she had a pure and peaceful aura. Her light curls bounce with each step she takes. One look is enough to make one fall in love.


    It didn¡¯t take long before everyone sucks in a mouthful of air when they realized who this goddess was. No one dare to breath as they continue to look in admiration at the beauty.


    To them, this woman was the real definition of true beauty.


    Stopping in front of the receptionist desk, Yue Ling, who¡¯s expression was indifferent, finally smiles, "Hi, I¡¯m here to meet Lu Tian."


    "Hi, I¡¯m Nnnn¡ª-"


    The receptionist girl looks up. Her met those bluish green eyes and her jaw dropped to the ground.


    "..."


    Yue Ling looks at the girl and she didn¡¯t know what to say. Was something on her face? Not thinking much, she lift her hand and touch her face. She frown when she didn¡¯t feel anything. Looking back at the girl, she frowns again.


    Are the people working here like this? Howe Sophia¡¯s way of greeting people seemed to be much better than this girl¡¯s...


    The receptionist girl continue to stare unblinkingly at Yue Ling, then without thinking, she spoke out loud.


    "Is this a dream finallye true....?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling part her lips to answer, but...


    "Miss Han!!"


    A voice calls out from the side. Everyone, including Yue Ling turns to looks at the owner. She smiles and nods her head, "Xu Long."


    Xu Long walks up to Yue Ling and smiles happily, "Assistant Xu will do. Please follow me this way."


    Of course, Xu Long couldn¡¯t mention that if his boss hears thedy boss call him by his name, his boss would eat a jar of vinegar again. And he can¡¯t allow that to happen.


    "Sorry to trouble you then, Assistant Xu."


    Yue Ling looks at the receptionist girl, she smiles then follows Xu Long towards the elevator. As the elevator doors closed, everyone who witnessed this were still speechless and in shock.


    "..."


    Finally, someone broke the long silence after the sound of their gulp echoed.


    "Oh my god!!! That was Han Yue Ling!!"


    "I never thought I get to see her in person! She¡¯s even more prettypare to in tv and magazines!"


    "Assistant Xu was in a rush earlier, could it be because Han Yue Ling wasing to Lu Corps?"


    "Wait, but Lu Corps isn¡¯t involved in the entertainment industry... why would she be here?"


    "..."


    As someone asked the question, everyone couldn¡¯t help but think. It was true, Lu Corps wasn¡¯t involved in the entertainment industry, so why would supermodel, Han Yue Ling be here?


    "Haaa¡ª!! Can it be?! CEO Lu and Han Yue Ling Are together?!!"


    "Oh god! How many women will be heartbroken?!"


    "Hey! Us men are already heartbroken! Our goddess is in a rtionship with our cold and aloof CEO! She¡¯s so delicate and innocent, how will she handle a wolf... *sob*"


    "....."


    As the workers continue their hot topic for the day, Yue Ling and Xu Long arrives at the highest floor in Lu Corps. Walking out of the elevator, Yue Ling ponder in thought. Lu Tian had said he works in business. He must be a very important figure at thispany to be working on the highest floor and have his own assistant. Not thinking much, she follows after Xu Long.


    Walking pass the employees at their cubicles, everyone held the same reaction as those on the first floor.


    There was not a single person in Asia who hasn¡¯t heard of Han Yue Ling. Her face was in all the magazines published and she appeared in all the popr talkshows. It was said, she was so pretty that even the prettiest flower cowers in shame. And seeing the person now, everyone knows those words were true.


    However.... seeing where the two figures were heading, everyone¡¯s jaw dropped more.


    The only door going that way was their cold CEO¡¯s office! Why is assistant Xu taking the innocent fairy Han Yue Ling to the devil? Did he forget that their boss didn¡¯t like women going into his office?!!!


    Xu Long ignores all the curious and worried stares. He stops in front of the shut ck door and knocks on it.


    "Come in."


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice from inside, Yue Ling felt her heart jumped to the sky. She was fine earlier, but now... she was actually nervous... Her hand holding the furoshiki tightens. After Shin passed away, never in her life did she imagine herself to bring lunch to someone again....


    Xu Long smiles cheerfully at his beautifuldy boss and opens the doors, "Miss Han, please enter."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 148 Sabotage her dreams

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Yue Ling nod her head at Xu Long, "Thank you, assistant Xu." Then she enters.


    After she stepped inside, the door was quickly closed and made her heart jump. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she slowly walks forward.


    Looking at the details of Lu Tian¡¯s office, she was amazed. The grey walls and ck furnitures truly coordinated well with the owner. Although, it was still brightly lit inside. Unlike her white office, his was dark and very simple. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if his penthouse was the same.


    Not only that, for an employee here, his office was very big. Probably bigger than hers!


    Walking forward more, she spot the handsome man seated behind his desk. Seeing him, she stops in her steps. The nervous feeling inside herpletely vanished. A soft smile appeared on her face as she watch the man work.


    Seeing the familiar figure from the corner of his eyes, Lu Tian stops typing and his dark eyes meets the beautiful bluish green eyes that he loves so much. He arc his lip into a devilish smile that can melt any women¡¯s heart to the center of the earth.


    "You¡¯re here."


    He said as he stands up from his chair and walks around his ck desk towards her.


    "Mm." Yue Ling blush at the sight of the man. Even though they are living together, seeing him now, she felt like a shy school girl meeting her crush.


    Lu Tian smiled widely, he loves it when Yue Ling¡¯s shy. Like the most natural thing to do, he stops in front of her and pulls her into an embrace, inhaling her unique fragrance.


    Caught by surprised, Yue Ling nce up at the man, but she was even more surprised. Just when he eyesnd on his face, her lips were captured by his.


    Lu Tian made a low sigh in satisfaction. He was indeed satisfied. Being away from his wife made him miss her more and more. Never in his life, did he think he¡¯d fall for someone so hard.


    Reluctantly, his lip left her soft ones, leaving a gasping Yue Ling in his arms still.


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks redden more, she lift her free hand gently hits Lu Tian¡¯s back. Seeing her cute reaction, Lu Tian let¡¯s out a chuckle. He couldn¡¯t help but tighten his arms around her.


    They stayed in each other¡¯s embrace for a few minutes before they finally pulled apart. Lu Tian kiss Yue Ling¡¯s forehead and smile, "Where do you want to go for lunch?"


    Yue Ling pursed her lip hearing his question. She raised her hand and show him the Japanese furoshiki. Lu Tian arch a brow at the furoshiki, then he looks at Yue Ling. He didn¡¯t know what to say. This entire time, he had been worried about where to take her for lunch. Yet, here she is, holding their lunch in her hand.


    Not getting a response, Yue Ling frowns with a sad disappointed expression.


    ¡¯How can this statue not be affected at all?¡¯


    She looks at Lu Tian and set the furoshiki down, "Tian, how can you not show any sign of expression? Is it because you don¡¯t like Japanese food?"


    Lu Tian smiled inwardly. Maintaining his indifferent look, he lower his head and kiss his wife again.


    "I¡¯d like it more if you were my lunch."


    "....."


    Yue Ling pushes Lu Tian away. She turns to the couch with her tomato red face. Sitting down, she reach for the furoshiki and unwraps it. Lu Tian shakes his head and follows his wife¡¯s move. Sitting in the seat next to her, he watch her take two nice bento boxes out.


    She put one bento in front Lu Tian, then hands him a pair of chopsticks, "I wasn¡¯t sure on what you¡¯d like to eat, so I picked a few. I hope you don¡¯t mind."


    Lu Tian: "Mm. Anything you pick is fine."


    And that was true. He was a very picky eater. Not even the food his mom picks would he eat. However, if it¡¯s from his wife, then he¡¯d eat anything.


    Oblivious and hungry, after she hands Lu Tian his food, she started to eat hers.


    While the two love birds continue their private lunch, neither of them were aware of the chaotic atmosphere outside.


    "Are you sure, Mao Wanlin?"


    A blonde hair woman wearing a pink top and navy skirt blurt out as she stood from her desk.


    Mao Wanlin stood in front of her boss¡¯s desk and nod her head, "It¡¯s true, Miss Qian. It¡¯s been the hot topic at this moment."


    Qian Li Li was dumbfounded. The thing she feared the most had actually happened. With her beauty, she is consider superior to every women in Lu Corps. The only person she considered to be superior than her is the supermodel, Han Yue Ling. She had said so because she¡¯d never think the woman will ever appear in front of her. She, inparison to Han Yue Ling is like the dirt on the ground and the clouds in the sky.


    Mao Wanlin who was oblivious to Qian Li Li¡¯s feelings continued excitedly, "Miss Qian, if you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask the other employees on the top floor. I heard that everyone saw Miss Han go inside CEO Lu¡¯s office. Everyone ns toe back early from lunch so they can see Miss Han again."


    Qian Li Li shoots a surprised look at her assistant, "Han Yue Ling is having lunch with CEO Lu? In his office?"


    "Seems like it." Mao Wanlin nod her head. "A few workers saw her bring in lunch. They still haven¡¯te out of CEO Lu¡¯s office and neither has assistant Xu go in."


    Hearing her assistant¡¯s words, Qian Li Li¡¯s face paled and her body slumps back down on her chair. Biting her lower lip. She needs to confirm the rtionship between Lu Tian and Han Yue Ling.


    She had worked hard to be Lu Corps¡¯ CRM, she cant let some slutty model sabotage her dreams. Even if the person was Han Yue Ling. Besides, she¡¯s never met the woman, she can¡¯t possibly be as pretty as how everyone describes her to be. Right?


    "Miss Qian, are you not feeling well?"


    Qian Li Li looks at Mao Wanlin and smiles, "I need a little rest, you can leave for lunch."


    Mao Wanlin¡¯s eyes lit up, "Thank you, Miss Qian!" Without waiting, she runs out of the office. She is going to wait for her idol and ask for an autograph!


    Watching her stupid assistant leave, Qian Li Li sneers in disgust. How could she have such a dumb person working under her?


    Thinking, Qian Li Li bit her lower lip again. Then, her eyes lit up with an idea. Han Yue Ling may be a model, but that¡¯s all to her. Other than her so called looks, she is nothing.


    Compare to Qian Li Li, who¡¯s a very important worker at Lu Corps, Lu Tian will definitely choose her over a mere model.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 149 It’ll be quick

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [WARNING: it¡¯s snu snu time!!]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    At 12:40pm, Lu Tian called Xu Long to clear out the lunch they just finished. After Xu Long left, the office was returned to quietness.


    However, outside, all the employees were in an uproar. Everyone asking curious and exciting questions. Where is Miss Han? Is she and CEO Lu in a rtionship? Should they be waiting for news of a wedding? It was as if the workers at Lu Corps had be news reporters wanting to know more details on the two people in the room.


    ncing at the wall clock in the office, Yue Ling decides it is the right time to return to De L¡¯amour. She looks at Lu Tian and puts on a serious look.


    "Tian, I¡¯ll be heading back then."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian pursed his lip. He grumble, "Why are you leaving already?"


    Yue Ling looks at the handsome man act like a child and she itch to pinch his cheeks. However, she held herself back.


    "It¡¯s not like we won¡¯t see each other. I¡¯ll see you when we go home after work."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression softened as he looks at the most beautiful woman sitting to his left. He sighs then answers with a ¡¯mm.¡¯


    Yue Ling took his ¡¯mm¡¯ as an agreement so she decides to stand up. However, just when she was about to move, Lu Tian leans towards her. His left hand on the back of the couch and his right hand on the couch armrest. His posture now,pletely trapping Yue Ling from standing.


    "....."


    She turned her head and her eyes met his dark and dangerous eyes. She gulped and felt a bad feelinging her way.


    "T-Tian... I need to go.."


    Lu Tian move his left hand on the couch and puts it on the back of Yue Ling¡¯s head. Leaning forward, he countlessly pecks her lips gently. Yue Ling¡¯s heart raced a marathon as her body be limp. She didn¡¯t know why, but unknowing, she lift her left hand and held his cheek as she returns his kiss. Yue Lingpletely forgot about leaving.


    Getting a response, Lu Tian made a low groan and deepened their kiss. Pushing his tongue through her teeth, he danced with her soft tongue and shift their position.


    Yue Ling leaned against the couch as Lu Tian kiss her deeply and passionately. He pulls away just when she was out of breath. Leaving her breathing heavily. He gaze at her tempting face. The more he looked at her, he felt a burning fire lit inside him. He knew a kiss could no longer satisfy him.


    He leans forward again and captures her lip as his hands moving her skirt upwards. Yue Ling blushed more and became alert. She quickly stops his hand.


    "Tian, wait. We¡¯re in your office, we can¡¯t¡ª"


    Lu Tian purse his lower lip, "But... I can¡¯t wait..."


    That¡¯s right, his desire to have her is like a curse. He¡¯ll always want her, no matter how much they¡¯ve done it. One thing he¡¯s sure about is that shepletes his world.


    Yue Ling stare at the man speechless. She could only sigh, "Tian. We are in YOUR office. It¡¯s inappropriate for us to do such a thing here. What if¡ª- Ah! Tian! Put me down!!"


    As if he didn¡¯t hear her at all, Lu Tian stood from the couch. He held Yue Ling¡¯s hand and put her over his shoulder. Carrying her like a sack of rice, he strides from the couch in the direction of the wall.


    Yue Ling was even more speechless. She did not think she¡¯d be carried this way again! Not only that, being carried like this meant Lu Tian was definitely going to eat her tofu!!


    "Tian! Tian! You put me down this instant! Do you hear me?!!"


    She started struggling and yelling, not caring about how she looked.


    "Any louder and my employees will definitely hear you."


    "..."


    Hearing his words, she quickly covers her mouth with both her hands. She wanted to protest but she knows if she did, there¡¯s no doubt those people outside will here.


    Ahhh!!! What kind of shameless act is this?!!!


    Lu Tian held in hisugh noticing his wife had stopped protesting. He stops in front of the wall and push one part of it.


    *click*


    The center part of the wall opens like a hidden door. Stepping forward, the room lit up, revealing an adjacent room. Using one foot, he closed the door.


    Yue Ling was caught by another surprise. But who could me her, anyone would have the same reaction as her. Just when she wanted to ask him a question, Lu Tian gently toss her onto something soft andfortable.


    Her eyes widen, realizing she wasying on a bed. Before she could even say anything, Lu Tian had already got on top of her and captured her lips. She turn her head to the side to avoid his lips.


    "Tian! I said we can¡¯t¡ª"


    "I can¡¯t wait..."


    He looks at her with a serious expression. Taking her hand, he drew it to his erection.


    "....."


    She was rendered speechless. Who would have thought him to do another shameless thing?!! Even with his clothes blocking his erection, she could feel the heat and there was no doubt that the dragon was very awake.


    He lower his head to her ear and whisper seductively, "It¡¯ll be quick."


    "Tian!!!"


    She shouted and wanted to escape, but seeing his look... she did felt guilty... earlier when he kissed her, if she hadn¡¯t returned the kiss, he wouldn¡¯t be in this situation.... but if they do it here, how is supposed to face all those workers out there? Let alone, wouldn¡¯t Lu Tian get fire for doing such a shameless act at work?!


    As she drifted into her guilty thoughts, she feels a sudden slight breeze brush against her skin. Tilting her head forward, she was dumbfounded.


    "..."


    Just how does the man do it?!


    Even she did not know when he did it, but she was nowying on the bed naked!!! not only her, so was he!! Ahh!!! She really needs to ask him if he had super powers!!


    "Ahh~"


    She let¡¯s out a sudden moan and winced at him entering her. His thrusts were slow and steady, but eventually all she could feel was the pleasure. However, she mps her hand over her mouth to block any sound from escaping.


    Lu Tian¡¯s lip curl upwards seeing her adorable move. He lower his head and gives a kiss on the back of her hand. Then he moves to her ear and nibble her earlobe.


    "This room is soundproof. No one will hear you."


    He gently move her hand. Holding it, he kiss her palm, "I want to hear you.."


    Lifting her hand, he puts her hand above her head and intwine his figures with hers. Kissing her lip, his thrusts became faster.


    "Let me hear your voice."


    "Ahh~!!"


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but cry a moan. He was moving faster and harder, making her mind go haywire. She could only do as he says and let him hear her voice.


    In the end, Lu Tian¡¯s ¡¯quick¡¯ act ended up taking a longer route.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 150 Your pick

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Stay here and rest."


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice trails into Yue Ling¡¯s ear as he leans and pecks her forehead. He gets up from the bed and walks to the bathroom inside the room. After cleaning himself, he walks back out with a warm damp towel and cleans his beautiful wife.


    Yue Lingid on the bed exhausted. She could feel him gently wiping her body clean and wasn¡¯t one bit bothered by it. Hearing his footsteps again, she open her eyes and looks at the man walking back to the bathroom. She will never believe him when he says ¡¯quick¡¯ again!!! Not only that! How can he, who has a wounded hand have so much stamina in his left hand?!!!


    Watching him go inside the bathroom, she struggles to sit up. Then moving her aching legs, she stands up and starts dressing herself.


    Within moments, Lu Tian walks back out and his eyes darken when he saw what his wife was doing.


    "What are you doing?"


    His sudden cold voice made Yue Ling¡¯s heart skip a beat. Not daring to face the man, she quickly pulls her white turtle neck sweater down. She didn¡¯t care to tuck it in.


    "I need to get back to work."


    Lu Tian furrow his brows. They had just finished his ¡¯quick¡¯ act and he knew he had tired her out. Not just that, he rather her stay here and rest, because when he called her earlier, she had said she was tired. Watching her, he sighs and walks towards her. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he looks at her.


    "Do you have to go back to work?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless. Did he really just ask her if she had to go back to work?! Of course she has too! Without looking at the man, she part her hair to one side and run her fingers through in abing motion. She can¡¯t go out of this room looking like a hot mess. Who knows what the workers out there will say!


    Attentively watching his woman fix herself and not paying him any attention, Lu Tian¡¯s frown deepen. He reach out and grabs her hand, pulling her in front of him until she stood between his legs. Bringing her closer, he wrap his arms around her waist and rest the side of his face on her abdomen.


    "Can¡¯t you just stay here with me?"


    "....."


    Yue Ling looked down at the man and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Why was he acting like a child? And was he always this clingy? It¡¯s not like they weren¡¯t going to see each other again. She sighs and shakes her head.


    "Tian, I need to get back to work. It¡¯s the same for you."


    Lu Tian pout his lip then he turn his head to face Yue Ling¡¯s abdomen. He press his face against it before secretly nting a kiss on it. He couldn¡¯t help but think, it¡¯s only a matter of time before she bes pregnant with his child. However, he still needs to give her left ring finger a present first.


    Thinking till there, he reluctantly pulls away and answers her with a, "Fine." He lets her go, and stands up, "But you have to let me send you back to work."


    *Thud*


    "....."


    Yue Ling, who had just reached down to pick up her Louboutins, ended up dropping one pair. She swore, she would have fallen to the ground if she wasn¡¯t trying to steady herself. Looking him in the eye, her expression turns serious.


    "Tian, you can¡¯t do that. Won¡¯t you get in trouble for leaving work? What about your boss?"


    This time, Lu Tian was the one speechless. His boss? Did his wife not know he IS the boss here? Then, remembering how he had only said he worked in the business industry, he sighs in a small regret. He looks at her and spoke with a straight and serious expression.


    "This is mypany."


    *Thud!*


    The other pair of Yue Ling¡¯s Louboutin drops to the floor. She stare at the handsome man like she had be a small tiny ant and he, a giant amongst all giants.


    Yue Ling: "Y-You¡¯re the boss here?"


    Lu Tian: "Mm."


    Yue Ling: "Why didn¡¯t you tell me?"


    Lu Tian: "I just told you."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Yue Ling was even more dumbfounded. She was wondering why his office was so big and nice. Not only his office, even thispany was nicely structured. Turns out, the man who became her boyfriend is the boss here?!!


    Oh god! She just had an intimacy act with the boss at thispany!!! Not only that, they are in his office!!! She and boss here are in an affair!!! Wait, he¡¯s her boyfriend, so it¡¯s not an affair.. no, that¡¯s not the point!


    She stare at the man and wanted to say something, but all words were stuck at her throat.


    Lu Tian held in his smile and grabs his suit jacket. Putting it on swiftly like his right hand wasn¡¯t wounded, he squat down and picks up Yue Ling¡¯s heels. Knowing she was still in a daze, he smiled when she couldn¡¯t see his face. Gently, he lift one of her feet and slip her foot in her heel, then doing the same to the other.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    He caress her cheeks and put a strand of her hair behind her ear. He kiss her on the forehead, then he takes her hand and guide her out of the adjacent room.


    Yue Ling was still in a shocked daze as she was guided out. They did it in his office and all his employees know she was here... How can they not think of the unimaginable shameless that happened...? How long has it been since she got here? Oh god!


    *click*


    The sound of the door knob turning woke Yue Ling from her daze. She held her ground and she grabs Lu Tian¡¯s hand holding hers from advancing.


    "T-Tian, I can go to work by myself."


    He stops and looks back at her. Not saying a word, he turn his head back to the door and opens it.


    *m*


    Yue Ling stretch her arm out and palms the door shut. Her breathing turn rapid. "I said I can go by myself. You don¡¯t have to¡ª-"


    Seeing the door quickly m, Lu Tian sighs and looks back at his wife. His expression was indifferent as always, "Either, you let me take you back to work or I carry you out. Your pick."


    "....."


    She was dumbfounded by the shameless man¡¯s words. Was his options for her even considered options? How can he be so stubborn? Does he not care about his image as the boss here?


    Letting out a long sigh, she could only go with him guiding her out. She can¡¯t let his employees see him carry her out like a sack of rice.


    Reluctantly, she grumbles, "Fine...."


    Lu Tian smiles and quickly, steals a kiss on her lips. In a good and happy mood, he opens the door and walks out with Yue Ling half behind him and half at his side.


    Outside, all the employees were waiting excitedly. Never in their life have they been this excited about work, but today was different. Supermodel, Han Yue Ling is here and they couldn¡¯t wait to get a glimpse of her again! Especially those who didn¡¯t get the chance to see her when she first came to visit.


    They n to ask for autographs and have small talks with the goddess. However, when they heard the door to their boss¡¯s office click open, they were shocked to the core.


    Today must definitely be very different! Not only was Han Yue Ling here, but even their cold and aloof boss is holding a woman¡¯s hand!!! And this woman is the woman all the employees admire and wants to meet!


    Lu Tian ignores his employees looks and whispers and leisurely head towards the elevator. He needs to quickly take his wife out of here or else he¡¯ll eat another jar of vinegar from the buzzing bees flopping about his wife.


    At his side, Yue Ling lower her head and tries to hide her burning red face. She¡¯s a model and has encounter many public scenes, but never has she experience something like this....


    "CEO Lu."


    Just as the couple were about to reach the elevator, a soft voice spoke from the side. The blonde hair woman steps out from the crowd and blocks the couple¡¯s path. She looked very pleasing to the eyes as she smiles warmly at Lu Tian.


    "CEO Lu, you have a meeting to attend."


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 151 Be nice to you

    ¡ª¡ª


    Everyone on the top floor of Lu Corps looked in the direction of the woman. All the female employees frown in annoyance at the woman while some men blush and the others were confused.


    "Why is she here?"


    "She doesn¡¯t work on this floor. Can¡¯t she see CEO Lu and Miss Han are leaving?"


    Yue Ling raise her head and looks at the woman. However, because of her height she looked above the woman¡¯s head before looking down at the woman. She arch a brow in curiosity.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t look at the woman, but he frown. His hand holding on Yue Ling¡¯s tighten more. Ignoring the woman, he said coldly, "Let¡¯s go."


    Walking forward, he turned a blind eye to this stupid employee as Yue Ling stare speechlessly at the woman.


    Just then, the woman blocks their path again, "CEO Lu¡ª"


    "Move or I will have you remove from Lu Corps."


    Lu Tian who was in a good mood was now pissed. How dare this person block him and his wife¡¯s path.


    Qian Li Li¡¯s smile froze with her body. She looks at Lu Tian then to Yue Ling. Seeing the model, she felt jealousy rage inside. Every word spoken about Han Yue Ling was true. She is indeed the most beautiful woman, it¡¯s no wonder she¡¯s rank one. Looking down, blood boiled to her head. Lu Tian who is said to have a strong dislike towards woman being near him is actually hold hands with a woman!


    She looks you, holding back the urge to grab Yue Ling¡¯s hair and p her. Looking at Lu Tian, she maintains a innocent smile, "CEO Lu, I came to remind you that you have a meeting. Please head with me to the conference room."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling arch a brow. She¡¯s seen many jealous woman before and this right now, is nothing but a jealous woman. Her lip curls upward and she looks at Lu Tian.


    "Tian, you have a meeting? If so, I can leave by myself."


    Lu Tian was very pissed. Meeting? The only important meeting now is taking his wife to work!


    "Xu Long."


    "Right here, Boss!"


    Xu Long who was in his office quickly runs out. Just when he stepped out, he almost fell to the ground. He press his lips tightly together and stomp his feet to his boss.


    "Miss Qian! I told you before, you have no business on this floor. Why are you here?"


    Qian Li Li sneers inside while maintaining her innocent facade, "Assistant Xu, I was just heading to the meeting with Zi International and thought I should wait for CEO Lu. Is that a problem?"


    "Yes, that is a problem. You¡¯re not even a part of the meeting, so why are you going?"


    Xu Long¡¯s blunt and harsh words struck Qian Li Li embarrassingly. Her n was to interrupt Lu Tian and Han Yue Ling¡¯s meeting, by bringing up the meeting with Zi International. How dare this lowly assistant embarrass her again?!


    Looking at Lu Tian, she smiles again and reach her hand out to hold his arm. If Yue Ling can hold his hand, why can¡¯t she too.


    "CEO Lu, this meeting is very important. Please¡ª"


    Just before her hand could touch him, Lu Tian takes a step back. Avoiding the disgusting hand. His expression turned dark.


    "Xu Long, remove this person. My Lu Corps has no need for unnecessary people."


    "..."


    Qian Li Li was bbergasted. Remove her? She was getting fired? How can he fire her? She¡¯s a very important person to Lu Corps!


    She clench her teeth and gritted, "CEO Lu, I am the CRM at Lu Corps, without me, how will Lu Corps¡ª"


    "Move."


    Lu Tian growled. He doesn¡¯t have time for this disgusting woman. His wife needs to get back to herpany!


    Xu Long crosses his arms over his chest and scoffs at the evil vixen, "You heard the boss. M.O.V.E."


    "...."


    All the employees including Qian Li Li was speechless. They know Xu Long was blunt in words, but did he have to always be so straightforward.


    Qian Li Li fist her hands tightly. Knowing she can¡¯t lose her position at Lu Corps, she lower her head and steps aside. The only thing she can do now is give way.


    Looking at Qian Li Li, everyone shakes their head. They pity her but did they feel sorry? Nope. She brought this on herself. Everyone knows Lu Tian is cold and ruthless, but she still went and block his path. Did she not see that the aloof man was just in a good mood? She had to go and sully the moment.


    "Miss Qian is very thick skinned. How much face does have to act this way?"


    "Even assistant Xu said she wasn¡¯t part of the meeting with Zi International, yet she dare to tell CEO Lu to go with her. Hmmf, how embarrassing."


    The workers began to whisper about Qian Li Li. Did they care if their words hurt her? Of course not. It was what she gets.


    Standing quietly at the side, Yue Ling was watching a very interesting show. She faintly shakes her head. Sometimes, she wonder why some woman are so desperate.


    Lu Tian ignores everyone, excluding his wife, and strides forward.


    "Xu Long, push my meeting to ater time. I need to send my wife back to work."


    "Right away boss!!"


    Qian Li Li¡¯s eyes widen when she heard the word ¡¯wife¡¯. Not only her, but everyone else too! Han Yue Ling is the wife of the almighty business king, Lu Tian?! What kind of shocking news is this?!!


    However, no one dares to ask or make a sound. Their boss is still here and don¡¯t want to lose their jobs. They don¡¯t want to fall into the same boat as Qian Li Li. So, for now they¡¯ll wait until their boss is not here to bug assistant Xu.


    Jealous and angry, Qian Li Li res at Yue Ling. If eyes could kill, Yue Ling would have been stabbed to death. Watching Yue Ling walk pass her, Qian Li Li slightly move her leg forward.


    However, who was Han Yue Ling? Would she let some unknown woman trip her? Of course not.


    Yue Ling dodge the leg. And as if it was an ident, the heel tip her of ck Christian Louboutinnds on Qian Li Li¡¯s expose toes.


    "Ahh!"


    Qian Li Li shrieks and falls to the ground. Her hand soothing the part Yue Ling had stepped one. She looks up and res at Yue Ling. Her brain did not stop to think that Yue Ling had already seen through her.


    "Oh! Are you alright?"


    Yue Ling stretch a hand to help Qian Li Li, but Lu Tian pulls her back. He didn¡¯t care and drags Yue Ling towards the elevator.


    "..."


    As the two perfect people enter the elevator and disappears from everyone¡¯s eyes, the room became an uproar again.


    "Oh my god! CEO Lu and Han Yue Ling are really together!"


    "He even called her wife!!!"


    Ignoring the sudden loudmotion. Xu Long looks at Qian Li Li and shakes his head, "Miss Qian, I tried being nice, but you¡¯re always pushing the line. It¡¯s best if you just turn in your resignation letter and leave Lu Corps." He turns around with attitude and goes back into his office.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside the elevator, Yue Ling nce at Lu Tian. She couldn¡¯t help but think about his attitude towards his employees. The him with her is very different from the him just now. Then remembering the jealous woman, she sighs.


    "Like what you see?"


    "...."


    Yue Ling blinks her eyes and realize Lu Tian is also looking at her. She pout her lip and turn her head, avoiding his eyes.


    "Tian, you should be nicer to your employees."


    "I only need to be nice to you."


    "..."


    *ding*


    "Come. Let¡¯s go."


    The elevator arrive on the first floor. Lu Tian didn¡¯t hesitate to walk out while holding his wife¡¯s hand. Yue Ling, however, lower her head shyly. She could not look at any of the workers on the first floor. Not after what just happened back there on the top floor.


    Bashfully, she can only follow Lu Tian as he held her hand and walks out of Lu Corps.


    However, just before the door closed, she heard a woman¡¯s voice.


    "Oh my god! I¡¯m so jealous! Our goddess Han Yue Ling and CEO Lu are really together! What a perfect pair!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 152 When the time comes

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Sitting inside her white bmw x5m, Yue Ling was pouting her lip.


    Earlier when they got to the garage, she had told Lu Tian to go back to work. She even said she could drive herself back to De L¡¯amour, but Lu Tian was stubborn as always. He snatch her keys from her hand and dragged her inside the car.


    Since the situation already led to this, she lets out a sigh. Looking at him, she sighs again. She hadn¡¯t told him where to go and yet, he¡¯s already driving.


    "Tian, do you even know where you¡¯re going?"


    "Mm." Lu Tian answers without thinking, until it hits him. He forgot that Yue Ling doesn¡¯t know that he knows about De L¡¯amour. He quickly answers, "No."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t hear the ¡¯mm¡¯ but she heard the ¡¯no¡¯. Pinching the space between her brows, she takes a deep breath and types in the address to De L¡¯amour. Leaning back on the passenger seat, she couldn¡¯t but ask.


    "Tian, how are you going to get back to work?"


    "You¡¯re car. I¡¯ll pick you up from work."


    "..."


    She stare at him like an idiot. Her car? Then how is she supposed to get home? Not only that, she had nned to visit Jingxu and Ting in the hospital after work.


    Lu Tian, who was oblivious to his wife¡¯s thoughts smiles happily and continues to drive. He was very happy. Starting tomorrow, they should just share one car to work. He¡¯ll drive her to work and pick her up after.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside the private room in Imperial¡¯s military hospital. Jingxu¡¯s eyes tremble before it slowly opens. Seeing the white ceiling he was very familiar with, his eyes water.


    He has not been abandoned...


    Turning his head to the side, he sees the old figure sleeping on the couch. His wrinkle hand holding a newspaper.


    "G...Grandpa....."


    Jingxu¡¯s voice was hoarse fromck of water, but Old man Ji heard the boy loud and clear. His eyes opened and he looks at the boy. Quickly, he stands up and toss the newspaper on the couch. He holds Jingxu¡¯s hand.


    "Jingxu, you¡¯re a wake. How are you feeling?"


    Not waiting for a response, Old man Ji runs to the door and swung it open. His old voice thunders out into the hallway.


    "Doctor! Nurse! Hurry! My grandson is awake!! Why are you all so slow?!! I said my precious grandson is awake!!"


    Just as hisst words fell, military doctors and nurses rush in. Each person assigned their own task and checks Jingxu to make sure he is fine.


    After the uproar calms down, Jingxu looks around the room to find the person he was hoping to see. Before he lost conscious, he swore he had saw her. However, not seeing her, his eyes sadden.


    Old man Ji faintly smiles at the boy, "Ah Ling has work, so she¡¯ll be hereter."


    "Mm." Jingxu nod in understanding. He knows his sister has her ownpany to run, so he can¡¯t be greedy. Looking at his grandfather, he parts his lips to speak, "How is Ting?"


    "Haaa¡ª " The Old man sighs, holding Jingxu¡¯s hand, he continues, " That boy has suffered. Ah Ling said he¡¯s been taken to Union Hospital and he woke up yesterday, but.... for how¡¯s he doing now, I¡¯m not too sure."


    "Oh..."


    Jingxu didn¡¯t know what to say. However, one thing he knows is that he will visit Ting when he¡¯s better. Not only that, he knows his sister will not let Ting suffer in loneliness. If anyone can pull someone from darkness, that person is his sister.


    Sitting at the side of the bed, Old man Ji looks at Jingxu. His mind couldn¡¯t help but think about what happened to Ting.


    Ting situation is like Jingxu¡¯s back then. Even though it was he and his wife who took Jingxu in, it was Yue Ling who pulled Jingxu out of the darkness. It would be good if Yue Ling can help Ting too...


    However... he can¡¯t help but worry about Yue Ling. His granddaughter has been helping people escape darkness, but when the timees, who will help pull her out of the darkness?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Outside of De L¡¯amour, Lu Tian parks the car right in front of the door entrance. He looks at the dark building and he frowns.


    He knows that Yue Ling owns De L¡¯amour, but why is the building not even half the size of Lu Corps. Not only that, he¡¯s driven pass An Qing and it¡¯s bigger than this puny building.


    Yue Ling looks at Lu Tian and she held in herugh. She knew what was on his mind. It was written all on his frown. Gathering her things, she smiles.


    "Tian, don¡¯t judge a book by its cover."


    She spoke in a calm voice, then she unbuckles her seatbelt. While Lu Tian was still frowning over his wife¡¯s smallpany, she leans over to him. Catching him by surprise, Yue Ling pecks his lips.


    "See youter."


    Not waiting to see his reaction, she bolted out of the car.


    "....."


    Watching his wife disappear into the dark doors, he sighs. How he wish she can be in his line of sight, every second of the day.


    Entering De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling takes a deep breath. She nce at the time and she sighs again. It is 5 minutes till 2pm. That means she¡¯s been at Lu Tian¡¯spany for almost 2 hours. Ahh... what kind of boss is she to go out for such a long lunch....


    What Yue Ling did not know is that in secret, Lu Tian had already notified Liu Shan about keeping his wife at his office longer.


    "Boss, you¡¯re back already?"


    Liu Shan calls out as he grins like an idiot. He looks at Yue Ling then covers his mouth and giggles like a little girl.


    "Heheh, Boss, you could have stayed a bit longer to enjoy your ¡¯lunch¡¯."


    His brows twitching upwards as if hinting something to Yue Ling.


    "..."


    Yue Ling looks at her assistant. He actually changed out of his beggar outfit from earlier into a more stylish and put together outfit. Shaking her head, she walks towards the elevator. However, when she walked passed him, she smacks Liu Shan¡¯s head.


    "Since you stopped looking like a beggar, stop joking and get back to work."


    "..."


    Liu Shanughs heartily and caress the part of his head Yue Ling smacked. It was like a small pat on the head, but he made it look like it hurts very much. Stillughing, he follows behind his boss.


    From the behind, Sophia had juste back from thedies room and she was dumbfounded. She had witnessed her boss hit assistant Liu on the head. Yet, the man was not one bit angry. Instead heughed like a crazy girl and follows after.


    Shaking her head, she sits down and starts working. Even though she just started working at De L¡¯amour, she knows that Yue Ling and Liu Shan hold a strong bond. She once heard Ming Yue say the two were in a secret affair, but to Sophia and everyone else, their bond for each other was more like close siblings.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 153 Where’s your car?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling walks out of the meeting room. She just finished herst meeting about De L¡¯amour¡¯s winter fashion. Liu Shan didn¡¯t attend the meeting because she had asked him to do something for her.


    Entering her office, she sits behind her desk and takes out a sketch book and pen. Flipping the pages until she came to a nk page, she starts doodling sketches to add to the new designs in her head.


    *ring ring*


    She looks at her phone; Lee Hana.


    Seeing the name, Yue Ling felt her heart tighten. She still hasn¡¯t told anyone from City Z about Lu Tian....


    Reaching for her phone, she stood up and walks to her floor to ceiling window. She lower head and she looks at the name. Taking a deep breath, she answers the call.


    "Hana."


    ["Mami!! Do you not miss me at all? Howe you haven¡¯t called me? Hm? Hm?"]


    Hearing the cheerful voice of her best friend, Yue Ling smiles a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes. She did miss everyone back in City Z. But the reason why she hasn¡¯t called, is because she doesn¡¯t know how to tell Hana about Lu Tian. She was hoping to say it when she gets the chance to visit, but.... she knows, it was either now or never.


    Taking a deep breath again, she steady herself, and spoke the words.


    "Hana, if I tell you that I¡¯m seeing someone, will you hate me?"


    ["...."]


    "Hana?"


    ["You dare to betray my oppa?!! Hm? If you do, I will not be your friend anymore."]


    "..."


    ["Hahah, I was just kidding."]


    "....."


    ["Hmm.... You know.. I always hoped you¡¯d be my sister-inw. I hoped that you, me and oppa would be one family..."]


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t say a word. She didn¡¯t know what say to Hana. It was really hard telling her ex-fianc¨¦¡¯s sister that she found someone... someone who made her happy...


    From the other line, Hana¡¯s voice continues...


    ["I know oppa will want to see you happy. Your smile meant everything to him and he wouldn¡¯t want to see you live in grief forever. Neither do I... Mami, if you¡¯re happy, then that¡¯s all that matters."]


    Hearing those thoughtful words, Yue Ling¡¯s heart tightens before it turns soft. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.


    ["It¡¯s been three years since oppa left this world. It¡¯s time you moved on too. Don¡¯t let anything stop you from finding your own happiness. Not me, not Qin Jun or anyone. Your happiness is yours and it counts."]


    Yue Ling¡¯s hand on the phone tightens and her lips tremble. She was happy to hear Hana¡¯s encouraging words. Especially since Hana is Shin¡¯s only family.


    "Thank you, Hana."


    ["So.... tell me, who is this man? How did you two meet? Is he nice to you? Details. Give me the details."]


    Yue Ling¡¯s lip curls upward hearing her best friend¡¯s excited voice. Even if they were only talking on the phone, she knows that Hana was genuinely happy for her. She told Hana everything. From her and Lu Tian¡¯s first encounter to their rtionship now. She didn¡¯t leave anything out. Except the parts about their shameless acts.


    However, she still needs to tell her Yeye, Jingxu and the members of FAITH about her and Lu Tian¡¯s rtionship. She doesn¡¯t know if they¡¯ll react like Hana, but she needs to tell them soon.


    As their conversation continue, theyughed and talked about everything that¡¯s been happening to them.


    Outside Yue Ling¡¯s office, Liu Shan stood in front of the door, not daring to go inside. His hand that was in midair about to knock on the door, slowly lowers. He turns around and walks to his office. Sitting down, he takes a deep breath. He had heard everything Yue Ling said. It can only mean, she has told Hana about Lu Tian.


    Like a proud father, he smiles. He is happy that his boss found her new happiness. It means the world to him to see his boss happy. Liu Shan knows that behind that smile of Yue Ling¡¯s was nothing but a facade. She didn¡¯t want everyone to worry about her, so she hides her sorrow behind her smile.


    However, he can see the change ever since she met Lu Tian. The man may be cold and ruthless like the world put him to be, but Liu Shan knows the man is sincere towards Yue Ling.


    As his mind continues it thoughts, Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice suddenly sounds from the door.


    "Liu Shan, you¡¯re back already?"


    Looking up, he smiles at his beautiful boss, "Mm. I got everything needed."


    "Lets go, I want to visit Jingxu and Ting."


    "Me too? Where¡¯s your car?"


    "Lu Tian has it."


    "..."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Currently, at Lu Corps, Han Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s rtionship was still the hot topic. It didn¡¯t take long before all the men agreed that Lu Corps beauty can only belong to their futuredy boss. Qian Li Li was nothing inparison to Han Yue Ling.


    Ever since Qian Li Li was embarrassed, she didn¡¯t leave her office at all. She locked herself in, not wanting to show her face.


    "Han Yue Ling. Just you wait. I will definitely get rid of you."


    She spoke through her gritted teeth. Holding a pen in her hand, she stabs into a printed picture of Yue Ling on her desk.


    *knock knock*


    "Miss Qian?"


    Hearing Mao Wanlin¡¯s voice, Qian Li Li quickly crumbles the picture of Yue Ling and toss it in the trash bin. She smiles and wees her assistant.


    "Wanlin, What is it?"


    Mao Wanlin enters and sets a folder on Qian Li Li¡¯s desk, "These are the blueprints you asked for."


    "Mm. Thank you." She pretends to look hesitantly at Mao Wanlin, then asks, "Is the meeting with Zi International still taking ce?"


    Not thinking much, Mao Wanlin answers, "No, it just ended."


    Hearing this, Qian Li Li¡¯s heart leaps excitedly. She nods her head, "Mm. You can leave."


    The moment the door to her office closed, she takes out her make up bag and retouch her makeup. After applying her red lipstick, she stands up and walks to the mirror in her office. Fixing her clothes and adding more exposure to her body, she smiles in satisfaction. Without grabbing any documents like usual, she leaves her office.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 154 Not interested

    ¡ª¡ª-


    On the second highest floor of Lu Corps, all the female workers couldn¡¯t help but gather and admire the two handsome figures walking next to each other.


    One was tall and aloof, but his looks were define and beyond the unimaginable. All the women sighed in admiration at the sight of their CEO, but that was all. They all know that China¡¯s most eligible bachelor is officially off the chart.


    However, the man next to their boss is still avable. He wasn¡¯t as handsome as their boss, but his looks were still above many men. Not only that, he is ranked the second most eligible bachelor in China.


    Zi Yifan looks at the pack of hungry foxes and tilt his head as he slightly leans to the side. He whispers, "Lu Tian, are your workers always like this?"


    He¡¯s never seen workers gather around this much. Not even his own employees do this.


    Lu Tian frowns as he and Zi Yifan stops in front of the elevators. He sighs, "Xu Long."


    Following behind, Xu Long answers quickly. He already knows what to do.


    "Right away boss!"


    He turns around and heads towards the employees gathered at the sight of CEO Zi.


    *ding*


    The doors to two elevator doors open at the same time. Zi Yifan looks at his friend and smiles handsomely.


    "Thanks for sealing this deal. I won¡¯t let you down at all."


    Lu Tian nods his head, "Mm."


    Zi Yifan shakes his head and chuckles. He stretch his hand to shake hands, "Bro, you serious need to strip off that expression of yours. Keep it up and you definitely won¡¯t find a woman."


    Shaking his friends hand, Lu Tian didn¡¯t falter in his expression at all. However, he responded in a straight face, "I already found one."


    Zi Yifan: "...."


    Lu Tian ignores his now dumbfounded friend and enters one of the elevators. As the door closed, Zi Yifan was still in daze. He could not believe what he just heard. His friend is actually dating?!! Oh god! Quickly entering the other elevator, he was very eager to meet their group of friends and tell. Just how shocking will this news be to all the bachelors in China?!!


    *ding*


    Hearing the sound, Zi Yifan takes a step, but he stops. Looking at the floor number he frowns. He had thought he reached the first floor, but it was only the 50th floor.


    "Excuse me, do you mind if I take this elevator too?"


    Suddenly, a pretty woman enters the elevator he is in. The woman spoke as she smiles at Zi Yifan.


    Seeing the woman, he arch a brow. He looks at her, then the way she dressed. Looking back at the woman¡¯s face, he smiles, "Not at all."


    If he remembers correctly, he had once seen this woman with one of the bachelors at a hotel.


    Stepping inside, she stands next to him. ncing at the man, she blush shyly before gathering her courage, "I¡¯m Qian Li Li."


    "Zi Yifan."


    He said without much emotion in his tone. He just wanted to reach the first floor, so he can go spread the news. Not only that, he¡¯s itching to investigate who the woman is. Just what kind of woman is able to carry Lu Tian¡¯s cold blooded heart away!


    Oblivious to Zi Yifan¡¯s thoughts, Qian Li Li was shocked. Looking at the handsome man, she gasp. She has never seen Zi Yifan in person, except hear the man¡¯s name. However, to think this handsome man is actually China¡¯s second most eligible bachelor! How lucky was she?!


    "You are THEE Zi Yifan?"


    "Mm"


    Hearing the answer, she smiles at the man. Then, remembering the rumors around the man, her smile deepens. It was said Zi Yifan was a man who changed women like he change his clothes. Since it¡¯s like that, maybe she can use him to get closer to Lu Tian. Even if she can¡¯t marry Lu Tian, if she can marry Zi Yifan, her life is still set.


    "Ahh¡ª"


    She pretends to lose her bnce. Just like her n, Zi Yifan reacted fast and catches her. However, she shift her body a little, causing the man¡¯s hand to cup one of her breasts.


    Qian Li Li: "Mn~"


    Zi Yifan: "...."


    He quickly moves his hand from the woman¡¯s soft breast and help steady Qian Li Li. He looks at her and his brows furrow, "Are you alright?"


    "Thank you. I¡¯m alright, now."


    *ding*


    The elevator arrived at the first floor faster than Qian Li Li had hoped. Zi Yifan, however, didn¡¯t want to stay any longer with the woman, he had a bad feeling about her. Ignoring her, he takes a step out of the elevator, but before he could take his second step, Qian Li Li¡¯s hand grabs his arm.


    "C-Can you help me? I think I twisted my ankle...."


    Zi Yifan frown and purse his lips. Thinking of something, he looks at the woman and smiles, "Alright."


    Hearing his agreement, Qian Li Li heart skips a beat. Yes! Her n worked again!!


    Zi Yifan helps Qian Li Li out of the elevator. Walking over to a bench, he helps her sit down. As he was about to stand up, Qian Li Li wraps her arms around the man¡¯s neck and tried to kiss him.


    However.....


    Zi Yifan turns his head as he leans his head back. He looks at the woman and smiles widely. Leaning forward, he whispers in her ear.


    "I¡¯m not interested in desperate women."


    "..."


    He removes Qian Li Li¡¯s hands and walks away. Leaving a dumbfounded and angry, red face Qian Li Li.


    Zi Yifan walks out of Lu Corps and heads to his car. He shakes his head thinking about what just happened. He may be known as a man who changes women like he changes his clothes, but he didn¡¯t sleep with all of them. They were more like essories around him.


    If they got too clingy, he ends the rtionship right away. Neither has he gotten into a real rtionship with any of the women. Let alone, fall for cheap desperate women like Qian Li Li.


    Getting inside his red Aston Martin, he sighs. How can the cold and aloof Lu Tian find a woman and he can¡¯t? Just when will he meet the woman of his dreams?


    Ahh... If China¡¯s number one ranking model and beauty was to ever appear in front of him, he will, without a doubt, ask her out to dinner!!


    Of course, he knows it¡¯s only his wishful thinking and that¡¯ll never happen.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 155 Hallelujah!!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Arriving at the military hospital, Yue Ling steps out of the car. She looks at white building filled with windows. Without looking back, she spoke to Liu Shan.


    "I won¡¯t be long."


    "Mm."


    Stepping forward, she proceeds towards the entrance. Before she left De L¡¯amour, she had sent her workers home. There wasn¡¯t much left to do, so she didn¡¯t mind, and like her words, she couldn¡¯t take long. She needs to get back to herpany in time, so when Lu Tian picks her up, he won¡¯t know she left work.


    Entering the hospital, all the nurses and doctors greeted her. They already know who she is and respected her as Han Yue Ling and not as the supermodel or the granddaughter of General Ji.


    "Miss Han, wee."


    A middle aged doctor greets Yue Ling upon her arrival. She looks at him and smiles, "Doctor Wong. How is my brother¡¯s condition?"


    "He woke up an hour ago, his condition has stabilized. Give it three to seven days and he¡¯ll be fully recovered. General Ji was just here, but he left 30 minutes ago."


    "Mm. Thank you for taking care of him."


    "Haha, not at all. I am a doctor, seeing my patients well is my job."


    Yue Ling chatted with Doctor Wong for a bit, then she heads to Jingxu¡¯s room. She knocked on the door then enters.


    Inside the room, Jingxuid bored on the bed. He was practically wrapped like a mummy and couldn¡¯t do anything. However, the tv was on, so he could only watch whatever was on.


    Hearing the knock and the door open, he didn¡¯t give much thought to it. It was probably just one of the nursesing to check on him.


    "I thought you didn¡¯t like watching this drama?"


    "I don¡¯t, but now, it seems kind of inter¡ª-"


    He choked on his remaining words. The voice that he was very familiar with came to his ears. He turned his head in the direction of the door and was at a loss for words. Staring at the person, his heart tightens.


    Yue Ling smiles as she puts a bag on the table and walks towards the bed. "Sorry I couldn¡¯te see you earlier."


    Jingxu didn¡¯t say a word. His eyes stare at his older sister, watching her every move. asionally, he will blink his eyes, to make sure he wasn¡¯t imagining things. Until he was sure that it was reality and not a dream, tears slowly slid down his eyes.


    "Jie....."


    "What¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling pain anywhere?"


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but ask. Doctor Wong said Jingxu¡¯s condition has stabilized, so why is her younger brother crying?


    Knowing she was worried, Jingxu shakes his head and smiles. "I¡¯m fine. I just thought I was seeing things...."


    She frown hearing his words, "Why would you say that?"


    Jingxu looked at his sister, then he looks up at the white ceiling, "That man said Ting and I had been abandoned. That we didn¡¯t hold any importance in the world..."


    Hearing the word abandoned, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes darkened and her aura turned dangerous, "No matter what anyone says, Yeye and I will never abandon you. You are a Ji and my brother, never forget that."


    He turn his head back to look at his sister. His softened at her words and he smile, "I know.... Jie, what¡¯s going to happen to Ting?"


    Yue Ling sighs and sits down on the chair at the side of the bed.


    "Ting no longer has a family." She looks at Jingxu and continues, "But, I hope to help him and let him know that he is not alone. Can I ask you to help him too? I don¡¯t want to see him get devour by his own darkness."


    "....."


    Jingxu didn¡¯t say anything. His mind drifted to the time when Ting chose to sacrifice himself, so that Jingxu could escape.... Then the image of Ting¡¯s mother appear in his head... his eyes dimmed and he nod his head with confidence.


    "I want to help him too."


    He really does. If he can help someone, like how his sister helped him, then that will mean a lot to him.


    Yue Ling¡¯s heart softened more as she watch her brother. She knows that, if Jingxu can help Ting, the boy will definitely strive to live on. Brushing the discussion away, she reach over to the bag on the table and takes out a round tin.


    "I had my assistant buy your favorite soup."


    "Thanks, sis. I was going to starve from eating all these military food."


    Yue Ling chuckles and helps Jingxu sit up and feeds him the soup. What she doesn¡¯t know, is that, if the King of Jealousy was to be here, he would be eating a ton of vinegar.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    After Jingxu finished drinking the soup, the siblings chatted for a bit, then he fell a sleep because of the exhaustion. Looking at her younger brother, Yue Ling smiles faintly. She gently stroke his head before turning to leave.


    Walking out of the hospital, Liu Shan was already parked in the front, waiting for her. Yue Ling gets into the car, "Go to Union Hospital."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Have you asked Ting who the other boy is?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep attractive voice sounds from behind his desk. From the other side, Xu Long looks at his boss and sighs, "I did. However, he says he doesn¡¯t know, only that the boy was a passerby who was taken by mistake."


    Lu Tian nod his head, "The footages you hacked, the boy was helping Ting?"


    Xu Ling: "Yes."


    "It seemed, Ghost Gang crossed the line when they took the boy. Have you found anything on the man?"


    Xu Long: "No... It¡¯s weird because, it¡¯s like the person doesn¡¯t exist at all."


    Lu Tian: "Keep looking, he¡¯ll show himself in time."


    Xu Long salutes, "Yes, Boss!" However, he sighs in relief inside. His boss must be a good mood thanks to thedy boss, because usually, he would be tortured right now. Not expecting his boss to have anymore to say, Liu Shan turns to leave the office.


    "Make sure to remove the person who blocked my wife¡¯s path. That¡¯s an order."


    "..."


    Hearing his boss¡¯s words, Xu Long¡¯s heart jumped in joy!!! Yes!! He can finally get rid of the evil vixen!! Hallelujah!!!!


    He turns around and salutes again, "Assistant Xu will definitely get rid of the evil vixen! We will no longer be surrounded by her evil spirits!!" Not waiting for a response or see his boss¡¯s reaction, he quickly leaves the room.


    From behind his desk, Lu Tian was dumbfounded. The corner of his mouth twitched. He can¡¯t help but wonder why his assistant and Yue Ling¡¯s assistant seemed like they could be brothers. Shaking his head, he continues on with his work. He needs to kill time until he goes pick up his wife from work.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 156 Let’s go home

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    *knock knock*


    Ting, had just finished packing thest of his things. Hearing the knock, he turns around with the help of his crutches. Seeing who it is, his eyes widen.


    "Miss Han...."


    Yue Ling enters the room with a beautiful and graceful smile. She looks at Ting, then seeing his bag, she frowns.


    "Ting, you haven¡¯t recovered, why are you leaving?"


    "I....." Ting didn¡¯t know how to exin his situation, however, looking at his idol, he sighs. Forcing a smile, he told her the truth, "I can¡¯t pay the medical fees..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s frown deepens. Looking a Ting, she walks over to him. "It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m the one covering the expenses."


    "..."


    Ting looks at Yue Ling and his eyes widen. His body went limp and he sits on the bed. Both the crutches in his hands falls to the ground. His idol not only saved him, but she¡¯s paying his medical expenses too?


    Walking forward, Yue Ling bent down to pick up the crutches. After setting it next to Ting, she sits on a chair.


    "I know what you¡¯re thinking, I don¡¯t expect you to pay me back. However..." She looks at Ting, and continues, "I do expect you to recover well. That¡¯s all I ask in return."


    "..."


    Seeing the boy loss for words, Yue Ling smiles at him. She knows that he is still doubting her words. It isn¡¯t everyday that you¡¯d encounter someone who will freely help you.


    "Ting, I know you lost your parents..."


    Hearing those words, Ting felt helpless. He clench his fist and growl, "Don¡¯t pity me."


    He had woke up this morning and decided to leave because he knew hospital expenses were very expensive. How can he, a boy who just enter college be able to pay therge figure? Not only that, he hasn¡¯t even hold a funeral for his parents. He nned to leave the hospital after using whatever money he had left, then go to a homeless shelter... Looking at Yue Ling, he held his tears back and clench his teeth.


    "I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re helping me, but I don¡¯t want your sympathy."


    Looking at him, Yue Ling¡¯s heart tightens more. What she¡¯s doing for Ting is not out of pity.... She takes a deep breath and looks away from Ting.


    "I lost my parents too."


    "....."


    Ting looks up with red eyes. Yue Ling turn her head to the window and she smiled faintly.


    "I lost my parents when I was ten years old. So... I know the feeling you¡¯re feeling right now. The feeling of losing a huge piece in your heart."


    "....."


    Ting¡¯s lips trembling as he tries to hold back the urge to cry. He doesn¡¯t want anyone to see him cry, especially not his idol.


    Seeing his red eyes, Yue Ling¡¯s heart softened. She stood from the chair and sits next to him. Lifting her hand, she pats his head. Her soft and angelic voice enters Ting¡¯s ears.


    "It¡¯s okay to cry. I won¡¯t judge you and neither will anyone else."


    As herst word fell, Ting who had been trying so hard not cry, let¡¯s everything loose. He didn¡¯t silently cry, but wailed as if his life deepened on it.


    "Why.... Why me? I haven¡¯t done anything... Why my parents.. why my family?"


    Yue Ling kept quiet and let Ting cry his heart out. She knows that he has been secretly crying alone. He wasn¡¯t only in mourning, he was also in pain. For him, he had lost everything at once....


    When she lost her parents, she had also med the world for being cruel and unfair...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    At exactly 7pm, Yue Ling¡¯s white BMW was parked right outside in front of De L¡¯amour. Lu Tian stepped out from the driver side and leaned against the car. He takes a cigarette out and lights it. Taking a puff, he looks at the double door and wait for his wife.


    After his third cigarette, Lu Tian looks at the watch on his wrist. Seeing the time, the space between his brows crease into three lines. It¡¯s been 15 minutes and his wife hasn¡¯te out. Looking at the closed doors, he pursed his lips. His mind debating if he should go in or not.


    Deciding not to go in, he lights his fourth cigarette. Slowly smoking it, he waits some more.


    Next came the fifth and then the sixth. Just when he was about to take the seventh cigarette out, he puts it away. Lifting his left hand, he pinch the space between his brows. Running out of patience, he decides to go in. Who knows what could of happened to his wife.


    Taking a step forward, the doors to De L¡¯amour opens and a tall graceful figure walks out. Her beauty was like a fairy in the heavens. Everything about her was like god had taken his sweet time to sculpt her into the perfect woman. However, Lu Tian stare at the woman dumbfounded.


    "Sorry. Sorry."


    Yue Ling pants as she ran out from the door. Stopping three feet away from Lu Tian, she slightly bent over. With one hand on her knee, her other hand pats her chest then stretches out to the man.


    "I was too caught up with work, I forgot the time."


    She spoke each word while trying to catch her breath. She did not expect thating back from Union Hospital, she¡¯d run into rush hour. Not only that, the traffic wasn¡¯t going anywhere, so instead of waiting, she got out of the car and ran back to De L¡¯amour. Good thing she made it back in time....


    "Uh....."


    When her eyes met Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes, she knew she was wrong. She most definitely did not make it back in time.


    "Tian....?"


    Lu Tian stare at Yue Ling for a good minute. Not saying a word, he walks over to her and takes her hand.


    "Let¡¯s go home."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stare at the indifferent man speechlessly. Is he angry? Wait... how long did he wait for?


    She didn¡¯t know when or how, but she was already sitting inside the car. Just when she turn to look at Lu Tian, he leaned over, making her heart thump at high speed.


    "W-wait. Were in the car-ar...."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. How could she let her imagination runpletely wild?!!!


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but let out a low chuckle. He grab the seatbelt and buckle his wife in. Turning his head to her, he steals a quick kiss before sitting back in the driver seat. He enjoys her look when he sneaks a kiss. Starting the car, he drives forward.


    "What do you want to eat for dinner?"


    "...."


    Yue Ling¡¯s brain was not cooperating at the moment. She stare at the man in the driver seat and couldn¡¯t help but wonder.... Just how much shameless does he have inside his brain....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 157 Woman to mingle

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    *Flooomp!*


    Liu Shan falls onto his bed. He was very exhausted. Earlier, after he witnessed his boss run for her life back to De L¡¯amour, he ended up being alone and stuck in traffic. Instead of going back too, he drove home. Resting his eyes for a bit, he rolls out of bed until he falls and sits on the floor of his apartment.


    "Hmmmm.... I¡¯m so hungry...."


    He slowly stood up and drag his tired body to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he sighs...


    "Ahh... how can I not have food at all... *sob*..."


    Crying inside, he change out of work clothes. Wearing ck sweatpants and a white sweater with De L¡¯amour in ck cursive, he leaves his apartment.


    Instead of driving, he jogs to the nearby convenient store to buy drinks and some noodles. He pays the old man at the counter and leaves. Walking back, he sighs hopelessly.


    His boss has found a new love and here he is, still single with no woman to mingle.


    "What are you doing here?!"


    "Baby, let¡¯s talk. I know I messed up, can¡¯t you give me another chance? Please."


    "No! I¡¯ve given you chance after chance. I don¡¯t want to be with you anymore."


    Liu Shan stops in his steps and looks in the direction of the woman and man¡¯s voice. The two people stood in front of the stairs to his apartment. Looking at the good looking man, his expression was indifferent, but seeing the pretty woman, he arch a brow.


    "Baby, please! I promise, I won¡¯t screw up this time."


    The man grabs the woman¡¯s hand and pulls her into a hug. However, the woman struggles in the man¡¯s arms.


    "Stop! No! Stop it!"


    "Come on. I know you miss me. Don¡¯t lie to yourself."


    The man leans forward and kiss the woman, however, before he could, a hand grabs the back of his cor. Pulling him backwards and away from the woman.


    "If possible, this one would like to get home to eat. Please be courteous and move."


    "....."


    Both the man and woman stare in wide eye at Liu Shan. He looks at the man and shakes his head. Then he looks at the woman, seeing her moisten eyes, he sighs.


    "Ling Ni, you should pick your men wisely. If not, do things in private. Single people like myself have been eating too much dog food."


    Not wanting to stay any longer, he leisurely walks up the stairs. He wants to get inside his apartment so he can eat. However...


    "You son of a bitch."


    The man quickly steps forward and reach his arm out to grab Liu Shan, ready to throw a punch. But Liu Shan reacted faster.


    "Argh!!!"


    Before the man knew it, he was t on the ground. Except this time, his hands were covering his nose in pain.


    Liu Shan looks at the man and shakes his head.


    ¡¯So weak...¡¯


    He turns around and walks up the stairs. From behind, Ling Ni was speechless. She looks at the man and then up at Liu Shan. Not waiting, she quickly follows after Liu Shan. Who knows what the man will do to her when he¡¯s fine.


    "Liu Shan! Wait!"


    Hearing the woman¡¯s voice, Liu Shan stops and turn around to her. His expression was tired and looked like one who just wanted to go home and sleep.


    "What is it?"


    Ling Ni looks at Liu Shan and she smiles faintly, "Thank you for back there..."


    "It¡¯s not my ce to say, but you should really be careful with the men you choose to date."


    Not waiting, he walks to his apartment door. He unlocks the door and enters.


    Outside, Ling Ni watch the man until he was gone in sight. She sighs and then enters the apartment next door to Liu Shan¡¯s.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Wroof! Wroof! Wroof!"


    Yue Ling stood at the side and watched the human and dog¡¯s interaction. Her fair face at this moment was red as she tried to hold herself back fromughing out loud.


    She and Lu Tian had just returned home, but the moment they walked through the door, Inu has been going in circles around Lu Tian. It was as if the white fluffy ball was lecturing the man.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Lu Tian stood expressionless in the middle of the livingroom while Inu circles him. He takes a deep breath and pinch the space between his brows.


    "Look. It was she who took long."


    "Woof! Woof!"


    ¡¯You dare me my mommy?! You just wanted to take her away from me!!¡¯


    "Why are you ming me? It wasn¡¯t my fault.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Lu Tian looks at the dog, then he turn to look at his wife. His expression saying, ¡¯You¡¯re not going to help me?¡¯


    "Ahahahha!!"


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t hold it anymore andughed her heart out. She could not believe the conversation between the two. Walking over while stillughing, she squat down and hugs her baby.


    "Don¡¯t be mad at Tian. It was mommy who took long at work."


    Inu res at Lu Tian, as if saying, ¡¯You¡¯re pretty lucky this time!¡¯ He rubs his head on the side of his mommy¡¯s face. Then looks at Lu Tian again before turning away with a scoff.


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help butugh again. Standing up, she takes Lu Tian¡¯s hand and guide him to the couch.


    "Okay, let¡¯s change the bandage on your hand, then we can eat dinner."


    "...."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes lit up when his wife took his hand, but hearing her words, he pursed his lips. Reluctantly obliging, he sits on the couch. He watched his wife¡¯s every move. From the time she got the first aid kit to her putting a new bandage on his hand.


    His heart couldn¡¯t help but soften. He loves it when her attention is fully on him. Leaning forward, he smiles warmly and captures her lip, catching her in surprise again. However, when his lip touched her soft lips, he couldn¡¯t help but want her. In a swift scoop, he carries his wife up.


    "Ahhh!"


    "Wooof!!!"


    Yue Ling drops the first aid and quickly wraps her arms around Lu Tian¡¯s neck. She was afraid she¡¯d might fall.


    Inu quickly runs to rescue his mommy from the evil peasant. However, because it was so sudden, he stumble between his legs as he runs.


    Whereas, Lu Tian ignores the two and head towards the bedroom.


    Passing the kitchen, he uses the same trick on Inu again. The same one when they first met. Grabbing a dog treat, he toss it back towards the living room.


    "Wooof!!"


    ¡¯Let my mommy go¡ª-oouuu food!¡¯


    "...."


    In Lu Tian¡¯s arms, Yue Ling stare dumbfounded at her baby. She could not believe he had fallen into Li Tian¡¯s trick again.


    Walking forward, Lu Tian grins ear to ear. He doesn¡¯t mind having his dessert first, then dinner.


    Hearing the bedroom door closed, Inu who was chewing the dog treat was dumbfounded.


    He could not believe he had fallen for the same trick again!!!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 158 Peace and quie

    ¡ª¡ª-


    [WARNING: It¡¯s snu snu time! You¡¯ve been warned!]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    When they reached the bedroom. Lu Tian gently tossed Yue Ling onto the bed and climbed on top of her. He began kissing down her neck as he undress her until she had nothing on. His lips brushed her shoulder and down to her breasts, his tongue gently caressing her nipples.


    Unknowingly to Yue Ling, while he was undressing her, she was undressing him. She finally realized what she was doing when her hand brush against something hard. Her face redden as her eyes widen in surprise.


    Slowly, Lu Tian pulled away. Lifting his head, he looks into her eyes. His eyes filled with burning desire to take her right away, but he doesn¡¯t. He caressed her body with his hands, trying to keep control himself, yet, at the same time teasing her.


    "Should I stop?"


    Yue Ling blush as she stare into his eyes. She swore, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes were dark like a ck hole, always drawing her deeply into the abyss. Feeling as if her body had shrunk into the bed, she shook her head.


    "No.. don¡¯t stop...."


    Hearing her answer, Lu Tian felt the dragon below awaken more. He lower his head and kiss her forehead, the tip of her nose, her lips, then traveling down to her ear lobe. She could hear his breathing be faster.


    "Tian... " she calls out to him with a voice full of passion.


    Swiftly, but ever so gently, she felt his cold hard on slide between her as he parted her legs. He looks at her, making sure she was okay and slowly slid himself in her.


    "Ahh~"


    Yue Ling sucks in a mouthful of air as his coldness spread her. Lu Tian leaned down as his head rested in the crook of her neck. His breathing became heavy as he slid himself in and out of her.


    "Ah~! Tian~!"


    She screamed in passion. The king sized bed lightly shook with their intimate act.


    "You¡¯re so beautiful, Yue Ling..."


    Lu Tian whisper into her neck, pushing himself deeper inside of me. She flinched biting her lower lip to keep from gasping again. Her movement was one that was not missed by Lu Tian. But he did not stop, he lift her legs and put them over his shoulder. Trusting harder into her. His eyes full of list and passion as he watch her.


    "Ahn~!"


    She gasped a loud moaned. His hands massage her breasts as he plunge her deeper.


    Lu Tian¡¯s face lower to hers, his lips met hers with his tongue caressing her lips and the inside of her mouth. Yue Ling closed her eyes tightly grabbing and scratching at his broad and granite back.


    Pulling his lip away, he gently set her legs down. He rolled over positioning her on top of him. Their bodies never disconnecting. They were one as Yue Ling sat up on him. His dragon going deeper inside of her.


    "Nn.." She sobbed a moan.


    "Its ok, love." Lu Tian groan a whisper. Taking her hips firmly in his hands, he slowly bounce her up and down on him.


    Looking at beautiful face, he slowly moves his left hand from her hip and slides it down between her legs. His fingers gently teasing around her little nub.


    "Ahh~ T-Tian, n-n~!"


    She tremble at his sudden gesture. Her entire body was full of him and love. His movements were driving her mind crazy.


    Moving on her own, she m herself down on him, his fingers stroking and ying with her. Until she was gasping for air, he finally moved his hand.


    His right hand held her naked and soft back, while his left hand fondle her right breast. His mouth taking in her left breast.


    "Cum for me, Yue Ling."


    He whisper. His mouth leaving her nipple, slowly, but eagerly making its way back to her lips.


    Yue Ling moans. Tangling her fingers through his ink ck hair, she returns his kiss.


    Reaching their desire climax, Lu Tian shifts their position. Never leaving her, heys her back on the bed. He plunge onest time in her and sought his release. At the same time, Yue Ling¡¯s body arch forward finding her own climax. She could feel his release inside her as he gently move in and out of her, until he was done.


    Like every other time, Lu Tian didn¡¯t pull out of her. He stayed inside her as one. His bodyying on top of hers as their heavy breathing filled the bedroom.


    Yue Ling was very tired. Sheid on thefy bed heavily breathing. Suddenly, she couldn¡¯t help but shudder.


    "Hnn~"


    Lu Tian had just pulled out of his wife. Hearing her sudden voice that sounded like a soft moan, he chuckles. Leaning down, he kiss her forehead, then stood from the bed.


    As sheid exhausted on the bed, she felt slumber creep up. Her eyes slowly flutter as she slowly falls asleep.


    *shhhaaaaaah*


    However, the sound of running water surface from the bathroom. Until the sound stopped, Yue Ling frowned with her eyes closed. Opening her eyes again, she suddenly yelp in surprise.


    "Ahh! Tian, what are you doing?!!"


    Lu Tian let¡¯s out a smallugh. Feeling her arms wrap around his neck, he pecks a kiss on her lip and carries her to the bathroom.


    "Bringing you to take a bath."


    "....."


    Yue Ling stare at Lu Tian in speechless. Didn¡¯t he usually just let her sleep?!!


    "We¡¯re going to bathe, then have dinner."


    "..."


    Inside the bathroom, Yue Ling was gently ced inside the bathtub. Feeling the warm water touch her naked skin, she sighed infort. Lu Tian was very sweet to warm a bath for her...


    However, she had thought wrong. The moment she sat in the bathtub, Lu Tian sat her between his legs and wrap his arms around her. He rest his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes, with the side of his face touching hers.


    The him at this moment had on a very happy expression. An expression of an idiot madly in love.


    Yue Ling pursed her lips. This man was nothing but shameless. How can he not be embarrassed at all? Suddenly, their time in the shower appears in her head. Her heart jumped in nervousness. Oh god! He isn¡¯t going to....


    Knowing she is trapped in the man¡¯s strong arms, she gathers her strength and ask.


    "Tian, you¡¯re not thinking of.... you know, in here too, are you?"


    Hearing her question, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remained closed, but his lip curled upwards. Sneakily moving his left hand under the water, he gently cups one of Yue Ling¡¯s perfectly round breast.


    "I think you do."


    "...."


    Feeling a sudden squeeze on one of her twin peaks, Yue Ling gasp a moan. She quickly grabs Lu Tian¡¯s hand and stops him. Moving his hand, she slightly turn to looks at him.


    "Tian, can¡¯t we just enjoy some peace and quiet together?"


    Lu Tian opened his eyes because of Yue Ling¡¯s shift in their position and her words. He had spoke his words because of her questions. However, when he looked at her and how alluring she looked at this moment, he felt his throat turned dry.


    It wasn¡¯t just his throat, even the dragon below was slowly waking up. Taking a deep breath, he suppress the urge to take her again. Even if they were in the bathtub, he doesn¡¯t mind. But he knows, he can¡¯t.


    Using his left hand, he wraps it around Yue Ling and pulls her closer to him. He press his head to hers and tries to calm his selfish desire.


    "Why do you have to be so beautiful?"


    He whisper in a groan, then his voice turned raspy and very seductive.


    "You don¡¯t know how much I want you every time of the day."


    "....."


    Yue Ling froze hearing the man¡¯s words. He wants her.... every.... time of the day?


    *thump*


    Does his stamina not ever go down?


    *thump thump*


    How will she survive... every... day?


    *thump thump thump*


    Oh god!!!!!


    As Yue Ling¡¯s mind drifted into her own shamelessness, Lu Tian chuckles inside. He held her close to him, as if kneading her into one with him.


    The him at this moment really wanted to take her, but he can¡¯t be selfish. She just asked him why they can¡¯t enjoy peace and quiet.


    So, for now, they will enjoy a nice warm bath. He also doesn¡¯t want his wife to ban him from ever stepping foot inside the bathtub with her.


    "Tian?"


    "Shh... peace and quiet."


    "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 159 She’s here too

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Within time, the days flew by and it was the day for Beauty¡¯s winter photo shoot. During this shoot, models who were invited are gathered to take photos and wear all the prestige designer brands.


    "Oh, I can¡¯t wait to wear the clothes from De L¡¯amour. An Qing must have done a great job tounch De L¡¯amour to it¡¯s highest!"


    A model spoke as she sat while a hair dresser style her hair. Hearing the words, the hair dresser smiles and continue her work.


    "Not only that, An Qing¡¯s CEO will be here. I¡¯ve never met her, but I know she¡¯s a real beauty."


    "Really? That¡¯s even better!!"


    As the model and hair dresser continue into their conversation, they didn¡¯t notice the murderous aura emitting from the model sitting two seats away.


    "Miss Ning?"


    Hearing her name, Ning Mei quickly looks up the makeup artist. She hides her facade with a sweet smile.


    "Sorry, please continue."


    The makeup artist stare at Ning Mei. She couldn¡¯t help but think if it was her imagination when she saw this model¡¯s dark expression. Not thinking much, she continues with the makeup.


    "You look very beautiful Miss Ning. Just a few more touches and you¡¯ll be done."


    "Make sure you don¡¯t make any mistakes. Hurry up."


    "Yes, Miss Ning."


    Ning Mei closed her eyes and let the makeup artist do her job. She also couldn¡¯t wait to show all the models here who¡¯s the best. Only she is worthy to wear all the prestige brands and have her picture on the cover of Beauty¡¯s winter magazine. Once she settles this deal, it will bring her into the top ten ranking of models.


    She¡¯s one step closer to overthrowing Yue Ling from the world. After she bes number one in ranking, everyone will forget the sluts name. She hates how Yue Ling has already retired from modeling, but her name is still ranked above the rest. Everyone still sees her as the number one model and beauty in Asia.


    "Done."


    The makeup artist exim happily. She turn the swivel chair around. The moment Ning Mei open her eyes, she was taken by surprise. Seeing her wless face and makeup in the mirror, she smiles.


    She sneers inside, ¡¯now this is how a model should look like¡¯. Quickly standing up, she leaves the makeup room and heads to the dressing room to change.


    "....."


    The makeup artist couldn¡¯t help but sigh. She knows she is a lowly makeup artist, but she is still human too. A mere thank you would have been nice.


    Shaking her head, she starts to pack her makeup suitcase. Ning Mei was herst model, so her shift is done here.


    *knock knock*


    "Excuse me, can you fit me into your schedule?"


    "No, my shift is¡ª" the makeup artist puts her brushes away, but the moment she turn to look at the owner of the voice. She was dumbfounded. Seeing the tall and beautiful woman. Her eyes widen and she almost lost her bnce.


    Like she had suddenly recharged herself, she smiles widely.


    "Yes! I can fit you into my schedule! Definitely!"


    She quickly answers in joy. Even if Ning Mei had made her shift gloomy, she didn¡¯t care. The her at this moment is even more luckier!


    "Thank you."


    The woman smiles and walks over to the seat. Just when she was about to sit down, the make artist stops her.


    "Oh, please wait a second."


    She grabs a duster and dust the chair, then she ce a sheet over the seat. Her movements were like a maid preparing for her queen. Not wanting her queen to be contaminated by unnecessary things.


    "Okay. Miss Han, you can sit now."


    Yue Ling looked at the makeup artist and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She smiles and takes a seat.


    "Su Wenli, I said before, no need for formalities. Just call me Han Yue Ling."


    Su Wenli blushed. She loves her job when the model she¡¯s working with is Han Yue Ling. Even though the model is ranked one and at another level, she still treats everyone the same. Whether you are a custodian or an errand boy, she will treat you with pure generosity.


    Putting her makeup products back on the table, she suddenly thought of something. With a foundation brush in her hand, she looks at Yue Ling.


    "Miss Han... I mean.. Han Yue Ling, are you also a model for the photo shoot?"


    "Mm."


    Hearing the answer, Su Wenli frown in confusion. She starts applying makeup on Yue Ling.


    "If you don¡¯t mind me asking, but.... didn¡¯t you retire from the modeling industry?"


    Yue Ling had her eyes closed, but hearing the girl¡¯s question, she opened her eyes. Not too slow and not too fast.


    "I¡¯m here in request of CEO Wu."


    "Oh...."


    Su Wenli nod her head in understanding. Just when she was about to apply eyeliner on Yue Ling, her eyes widen in realization. She sucks in mouthful of air.


    "Haaa¡ª you mean...."


    Yue Ling smiles at the girl and nod her head, "It¡¯s a secret though."


    "Mm. Mm." Su Wenli nods her head multiple times. Just how shocked will all the other models be? Everyone knows that Han Yue Ling has been on the front cover of all Beauty¡¯s magazine since she started her career. Not only that, she was the one who helped Beauty reached it¡¯s peak.


    She had tons of questions she wanted to ask, but knowing that it was almost time for the phototshoot, she kept quiet.


    Her hands work their cosmetic skills on her favorite model. She will definitely make Han Yue Ling the most outstanding, even though she already is.


    Yue Ling, who was oblivious to Su Wenli¡¯s thoughts, waited patiently. She didn¡¯t want to take the role as Beauty¡¯s front cover model, because she wanted to give the chance to another model. There were many models who fit the role perfectly.


    However, she changed her mind because of Ning Mei and An Qing. She wants to use this photo shoot as a starting step to p Ning Mei¡¯s face. And of course, the fashion show will be for An Qing.


    "Han Yue Ling, I heard that An Qing¡¯s CEO is also here. However, the strange thing is, she didn¡¯t bring anything from De L¡¯amour, but her own designs specifically from An Qing."


    Yue Ling arch a brow, "So, she¡¯s here too."


    "Hm? What was that?"


    "It¡¯s nothing."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    While Yue Ling was getting ready for Beauty¡¯s winter photo shoot, the King of Jealousy was currently at the Lu Household. His handsome expression gloomy and murderous.


    Lu Han nce at his older brother and he felt even more nervous. Earlier, when he step foot inside the Lu Household, he swore a blizzard weed him. It probably even blew his soul back to his own ce and sucked him back here.


    Just who made his older brother angry? Do they not know the consequences of offending the cold and ruthless king?


    Although, he does want to know who made his brother mad. He loves watching people fall when they mess with the wrong person. Taking a big giant gulp, he asks his brother.


    "Bro... you alright?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 160 Super friendly

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Lu Tian looks at his younger brother. His eyes ring viciously at the man. Not saying a word, he stood from the sofa and walks out to the backyard. He needs a cigarette to calm himself.


    From the livingroom, Lu Han was dumbfounded. His eyes followed his older brother until the mighty figure disappears from view.


    He frown, then taking out his phone, he dials a number. After two rings, someone picked up from the other line. However, he didn¡¯t wait for the person to answer, he cuts in.


    "Hey, what¡¯s wrong with my older bro today? Did someone offend him?"


    ["....."]


    "Hello? Xu Long? Hello?"


    ["Nothing is wrong with boss. He¡¯s perfectly fine and healthy."]


    "..."


    ["If that¡¯s all, please excuse me. I have some paperwork to finish for boss."]


    "..."


    Listening to the sound of Xu Long ending the call, Lu Han was dumbfounded. He moves the phone from his ear and looks at it, then he looks in the direction his older brother went.


    Outside, Lu Tian sat on a chair in the patio. He stares out to the open back yard of Lu Household. When his eyesnded on the white fluff ball running and jumping with freedom, his mind couldn¡¯t help but wonder to his wife.


    Yue Ling had told him about Beauty¡¯s request for her to model. At first, he didn¡¯t find anything wrong with the idea. Even if she wasn¡¯t a model anymore, if she wants to model, he will support her fully. Anything she wants to do, he will always be on her side.


    However, itter dawned on him that his wife was going to be in a magazine. Imagining his wife beautiful face in a magazine, he couldn¡¯t help but eat vinegar. This magazine is very famous in Asian and with his wife in it, just how many bees wille buzzing in her way....


    Not only that, for the past few days, he had purposely used more force during their intimacy. Taking her under him roughly. His n was to tire her out and make her unable to stand, which did happen. She could barely walk after he was done with her. But who would have thought, she¡¯d escape in the morning before he even woke up.


    Then, his father called and told him to visit the Lu Household. His cousin was visiting. So, left with no other choice drove here and also reluctantly brought his enemy along.


    As much as he didn¡¯t like the furry beast, he knew the little guy was probably tired and bored of always staying home alone.


    "Hmm....."


    Lu Tian takes a deep breath, then he takes a puff of his cigarette.


    "I wonder, who is it that has the capability to make my cold cousin sigh?"


    The sound of a woman¡¯s voice trail from behind Lu Tian. Calmly, he sat up and turn to look at the woman. His expression emotionless as usual. This woman is his only girl cousin from his mother¡¯s side.


    "Ya¡¯Er."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er grinned at Lu Tian. She walks over to one of the chairs and sat down. Looking out to the yard, she shriek in joy.


    "Oh my gosh! It¡¯s a Samoyed!!!"


    Lu Tian arch a brow at his cousin. He¡¯s never asked Yue Ling what kind of breed Inu was, but his cousin knows? He turns to look at Inu who was running in the open yard, chasing birds thatnd on the grass.


    "Lu Tian, where did you get this dog? Do you know how much he cost? Not only that, they love attention and they are super friendly."


    Hearing his cousin¡¯s description of Inu, Lu Tian was dumbfounded. Loves attention? Yes, the little guy loves getting attention from his wife. Friendly? Uh, maybe only towards his wife.


    However, he didn¡¯t say anything except shrug his shoulder indifferently.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er turn from Inu and looks at Lu Tian. She sighs inside seeing the handsome man, but with that cold expression on him, she sighs again. It¡¯s no wonder he hasn¡¯t found himself a woman and got himself a dog. That look of his can make any women fall for him, but at the same time, it can scare them away too...


    Then again, she¡¯s found the right woman for him. It did take her a long time, but she knows she¡¯s found the perfect woman for him!


    She leans forward and grin at her cousin.


    Seeing his cousin¡¯s movement, Lu Tian didn¡¯t falter one bit. He arch a brow as if saying, ¡¯What?¡¯


    "Lu Tian, I found the perfect woman for you!"


    "Not interested."


    "Why? She¡¯s beautiful, like very very very veeeery beautiful. If you meet her, you will fall for her right away!"


    ¡¯Only my wife is beautiful in my eyes.¡¯


    Lu Tian thought the words, but he didn¡¯t say it aloud. He wanted Yue Ling¡¯s approval before he tells his family members about their rtionship.


    Oblivious to her cousin¡¯s thoughts, Zhao Ya¡¯Er continues her bragging, "I swear, she¡¯s the perfect woman. No woman canpare to her."


    Lu Tian: "....." ¡¯My wife is perfect. No one canpare to her.¡¯


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er: "She has the best personality."


    Lu Tian: "....." ¡¯My wife has the best personality.¡¯


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er: "You will fall in love with her when you meet her."


    Lu Tian: "...." ¡¯I¡¯ve already fallen in love with my wife.¡¯


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er: "I¡¯m telling you Lu Tian, you won¡¯t be disappointed. Ha¡ª"


    Lu Han: "What are you guys talking about?"


    From the door, Lu Han walks out and interrupts Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s words. He sits in the seat next to his cousin and nudge her with his elbow.


    "Tell me Ya¡¯Er, what were you telling my older bro?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er res at Lu Han. She was in the middle of introducing her best friend, Han Yue Ling to her older cousin. How dare this puny cousin of hers interrupt her. She ps Lu Han on the head, "I was introducing my best friend to Lu Tian. Why couldn¡¯t you just wait a few more seconds before interrupting us!"


    Lu Han: "....."


    He was really dumbfounded. He stare at his cousin with heavy eyes as he rub his head. Isn¡¯t he her cousin too? Why isn¡¯t she introducing her friends to him?


    He pursed his lip, "Ya¡¯Er, I¡¯m your cousin too." Then like a light bulb switched on, he grin and lean to his cousin, "Let me meet this friend of yours. Is she pretty? Come on, don¡¯t hide the details."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er looked at her cousin and snorted, "As if I¡¯d show you. You change your women like you change your clothes. If anyone, why don¡¯t you try Xie Na. She seems very interested in you."


    Hearing the name, Lu Han shiver in goosebumps. He motion a gag, but nothing came out.


    "My dear cousin, how can you throw such a lowly woman to this mundane emperor and give the goddess to the heavenly emperor? So unfair."


    This time, it was Zhao Ya¡¯Er who stare with heavy eyes. Mundane emperor? Heavenly emperor? Just what is her cousin talking about?


    Lu Tian stare at the two people. He sighed inside. How can he have such busy body family members? Killing the cigarette in his hand, he stood from his chair and walks back inside the house.


    Inu¡¯s ears perk up, he looks in Lu Tian¡¯s direction, then he walks to rest under a tree. Since the evil peasant hasn¡¯t called for him, that means he can still y after he wakes up from his nap.


    Only thing missing, was his favorite peasant. Just how great it¡¯d be if his mommy was here.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 161 Head and hear

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The moment Lu Tian enter through the back doors, he arch his brows at the living room.


    Sitting on one of the sofa was an old man with grey hair. He wore a set of dark grey loungewear. Standing at his side was another old man, but this old man wore a ck suit.


    Looking at the two figures, he couldn¡¯t help but think that their roles were reversed. The old man in suit looked more like the boss, whereas the old man in loungewear looked like the assistant. However, he knows it wasn¡¯t like that at all.


    The old man in loungewear wasn¡¯t your normal old man. Even at old age, his name was well known throughout China. His aura was that of a proud and mighty general. Many people have great respect for the old man, including him, the cold and ruthless king of the business world.


    Across from the two old men was his father. Just when he looked at his father, the man turned around andughs.


    "Oh, Tian. Come and greet Grandfather Ji."


    Lu Tian walks towards the living room. He nod his head to Old Man Ji and then Zhang Yong.


    "Grandfather Ji. Assistant Zhang."


    "Lu Tian."


    Old man Ji nod his head back. His aura that of a true general. He didn¡¯t not back down when face with the young and aloof Lu Tian that many people fear.


    Watching the young man walk into the living room and sit down, Old Man Ji sized Lu Tian. Thisd would definitely make a perfect match for my precious granddaughter.


    However, he can¡¯t say it aloud. Even if he saw Lu Tian as a potential partner for her. He knows his granddaughter and it¡¯s still her decision to decide who she wants to marry. He is not one to force Yue Ling and Jingxu into doing something they don¡¯t like.


    From the side, Zhang Yong rolled his old eyes. Did his master only wanted toe here to size the oldest son of the Lu family or get down to business? However, even with his mind thinking that way, he also sized Lu Tian. He had to admit, the young man had be a very prominent person at a young age. One who deserves great respect from many. Even he thinks thed can be worthy of the young Miss.


    Lu Tian sat down on the sofa, next to his father. He waspletely oblivious to the two old men¡¯s thoughts.


    "Is there a reason for Grandfather Ji¡¯s sudden visit?"


    He asked without fear or hesitation. It wasn¡¯t everyday that the old man visits the Lu Household. If he did, then it was either for his father¡¯s birthday or government issues that required both the Lu family and military to solve.


    Across from Lu Tian, Old man Ji nod his head approvingly. No fear and no hesitation. Thisd is definitely worthy to be a potential partner for his granddaughter and deserves his respect. Looking right back at Lu Tian, he spoke in a powerful voice.


    "I came today, because of Ghost Gang. I¡¯m sure your assistant has already hacked into the footages. If I am correct, you also know that beside the boy Ting, there was another boy at the scene."


    Old man Ji¡¯s eyes remained on Lu Tian, "You don¡¯t need tomence your team to further search the boy¡¯s whereabouts."


    Lu Tian arch a brow at the old man. His expression remained indifferent.


    The old man sighs and continue, "That boy is my grandson, Jingxu."


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Old Lu: "Y-You mean that other boy is your Jingxu?"


    Old man Ji: "Mm. When I found out who took him, I ordered my men to rescue him. We did not bring Ting with us because we knew Lu Tian¡¯s team was there."


    Old man Ji told half the truth. He could not tell them that it was his delicate and precious granddaughter who demolished an entire gang. He can¡¯t afford to jeopardize her image. Especially not when she hasn¡¯t married. Like, what kind of man would marry her knowing she has blood on her hands?


    Well, if every man is too scared of a strong woman, then he doesn¡¯t mind keeping his granddaughter. Even sometimes, he feels no man is worthy of her.


    Lu Tian nced at Old man Ji. So it was the military who arrived before him and his team. However, he never knew that there was a very skilled man within the old man¡¯s troop. He thought this way because there were days when his team would train along side Old man Ji¡¯s troops.


    "I will detach my men."


    "That would be for the best."


    Old man Ji and Zhang Yong sighed in relief inside. Their purpose in visiting the Lu Household was because of this reason. Liu Shan had informed them about the team that came after they arrived to rescue Jingxu and Ting. Not only that, but that the same group was trying to find more information on Yue Ling.


    Knowing this, Old man Ji knew it was Lu Tian and his team. So he decided to pay a visit to stop them further searching.


    Lu Tian thought of something and he pout his lip.


    "Grandfather Ji, I¡¯d like to ask you a question?"


    "Mm. Go ahead. If I can answer then I will."


    Old man Ji answered Lu Tian. His outer appearance was calm, but deep down, he couldn¡¯t help but swallow a gulp. Who knew what thed would ask? Could he know that it was his granddaughter?


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression remained indifferent as his usual cold and deep voice sound, "When my team arrived at the scene, every member from Ghost Gang were already dead."


    His eyes looked to Old man Ji then to Zhang Yong and back to the old man.


    "My assistant was able to retrieve a small footage during the scene. It appeared everything that happened to Ghost Gang was caused by one man only. However, their cause of death was either the heart, the head or both. Why is that?"


    Hearing Lu Tian mention the words ¡¯one man only¡¯, both old men sighed in relief inside. Yue Ling¡¯s cover was not blown.


    To kill in such a way is definitely his granddaughter. It was the way Old Han had taught her. Of course he didn¡¯t say it out loud. Instead, Old man Jiughs and p his knee, "Oh-hoho, that¡¯s very simple. The head for having no brain and the heart for having no heart."


    Lu Tian nod his head. Although the old man¡¯s answer sounded like a riddle, he knew its meaning.


    Everything made sense now.


    That means, the man had specifically target the head and heart because Ghost Gang did not think before their actions and they had no heart for what they did.


    "Target the head for not thinking and the heart for being heartless."


    Old man Jiughs again, "Correct. What¡¯s the use of a brain if one does not use it, and why have a heart if you¡¯re full of cruel intentions?!"


    Lu Tian nod his head indifferently, "I appreciate your honest answer."


    "Haha, no need. It was a question I could help answer."


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Old man Ji frown and looks for the source of bark. Just when he looked to the back door, he sees Lu Han and Zhao Ya¡¯Er enter the house. However, his eyes slightly widen. His old body froze in surprise.


    "Inu?"


    Inu who could not open the door had waited patiently. His heart cursing the two puny peasants outside for not hurrying in. He wanted to go say hi to his second favorite peasant, beside his mommy. He had smelt the old man¡¯s scent when Lu Tian went back inside.


    Just when Lu Han finally decided to go back in, the moment he opened the door Inu barged right in.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    "Inu!"


    Old man Ji eximed happily. He reach down and scratch the back of Inu ears as the Samoyed sat right by him. Thest time he saw Inu was three years ago, when Yue Ling first saved the little guy as a puppy. Surprisingly, he still remembers the old man.


    Wait.....


    Why is Inu here? How did he get here?


    Uh.... this is Inu right? Even the cor is the same...


    Lu Han: "Grandfather Ji, you know the little guy?"


    "Ahh....." Old Man Ji was rooted to the sofa. Good thing for his fast brain, he quickly thinks of an answer. "Ahaha, I said Inu because Inu in Japanese means dog. Hahah... What is his name?"


    Lu Tian: "His name is Inu."


    Inu: "Wroof!"


    Zhang Yong: "...."


    Old Lu: "..."


    Lu Han: "..."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er: "....."


    Old man Ji frown at Lu Tian¡¯s answer, ¡¯Can it be a coincidence that this little guy has the same name as his granddaughter¡¯s Inu? No... this is definitely Inu, but why is he here at the Lu Household?¡¯


    He ponder in thinking, however, the only answer to his curiosity is if he ask his granddaughter.


    That¡¯s right, he will definitely ask her. Is she....


    He looks at Lu Tian then Lu Han. Could his granddaughter be secretly seeing one of the Lu kids? But which one?


    He looks at Lu Han and his eyes narrow. Thinking of something, he frowns and shakes his head. No, definitely not this one. Then he looks at Lu Tian, his eyes narrow so much, it looked like they had closed.


    Can it be the oldest Lu boy then? After all, he knew Inu¡¯s name...


    Hrmmm.....


    "....."


    Everyone, besides Lu Tian and Inu, watched dumbfounded at the different changes in Old man Ji¡¯s expression.


    Who knows what the old man was thinking at this moment!!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 162 Fanboy

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "What do you mean there¡¯s been a mistake?"


    Ning Mei was furious. She had just changed into An Qing¡¯s personal clothing and arrived at the studio room. However, when she came on set, the photographer had told her all the models needed had done their shoot and Ning Mei didn¡¯t have to take hers.


    The photographer, David sighs. He sets the photography camera down and looks at Ning Mei.


    "Miss Ning, my apologies, but it is CEO Wu¡¯s words."


    Ning Mei clench her fists at her side. "CEO Wu? Howe I was not aware of this matter?"


    "What¡¯s going on here?"


    A woman¡¯s voice sound from behind Ning Mei. Both the model and photographer looks in the direction of the woman. She was 172cm and was dressed very fashionably.


    She more a beige fur coat with ck skinny jeans and opened toe ankle boots. Her hair was in a high, sleek back pony tail. At her side we¡¯re two woman dressed in white suit and two masculine bodyguards.


    Seeing the woman, Ning Mei frowns. She¡¯s never met this pretty woman before. However, unlike Ning Mei, David knew who this woman is. As much as he doesn¡¯t like her, he still needs to be polite. He was still on the clock after all.


    "CEO Chen."


    Hearing the name, Ning Mei¡¯s eyes widen in shock. She looks at the woman and sized her up. So, this unknown woman is the CEO of An Qing, Chen Limei... the designer and founder of De L¡¯amour. Looking back up at Chen Limei, she smiles.


    "Hello CEO Chen, my name is Ning Mei."


    Chen Limei looks at Ning Mei. She had also sized Ning Mei, but hearing the girls name, her eyes widen. So this girl is Ning Xingyu¡¯s little sister. Her lip curl upwards into a beautiful smile.


    "It¡¯s nice to meet you, Ning Mei."


    Seeing that Ning Mei is wearing one of her own designs, she smiles more. The dress was all white with silver glitters on it. She had the dress redesigned after seeing the sketch sent for De L¡¯amour.


    "The dress fits you well."


    She said, then she looks at David with a frown, "David, why is this model not being photographed? She¡¯s modeling my design."


    David: "CEO Chen, its like this. My¡ª"


    Chen Limei: "I don¡¯t care what you have to say. I want this model photographed now. Are you suggesting my brand is not good enough for Beauty? hmm?"


    David: "N-no..."


    Ning Mei sneers at David. Who does he think he is? He was only a puny photographer and he dares to take back to An Qing¡¯s CEO.


    Chen Limei looks at David and she felt even more annoyed. Without looking at her bodyguards, she lift her hand and snap her finger.


    "Toss this photographer out and get a new one."


    "Right away, CEO Chen." Both bodyguards steps forward. Their hands reaching out to grab David.


    "Seems like there are still people with no shame."


    A deep voice sounds from behind them. All eyes turn to look in the direction of the voice.


    A man of 183cm stood with both his hands inside his pockets. He wore a navy fitted tailored suit and a white dress shirt inside. His looks were pleasing to the eyes, especially his gray hair that matched well with his 32 year old self.


    Chen Limei frown when she saw the man, while Ning Mei¡¯s shoulders slump down. David, however felt relief, his eyes lit up and he walks to the man.


    "CEO Wu!"


    Wu Jing nod his head at David, then his eyes re at the people making a scene at his Beauty. When his eyesnded on Chen Limei, he sneers.


    "Miss Chen, can I ask why you would make a scene inside mypany?"


    Chen Limei cross her arms and looks right back at Wu Jing, "Ask your photographer."


    Wu Jing arch a brow and looks at David, "What happened?"


    "CEO Wu, I did what you said, but they made a scene out of it. CEO Chen ordered her men to have me rece."


    Hearing this, Wu Jing¡¯s expression darken. He looks at Chen Limei, then Ning Mei. Seeing the dress on Ning Mei, he smirks. No wonder Chen Limei wanted David reced.


    However, looking at Chen Limei again, he smiles, "Miss Chen, its just as my photographer said. Beauty has already found a model for the cover of our magazine." He looks at Ning Mei and smiles, "Miss Ning, I do apologize for the misunderstanding."


    "...."


    Both Ning Mei and Chen Limei we¡¯re dumbfounded. So they made a scene for nothing? The photographer had been speaking the truth. But what now? Ning Mei wasn¡¯t going to get the chance to model? What about Chen Limei¡¯s design?


    Ning Mei clench her fist and steps up, "CEO Wu, how can you do this? I was personally invited here."


    Wu Jing looks at Ning Mei and he was speechless. She was personally invited here? When did he, the CEO and owner of Beauty every personally invited her?


    "When did I invite you?"


    "...."


    Hearing his question, Ning Mei was bbergasted. Realizing what she had said, she wished a hole would appear so she hide in it. How could she say something like? To be personally invited meant Wu Jing was the one who invited the person.


    Wu Jing sighs, "If possible, I would like to ask you both to leave. My model will be here soon."


    Just when Chen Limei wanted to say something, Wu Jing¡¯s assistant walks up to the man and whispers something to him. He nod his head and looks at Chen Limei, "It seems my model is here. I won¡¯t be able to escort the both of you out, so, if you¡¯ll excuse me."


    He didn¡¯t wait for a response and quickly turns to David with a big smile.


    "Get everything ready."


    Chen Limei: "..."


    Ning Mei: "..."


    Both woman were dumbfounded. Their bodies froze to the ground, not knowing what to do or say. Chen Limei was angry. How can Wu Jing treat her this way? Does he not remember that if she wants, she can stop all De L¡¯amour¡¯s sponsorship to Beauty?


    Ning Mei on the other hand was raging with anger. Her face turned red as she clench her teeth. Just who is this model that took her chance to be in the top ten?


    *click*


    Just then, the double doors to the studio opens. Everyone ahead turn to the new guest.


    "Haa¡ª"


    Seeing the person, they all suck in a mouthful of air. Everyone knows who this person is. This person is like a painting. A beautiful painting that suddenly came to life.


    Walking through the doors, the woman¡¯s lightly curled ck hair bounce with each step she takes. She wore a long, countess dress the color of the dark night sky. The diamond choker on her fair skin made her even more dashing. Resemnce to a graceful fairy, but at the same almost like an enchantress...


    Even with her light makeup, her beauty is still natural and peerless. Making any women who see her can¡¯t help but feel jealousy.


    Ning Mei watched the girl in jealousy and envy. She had thought the her in the white dress was already good enough! However seeing the dress that made hers look like trash, she sneers at Chen Limei.


    How dare this woman look down on her! She is the daughter of the Ning family! To give her such a ugly dress....


    At the same time, Chen Limei was oblivious to Ning Mei, because her mind was focused of the sudden woman. Never had she ever encounter this person face to face. But she knows the name of this person well.


    If possible, she¡¯d even like this woman to model her designs on the runway!


    Not caring about the two bimbos, the woman walks to Wu Jing and she smiles with her teeth.


    "Wu Jing."


    Wu Jing looks at the woman. His heart soften knowing she actually came. But seeing her smile, he felt the inside of him melting away, but he steadies himself and remains calm.


    He smiles to her, like a fanboy meeting his idol for the first time.


    "Han Yue Ling."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 163 DEAR READERS!!!!

    <h4>Chapter 163 - DEAR READERS!!!!</h4>


    I WANT TO WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


    I won''t post for now until January 1st!


    BUT WHEN I DO, I WILL GIVE YOU ALL A MASS RELEASE!!!


    SO, BE HUMBLE AND BE SAFE MY LOVELY AWESOME READERS!!!


    CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR!!!!


    -Shameless author Abeehiltz


    ??????????????????????????????


    ??????????????????????????

 Chapter 164 One and only De L’amour

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Wu Jing did not disregard Chen Limei and Ning Mei. The moment Yue Ling stood next to him, he looks at both women and smile, "I¡¯m sure you both know already, but this is supermodel, Han Yue Ling. She is the model I specifically chose to be on Beauty¡¯s front cover."


    He made sure to stretch out the word ¡¯specifically¡¯. Not only that, he also made sure he saw both women¡¯s quick change in expressions.


    Chen Limei and Ning Mei we¡¯re both jealous and upset. However, unlike Ning Mei, Chen Limei was able to maintain herself. After all, she¡¯s the CEO of An Qing and she¡¯s handle situations like this before.


    At the side, Ning Mei clench her fists and teeth tightly together. Her eyes ring daggers at Yue Ling. She had forgotten all about her own image and showed all her feelings on her face.


    Obvious to both women, Wu Jing turns to Yue Ling and he looks her up and down. Until he was satisfied, he looks at David.


    "Is everything ready?"


    David: "Yes! We¡¯re ready when Miss Han is."


    Knowing she was given no face, Chen Limei pretends to act calm. Stepping forward, she walks to Yue Ling and smiles.


    "Miss Han, your dress is beautiful. May I ask, which designer is it made by?"


    Hearing this, Yue Ling arch a brow and smiles. She part her lips to speak, but before she could, Wu Jing answers.


    "Hoho, how can Miss Chen not know her OWN dress? This dress on Han Yue Ling is by the one and only De L¡¯amour."


    "....."


    Chen Limei was dumbfounded as her smile froze. She looks at Yue Ling then at the beautiful midnight blue dress. How can De L¡¯amour make a dress this beautiful and not tell her? Of course, she couldn¡¯t say it out loud. Hiding her thoughts, she force augh.


    "That was why I asked. I wanted to see if Miss Han knows the designer she¡¯s wearing."


    Wu Jing sneers at the woman¡¯s words. He knew Chen Limei was nothing but a fake. She must be really thick skinned to act like she owns De L¡¯amour. How embarrassing it¡¯d be to know for her, if she knew the owner and designer of De L¡¯amour is standing in front of her?


    Shaking his head, he waves his hand, "If there¡¯s nothing else here, I¡¯d like you both to leave. My model needs to get her photo shoot done without any disturbances."


    "..."


    Both women were dumbfounded, while Yue Ling stayed straight face next to Wu Jing.


    Chen Limei and Ning Mei wanted to stay and watch, because neither woman has ever seen Han Yue Ling model in person.


    However, when their eyes met Wu Jing¡¯s dark ones, they couldn¡¯t help but shiver. Knowing the type of person Wu Jing is, both Chen Limei and Ning Mei has no other choice but to leave the set. One small mistake against Wu Jing and he can jeopardize someone¡¯s career in the entertainment and fashion industry.


    Chen Limei turn away. She walked out of the studio with whatever dignity still left in her. While, Ning Mei was jealous to the core. Seeing Chen Limei¡¯s figure disappear out the door, she looks at Yue Ling.


    "Senior Han...."


    Her expression changing to an innocent and pure girl.


    "Can I ask you to let me do this photo shoot?"


    She puts on a puppy sad look, "Please."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Was Ning Mei always this thick skinned? Wasn¡¯t she already embarrassed enough? Yue Ling narrow her eyes at Ning Mei¡¯s stupid facade. Thinking of something, she smiles at the idiot.


    "Sure, I don¡¯t see why you can¡¯t." She then turn her head to Wu Jing, "What do you think, Wu Jing?"


    Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words and question, Wu Jing was dumbfounded. He looks at Yue Ling then Ning Mei. He frown when the idea of Ning Mei¡¯s face on the front cover of his magazine. Wu Jing frown and pursed his lips.


    Seeing that Yue Ling had pretty much given her the opportunity, Ning Mei smiles in joy. If she really gets this cover shoot with Beauty, she¡¯ll be one step closer to her dream! And when that timees, Yue Ling will be below her!


    "No." He cross his arms over his chest and he looks in disgust at Ning Mei. "I only want Han Yue Ling on my cover page. If not her then I rather a lipstick."


    "..."


    Ning Mei was dumbfounded this time. She has heard that Beauty¡¯s CEO, Wu Jing was a very open minded person, but she did not think he¡¯d be this open minded. Swallowing a big chunk of saliva, she looks at Yue Ling.


    "Senior Han...."


    Yue Ling looks at her junior, then she looks at Wu Jing. Her expression was indifferent but deep inside, she was giving the man a thumbs up. He knew exactly why she had purposely said what she did. Not only that, he even went along with her to shame Ning Mei.


    Looking back a Ning Mei, Yue Ling shrug her shoulder like it has nothing to do with her, "It¡¯s CEO Wu¡¯s call, not mine."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 165 Desperate

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Ning Mei was angry. Despite all the makeup on her face, one can see the color of her skin turning red. She spoke through her clenched teeth.


    "Senior Han, how can you do this to me? I always looked up to you, how can you take something that belongs to me?"


    Yue Ling arch a brow at Ning Mei. She didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Not saying a word, she just shook her head.


    Ning Mei: "What is so good about you that you get to do this shoot and not me? Why?"


    Wu Jing heard Ning Mei¡¯s words and he wanted to puke blood. He stare at the little rookie model like she was an idiot.


    Even David was speechless. Before the shoot, he did tell Director Yuen from CNJ Entertainment about Beauty¡¯s shoot. However, he didn¡¯t think they¡¯d send a rookie.


    "Why, you asked? Well, that¡¯s easy." Yue Ling spoke calmly as she takes a step forward to Ning Mei. Looking at the small girl, she smiles, "I¡¯m not desperate."


    She made sure the word ¡¯desperate¡¯ was stretched out for Ning Mei to hear. Which was the truth, because Yue Ling had never been desperate on anything in her life. In the modeling world, when she first started, she was also a rookie. A rookie, who no one cares about and didn¡¯t want her to model for them. Even so, she wasn¡¯t so desperate to sleep around and go begging just to have a shot at modeling.


    She had worked hard to get her name out and be the supermodel she is today. It was her own strength that got her here. Taking steady steps, she stops in front of Ning Mei. Her bluish green eyes stayed lock on Ning Mei. Like a deep abyss, seeing right through one¡¯s soul.


    Ning Mei couldn¡¯t help but take a gulp. She could even feel cold sweat forming on her forehead. How she wished she could have left when Chen Limei did.


    Looking at how Ning Mei suddenly became a coward, Yue Ling¡¯s lip curl upwards. Slightly leaning forward, she whispers to Ning Mei.


    "Walls have ears."


    Not waiting for a response, Yue Ling turns around and walks towards the set. She had said her piece. If Ning Mei doesn¡¯t understand, then so be it. Yue Ling still has hundreds of ways to get the message clear.


    Ning Mei was rooted to the ground. She could not believe her ears. Even if the words were short, the message was loud and clear. Ning Mei swallow her saliva. She looks at Yue Ling¡¯s tall and graceful


    figure walk away. Her mouth open and closed wanting to say something, but her words were stuck at her throat.


    ¡¯Does that mean Yue Ling knows about the drug incident? No... does she know that I¡¯m trying to outrank her...?¡¯


    From the side, Wu Jing shook his head. He¡¯s known Yue Ling for a while now, and he knowls that she is not one to be messed with. Turning around, he wave his hand, "Miss Ning, if you don¡¯t mind, please leave."


    David took onest look at Ning Mei. He also shakes his head. When he first saw Ning Mei when she walked in, she was very pretty and sweet. However, he never knew that the cover of the book would be so different from the pages. Quickly turning his head, he follows after Wu Jing and Yue Ling.


    Dumbfounded and not knowing what to say, Ning Mei watched as the three figures walk towards the set. She clench her fists tightly and her eyes turn murderous and Yue Ling.


    She swore inside, she will definitely get Yue Ling for humiliating her like this. Turning her head, she walks out of the studio.


    "Ning Mei, what happened?"


    The moment she stepped out, a woman¡¯s voice sounds from the side. Ning Mei looks in the direction of the woman. Her murderous aura strips off and her eyes turned watery.


    "Manager Tang...."


    Ning Mei let tears fall down her cheeks and runs to her manager. Her arms quickly wraps around the woman¡¯s waist.


    "Wuuu. Tang Wei, I¡¯ve been humiliated by that slut."


    Tang Wei sighs at Ning Mei. She wraps her arms around the girl and soothe her back.


    "Ning Mei, tell me what happened? You just went inside, how can youe back out already? And who humiliated you?"


    Moving her head, Ning Mei looks at Tang Wei, she wipes her tears away. With a sad expression, she tells what happened.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Outside in the streets of Imperial. A white Mercedes leisure cruised. In the back seat was Ning Mei and Tang Wei, while the assistant drove the car.


    "How dare that Han Yue Ling treat you this way?! Isn¡¯t she your senior? The least she could have done is make way for you. She¡¯s not even a model anymore!"


    Tang Wei was in rage. She¡¯s been Ning Mei¡¯s Manager for five years and she¡¯s seen all the hard work the model has put in. Not only that, even she as a manager has put everything she got.


    She knows Han Yue Ling isn¡¯t someone easy to deal with, but how can she allow her model to be humiliated like this.


    "Ning Mei, don¡¯t worry. I will call COO Lin and have him fix this. If he can¡¯t then we still have CEO Wang."


    Hearing her managers words, Ning Mei pursed her lips. She knew exactly what her manager meant, but.... Ning Mei looks at Tang Wei.


    "Tang Wei, you want to sleep with¡ª"


    "Of course not. I won¡¯t let you sleep with that old bastard Lin."


    Tang Wei smiles warmly at Ning Mei. She holds Ning Mei hands and looks attentively at the model.


    "I will. If it means getting you to the top, then I¡¯d do anything."


    Hearing this, Ning Mei¡¯s eyes turn watery and she embraces Tang Wei. Tears falling from her eyes.


    "Tang Wei, I know you care about me the best! When I get to the top, I will definitely give you a big figure."


    "Mm."


    Tang Wei smiles faintly as she pats Ning Mei¡¯s head. Her eyes held thousands of emotions. She¡¯s been an A list manager for many models and actors. Ever since Han Yue Ling came in the picture, everything¡¯s been going downhills. Now she can¡¯t let Ning Mei fall behind too. Even if it meant using her body.


    As Tang Wei was in her own thoughts, Ning Mei sneered evilly. She was lucky to have a stupid manager she can easily use. Even if her manager didn¡¯t get the job done, she could of done it herself. Ning Mei is already one of CNJ Entertainment¡¯s COO Lin¡¯s mistresses. However, since COO Lin is interested in Tang Wei, why not let the old man have a taste. Besides it will let Ning Mei know if her Manager is truly loyal or not.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Back inside Beauty¡¯spany, Yue Ling proceeded with her photoshoot. Her moves were natural and graceful. Everything was perfect and makes one want to keep watching.


    From behind the camera, Wu Jing often nce at Yue Ling then onto theputer screen where the pictures transfer to from the camera. He couldn¡¯t help but be even more mesmerized by Han Yue Ling.


    Whether it was the young woman from back then or the woman now, she was always captivating.


    Straightening himself up, he put both his hands in his pockets and gaze at the beautiful model. His lip curl upwards into a soft smile. It was a smile that no one has ever seen before.


    Like one of a man watching his first love from a distance.


    However, that smile didn¡¯tst for long. As quickly as it came, it also disappeared.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 166 So it’s that boy

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Haha. Inu is so smart."


    Old man Ji squat down and rub Inu¡¯s head. His strong and powerful general demeanorpletely stripped off. The him at this moment looked like a little boy out at the park with his dog.


    "Wroof! Wroof!"


    Inu was very happy. He loves the old man just as much as he loves his mommy. Besides his mommy, it was the old man who cares about him.


    Lu Han stood next Lu Tian. He couldn¡¯t help but slightly lean to the side and ask his older brother.


    "Bro... don¡¯t you think something is weird about this?"


    "..."


    Like a mighty pir, Lu Tian stood with both his arms crossed over his chest. His heavenly define looks at this moment was reced with one of a person struck dumbfounded.


    He could not believe that the Samoyed, who¡¯s been nothing but water and fire with him, is actually getting along with someone else. Not only that, even Grandfather Ji, who is a mighty general is acting like a little kid. Is this really the Samoyed that he knows and general that he respects?


    After the Samoyed and general¡¯s encounter inside the Lu Household, everyone came out to the back yard. Old man Ji said he wanted to get a little breather. Not only was it like that, Inu somehow found a stick and gave it to the old man. Lu Tian did not think that the dog would want to y fetch. Neither did he think the old man would y along.


    However, he really thought wrong.


    The old man and Inu has been ying for almost 2 hours now. Neither were even bothered by the people still around. Old man Ji looked like he was in his own backyard, while Inu... well, Inu could careless about anyone other than his mommy.


    Lu Han, from the side, pursed his lips. This scene was really too much for his eyes. He whispers to his older brother again.


    "Bro, why does is seem like Grandfather Ji and Inu seem to know each other?"


    "I feel the same. They just met right? But why do they give this feeling of.... long lost friends?"


    From the other side of Lu Tian came Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s voice. She loves animals, but somehow Inu didn¡¯t seem to like her at all. To make things worse, what caught her by surprise is that, Inu likes the supposedly cold and mighty general more than her.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t say anything, but continue to watch Old man Ji and Inu interact with one another. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder the same thing as his younger brother and cousin.


    Ignoring all the curious stares on him, Old man Ji knelt down to Inu and pat his head. However, at the same time, he whispers to the Samoyed¡¯s ear.


    "Inu, do you know if my granddaughter is seeing one of the Lu boys?"


    "Wroof."


    Inu¡¯s ears perk and he barks an answer. His expression saying, ¡¯Of course I do!¡¯


    Old man Ji remained calm and nod his head lightly. He kept his straight face and looks to the distance. However deep down he was grinning uncontrobly like a little girl. Lifting his hand, he pats Inu¡¯s head and he secretly whispers again.


    "Which one is it? Do you know?"


    "Woof! Woof!"


    Inu rubs his head against Old man Ji¡¯s palm then he runs his ways towards Lu Tian, Lu Han and Zhao Ya¡¯Er. To make things not suspicious, Inu circles Lu Han, then he circles Zhao Ya¡¯Er, as if he was making an eight figure. Lastly, he circles Lu Tian two times before doing the eight figure again.


    "..."


    Lu Han and Zhao Ya¡¯Er we¡¯re both dumbfounded. Not once had Inue this close to them, and yet, here he is, circling around them.


    Seeing Inu¡¯s movements, Lu Tian arch a brow. He found it strange that Inu would do something so suspicious, but he couldn¡¯t figure out the reason for it. Looking at Inu, he then looks at Old man Ji. However, the old man looked the same as always. He pout his lips in thinking, then deciding on something, he brush the thought off.


    Old man Ji nod his head slightly. Standing up, he ce both hands behind his back and narrow his eyes.


    ¡¯Aye, so it¡¯s that boy.¡¯


    He looks at Lu Tian and then moves his eyes away to not cause suspicion. He has been a general for a long time and he can read people very well, however, the oldest Lu boy was different.


    Old man Ji has watched the boy grow up, but he could never read the boy. Just like his granddaughter, the two somehow seemed simr to each other.


    He knows the oldest Lu boy may be cold and aloof, but the boy still has a heart. If he can marry his granddaughter to the Lu family, he would have less to worry about...


    Although, he still needs to confirm his own suspicions. Inu may have given him the answer, but he still needs to hear from his granddaughter. Not only that, he needs to make sure that Lu Tian is really worthy of Yue Ling.


    Because.... when the timees and he has to leave this world... can he really trust and give his granddaughter¡¯s hand to Lu Tian....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 167 Always here

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside Beauty¡¯spany, two heavenly Devine figures walked side by side on the first floor. All the workers could not help but stare with curious eyes.


    The man had grey hair but it blended well with his handsome features. Walking next to him was a woman so beautiful and tall, both men and women could not help but steal second and third nces.


    "I appreciate you doing this for me."


    Wu Jing smiles at Yue Ling. The him at this momentpletely forgetting that he is still inside his ownpany. Even with the many stares from his employees, he did not care. His attention was fully on the beautiful woman next to him.


    "It¡¯s me, who should thank you for still giving me this opportunity."


    From the side, Yue Ling answer as she nod her head and nce at Wu Jing with a smile. Her smile was so graceful, it made Wu Jing¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    Wu Jing quickly diverted his eyes and looked ahead. He couldn¡¯t let Yue Ling see his flushed cheeks. However, little did he know, she already saw through his red ears. It was a sign of when he¡¯s shy or nervous. ncing back at her, his eyes met her bluish green eyes and he blushed more.


    Clearing his throat, he quickly looks away again.


    "Don¡¯t say that. Even if you aren¡¯t a model anymore, I still only want you in the front cover of my magazine. In the future, I will still continue to pester you to be my model. No one else."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling shook her head lightly. She¡¯s really thankful to know someone like Wu Jing. In the future, she hopes their rtionship will always remain as one of close kins.


    "Wu Jing, that¡¯s very considerate of you, but you have to remember there are still other models out there. Models who are better than myself."


    Wu Jing pout his lips, then he smiles faintly. Putting both hands in his suit pant pockets, he shrug his shoulders.


    "I know, but to me you will always be the best model."


    And that was the truth. Ever since he met Han Yue Ling, he¡¯s never met another model like her. It wasn¡¯t only the fact that she is a model, he even loves her personality. She is one of a kind and there is only one of her out of the millions of people in the world.


    He opened one of the huge ss doors and both figures disappear outside. Unknowingly to them, the first floor of Beauty turned into an uproar.


    "Oh my god, that was Han Yue Ling!"


    "Do you think Han Yue Ling and CEO Wu are together? They look so good together."


    "Shhh. Don¡¯t speak out of the line. You know how CEO Wu is. He may look nice but any misspoken words and he can make your career over."


    Outside, a valet driver parks Yue Ling¡¯s white BMW x5m in front of Beauty¡¯s entrance. Yue Ling looks at Wu Jing and her heart soften.


    The two people stare at each for a short moment, until Yue Ling broke the silence. She lift her hand and pat the grey hair man on the shoulder.


    "Well, my car¡¯s here. I¡¯ll see you around."


    She smile with her straight white teeth at Wu Jing. Reaching over, she gives Wu Jing a friendly hug, then she gets inside her car.


    Standing outside, Wu Jing quickly came out of his thoughts and grab the driver side door.


    "Yue Ling." He looks seriously at Yue Ling, then he continues his words, "If things don¡¯t work out over there, I¡¯m always here if you need help."


    "Thank you, Wu Jing. I¡¯ll keep that in mind."


    Yue Ling smiles again as she puts on her seatbelt. From outside, Wu Jing watch until she was nicely buckled in and he gently closed the car door. He waves his hand and takes a step back to let Yue Ling¡¯s car drive away.


    Still standing in the same spot, Wu Jing stare at Yue Ling¡¯s car as it slowly disappears from view. He thought about his words just now and he made a promise inside.


    He doesn¡¯t know what suddenly made Yue Ling change her mind and do this photo shoot, but one thing he knows is, if she was to ever ask him for help, he will not hesitate to lend her a hand. No matter how many years it¡¯ll be, he will always be on her side.


    Wu Jing woke up from his thoughts after not seeing the back of Yue Ling¡¯s car anymore. Taking a deep breath, he turns around and walks back in the direction of hispany.


    While doing so, he takes his phone out and dials a number. After two rings, someone picked up the other line. Not waiting for the person to answer, he quickly spoke.


    "If it¡¯s not in my approval, I don¡¯t want Beauty to be involve with the names Ning Mei and An Qing."


    ["Yes, sir."]


    Wu Jing ends the call and stops in front of Beauty.


    He doesn¡¯t know Yue Ling¡¯s reason for doing this favor, but from what he witnessed earlier, he could already make a guess. Not only that, he¡¯s long known about the situation with An Qing.


    Lifting his head, he looks at the tall pyramid like structure. His mind couldn¡¯t help but think about his past. His past when he first started his small magazinepany and how he met Han Yue Ling. How she a rookie model helped and changed his life.


    Taking another deep breath, he puts both hands into his suit pockets and walks through the doors into hispany.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 168 It’s not what it looks

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "I¡¯m home!!"


    Yue Ling opened the front door to her penthouse. She didn¡¯t hesitate to enter. Her mind was set on seeing her boyfriend and baby. Ever since she sneaked away in the morning, she knew the shameless man would be upset.


    Especially since she saw through his little trick of devouring and aching her tofu. Little did he know, that couldn¡¯t possibly stop her.


    She needed to make sure she aplish the photoshoot for Beauty. It was her message to Ning Mei for crossing the line. If she can, she block any kind of thing Ning Mei wants.


    "Tian? Inu?"


    Stepping inside, the space between Yue Ling¡¯s brows creased into three lines. There was no response what¡¯s so ever. Only quietness that answered her. Looking at the wall clock, she frowns more. It is 5:35pm, but why isn¡¯t Lu Tian home? Not only that, Inu wasn¡¯t here as well. Usually, Lu Tian would be home before her.


    ncing at the time again, she remove her shoes and slip into her house slippers. Not giving much attention to Lu Tian not being home, she decided to prepare dinner. Since Lu Tian isn¡¯t here, it means he must have taken Inu with him.


    Turning the light switch to the livingroom off from the hallway, she only kept the kitchen and hallway lights on. She leisurely makes her way to the bedroom to shower.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    After a quick shower and change of clothes, Yue Ling steps into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Opening the fridge, she takes out shrimp, chicken, tofu, Chinese broli and other veggies.


    Washing the vegetables, she starts cutting the chicken. Slicing each piece thinly, she sets it aside and starts cutting the tofu into dices.


    *click click*


    Hearing the sound of her front door lock jiggle, her ears slightly move to listen. After five seconds, the door did not open. Yue Ling turn her head to the front door.


    *click click*


    Staring at the door, she waits for another few seconds. Only Lu Tian and Liu Shan has the keys to her penthouse. After ten seconds, the door still did not open. Slowly shifting the knife in her hand, her expression turned serious. Her carefree and nice aurapletely vanished. She was now on guard.


    She can¡¯t let her guard down because she just demolished an entire gang. Words must have probably traveled to the underworld. Even if it hasn¡¯t, she does not know.


    Swiftly and quietly moving from the kitchen, she moves with the cutting knife in her hand to the wall by the front door. When it opens, it will open and cover her, blocking her from the intruder¡¯s view.


    *click click*


    The lock jiggles again, then the door knob slowly turns and the door push open. Yue Ling steady her breathing level and quietly waits.


    With attentive eyes on the floor, a tall and dark shadowes into view from behind the now opened door. Yue Ling tightens her hold on the cutting knife. The moment the door slowly close, Yue Ling leaps out from behind the door. Her movement was swift and quietly like a ninja in the shadows. Her aim was on the intruder. Lifting her hand holding the knife, she aims for the usual ce. The neck.


    *thud*


    However, the figure quickly turns and reacted faster. A strong and big hand grabs her fair and slender wrist. With a small tug, the cutting knife drops to the living room floor.


    "What are you doing?"


    A deep and cold voice enters Yue Ling¡¯s ears. She blinked her eyes at the familiar handsome face of the man. Quickly reacting, her attentive and serious aurapletely disappears. She turns back to her normal personality.


    "Ah Tian, it¡¯s you! Why didn¡¯t you say anything? I was so scared."


    Lu Tian stare at her with heavy eyes. He was dumbfounded at what he just witnessed. However, seeing her quick change of reaction that did not escape his eagle eyes, he narrow his eyes. He swore, the her just a second ago was like someone who was ready to kill. Especially her murderous eyes.


    "Tian, you¡¯re hurting my wrist."


    Like he was suddenly electrocuted, Lu Tian quickly, but gently release Yue Ling¡¯s hand. He looks at his wife before lowering his head to the floor. At the same time, Yue Ling also follow his movement. Seeing the cutting knifeying nicely to sleep, she slowly bit her bottom lip.


    "...."


    She did not know if the human and dog had seen her reaction, but she was sure she reacted fast enough. Besides, Lu Tian is just a normal businessman, so it wasn¡¯t likely he¡¯d see the difference. Right?


    After a thorough agreement with herself, she decided on Lu Tian not being able to see through her quick move. She slowly lift her head up. While doing so, her eyes nce at Inu.


    "....."


    Seeing his expression, she was dumbfounded. Holding in her breath, she lift her head and looks at Lu Tian. Seeing his expression, she was even more dumbfounded.


    "....."


    Both Lu Tian and Inu stare at Yue Ling like she was idiot. Inu sat at the side of Lu Tian, his expression looked like one of slightly embarrassment and disappointment and as if he was saying, ¡¯Wow mom. Smart move there.¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes turned even heavier. His expression was indifferent, but Yue Ling knew it meant, ¡¯Clear to exin why you wanted to stab me with a cutting knife?¡¯


    After what seemed like a long pause, Yue Ling finally forced a smile. She raised her right hand and scratch her cheek with her index finger.


    "Heheh, it¡¯s not what it looks."


    She struggle to swallow a chunk of saliva and thought of something. Putting her hand down, she straightened her posture and cross both her arms over her chest.


    "Tian, you scared me. I was in the middle of preparing dinner. When I heard door keep unlocking to no avail, I thought an intruder was trying to get in." She then points to the kitchen, "That¡¯s why I had the knife. It was for self defense."


    Yue Ling quickly wraps her arms around Lu Tian¡¯s arms and waist. She sobbed, "Wuu... I was so scared. I thought I was going to die and no one will know. Wuu... If it wasn¡¯t you and baby, I don¡¯t know what would have happened to me. Wuu..."


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Inu: "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 169 Want and need

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Standing dumbfounded in the center of the living room to Jade Condos¡¯ penthouse 1503 was none other than the handsome Lu Tian and the adorable Inu. Both human and dog stare with heavy eyes at the beauty as she continues her acting.


    Lu Tian watched Yue Ling continue to cry as she hug him. A part of him was extremely happy, but at the same time, he is at a loss for words.


    Seeing her acting, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder... It was no wonder she was only a model and fashion designer. Her acting skills were beyond horrible.


    Shaking his head, he lift his hand and pat her head. His only option now was to go along with his wife.


    "Alright, I¡¯m sorry I scared you. I couldn¡¯t get inside because Inu kept moving away."


    Inu: "....."


    Hearing this, Inu quickly dart his head to look up at the evil peasant. His expression saying, ¡¯Seriously? You dare to put the me on me?!¡¯


    "Wroof!"


    Inu stood on all four legs and squeeze himself in between his mommy and the evil man. He tug and tug until he parted his mommy away.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    ¡¯Mommy! Don¡¯t listen! It was the evil peasant! I was too excited to see you and he wouldn¡¯t open the door for me!!¡¯


    Yue Ling unwraps her arms around Lu Tian and nce down at her baby. Seeing he wants attention, she squat down and hugs him. Her cheek rubbing against his head and her hands caressing his soft and white fur.


    "Oh, my baby. I missed you so much."


    She didn¡¯t dare to look at Lu Tian. Yue Ling knows how bad her acting is. Especially with her personality, anyone can tell she is a bad actor. Luckily, Lu Tian didn¡¯t say anything about it. If Liu Shan was here, he¡¯d probablyugh in her face till his head fell off.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    After a few minutes of attention giving to her baby, Yue Ling gather her courage and stands up. She turn her head and looks at Lu Tian. Her demeanor going back to her usual self. It was as if she had not shown him her terrible acting.


    "You should go wash up. I¡¯ll finish preparing dinner."


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian answers indifferently. He lift his hand and ce it behind Yue Ling¡¯s head. Pulling her closer, he pecks her on the lip.


    "I missed you too."


    As usual, he didn¡¯t wait for her reaction and walks in the direction of the bedroom. However, he didn¡¯t forget to get the cutting knifeying on the floor and set it in the sink.


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Inu: "....."


    Watching the tall and celestial like man¡¯s back, Yue Ling pout her lips. Since they¡¯ve been living together, she¡¯s realized how open minded Lu Tian. If he wanted to kiss her, he¡¯d do it. If he wanted to know something, he¡¯d ask. If he wanted to say something, he¡¯d say it. It was as if the man did not have any sense of shame at all. Then again, it¡¯s also her fault, because she liked that side of him.


    While Yue Ling was in thoughts, Inu at the side rolled his eyes at how shameless and sneaky the evil peasant is. He turn his head and moves to his bowl of food and drink. After today¡¯s exercise at the Lu Household, he¡¯s very hungry, thirsty and tired.


    Yue Ling walks to the kitchen and grabs a new cutting knife. She quickly goes back to cutting the remaining meat and vegetables to prepare dinner.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside the bathroom, the sound of water running could be heard from the shower head. Lu Tian stood still as water droplets slid down his toned and naked body. His mind couldn¡¯t help but think back to what happened at the Lu Household.


    Before he and Inu left, Old man Ji had spoke to him privately.....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Old man Ji: "Lu boy, when are you nning to get marry?"


    Lu Tian: "When I¡¯m ready."


    He had answered that because, he wasn¡¯t sure on how Yue Ling felt. Whether she was okay with him making their rtionship public or not... He¡¯d need to ask her first.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know why, but the old man gave him a weird and strange look. Like one who was trying to see through something... However, the old man¡¯s next words were even more strange.


    "How about marrying my granddaughter? I¡¯m sure you¡¯d like her a lot. You both are a great match."


    When he heard the question, Lu Tian looked at the old man. He¡¯s heard about Old man Ji¡¯s granddaughter, but he¡¯s never met the girl in person. Not only that, words spread that she was very pretty. However, no matter how pretty a woman is, to him, no woman isparable to his Yue Ling.


    He looks at the old man. His expression was cold and aloof as usual. Parting his lips, he answered straightforwardly.


    "I already have someone in mind."


    And that was the truth. Yue Ling is the only person on his mind. She is also the only woman he will marry.


    Her and her alone.


    He didn¡¯t stay to chat with the old man for long. After he spoke his words, he left the Lu Household with Inu. He just wants to go home and see his wife.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Lu Tian ended his thoughts and turned the shower off. Stepping out, he wraps a white towel around his waist down and grab a smaller towel to dry his hair.


    Quickly changing into a set of loungewear, he heads towards the kitchen and was greeted with a delicious aroma.


    Stopping in his steps, he looks at the back of his wife. Unknowingly to him, his entire being softened and his lip curl upwards into a warm and lovestruck smile.


    He respects Grandfather Ji like his own blood grandfather. The old man may have offer his granddaughter¡¯s hand in marriage, but to Lu Tian, she is not the one he wants.


    The one he want and need is Han Yue Ling.....


    In his whole life, she is the first and will be thest woman for him. No one can make him feel the way he does like her.


    Shepletes him.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    DEAR READERS,


    I LIKE TO APOLOGIZE FOR NOT UPDATING ON TIME, NOR GIVING YOU ALL A MASS RELEASE AS PROMISED. THE CHAPTERS I UPDATED WERE LOST DURING MY NETWORK FAILURE. I¡¯M CURRENTLY TRYING TO WRITE THE CHAPTERS OUT AGAIN FOR YOU ALL.


    THANK YOU ALL FOR UNDERSTANDING AND STILL READING MY NOVEL.


    -Abeehiltz ??


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 170 Young and handsome

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    As the sun sets and darkness cover the sky. A beautiful Spanish mansion stood its beauty. All the lights outside flicker on and radiates the mansion.


    Inside one of the many rooms inside the brightly lit mansion, Old man Ji sat in his study room. Laid across his desk were every piece of information about the almighty and cold king of the business world.


    Reaching out his old and wrinkling hand, he grabs a piece of paper. His eyes scan through every word.


    "Cough.... cough!"


    Old man Ji quickly takes his handkerchief out and cover his mouth. He continued to cough.


    "Chairman..."


    Standing quietly at the side, Zhang Yong quickly reacted, but was stopped. Old man Ji held one hand up and shook his head at his assistant.


    "I¡¯m fine.. cough."


    Zhang Yong¡¯s expression turned into sorrow. His friend and boss is sick and there¡¯s nothing he can do about it. If he can, he rather be the one sick. Unlike Old man Ji, he doesn¡¯t have any children to worry for him. His wife had left him behind ten years ago and now, he is just waiting till it¡¯s his time to join her...


    Old man Ji took a deep breath as his coughing stopped. Moving the handkerchief away from his mouth, he looks at it.


    *knock knock*


    "Grandpa?"


    Hearing the voice of his grandson, Old man Ji quickly hides the handkerchief. He takes another deep breath to steady himself.


    "Come in."


    The door to the study room opens and Jingxu enters the room. His youthful self was almost healed, except for the bandage gauze wrapped on his head, and a cast on his left arm.


    Old man Ji looks at his grandson. After he left the Lu Household, Jingxu had called and said he didn¡¯t want to stay in the hospital anymore. He had said, he could recover at home. The doctors also did a thorough check on him and said he was stable enough to leave.


    Old man Ji sighed inside his old heart. He clench the handkerchief in his hand tightly, then he smiles warmly at his grandson.


    "What is it? You¡¯re bored so youe to pick a fight with this old me?"


    Hearing this, Jingxu pout his lips. He mumble under his breath then walks to the chair across from the old man. He plops down and flung his head back.


    "Old man, I¡¯m in great pain and here you are saying I want to pick a fight. No shame at all."


    "In pain? Who was it that called and cried like a baby to leave the hospital?"


    "Y-You..."


    Jingxu quickly looks at the old man. He pout his lips again. The old man had spoke the truth, however he wasn¡¯t crying like a baby. Jingxu sighs and his body satzily in the chair.


    "What are you doing? Why do you have so many information on people?"


    Suddenly thinking of something, Jingxu shot his eyes open and point at the old man.


    "D-Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re looking for a wife? You¡¯re so old already!"


    Old man Ji: "...."


    Zhang Yong: "pfffff.."


    Old man Ji looked dumbfounded at Jingxu. For someone who is pain, the boy sure has a lot of energy. However, this is the Jingxu he loves. The boy who always kept his daily living upied. Old man Ji lightly wave his hand to gesture Zhang Yong.


    "Yes, Chairman."


    Zhang Yong moves forward and starts collecting all the pieces of paper on the desk. He moved so fast, Jingxu didn¡¯t get a chance to see what were the papers about.


    "Zhang Yong, you can leave."


    "Yes, sir."


    With narrowed eyes, Jingxu stare suspiciously at his grandfather. Thinking of something, he waited until Zhang Yong left the study room.


    When the door closed, Jingxu scoffed at the old man, "Ya, why are you being so secretive? It¡¯s just an olddy, right?"


    Old man Ji shook his head. Did his grandson somehow lower his high IQ and EQ after what he experienced?


    "Why are you nning to remarry? You¡¯re already over 70 years old.. you should¡ª"


    "Jingxu."


    Old man Ji interrupts the boy. His eyes ring daggers like he wants to suffocate the boy.


    Seeing this, Jingxu press his lips tightly together to hold in hisugh. He just wanted to get back at the old man for calling him a cry baby.


    "If I wanted to remarry, I would have done that a long time ago."


    Old man Ji moves his eyes from Jingxu and looks at four picture frames nicely lined up on his desk. From right to left, the picture frames were neatly ordered. Jingxu alone in one frame, Yue Ling in another, then Yue Ling¡¯s mother and father together. Lastly, his eyesnd one the picture frame in the far left.


    The picture inside this frame was a woman. She was neither young or old. She is a woman in her fifties. She sat in the middle of a flower garden and the smile on her face was one that can bring joy to one¡¯s heart. Like the sun to shine one¡¯s world.


    Seeing where his grandfather is looking, Jingxu¡¯s expression turned indescribable. He spoke in an almost whisper.


    "Do you miss nai nai?"


    Old man Ji stare deeply at the picture. He could remember everything about the woman. From their childhood to when they became girlfriend and boyfriend. Even their time as husband and wife.


    Hearing Jingxu question, he sighs, "Everyday."


    A faint smile curl on Jingxu¡¯s lip. He still remembers his grandmother and he misses her too. She was the one who suggested a new life for the poor him. The him who had nothing.


    He looks at the old man and his expression turned serious, "Grandpa, Dont remarry. You can¡¯t betray nai nai."


    "...."


    Old man Ji was dumbfounded. Remarry? Betray? When did he say he was going to remarry? Let along, betray the woman he loves?


    Old man Ji: "Oi, who said I was remarrying? You dare to look down on my love for your nai nai? Hm?"


    Ji Jingxu: "But I saw the¡ª-"


    Old man Ji: "Hmmf, I may still be young and handsome, but there is only one woman for me. Even in death, I will love and be loyal to her. Hmmf."


    Ji Jingxu: "..."


    Old man Ji: "Say, who said I was going to remarry? Huh?"


    Ji Jingxu: "I just saw all the things Zhang Yong took away. Why do you have information on people?"


    Old man Ji arch both his brows in surprise. This is why Jingxu said he was remarrying? However, to notugh, he nod his head and maintained a serious look.


    "I was looking to find your sister a husband. What do you think about it?"


    "What do I think? I think you shouldn¡¯t think about remarrying. I mean, why¡ª-"


    Realizing the old man¡¯s words, Jingxu¡¯s eyes widen. He was in great shock. This entire time he had thought his grandfather was going to remarry, but it is actually.....


    Jingxu pout his lip, "Who?"


    He really wants his sister to be happy, but her happiness was taken from her when Shin died. Even he doesn¡¯t know if his sister will ever marry...


    Old man Ji smiled faintly at his grandson. Everything was written on the little boy¡¯s face. He sighs and decides to ask for Jingxu¡¯s opinion.


    "What do you think about Lu Tian?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 171 Cold and ruthless

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Jingxu stare in disbelief and confusion at his grandfather. He could not believe what the old man had just asked.


    What did he think about Lu Tian?


    Uh... Is the man¡¯s name even something to think about?


    There is not one person in Asia who does not know the name of China¡¯s business king. The cold and aloof man is like a legend. Not only is he a like a legend, Lu Tian is multi billionaire and China¡¯s most eligible bachelor. However, is he the best candidate for his sister?


    Even though Yue Ling shows her smile to everyone, Lee Shin was the only man who¡¯s been able to put a real smile on her. A smile Jingxu has not seen since three years ago....


    Can Lu Tian really give his sister true happiness?


    Jingxu looks at his grandfather, "You want Jie to marry Lu Tian? That man is known to be cold and ruthless...."


    Cold and ruthless?


    Old man Ji looked at Jingxu. Thinking back to Lu Tian¡¯s personality, he couldn¡¯t help but agree. Lu Tian is a very powerful businessman, let alone a dangerous man at the same time. However, there¡¯s never been any source of scandal about the boy. Even if he is dangerous, he is dangerous for the good not the bad.


    "Jingxu, he is not all that bad. I¡¯ve watched him grow up, he¡¯s good as a potential husband for Ah Ling. I n to introduce them on my birthday."


    "..."


    Jingxu rolled his eyes at the old man¡¯s words. So much for asking for his opinion. To think the Old man actually wants to pair his nice sister with the cold blooded man. That¡¯s like throwing a bunny into the tiger¡¯sir.


    As Jingxu ponder in thought about Yue Ling bing Lu Tian¡¯s wife, he forgot who his older sister really is behind the mask.


    "Since you already made your decision, there¡¯s no need to ask me, but make sure you tell Jie first. She just moved here, you wouldn¡¯t want to drive her away to another country."


    Not waiting for a response, Jingxu stood from his chair and walks out of the study room. He¡¯s very tired and wants to sleep early. Stopping at the door, he looks at Old man Ji.


    "Don¡¯t stay up toote. You¡¯re still young and handsome, it¡¯s not good for your OLD health."


    Quickly, he opens the door and bolted out of the room.


    "..."


    Left alone in the room, Old man Ji was even more dumbfounded. He swore, every time he says something to boost his old age, Jingxu would always refute it back as a joke. Shaking his head, he leans against his chair.


    Slowly, he takes out the handkerchief he had hid in his pocket. Looking down, the expression in his eyes changed into one of grief and regret.


    Dark red blood stained the beautiful white handkerchief with the embroidery words ¡¯yeye¡¯ at the corner. This handkerchief was the gift his granddaughter gave him. It was the very piece of design she made when she first started designing.....


    Closing his eyes, his lips tremble and his hand tightens on the blood stained handkerchief. He thought about Jingxu¡¯s words about Lu Tian.


    Even if words spread that Lu Tian is cold and ruthless, he knows the boy. If he can depend on someone with his life, that person would be Lu Tian.


    He had hid the truth about his granddaughter being Yue Ling because his daughter and son-inw asked him not to tell the world. They didn¡¯t want their only child to be in danger. To be a Ji and Han, one¡¯s life is always in danger. One deals with political affairs while the other dealt with the underworld.


    However, his time is running short... Now, he can only be selfish and break this promise.


    If he trust Inu¡¯s instincts and betroths Yue Ling to Lu Tian, he can rest without worry. If anyone is capable of protecting his granddaughter and grandson, then that person is definitely Lu Tian.


    Opening his eyes, Old man Ji stood from his chair. Slowly walking to the open window, he stare out to the dark night.


    "Ah Ling... Jingxu.. please forgive Yeye for being selfish...."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    In another part of Imperial, an underground bar called ¡¯Glory¡¯ is crowded with men and women. Each person out to enjoy a luxurious and busy night for themself.


    As people got drunk in alcohol, at the very dark and back of the bar, faint sound of moans could be heard. However, no one cared, because this bar is a ce specially for gangsters. And the sounds of moans weremon as the loud music overpowers it.


    Inside a dimly lit private room, a woman with brown hair sat on top of a man with blonde hair. Half clothed, her body bounce up and down as she enjoys a lustful act with the man sitting on the red couch.


    "Ahh~!"


    The woman continues to moan as she rides the man into climax. Her body shiver in pleasure, then she gets off from the man. She reach for a tissue and cleaned herself. After fixing her clothes, she sits down next to the man and pours them both a ss of liquor.


    The man had also just finished fixing his clothes. He takes out a cigarette and leans back on the red couch. Lighting the cigarette, he inhales a puff of smoke.


    "Sun, drink this."


    The brown hair woman¡¯s soft voice enters the man¡¯s ears. Blowing a puff of smoke out, he looks at the woman.


    She was indeed a beautiful woman. His eyes trail down to her arousing purple body con dress that revealed all her curves. Looking back up, he takes the ss of liquor in one hand and continues to smoke.


    "Hua, can I trust you to get it done?"


    Hua smiles at Sun, "Anything for you, I can do."


    "That¡¯s good. It¡¯s only you who can aplish this task."


    The woman pout her lips at the man. She looks at Sun and couldn¡¯t but wonder about something. Even with the dim lights, she knows that Sun is a very handsome man in his early thirties. However, his slightly long hair always covered half his face. She¡¯s already seen it, yet she doesn¡¯t know why he still covers it.


    "Sun, you should quit smoking. It¡¯s bad for your health."


    Sun looks at the woman. Taking onest puff from his cigarette, he kills it.


    "Hua, you should know better than anyone to order me around."


    He downs the ss of liquor and ce it on the table. Standing up, he grabs his coat and puts it on.


    "I¡¯ll be here in China for a while."


    Hua looks at the handsome man with brightly lit eyes, she wanted to say something, but decides not to. No one understands this man. Not even her, who¡¯s been in love with him for so many years.


    Sun kisses Hua onest time, then he leaves the private room.


    "I¡¯ll call you again, sweetheart."


    Stepping out, a bulky man in a ck shirt and pant bows his head, "Boss."


    Sun looks at the man, then putting both hands in his coat pockets, he walks away from the private room.


    "What happened?"


    The bulky man looks at his boss as he follows behind, "Words just sent, Kim Siwoo is dead. It must be from those people."


    Hearing the name, Hua clench his fists tightly. Another one of his men is dead. He needs to act fast or else those people will act before him.


    Lifting one hand, he touch the right side of his face. Beneath his blonde hair covering half his face is a long scar. His eyes turned dark and murderous.


    "We are no longer in our territory. Make sure no one is able to find us."


    "Yes, Boss."


    As the two figures quickly disappear into the crowd inside the bar, the woman inside the private room sat quietly. Pouring herself another ss of liquor, she downs it. Then again and again. Until the bottle was finished, she finally stops.


    Slowly, sheys down on the red couch she and Sun just has sex. Closing her eyes, she sees the man¡¯s handsome face again. Her lip curls into a happy smile, then the image of his back when he walked out of the room enters her head.


    Her smile disappears and she quickly sits up. Opening her eyes, she sighs in self-mockery.


    "Choi Li Sun, how can you be so ruthless to me...?"


    She knows the man is a sweet talker, but beneath all that is nothing but a man full of evil intentions.. yet, she can¡¯t help but love him....


    Grabbing her silver clutch, she also leaves the private room. It was as if the two people had not met and done such a shameless act at all.


    Walking through the bar hallway, each passing lights shines on her face. Revealing a woman with very innocent and soft features.


    If Yue Ling and Liu Shan were here, they¡¯d definitely know who this woman named Hua is.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 172 Very warm

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Continuing into the night. Jade Condos was peaceful and quiet. Inside penthouse 1503, the lovely and cute couple, Yue Ling and Lu Tianid asleep peacefully.


    *ring ring*


    "Hmm....."


    "Grr....."


    Yue Ling slightly adjusts her sleeping posture at the sound of the phone. While Inu, whoid asleep near her feet on the king size bed makes a low growl. His beauty sleep was disturbed.


    On the other side, Lu Tian slowly open his eyes. Looking at his wife who slept peacefully in his arms, he lightly kiss her forehead. Slowly, he moves his arm, making sure not to disturb her even more. Sitting up, he reaches for his phone that was constantly ringing.


    "Xu Long."


    His voice was hoarse and very low, but in a seductive way. With one knee bent, he rest his elbow on it as he pinch the space between his brows. He is annoyed that Xu Long decided it was the best idea to disturb his wife¡¯s beautiful sleep.


    From the other line came Xu Long¡¯s voice quickly sounds in.


    ["Boss, it¡¯s urgent news."]


    Hearing this, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes dimmed. Turning his head, he looks down at his sleeping wife. Seeing her still peacefully sleeping, his expression softens. Lu Tian slowly gets out of bed, he fixes theforter on his wife. Then putting on a robe, he grabs a cigarette.


    As Lu Tian walks towards the balcony, Inu¡¯s ears perk up at the sound of the door opening. He quickly wakes up, but sees the evil peasant only. Looking around, he sees his mommy still asleep, so he quickly goes back to sleep.


    Outside on the balcony, Lu Tian lit the cigarette. He leaned against the ss rail.


    "Report."


    ["Words just came. A gang from City Z has enter China."]


    Not effective by his assistant¡¯s words at all, Lu Tian leisurely continues to smoke his cigarette.


    "Locate their whereabouts and find out their purpose foring to China."


    ["Yes, Boss!"]


    Lu Tian ends the call and brings the cigarette in his hand to his lip. Thinking of Xu Long¡¯s sudden report, his expression turns even more dark.


    City Z is in Korea and Imperial is in China. From his time in taking down gangs from the underworld, he knows the rules of the dark world. A gang from another country cannot set foot in another country, unless it was for business.


    Doing so is like stepping into another gang¡¯s territory uninvited.


    However, this gang actually crossed the line toe here. Unless....


    "Why are you out here?"


    Lu Tian broke from his thoughts at the sound of the angelic voice he loves. Looking up, he sees Yue Ling walking towards him in a night gown with both her arms crossed because of the cold breeze. His heart softens seeing her beautiful face. Killing the cigarette in his hand, he throws it away.


    "I was on the phone with my assistant, did I wake you up?"


    Yue Ling looks at the man. She had to admit, Lu Tian is just too good looking. Even a simple robe made him look extremely outstanding. Sometimes, she even wonders why men are more prettier than women.


    "Nnn..."


    Suddenly, a cold breeze brush against her exposed skin making her shudder. She quickly use her palms to rub some warmth onto her arms.


    She smiles at Lu Tian and shakes her head, "No, I didn¡¯t see you inside, so I came to see if you were alright. It¡¯s cold, don¡¯t stay out here too long."


    Not waiting for a response, she quickly turns around. She regretteding out with nothing warm on. The night was too cold and she wants to quickly return to her warm bed.


    However, before she could even take her second step, warmness suddenly wraps around her. The after smell of cigarette enters her nose. Her body froze in surprise.


    "Tian?"


    Lu Tian wraps his arms around Yue Ling. He had undid his robe and use it to also wrap his wife. Knowing she was cold, it¡¯s his duty to give all his warmth to her.


    "Still cold?"


    Feeling the warmness from Lu Tian¡¯s robe and body as he embraces her from behind, Yue Ling felt rxed. Leaning her head back, she rested against his shoulder and chest. This man always gives her a sense of safe haven.


    Full of warmth, Yue Ling¡¯s lip faintly curl upwards.


    "Mm. Very warm."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian tightens his arms around her. He close his eyes and rested his head on her shoulder. His rxed self couldn¡¯t help but inhale more of her unique scent he loves.


    His left hand touches hers and their fingers interlock. Feeling her soft hand, he felt an indescribable feeling rise inside. However, his brows quickly crease into three lines.


    Holding her hand, his thumb gently caress her hand. Even though he is holding her hand.... it is still empty...


    Thinking of something, he decides he¡¯ll give another assignment for Xu Long to do in the morning. One that needs to be done quickly.


    "It¡¯s getting chilly, let¡¯s go inside."


    Yue Ling spoke after their long, yet short embrace put in the balcony. She takes a step forward to get out of Lu Tian¡¯s robe.


    "Ahh!"


    She cried in surprise. Before she could even move, Lu Tian tightens his arms even more. He locks her close to him again and covers his robe around her again.


    "We can walk like this and stay warm."


    He takes a step forward, moving Yue Ling with him as they follow each other¡¯s steps.


    Wrapped inside Lu Tian¡¯s robe, Yue Ling blush in redness as she smiles. She lets out a soft chuckle and follows the man¡¯s step as they share a robe. Her mind thought about how Lu Tian who appears cold and aloof, can actually be very cute at times.


    As the both of them enter the room, Inu stare at the two lovey dovey couple. His eyes ring daggers at the evil peasant, then looking at his mommy, he rest his head and close his eyes.


    Even if he isn¡¯t human, to him, it¡¯s been a long time since he¡¯s seen his mommy really smile.


    Even if he didn¡¯t like the evil peasant, if the man can put a smile on his mommy¡¯s face, he¡¯s a little eptable.


    Not thinking much, Yue Ling escapes from Lu Tian¡¯s arms and makes herself warm as she climbs onto the bed.


    With a frown, Lu Tian follows her. The feeling of his wife not being in his arms is a no no. Instead of going to his side of the bed, he joins her on her side. His arms wrap around her and he pulls her slim body closer to him.


    Having her back in his arms, Lu Tian close his eyes as he felt whole again. However, knowing that he can¡¯t enjoy his time with his wife, he suppress the urge inside.


    Only for tonight, since a certain third wheel decided to invite himself to sleep on the bed too.


    "Grrr..."


    Inu growls lowly. Somehow, he senses that someone is talking about him. Opening his eyes, he looks straight at the evil man hugging his favorite human. Moving, he adjust himself onto Lu Tian¡¯s empty side of the bed and sleeps next to mommy.


    Hearing the shuffle, Lu Tian opens one eye and looks at Inu. Thinking of something, he hugs his wife tighter and throws one leg over her. Satisfied, he closes his eyes and goes to sleep with a big smile.


    "..."


    In the middle between the human and dog, Yue Lingid on her back and stare with heavy eyes at the ceiling. She didn¡¯t know whether tough at cry. Lu Tian had trapped her with his arms and legs as if she was going to run away, while Inu slept on the other side of her like he was her bodyguard.


    Sighing inside, she close her eyes and decide it is best to go to sleep. Thinking too much about the way Lu Tian and Inu acts towards each other will only make her head hurt.


    At least tonight, she didn¡¯t have to worry about the shameless Lu Tian finding a way to eat her tofu again.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 173 Lead the way

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    The dark night turns to day as the sun rises into the sky to wee the people in Imperial a good morning. Soundly asleep in her king sized bed, Yue Ling¡¯s brows knit together before she wakes up. Unlike her usual morning, she did not stretch, but sat up.


    Her beautiful face was one of downhearted as her bluish green eyes stare straight ahead into nothing. Unknowingly to her, a bead of tear slowly slid it¡¯s way down from her eyes.


    "Woof....."


    Inu looks worriedly at his mommy. He had heard her cry while sleeping. The way she looked was like one who was trapped in a very sad dream.


    Yue Ling breaks from her trance and slowly turn her head. Seeing her favorite Samoyed, her lip curl into a faint smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    "I¡¯m alright...."


    Lifting her hand, she gently wipes away her tears. Then she rubs Inu¡¯s soft and fluffy head. Even she did not know why she cried, especially in her sleep.


    Looking around the bed, she sees that Lu Tian had already woken up. She moves toforter and walks to the bathroom.


    *shaaaaaaah*


    The bathroom door closes and soon after came the water shower. Inuid on the bed and waits for his mommy.


    *shaaaaaah*


    However, 30 minutes pass by and soon it came close to an hour. Lifting his head, he looks at the tightly shut door. His mommy doesn¡¯t usually take long showers in the morning. Quickly, he jumps down from the bed and runs out of the room. As he enters the kitchen, he sees his greatest enemy calmly preparing breakfast. Going to the man¡¯s side, he opens his mouth.


    "*chomp* Grrrr..."


    Feeling his loungepants being tug, Lu Tian looks down at the white fluff ball. He frowns as Inu continues to tug the end of his pants as if wanting him to follow.


    "What is it?"


    "Wroof! Wroof!"


    Knowing he has gotten the man¡¯s attention, Inu let¡¯s go of the pant. He runs to the entrance of the hallway and half jumps. His front paws hitting hard against the floor.


    "Wroof! Grr... Wroof!"


    Lu Tian looks at Inu and he arch a brow. Getting the hint, he turns back to the stove and turns it off.


    "Alright, I¡¯m following. Lead the way."


    He puts the spat down and follows Inu to the bedroom. Stepping inside, he frowns at the empty bed. When he woke up, Yue Ling was still sleeping. He didn¡¯t even hear her get up.


    "Wroof."


    Turning his head, he sees Inu sit by the closed bathroom door. The faint sound of water running enters his ears. Looking at Inu, he pout his lip.


    "She¡¯s taking a shower."


    "Woof!"


    Inu stayed seated in his spot. His eyes ring up at Lu Tian as if saying, ¡¯hurry up and open the door!!¡¯ Sighing, Lu Tian pinch the space between his brows.


    "She¡¯s only showering. Why are you making such a big deal?"


    "Woof! Woof!"


    "Fine. I¡¯ll check on her."


    He reach for the door knob, but before turning it, he looks down at Inu.


    "This was your idea."


    "Woof."


    Lu Tian turns the knob, opening the bathroom door. Doing so, steam from the hot shower slowly makes it way out. He furrow his brows tightly.


    Just how long was his wife in the shower?


    Not waiting a second longer, he quickly strides forward. His eyes scanning for his wife. Taking big steps, he walks in the direction of the shower.


    "Yue Ling!!"


    He shouts as his expression turns as pale as a sheet of paper. Sitting on the floor with her head on her knees, the shower head pours itself onto Yue Ling¡¯s naked body.


    Lu Tian quickly reach down and carries her out of the shower. He didn¡¯t care if she was drenching wet, all he knew was that when he saw her like this, it was as if his heart had stopped. Carrying her, he walks quickly out of the bathroom.


    "Tian...."


    Yue Ling whispers as she feels herself being carried out of the bathroom. Her head was hurting and she felt like vomiting.


    Inu quickly stands up when he sees the handsome evil peasant carry his mommy out. Not following them right away, he enters the bathroom. He tugs the white towel hanging on the rack and drags it out of the bathroom.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t ce her on the bed, instead, he sat down and put her on hisp. Seeing Inu approach with the towel, he takes it and covers Yue Ling¡¯s naked body. His eyes never leaving her at all.


    "How can you be so careless? Are you hurt anywhere?"


    He spoke worriedly as he lectures and dries her. Yue Ling looks at the man and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. After she woke up from her dream, she wanted to shower to get rid of any traces of her crying. As the warm water touched her, she didn¡¯t think she¡¯d have a migraine while showering. She had sat down to calm her pounding head and urge to vomit.


    Taking a deep breath, she smiles at Lu Tian.


    "I¡¯m fine... I suddenly felt nauseous, so I wanted to rest."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian felt a little relieved, however his arms quickly hugs her and his head rest on her shoulder. He couldn¡¯t help but think of the unimaginable if Inu hadn¡¯te get him. Moving from her, he touch her forehead with the back of his hand. He frown in confusion. Her temperature was normal. He looks at her and his expression dimmed.


    "Let¡¯s go to the hospital, it¡¯s the only way we will know if you¡¯re really alright."


    "Tian, we don¡¯t need to go to the hospital. I¡¯m not sick, silly."


    Yue Ling quickly grabs the towel and wraps it around her body. She finally remembers that she¡¯s naked. Turning from Lu Tian¡¯sp, she stands up and walks towards the bathroom again.


    Seeing where she was heading, Lu Tian frowns as he follows after her.


    Lu Tian: "Where are you going?"


    Yue Ling: "Shower, I didn¡¯t get to wash my hair."


    Lu Tian: "What if you get nauseous again?"


    Yue Ling: "I¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s just a quick shower."


    Not waiting, she enters the bathroom and close the door. She was feeling much better now, so washing her hair should be fine.


    Outside the door, Lu Tian pursed his lip at the tightly closed door. Hearing the sound of water running again, he frown. He is still worried about his wife. Looking down at his still bandage right hand, he thinks of something.


    His lip curl into a small smile, then as quickly as it appeared, it disappears. Turning his head to the side, he looks down at Inu.


    "I need to shower too."


    Not caring about the Samoyed, he opens the door quietly and sneakily enters the bathroom. To make sure he and his wife didn¡¯t get disturbed, Lu Tian didn¡¯t forget to quickly close the door.


    "..."


    Inu stare dumbfounded at what just happened. He scoffed in annoyance and turns to leave the bedroom. As much as he didn¡¯t like the evil peasant, the man wasn¡¯t all that bad when it came to genuine feelings for his mommy.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 174 Don’t worry

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Entering the bathroom, Lu Tian sees the whole room lighted up but foggy from a hot shower with my wife already inside.


    He watches her as she douses her hair with water. Her dark and modestly long hair falling down her back with the beads of the liquid streaming off of it onto her fair skin. He notice her butt in its plumply round shape with how inviting it is for something else of his. Sensing his presence, she turns around to face him, water dripping off of her perfect C cup breasts with the perfect shaped, pink nipples.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen and she quickly covers her body.


    "Tian! Get out! Close your eyes! Why are you in here?!"


    However, Lu Tian didn¡¯t follow her orders, he shrug his shoulders and starts to remove his clothes.


    "To shower."


    Yue Ling¡¯s heart skipped a beat staring at the man now standing naked from head to toe, he stood like a mighty god. Taking a big gulp, she tries not to look further down.


    Suddenly, he takes a step forward and seeing him do so, she reacted. She reach for the shower door to get out. However, he swing the shower door open and step inside letting the heat of the shower warm him up and the water drenching him down.


    Left with no room to move, she could only take a step back. Her bluish green eyes staring up into Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes.


    "Tian... we.. my..."


    Hearing her words and seeing her frighten look, Lu Tian felt a tinge of pain and warmth in his heart. He does want to take her right now, but she¡¯s not feeling well. He can¡¯t be selfish, her health is more important.


    He chuckles and grabs her arms. Pulling her closer to him, he lets the warm water pour on her back.


    "When did you be so shameless? I just wanted to shower with you."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stare dumbfounded at Lu Tian. When she saw hime in, she couldn¡¯t help but think about the time he sneaked into the shower and had his way with her. Not believing him, she frowns.


    "I-I¡¯m done showering, so I¡¯ll get out first."


    She pushes him away and tries to leave, but Lu Tian¡¯s muchrger arms mped around her like a king crab. He looks down at her and smiles like a sneaky fox.


    "Done? But you still have soap on your head."


    "...."


    Lu Tian chuckles seeing Yue Ling¡¯s speechless reaction. He moves his hand up and helps her rinse the soap from her head. At the same time, he gently massages her head. He had joined her in the shower because he didn¡¯t want any mishap to happen. Of course, he has to also keep the sleeping dragon from waking up.


    Yue Ling stare up at Lu Tian, she couldn¡¯t help but smile. The man was too hard to read. Feeling her head being tilt back, she closed her eyes and allow the warm water to rinse away the soap. Her lip curls upward more.


    "Tian¡ª"


    Opening her eyes, she was greeted with Lu Tian¡¯s face leaning down closer to hers. Before she could say anything, Lu Tian¡¯s lip captures her¡¯s.


    Yue Ling froze in ce and her eyes widen. Like she had run a marathon, her heart beat to it maximum.


    Lu Tian reluctantly pulls away from his wife. Looking back at her, he chuckles and gently flicks her cute little nose.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t eat you."


    "....."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling lightly punch Lu Tian on the chest. How dare he always tease her?!


    Not waiting a second longer, Yue Ling reach for the shower door and gets out. She didn¡¯t care if she was drenching wet, who knows what the man will really do. Quickly, she wraps herself in a towel and escapes the bathroom.


    When the sound of the door closed, Lu Tian sighed. If Yue Ling was able to act like this, then it meant she is really alright. Turning to face the shower head, he ce both arms on the wall and allow the water to fall on his body.


    Closing his eyes, he sighed. His mind drifting to how he had be this way...


    At first, he thought he¡¯d just marry some daughter his parents find. Even if there was no love, he didn¡¯t care. To the him then, the word love wasn¡¯t even in his vocabry. However... Never in his life did he think he¡¯d ever fall so hard for someone.


    Ever since he met Yue Ling, he knew he couldn¡¯t be without her. She was the air for him to breath.


    Lowering his head, he looks down. Seeing the supposedly sleeping dragon awake, he sighed again. Reaching for the water switch, he turned the warm water cold.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling walked out of her closet room wearing a sweatshirt and legging. With a towel in one hand, she dries her hair.


    As she steps out, she stops when she remembered something. Striding to the living room she reaches for the first aid kit and strides back to the bedroom.


    Sitting down on the bed, she cross her arms over her chest and waited seriously for the man in the shower.


    *click*


    Hearing the bathroom door open, Yue Ling nce at the heavenly emperor as he walks out. She struggle a very hard swallow seeing how seductively charming he looked right now.


    Lu Tian stood at the bathroom door. With only a towel wrapped around his waist, his eyes slowly nce at the beauty sitting on the bed. He arch a brow and held in his smile.


    "You¡¯ve be quite shameless."


    "....."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turned heavy hearing Lu Tian¡¯s shameless words. She stare at him and couldn¡¯tprehend how he can keep a straight face and say something so out of this world.


    Taking a deep breath, she points to the first aid kit at her side.


    "You¡¯re the shameless one. I only want to change the bandage on your hand. Go change ande back here."


    "I¡¯ll change after you change the bandage."


    Lu Tian walks toward the bed and sit down. He lift his right hand so his wife can work her magic.


    Looking at Lu Tian¡¯s indifferent expression, Yue Ling scoffed inside. She has never met a man as shameless as Lu Tian before. Grabbing his hand, she starts to change his bandage. Her curious eyes couldn¡¯t help but still nces at Lu Tian¡¯s toned and masculine body.


    "You¡¯re quite enjoying the very aren¡¯t you?"


    "Yea.. you have a nice...."


    Yue Ling stops what she was doing. Her cheeks flush red. How she wish a hole would magically appear so she can hide in it. Of all the times, why does she always answer him without thinking.


    Pressing her lip tightly together, she quickly wraps the gauze on his hand. Without looking at him, she closes the first aid kit and strides out of the room.


    From behind, Lu Tian chuckles as he watch Yue Ling leave the room. He loves making her blush. It was a way to let him know that he can make her feel the same tingling feeling inside. Lowering his head, he looks at the new bandage on his hand.


    He smiles a smile that reached his eyes and stands up to change.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 175 Keep looking

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Yaaaw¡ª!!"


    Sitting up on a messy queen sized bed, Liu Shan yawns with his mouth widely open. Getting out of bed, he does his regr routine. Wash face, brush teeth, shower and get ready for work.


    Walking out of his bedroom, he wore a ck dress shirt with a ck cardigan buttoned over. His khaki trousers wrapped nicely around his slender legs.


    Grabbing a piece of bread, he puts it in his mouth and puts on his coat. He then leaves his apartment and heads in the direction of his car.


    "Good morning, Liu Shan."


    A sweet and very soft voice enters his sleepy ears. Liu Shan looks up and sees his neighbor. Her brown hair was tied into a high pony tail, revealing her face. She wore a tight running outfit that framed her slim, yet curvy figure.


    He takes the piece of bread out of his mouth and smiles politely.


    "Good morning, Ling Na."


    Not expecting another response, he walks forward to go down the stairs. Continuing on with his way, he walks pass Ling Na without looking at her. She is way out of his league and he needs to get to De L¡¯amour.


    Ling Na watched as Liu Shan walks pass her. Now looking at his back, Ling Na thought about the other night when he helped her. She had not properly thanked him.


    "Liu Shan."


    Just when Liu Shan took two steps down the stairs, he hears his name and stops. He sighs and turn to look at the woman.


    "What is it?"


    Ling Na¡¯s cheeks flushed the moment their eyes meet. She smiles at him warmly.


    "Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?"


    "..."


    Liu Shan stare at Ling Na with no emotions. He couldn¡¯t put her words together. No one has ever asked him out to dinner. Well, besides his boss, but she doesn¡¯t count.


    However, looking at the woman who is out of his league, he pout his lip in thinking. He must admit, Ling Na was very pretty. Although, not as pretty as his boss, she was still a very pretty woman. When he first moved here, he had done a research on the people living in theplex building as him. He found out that his neighbor here, is a very good hearted person and she actuallyes from a very rich family.


    "Don¡¯t think too much about it. I just want to treat you to dinner for helping me the other night."


    Ling Na spoke with a graceful smile. Liu Shan looks at her and he thought about it. Looking at her again, he found nothing wrong with the idea. Besides he loves food and Ling Na was a nice girl.


    "Alright."


    "Great!"


    Coming to an agreement, they exchanged numbers and where to meet. After, Liu Shan walks down the stairs and Ling Na heads to her apartment. Both individuals secretly excited for their date tonight.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    At Lu Corps, Lu Tian sat behind his desk. The space between his brows crease intensely as he stares at theputer screen and his finger scrolling the mouse.


    After he and Yue Ling finished breakfast, they had both left for work. He was reluctant to part from her but he had to do it. His mind was set on a mission and he must get it done fast.


    Scrolling through theputer he frowns more. Sighing, he leans back on his chair and closed his eyes. He¡¯s never proposed to anyone before, let alone ask someone out on a date.


    Yue Ling is the very first woman and person he¡¯s been with. When he arrived at his office, he quickly jumped on theputer to find the best ways to propose to someone. However, everything he found weren¡¯t good enough.


    He wants to propose to Yue Ling in the most memorable and romantic way possible. In a way that will be engraved deeply into her heart.


    *knock knock*


    Hearing the knock, he didn¡¯t open his eyes. Parting his lips, he spoke.


    "Come in."


    "Boss."


    Xu Long enters the room and he was shocked speechless. His mouth slightly open as he stare at his almighty boss who actually looked troubled.


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian opens his eyes and sits up. He looks indifferently at his speechless assistant.


    "Uhh... it¡¯s about.. you know what.."


    Xu Long closes the door and walks towards the desk. He sets a folder down and slides it to Lu Tian.


    "I tracked the gang from Korea, however they vanished. It seems like someone from Imperial is keeping them hidden in the dark."


    Hearing the words, Lu Tian frown. He grab the folder and opens it. The very first page contained confidential information of a person and a picture attached at the top.


    However, the person in the picture was taken from a faraway angle. It was a man with slightly long blonde hair. Half his face is hidden as if hiding something on his face.


    "Choi Li Sun."


    He spoke the name aloud. It was a name he found very familiar, but he couldn¡¯t remember where he heard it.


    Xu Long nod his head and speaks.


    "That man is a very famous gang leader in Korea. From the report I found, half of the gangs in Korea follows him."


    Lu Tian arch a brow at his assistant¡¯s words. To be a leader and rule half of the underworld, this man must have a very strong holding. He flips through the pages and then set the folder down. Thinking of something, he looks at Xu Long.


    "And the other half?"


    Although he does the dark and dangerous jobs for the government, his jurisdiction is only within China. Anything outside of China is not his to deal with.


    Xu Long looks at his boss and he understood what was on the man¡¯s mind.


    "From what I found, it seems the remaining half of Korea¡¯s underworld follows a different gang leader. Those people oppose of Choi Li Sun. However, this person is even more mysterious, I can¡¯t find anything about him at all. It¡¯s like this man is make believe person by those people."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but think back to the man who saved Ting and Jingxu. The mysterious man who works under Grandfather Ji, but he knows it can¡¯t be the same man.


    Lu Tian stood from his chair and walks to the floor to ceiling window in his office. His eyes dimmed as he stares down to Imperial.


    This man name Choi Li Sun made a huge mistake. The moment he stepped foot onto the soil of China, his fate is bound in Lu Tian¡¯s hands.


    cing his hands behind his back, he spoke out to Xu Long.


    "Keep looking into it. Find where Choi Li Sun is and what his motive is foring here."


    "Yes, Boss!"


    Xu Long salutes and turns to leave. However, before he could, he was stopped by his boss¡¯s next words.


    "Also, help me locate ¡¯L¡¯amour de ma vie¡¯."


    Like an imaginary leg had tripped him, Xu Long stumbles in his steps. His legs almost giving up, but he steady himself. As Lu Tian¡¯s assistant, he had to study everynguage known to the world. Hearing the words in French, he turns around robotically and looks at his boss with wide eyes. He struggle to swallow his saliva.


    "L-L-L¡¯amour de m-ma vie?"


    "Mm. Find it at any means."


    Xu Long stare in shock at thr back of his boss. He could not put the words together. Just....


    If his boss is looking for L¡¯amour de ma vie, does that mean.....


    Putting everything together, Xu Long¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground. Even his eyes fell from his sockets.


    Oh god!!! His boss is nning to propose!!!!


    Oblivious to his assistant¡¯s shocked look, Lu Tian continues to look out the window.


    "That¡¯s all, you can leave."


    "Yes, Boss!! I will find it like my life depended on it!"


    Quickly, he leaves his boss¡¯s office and goes into his. Sitting down, he turns hisputer on and his fingers dance on the keyboard.


    "L¡¯amour de ma vie.... L¡¯amour de ma vie..."


    Xu Long spoke the words like he was singing. His face held a very happy smile. How can he not be happy and excited, his cold and aloof boss is going to propose?


    Not only that, he couldn¡¯t wait to see the expressions on the world when they learn about this news!


    Doing what he is best at, Xu Long continues to search for L¡¯amour de ma vie. However, seconds into his search, he frowns with a sigh.


    L¡¯amour de ma vie is known to be the world¡¯s most expensive diamond ring. The diamond is very unique and the only one in the world. It appears crystal clear in the light, but in the dark, it¡¯s color changes into a beautiful sapphire blue. It was named L¡¯amour de ma vie because a man had given the diamond ring to the woman he loves..... It was a symbol of love as the woman is the love of his life.


    However.... How is he supposed to locate the ring? Not only that... Is the ring even real? Many has heard of the ring, but at the same time, many has never seen it before...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 176 She doesn’t know

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    At De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling¡¯s white bmw parks in the parking lot. Stepping out of her car, she walks toward the door.


    The moment she entered, she was greeted by three people at the same time. Two men and one woman.


    "Good morning, Boss."


    "Good morning."


    Yue Ling nod her head in response. Walking forward, all three people follow behind her.


    A man with sses opens the door to the conference room for Yue Ling.


    Entering, she takes the seat in the center of the meeting room. Her beautiful expression was calm, but the temperature inside the conference room seemed to drop to its maximum.


    Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes looked at each person in the room. They were the only ones with her currently at De L¡¯amour.


    "Report."


    A petite woman nods her head. Her short a-line hair and sses made her look like a teenage girl. She takes a folder and hands it to Yue Ling.


    "CEO Han, from what we know, the team sent to Mn were robbed on their way back to China."


    Taking the folder, Yue Ling looks at her fashion forecaster, Ju Suo. Opening the folder, she flips through each page.


    "What is the process right now?"


    Ju Suo sighs in her chair and shakes her head, "We¡¯re not sure. Lian Nishang called, but during the call with her, the line was suddenly cut off."


    "It must be An Qing! They must have known our n!"


    Yue Ling nce in the direction of the voice. Her eyes staring indifferently at a man of 29. His looks and features were very identical to her stylist, Gui Zhongming. Except, this man is the older twin, Gui Tian Lan.


    "Are you sure?"


    Gui Tian Lan pout his lip in his boss¡¯s words. Clenching his fist tightly, he looks directly at his boss.


    "I¡¯m sure of it. The night before, Zhongming sent me a text. He said they ran into An Qing¡¯s team when they purchased the materials."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling¡¯s expression darken ten shades. She didn¡¯t say a word as she ponder in thoughts.


    Sitting on Yue Ling¡¯s left side, her illustrator, Qi Li fixes his sses. He looks down at the report on the table.


    "Boss, could it be her? Could she have leaked out our information?"


    Yue Ling nod her head in response. ncing at the time, she looks calmly at the three people in the room with her.


    "Remember, this is only part of the n. Contact Lin Hui. Tell him I want everything he can find on what happened in Mn."


    "Yes, Boss."


    All the people answered at the same time. Their tenses bodies rxed at their boss¡¯s words. How could they have forgotten that having the materials robbed was a trap.


    Yue Ling stood from her chair and leaves the conference room.


    Arriving at the highest floor of De L¡¯amour, she steps out of the elevator and nce indifferently at the woman sitting in her desk.


    Ming Yue looks up and sees Yue Ling, she smiles and stood from her chair. In her hand was a tablet.


    "Good morning, CEO Han. Did you just arrive? I have the list for your schedule today."


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression remained the same. Reaching her arm out, she takes the tablet. Looking at Ming Yue onest time, she walks toward her office.


    From behind, Ming Yue snuck her head out until the door to her boss¡¯s office closed. She sat back down and sighed in relief. Her boss can be very scary. Especially when she doesn¡¯t say anything. The look Yue Ling just gave her was like staring straight into one¡¯s soul.


    Taking a deep breath, she takes her phone out and message someone.


    ¡¯My boss just came to work, seems like she doesn¡¯t know anything that happened.¡¯


    As Ming Yue continue to send secret messages, what she didn¡¯t know is that, Yue Ling and her remaining design team had already met in private.


    Inside Yue Ling¡¯s office, she set her purse and the tablet down on the coffee table. Walking to her floor to ceiling window, she cross both her arms and stare out to the now busy street below.


    An Qing.


    The name that once meant the world to her because it was her mother and father¡¯s name joined together. Never in her life did she think that what she created would turn against her. Especially a puny branchpany.


    Only a few within An Qing knows that she is the sole owner. The reason she kept a low profile was because she was a model and someone who dealt with the underworld. When it came to meetings with the branchpanies, she would send a member of Alpha team.


    That was how her identity was kept hidden.


    That was also why An Qing soon thought that De L¡¯amour was under them.


    Ming Yue who is supposed to be her secretary must have leaked the information out to Chen Limei.


    The design team she sent to Mn should have returnedst night. Judging from the report her remaining design team gathered, something must have gone wrong.


    Thinking of it, Yue Ling¡¯s aura turned murderous. She had purposely sent her team to Mn as part of her n. It was a test to see cunning An Qing has be. However, the oue is exactly as she had suspected.


    *knock knock*


    The closed door to Yue Ling¡¯s office opens and Liu Shan enters.


    "Boss."


    Yue Ling turns around to look at Liu Shan. She nod her head and walks to the couch in her office.


    "We¡¯re going to pay a visit to An Qing."


    "..."


    Hearing this, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes widen and his jaw dropped to the ground. He could not believe his ears. Didn¡¯t his boss say they would go after the fashion show? Does this mean he will finally get to see the downfall of Chen Limei?! Yes!!!


    Yue Ling looks at at her assistant. She could guess what he was thinking.


    "I¡¯ll be going in as a spokesperson for the meeting today."


    "Boss, why don¡¯t you just reveal to them who you really are. Just give them a p in the face already."


    Liu Shan spoke as he sat on the couch across from Yue Ling. He leaned back and looks at her with a disappointed frown on his face.


    Yue Ling shook her head and grabs the tablet Ming Yue has given her. She types in a few words and ce the tablet on the table.


    "Everything listed in here are what I asked for in Mn, along with my schedule for today. I will let the world know soon, but not right now. I want to see what Chen Limei does to the materials she stole from me."


    She stood from her seat and walks to her desk. Grabbing the 2 inch thick ck book, she walks back to the couch. cing it on the coffee table, she looks at Liu Shan.


    "In here is a printout of the genuine materials. Get them from uncle Zhi and find out who Chen Limei sent to Mn."


    "Right away Boss!"


    Liu Shan takes the book. He stood up and leaves the room. Walking out, he closed the door and looks at Ming Yue, who¡¯s back was facing him. He sneer in disgust before turning to his office.


    He could not wait to go to An Qing. Even if they weren¡¯t pping anyone¡¯s face today, with his boss there, he knows that shit is about to go down.


    Back in Yue Ling¡¯s office, she stood up when the door closed. However, her head started spinning and the nausea feeling from this morning came back. Feeling herself wanting to vomit, she quickly covers her mouth and runs to the trash bin by her desk. Squatting down, she tries to throw up, but nothing came out.


    After a few tries of no avail, she wipes her mouth and struggles up to sit on her office chair.


    Resting her head back with her eyes closed, she takes a deep and long breath. Thinking of something, she decides, once she finishes her meeting with An Qing, she will go get checked up since she needs to visit Ting.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 177 This is it?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Boss, I¡¯ve located L¡¯amour de ma vie."


    Xu Long spoke cheerfully as he hands a piece of paper to his boss. He had used every method in his brain to find the ring. It was an extremely difficult job, way more difficult than tracking a person. However, he was just d he did, if he couldn¡¯t, that would only mean his boss¡¯s n to propose would be jeopardized.


    Old Lu and Madam Lu have long been pestering his boss to get marry. As Lu Tian¡¯s assistant he can¡¯t fail his lovestruck boss and the old couple.


    Lu Tian reach for the paper and looks at it. He frowns after reading it. Looking at his assistant, he spoke indifferently.


    "This is it?"


    "....."


    This is it? Really? Xu Long felt as if a huge mountain had just dropped on him. How can his boss say it like this? Does he not know that this ring isn¡¯t just an ordinary ring?!


    Sighing inside, he tells everything he found in detail. Although it¡¯s not much, it¡¯s still something.


    "There¡¯s not much found on the ring, except L¡¯amour de ma vie is in City Z, Korea. It was kept confidential, but with my technical skills, I hacked into every system in Korea. The ring is in the hands of H International¡¯s CEO."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian¡¯s frown deepens. He had wanted the ring for Yue Ling because it was an one of kind ring, just like her. However.... he¡¯s heard of H International. In all of Korea, H International is the top ranking business. Just like Ji Corporation, it can be on pair with Lu Corps. The only thing is, no one outside of H International has ever seen the CEO. The man is known to be very mysterious.


    Remembering something, he leans back on his chair, "Have you locate that man?"


    Hearing the question, Xu Long couldn¡¯t help but slouch his shoulders. By ¡¯that man¡¯ he knew who his boss was referring to.


    "Boss, I¡¯ve searched everywhere. That man is like a shadow that vanished into thin air. I paid Ting a visit and asked him, but he said he didn¡¯t see or know the man. As for Ji Jingxu, I couldn¡¯t even go a step near the boy. Chairman Ji has his grandson under high military watch for recovery."


    Lu Tian nod his head. As much as he hates to do it, if all else fails, he will have no choice but to ask Grandfather Ji. He really wants to meet this man who kills in ten seconds.


    Lu Tian: "How are the preparations for Ting¡¯s parents burial?"


    Xu Long: "Everything has been handed to Chairman Ji. He said he will take care of it."


    Lu Tian nods his head. It was understandable why grandfather Ji would want to handle the burial. The old man was one who cares for life, especially towards those who lost their parents.


    Stopping his thoughts, he looks at Xu Long.


    "Book me a Flight to City Z. I will meet H International¡¯s CEO personally."


    Xu Long quickly straightens up and salutes. He opens his mouth to answer his boss, however....


    *knock knock*


    Hearing the sudden knock, Lu Tian nce at the door, whereas Xu Long turns around to see the intruder.


    The door clicks open and a blonde hair woman enters. She wore a red blouse and a ck pencil skirt. Her ck T-strap heels ck as she steps inside the office.


    Lu Tian felt disgusted seeing the person. He looks to hisputer screen and starts typing away.


    Unlike his boss, Xu Long¡¯s expression dimmed. This woman is not only disgusting, but very cunning. Noticing the woman¡¯s ugly eyes fixated on his handsome and mighty boss, he takes a step to the left. His body blocking his boss from view.


    "Miss Qian, What are you doing here?"


    Suddenly having her view blocked, Qian Li Li res at Xu Long. She can never meet Lu Tian alone, if she does, this lousy assistant would always appear. Sneering inside, she puts on an innocent face.


    "Assistant Xu, I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be here too."


    "Me being here is none of your business."


    Xu Long spoke out truthfully. He didn¡¯t like Qian Li Li, so him being in his boss¡¯s office is not her problem. Not only is it her problem, why is she here?


    From behind his desk, Lu Tian frowns at his assistant¡¯s words. The name Xu Long just said was very familiar. He couldn¡¯t help but think of where he heard it...


    In his thoughts, his eyes subconsciously nce to one corner of his office. Seeing the luggage and LV tote still in his office, he finally remembers.


    His expression darkens as he looks at Xu Long. This person mentioned was the person who blocked him and Yue Ling¡¯s pathst time.


    "Xu Long, didn¡¯t I say to remove to the person you just mentioned. Why is he still being mentioned?"


    Qian Li Li: "..."


    Xu Long: "pfffffff!!!"


    Qian Li Li was dumbfounded. She could not believe what she just heard. Lu Tian actually referred her to a man!! How can she, a beauty be called a man? What woman would want to be known as a he?!


    Unlike Qian Li Li, Xu Long held his stomach andughed his lungs out. He had to admit, not only is his boss¡¯s personality cold and ruthless, even his words are no different! Wiping a tear, he looks at Qian Li Li. Picturing her as a man, heughs even more.


    "..."


    Qian Li Li clenched her fist tightly. She hade see Lu Tian to try and sweet talk her way out of being removing. Never in her entire life has she been humiliated like this! Lu Tian called her a man and Xu Long isughing like she was some kind of joke!


    Laughing till his stomach hurt, Xu Long calms himself and straighten his face. Looking at Qian Li Li seriously this time, he smiles sarcastically.


    "Miss Qian, you heard the boss. You have been removed from Lu Corps. Go collect your sry and leave."


    Of course, Xu Long didn¡¯t care if he spoke out of line. He knows his boss doesn¡¯t speak to the opposite gender, besides hisdy boss. As Lu Tian¡¯s most trusty subordinate, he needs to chase these disgusting woman away.


    Qian Li Li was raging with anger. Her breathing turned rapid and her eyes ring dagger at Xu Long. Shifting her eyes to Lu Tian, blood boiled inside her more. She could not believe that Lu Tian would actually let her go like this! He would remove her from Lu Corps all because of Han Yue Ling!


    Clenching her fist tightly, she press her lips together. Without saying another word, she turns to leave the office. She swore inside her heart.


    ¡¯Lu Tian, don¡¯t me me for what¡¯s going to happen. It¡¯s all your fault for choosing that slut over me!¡¯


    Watching the witch leave, Xu Long sighed in relief, "Finally, that evil vixen is gone for good."


    "Don¡¯t you have work to do."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds from behind his desk, making Xu Long jumped in surprise. Turning to look at his boss, Xu Long scratch his head and force a smile.


    "Heh heh, I¡¯ll get to it right away."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Outside of Imperial¡¯s busy street, Liu Shan¡¯s ck bmw parks in front of a very tall and nicely structured building.


    Stepping out of the driver¡¯s seat, Liu Shan opens the door to the rear seat. As the door open, Yue Ling steps out of the car in her dark outfit. From the other side of the car stepped out a petite Ju Suo.


    With her sunsses on, Yue Ling¡¯s crimson red lip curls upward as she looks up at the tall building. Like a true boss, she walks in the direction of An Qing.


    "Lets go watch a good show."


    Her words were unreadable like her mind, but to Liu Shan and Ju Suo following behind, they could only feel the hair on their arms stand up.


    How they felt a bit of pity for An Qing...


    An Qing is definitely going to be in big trouble if they fail this meeting.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 178 From De L’amour

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Who is that?"


    "I¡¯ve never seen them before. Are they here for the meeting with CEO Chen?"


    "The woman in the front is so tall, I feel like I¡¯ve seen her somewhere before..."


    "That woman¡¯s choice of style is even better than our CEO¡¯s..."


    "Shh, do you not want your job anymore?"


    All the workers inside An Qing could not help but stare curiously at the two woman and one man who just entered. These three people were very stylish and held a very unique aura.


    The petite woman walking slightly behind, wore a id a-line dress. Over her dress was a ck moto jacket and her block stockings covered her legs. She looked like a little lolita with her a-line hair outlining her youthful features. Her hands wrapped around what looked to be folders.


    The man walked with one hand in the pocket of his khaki trousers as the other hand held a folder. His looks were handsome as he held a smile on his face. Under his tan coat, one could see his ck dress shirt peaking as his ck cardigan buttons over.


    However, the one who caught everyone¡¯s attention the most was the beautiful woman leading in the front. Even with her sunsses covering her eyes, everyone could see that she was a beauty beyond beauty. Her red lip looked so alluring as her dark hair framed her face.


    She wore a knee length zer over her sweater that is tucked inside her pencil skirt. Everything on her was ck, including her sandal heels.


    As the workers of An Qing start to whisper and stare in the direction of the entrance, the three people who just entered, continue on with their walk.


    Yue Ling ignores the whispers and walks ahead in the front with Liu Shan and Ju Suo following behind. Coming up to the front desk, Liu Shan steps forward.


    The woman behind the desk looks up and her cheeks redden when she sees Liu Shan. Smiling, she greets them.


    "Good morning. How can I help you?"


    Liu Shan smiles back at the woman.


    "Good morning Miss. We¡¯re from De L¡¯amour."


    "Hsss¡ª"


    The woman gasp in surprise as she covers her mouth. These three beautiful people are actually from De L¡¯amour? Usually it was one person being sent, how can there be three people this time?


    "Ahh.. about that, let me¡ª"


    "What¡¯s going on here?"


    A woman¡¯s voice sounds from the side causing the receptionist to turn her head. Seeing the person, she quickly stands up and bow.


    "CEO Chen, these people are sent from De L¡¯amour."


    Chen Limei wore a white blouson dress with matching white heels. Her hair bound in high bun, revealing her wless features. She nce at her receptionist with a polite smile, then she turns to look at the three people mentioned.


    Just like everyone else in An Qing, she was utterly shocked in surprise. However, she was able to maintain a calm expression. She sized the good looking man, then the petite woman. When her eyesnded on the tall woman, she felt a tinge of chill. This woman was very stunning, especially the way she carried herself, but Chen Limei could feel a sense of familiarity.


    Pushing the familiar feeling behind, she smiles at the woman and stretch her hand out.


    "Wee to An Qing, I am CEO Chen. I had been informed of your arrival."


    Chen Limei smiled with her teeth. Last night, her assistant had informed her about De L¡¯amour¡¯s spokespersoning to the meeting today. From her knowledge in working at An Qing, it was always a different person appearing.


    Even if these three people are from De L¡¯amour, to her De L¡¯amour is just a designer brand under An Qing. She may not have created An Qing, but from her time working here, no one has ever met the creator, so it likely she who owns the puny brand De L¡¯amour. Not only that, she is well respected by the other An Qing¡¯s. She also holds the title CEO while the other people hold the title president.


    While Chen Limei was in her thoughts, Liu Shan and Ju Suo scoffed in their hearts. This Chen Limei is too much. One could already see through her so called polite facade.


    Just wait till the fashion show is over. It will be a huge p in the face for her.


    Due to their height difference, Yue Ling looks down at Chen Limei, ncing to the hand stretched towards her, she remained indifferent. Slowly, she takes her sunsses off. Her mesmerizing bluish green eyes staring straight into Chen Limei¡¯s soul.


    Seeing the tall woman¡¯s face now, Chen Limei was shocked to the core of her spine. A part of her had hoped that this woman only looked pretty behind the sunsses. Never did she think, the woman would be even more prettier.


    Suddenly, she slightly stumble in her posture. Her eyes widen as her smile froze when she finally realize something.


    This woman... no wonder she felt a sense of familiarity. This woman is actually Han Yue Ling!


    Who doesn¡¯t know Han Yue Ling within the entertainment and fashion industry?


    Yue Ling smiles and shakes Chen Limei¡¯s hand. She loves the look of surprises she brings to people when they realize it is her. Especially when the person is her enemy.


    "Miss Chen, I am Han Yue Ling. De L¡¯amour sent me to attend this meeting."


    Chen Limei was shocked, but hearing how Yue Ling had address her, her expression turned sour. She is the CEO of An Qing, how can a puny spokesperson address her with no formality. However, knowing that it is Han Yue Ling, she couldn¡¯t give a bad image of herself.


    Especially not after their encounter at Beauty. Ever since then, she¡¯s been trying to find the supermodel to model for her uing clothing in the fashion show. If anyone can help rise her brand, it¡¯s definitely Han Yue Ling.


    Chen Limei calmed herself and looks at Yue Ling.


    "I did not know you were an employee for De L¡¯amour, this is a very big surprise. If I had known, I would of transferred you to my An Qing."


    She slightly turn with a smile and gesture with her hand.


    "The meeting is about to start, shall we then?"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t say a word, but nod her head and follows Chen Limei. Both woman walked side by side, but because Yue Ling was taller, she outshone the shorter woman.


    Chen Limei was clothed in white and looked like a pure angel, whereas Yue Ling was clothed in all ck, but she looked like a demon princess with her alluring and perfect looks.


    All the workers couldn¡¯t help but continue to watch in surprise. Like their boss, they were just as shocked. Han Yue Ling is a well known super model, even after her retirement, she is still ranked number one.


    She also kept a low profile and not much was written about her in the magazines or in public. If one wanted to see her, they¡¯d have to wait for her long awaited fan meetings or in the magazines only.


    "Oh my gosh, it¡¯s Han Yue Ling. She¡¯s actually here in An Qing and in person!"


    "Haa~ whenparing our CEO Chen to Han Yue Ling, our CEO actually looks... so ordinary.."


    "Hush! Don¡¯t let CEO Chen hear you, she can jeopardize your career with one word."


    "I was just saying... hey, do think CEO Chen will ask Miss Han to be the opening model in the fashion show?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 179 Will not succeed

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    The meeting inside An Qing¡¯s conference room was very busy. Chen Limei sat in the center seat as the board of directors sat on either sides of her. In front of each person was aptop containing the uing designs. Yue Ling sat at the far end of the table as Liu Shan and Ju Suo stood behind her.


    A member of the board of directors looked at Yue Ling and he frown, "CEO Chen, is it necessary that the two people behind Miss Han be in this room too? This is a serious meeting not some entertainment show."


    Chen Limei nce at Yue Ling then to Liu Shan and Ju Suo. She pout her lip in thinking. When they arrived in the conference room, she didn¡¯t think the two people would follow in after Yue Ling. However, the man was right, she nod her head at the man then smiles at Yue Ling.


    "Excuse me, I¡¯m not trying to be rude but can you dismiss the two people behind you so we can start the meeting?"


    Liu Shan and Ju Suo stood their ground. Their eyes looking indifferently at Chen Limei. Did her words scare them? Of course not. It was Yue Ling¡¯s call in whether they leave or no.


    Hearing how Chen Limei spoke to Liu Shan and Ju Suo, Yue Ling rested one elbow on the table and held her chin with her palm. She smile a graceful smile, but this smile did not reach her eyes. Tilting her head, she looks directly at Chen Limei.


    "That¡¯s a very good idea, but WE are from De L¡¯amour, NOT An Qing."


    As she spoke each words, the expression on everyone from An Qing darkens. Each person ring daggers at Yue Ling. Especially the man who spoke the idea.


    Yue Ling ignores the res and kept her smile. Behind her, Liu Shan and Ju Suo we¡¯re smiling inside. Their boss is so straightforward when she wants to be, how can she listen to Chen Limei.


    Noticing the time has past since the meeting was scheduled, Yue Ling leaned back in her chair.


    "Shall we start the meeting then or are we still wasting time?"


    Chen Limei res at Yue Ling, however, the meeting has to go on. Ignoring the rudeness, she turn herptop on and started show casing her ideas. Standing up, she held a small remote and point to each listing shown.


    "As you all know, these are the uing designs from De L¡¯amour. Each piece is very unique and has its own style."


    She taps a button that projects a screen behind her. The picture contained materials of the best quality in the word.


    "Here is a chart of the materials we just received to make the designs for the uing fashion show. As you all know, this fashion show means a lot to us, we cannot fail."


    While Chen Limei proceed in her speech, Yue Ling remained straight faced. Her eyes scanning the list of materials shown from the projector.


    Although there wasn¡¯t much listed, she could still pinpoint some of the materials stolen from her team in Mn. In total, there are twenty fabrics, but only five are listed, that meant Chen Limei must be keeping the rest for her ¡¯secrective¡¯ designs.


    She knew each materials well, because the person who sold the materials in Mn were under her orders. That person will not sell anything to any other designers except her. By that, there is no possible way Chen Limei would be able to get her hands on them.


    "That is all from me. What do you all think?"


    Chen Limei closes the projector screen and sits down in her chair again. She nce with mockery at Yue Ling before looking around the room.


    The people in the room apuse Chen Limei for her presentation. They were proud to follow an outstanding CEO like her.


    "CEO Chen¡¯s idea is very good. These materials are definitely the best of the best."


    "I agree, An Qing will definitely bring De L¡¯amour into the top ranking again."


    Chen Limei nod her head with a smile. She loves when others praise her. If it wasn¡¯t for her, De L¡¯amour would never be where it¡¯s at right now. It was all thanks to her hard work.


    Seeing Chen Limei¡¯s cunning look, Ju Suo wanted to go over and p the woman¡¯s face. Clenching her fist tightly, she could only hold back and re at the woman.


    Liu Shan nce at Ju Suo and he could rte to her thoughts. Not only did Chen Limei steal the materials for De L¡¯amour, she¡¯s even taking credit for the things his boss did. Such a deceiving person should exist.


    Sitting quietly and calmly, Yue Ling was oblivious to the two people behind her. She looked at Chen Limei and sighed inside. It is such a pity that some people are so stupid, especially when they get too ahead of themselves.


    "Miss Chen, your idea is quite outstanding, but..."


    Yue Ling interrupted the praising uproar, causing everyone to look at her. To them, they had pretty much forgotten that Yue Ling was even part of the meeting.


    Not caring, Yue Ling motion with her hand to Ju Suo. Seeing the signal, Ju Suo nod her head and starts passing out the folders in her hand to each people sitting in the conference room.


    Yue Ling waited until Ju Suo was done, then she smiles gracefully at the people.


    "In the folders in front of you contains the REAL designs De L¡¯amour ns to show case in the fashion show. I hope you all do De L¡¯amour a proud job. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to make a report back."


    Not waiting, she finish her words and stood up from her chair. Walking out of the room, she didn¡¯t care about the res she was getting. To her, they were backstabbing people she will get rid of.


    As the door closed, the conference room became an uproar like an angry mob.


    "CEO Chen, can she do this? The meeting isn¡¯t over and she left. Just what did she meant by these folders contain the real designs? Weren¡¯t you sent the designs before hand?"


    "Miss Han is just a puny retired model, how can she disregard us like this!"


    Chen Limei grit her teeth together. Her eyes ring at the door. This is the second time she was given no face by Han Yue Ling. First it was during the shoot at Beauty and now this, in front of her highly valued employees.


    However, she can¡¯t get rid of Han Yue Ling just yet. The woman is part of her rising n in the fashion industry. Chen Limei takes a deep breath and gesture her hand to quiet the room.


    "Don¡¯t worry, as you all know, I n tounch my own design in the fashion show. I could not say it out loud because we can¡¯t let those people from De L¡¯amour know about this. For the meantime, we will proceed with what De L¡¯amour wants done."


    "CEO Chen, why don¡¯t you just get rid of De L¡¯amour? Without us, they are nothing."


    Hearing this, Chen Limei shook her head, "For now we can¡¯t, not until after weunch our design."


    "What about Han Yue Ling, didn¡¯t the mole nted inside De L¡¯amour say..."


    "Ming Yue said Han Yue Ling is under De L¡¯amour, that means she is under An Qing. Even if she is just a model, she has all the resources we need in the industry."


    Chen Limei looks at the people in the room then she stood from her seat.


    "This meeting will end here. I need to pull Han Yue Ling to our side for our n to work."


    She quickly leaves the room and quickens her pace to catch up to Han Yue Ling and the others. When she arrived on the first floor, she spotted the three people just about to leave the building.


    "Han Yue Ling!"


    Hearing her name, Yue Ling turns around. Seeing Chen Limei, she stopped in her steps and waited.


    "Han Yue Ling, can I speak to you in private?"


    Yue Ling looks at Chen Limei, she could already see where this is going. Since Chen Limei thinks of herself so clever, she will y along and listen. With a smile, Yue Ling nods her head.


    "Of course, lead the way."


    "B-b.. Yue Ling."


    Ju Suo takes a step forward to stop Yue Ling, but she slightly shook her head and follows Chen Limei.


    Watching her boss leave with the witch, Ju Suo pursed her lip.


    "Liu Shan, will Boss be alright?"


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t answer right away, he stare at Yue Ling¡¯s back as she slowly moves further into the distance. His mind thinking of something before he nods his head.


    "Don¡¯t forget who she is before she is the owner of De L¡¯amour. Even if Chen Limei ns to do something, she will not seed. Remember, this is all part of the n."


    Hearing, Ju Suo heaved in relief inside. She sometimes couldn¡¯t help but forget that her Boss is not an ordinary person. From her time following Yue Ling, there has never been a person who schemes against Han Yue Ling and got away with it.


    Not being able to follow their boss, both Liu Shan and Ju Suo could only stand aside and wait patiently.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 180 A Fan

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Chen Limei led Yue Ling to a private room on the first floor of An Qing. Stopping by the window, she turns around.


    "Yue Ling, I will get straight to the point. Why don¡¯t youe work for me here at An Qing? It¡¯ll be of great benefits to you. I can help you keep your rank as a supermodel."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling arch a brow in amusement. Her sudden expression cause Chen Limei to think her words had convinced Yue Ling. However, Yue Ling¡¯s lip curl upwards into a smile that sent chills down Chen Limei¡¯s arms.


    "That¡¯s very nice of you, but..." Yue Ling tilt her head slightly to the side, "Aren¡¯t you forgetting something?"


    Chen Limei smiles, "Ah Yes, the pay sry right? If youe work for me, I will give you a cheque for 1 million each month."


    She smiles at Yue Ling again. One million yuan is arge sum a puny model has barely seen. Anyone who¡¯s given the chance to receive this much money will definitely not turn the opportunity down.


    However....


    "One million in US dors? That¡¯s quite arge figure there."


    Yue Ling spoke as she cross one arm over her chest and touch her chin with her other hand. She knows Chen Limei meant in yuan, but still... She is quite surprised that Chen Limei is more cunning than she had thought. However, she is a multi billionaire already, Chen Limei¡¯s so called rge sum¡¯ is really nothing to her.


    Standing across from Yue Ling, Chen Limei who was full of confidence was struck dumbfounded. She had suggested the price in yuan not US dor, how did Yue Ling...


    "Miss Chen, I understand your need of models, but don¡¯t you read the papers? I retired when I moved here."


    Yue Ling looks at Chen Limei, thinking of how dumb this woman is, she shook her head.


    "Y-You.."


    Seeing the shake of head, Chen Limei clench her fists. Her eyes ring at Yue Ling as if they were knives sent to stab the woman. No one has ever turned her proposals down. Everyone values her as a highly distinguish figure, yet, this puny nobody model is looking down on her. Taking a deep breath, Chen Limei tried to maintain her smile.


    "Yue Ling, how about it? If the amount is too small, I can raise it to any number you want."


    "...."


    Yue Ling stare at the woman like she was an idiot. Now, she understands why her other branchpanies betrayed her. It was all because of Chen Limei¡¯s bribery. Seems like, once the fashion show is over, she¡¯ll need to get rid of those people as well.


    "Miss Chen, we are not familiar with each other for you to address me by name."


    Not waiting for a response or reaction from Chen Limei, she turns to leave the room.


    "Miss Han, I suggest you agree to my terms and work for my An Qing. It¡¯s for your own good."


    Chen Limei was pissed. She had been nice to Yue Ling, but all she got in return was the cold shoulder. She¡¯s going to demolish De L¡¯amour at the fashion show. Once that happened, Han Yue Ling will be out of job. Did Yue Ling not stop to think that she, Chen Limei can also ruin the model¡¯s career?!


    Of course not!


    Yue Ling stopped in her steps hearing Chen Limei¡¯s words. Staring at the door, her red lip curls upward. Not turning around, she speaks her words.


    "Miss Chen, I will say this to you, remember WHO has MORE authority than you do here. It¡¯s for YOUR own good. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I need to report back to De L¡¯amour."


    Saying her words, Yue Ling didn¡¯t want to waste another second with the idiotic woman. She leisurely exits the room and head towards Liu Shan and Ju Suo.


    "...."


    Rooted to the ground and dumbfounded again, Chen Limei stare at the spot Yue Ling was just standing. She couldn¡¯t help but think of Yue Ling¡¯s words. It was like a warning to her....


    Could it be?


    Could there really be someone higher than her in An Qing?


    Lifting her hand to her mouth, she starts biting her nails. Her expression turns pale as she ponder in thoughts.


    "CEO Chen, are you alright?"


    Chen Limei¡¯s assistant enters the room and ask when she saw her boss¡¯s pale look.


    "Ying, I want you to find everything about De L¡¯amou and Han Yue Ling. Also, confirm with Ming Yue, I need to know if there is no one higher than me here."


    "Yes, ma¡¯am."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    The doors to An Qing opens out and three figures step out. Yue Ling walks towards Liu Shan¡¯s car with a straight face.


    "H-Han Yue Ling!"


    A girl¡¯s voice trails from behind them. Yue Ling turns to look and sees an employee from An Qing. She nods her head and smile.


    "Hello."


    The girl hesitated for a moment, she nce up at Yue Ling with her cheeks flushing red, then she lift her hand out. It was a pen and notepad.


    "I know you are no longer a model, but I¡¯m still a huge fan of yours. Can I please have your autograph?"


    Yue Ling looks at the girl and smiles with her straight white teeth. She nods her head and takes the pen and notepad.


    "Of course. I¡¯m d to know I still have a fan."


    Seeing Yue Ling sign the girl¡¯s notepad, all the workers from An Qing ran out with there to get an autograph too. So did the people passing by when they realized it was Han Yue Ling and not some random woman.


    "Please sign mine too!!"


    "We love you Han Yue Ling!"


    As the crowd got bigger, Liu Shan and Ju Suo could only try to block the fans from pushing forward.


    Liu Shan looks down at Ju Suo and he sighed. If he knew it was going to be like this, he would have told Qi Li toe with them instead of the small and petite Ju Suo.


    Not only that, he has a date tonight with Ling Ni. What if he identally gets a bruise? Even worse, what if he has to cancel his only chance getting to go on a date?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 181 I won’t ask

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside a silver Mercedes, a blonde hair woman sat in the driver seat. She angrily hits the steering wheel, then turning her head, her eyes re at the box on the passenger seat. The things inside were all her belongings from her office.


    "Damn you, Han Yue Ling. I will make you pay for this!"


    Qian Li Li¡¯s breathing turned rapid, she could not believe she had been fire. Thinking about how Lu Tian treated her because of Yue Ling, Jealousy rouse in her. Angry, she grabs her bag and starts rummaging through to get her phone. She quickly dials a number and put the phone to her ear.


    The call rang five times before a man¡¯s voice answer from the other line. He sounded like he was busy with something and annoyed.


    ["What do you want?"]


    Hearing the voice, Qian Li Li¡¯s expression quickly calms down. Although the man answered in a rude way, he is the only one who can help her now. Using her most softest voice, she spoke into the phone.


    "Let¡¯s meet up tonight."


    ["Why should I meet you?"]


    Qian Li Li sneers inside. Every time she calls this man, his tone of voice was always one that looked down on her. Her eyes dimmed as a sinister smirk appear in her face.


    "I know where you can meet Han Yue Ling."


    ["You saw her? Where?"]


    Hearing the man¡¯s tone change into one of joy, Qian Li Li sneer in annoyance. Just the name mentioned was enough to arouse the man¡¯s interests. However, she can¡¯t let this chance slide. If she can get rid of Han Yue Ling for good, Lu Tian will be her¡¯s.


    "Meet me at Imperial Hotel tonight at 8pm."


    ["....."]


    Qian Li Li frown when she heard sudden silence. The man did not answer her, could he have....


    ["Fine."]


    With a smile on her face, Qian Li Li¡¯s heart jumped in joy. Parting her lip, she wanted to add a few more words, but the man had already hung up.


    Moving the phone from her ear, she looks at the ck screen and scoff. Tossing her phone onto an empty spot on the passenger seat, she starts her car and drives out of the Lu Corps parking garage.


    ¡¯Han Yue Ling, this is all your fault.¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Inside Lu Tian¡¯s office, the atmosphere was very dark and cold. Xu Long stood in front of his boss¡¯s desk as sweat form on his forehead. With his shoulders slouching, he nce at the indifferent, yet extremely handsome man reading a folder.


    "Boss....."


    Lu Tian calmly set the folder down and looks up at his assistant.


    "Have you set a meeting with H International?"


    Xu Long raise his hand and wipes away the sweat on his forehead. Taking a big gulp, he forces a smile.


    "A-about that... you see, I informed H International, but it seems their CEO is not there. The secretary said, she will let H International¡¯s CEO know then give us an answer soon."


    Lu Tian frown hearing his assistant. He nce down at the folder then he nod his head.


    "Mm. Report back when you¡¯ve got confirmation from them. That¡¯s all."


    "..."


    Xu Long¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground. Not believing what he just heard, he dig both his ears to make sure he was hearing correctly. His boss is actually willing to wait!! There has never been a time where his boss waits on anyone. It was always others waiting on his boss!!


    Good lord, what¡¯s going to happen to the world?!


    Realizing something, his eyes shot open.


    Oh god! This is serious! His boss is very very serious on proposing to Han Yue Ling!


    Thinking of something, Xu Long straightens his posture and pat his chest with determination.


    "Boss! I, Xu Long will not fail you in this important mission!"


    He quickly turns around and leaves the room. He has to do everything in his capabilities to get his boss to meet H International¡¯s CEO. If this mission fails, who knows what kind of wrath his boss will unleash upon this innocent world.


    "..."


    Lu Tian watched dumbfounded at his assistant. He can¡¯t but wonder how Xu Long will get a girlfriend with his weird personality. Shaking his head, he leans back on his chair and ponder in thoughts.


    If it was something else, he would definitely not wait, but this L¡¯amour de ma vie ring is very important. It ys the most important part in his proposal to Yue Ling.


    ncing at the folder on his desk, he sighs. Xu Long had brought in a report about his wife. She was spotted at An Qing and everything went viral on the inte. The only good thing was, she was able to leave before the news reporters arrived.


    As much as he wants to keep her to himself, he knows she has her life too. Especially since she is a fashion designer, her career path is far different from his.


    But, the most important thing now is to n how he¡¯s going to propose to his future wife.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Boss...."


    Liu Shan spoke hesitantly as he parks his car in De L¡¯amour¡¯s parking lot.


    Ju Suo looks at Liu Shan, then to her boss. Knowing this is not her business, she gets out of the car and walks toward De L¡¯amour. She still has a lot of things to do.


    "What is it?"


    Sitting in the back seat, Yue Ling looks at Liu Shan with her arms cross over her chest. She could sense something different about him ever since the morning. However, she just couldn¡¯t pinpoint it.


    Liu Shan takes a deep breath and turn his body slightly around to look at Yue Ling.


    "Can I ask to leave work early?"


    Yue Ling arch a brow at Liu Shan¡¯s question. Ever since he¡¯s worked for her, he¡¯s never once asked to leave work early. Narrowing her eyes, she looks at her assistant with a suspicious expression.


    Seeing his boss¡¯s look, Liu Shan stutters on his words, "B-Boss, it¡¯s like t-this.. I need t-to¡ª"


    "Is it a woman?"


    "..."


    Liu Shan was bbergasted. He hadn¡¯t even exined and his boss already knows. Did she spy on him? Wait, was it written on his face? Didn¡¯t he hide it well?


    "Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t ask who the woman is, just make sure youe in to work tomorrow."


    Without waiting, Yue Ling opens the door and gets out of the car. She still has a lot of things to do. Like, visit Ting at the hospital, check why she has a headache and get the information Lin Hui should have gathered.


    Leaving behind a dumbfounded Liu Shan inside his car, Yue Ling enters De L¡¯amour. She is happy for Liu Shan, especially since it¡¯s been a very long time since she¡¯sst seen him like this.


    When they first met in America, Liu Shan had just broken up with his girlfriend of 3 years. Her reason leaving him was because he didn¡¯t have a high paying job to buy her designer brand names. She told Liu Shan he was useless man. That though, was the trigger that helped Liu Shan change and be the man he is today.


    Thinking of how Liu Shan was treated in the past, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes darken. One of the things she hates the most is people who uses others for their own selfish needs. It was a good thing she became friends with Liu Shan and helped change him.


    However, she does want to know who this woman is... Of course, she won¡¯t look into it and wait until Liu Shan decides to introduce the woman..


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 182 Hands are tied

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    The moment Yue Ling walked into her office, she sees Lin Hui sittingzily on one of the couches. The man was dressed in usual biker outfit. ncing at him, she walks over and sits down on the couch across from him.


    "What did you find?"


    "Everything. Chen Limei¡¯s people were not as smart as I thought they¡¯d be. Of course, when ites to me, no one can do it better." Except Liu Shan...


    Lin Hui spoke the rest of the words in his head as he straightens his posture and opens hisptop on the coffee table. His fingers dance across the keyboard, then he slides it towards his boss along with a folder.


    "This is all the report on what happened in Mn. Your design team is actually doing just fine. From what I know, they should be on their way back to Imperial."


    Yue Ling nod her head and reach for the folder. Opening it, she flips through each page. Every page contained a photo of a person and his or her information. Her eyes dim as she reads the words.


    "Are these the people Chen Limei sent?"


    "Mm. Those are all of them. They work for her in the dark and they¡¯re connected to the underworld."


    Lin Hui taps a button on the keyboard and ys the video. He leans back against the couch with both his hands behind his head.


    "This video is from Tang Zhong Hui¡¯s hidden cameras in his car. The dumb idiots Chen Limei sent didn¡¯t stop to think that they¡¯d fall into a trap."


    Watching the video, Yue Ling¡¯s expression darkens more. From the video, once can see the people as they point guns at her team. There were a total of ten people, 6 men and 4 women. She has encountered many faces when she was in the underworld. To her, these faces were very familiar.


    What is funny to her is that these people actually dare to work for Chen Limei and steal from her. Of course, who could me them. Only a few people in the world knows that she owns De L¡¯amour, including An Qing.


    Not only that, the people in her team were not ordinary people. If it wasn¡¯t for her n, she knows they would have taken down Chen Limei¡¯s people within seconds.


    "Run their background again and find where they are. It¡¯s time we send them a little gift."


    She closed the folder and stood from her seat. With one hand holding the folder, she walks to her desk. Sitting down on the swivel chair, she begins working.


    Lin Hui sighs as he also stood up. Packing up hisptop, he sighs again. These people who works for Chen Limei are so stupid. How can there be idiots in the world who would go knocking on death¡¯s door? Especially when the person is the one those from the underworld are afraid of. Turning to look at his boss onest time, he leaves out of the office.


    As he walks pass Ming Yue¡¯s desk, he sees her talking on the phone. His eyes darkens and he clench theptop in his hand.


    Such a disgusting woman shouldn¡¯t even be allow near his boss!


    Scoffing aloud, Lin Hui continues to walk forward. It¡¯s time to send a little message for those wanting to cross the line with his boss.


    "Wait! Excuse me."


    Lin Hui stops at the words. Slightly turning around, he looks at the owner of the voice. His youthful and handsome face stare at the woman with a cold and indifferently expression.


    "Can I help you?"


    Ming Yue looks at Lin Hui and her cheeks flushed red. She has seen this man before and he¡¯s by far one of the most handsomest man she¡¯s seen. He gives off a ¡¯bad boy¡¯ look and that is what she likes in her men. Standing up from her chair, she walks over to him with a smile.


    "Are you leaving?"


    "Mm, I have things to do."


    Lin Hui answers the question. He doesn¡¯t like Ming Yue, but when his mother was still alive, she had raised him to be polite. Since his boss hasn¡¯t given orders to get rid of Ming Yue, he can only be polite for now.


    "I¡¯m secretary Ming, but you can call me Ming Yue."


    Ming Yue spoke as she puts on her most graceful smile possible. If she can get a man like Lin Hui, she will make all her friends envy in jealousy. She stretch her hand out to shake hands.


    Looking down at the slender hand, Lin Hui pout his lip. He could already guess where Ming Yue was trying to go with this. He may have been taught to be polite to women, but...


    Holding theptop with both his hands, he raise it higher for the woman to see.


    "My hands are tied. If you¡¯ll excuse me, I have to get going."


    Not waiting, Lin Hui turns around and leaves behind a speechless Ming Yue. If it had been any other woman, he might have been more polite, but it was Ming Yue. The woman is scheming behind the most important person in his life.


    Rooted to the ground, Ming Yue stare as Lin Hui¡¯s figure disappears after he stepped into the elevator. Even she did not know how she got back to desk. She could only not believe that he would turn her down like this...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    *ring ring*


    Back in Yue Ling¡¯s office, she was in the middle of work when she hears the sound of her personal phone ringing. Reaching for it, she frowns when seeing who is calling. After three rings, she swipes the screen and answer.


    "Han Yue Ling speaking."


    ["Boss, I apologize for disturbing you, but it¡¯s urgent."]


    Hearing the word ¡¯urgent¡¯, Yue Ling¡¯s frown deepens. When she moved to Imperial, she had made sure to inform the others to only contact her when it¡¯s important. Since this person called and said it was urgent, something must have happened.


    "What is it?"


    ["It¡¯s about...."]


    Yue Ling felt as if her heart had stopped when she heard what her subordinate had to say. Steadying herself quickly, she calms down.


    "Tell me everything."


    ["Boss, it¡¯s like this....."]


    Yue Ling sat behind her desk and listens attentively to her subordinate¡¯s words. Every so often, she will let a faint ¡¯mm¡¯ escape from her.


    "Give me some time to think this over..."


    After her conversation with her subordinate, she ends the call and ce the phone on her desk.


    Her usual calm expression turns into one of pain and distraught...


    Standing up, she walks to the floor to ceiling window in her office. Her bluish green eyes stare out to the busy street below as her thoughts wonder to the vast distance.


    Never in her life did she think this day would suddenlye. What is she suppose to do now?


    "Nn.."


    Suddenly, the nausea feeling crawls on her again. Raising her hand, she massages her temple to rx her head.


    Taking a deep breath as she massage her head, she nce at the wall clock in her office.


    Since she¡¯s already taken care of the meeting with An Qing, she¡¯ll dismiss her employees home and visit Ting at the hospital.


    Of course, she¡¯ll remember to get a check up too.


    _____________

 Chapter 183 Today is the day

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    This time at Imperial Hospital, one of the patient¡¯s room is in chaos. The nurses and doctors are panicking trying to persuade their patient.


    "Sir, you can¡¯t leave."


    Gu Ting looks at the doctor. His expression darken ten shades.


    He doesn¡¯t want to leave but now he wants to. Earlier, he had been informed that Han Yue Ling was going to visit. He was happy about seeing his idol again, but....


    With his eyes on the doctor, he could see a figure sitting in a chair inside the room. It was the person he wishes not to see at all.


    "Gu Ting, why don¡¯t you listen to the doctor and nurses. You¡¯re still recovering from a leg injury, it¡¯s best if you stay."


    Zhi Yn spoke as she stood gracefully from the chair. Taking leisurely steps, she walks toward the boy.


    "I just want to ask you a few questions. It¡¯ll be quick."


    Ting res at the woman and his blood boil to the maximum. Clenching the walking crutches in his hands, he swore inside before speaking.


    "I don¡¯t have any answers for you."


    Zhi Yn sighs and stops by Ting, "I know you¡¯re angry because we didn¡¯t help, but¡ª"


    "Heh. Angry? Why should I be? It¡¯s proof of how disgusting you people are."


    Not wanting to stay any longer, Ting tries to pass the nurses and doctor blocking his path. All he wants to do now is leave this ce and get away from this woman.


    Seeing Ting do so, Zhi Yn lets a sharp whistle escape her mouth.


    Before everyone knew it, four policemen enters the room and stops Ting from leaving.


    "I suggest you cooperate or else¡ª-"


    "Or else what?"


    An angelic voice answers Zhi Yn, causing everyone to look to the door.


    Seeing the person, Ting felt his entire body rx. He doesn¡¯t know why, but after he met this person, he can¡¯t help but put all his trust in her.


    Zhi Yn was dumbfounded when she saw who the person is. Clenching her fists, she could only swore inside. When she first arrived, she had done a check to make sure this person was going to be here, however... it¡¯s toote now..


    "Yue Ling, it¡¯s you."


    Putting on a smile, Zhi Yn walks over to Yue Ling. She knows that her only way out now is to sweet talk her way. Of course, even she isn¡¯t sure if it¡¯ll work, especially when the person is Han Yue Ling.


    Standing at the door, Yue Ling looks at Zhi Yn then her eyes move to Ting. Seeing the four policemen surround him, her expression darkens.


    "Were my words not clear?"


    Hearing this, Zhi Yn¡¯s heart tightens in fear. Struggling to maintain her smile, she speaks out.


    "Yue Ling, it¡¯s like this, Ting wants to leave, but¡ª"


    "I gave words that no one is to disturb him."


    Yue Ling interrupts Zhi Yn¡¯s words. Looking at a distraught Ting, she moves her line of sight to Zhi Yn.


    "Including you."


    "....."


    Zhi Yn bit her lower lip as she didn¡¯t know what to retort. Looking at the four policemen who came with her, She signal with her head for them to move.


    Just as the four policemen moved, Ting¡¯s distraught expression rxed. He slowly moves toward Yue Ling, the one person in the room that he can trust.


    "I¡¯m here to discharge Gu Ting."


    Yue Ling looks at the doctor and spoke her words. She doesn¡¯t want Ting to leave the hospital, but she has to. However, after she takes him away from here, no one will be able to intimidate him.


    "R-Right away, Miss Han."


    The doctor bow in respect before he and the nurses quickly leave the room. They know Han Yue Ling is just a model, but her background isplicated and everyone at Imperial hospital knows better not to cross lines with her.


    "Yue-Yue...."


    Yue Ling looks at her friend, then to the four policemen. Shaking her head, she walks over to the bed and grabs Ting¡¯s belongings.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Ting nods his head as he smiles inside. Without looking at the remaining people the room, he quickly follows out the door with his savior.


    "Detective Zhi, are we just going to let this go? What about protocols? That woman just now, who is she to do this?"


    One of the policeman spoke as he looks at Zhi Yn. From his time working as a policeman, Zhi Yn is someone who has great authority in thew enforcement. However, this unknown woman just came in and the highly respected Zhi Yn didn¡¯t do anything.


    Zhi Yn looks at the man and she sighs. Pinching the space between her brows, she waves at them to be dismiss.


    "That woman is someone neither any of you or I can offend. Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll let the higher ups know."


    Sighing again, she leaves out of the room too. How she hates herself for trying to go behind Yue Ling¡¯s back. This is another screw up on her part with her friendship to Yue Ling.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "Miss Han... if you don¡¯t mind me asking, but where are we going?"


    Ting asks as he sits on the passenger seat. He nce from the corners of his eyes every so often at the beautiful being in the driver seat.


    Ever since he was discharged, they just got inside Yue Ling¡¯s car. She didn¡¯t say anything about where they were going.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t answer right away. Her mind was still upset that she didn¡¯t get to check up on her head ache. She had the choice to do so, but if she did, Yn would probably find another way to pester Ting.


    Sighing, she decides she¡¯ll just get checked up at the military hospital. Ending her thoughts, she looks quickly at Ting before looking back on the road ahead. Whether he is ready to hear or not, she has no choice but to tell him..


    "Today is the day for your parent¡¯s burial."


    "....."


    Hearing the answer he¡¯s been wondering about, he felt his heart stopped. His head drops down as he stare unblinkingly at the cast on his right leg. Tears slowly makes their way to eyes, but he holds it in.


    His parents....


    He¡¯s really an orphan now...


    No dad or mom to call....


    No home to go to.....


    Without looking at Ting, Yue Ling move one hand from the steering wheel and gently pat the boy¡¯s head.


    "It¡¯s okay to cry in front of me, even grown men know how to cry. There is no wrong when one has to cry, especially when they lose those dear to them."


    As Ting listens to Yue Ling¡¯s words, tears slowly slides down his cheeks and onto the back of his hands.


    Yue Ling continues to drive as Ting silently cries in the passenger seat. When she lost her parents, there was no one to tell her that it was okay to cry. It was the same when Shin passed away.


    She had cried silently because she didn¡¯t want others to pity her. However, if someone was to tell her that it was alright to cry, she would have done so... That was a reason why when she Ting hold back his tears, she told him it was okay to cry. To most people, they rather hold back than receive their pity.


    Even to her age now, she has not once cried in front of anyone.....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 184 Here to see you

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling parked her white bmw in front of a giant metal gate. Rolling her window down, she passes her id to a bulky man in military uniform.


    "Good afternoon, Xiao."


    "Good afternoon, Miss Han."


    The man takes Yue Ling¡¯s card and scans it, then he hands it back to her.


    From the passenger seat, Ting was dumbfounded at what he is seeing. When the soldier walked up to the car, Ting couldn¡¯t help but feel intimidated by the man¡¯s cold and murderous look. However, the moment he saw Yue Ling, the man¡¯s expression changed into one of respect and admiration..


    Han Yue Ling is a famous supermodel, but how is she able to get inside this ce that is highly guarded with soldiers?


    Yue Ling ignores Ting and continues to drive until they came to another building.


    From Ting¡¯s point of view this building is the biggestpare to all the other ones. Without him realizing, Yue Ling had already gotten out of the car. She opens the passenger door to help Ting out of the car.


    Ting nods his head and gets out of the car with Yue Ling¡¯s help. He nce at his idol from time to time. He stood at 170cm while Yue Ling stood at 178cm, with her heels on, she is even more taller. Thinking of their height difference, he wish inside to grow taller.


    Taking their time, they walk towards a ss door. Ting couldn¡¯t help but wonder more and more where he was. Curious, he leans near Yue Ling and whispers.


    "Miss Han... where are we?"


    Stopping at the door entrance, Yue Ling turn to look at the boy. Seeing his curious expression as he scans the area, she smiles faintly.


    "This is the cemetery, it¡¯s a part of the military base." She opens the door. "Your parent¡¯s are buried here."


    Frowning in confusion, Ting looks at Yue Ling, "Military? But neither my family or I have enlisted... how..."


    "They are seen as honorable members of China."


    Yue Ling reassures Ting. She can¡¯t tell him that it was her yeye¡¯s idea. Ting¡¯s parents may have been ordinary people, but not everyone sees them that way. Ting¡¯s father was like any good father out there, he only wanted to help his only child.


    Frozen in ce, Ting felt his heart clench tighter as his eyes turn moist again. Looking at the beautiful woman, he chokes on his words.


    "C-Can I see them?"


    Yue Ling looks at Ting and she felt sorrow rise inside her heart. She could already feel how he would react. The only thing holding him back was thest bit of hope inside of him...


    But....


    She slowly shakes her head to answer his question. Ting¡¯s parents were dead when she arrived at the scene. The hospital they were taken to couldn¡¯t keep the bodies in the morgue for more than 72 hours. Sighing inside, she felt regret dawn on her. If she had known, she wouldn¡¯t have left them to the other group.


    When her parents passed away, she wasn¡¯t able to see them for thest time. To her, the feeling was the most painful, but then.. it was also a good thing... It allowed her to remember her parents when they were still alive.


    Ting lower his head. His mind can¡¯t help but remember thest time he saw his parents alive. They were just an ordinary family and smiling in their home... Why is life so unfair to him? All he wanted to do was go to college and find a good job to help his mom and dad....


    As his mind wonder to the past, he didn¡¯t know how, but he was already in another part of the building. He didn¡¯t even realize they had walked through the inside of the building and were outside again.


    Yue Ling guided Ting to a charcoal tombstone. On the tombstone held two pictures. One a man and the other a woman. Engraved in beautiful calligraphy were the names, Gu Yiping and Gu JiLian.


    Standing in front of the tombstone, Ting¡¯s legs gave up on him as he falls to his knees. He didn¡¯t care about the pain on his right leg. Staring intensely at the pictures of his parents, he lift both his trembling hands and caress the pictures.


    Once again, tears flow down his face as his lip begin to tremble.


    "Dad.... mom....I¡¯m here to see you..."


    He moves his hands from the pictures. Bending forward, he kowtow to his parents.


    "I¡¯m sorry.... because of me, you both are like this... if I didn¡¯t want to go to a good university, you both would still be here...."


    Lifting his head, more tears fell from his eyes as he kowtows a second time.


    "I¡¯m sorry...."


    Lifting his head again, he kowtow a third time, then again and again. Each time, he apologizes to his parents.


    After hisst kowtow, he didn¡¯t lift his head, but stayed in his position. Yue Ling could see his shoulders trembling as he cries in mourning.


    Moving her eyes from the boy¡¯s figure, she looks the the two picture on the tombstone. Slowly, she close her eyes and bow in respect to them.


    ¡¯No matter what the future holds, I give my words that Ting will not be alone. As long as I am here, no one will harm him.¡¯


    As Ting cry in front of his parents tomb, Yue Ling stood quietly at the side. She did not rush him but waited patiently.


    After a long while, Ting finally lift his head and wipes away the tears and snot on his face. His expression held no emotion as he stare unblinkingly at his parents tombstone.


    "Ting, I know you wanted to see them before they wereid to rest, but..."


    Yue Ling spoke as she squat down next to him and she smiles a very faint smile at the boy.


    "Sometimes, it¡¯s best to remember how they look when they were alive then when they are gone. No matter how much time pass, they will always be kept close in your heart with the memories you share."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 185 No longer my home

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Ting, wait here for a bit. I have to meet with someone."


    "Mm."


    Sitting in a bench in the hallway, Ting nods his head. His eyes were puffy and red from all the crying. He looks at Yue Ling¡¯s figure as she disappears into a room.


    After he finished saying his farewells to his parents, Yue Ling drove them here. From what he knows, this ce looks like a hospital. It¡¯s not as big as Imperial Hospital, but since it¡¯s inside the military base, it¡¯s definitely more high tech.


    Reaching for his crutches, he use them to help him stand up. Slowly, he makes his way through the hallway. Looking out at each passing window, he was amazed. He¡¯s never been inside a military base before, let alone near one. Everything was far more structurally built. Coming to a window at the end of the hallway, he sits down on a bench and stare out the window.


    Outside was a small courtyard with a beautiful tree right in the center. It was a very simple view, but to Ting, it reminded him of the tree at home.


    The tree he and his mom nted....


    Remembering his mom, his eyes couldn¡¯t help but tear up again. He no longer have a mom or dad...


    He has a home, but without his parents there, it isn¡¯t home but an empty house...


    Now he has no one....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Inside a hospital room, Yue Ling sat in a chair across from the doctor. Her face was as pale as a ghost and in disbelief. She came in just to get a check up, expecting it to be a minor migraine, but....


    "Are you sure? Are you really sure?"


    The doctor looks at Yue Ling and then she sighs. ncing at the paper in front of her, she slides the paper to Yue Ling.


    "Miss Han, from the test we just did, I¡¯m 100 percent sure."


    Yue Ling sat still in her seat. Holding the test result paper in her slightly trembling hands, she could hear her heart beating to win first ce in a marathon. Slowly, she move her right hand and softly ce in on her abdomen.


    ¡¯I really am.....¡¯


    The doctor smiles at Yue Ling.


    "Miss Han, please take care of your health. From now on, your body is not only yours."


    Yue Ling looks up at the doctor and nod her head. Getting the check up she came for done, she stood from the chair and leaves.


    As her hand grab the door knob, she looks back at the doctor.


    "Please don¡¯t let anyone know about this."


    Hearing this, the doctor frowns in confusion, "Not even General Ji?"


    "Definitely not him."


    Sighing, the doctor nods her head in understanding. She is one of the very few people who knows that Han Yue Ling is General Ji¡¯s granddaughter. She respects the old man, but she is only a doctor and her patient¡¯s decisions are theirs to decide, not hers.


    "Alright, I won¡¯t let anyone know."


    Stepping out of the room, Yue Ling closed the door and puts the paper in her bag. Turning her head, she looks out to the window next to her.


    Her mind drifted to two people.


    Lu Tian and Lee Shin.


    Reaching into her bag, she takes her phone out and dials Liu Shan¡¯s number.


    ["Hello Boss! How can this noble one assist you?"]


    "Book me a flight to City Z in the morning."


    ["Boss...."]


    "Just do it."


    ["Alright, I¡¯ll get to it."]


    Hanging up the phone with her assistant, she touches her abdomen again. A part of her was happy but another part of her held thousands of questions.


    Would Lu Tian be happy? Will he stay with her after she tells him? How should she tell him? What if he gets angry? What if he isn¡¯t serious about this rtionship? What if....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Ting sat on the same bench as he stare out the window lost in thoughts. His expression looked like lost soul wondering the world.


    "Ting."


    Hearing his name, he slowly turn his head to the side. Seeing who it was, his expression remained the same.


    Yue Ling smiles faintly at Ting and walks toward him. She knows that deep down, the boy is still in extreme pain. Not physically as before, but mentally inside, he is.


    Stopping by his side, she reach for his crutches and hand them to him.


    "If you don¡¯t mind me asking, what were you looking at?"


    Subconsciously, Ting¡¯s eyes followed all of Yue Ling¡¯s movements. When he heard her question, his heart tightens as if someone squeezed it.


    Looking down, he takes the crutches and stood from the bench. He looks out the window again and he felt his heart tighten more.


    Looking away, he lower his head and whisper in a low whisper.


    "My home... it is no longer my home...."


    Standing at Ting¡¯s side, Yue Ling¡¯s expression softens with a mixture of sadness. Lifting her hand, she pats Ting¡¯s head.


    "Come, we have one more stop."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    As Yue Ling and Ting leave the military base, Lu Tian remains oblivious to what his wife is doing.


    Sitting like a noble king behind his desk, he held a sulking expression.


    "Still no words?"


    Xu Long¡¯s head shrunk like turtle going into its home, he nce nervously at his boss.


    "N-Not yet...."


    Lu Tian sighs and pinch the space between his brows. Why is this small assignment so difficult to deal with?


    All he wanted was the perfect ring to go with the perfect woman in his life. Was that too much to ask?


    Sighing again, he looks indifferently at his assistant.


    "Book a flight in the morning. I¡¯m going to City Z."


    "..."


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes plop out of their sockets and his jaw dropped to the ground. Just how many time is his cold and almighty boss going to shock him?


    If the members of Wolf Team were here, would they be in as much shock as him?!


    "Have you found any movements on TB Corps¡¯ side?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice broke Xu Long from his shocked daze. Looking at his handsome godlike boss, he lift his hand. Touching his chin, he close his mouth and lifting it higher, he puts his eyes back in ce.


    "..."


    Seeing this, Lu Tian stare with heavy eyes at his assistant. So much for maturity of a grown man. How is it that he, a cold and ruthless man known throughout society have such a weird assistant?


    Oblivious to his boss¡¯s thoughts, Xu Long smiles at the cold man.


    "Boss, so far there¡¯s no movement on their end. However, I did find that they tried to form a contract with Zi International but was turned down."


    Lu Tian nod his head. Ning Xingyu has been scheming in the dark to over throw Lu Corps, but the man doesn¡¯t know that Lu Tian already knows.


    Not only that, Zi Yifan is one of his good friends, so there is no doubt the man would turn Ning Xingyu¡¯s proposal down.


    Thinking of something, he looks at Xu Long.


    "Keep a close eye on them."


    "Yes, Boss."


    For now, he¡¯ll let the Ning siblings enjoy theirst remaining days.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 186 Last stop

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling¡¯s white bmw x5m stops in front of a tall ck metal gate.


    A bulky man in military uniform steps out of the guard booth with a QBZ-95 in his hands. He is a man with good looks in his early thirties, but his aura and the three lines between his brows gave him an intimidating look.


    Ting looked out the window and he felt himself shrinking into the passenger seat.


    Why are they at another military base?


    Suddenly, realization dawn on him and he looks at the beautiful supermodel in the driver seat.


    Is Han Yue Ling nning to enlist him in the army?


    Thinking of it, heughs in self mockery inside. He is twenty years old. No parents or home. Maybe joining the military is the best choice for him. Lowering his head, he stare down at the cast on his leg and stayed quiet.


    "Good morning young¡ª Miss Han."


    The bulky soldier smiles at Yue Ling, he wanted to address her as ¡¯young Miss¡¯, but she had secretly signaled him not to. He looked Yue Ling then to Ting in the passenger seat.


    General Ji had informed him in advance about Ting. Getting a small glimpse of the crutches and cast, the soldier felt pain for the kid. Sighing, he turns to go inside the booth and open the gate.


    Yue Ling smiles at the soldier before driving forward. She didn¡¯t say a word but continue to drive.


    From the side, Ting stare out the window again with curious eyes. When they left the military hospital, they had drove through Imperial and then onto a long road with vast fields on each side.


    Now....


    The road in front of him is reced with rows of yet to blood cherry blossom trees....


    Everything looked like a fairy talee to life from a children¡¯s book.


    Yue Ling nce at Ting and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Shaking her head, she continue to drive until they pulled up to the beautiful Spanish mansion.


    "This is ourst stop."


    Parking her car, she unbuckle her seat belt and got out of the car. Walking over to Ting¡¯s side, she opens the door for him.


    Ting looks at Yue Ling and he pout his lip. How he hated his life right now. He is an orphan with a broken leg and he¡¯s having his favorite idol help assist him....


    Looking at the fair slender hand in front of him, he looks away and grab his crutches. Slowly, he gets out of the car by himself.


    He doesn¡¯t want to trouble Yue Ling anymore than he already is doing.


    Seeing this, Yue Ling shook her head. Reaching her arms out, she still helps him anyways. She understands Ting¡¯s feeling, but.... looking up at the Spanish mansion, she smiles faintly.


    This is all she can do for him....


    "Thank you, but I can walk on my own now."


    Ting slightly moves from Yue Ling¡¯s help. If he can¡¯t do this on his own then there¡¯s no way he can go on with life. His broken leg is nothing inparison to losing his parents.


    Yue Ling smiles at Ting and moves her hands at the boy¡¯s words. The both of them walks towards the door.


    To Ting¡¯s surprise, there were a set of stairs in the front but at the side was a connecting ramp. This ramp looked brand new and didn¡¯t look like it belonged there. His mind couldn¡¯t help but wonder if their was a reason for it. Or.....


    He turn to look at Yue Ling, but quickly shook the thought away. There¡¯s no possible way the ramp was put there for him.


    Lifting his head, his expression turned curious. For a military recruitment center, this ce sure is big and pretty.


    As they reach the door, it was suddenly open. An old manes to view as he smiles at the two individuals.


    "Good afternoon, young Miss."


    Yue Ling smiles back, "Good afternoon, Housekeeper Hu."


    Ting was dumbfounded at what he was seeing and hearing. His looked back and forth from Yue Ling and the old man.


    Young Miss?


    This is the highly well known Han Yue Ling¡¯s house? Why is she living in Jade Condos?


    Isn¡¯t this a military recruiting center?


    While Ting was in the middle of his thoughts, another old voice spoke as the person¡¯s head stuck out from behind Housekeeper Hu.


    "Old Hu, who is it?"


    Seeing who it is, Ting¡¯s eyes widen and he almost dropped the crutches in his hands.


    Never in his entire life would he dream of meeting this man. Lu Tian is his role model, but this man is his legendary hero! Even if the man has aged, he is still a legend throughout China.


    Old man Ji looks at dumbfounded boy next to his granddaughter. His expression was indifferent but when he looked at Yue Ling, his entire being softened, however...


    "You brat, you¡¯re finally here."


    Yue Ling smiles and ignores her grandfather¡¯s tone of voice, "Mm. It¡¯s good to see you too, Yeye."


    She turn to look at Ting and her smile widens, "Come, lets go inside."


    Housekeeper Hu stepped to the side to let Yue Ling and Ting enter. As he watch Ting support himself with the two crutches, his heart ached for the boy.


    Life is really too unfair to those who do good in the world.


    "Jie!"


    A voice sounds from upstairs causing Yue Ling and Ting to look in the direction of the voice.


    Yue Ling smiles when she sees the boy, while Ting stood dumbfounded again.


    Wasn¡¯t he still in the hospital? Yue Ling said his condition was unstable? How is he here?


    Jingxu runs as fast as he could down the stairs. He ignores the pain in his arm and held an excited smile on his face. Running straight to his older sister, he also ignores the people around and hugs her. His Jie was here and that was all that matters to him.


    "Jingxu."


    Lifting both her arms, Yue Ling hugs her younger brother, before pulling away. She looks down at the cast wrapped around his right arm and she frowns.


    "When were you discharged? Aren¡¯t you still recovering?"


    "Heh heh... I didn¡¯t want to stay in the hospital anymore. It¡¯s too boring there, so I made grandpa discharge me."


    Jingxu spoke as his left hand scratch the back of his head. He moves his eyes to Ting and nod his head in a polite greeting.


    "Ji Jingxu? Han Yue Ling?"


    Ting muttered as he tried to connect the dots. Jingxu is the grandson of General Ji, but how is Yue Ling rted to them? She is a Han, right?


    Knowing what Ting is thinking, Jingxu smiles with a sigh.


    "Remember when I told you my Jie will save us? Well, my Jie is Han Yue Ling."


    "..."


    Ting¡¯s eyes widen in surprise and he looks at his idol. Han Yue Ling is the granddaughter of General Ji? What kind of shocking news is this? Then again, no one really knows anything about Han Yue Ling, except that she is a model...


    Realizing something, his heart tightened and his expression turned into pain.


    So.... if Jingxu was never dragged in the mess, would he have died? Would he have died without anyone knowing?


    Old man Ji walked up to Ting. His expression cold and intimidating like the general he is, but the moment he stopped in front of the boy... he lift his old hand and pat the boy¡¯s head.


    Feeling the hand on his head, Ting looks up at the old man. His eyes tremble as he could feel warmth and careing from the old man.


    "Young man, you just lost your parents and I know you¡¯re still mourning, but... I want you to know that my Ji Mansion opens it¡¯s doors and wees you."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 187 Tell you something

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "I¡¯m home!!!"


    Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice calls out as she enters her penthouse. She could hear was the voices from tv, but the moment she closed the door, a white fluff ball jumps onto her.


    "Woof! Woof!"


    "Inu!! My favorite Samoyed!!"


    Squatting down, she hugs her baby and rub her cheeks against his soft fur. Moving her face away, she looks at her baby and smiles. In a very quiet voice, she whispers to her favorite Samoyed.


    "Inu.... I¡¯m having a baby."


    "Woof...."


    Inu tilt his head in confusion at his mommy¡¯s words. Baby? Isn¡¯t he already her baby? Does that mean there¡¯s going to be a baby other than him? Wait, is his mommy having a human baby?!!!


    "Wee home."


    Lu Tian spoke in his deep voice as his figure appears from the hallway. He steps into the living room and sits on the couch.


    Seeing the handsome tall man, Yue Ling felt her heart skip a beat. Swallowing her saliva, she removes her shoes and wear her house slippers. Her bluish green eyes remained locked on the godlike figure on the couch.


    "Mm, I¡¯m home."


    When she left Ji Mansion, her mind was filed with ways how to tell Lu Tian that she is pregnant. However, now that he is in front of her, everything seemed to vanished.


    Their rtionship has been going good, but they¡¯ve been together for only a short period of time...


    What if he¡¯s not ready to settle down or be a father?


    Straightening her posture, her hand clench around the shoulder strap on her Louis Vuitton tote. She takes a deep breath and steady herself.


    It was now or never.


    If he doesn¡¯t want to be a father, she will understand. With her career sry and those she has around her, there¡¯s no way she won¡¯t be able to raise this baby alone.


    ncing at Inu who sat in the same spot in a daze, her lip curl upwards.


    Inu came into her life as a baby. If she could raise a Samoyed all on her own, there¡¯s no way she can¡¯t do the same with her baby.


    Looking back at Lu Tian, she walks toward him.


    "Tian, I need to tell you something."


    Lu Tian sat on the couch and his eyes locked on his beautiful wife. He swore, she is the most important person in his life. No one can make him feel this way. Even if they haven¡¯t been together for a long time, he swore inside to do everything to keep her next to him. Every time he sees her, he could feel himself falling more in love with her.


    Seeing her walk towards him and sit down, he couldn¡¯t help but stare at her red and luscious plump lips. Such alluring lips should only be kiss by him.


    Ignoring Yue Ling¡¯s words, he subconsciously leans forward and captures the beauty¡¯s lip.


    "....."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Her eyes turned heavy as the man kiss her. Did he not hear that she had something to tell him?


    While Yue Ling was stuck in a daze, Lu Tian¡¯s heart leaped to the moon and back. He loves kissing his wife and when he can smell her unique scent. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulls her closer and deepens their kiss.


    Just when she was about to run out of breath, Lu Tian reluctantly release her. He press his forehead to hers and close his eyes.


    "What is it that you have to tell me?"


    "....."


    Yue Ling stare at the close up view of the man in front of her. Her breathing was rapid from their kiss, but she inhaled a mouthful of air to calm herself. From their kiss just now, she could feel that Lu Tian¡¯s feelings are very sincere towards her.


    Pulling away, she looks at him with a serious expression.


    Yue Ling: "Tian, I¡ª"


    "I¡¯m pregnant!"


    Tian: "...."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s serious expression dropped to the floor. Hearing the words, her head robotically turn to look at the tv.


    ¡¯Ah! How dare this show interrupt me!!¡¯


    Following her eyes, Lu Tian also looks at the tv. He arch a brow in confusion. Didn¡¯t Yue Ling have something to tell him? Why did she stop and look at the tv? Is the show more important than what she had to say?


    "What is it?"


    "....."


    Not answering Lu Tian, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes remained on the tv. At first she was annoyed, but now she couldn¡¯t but keep watching the show. Curiosity rouse in her more.


    Right now, on the tv was a woman and man. The woman had just surprised her husband that she is pregnant. Her n is to have him crack open an egg, but what he didn¡¯t know was that inside the egg contained a small hidden note.


    Seeing this, an idea pop up in Yue Ling¡¯s head. She looks back at Lu Tian and she decides not to tell him. Instead, she will surprise him.


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian asks as he still wants to know. If it wasn¡¯t for the tv interruption, his wife would have told him.


    She looks at him and shook her head, "It¡¯s nothing. I just wanted to say that I¡¯ll be going out of Imperial tomorrow for a meeting."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes narrow in suspicion. Was this really what she wanted to tell him? Leaning forward, his eyes narrow more.


    "Why do I feel that... that¡¯s not it?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling felt her heart jump. Forcing a smile, sheughs sarcastically.


    "Ha Ha, what do you mean? That was it..."


    Sensing that his wife is lying, Lu Tian wraps his arms around her and his expression remained the same; full of suspicion.


    "Uhh... I¡¯ll go change and then make dinner."


    Yue Ling struggles to free herself from the man¡¯s arms and runs from the couch. Unknowingly to her, she had identally bump into her tote bag and dropped it.


    "..."


    Lu Tian looks at his wife¡¯s running figure and he shakes his head. Did she think she can escape him?


    Standing up, he turns to follow her, but his foot bumps into something on the floor. Looking down, he sees his wife¡¯s bag. Shaking his head again, he bent down and picks it up.


    However.....


    A piece of paper stuck out from the bag.


    Lu Tian frowns at it and picks it up with one hand as his other hand grab the bag. As much as he didn¡¯t want to, he still did anyways. Reading the lines, his frown deepens.


    Why did his wife go to the hospital?


    Then remember her having a migraine, he thought it was reasonable for her to go get a check up.


    Not giving much thought to it, he puts the paper back in the bag, but just as he did so, his eyes nce at the words near the bottom and he froze.


    ¡¯Serum Pregnancy Test Result: POSITIVE¡¯


    Reading each word in slow motion, Lu Tian felt his heart tighten as his hand slightly tremble. His reaction wasn¡¯t one of someone afraid, but more of someone with pure joy.


    His lips press tightly together and he looks in the direction Yue Ling had left.


    Remembering how she had something to tell him, a feeling inside tells him it was this. However, the reason she didn¡¯t tell him was because of what she saw on the tv.


    Is she nning to surprise him then?


    Thinking of something, he quickly shoved the paper back inside the bag. Setting it down on the couch, he chase after his wife to the room.


    However, he stops when he saw a still in daze Inu. Walking toward the Samoyed, he squat down and pat his enemy¡¯s head.


    He smiles in joy and whispers to the Samoyed.


    "I¡¯m going to be a father, little guy."


    With his heart leaping in joy, he could not believe it himself. Standing up, he calms himself down. He needs to act like he doesn¡¯t know, but he is curious on how and when his wife is going to tell him.


    Now, he¡¯s even more determine to get L¡¯amour de ma vie when he goes to City Z. He wants to proposal to woman he loves and give her his surname.


    Walking towards the bedroom, Lu Tian¡¯s expression was cold and calm, but deep inside, he was running around in joy at the greatest news.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 188 Out of the box

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Stepping into the bedroom, Lu Tian looks for his wife. Not seeing her, he frowns. She just came this way, where could she be?


    ncing at the slightly opened door leading to the balcony, he sighs in relief. Of course, how could he have forgotten that there¡¯s a balcony.


    He had been to excited about the news that his mind wasn¡¯t thinking correctly.


    Outside on the balcony, Yue Ling sat at the end of the long lounge chair. When she walked to the bedroom, her mind was filled with ideas on how to surprise Lu Tian. However, everything changed when she remembered tomorrow.


    Staring out to Imperial as the sun sets in the distance, she slowly put her hand on her stomach. Gently, she rubs in a slow and soft motion.


    She is really pregnant....


    How will she tell Shin?


    Is it wrong that she¡¯s going to let her ex boyfriend know before her current boyfriend?


    "It¡¯s cold, why are you out here?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s sudden voice brings Yue Ling out of her thoughts, as something warm warps around her. Turning head to the side, she smiles faintly at the man sitting behind her.


    Leaning back, she naturally rested on the man¡¯s chest.


    "I just wanted to see the sunset."


    Lu Tian looks at his wife and then to the setting sun. He moves one hand and ce it on Yue Ling¡¯s stomach. His mind could already picture his beautiful wife with a protruding stomach.


    She is pregnant with his child. Be it boy or girl, he will do everything to protect the both of them.


    Thinking of their future, he tightens his arms around her as they watch the sun set in the distance.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Just as the time hit 7pm, Liu Shan steps out of his apartment. The moment he did, Ling Ni also stepped out of hers. The both of them looks at each other andughs.


    Liu Shan scratch his head, while Ling Ni¡¯s cheeks flush red. Was it a coincidence or fate?


    Liu Shan: "You look great."


    Ling Ni: "Thank you, so do you."


    Liu Shan: "Ready?"


    Ling Ni: "Mm."


    Walking down the stairs and going towards Liu Shan¡¯s car, he helps Ling Ni get in and then walks to the driver seat.


    Driving to their dinner date, Liu Shan felt himself floating on cloud nine. After years of working for Yue Ling, he never thought that moving to Imperial will let him meet a woman. To make things even more interesting, this woman is his neighbor.


    "Where should we go for dinner?"


    Liu Shan asks as he didn¡¯t know much about Ling Ni. All he knows is that the woman is from a rich family. Not that it matters, but that¡¯s all he knew.


    "Anywhere is fine, I¡¯m not picky."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    While the couple¡¯s were enjoying their sweet time, in a different part of Imperial, Qian Li Li sat inside Imperial Hotel¡¯s restaurant.


    She wore a red long sleeve wrapped dress with sheer stocking and her ck Louboutin. Her blonde hair was curled and parted to one side.


    Men and women around her stare in admire seeing such a pretty woman. Some even walked up to her and ask her out, but she turned them down.


    However, her expression now was sulking. Looking down at her watch, she frowns. It¡¯s only 7pm, but from what she found, the man should also be here at Imperial Hotel for a meeting. She had arrived early hoping to meet him right away, who would have thought it didn¡¯t go that way.


    Qian Li Li had booked a table facing the hotel lobby, so that when the persones in, he will see her right away.


    Just as she got tired of waiting, a figure appears out from one of the elevators near the lobby.


    The man was good looking and in his early thirties. He wore a ck dress shirt with beige suit pant. Over his ck dress shirt was a matching beige vest. Flowing nicely on his arm was his suit jacket.


    Seeing the man, Qian Li Li¡¯s sulking expression changed into one of joy. She quickly stood up, but before she could, her eyes darken with jealousy.


    Stepping out behind the man was a woman with brown curly hair. She wore a nicely wrapped white pea coat that tied at the waist.


    Qian Li Li has seen this woman with the man before, but they were never introduced. Not only did she not know who this woman is, her looks were not that bad.


    Anger and jealousy rouse in her thinking of how this man is so cunning in meeting both women in one day.


    As she continues to watch the two people in the lobby, she sees the man whisper something to the woman and she nods her head. A second after, the woman kisses the man on the cheek and turns to leave the hotel.


    Qian Li Li followed the woman¡¯s figure until she was outside and got inside a taxi cab. Turning to look at the man, she sees him take out a handkerchief and wipe the area the woman had kissed. His gesture was as if he was disgusted by it.


    Suddenly, the man turn to look at the restaurant and their eyes met.


    Qian Li Li felt her heart skip a beat. Lu Tian is ranked as number one, while Zi Yifan is ranked second and this man is ranked third.


    The man didn¡¯t look surprised at all, as he leisurely walks towards Qian Li Li¡¯s table. He pull the chair out and set his beige suit jacket down before sitting down.


    Qian Li Li removes her jealous aura and smiles at the man with a sweet smile.


    "Ning Xingyu, you¡¯re finally here."


    Ning Xingyu looks at Qian Li Li, his expression was like someone looking down at someone not on his level.


    "I thought we were meeting at 8pm."


    Hearing this, Qian Li Li¡¯s smile froze. Deep down, she curse inside for her stupidity. How could she have forgotten that Ning Xingyu is a man who acts ordingly to time.


    Maintaining her smile, she waves for a waiter to bring them wine before ordering. She ce both her forearm on the table and lean forward, exposing her cleavage.


    "I just saw you with a woman, who is she?"


    "My personal matters don¡¯t concern you. Let¡¯s get to the point of this meeting."


    Ning Xingyu spoke before lifting the ss of wine and takes a sip. Putting it down, he looks at the woman across from him.


    Qian Li Li is a beautiful woman, but he could tell that everything about her is all fake. From her face to her body and her personality. However, she is just like another Guyao, a woman who spreads her legs for him.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Hahah, sorry Ling Ni, I didn¡¯t think we would get stuck in traffic around this time."


    Liu Shan chuckles as he open the door for his date. He could only curse inside for the sudden traffic jam they were in. If it wasn¡¯t for it, they would have arrived already.


    "It¡¯s fine, traffic jamse surprisingly."


    Ling Ni replies with a softugh. Stepping inside, she looks around the ce and she purse her lip.


    "Liu Shan, why are we at Imperial Hotel? Don¡¯t tell me you...."


    "N-No! I heard the restaurant here is good, so I picked this ce. W-Why are you thinking out of the box...?"


    Liu Shan quickly interrupts Ling Ni¡¯s words. He wasn¡¯t even thinking of what she was. All he wanted to do was try the food at the restaurant. ncing at Ling Ni, he sighs.


    He is a gentleman, how can she think of him like that....


    Ling Ni smiles at Liu Shan¡¯s reaction. She knows that he is a gentleman, what she said was just to tease him.


    "Hmm,e on, let¡¯s go. I¡¯m starving."


    Liu Shan spoke as he ushers his date towards the restaurant. When ites to food, he is the most happiest.


    Walking up to the entrance of the restaurant, they had to wait before being seated. As they waited, a couple walks pass Liu Shan. He could smell the strong and overuse of the woman¡¯s perfume. Frowning, he looks at the couple.


    However, his eyes dimmed and his aura turned cold. He doesn¡¯t recognize the woman is, but he does with the man.


    Ning Xingyu. The older brother of the disgusting Ning Mei who drugged his boss.


    His eyes watched the couple until they entered an elevator and disappeared from sight. Knowing what was going on, he scoffs in disgust.


    "Liu Shan? Liu Shan?"


    Hearing his name, he broke out of his murderous aura and looks at Ling Ni.


    "Sorry, what is it?"


    Ling Ni looks at Liu Shan with an unknown feeling, the to the elevator. She had seen the couple too, but did he know them?


    Not thinking much about it, she smiles at him, "Our table is ready."


    "Mm."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 189 Empty

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Morning slowly rise in the distance, bringing a little light into penthouse 1503.


    Lu Tianid asleep on his side. The space between his brows crease into three lines. He opened his eyes, not too slow or too fast.


    Looking at his wife, his frown deepens. Sitting up, his eyes scanned the bedroom.


    Where could she have gone? It¡¯s 5:30am, usually, he¡¯s up before her, but why is it the other way? Did she really runaway?


    He couldn¡¯t help but think of the impossible. Last night, she had a strange expression when they watched the sun set and during dinner. Could she have left because she was pregnant? Did she think he didn¡¯t want the baby?


    In a panic state, he pulled theforter off of him, and check the balcony. Empty.


    The bathroom.


    Empty.


    Closet room.


    Empty.


    Study room.


    Empty.


    Lu Tian checked every room in the penthouse only to find his wife not anywhere in sight. Looking at the wall clock, he pinch the space between his brows.


    Turning to look at Inu, he narrow his eyes and walks toward the Samoyed.


    "Where¡¯s my wife?"


    Inu had long been awake. He was still in a daze about what his mommy told himst night. Hearing the evil peasant¡¯s voice, he looks up at the man.


    "Woof."


    ¡¯Hmmf.¡¯


    "..."


    Lu Tian stare down at the Samoyed and he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. It was the fact that he had asked the dog a question and Inu answered him. Shaking his head, he looks to the kitchen counter and unknowingly to him, there was a piece of paper. Walking to the counter, he picks the note up.


    ¡¯Tian, I¡¯m flying out of Imperial for the day. Be hometer. -Yue Ling¡¯


    Reading the note, Lu Tian sighs in relief and disappointment. He was relieved that she didn¡¯t runaway, but disappointed because he didn¡¯t get to kiss or hug her before going to work.


    Looking back at the time, he sighs again. His flight leaves in three hour, since his wife isn¡¯t here, he mind as well get ready.


    Thinking of his wife, his mood quickly turn into determination. He must persuade H International¡¯s CEO give him L¡¯amour de ma vie.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    City Z airport. People crowd the airport as some waiting to board their flight, while others justnded.


    Stepping out from one of the gates was a tall and slender figure dressed in all ck.


    She wore a ck wool coat over her ck turtleneck and ck cks. Covering her feet was a pair of ck Manolo hnik heels as her Chanel bag draped down from her shoulder.


    Even with her sunsses on, anyone can see that she is a beautiful woman. Her long ck hair flowed down her back gracefully.


    "That looks like Han Yue Ling.."


    A woman sitting down from the side whispers to her husband. They were waiting to board the ne, but when she saw this tall woman, she couldn¡¯t help but feel, she looked like the famous supermodel known in Asia. Especially in Korea.


    The woman¡¯s husband looks at the woman his wife pointed out. Sizing the woman up, he pursed his lip.


    "She does look like her, but I don¡¯t think Han Yue Ling would fly with a regr airline. Even if she did, wouldn¡¯t there be bodyguards with her?"


    Hearing this, the wife looks at the woman and nods her head in agreement. Her husband is right, Han Yue Ling is indeed too famous.


    As the couple turn to look away, the tall and slender woman walks forward. She was on a one day mission and needed to get back home.


    Since she didn¡¯t bring anything except her handbag, she strode out of the airport.


    "Miss, do you need a lift?"


    Yue Ling looks at the owner of the voice. It was an old man waiting in front of the airport for anyone needing to catch a cab.


    She smiles at the old man, "That would be great."


    The old man opens the back door to his cab. Once Yue Ling was seated inside, he jogs to the driver side and gets in.


    "Where to Miss?"


    Yue Ling stare out the window. Her thoughts were unreadable as she part her lips to answer.


    "City Z Cemetery, please."


    In the driver seat, the old man frowns when he heard the ce. This beautiful and young woman wants to go to the cemetery? Then remembering the way Yue Ling was dressed, he sighs.


    This woman must be going to attend a funeral.


    Yue Ling did not speak throughout the rest of the ride. As the car drives near City Z cemetery, she sees a flower shop.


    "Please stop here for a bit."


    The cab stops and Yue Ling gets out of the car. She looks at all the beautiful and different flowers put on disy. She turns to look at the old man.


    "Please wait here for a bit."


    "Go ahead, Miss. I won¡¯t go anywhere."


    The old man waved his hand and assured Yue Ling. She smiles at him and enters the flower shop as the fresh floral scent enter her nose.


    "Hello, what can I do for you today?"


    A young girl around the age of twenty greets Yue Ling, but her expression froze in surprise. Never has there been anyone like this woman thates to the shop.


    Yue Ling looks around the flower shop. Turning to look at the girl, she smiles faintly.


    "Do you have any astilbe and yarrow flowers?"


    "Astilbe and yarrow?"


    The girl tilt her head in confusion. Wouldn¡¯t someone buy beautiful flowers like tulips or roses? Why would this woman want astilbe and yarrow?


    Remembering something, the girl shook her head.


    "I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t have any, only¡ª"


    Before the girl could finish her words, an old voice interrupts her.


    "We have some."


    Yue Ling turned to look at the person. It was an olddy in her sixties with white hair. She held a walking cane for support.


    She smiles at the olddy, "Thank you, can you please bundle it for me."


    "Right away."


    The girl quickly ran to the back of the shop and process Yue Ling¡¯s order.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Yue Ling paid for her flowers and thanked the olddy and girl again. She then leaves the flower shop and gets inside the cab.


    The girl stood behind the counter and pout her lip. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the bundle of flowers Yue Ling just bought. Curious, she looks at the olddy, who has been standing by the door since Yue Ling left.


    "Grandma, why did you sell the astilbe and yarrow? I thought those flowers were meant for your friends?"


    The olddy stood in silence for a long minute before she finally spoke.


    Olddy: "Remember the stories I used to tell you?"


    Girl: "The ones when you worked for a nice family? What about it? Don¡¯t you bring those flowers to their grave every month?"


    Olddy: "That woman just now, she is the daughter of that family."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Reaching City Z cemetery, Yue Ling steps out of the cab. In her hand was the bundle of astilbe and yarrow flowers nicely coordinated together.


    "Miss, do you want me to wait here for you?"


    Turning to look at the old man, she smiles, "Thank you. I won¡¯t be long."


    Turning back to face the cemetery, she steadily walked forward. As she pass each tombstone, she could remember her ten year old self. The little her who didn¡¯t know anything.


    Before she knew it, her feet stops in front of a tall gray tombstone. In the center was a portrait of a couple. The man sat in a chair, while the woman stood behind and her hands ce on the man¡¯s shoulder.


    If one was to see this picture, one would see the resemnce Yue Ling has to the couple.


    Staring at the picture, Yue Ling squat down and ce the bundle of flowers down. Shifting her position, she sat on her knees.


    Lifting her hands, she ce one on top of the other and kowtow once, then the second time and third.


    Sitting back up, she takes her sunsses off, and caress the picture. Slowly, she trace her finger on the nicely engraved calligraphy; Han Min Joon and Ji An Ling.


    "Dad... mom... How are you doing?"


    She stare at the picture in silence for a long time, as if she was listening to her parents tell her how they are doing.


    "Dad, mom... I have something to tell you..."


    Lifting her hand, she ce it on her stomach and caress it. Out of all the people in her life, the people she wants to tell first about her news would be her parents.


    Her parents who gave life to her.


    "Dad is going to be a grandpa and mom is going to be a grandma."


    Staring at the picture of her parents, she smiles faintly with watery eyes, "I will tell my child the stories of my time with you both. I want my memories with my wonderful parents to be shared with my child. Be it now or in the future, your memories will live on..."


    As she spoke her words, her lip tremble and her eyes looked to her mother.


    "Ma... what should I eat and not eat? How should I prepare for this child? What do I do before I give birth? Does giving birth hurt?"


    Moving her eyes to her father, a tear slowly slides down her cheek.


    "Dad... what stories should I tell my child? How should I guide my child on the right path? Who will teach my child the things I can¡¯t...?


    Lifting her trembling hand, she covers her mouth and sob. She didn¡¯t care about her image. In front of her parents, she is still a child.


    A child who had to grow up because she couldn¡¯t let others look down on her...


    A child who had to grow up without the love of a father and mother...


    A child who had to learn about life the hard way...


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 190 Busy person

    ¡ª¡ª-


    A tall white building stood in the center of City Z. Given the natural lighting outside, the building emitted a glistening white metallic color.


    Standing indifferently in front of a window in private room inside H International was Lu Tian. Both his hands in the pockets of his suit pant as he waited patiently. Well, at least trying to.


    He has been waiting for almost an hour. He, who is known as the king of the business world is actually waiting.


    After what seemed like forever, the door finally opens and a man enters the room. Like a paintinge to life, Lu Tian turn to look at the man.


    The man smiles and stretch is hand out. He had heard stories of Lu Tian and how the man handled the business world, but never would he have thought Lu Tian to be this good looking.


    "CEO Lu, its a pleasure to meet you. I am Kang In-sung, please follow me this way."


    Lu Tian shook the man¡¯s hand and nod his head. He follows the Kang In-Sung out of the room.


    As both men walked towards the elevator, the employees inside were curious about why the almighty CEO in the business world is here. However, no one dare to speak their minds, everyone maintained their feelings and continue to work.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian felt a little envy. His envy was towards the CEO of H International on how the man had such good employees, who minded their own businesses.


    Entering the elevator, Kang In-Sung nce at Lu Tian. He couldn¡¯t help but nod his head. Such a man like this, it¡¯s no wonder he is known for who he is. Even just standing next to Lu Tian, he could feel the intimidation emitting.


    Then remembering something, he sighed inside. Their CEO has not given an answer. The best he can do now is stall time for his boss.


    The elevator stops and the door slides open. Kang In-Sung steps out with Lu Tian closely behind.


    "Please, this way."


    Lu Tian arch a brow in amusement. This floor was not like the others. It was a long hallway with a door at the very end.


    Walking up to the door, Kang In-Sung punched in a code number on the door lock.


    *click click click click*


    The sound of multiple locks unlocking echo through the quiet hallway.


    Lu Tian frown when he sees and hear this. Just what is this room for the CEO of H International to have it highly secured. From the sounds just now, there¡¯s no doubt that this door it highly technical built.


    The door wasn¡¯t pushed open as it automatically opens by itself. The lights inside turned on as Kang In-Sung enters the room with Lu Tian following behind.


    Seeing the inside of the room, Lu Tian¡¯s frown deepens. Why is he brought to an empty room? There were no furnitures, just a in room with white marble walls and a huge floor to ceiling window.


    "My boss is currently unavable at the moment, but as a very important guest of my boss, my boss agrees to let you see L¡¯amour de ma vie."


    Kang In Sung spoke as he walks towards the middle of the room. However, when he stop, the ground opens into a circle and a round showcase ss is brought up.


    "My boss is still unsure whether to sell this ring or not. However... my boss trusts you enough to let you see it."


    Which was half the truth. His boss doesn¡¯t know that the person wanting to purchase this ring is Lu Tian. However, he needed to stall time and if it had been anyone else, he would never let the person near this ring.


    Lu Tian is a cold and ruthless man, but he is a man of his words. Plus, he would not step so low as to steal a ring.


    Hearing this, Lu Tian¡¯s cold and indifferent face arch a brow. Stepping forward, he walks up to the round ss case.


    Sitting in the center of a pillow was the beautiful and perfectly define diamond ring anyone has ever seen. It¡¯s crystal glistening as light shines onto it as if making one blind.


    Looking at the ring, Lu Tian felt it was the perfect match for his wife. A one of a kind ring.


    L¡¯amour de ma vie.


    As Yue Ling is the love of his life.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Two hours passed by quickly. Lu Tian nce down at the time on his wrist watch. He frowns at the amount of time he¡¯s waited.


    After taking a look at the ring, he was brought back to the same room. Sitting in a chair, he sighs and looks at Kang In-Sung, "Does your boss intend for me to keep waiting?"


    "..."


    Kang In-Sung stare at the man and he did not know what to say. Scratching the back of his head, he forces a small chuckle.


    "Ha Ha... you see, my boss is very busy, especially during this time of the year."


    "I¡¯m a busy person myself."


    "...."


    Kang In-Sung did not know whether tough or cry hearing the man¡¯s words. Inside his heart, he could only pray that his boss hurries and make a decision. Everyone in Asia knows how ruthless Lu Tian is... One word from the man and he can sabotage one¡¯s life.


    "Mr. Lu, if you will¡ª"


    "I¡¯ll take my leave."


    Lu Tian interrupts Kang In-Sung¡¯s words. Standing up, he fix his suit jacket.


    "I respect your boss as he is busy. Do let him know that I am very interested in L¡¯amour de ma vie and I would like to purchase it as soon as possible."


    "....."


    Kang In-Sung was dumbfounded. When Lu Tian cut his words off, he had thought the man would explode in anger. Yet, Lu Tian didn¡¯t look anywhere near anger.....


    Ignoring the man¡¯s dumbfounded look, Lu Tian walks to the door. Just when his hand touch the door knob, he parted his lips to speak.


    "Please keep my identity hidden."


    "...."


    Lu Tian leaves the room while Kang In-Sung was once more dumbfounded. Lifting his hand, he couldn¡¯t help but scratch his head again.


    Keep this hidden? Then what is supposed to say to his boss? That some unknown person wants the ring? Would his boss even sell the ring to some ¡¯unknown¡¯ person?


    Thinking of his boss, Kang In-Sung sighed in self pity. He¡¯s been with H International for 8 years. After he met Lu Tian for the first time, he can¡¯t help but feel sorry for himself.


    China has someone cold like Lu Tian, while Korea has his boss.


    Kang In-Sung lets out a sigh again. L¡¯amour de ma vie is the most important item to his boss. Will his boss finally let this item go?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Stepping out of H International, Lu Tian takes his phone out to call his assistant. He walks in the direction of his waiting car as his bodyguard waited for him.


    ["Assistant Xu, ready for duty!"]


    "Find out who is H International¡¯s CEO. Locate him and give me¡ª-"


    Just when Lu Tian was about to get inside the car, every remaining word he nned to say seemed to have stuck at his throat.


    ["Boss? Boss?"]


    "Find what you can and send me the details."


    Not waiting for a response, he hangs up the phone. His thumb slides through his phone screen and he calls a number.


    Waiting for the ring to go through, he frowns. The call goes straight to voicemail after three rings. Repeating his steps, he calls again. However, all calls went to voicemail. Frowning more, he turn his head to the busy street of City Z.


    Getting inside the car, he instructs his bodyguard.


    "Follow the license te 8344."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 191 Purple hyacinth

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Sitting inside the back seat of the same cab she got in, Yue Ling stare out the window.


    After she bid her parents a long farewell, Yue Ling told the driver to drive to another ce.


    This ce is located on the other side of City Z, which makes them have to drive through the city.


    Seeing the once familiar buildings, she felt an indescribable feeling dawn on her. She couldn¡¯t help but feel that this ce somehow seemed so different and distance.


    This ce she once called home.


    From the busy city to the outskirts of City Z, the cab drove for two hours. Arriving at a mountain, the cab drives for another 30 minutes before it finally parks.


    Throughout the car ride, Yue Ling did not look anywhere but at the flowers on herp. When she left the flower shop, she had bought another bundle of flowers. Staring at the purple color of the flower, her mind somehow drifted to memoryne.


    "Miss, we are here."


    Hearing the old man¡¯s words, Yue Ling lifts her head and turn to look out the window. She could feel a slight tightening in her heart.


    From all angles of view was mother nature¡¯s beautiful creation. The blue sky enhanced the beauty of the mountain like a painting.


    Opening the door, she slowly got out of the car. The moment she stepped out, she could smell the unique scent of the grass with a mixture of the ocean. The sound of the sea calling slowly enters her ears.


    She turned to look at the old man, "I¡¯m sorry for having to ask you to wait again."


    "Hahah, no worries. I¡¯m old, I can nap if you take longer."


    Yue Ling smiles faintly at the old man. Closing the door, she walks towards the sound of the ocean.


    Inside the cab, the old man looks at Yue Ling¡¯s figure and he sighed. From what he saw earlier, he could guess that the girl was crying. On the way here, he could see more pain written on her face. Even if she had her sunsses on, he knows that look from miles away.


    Sighing again, he reach for a newspaper on the passenger seat and starts reading it. Since he¡¯s waiting, he¡¯ll read for a bit and then take a nap.


    Oblivious to the old man¡¯s mind, Yue Ling walked on the small dirt road as tall grass guarded the sides. Her bluish green eyes stare in a daze as she took each step. She could hear her heart thumping loudly in slow beats. As if everything around her had stopped.


    The small dirt road shifted into cement before a set of stairs greeted her. She climbed the stairs until she was weed with a small fence. Staring at it, her hand holding the bundle of flowers tightens as her heart tightens.


    Lifting one hand, she takes her sunsses off before she slowly push the fence door open. Taking steps forward, the smell of the sea got stronger as the breeze picks up.


    Her eyes stare straight ahead at the white tombstone. It was alone and near the cliff of the mountain as the ocean bes its background.


    Sitting down, she didn¡¯ty the flowers on the tombstone but stare at the picture. It was a man whose smile was so happy that anyone who sees would feel happy too. Under the picture was the name ¡¯Lee Shin¡¯. Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but curl into a faint smile.


    "Shin... I¡¯m here to see you.."


    Slowly, she reach her hand out and touch the picture then to the engraved name.


    "I¡¯ve been doing fine.. You once said, everything will heal by time... And it¡¯s true, life has truly moved on with time..."


    Turning her head to the side, she stare out to the ocean in the distance.


    "I met someone... I never thought I¡¯d be able to love again... even I was surprised at this unexpected second chance at love...."


    She paused in her words and daze into the ocean for a long time. Like how she did with her parents, she listened to the ocean calling as if listening to Shin speak.


    Looking back at the tombstone, she smiles faintly with a sigh.


    "I don¡¯t know how this rtionship will go, but I do want to give him all the love I have... I want him to know that he has all of me and not just half..."


    Lowering her head, she looks at the purple flowers in her hand. The name given to these flowers were called ¡¯hyacinth¡¯. She had chose these purple hyacinths because it¡¯s meaning was the reason why she hade here.


    Looking at the man in the photo, she slowly ce the flowers on the tombstone.


    "I came to ask that you forgive me for finding a new love..."


    Touching her stomach, she smiles a warm a smile, "I will remember how you helped me out of my dark days and how you showed me what love felt like... You will always hold a ce in my memories, but.... it¡¯s time I let go...."


    She stare at the man smiling in the picture and she smiles back.


    "Do you think so too?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Minutes passed and hours soon came by. Yue Ling sat facing the ocean as her body leaned against Shin¡¯s grave. She told him about everything that has happened since he left this world. As if the tombstone was him.


    From the past three year till now, she told him everything without hiding. Except her pregnancy. It was wrong if she had told Shin and not Lu Tian. Even if Shin is no longer here, it wouldn¡¯t be fair to the man.


    "Is it wrong to say that I am actually happy with him?"


    Staying in silence, she continues to listen to the ocean and watch the waves hit the shore.


    When Shin was still alive, he had once mentioned that if one day he passed away, he wanted to be near the ocean.


    A ce where he will be free like the ocean.


    Thinking about Shin, a tear slowly falls, then another. The tears she had kept for him within the past three years. She leaned her head more on the tombstone and sobbed quietly.


    No one understood her like Shin did.


    When her parents left, she had to mature and when her hal-abeoji passed away, she had to cut out the word ¡¯love¡¯.


    The people she thought were ¡¯family¡¯ to her wanted her dead. While others wanted to use her. It wasn¡¯t until she met Lee Shin, that he opened her heart up and brought her out of darkness.


    He was the one who told her that life is too precious to waste.


    He became her reason to look forward to what life had for her.....


    But after he passed away, she felt like nothing was left in this world for her.


    She had thought when he left, he had taken her heart with him....


    However....


    "Yue Ling."


    She never expected someone to walk into her life and make her experience love in a different way.


    "It¡¯s cold, why are you here?"


    Even she didn¡¯t know when, but she knows that she has fallen madly in love with Lu Tian.


    "Yue Ling."


    Tilting her head, she furrow her brows together. Thinking of something, she chuckles to herself and shook her head. She must be missing Lu Tian that is why she¡¯s suddenly hearing his deep, yetfortable voice.


    "Yue Ling."


    Like time had suddenly stopped, she felt her heart the same. She froze in ce. Her heart slowly beats again.


    "You¡¯re not going to answer me?"


    Slowly, she turned around and there, standing at the fence door was him. His tall and well built figure clothed in all ck. His handsome features that god seemed to have spent a longer time sculpting.


    Is it really him?


    She stare in a daze as the man walks towards her. His steps were steady, but each step he took was like a rhythm matching her heartbeat.


    The man she has fallen in love with...


    The man who opened her heart again...


    The man who is the father of her unborn child...


    The man was real and not some kind of illusion...


    "Tian....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 192 It was his wife

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    [THIS IS CHAPTER IS FROM OUR ALMIGHTY LU TIAN¡¯S POINT OF VIEW!]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Lu Tian sat in the back seat of his car. His brows furrow tightly as he ponder in thoughts. When he left H International, he had nce without thinking at the cab next to his car. The cab had stopped because of a red light. Even he didn¡¯t know why, but he still looked.


    "....."


    Like lightning had suddenly strike him, he felt a tinge of tightness dull in his heart. It was the first time he¡¯s ever felt this way. For the first time in his life, he knew what it felt like to be in disbelief.


    It was his wife.


    His wife was sitting in the back seat of that cab. Even if she had sunsses on, he knows that it was her. Even if she was lost in a crowd, he could still pick her out.


    Coming out of his thoughts, he stare straight ahead at the cab ¡¯8344¡¯.


    "Follow the license te ¡¯8344¡¯."


    He knows that she left Imperial, but he couldn¡¯t put the pieces together. Why is she here in City Z?


    If she had left for work rted things, wouldn¡¯t her assistant be with her? Not only that, she wouldn¡¯t have taken a cab...


    "Boss, should we stop the cab?"


    "No, just follow but keep a distance."


    Following behind his wife patiently, he noticed the distance it¡¯s been. He frowns in wonder of where his wife is heading. If she came to City Z for work, why would she go further out?


    It didn¡¯t take long before the cab came to a stop. To not make them noticeable, he instructs his bodyguard to park in a hidden spot.


    Looking out the window, he could see his wife getting out of the cab. She had said something to the cab driver and walked away.


    "Wait here."


    He ordered his bodyguard before opening the door and steps out. Taking a cigarette out from his coat, he lit it and waited.


    As much as he wanted to follow her, he knows that it¡¯s best to give her, her space. She must have a reason toe here.


    One cigarette, two cigarettes, three cigarettes.


    When he reach to take another cigarette out, he finally realized that the box of cigarette was empty.


    Frowning, he looks in the direction his wife went, then to the trees that surrounded them. The wind had picked up and it was getting colder. He could even hear the faint sound of the ocean as well.


    "Boss, should we¡ª"


    "No, stay here."


    Lu Tian gives another order, then he heads in the direction Yue Ling went. She is pregnant and he doesn¡¯t like it when she stays in the cold for too long. Just thinking about her getting a small cold worries him.


    Following the small dirt road, he was slightly surprised when the path suddenly changed to cement then stairs.


    It was a very unusual ce for cement.


    Staring straight ahead, he frown in thought.


    Why would Yue Linge here?


    What is here?


    Climbing up the stairs, he didn¡¯t hesitate to open the fence door. However, he didn¡¯t realize that he had held in his breath. A part of him was actually afraid of what he will see.


    Once the door opened, there, sitting next to a stone was the most beautiful woman. Just the view of her from behind was like looking at a fairy. Her long ck hair danced with each passing wind.


    Seeing her safe, he sighed in relief inside. Moving his eyes to the white stone, his brows crease when he realized it was not a stone, but a tombstone.


    Why is there a tombstone here?


    ncing at the photo, he could tell it was a man. Who is this man? Lowering his eyes, he reads the engraved calligraphy.


    Lee Shin.


    His frown deepens more. This name, why does it sound so familiar? But where had he heard it?


    Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, he looks back at his wife. He can¡¯t help but feel the same feeling he gets when he sees her on the balcony.


    The feeling of loneliness and abandonment....


    "Yue Ling."


    He calls out to her. His tone was indifferent but from the way he said her name, one could hear the warmth from it.


    "It¡¯s cold, why are you here?"


    Just as his words fell, the wind really did pick up more. Frowning, he takes a step forward.


    "Yue Ling."


    However, when he called to her the second time, the wind blew harder and overpowered his voice. Lifting his hand, he pinch the space between his brows and sighs.


    "Yue Ling."


    He calls her name for the third time. Yet, staring at the slim woman¡¯s back, she seemed to have not heard him. Like she was stuck in her own world.


    Sighing again, he shook his head.


    "You¡¯re not going to answer me?"


    Just as he thought of walking directly to her, he could see the unmoving beauty finally showed movements.


    He saw her shoulder jump in the tiniest gesture, but it didn¡¯t escape his eyes. Nothing of her¡¯s ever escapes him. Everything about her is imprinted into his mind and heart.


    In a slow motion, she turns around to look at him. Like a child lost in an unknown crowd, she looked just like one. Her bluish green eyes met his as if he was an illusion. However... he could see the redness in her beautiful eyes.


    Had she been crying? Why?


    Frowning more at the look on his wife. He didn¡¯t hesitate to walk towards her.


    All he knows is that seeing her like this, he just wants to wrap his arms around her and never let her go. To let her know that he is here. To let her know that she has him.


    "Tian....."


    Her soft and angelic voice sounded so hoarse. It was enough to let him know, she had been crying.


    Feeling a tinge of guilt crawl on his heart. He hated himself. If he had just followed her right away, he would have never let her cry.


    How can he let her cry alone?


    Just thinking about her crying all alone felt like thousands of sharp needles piercing his heart.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 193 Introduce you to someone

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The wind blew as the ocean sang it¡¯s song from the distance. The tall grass and trees that surround the mountain danced along the wind.


    On top of the mountain cliff were two figures. A man stood a two feet away from the woman sitting down. He stare at the beautiful woman like he had finally found his lost love.


    "Tian, what are you doing here?"


    Yue Ling asks as she stands up. Her mind wondered why Lu Tian is in City Z and how he was able to get here. Only she and the others know about this ce.


    "Tian¡ª"


    Just when she stood, Lu Tian¡¯s arms wrap around her. He embraced her tightly as if wanting to knead her with his body.


    "Tian?"


    She frowns in confusion. Why did he make it seem like she had left him? As if she was going to disappear.


    "It¡¯s cold here. Why are you you here?"


    Lu Tian whispers near her ear, making her cheeks flush red. She didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry as she wrap her arms around his waist. Being in his arms and hearing his voice, she felt every emotion she just experienced disappear.


    He made her feel safe.


    "Tian...."


    She tries to speak, but the more she tried, the tighter he embraced her. She could hear their heartbeat beating as one making her smile.


    "Let me hug you for a bit."


    Lu Tian spoke in an almost whisper. He didn¡¯t know whether it was the fact that he didn¡¯t get to see her in the morning or the fact that she looked like someone who had given up all hope on life.


    One thing he knows, is that he wants to be her strength and her safe haven.


    Yue Ling sighed and allowed the man to hug her. She too, wanted to hug him.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Lu Tian¡¯s ¡¯a bit¡¯ turned to a ¡¯long bit¡¯ hug. As much as he didn¡¯t want to, he reluctantly let her go. However, their distance was still close. His arm still wrap around her as he looked down at his wife and seeing her red eyes, he frown.


    "Why were crying?"


    He asks as his hand caress her cheek and then to her swollen eyes. Feeling that tinge of tightness in his heart again, he press his forehead to hers.


    "Don¡¯t ever cry alone. If you need a shoulder to lean on, I will lend you mine. If you need someone to listen to you, I will give you my ears. If you need strength...."


    He pause in his words and kiss his wife on the forehead. He then press his forehead against hers again.


    "I will be your strength."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling¡¯s entire being softened. She stare into the man¡¯s deep dark eyes and she could see the promise in his words. Her lip curl into a faint smile and she turn her head to the side.


    "Tian, I want to introduce you to someone. This is Lee Shin."


    She spoke as she looks down at the white tombstone. Pulling away from Lu Tian, she walks up to the grave. Her eyes did not leave the man¡¯s photo as she spoke her next words.


    "He was my fianc¨¦ and the man I loved...."


    Herst words fell and the wind blew through them. Yue Ling turn to look at Lu Tian as her hair follow the direction of the wind.


    Lu Tian felt his heart tighten again. No words could describe the way he is feeling. He stare at the beautiful woman in front of him, then to the man in the photo.


    His wife was once in love...


    He was not the first man she ever loved...


    He.....


    Yue Ling looks at Lu Tian and she could guess what was on the man¡¯s mind. Only in front of her, would she get to see his cold and aloof mask removed. Turning to look at Shin, she smiles.


    "Shin, this is Lu Tian. The man I fell in love with..."


    Like a mountain had lifted off his shoulders, Lu Tian looked at his wife. Her words... the way she introduce him, it was proof that even if he wasn¡¯t her first love, he is the man she loves now.


    Taking steps forward, he stood next to his wife and slightly bow in greeting to Shin. As much as he is still jealous about this man for being his wife¡¯s first love, he cannot disrespect what is no longer here.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Soon after Lu Tian and Shin¡¯s meeting, they walked back to their cars. Yue Ling walked in front while Lu Tian followed behind her.


    He stare at her back and questions suddenly cross his mind. Does he even hold a ce in her heart? Will she give him all her love? What about their unborn child? Is she happy with him?


    "Tian, where¡¯s my cab?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s words broke Lu Tian from his thoughts. Stopping next to his wife, he takes her hand and guided her down a small hill to his car.


    "I told the cab driver to leave."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Looking at the man holding her hand, she pout her lip.


    "Tian, what if people saw us? Wouldn¡¯t you¡ª"


    "I don¡¯t care if people saw us. You are my girlfriend, I don¡¯t need to hide you from the world."


    Lu Tian cuts off Yue Ling¡¯s words. Stopping in his steps, he turn to look at her. She is going to be his wife, so why should he care about what others have to say or think? To him, she is his world, the woman whopletes him.


    Seeing her dumbfounded look, he sighs. Lifting his hand he caress her cheek and lower his head. His lip touches hers, before he deepens the kiss.


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen in surprise, before she slowly close them and return the man¡¯s kiss. Lu Tian had his way of captivating her, as if drawing her more into his abyss.


    As the couple share their romantic kiss, they forgot about Lu Tian¡¯s bodyguard inside the car.


    His expression right now was shocked to the core. His jaw dropped and he turned into a goldfish.


    He has been with Lu Tian for many years and never once has he seen his boss with a woman. Let alone kiss one and it was his boss who initiated the kiss! Just what is he seeing now?


    This woman is the most beautiful woman he¡¯s ever seen. She is the definition of a true beauty....


    Wait.....


    Realizing something, he covers his mouth and sucked in a mouthful of air.


    This woman is Han Yue Ling!!!


    Han Yue Ling is hisdy boss then??!!!


    Good lord, how will his brothers react about when they learn of this news?!!!!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Sitting in the backseat with Lu Tian, Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flushed red as she nce at her tightly held hand. She looks at the man to her. Lu Tian held Yue Ling¡¯s hand in one hand, while his other hand typing on theptop. Smiling, she turn to look out the window.


    The ocean conquer the entire drive. The sky had was now gloomy, but the ocean view was still very beautiful.


    Thinking of something, she spoke without thinking.


    "Tian, can we stop by the ocean?"


    Hearing the question, Lu Tian frown. Looking at his wife, he saw the way she looked out to the ocean and he knew he couldn¡¯t say no.


    Whatever she did today... whatever made her cry... it is his ce to make her feel better..


    "Alright."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 194 A curse

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Seagulls sang in the air with the melody of the ocean from a distance. The serene salt water gently ssh onto the sandy shore creating beautiful waves.


    The cool breeze blows along every so often as Yue Ling¡¯s hair follow in pursuit. Her bare feet takes each step, sinking into the soft sand. Each time the wave covers the shore, it erases her footprint.


    However, when the wave returns to the ocean, a set ofrger footprint would reces her¡¯s.


    Lu Tian follows behind his wife. He didn¡¯t walk too close to her or too far. His eyes stare at her and the her at this moment was one deeply engraved in his heart.


    If he can, he would like to walk behind her everyday. To know that she is always within his sight and he won¡¯t lose her.


    To let her know that her footprints guided him to her...


    "Tian..."


    Yue Ling calls his name as she turns to face the man. Her bluish green eyes stare into his dark ones and she felt like the happiest woman in the world. The way he looks at her was enough to let her know how he feels.


    Taking small steps, she walks to him and she reach her hand out. Her fingers interlock with his and she smiles at the man. Moving to stand side by side with him, they continue their walk on the beach.


    Lu Tian nce down at the woman and he faintly smile. He couldn¡¯t help but feel like the happiest man in the world...


    Never in his life has he felt this way towards someone. Growing up, he never got closed to the opposite sex or let them near him. However... he met her...


    Not once does he regret seeing her on the ne or purposely letting her bump into him at the airport...


    If he can do it over, he would, but better...


    "You know... my parents met here..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s sudden voice brought Lu Tian out of his thoughts. He looks at her then to the ocean. He did not answer, but nod his head.


    Her parents... he hasn¡¯t met them...


    "Growing up, others often made fun of me, because I didn¡¯t look like everyone else..."


    Lu Tian¡¯s brows furrow at his wife¡¯s words. Turning his gaze from the ocean to his wife, he stare into her bluish green eyes. To him, her eyes were the most mesmerizing eyes he¡¯s ever seen.


    "You know, my Hal-abeoji and Yeye were the best of friends. They were the reason how my parents met. My mother from a Chinese family and my father from a Korean and American family."


    Turning to look at the man next to her, Yue Ling¡¯s lip curls into a bright smile. Lifting her hand, she points to her eyes.


    "As you can guess, I inherited my father¡¯s eyes."


    Looking ahead, Yue Ling continues her words.


    "My mother loves my father¡¯s eyes. She once told me that my father had hated the color of his eyes, until she told him she loved them."


    Talking about her parents, Yue Ling faintly smiles. How she misses her parents so much.....


    "My father knew the hardship of growing up in a ce where you were different, so he would always tell me to love my eyes. He said, no matter how much others speak ill of me, I must remember that I have the most beautifulest eyes."


    Lu Tian frown at Yue Ling¡¯s words. Just who was it that gave his wife a hard time? Who said her eyes were not beautiful? If he finds out who it is, he¡¯ll make sure that person wish they were ever born.


    "No matter what others said about me, I didn¡¯t care. I knew I wasn¡¯t alone, because I had my father and mother who loved me the most. Having them by my side everyday was the greatest feeling.. But...."


    Yue Ling stops in her steps and turn to face the ocean. The waves brush against her as it sinks her feet into the sand.


    "When I turned ten years old, the two people who meant the world to me were taken away...."


    Lu Tian gaze at his wife. He could see the pain her eyes. It was as if she was staring through the ocean to somewhere far. Feeling that same tightness in his heart, he tightens his hand holding hers.


    She was only a child.....


    "When my parents left this world, my Yeye asked me to live with him, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to leave my hal-abeoji... my father was his only child. During the time, my Yeye still had my nai nai and as my Hal-abeoji¡¯s only family, I chose to stay with him."


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression was calm as she spoke each words, but to Lu Tian, he knew it was hard. Having to speak of one¡¯s tragic past is the most painful.


    "People called me a curse for my parents death... And like a curse, my hal-abeoji also left this world..."


    She lower her head and smiled faintly.


    "The people I thought were my close rtives wanted my family¡¯s inheritance... If they couldn¡¯t bring death to me, they would try to get close to use me..."


    Hearing that people wanted to kill her, anger rouse inside Lu Tian¡¯s heart. How dare those people treat her like that? She lost her family and yet, they wanted her dead...


    Oblivious to the man¡¯s mind, Yue Ling continues to tell him her past.


    "Before I knew it, I gave up on the word love and strove to live.... I cut everyone out of my life, except those from my maternal family... however, I couldn¡¯t bring them into this mess, so I started to keep my distance from them..."


    "Is that when you met Shin?"


    Lu Tian asks as he turn to look at Yue Ling. He didn¡¯t like that he wasn¡¯t her first love, like how she is to him, but... it was her past and if she¡¯s willing to tell him, then he will listen.


    Looking at him, Yue Ling nod her head. She doesn¡¯t want to tell him about Shin, because it¡¯s not fair to him in having to hear about her ex, but... he is the man she loves now and she wants him know, so there won¡¯t be any misunderstandings.


    "I met Shin when I was 15... He was a teenage boy full of life. Whoever met him would want to befriend him. He was the kind of person who brought happiness to those around him and didn¡¯t care about what others thought of him."


    Turning her head from the ocean, she looks to the mountain cliff. The mountain that holds Shin¡¯s monument....


    "But... behind his cheerful smile was a boy with a weak heart...."


    Her words fell as the wind blows.


    "Even though he was told his heart could stop in any moment, that didn¡¯t stop him from reaching his dream.... He taught me what it felt to know love again... he promised to always be with me... and for ten years, he did..."


    Her eyes turned moist, as the tears she had thought she shed when she visit Shin¡¯s grave makes its way again.


    "Like a curse ced upon me, fate decided to y a joke on us and took him away on our wedding day..."


    Staring at the woman he loves, Lu Tian did not speak a word, but continued to listen to her. His mind could not help but wonder to the way she is...


    The her, who was so different from the her at this moment...


    If they had never met, would she have continued to hold everything in?


    Would things have been different?


    Yue Ling held her tears from falling and turn to look at the handsome man. She smiled faintly with a sigh.


    "Like a curse, everyone beside me always end up leaving....."


    Seeing her pained expression and her teary eyes, Lu Tian¡¯s brow creased together. Taking a step forward, he closed the gap between them. He loosened his hand holding hers and wrap it around her waist as his other hand held her cheek.


    His dark eyes never once leaving her bluish green ones.


    "If you are a curse, then you are my curse. Be it now or the future, I will shoulder everything for you. Never will I leave you."


    She stare into his eyes as he stare deeply into her¡¯s. Lifting her hand, she ce her palm on the back of his hand. Slightly tilting her head, she close her eyes and feels the warmth from his palm.


    Like a tightly locked locket suddenly unlocked, everything opened. The tears she had tried to hold in makes it way down her cheeks.


    Her tears were not for Shin, but for the way Lu Tian shows his love to her...


    If she never met him, where would life had taken her.....


    Would she have continued to hold everything in?


    Lu Tian felt like someone had stabbed his heart seeing his wife cry. Gazing down at her, he wipes her tears with his thumb. Lowering his head, he ce a kiss on her wet eyes, then her lips. Pulling away, he wraps both his arms around her and hugged her closer to his heart.


    "Let me be your strength...."


    Feeling the warmth of the man she loves, Yue Ling wrap her arms around his waist. However, when she heard his words, more tears fell making her cry her heart out.


    Only god knows how much she¡¯s near the end of her strength.....


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 195 Forever love

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    It is beautiful and it is endless. It is full and yet, seems empty. The ocean is emotion incarnated. It loves, it hates and it weeps. It¡¯s waves shed brilliantly as it brings foam and it¡¯s shadow onto the sand, creating a humming melody of evesting love.


    Like a painting in the distance, it makes one want to keep watching.


    "I¡¯m sorry, I took up your time..."


    Yue Ling said as she turn to look at the man next to her. After soaking their feet in the ocean for a long time, they had sat down on the sand to dry off. Lu Tian hadid his jacket down for her as the wind died down.


    Hearing her words, he looked at her and shook his head. How can she even think of such words? He promised to give her his ears, and that he will always do. Lifting his hand, he drape it over her shoulder.


    "You¡¯re not taking up my time. My time had always belonged to you."


    He tilt his head and leaned against hers. He meant his words. His time is hers and only hers. If it had been someone else, he wouldn¡¯t care, but she is different. She is his woman, his wife, his first love.....


    First love.....


    Thinking of the word, he felt a suffocating pain in his heart. A pain he never knew he could experience. He stare out to the vast ocean and ponder in thoughts. Shin was her first love... So did that mean.....


    "Tian?"


    Yue Ling calls his name when she noticed the man next to her had be quiet. ncing at him from the corner of her eyes, she smiles inside.


    Did he think, by not saying what¡¯s on his mind, she would not know?


    Turning to face him, she lift both her hands and ce it on Lu Tian¡¯s cheeks. She then gently turn his head to face her.


    "Tian..."


    Feeling the coldness from her soft hand, Lu Tian frowns. He looks at her and just when he raised his hands to hold her hands, she suddenly spoke.


    "I may have loved someone in my past, but now... you are the person I love and want to be with..."


    Her lip curls upward into a beautiful arc.


    "He was my first love and my first at many things, but you are myst... my forever love."


    Forever love.... how nice did that sound.


    Lu Tian gaze into Yue Ling¡¯s eyes and he felt himself falling more for her again. Leaning his head towards her, he wanted to kiss her, but thinking of something... he stopped himself.


    His brows furrow together more tightly as he pout his lips. He held a sulking expression thinking of her words, ¡¯at many things¡¯. Did that mean she was his first and he was her second?


    Subconsciously, he spoke aloud in an almost whisper...


    "Does that mean... you and him....."


    Catching himself, he quickly stop his words. He moved his eyes from her and cursed inside for being so childish. Never in his life has he ever spoke without thinking.... Even worse, he is jealous of a person who isn¡¯t here anymore.


    But who could me him. He has never loved a woman before and the thought of her in another man¡¯s arms pained him.


    Yue Ling stare at the handsome man and she chuckles. From his words and the expression on his face, she could already see where this was going.


    Her hands holding his cheeks gripped tighter and gently force him to look at her. When their eyes met each other¡¯s, she didn¡¯t hesitate to lean forward and kiss his lips.


    "You are my first."


    Like a stone turned into water, Lu Tian felt the happiness he¡¯s never experienced engulf him. Finally, he was a first for her at something.


    cing one hand on the back of her head, he pulled her closer and capture her lips. His tongue broke through her barrier and twirl with hers, deepening their kiss.


    Gently, hey her on the soft sand as his arm became a pillow for her. He didn¡¯t care that they were in the public¡¯s eyes. All he knows is that he was hungry to have her. He wanted her now and the feelings he has for her grew more.


    His cold hand slip under her clothes and caress the softness of her skin. From the side of her waist, tracing her curves until his hand reached her breast.


    "Nn~ Tian...."


    Cupping it, he gently squeeze it, making a soft moan escape her lips. Their lips never leaving each other¡¯s as they share an intense, yet passionate kiss.


    Yue Ling wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her. He groan in response, but he loves it when she responds to him. Her hands start to touch him, from his broad shoulders to his muscr arms and back.


    Even with hisyer of clothes on, she could feel the warmth he was transferring to her. Their heavy breathing and beating hearts warming each other.


    Suddenly....


    "Tian... wait... we can¡¯t..."


    She was pregnant and she wasn¡¯t sure if having sexual intercourse would harm her baby... no... their baby.


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian stops and lift his head to look at her. Seeing her swollen red lips, he felt the dragon below awakening. She looked so alluring and captivating, he wanted to take her right now....


    Then remembering something, he sighs and press his forehead against hers.


    Steadying his heavy breathing, he calms his desire down. How could he have forgotten that she is carrying his child...


    He lightly pecks her forehead and sits up. Reaching his arms out, he gently helps her sit up. Then he dust the sand away from her back and the end of her hair.


    "It¡¯s gettingte, we should head back."


    He spoke as he dust the sand off of his clothes. Standing up, he stretch his hand out and she ce hers on top of his as she stands.


    "Mm. Let¡¯s go home."


    Yue Ling looks at the man. His expression was filled with irritation and desire, but at the same time, it was one of caring.


    Turning to look at the calm ocean, she takes a deep breath. She will tell him about their baby. There is no reason why she should hide it from him.


    "Tian, I have to tell you something."


    Holding his hand, she turned to look at him. However, she met his darks eyes staring back at her. His expression was one of awe. It was a warm look that could capture a person¡¯s heart right away. Just like how it captures her.


    She smiles at the man and tightens her hand around his.


    "I¡¯m..."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 196 Hold hands

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    *ring ring*


    The sudden sound of a ringtone interrupts Yue Ling¡¯s words. She disregards the sound and looks deeply at the man next to her. Her expression full of determination.


    "Tian, I am¡ª"


    *ring ring*


    "Hmmmm!"


    She sighed and takes her phone out from her coat pocket. Looking down, she frowns at the name on the screen.


    Sliding the answer swipe half way, she stops and looks up at Lu Tian.


    "Sorry... I need to take this call."


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression was calm and cold as ever, but deep down, he was raging in annoyance. His wife had something to tell him, how dare this person call at this moment. He stare at her back as she walks further away from him.


    "What is it?"


    Yue Ling spoke into the phone as she stops in her steps. She was annoyed that this person had interrupted her while she was trying to tell Lu Tian, he is the father of her baby.


    ["Sorry to bother you, Boss.. but... have you decided?"]


    "...."


    Like movie put on paused, her entire body froze in ce. She didn¡¯t move or make a sound. Only the sound of her beating heart echoed through her.


    ["Boss?"]


    After what seemed like forever, she turn her head to the near, yet far away mountain in the distance.


    Like a sh of light, memories of the past floated through her mind. The past she once held dearly in her heart. Like memories, they truly are just memories now...


    Her hand holding the phone tightens and she closed her eyes. Like a drowning person finally able to breathe, she takes a deep breath to steadied herself.


    "I¡¯ve decided."


    ["Got it, Boss."]


    She stare down unblinkingly at the phone in her hand. Even when the screen had turned ck, her eyes did not move away.


    A small breeze brush against her, waking her up. She takes another deep breath and puts her phone in her pocket. Looking at the mountain oncest time, she turns around. She had made her decision, there¡¯s no turning back.


    "Sorry Tian, it was my¡ª"


    She smiled with her teeth to hide her feelings. Taking a step forward, she abruptly stops.


    When her eyes met Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure as they stood a distance apart, time seemed to have stop.


    His dark eyes piercing hers. The way he looked at her wasn¡¯t through her, but at her.


    As if he was looking at the real her...


    Yue Ling steadily walks toward the man. Yet, each time she got closer to him, he did not look away from her. As if his mind was filled with many thoughts.


    Lu Tian stare at his wife. She walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless starry skies. Everything about her is like a ck hole in the universe, engulfing him into her sweet abyss.


    He didn¡¯t care about who she was on the phone with. All he knows is that, he will seek to understand her past... her past that exins why she is the way she is..


    Her battles will be his battles. Her joy is his joy... He will let her know that she has no reason to hold back anything from him.


    To let her know, that he will not make her feel judged, petty or condemned.


    That he is her strength and he will lift every weight on her shoulder.


    Stopping in front of the man in a daze, Yue Ling tilt her head and narrow her eyes.


    "Why are you staring at me like that?"


    He looked into her bluish green eyes and without thinking, he speaks his mind.


    "Because I wonder, of all the people in the world, why am I the lucky one who found you?"


    "....."


    Yue Ling felt her cheeks burn hearing Lu Tian¡¯s answer. She had asked just to tease him... never did she think he would actually answer.


    She quietly clears her dry throat. With a flushing red face, she grabs his hand and held it tightly. Tip toeing, she whispers near his ears as he continued to stay in a daze.


    "Because you are Lu Tian, the man I love."


    "....."


    Suddenlying out of his daze, he looks down at the woman who is now in front of him. A small smile appear on his indifferent expression. To hear her say, he is the man she loves, that was best feeling ever.


    He lowered his head and pecks her lips, then her forehead. Squeezing her hand, he spoke.


    "Ready?"


    "Mm."


    With their hands interlocking with each other¡¯s, they steadily walked in the direction of the car. They had been here for too long and it was time to return home.


    "What was it that you wanted to say?"


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling did not look at the man, but shook her head. She had already decided to surprise him, so she¡¯ll wait. When the timees, she will give him a big surprise.


    "It¡¯s nothing." She looks at him and smiles, "Lets just go home."


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian nod his head. ncing at his wife, he then looked in the direction of the car. He knows that she must have wanted to tell him about her pregnancy, but since she¡¯s already nning a surprise, he¡¯ll cooperate and patiently wait.


    Besides, he also wants to see what kind of surprise she has nned out.


    As they near the parked car to go home, he couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly and thought to himself.


    His home is where she is.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The nended in Imperial as the blue sky started to turn red. Walking through the airport, Lu Tian was back to the cold and aloof man, but he held onto his wife¡¯s hand. He doesn¡¯t n to let her hand go, just like how he doesn¡¯t n to her go.


    Be it in private or in public, he is proud and happy to have her by his side. Holding her hand tightly, he walked in front as she slightly follow behind him.


    Every person they passed could not help but look in their direction. It wasn¡¯t everyday that one gets to see such a perfect couple.


    Yue Ling on the other hand was extremely nervous. She never liked to attract attention, however with all the stares, she felt like a tiny animal trapped in a cage. Even with her sunsses on, she wasn¡¯t sure if she will run into news reporters or her fans.


    It¡¯s not that she cared, but she wasn¡¯t sure how Lu Tian will feel. She is a retired model, what if he didn¡¯t like being those so called scandals? Or having his photos taken?


    Picking up her pace, she closed the gap between them. Tilting her head to the man, she whispers.


    "Tian... don¡¯t you think we should walk without holding hands? I mean¡ªouch."


    With her eyes scanning around, she suddenly bumps into something hard. Frowning, she caress her nose and look at the object she hit.


    "..."


    Seeing the object, she was dumbfounded. Lu Tian was like a pir in the middle of the airport. He stare down at her with heavy eyes, like she hadmitted another crime against the heavenly emperor.


    "You don¡¯t want to hold my hand?"


    His deep and cold voice sounds as his free hand gently rub her nose. He had stopped because of her question.


    Yue Ling stare up at the man and she sighed. She swore, why does he have to be blessed with handsomeness and a straightforward personality.


    Did she want to hold his hand?


    Of course she wants to hold his hand, it was just that.....


    Looking down at their held hands, she sighed again. Not being able to do anything, she decided it was best to keep holding the man¡¯s hand. Besides, they weren¡¯tmitting a crime. They are just two people in love and holding hands.


    Taking a deep breath, her small hand grips Lu Tian¡¯srger hand tightly. Sticking her chest out like the proud woman she is, she takes a step forward.


    "Okay, okay, I was wrong. Hold hands, hold hands."


    Stepping out of the airport, Yue Ling took the lead this time. She held Lu Tian¡¯s hand with him obediently following behind her.


    Without her noticing, he had purposely kept his steps slower than hers. That way, he can continue to look at her from behind and not lose sight of her.


    Because Yue Ling was taking the lead, she did not see the small happy smile curled on the man¡¯s lip. However, before anyone could see his smile, he had already turned back to the indifferent man he is.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 197 Just say i

    ¡ª¡ª-


    In back seat of a ck car, Yue Ling held her chin and stare out the window. Buildings of every aspect stood it¡¯s ground as the car drove pass.


    She sighed at the way people walk the streets like they¡¯re having a good time.


    Although she¡¯s been in Imperial during her modeling days, she has never really explored it. Even now that she is living here, she doesn¡¯t know what to do.


    Should she give a call to Zhao Ya¡¯Er?


    But then again, they¡¯re not that close... Thinking of something, her eyes lit up.


    However, when she move her sight from the window, she nce down at her hand that is still being held. Tracing the hand, her eyes follow up the arm then to the face of the owner.


    Lu Tian sat with one leg cross over the other in a four figure. His expression was as cold as ice. The space between his brows was creased into three faint lines. On hisp was aptop as his other hand types on top of the keyboard.


    His posture, the way he looks, she couldn¡¯t help look at him in awe. Remembering that he is a businessman, she knit her brows.


    Does a businessman even know how to have fun?


    Noticing his beautiful wife staring at him, Lu Tian stops typing. Turning to look directly at her, his cold expression softened.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Yue Ling held her gaze with the man. Her eyes that looked like the ocean surrounding a tropical ind held admiration. The way she looked was full of appreciation at the man.


    Coming out of her daze, she shook her head.


    "It¡¯s nothing."


    Knowing that she was hiding what she wanted to say, Lu Tian closed theptop. He fixed his eyes on her.


    "Don¡¯t hide your thoughts from me. Whatever it is, just say it."


    Looking him in the eye, Yue Ling felt tiny little ants crawl on her skin. Clearing her throat, she takes a deep breath.


    "Tian, I want to explore Imperial."


    "...."


    Lu Tian did not know whether tough or cry. She had stare so intensely at him, he thought it was something serious. Sighing inside, he tilt his head.


    "Where do you want to go?"


    "Mmm..."


    She touched her chin and ponder in thoughts. Where does she want go? Even she doesn¡¯t know.


    "You pick."


    Lu Tian arch a brow. She wants him to pick? But he¡¯s never done anything except work and meetings.


    Should he bring her to Lu Corps then?


    Wait.... that won¡¯t do.


    Let her stay with him during his meetings?


    No, that won¡¯t do either...


    Where should he take her?


    This time, it was Lu Tian who was pondering in thoughts of where to take his wife.


    Thinking of something, he gave himself a thumbs up inside. Looking back at his wife, he said with confidence look.


    "Lets go on a day off."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling smiles at the man, then she turn her head and stare back out the window. Deep inside, she wasughing inside. She had seen the change of expressions on his face and she knew that Lu Tian probably didn¡¯t know where to go either. Of course, he might even ask his assistant to look up ces.


    And she was correct. Lu Tian opened hisptop and continue to work. However, inside his head, he decided that when he returns to work, he will have Xu Long search for ces. Not only that, it will also give him an idea of where would be the perfect ce to propose. Of course, he still needed an answer from H International first.


    As the couple enjoyed each other¡¯s presence in silence, in another part of Imperial, a certain family was in chaos.


    Well, more like the mother of the family.


    "Why isn¡¯t he here? Does he not know that the birthday banquet ising up? There¡¯s so much to prepare!"


    Madam Lu flung her arms in the air as she paced back in forth in the living room. Her expression changed from normal to annoyance to nervous and it repeats again.


    "What if he decides not to go?"


    Saying the question, her chest heaved up and down as her expression turned grimace.


    "No! He must go, I must introduce him to grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter."


    "Ma, why are you being so noisy again?"


    Lu Han spoke as he walks into the livingroom with a piece of egg tart in his mouth. Looking at his mother, he shook his head and sat down on the sofa.


    "Han, you dare to call me noisy? I just want your brother to settle down. Your father and I aren¡¯t young anymore."


    Madam Lu res at her youngest son. So what if she is noisy? What mother isn¡¯t?!


    Stomping her feet, she sits in the other sofa. Lifting her hand, she massages her temple. She swore, her two sons will probably be the death of her....


    Looking at her youngest son, she snort with her ring daggers. Swinging her head, she quickly massages her temples again, this time with more strength.


    "....."


    Lu Han stare at his mother with heavy eyes. Chewing the egg tart in his mouth, he nce down at himself.


    There¡¯s nothing wrong with the way he is dress. Frowning, he touches his face. Nope, nothing wrong either. Turning his head, he looks behind him. Nope, nothing there either.


    Looking back at his mom, he tilt his head in wander.


    Who was his mother looking at with such a deadly re?


    Shuddering in goosebumps, he stood up from the sofa. He swallow his food and smiles to his mother.


    "Ma, if there¡¯s nothing then I¡¯m going home. Your noble son here had a very long day."


    Not waiting for a response, Lu Han switch on his turbo and race his way out of the livingroom. Since his older brother isn¡¯t here, there¡¯s no need for him to be here too.


    Besides, without Lu Tian here, who knows what their mother will do to him.


    "Don¡¯t you even think about it."


    However, just when he lift a leg to escape, a thunderous voice roared from the sky. Making every hair on his body stand.


    "....."


    Rooted to the ground, he dart his head from left to right, then he looks up and down. Pursing his lips, he furrow his brows and scratch the back of his head.


    In a whisper, he spoke to himself.


    "Who said that? Sounded like an angry old man...."


    "You dare to call me a old man!"


    "...."


    Ice cold water ssh onto Lu Han. Feeling sweat drenching his body, his head robotically turn to look at the owner of the voice.


    When his eyes met the person¡¯s deathly re, he force a smile andughs sarcastically.


    "Heh heh, ma...."


    Madam Lu re at her son with daggers. If this idiot wasn¡¯t her son, she would have punched him for calling her a old man.


    "Hmmf, you know how to call me ¡¯ma¡¯?"


    "Heh heh, I was just kidding."


    Lu Han quickly answers his mother. She was already mad that Lu Tian was not here, how could he be so stupid to angry her more.


    Madam Lu scoffs at her youngest son. mming her palm on the sofa handrest, she stood up. Taking onest look at her son, she swings her head and walks out of the living.


    "Leave if you want. I¡¯ll have all the egg tarts to myself."


    Without looking back, her figure disappears into the kitchen, leaving behind a dumbfounded Lu Han. He stare in the direction his mother went. How could he not know what she was nning? Did she think some egg tarts will work on him?


    However....


    "Ma! I was just kidding!! I¡¯m not leaving!!"


    He bolted in the direction of the kitchen at full speed. He knows his mother and she will definitely eat all the egg tarts.


    The only thing he can do now is hope his older brotheres back home. Who knows how much he can take this torture for the both of them.


    As the mother and son duo leave the living room, they had forgotten that there was still another person left behind.


    Old Lu sat on the sofa with a dumbfounded expression. Did his wife and youngest son really forgot that he was here too?


    How can he, the head of the Lu family be treated this way?


    But then again, if his family wasn¡¯t like this, it would be weird. He rather they act this way, than eating each other alive.


    Shaking his head, he stood from his seat. cing his hands behind his back, he follows in pursuit after the duo.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 198 DEAR READERS!!!

    <h4>Chapter 195 DEAR READERS!!!</h4>


    I feel like I¡¯m always apologizing to you faithful readers, but here I am again. I¡¯d like to apologize for not updating the past two days. I just recently picked up my new puppy and had been training him to adjust to my home.


    Now that I have that done, I¡¯ll be posting soon. I¡¯ve also read thements and I will try to update 2-3 chapters a day.


    Also, grandpa Ji¡¯s birthday is just around the corner!!!


    Thank you all!!!


    -Abeehiltz


    ????????????????

 Chapter 199 A little weird

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    As the day turn into dark, Lu Tian open the door to their home. Yue Ling steps inside as he follows after.


    Just when he walked through the front door, he sees a white fluff ball pounce toward his wife with it¡¯s tail wagging happily. Shaking his head, Lu Tian close the door and change out of his shoes.


    "What do you want eat for dinner?"


    He asks while loosening his tie and already walking to the kitchen. After their long day, he knows his wife is hungry. Especially now that she is pregnant.


    Scratching the spot behind Inu¡¯s ear, Yue Ling kiss and adores her fur baby. Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s question, she stopped and looked at the man.


    Pursing her lip into thinking, she ponder for a moment.


    "Hmm.... how about we go for grab some food at the food stall down the street."


    "Food stall?"


    What is that?


    Lu Tian asks the question in his head. He¡¯s never ate at a food stall before. It was either home cooked meals by his own hands, at his parent¡¯s ce or at a restaurant for meetings.


    "Mm. We can also go for a small walk."


    Yue Ling said as she stood up and walks to the kitchen where the tall and handsome man was. Seeing the confused look on his face, she couldn¡¯t help but let out a chuckle.


    Stopping in front of Lu Tian, she entwine her fingers with his. Staring up at the man, she smile.


    "Tian, not every delicious food need to be expensive. You will be greatly surprised."


    Yue Ling then turns to the living room and looks at Inu. Her expression softened and she sigh.


    "Besides, it¡¯s been a while since I had a walk with my favorite Samoyed."


    "Woof!"


    Hearing her words, Inu¡¯s ears perked up and he jumped in joy. With a load of energy, he ran in circles with his tail wagging happily.


    Lately, it¡¯s been the evil peasant who takes him out on his walks. Since his mommy is taking him, how can he not be excited?!


    "Let¡¯s change and go."


    Yue Ling release her hands from Lu Tian¡¯s and heads to her closet room. However, before she could even take a step, Lu Tian grabs her wrist. Looking back at him, she tilt her head and was confused. His face expression was full of worry.


    "Tian?"


    "But what about¡ª-"


    Quickly, he stops himself from saying anything further. Staring at Yue Ling¡¯s, he frowns. He almost exposed the fact that he knows about their baby. Good thing he caught himself in time. Looking down at the slim wrist in his hand, he could only sigh.


    "We just got back to Imperial. You¡¯re not tired? And it¡¯s gettingte."


    He didn¡¯t mind going for a walk at this time, but his wife is pregnant. Wouldn¡¯t walking tire her more? Especially when they just came back?


    "Tian, you silly."


    Yue Ling chuckles and gently flicks Lu Tian¡¯s forehead in a yful motion. She then points to the window and grinned.


    "The sun has yet to set. Besides, if I get tired along the way, you can just carry me."


    Seeing his wife¡¯s heart beating smile, Lu Tian knew he couldn¡¯t argue with her further. Plus, she was right. The sun hasn¡¯t set, so he can¡¯t say anything back and if she was tired, he will just carry her.


    He¡¯s done it plenty of times and doing so in public wasn¡¯t something he¡¯d care if people gossip.


    Sighing inside, he nod his head.


    "Fine, but if you get tired, you can¡¯t argue with me on how I choose to carry you."


    Hisst word fell as his figure already walks off in the direction of the bedroom. He knows that if he does this, Yue Ling would not be able to retort back.


    "...."


    From the kitchen, if Lu Tian had turn around, he would see, not only a dumbfounded Yue Ling, but a dumbfounded Inu too.


    Yue Ling stare with heavy eyes until the man disappeared into he bedroom. She had only said the carrying her part to tease him. How did it end up like this?


    Slightly turning to the livingroom, she looks at Inu.


    "He¡¯s a little weird, don¡¯t you think so?"


    "Woof!"


    Inu barks a response and turns to his bed. If his enemy had said no, he would have thrown a hug fit. However, since the man had said they¡¯ll go, he won¡¯t. For now, his mommy and the evil peasant are going to get ready, so he will nap.


    Watching Inuy on his bed, Yue Ling shrug her shoulders with a sigh. Walking through the hallway, she enters her closet room.


    Shortly after, Lu Tian walks out from the bedroom. He wore a ck windbreaker with his ck shorts over his running tights.


    When he stepped into the livingroom, he was mesmerized by his wife again.


    Yue Ling squat down next to Inu. Her beautiful dark long hair was tied into a high ponytail. With her hair pulled back, one could see her beautiful face.


    Sensing his gaze on her, Yue Ling looks in his direction and smiles.


    "Ready?"


    Hooking the leash onto Inu¡¯s cor, she stood up. She wore a tight matching outfit that showed every curve she had. Even though it was ck, a few abstracts of colors were added making her look even more stunning.


    She puts on her windbreaker jacket and zips it up.


    Looking at his wife, Lu Tian wish it was only him who gets to see her like this. Even though her outfit was very simple, just her aura alone was enough to define the beauty in her.


    His mind couldn¡¯t help but sneakily nce at her stomach. Just how amazing would she look when it gets bigger. However, thinking of something, he frown.


    "Why are you wearing so little?"


    Lu Tian unzips his jacket and ce around Yue Ling. He takes a step back and nod his head in satisfaction.


    "This is better."


    His jacket was bigger. It covered her perfect figure, only showing her head and slim legs. The most important part was that it covered her bottom. If he could he would want to wrap her face too, so no one can look at her but him. However, he knows he can¡¯t do that.


    Not waiting for a response, he walks back to the bedroom and grab another jacket.


    "..."


    Yue Ling press her lips together to hide herugh as she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Looking down at Inu, she shook her head and sighed.


    As Lu Tian returns to the living room with an almost identical jacket, the both of them changed into their running shoes.


    "Come Inu, lets go."


    Yue Ling held the leash in her hand. Walking out of the penthouse, Inu took the lead as Lu Tian follow behind Yue Ling. Both the human and Samoyed acted like bodyguards protecting their most beloved treasure.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 200 As beautiful as Diao Chan

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    The sky ame with the setting sun with the wind being to cool. Shadows of the people walking also stretch long and thin.


    Amongst the people were three figures. A tall handsome man holding a beautiful woman¡¯s hand. In the woman¡¯s other hand was a leash connecting to the white fluff ball taking the lead.


    "Tian, let¡¯s eat here."


    Yue Ling points to a small food stall. Her expression full of happiness as food was one of her best friends.


    Seeing her excited look, Lu Tian sighed inside. How can he ever say no to her? Nodding his head, the both of them stopped in front of the food stall. The stall wasn¡¯t big like the other ones, but the aroma filling the air was delicious and captivating.


    Inu looked around for a quick second beforeying down. After their short walk here, he was very tired.


    "Hi!!"


    Yue Ling called out cheerfully. She looked left and right to find the owner. Not seeing anyone, she frowned.


    "Tian, howe there¡¯s no one?"


    Lu Tian also looked around for the owner. Usually one wouldn¡¯t leave their work. Looking at the food, he frown. The food were still warm as steam could be seen. Turning to look across the street, he pursed his lip.


    "Lets go to the one across the street. The owner here must have gone on break."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling pout her lip. She looks at the food stall across the street then back to the one they were at.


    "But....."


    Although the one here didn¡¯t have as many people as the one across, she didn¡¯t care. ncing around the stall, her eyes lit up.


    "Sorry, my old ears could not hear that well."


    An elderlydy with gray hair steps out from the corner. She was sitting behind her food stall because no one wasing by. Looking at Lu Tian, her expression was half cheerful, but the moment she saw Yue Ling, her eyes lit up.


    "How can I help you two young people?"


    Yue Ling smiles at the olddy, "We¡¯d like to eat here."


    The olddy held her smile, but looking around her area, her expression turned sad.


    "My food stall has no tables...."


    Lu Tian did not make a change in his expression. He had long noticed that there were no tables, but looking at his wife, his expression softened. It was her decision.


    Of course, Yue Ling chuckles at the olddy¡¯s words. Stepping closer to the food, her smile widens.


    "Nai nai, you¡¯re food smells the most delicious. Even if I don¡¯t have to sit, I would still like to eat here. Can we start with two steamed buns, please?"


    The olddy smiles at Yue Ling¡¯s words. She felt her heart warming just hearing the angelic voice. Her eyes may be bad due to old age, but from the feeling she got from Yue Ling, she knew this customer was genuine with her words.


    Usually when she has customers, it was because they were in a rush and needed food. If not that then it was because the food stall across the street was too packed. Leaving the customers no choice but toe to her old and small food stall.


    Wrapping two steamed buns, she hands it Yue Ling, "You remind me of a young girl I used to take care of..."


    Taking the steamed buns, Yue Ling hands one to Lu Tian then she takes a bite from hers. Hearing the olddy¡¯s words, she smiles with food in her mouth, making her look like a chipmunk.


    "Oh. If you don¡¯t mind me asking, who is it?"


    "Hehe, she was a goddess, her beauty was just like yours. As beautiful as Diao Chan."


    "..."


    The olddyughs as she points to the sky and grinned at Yue Ling. The wrinkles on her face creased more.


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded. He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. If it wasn¡¯t for his mastered supreme poker face, he would of gave away the feelings he just felt.


    "Hahah¡ª Diao Chan is one of the Four Beauties. This person must truly be beautiful then."


    Yue Ling however,ughed her heart out. Even though the olddy seemed to speaking nonsense, she wasn¡¯t afraid to show her feelings and she liked the olddy. She gave a feeling simr to her deceased grandmother.


    Continuing to eat the steamed bun, Lu Tian didn¡¯t say anything but only looked at Yue Ling with a fond smile. She was so outstanding that he wanted to think of a way to keep her by his side. Otherwise, if in the future someone came and stole her away from him, even if he wanted to cry about it, he wouldn¡¯t be able to.


    Inu however, held a solemn expression. Resting his head on his paws, he regrets this walk. If he knew he¡¯d be without food, he would have went with the evil peasant¡¯s words and note.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    While Yue Ling, Lu Tian and Inu continue to spend their time, things were also taking ce in a part of the Ji Mansion.


    In the kitchen of one of the building in the back, a boy in his twenties sat by a window. He seemed to be lost in thoughts as he stare unblinkingly at the bowl of food in front of him.


    "Kid, your leg is almost good as new again."


    An older boy about the age of 27 ce his food bowl on the table and sits down. He takes a bite of his food then drinks the ss of water. Swallowing his food, he frowns at the younger man next to him.


    "Ting, you didn¡¯t hear me?"


    Ting, who was in daze was awoken. Turning his head to the older boy, he faintly smiles.


    "Liangcai, is the Ji family really good people?"


    Ever since Yue Ling brought him here, he¡¯s been asking that question in his mind. How can there exist such kind people in this world? Would someone really take in an orphan, like him?


    Lingcai put his chopsticks down and sighed. Lifting his hand, he pat Ting¡¯s shoulder.


    "Kid, I know how you feel. That¡¯s exactly how I felt when I was first taken in. My advice to you is, don¡¯t let the dirtiness of this world devour your mind and heart."


    He stare out to the window and the corner of his lip curl upwards.


    "But, it¡¯s not all the Ji¡¯s who are like this. Only General Ji, young Miss and the young master. They are the good people..." As hisst word fell, Liangcai¡¯s expression darkened. Clenching his fists, he continued his words. "Whereas the other Ji members are nothing but snakes scheming in the dark."


    Hearing this, Ting looks at Lingcai in confusion. His brows furrow together as he ponder at the words. Snakes scheming in the dark? So that meant the Ji family must be waiting for a chance.


    Nodding his head, he picked his chopsticks up and began eating. Even if he wanted to know the rest of the story, it is not his ce to dig around.


    All he knows is that, since Yue Ling and General Ji took him in, he will definitely repay them. Whether it is with his life or a lifetime of serving them, he will do it. They are his saviors and for his saviors, he will protect. Especially his idol.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 201 100 yuan

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    In a very secluded area from Imperial, a house stood it¡¯s ground. Alone and stranded as trees surround it like a nket. All the lights in the house was on, but only the master bedroom was very on.


    Converse in an intense activity was a man and woman sharing their desires as one.


    "Ahh~!"


    A woman with brown hair cried a moan as she reached her climax. The man on top of her pulls out and stood from the bed. His naked figure disappears into the bathroom to clean off.


    The woman nce in the direction the man went. Laying in the bed, she sighs before reaching for her phone. Sliding her screen unlock, she scrolls through her WeChat. Seeing a post, she couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    "What are you smiling about?"


    The man¡¯s sudden voice catches the woman¡¯s attention. She smiles at him and puts her phone back on the side table.


    "It¡¯s nothing. I was reading a friend¡¯s post."


    She stare at the man as he walks towards her. He had wrapped himself with a robe, but his long blonde hair covering half his face made him look even more alluring.


    Sitting up, the hands a cigarette to the man and flick the lighter on.


    "You always know me best. Don¡¯t you, Hua."


    Hua smiles at the man. After the cigarette was lit, she ce the lighter down. She looked at the man and sheys down on her side.


    "Any thing for you, Sun."


    Choi Li Sun sat down on a chair by the window and smoked the cigarette. Taking a puff, his eyes looked indifferently at the woman in bed.


    His mind could not help, but think about how he got to this situation. If it wasn¡¯t for someone¡¯s small mistake, he, a famous underworld boss, would never have to hide here.


    "Have you started what I ordered you to do?"


    Lifting her arm, her fingers ran through her hair, allowing it to slowly fall onto her shoulder like silk.


    "I have. It¡¯s only a matter of time before everything falls into ce."


    "Good."


    Sun blows a puff of smoke out the window. He leaned against the chair and smirk. Staring at the burning end of his cigarette, his eyes held dangerous and evil thoughts.


    Once Huapletes this task, he can proceed with the rest of his ns. Even if he¡¯s hiding in China, his men back in City Z areying low until he give the order. Of course, for now, he can only use Hua to help him hide.


    Watching the man in a daze, Hua stood from the bed and walks over to him. Leaning over to Sun, she ce her hands on his shoulders.


    "I want to take a shower."


    She nts a kiss on Sun¡¯s lip and walks in the direction of the bathroom. Her naked body was exposed as she did not care if the man was watching her intensely.


    Moments after, the sound of the shower running sounds the room. Sun nce at the bathroom. Killing the cigarette, he stood from the chair and untied the robe. Making his way to the bathroom, he joins the brown hair beauty in the shower.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Woof."


    Inu sounds a small bark. He circle around his mommy and gently nudge his head by her leg.


    "What is it baby?"


    Yue Ling swallow her food and lower her head to the Samoyed. When Inu knew that he had caught his mommy¡¯s attention, he lift his head to meet her eyes and gesture to her. She turn in the direction he pointed with his head and she was surprised.


    "Oh my, I didn¡¯t even realized that the sun had set. Tian, why didn¡¯t you say something."


    "You didn¡¯t ask."


    Lu Tian nce at his wife and shrug his shoulder indifferently. He just continued to eat his barbecue chicken stick.


    "..."


    Staring at the man, Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Lu Tian looked cold and aloof, but each time he took a bite out of the food, she could see a tinge of happiness in his dark eyes.


    Shaking her head, she looks at the olddy, "Nai nai, how much is the total?"


    The olddy grinned, "100 yuan."


    Yue Ling smiles and hands the olddy 200 yuan. She didn¡¯t show any hesitation at all.


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Seeing the amount given, he frown. Not because of the wrong amount, but in confusion. Judging from the food they ate and calcting the total, it would of been only 30 yuan. Why would the olddy say 100 yuan and his wife give 200?


    "Come Tian, let¡¯s go."


    Yue Ling wrap her arms with Lu Tian¡¯s and smiles at the man. She didn¡¯t want for an answer and quickly drag him away.


    Looking back, she smiles and wave her hand to the olddy with a cheerful smile.


    "Nai nai! I¡¯lle back to eat more next time!"


    "Come visit soon."


    The olddy smiles and chuckles at Yue Ling¡¯s happy expression. She waved both her hands back and looked like a small elementary kid.


    Turning to look ahead, when they were a distance away from the food stall, Yue Ling¡¯s cheerful expression disappeared. She sighed and grief filled her.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Lu Tian asked as he nce down at his wife. He slightly pout his lip. Just moments ago she was happy and now, she¡¯s like this. Was it because she realized she had been lied to?


    "Tian...."


    Yue Ling stopped in her steps and looks up at the man. Her eyes held thousands of emotions. Emotions that could not be put into words.


    "That nai nai... she has Alzheimer..."


    Lu Tian arch a brow in shocked and surprise. Who wouldn¡¯t have the same reaction as he did to his wife? His wife knew by one nce only?


    He furrow his brows and try to recall the olddy¡¯s actions, but he couldn¡¯t put everything together. The olddy acted like someone of old age only.


    Seeing Lu Tian¡¯s confused look, Yue Ling sighed. Tightening her hand around his, she smiles faintly.


    "My Hal-abeoji was diagnosed with Alzheimer before he left this world. I guess you can say, it¡¯s something I¡¯ve be ustomed at a nce. You know¡ª"


    *craaaaaaasssh!!*


    "HEY!! WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING?!!"


    "STOP!!!"


    Just before Yue Ling could continue her words, the voices of people shouting over voiced hers and running in the direction they had came from.


    Turning her head, she frown and tries to see. When her eyes caught sight of the situation, it widens in shocked.


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian asked. At first, he didn¡¯t care for it, but seeing the change in his wife¡¯s expression, he knew something must be wrong. Following her eyes, his eyes dimmed when he sees what she saw. Some people had started to gather around the small food stall that they had juste from.


    "Tian, let¡¯s go see what happened."


    "Mm."


    Walking up to the food stall, Inu squeezed through the crowd, while Lu Tian stretch his arms out to let his wife pass through.


    The people gathered were more than they thought. Some shouting while some there to see what happened.


    "Let her go! She didn¡¯t do anything!"


    "Why are you hooligans doing this?!"


    Just when Yue Ling reached the front of the crowd, her eyes slightly falter before they darken. From behind, the space between Lu Tian¡¯s brow creased into two lines and his eyes turned dangerous. Grabbing Yue Ling¡¯s hand, he quickly, but gently shove her behind him.


    "Stay behind me."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 202 Stay still

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The crowd gathering the street seemed to have gotten worse. People were shoving and shouting.


    "Why are you hooligans alwaysing here?"


    "Leave her alone!"


    The food stall owned by the olddy was flipped over with all the food scattered on the ground.


    Lu Tian felt another sudden push. He frown in thought about his pregnant wife. Pulling Yue Ling from behind him, he wrap his arm around her. That way, when the people bump, they¡¯d bumped into him and not her.


    "Stay still."


    Yue Ling did not answer as her eyes remained locked on the olddy. She was crouching on the ground and crying. Standing in front of her were three hooligans. One had his fish in the air, while his other hand grabbed hold of the olddy¡¯s shirt.


    "Please let my grandmother go! She has Alzheimer and forgets. I swear we will pay you guys. Please don¡¯t hurt her anymore."


    Hearing the voice of a young girl, Yue Ling nce to her. It was a girl who looked to be the same age as Jingxu. She wore her uniform, but judging by the looks of it, they didn¡¯t go to the same school.


    "Tian....."


    Yue Ling frown at the girls words. She looked up at Lu Tian and to her surprised, the man¡¯s expression was deathly grave. He looked like Asura resurrected from hell. She quickly shut her mouth and turn back to look at the situation.


    People amongst the crowd were disgusted by the hooligans¡¯ actions. Soon, whispers surround them.


    "These people are always here tearing this ce up."


    "Just yesterday they came here to collect their money already. Why are they here again?!"


    "They alwayse to this food stall because the grandma has Alzheimer. She forgets everyday and it¡¯s easier to pick on the family."


    "Still, why hasn¡¯tw enforcement taken care of this?"


    "Shh. These hooligans belong to an underground gang. I heard they are vicious and steals anything valuable."


    "SHUT UP!!! YOU WANT TO PAY UP THEN?!!"


    One of the men roared out to the crowd. His eyes ring at all the people gathered to watch the show.


    "We told you guys to pay up by today. Why are you not paying up?!"


    The man holding the olddy roared as he lift the olddy up. His expression was one of malicious intentions. Sneering, he looks at the high school girl.


    "Since your family cannot pay up, why don¡¯t you service us for the night."


    Hearing this the girl¡¯s expression turned grave and pale. She clench her fist as tears fall from her eyes. Looking at the crowd, her eyes pleaded for help, yet.....


    No one...


    Even when the people spoke their thoughts, no one took any action. Who could me them though, these men were gang members....


    Some people amongst the crowd didn¡¯t want to watch or be apart of this, so they quickly disperse as if nothing happened.


    Seeing this, Yue Ling sighed in pity. Not at the family being bullied, but at the people who are turning a blind eye. She straightened her posture and just when she parted her lips to speak, someone spoke out first.


    "Let them go."


    The deepness of the man¡¯s tone was cold and indifferent, but if one listened carefully one would have sense the dangerous aura behind it.


    All three men were caught in surprised. Their head darting from all angles to find who spoke out. Not seeing the person, one of the man roared out as he point the metal pipe in his hand out.


    "Who was it? Come out since you dare to interrupt us!"


    Yue Ling lift her head and looks at the tall and mighty man who held her closely to him. He looks down at her and reluctantly lets her go.


    Lu Tian looks back at the three men and he takes a step forward. Pushing Yue Ling behind him, he nce at Inu who was at their side.


    Like they had read each other¡¯s minds, Inu shift his posture and moves in front of his mommy. His stance standing brace and might with his chest sticking out.


    "Ho Ho, seems like Mr. Good Looks here is trying to impress his woman."


    The man hold the olddy sneers. He ruthlessly drops the olddy and tilt his head to look behind Lu Tian. However, knowing Lu Tian, he didn¡¯t want disgusting eyes on his wife, so he quickly steps to the side and block the man¡¯s view.


    "Nai nai!"


    The girl crawls to her grandmother and helps her. Crying, she hugs her grandmother as she felt pain in her heart.


    "Diao Chan has returned."


    The olddyughs like a child and points to Yue Ling. Even with the situation like this, there was no fear in her.


    Yue Ling slightly pursed her lip in sorrow. Staring at the olddy, she couldn¡¯t help feel a tinge of pain in her heart.


    To be old and diagnosed with Alzheimer, yet people were still cruel enough to use it as an advantage.


    Her hal-abeoji.... he suffered the same thing...


    "Hey buddy, how about you hand over your woman. If you do that, we¡¯ll let this family go."


    Lu Tian arch a brow at the man¡¯s words. He tilt his head as his expression was his usual indifferent.


    However, to the three men, it was a taunt. They nce quickly at each other and came to an understanding.


    "Hmmf, want to show off? We¡¯ll see about that then."


    One man rushes up at Lu Tian, swinging the metal pipe in his hand, he aims straight for Lu Tian¡¯s head.


    Lu Tian did not budge, his eyes locked on the man and not the weapon. Just as it nears his head, he dodges it and takes a step forward. His left hand grabs the man¡¯s wrist holding the metal pipe.


    *aaaack*


    The sound of bone breaking echoes as Lu Tian twist the man¡¯s wrist backward. Before anyone had the time to blink, his right hand had already swung and aimed at the man¡¯s face.


    "Arrrrggh!!!!"


    The man shouts in pain as he falls onto the ground. His hand holding his broken wrist while blood poured down from his nose. He was in intense pain.


    Both the men looked at their brother then to each other. Quickly, the rush at Lu Tian.


    And like their brother, both men also fell to the ground. Their face covered in bruise and blood. Their eyes ring daggers at Lu Tian for humiliating them like this.


    Yue Ling watched everything unfold and she pped her hands inside. Looking at Lu Tian she was surprised because she had thought him to be a shameless businessman only. Never did she think him to be a great fighter too.


    Lu Tian looks down at the three men and a quiet scoff escapes his indifferent expression. To think these men were actually weaklings. Shaking his head, he turns to walk back to his wife.


    Seeing that Lu Tian was safe with no wounds, Yue Ling sighed in relief. However, from the corner of her eyes, she sees one of the men stumble to stand up and reach for a metal pipe.


    Her expression was calm as she didn¡¯t give away any hint that the man had stood up. She looked directly at the handsome man approaching her. Slowly, her lips parted and an foreign word escapes her mouth.


    "Z¨¢chvat."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 203 Peace of cake

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    From amongst the crowd, as swiftly as a ninja a white fluff ball jumps out into action.


    His speed quickens. Opening his mouth, he bites the man¡¯s hand holding the metal pipe. Swinging his body as he weigh his weight down, he quickly takes down the man.


    "Arg¡ª!"


    The man who had got up did not know how, but all he knew was that he had fallen back to the ground. Only a squeal of pain escaped his mouth before the pain was too much. His action were like a newborn baby crying with no sound.


    *aaaaank*


    The metal pipe that was in his hand was tossed high into the air before it drops to the ground near his head.


    Inu stance his posture. His expression as if saying, ¡¯peace of cake¡¯. Raising his head high, he walks to his mother. Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to walk over the three men.


    "Yay! My baby is the best!!"


    Yue Ling apuse her baby and squat down to hug him. She caress his soft fur and smiled happily. Inu looks at Lu Tian and his expression full of taunting.


    ¡¯Hmmf. You¡¯re not the only one with moves. Plus, I just saved your life.¡¯


    "..."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Shaking his head, he pats Inu¡¯s head.


    "Thanks little guy."


    Even if the Samoyed had not ¡¯saved¡¯ him, he would have taken down the man. The only reason why he didn¡¯t was because he saw his wife¡¯s lip part in saying a word.


    If he had heard correctly, his wife had spoken in Czech. He stare at the beautiful woman and the Samoyed. Inu¡¯s attack was timely trained. Especially how it moved right when Yue Ling spoke. No, she didn¡¯t speak, it was more like a faint whisper. Suddenly, he thought back to the time when Inu¡¯s attitude changed into a guard dog... He looks at his wife.


    "Yue Ling¡ª"


    "Boss!!"


    Before Lu Tian could finish, a man¡¯s voice shouts out from behind the crowd. Everyone¡¯s attention turn to the owner.


    A bulky man waved his hands as he squeezes through the crowd to his boss. Behind him were five other men. Stopping in front of Lu Tian, he catches his breath.


    "Boss, where are they? How dare they cause a disaster in Imperial?!! Let me teach them a lesson."


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Inu: "woof!" ; ¡¯Toote, slow poke.¡¯


    "Jiang Yu."


    Hearing his name, Jiang Yu straighten his posture and his demeanor quickly changes.


    "Captain!"


    Lu Tian looked at his men then down at Inu. Seeing how Inu was quicker than them, he sighed inside. If his men were half as quick as Inu, how good would his Wolf Team be.


    Sighing again, he decides that once morning rises, he will send out an order to have all the members train again. Maybe then, they can cross paths with Old man Ji¡¯s mysterious fighter.


    "Take those three men to the police station. Find out which gang they are from."


    Jiang Yu turn his head and when he saw the three men still groaning in pain, he pout his lips. He was out drinking with some of the Wolf Team members. Out of no where, his boss had suddenly sent a code message on his location. Everyone in Wolf Team knows that code meant danger. However.....


    These three men looked like they had ran into hell, just what kind of danger was here?


    Of course, Jiang Yu did not know that Lu Tian had sent that code message because he was worried about his wife. She was pregnant and anything that can happen is dangerous.


    Before he took action, he had secretly sent his location to his team. It wasn¡¯t for back up, but to protect his wife. However, who would have thought that things took a different route.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t say another word, he turn to the side and looked at his wife. But she was no where in sight. Scanning the area, his eyes dimmed and moved like eagles.


    From just a few feet away from him, was the woman he loves. He didn¡¯t know when, but she had already left his side to help the olddy and girl up. Knowing she wasn¡¯t in harm, he sighed in relief.


    "Diao Chan... Diao Chan saved us!"


    The olddy cries in joy as she held both Yue Ling¡¯s hands. Her expression did not look like one who was scared, it was more of one like a child meeting their superhero.


    "Are you two alright?"


    Yue Ling smiles and asked as she wrap her arm around the olddy. She looks at the young girl and she felt a tinge of sorrow dawn on her. How can people be treated like this?


    "Thank you for helping us."


    The girl smiles faintly at Yue Ling. She held her grandmother¡¯s hand tightly and wipe her tears. If Yue Ling didn¡¯t step in, who knows what would have happened to them.


    "It¡¯s okay. Bring your grandmother home, these men won¡¯t be able to hurt your family anymore."


    Yue Ling assures the girl. She will have Liu Shan and Lin Hui search for this disgusting gang and end their lives for hurting innocent people. Especially for hurting this nai nai and her family.


    "Let¡¯s go. My men will take care of this."


    From behind, Lu Tian¡¯s voice suddenly speaks out. His only thoughts now is to get his wife home. Never will he let them go on another ¡¯walk¡¯ again. This one ¡¯walk¡¯ led to something else and he doesn¡¯t want his innocent and pure wife to be put in danger.


    Yue Ling pursed her lip at the man. She wanted to make sure that the olddy and girl were safe before going home. How can she...


    "We¡¯ll be fine."


    The young girl taps Yue Ling¡¯s hand and she smiles a smile of someone who had been saved. Leaning forward, she whispers to Yue Ling.


    "I know who you are, I won¡¯t tell anyone."


    Yue Ling¡¯s brows arch upwards in surprise. Looking at the girl, she smiles and nod her head. Turning to look at the situation, Yue Ling sighed in relief. Lu Tian¡¯s men were here and the three men were already cuffed.


    Her eyesnded on the broken food stall and she looks at Lu Tian. Just when she wanted to speak, the man had already read her mind.


    "I¡¯ll have my assistant get a new one."


    He finished his words and held his wife¡¯s hand. Guiding her in the direction of their home, Inu follows in pursuit. Unlike the time when they arrived, this time, he walked beside his mommy with his leash half in in his mouth and the other half dragging on the ground.


    As the small family disappears in the direction they came from, the crowd also left.


    Across the the street, a group of men had saw everything take ce. A man around the age of 35 stood from his chair. Tossing the cigarette in his hand to the ground he crushed it with his feet. ring in a certain direction, he leaves the ce he sat.


    "Follow them and contact meter."


    "Yes, boss."


    The man¡¯s subordinates nod their head. Half leaves with the man and the other half follow in pursuit of their boss¡¯s order.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 204 Such a pity

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    As the small family walked back to Jade Condos, the red sky from earlier had be dark. The streetmps turned on to light their way.


    Arriving at Jade Condos, Lu Tian opens the entrance door for his wife. As he did so, he nce in the direction they came. His dark eyes looking indifferently to a certain area that did not havemps. Turning away, he enters after his wife and the Samoyed.


    "Tian? What¡¯s wrong?"


    Yue Ling tilt her head and asked the man. Although his action was quick, she knew that look very well. She too had felt it when they were walking back.


    "It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s go inside."


    Lu Tian shook his head and answered. He doesn¡¯t want to frighten his wife. She is with child and anything can happen. Reaching the elevator, he press the button and the doors slide open. The couple and the Samoyed stepped inside as the door close behind them.


    Outside in the darkness, behind a tree that was across from Jade Condos, a bearded man steps out. He stare at Jade Condo.


    "Bro, do you think that man saw us? What do we do now?"


    The man¡¯s subordinate asks as he steps out from the other side. Both men staring at Jade Condo¡¯s luxurious building.


    The bearded man shook his head, "Even if he had looked over here, there¡¯s no way he saw us. However, that ce is Jade Condos. The owner is not someone we can easily mess with. For now, we¡¯ll go report back to boss."


    "But they put our brothers behind bar! Are we just going to let them go?"


    "Old Luo isn¡¯t someone we can cross paths with."


    "Old Lu? He¡¯s just an old man now, why should we hold back?"


    "Shut up! I said we¡¯ll go report back. Boss will know what to do."


    The bearded man signal with his hand to his otherrades in hiding. He looks in the direction of Jade Condos onest time before he quickly leaves the area and return to his boss.


    The area became quiet as no one was ever there. Seconds after the men left, an old figure holding a cane steps out from one side of Jade Condos. He looked at the area the men were hiding and his eyes narrowed into darkness.


    "Hmmf. Don¡¯t take the old man for a fool."


    Manager Luo scoffed inside. He may be old, but that doesn¡¯t mean he is not the man he once was. Did those people think he was an idiot? Of course he wasn¡¯t. Not only that, the two people these men were after are ones they shouldn be worrying about.


    If they think he is someone not to offend, Lu Tian is by far the man they should fear. Not only Lu Tian, Han Yue Ling is the one they should fear the most. She is the one capable of collecting an entire gang¡¯s fate, including there¡¯s.


    Such a pity, those people don¡¯t know anything.


    Shaking his head, he enters his Jade Condos. He willmence his group to tighten the security here. If anything happens to Yue Ling, who knows what kind of wrath he will receive from Old Ji. Not only that, even Old Han will wake up from the dead ande for him as a ghost.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling stepped out of the shower feeling fresh and clean. Coming to the bed, she pull theforter over her body and positioned herself. Reaching for her phone, she dials Liu Shan, the great¡¯s number.


    ["Hi Boss!"]


    "Three men were taken to the police station today. Find out which gang they are from."


    ["Uhh... okay. Got it."]


    Ending the call, she looks at the screen. It was her list of contacts and a name pops up. Sighing, she taps on the number and sends a message.


    After she was done, she puts her phone back on the table and rest her head on the pillow.


    "Not sleeping yet?"


    Just when she was about to close her eyes, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice enter her ears. Yue Ling looked at the balcony door and there he was, looking mighty and heavenly in his ck robe. She smiles at him and adjust her body on the bed.


    "I just got in bed. Is everything alright?"


    Lu Tian locked the balcony door and strides over to his side of the king size bed. He takes his robe off revealing his shirtless body. Getting under theforter, he wraps the slim Beauty with his arms and pulls her closer to him.


    "Mm. I just needed to make a phone call."


    Yue Ling turned her body to face the man and she wraps her arms around his waist. She then snuggle her cheeks against the man¡¯s hard chest.


    "I¡¯m sleepy now."


    Hearing his wife¡¯s childlike voice, he chuckles and lower his head to hers. nting a kiss on her lip, he does so with her forehead. Leaning his head against hers, his arms tighten around her.


    "Mm. Let¡¯s sleep."


    Even though he said that, Lu Tian did not fall asleep right away. Shortly after, the bedroom became quiet and the soft breathing sound of Yue Ling sleeping.


    Lu Tian looked at the sleeping face of his wife. He smiled and gently caress her cheek. She looked so peaceful like nothing in the world could disturb her sleep.


    He still hasn¡¯t heard from H International¡¯s side about L¡¯amour de ma vie. If things don¡¯t go like how he nned, then he will go with n b.


    The only reason we chose L¡¯amour de ma vie was because of the word L¡¯amour. It was the same as his wife¡¯s passion, De L¡¯amour.


    "Mmm....."


    Yue Ling mumbled in her sleep. Turning her body around, her back faced the man. Unconsciously, she scooted back until she felt the man¡¯s warmth and snuggle in his arms.


    He held his breath when he felt his wife¡¯s bottom resting against the sleeping dragon. Her position now is one that is slowly turning him on. However, he closed his eyes and struggle a hard swallow. She is pregnant and as much as he wants to be one with her, he knows he can¡¯t. Suppressing the desire inside, he hugs her tighter and closed his eyes.


    Due to him having a hard time, he started counting the annoying Inus jumping over the moon.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    In another part of Imperial, quietness ovepped the expensive bungalows. People were already asleep, except for one.


    The lights inside this bungalow was brightly turned on and a shadowy figure could be seen pacing back and forth inside a room.


    A woman with pixie cut hair stood in front of her mirror. In both her hands were different styles of clothes still hung on the hangers.


    "Ahhh!! What should I wear? What should I wear?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er frown as everything in her closet didn¡¯t look nice enough. Turning to face the pile of clothes on her bed and the floor, she sighed.


    "Ahh... so many clothes, yet nothing to wear..."


    Tossing all the clothes onto the floor, she jumps onto her bed like superman. Grabbing her phone, she looks at the screen and then hugs her phone with an excited squirm.


    "My best friend finally wants to go out~! My best friend finally wants to go out~!"


    Closing her eyes, she decides that she will sleep on the thought of what to wear tomorrow. However, it was very hard for her. She is too excited.


    Just moments ago, she had just came home from work and when she got out of the shower, she received a text. At first she didn¡¯t think much of it because it was always Xie Na who bugs her.


    However, good thing she decided to check, because it was her best friend who suddenly messaged her. Just how long has she been waiting for this?!


    Maybe she and Yue Ling can go shopping! Not only shopping, but get their nails and hair done. Oh, and also have lunch together!


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 205 I do love her

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    A coppery sun skimmed the horizon. It¡¯s rays of light poured through the windows of penthouse 1503.


    "Mm....."


    Yue Ling woke up from her sweet dream and stretched her arms. With sleepy eyes, she looks at the spot next to her.


    "You¡¯re awake."


    Hearing the voice she didn¡¯t expect, she turns to look at the door. Seeing Lu Tian already dressed in all ck and ready for work, Yue Ling arch her brows.


    "Well, you¡¯re always the early one."


    She lifts theforter and gets out of bed. Out of habit, she fix the bed. Just when she was done and about to turn around, a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Yue Ling asked as it was unusual for Lu Tian to do this in the morning. Not only that, isn¡¯t he leaving for work?


    "I have an early meeting, so I wanted to hug you before I leave for work."


    Lu Tian rested his head on her shoulder and inhaled her unique scent that eases his mind. Moving one hand, he ce it on her stomach and gently caress it without making anything unnoticeable.


    He swore to protect Yue Ling and their baby. He will spoil the both of them and let them know, they are always safe.


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words, Yue Ling chuckles and squirm around to face the man. Looking up at him, she smiles and wrap her hands around his neck.


    "Silly, it¡¯s not like you won¡¯t see me."


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes did not leave Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green ones. Like a man in a trance, he lowered his head to kiss the woman.


    Just when he was about to kiss her, Yue Ling quickly cover Lu Tian¡¯s mouth with one hand. Her cheeks flushed red and she slightly lower her head bashfully.


    "I just woke up and haven¡¯t brushed my teeth."


    Lu Tian¡¯s lip curl upwards behind Yue Ling¡¯s hand. Lifting one hand, he held her hand covering his mouth and moves it.


    Lu Tian: "It¡¯s ok."


    Yue Ling: "Even when I have morning breath? What if it smells like fermented tofu?"


    Lu Tian: "That¡¯s fine with me too."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Lu Tian held in hisugh seeing Yue Ling¡¯s dumbfounded expression. Leaning forward, he kisses her lip that he loves so much.


    Pulling away, he sighed reluctantly. There¡¯s never a time when he wants to part from her. However, work calls and he needs to maintain a good ie to give to his wife and child.


    Not only that, he needs to find out which gang those men fromst night are from. Only by doing so, he can protect his family from any uing harm.


    He smiles a small smile and kiss Yue Ling¡¯s forehead. Stepping away, he chuckle at how she is still in a daze and stride out of the bedroom.


    "I already made breakfast, eat it while it¡¯s still warm."


    Yue Ling stare unblinking at Lu Tian¡¯s back. She was really surprised because of his answers. No matter how many times it is, she don¡¯t ever think she will get use to it.


    After a long while, her eyes finally blinked. She quickly shake herself back to her senses and walk to the bathroom to get ready. Doing so, she caress her stomach and chuckles.


    "Baby, your daddy is a little weird sometimes."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    With the sun slowly rising in the sky. Inside a building that looked to be abandoned, Liu Shan stood inside a tightly secured room. In front of him was a table full of boxes and wrapped up items that looked like logs.


    "This is all of the things."


    Master Zhi spoke as he sets a box on the table. Looking at Liu Shan, he sighed at how time flew by so quickly. When he met Liu Shan for the first time, he never thought the young man from back then would change so much. Yet, knowing that Liu Shan is always by Yue Ling¡¯s side, he can rx.


    Liu Shan scanned each item and nod his head, "Boss knew she could count on you to get these materials."


    "It¡¯s the least I can do. If it wasn¡¯t for her, I¡¯d never be where I am at, nor would this shop existed."


    Walking to another table by the window, Master Zhi pour himself a cup of tea. Taking a sip, he looks out the window.


    "Thest time I saw her was when she came for her grandfather¡¯s gift. How is she doing now?"


    "She¡¯s doing fine. Her ns are slowlying to ce. However, I just received news from over there that she has finally decided to sell L¡¯amour de ma vie."


    Hearing this, Master Zhi crease his brows and looks at Liu Shan. "She¡¯s finally moved on then?"


    Liu Shan nod his head and walks up to the table. He looked out the window and he sighed. "It¡¯s been three years already. I think it¡¯s time for her to move on too. She deserves to be happy like everyone else."


    Master Zhi nod his head, "Shin was a good man. Only a pity, he had to leave this world at such a young age. If Yue Ling can find a man to love her, that¡¯ll definitely make her deceased family happy."


    Liu Shan: "She is seeing Lu Tian."


    "Mm, that¡¯s good." Master Zhi nod his head and takes another sip of his tea. However, when Liu Shan¡¯s word processed correctly in his mind, he spit the tea out and starts coughing.


    "*cough* L-Lu Tian? *cough* The cold and ruthless business king?"


    Patting his chest, he wipes his mouth and looked at Liu Shan with wide eyes of disbelief.


    Liu Shan nce at the man and then back to the window. His reaction was quite simr to the middle age man¡¯s when he found out too. Sighing, he nod his head.


    "Mm. THAT Lu Tian."


    "...."


    Inplete shock, Master Zhi was at a loss for words. Putting the cup of tea down, he takes a deep breath to calm himself.


    "Ayyyy.... I really cannot believe this news at all."


    Sighing, he could only trust his instincts and respect Yue Ling¡¯s decision.


    "If that Lu boy is capable of loving and protecting her, then I will not go against them. However..."


    Thinking of the unimaginable, Master Zhi¡¯s eyes dimmed, "If he dares to cross the line and hurt her, I will not hesitate to return to my old self and take him down. Even if it means exchanging my life."


    Looking at Master Zhi, Liu Shan chuckles with a sigh. Lifting his hand he pats the middle aged man on the shoulder.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve been with boss for a long time. Although Lu Tian is known for his ruthlessness in the business world, if one is capable of protecting her, it is definitely him. Not only that, with me around, I will never let anyone hurt her."


    Master Zhi looks at Liu Shan and he narrow his eyes with a suspicious look.


    "You¡¯ve known her for so many years, yet...." He leans in to Liu Shan and whispers, "Do you love her?"


    "...."


    Hearing this, Liu Shan¡¯s cheek flush and his entire body froze for a quick second. Clearing his throat, he divert his eyes from the man. His expression and voice softens as he thinks about his beautiful boss. Her beauty that is iparable to any woman...


    "I do love her..."


    He doesn¡¯t me everyone else for thinking he loved his boss in a romantic way. He had always stood by her side since they met, how can he not love her...?


    It wasn¡¯t because she was the most beautiful woman he¡¯s evere across, but because she was the one who pulled him out of the darkness. The one who gave him a second chance at life.


    His boss has been through so much, all he knows is that, he wants his boss to be happy. Anyone who gets in the way of her happiness, he will definitely stop them.


    Thinking of his boss, his lip curl into a faint smile, "However, the way I love her is simr to a brother¡¯s love for his sister. Not only is she my boss and savior, she is my only family and sister."


    "Hahah!" Master Zhi let¡¯s out augh and pats Liu Shan on the back, "Aye... You were always by her side even when she had Shin, everyone thought you held one sided feelings. Now that you¡¯ve cleared this for me, I¡¯ll wait to know which lucky girl will receive the love from our little Shan."


    Liu Shan smiles and looked out the window to the rising sun peeking in the distance.


    Lost in his thoughts, his mind couldn¡¯t help but think of his pretty brown hair neighbor.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 206 One condition

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    While the streets started to fill with cars and people started making their way to work and school, a ck Mercedes stops in front of a coffee shop. The back door opened and a woman with pixie cut hair stepped out.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er had just arrived, waving her driver to leave, she walks to the coffee shop and sat at a table outside. Looking down at her choice of clothes, she nods her head in satisfaction.


    She wore a tan knee length dress and a ck leather jacket with a white scarf. Covering her legs were her ck tight stockings for warmth and a pair of ck ankle boots. Matching her outfit was her crossbody Chanel bag.


    "Wow, those are really nice boots."


    A voicements in Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s boots. Without paying much attention to the person, she smiles and nce down at her boots.


    "I know, right? I had to go through so much just to get them. They are from De L¡¯amour¡¯s limited edition 4 years ago. I saw my¡ª"


    Suddenly, her eyes widen and she quickly turn her head to the person.


    In front of her was her angelic idol and ¡¯best friend¡¯. Her hair elegantly bounce down her shoulder onto her back. She wore a loose grey turtle neck sweater and ck denim. Her feet were covered with her ck Louboutin heels.


    Shocked was written all over Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s face before she smiles widely and stood from her seat.


    "Yue Ling! You¡¯re here."


    Yue Ling smiles at the her. Pulling the chair beside Zhao Ya¡¯Er, she sits down.


    Before she came here, she had notify Liu Shan that wouldn¡¯t be be in for work untilter. She wanted to use this day to do some things.


    "Did you have to wait long?"


    Looking at Zhao Ya¡¯Er, she smiles with politeness. She is quite amaze as how Zhao Ya¡¯Er remembers when De L¡¯amour released the ankle boots she wore. Only a true fan will know, while others just want it because they can unt about it.


    "No, I just arrived."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles like a fangirl and waved her hands. Sighing, she can¡¯t help but be amazed by Yue Ling. Even with not much make up on, she is still beautiful.


    Thinking of something, her eyes lit up.


    "I heard there¡¯s a new shopping center that just opened near here. Do you like shopping? Should we go shopping? "


    "Mm, let¡¯s go."


    Both women stood from their seat and walked in the direction of the new shopping center. Neither were aware of the attraction they had just created.


    "Who are they? They¡¯re so beautiful."


    "Did you see their outfits? So simple, but very stylish!"


    Oblivious to their cause ofmotion, both women continue to with their walk. While Yue Ling was spending her morning with Zhao Ya¡¯Er, at Lu Corps was in a chaotic stress.


    Well, in the office of the cold and ruthless CEO.


    Lu Tian sat behind his desk with a solemn expression. He stare at the phone on his desk, but not hearing a ring, he abruptly stood from his chair.


    Walking to the floor to ceiling window, he couldn¡¯t help but pace back and forth.


    He had just went to meet with H International, but his patience is running out. His wife is pregnant and it¡¯s his responsibility for his actions.


    No, he doesn¡¯t want to marry Yue Ling because she is pregnant. He wants to marry her because he wants to spend the rest of his life with her.


    As Lu Tian continue to ponder in thoughts and pace back and forth in his office, his assistant¡¯s brain was going to explode.


    Xu Long¡¯s head darted side to side following his boss. The world seemed to be spinning as of right now. Lifting both his hands, he grab his head and held it in ce. Looking at his boss, he lets out a long sigh.


    Never has he ever seen his boss act this way.


    Never has his boss showed any signs of impatience for work or when the old house calls for him.


    Yet, here is his boss, panicking with impatience over a ring for hisdy boss.


    ¡¯Arghhh!! Why can¡¯t H International just give a call already?¡¯


    Xu Long clench his hair and looked up to the ceiling with pleading eyes as if asking god for help.


    ¡¯Give us a sign, please! Anything!!¡¯


    *ring ring*


    Xu Long: "..."


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Both men froze in ce as their heads turn to look at the phone. Neither made a sound or another move.


    *ring ring*


    The entire room was quiet except for the sound of the phone ringing. Lu Tian was the first to react. He quickly strides to his desk and picks up the phone, while Xu Long fell to his knees in slow motion.


    His prayers has been answered!!


    "Lu Tian."


    His deep hoarse voice escapes his lips.


    ["Good morning, Mr. Lu. This is Kang In-Sung from H International. I will cut to the chase about this call, my boss has given words to give L¡¯amour de ma vie to you."]


    "...."


    Lu Tian did not say a word. He could only feel the mountain on his shoulders suddenly flew away and he sighed in relief.


    ["Hello? Mr. Lu?"]


    "Mm."


    ["Oh... Ahem. However, my boss has one condition."]


    Hearing Kang In-Sung¡¯s words, the space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three lines. If H International¡¯s CEO has one condition about the ring, what could it be? If it¡¯s money, he has no obligations. He¡¯s a multi billionaire, he could care less about spending a huge amount of money. However..... thinking of something, his eyes dimmed.


    "What is the condition?"


    ["As you know, L¡¯amour de ma vie is a very important item to my boss. Even though my boss has agreed to part with it, my boss doesn¡¯t want to sell it¡ª"]


    As the words enter Lu Tian¡¯s ears, his expression darken and the entire room turned into a blizzard. Every remaining words from Kang In-Sung seemed to have muted. Xu Long held in his breath when he felt the sudden coldness engulf his boss¡¯s office.


    He gulped with difficulty as he stare at his boss. He can¡¯t hear what the person on the other side is saying, but judging from his boss¡¯s words and expression..... the other person must have said something wrong.


    Lu Tian clench the phone in his hand, he had been patient enough. Didn¡¯t Kang In-Sung just say his boss had agreed to sell the ring? Why is it that, he doesn¡¯t want to now? And one condition? What condition?


    Did H International¡¯s CEO take him for fool? If it¡¯s like this, so be it then. He doesn¡¯t need the ring. Just when he nned to end the conversation, Kang In-Sung¡¯s voice continues into the phone.


    ["In terms of everything I just mentioned, my boss¡¯s condition is to donate L¡¯amour de ma vie instead. My boss trusts that you will take a great care of it."]


    "....."


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded. His angry expression was now one indescribable. He pout his lip in thoughts. He was relieved that the condition was simple, however.....


    Donate?


    Was he some kind of charity business?


    No, he is Lu Tian, the CEO of Lu Corps. Never has anyone ¡¯donated¡¯ to him. It was him, who donates.


    However, as long as he gets L¡¯amour de ma vie, he will take this ¡¯donation¡¯.


    "Fine. I ept your boss¡¯s condition."


    ["Great. We will have someone personally send the ring to you. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Lu. You have good day."]


    Lu Tian end the call as Kang In-Sung hung up on the other line. Sitting down, he rxed his body and faint smile appear on his godlike face.


    Unlike Lu Tian, his assistant was dumbfounded. Xu Long felt his soul had left his body as he slowly move from his knees to the floor.


    He stare in disbelief at everything that just happened. He looked like a ve who is faced with a crime in front of the emperor, but the crime was not his fault. Like a person who was not found guilty.


    "Xu Long."


    Lu Tian cold voice enters Xu Long¡¯s ears. Coming back to his senses, he blinked a few times. Realizing he was sitting on the floor, his cheeks turned red in embarrassment before he quickly stood up and salutes.


    "Ahem.. Xu Long at your service, boss!"


    "..."


    Looking at his assistant who was just in a dumbfounded state, it was Lu Tian¡¯s turn to be dumbfounded. He stare at his assistant with heavy eyes.


    "H International has agreed to give us L¡¯amour de ma vie. They are personally sending the ring. Be sure to await for their arrival."


    Hearing this, Xu Long sighed in relief. If H International had decided not to, who knows what kind of disaster his boss would create for them.


    Just when he finally steadied himself, Lu Tian¡¯s next words struck him dumbfounded again.


    "Transfer one trillion yuan to H International."


    "..."


    Like a fish with no water, Xu Long¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground and his mouth opened and closed. Did he not clean his ears this morning? Or did he heard his boss wrong?


    "One-one-one t-t-tri-l-llion yuan?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 207 Committed suicide

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Lu Tian sat behind his desk and his expression indifferent. Nodding his head, he assures his assistant that he said it correctly.


    "Mm. One trillion yuan."


    One trillion yuan may be a lot, but for him it didn¡¯t mean anything. He is known for being a multi billionaire, but that is just words to keep the press from knowing too much. At first, he wanted to be listed as a multi millionaire, so others won¡¯t try to scheme against him but things took another turn.


    Besides, L¡¯amour de ma vie is a one of a kind ring. It¡¯s the only one that exist in the world. Even if H International¡¯s CEO ns to donate it to him, he will return the generous favor.


    His wife is the love of his life, if she wanted the world, he will give it to her.


    Thinking till there, he remembers something and looks at his dumbfounded assistant.


    "Have you found what I asked?"


    Hearing this, Xu Long straighten his posture and nod his head.


    "I have. Those men are from the gang called ck Dragon."


    He scoffs and continue his words.


    "From the information I found, they are connected to the demolished Ghost gang. Five years ago, Ghost Gang¡¯s leader Ti Lung swore an oath in brotherhood with a man and that man is the leader of ck Dragon."


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian nod his head. He has dealt with the underworld ever since he was young. He¡¯s even encountered ck Dragon¡¯s leader a few times, but the man is not one to take action without reason. The man may be from the underworld, but his ways in handling things are no different fromw enforcements. Why would he....


    Xu Long nce at his boss and continues his report. "The men fromst night belongs to ck Dragon¡¯s leader¡¯s younger brother."


    Hearing his assistant words, Lu Tian arch a brow. So the men that followed themst night wasn¡¯t from the actual leader, but the younger brother. In his thoughts, Xu Long¡¯s voice continue to speak.


    "The younger brother and Ti Lung are good friends. One is involved in trafficking, while the other is involved in money scheming."


    Remembering something, Xu Long looks at his boss.


    "Boss... there¡¯s something else..."


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes remained on his assistant. Noticing the hesitation in the man, he knows that Xu Long found something else.


    "Report."


    "It¡¯s.." Xu Long hesitated for a second, then he reports what he remembered. "Last night, Chief Zhou called, Ti Lungmitted suicide in his ceil."


    Lu Tian furrow his brows, "Suicide?"


    Xu Long: "Yes. Chief Zhou reported that Ti Lung bit his own tongue and ended his life. However...."


    He frown and scratched his head in confusion, "Chief Zhou also reported that, ever since Ti Lung was put behind bars, the man had gone insane. He¡¯d constantly yell out that someone ising for him. Even when he¡¯s asleep, he will wake up and say the same thing."


    Lu Tian did not show a change in his expression. He nod his head at his assistant¡¯s report. So, that criminalmitted suicide. Was it out of guilt or fear of being being bars?


    Suddenly, the mysterious man from before appears in his head. Thinking of it, he frowns. There¡¯s no way Grandfather Ji will allow his men to take action. Definitely not in this way.


    "Did Chief Zhou mention what Ti Lung said?"


    Xu Long nod his head in response, "He did. It seems Ti Lung would repeat the line, ¡¯Mami is here to collect my fate.¡¯"


    Mami is here to collect my fate?


    Lu Tian frown at the line. Mami? Is it a person or a gang?


    "Have you investigated the name?"


    "I did, however I couldn¡¯t find anything. The name exist around Asia, but not the person Ti Lung seemed to be afraid of. Not only that, ck Dragon¡¯s leader paid Ti Lung a visit the day before hemitted suicide."


    Lu Tian¡¯s frown deepens. So, it seems Ti Ling¡¯s death is what triggered the younger brother of ck Dragon¡¯s leader to take lowly actions. Then, did something happen that day when ck Dragon¡¯s leader visit Ti Lung?


    Since it was him, who put Ti Lung behind bars, that means he is the target now.


    Thinking of the dangers ahead, his demeanor turned deadly dangerous. He nce at his personal phone on the desk. Saved as his screen saver is a picture he had secretly took of his wife when she was sleeping.


    "Notify Manager Luo, tell him to tighten the security at Jade Condos. After,mence members of Wolf Team to secretly guard Yue Ling."


    Hearing the order, Xu Long nod his head and his aura turned serious. Completely different from the goofball that he always is.


    "Yes, Boss!"


    Turning to leave, he clench his fists tightly. Not only is his boss a target, even hisdy boss can be a target.


    ¡¯ck Dragon, you chose the wrong people to target. Don¡¯t think because we are not in the same world as you, we don¡¯t have our own way of handling things.¡¯


    Sitting in his chair, Lu Tian hears the door to his office close. ncing at the door, he grab his phone and stood from his chair. He dials a number and put the phone to his ear.


    After two rings, someone answers from the other line. A cheerfully voice greets Lu Tian.


    ["Bro, did flowers bloom in season? Why are you suddenly calling me? Did ma¡ª"]


    Not waiting for the person to finish, Lu Tian¡¯s cold voice cuts in.


    "Han,mence your team for preparations."


    ["Eh? You need my team? What happened?"]


    "We¡¯re going to pay someone a visit."


    Not waiting for a response from his younger brother, Lu Tian ends the call. Taking a cigarette out, he lights it and stare out to the brightly lit vast sky.


    He cannot say that he is not worried, because he is worried. His wife and unborn child is put into a dangerous situation because of him.


    However, he will never let anything happen to them. As long as he is still breathing in this world, he will make sure no harmes to them.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 208 Take your time

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Ahhh¡ª!! For a short amount of time, we sure did a lot of damage to our bank cards."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er spoke as she sat down on a bench. Setting her things by her side, she sighed in exhaustion.


    "Mm, I agree."


    Yue Ling chuckles and sits down too. Looking Zhao Ya¡¯Er, she felt very happy inside. She looks down at her things and she smiles faintly. It¡¯s been a long time since she did this much shopping.


    Hana is her best friend, however, Hana¡¯s way of spending money is different from Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s. It¡¯s nice to meet someone like this. Especially one who actually spends her own money and not try to use someone else¡¯s.


    "Should we go have lunch?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er asks and points to a restaurant nearby. After their intense shopping, she is very hungry. Not only that, she didn¡¯t get to eat breakfast.


    "Mm, we can. I¡¯m hungry too."


    Both woman stood from the bench and makes their way to the restaurant. Each holding their own shopping bags and chatting withughter.


    Reaching the restaurant, they entered through the doors and waited to be seated. A waitress sees them and walks up to them.


    "Hello, wee to¡ª-"


    The moment she saw the two women, she sucked in a mouthful of air and gasped.


    Both women were beautiful and wless. Even the way they dressed was very eye catching, despite it being very simple.


    However, not looking at the shorter woman, she looks at the taller one.


    A woman who¡¯s beauty can put the moon to shame. One who is beyond perfection. Never in her life did she ever think to meet this woman in person.


    The waitress swallow her saliva and stutter in her words.


    "Y-y-you¡¯re.... you¡¯re..."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles and whispers as she leans in closer to the waitress. She already knows the reason for the waitress¡¯s shocked expression.


    "Can we get a table for two?"


    In a dumbstruck state, the waitress nod her head. Her eyes could not help but continue to stare at Yue Ling.


    "P-please follow m-me this way...."


    She lift both her hands and rub her eyes. When she sees that Yue Ling was still standing there, she smiles in excitement.


    "Yes, please follow me this way."


    Turning, she guides the two women to their table.


    Yue Ling follows behind the waitress without a change of emotion. On the other hand, Zhao Ya¡¯Er could not help but look around the restaurant.


    To her surprise, the restaurant is full of customers. Not just any normal customers, but every person inside this ce are from prestige families. She even recognizes a few faces, since her father is a businessman.


    "Ya¡¯Er, our table is over here."


    Yue Ling calls out when she didn¡¯t see Zhao Ya¡¯Er. When the waitress led them to the table, she thought the woman was behind her, but who would have thought it wasn¡¯t like that.


    "Ah, okay. I¡¯ming now."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles cheerfully and increase her speed to the table. Sitting down, the two women start to order appetizers, before their lunch meal.


    While both women started to enjoy their lunch, they did not notice that a certain person was ring at them from another table.


    At this table were three woman. One with auburn hair, another had dark short hair and thest one had brown hair.


    The woman ring at the Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er was the auburn hair woman. She clench her fist and her expression turned sour.


    "Xie Na, are you alright?"


    The brown hair woman asks as she notice her friend¡¯s change of look. Curious, she follows Xie Na¡¯s eyes and she sees Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Yue Ling. However, from her angle, she could only see Zhao Ya¡¯Er, while Yue Ling¡¯s back was facing her.


    Xie Na stare in disgust before turning back to her two friends. She pout her lip and respond to her friend¡¯s question.


    "Chu Hua, I¡¯m alright. I just saw someone I knew. I didn¡¯t think she would lie to me that she didn¡¯t want to have lunch."


    Hearing this, Ji Chu Hua frown and looks at Yue Ling¡¯s table. She pursed her lip in thoughts. Usually, whenever she sees Xie Na, the girl was always with Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Ling Ni.


    Looking at Xie Na, she smiles, "It¡¯s okay, you have me and Mei Mei." Looking to the short hair girl, Ji Chu Hua smiles to her, "Right, Mei Mei?"


    Ning Mei turn her head to look at both women and smiles, "Mm, we don¡¯t need people like them in our circle."


    When herst word fell, she nce to the table Xie Na was looking at. Her hand holding the napkin clench tightly. How could she not know that the woman with Zhao Ya¡¯Er is the person she loathe?


    At Yue Ling¡¯s table, the waitress had brought their order to them. Looking down at her food, she smiles and inhales the delicious smell. Picking up her chopstick, she didn¡¯t hesitate to pick up a piece of meat. However....


    *ring ring*


    Her phone suddenly rang and her hand holding the chopsticks froze. She sighed in annoyance at the person who decided to disturb her.


    Putting the chopsticks down, she takes her phone out from her bag. When she saw the name of the caller, the space between her brows crease into three lines. She looks at Zhao Ya¡¯Er and smile faintly.


    "Sorry, I have to step out for a bit."


    "Mm. Mm. Take your time."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er waves her hand and gestures Yue Ling it was okay. Not waiting, she continues to enjoy her food.


    Nodding her head, Yue Ling stood from her seat and walks to the front of the restaurant. Stepping outside, she answers the call.


    "What is it, Lin Hui?"


    ["Boss, something happened."]


    Hearing this, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes dimmed, "Report."


    ["I found out that Ti Lungmitted suicide."]


    "Suicide?"


    ["Mm. The police are trying to cover it up, but I was able to hack into their system in time and saw the record."]


    Yue Ling did not show any change in her expression. Whether Ti Lungmitted suicide out of guilt or fear, she does not care. It is retribution for all his lowly crimes.


    "How is Ting doing?"


    ["He¡¯s recovering. Physically, he is doing fine, but mentally, I cannot say."]


    Nodding her head, Yue Ling sighed before she gives out her next task.


    "I gave Liu Shan a task, follow up with him."


    ["Got it."]


    Ending the call, Yue Ling looks up to the sky as she thinks of something. After a short long while, she finally turns around and walks back inside the restaurant.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 209 Struggles with reality

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Yue Ling walked back to her table. However, before she could sit down, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was already gathering her things. Her eyes were red and her expression was filled with anger, like a balloon on the verge of bursting. She looks at the woman and frown. She hadn¡¯t even left for long and something already happened?


    "Ya¡¯Er, what¡¯s wrong?"


    Gathering her and Yue Ling¡¯s shopping bags, when she heard her best friend¡¯s voice, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s body slightly jumped. Closing her eyes, she takes a deep breath to calm her angry heart. When she opened her eyes again, she nce to a far away table before shaking her head.


    "It¡¯s nothing, let¡¯s just go. Our lunch is ruined because of some people here."


    She reaches for Yue Ling¡¯s hand and guide her out of the restaurant. As they pass each table, Yue Ling nce in the direction Zhao Ya¡¯Er had looked.


    Even if she didn¡¯t say who, Yue Ling has eyes of an Eagle. She looked directly at the table with three women. Seeing them, the corners of Yue Ling¡¯s lip curl upwards.


    Ning Mei, Xie Na and Ji Chu Hua.


    Turning her head away, she continues to walk out of the restaurant with Zhao Ya¡¯Er. When they arrived outside, Zhao Ya¡¯Er sighed and she turn to face Yue Ling.


    "Yue Ling, I¡¯m sorry. Our lunch date is ruined because of my clumsiness."


    Looking at her, Yue Ling arch a brow. She doesn¡¯t know what happened, but something definitely happened when she left the table.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er forces a smile and hands Yue Ling her shopping bags, then points to a direction. "I called my driver already. He¡¯s waiting for me over there."


    Yue Ling nods her head at Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Taking a few steps forward, she hugs the woman. Her angelic and soothing voice sounds into Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s ear.


    "Let¡¯s hang out again."


    Hearing those words from her idol, Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles and nod her head vigorously. Waving bye, she heads in the direction her driver is waiting.


    From behind, Yue Ling sighed and watch until Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s figure disappears. Turning her head, she looks at one of the restaurant¡¯s window and to the three figures chatting andughing inside.


    Her bluish green eyes dimmed into darkness. She could have asked Zhao Ya¡¯Er what happened, but if the woman didn¡¯t want to tell her, she won¡¯t pursue in it. However.....


    This just added a few more reasons to her ns. Ji Chu Hua is bound to go down because of her scheming family, Ning Mei is near her end for what she did, and Xie Na... well, just for this, she is on Yue Ling¡¯s cklist.


    Looking away from the restaurant, she heads to her parked car.


    Sitting inside the backseat of her car, Zhao Ya¡¯Er looked down at her hands on herp. She held a piece of napkin that belonged to the restaurant they just left.


    "Miss, are you alright?"


    The driver asks as he nce through the rear view mirror to the beautiful woman. Earlier when he dropped her off, she was in a very good mood, but now.....


    "I¡¯m alright, just send me home."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er leaned her head against the seat and stare out the window. Earlier when Yue Ling left, she was just enjoying her lunch when a waiter came up to her. He passed her a napkin and without much thinking, she took it for use.


    However... the napkin had a note scribbled in it. It said she was a liar and disgusting, if she doesn¡¯t know good from bad, for her not me the person for what¡¯s going to happen.


    Just from the handwriting, she knew who it was. Closing her eyes, she sighed. Every friend she makes always uses her to get close to something. Yue Ling is a very good person and she doesn¡¯t Yue Ling to be caught up in this mess.


    Only Ling Ni and Yue Ling are her real friends.


    However, she¡¯s never told anyone about her struggles with reality.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    This time at De L¡¯amour, inside the conference room was in an uproar. Yue Ling¡¯s design team were in a very intense discussion. Not only was her design team here, both Liu Shan and Lin Hui were also here.


    "What did you say?!" *baang*


    Tang Zhong Hui angry spoke out as he m his palm on the table and stood from his seat. His eyes turned murderous as he looks at Liu Shan.


    Not feeling any kind of threat, Liu Shan¡¯s expression remained the same. "Zhong Hui, you just arrived from Mn, don¡¯t ask too much. I haven¡¯t finished exining."


    Hearing Liu Shan¡¯s words, Tang Zhong Hui pout his lip and sat back down. He knows he had spoke out of line. His anger wasn¡¯t because of Liu Shan, it was because of what he just found out. When he and the others left to Mn, it was all part of their boss¡¯s n. However, never did they think everything turned out to be exactly as she had said.


    Qi Li, the illustrator, looks at Tang Zhong Hui, then to Liu Shan. "Shan, so what you¡¯re saying is, Boss was followed by some people and those people happened to be the same people who ¡¯stole¡¯ boss¡¯s materials in Mn?"


    "Mm. I tracked everything boss ordered. The pieces connect together. Those people are from ck Dragon."


    Ju Suo frown and her kid like voice sounds in the room. "But isn¡¯t the leader for ck Dragon a man of reasons. He wouldn¡¯t attack unless he was attacked."


    "It wasn¡¯t him, but his younger brother."


    This time, it was Lin Hui who spoke out. He sat beside Liu Shan with both his arms crossed over his chest. Scanning every person in the room, he continues his words.


    "The younger brother, Chu Li Xiang is ¡¯personally¡¯ connected to Chen Limei."


    Hearing this, everyone, besides Liu Shan, gasped in shock and the room turned into silence. Never did they think Chen Limei to be involved in the underworld, let alone be in a secret rtionship with one.


    Shan Sinan, the textile designer was the first to break the silence, "So, what now? Not only did Chen Limei ordered those people to steal from boss, right now, Boss is even a target for them."


    "Once ck Dragon¡¯s leader finds out that it is his younger brother out to get Boss, who do you think will be in more trouble?"


    Gui Zhongming, the stylist spoke out with a dark look on his face. How dare these tiny gangs try to harm his beautiful boss when he is away? Now that he¡¯s back, he can¡¯t wait to sabotage them.


    Everyone looked at Gui Zhongming and nod their heads in agreement. ck Dragon¡¯s leader is an old acquaintance of their boss¡¯s father. Not only that, their is a story being the ck Dragon brothers.


    Liu Shan looks at everyone then at the wall clock. Standing up from his chair, he reminds everyone.


    "We¡¯ll discuss this another time. A certain someone is arriving. Also, the fashion show ising up, once boss gets here, everything with proceed to her designs."


    Finishing his words, he walks towards the door with Lin Hui following behind him. Grabbing the door knob, he frown and swung it open.


    "Ahh¡ª-!"


    A woman¡¯s voice shrieks as she stumbles onto the floor. Everyone turn to look at the woman and their eyes darken. Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao will appear.


    Liu Shan tilt his head and he scoffed lowly, "Miss Ming, its unusual to see you here this early."


    "I-I¡ª"


    Ming Yue was so shocked, her body was shivering in fear. Even her words to answer were stuck in her throat.


    She had arrived an hour ago, she saw Lin Hui and tried to follow him. However, she didn¡¯t think he¡¯d go into the conference room.


    What shocked her the most was that the entire design team was also there. Didn¡¯t Chen Limei say she took care of the people Yue Ling sent to Mn?


    She didn¡¯t think much into it and decided to listen to their conversation. However, when the door closed, she then realized that she couldn¡¯t hear a single word from the other side. Even when she pressed her ear against the door, there was still no sound.


    After a long while, the door suddenly swung open and she was caught off guard.


    Liu Shan looked down at the woman. Not showing a change in expression, he walks away without giving a hand. Behind him, Lin Hui didn¡¯t even look at Ming Yue, he avoided her like she was some kind pest.


    Ming Yue re at the two men that ignored her and didn¡¯t bother to help her. Her hands clench into tight fists.


    Everyone else in the room nce at each other before standing from their chairs. Since Ming Yue is here, there¡¯s no need for them to stay here until their boss arrives.


    Just like Liu Shan, no one bothered to help Ming Yue. Each person walked pass her without a single shred of care.


    Sitting on the floor, Ming Yue lower her head and gritted her teeth. Never has she been this humiliated before. Her status at De L¡¯amour is superior than any of the people here, yet they disregarded her like trash. Angry, she quickly helps herself up. However, half way, a hand appears in front of her.


    Ming Yue looks up and see a man with sses. His looks were not as outstanding as Liu Shan and Lin Hui¡¯s but he had his own kind of charm.


    Lifting her hand she ce it on the man¡¯s hand and stands up. She pats away the dust on her clothes and her cheeks flush in embarrassment and shyness.


    "Thank you, Qi Li."


    Qi Li stare at Ming Yue with a straight face. His hand reach into his pocket and takes out a handkerchief.


    Seeing this, Ming Yue smiles inside. She bashfully stretch her hand and takes the handkerchief.


    "I¡¯m okay, I don¡¯t need the handker¡ª-"


    Before she could finish her words, her body froze and she was struck dumbfounded.


    "...."


    Qi Li had lowered his head and leisurely used the handkerchief to wipe his own hand. His gesture as if Ming Yue was a disease he wanted to sanitize away. When he finished, he toss the handkerchief into a trash bin and fix his sses up.


    "Miss Ming, I suggest you don¡¯t do anything that you will regret. Once it¡¯s done, it can¡¯t be undone."


    Not waiting for a reaction or response, Qi Li turns around and walked in the direction everyone had went. He only helped Ming Yue up because they were coworkers. If it wasn¡¯t because of that, he wouldn¡¯t even give the woman face.


    "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 210 Package

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Arriving at De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling parked her car and makes her way inside. Entering the doors, she is greeted by her receptionist.


    "Good afternoon, CEO Han."


    Sophia stood from behind the desk and bow in greeting with a happy smile. She can never get enough of her beautiful boss. Not only does she have an amazing boss, her boss is also Asia¡¯s well known supermodel.


    "Good afternoon, Sophia."


    Yue Ling nod her head to the young woman. Turning away, she heads in the direction of the elevator.


    Watching her boss about to get into the elevator, Sophia sits back down, but she suddenly remembers something. Quickly, she stood from her seat and stretch her head out.


    "Ah, CEO Han! A package was delivered to you, I had the delivery man ce it in your office."


    Yue Ling furrow her brows and pout, "Who is it from?"


    Hearing the question, Sophia tilt her head. She didn¡¯t ask who the sender was. Remembering something, her eyes lit up.


    "It¡¯s from W.J."


    "Mm. Thank you."


    Yue Ling nod her head and enter the elevator. Pressing button for the highest floor, the elevator doors close.


    W.J.


    Her mind wonder into thoughts about the sender. Before she knew it, the elevator had stopped.


    *ding*


    The doors slide open and she exits the elevator. ncing indifferently ahead, her eyesnd on the women sitting behind her desk.


    Ming Yue¡¯s fingers danced over the keyboard. From the corner of her eyes, she sees a figure walking towards her. Lifting her head, she froze before forcing a smile.


    "CEO Han, why are you here?"


    "It¡¯s mypany. Myself being here has nothing to do with you."


    Yue Ling answers with her usual tone, however there was a hint of coldness. Moving her eyes from her secretary she continues on her way to her office.


    From behind, Ming Yue¡¯s lip curl downward as her eyes re daggers to the tall and beautiful woman. She had to admit, Yue Ling is a woman of great looks and a perfect body, but that¡¯s all to the woman.


    Scoffing inside, she mumble to herself, "Just you wait. Once this fashion show is over, De L¡¯amour is history."


    Turning her head to herputer, she continues on with her work. Although, if someone was to see her, she would look like she¡¯s working. Except, she is actually typing an email to An Qing.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling closed the door to her office. The moment she took a step towards her desk, she sees arge thin package ced on one of the white couches.


    Walking up to the package, she stops in front of it. Her hand touch the package as her fingers caress it. Reading thebel, she smiles faintly.


    *ring ring*


    She frowns before taking her phone out from her bag and without looking at the caller ID, she answers the call.


    "Han Yue Ling speaking."


    From the other line came a man¡¯s chuckles, then his voice.


    ["Did you receive the package?"]


    "I just saw it."


    ["It¡¯s my gift to you. I had chose the best one out of the film. I also sent one to your ce.."]


    "Mm. Thank you...." she looks at the name of the sender and smiles, "Wu Jing."


    ["You¡¯re wee. It¡¯s the least I can do for your help."]


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t answer but ends the call. She looks at the package then ce her phone and bag down on the coffee table.


    With no rush, she slowly unwraps the package from top to bottom. Until the entire item came to view, she takes a step back and stare at it.


    It was a portrait from her photo shoot for Beauty¡¯s front cover. From the angle of the photo taken, it was one that was taken randomly.


    In the picture, she had changed into a flowy white dress that revealed her wless and fair back. Her back was facing the camera as she stood in front of the huge floor to ceiling windows. The rays of lights beaming through the windows made her look like an immortal.


    If one did not know that the person in the portrait was her, they would have mistook it as an angel in an oil painting.


    Stretching her hand out, she wanted to touch the it, but before she could, a voice interrupts her.


    "Wow, that¡¯s a gorgeous photo."


    Yue Ling retracted her hand and looked to the person. Seeing who it is, she looks back at the portrait sent by Wu Jing then turn to her desk.


    "How are the designsing along, Liu Shan?"


    "It¡¯s going as we speak, however, we have a noisy rat trying to get the cheese."


    Liu Shan sighed and he sits down on the empty couch. He leaned forward with both his elbows on his knees and stare at the beautiful photo of his boss.


    Being Yue Ling¡¯s assistant for many years, he can never get enough of the woman¡¯s beauty. Not only is she perfect in person, even her photos are perfect.


    From behind her desk, Yue Ling opens the two inch thick book and flip through the pages. Hearing Liu Shan¡¯s words, she smiles a smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    "If the rat wants the cheese, why don¡¯t we give it to her."


    Liu Shan quickly turn to look at his boss. His eyes widen with a glint of light in them.


    "You mean...."


    Yue Ling nod her head, "Mm. It¡¯s time we let them know who they¡¯ve crossed the line with."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 211 There’s no need

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Inside Yue Ling¡¯s office, Liu Shan stood up from the couch and walks up to his boss¡¯s desk. "I already gave a brief summary to your design team. Everyone is waiting for your words." In his hand was a tablet as he ce it down. "I hacked into Ming Yue¡¯sputer. Just now, she sent an email to An Qing."


    He swipes through the tablet and shows an email. Sliding it towards his boss, Yue Ling takes the tablet. Her eyes read through each line. Until the end, her lip curl upwards into a beautiful smile.


    However, for Liu Shan, he could only shudder in fear. He knows that smile all to well. That smile is the calm before An Qing and Ming Yue¡¯s demise.


    Yue Ling set the tablet down and turn herputer on. Not touching the keyboard, she uses the mouse to ess a few design drafts on the screen and stood from her chair.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    She walks towards the door with Liu Shan frowning in confusion. He scratch the back of his head, "Boss, why did you turn yourputer on?"


    Without turning around or stopping, Yue Ling continues to walk out of her office. When she reached the door, her voice sounds before the door opens.


    "Letting the rat take the cheese."


    "...."


    Liu Shan looked at theputer then he sighed. Shaking his head, he quickly runs out after his boss.


    As the two individuals walk pass Ming Yue¡¯s desk, Yue Ling stopped in her steps. She turn to look at the woman sitting down.


    "Ming Yue, I will be out of my office for a while. Leave my schedule on my desk."


    "Yes, CEO Han."


    Ming Yue nod her head at her boss¡¯s words. Watching the two figures leave, she sneers with hate until she could no longer see them.


    Waiting a few seconds, she grabs her phone and a tablet with Yue Ling¡¯s schedule. Quickly, she makes her way to the woman¡¯s office.


    Inside the elevator, Liu Shan sighed. He nce at his boss and ce both his hands in his suit pants.


    "Honestly, does that woman think we¡¯re stupid? Even without cameras, my skills are enough to hack into herputer and phone to see what she¡¯s doing, Hmmf."


    Yue Ling nce at Liu Shan then back to the elevator door. "Since An Qing wants to use our designs for the fashion show, why not give it to them?"


    Hearing this, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes widen and his jaw dropped to suck in a mouthful of air, "You mean...."


    "Mm." Yue Ling nod her head and continues her words, "Like I said, I¡¯m letting the rat take the cheese. If my guess is correct, the rat should be ¡¯stealing¡¯ the designs on myputer right now."


    Liu Shan closed his mouth and nod his head in understanding. By letting the rat take the cheese, his boss meant letting Ming Yue fall into the trap. The designs Ming Yue wants to steal are just distractions for the the authentic ones.


    And just as Yue Ling said, Ming Yue at this moment had taken her phone out and took screenshots of each design on Yue Ling¡¯sputer. From the design outlines to every detail listed, she made sure not to miss a thing.


    Inside the design room of De L¡¯amour, the wall and tables were scattered with design drafts. Each piece of paper had its own unique design with colors that can blind a person.


    Surrounding the table in the middle of the room was Yue Ling¡¯s design team. Each person held a serious expression on their face. However, the moment Yue Ling enters through the door, her calm expression eased everyone inside.


    She takes the center seat and nce at each individual inside the room.


    "I¡¯m d to see everyone well. We will start our preparation for the fashion show. As you all know, our designs will not be ours only."


    Yue Ling takes a draft in front of her and looks at it. The draft was a sketch she had designed. The dress on the model was a long sleeve a-line dress. It¡¯s length flowed to the ground like a waterfall covering the feet.


    "It¡¯s going to be tough these uing few days, but I want everyone to work on the designs in front of you. Even if these are not the real ones, I want everyone to ¡¯pour¡¯ their hearts into it. When night falls, we will meet here again."


    Tang Zhong Hui pout his lips hearing his boss¡¯s words. He cross both his arms over his chest.


    "Boss, is it true then? Everything that happened to us in Mn, was it really their n?"


    Yue Ling nce at Tang Zhong Hui then to the other team members she had sent with him. Sighing inside, she nod her head.


    "Everyone in this room has been with me since De L¡¯amour started. I won¡¯t lie to you all, I had Liu Shan hack into Ming Yue¡¯sputer and phone."


    She paused and looks at the design paper, then continue her words.


    "Ming Yue has been stealing our designs. She was the one who gave the information to Chen Limei about Mn."


    Lifting her head, she ce the design down. "An Qing is nning to use the materials they stole from us to create simr designs."


    Sitting at the end of the table, Lian Ni Shang scoffed in disgust. Just from her boss¡¯s words, she could already see where this is going.


    "Hmmf. I never thought Chen Limei would steep so low to even think of using our designs for the fashion show."


    Gui Tian Lan nce at Lian Ni Shang, then he looks at his boss. "I agree, I¡¯ve never met such a disgusting person before. To think of stealing boss¡¯s hard work."


    Everyone nods in agreement. Before they knew it, everyone started voicing their own thoughts on the situation.


    Remaining calm, Yue Ling did not speak a word and let her design team vent out their anger. She knew how they felt, because these designs were not just hers. Her design team had also shed blood and sweat for these designs.


    Sitting beside Yue Ling, Shan Sinan turn his head to look at his boss. Seeing her calm demeanor, he speaks to her.


    "Boss, this is off topic, but is it true about.... ck Dragon?"


    Hearing the sudden question, everyone quiet down. Their heads turn to face their boss, each one quickly forgetting about An Qing.


    Yue Ling looks at everyone and sighed. Looking directly at Shan Sinan, she nod her head.


    "Mm, it¡¯s true."


    Shan Sinan frowns and his expression darken, "Do you want us to stay in close distance to you?"


    "No, there¡¯s no need."


    Hearing their boss¡¯s answer, everyone¡¯s heart dropped in worry. Even if she says there was no need to, how can they sleep at night knowing someone is out harm their boss?


    *baaang!!*


    Tang Zhong Hui stood from his chair and m his palm on the table, "Boss, let me stay beside you. I will get rid of those pest from stepping 1 meter near you."


    Lian Ni Shang also stood from her chair and pushes the man to the side. "No, Boss! Let me! I¡¯m a woman, I can go inside the bathroom with you!"


    Shan Sinan: "I can watch your back from a distance. My sniper skills are just as good as Lin Hui¡¯s."


    Qi Li: "I need a new model for my illustrations. Let me get rid these ants for you."


    Gui Tian Lan: "My hand skills are the best. If ck Dragon dares toe near you, they will have to face my ¡¯Swift needles¡¯!"


    Gui Zhongming: "Boss, let me protect you! No one can escape my eagle eyes and ws."


    Ju Suo stands up on her chair and puts both her fist on her hip. "I may be short, but my looks are only to deceive the outer eyes."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Liu Shan: "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 212 Want you to too

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    The blue sky turns its color to fiery red. In a distance ce to Imperial, Ji Mansion holds it standing like a kingdom of its own.


    Ji Jingxu stroll through the back courtyard, where a vastnd of greenery greets him on all sides. From a close, yet far distance, he could see Gu Ting training with the young soldiers. Coming closer to the soldiers, he stops. Lowering his head, he looks down at his arm that was broken.


    After a few days of recovering, the cast wrapping his arm has been removed. Although, it hasn¡¯t fully healed, to him, it was healed. Lifting his hand, his stare at his palm for a long time.


    Ever since he grew up in the Ji family, all he wanted was to study and get into a good university. His dream was to make his grandfather proud. To make the old man so proud that he would not regret taking in an orphan child.


    However...


    If he had trained like how the old man had wanted, would he have had the strength to fight off Ghost Gang? If he had trained, would Ting¡¯s parents still be alive?


    His mind could not help but think about the incident. From the moment he tried to help Ting, to the moment he witnessed the disheveled look of Ting¡¯s mother and the moment when he was so close to death¡¯s door.


    If only he had trained, no one would have to die.... No one would have to experience the pain he did.... He would never have to count on his sister to save him....


    Slowly, he closed his eyes and takes a deep breath. Closing his hand into a fist, he clenched tightly.


    During his time recovery, he had made his decision. He is doing this because he wants to. Not because the old man wants him.


    A cold brush of breeze passes through Jingxu. At the same time, his eyes open and determination could be seen in them. Lifting his leg, he takes a step forward and another step.


    This time, he will get stronger. It was always his grandfather and his sister protecting him, however, it¡¯s his turn to protect them and those who are in need of help.


    "Jingxu!!"


    Xue Yi, who was running amongst a group of soldiers sees Jingxu and calls out. He separate from the group and jogs to the boy.


    "Bro, what are you doing here?"


    Stopping in front of Jingxu, the young man smiles with his teeth. His words caught attention, making all the other soldiers run in their direction.


    "Jingxu, why are you here?"


    "Jingxu, it¡¯s great to see you!"


    "How¡¯s the arm?"


    Everyone voiced their thoughts to Jingxu. As an orphan soldier taken in by General Ji, they became close friends with the young master of the house. When news spread about Jingxu and Ting, everyone was worried. Seeing Jingxu now, they can rx from their worries.


    From behind the group, Ting and Lingcai walked towards them. Lingcai is one of the oldest soldiers there, so everyone quickly made way for the two men.


    He smiles at Jingxu. "It¡¯s good to see you doing well, kid."


    Jingxu nods his head. He looks at Lingcai and everyone surrounding him, thenstly at Ting.


    "I want to start training with you guys."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Back at De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling looked to the window. Seeing the sun setting in the distance, she looks at everyone inside the design room.


    After their small meeting, no one wasted time and started working. Many designers need a lot of people to meet their deadlines, but the skills of her design team added to hers, they always get the job done.


    Even now, they had just started, but almost half of these designs are already finished . She is known for wanting everything done, but she is also a human being. Her Team is also human beings in need of rest too.


    As a fashion designer, she is proud of her team. Not only do they do their job, outside of work, she can also trust their loyalty to her.


    cing the pencil in her hand down, she stood from her chair.


    "We will stop here. Everyone has done a good job. Go home and rest for tonight¡¯s meeting."


    Saying her words, she leaves the design room. She wants to stay and continue work, but she knows how her design team is. If she stays, even if it was tillte, they would stay too.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Stepping out of De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling looked to the sky. Just a few more days and the fashion show will be here, not only that, her yeye¡¯s birthday will be here too. Her time here in Imperial has really gone by.


    "Boss..."


    Hearing the voice of a man, Yue Ling turn around to look at the owner. Her eyes met his and she nods her head. "Gui Zhongming."


    Gui Zhongming smiles and walks to stand next to his boss. He ce both his hands inside the pockets of his trousers and stare out to the red sky.


    "I heard from Kang In-Sung. Have you really decided?"


    Yue Ling looks at her young stylist then back to the sky. She smiles a faint smile and nod her head.


    "Mm. I have."


    Looking at the sky, Gui Zhongming sighs with faint a smile. His mind couldn¡¯t help but think of a certain man. As if the man was smiling down from the sky to the woman standing beside him.


    "I think, he would want you to too."


    Turning his head to the woman, he sighed inside. He knows that his boss must have thought a lot just to make a decision. There is not a single person in the world who would be strong enough to part with something left by the person they love. Especially when that person is no longer in the world.


    Lifting his hand, Liu Shan pats his boss¡¯s back. To let her know that he is here for her.


    "Boss, if there¡¯s ever¡ª"


    However, before his palm could even touch her.....


    "Yue Ling."


    A cold and deep voice suddenly sounds in front of them. Both Yue Ling and Gui Zhongming looks to the owner of the voice.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 213 We need to talk

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Standing between the parking lot and De L¡¯amour was Lu Tian. The red sky and the setting sun behind him made him look exceptionally mesmerizing.


    However, because his back was facing the sky, Gui Zhongming couldn¡¯t get a clear view of the man¡¯s face. Yue Ling on the other hand was dumbfounded. Just from hearing the man¡¯s voice, she knew who it was and could already guess where this was going.


    Shaking her head, she turn to look at her stylist, "Gui Zhongming, I¡¯ll see you t¡ª-"


    Before she could even finish her words, Lu Tian had already used his ninjitsu and was next to her. His tall figure force its way between his wife and the man. With no shame, he drape his arm over her shoulder. He res at the young man like a vicious cat before dragging his precious treasure away.


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Gui Zhongming: "..."


    Unlike the two, Lu Tian¡¯s expression did not falter. He opened the door to his Audi R8 and ce his wife inside like nothing happened. Walking around to the driver side, he opens the door. Looking back at the young man, his expression was indifferent like usual before he gets inside.


    Gui Zhongming was rooted to the ground. He couldn¡¯t help but take a difficult gulp and watch the expensive sports car drive out of the parking.


    "Zhongming, why are you just standing there?"


    From behind came his older twin brother¡¯s voice. Like a person who had his acupuncture¡¯s released, he finally moved. Turning his head, he looks at Gui Tian Lan.


    "Bro.... Just now..."


    Gui Tian Lan frown at his younger brother. ncing from at man to the parking lot, he shook his head. Just now what? He didn¡¯t see anything unordinary.


    "Let¡¯s go. Boss wants us to get some rest before we¡¯re back to work tonight."


    "Got it."


    Following behind, Gui Zhongming pout his lip. He couldn¡¯t help but worry about his boss. The man just now... why does he look so familiar? Not only that, even his boss did not struggle to free herself from the man¡¯s arms.


    Who was that man?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Amongst the streets of Imperial, Lu Tian¡¯s ck Audi R8 raced its way through thenes. His expression on his face was cold and unreadable. Without him realizing he had gone pass the speed limit in double the digits.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Yue Ling wasn¡¯t scared at all. She nce at each car Lu Tian had driven pass. His way of driving like this could be on pair with hers, however, she is still better.


    Turning her head to look at the man, she sighed and pinch the space between her brows.


    "Tian."


    After a few seconds had pass, the man did not answer but continue to drive recklessly. Yue Ling sighs again.


    She was fine if he wanted to be a racer, but she is with child. How can she let her pea size baby experience such reckless driving?


    "Tian, if you don¡¯t slow down, I¡¯m going to jump out of the car!!"


    *scrreeeeechhh¡ª!*


    The car quickly came to a stop. Although the tires made marks on the road, Yue Ling knew her racer boyfriend had decreased the speed first.


    "What did you say?"


    Lu Tian spoke coldly as he looks at his wife. His eyes ring at her as if he wanted to strangle her to death.


    "I said....."


    Yue Ling sighed for the third time and looks at the man. She wanted to repeat her words, but when she saw the look on his face, she could only hold everything back.


    "I asked you a question."


    His tone turned even colder. Even his dark eyes seemed to have turned into two ck holes in the universe.


    Looking at him, Yue Ling was calm at first, but the man¡¯s tone of voice made her blood boil. Is he really asking her what she said? If he had never driven so recklessly, she would of never said what she did. Her nostril slightly re and she re at the man as if prating his head with bullets.


    "I said! If you don¡¯t slow down! I¡¯m going to jump out of the car!!!"


    "...."


    Lu Tian did not know whether tough or cry. His expression may look unaffected, but deep down he was dumbfounded by the woman. Never has she raised her voice like this at him.


    Yue Ling re at the man before she quickly turn her head to the window. Her chest heaving up and down like a Spanish bull ready to take action.


    One would think she looked like an angry monkey about to burst, but to Lu Tian, she looked like a phoenix ready to soar into the sky.


    Thinking of the unimaginable in Yue Ling¡¯s words, Lu Tian frown. If his wife really did jump out of the car..... No, he will never allow it.


    However, when he realize it was his fault for eating a jar of vinegar, he sighed in guilt.


    "I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t be driving so reckless since you are....."


    Realizing he was about to give away the fact that he knew about her pregnancy, he quickly shut his mouth. With his fast thinking, he clears his throat.


    "You must have had a long day at work. I¡¯ll drive more carefully."


    Yue Ling scoffed and ignores the man. Drive carefully? If he had thought of it sooner, maybe they wouldn¡¯t be in this situation.


    Driving them home at the assigned speed limit , Lu Tian could only sigh inside. He was in a good mood when he left Lu Corps. His n was to surprise his wife by picking her up from work, except..... he didn¡¯t think he¡¯d witnessed such a disturbing scene. His wife may not notice, but he did.


    The young man standing next to her, he could see the way the man had looked at his wife. It wasn¡¯t the look one has for his coworker, but one that held hidden romantic feelings. Even if it was a quick second, nothing escapes his eyes.


    Thinking of the scene again, his jaw tighten. Why is it that there¡¯s another buzzing bee by his wife? She already has a first love and a decent looking assistant. Does he have to watch her be surrounded by another man?


    Not only that, even he could tell the man was younger than him and his wife.


    Could it be.... he¡¯s too old?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    *ding*


    The elevator to Jade Condos slide open and the fairy and prince exits out. Leading the way was Yue Ling, while Lu Tian followed behind.


    Throughout the car ride, neither of them spoke after their first ¡¯argument¡¯. Even when Lu Tian had parked the car, the both of them still did not speak.


    Face with the silence between them, Yue Ling sighed as she stood in front of the door. Without warning, she turns around to meet the cold man.


    "Tian, we need to talk."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 214 Ending their relationship

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    As the day turn into night, some people gathered in the streets of Imperial for dinner or to meet with friends. Others simply enjoying a rxed time at home.


    However, inside Jade Condos¡¯s penthouse 1503, the living room was very intense. Laying on his bed by the floor to ceiling window is the white fluff ball, Inu. His head rested on his front paws as he stare at the two people who just came in.


    Sitting on one of the white couches is the cold business king, Lu Tian. On the other couch is the retired supermodel, Han Yue Ling.


    Lu Tian sat with a straight face. His look was one like someone who did not care at all. However, behind his cold mask, he did not dare to look at his wife. If one was to look closer, one would see the tiny beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Her words, ¡¯we need to talk¡¯ was the scariest thing ever.


    ¡¯We need to talk¡¯ could mean anything.


    Who would of thought that the almighty and ruthless king of the business world would be afraid of his wife...


    If his subordinates were here, just how will they react to this side of him.


    Unlike Lu Tian, Yue Ling leaned against the couch with her arms crossed over her chest. She nce at the man and maintain to hide her urge tough.


    Was she really that scary?


    Clearing her throat, she decides to not beat around the bush.


    Yue Ling: "Tian¡ª"


    Lu Tian: "Yes."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Lu Tian quickly answers like a robot ready for his creator¡¯smand. He does not want to anger his wife any more than he already has.


    Sighing, Yue Ling slightly turn herself to the man. Straightening her posture, she continues her words.


    "We can¡¯t keep doing this."


    Hearing his wife¡¯s words, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darken and the space between his brows crease into three lines.


    "What are you trying to say?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s cold eyes looks to his wife. What does she mean? Is she.... ending their rtionship? Why? Is it because he was driving recklessly? Shit! He knows it was his fault, he had not only put his wife in danger, but also their child... How can he be such a bad father already?


    "I know I messed up, but I promise there won¡¯t be a next time. I didn¡¯t meant to put you and¡ª"


    Catching himself, he coughs and continue.


    "I didn¡¯t mean to put you in danger, so don¡¯t say you¡¯re going to leave or end our rtionship. I don¡¯t like the thought of you falling for another man. Nor can I bare to watch you be near one."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stare at the man with heavy eyes. Each word that escapes Lu Tian¡¯s lip were like arrows lowering her high EQ and IQ.


    Danger? What danger? Another man? What man? She was going to leave? When?


    Sighing, she looks directly at Lu Tian. Her expression serious like she was going to tell the world¡¯s most deepest secret.


    "Tian, we seriously NEED this talk."


    She stretched the word ¡¯need¡¯ and stood from her seat. Taking three steps, she stops in front of the man. She slightly bend forward and lower her head meet Lu Tian at eye level. cing one fist on her hip, she points her other hand at him.


    "Why are you always eating vinegar?"


    Lu Tian struggle a gulp in difficulty. He pout his lip and mumble.


    "That¡¯s because you¡¯re too out of my league...."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turned heavy. If she wasn¡¯t trying to be serious right now, she would of let herself fall.


    Uh... she¡¯s too out of his league? How is that even possible?


    Sighing, she move her index finger towards him.


    "Let me be clear with you. The man I like the most living on this earth is LU TIAN."


    Her index finger taps on Lu Tian¡¯s hard chest.


    "We may have met under horrible circumstances, but I still like him the most. When he kisses me, I know that I am the only person he has in his heart."


    She continuously taps her index finger again and again.


    "When I am in his arms, I know I have found my safe haven. The way he says my name, I know I am safe and he will never speak ill of me."


    Each time the tip of her finger touches his chest, she adds more strength in her finger. Like she wants to nail every word into his heart.


    "Because he is a man of words and always handsome at all times, he knows how to make me happy. Even when he is cold or shameless. I don¡¯t just like him, I also love him."


    Taking a deep breath, she straightens herself.


    "Do you have any objections?"


    "...."


    Lu Tian rendered speechless. He stare at the beautiful face in front of him and followed her every moves. Tilting his head, he looks up at her.


    Every word she had said were like arrows piercing straight into his heart. Except, these arrows weren¡¯t arrows of pain, they were arrows sent from Cupid, making him feel more love for the woman.


    Gulping his saliva to hide his smile of happiness, he answers her with his cheeks slightly red.


    "I do not."


    Yue Ling scoffs in sarcastic. She could see the happiness radiating from the man like the bright sun on a summer day. Crossing her arms, she gets to the point.


    "So, I need to talk to you about something. Do you want to listen or not?"


    Looking up at his wife, the corner of Lu Tian¡¯s lip curl into a small smile. He reach his hand out and grab her hand. Pulling her down, but gently, he positioned her on hisp.


    "I was born to hear it."


    Yue Ling rolled her eyes at the man. Adjusting her body to face him, she takes a deep breath.


    "I want to move out."


    "..."


    Hearing her sudden words, Lu Tian felt like a blown balloon suddenly popped by a sharp needle. He was just happy and not even seconds after, he¡¯s already angry? His face turned ten shades darker. She wants to move out? Hmmf! As if he¡¯ll let her, especially not after her love confession to him.


    He wraps his arms around the slender woman sitting on hisp. His lips pressed tightly together to hold himself back from saying something unnecessary.


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but smile and let a soft chuckle escape her mouth. Lifting one hand, she lightly flicks the man on the forehead.


    "Silly, I meant us."


    "..."


    Ahh... And once again, Lu Tian was speechless. He frown with a chaotic mind at his wife. For someone with high EQ and IQ, he somehow couldn¡¯t process everything she had said. She didn¡¯t want to move out by herself, she meant the both of them.


    Seeing Lu Tian still stuck inlnd, Yue Ling could only sigh again. She can¡¯t even count the amount of times she had sighed since this conversation.


    Wiggling herself in the man¡¯s arms, she ce both palms on the man¡¯s cheeks. Her bluish green eyes stare intently at his dark ck eyes.


    "I want us to move because it won¡¯t just be you, me and Inu anymore."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes waiver at each word. Even though he knew that his wife was pregnant, hearing her tell him meant even more. He could feel his heart leap into the universe and back into his body.


    No, he is so happy, he can run to the end of the world and back!


    He stare at the mesmerizing face in front of him for a long time without blinking. So this is how a it feels to hear from your significant other that you are going to be a father.....


    Yue Ling tilt her head and frown. Lu Tian¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t really what she had anticipated. She didn¡¯t want to tell him yet, but it was better to do so now. Especially after the car ride, she can¡¯t let any kind of harme to the little bean inside her. Besides, letting Lu Tian know, he can be more cautious too.


    However.... Wouldn¡¯t a man jump in joy over the news? Or shout in happiness? Howe he is...


    ncing at the man in a daze, Yue Ling tells him again.


    "Tian, I¡¯m preg¡ª-mm!"


    Before she could finish the word ¡¯pregnant¡¯, Lu Tian¡¯s lip captures her. One hand embrace her closer to him as his other hand held the back of her nape. His kiss was gentle, yet passionate at the same time.


    Yue Ling froze in surprise for a short moment. Her body softens and she close her eyes. Bringing her arms up, she wraps around Lu Tian¡¯s neck and kiss him back.


    Just from his kiss, she could feel his happiness. Even if he didn¡¯t say anything, this one kiss was enough proof.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 215 Very strict person

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The coupleid on the couch in silence. Lu Tian held his wife close to him, using one arm as a pillow for her and his other hand gently caressing her stomach. He stare down at the woman sleeping peacefully in his arms.


    After Yue Ling told him about her pregnancy and their shared kiss of joy, they somehow ended upying down. Probably due to her long day shopping with Zhao Ya¡¯Er and work, Yue Ling was very tired. She also has to leave back for work again in a few hours. Within seconds of her shutting her eyes, she had fallen asleep.


    Staring down at the sleeping beauty, Lu Tian sighed in pure happiness. He rest his head on hers and stare out to the now dark sky with a smile.


    He is going to be a father to the little bean inside his wife. It¡¯s their first child together. Be it a girl or a boy, he does not care.


    Tomorrow, he will have to look into somends. His wife wants to move out, but there won¡¯t be a house that suit her in his eyes. So building a new house for her is the best idea. Maybe he¡¯ll ask her what kind of house and environment she wants to live in.


    This house will be the ce where they build their future together....


    Thinking of building a house for his wife, he could already picture his wife and child. Would their child look like him or her?


    Suddenly, he remembers that L¡¯amour de ma vie will be arriving soon. His eyes lit up with a smile and he settles on an idea. He finally knows how he wants to propose to his wife.


    Closing his eyes, he allow sleep to take over. Just for a bit, then he will wake up and make dinner for them.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Mmm.....!"


    Yue Ling naturally stretched from her sleep. She felt extra refreshed with a smile on her face. Her eyes slowly open and she adjust her eye sight.


    Sleeping on the ground next to her is her favorite Samoyed. She couldn¡¯t recall when, but the little guy had someone how move to sleep here. Stretching her hand out, she gently caress his soft white fur.


    Would Inu protect the little bean inside her like how he protects her?


    Turning her head, she sees the face of man she loves. For some reason, she feels the Lu Tian who is asleep at this moment looked so peaceful and at ease. Except...


    She pout her lip and lift her hand to touch the man¡¯s face. Using her thumb, she tries to smooth the three creased lines between Lu Tian¡¯s brows. Seeing that nothing changed, she mumbles.


    "Why are you frowning even in your sleep...?"


    Just when herst word fell, Lu Tian unknowingly grabs her hand.


    "Ahh-"


    His sudden movement surprised Yue Ling, causing her to gasp. She could even hear her heart beginning to beat rapidly, but in slow motion.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remained closed. He moves her hand to his lip and kiss it.


    "Sleep some more."


    His deep voice was more raspy than usual. Yue Ling blush knowing that his voice was another attractive feature of his. ncing at the wall clock, she looks back at Lu Tian and lightly kiss him in the lip.


    "I would like to, but I have to go back to work."


    The crease between Lu Tian¡¯s brows deepen upon hearing her words. She needs to go back to work? At thiste of the hour?


    His eyes slowly open and his line of sightnds on the face of the woman he loves.


    "Why?"


    Watching him, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Why does Lu Tian¡¯s expression look like a mistress who didn¡¯t want the husband she was having an affair with to leave? Uh....


    "Ahem."


    She quickly brush the thought away and clears her throat. Pushing herself up, she sits at the edge of the couch.


    "Tian, there¡¯s a big project I need to finish with the other employees. I won¡¯t be out for long."


    Lu Tian sighed and also sits up. He ran his fingers through his hair pondering in thoughts about his wife¡¯s words.


    He knows that she is well known fashion designer and from his resources, there is a big fashion showing up.


    Looking at his wife, he knew he could never say no to her. As much as he didn¡¯t want to, she was a fashion designer and she needed to do her job.


    Ahhh.... If only he can persuade her to stop working and just stay home where he can see her. However, he knows he can¡¯t do that.


    Coming to a decision, he reach his hand out and pull his wife closer. He captures her lip like a hungry wolf until she was almost out of breath. Pulling away reluctantly, his forehead press against hers and he spoke in an even more raspy tone almost to a growl.


    "Fine."


    He moves his face a few inches from hers.


    "But..."


    Yue Ling smiles hearing his understanding agreement, however, what she didn¡¯t expect was the ¡¯but¡¯. She stare at the man with heavy eyes.


    Pouting her lip, she could only sigh, "Fine, but what?"


    Looking at her, Lu Tian did not show any intentions of backing down. He wasn¡¯t in the wrong. All he wants is his wife to be safe, especially not since the gang ck Dragon is out there somewhere. If she stayed inside, he wouldn¡¯t worry, but once she steps foot outside of Jade Condos, who knows what will happen.


    "Dinner first, then I take you to work. Once you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll pick you up."


    "...."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Was she a little kid to be treated this way? As a grown woman, she can take care of herself. It¡¯s not like she was going to get kidnap. Opening her mouth, she wanted to refute back, but...


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression was grave and cold. She knew from one look that he would not take no for an answer. If she was to say no, she was sure he would not let her go at all. Sighing again, she could only agree with him.


    "Fine."


    "Good."


    Seeing his wife has agreed to his deal, he smiled inside and stood up from the couch. Before going to the kitchen to prepare dinner, he didn¡¯t forget to kiss her forehead.


    Watching the man enter the kitchen, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but sigh again. Turning to look at Inu, she lets out another sigh. Inu at this moment stare at her as if saying, ¡¯Life of peasants¡¯.


    Lifting one hand she massage her temple then look down at her t stomach. Caressing it, she whispers to herself.


    "Baby... your dad is a very strict person..."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 216 Enchantress

    After eating the dinner prepared by Lu Tian, Yue Ling decides to get ready while the man washed the dishes.


    Showering and changing her clothes, she walks out of the closet room wearing a matching ribbed sweater and pencil skirt. She didn¡¯t put on make up, allowing her fair skin to have some breather.


    ncing to her favorite Samoyed, she sees arge package left by her door. Remember that Wu Jing had sent her two packages, she walks over to open it. Just when she slightly bends down to pick it up, a pair ofrger hands grabs the package.


    "Let me carry it."


    Turning her head, she stare in wide and amusing eyes at the father of her child. When did he get here? Wasn¡¯t he still washing the dishes?


    Wait.....


    Realizing Lu Tian was no longer in his suit but in a set of loungewear, she frown in confusion. How does Lu Tian always move so fast?


    Her frown deepens at the man then to the package in his hand. Knowing she can¡¯t win over him, she walks away. Her finger pointing to the hallway.


    "Bring it to the study room."


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian nod his head and follow his wife to the study room. From behind, Inu sighed and close his eyes like he didn¡¯t care at all. However, if he could, he would beughing in joy to see the evil peasant look like a ve to his mommy.


    How great would that be?


    Come here ve!


    Put over there ve!


    Off with your head ve!


    Oblivious and not a single care about Inu¡¯s thought, Lu Tian did not care if he had to be a ve. If it¡¯s anything his wife wants, he is willing to do it for her.


    Coming into the study room, Lu Tian ce the package down by the window. He takes a step back and lets his wife continue with what she was going to do.


    Yue Ling squat down and sat on her knees. She leisurely open the package, however, seeing Lu Tian¡¯s reflection in the window, she turns to look at him. Smiling, she held his hand and pull him down.


    "Sit, let¡¯s look at it together."


    Lu Tian nod his head and sits down. He nce at the sender of the package and he frown.


    ¡¯W.J.?¡¯


    Who is that? Who dare to send his wife a package like this?


    He pout his lip in disapproval. However, when he saw the way his wife looked in the window, everything disperse into thin air. That smile on her was enough to let him know how much this package meant to her.


    Opening the package, Yue Ling smiled in excitement. Her smile was one that could ease a person¡¯s mind. Just seeing her smile, Lu Tian did not care about who W.J. is anymore.


    Yue Ling removed thest piece of wrapping paper on the package. Looking at it, she was amazed at the gift sent by Wu Jing.


    It was another photo from her photo shoot for Beauty. Unlike the one she received at work, this one gave an opposite aura to it.


    Turning her head to the man next to her, she smiles at him. Her eyes were even smiling.


    "What do you think?"


    Lu Tian was at a loss for words. He couldn¡¯t help but continue to stare at the photo. It was a rather huge photo and this photo was his wife.


    Her hair was loosely curled and she was sitting on a stool, except the crimson red chiffon dress on her flowed down like waterfall covering the stool. Her long and slender legs were exposed showing her strapped ck heels.


    The her in this photo looked so stunning, yet... also like an enchantress.


    Remembering something, he turn his head to look at his smiling wife. "Is this from your photo shoot with Beauty?"


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling nod her head and her arm wrap around Lu Tian¡¯s arm. She tilt her head and leaned on his shoulder.


    "Although I retired, I still wanted to do the photo shoot. It¡¯s myst piece of work in the modeling world."


    Even though she said that, it was half the truth. The other half was she wanted to let Ning Mei know that even though she wasn¡¯t a model anymore, she still has it in her.


    ncing down at his wife, Lu Tian faintly smiles. This photo was proof that his wife was a real supermodel. A supermodel with amazing and natural talent. He wants to ask why she decided to quit modeling, but if she wanted to tell him, she would have already done so.


    Moving his eyes, he looks back at the photo. Seeing how alluring his wife looked, his eyes dimmed. Just how lucky was the bastard who got to see his wife when she took this photo?


    He will need to make a call to Beauty and buy all the films of her photo shoot for himself.


    How can he let such a photo like this be seen by other men? Even women would fall in love!


    Suddenly, his eyes lit up and looks down at his wife.


    "Can I keep this photo?"


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling furrow her brows and look up at Lu Tian. She couldn¡¯t understand why he would want to keep this photo.


    "Uh... sure."


    Lu Tian smiles a smile that he¡¯d only show to Yue Ling. Lifting his hand, he held her chin and leaned down to kiss her lips.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s run down shop, the design team of De L¡¯amour had just arrived. The two security guarding the door had been notified in advance. Neither one dare to make the same mistake that urred to them before. Especially not since that same woman wasing here.


    Shan Sinan tour the inside of the shop and he was truly amazed. There were rows of shelves nicely aligned and on each shelves were treasures worth thousands and millions. Turning to look at the middle aged man, he nod approvingly.


    "Uncle Zhi, who would have thought you to be such an amazing hoarder. I never knew you liked these things."


    "Sinan, how dare you call Uncle Zhi a hoarder! He¡¯s a collector! A collector!"


    Coming out of nowhere, Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure punch the side of Shan Sinan¡¯s waist. Her eyes ring at the man.


    Shan Sinan nce down at the tiny woman jumping with her arms waving everywhere. He had to admit, Ju Suo is a very cute Lolita, but the moment she opens her mouth, she is like a crazy baboon. Shaking his head, he takes a step to the side and avoids Ju Suo¡¯s flying hand. He looks back at Uncle Zhi and smiles.


    "Forgive my misspoken words, Uncle Zhi."


    "Mm. Hoarder or collector, I can be called both."


    Uncle Zhi spoke nonchntly. He knows that these young people are from the new generation. As a man of old school, he doesn¡¯t mind. Besides, he is a hoarder, if not then a collector.


    Everything inside this shop of his, are his greatest prize possessions. However, he knew he couldn¡¯t keep them forever, so when Yue Ling helped him open this shop, he decided to sell them. So those who purchase them will take a better care of them.


    "Sinan, Ju Suo. Stop yapping around, we¡¯re here for work."


    Another man¡¯s voice echoed from behind the two people making them jump in fright. Turning around, their eyesnd on Qi Li. In his hands were hisputer and some documents. However, these documents weren¡¯t just any documents, they are actually the designs for their purpose here.


    As the fashion illustrator in the team, Yue Ling entrusted Qi Li with the task to keep the information safe.


    Both Shan Sinan and Ju Suo turn to look at the other two men sitting down at the end of the room. When they had arrived here, these two men were already here. Neither paid any attention to the design team as their focus was on theirptops in front of them. Watching them, Shan Sinan and Ju Suo gulped with difficulty.


    Ranking the skills of people by their boss¡¯s side, Liu Shan was first and Lin Hui second, but they were not part of the design team. Tang Zhong Hui knew their boss before the other members of the design team, but if one was to ask them who was the scariest, everyone would point to Qi Li.


    His looks may be ordinary, but don¡¯t let the man wearing those rimless sses fool you. His nerdy look is just a cover up. Behind that mask, he is a man of sheer willpower and quick reflexes.


    Ignoring the two people he just lectured, Qi Li set theptop and documents down on a table. Pulling a chair, he sits down and begin working.


    Uncle Zhi watched all of Qi Li¡¯s movements. He nod his head as he thought of something and turn to leave the two dumbfounded Shan Sinan and Ju Suo.


    Qi Li was right, they have work to do.


    A lot of work to do in so little time.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 217 Didn’t satisfy

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    While the sky turned into midnight blue, everyone from Yue Ling¡¯s team started getting busy with their assignments. At this very moment, Lu Tian¡¯s ck Audi R8 parks in front of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    Inside the car, Lu Tian frown when he sees the rundown building. He had thought of taking his wife to De L¡¯amour since it was herpany, but on their way here, she had redirected him to another route. Never did he think she would....


    He stare out to the building and the more he stare, the more dumbfounded he became. The windows outside the building were boarded up and it looked extremely old. It can even pass as a building from a horror film. Like a ghost can jump out any moment.


    However, he knows not to judge too much of it. A person should never judge a book by it¡¯s cover. Moving his eyes to the woman in the passenger seat, he pout his lips.


    "Do you want me to walk you in?"


    Yue Ling looks at the man and she chuckles at his expression. Even though it was dark, the faint light emitting through the window showed the uneasiness in his eyes. Lifting her hand, she held his cheek and leans in to pet a kiss on his lip that she loves.


    "Thank you, but i¡¯ll be fine."


    Grabbing her purse, she prepares to leave. Her hand reach for the door handle and open it. However, before she could fully pull the handle, Lu Tian¡¯s long arm reach over and stops her.


    Caught in surprise, Yue Ling makes a small jump before turning to look at him. Seeing his same indifferent look, she couldn¡¯t help but pout her lip.


    "What is it?"


    Not responding right away, Lu Tian stare at his wife. He slowly lean forward, until his face was inches away from her¡¯s.


    "That kiss didn¡¯t satisfy me."


    "...."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. She stare with slightly widen eyes. It took her a long minute to get her brain working, but by the time she opened her mouth to say something, Lu Tian¡¯s lip had already captured hers.


    His lips pressed against hers before his tongue makes it way in and danced with hers. Their breathing soon turned rapid as a soft moan escapes Yue Ling¡¯s lip and a groan for Lu Tian.


    Knowing he can¡¯t let this continue, Lu Tian force himself to pull away. He wrap one arm around his wife and pulls her in for a hug as if kneading her with him.


    "Don¡¯t carry heavy things or overwork yourself. I won¡¯t go far from here."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling chuckle. Using her hand, she ce it on Lu Tian¡¯s chest and looks up at the man.


    "Tian, you don¡¯t have to wait for me, I¡¯ll have Liu Shan drive me home. He¡ª"


    Before she could finish all her remaining words, everything seemed to vanished when her eyes met Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes.


    Lu Tian stare coldly at his wife like the grim reaper, "You¡¯re going back on your words?"


    Swallowing all her words, Yue Ling vigorously shook her head. If she had said yes, who knows what the cold man would do.


    Knowing he won this round, Lu Tian kiss his wife on the forehead and leans back on his chair.


    "Be good. Call me ten minutes before you¡¯re done."


    "Okay."


    With a quick answer, Yue Ling did not hesitate to get out of the car. She had wasted too much time and needed to get inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, so she and her team can start their work.


    Lu Tian also got out of the car. Except, he didn¡¯t follow her, but watched her figure furthering towards the building. Until she was inside the building, he finally sat back in his car.


    Yet, he didn¡¯t leave right away. Reaching for his phone, he dials a number. After one ring, the person on the other line answers.


    ["Boss, we¡¯ve secured the surrounding premises."]


    "Good, make sure no one from ck Dragon steps a single foot near this building."


    ["Affirmative."]


    Ending the call, Lu Tian looks back at the rundown building, then to the surround areas. Since it was gettingte into the night, there were not much people around. A few cars pass the street every now and then, but none intended to stop.


    Moments before they had arrived here, he made sure to send his location to his team. When they left Jade Condos, he can¡¯t say if ck Dragon had follow them or not.


    Knowing that his Wolf Team is guarding his wife, he could rx a bit and drives off to the distance.


    Oblivious to what was going on outside, Yue Ling stops in front of the tightly shut metal door leading to Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    The two security guards she had met once sees her and greets her with respect. Each taking a step to the side to allow her through.


    "Miss Han."


    Yue Ling nod to both men, no intentions to chat with them, she enters the door. The moment she walked through the doors, she scan the shop to see all her team members already inside. Taking big strides, she goes straight to the two men sitting at the end of the room. Standing in the gap between both men, Yue Ling looks at each screen set up on the desk.


    "Boss, we hacked into all the surveince cameras within 10 meters of this ce. Anyone suspicious will be seen."


    Liu Shan spoke as his fingers dance away on his keyboard. His attention was fully on the screen in front of him.


    "Boss....."


    From the other side, Lin Hui spoke as he turn to look at his boss. Moments ago, he saw his boss get out of a very expensive car. Not only that, the thing that caught him by surprise was that the driver turned out to be a man.


    Yue Ling looks down at Lin Hui, she didn¡¯t say a word but the expression on her face was as if saying ¡¯yes?¡¯.


    Looking at her, Lin Hui wanted to ask, but thinking of something, he quickly shook his head. He decided not to ask because his boss trusts him and with that, he should also trust her.


    Not thinking much, Yue Ling looks at the screens onest time before she part her lip to speak.


    "Notify me if there¡¯s any strange movements outside. We don¡¯t know if ck Dragon is lurking out there somewhere."


    Ending her conversation with the two men, she turns and walk towards her design team. Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help but follow his boss movements. He sighed thinking of the image he saw.


    "Stop daydreaming and get back to work."


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice whispers to Lin Hui. Then lifting a hand, he use it to turn the man¡¯s head back to face theptop in front of them.


    "Shan, did you already know? You know about boss and...."


    Pouting his lip, Lin Hui frown as he asks the question. Looking at the man sitting in the seat next to him, he can¡¯t help but feel that Liu Shan already knew about this.


    They both saw their boss get out of the car, except Liu Shan didn¡¯t show any signs of shock or surprise. He didn¡¯t even ask his boss who the man was.


    However, he wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it was true. Between him and Liu Shan, the guy was around their boss more.


    ncing at the man thinking hard, Liu Shan sighed and nod his head. Seeing this, Lin Hui quietly sucks in a mouthful of air and his eyes widen. He had prepared for the truth but even so, how can this still not shock him?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 218 Fresh air

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    After hours of intense work in the fashion industry, pencils and scissorsid lifeless with the many scraps of fabrics scattered on the tables and on the floor. Mannequins set up in rows in a total of twenty.


    Standing in the center of the room, Yue Ling held her chin with one hand while her other hand held the elbow. She pout her lip in thinking.


    After she arrived, no one wasted any more time and started working. The designs on each of the twenty mannequins are the first set of designs. They still have two more sets of twenty to finish. However, she wasn¡¯t going to make her design team try and finish it all in one night.


    ncing to the time, it was already 2:30am. Looking back at the designs, she was quite satisfied. Everything had turned out exactly like how she had sketched it.


    "Alright, we¡¯ll call it a¡ª"


    She turn away from the mannequins and when she saw what was behind her, she was dumbfounded.


    "...."


    All of her designers were already asleep. The twins, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongming sat on the floor, their backs against each other¡¯s and their head tilted back on each other¡¯s shoulder. Lian Ni Shang sat on a chair and Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure looked like a cat using the woman¡¯s thighs as a pillow. Shan Sinan looked like he didn¡¯t care about where he is andid t on the floor.


    Turning her head to another part of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, Yue Ling was even more dumbfounded. Tang Zhong Hui had somehow taken the other guy¡¯s coats for use. One as his bed sheet, the other as a pillow and the third one keeping himself warm. However, that wasn¡¯t the reason that made her dumbfounded.


    She didn¡¯t know when, but Tang Zhong Hui had moved some of Uncle Zhi¡¯s expensive items onto the floor and turned thatyer of the shelf into his bed.


    If someone else was to see this scene, they¡¯d probably think they were inside a homeless shelter.


    "Boss!"


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounds from the end of the shop catching Yue Ling¡¯s attention. Moving her eyes away from her team, she walks towards the two people still awake in the room. However, when she got to them, she suddenly remember something.


    "Where is Qi Li?"


    "He went out with Uncle Zhi to smoke."


    This time, it was Lin Hui who spoke. He leaned against the chair and both hands ced on the back of his head. Yet, his eyes were focused on all the screens in front of him.


    Yue Ling nod her head and looks at the screens. She frown when her eyesnd on one of the screens. It wasn¡¯t moving as if it was put on paused. Arching a brow, she looks at Liu Shan.


    "Is this it?"


    Nodding his head, Liu Shan taps on his keyboard allowing a few more other videos to show on one screen. Each video showed the same person, a man in a grey suit from different angles.


    "He seems to be a hacker too. I don¡¯t know his reason, but he seems to be controlling some of the surveince cameras. I tried hacking into hisputer but each time I¡¯m one code away, he somehow manages to decode me out. However, I was able to use the surveince cameras to capture a few images of him."


    Saying this, Liu Shan frown and leans back on his chair. He¡¯s a very high tech hacker, yet, this unknown manes and disrupts his image. Thinking of it, he couldn¡¯t help but think about the time they went to save Jingxu and Ting.


    The unknown team from the other mountain had a very cunning hacker too. Could these two be the same person? But that can¡¯t be possible, right?


    While Liu Shan was lost in his thoughts, Lin Hui held in mixed feelings. His skills as a tech was just slightly under Liu Shan¡¯s, but if this unknown person is this great... does that mean he¡¯s third now?


    Thinking of being third, Lin Hui frown. Sliding the chair back, he solemnly stood up.


    "I need some fresh air."


    Not waiting for his boss¡¯s approval, he strides in big steps out of the shop to join Uncle Zhi and Qi Li.


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Liu Shan: "...."


    Everyone else: "Zzzzzz..."


    Hearing the sound of the door closed, both boss and assistant were dumbfounded. Yet, with the loud sound of the door shutting, none of Yue Ling¡¯s design team woke up. Each individual continued to enjoy their slumber.


    Shaking her head, Yue Ling sighed and shakes her head. Her team is not just weird, but very weird. ncing at Liu Shan who¡¯s attention is back to the screen of the man, she sighed again. Lifting one hand, she pats her assistant on the shoulder.


    "If you¡¯re that curious, I¡¯ll let you in on something."


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan¡¯s head dart to look at his boss. He didn¡¯t say anything, but his expression was enough to show what he was feeling.


    Looking at him, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She nce at the screen then turn around to leave. Just as her body half turned, her voice sounds the answer.


    "His name is Xu Long."


    Like Lin Hui, this time it was Yue Ling¡¯s turn to leave. She didn¡¯t wait to see Liu Shan¡¯s reaction because she already knew how it will look like.


    Following his boss¡¯s figure, Liu Shan stare at the woman with his jaw dropping to the floor. Lifting both hands, he dig his ears because he could not believe what he had just heard.


    After a long while, he slowly turn back to look at the screen on hisptop. If what his boss says is true, then everything makes sense now.


    Xu Long isn¡¯t the assistant of the business king for no reason, the man had his sources. Not only that, when Yue Ling first set the decision to move to Imperial, he had done some digging.


    This man name Xu Long is very capable as an assistant and always seed in his job.


    Thinking of something, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes dimmed. If Xu Long is this good at hacking, he needs to step up his game. He can¡¯t have anyone hacking into his database and learn about his boss. Even if that person is the almighty business king himself.


    Yue Ling reaches the door as the sound of clicking echos throughout the shop. She shook her head and felt pity for Xu Long. Anyone who is a genius hacker is apetitor to Liu Shan. Lin Hui just happened to be one of the lucky ones to be able to work with the man.


    However, she never expected that the clumsy assistant by her baby¡¯s father would also be hacker. Maybe she should ask Lu Tian and have both assistants meet.


    Thinking of Lu Tian, she caress her stomach and smile warmly. If Liu Shan¡¯s instinct is correct, then that means Lu Tian must be keeping a close eye on her.


    Did he think she wouldn¡¯t be able to protect herself?


    Shaking the thought away, she reach her hand out and grab the door handle.


    *baaaang!!*


    The metal door was suddenly pulled open with great force stopping Yue Ling¡¯s hand in midair.


    The sudden sound wakes up the sleeping design team. Everyone¡¯s expression didn¡¯t look like they had been sleeping at all. Each one¡¯s attention was to the door. Liu Shan also stood from his chair. Seeing the person, he frown and looks at the person who had open the door.


    Unlike her team, Yue Ling did not falter what so ever. She remained calmed and slightly tilt her head at the person.


    "What is it, Uncle Zhi?"


    Everyone¡¯s eyes stayed glue to the middle aged man. His expression was grave and loss of all colors. Following behind him were the two security guards. Their expression were no different from the man¡¯s.


    Uncle Zhi¡¯s eyes looked to each person inside his shop, then to Yue Ling. His lips pressed tightly together, before he spoke.


    "Members of ck Dragon showed up here. Lin Hui and Qi Li went after them. I dispatched some of my men to follow."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling didn¡¯t show an ounce of fear. However, her bluish green eyes slowly blink as they dimmed into a dangerous shade.


    "Liu Shan, hack every surveince camera in Imperial to locate Lin Hui and Qi Li. Since Chu Li Xiang made his move, we will wee him with ours."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 219 No one ever survives

    Darkness engulfed Imperial to sleep. While others were in their deep slumber, a run down building was still busying itself. The clicking of the keyboard echoes inside the shop while all was silence.


    Uncle Zhi takes a seat and sighed. He res at the design team then to Yue Ling. However, when his eyesnded on her, his expression softened. His re is for the fact that these youngsters did not tell him in advance. Of course, he can never re at the only child left behind his good friend.


    "Young Miss, you mean to tell this old me, that while I was having a heart attack here, everything was staged?"


    Yue Ling sat across from Uncle Zhi, she pout her lip for a second then nod her head.


    "Mm. I already knew Chu Li Xiang had sent men to follow me. I was just waiting for them to make a move. I do apologize for not telling you in advance. I didn¡¯t want to worry you so I asked no one to say anything.."


    Hearing her answer, Uncle Zhi nod his head in understanding. How could he forgot who this young woman was? She is the daughter of his old friend and the granddaughter of his old master. Everything she does has it¡¯s meaning.


    He wasn¡¯t upset that she didn¡¯t tell him, he was upset that he had allow such thing toe to this. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh again.


    "You were never one to attack without reason. If the other side had not made their move, you wouldn¡¯t have made yours."


    Remembering something, Uncle Zhi looks at Liu Shan then back to Yue Ling.


    "Will Lin Hui and Qi Li be alright?"


    "They¡¯ll be fine. I trust those two won¡¯t be defeated so easily."


    Yue Ling assures the middle aged man. Turning to look at her remaining design team, she nods her head. Seeing her movement, everyone stood and prepares themselves to leave.


    "Boss, I¡¯ve found their location."


    Liu Shan calls out. His finger pointing to a screen then to a map on hisptop.


    "It seems they¡¯re heading in the direction of Retro."


    Hearing the ce, Uncle Zhi furrow his brows. He stood from his chair and walks over to Liu Shan.


    "Shan, isn¡¯t Retro the nightlife in Imperial for the underworld gangs? Wouldn¡¯t Lin Hui and Qi Li be in more danger?"


    "They¡¯ll be fine. Liu Shan, send the location to Alpha Team."


    Yue Ling spoke as she too stood from her seat. Walking over to the twenty mannequins, she takes another look at them.


    "Uncle Zhi, I trust you can help me keep these designs in a safe ce?"


    Uncle Zhi: "Of course. It will be over my dead body if someone wants to steal from me."


    Yue Ling nod her head in response. She knows she could always count on the man to keep her things secured. Uncle Zhi is a man of words, anything he says he will follow through with it.


    "Liu Shan, let¡¯s go."


    Not wanting to waste time, she leaves Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop. Following behind her was Liu Shan and hisptop.


    Until Yue Ling was no longer in view, Uncle Zhi signals to the two security guards.


    "Secure the shop, no one outside is allow to enter without my permission."


    The middle aged manmands to the two security guards. He nce in the direction Yue Ling went for a quick second, then he heads in another directions of the shop. However, when his eyesnded on his expensive items on the floor, he was dumbfounded.


    Squatting down, he carefully picks each item up and check for any signs of damage. His expression frowning as he does so.


    "Zhong Hui, that brat. How dare he do this to my precious?! Oh my precious..."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    In another part of Imperial, far from Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, two motorcycles raced through the silent street. Lin Hui and Qi Li parked their motorcycles in front of the street that soon lit up with crowds of people and lights glistening everywhere.


    Qi Li removed his ck glossy helmet and scanned for the members of ck Dragon they had followed. The area is overly crowded with people, except, these weren¡¯t just your regr people, these people were from different gangs in China that held a peace treaty together. Not only that, this area of Imperial was their turf, their clubs and bars for entertainment.


    Reaching into the pocket of his suit jacket, Qi Li takes out a cigarette and light it up.


    "What now?"


    "What else?"


    Lin Hui replies as he also removed his helmet. Lifting his hand, his finger stroke through his hairbing it back.


    "There¡¯s only one ce they can go here."


    He had already did some research in advance about all of ck Dragon¡¯s hangout spots. From what he found out, every member of their¡¯s alwayse to a specific bar and club. Getting off his bike, he nce at Qi Li and sized the man. Putting his Bluetooth ear piece on, he gestured with his head.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Both men stood at the same height as they walked through the crowded street. Neither one having a care of the murderous res they were receiving upon arrival.


    Lin Hui was like a bad boy, both his hands in the pockets of his motor jacket. He was calm and didn¡¯t have an ounce of care in his expression. His aura could have blended in with the crowd, but none had seen his face in the area before.


    As for Qi Li, he was the opposite, he looked like an innocent boy lost in the area. His rimless sses and features made the gang members want to bully him. Only thing giving him a different look was the cigarette in his hand. Yet, no one dare to make a move. Until....


    "Yo, kids! Are ya lost or something?"


    Stopping in their steps, both men turn to look at the person who spoke. Their expressions were still the usual indifferent and calm. The person who had spoke was a bulky man with a long cut stitch on one corner of his mouth to his ear.


    He sneer and walks up to Lin Hui and Qi Li. Stopping in front of both men, he sized them up. He was a few inches taller so he looked down on them.


    Looking at Qi Li, his sneer widen and it turned malicious. Taking a step forward, he stood one feet away.


    "Look at you,ing to Retro thinking you¡¯re hardcore. What? You think by smoking a cigarette you are a badass?"


    Seeing the bulky man was the first to step, all the other gang members move in pursuit. Each one grinning with excitement. The bulky man was one of the leaders here in Retro, so as hisrades, it¡¯s only natural for them to follow along.


    Lin Hui tilt his headzily to the side and looked at the bulky man. His lip pursed and he sighed.


    "Qi Li, ignore the guy, we have more important things to do."


    Finishing his words, Lin Hui takes a step forward. Watching him, Qi Li remained indifferent and follows his move. However, just when Lin Hui¡¯s figure passed the bulky man, Qi Li was blocked by arge figure.


    "Do you know who¡¯s territory you¡¯re in?"


    The bulky man spoke with a sinister grin while Qi Li stare with heavy eyes. He looks at Lin Hui and sighed inside. Maybe he should start changing the way he dresses. Why is it that he is always the first to be picked on?


    From behind the bulky man, Lin Hui yawned and shook his head. He cross his arms over his chest and watch the show. Trouble always seems to love blocking their paths when they¡¯re in a hurry. However, it¡¯s fine too, since they have to wait for their boss. It¡¯s just a pity these hooligans thought Qi Li an easy target.


    Seeing how Qi Li was not intimidated by his threats at all, blood boiled inside the bulky man. His lip press tightly together and without warning, he swings his fist aiming for the calm man¡¯s face. From the side, the other gang membersughed and sneer in excitement.


    "This kid is going to die."


    "No one ever survives his punch."


    However.....


    Before the bulky man¡¯s fist could touch Qi Li¡¯s face, a palm captures the fist.


    "..."


    Lin Hui yawned again while everyone¡¯s eyes shot open. No one could put the pieces together at all.


    The bulky man¡¯s eyes widen in shock. He stare in disbelief at the kid in front of him. Their height and weight were a huge difference, yet...


    Qi Li¡¯s left palm held the bulky man¡¯s fist like he was catching a fly. Blinking once at the man, his right arm swiftly swung and his fistnded on the man¡¯s face.


    "Ughh!!"


    The bulky man cried in pain and takes a few steps back, his hand pressing on the side of his mouth. Clenching it tightly, blood dripped through his closed fingers. His red eyes ring at the man who just punched him. His long time wound is suddenly reopened by Qi Li¡¯s one punch. He clench his jaw tightly and adds more pressure to his cheek.


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 220 The charming one

    "Brothers, get him!!!"


    The bulky man roar in rage. He didn¡¯t care if he stretched the scar on his mouth. All he wanted now was to kill the man who punched him. Never has anyone step foot in Retro and humiliate him like this.


    Listening to their leader¡¯s order, everyone takes out their weapon and makes their way towards Qi Li.


    From the side, Lin Hui sighed and takes a few steps forward to stand next to Qi Li. He wave his hands out to stop the men.


    "My brothers, how about we not do this? Let¡¯s talk this out like civilized human beings."


    Qi Li shrug his shoulders nonchntly and continues to smoke his cigarette without a care.


    "Civilized my ass! You¡¯re going to die tonight!"


    A man angrily yells out. Changing his target from Qi Li to Lin Hui, he runs in action to kill. His grin widen and he swings his arm to cut Lin Hui.


    Staring at the man, Lin Hui sighed and dodges each time the knife nears him. The man leaps and stabs towards Lin Hui, however, in a blink of an eye, Lin Hui had swiftly grabbed the knife. He smiles charmingly and flick the man¡¯s forehead like flicking a bug.


    From the sides, everyone saw this flick as a kiddy joke, but only the man knew just how much force that small flick was. He ended up taking a couple steps backward.


    "Ugh!"


    The manes to a stop and res at Lin Hui, his hand cover his forehead. Yet, when he realized that the hand he is using to hold his forehead was the hand holding his knife, he was dumbfounded. He stare in disbelief at the young man in front of him.


    "You¡ª"


    Lin Hui tilt his head, then lower his head to the knife in his hand. Not thinking much of it, he shrug his shoulders then wave the knife in his hand.


    "Oh this?" He scratch the back of his head with his other hand and grins at the man. "Um... I think you gave it to me."


    "..."


    The man was even more dumbfounded. His lip pressed tightly together and he shouts in intense rage.


    "You¡¯re going to die for reals now!!"


    Lin Hui tilt his head, and Qi Li threw his cigarette away. Neither one showed fear as if they were ying a game of Dynasty Warriors and waiting for the enemy to close in. Stealing a quick nce at each other, the both of them stood their ground and takes the group of thugs head on.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    From a distance, a ck four door Aston Martin rapide parks in a dimly lit area of Retro. Sitting in the backseat is the king of business world.


    "Boss, should we.... help?"


    From the driver seat, Xu Long spoke as he stare out to the fight scene that just broke out. After his boss dropped thedy boss off, he had gotten inside this car.


    He, his boss and Wolf Team had been waiting, not only that, he had topete online with some hacker and almost revealed themselves.


    However, ck Dragon made a move that sent chills to his young and healthy spine. Thinking of it, Xu Long couldn¡¯t help but shiver. Did they not know that his boss of all people is the worst when he¡¯s angry?


    Oblivious to Xu Long¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian stare out the window to themotion. His brows furrow every few seconds as he ponder in thoughts.


    Earlier when he dropped off his wife, he had met up with Xu Long and Wolf Team. His team was split into groups to guard the premises because when he and Yue Ling left Jade Condos, he saw two unknown cars following them. Although the cars stayed in a distance, he knew it was from ck Dragon. No car would follow every turn you make and park in a distance.


    However, that isn¡¯t the reason for his creased brows. He had kept close watch on his wife making sure no one from ck Dragon got near the run down building. Yet, after hours of waiting for his wife to call him that she was ready to go home, he didn¡¯t receive a call at all.


    Just when he was going to call his wife, he saw a middle aged man and a man wearing sses step out of the building. The man wasn¡¯t the same one he saw when he picked up his wife. As for the middle aged man, he¡¯s never seen the man before.


    A few momentster, another man had walked out from the building to join the two men. Even worse, this made him eat rrjars of vinegars. How he wants to go over there and drag his wife out of the building. How can he sleep at night knowing his wife is surrounded by good looking men? Young ones too.


    "Boss, look!"


    Xu Long¡¯s sudden excited voice brings Lu Tian out of his thoughts. He looks at his assistant who is punching nothing but air. Turning his head to the scene outside, he arch a brow.


    When ck Dragon attacked the three men outside, it was more like a taunt. He had to admit the two kids were pretty fast on their motorcycles, but not as fast as him.


    When he arrived in Retro, he didn¡¯t make a move because he wanted to see if these two kids were capable of standing by his wife¡¯s side to protect her. If they can, then he wouldn¡¯t have to worry much about her at work.


    Surprisingly, they¡¯re doing a great job. However, he really needs to question his wife on where she finds her workers. Isn¡¯t she just a retired model and fashion designer?


    Ending his thoughts, Lu Tian reach for the door handle and opens the door.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Ughhh¡ª!!"


    Cries of pain echoed the sky as each hooligan is tossed onto the ground. Some had long passed out while others are still holding onto their dear life.


    The bulky man with the scar stare with wide eyes at his loyal brothers then to the two kids. His fist clench tightly and he points to Lin Hui and Qi Li. He didn¡¯t care if he revealed his bloody disfigured face to the public eye. His brothers were beaten ck and blue, while these two kids had not even a pinch of dirt on them.


    "You¡¯re both asking for death aren¡¯t ya?!!"


    Lin Hui fixed the cor of his motor jacket and dust his hands. When he heard the bulky man, he spread his armszily to the side.


    "You guys started it. We were just leisurely passing through, no one asked you and your brothers to block our path. Right, bro?"


    He turn to look at Qi Li, hinting to the man to go along. Qi Li looked at the group of thugs they just beat up, then to the bulky man. He reach into his pocket and takes another cigarette out.


    "I need a cigarette."


    Lighting it, he inhaled the tobo and felt satisfy. Blowing a puff of smoke out, he looks back the bulky man. His expression as if telling the man next to him and the man with half bloody face to carry on with the conversation.


    "....."


    Lin Hui stare with heavy eyes. He sighed and thought to himself.


    ¡¯So much for backing me up.¡¯


    He looks back at the scar face man and sighed even more. Parting his lip, he wanted to say something, but from the behind the man came another bunch of thugs.


    These thugs stepped out of another bar. They looked more intimidating than the ones he and Qi Li had just dealt with and there were more of them.


    Lin Hui furrow his brows in thoughts. As the group of new thugs near them, a suddenugh is heard from behind the group.


    "Hahah-! Xiu Yang, you can¡¯t even handle two kids?"


    Like a formation, everyone parted to make a path for the person whoughed. Surprisingly, it wasn¡¯t a man, but a seductive woman with bright red lips that matched her red sweater and ck leather tights. Her brown hair bounced as she walks up Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    Looking at both men, she didn¡¯t show any signs of fear as she turn her head to the right. Seeing Xiu Yang, the bulky scar face man, she scuffed.


    "I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be beaten down so easily. Look at you, you¡¯re in a total mess."


    Xiu Yang¡¯s cheeks flushed in embarrassment. His fist clench tightly and he grit hit teeth.


    "Chun Hua, you¡ª"


    Before he could finish his words, Chun Hua had already ignored him. Her attention was now back to Lin Hui and Qi Li. She sized Lin Hui and thought nothing much of the man. However, when her eyesnded on Qi Li, a glistening light sh across her brown eyes.


    Her lip curl into an alluring smile that could capture any man¡¯s heart. The sound of her heels cking with each step she took and her hips swinging side to side like model until she stopped in front of the man with rimless sses.


    "Well, aren¡¯t you the charming one?"


    Lin Hui was dumbfounded. He wanted to gag but held himself from doing so. This woman thought she was pretty? Did this woman think the blockhead Qi Li would fall for such trick?


    Unlike Lin Hui, the blockhead Qi Li remained indifferent as usual and smoke thest bit of his cigarette. Throwing it to the ground, he kills it with his foot and fixed his sses up.


    "Don¡¯t want to answer? That¡¯s fine."


    Chun Hua ce a hand on Qi Li¡¯s chest and her other hand reach to touch his chin. However, before she could even touch him, a man¡¯s voice sounded from behind the suddenrger group.


    "Chun Hua."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 221 Bunch of idiots

    "Chun Hua."


    Hearing her name, Chun Hua pursed her red lips and sighed. She had hoped to have a little fun, but she knew the voice of this person and person is the person she cannot offend in any way.


    "I hope we can continue thister."


    She whispers to Qi Li and quickly turns around, walking in the direction of the voice. However, she didn¡¯t forget to turn around and blow a lovestruck kiss to the man.


    Walking back to the group of gang, she lift one hand and flip her hair to the back. As the group of gang parted for her, at the very end stood a tall and slender charming man clothe in a navy blue suit. His dark hair was groomed in a buzz cut and both his hands were in his pockets. Tattooed on the front of his neck was the face of a roaring tiger, except the cor of his dress shirt blocked out the bottom half, only revealing the aggressive eyes of the fierce tiger.


    Chun Hua smiles like a little girl at the man and hook her arm with his. She looks up at him and her smile widen showing her white teeth.


    "Li Wei, why did youe out?"


    The man name Li Wei lower his head at Chun Hua then to the disheveled Xiu Yang and the men on the ground. Tilting his head slightly, he looks at Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    "You two are the kids?"


    Lin Hui held a sour expression at what he was seeing. This woman name Chun Hua was just flirting with Qi Li and now she¡¯s clinging onto this new guy like nothing happened. What he hated the most was women like this. He looks at Li Wei and shrug his shoulders.


    "So what if we did? Besides, you need to put your woman in check."


    "Woman? Who¡¯s?"


    Chun Hua answered and looked around. Seeing only the group of gang and the two men, she pout her lip. Thinking of something, her eyes lit up and she points to Qi Li.


    "His woman? That¡¯s fine with me."


    Lin Hui: "....."


    Qi Li: "..."


    Like a ssh of cold water had been poured on him, Lin Hui was dumbfounded. If this was an anime show, he was sure his head would have been smashed to the ground by a giant rock. Looking at Chun Hua, he gestured with his chin.


    "Him, duh! Women these days have no shame at all."


    Shaking his head, he pats Qi Li on the shoulder and continue his words.


    "My dear brother, you have apetitor now."


    "..."


    Qi Li didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, yet, he didn¡¯t show any change of emotion in his face. He sighed inside in question of how Liu Shan is able to work along Lin Hui.


    Standing across from the two men was an even more dumbfounded person. Chun Hua¡¯s eyes droop to heaviness before she res at Lin Hui then she turn her head to look at Li Wei.


    "Big brother, I think that man thinks you¡¯re my boyfriend."


    Lin Hui: "....."


    Li Wei¡¯s brows furrow together and his expression turn soured. He looks at Qi Li then to Lin Hui. His frown deepen and he wanted to say something, but before he could, his eyes caught sight of a figure in the distance. Looking back at the two boys he voice an order to his gang.


    "Let them through. I have other business to deal with."


    Moving his arm from Chun Hua, he takes big strides and ignores the scene. Just as he was about to walk pass Lin Hui, a figure grabs his sleeve.


    "You¡¯re just going to let them go like this? What about what they did?! This is Retro!"


    Xiu Yang roared in rage at the man in a navy suit. He could not believe what was happening. These two kids show up and tear the ce apart and his gang is pretty much done for. ring at Li Wei, a sudden thought cross his mind and he sneer.


    "Don¡¯t tell me the famous Li Wei of Retro is afraid of two messily kids?"


    Hearing Xiu Yang¡¯s taunt, the new gang were now fumed with rage. Each one ring at Xiu Yang like a pack of tigers wanting to tear the deer into pieces.


    "Xiu Yang, you¡¯re near king Yama¡¯s door already, you really want to go there so soon?!"


    Chun Hua stomp her feet and point with a dangerous expression at the bloody faced man. Li Wei is her older brother, how can she have someone as low as Xiu Yang bad mouth her brother.


    Seeing the situation had turned around, Lin Hui elbow Qi Li and gesture with his head for them to leave. Both men had no more time to waste, if their boss shows up at the ce before them, how can they show their face around anymore.


    Hearing Xiu Yang¡¯s words, Li Wei¡¯s posture did not move, but his eyes moved to the corner and looked at the bloody man. He scoffed inside and flung his arm away from the man.


    "Xiu Yang, you better stop or else your fate won¡¯t be yours to decide."


    Finishing his words, he continue to walk in the direction of the figure he saw. He didn¡¯t have time for Xiu Yang¡¯s problems, however he hopes that Xiu Yang hears his warning and not go overboard. He¡¯s never seen the kid with the sses before, but the moment he saw the other one, he already knew what was going on. This kid would not have appear in Retro for no reason.


    Xiu Yang was rooted to the ground. He re in the direction Li Wei went then he looked at his men that were badly beaten up. His fist clench tightly and he cursed inside. Lifting his hand, he held his cheek and stumble to leave, leaving behind his men. At this moment, he needed help and there was only one ce he could go.


    No one bothered to stop Xiu Yang, watching the man leave in a haggard shape, theyughed in mockery. Chun Hua hmmf and turn to her new love interest. However, she was bbergasted.


    Neither Lin Hui or Qi Li were in sight. She walked around the area and searched high and low for the man with sses. Not seeing him, she ce both her fist on her hips.


    "Why didn¡¯t anyone stop them? How can you bunch of idiots let my husband get away?! Do you wish to see King Yama¡¯s doors too?!"


    "..."


    Chun Hua¡¯s chest moved up and down like a Spanish bull, she stomp her foot andmanded the group of gang.


    "Well, what are you idiots standing there for? Hurry and go find him!"


    "Yes, Miss!"


    Within seconds, half of the gang separated in search for Qi Li. None wanted to face the wrath of their boss¡¯s younger sister.


    Turning around, Chun Hua¡¯s expression softened and she sighed. She¡¯s never liked someone like this. Her meeting Qi Li must be what others consider ¡¯love at first sight¡¯.


    Remembering something, she looks up ahead to find her brother. Seeing that he was a few feet away, she jogs to catch up with him. Stopping at his side, she tilt her head and frown.


    "Brother, what is it? Why are you just standing here?"


    Li Wei didn¡¯t answer but stayed in silence for a short minute. His eyes staring straight ahead. Walking in the distance was a very familiar figure he knew all too well. This person could be considered one of his close friends.


    Taking a step forward, an unusual smile curls on his face as the figure nears him.


    "Well, look who it is. The mighty and ruthless Lu Tian."

 Chapter 222 A big storm is coming

    In the center of Retro, four figures stood amongst a group of gang. Li Wei and Chun Hua on one side and Lu Tian and Xu Long on the other.


    The remaining gang members all sized Lu Tian and Xu Long. One looked like an aloof man and the other like a good ball. If one was to say, it would of looked like they went into the future, as Lu Tian and Qi Li¡¯s aura was the same and Xu Long to Lin Hui¡¯s.


    Oblivious to his men, Li Wei smiles and tilt his head, "What do we owe this pleasure of the business King¡¯s arrival?"


    Hearing his words, all the members of his gang were shocked. This unknown man is the actually the king of the business world? Taking a closer look, they can see why Lu Tian is known for his name. The man is a highly distinguished figure in China and yet, here he is in Retro, knowing this area is crowded with different gangs.


    Only this man is capable of making such move without a care of his image.


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes stare straight into Li Wei¡¯s eyes as if piercing through the man. He was cold as always and his deep voice spoke.


    "ck Dragon."


    Hearing the name, Li Wei¡¯s smile disappears and he frown. His lip pursed in thought, "ck Dragon? Did something happened that I don¡¯t know?"


    He is the leader of the gang, White Tigers and a member of the leaders in Retro. Whatever goes on within Retro, he is one of the first to know. Did ck Dragon cross the line and offended Lu Tian?


    "They strayed too far."


    Lu Tian coldly spoke. He didn¡¯t have time to stay and chat. Walking pass Li Wei, his eyes dimmed as he was suddenly blocked by the gang members of White Tiger. He scanned each person in front of him expressionlessly. Not an ounce of fear could be seen in him. The look he had was more intimidating than any of the leaders in Retro.


    "Let him through."


    From behind came Li Wei¡¯s voice to his men. He may be a leader of a notorious gang in Retro, but Lu Tian is someone out of his reach. Many people have tried to go against the business king, but all ended up in failure. For him, it was better to be on someone like Lu Tian¡¯s good side than be an enemy.


    Seeing the members of White Tiger make a path to let him through, Lu Tian didn¡¯t hesitate to step forward. Just as he passed thest man, Li Wei¡¯s voice spoke again.


    "Fate will be here."


    Hearing the words, Lu Tian paused in his steps for second then continues in the direction of a certain ce. Following behind was his assistant, Xu Long.


    "Brother, what did you mean by that and who is that man?"


    Chun Hua asked from the side. She looked in the direction Lu Tian and Xu Long went, then to her brother. Both men held a short conversation, but she knows that they understood each other. The only thing that confused her was what did her brother mean by ¡¯fate will be here¡¯?


    Looking down at his sister, Li Wei lift his hand and pat her on the head. He sighed and shook his head.


    "Those who know too much will be doomed."


    Putting his hand down, he looks to his men.


    "Follow Mr. Lu, anyone who offends him will be offending me."


    "Yes, Boss!"


    Li Wei turns to look at Chun Hua again and he smiles a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. He had been informed in advance about Lu Tian¡¯s arrival by Lu Han, but he wasn¡¯t told why. However, he knows it must be serious since it was Lu Tian who personally came here. Not only does it involve Lu Tian, but even someone far more scarier wasing.


    Ending his thoughts, he pats Chun Hua on the head again, "Go home, a big storm ising."


    Hearing her brother¡¯s words, Chun Hua frown in confusion. She doesn¡¯t want to leave because she hopes to see Qi Li again, but knowing her brother, she knows she can¡¯t go against his words. Left with no other choice, she nods her head and quickly leaves, but she quickly turns back around and smiles to Li Wei.


    "Can you make sure no oneys a hand on the man with the sses?"


    Li Wei smiles with a sigh, he nods his head in agreement to his sister. He and Chun Hua are not siblings by blood, but to him, she will always be his little sister.


    Watching his sister leave, until she was in a distance, Li Wei gesture to one of his men.


    "Send words to everyone in White Tigers, be on guard with their fate."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Through the bustling area of Retro, at the very end of the street stood a building with red lights. Even from the outside, the music could be heard.


    "Boss, this is the ce."


    Xu Long spoke and looks at the building. Seeing the attention his boss was getting, he sighed. The women here are just like the evil witch that once spread her evil spirits inside Lu Corps. His boss once asked him to buy a mop and he never got to it. Once the sun rises, he should go buy one, so that way he can carry it with him and mop the drools away for his boss.


    Oblivious to Xu Long¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian remained his used indifferent expression. He neither looked at the angry resing his way or the women trying to catch his attention. His thoughts was on Li Wei¡¯s words.


    ¡¯Fate will be here.¡¯


    Does Li Wei mean Fate as in the Fate from City Z or another meaning?


    Pondering in thoughts for a moment, he quickly push it to the back of his head. Either one, he doesn¡¯t care.


    Without another thought, he strides forward and into the doors.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    However, before he and Xu Long could get inside, a big man weighing 300 pounds stops them.


    "Who said you could enter for free?"


    Xu Long looked up at the man and he sighed. Such a big man, will he be squash to death? Shaking the thought, he smiles to the big man.


    "We¡¯re here to meet Chu Li Xiang."


    The big man scoffed and cross his arms over his chest. He wasn¡¯t going to fall for the same trick again. Just moments ago, two kids had came and said the same thing. Did they take him for a fool?


    "ck Dragon is not some ce¡ª"


    "He¡¯s with me."


    Before the big man could finish his words, Li Wei¡¯s figure appears next to Lu Tian. He smiles a captivating smile to the big man, however, everyone in Retro knows that, that smile is the one that can end one¡¯s life.


    "Li Wei, as the leader of White Tigers, you know this ce belongs to ck Dragon. Why are you bringing an outsider here?"


    Looking at the big man, Li Wei shrug his shoulders, "This man is my guest, anything wrong with that?"


    "..."


    The big man re at Li Wei then to Lu Tian and Xu Long. He is a member of ck Dragon, but Li Wei the leader of White Tigers and a good friend of his boss, he cannot offend the man.


    Stepping aside, he snorted.


    "There won¡¯t be a next time."


    Li Wei smiles to the big man and then to Lu Tian. His eyes appearing as if they were smiling too.


    "Shall we, Mr. Lu?"


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder and enters the building. Even if Li Wei hadn¡¯t shown up, he had his own way of getting inside, besides, knowing Chu Li Xiang, the man is too readable.


    From behind the two men, Xu Long sighed at how stupid the people of ck Dragon are. He can¡¯t help but wonder if they just love entering the devil¡¯sir. First, they tried to attack Jade Condos; second, they tried to target thedy boss; and now, their idiocies is just beyond idiotic.


    "Mr. Lu, Mr. Li."


    Entering the building, they were greeted by a skinny old man holding a cane. He bows to Lu Tian and Li Wei in respect.


    "Please follow me this way."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 223 Who is your boss?

    Following the old man, the four figures enter an elevator. Once the door slide closed, an uproar escapes inside the first floor of the building.


    A group of women whispered and giggle to each other as the loud music yed inside.


    "Did you see Li Wei? I can¡¯t take my eyes off of him at all."


    "Even the man that came with Li Wei was perfectionism."


    While the first floor was in amotion, at the highest floor to the building, the elevator slowly sped up.


    Inside the elevator, no one spoke a word. Lu Tian stare at the door and thought about Li Wei¡¯s words again.


    When he first took over Lu Corps, he was only 18. During that time he had trained along side Grandfather Ji¡¯s army to strengthen his training when it came to taking down the underworld.


    One of those days in his youth, he had gone to visit Grandfather Ji to train and upon his arrival, he met an older man. He had thought the man was just an ordinary friend of grandfather Ji¡¯s, but he soon realized the man was skilled in martial arts.


    After a day¡¯s training with grandfather Ji and the man, it wasn¡¯t until the man left did he find out that, that ordinary man was none other the legendary leader of Fate.


    However, he never saw the man again. No location or whether the man was still alive. It was as if the man never existed. Yet, every now and then, he would get reports about Fate, but he could never dig any deeper. If he wanted to, he could, but that would be disrespectful to an elder he respects.


    *ding*


    The sudden sound of the elevator brings Lu Tian out of his thoughts. He stare ahead as the door slide opens and old man holding a cane gesture with one hand towards what was now a dimly lit hallway.


    "This way please."


    It didn¡¯t take long before they were brought to a bright red double door. The old man knocked on the door and it was quickly, but slowly opened from the inside.


    "Please go in."


    Lu Tian nod his head in politeness and stride forward with both Li Wei and Xu Long following behind.


    As they enter the room, members of ck Dragon stood in every corner of the room. All heads turn in the direction of the new guests.


    "Mr. Lu, Mr. Li please have a seat."


    In the center of the room sat a middle aged man. He wore a ck pin stripe suit with a cigar in one hand. Behind his right was a woman with her long hair tied in a high pony tail and to his left was a young man in casual clothes.


    "Mr. Chu."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression did not waiver as he sits down on an empty that was across from the man. He stare directly at the man seated in his chair. Being the person the government sends to do the dirty jobs, he¡¯s encounter people far worse than this man.


    The middle age man sized Lu Tian¡¯s every move. He nod his head and smiles. He knows that Lu Tian is a very powerful man in China, the only reason why he hasn¡¯t been put behind bars is because he¡¯s never done anything that crosses the line.


    "To what do I owe Mr. Lu the pleasure?"


    Lu Tian crossed his leg into a four figure and his dark eyes remained cold and indifferent. He scanned the room and not seeing the person, the corner of his arc into half smile.


    "Chu Li Xiang."


    Hearing the name, the middle aged man felt as if a melted iceberg had been pour on him. He gulped and frown.


    "What does Mr. Lu need my younger brother for?"


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder. He was never one who liked to beat around the bush. His purpose was to get Chu Li Xiang and warn the man of never crossing his and his wife¡¯s path or else, ck Dragon will be demolished.


    "He crossed the line into my territory. It¡¯s only¡ª"


    "Hold on there, Mr. Hotshot."


    Before Lu Tian could finish his words, a sudden voice interrupts him. His eyes darkened and he nce at the owner of the voice. Ever since he entered this room, he had long notice the two kids, but he had ignored them. Let alone, no one has ever cut him off.


    From the side, Lin Hui¡¯s figure emerges from the quietness. He looks at Lu Tian then to the middle aged man. How dare these two have a conversation without a care that he and Qi Li are still here.


    "Mr. Hotshot, sorry to disappoint you but my boss is already here to ask for Chu Li Xiang. You can have the man after my boss is finished with him."


    "..."


    Xu Long stare at the young man and he wanted so much to cry for him. No one has ever talked to his boss this way, let alone treat his boss this way. Except for hisdy boss, but she doesn¡¯t count. Sighing, he takes a step forward.


    "Young man, I think there¡¯s been a misunderstanding. How about we¡ª"


    "We were here first. My boss has personal matters to deal with Chu Li Xiang."


    The middle aged man was dumbfounded. He is the leader of the notorious ck Dragon and this was his ce, yet, here are two different group having a conversation as if his ce was a restaurant. Sighing, he pinch the space between his brows.


    "That¡¯s enough. This is ck Dragon, not some yground."


    He looks at Lu Tian and sighed again. Lu Tian is a man he cannot offend, if he does, his hard work in creating ck Dragon would be doomed. If that happens, what will happen to his followers? Who will in this world will ept them?


    "Mr. Lu, please contain your assistant."


    He smiles a smile to Lu Tian. He has long heard about the business King¡¯s assistant. The man may look like a fool, but he is the assistant of the business king for a reason.


    Moving his eyes, he looks at the two young men who came in before Lu Tian. His brows furrow as he¡¯s never seen them before.


    What he thought was weird was that at first, he thought the one with the sses was the leader, but when he asked them to sit, neither one did. Both had walked to a seat and just stood behind it.


    He pursed his lip in thoughts. Finallying to a decision, he spoke his words.


    "Young men, I ept visitors in my ck Dragon, but since your boss is not here, I will listen to what Mr. Lu has to say."


    Hearing the words, Lin Hui and Qi Li knew exactly what was going on. The middle aged man was picking Lu Tian, that only meant if Lu Tian asks for Chu Li Xiang, they can¡¯t go against it.


    Lin Hui clench his fist in anger. He cannot let his boss be looked down on like this. Just when he wanted to speak, Qi Li takes a step forward.


    "My Boss will be here, are you sure about your decision?"


    "You dare to talk to ck Dragon¡¯s leader in that tone?!"


    The woman behind the middle aged man angrily yells out with her finger pointing at Qi Li. She had been quiet this entire time, but the tone Qi Li had used sounded more like a threat.


    "Julia, it¡¯s alright."


    The middle aged man gesture his hand to stop the woman. He looks at Qi Li then to Lin Hui. Thinking of something, he sighed inside. Both group wants his younger brother, but he doesn¡¯t even know why.


    "Young man, who is your boss?"

 Chapter 224 Because I can kill you

    "My Boss¡¯s identity is to be kept unknown until arrival."


    Hearing the answer from Qi Li, the middle aged man nod his head. He will not pressure Qi Li and Lin Hui in revealing their boss, it¡¯s part of the underworld code, if one wishes to tell, one will.


    Lu Tian leisurely sat in his seat without another spoken word. He looks at Qi Li and Lin Hui and thought of situation outside the rundown building. His wife is only a fashion designer and a retired model, can these two men really be her workers?


    Li Wei had also said Fate was going to be here, of that¡¯s the case, can these two young men actually be from Fate and not from his wife?


    The woman behind the middles aged man scoffed at Qi Li words. She crossed her arms over her chest and sneer.


    "Hmmf, your boss must be a nobody since you don¡¯t want to tell us."


    Li Wei, who had not said a word since he entered the room was dumbfounded. He looks at the woman and shook his head in pity.


    "Little girl, I suggest you watch your mouth."


    The woman looks at Li Wei and scoffed. She tilt her head, "Why should I? It¡¯s not like¡ª"


    *click*


    "Why? Because I can kill you."


    Before she could finish her words, she was rooted to the ground and froze. The cold end of a gun touched her temple making all the hair on her body stand up.


    Everyone from ck Dragon including Xu Long¡¯s eyes fell to the floor. No one saw when or how Qi Li had moved. One moment he was talking to the leader of ck Dragon and next thing, he had already retrieved a gun from who knows where and pointed it to the woman.


    The middle aged man almost fell out of his seat. He stare at Qi Li with disbelief and at a loss for all words. This man who looked so calm earlier now looked like an assassin. Just looking at his murderous eyes, one could see that he¡¯s killed before.


    Li Wei sighed and massage his temple in frustration. He had already warn the woman not to go overboard, yet she never listens. Unlike everyone, Lu Tian was the only calm one. He leaned against his chair and ponder in thought.


    From the other side of the middle aged man, the young man in casual clothe was dimming in rage. His eyes re at Qi Li as if wanting to shreds the man into pieces. He reach for his gun and points it at Qi Li.


    "You son of a b¡ª-"


    *click*


    "Tsk tsk. I wouldn¡¯t do that if I were you."


    Feeling the cold tip of the gun touch the back of his head, the young man was dumbfounded. His lip press tightly together as he couldn¡¯t put everything together. Wasn¡¯t Lin Hui standing a distance from him? How did the guy already get behind him?


    Lin Hui tilt his head at the man and smiles a smile that made his eyes closed. He and Qi Li may have different personality and interests in life, but they both have one thing inmon.


    No one is allow to badmouth about their boss.


    Besides, Qi Li may be fast, but when ites to the actual speed in the team, he is the second fastest.


    Seeing the change of situation, the room turned quiet before all the members of ck Dragon take their guns out. Some aimed at Qi Li while others aimed at Lin Hui.


    The middle aged man m his fist on the armrest of his chair as he looks at Qi Li then to Lin Hui.


    "This is ck Dragon¡¯s territory, don¡¯t go overboard young men."


    Lifting his hand, he gestured his men to hold fire. How can he let such things take ce in his ce? Even worse, Lu Tian was here. Any mishap and he was sure ck Dragon would fall.


    Qi Li looks at the middle aged man, then to the woman, "Mr. Chu, your right hand woman decided it was wise enough to talk about my boss. Do you really think I will let this go?"


    The woman res at Qi Li, she reaches for the gun at her waist, but before she could touch it, Qi Li had already sense her movement. He press the gun more on her temple as if saying he isn¡¯t afraid to shoot her even if she was a girl.


    "You¡ª!"


    "Mr. Chu, I will pay you a visit another time."


    At the same time, Lu Tian leisurely stood from his seat without a care in the world. He looks at the distraught middle aged man and decided on something.


    He is sure that Lin Hui and Qi Li are from Fate and not his wife. Even if no one saw how the two men made their moved, he did. And that was proof that these two men can¡¯t possibly be ¡¯employees¡¯ of his wife.


    If Fate wants to take care of Chu Li Xiang, he will let Fate deal with it.


    Without looking at Xu Long and Li Wei, he nod his head as if saying they have no more business here.


    Just as he stood from his seat, the sound of the door behind him suddenly opens. Soon came the echo of a woman¡¯s heels in the room. The crease between his brows furrow together as he felt the sound of these steps seemed so familiar to him.


    Pushing the thought to the back of his head, he continues to leave, however, before his body could even turn, a voice he is all too familiar with enters his ears.


    "Lin Hui, Qi Li. That¡¯s enough."


    The angelic voice suddenly sounds in the direction of the red double doors of the room. Everyone, except Lu Tian quickly turn to the owner of the voice.


    Lu Tian felt his entire body go numb. As the sound of the heels louden, he felt his heart beat in rhythm to it.


    Within seconds, he could see a slender figure walk pass him and stops in the center of room.


    He looks at the figure with eyes full of questions. Is he seeing things? How is this person even here?


    As he ask himself questions one after another, Li Wei¡¯s figure slowly leans in from the side towards him and whispers.


    "See, I told you Fate will be here."

 Chapter 225 Who are you?

    In the center of the room full of members from ck Dragon stood the well known supermodel. If one was to see this scene, one would think how out of ce she looked.


    No one spoke a word or dare to make a sound. Their eyes staring directly at the tall and mighty figure that resembles a ruler from ancient time. There was no sign of fear nor was there any hesitation from the person.


    From behind Lu Tian, his assistant Xu Long gasped and quickly covers his mouth. Revealing only his widen shocked eyes. Li Wei shook his head in pity, for he already what was going to happen.


    Lin Hui and Qi Li looked to the figure. Nodding their head at the same time, both men slowly lower their hand and put their gun away. Taking a step back, both men walked to stand by their boss.


    The middle aged man was dumbfounded. He has lived his entire life in the underworld. Every gang there is, he knows about and he is never afraid of anyone from the underworld, except one person.


    And at this very moment, that one person is standing right in front of him.


    His mind drifted to the when he had visit Ti Lung in prison. The man¡¯s words floated in his head and he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Ti Lung was feeling the same way he is right now.


    The woman behind Chu Qiang¡¯s eyes turned red. She is the righthand woman of ck Dragon¡¯s leader, how can she be humiliated like this? Angry, she points at the new person.


    "Who are you?! How dare youe here? Do you have any idea what ck Dragon can do to you?!"


    Lin Hui stood next to the figure and when he heard the woman, his eyes darken murderously.


    "Hey kid, watch your mouth or I¡¯ll rip that tongue out for you."


    "..."


    The woman was at a loss for words. She grit her teeth with ring eyes at the man. She had to admit, both Lin Hui and Qi Li were not what she had expected. She has been a part of ck Dragon for 6 years and she¡¯s never seen anyone move as swiftly as them. Even more surprising was that the so called boss of these two men was none other than a woman.


    A very different one too. Different as in, one who doesn¡¯t seem to fit in the underworld.


    Qi Li looks at the figure, "Boss, do you want us to¡ª"


    Lifting a hand, the figure stops Qi Li from finishing his words. Take a step forward, a mesmerizing arc cross the figures face. Those alluring lips parted and the angelic voice sounds the room again.


    "Chu Qiang, is this how you train your people?"


    The middle aged man name Chu Qiang, felt like his body had been frozen by cold ice. Yet, at the same time, he could feel beads of sweat forming on his forehead like he was standing next to a volcano. Lifting his trembling hand, he points to the figure.


    "Y-You... why are you here?"


    Hearing the fear in their leaders voice, everyone from ck Dragon frown in question. Their heads dart back and forth to their leader and the new uninvited person.


    Just who in the world can make their notorious leader afraid?


    The woman smiles at Chu Qiang, her eyes scan the people of ck Dragon then back to him, "To collect your brother¡¯s fate."


    Hearing this, Chu Qiang furrow his brows. He looks pass the woman to the man behind her, then back to her.


    What did his brother do? Why did his brother have to go and offend two of the scariest people in the world?


    He struggle to swallow his saliva. Without realizing, he stuttered in his words, "W-What did my b-brother do? M-May I k-know?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but think about the day he went to visit Ti Lung again. The man had crossed this person¡¯s line by kidnapping one of her people. Everyone knows that this person values the people around.


    Back then, a gang had beaten up one of her subordinates to death, the news of it flew like the wind in the underworld. Before anyone could question anything, that gang was destroyed that very same night, even the leader wasn¡¯t spared. A gang that had been around when the underworld very first started was demolished all by one person.


    And this person is the same person in this very room right now.


    Looking at the man, one side of the figure¡¯s shoulder shrug with a nonchnt look.


    "He crossed my line."


    Turning around, the figure walks to a chair to sit down.


    "I can wait here until you give him up."


    However, the moment the figure turned around, she was dumbfounded. Her eyes faltered for the first time since she stepped foot into this room.


    Standing in front of her was the one person she didn¡¯t expected to run into. The man¡¯s tall figure stood like a shadow devouring her like a mouse.


    She gulped and force a smile at the man.


    "Heh heh, Tian... What are you doing here?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s voice turned nervous as she stare at the man now in front of her. From behind, Chu Qiang was even more dumbfounded. However, a sudden thought crossed his mind and every ounce of fear he had for the woman disappeared. Straightening himself he looks at Yue Ling.


    "Do you know who this man is? Any false move and the both of us can go to prison. This man¡ª"


    Before he could finish his words, Lu Tian suddenly step forward. His expression was dark and cold as if he was going to kill the woman.


    The woman and young man behind Chu Qiang both sneered. They could already see iting. Everyone in Retro knows who Lu Tian is and no one dares to cross his path.


    Unlike his right woman and left man, Chu Qiang felt the opposite. He knows the capabilities the man and the woman has, if they were to go to war against each other, no one can say who will win.


    "Hmmf, seems like she is afraid of Mr. Lu. Look at her, everyone can see she¡¯s nervous."


    The woman spoke with an evil smirk as she stare at Yue Ling. How dare this womane here and try to use her beauty to attract the bees here. Lu Tian is known is known for his cleanliness and hate for women. He would never fall for this woman even if she was the most beautiful in the world.


    "Shut up!!"


    Chu Qiang res at his right hand woman, he wanted to send a bullet to her skull for speaking improperly. Quickly looking back at the situation in front of him, he stood from his seat.


    "Mr. Lu... Please wait, let¡¯s talk this out..."


    He cannot let any misunderstandingse between these two people. As much as he is afraid of them, he is more afraid of the war that will break loose if something happens.


    Ignoring the man, Lu Tian continue to walk forward until he stops in front of the woman. His dark eyes stare straight into those bluish green eyes with a cold expression. Lifting his hand, he touch the side of her face and his thumb caress her cheek. The cold expression he had was ripped off and he softened.


    "Why are you here?"


    ¡¯You¡¯re pregnant, you shouldn¡¯t even be here. Let alone a ce like this.¡¯


    He spoke the remaining words in his mind and he sighed. Millions of question fill his mind, but he will save them forter.


    Hearing the words of familiarity, Chu Qiang was even more dumbfounded. His brows furrow together and he stare at the two people.


    He had thought of another scene unlike the one right now. Even the way the almighty business king had at this moment was one he¡¯s never seen before.


    "M-Mr. Lu, d-do you know each other?"


    Lu Tian stare at his beautiful wife for a long second, tilting his head, his eyesnded on Chu Qian. In that moment, the soft expression he had was reced with coldness again.


    "She is my wife, is something wrong?"


    "...."

 Chapter 226 High and mighty

    All was quiet except for the faint sound of music from the very first floor.


    Staring with wide eyes in shock, everyone inside the highest floor of ck Dragon¡¯s bar was at a loss for words.


    None could believe what they were hearing. It was as if after Lu Tian spoke, all they could hear was a buzzing beep sound.


    The only person in the room who was not shocked was none other than Xu Long. Standing behind the chair his boss sat, he grinned like a foolish little girl. Only god knows what was going through his mind right now.


    Seeing the assistant¡¯s expression, Li Wei stare at the two people in the center of the room then to Xu Long. Leaning to the side, he whispers.


    "Xu Long, what does Lu Tian mean by wife?"


    Xu Long nce at the notorious White Tiger leader and he giggled more without making a sound. Like an old grandma, he points to the couple and whispers back.


    "That¡¯s mydy boss."


    "..."


    Li Wei was dumbfounded. His eyes blink uncontrobly at the man acting like a childish grandma. Turning his head slowly back to the couple, he frown in thoughts.


    On the other side, Chu Qiang is just as shocked as everyone else. His body slowly slump onto his chair almost missing it. Wife?


    The famous Mami in the underworld is actually the wife of China¡¯s business King....


    "Boss."


    Julia calls out as she sees her boss¡¯s shocked state. She looks back up in the direction of Yue Ling and she bit her bottom lip. Lu Tian is a man of great power and he has never been in a scandal before, yet, he just called this woman his wife. How can this be?


    Chu Qiang lift a hand to stop the woman. He takes a deep breath and wave his hand to his men.


    "Everyone leave. I need to speak alone with our guests."


    Hearing the order, everyone from ck Dragon looked at each other then to their boss. Their minds couldn¡¯t help but wonder if their boss will be alright alone...


    "Boss...."


    "Leave!"


    Chu Qiang raise his voice and his eyes re to his men. Knowing they can¡¯t go against their boss¡¯s order, everyone quickly leaves the room. However, they didn¡¯t forget to re at the guests as if giving a warning that if any mishaps happens, they will not back down. Even if it cause them their lives.


    ring murderously at the people across the room, Julia clench her fists. Her eyes mainly stayed on Yue Ling. With Lin Hui and Qi Li¡¯s skills, it was no wonder Yue Ling could act all high and mighty.


    "Boss, at least let me and Julia stay."


    The young man spoke as he takes a step forward. He already knows that Lin Hui and Qi Li are highly skill people, but his opinion of Yue Ling was different from Julia¡¯s. From his understanding, if this woman is the boss of both men, she must be even more dangerous. Any mishap and anything could happen.


    Chu Qiang pressed his lip tightly together, thinking of something, hees to a decision.


    "No, you two can¡¯t¡ª"


    "They can stay. I don¡¯t mind."


    Yue Ling spoke and turn to look at the three people left of ck Dragon in the room. Turning back to look up at Lu Tian, she smiles.


    "What do you think, dear?"


    Lu Tian arch a brow hearing his wife¡¯s words. His cold expression to Chu Qiang softened when he looked back at his wife. He smiled inside at how nice it sounds to be called ¡¯dear¡¯ by the woman he loves and adore.


    "I¡¯ll go with whatever my wife say."


    Looking up at the man, Yue Ling scoffed with a smile inside at how easy it was to please him. Not only that, she knows that she will have a lot of exining to do after this. Shaking her head lightly, she reach to hold his hand and guide him back to the chair he was sitting at. However, Lu Tian sat Yue Ling down first then he reached for another chair to sit next to her.


    "..."


    From behind, not only was Chu Qiang and his people dumbfounded, even Lin Hui and Qi Li were dumbfounded. Both men stare in disbelief at what they were seeing. Looking at each other at the same time, Lin Hui asked with eyes of questions and Qi Li shrug his shoulders not knowing what to answer.


    No one ever thought they¡¯d see the day the almighty king and queen act lovely dovey with each other. Better yet, no one saw thising at all.


    Sitting down, Chu Qiang stare at the couple across from him. He gulp with difficulty and his body trembling nervously. At first, he thought if Yue Ling was to cause a scene here, Lu Tian who works for the government could take her down. However, never in his life did he think another scene would take ce.


    He stare at them with nervousness and fear. Lu Tian sat on the right and Yue Ling on the left. Behind the man were Xu Long and Li Wei, while behind the woman were Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    This scene was as if he was in ancient times and is visiting the Emperor and Empress in the pce.


    Oblivious to Chu Qiang¡¯s imagination, Yue Ling cross her legs and smiles at the man.


    "Chu Qiang, will I have to repeat myself again?"


    "N-No."


    The middle aged man quickly answers. He takes a deep breath and wave to Julia.


    "Go bring us some tea."


    Julia looks at her boss, then the to people across the room. Her eyes sh with an idea and she quickly leaves the room.


    However, what she did not realize was that the four people standing behind the power couple had already seen the mischievous look in her eyes. The eyes of Lin Hui, Qi Li and Xu Long dimmed, while Li Wei shook his head in pity. The girl was just asking for trouble.


    Chu Qiang sighed and he shook his head, "I don¡¯t know where my brother is. What he does outside of ck Dragon never travels through to me." He looks at Yue Ling and sigh again, "If you don¡¯t mind, can you tell me what really happened?"

 Chapter 227 Tea

    Yue Ling nce at the middle aged man and she smiles to him.


    "He scammed a family for money knowing the grandmother in that family has Alzheimer. I have to say Chu Qiang, I never thought a man of virtue like yourself would have such an undisciplined brother."


    Hearing this, Chu Qiang was at a loss for all words. The color on his face was drained till he looked like ghost. His younger brother said he got money from his gambling businesses, never was he informed about scamming people.


    He knows that even though Yue Ling was smiling and her expression not a threat, he has seen that smile before. It was no wonder Ti Lungmitted suicide.


    Lu Tian frown at his wife¡¯s words. He thought back to the olddy from the food stand. Why didn¡¯t she bring up the fact that Chu Qiang¡¯s younger brother sent men to cause a scene at the rundown building?


    From across the room, Chu Qiang takes a deep breath and nod his head. Yue Ling wouldn¡¯t lie, because anything that doesn¡¯t concern her, she would never pay a visit. So his younger scamming families in Imperial must be true.


    "I will talk to my brother and have him return the money he scammed. Please, let him go this time, he¡¯s young and doesn¡¯t know much. I will teach him more for his improper behavior."


    His eyes stare at Yue Ling with pleading then to Lu Tian. As if asking the man to help. From what he saw, it was sure that the man listened to his wife¡¯s every words.


    However, Lu Tian did not give a care at all. He sat like a ruler, yet also like a subordinate waiting for his wife¡¯s decision.


    Yue Ling touch her chin and purse her lip. Looking at Chu Qiang, she smiles to him.


    "I will let this incident go on ount that you once saved my grandfather."


    Hearing this, Chu Qiang felt his spirite back to his body, bringing him to life again. He nod his head vigorously.


    "You have my word I will discipline my younger brother. No mishap will ever happen again."


    "Here¡¯s the tea boss."


    In that moment, Julia returns with a tray in her hands. There were three cups of tea, she set one down to Chu Qiang and then she walks over to Yue Ling and Lu Tian.


    Each step she took, her expression remained the same, yet her eyes revealed the evilness in her. She ce the tray down on a side table and hands a cup of tea to Yue Ling.


    She smiles a sweet smile, "Please drink some tea."


    From behind Yue Ling, Qi Li¡¯s and Lin Hui¡¯s eyes darken. Taking a step forward, Qi Li spoke out.


    "Boss, let me¡ª"


    "It¡¯s alright."


    Yue Ling stops Qi Li and she nce at the tea then to Julia with a smile.


    "It¡¯s just tea after all. Right, Chu Qiang?"


    She leisurely takes the tea and drinks it. Seeing this, the light in Julia¡¯s eyes brighten more evilly.


    "Yes, Yes. It¡¯s only tea."


    Chu Qiang quickly answers. His eyes ring at his right hand woman as if wanting to kill her. He swore inside, of anything happens, he will make sure the woman lives a life full of hell.


    Oblivious to her boss¡¯s thought, Julia hands the other tea to Lu Tian. Putting on a facade, she blush and shyly pass the cup.


    "Here you go, Mr¡ª"


    "Yaaaaawnnn¡ª-!!"


    *Craaassh!*


    "..."


    "Ah! My bad, how clumsy of me."


    Julia was dumbfounded. Her head slowly lower and she stare unblinking at her shirt that is drench with the tea then to the shattered ss cup on the floor.


    Lin Hui: "Pfffff!*


    Qi Li: "Hmmf."


    Hearing the two men, she res at them then to the person who knocked the cup out of her hand.


    Xu Long smiles like an idiot with his eyes closed. Opening his mouth, he yawn again.


    "Oh my, I didn¡¯t think my hand would identally bump the cup."


    Standing by his side, Li Wei¡¯s face turned red as he try to hold in hisugh. When Julia tried to pass the cup, Xu Long had ¡¯identally¡¯ stretch his arm forward and p the cup out of the woman¡¯s hands. Yet, he still yed it off like everything was an ident.


    "Julia, what is going on?"


    Chu Qiang quickly speaks. His eyes dimmed at the woman then to the shatter cup on the floor.


    "Call someone toe clean up the mess."


    "Yes, Boss."


    "No need to, we¡¯re leaving now."


    Yue Ling set the cup of tea down and spoke as she stood from her seat with Lu Tian doing exactly the same. It was as if he could read her mind and follow all her moves like her shadow.


    "I trust that you will keep your words. However, if there¡¯s a second time."


    She looks at the middle aged man then to the woman. The sweet smile she had before disappear without a trace. One could see that her expression was giving a warning.


    "His fate is mine to decide."


    Lu Tian nce at his wife and he couldn¡¯t help but smile inside. The her at this moment was one he never thought would exist. Even if he has millions of question that he wants to ask, this side of her just adds more to his love for her. cing one hand inside the pocket of his suit pant, his other hand held hers and he lead the way out of the room.


    Chu Qiang stare in a daze as his guests leave one by one. Until the red double doors closed and silence filled the room once again, he finally returned to his senses.


    In that moment, Julia clench her fist and she looks at her boss. It was understandable why her Boss is afraid of Lu Tian, but why did it seem like he was more afraid of the woman?


    Her eyes subconsciously nce at the tea she had given Yue Ling and she pout her lip.


    "Boss, who is that woman? She... she didn¡¯t even drink the tea."


    Chu Qiang sighed hearing Julia¡¯s words. He stood from his chair and walked over to Yue Ling¡¯s cup of tea. Picking it up, he lift the cup and looks at Julia.


    "Next time, don¡¯t make the same mistake again."


    *craaaaash!"


    He threw the cup onto the floor, shattering it to pieces. Striding to the window, his eyes darken.


    "Go find Chu Li Xiang and drag his ass here!"

 Chapter 228 Toast to your great success

    Story of my day:


    I love readingments left by my readers. Except, let¡¯s take this time to take a very deep & long breath as I just read something that literally tore my heart apart. It broke my heart & almost made me want to stop writing this novel. However, I thought about it & came to a decision that I will be the bigger person and there will forever be hate in this lovely corrupted world.


    Aside from that, I want to give a big thanks and shoutout to my awesome readers for still sticking around. Love & appreciate you all very much!


    PS: I just needed to express my feelings. Now, let¡¯s get on with the story.


    _________________________________


    _____________________________


    _________________________


    _____________________


    _________________


    _____________


    _________


    _____


    _


    The sky transition from darkness to the early dew of morning. The red double doors suddenly push open with three men stepping in.


    In front was a man around the age of 35 and two big muscr men following behind.


    "Boss, we¡¯ve brought your brother."


    One of the men spoke as he stepped forward. His right eye had a long sh from the forehead to his jawline that made his right eye closed.


    Chu Qiang slowly turn around to face the three men. Both his hands behind his back as he lift one hand and wave the two men to leave.


    The door closed and his eyes stare at his brother. After a long minute, he walks over to a small bar in the room.


    "Li Xiang, how is your business these days?"


    Chu Li Xiang slightly furrow his brows hearing his older brother¡¯s question. He nce at the young man then to Julia before looking back at Chu Qiang. Not sensing anything wrong or out of ce, he smiles with confidence.


    "Brother, everything is going smoothly. In two months, I n to expand my businesses international. What do you think?"


    Reaching for baijiu, Chu Qiang nod his head as he listens to his brother¡¯s report. He set two ss on the counter and pour each cup equal amount of baijiu. Slowly blinking, he turns around and walks toward his younger brother.


    "Let¡¯s toast to your great sess."


    "Thanks, Brother."


    Chu Li Xiang takes the ss and down the entire baijiu in one gulp. He smiles at his brother.


    At the same time, Chu Qiang slowly drank the baijiu like he was drinking tea. He looks at his younger brother then his eyes move down to the man¡¯s suit.


    "That¡¯s a nice suit you got on. Is it new?"


    Hearing this, Chu Li Xiang nce down at his suit and his smile widen, "It is new. I just got it to¡ªoooof!!"


    Before he could finish the word today, a sudden intense pain was shot to his stomach with the burning sensation at his throat. He fell to his knee and vomit out the baijiu he had just drank. He could not understand why his brother would punch him. What did he do?


    "Li Xiang!"


    From behind, Julia worriedly cries out. She takes a step forward, but was quickly stopped by Chu Qiang¡¯s murderously re.


    "Are you going against my order?"


    "No, Boss..."


    Julia quickly answer. She bit her lower lip and her fist clench tightly. Chu Qiang is her Boss and the person who raised her, but the one she loves wholeheartedly is Chu Li Xiang. However, she can¡¯t defy her boss¡¯s order.


    Chu Qiang res at his right hand woman then to his so called brother. Turning to the small bar, he pours himself more baijiu.


    "Brother.... what did I do?"


    Chu Li Xiang asked as he stumbles to stand up. He wipes his mouth and his eyes turned red with questioning.


    Looking back at the man he just punched, Chu Qiang exhaled in frustration.


    "It¡¯s not what you did that upsets me, Li Xiang."


    Chu Qiang ce the cup down and walks up to his brother. His eyes stare at the man with mix emotions.


    "It¡¯s the people you did it to."


    Hearing this, Chu Li Xiang frown and he couldn¡¯t help but think about his scams against the family with the Alzheimer grandma. That family was the only family he had scammed for money because the grandma was always alone and easy to trick.


    Yet, his brother punched him for this?!


    His eyes re at his brother and he grit his teeth.


    "You mean what happened in Imperial? So what? I just scammed some people for money, other gangs are doing it too!"


    Taking another deep breath, Chu Qiang shook his head. He never found out why Lu Tian came here tonight, but Yue Ling made her purpose loud and clear. It could only mean that the family his brother scammed is somehow connected to her.


    "Return all the money you scammed from that family."


    Not wanting to speak to his brother any longer, he turn away and stride out of the room. Even if he and Chu Li Xiang were not brothers, they were still step siblings. Except, their mindset did not see things in life the same. Stopping at the door, he spoke without looking back.


    "I¡¯m warning you Li Xiang, stop what you¡¯re doing or else I can¡¯t save you the second time."


    The young man looks at Chu Li Xiang then he quickly follows after his boss. He could careless about the man because the man never did anything that deserves respect.


    "Li Xiang, are you alright?"


    Julia calls out as she runs to the man. Her eyes stare with worry and care. However, Chu Li Xiang ignored the woman and his red eyes re with bullets in the direction his brother went. Clenching his fist tightly he cursed his brother inside.


    To hell he will return the money. Those money are now his and his only.


    Outside of the room, Chu Qiang stopped in his steps distance from the room. He sighed and shook his head in guilt and regret.


    "Boss..."


    The young man stood beside his boss and he spoke out. He has never seen his boss act this way before. Whatever Chu Li Xiang did, never once did his boss give a care to it. Yet, this time it was different. Thinking of Yue Ling and Lu Tian, he frown.


    "Boss, I¡¯ve heard of Lu Tian, but who is the woman?"


    Chu Qiang looks at the young man and he sighed again. He felt as if the entire day he had been doing nothing but sighing.


    "Guan Li, you know more than anyone here that Lu Tian is someone we cannot offend. However, that woman is someone we cannot offend even more."


    He had spoke the truth. Lu Tian is the one person every gang fears outside of the underworld, while Yue Ling is the one person they fear inside. These two peoplebine and they are a power couple that could rule the world.


    Hearing the answer, Guan Li nod his head in understanding. He already knew from the moment he saw the two people sitting side by side that they were not your regr people.


    If Lu Tian could make White Tiger¡¯s leader stand behind him, that meant the man is someone of power. Even more surprising is Yue Ling. Both Lin Hui and Qi Li were highly skilled people, if she is the boss of them, then she is definitely more skilled.


    Suddenly, he thought about the tea and looks at his boss.


    "Boss, what did Julia put in the tea?"


    Chu Qiang looks at Guan Li and he knew the boy understood him. Out of Guan Li and Julia, the young man was always the one who followed order.


    "Poison."


    "Poison?" Guan Li frown, "Didn¡¯t the woman drink the tea?"


    Knowing what was on the boy¡¯s mind, Chu Qiang shook his head, "She is not easily fooled. It may have looked like she drank it, but she had long seen through Julia¡¯s facade."


    Sighing for who knows what time, Chu Qiang continues on his walk down the long hallway.


    "Li Xiang is stubborn, take some money from my personal ount and send it to the family he scammed."


    "Yes, Boss."

 Chapter 229 One big family

    Outside of ck Dragon¡¯s bar, the people of ck Dragon stare with sinister eyes at the group of people out of ce. The only reason no one has dare to block the group¡¯s path is because of the man with the tiger tattoo on his neck.


    "I¡¯m quite surprised that the business King settled down without inviting me."


    Li Wei chuckles without a care at the lurking eyes and pat Lu Tian on the shoulder. He nce to the other side of Lu Tian and he sees the cute little nose tip of the woman he hasn¡¯t seen in a long time. Curiously and happy, he smiles and stretch his head to look at the person.


    "Mami, when did¡ª"


    Before he could finish, arger figure quickly adjust his body and blocks his view. Li Wei tilt his head up and frown with pouting lip.


    "Bro, it ain¡¯t like I¡¯m going to steal her. I know who she is."


    From the side, Yue Ling chuckles and she poke her head out, "Its been a while, Li Wei."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression turned solemn. He didn¡¯t want Li Wei to see his wife, because he¡¯ll just eat another jar of vinegar. Yet, here he is eating it again and again. Not only that, how does his wife and Li Wei know each other?


    Shaking the thought away, his hand holding Her¡¯s tighten and he strides forward.


    "I¡¯ll send you an invitationter."


    He didn¡¯t care about what Li Wei has to say, all he cares about is getting his wife home so he can ask her all the millions of questions in his mind.


    Lin Hui and Qi Li look at each other and nod their head. Both boy quickly follow after their boss.


    Standing next to Li Wei, Xu Long sighed. He lift a hand and pat the man on the shoulder, "Don¡¯t forget to check your mail for the invitation."


    Being left alone, Li Wei blinked like there¡¯s no tomorrow at the figures in a distance. Thinking of something he shook his head and smiled.


    "Brother..."


    Behind him came a voice he thought he had told to go home. Turning around he pout his lip more.


    "Chun Hua, didn¡¯t I tell you to go home? Why are you still here?"


    Looking at her brother, Chun Hua bit her bottom lip. She held both her hands together in front of her and blush.


    "I wanted to see my husband again..."


    "..."


    Li Wei stare speechlessly at his younger sister. Remembering that Qi Li is the man she is interested in, he nod his head approvingly. Thed is definitely worthy to be praised.


    "Boss, why did Mr. Lue here?"


    Hearing this, Li Wei nce to his men that stood behind his sister. He looked at each one before shaking his head.


    "I don¡¯t know, but it seems ck Dragon has somehow offended him."


    His head turn back to look in the direction the group had left. After a long while, his eyes moved to the roof of certain surrounding buildings. Looking away, he head in the direction of White Dragon¡¯s ce.


    "No one is to be involve with ck Dragon."


    All the men looked at each other in confusion, not seeing anything wrong with the buildings, they run after their boss.


    Chun Hua walked next to her brother. She knows the reason for her brother looking at the buildings. Even if she doesn¡¯t know which buildings it was, she was sure that Lu Tian¡¯s men were up there.


    And it was exactly true.


    "Let¡¯s go, Boss is out."


    From one of the tallest buildings in Retro, Jiang Yu set his sniper down and he signal to Wolf Team. Everyone quickly pack up their things and head down to their boss.


    As the roof he stood on turned quiet, Jiang Yu nce at two other buildings. When they arrived, he swore he sensed some movement from that side, yet, it¡¯s nothing but quietness now. Shaking his head, he turns to leave, maybe he was thinking too much.


    The moment Jiang Yu¡¯s figure disappeared from the roof, on the rooftop of one of the buildings, a man steps out from the darkness. His blonde hair covering half of his face as his eyes dimmed in the area Jiang Yu was just standing.


    A sudden cold breeze brush against him, revealing a burned scar on his face before it was quickly covered again.


    "Boss."


    Hearing the voice, the man turn to look at the person who spoke. Seeing a bulky man, he nod his head.


    "What is it?"


    "Miss Hua is here to see you."


    Choi Li Sun nce at the same building onest time, then down to the street of Retro. He thought of something then turns to leave.


    From the streets below, Yue Ling stopped in front of Liu Shan¡¯s car. Pulling her hand away, she turn to look at the man with a smile that could make any heart melt.


    "Tian, I can have Liu Shan take me¡ª"


    "No."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice growled before she could finish her sentence. Yue Ling was face with a dark and cold look from Lu Tian, making her struggle with difficulty as she could feel the dryness in her throat.


    He looked at her then to Liu Shan¡¯s car. Reaching his hand out, he grab her hand again and led her in another direction.


    "Boss!"


    Qi Li calls out seeing his boss being dragged away. Just when he takes a step forward, the rest of Yue Ling¡¯s team appear.


    Shan Sinan: "Li, what¡¯s going on?"


    Each one frowning in question as to why Qi Li, who is an emotionless person would have a worried expression. Following his eyes, they see their boss being dragged away by a man.


    The thing that surprised them the most was how the man actually made their boss look like a delicate little doll.


    "Boss!"


    Gui Zhongming clench his fists tightly and runs after his boss. He has seen Lu Tian before when the man picked up his boss. At the time, he didn¡¯t know who Lu Tian was, but after doing some investigation, he found the answer to why he felt he¡¯s seen Lu Tian before.


    Never did he think the king of the business would fancy his boss.


    "Boss!"


    How can he let his delicate boss fall in the hands of a cold and ruthless tiger?


    "Gui Zhongming."


    A sudden voice sounds from behind the group. Stopping in his steps, Gui Zhongming turn to look at the person. His eyes dimmed ten shades of ck.


    "Liu Shan."


    Stepping out from the driver side of his car, Liu Shan¡¯s figure walks up to the group.


    The design team were even more confused now. They stare at Liu Shan with more questions. Out of everyone, he is the one who is the most protective of Yue Ling, but why does he look so.... calm?


    Lin Hui nce at everyone then in the direction his boss went. Shrugging his shoulder, he leaves the group as he isn¡¯t a part of the design team.


    "Liu Shan, What is the meaning of this?"


    Ju Suo¡¯s tiny figure takes a step forward and she ce both her hands on her hips. Her eyes ring at the man demanding an answer.


    "Hmm¡ª" Liu Shan sighed and he shook his head, "Don¡¯t follow after, that¡¯s boss¡¯s boyfriend."


    "...."


    "Boyfriend? I think you mean, husband~"


    "..."


    Hearing this, everyone including Liu Shan turn their heads in the direction of the unknown person. Each one held heavy eyes.


    Seeing the attention he suddenly caused, Xu Long clears his throat and takes a few steps to stand next to Liu Shan. Looking at everyone, he smiles cheerfully.


    "I¡¯m Xu Long, we¡¯re going to be one big family soon."


    Oblivious to the stares he was getting, he covers his mouth and chuckles like an old grandma. Lifting his other hand he pats Liu Shan¡¯s shoulder.


    "Bro, Don¡¯t worry. My boss will definitely take care of thedy boss."


    Xu Long spoke proudly and pat his chest with confidence. Looking in the direction his boss anddy boss went, he runs after them. However, he didn¡¯t forget to turn back to face the dumbfounded people and wave goodbye.


    "See you allter, family!"


    "...."


    Liu Shan at this moment felt like he didn¡¯t know who he was anymore. Never did he think that the hacker he was battling with online would be such a..... goofball...


    After a long while, Liu Shan tilt his head remembering Xu Long¡¯s gibberish words.


    What did he mean by family? What family?!


    ¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 230 Leader of Fate

    Imperial glowed in the sky shifting to sunrise. The early morning light lightly shines it way through the windows of Jade Condos¡¯ penthouse 1503.


    Quietness surrounds the inside as a white fluff ballid asleep peacefully in his bed by the floor to ceiling window.


    *click*


    His pointy ears perk upwards to the sound of the front door unlocking. He slowly opens his eyes to see who it is.


    And there she is. The person he has been waiting for, his favorite human in the whole wide world. The one person he cares about the most.


    And there, behind her is number one his archenemy. The man who is always hogging all his mommy¡¯s attention.


    Looking at the two tall figures, Inu lower his head and close his eyes. As long as his mommy is home and safe, that¡¯s all that matters to him. Not only that, he could sense that the atmosphere around the two humans is not so good.


    So for now, he will pretend he never saw them and just go back to sleep. Besides, the evil peasant will never harm his mommy.


    Sleep, sleep, back to sleep King Inu goes.


    "...."


    Yue Ling stood at the door and she stare dumbfounded at her baby. She didn¡¯t even know whether tough or cry. How could he not care that the man behind her is very... upset?


    Well, she couldn¡¯t me. If she was him, she would ignore this situation too.


    Shaking her head, Yue Ling change into her house slippers and quickly makes a run for the bedroom. However, each step she took, even if she increased her speed, she couldn¡¯t help but feel herself shrinking more. Like she had turned into a tiny mouse. Even if she couldn¡¯t see the man¡¯s face right now, she could feel the intense stare she was receiving from behind.


    "I¡¯ll go shower first."


    Yue Ling spoke out as she grabs a set of sleepwear from her closet room and darted for the bathroom.


    "....."


    Left behind, Lu Tian stare at the tightly shut door. His expression cold and indifferent as usual, but deep inside, he was dumbfounded. He shook his head lightly and walks to the balcony to have a cigarette.


    Inside the bathroom, Yue Ling stood naked in the shower. Warm drizzles of water pour onto her as her mind drifted elsewhere.


    "Hmm....."


    She sighed every 3 seconds in thoughts of everything that happened tonight.


    After they left Retro, Lu Tian did not speak a word. Throughout the entire car ride home, it was quiet and devastating. Especially when she couldn¡¯t read what was on his mind.


    Will he think she is a liar?


    Will he believe her?


    What will he think about her?


    How is she going to exin everything to him?


    Wait....


    Will her baby be fatherless?


    Outside on the balcony, Lu Tian stood like an immortal looking down to the mundane world. Every so often his hand would move to his mouth to take a puff of the cigarette. His mind wonder to millions of things about the woman he loves.


    Who is she really?


    No...


    Who was she?


    At first, he had thought she was only a supermodel who retired from the entertainment industry. At first, he thought he was her first love. However, he had thought wrong.


    She wasn¡¯t just a retired model, but the designer of a very well known fashion brand and he wasn¡¯t her first love.


    As if that wasn¡¯t enough of a shock, his wife turned out to be a member of Fate.


    No..... she is the leader of Fate.


    "Tian?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes slowly blinked at the sound of his name. He kills the cigarette and throws it into the ash bin as he turn around.


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s head poke out from behind the door staring at the man. Her hair damp and her cheeks naturally flushed red.


    Seeing her, Lu Tian sighed inside. Whether it was in the morning, midday or at night, he loves the sight of her. Thinking of it, the corner of his mouth curl upwards faintly.


    He will not question her about what happened. If she decides to tell him the answers to his I spoke questions, he will ept them.


    If she doesn¡¯t want to or is ufortable, he will not force her.


    No matter who she was or is, he will ept everything about her and not judge her. Even if she is the leader of the underworld gang, Fate, he will still continue to love her the same.


    Settling with his decision, he slowly walks towards Yue Ling and stops in front of her. Without warning, he lift his hand and held the back of her nape giving her a kiss on the forehead.


    "It¡¯s cold out here, go inside."


    Not waiting for a response, he ushers her back inside and close the door. He strides pass her and heads for the bathroom to shower. His wife is pregnant and he reek of cigarette. It is best to clean up before he can cuddle with her to sleep.


    "..."


    Yue Ling was at a loss for words. She tilt her head and stare unblinkingly at the broad back of the man. She couldn¡¯t tell if Lu Tian is angry or calm. His expression was always the same, except for when he wants to show a small change. She lets out a sigh and turn to the king size bed in the room.


    After a long while down, she steals another look at the tightly shut door. Sighing for the hundredth time, she stare into nothingness and she caress her stomach.


    "Baby, what should mommy do?"


    "Sleep."


    "How can I sleep when your dad is upset?"


    "I¡¯m not upset, so go to sleep."


    "..."


    As realization hit Yue Ling in the head, she blinked her eyes then open them widely. Like she was in the movie Matrix, she slowly turn to look at owner of the familiar voice.

 Chapter 231 Fortunate

    Standing in front of the bathroom door, Lu Tian was shirtless, showing his built upper body. His hand holding onto a towel as he dry his wet hair.


    Looking at him, Yue Ling felt her heart stop. It has been such a long time since shest felt this nervous.


    Did she space out? Didn¡¯t Lu Tian just enter the bathroom? How long did she zoned out? When did he...


    "Go to sleep, the sun is almost up."


    Yue Ling swallow down the imaginary saliva in her throat at his words. Without realizing it herself, her look at this moment looked like someone who hadmitted a grave crime against the gods.


    He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at the sight of her. Does he really look that mean? Howe he¡¯s never noticed it before? Should he try to change his appearance?


    Shaking the thought away, he puts the towel away and closes the bedroom door. After switching the lights off, he naturally walks towards his side of the bed. Pulling theforter, heys down and puts it over himself and his wife. Doing so, he didn¡¯t forget to kiss Yue Ling on the lip.


    When his head touched thefort of the pillow, he closed his eyes and turn to slumber.


    "....."


    Watching all this unfold, Yue Ling was even more dumbfounded. She turn to look down at the man and tries toprehend everything.


    Why didn¡¯t Lu Tian ask her about what happened at Retro?


    Is he so angry that he doesn¡¯t want to talk to her?


    How can he go to sleep like this?


    As Yue Ling continue to think of all the chaotic thoughts in her head, she did not notice the tiny movement of the man sleeping beside her.


    Due to the light being turned off and only faint light in the room from the almost rising sun, a charming smile was on Lu Tian¡¯s face. He turn to his side facing her and wrap his arm around her waist, pulling her gently down on to the bed.


    "Sleep."


    Feeling the strong arm around her, Yue Ling felt even more chaotic. Her cheek burned up with a mixture of her confused in her mind.


    "Tian?"


    "Mm."


    "There¡¯s nothing that you want to ask me?"


    "Mm."


    "Tian, are you listening? I¡¯m being serious here."


    "Mm mm."


    "Tian, about what happened back there, I..."


    "Go to sleep."


    "....."


    Yue Lingid in Lu Tian¡¯s embrace not knowing what to say or even do anymore. As a person with high EQ and IQ, she felt like a person with not brain. Does he not want to know about why she was at Retro?


    Calming herself by taking a deep breath, she wiggles her way and turn to face Lu Tian. She doesn¡¯t know how she¡¯s going to tell him, but she has to try even if he¡¯ll think of her as a bad person.


    "Tian, I¡¯m¡ª"


    Trying to exin herself, she was quickly stopped by Lu Tian. Her bluish green eyes suddenly met his dark eyes and she couldn¡¯t help but shrink into the bed mattress.


    Lu Tian stare down at his wife. Even if he didn¡¯t say a word, his expression was enough to answer whatever was in her mind.


    Yue Ling felt the chaotic feeling inside her heart vanish into thin air. She lift one hand and touch the side of his face with her palm.


    "Tian, I am the¡ª"


    Lu Tian¡¯s lips suddenly cover hers. His hand ce over her hand before he pulls away from her. Holding her hand, he moves it to his lip and kisses it.


    "I don¡¯t care about who you are or who you were."


    He stare into her eyes and move her hand to the skin of his body over his heart.


    "All I care is that you are you and you are the only woman in my heart."


    Yue Ling¡¯s entire being soften at his words. She could feel her heart tighten like someone had squeezed it. Except, this feeling she has isn¡¯t one of pain, but one of love that keeps growing more and more.


    "Tian..."


    "It¡¯s alright."


    Lu Tian interrupts her and his arm wrap around her once again. He pulls her slender body closer to him as if he was kneading her into one with him.


    "If you¡¯re not ready to tell me, I will not force you. Until you are ready, I will wait."


    Which is the truth. He wants her to tell him because she trusts him enough. Not because she has to after what happened.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes tears up hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words. She hugs him at the waist and buries her face in his chest.


    How is she so fortunate to meet someone like Lu Tian?


    "Don¡¯t think too much. The sun is almost up, get some rest."


    Lu Tian spoke as he rest his head against his wife¡¯s and he close his eyes. He knows that she is tired, especially when she is pregnant and barely slept.


    "I¡¯m not tired.."


    Yue Ling pout her lip and moves her head to look at him. She isn¡¯t sleepy tired, only exhausted tired.


    Opening his eyes, Lu Tian arch a brow while looking down at his wife.


    The faint natural lighting inside the room wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to enhance the look of his wife. Like a fairy in a dark forest drawing him in her spell.


    Suddenly, the more he looks at her, the more he felt the sudden urge to have her. For the past few days he has been trying very hard to not let his list for her get the better of him.. but....


    How can he not want her? She is safely in his arms and she is the woman he loves and cherish. Only she is able to make him feel this way.


    Remembering something, one end of his lip curl


    upward and he lower his head to capture her lips.


    "Mm!"


    Not expecting the sudden kiss, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen in shock and surprise. His lips slowly move from her lips and trace every outline of her face down to her neck before it stops at her lips again.


    The more Yue Ling¡¯s mind lost in wonder, the deeper Lu Tian turned their kiss into wonder. It didn¡¯t take long before the quiet room is reced with the faint gasping breaths from the couple.

 Chapter 232 Our

    Lu Tian¡¯s rough hand caress the side of Yue Ling¡¯s thigh going upwards. His hand slid under her night down and trace every curve she has.


    "Ah...."


    A soft moan escapes her lips as she felt the heat of her body going to war. The touch of his hands on her was like a burning sensation.


    She bit her lower lip trying to calm herself. How can she be turned on? She¡¯s pregnant for gods sake!


    Suddenly, she could feel his fingers like fire against her skin as he kneads the side of her body, just below the curve of her breast.


    Her eyes widen and she grabs his hand to stop him from continuing.


    "Tian, wait..! We can¡¯t do this, what if it harms my baby!"


    Yue Ling¡¯s breathing was rasp and embarrassingly heavier than when they first started. She looks up at him and every word she wanted to say stuck in her throat.


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian¡¯s movements stopped as if he had been put into a time stopper. He res down at her and his expression turned cold and murderous.


    "What did you say?"


    "....."


    Yue Ling¡¯s brows furrow together and she pout her lips. Why is he looking at her like he wants to strangle her to death? Is he angry because she stopped him?


    Taking a deep breath, she tries to exin her situation to him. It isn¡¯t that she wants him to stop, she has to think about her baby too.


    "Tian, I¡¯m pregnant. My baby might be harmed if we..."


    Her words trails into exnations, yet the more she spoke, the more she felt herself sinking more into the bed. It was as if each word that escapes her mouth, Lu Tian¡¯s expression turned more darker.


    Sighing, she continues her words again. This time trying to get every word out without being interrupted.


    "Tian, I am pregnant, what if we harm my baby? I mean, think about it, my baby is¡ª"


    "Our."


    "Yes, our. Like I said, our.... Eh? Our?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s blinked with confusion written on her face. What did she say that required the need to use the word ¡¯our¡¯?


    From above, Lu Tian felt like he really wanted to choke his wife now. She had clearly spoke incorrectly, how can she not know?!


    Still in her confused mind, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t think of what she said to make the man so angry. Feeling like she had been wronged, she looks at him.


    "Tian, all I said was I don¡¯t want any harm to happen to my baby. Why are you¡ª"


    "OUR baby."


    Again, Lu Tian cuts her words off. This time he tells her the sole purpose behind his word ¡¯our¡¯.


    "..."


    Hearing the words, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. This cold and full grown man had the look of an angry child all because she had said ¡¯my¡¯ and not ¡¯our¡¯.


    Oh my god!


    Praise the lord above their child doesn¡¯t have Lu Tian¡¯s vinegar gene.


    While she was deep into her thoughts, she suddenly feels his soft lip against her ear. His low breathing snaps her out of her thoughts making her flush even more.


    Before she could even react, he had swiftly remove their clothes and his hand found its way to one of her twin peaks.


    "W-wait, did you not hear what I said?!"


    "I did."


    He had long heard her words. If it wasn¡¯t for her ¡¯my¡¯, he wouldn¡¯t have stopped midway. However, she just kept saying ¡¯my¡¯ and not ¡¯our¡¯. How could he not be angry about her choice of words? The baby inside her is not only Her¡¯s, but also his.


    Pushing everything to the back of his mind, he move his lip from her ear and aim for her lip again. This time, he added more strength than before, kissing her like it was theirst day on earth.


    It was at this moment, Yue Ling began to feel even more nervous. They were going to do it and she doubt it that she can stop Lu Tian. What if harm really doese to their child? She hasn¡¯t even ask the doctor if having sex can cause miscarriage.


    Oh god! What if¡ª


    "Stop thinking so much."


    "....."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sound like a low growl as he kisses her. Moving his lips from Her¡¯s, he looks down at her and chuckles.


    "I know what you¡¯re thinking. I already did my research and it¡¯s safe."


    His hand softly trace her shoulder to the curve of her breast and down her waist to her thigh. The end of his lip curl seductively up and he leans near her face.


    "As long as I don¡¯t do it roughly."


    He pecks her lip and gently part her legs to wee him.


    "I¡¯ll go slow."


    "Mn~"


    A soft moan escapes Yue Ling¡¯s mouth instead of a word in retort. Lu Tian¡¯s thumb gently brush against her nipple before he squeezes it and lower his head to take hold of it.


    She could feel his dragon fuller awaken and brushing against the valley where her thighs meets her womanhood.


    "Tian."


    She calls his name, but it sounded more like a whimper and hardly audible. Her mind turned nk and her mouth continue to do all the thinking.


    Just like him, she also wants him. She wants to be one with him again.


    Hearing the slight plead in how she called his name, he took it as amand. Amand that he must follow, because this time he could see the lust in his wife.


    Lu Tian lower his lower body and rub his dragon against her sweet spot until he could feel her wet and ready for him. In one thrust, he enters her, yet, ever so gentle and slowly. He could feel the warmth of her.


    "Ahn~!"


    Yue Ling gasp a mouthful of air feeling Lu Tian¡¯s full length inside of her. Her hands grab tightly onto his arms with her nails slightly digging into his skin.


    Never did she imagine that just a few days without any sexual activity would be so simr to the first time, except a little less painful.


    Following the first step, everything shot sky rocket as the two people on the king size bed converse into their passionate intimacy. Only this time, Lu Tian had to hold back the urge being ¡¯rough¡¯.


    From outside the window, the sun blushed shyly as it peeks its head from afar. It couldn¡¯t decide if it wanted to rise or stay hidden until this shameless act finishes. How it wishes the to spin the same way as Venus, so it could be the moon again. The moon, who¡¯s full of courage to see this scene all the time.

 Chapter 233 So old

    Gathering every courage it has, the sun finally takes a deep breath and flew high into the sky. It¡¯s glistening light shining down to the world hiding its flustered face from the awakening people.


    Especially from the couple with no shame that made it blush like no tomorrow.


    Sleeping peacefully in bed, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slowly open. She stare up at the white ceiling of the room. She forgot that she was still naked, because the only thing on her mind was how much pain she is in. However, remember what happened, her cheeks burn as if she was having a fever.


    Even though she wasying down on her back the entire time, she still can¡¯t understand how she can be so sore.


    Turning her head to the usual empty spot in the morning, she sighed in self pity. Lifting her hand, she gently caress her stomach.


    "Baby, how can your daddy have so much stamina?"


    "Thirty years of stamina stored only for you."


    Still half asleep, Yue Ling tilt her head and her brows crease into three lines.


    "Thirty years? That¡¯s so old....."


    "....."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Realizing she isn¡¯t alone, she quickly sits up and cover her mouth. Even if her body was aching in pain, she didn¡¯t have the mindset to care at this moment. Her head turned robotically to the door of the bedroom and she struggle a gulp.


    Standing by the door was none other than the person she had called old. She force a smile and chuckle sarcastically.


    "Heh heh..." her hand wave at him like an old grandma trying to clear her name, "I was just kidding, thirty years isn¡¯t old."


    "I¡¯m only two years older than you."


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder and walks toward the bed. He sat down at the edge and brush a strand of hair behind Yue Ling¡¯s ear. Noticing how red his wife¡¯s ear has be, he smiles inside and gives her a good morning kiss.


    "We can be an old couple together. I don¡¯t mind."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless. She stare at the man and couldn¡¯t decide whether tough or cry. Not only that, she can¡¯t but wonder how Lu Tian, who has such a cold expression all the time can say these words...


    "Get dress, I want to take you somewhere."


    Hearing the words, the space between Yue Ling¡¯s brows crease into three lines. Her head slightly tilt and looks at Lu Tian in confusion.


    "Eh? Somewhere? Where?"


    He didn¡¯t mention anything yesterday or the day before about going somewhere. What could it be?


    Lu Tian nod his head with a ¡¯mm¡¯. Looking at his wife, he thought of something and he smiles a smile that reached his eyes.


    "Unless, you want to stay in bed. I don¡¯t mind this scene at all."


    Yue Ling tilt her head again and frown. This scene? What scene? She nce around the room and sees the usual same room.


    Why would he say...


    Her eyes naturally blink down before her entire body froze in ce.


    "..."


    And like the cold wind in the depths of winter, realization hits Yue Ling to the core. Her eyes widen and meets Lu Tian¡¯s evil eyes. How could she forget that after their exercise, she had gone to sleep naked!


    "Ahhh!!!"


    She stretch one hand out to cover Lu Tian¡¯s eyes while the other reach for theforter. She could feel her heart racing to the max as if she was going to have a heart attack.


    Why is she always acting like a fool in front of him?


    Seeing his wife¡¯s cute reaction, Lu Tianughs and he grab her hand covering only one side of his eyes. Pulling it away, he kisses the back of hand.


    "There¡¯s no point trying to hide, I¡¯ve already seen everything."


    He gently ce her hand down and stands up from the bed. Without waiting for a response, he walks out the room.


    "Breakfast is ready."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stare with heavy eyelids at Lu Tian¡¯s back. Even when the door was closed, she still continue to stare at it for a very long minute.


    She couldn¡¯t help but wonder how Lu Tian feels. Just likest night, he did not once bring up Retro nor ask about her connections to ck Dragon and Li Wei. If he had asked, she would have told.


    It wasn¡¯t like she had anything to hide from him....


    Wait...


    Her head turns back to the shut bedroom door and she frown deeply.


    Isn¡¯t Lu Tian just a businessman?


    Why would an ordinary businessman be at a ce like Retro? Not only was he not alone, Xu Long was there and so was Li Wei....


    Deeply in thought, she mindlessly gets out of bed and walks to the bathroom. Lu Tian has their day nned out so she will get ready. If pushes to shove, she will just ask him.


    She turns the shower on and wash herself for the start of her day.


    At this moment, outside of Jade Condos, two men stood in front of the entrance door. The both of them stood at approximately the same height with simr body structure.


    One wore a in grey tailored suit, while the other one was more stylish in his choice of clothes.


    Both men sized each other up in their heads. Who knows what they were saying about one another.


    The stylish man looks away and enters Jade Condos, leaving the grey suit man all alone. Exactly five seconds after, the suit man quickly follows after.


    "New family member, wait for me!"


    Hearing this, the stylish man stumbles in his steps. His hand press the elevator button and he turn his head twitchingly at the gray suit man.


    "Bro, who are you calling your new family?"


    The grey suit man put both his hands out to his sides. He shrug his shoulders with his eyes twitching upwards.


    "You. I mean sooner orter your boss will be mydy boss and my boss will be your boss man."


    "..."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 234 It is here

    Liu Shan stare dumbfounded at the man with eyes twitching upwards. He wasn¡¯t dumbfounded about what he heard, but what he was looking at. If one was to see this, one would say how hideous Xu Long looked at this moment.


    "Bro, do you have a girlfriend?"


    Hearing this question, Xu Long¡¯s eyes turned to normal and his shoulder slump to the floor. How he wish to cry at this moment, but sadly, heck the tears to.


    "Why, Bro? Why? Why do you have to ask that...?"


    Liu Shan blinked his eyes then rolled them.


    "It¡¯s probably because you just did one of the most horrifying face I¡¯ve ever seen."


    Lifting his hand, he pats the man on the shoulder and sighed.


    "Don¡¯t worry, since we¡¯re going to be ¡¯family¡¯ soon, I¡¯ll help you."


    He leans in on Xu Long and whispers, "I have a beautiful woman I¡¯m seeing, I can ask if she has a friend for you."


    "..."


    *ding*


    Xu Long was rendered speechless. He stare at the stylish man walking inside the suddenly opened elevator. When did he do one of the most horrifying face ever? And introduce? Will he finally get a girlfriend?


    "Are you getting in or not?"


    "I am!"


    Like a soldier reporting for duty, Xu Long determinedly salute at Liu Shan¡¯s question. He quickly enters the elevator and more questions pour to his new family member.


    How happy will his parents be when they find out that their workaholic son is going to actually meet women?!!


    ¡ª¡ª


    At the same time, in another part of Imperial Ji family¡¯s stunning Spanish mansion stood amongst the open vast field.


    However, inside the only study room in the mansion, Old man Ji sat behind his desk. His eyes stare unblinking at the piece of paper in his hand.


    "Zhang Yong, my day is closing in sooner than I had thought..."


    Across him was his long time assistant, Zhang Yong. He set the paper down and close his eyes to take a deep breath.


    Zhang Yong lower his head and wrinkle lips tremble. He has been in and out of the hospital with the old man everyday.


    Whether it was good news or bad news, he has witnessed everything. Just from hearing those words, he knows that, that piece of paper brings nothing but bad news.


    If things keep going south, he will have no choice but to betray the old man and tell Yue Ling.


    If he tells her, maybe, just maybe¡ª


    "Don¡¯t even think about telling her."


    Old man Ji res at his assistant. One nce was enough to see what he was thinking about. As the person by his side for so long, how can he not understand his assistant.


    Moving his eyes back to the piece of paper, he opens a drawer and set it down under some folders.


    "I will ask Yue Ling onest time. If she does not want to, then I will have no choice but to hand Ji Corps to the other members."


    Zhang Yong¡¯s eyes widen hearing old man Ji¡¯s words. He clench his fist tightly and his breathing turned rapid.


    "Chairman, I¡¯m sure young Miss will understand. If you hand Ji Corps to the other family, all your hard work would be destroyed!"


    "Enough."


    Old man Ji interrupts Zhang Yong. He lower his head and nce down at his wrinkle hands that are slightly trembling.


    "Yue Ling is already the owner of two great corporations. I cannot force a third one on her if she doesn¡¯t wish to take over."


    He clench his trembling hands into tight fists to ease the tension.


    "There¡¯s no need to add more weigh onto her shoulders."


    "....."


    Zhang Yong did not know what to say. His head still lowered and all he could do is slowly nod his head in understanding. However, he did so to hide his redden eyes that are on the verge of crying.


    "Let¡¯s go. I need to speak with mywyer about my will."


    Both men leave the study and exit the mansion. Zhang Yong helps old man Ji in the car and gets inside the driver seat.


    From inside the car, Old man Ji stare out to certain area from afar where a group of soldiers are running. His entire being soften when he sees a figure he is very familiar with. This figure isughing and getting along with the others.


    A smile curl on his lip at the sight of his grandson, who had always opposed of training.


    ¡¯Jingxu, I will do everything in my power to make sure that those people do not hurt you or force you leave the Ji family. Even after I leave this world, I will protect you and Yue Ling.¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Back at Jade Condos inside Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s penthouse, both couches are upied. On one couch sat the power couple while the other couch sat the two assistants.


    Liu Shan and Xu Long both swallowed at the same time. Their forehead sweating with beads of sweat that isn¡¯t there. One is actually afraid of thedy boss and the other afraid of the boss man.


    Like ancient time, they felt as if they were an innocent coupleing face to face of the emperor and empress.


    Dear god, what crimes did theymit in their past life to be under such intimidating pressure?


    Oblivious to both assistant¡¯s feelings, Yue Ling stood up from her seat. She nce at Liu Shan and points to the study room.


    "We¡¯ll discuss our issues in there."


    Liu Shan looks at his boss then to emperor. He slouch his shoulders and cried inside. If it wasn¡¯t for himself fighting the urge to not fall, he would have fallen to his knees and cry to the heavens above.


    ¡¯Why Boss? Why? Do you not know that your husband is the King of Jealousy? Why? *sob*¡¯


    Left with no other choice, he reluctantly follows after Yue Ling who has already enter the study room.


    From behind, Xu Long lift a hand and wipe his imaginary tears away. How can hisdy do this to him and Liu Shan? Can¡¯t buddha finally show pity upon Liu Shan and him for working under powerful people...


    What hase to the world?


    "Report."


    "Mm mm, Boss no need to be jealous. Lady boss only has you in her heart.... eh?"


    Xu Long¡¯s head tilt as he thought he heard wrong. His head turn around, but all he sees is Inu sleepingzily in bed. He frown and looks at his boss.


    "..."


    Lu Tian sat leaningzily against the couch. Both his arms crossed over his chest, but his eyes ring dumbfounded at his assistant.


    Seeing this, Xu Long force augh and scratch the back of his head. He had thought his boss would be angry about hisdy boss going into a room with a man, but who would have thought the other.


    "Heh heh... boss, forget anything I said."


    He clears his throat and takes out his phone. Typing in something, he hands it to Lu Tian.


    "It¡¯s here. Everything is prepared, including you know what."


    Lu Tian takes the phone and nce at it. He nod his head approvingly.


    "When will it be here?"


    "Tonight. H International has sent someone to deliver it to Lu Corps."


    "Mm."


    Xu Long nce at his almighty boss then to the study room. He sighed inside and then continue his report.


    "What do you want me to do about ck Dragon?"


    At the question, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes slowly blinked. He looks down at the phone then to Inu.


    "For now, we will fall back."


    A warning has been given to ck Dragon¡¯s leader. Also, with Li Wei who controls half of Retro, no one will dare to make another reckless move.


    If his wife is really the leader of Fate then that means she is connected to General Ji and the old man from back then. Only thing is, he never asked for the old man¡¯s name. Everything about Fate is like a tightly shut chest that no one can even crack open.


    However, how is his wife connected to Grandfather Ji? It was said the old man has a granddaughter, but that granddaughter is called something else.


    Not only that, Inu and grandfather Ji¡¯smunication from the other day at the Lu Household was very suspicious....


    Thinking of it, he couldn¡¯t help but think about when he saw his wife walked pass him and stood face to face with the leader of ck Dragon.


    For a brief second, he actually thought she was the mysterious person he and his team had encountered with Ghost Gang. However, that couldn¡¯t be possible, his wife is too innocent and pure to kill without batting an eye.


    As he denies the thought, another part of him can¡¯t help but ask, just how many secrets is his wife hiding?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 235 Good to me

    Inside the study room, Yue Ling sat behind her desk. In her hand was Liu Shan¡¯s phone with updates about the fashion show and work.


    After thoroughly reading everything, she sets the phone down and looks at her assistant.


    "How is the process with the models chosen?"


    "We¡¯ve already sighed contracts with them for the fashion show."


    Yue Ling nod her head, however, her expression turned into mix emotions.


    "How about L¡¯amour de ma vie?"


    Hearing this, Liu Shan sighed inside his heart. He knows how much L¡¯amour de ma vie means to Yue Ling. It wasn¡¯t just a ring, but thest thing Shin gave her before he left this world. Yet, if his boss can let it go, it confirms that she is finally letting go of the past.


    "It¡¯s being deliver as you asked."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling nod her head. At first, she had nned to keep the ring in memories of Shin, but if she keeps holding onto it, she will remain lock in the past.


    The past that ended three years ago.


    Lifting her hand, she caress her stomach. Lu Tian is the person she loves now. Keeping L¡¯amour de ma vie will only remind her of Shin. Doing so will not be fair to Lu Tian and their baby.


    Noticing the silence, Liu Shan nce at her and sighed. As Yue Ling¡¯s assistant, there are days he can read her, but there are also days like today when he cannot read her at all.


    "Boss," he spoke nervously, "about your request to have L¡¯amour de ma vie donated, the buyer still sent a huge sum of money for it."


    Yue Ling frown upon Liu Shan¡¯s words. She pursed her lip andmence an order.


    "Have H International transfer it back. I have no need for the money."


    "I¡¯ll have them do it right away."


    Suddenly thinking of something, Liu Shan whispers to Yue Ling. "Boss, this is off topic but do you know who Lu Tian is now?"


    Yue Ling shook her head. She takes the phone and stood from her seat. Handing it to Liu Shan, she smiles faintly at him.


    "No matter who he is, he is the father of my child and the person I decide to be with."


    Liu Shan smiles and takes his phone. Putting it in his pocket he tells himself that his boss never makes a wrong decision. If she doesn¡¯t wish to know, he won¡¯t tell her.


    "I supposed you¡¯re right. I mean, I guess he¡¯s not so bad, but a father? Will he be a good father?"


    Yue Ling stare at Liu Shan and she press her lip tightly together to notugh. She had just told him good news and yet.....


    Realization finally hits Liu Shan in the head. His eyes shot open and his jaw dropped to the floor.


    "Y-y-you¡¯re... b-b-Boss... y-you¡¯re p-p-p-p-preg-n-nant?"


    "Mm."


    "..."


    Yue Ling has long expected this. She hoped to tell her Yeye and Jingxu first, but she¡¯s been busy with work so she hadn¡¯t the time to. Her decision in telling Liu Shan is because she trusts him and hope that he will help her keep the media from finding out.


    Not wanting to talk about the issue right now, Yue Ling walks pass Liu Shan. However, remembering something, she stops in her steps.


    "Anything on Ning Mei?"


    Slowlying out of his shocked and surprised state, Liu Shan turn to look at his boss. He definitely did not expect to hear this kind of news in the morning.


    He stare at her for a second, yet this one second felt like an entire lifetime. A mixture of joy and sadness rose in his heart.


    True, he is happy for her, very happy. A life is created and it is the most precious thing, but the sadness inside him is that this child is not Shin¡¯s.


    In the past, Shin always spoke about starting a family with Yue Ling. He told everyone about how he will be the greatest father and swore to love Yue Ling forever. Everyone envied the rtionship they had, including Hana and Min Lee.


    How will everyone in City Z take this sudden news?


    If he had know she was pregnant, he would of never allowed her to go into Retro. What if something dangerous happened?


    Knowing what was in Liu Shan¡¯s mind, Yue Ling walks back to him. Stopping in front of him, she lift her hand and lightly flicks him on the forehead.


    "Lu Tian is good to me. If you¡¯re concern about everyone in City Z, you shouldn¡¯t be my assistant anymore."


    "..."


    Liu Shan frown like a little boy who had been wronged. He scoffed at his boss and rub his forehead.


    "Yay, if I¡¯m not your assistant then who would be? Anyone dares," he quickly gesture with his hand into a knife, "OFF WITH THEIR HEAD!"


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Left with no other words to retort, Liu Shan sighed in understanding. He will trust Yue Ling¡¯s judgement, even if Lu Tian is a cold man, he knows there¡¯s a part of the man that treats his boss with unconditional love.


    "I¡¯m happy for you boss, but..." His hand clench into tight fists, "if he ever betrays you in any way, I don¡¯t mind being put behind bars for an unforgivable crime. Even if hees from a highly distinguished family, I will trade my life for you."


    Yue Ling was at a loss for words. She didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at this moment. How did everything be this deep in discussion?


    She knows that Liu Shan¡¯s words are genuine. It is his way of showing his affection of brotherly love to her. However, she also knows that Lu Tian will not be an easy opponent for Liu Shan.


    Shaking the thought away, she decides to change the subject.


    "Any reports on Ning Mei?"


    Liu Shan looks at her and nod his head. He has more he wants to talk about, but it¡¯s not his ce to question what his boss does.


    "She sighed a contract with An Qing as we excepted."


    Yue Ling nce at the time on the wall clock and smiles, "Then we will continue with our n."


    Taking a step forward, she leaves the study room with Liu Shan following behind her. The moment she stepped into the living room, she was in a daze.


    In front of the floor to ceiling window, Lu Tian stood with his back facing her. The morning light shine in the background, casting a magnificent shadow making him look high and mighty.


    Lu Tian turn around to look in her direction. Their eyes meet and his entire being softened. Even though he knew the answer, he still asked anyways.


    "Finish?"


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling smiles and looks around the room. She tilt her head and frown.


    "Where is Xu Long?"


    "I sent him to attend some work rted issues."


    Lu Tian shrug one shoulder in response. His expression was calm on the surface, but deep down he was eating another jar of vinegar. How dare his assistant attract his wife¡¯s attention too?!


    Tilting his head, he looks indifferently pass his wife.


    Standing behind Yue Ling, Liu Shan stood his ground. He didn¡¯t hesitate to stare right back at the almighty business king as if sending a warning.


    A warning that he knows his boss is pregnant and if any mishap was to happen to her, he will get Lu Tian.


    Oblivious to the two men¡¯s intense stare, Yue Ling turns back to the hallway.


    "Liu Shan, I will be out for the day. If anything importantes up, contact me."


    Liu Shan did not answer but nod his head. His eyes continue to stare at Lu Tian without blinking.


    As Yue Ling walks further into the hallway, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes narrow as he size Lu Tian more. His legs slowly cross each other in steady slow steps towards the front door.


    It was as if both men were beasts in the wild about to go a round of war.


    Coming to the front door, Liu Shan opens the door and not once did his eyes leave Lu Tian. He slowly moved and walks out.


    However, just when his body was out the door and his head still poking inside, he lift one hand. His index and middle finger spread into the peace sign and he points them to his eyes, then to Lu Tian.


    His gesture saying, ¡¯I¡¯m watching you¡¯.


    And as fast as lightning, he disappears out the door.


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Inu: "..."


    Both human and dog were dumbfounded to the core. For the first time, Inu finally agrees with Lu Tian on something. Neither one couldprehend what they just witnessed.


    Outside penthouse 1503, Liu Shan enters the elevator and the moment the door close, he exhale a deep and long breath.


    He uses his sleeve to wipe away the beads of sweat on his forehead and pat his beating heart to calm down. He swore his heart was on the verge of bursting and give him a stroke.


    When he stare into Lu Tian¡¯s eyes, he had to look at the man¡¯s perfect nose. Just looking into those dark pupils were as if the man was the devil sucking his soul dry. Only god knows how much courage he had to use, even he had to hold in his breath!


    Thinking of Xu Long, he thought of an idea. He will hack into Lu Corps and get Xu Long¡¯s contact number.


    It is only fair that both men get a break in life for working under powerful people.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 236 Private property

    "Tian, where are we going?"


    Yue Ling question in curiosity. She stare with wondering eyes out the passenger window at the greenery of open field on each side of the road.


    "To see a ce..."


    From the driver seat, Lu Tian answers while continuing to look in front of the road. He spoke as if they were just out on a stroll in the park without a care in the world.


    "....."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyelids turned heavy hearing his words of indifferent. So much an exact answer. Shaking her head, she looks at the front interior of the car then turn back to look out the window.


    When they left Jade Condos, Lu Tian took the chance to drive. She didn¡¯t have a choice but to agree since her car was left at De L¡¯amour.


    However, unlike the usual beauty he drives, this time it was another beauty, a white Aston Martin Vanquish.


    As they driver through Imperial, it took her a while to realize they were driving out of the city. The vast field always finds it¡¯s way to ease her mind. It reminded her of the way to her yeye¡¯s, but she knows it¡¯s not. They were heading in the opposite direction.


    She had to admit, she is impress that Lu Tian knows the good in purchasing a high end car, but.... the scene of beautiful greenery outside still impress her more.


    Staring out to the field, she couldn¡¯t help but think that she should visit her Yeye and Jingxu.


    Yes, she will visit them tomorrow and see how Ting is holding up.


    Ending her thoughts, she pout her lip and ask herself, ¡¯just where is this ce Lu Tian is taking her?¡¯


    Just as she asked herself the question, Lu Tian turns the car onto another road. However, unlike the road before, this road had rows of trees on both sides. It reminded her of the wine yards in America.


    From one look, she knew that when springes, the beauty of these tree will show themselves like the cherry blossoms at her yeye¡¯s.


    And as if it wasn¡¯t enough, Yue Ling covers her mouth and gasp quietly. The car drove up and small hill and when it came down, a Kingdom stood in the distance of view.


    Well, not a Kingdom, but a giant house that can be on pair to one. Surprisingly, this house is too big to be called a house and she hates to say it, but it¡¯s more magnificent than her yeye¡¯s Spanish Mansion.


    Good gracious, is this how rich people like to live?


    The closer they drove towards the house, it didn¡¯t take long before a metal gate greeted them. The brick wall it connected to surrounds the house like a fortress from the enemy.


    Not being able to help herself, she unknowingly press her face against the window to see better.


    "..."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. His wife¡¯s temperament at this moment resembled a child at the theme park. He held in hisugh and roll down his side of the window. Reaching into the inner pocket of his coat, he takes out a ck card and scan it on the ess box.


    The right shut gate slowly opens and he press on the elerator to forward the car.


    Oblivious to all of this, Yue Ling¡¯s attention continue to remain on the house. The closer they got to the house the more she felt like everything is a dream.


    She has seen many beautiful homes around the world, but none is more breath taking than this one.


    It¡¯s all white structure and dark tile roofing was very unique with big windows all over. Judging from the view in distance earlier, this house is two stories, but other parts of it stood higher, making it also a three story house.


    If the outside of the house is already this amazing, just how would the inside look like?


    Who ever lives here must truly be a great architecture major or hired someone with high value skills to build this house.


    Without looking at the driver, she reach her hand out and taps Lu Tian in the shoulder.


    "Tian, who lives here? They¡¯re¡ª"


    Half way into her words, she tilt her head and frown. Turning to look at him, she was dumbfounded. Her hand froze in midair and she is grabbing onto air.


    Where did Lu Tian go?


    *click*


    The passenger door gently opens and a masculine hand reaches in towards her. She looks down at the hand then to the owner.


    "Tian..."


    ¡¯When did he park the car and get out?¡¯


    Outside the passenger side of his Aston Martin, Lu Tian clears his throat to hide his urge tough. His wife had been too immerse by the house that she didn¡¯t even hear him park the car or stepped out. He even told her they had arrived.


    Thinking of it, he couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous towards the house. Even he doesn¡¯t attract his wife¡¯s attention this much.


    Did he make the wrong decision in picking this house out of all the others that Xu Long showed?


    Yue Ling: "Tian, why are you always drinking vinegar?"


    Lu Tian: "...."


    Yue Ling chuckles and ce her hand over Lu Tian¡¯s. Stepping out of the car, she smiles being able to stand in front of the tall and big house.


    Even if the wind today isn¡¯t strong, it was still cold, yet, a rxing cold. It was as if an oil painting hade to life.


    Lu Tian held his wife¡¯s hand and he pout his lip. Unlike his wife, he, for the first time in his life felt his cheeks flush ever so slightly. Is he embarrassed? No. Is he ashamed? Of course not. Then what¡¯s making hims blush? Oh, that¡¯s right, his wife. She had questioned about his jealously like it was the most natural thing in the entire world.


    Oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling looks at him and seeing his flushed cheeks, she frown. Lifting her free hand, he touch his forehead.


    "Are you not feeling well?"


    Lu Tian softened and he holds her hand down. His head lowered and touched hers.


    "I¡¯m alright, lets go inside."


    He¡¯s is happy that his wife still cares about him, mistaking him blush as a cold, but he knows that she is more interest in the house. For now, he will hold back the itching feeling in his hands to destroy the house. He holds her hand tighter and walks in the direction of the door.


    Yue Ling¡¯s brows furrow together. She looks around the driveway, then to the entrance of the house. There were no signs of cars or people except the two of them.


    Leaning closer to Lu Tian, she whispers to him.


    "Tian, are we... trespassing on private property?" She looks around again, and continue, "You¡¯re not nning to break inside are you?"


    "...."


    Lu Tian was struck dumbfounded. He swore if he grew up the way Xu Long and Liu Shan did, he would of stumble to the ground. He wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he ate dirt too.


    Ignoring her words, he guides her to the front door. He¡¯ll just have to show her how much trespassing they are going to be doing.


    Yue Ling stare in wonder at the tall double doors in front of her. It was made with fine bocote wood painted white withrge inner windows that were tinted for privacy.


    Although, she is sure she wants to see the inside, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that they shouldn¡¯t trespass on private property.


    "Tian, I don¡¯t think we should¡ª"


    *click*


    "....."


    Lu Tian calmly unlocks the door and push it open. He looks at his wife and shrug his shoulders.


    "It was unlocked."


    Yue Ling stare bbergasted at him. She clearly heard the key turn and unlocked the door. How dare he says it was unlocked?!


    Shaking her head, she looks inside and surprise took over. She was just as amaze with the outside as she is towards the inside at this moment.


    Glistening white walls with glossy marble flooring decor the inside of the house.


    "I had Xu Long reserved today¡¯s house tour for us. Do you like it?"


    Lu Tian ask with a faint smile. From the way his wife looked, he is sure she likes it.


    Yue Ling looks at him and she gulp down her saliva. Turning back to the inside of the house, she slowly nods her head and let¡¯s go his hand. She steps forward and looks around.


    "Like it? What¡¯s there not to like? It¡¯s like a castle in a child¡¯s storybook."


    Still standing at the door entrance, Lu Tian lift his hand and looks down at it.


    Every time he holds Yue Ling¡¯s hand, he feelsplete and warm. Her warmth is like the shining sun to his soul on a cold winter day.


    However, he frown at his hand. At how empty it feels when his wife lets go of his hand.


    Pouting his lips in disapproval, he looks in the direction she went and strides in big steps after her.


    Yue Ling who is without a care oblivious to the king of Jealousy is leisurely taking her time touring around the first floor of the house.


    Seeing a set of stairs, she smiles and decides to have a look on the second floor. She couldn¡¯t wait to see the view from upstairs. Would it be the same as when they drove down the hill?


    Her hand touch the stair rail and just when she was about to take her first step, a sudden warmth wraps around her hand. She looks down at her hand, then to the man standing next to her.


    "Tian..."


    "Let¡¯s look around together."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t show a change in his expression, but Yue Ling could already see through his sly move. His look right now was like a little boy who didn¡¯t want to be separated with his mother.


    It was the same look he gave her when they came back from City Z. The man didn¡¯t want to let go of her hand then, she was sure he never will.


    A sudden dawn on her as she hopes he never will. To hope that he will not only hold her hand, but their baby¡¯s too.


    She nods her head and smiles at him. She shift their holding hands as their fingers fill the gap of each other¡¯s. Taking a step, she leads the way up the stairs with Lu Tian following closely behind her.

 Chapter 237 Peaceful

    "Do you like this room that much?"


    Lu Tian asks as he walks up to his wife. He stood behind her and wrap his arms around her waist. His head rest against hers and he gently caress her yet to protrude stomach.


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling smile and leaned her head back to rest on his chest. Her bluish green eyes gaze out to what is currently in front of her.


    "It¡¯s very peaceful here..."


    From every room she had looked at inside this big house, the room she is standing in at this moment is her most favorite. Although this is on the second floor, there is a set of spiral stairs that leads to the room below.


    She couldn¡¯t help but sigh with the feeling of rxation. Lifting her hands, she ce them over Lu Tian¡¯s.


    If she had thought the view at her penthouse balcony was mind easing, she had most likely thought wrong.


    A garden room with lightweight roof made of opaque. Insted panels over crystal clear zed wall panels allowing one to see the solid green trees created by Mother Nature. Not only is that not enough, the perfect panoramic view of Imperial can be seen in the distance.


    The scene in front of her right now is the sole definition of ¡¯peace¡¯. Who would have thought that a simple garden room would be this soothing to the soul....


    It is no wonder her Yeye chose to live the way he did. Far away from the city, yet at a close distance at the same time.


    Standing closely behind her like glue, Lu Tian could only sigh inside. He felt that same jealousy rise in him again.


    From the moment they drove down the hill to the moment they stepped foot inside the house, his wife¡¯s attention had been fully on the house. To make things even worse, this adjoining garden room has decided to take all the space in his wife¡¯s eyes.


    He feels slightly pity for himself for feeling this way towards a house, but he knows he can¡¯t. He shouldn¡¯t be jealous over a house, he has to remember the positive thing and that is, his wife likes this house.


    Lu Tian close his eyes and inhale the unique scent of his wife that he loves so much. He felt his body rx with ease and his arm around her waist shift to tightness. However, he made sure not to add too much strength or it might harm their baby.


    He could vision the future ahead.


    A future where home is wherever Yue Ling and their child are.


    *ring ring*


    The phone that had been silent inside Lu Tian¡¯s coat suddenly rings. It echoes into the garden room with loudness.


    He open his eyes not too slow not too fast, however, a frown was on his handsome define face.


    Who dares to soil his quality time with his wife?!


    Moving one hand from around Yue Ling¡¯s waist, he reach for the phone. As he answer the call, he made sure his other hand was still holding his wife and child close to him.


    Looking down at the phone screen, he re at the caller before answering it.


    "Speak."


    ["Uhh.... Boss? Sorry to disturb your hehe precious moment, but I just received news about you know what, from you know who."]


    "....."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian pout his lip. He was irritated about the disturbance, but this matter is very important. He let out a small sigh for his restless soul and reluctantly pulls away from the warmth of his wife. However, before his hand around Yue Ling¡¯s waist could even move, she had moved first.


    Yue Ling takes a step forward and turn to look at Lu Tian. She smiles at him allowing him to see her perfect straight white teeth.


    "I¡¯ll go look around some more."


    Looking at her mesmerizing smile, Lu Tian could help but feel a tinge of guilt inside. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want her to hear the conversation. He could careless if she hears, if she wants to, he would even put all his calls on speaker.


    The only thing is, this call is different. If she heard, it would ruin everything he had nned out.


    Oblivious to his thoughts, Yue Ling didn¡¯t wait for a response from the man. When Lu Tian answered the call, the room was so quiet that she could hear Xu Long¡¯s loud energetic voice even if she didn¡¯t listen. She didn¡¯t pay attention to their conversation, because she is not the type to eavesdrop on others.


    She nonchntly walks pass him and couldn¡¯t wait to see more of the house.


    Yet, before she could even walk one inch pass Lu Tian, he swiftly grabs her arm. Leaning towards her, he kisses her on the forehead.


    "Don¡¯t wonder off too far. I¡¯ll be done quickly."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling nod her head like an obedient child. She leaves the garden room and walks in the direction of her the next area in the house she wants to see.


    Left alone in the room, Lu Tian takes two step closer to the window. He stare out to the view of Imperial in the distance, one hand holding the phone to his ear and the other in his pocket.


    "Report."


    ["Boss, H International¡¯s representer will arrive in the evening."]


    "Mm. Send Jiang Yu to pick the person up from the airport. No mishap is to happen to L¡¯amour de ma vie."


    ["Right away, Boss. I will assign some members of Wolf Team to be on alert."]


    "Mm."


    Ending the call, Lu Tian ce the phone back inside his coat pocket. He thought about his proposal, but only for a quick second.


    Taking big strides, he leaves out the room in search of his beautiful wife¡¯s whereabouts.


    In another part of the house, Yue Ling stood in the center of arge empty room. It had charcoal cement floorings and silver walls.


    She walks back and forth with her arms opening every so often when she stopped. Now standing in the center of the room again, she touch her chin and pursed her lip.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    "I¡¯m thinking this garage is a little too small...."


    Lu Tian arch a brow and cross his arms over his chest. He is curious as to why she would say such a thing, especially when this garage isrger than your usual ones.


    "This garage fits five to six cars."


    Too immerse in her own thoughts, Yue Ling¡¯s brows furrow at the words and she tilt her head.


    "Five to six cars? How will it fit all my beauties¡ª"


    "....."


    Realization quickly sh back to Yue Ling. She swallow her remaining words and turn around to see Lu Tian standing at the door.


    Forcing a smile, she chuckles and walks to him, "Ha Ha, Tian, you¡¯re done?"


    Lu Tian nod his head in response and walks towards her to meet her halfway. He looks around the empty garage and thought about his wife¡¯s words.


    The garage is too small to her liking....


    He stops in front of her and reach out to hold her hand.


    "You don¡¯t like the size of this garage?"


    "....."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry hearing his question. She clears her throat and shakes her head.


    "It¡¯s fine the way it is."


    Lu Tian gaze at his wife for a long second. Thinking of something, he lift his free hand and touch her cheek.


    "I can build you a bigger garage."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. She blinked her eyes then sigh. How romantic would it be if the topic had been something else?


    "Tian, if I need a bigger garage, I can build it myself."


    Lu Tian smile faintly and his thumb caress her cheek softly, "I want to build it for you."


    "....."


    No matter how many times it is, Yue Ling felt she will forever be rendered speechless or dumbfounded by this man.


    Here they are, discussing matters about a garage.


    If it had been something like a closet for her lifestyle or a baby¡¯s room, she would have understood. However, a garage? Really?


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help butugh at the idea of their conversation. She pats Lu Tian on the chest.


    "Mm mm. I want a big garage that will fit fifty cars."


    Lu Tian gaze down at his wifeughing. He swore, he can never get enough of her, but sometimes it difficult to understand her. Like right now, he couldn¡¯t tell if she was joking or being serious about fifty cars.


    However, either one, he will still build her the perfect garage here.


    ncing at the empty garage, he tighten his hold on her hand and decides to walk her back to the house.


    "Let¡¯s discuss about the ¡¯garage¡¯ over lunch. I made reservations at Rosewood Hotel."


    "...."


    Yue Ling allowed him to lead the way, but when she heard his words, she rolled her eyes at him.


    Reservations?


    What kind of reservation is needed when Lu Tian is the owner of Rosewood Hotel?!

 Chapter 238 Front row

    On the highest floor of An Qing, Chen Limei sat inside her office. Instead of sitting in the chair behind her desk, she sat on the couch. She wore a royal blue dress that framed her body perfectly. In her hand was a cup of tea as she leisurely drank it.


    After a few sips of the tea, she set the cup down and reach for a folder on the coffee table in front of her. Opening it, she flips through the pages and smile curl on her lip. She nce across from her.


    "Is this all of it?"


    "Yes, it is."


    Sitting on the couch across from her is another woman. She wore a green dress with a white zer. In her hand was a simr cup like Chen Limei¡¯s. She smiles and also set the cup down.


    "Just a few adjustments to them and everyone will believe that you are the one who designed them."


    Chen Limei smirk and close the folder. She stood up from her seat and walks over to the phone on her desk. Picking it up, she dials a number.


    ["CEO Chen."]


    "Escort Miss Ming to her car."


    ["Yes ma¡¯am."]


    She hangs up the phone and smiles again at the woman, "It¡¯s a pleasure doing business, Ming Yue."


    Ming Yue grabs her handbag and put the handle strap over her shoulder. She smiles at Chen Limei with a nod.


    "It¡¯s only likely that I choose the winning side. I also hope that you keep your deal to me."


    Before Chen Limei could say anything, the door to her office is pushed open. Both women turn to the person and sees a tall slender man in a ck fitted suit.


    "CEO Chen."


    Chen Limei nod her head to the man, then she looks at Ming Yue. She gesture with her hand to the door.


    "This is one of my security guards, he will escort you out."


    Ming Yue nod her head and follows the man out of the room like a proud woman. However, she did not see the disgust in Chen Limei¡¯s eyes from behind.


    The woman sneered at Ming Yue. She had to admit, Ming Yue has courage for betraying her superior, but that betrayal will backfire on her in the future.


    Quickly after Ming Yue left the room, a Knick resound from the door. A woman in a ck suit enters the office with a tablet in her hand.


    "CEO Chen, your afternoon meeting is schedule in thirty minutes."


    "Mm, have all my documents prepare."


    Chen Limei hands the woman the folder Ming Yue brought in, "Have the design team make adjustments to these designs. Change them to what we have for the fashion show."


    "I¡¯ll have it done right away."


    Handing the folder to the woman, Chen Limei takes the tablet and walk back to her desk. She scroll through the tablet and frown.


    "Still nothing on De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer?"


    The woman shook her head, "We¡¯ve had the tech team search, but we only hit a dead end."


    Chen Limei frown and ce the tablet down on her desk. She sits on her ck swivel chair and ponder in thoughts.


    Ever since she took over the CEO position at An Qing, she has tried every method to find out who is the designer of De L¡¯amour, but she always failed.


    From her time here, De L¡¯amour is likely a brand under a contract with An Qing. If not, how is it that An Qing is worldwide, while De L¡¯amour is barely anywhere but the designs?


    It is also because of De L¡¯amour that she wants to overthrow the brand. With theunch of her design in the fashion show, An Qing will rise to the top and it would be without the help of De L¡¯amour.


    Ending her thoughts, she looks at the woman as she remembers something.


    "The fashion show is in two days, have we received a response from Han Yue Ling?"


    The woman shook her head, "No response, but we¡¯ve signed a contract with rising model, Ning Mei."


    Chen Limei pout her lip then nod her head, "Mm... Inform everyone to prepare well. Also have Ning Mei be the opening model in the show."


    "Yes, CEO Chen."


    The woman excuse herself out of the room knowing there is nothing more to discuss. Leaving Chen Limei alone in her office, she sighed aloud.


    She had hoped that the famous supermodel would be her opening model, but now she must go with her n b. It has been known that only a few in the world ever gets the chance to sign a contract with the model.


    Even her private life is sealed away from the world that the media cannot find anything. Let alone what the retired model has been doing.


    Sighing again, Chen Limei thinks of the positive possibilities. She has a contract with Ning Mei, a rising model in the entertainment industry, so there¡¯s no way she will lose in the show.


    After all, she had paid a huge figure to the producer to change the show order. Her design will go first and De L¡¯amourst. That way, the world will see that De L¡¯amour giarize her design.


    While Chen Limei was immerse in her n, at this time, on the rooftop of Rosewood Hotel, the supermodel and business king sat at the far end corner. Delicious tes for food were ced on the table in front of them with the view of Imperial in panoramic view.


    However, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but nce around the restaurant with questioning eyes. When they arrived here, she had thought Lu Tian¡¯s ¡¯reservation¡¯ was due to lunch hour rush, but she had thought wrong.


    With the many tables on the rooftop, there were only a few people.


    One table sat a couple, another table sat four men, seemingly like they are on a business lunch. Another table sat only one man reading the newspaper.


    The space between her brows crease into three lines. She looks at Lu Tian and her eyes narrow.


    "Tian, do people not like to eat here?"


    "....."


    Lu Tian nce at his wife and he swore he almost choked on his own saliva. He clears his throat and shrug his shoulder.


    "Not many people cane here."


    "..."


    Yue Ling blinked her eyes hearing his words. Not many people cane here? If that¡¯s the case, just what kind of people are these ¡¯many¡¯ people?!


    Like the good husband he is, Lu Tian reach for the chopstick and picks up a piece of meat. He ce it down on his wife¡¯s te.


    "Eat. The food will get cold."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling nce down at the piece of meat. A smile appears on her face and she did just as she was told.


    She wasn¡¯t hungry, but the baby inside of her is.


    Lu Tian watched her eat, then he did the same. Each time he takes a bite, he didn¡¯t forget to to pick more food and put it on his wife¡¯s te.


    Remembering something, Yue Ling put her chopsticks down and looked attentively at Lu Tian.


    "Tian."


    Seeing her movement, Lu Tian also put his chopstick down. His dark eyes met Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green one right away. He didn¡¯t speak a word, but his expression was enough to tell her to continue.


    "I¡¯m going to model again."


    Lu Tian arch a brow. He isn¡¯t surprised about this sudden news. Xu Long has mentioned about an uing fashion show that his wife is partaking in. If it had been the him in the past, he would have cared, but this involved his wife. He has every reason to care.


    However, he must y along and act as if he doesn¡¯t know anything. After all, he just a business man.


    "I thought you retired from modeling?"


    "I did." Yue Ling quickly replies, she reach a hand forward and ce it over Lu Tian¡¯s, "but this will be thest time."


    She looks to the panoramic view and smile faintly, "This is something I have to do."


    Lu Tian gaze at his wife. What does she mean by, ¡¯this is something I have to do¡¯? If he can, he wants to ask her the meaning behind those words, but he can¡¯t bring himself to ask.


    In life, there are some things you can ask and some you shouldn¡¯t. If his wife wanted to tell him, she would have done so, instead of the way she did.


    Oblivious to Lu Tian knowingly thoughts, Yue Ling turns to look back at him.


    "I¡¯ll be modeling for an uing fashion show here in Imperial. Will youe watch?"


    "Mm."


    Li Tian quickly answers. Even if she had not ask him, he will still go and watch. How can he miss this opportunity to see his wife model? It will also be his way of supporting her.


    To let her know that he is her number one fan and will always be in the front row at everything she decides to do.

 Chapter 239 Please read; not an update.

    <h4>Chapter 236 Please read; not an update.</h4>


    My awesome readers!!!


    I do apologize for not updating like before. Know that I haven¡¯t dropped this novel. I¡¯ve been busy with my final exams this week and I finally finished taking myst exam today.


    I will be updating again now that exams are out of the way!!! So stay tune for more regr updates!!!


    And to my readers who are in school and studying or taking their final exams, best of luck to you all!!!


    -Abeehiltz ??

 Chapter 240 Show no mercy at all

    The afternoon wind blew through a vast field causing the grass to sway in motion.


    Laying in the middle of the field was a young man. He stare up at the clear blue sky with both his hands behind his head.


    The white clouds slowly move in one direction and the image of a man and woman appears in his view.


    Like a dreame to life, he reach a hand out with his fingers spread apart. His gesture as if he was trying to hold on to the two people.


    "Dad.... mom..."


    He gulp with great difficulty. Closing his eyes slowly, he also close his hand into a tight fist.


    "I am doing fine. Please continue to guide me in the right path of life...."


    When hisst word fell, his eyes slowly flutter open. His hand dropped back down as the image of his parents slowly fade with the moving clouds.


    "This is where you were?"


    Hearing the sudden voice, Gu Ting turn his head to the person then back to the blue sky. His expression returned to expressionless, as if the boy earlier was never missing his parents.


    Standing at the side was a boy three years younger than Ting. He looks at him then tilt his head back to look up at the clear blue sky too. He takes a deep breath and slowly sits down on the grass.


    "You know, if you want to talk about anything, no one here will judge you."


    Ting nce at the boy and he sits up. Without replying, he prepares to leave.


    "Don¡¯t let your own sorrow take control of your heart."


    Hearing the sudden words, Ting pause in his steps. He clench his hands tightly into a fist and pulls himself together.


    Without looking at the boy, he spoke in an almost choking voice.


    "You don¡¯t know how it feels to live every day knowing how tragically your parents died."


    Ting lower his head and smiles and smile that did not reach his eyes.


    "You still have your grandfather and sister."


    He finish his words and strides away. There was nothing more to discuss about.


    "....."


    Sitting on the grass, the cool breeze of the wind blows again. The boy stare at the sky then down to the vast field in front of him.


    "I know that same loneliness...."


    Ting heard the words, but he did not stop. How can someone who still has family know what he had gone through? He doesn¡¯t need anyone¡¯s pity.


    Watching Ting¡¯s back, the boy stood up and he thought of the him back then. He and Ting may be three years apart in age, but they share the same experience in life.


    He turn his head and looks back at the field that was once unfamiliar to him.


    This field that is now home to him.


    "You say I don¡¯t know that feeling, but I do..."


    His head turn to Ting and his words continue.


    "Not just me, but also everyone you¡¯ve been training with."


    Ting suddenly felt his feet glue to the ground. He couldn¡¯t find the strength to move or unknowingly say anything.


    "We all have our own tragic past, so don¡¯t assume because we don¡¯t show it."


    The boy lift his head and walks towards Ting. He stops next to Ting and pats his shoulder.


    "Just because we all smile everyday, doesn¡¯t mean we aren¡¯t hurting in the inside."


    Ending his words, he didn¡¯t wait for a response or reaction. He calmly walks away.


    Every soldier here may look like a bunch of idiots,ughing and living each day full of life, but...


    Behind closed doors, they all have their own scars deeply engraved in the deepest depth of their hearts.


    As the boy¡¯s figure further into the distance, Ting remained standing in the same spot. He thought about the boy¡¯s words for a long time.


    "Heh...."


    He scoff a sarcasticugh at himself. How foolish he must have been to assume without knowing anything.... To think, he needed someone younger to talk some sense to him.


    When he first trained with everyone here, he thought no one knew the kind of feeling he did.


    He had assumed because everyone looked so carefree and got along well with each other.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Jingxu!"


    The boy stops in his steps and turn to the owner of the voice. Seeing who it is, he nods his head.


    "Liangcai."


    Liangcai walks over to Jingxu and a foolish smile was on his face. He pat the kid on the back and gesture with his head.


    "Everyone¡¯s having lunch, let¡¯s go."


    "Mm." Jingxu nod his head and walks with Liangcai to the eating area.


    Entering the room, he takes a te and start to pick out the dishes he wanted to eat. Like usual, he sits next to Liangcai, Xue Yi and Ye Fei. Just as he starts to eat, one of the soldiers calls out to someone.


    "Ting! Hurry bro, we¡¯re going to eat without you!"


    Ting stopped and looks at everyone eating andughing together. His hands clench to tight fists again as he ponder in thought.


    When he first came here, he was weed and treated no different from anyone here. A few fights broke out between them, but at the end of the day, they forgave each other. He had thought maybe it was their time serving in the military that made them this way, but....


    ¡¯Just because we all smile everyday, doesn¡¯t mean we aren¡¯t hurting in the inside.¡¯


    Jingxu¡¯s words slowly float in his head. It showed him that not everyone is happy like how they seem.


    He looks at Jingxu then to the soldiers again. Straightening his posture, he bends forward and bows unexpectedly to everyone.


    "I, Gu Ting am sorry for ever doubting anyone here. I hope that you all will still ept me as a brother again."


    "....."


    Everyone stops what they were doing and turn to look at Ting. Just as confused as the others, Liangcai looks around and stands up from his chair.


    "When did you ever say anything about doubting us?"


    "....."


    Ting shook his head, "I never did, but..." he lower his head, "I had thought about it."


    Liangcai arch a brow, then he turn to look where Jingxu was sitting.


    Feeling eyes on him, Jingxu looks up and seeing Liangcai looking at him, he shrugs his shoulder.


    "....."


    Like a dumbfounded person, Liangcai didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. After their morning training, he had seen the two boys out in the field. When Jingxu returned just now, he didn¡¯t bother to ask what had happen. Yet, Ting suddenly says this?


    Thinking of the situation and Ting¡¯s words, he sighed inside. So these two kids had a small quarrel.


    Not hearing a response, Ting straightens himself and looks attentively at Liangcai.


    "I will ept any punishment given to me."


    "..."


    Liangcai¡¯s eyes narrow and he takes a step forward.


    "Any punishment?"


    His height was taller and he was more toned, making him look more intimidating, but Ting did not falter one bit. He stare right back at Liangcai and answered.


    "Any!"


    Hearing his answer, everyone didn¡¯t bother to care about eating anyone. They are prepare to see a live action of the famous Liangcai and the rookie Ting.


    "Liangcai, give him a good beating for doubting us!"


    "Yea, punch him hard!"


    "Show no mercy at all!!"


    An uproar rose louder and louder. Fists were punching air in demonstration and so were kicks. Everyone were motivating Liangcai to fuel the oil.


    Hearing the shouts from his brothers, Liangcai¡¯s lip curl upwards. He slightly change his posture and move his right arm in a punching stance.


    "Don¡¯t me me then."


    Seeing this, Ting still did not show a change in his expression. He slowly close his eyes to wee the punch. His small movement wasn¡¯t because he was afraid to get beat up, it was to let Liangcai and everyone know that he¡¯s willing to ept any punishment.


    Liangcai¡¯s smirk widen and he did not hesitate to advance forward. His eyes locked on Ting and he swiftly swung his arm to punch Ting.

 Chapter 241 I know who you are

    Ting stood in ce with his eyes closed. Darkness was all he could see but his ears were still listening to movements.


    One....


    Two....


    Three....


    .....


    His brows burrow together. Wasn¡¯t Liangcai¡¯s lunch suppose to reach him by now? Or... can it be that he was punched so hard he died?


    Feeling something is not right, he slowly open one eye and was dumbfounded.


    "..."


    Liangcai stood in the same spot, only difference was this time he had both his arms crossed over his chest. Acting like he didn¡¯t Ting¡¯s eye open, he nod his head.


    "Now brothers! Get him!!"


    *saaaaashhh!!!*


    Ting: "..."


    "Ahahahh¡ª!!"


    A bucket of ice cold water was poured on Ting, making him froze in ce. Both his eyes open and he stare ahead of him loss of all words ever known to him.


    Everyone burst intoughter. Jingxu looks at Ting and he shook his head.


    Liangcaiughed so hard, he nearly fell but steadied himself. Clearing his throat, he walks up to Ting and headlocks him.


    "Bro, did you honestly think I¡¯d punch you over something so small? Haha!"


    "....."


    Ting¡¯s expression held mix emotions of confusion and disbelief. He didn¡¯t care that the water was freezing cold, he at this moment could put the pieces together.


    Ye Fei walks up to Ting and Liangcai. Following behind him was Xie Yi. Heughs at how sorry Ting looked.


    "Bro, even if you had doubted us, we could careless."


    Xue Yi nods his head in agreement, "We¡¯ve all been your shoes when we first came here."


    Seeing Ting¡¯s confused expression, Liangcai rubs the boy¡¯s head and heughs loudly.


    "Here."


    A sudden hand holding a towel appears in front of Ting. He takes the towel and turn his head to the person.


    Jingxu sighed, "A simple thank you would be very generous."


    Lowering his head, Ting faintly smiles, "Thanks."


    Looking at the two boys, Liangcaiughs even more. He felt like he was watching a husband and wife quarrel about life.


    Using the towel to dry his hair, Ting looks at each person standing beside him, "I¡¯m really sorry for doubting everyone."


    One of the older soldiersughs and pats Ting on the back, "Sorry for what? We are brothers before we are soldiers. Things like this happen all the time."


    Hearing these words, Ting lower his head more. He held in the urge to cry. He had really thought he was all alone, but now he understood.


    He understood the reason why Yue Ling brought him here. Everyone here might have had different lives, but they all share one thing inmon.


    And that is, the feeling of wanting a family.


    As he thought of this, he looks at everyone again. These people were strangers to him, yet, who would ever think that these strangers would end up being his brothers from now on...


    Within time, everyone nce to one another. Thinking of foolish they must be looking right now, in a big roar all together, theyughed to their hearts content.


    Someughed until they cried, while othersughed until their stomach ached so much.


    "It sure is lively today, did I miss out on something?"


    "..."


    A sudden angelic voice interrupts theughing soldiers. Like a television put on mute, all heads turn in the direction of the voice.


    Standing at the entrance was a tall woman. She stood gracefully and knew how to carry herself, except the aura around her made all the soldiers turn nervous.


    Not because she was a beauty amongst beauty, but because her aura was on pair to their very great General Ji.


    Jingxu sees the person and his eyes widen in surprise. He grinned foolishly and squeeze himself through as he runs to the person.


    "Jie!!"


    Yue Ling smiles at the sight of her brother. It was great to see him doing well and better.


    Without any care of his own image, Jingxu hugs his older sister like a lost child finding his mother.


    Ting: "....."


    Liangcai: "...."


    Ye Fei: "....."


    Xue Yi: "....."


    Everyone: "...."


    Ignoring all the dumbfounded stares, Jingxu pulls away and stands next to Yue Ling.


    "Jie, why are you here? Don¡¯t you have work?"


    "I took the day off." Yue Ling answered.


    While she and Lu Tian were in the middle of their lunch date, Xu Long had called. She didn¡¯t ask or know what happened, but Lu Tian had to rush to work.


    When they left Rosewood Hotel, she asked to use his car. After dropping the man off at hispany, she decided toe here.


    Since her yeye¡¯s birthday was around the corner, she wanted to make sure everything was properly prepare and secure.


    She scan the faces of the soldiers then her eyesnded on Ting. Seeing how disheveled and wet he was, she coughs to hide herugh.


    "What happened to him?"


    Jingxu looks at Ting and heughs while scratching the back of his head, "We kind of poured water on him to wake him up."


    Hearing the words, Ting¡¯s cheek flush red in embarrassment. He lightly nudge Ye Fei, "I¡¯m going to go change."


    "Mm mm." Ye Fei didn¡¯t look at Ting but nod his head and wave his hand to shoo the boy away.


    Ting turns around to leave, however, he didn¡¯t forget to nce one more time at his savior. Without her, he would have been dead. Without her, he would have been alone.


    A young soldier nce at Yue Ling and his brows furrow together. He¡¯s been in the military for 2 years now, why is it that he¡¯s never seen this woman before?


    She even looks like the supermodel who suddenly retired and went back to living as amoner....


    Seeing this, Liangcai walks up to Yue Ling, he bows to her with respect then turns around. His figure covering her from view and his eyes ring at the young soldier.


    "Any weird thoughts, I will send you up the mountains to train for three months."


    "..."


    Ye Fei¡¯s eyes narrow as he stare at Yue Ling. He touch his chin and ponder in thought as he felt Yue Ling looked very familiar.


    Standing at the side, Xue Yi subconsciously touch the ne around his neck. His thumb and index finger caressing the pendant. He couldn¡¯t help but swore inside that he has seen her somewhere, but he can¡¯t remember when or where....


    Suddenly, his eyes shot open and his jaw dropped to the ground. He nudge Ye Fei when he finally remembers.


    "Ye Fei, she¡¯s... she¡¯s¡ª"


    "Ah hah!!!"


    Ye Fei snaps his finger and remembers. He smiles and walks up to Yue Ling.


    "I know who you are! You¡¯re Han Yue Ling! Am I right?"


    Hearing this, all the soldiers¡¯ eyes lit up. Now that Ye Fei mentioned it, it is true. The woman standing in front of them is the famous supermodel who retired recently!


    "She is Han Yue Ling!"


    "Is today a special day we get to see our idol?!"


    *smack!!!!*


    "..."


    Feeling a the sudden intense pain on the back of his head, Ye Fei turn his head to the person who smack his head, "Liangcai, what did I do?"


    Liangcai res at Ye Fei for being a big mouth, then to everyone else, "Don¡¯t act like a bunch of idiot fans, she is our miss!"


    "....."


    Ye Fei¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground including everyone else. Well, except for the older soldiers. They stood with straighten postures at the side like they were in formation. None had spoken out because they knew who Yue Ling was.


    Xue Yi shook his head and sighed. He had tried to tell Ye Fei, but the guy never listens. Was it his fault Ye Fei got hit? Nope.


    Used to the uproar of others finding out her identity, Yue Ling smiles to the soldiers.


    "It¡¯s nice to know you all are familiar with me, but I¡¯m just Han Yue Ling now."


    Hearing this, everyone¡¯s excitement turn into an uproar of pure joy. Never in their life would they ever think someone like Yue Ling to be their miss.


    Everyone gathered around Yue Ling, but no one pushed or shoved. Questions and cheers echoed into the clear blue sky.


    Seeing the googling eyes and excitement of the soldiers, Jingxu frown. It¡¯s no wonder his older sister keeps a low profile, she must be tired of all the eyes she receives from people. How he feels sorry for the man who is brave enough to marry his sister....


    "Achoo-"


    In another part of Imperial, Lu Tian suddenly sneezed while walking to a room. He furrow his brows and rub his nose. Was someone talking ill about him?


    "Boss, are you alright?"


    Xu Long asks from behind. It wasn¡¯t everyday that his boss sneezes, unless....


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Lu Tian quickly orders his assistant. He knew that if allowed Xu Long to wonder more, the man¡¯s imagination would roam too far into who knows what kind world.


    And exactly as Lu Tian had thought, Xu Long¡¯s head turned left and right. His movements were as if trying to see who is nearby and whether they were talking about his handsome boss. However, seeing no one, he frown and scratch his head.


    The evil witch is gone with her evil spirits, so who could it be....?

 Chapter 242 Three conditions

    Standing it¡¯s ground powerfully in the center of Imperial, Lu Corps dark structure gleams reflectively with the sun.


    On the second highest floor, Lu Tian enters the conference room. In big strides, he walks to the end of the room. Sitting down, he looks at the person already seated inside the room.


    This person is a pretty woman. Her long ck hair is tied in a high ponytail and her sses framed her features well. In front of her was a ck suitcase.


    Lu Tian did not show any other signs but indifference. He had rushed to Lu Corps because this person arrived earlier than the scheduled time. If it wasn¡¯t for ¡¯that¡¯, he would still be enjoying the rest of the day with his wife.


    Standing beside Lu Tian, Xu Long nce at his boss then to the woman. He can¡¯t help but wonder why his boss is never attracted by any of the women sitting or standing in front of him.


    But then again, who could me the man. Lu Tian now has the most beautiful woman in Asia as his wife. What is there to find attractive of other women?


    If Xu Long was in his boss¡¯s shoes, he wouldn¡¯t care about other women either.


    The woman sat patiently at her end as she looks at Lu Tian. Like him, she also held a poker face with her straight posture.


    "Mr. Lu, I do apologize for my early arrival. However, as promised, I am here to deliver L¡¯amour de ma vie to you."


    She reach for the ck suitcase and punch in a code to unlock it. With careful movements, she opens it and retrieved a small square jade box.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian nods his head in gesture for Xu Long to retrieve the box from the woman.


    Like the perfect assistant he is, Xu Long did not waste time and walks over to the woman. However, before he could take a step, the woman suddenly spoke.


    "Mr. Lu, before I hand this jade box over to you, my boss has three conditions to make."


    "..."


    Hearing the word ¡¯conditions¡¯, the space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three lines. He had already purchased L¡¯amour de ma vie, what conditions are there now?


    With great sense of judgment, the woman could already guess what Lu Tian must be thinking. When she was assigned this assignment, she was shocked that the business king was actually the buyer of her boss¡¯s most prize possession.


    She had heard stories that Lu Tian is a very hard person to deal with. Even outside of business, this man is formidable and hard to please.


    However, she did note here to entertain herself or the other party. Her purpose here must be fulfilled or else....


    Clearing her throat, she sets the jade box down on the table.


    "My boss hopes that Mr. Lu will agree to these three conditions. If not, my boss will not give L¡¯amour de ma vie away."


    "Speak."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes dimmed and his expression turned murderous. No one has ever talked about conditions to him, except for his wife. He never further the research into H International¡¯s CEO because he guessed the man was reasonable.


    Could he have guessed wrong?


    Standing beside his boss, Xu Long wanted to hit his forehead. Was this woman asking for death because he isn¡¯t. He still has more years to live and find a wife!


    Ignoring Lu Tian¡¯s dark re at her, the woman straightens her posture more. Did Lu Tian¡¯s tone bother her? Of course not, her boss is just as scary as the man.


    Her time working at H International has toughen her up in dealing with people like this.


    "One, L¡¯amour de ma vie is not to be use for your own person gain. As you know, this ring is worth more than any diamond in the world. My boss hopes that you will not trade or sell it to another."


    She nce at Xu Long then back to Lu Tian. However, her small nce was as if giving both men a warning.


    "Two, my boss ask that you take good care of L¡¯amour de ma vie as it was the most prize possession to my boss."


    "Three, the money you transferred to H International will be transferred back to you."


    Finishing herst word, the woman then takes out two pieces of paper. She sets it down on the table and her words continue.


    "My boss is not asking for much and does not need the money, but hope that you will ept the three conditions. L¡¯amour de ma vie may be an item to you, but to my boss, it was the sentimental strength that allowed my boss to carry on with each day."


    Ending her words, the woman ce her hands down on herp.


    "Here are two copies of the conditions. Please sign it if you ept."


    She looks at Lu Tian and awaits an answer.


    Xu Long walks over to the woman and takes the two pieces of paper. He then gives them to Lu Tian.


    He frown in question as to why someone would make such simple conditions like this. Just who is H International¡¯s Boss?


    Reading one of the papers, Lu Tian frown in thoughts. Yet, it didn¡¯t take long for him toe to a decision.


    He reach for the pen in the inner pocket of his suit jacket and signs both papers. Handing one piece to Xu Long, he keeps the other one.


    "I agree to the three conditions."


    Hearing the answer, the woman sighed in relief. If she wasn¡¯t putting on a professional act, she would have patted herself on the back for being here.


    "Thank you, Mr. Lu."


    Xu Long walks back to the woman and hands her the signed copy of the conditions. As they trade, he couldn¡¯t help but feel the woman slightly grip the jade box tightly. It was a quick second, but that quick second did not escape his senses.


    He slightly pout his lips and walks back to his boss with the jade box in his hands. He carefully set it down and takes a step back.


    From across the room, the woman pressed her lips together and watched everything. She swore, her heart had stopped when Xu Long took the box away. She was very reluctant to let L¡¯amour de ma vie go.


    It wasn¡¯t because she wanted the ring for herself, but because of her boss.


    In the past, there was never a day her boss did not look at the ring. To others, L¡¯amour de ma vie is a ring worth millions, but to her boss, it was the proof of an unconditional love that remained even after death.


    For everyday she went to work, she would always see the look of love and longing in her boss¡¯s eyes.


    However, as reluctant as she is at this moment, her boss¡¯s decision is firm and no one can change it.


    The woman close her eyes and takes a deep breath to steady her aching heart for her boss. When she open her eyes again, every trace of feelings inside vanished.


    "Mr Lu, I have finished my purpose of this visit. I do hope that will you keep your words to my boss."


    Without any intentions to stay longer, the woman stood from her seat and close the suitcase. She bows in respect to Lu Tian and leaves the room.


    Watching the woman leave, Xu Long was dumbfounded. He could not believe what he was seeing. His cold and ruthless boss was not bothered by the fact that the other person left the room just like that!


    Dear god, has his boss gone.... mad?


    He blinked his eyes a few time and nce at Lu Tian again. However, he was even dumbfounded.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes did not leave the jade box at all. He lift a hand and his fingers gently caress the box. From a distance the box looked simple, but seeing it up close, there were small yet detailed engravings on the outside.


    Thinking of his wife, a faint smile curl on his lip.


    Seeing this, Xu Long clench his chest like he was having a heart attack. It was the faintest smile in the universe, but nothing escapes his 20/20 vision.


    Dear god, his boss has gone mad!!


    "Put this in a secured ce until all preparations are ready."


    "Yes, sir!"


    Xu Long without thinking quickly answers with a salute. However, he scratch his head and looks at the jade box.


    "Boss, you¡¯re not going to look inside? What if theh trade it with a fake?"


    Lu Tian stare with heavy eyelids at his assistant. Was he someone easily fooled? Of course not!


    Standing up, he fix his suit jacket and leaves the room. He didn¡¯t need to open the jade box to check, because he understood the meaning behind the three conditions.


    "I trust H International."


    Although the first two conditions were simple, it showed how much H International¡¯s CEO had care for the ring. If H International was to give him a fake ring, the money he transferred would not have been the third condition.


    *ring ring*


    Just when Lu Tian stepped out of the room, his phone suddenly rings. He frown and takes his phone out from his pocket.


    Seeing who the caller is, his frown deepen.


    *ring ring*


    The phone rings again and he answers the call with a slightly annoyed expression.


    "Hello."


    ["Tian,e home, it¡¯s important."]

 Chapter 243 Acciden

    Arriving at the Lu family household, Xu Long parked the car in the driveway. He nce at the rear view mirror to look at his boss.


    Sitting in the rear seat, Lu Tian frown at the huge house out the window. His mother had called him and said it was important, but what could it be?


    "Xu Long, if an hour pass and I have note out, make an excuse for me."


    Not waiting for a response, he opens the door and steps out, leaving a bbergasted Xu Long behind.


    Watching his boss leave, Xu Long sighed in pity for himself. Every time Lu Tian visits the Lu family home, he always has to make an excuse to get his boss out.


    Sighing, he takes his phone out and scrolls through the calendar list.


    "Let¡¯s see..... what excuse should I use... this one? No.. I used that thest time.. how about... no that won¡¯t do... Hmm...."


    Lu Tian walks up the front door, he did not ring the door bell when it was suddenly opened. The house keeper looks at him and bows with politeness.


    "Young master, the old master and madam have been waiting."


    Lu Tian nods his head and enters the house. Already knowing where his parents are, he heads for the living room.


    "Tian!!"


    Madam Lu calls out seeing her oldest son. Even though there was nothing wrong with Lu Tian, she still rush over to him.


    "Are you alright? Did anything happen to you?"


    Hearing the tone of concern mix with fear from his mother, Lu Tian furrow his brows.


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    Madam Lu watched her son, and her eyes began to tear up like a river.


    "Han... he... wuuuuuu..."


    Unable to finish her words, tears fell from Madam Lu¡¯s eyes and she starts crying. Her sob was as if the world hade to end.


    "Mother..."


    Lu Tian hug his mother and looks at his father for an answer.


    Seeing his wife cry, Old Lu stood up from the sofa and takes his wife from his son. He helps her sit, then looks at Lu Tian.


    "Your brother was in an ident."


    "..."


    Hearing the words, Lu Tian¡¯s expression turned grave and murderous. He clench his hands into tight fists and he strides out of the livingroom. However....


    "Han was transmitted to the military hospital."


    Lu Tian stops in his steps at his father¡¯s words. He slightly turn his head to look at his old man.


    "Who?"


    Old Lu shook his head, "We don¡¯t know yet."


    Turning away, Lu Tian did not want to stay and chat. He strides out of the living room and out the Lu family house.


    He swore that the person who harmed his younger brother will pay the price. To make his mother and father worry, he will make sure that person know what ¡¯worry¡¯ really feels like.


    "Boss, you¡¯re back? That was quick."


    Xu Long frown in confusion. Didn¡¯t his boss just go in? In less than ten minutes and the man is already out? And why is his boss¡¯s expression....


    "Imperial Military Hospital."


    Lu Tian sits in the back seat and gives Xu Long their next location. He takes his phone out and dials a number.


    ["Jiang Yu speaking."]


    "Commence Wolf Team. Team A and C meet at the military hospital. Team B and D secure the Lu family premises."


    ["Roger Captain."]


    In the driver seat, Xu Long did not say a word. Just from listening to the conversation, he could already guess that something serious must have happened. Stepping on the elerator, he drives out of Lu family home driveway and heads for Imperial Military Hospital.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    In another part of Imperial, Yue Ling sat on the couch next to her Yeye. In the middle between them was a small table with chess game Go.


    Old man Ji touch his chin and ponder in thoughts what his next move will be. From looking at the board game, this granddaughter of his is too clever to outthink. All of her white pieces has his ck pieces surrounded.


    Should he make his next move here? No... what about... no... not there either...


    Watching her yeye¡¯s change of expressions, Yue Ling faintly smiles. It¡¯s been a long time since shest yed a game of Go with him.


    After she met with Jingxu, she came to see her grandfather. The two of them are the only close rtives she has left in the world.


    She stare at the old man and her expression turned into sorrow and guilt.


    Although her grandfather acts strong, she can¡¯t help but feel that time has truly gone by. Her Yeye has more wrinkles now and his hair is white instead of gray.


    Noticing his granddaughter staring at him, Old man Ji looks at her. Seeing how she is still in a daze, he straightens his spine and taps her forehead.


    "When did you lose your manners?"


    "...."


    Yue Ling pout her lip like a child who had been wronged. She rubs her forehead and scoffs sarcastically at her Yeye.


    "Is it wrong to look at my handsome Yeye?"


    Old man Jiughs and set his chess piece down, "Alright, tell Yeye, what is in your mind?"


    Staring at her old man, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but sigh inside. In this whole world, the only person she can never fool is her Yeye.


    "Yeye.... I want to ask you a question."


    Old man Ji nod his head without saying a word. However, his expression was enough to tell Yue Ling to continue her words.


    "After nai nai left this world, did you ever think about remarrying?"


    "....."


    Old man Ji¡¯s brows furrow at her words. However, he quickly remembered Inu¡¯s encounter at the Lu family home. He narrow his eyes as if reading her, then he sigh.


    "Your nai nai is the woman I loved ever since I was a teenage boy."


    He sigh again and looks down at the chess board. This chess board was thest gift his wife bought for him before she left the world.


    Even her things are still left untouched. No matter how long, he never thought to throw anything of his wife¡¯s out.


    "Because I gave her all the love I had to be able to grow old with her, I never thought to remarry. My love is only meant for her and even in death, it is Her¡¯s alone."


    He looks at Yue Ling and he faintly smile.


    "I¡¯m not sure why you are asking me this, but this is my opinion. Although you and Shin boy were engaged before, he left because he had served his purpose here in the world."


    Old man Ji reach his hand and pat Yue Ling¡¯s head softly.


    "You still have the choice to grow old with the person youe to love. I¡¯m sure Shin boy will want you to move on too."


    Hearing her grandfather¡¯s words, Yue Ling smile at him. She had always wanted an evesting love like her Yeye and nai nai¡¯s.


    Others may see her grandfather as a strict and powerful old man, but only a few knows the real him. The real him that is strong on the outside, but very soft hearted on the inside.


    Thinking till there, she decides to tell him about Lu Tian. To tell him that she found a new love.


    "Yeye, I¡ª"


    "Chairman."


    Before Yue Ling could finish her words, Zhang Yong¡¯s voice interrupts her. Both grandfather and granddaughter turn to look in the direction of the assistant.


    Old man Ji frown for having his quality time with his granddaughter disrupted, but also feeling something out of ce.


    "What is it?"


    Zhang Yong nce at Yue Ling then walks over to to Old man Ji. Handing the old man a piece of paper, he takes a step back.


    Old man Ji reads the paper and he abruptly stands up. He clench his fists and crumple the paper.


    Seeing her grandfather¡¯s expression, Yue Ling furrow her brows, "Yeye, what happened?"


    She looks at the crumple paper and takes it from the man¡¯s hand.


    Neither Old man Ji or Zhang Yong stopped her from unfolding it and reading it.


    Yue Ling carefully read the paper, however, each word she read, her eyes darken ten shade ck.


    Finishing, she hands the paper back to Zhang Yong and stood up from her seat.


    "Yeye, you take a rest. I will handle this."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 244 Amituofo

    Arriving at Imperial Military Hospital, Lu Tian steps out of the car. His aura at this moment was no longer murderous.


    "Captain!"


    A voice suddenly calls out to him and he looks to the person. Seeing who it is, he nods his head.


    "Jiang Yu."


    "Ready at yourmand, Captain!"


    Like the perfect team they are, Jiang Yu and the men from Team A and C of Wolf Team lined up in formation. Every one of them wore the same uniform in all ck.


    Lu Tian turn to face his men, "Scatter out and secure the premises. Report any suspicious movements."


    "Yes, Captain!"


    Giving hismand, Lu Tian heads in the direction of the hospital entrance with Xu Long following behind. As he walks away, Wolf Team split up into two¡¯s and scout the area. Each individual on guard.


    Entering the hospital, the head doctor greets Lu Tian upon arrival.


    "Mr. Lu."


    Lu Tian nods his head in greeting, "How is my brother?"


    "He was brought here on time for us to save him. Not too long ago, he woke up."


    "Mm."


    The doctor leads Lu Tian and Xu Long to the room Lu Han is resting in. He sighed in relief as nothing bad happened. If any harm did happen to Lu Han, who knows what kind of wrath Lu Tian would unleash in Imperial.


    Luckily, Lu Han was emitted to the hospital in time.


    As they reach the third floor, Lu Tian is led to a private room at the far end of the hallway. Just as he was about to walk pass a room, the sobbing wail of a family could be heard.


    "Doctor, didn¡¯t you say my mother was fine? Why is she like this? It¡¯s been hours and she hasn¡¯t waken up!"


    The head doctor frown at the sudden words. He nce into the room to see a man arguing with one of the doctors.


    "Mr. Lu, I would like to apologize for the inconvenience. As the head doctor here, I need to see to the situation. Your brother¡¯s room is thest one at the end, if you¡¯ll excuse me first."


    Without waiting for a response, the doctor leaves Lu Tian and walks into the room. Although there was already a doctor inside, as the head doctor, it¡¯s his duty to make sure everything is alright.


    Lu Tian nce inside the room and he frown. There was an olddy on the hospital bed. She had wires and tubes of all kinds attached to her. However, he felt the olddy looked very familiar, but he couldn¡¯t recall where he¡¯s seen her.. or did he even run into her somewhere.


    "Boss."


    Xu Long¡¯s sudden call brings Lu Tian out of his thoughts. Looking away, he takes a step forward and heads in the direction of Lu Han¡¯s room.


    Coming to the end, Lu Tian opens the door and enters the room without knocking.


    Inside the roomid a man with features simr to Lu Tian¡¯s. Wrapped around his head was a bandage gauze and an IV at his side. The machine next to him beep every second monitoring his heart rate, however, the man¡¯s eyes remain shut. Even at the sound of the door opening, he did not wake up.


    From behind, Xu Long quietly gasp in shock. Never in his entire life did he ever think to see the carefree Lu Han in this condition. Just how bad was the ident?


    Unlike his assistant, Lu Tian looked indifferently at his younger brother. Walking over to the hospital bed, he sits down the chair nearby. Lifting one leg, he cross it over the other making a figure four, the cross his arms over his chest.


    "That¡¯s enough, Han."


    Lu Han: "....."


    Xu Long: "....."


    Xu Long was dumbfounded. He stare at his boss with blinking eyes and he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Lu Han is in a critical condition and yet... here is his boss without an ounce of care...


    "If you continue to sleep, I¡¯ll call mother toe here."


    "....."


    Xu Long was even more dumbfounded. What is going on? How can.....


    Just as Lu Tian¡¯sst word fell, the white nket covering Lu Han is suddenly kicked off and the man sat up like the dead awakening.


    "Bro, how can you use mother to scare me at a time like this?! I just wanted peace and quiet!"


    "Ahhhhhh¡ª-!"


    Xu Long shrieked and jumped like a little girl at the same time. Both his arms spread with one knee up. He froze in a crane stance and didn¡¯t dare to move.


    His only thoughts were, if the dead attacks him at this moment he will use his crane foot to kick the dead.


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Lu Han: "..."


    Both brothers stare dumbfounded at Xu Long and his crane stance. Neither spoke a word, but question about Xu Long¡¯s thoughts on humanity.


    Seeing this, Xu Long clears his throat and returns to normal. He p his palms together and bow to both men like a shaolin monk. Changing his voice into a deeper tone, he spoke.


    "Amituofo, Please pretend like this monk is not here."


    "..."


    Lu Tian stare with heavy eyelids at his assistant. To this day, he still questions how Xu Long became his assistant for such a long time.


    Sitting on the hospital bed, Lu Han thought the same as his older brother. One is cold and aloof while one is not normal, how does boss and assistant duo even work together?


    Paying no more attention to his assistant, Lu Tian looks at his brother. Knowing the man was fooling, he didn¡¯t joke around. The doctor had mentioned that Lu Han was fine had awoken a while ago.


    "Who was it?"


    Hearing the question, Lu Han sighed and leaned back down onto the bed. He cross his arms and his eyes look at his older brother.


    "ck Dragon."


    ck Dragon?


    Lu Tian frown at the words. On the way here, he had already guessed it, but he didn¡¯t think it to be right. Not after the little visit he and Yue Ling did in Retro. Did Chu Qiang not warm his younger brother?


    "What happened?"


    Lu Han sighed again. He adjust body and turn toy on his side. Supporting his head with one hand, he shrug his shoulder.


    "That brother of Chu Qiang is very cunning. Li Wei and I were out browsing the street when Chu Li Xiang and his men harassing a food stall. They terrified the old granny so much that she fainted. Of course, the good man I am had to step in and give those low lives a lesson."


    "Then how did you end up in the hospital?"


    "..."


    Lu Han re at his brother and he sat up with a hrmp.


    "Ya, I would of been fine if Chu Li Xiang wasn¡¯t a sneaky little fox. He used the opportunity to hit me on the head with a ss bottle when I was upied beating his men up."


    Lu Tian nod his head listening to his brother¡¯s story. He knows that Lu Han wasn¡¯t harm because his father didn¡¯t act the same way his mother did. The woman over exaggerated the situation, but who could me her. Any mother would react the same.


    "Where is Li Wei?"


    "Li Wei called the ambnce for me and the old granny. He left to follow Chu Li Xiang, while I came to the hospital to make sure the old granny was alright. However, I ended up being hospitalized too."


    Pondering in thoughts, Lu Tian suddenly remembered where he saw the olddy earlier from. He abruptly stood from his chair causing it screech loudly.


    Ignoring the shocked and confused looks from his younger brother and assistant, he flung open the door and strides out.


    However, the moment his stepped out of the door, his entire body froze.


    In the distance was the only person who could make his heart stop. The only person who made his heart beat rapidly and turn chaotic.


    The only person he will have as his wife.


    The space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three lines. His wife did not look in his direction, but enter the room the olddy is in.


    Before he had found it strange how the way the olddy from the food stall spoke to his wife. It was as if there was a hint of familiarity in it.


    Could they possibly know each other?


    But how can that be possible, doesn¡¯t the olddy have Alzheimer... unless....


    Ending his thoughts, Lu Tian didn¡¯t not hesitate in his decision. He walks in the direction of the room his wife went in.

 Chapter 245 Looking for someone

    Inside one of the private rooms in Imperial Military Hospital, the beeping of the machine tuned in rhythm with the voices of people.


    "Doctor, why won¡¯t you tell us what is wrong with my mother? Why is she not waking up?"


    A middle aged man shouts as he grabs the doctors cor. His eyes turned red as he hold back the tears due to anger.


    The head doctor reacted fast and pulls the man away from the other doctor.


    "Sir, please calm down. I will¡ª"


    In that very same moment, the sudden sound of heels cking silence themotion. The family of the olddy and the two doctors turn to look at the unknown intruder.


    Seeing who it is, the middle age man gulped with difficulty. He clench both his hands into tight fists as his lips press tightly together. Of all the people in the world, why does it have to be her....


    "M-Miss Han.... w-why are y-you here?"


    "I was informed."


    Yue Ling calmly answer the man with a soft nod in greeting. She nce at the two doctors then to the hospital bed. Seeing the condition the olddy is in, she furrow her brows and her expression turned into a frown.


    Without a care of the curious stares, she steadily walks over to the bed.


    "How did she be like this?"


    Hearing the question, the doctor standing beside the head doctor scoff and cross his arms.


    "Miss Han, you may be a distinguish person in the entertainment industry, but know that this is the hospital. It is against hospital policy to give out patients privacy to outsiders."


    Yue Ling arch a brow at the doctor then to the head doctor. She didn¡¯t speak her mind as she looks back to the family.


    "Uncle Nuo, how did nai nai be like this?"


    "We....."


    Uncle Nuo lower his head and all he could answer was a shaking head. Even he doesn¡¯t know why his mother ended up like this.


    When they were called from the hospital, they rushed to get here. From what he was told, his mother should have woken up earlier, but....


    It¡¯s been 5 hours since then....


    He looks at Yue Ling and lower his head again. How he wish it was the general standing here instead of her...


    "I don¡¯t know.... they... they won¡¯t tell me..."


    Yue Ling look at Uncle Nuo in silence for a long minute. From her expression, no one in the room could guess what she is thinking. Was she angry?


    And just as everyone came to the decision that she is angry, the corners of her mouth curl upwards into a smile.


    "It¡¯s alright, Uncle Nuo. I am here now, I will handle everything."


    Uncle Nuo raise his head and he stare in disbelief at Yue Ling. His hands by his sides clench into tight fists again. However, he could only nod his head.


    When he came here, he had hoped that words did not travel to her. Not because he doesn¡¯t like her, but because she has already done so much for him and his family.


    How can he, the head of the Nuo family allow a young woman to solve all his problems?


    The doctor watched everything unfold and he sneer in disgust. Never did he think that the famous Han Yue Ling is none other than a person from a poor family. If he were to leak the news out to the media, how will everyone think about their idol?


    Thinking of the idea, his sneer turned malicious at Yue Ling. It was as if he could already see the downfall of the woman.


    He clears his throat and due to Yue Ling being taller than him, he raise his chin.


    "Miss Han, I think¡ª"


    "Doctor Xie."


    Before the doctor could continue his words, the head doctor interrupts the man. He res at Doctor Xie then looks back at Yue Ling. Except, when his eyes fell on the woman, there was no trace of re or malicious thoughts like Doctor Xie. He smiles at her with respect and politeness.


    "Miss Han, as the head doctor of Imperial Military Hospital, I hope that you can forgive Doctor Xie for his impoliteness."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes moved from Uncle Nuo to the head doctor. She did not even looked at Doctor Xie because she could careless about what the man has to say.


    "Doctor Dong, because I have respect for you as an elder, I will let this go. However, I do hope my questions will be answered truthfully."


    She isn¡¯t the type to cause attention in public let alone in a hospital. Her decision in her choice of words are true. Although her Grandfather is the General, only a few involved with the military knows.


    Doctor Xie isn¡¯t one of those few people, but Doctor Dong is and she has great respect for the old man.


    Doctor Dong sighed in relief hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words. He quickly nod his head and res at Doctor Xie.


    "What are you waiting for? Go get the diagnosis report on Mrs. Nuo."


    Hearing this, Doctor Xie was dumbfounded. He looks at the head doctor then to Yue Ling. Print the reports? How can he... if he does.....


    No... there¡¯s no way he can allow those diagnoses to be seen, especially not the head doctor.


    "Head doctor, it is against hospital rules to disclose patients privacy to non-rted people. We can¡¯t¡ª"


    "I give permission!"


    From the side, Uncle Nuo who had remained quiet finally spoke up. He takes a step forward and stood next to Yue Ling.


    "Miss Han has my permission to look at the diagnosis papers of my mother."


    Ever since he arrived here, Doctor Xie and a few other nurses have been saying his mother is fine. At first he didn¡¯t find anything strange, but the longer he stayed, he realized that something was not right. If his mother is fine, why hasn¡¯t she woken up.


    His mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer and others use it to take advantage of the situation.


    If anyone can get a truthful answer, it is definitely Yue Ling.


    Doctor Dong nce at Uncle Nuo then to Yue Ling. He has been a doctor for thirty years and as a doctor he studied how to read people.


    "Miss Han, Mr. Nuo, don¡¯t worry. As the head doctor I will look at the report and give you a truthful answer."


    Finishing his words, he turns to leave the room. His mission as a doctor is to find out why the patient is still unconscious. However, the moment he turn to the door, he froze in surprise.


    "M-Mr. Lu.. why are you here? Is something wrong with your brother?"


    Isn¡¯t his brother fine and up at this moment? Could his diagnosis be wrong? Did something happened? Wait... how long was he standing there?


    Yue Ling looks in the direction of the door and she was dumbfounded to the tip of her toes. She slowly shift her body to the side and hid herself behind Uncle Nuo.


    However, who is she to Lu Tian?


    Ahhh, his wife of course. Any movements of Her¡¯s never escapes his clear dark eyes.


    Except, this time, he decides to y along with her. He clears his throat and enters the room like entering his courtyard while scanning the room.


    "I was looking for someone."


    Doctor Dong frown in confusion. Lu Tian is looking for someone? Then that means nothing is wrong with his younger brother?


    He looks at the Nuo family, then to Doctor Xie. Lastly he looks at Yue Ling, despite her hiding behind Uncle Nuo, he didn¡¯t think much of it.


    Looking back at Lu Tian, he smiles, "Mr. Lu, there must be a mistake. Let me call the security guards to check thetv for the person you are looking for."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes did not look in anyone¡¯s direction except for one person. His figure stops in the center of the room and he shook his head.


    "No need, I was looking for my wife."


    "....."


    Both doctors along with the Nuo family were shocked speechless. Everyone in Asia knows who Lu Tian is and not once did the media mention the cold man had gotten married. Just who is the lucky woman?


    Well.... more like, who is the pitiful woman to marry such an aloof man?


    Standing behind Uncle Nuo, Yue Ling remained quiet. She nce around the floor and hoped a hole would magically appear so she could hide in it.


    Suddenly, her eyes lit up with and idea. She quickly covers her mouth and whispers to Uncle Nuo.


    "Uncle Nuo, I need to step out to thedies room."


    Uncle Nuo furrow his brows at Lu Tian, but when he heard Yue Ling¡¯s words, he nod his head. It never urred to him that the mighty man with the master supremes poker face and the savior of his family were acquaintances.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t waste another second and darted for the door with her hand cover her mouth like a mask.


    Even though she has to run pass Lu Tian, the her at this moment could careless. Hering here was something he didn¡¯t know. If he found out, who knows what kind of questions he would ask!


    However, the moment her figure walked pass Lu Tian¡¯s, her arm was grabbed.


    "Wife, where are you going?"


    "....."


    As if Articuno had descended from the sky, Yue Ling felt her entire body froze in ce. She robotically turn her heard to look up at the man.


    With her hand still covering her mouth, her eyes squint into a smile as she force a sarcasticugh.


    "W-wife?" She nce around the room and looks back at him, "why?"


    "....."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyelid turned extremely heavy. He looks at his wife and wonder if he should take her to the surgery room and examine her brain.


    His eyes narrow in thoughts and the corner of his lip slightly curl upwards. He leans towards Yue Ling and his smile widen until it reached his eyes.


    "My wife, Han Yue Ling."


    "...."

 Chapter 246 Useless Disguise

    Articuno spread it¡¯s feathery silk wings widely inside one of the private rooms in Imperial Military Hospital. A quiet howling blizzard freezes everyone standing inside the room until they turned solid. No one dare to make a move or utter a sound. It wasn¡¯t because they were afraid, Lu Tian¡¯s sudden words was too much for them to handle.


    Seeing everyone¡¯s dumbfounded expressions, Yue Ling retrieve her hand from covering her mouth. Raising it a little higher, she pinch the space between her brows.


    "Tian, can you not be so open minded. I am¡ª"


    Quickly catching herself in her own mistake, she quickly overs her mouth again. She curse at herself inside for allowing her useless disguise to be uncovered.


    She slowly shrunk into her shell like a turtle and without turning her head to face the man, she nce at him with her eyes.


    "....."


    Lu Tian stare indifferently at his wife while trying to maintain the wanting urge tough. He slightly part his lips to speak, however....


    "Mr. Lu, what do you mean? I... am I hearing this correctly?"


    Doctor Xie stumble to keep himself steadied. He could not believe what he had just heard. What will he tell his darling daughter? He knows how much she is in love with Lu Tian.


    No! This must be a mistake. There is no possible way that Lu Tian is married. The cold blooded man must have spoken mistakenly.


    He takes a deep breath to calm his mind. When he felt his heart rate drop back to normal, he res at Yue Ling then politely to Lu Tian.


    "Mr. Lu, there must be a mistake. Let me walk you out and help you find the person you are actually looking for."


    Doctor Xie smiles at Lu Tian with a proud tone in his words. If he can make Lu Tian be his son-inw, there won¡¯t be anyone in the world who would look down on him. How he could already see everything fall into ce.


    "No need."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice quickly resounded in response. The coldness in his tone could also be heard as his expression dimmed ten shades darker at the so call doctor.


    The him at this moment wants to gorge Doctor Xie¡¯s eyes out. He will not be kind to anyone who dares to look at his wife with such disgusting eyes. Did Doctor Xie think he didn¡¯t see the re that was thrown to his wife?


    "I already found my wife."


    Lu Tian¡¯s words fell as he loosen his hand around Yue Ling¡¯s arm. He quickly grabs her hand and interlock his fingers to fill in the gaps between her¡¯s. He also made sure to emphasize the word ¡¯wife¡¯ in a stern and cold tone.


    "...."


    Doctor Xie was rendered speechless. All the colors in his face drained of color. Those words... There¡¯s no possible way he had heard wrong.


    Standing next to Lu Tian, Yue Ling sighed inside at self pity. How could she have forgotten that Lu Tian is a blockhead full of words when he wants to speak.


    Sighing again, she out her hand covering her mouth down. The her at this moment has to obligation to hide from this man.


    Ignoring him, she looks to Doctor Dong, "Head Doctor, I hope you will fulfill your words and give me an exnation."


    Still dumbfounded, the old man was brought back to reality by Yue Ling¡¯s words. His eyes and head shift back and forth from Yue Ling to Lu Tian. Thinking of something, he smiles inside and nod his head.


    "Don¡¯t worry Miss Han, I will get to the bottom of this. I will have an exnation ready once I¡¯ve gone over the diagnose report."


    "Thank you, head doctor."


    "Nooo¡ª!!!!"


    An angry and distraught roar escapes from Doctor Xie. His hand stretch out and he stops Doctor Dong from further advancing. On his forehead were beads of sweat forming out of his fear. He had been so worked up about Lu Tian¡¯s words, he had forgotten about the real problem here.


    "Doctor Xie, as a doctor, it is our duty to find what is wrong with our patients. Be it small or big, we need to make sure our patient¡¯s family knows what is going on. As the head doctor, are you going to defy my orders?"


    "No...."


    Doctor Xie was left with no other choice. His head lower and he hid his expression from view. He didn¡¯t hide because he was embarrassed or scared, he did so to hide the anger rising in his boiling blood.


    Looking at Doctor Xie, the head doctor lightly shook his head. He turn to look at Yue Ling and Uncle Nuo and he smiles to her with respect and politeness.


    "Miss Han, Mr. Nuo, I will check the diagnose report and get back to you afterwards."


    He didn¡¯t bother about Doctor Xie anymore and walks out of the room.


    "Wait!!"


    Before Doctor Dong could take a step out of the room, Doctor Xie quickly runs after the old man and stops him.


    "As the doctor who diagnosed Mrs. Nuo, let me handle this."


    Doctor Dong looked at Doctor Xie and he ponder in thought over the words. Thinking that is a reasonable reason, he looks at Yue Ling.


    "What does Miss Han think about this?"


    Yue Ling tilt her head a little to the right and her eyes stare with no emotion at the man. From just one look, she could already tell that the man was up to no good. However, would she allow the man to get what he wants? Of course not.


    She shrug her shoulders, "As long as I can get a truthful answer, I am fine with Doctor Xie looking into this matter."


    Hearing this Lu Tian furrow his brows, he steals a quick nce at his wife then to Doctor Xie. He thought of something, but decided to stay quiet and not say anything. Knowing his wife, he knows that she must already have a n in mind.


    Doctor Xie sneer inside and he quickly leaves the room. He didn¡¯t care if he was being rude as a doctor to leave without saying a word. The him at this moment has only one thing on his mind and that is destroy everything about Mrs. Nuo¡¯s diagnose report.


    Standing quietly at the side, Uncle Nuo looks at Yue Ling and Lu Tian. For some reason, he couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of the two people who used to always stood up for him. The two people who always helped him when he needed a hand.


    It is just like the old saying, a child will always hold simrities to his or her parents.


    Lu Tian notice the way Uncle Nuo was giving Yue Ling, he nce at his wife and pout his lip.


    He sighed and shamelessly kiss her on the temple without a care of the people still in the room.


    "Take your time here, I need to discuss something with Doctor Dong."


    Without waiting for a response, he ignores his wife shocked expression and leaves out the room.


    Doctor Dong was even more dumbfounded. He has taken care of Lu Tian like his own son and never once has his old eyes see the young man act this way towards anyone. Even Madam Lu wasn¡¯t treated this way!


    Shaking his head, he smiles with an idea in thought and follows after Lu Tian.


    Left alone in the room, Uncle Nuo takes a deep breath and he sits down on the chair next to the hospital bed. He holds his mother¡¯s hand and his eyes turned red.


    From the other side of the bed, Madam Nuo could feel her husband¡¯s pain. If they had gone to work at the food stall, none of this would have happened. She looks up at Yue Ling and spoke.


    "Miss Han, do you think that doctor did something to my mother? Is that why she hasn¡¯t woken up?"


    Yue Ling who was left shocked by her ¡¯husband¡¯ was brought back to her senses. She looks at the husband and wife duo, then to their daughter who was quietly standing next to her mother. She was the girl at that time who was with Mrs. Nuo.


    Her mind drifted to the incident of that night. If she had not asked to go eat out, would things have turned different? Could it be her fault that Mrs. Nuo , who is like a grandmother to her ended up this way?


    No...


    If she never went that night, she would never know the situation the Nuo family is currently in.


    Taking a deep breath, she shift her line of sight to grandmother Nuo. The olddy had aged so much in just a few days.


    "Uncle Nuo, Aunty Nuo, Don¡¯t worry. I wont let anything happen to her. As long as I am still standing here, I will be your Nuo family¡¯s support."


    Like her words stabbed him in the chest, Uncle Nuo lower his head as a tear dropped on the back his hand holding his mother¡¯s hand. His voice turned hoarse as he utter his words with difficulty.


    "Thank you, Yue Ling. Thank you so much..."

 Chapter 247 Vision on humanity

    Yue Ling stepped out of the room and closed the door. As she did so, she looks at the Nuo family before shutting the door to give them some privacy.


    Her eyes gently close and she takes her phone out from her handbag. She dials a number and waits for the other line to answer.


    ["Hello Boss! What can I do for you?"]


    "Hack into Imperial Military Hospital. Check every CCTV and find everything rted to Doctor Xie. I want to know what he was doing and where he¡¯s been within thest 48 hours till this very moment. If you have have to hack thetvs outside, do so."


    ["Got it."]


    Yue Ling ended the call and scrolls through her contact list. She press on Lin Hui¡¯s number and puts the phone back on her ear.


    The call rang two times before the other line was answered and Lin Hui¡¯s voice came through the phone.


    ["Boss."]


    "I need you to secure the premises at Imperial Military Hospital. Keep a close eye on Doctor Xie and the Nuo Family."


    ["Nuo family? What happened?"]


    "....."


    Yue Ling sighed at the thought of how Liu Shan and Lin Hui were so different. One listens to her order and gets straight to the job, while the other always asks so much question. However, they were both her trusty subordinates, so she never keeps anything from them.


    "Nuo family is being targeted and Doctor Xie seems to be a part of it."


    ["Understand."]


    The call quickly ended and Yue Ling sighed again. She ce her phone back inside her handbag and decides to go find Lu Tian. After what happened, she knows she has a lot of exining to do.


    *click*


    The door behind Yue Ling suddenly opens. She takes two steps to the side and turn to look at the person.


    It was Uncle Nuo¡¯s daughter. Yue Ling smiles to the girl, "Hello there."


    The girl looks at Yue Ling and her eyes glisten with light of fireworks. Her cheeks flush shyly and she takes a step out of the room and close the door behind her.


    "I¡¯m Nuo Hui Ying. Thank you for helping my family."


    Looking at the girl, Yue Ling was reminded of Jingxu and Ting. To be so young and already have to face the harsh life of reality... How can anyone continue to see this world as a better ce....


    Nuo Hui Ying looks up at Yue Ling and her cheeks flushed even more red. Never did she think the ¡¯Diao Chan¡¯ her grandmother kept mentioning was her role model and idol, Han Yue Ling. She promised to never forget how Yue Ling and Lu Tian helped her and her grandmother that night. If it wasn¡¯t for them, who knows what would have happened to her.... even worse, her grandmother...


    "I won¡¯t tell anyone about this..."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling looked down at the girl and she chuckle. Out of habit, she lift a hand and pat the girl on the head.


    "Thank you, this will be our little secret."


    "What secret?"


    A sudden deep and cold voice interrupts the woman and girl. The both of them turn to the person and seeing who it is, Yue Ling smiles to the man. However, unlike Yue Ling, Nuo Hui Ying felt fear and takes a step to hide behind her idol. The coldness in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes could be seen from thousands of miles away.


    However, when they were in the room, she knows the man loves Yue Ling. Lu Tian¡¯s eyes may look coldly at people, but when he looks at Yue Ling, his eyes held the same affection and doing her father has for her mother.


    She gulped with great difficulty and softy tug Yue Ling¡¯s shirt, "M-Miss Han, I think I heard my mother call for me."


    Nuo Hui Ying didn¡¯t waste another minute. She turn around and as fast as a rabbit, she enters back inside the hospital room with the door shutting.


    "...."


    Yue Ling stare at the door and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Although Nuo Hui Ying had said that, it was clearly an excuse to run. She looked at the sudden intruder and shook her head.


    "Tian, what are you doing here? You scared her away..."


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder and walks up to his wife. He took her by the hand and he kiss the back of her palm.


    "Simr reason to yours." ¡¯I only need you not to be scared of me.¡¯


    He spoke his words but kept the remaining parts in his mind. If he had actually spoken those words, he is sure that she will be scared of him.


    "Eh?"


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling tilt her head and stare up at him. Lu Tian is here for a simr reason? Did something happen to his family or someone he knows?


    Knowing what his wife his is thinking, Lu Tian didn¡¯t hide anything and answers his wife.


    "My younger brother was admitted to this hospital."


    Younger brother?


    Yue Ling furrow her brows at his words. She narrow her eyes at him as she tries to imagine how Lu Tian¡¯s younger brother would look like. Would he be cold and aloof too? Scare people? Weird?


    "Achoooo¡ª-!!!"


    Inside the private room at the far end of the hall, Lu Han sat up on the bed and sneezed his lungs out. He res a Xu Long who is still in the room with him then he frown.


    Who dares to talk about him? Can¡¯t they see that he is already in a bad shape and is currently in the hospital?


    Oblivious to Lu Han¡¯s existence until now, Yue Ling didn¡¯t think much of it and she hold Lu Tian¡¯s hand.


    "Tian, theres some things I need to tell you. I¡ª"


    *Ring ring*


    "....."


    Lu Tian¡¯s phone ringed multiple times. It echoed loudly inside the hallway making him frown. He looks at Yue Ling and his expression told her to continue her words.


    Seeing this, Yue Ling sighed with a deep breath, "It¡¯s alright, go ahead and answer the call. It might be important."


    Lu Tian thought about it, then he reach for his phone. His brother is in the hospital and his parents are still worrying. What if something bad happened to Lu Han or his parents.


    Looking down at the screen of his phone, the space between his brows creased into three lines.


    ¡¯Lu Han¡¯


    He slide the phone unlocked and answers the call.


    "Hello."


    ["Bro! It was you huh?!! I know it was you!"]


    "....."


    Thinking that it was serious call, he didn¡¯t prepare himself well enough that the other person would suddenly shout into the phone.


    "What are you talking about?"


    ["Don¡¯t lie to me! I know it was you! You cursed this noble one huh? Don¡¯t say you didn¡¯t because if you didn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t have sneezed so loud just now! How can you? I¡¯m already in great pain, how can you talk ill about your handsome younger brother? *sob*."]


    "..."


    Lu Tian was struck dumbfounded listening to his younger brother. He looks at his wife and his eyes narrow in suspicion, but it was only a quick second and his eyes returned to normal.


    "Han, do you really want to feel ¡¯great pain¡¯?"


    ["...."]


    The line turned silent as the sound of crickets chirp in the distance. The howling whisper of a quiet wind blew into imagination before a sarcasticugh escapes the phone again.


    ["Hah hah, bro what are you talking about? What great pain? This Noble Han was just kidding. Hah ha, don¡¯t forget toe visit me again! Bye!"]


    *du du*


    The call ended the call right away, leaving Lu Tian dumbfounded even more. He nce down at the phone and puts it back inside his pocket. Sometimes he cant help but wonder why his younger brother is so different from him.


    Standing quietly next to the aloof man, Yue Ling acted as if she was not there at all. She swore Lu Tian¡¯s expression changed so many times within that one phone call, however, she cant say it to him. If she did, it would probably destroy the man¡¯s image.


    "Mr. Lu, Miss Han."


    From the side, Doctor Dong stood in the distance. He nod to the couple and gesture with his hand.


    "The diagnose report has been investigated. We can discuss about it in my office. I will have a nurse send for the Nuo family."


    Yue Ling looks at the tightly shut door to grandmother Nuo¡¯s room, then to Lu Tian. She had wanted to discuss something with Lu Tian, but it seems theres something more important to do. For now, she will go and listen to what Doctor Xie has to say.


    Of course, she is still waiting to hear from Liu Shan and Lin Hui. Well, more like, she wants to see if Doctor Xie is truthful as a doctor.


    Lu Tian held his wife¡¯s hand and guided her to Doctor Dongs office. He knows that its not his ce to get involve in other people¡¯s business, but this involves his wife.


    Anything about her involves him.


    As the couple leave the hallway towards the doctors corridor, inside the room at the far end of the hallway, Xu Long sat in a chair and his lip pursed at the man sitting on the hospital bed. His head stood straight for one second and then in the next second, his head drop to the side like his neck couldn¡¯t hold his head in weight. This continued for a long minute before he couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    "Lu Han, why do you keep doing that? Are you in great pain as you say? Should I inform the doctors toe check on you?"


    "...."


    Lu Han, who had just gotten off the phone with his older brother couldn¡¯t stay still in bed. Heid down for one second and then sat up with a sigh, he kept repeating this without realizing that he was hurting Xu Long¡¯s neck.


    His mind was cursing his brother for acting like he never cursed him. If theres anyone in the world who will talk about him, the noble mundane Emperor, it would definitely be his Heavenly Emperor brother.


    However, his thoughts were disrupted when he heard the assistant, he res at the man, then decided toy down. No,ying down was notfortable, he quickly sat up. Actually, sitting up is better.


    He cross his arms over his chest and looks at Xu Long with squinting eyes, "Ya, Mr. Assistant, what are you still doing here? Did humanity turn it¡¯s back on you?"


    Hearing the question, Xu Long¡¯s eyelids turned heavy. He could already see that his boss must have said something to make Lu Han act this way. So like every other time, the man always change the subject. He sighed inside and shook his head.


    He sat in his chair with a straight spine and lift his legs up. Crossing his legs, his right foot rest on his left calf as he spoke in a deep low voice.


    "If heaven made him, earth can find use for him," Bring both his palms together to his chest, his head bow forward, "Amituofo."


    "....."


    Seeing this unfold, Lu Han swore he turned into slime. However the moment he saw Xu Long bow, his face turned into the meme face of Yao Ming. Both his hands shade his eyes due to the bright light reflecting from Monk Xu Long¡¯s shiny bald head.


    "My eyes!!!!!!"

 Chapter 248 Tainted as you

    Sitting inside the head doctor¡¯s office, Yue Ling and Lu Tian sat on one side. Across from them is Doctor Dong.


    The door knob open after a knock came to the ears. Entering the room was a nurse with Uncle Nuo following behind.


    "Head doctor, I¡¯ve brought Mr. Nuo as you asked."


    "Mm, thank you. You may leave."


    The nurse nod her head and walks back out of the room as Uncle Nuo enters the room. He looks at the head doctor and he swore he felt his blood had been clogged. Who knows what they will say about his mother... However, when he saw Yue Ling also seated inside, he rxed.


    "Uncle Nuo, sit here."


    Yue Ling stood from her seat and smiles with her hand gesturing to the chair next to her. She knows the man is afraid to hear what might be wrong with his mother. Anyone would be.


    "Miss Han..."


    Looking at the middle aged man, Yue Ling sighed inside. Knowing the stress that¡¯s been brought upon the man and his family, she assures the man to not be afraid.


    "Don¡¯t worry, everything will be alright. We will listen to the report on the diagnose."


    Hearing this, Uncle Nuo nod his head. He sits down beside Yue Ling and looks up at Doctor Dong.


    "Doctor, I am ready to listen to the report."


    Sitting alone on the other side of the desk, Doctor Dong looked to the three people he hase to face. He sighed inside and hope that Doctor Xie did not misdiagnose or did anything stupid. If the man did, he is clearly digging his own grave and giving the two guns a reason to shoot him.


    Clearing his mind quickly, he press a number on hisnd phone.


    "Doctor Xie, pleasee to my office."


    He hung the phone and looks at Yue Ling. For some odd reason, he felt something is not right. How is the granddaughter of the general rted to the Nuo family?


    When they first arrived to the hospital, he was already confused at the situation. There has never been any family outside of the military to ever be admitted to Imperial Military Hospital.


    *knock knock*


    The door opens and Doctor Xie enters the room with a folder in his hand. His head held high like he is looking down at the people in the room. He sits down on a chair next to Doctor Dong and ce the folder down.


    "Here is the diagnose reports for Mrs. Nuo."


    He opens the folder and hands a piece of paper to the head doctor.


    "From what I can see, Mrs. Nuo¡¯s condition is fine. For an olddy, she must be too tired and doesn¡¯t want to wake up."


    Doctor Dong read the lines of the diagnose report and he pursed his lip. Everything seems normal and nothing is out of the ordinary. Could it be that the Nuo family is making a big deal out of nothing?


    "Lies! I don¡¯t believe this at all! If my mother is fine, why hasn¡¯t she waken up? She is sleeping as if..."


    Uncle Nuo roar in anger, but he could not finish his words. He dares not continue to say that his mother is sleeping as if she is dead. Unable to continue his words, his shoulders slouch and his head dropped.


    "Uncle Nuo.."


    Yue Ling slightly turn to the man and she reach a hand out to touch his trembling back to soothe him. She looks up at Doctor Dong and her expression dimmed.


    "Are you sure?"


    Setting the paper down, Doctor Dong couldnt help but get a feeling of doubt inside him. He nce at the paper and then back to Yue Ling.


    "ording to report, Mrs. Nuo fainted due to shock during in the incident. However, she should gain consciousness any minute now. I will have her stay in the hospital for a few more days and keep an eye on her condition."


    Hearing this, Doctor Xie snort and cross his arms over his chest.


    "No shame at all. Don¡¯t think you can fool us doctors just because you have money. I am not stupid to be blinded by your little scheme."


    "Doctor Xie, as a doctor, this is no way to speak to the family of your patients."


    Doctor Dong res at the stupid man for speaking improperly. As a doctor, they are to reassure their patients, not discourage or look down upon them.


    Even worse, did Doctor Xie forget who is still in this room at this moment?


    He looks at Lu Tian and he felt beads of sweat slowly fall from his forehead. With great difficulty, he gulp in fear for Doctor Xie¡¯s life.


    Doctor Xie ignores the head doctors words. He grabs the piece of paper and put it back in the folder. Without any fear, he stands up and snort at Yue Ling and Uncle Nuo.


    "I am a doctor. My patients are well taken care of by me, but I will not fall for anyone¡¯s dirty scheme. Especially if that person is from the entertainment industry."


    He sized Yue Ling up and continue his words.


    "Everyone knows how dirty the entertainment world is. There is not one person in that career who is not tainted."


    As the man continue to speak his mind, Uncle Nuo lift his head and res at the doctor. His hand clench into tight fists and he argues back.


    "You¡¯re the one who is dirty! Everyone in Imperial knows that you didnt get your position because of hard work. It was your wife¡¯s background that got you here!"


    Doctor Xie scoff at Uncle Nuo. He could care less about what anyone has to say about him. So what if he didnt work hard to be a doctor, at least he still got somewhere with his life.


    "Mr. Nuo, if I were you I would keep my mouth close. Who knows what kind people you will cross the line with in the future."


    "Y-You!!"


    Uncle Nuo stood from his chair and press his lips tightly together in anger. He points at Doctor Xie but could not continue his words.


    "Doctor Xie."


    Sitting still in her seat, Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voicees to surface. She looks at Doctor Xie and smiles at the man.


    "You are correct about the entertainment industry being dirty."


    Hearing this, Doctor Xie was even more confident in himself. He humf in ignorance and lift his chin higher. However, Yue Ling¡¯s next words made him tongue tied.


    "Except, not everyone is as tainted as you."


    Yue Ling calmly stood from the chair and her sweet smile disappears.


    "In the future, I suggest you not to curse others without knowing who you are dealing with."


    She turns to Uncle Nuo and helps the man steady himself from falling.


    "Any miscalction and the sun won¡¯t be so bright on your end anymore."


    No longer wanting to speak to Doctor Xie, Yue Ling looks to Doctor Dong and she nod her head lightly.


    "Sorry to trouble you for this, head doctor. I will have my assistant contact you soon."


    She turns around and leaves out of the room with Uncle Nuo. If her leaving without excusing herself is impolite then what would you call Doctor Xie¡¯s rudeness as a doctor?


    Watching the two figures leave, Doctor Dong sighed inside. He swore the meeting was only a few minutes, but why did it feel like his hair had turned even more white?


    Suddenly, he remembers something and he looks to the other person left in the room. He force a smile and speaks to the man.


    "Mr. Lu, about this..."


    Lu Tian didnt respond but nod his head to Doctor Dong. He had not spoken a word because he knew his wife could handle it. Except....


    He looks at Doctor Xie and his eyes turned murderous. To think this old man actually dares to curse his wife in front of him, is he courting death?


    "Doctor Dong, I hope you will take another look at the report. Any miscalction and the water keeping the fish alive will be empty."


    Not seeing a reason to stay as his wife already left, Lu Tian also leaves the room.


    From behind, Doctor Xie stare in confusion at the man. Thinking of something, he runs after Lu Tian to try and convince the man to not be trick by Yue Ling.


    However, he was quickly stopped by Doctor Dong.


    "Doctor Xie, have you not cause enough trouble since you¡¯ve been here?"


    "...."


    He looks at the folder in Doctor Xie¡¯s hand.


    "Leave the folder behind. I will have another look at this diagnose report. I hope everything is as you said."


    Doctor Xie frown at the head doctor, but knowing his position is inferior to the old man, he ce the folder back down.


    There is nothing to fear because he had already made sure everything he did was destroyed with no trace of evidence.


    Turning away, he also decides to leave the room. If he can catch up to Lu Tian, he still has a chance to persuade the man to go on a blind date with his daughter. There is no way he will believe that Lu Tian is married.


    Just as he was about to take another step out of Doctor Dong¡¯s office, the old man¡¯s voice spoke from behind.


    "Doctor Xie, I will monitor Mrs. Nuo from here on."


    Hearing this, Doctor Xie sneer inside. Did he want to monitor poor people? Of course not! If Doctor Dong wants to then so be it.


    Without showing his inner feelings, Doctor Xie turns back to Doctor Dong and nod his head like respectful subordinate.


    "You are the head doctor here, I will follow your orders."


    The door closed and Doctor Dong was left alone in his office. He looks down at the folder and he sighed.


    Lu Tian¡¯s words were firm. Any miscalction and the man can turn a person penniless. Doctor Xie is definitely digging his own grave.


    He sighed again, but he quickly remembers something. Ignoring the distraught incident, he giggle like a little girl and reach for his phone.


    Putting the phone to his ears after dialing a number, he continued to giggle until he heard the other line click in answer.


    "Old Ji! I have something to tell you, lets meet at the golf course this weekend."

 Chapter 249 Cheating on you

    The wind calmly blows as the trees sway side to side like dancing performers. The sun peaks behind the grey clouds within every shift of movement in the sky.


    Outside of Imperial Military Hospital¡¯s back courtyard, some patients walk to exercise their strength and some sitting on benches to enjoy the beautiful day.


    At the very end of the courtyard, a smallke is seen as its sparkles with the reflection of the sun. Sitting on the bench were two individuals.


    Like an oil painting from ancient times, no one wants to disturb. For they looked at peace and like a couple out on a date at the park.


    "Tian..."


    Yue Ling spoke as she takes her eyes off theke and turn to look at the man next to her. She sighed upon seeing his indifference look.


    After the meeting with Doctor Dong and Doctor Xie, she walked Uncle Nuo back to the room and came out here with Lu Tian.


    Although she knows that he isn¡¯t asking questions, she knows that she has to tell him. He is the father of her child and she cannot keep secrets from him.


    Taking a deep breath, she steadies her mind and heart and ready herself in exnation.


    "Uncle Nuo is my..."


    "No need, I trust you."


    Before she could even start her exnation, Lu Tian interrupts her. He stare out to the water of theke and then turn his head to her.


    His indifferent eyes changed into one of love and trusting when he locked eyes with Her¡¯s.


    "You don¡¯t need to exin anything to me. I trust youing here is your own reasons."


    Yue Ling stare at the man and she felt a part of her soul lifting with ease. Lu Tian may be cold on the outside, but towards her, she knows he is a shameless man who is open minded and somehow understands her the most.


    He never asked her anything when they met in City Z nor did he ask about her appearance in Retro. Even now, he isn¡¯t asking her why she is here.


    Thinking of something, her eyes narrow and she looks at the man.


    Yue Ling: "Tian, I am a poor person."


    Lu Tian: "I will be a poor person with you."


    Yue Ling: "What if your family does not like me?"


    Lu Tian: "Only I need to love you."


    Yue Ling: "What if I don¡¯t love you?"


    Lu Tian: "I will make you love only me."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Lu Tian gaze attentively at her, then seeing how she was stuck speechless, he clears his throat and looks back to theke. His entire being felt that no matter what his wife says, he will never waiver at her words.


    Speechless to the core, Yue Ling tilt her head and pout her lip at the man sitting beside her. Sometimes when she looks at him, she wants to ask why he wants to be with her. What is it about her that makes him attracted to her...


    Every time she asks him a question or says something, he never pauses in his answers. Its like he already knows what she is asking...


    Could it be.....


    Her eyes narrow more and she smiles evilly.


    "Tian, I am cheating on you."


    "YOU DARE?!"


    And just like her mastermind idea, Lu Tian¡¯s expression falter. He quickly turn his head to look at his wife and he swore he wanted to duck tape her mouth from ever speaking.


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression at this time was straight and like she had spoken the truth. However, when she saw the change in his face, she couldnt hold it in and burst intoughter.


    "Hahah, Tian I was just kidding."


    "...."


    This time, it was Lu Tian who was speechless. He stare at his wife and every word he ever knew seemed to have disappear.


    Remembering the word ¡¯cheating¡¯, he frown and his expression turned to solemn child.


    "Don¡¯t say that..."


    Yue Ling chuckle a scoff and she reach her hand out to hold his. Bringing it closer to her, her other hand strokes the back of his hand like she was petting a pet hamster.


    "Mm Mm, I was just kidding. No cheating."


    She set his hand down on herp and she looks down at it. Her heart is truly happy. Happy that she was able to find someone like the King of Jealousy next to her.


    However....


    "Tian, I know you said you trust me and meing here must be for my own reasons but..."


    She looks up at him and a faint smile cross her lip.


    "I still want to exin it you."


    Lu Tian looked at her and he nod his head in understanding. He had said that to her, but he would be lying if he didn¡¯t want to know. The only thing was that, even if she didnt tell him, he will still trust her. From the moment he first met her, he knows that Yue Ling is a person with reasons.


    If she doesn¡¯t have a reason to be involve in anything, she wouldnt care about it.


    Seeing Lu Tian¡¯s quiet nod, Yue Ling gaze at him for a brief moment. After what felt like a century, she move her line of sight to theke.


    "Uncle Nuo is an old friend of my parents."


    As she said those words, she couldnt help but remember an old picture in her fathers study room. The picture at the time was old and faint in color, but it was a group picture of seven people. The seven people who were the best of friends with her parents.


    "Not only was Uncle Nuo a friend of my parents, grandmother Nuo was my mothers nanny."


    Her expression sadden in remembrance of grandmother Nuo at the food stall and the her on the hospital bed.


    "When my mother married, grandmother Nuo was released of her position to enjoy her time with her family. I met her when my mother and father used to bring me to visit Imperial. It was then that I learned the friendship of the Nuo family and my family."


    A light wind blew from the distance and her hair flutter along like silk. Lu Tian turn to look at her and he caress her strands of hair behind her ear. He didnt say a word, but continue to listen.


    "My parents never cared if a person was rich or poor. They taught me that a true friend is rare to find... In this world, someone can say they are your friend, but what kind of friend is that if behind closed doors, they speak ill about you."


    She turn to look in the direction of the hospital.


    "The food stall we ate at is the Nuo family¡¯s. Growing up, I saw how much my parents cared for the Nuo family, so I made a promise that when I grow up, I will continue to help those my parents care about. Whether they are rted to me by blood or not, I don¡¯t care."


    Staring at the white hospital building, she thought of all the people in her life. From the ones who left her to the ones still in her life and the ones who are new in her life.


    "I didn¡¯t know that grandmother Nuo had Alzheimer.... To think I have been always helping them, but they never once mentioned it to me... If Uncle Nuo had told me, I would of done everything within my reach to help her.... Even those hooligans didn¡¯t give way to her..."


    Her eyes dimmed at the thought of how grandmother ended up in the hospital and Doctor Xie¡¯s disgusting attitude towards the Nuo family.


    "I want them to know what it¡¯s like to be on the other side."


    In silence, Lu Tian gaze at his wife. Being a Lu, he¡¯s seen all kinds of people in the world. Especially those who are known as new money.


    Once someone bes wealthy, they be blind by money and forget where they came from. They be disgusted when seeing those struggling in life forgetting that that was once them.


    To have met Yue Ling, he is happy that this wife of his is not a greedy person, nor is she selfish. Even he is not inparison to her.


    He loses his hand that is her hands and he wraps it over her shoulder. Bringing her closer to him, he tilt his head to lean on hers.


    "You¡¯ve already done so much for them, let me handle it this time."


    It¡¯s only natural that he wants to shoulder everything for her. He wants everyone in the world to know that crossing the line with his wife is like crossing the line with him.


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling looks up at him. Millions of emotions arouse in her heart. In the past, it had always been her who handled everything on her own...


    Be it Shin or her yeye, she kept up a wall and never allowed them to help her, but.....


    Why is it that Lu Tian always make her wall fall....?


    Gazing into his deep dark eyes as she thought of this, she, without realizing slowly leans in and close the gap between them.


    Her eyes close and her lip gently press against his, as if giving him her answer.


    "...."


    Caught of guard, Lu Tian was truly surprised, but his beating heart bursting in joy was in more control.


    His wife actually took the initiative to kiss him first!


    He close his eyes and hugs his wife tighter, returning the kiss deeply to let her know that he will handle everything from here on out.


    To let her know that he will be her strength.


    To let her know that he will always be on her side.

 Chapter 250 Everything is alrigh

    Stepping foot inside the hospital again, Yue Ling went to Grandmother Nuo¡¯s room while Lu Tian went to his brother¡¯s. Both individual came to a decision outside after their talk and decided it was time to leave.


    Yue Ling knocked on the door before entering. She peeked her head in and takes a step forward. Seeing that everyone is still inside, she smiles faintly to them.


    "Uncle Nuo, can I speak to you?"


    Hearing her call for him, Uncle Nuo stood up from the chair. Looking at his wife, he¡¯s smiles to her to assure her that everything is alright. He knows that Yue Ling must have something important to talk to him about.


    As both people exit out the room, Nuo Hui Ying walks over to her mother.


    "Mom, how is Han Yue Ling rted to us?"


    Madam Nuo stare after the door in a daze then she looks at her daughter. She smiles a faint smile and pat her daughter on the head.


    "Miss Han is our Nuo family¡¯s strength. Don¡¯t do anything that will offend her. Okay?"


    "Mm, I won¡¯t."


    Nuo Hui Ying smiles widely at her mother. Of course she would listen to her mother. Besides, why would she want to offend her idol and the person who saved her family.


    However, when she looks at her grandmother, that bright smile on her face quickly disappears. Her grandmother was always healthy, until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer.....


    Ever since then, people always saw it as an excuse to take advantage of their family....


    Why must bad things always happen those who are good in life?


    Outside of the room, Yue Ling and Uncle Nuo did not walk far. They stopped near a window at the other end of the hallway.


    "Miss Han, is everything alright?"


    Yue Ling stops and turn around to face the middle age man, "Everything is alright and please call me Yue Ling.."


    She sigh a smile and continue her words.


    "I need to leave but I will thoroughly look into this and find out the truth for you and your family."


    Looking at him, her smile slowly disappears and she asks him the question that has been bothering her.


    "Uncle Nuo, why didnt you tell me that nai nai had Alzheimer¡¯s? "


    Hearing her words, Uncle Nuo¡¯s eyes turned red and he shakes his head, "Miss Han... I mean Yue Ling, You¡¯ve already done so much for me and my family. We cant keep troubling you with our small matters. It would be too selfish of us."


    Yue Ling continue to stare at the man and a part of her understood what Uncle Nuo is saying. Even she never liked to trouble others, however....


    Knowing that the Nuo family are truly good people, she felt greatly happy inside.


    "It¡¯s the least I can do for you and your family. You¡¯ve helped my parents so much in the past, I¡¯m sure my parents would want this."


    Uncle Nuo looks at Yue Ling and he couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of the two greatest people he met. From birth till now, anyone who see Yue Ling would without doubt agree that she is the daughter of Ji An Ling and Han Min Joon.


    Yue Ling had her father¡¯s mesmerizing greenish blue eyes and she was blessed with her mother¡¯s beautiful looks.


    However, if her parents were here...


    He lower his head and shook his head in disagreement to Yue Ling¡¯s words.


    "If your parents were still here, they would want you to live each day happily... not like this."


    He raise his head and looks at her with a faint smile.


    "Miss Han, for all the things you¡¯ve done for us, I don¡¯t know how my Nuo family will repay you."


    Yue Ling stare at the man and she felt a tinge of ease in her heart. She has helped the Nuo family so much, that even in the dark, without them knowing she was still helping them.


    However, she never thought to run a check on them to see if they were being targeted. She thought that because they were good people, no one would think to harm them. Except, she had thought wrong.


    If she had asked Liu Shan to pay close attention to them, none of this would of happened. If she had asked Liu Shan to further investigate on their situation, maybe then, she would of found out about Grand their Nuo.


    "Uncle Nuo, I am happy and I will find the best doctor and help grandmother Nuo. You have my words."


    Uncle Nuo was struck speechless. He had told Yue Ling the Nuo family doesn¡¯t want to trouble her, but here she is ignoring his words. However, he knows how she is. She is exactly like her two grandfathers. Once she sets her mind on something, no one can talk her out of it.


    Looking at her, he wanted to say something, but before he could, he sees a tall figure walking their way.


    He had forgotten about this man, and yet...


    "Yue Ling."


    From behind her came Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice. He walks up to her and stood beside her. Like it was the most natural thing for him since he was born, he reach out his hand and held her¡¯s.


    "Ready?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling looked up at him and she pout her lips. How can Lu Tian be so shameless and forget that they are in public eyes? Even worse, Uncle Nuo is right here too!


    Then again, why is she asking herself this? The man could careless about who is in front of him.


    Shaking the thought away, she looks at the dumbfounded Uncle Nuo and she smiles to him.


    "Uncle Nuo, I have to go now. I wille visit nai nai again. If there is any signs of changes, please do let me know."


    Too dumbfounded to speak, Uncle Nuo could only open and close his mouth, but nothing still came out. The only thing he could do is nod his head as she stare at the two people in front of him.


    Yue Ling looked at Uncle Nuo onest time before she turned around and left with Lu Tian.


    Until the two people were no longer in sight, Uncle Nuo sighed in a deep breath. In the past he had heard many stories about Yue Ling and Shin, but he had never got the chance to meet the kid. It wasn¡¯t until three years ago that he heard thed passed away due to heart failure.


    Thinking of it, he looks back in the direction Yue Ling and Lu Tian left. He hopes that this Lu kid is not as cold as everyone says and truly loves Yue Ling. He knows that Yue Ling is a strong woman and she needs a strong man to hold her back. She deserves to be happy just like everyone else.


    Uncle Nuo turn around and walks in the direction of his mother¡¯s room. Since Yue Ling had spoken her words, he can only follow along. He also hopes that his mother can be cure. Outside of him and his small family, it is only Yue Ling who his mother still remembers.


    A faint smile cross his lip as he suddenly remembers the past. When Yue Ling was still a child, his mother would always call her ¡¯Diao Chan¡¯.


    And just like Diao Chan, the little Yue Ling back then has grown up to be an outstanding and stunning woman who deserves everyone¡¯s respect.

 Chapter 251 Why

    The ss double door slides open and Yue Ling and Lu Tian exit out of Imperial Military Hospital. Lu Tian suddenly remembers that the fashion show and Grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday is nearing. He looks at his wife and sees her ying with the keys to his car in her hand.


    Thinking of something, he sneakily takes the keys from her hand.


    "Eh?!"


    Yue Ling surprisingly jumps a little and looks at the man next to her. She tilt her head and frown.


    "Why? I thought I was driving?"


    Seeing her quick change in expression from surprise to a frown, Lu Tian smiles and takes her by the hand. Leading the way to the car he spoke to her.


    "I¡¯ll drive us somewhere. I need help deciding on some things."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling was now confused. Allowing him to lead the way, she touch her chin with her free hand.


    "Eh? You need help?" Her head tilt to the side again making her look like a lost and confused child. "What can it be that the King of Jealousy needs help with....?"


    Lu Tian: "..."


    The was dumbfounded, but because he is Lu Tian, he is able to pretend he didn¡¯t hear her. Did she really think she was quiet? How can she call him the King of Jealousy? He isn¡¯t that kind of person, all he ever does is love his wife and care about her. When did he be known as the King of Jealousy? Who can he possibly be jealous over?


    Well..... no...


    Shaking the thought away, he continues to guide his wife to the car. Of course, he doesn¡¯t know where she parked the car, but knowing that its his own car, he can pick it out in a parking lot.


    As the couple leaves to their next destination, this time at the Ji Mansion, Jingxu just arrived home from an afternoon outing. He steps into his room and carefully ce his book bag down. He unzips the bag and takes out an already wrapped gift.


    Looking down at it, he smiles happily.


    After his older sister came to visit, Liangcai, Ting, Xue Yi and Ye Fei wanted to go out. He tagged along so that he could go find a gift for one of the two people who means the world to him.


    Staring down at it, JingXu¡¯s smile widens. He had the shop wrap it up since he doesn¡¯t know how to wrap a gift nicely. Of course, this gift is only one of the two gifts.


    Without taking his trench coat off, he turns around and leaves his room. As he heads in the direction of his grandfathers study room, his head dart left to right making sure no one sees him.


    As he nears the room, he sees Housekeeper Hu walking out of a room near the end. Jingxu quickly moves his body to the side and crouch down behind a pot of nt.


    One....


    Two....


    Ten....


    After counting to ten, he slowly poke his head out. Seeing that the coast is clear, he sighs in relief and straightens his posture.


    Taking a step forward, he continues on to the study room until he stop in front of it.


    He took a deep breath and reach for the door handle. A little part of him cant help but feel guilty for going into his grandfathers study room without asking. However, when he came home, he asked one of the maids if his grandfather was home and she said the old man had left to Ji Corps.


    Besides, it wasn¡¯t like he¡¯s stealing anything. He just wants to make sure that the old man opens his gift first.


    The door knob clicks open and Jingxu enters the room. He slowly closed the door and stood in the center of the room. Looking at the only shelf in the room, he lift one of his hand to touch his chin.


    Will the old man see the gift if he puts the gift there?


    He looks down at the gift in his hand then to the shelf. Everything on the shelf was very minimal and there was nothing that was big enough to hide the gift. Plus, knowing the old man, he doesn¡¯t really pay attention to the shelf.


    Looking away, he looks at the room to every furniture inside in decision.


    His lips pout forward into thinking, then he looks to the old man¡¯s desk. A glint of light sh across his eyes as he thought of the perfect ce.


    Walking over to the desk, he set the gift down then scoot the chair back and squat down. Looking at the two drawers on either sides of the desk, he scratch his head and stare nkly.


    Which side would work?


    Thinking hard, he decides to put it in the right drawer. However, an inch from opening it, he suddenly remembers that everything usually important, the old man would put inside the left drawer.


    Deciding on it, he closes the drawer and turns to the left drawer. He takes the gift and gently ce it inside with a few folders covering it.


    Slowly closing the drawer shut, he sighed in relief that he had aplished it without anyone seeing him. Standing up, he straightens his clothes.


    *Click*


    "...."


    The door knob click in open. Watching it open, Jingxu¡¯s face drained of all colors. He quickly squat down on all fours. Beads of sweat starting to form on his forehead.


    Who could it be?


    What will he say?


    Why..... Why? Whhhhyyyyy¡ª-?!!!


    Arrrrhh!! It¡¯s Housekeeper Hu!!!


    The old man¡¯s figure could be seen from behind the half open door. Just as he was about to open the door all the way, a voice calls out to him.


    "Housekeeper Hu, there is a phone call for you."


    A maid¡¯s sudden voice sounds from behind the door. Housekeeper Hu who was just about to enter the study to dust stops in his tracks. He looks to his right and nod his head.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll be down there to answer the call."


    Closing the door, he leaves to take the phone call.


    Inside the study room, Jingxu sighed a deep and long breath. He must thank who ever it was that saved him from being seen. Of course, its not that he cares, but he wants it to be a surprise for the old man. Knowing the workers inside the Ji Mansion, none of them can keep their mouth closed when ites to things life this.


    He sighed again and wipes the sweat on his forehead. Peaking from behind the desk, he stands up to leave before Housekeeper Hu returns. Even worse, his grandfather.


    *Drrrrrrrrrrrr*


    "!!!!!"


    *Thud*


    Jingxu quickly covers his mouth and falls onto the floor. He looks at whatever it is that tripped him over and sees the end corner of his coat was caught by the T handle of the right drawer.


    He scratch his head and unhook his coat from the end of the T bar handle. He res at the drawer for stopping him and closes it again.


    *Drrrrrr!!!*


    Just when he closed it all the way, he quickly pulls it open again. His eyes quiver as he stare down at the inside of the drawer.


    "....."


    Like an entire day had gone by, he gulp with great difficulty and he reach his hand down. Ignoring the fact that his hand was trembling, he takes hold of a piece of paper inside the drawer.


    Both his trembling hands holding to each side of the paper as it shook.


    ¡¯Patient Name: Ji Huan¡¯


    He slowly reads each word, one after another as his eyes turned read. Until he reads thest line, his entire body froze with time.


    ¡¯Positive Diagnose: Cardiovascr Disease¡¯


    Like the world had suddenly tumble down on him. His vision blur and the words in front him fade in view. His lips tremble and he looks away from the piece of paper.


    When?


    Why?


    Why.....?


    Questions flooded his mind as his legs gave up on him and he falls back onto the ground. When was the old man sick? Why didn¡¯t he say anything? How long has it been? Why has he never notice anything wrong with the old man?


    He stare at the paper again and like a person with no emotions left for the world. His hands dropped to his side still holding the paper and his mind became a total nk.


    The only thing that cross his mind was one word and that is...


    Why...

 Chapter 252 It’s too late now

    Time slowly clicked as the sun set in the distance. The clear sky above is now transitioning with rays of redness as a ck Mercedes parks in front of the Ji Mansion and the driver side door opens.


    Zhang Yong steps out of the car and walks to the other side to open the back door. As his figure nears the door, it was suddenly open, but slowly.


    "Chairman."


    He quickly but gently pulls the door open to help Old man Ji out of the car.


    Old man Ji stretch his arm out and stops Zhang Yong from further advancing. He slowly gets out of the car and looks up at Ji Mansion.


    "I can still get out of the car by myself. Don¡¯t make any suspicious movement that will alert the workers here and Jingxu."


    "Mm."


    Zhang Yong could only nod his head and stand on the side. Staring at the man who has aged in front of him, memories of the past sh in his mind.


    The brave and strong soldier from back then has grown old.... and he is d to have to grown old with that man.


    After the young miss came to visit and left to Imperial Military Hospital, an urgent call came from Ji Corps. They had to leave the mansion to thepany, only to find out that the other Ji members are slowly advancing in the dark.


    If the old man doesn¡¯t persuade Yue Ling into taking over the business.....


    "Zhang Yong."


    Hearing his name called, Zhang Yong broke out of his thoughts. He looks to Old man Ji and sees that the old man was already in front of the mansion.


    With a sigh, he closes the car door and walks over to old man Ji.


    As they enter the Ji mansion, Housekeeper Hu greeted them at the door. Old man Ji nod his head to the man, then he looks around the house.


    "Where is Jingxu?"


    Housekeeper Hu smiles to the man, "The young master is in his room."


    "Mm.."


    Old man Ji didnt stay downstairs for long, he needed to go to his study room. There were some important matters he needed to discuss with Zhang Yong.


    When old man Ji took his first step on the second floor, he couldnt help but feel something was out of ce. He just couldnt figure out what it was.


    His head turn to the right of the hallway. Looking at Jingxu¡¯s room, he sees the door closed. Usually the boy only closes the door when he is either studying or sleeping. Thinking of how the school semester ising to an end, Jingxu must be studying.


    Without much thinking, he looks away and continues on to his study room. As he nears the door, another throbbing pain erupted in his heart.


    The space between his brow crease into three lines . He stares at the door and couldn¡¯t bring himself to enter the room.


    "Chairman, what is it?"


    Zhang Yong¡¯s voice from behind brings Old man Ji back from the unknown feeling inside of him. He shook his head and force a chuckle.


    "Ha ha, this one was just thinking."


    Ignoring that tight pain in his chest, he turns the door knob and opens the door.


    Darkness engulf his view as the blinds to the windows were kept shut. No light came into the room. From behind Zhang Yong takes a step to the side to turn the switch for the lights on.


    "Ahhhh¡ª!!!"


    Grandfather Ji suddenly gasp in surprise and Zhang Yong yelp in shock. Both old men stare unblinkingly at the the scary ck figure sitting on the floor at the end of the study room.


    Slowly moving forward, old man Ji used his ¡¯qinggong¡¯ to silence his steps. Like a soldier creeping up on his enemy¡¯s base, his moves were quiet and swift. As he nears the scary ck figure, he sighed and his body loosen. He pat his heart and res at the figure.


    "Jingxu, why are you in here and sitting like that? You almost gave yeye a heart attack."


    "..."


    Sitting on the floor, Jingxu never moved from his position. His head lowered and he stare down at hisp like a sleeping drunk man in the alley.


    Old man Ji frown when he didnt hear a response from the boy. He takes a few steps forward and squat down.


    "Jingxu? Are you sleeping?"


    "Why..."


    Hearing the low mumble from the boy, Old man Ji¡¯s heart rxed even more. Nothing is wrong with the boy. He stretch a hand out to pat the boy on the head and he smiles.


    "Why? Because yeye does not want you to sleep on the floor. What if you catch a¡ª"


    "Why....?"


    Before the old man could finish his words, Jingxu¡¯s head slowly lift up and he stare straight into his grandfathers eyes with his red eyes.


    Seeing the shade of red in the boys eyes, old man Ji was struck with worrieness. Both his hands grab the boy by the shoulders and he gently shook him.


    "Jingxu, what happened? Did something happen to you? Tell yeye, yeye will make sure that person perish from the word!"


    "..."


    Jingxu did not say a word but stare at his grandfather like a person whose soul had already left his body. As he continue to stare at the old man, he finally came to realize how much the old man who took him in has grown.


    Wrinkles he had not notice before can be seen. Even the once gray hair had be white....


    The old man..... when did he be this old.....


    "Jingxu?"


    Old man Ji was now worried. Never has he seen Jingxu act this way before. Usually the boy was always loud and picking fights with him. Even when he saw Jingxu at the hospital, the boy did not act this way. He gently shook the boy again.


    "Jingxu?"


    Hearing the worry tone in the old man¡¯s voice, Jingxu¡¯s bottom lip tremble and a single tear slowly slid down from his left eye.


    "Why would you keep it a secret from us....."


    Seeing the tear fall from his grandson¡¯s eyes, old man Ji swore it was as if his heart had stopped beating. He pat the boy on the head and he smiles a faint smile.


    "What secret? What are you talking a¡ª"


    Before he could finish his own words, his eyes without paying attention looked down to Jingxu¡¯s hand. It was then that all words he wanted to say stuck at his throat.


    Didn¡¯t he put the paper away? How did Jingxu find it?


    He slowly reach for the paper, but then he stops himself. His eyes slowly close and he takes a deep breath.


    This isn¡¯t how he wanted neither Yue Ling or Jingxu to find out...


    He opened his eyes again, he looks at Jingxu and he pats the boy on the head again.


    "Yeye is sorry."


    Hearing the words, Jingxu stare in disbelief at the old man next to him. He had hoped everything was a lie. Why cant this be a dream? If it is, please let him wake up from it right now.


    However, the longer he stare at his grandfather, tears began to fall one after another. Soon, his expression became disheveled, nothing like the handsome young man he is. His quiet sob turned into a dreadful wail.


    Standing at the door, Zhang Yong couldnt hold his tears in and he silently cried with Jingxu. He is already in so much pain knowing that the man who gave him a second chance in life is leaving this world.. Now seeing Jingxu this way, he knows the boy is in even more pain than he is....


    Old man Ji looks at Jingxu and he felt that god was not being fair to him and his grandkids.


    This was the reason why he didnt want to tell Yue Ling and Jingxu about his illness. After he saw Yue Ling cry in darkness for Shin, he didn¡¯t want either of his grandkids to cry for him.


    However... it¡¯s toote now.....


    "Yeye does not have much time left..."


    Hearing the words, Jingxu lower his head and clench his fist as he cries over the dreadful news.


    "Does Jie know?"


    "Only Zhang Yong and you."


    Jingxu abruptly res at Zhang Yong for keeping this hidden, but seeing the old man crying, Jingxu couldnt bring himself to be angry. Knowing his grandfather, the man must have told him to not say anything.


    He looks at his grandfather and without any words, he stands up and rush out the door.


    "Jingxu!"


    However, before he could even move, old man Ji grabs him by the hand. He stare at the old man with his red eyes as tears continue to fall.


    "Why? Why?! Jie has the rights to know!"


    Old man Ji lower his head and shook his head. As much as he wants to tell his granddaughter, what will he say? He is her only blood rtive left in this world who cares about her... To tell her that he is dying, how much pain will that bring to her?


    He lift his head and looks at the crying Jingxu. How his heart ache so much for his two grandkids. Who will be their elder once he leaves? Who will look after them and guide them in life? Who will protect them?


    "I will tell her when the time is right. Promise me, you will not say anything to her."


    Jingxu clench his fist tighter and turn his head away from his grandfather. His lips press tightly together and he looks back at the old man.


    "Fine, but if you don¡¯t tell her soon, I will."


    Without waiting for a response from the old man, Jingxu shook his arm away from his grandfather. He then turns to leave the room.


    He had only agreed because he respects the old man. If it wasn¡¯t for that line of respect, he would have crossed it and tell his Jie.....


    Entering his room, he did not turn the lights on, but closed the door and leaned against it. His body slowly fall to the floor and he continue to sob in silence.


    ¡¯Jie...¡¯

 Chapter 253 You look fine

    Lu Tian¡¯s white Aston Martin vanquish parks in front of a building. He stepped out of the car and walks over to the passenger side to help his pregnant wife.


    Opening the door, he held his hand out as Yue Ling ce her¡¯s on it. Stepping out of the car, she felt a sudden small sensation in her heart. Her head turn to the west and a gust of wind gently brush against her.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Seeing his wife looking towards the street, he couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously. He looks to the street, but did not see anything out of ce. Just people walking on the other side of the sidewalk and cars driving pass.


    Yue Ling stayed in silence for a minute. She furrow her brows as she swore she heard her brother¡¯s voice....


    Could she have over thought it?


    However, she didn¡¯t see Jingxu anywhere in sight. Shaking her head, she turns to look at the man standing beside her. The voice that called for her must have been her imagination only.


    "It¡¯s nothing."


    Turning to look at the tall building in front of her, she quietly gasp in surprise.


    The building was in an abstract structure, with windows of all sizes. It¡¯s beauty did not look like any ordinary building at all.


    "What is this ce?"


    "A friend of mine owns this ce."


    Lu Tian answers nonchntly. He close the door to his car and hands the key to the valet driver. Of course, he made sure to take hold of his wife¡¯s hand. He guides her to the door entrance of the building and both figures enters through.


    Upon entering, Yue Ling was even more amazed. She stare at the many levels of shopping stores, however, only a few people were in sight.


    Seeing this, she was slightly confused and looks at Lu Tian with questioning eyes.


    "Tian, seriously. What is this ce?"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t look at his wife and continue to walk in the direction of the elevator.


    "It¡¯s a shopping mall."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling was dumbfounded. She looked in every direction possible. She had seen all the stores, but how can this huge ce be called a shopping center? It should be called a city! Well, a city would be too extravagant.


    Entering the elevator, Yue Ling had to admit, who ever designed this ce was truly a master craftsman.


    The ss elevator allowed one to get a clear view of each level passing. Not only each level, but the many windows surrounding the building gave a perfect view of outside.


    *Ding*


    The elevator bell rang as they arrived on the highest floor and the door slides open. Lu Tian stepped out with his wife following behind him. Slowing his pace, he made sure their figures were walking side by side.


    It didnt take long before they arrived in front a store. It¡¯s ss features were even more amazing with the mannequins in disy nicely styled. Looking at it, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    It was her De L¡¯amour....


    Looking at it, she is very proud of her assistant.


    Liu Shan had once mentioned to her in the past that he will set up her stores in the most beautiful and known ces in the world. Never did she think, he would put one of her stores here.


    She should really give the man a raise for being the perfect assistant.


    Seeing the smile on her face, Lu Tian was truly pleased. He knows that his wife is the owner and creator of the brand De L¡¯amour, but she doesn¡¯t know that he knows.


    Even stranger, that his old mother is a huge fan of De L¡¯amour too.


    Pretending to not notice his wife¡¯s smile, he clears his throat and asks her.


    "Do you want to take a look around?"


    Hearing this, Yue Ling look at Lu Tian and her eyes glistening with happiness. She nods her head and smiles widely with her teeth showing.


    She has stores all over the world, but never once has she step foot into one. It was always her design team that was sent to handle the business.


    Like a little girl at a theme park, Yue Ling takes the lead and drags Lu Tian into the store.


    "Yue Ling."


    Before they could enter the store, Lu Tian spoke from behind, he chuckles at his wife¡¯s childlike expression and gently stops her.


    "Be careful, don¡¯t forget you are pregnant."


    "..."


    Now walking behind, Yue Ling was struck dumbfounded. She stare with heavy eyes at the man now walking in front of her.


    Be careful?


    Don¡¯t forget that she is pregnant?


    What does her pregnancy have anything to do with her excitement?


    She scoff in sarcastic and allows Lu Tian to lead the way into the store.


    However, when they were a few feet away from the store entrance, Lu Tian suddenly stops. He pout his lip and turns around to look at his wife.


    Also stopping, Yue Ling tilt her head and look up at the man. She doesn¡¯t know why, but Lu Tian often likes to stop when they¡¯re about to arrive somewhere.


    Was he afraid that others will see him with her? Is it that embarrassing to be seen with her?


    Her head lower and she looks at her choice of clothes.


    She had wore a in pleaded grey turtle neck sweater. It was huge in oversized to her mid thighs. Covering her legs were a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans that folded into ankle jeans. Covering her feet was a pair of ck pointed toe heels.


    With her outfit picked, she had decided to tie her long ck hair into a loose low bun with strands of hair framing her face.


    Seeing how she was dressed, she pout her lip. Nothing was wrong with her choice of clothes.


    However, when she looked up at the window of the ss door. She even more dumbfounded.


    Lu Tian was wearing an expensive all ck slim suit with his ck coat over. He looked highly elegant and professional. Given his blessed good looks, nothing was wrong with the way he looked.


    Except, the her at this moment standing beside the man was theplete opposite.


    If one word was to describe her, she¡¯d say she looked rather like a bum in the streets.....


    She couldnt help but sigh at the way they looked. It was a no wonder the man had stopped and not enter through the doors.


    Truly embarrassing to be seen walking around with a homeless person.


    Knowing what his wife was thinking, Lu Tian chuckle and he gently tap her on the forehead.


    "You look fine."


    "..."


    Looking at the man, Yue Ling was even more confused. She gently caress her forehead to get rid of no pain. A frown cross her face.


    "Then why did you stop?"


    Lu Tian smiles a chuckle. He free hand reach into the pocket of his coat and takes out what looked to be a ck cloth. Handing it to his wife he spoke.


    "Wouldn¡¯t it be bad if others see you? You were a famous model."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stare at the mask and she felt her high EQ and IQ had suddenly dropped. She sighed and takes the mask from Lu Tian¡¯s hand.


    "It¡¯s more like you NEED the mask."


    She res at it then ce the mask back on Lu Tian¡¯s hand and smiles to him.


    "I like to walk the earth freely like everyone else."


    "..."


    This time Lu Tian was the one dumbfounded. He had prepare a mask in advance because he wasn¡¯t sure if his wife would be alright walking in public. He did this thinking that since she didn¡¯t want anyone knowing about her identity as the owner and creator of De L¡¯amour, maybe every time she visits the store, she would wear a mask.


    Yet, everything turned out different from what he had thought.


    Looking down at the mask in his hand, he freely puts it away. He didn¡¯t care if his wife was seen, as long as he is able to walk freely by her side.


    Ignoring the situation they were in, Lu Tian kisses his wife on the forehead where he had flicked. Not waiting to see her reaction, he turns around and opens the door for his wife to enter.


    Ahhhh, our poor Lu Tian, if only he knows that his wife has never once step foot into any of the many stores she owns.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 254 Balance

    Stepping into the store of De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling was truly amaze by everything. The walls were white and ck with floral pattern tiles. The lighting inside was dimly lit with soft rxing music in the background.


    Looking at the furnitures set up inside, she felt very impress with that assistant of her¡¯s. If she wasn¡¯t a customer shopping, she would trace her hand on the glossy counter tops. It was a way of her showing how much she adores something.


    Watching his wife¡¯s every move, Lu Tian clears his throat to notugh. He knows how happy she is right now, but he cannot blow his cover.


    "Hello, wee to De L¡¯amour, can I assist you with anything?"


    A woman¡¯s voice suddenly interrupts the couple. Lu Tian did not move from his position and his eyes remained on his wife, while Yue Ling turn to look at the person.


    It was a female worker dressed very stylish. Her hair was tied in a high pony tail making her off the shoulder blouse look stunning.


    Yue Ling smiles and greets the woman in return.


    "Thank you, but we are just browsing for now."


    The woman looked at Yue Ling and sized her up. She felt that she has seen the breath taking woman in front of her somewhere, but she couldnt remember from where. The man beside her also looked familiar, but....


    When she heard Yue Ling¡¯s words, all thoughts disappeared and she sneer inside. From the way Yue Ling was dressed, how dare such a shabby womane into an exquisite store like De L¡¯amour. If Yue Ling only wanted to window shop, she should go somewhere else.


    However, she can¡¯t say that aloud, it will ruin their store¡¯s reputation.


    She looks at Yue Ling with disgust and without replying another word, she gives the cold shoulder and turns to leave with her chin held high. It was as if her thoughts were written all over her face.


    Seeing this, Yue Ling arch a brow at the woman¡¯s back. To be treated this way, did she care? Of course not, but would she want a person like this working in one of her stores? Of course not!


    She will definitely have a talk with the ¡¯manager¡¯.


    Ignoring the worker¡¯s attitude right away, she turns around and continues on with her ¡¯browsing¡¯.


    From beside her, Lu Tian arch a brow at his wife. He is really impress that she did nottch out at the woman. If it was him, he would of made sure the person meets King Yama.


    Then again, who is he to judge or make decisions for his wife. He decides to just quietly follow his wife¡¯s steps and watch her from behind.


    Seeing her figure from behind, he sighed inside. He loves it when she is walking in front of him. It made him feel like her personal bodyguard. Wherever she goes, he will follow, so no mishap wille to her.


    As Yue Ling walked pass each fixtures, shees across a row of dresses and she couldn¡¯t help but brush her hand against them.


    These dresses were from her Spring Summer Collection. She had made sure each dress were well designed and made. Pretty soon, these dresses will be changed to her Fall Winter Collection.


    Coming to the end of the dress section, Yue Ling finally remembers something and turns around to Lu Tian. Looking at him, she tilt her head confusedly.


    "Tian, why are we here, again?"


    Lu Tian was caught by surprised, but he steadied himself. He looks away and pretends to scan the room, then he clears his throat.


    "I need help finding two gifts."


    "Two gifts?"


    Yue Ling eyes lit up hearing his words. She loves shopping for others, especially when ites to finding gifts.


    "What kind of gifts are you looking for? Also, who is it for?"


    As she finish her words, she felt a little weird. By asking who it is for, she might of sounded like a jealous wife. Looking at Lu Tian, she waves her hand at him gesturing him no.


    "It¡¯s not what you think, I was just asking so I can help you pick out the gifts."


    "...."


    Lu Tian stare at his wife and he didnt know whether tough or cry. Thinking of her question, he pout his lip to think. One gift is for the old general and the other gift is for his wife.... How is he suppose to have her pick out her own gift without her knowing?


    Thinking hard, an excuse pops up in his mind. He¡¯ll be honest with one and lie about the other one.


    "One gift is for my girl cousin and the other one is for an elder."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling narrow her eyes and cross her arms over her chest. Girl cousin? Would this girl cousin have the same personality as Lu Tian?


    However, a gift for an elder?


    Yue Ling looks around the store and she could only frown. If it¡¯s gifting an elder a gift, whye here? Her store isn¡¯t the right ce to buy the perfect gift an elder at all.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Lu Tian speaks when he sees the frown on his wife. He lift a hand and his thumb smooths out the three lines between her brows.


    Feeling his small gesture, Yue Ling felt her heart warm up a thousand times. She holds his hand and moves it down. Smiling to him, she shakes her head.


    "How about we pick a gift here for your cousin and the gift for your elder somewhere else?"


    At her words, Lu Tian was the one to frown this time. However, he didnt think much of anything. Whatever his wife says goes. Not retorting back to her suggestion, he nods his head like an obedient husband.


    "Mm."


    Coming to a decision, the couple then start their little tour around the shop together to find a gift for Lu Tian¡¯s ¡¯cousin¡¯.


    Of course, if Yue Ling knew that this ¡¯cousin¡¯ was her, how would she react.


    Soon, the couple stopped in front of a ss showcase. Inside the showcase were sets of jewelries glistening with diamond.


    Yue Ling smiled like a little kid when she saw the jewelries inside. When she started her fashion line, she didn¡¯t think to design any jewelries, however, Lee Hana was a diamond expert and owned her own diamond line, so they coborated together.


    Staring at the different pieces or jewelries inside the showcase, Yue Ling really misses Hana. She misses everyone back in City Z a lot....


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Lu Tian asks his wife. He looks at the showcase and then to his wife. From the way her expression was written on her face, he could tell that these jewelries must have a sentimental meaning to her.


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s question, Yue Ling shook her head. She smiles to the man to assure him that she is okay and points to a ne.


    "What do you think of this one?"


    Following her finger, Lu Tian¡¯s eyesnd on a glistening diamond ne. Seeing how the ne looked, he arch a brow.


    "Are you sure?"


    The ne Yue Ling pointed to was very simple. Like very very very simple. It had a thin sterling silver chain and a small 18k diamond pendant.


    Usually women would want some extravagant and eye catching, but....


    "It¡¯s simple, but elegant."


    Yue Ling smiles at the ne. She remembered when her and Hana picked out the design for this ne. It was simple, but only a true diamond expert would know that the simple diamond pendant is worth millions. Not only that, it is also a one of a kind ne.


    When the ne was finished, the name given to this piece was called ¡¯Bnce¡¯. The meaning behind it is stability of one¡¯s mind.


    Remembering Hana, a faint sigh escaped her lips. She should really call Hana and give the news of her pregnancy.... Whether everyone back in City Z wishes her happiness or not, she is fine, because she is truly happy.


    Mistaking the faint sigh as a sad feeling from his wife, Lu Tian wraps his arms around her shoulder. He leans in and nt a soft kiss her on the temple.


    "Do you want it?"


    "....."

 Chapter 255 Dream woman

    "Do you want it?"


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling was tongue tied. She looks at Lu Tian and then to the ne. Thinking of something, she shook her head.


    "This ne is too pretty, it should be given to its rightful owner."


    Which is the truth for her. This ne named Bnce should be given to someone who will love and take good care of it.


    Lu Tian listen to his wife¡¯s reason and he nod his head in understanding. Without any intentions to beat around the bush, he turns to a worker and gesture with his hand.


    "Wrap this ne up."


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words, a male worker nods his head and hurries to wrap the ne. However, before he could even move, the female worker who greeted the couple earlier walks up.


    She stood on the other side of the showcase and with a disgusting attitude, she scoffed at the couple.


    "This ne cost 10,000,000 yuan. Are you sure you can afford to pay? Here at De L¡¯amour, we do not ept down payments."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Lu Tian: "....."


    Both Yue Ling and Lu Tian were dumbfounded by the female workers words. Yue Ling¡¯s eyes blinked multiple times while Lu Tian¡¯s eyes turned cold.


    Never in Lu Tian¡¯s entire thirty years of living has he ever been treated this way. Did this worker get hit on the head on her way to work? If not, he should really buy a door and run her head into it.


    Feeling the intense cold chill from Lu Tian, the female worker clears her throat. She might have spoken a little to rude. She nce to him and she was taken back in surprise. At first she didn¡¯t think much of the man, but looking at him more carefully now, he is a very handsome man.


    Given that this man is one of the most handsomest man shes seen, she should put on a good impression.


    She nce to Yue Ling with disgust, then looking at Lu Tian, she smiles sweetly with blushing cheeks.


    "Sir, I don¡¯t mean to¡ª"


    "You, wrap this up."


    Cutting the woman off, Lu Tian turns to the male worker. He could care less about what the woman has to say andpletely ignores her.


    The male worker nods his head and quickly moves to the ss showcase. Taking a key out, he quickly takes the ne out of the showcase and carries it to the back of the room to polish and wrap.


    The female worker was shocked speechless. Her mouth opened and closed, but no words were able toe out.


    Yue Ling on the other hand looks at Lu Tian and she gave the man a thumbs up. Sometimes, his cold and aloofness doese in hand.


    "Mr. Lu."


    From behind suddenlyes a man¡¯s joyful voice. Yue Ling and Lu Tian along with the female worker looks to the unknown person. Seeing who it is, Lu Tian nods his head in greeting. The female worker¡¯s eyes widen and she gulped in fear.


    Unlike the two people, Yue Ling didn¡¯t have much of an expression. She has no idea who this person is.


    The person was tall and handsome in looks. If one was to say, his looks were not that inferior to Lu Tian¡¯s. He walks up to the couple and stretch a hand out to pat Lu Tian¡¯s shoulder.


    "Why didnt you inform me ahead of time. I saw our car in the valet lot and came to find you. If I had known, I would of came to greet you sooner."


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder with an indifference expression, "No need to, I won¡¯t be here for long."


    "Eh?"


    Hearing this, the man¡¯s shoulders slouch and he puts on a sad puppy look. When is it ever that the almighty business kinges to his shopping mall? Let alone bring a woman....


    He nce to Yue Ling then back to Lu Tian.


    "Lu Tian, as friends, why do you¡ª- Eh?!!!!"


    Before he could finish his words, he quickly looks back at Yue Ling and his eyes fell out of their sockets.


    Thest time he went to meet this cold man, he was told that the man had a girlfriend... He didn¡¯t believe it, because.....


    Eh? Why does this woman look so familiar? She looks like his dream woman.....


    Leaning forward, the man¡¯s eyes narrow and he takes a closer look at Yue Ling. In that very moment, his view was suddenly blocked my a hard chest covered in a ck suit.


    Frowning, he looks up and res at the blockage.


    "Bro, I just wanted to see if this is my dream woman..... ah..."


    "..."


    Lu Tian stare at the man and he wished so much to dig those eyes out. How dare he calls his wife his dream woman?! Does he have a death wish?!


    Now standing behind Lu Tian, Yue Ling chuckles and pokes her head pout from the side. She looks at the man and smiles to him.


    "Hello, I am Han Yue Ling."


    Like Cupid had shot an arrow to his bottom, the man¡¯s eyes lit up and he smiles widely. (Of course that arrow never got to him because Lu Tian already grabbed hold of it and broke it into millions of pieces.)


    This woman is his dream woman! Never in million years did he ever think he will get to meet her in person. He quickly straighten his posture and stretch a hand out.


    "Hello Miss Han, I am Zi Yifan. This shopping mall belongs to my Zi family."


    Seeing the happy look on Zi Yifan¡¯s face, Lu Tian furrow his brows and takes a step to the side to block his wife. He wanted so badly to hide his wife at this very moment. How can he allow his friend to eye his wife?


    Noticing the intense re from the aloof man, Zi Yifan scoff a chuckle at Lu Tian.


    "Bro, why are you such a vinegar jar. I just wanted to say hi to my dream.... I mean my idol."


    "..."


    Knowing he was wrong, Lu Tian looks at his wife and sighed inside. Why does his wife have to be so darn beautiful..... Even if she hadn¡¯t be his, he would still agree that she is by the far the most beautiful woman he has everid eyes on.


    Feeling the awkwardness of the situation, Yue Ling smiles at both men and ushers to them.


    "Tian, you both chat, I¡¯m going to look around some more."


    Thinking of something, Lu Tian shamelessly put his hand on Yue Ling¡¯s back and brings her closer to him. Lowering his head, he kisses her forehead.


    "Alright, I won¡¯t take long."


    Yue Ling: "...."


    Zi Yifan: "....."


    Finishing his words, Lu Tian walks away. At the same time, he didn¡¯t forget to drag Zi Yifan along with him.


    Watching both men leave, Yue Ling shook her head helplessly and leaves the ss showcase section and walks away to look around.


    As the three people left, they had forgotten all about the female worker who was still standing there.


    She was rooted to the ground out of shocked. It was one shock after another.


    First, was the handsome man.... Mr. Lu... Just by the name of formality, anyone in Imperial knows who this Mr. Lu is.....


    Second was the unknown man... Zi Yifan. The CEO of Zi International and this very shopping mall....


    And as if that wasn¡¯t enough blow to her head, the woman she had called shabby and looked down upon is none other than Han Yue Ling.


    How could she have gravely offended such high standing people...


    Coming out of her thoughts, she looks everywhere in the store until she saw Yue Ling¡¯s figure in the distance. She hesitated for a few seconds then power walks to the model.


    Her goal is to apologize and ask for forgiveness. She cannot afford to offend these three people. Only god know how much this job means to her.

 Chapter 256 I am angry

    Stepping out of De L¡¯amour, Lu Tian and Zi Yifan arrived at an attached balcony. Stopping at the end, both men did not care about the many stares they were receiving.


    Woman who were shopping and had stepped out for a little breather were mesmerize by the two men. How can god take such leisure time in sculpting these two people?


    Oblivious to the women, Lu Tian takes out a cigarette and lit it. He inhales a puff and exhale it out. Looking at the view, he spoke without looking at Zi Yifan.


    "What is it?"


    Standing beside the man, Zi Yifan couldn¡¯t help but stare with envy. He isn¡¯t that bad looking, but why is it that Lu Tian is able to scoop his dream woman? He furrow his brows in thought, however, when he heard Lu Tian¡¯s words.


    His entire body slump and he sighed.


    This is the reason. Lu Tian¡¯s voice is deep and a bit husky. It was no wonder the man won his dream girl¡¯s heart....


    Well, either way, Yue Ling is just his dream girl. Her being his sister-inw is better!


    He takes a cigarette out and also light it up. Turning to look at the same view, he pats Lu Tian on the shoulder.


    "Bro, I thought you were just kidding about having a girlfriend. However, now that I¡¯ve seen it for myself, it¡¯s no wonder you bragged about it."


    Lu Tian eye Zi Yifan from the corner of his eyes, then back to view. A faint smile cross his lip as he felt truly bless to have Yue Ling in his wife. Before he met her, his life has been full of work only... But now, it is different. He has her and their child upying his life.


    Seeing the faint smile, Zi Yifan¡¯s entire body froze and the cigarette in his hand dropped. In slow motion like a sloth, his eyes and mouth open widely in shock and amazement.


    If it had been the old Lu Tian, without doubt the man would re at him coldly, but.... but....


    This new Lu Tian is too different...


    Is this a good thing or a bad thing...?


    Oblivious to Zi Yifan¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian kills the cigarette in his hand and lights another one.


    "What is it that you want to talk about?"


    Hearing this, Zi Yifanes back from his mind blowing thoughts. He also lights another cigarette in rece of the one that dropped and his demeanor changes to serious.


    "It¡¯s about....."


    As both men chat outside the balcony, inside De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling is slowly taking her time looking at the clothes.


    She didn¡¯t need to buy anything, but judging by the way Zi Yifan came unannounced, she is sure both men must have something to discuss.


    Walking around the store, she sees a tan sweater and decides to buy it. She had told Lu Tian she wanted to look around, but if she didn¡¯t buy anything, it would be a waste of her excuse.


    Reaching for it, a hand suddenly reaches out from the side at the same time. Both her hand and the hand holds onto ether sides of the sweater.


    Yue Ling turn to the owner of the hand and she arch a brow in amusement.


    Standing next to her was a woman with light brown hair. She¡¯s tall, but not as tall as Yue Ling. One could tell that the way this woman dressed herself is very expensive. However, it wasn¡¯t the way she dressed that amused Yue Ling. It was the fact that she knew exactly who this woman is.


    The woman turn her head to Yue Ling and a surprised look was written of her face. She let out a gasp and smiles to hide her surprised look.


    "Oh, I¡¯m sorry. If you don¡¯t mind, I want this sweater."


    Yue Ling did not say a word but looked at the woman then to the sweater in her hand. Thinking of something, she lets go of the sweater.


    It¡¯s just a sweater and she could always find something else to buy. Without giving the woman another look, she turned around and walks away. However....


    "Senior Han?"


    A voice sounds from beside the woman. It was a voice Yue Ling is very familiar with. Her eye slowly blinked and her lip faintly curl upwards.


    To think she would run into this girl... no, both of these two women.


    Her faint smile disappears and she turns around to look at the two women. Indifference was written all over her face. Looking at the women holding the sweater, she didn¡¯t say a word but look to the other.


    "Ning Mei."


    Ning Mei sneer inside, but put on an innocent smile. She wrap her arm around the woman who wanted the tan sweater.


    "Sister Ji, this is Han Yue Ling. We used to work together in the modeling industry until she quit, I mean retired."


    Ji Chu Hua looks at Yue Ling and she smiles. She knows exactly who Yue Ling is, but she pretends to not know.


    "I am Ji Chu Hua, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Yue Ling."


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression was still indifferent. She looks at Ji Chu Hua and shrug her shoulder.


    "We are not that close for you to call me by my name. Miss Han is fine."


    "..."


    Both Ji Chu Hua and Ning Mei were dumbfounded. Who does Yue Ling think she is to speak to them this way? Only a mere model and she dares act this way like she is superior?!


    Of course, Yue Ling didnt care about being polite to these two people standing in front of her. One is a scheming fox who dare to drug her and the other is the reason of Jingxu¡¯s tortures in the past. So why should she give face to such people?!


    Not wanting to stay and chat with the two people, Yue Ling didnt give them another look and turn to leave. However, before she could even take a step forward, Ning Mei grabs her arm.


    "Senior Han, how can you talk to Sister Ji like that? I know you are angry at me, but don¡¯t..."


    Ning Mei puts on a pitiful look and her eyes tear up.


    "Please don¡¯t take it out on Sister Ji, she didn¡¯t do anything wrong."


    "....."


    Yue Ling looked at Ning Mei and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. What in the world is this girl trying to pull this time? Her words don¡¯t even add up to the situation....


    However, from the corner of her eyes, she could see the few people inside the store whispering in the distance. Seeing this, she arch a brow and realize that Ning Mei is trying to make a scene.


    She lightly shove Ning Mei¡¯s hand away and cross her arms over her chest. With an elegant smile ster on her lip, she speaks.


    "Oh, so tell me Ning Mei, what is it that I am angry about that I don¡¯t even know?"


    Hearing the question, Ning Mei was tongue tied. She slight jumped in surprise that Yue Ling would say something like that. Even she doesn¡¯t know what excuse to answer Yue Ling.


    Watching Ning Mei¡¯s speechless look, Yue Ling scoff inside. She lift a hand and touch her chin like she is thinking.


    "Or maybe I am angry....."


    Her eyes locked with Ning Mei¡¯s and she leans in closer to the shorter woman. In a whisper, she spoke in a cold and dangerous tone.


    "Angry that SOMEONE tried to harm me."


    "....."


    Ning Mei¡¯s face drained of all colors. Her eyes widen hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words as doubt rose inside her entire body.


    Does Yue Ling know that it was her who put the drug in the drink on the night of her retirement party?


    No... that couldn¡¯t be, she made sure no one saw her. There¡¯s...


    As Ning Mei thought to herself, she did not realize that her expression had already given her away. Yue Ling straightened her posture and smiles knowing that her words had hit the bullseye.


    In a caring tone, she speaks to Ning Mei, "Oh, Ning Mei, you don¡¯t look to well. Maybe you should ask your Sister Ji to send you to the hospital to check up."


    Turning around, she takes step to leave, but before she could fully turn away, she shrug her shoulders.


    "Of course, I would take you, but I am too ANGRY at the moment."


    Without a care to see Ning Mei¡¯s reaction, Yue Ling continues to walk away. She doesn¡¯t have time to deal with these two women.


    When the timees, she will make both of them pay for the things they did. As of right now, she has more important thing to do than watch Ning Mei¡¯s stupid facade.


    Of course by important, she means finding something to buy.

 Chapter 257 About time

    Ning Mei watch in anger and jealousy at Yue Ling. She clench her fists tightly and wanted so badly to walk over and pull the woman¡¯s hair for embarrassing her like this.


    Standing at the side, Ji Chu Hua also looked in the direction Yue Ling left. Her brows furrow together and she pout her lips. Never did she think she would run into this person. In the past, everything she did, she always felt inferior to Yue Ling.


    Although they were not closely rted, no matter how many times she tried to get Jingxu removed from the Ji family, it was always Yue Ling, who helped the boy.


    She had asked her father how Yue Ling is rted to the Ji family given the woman is a Han, but all her father said was that he also did not know. However, for her to not go and make any trouble. If she did, it would ruin the Ji name and she would lose the chance to obtain grandfather Ji¡¯s inheritance.


    As Ji Chu Hua ponder in thoughts, Ning Mei thought otherwise. She hated Yue Ling so much that she wanted to kill the woman. Jealousy and rage erupted inside her, she quickly follows after Yue Ling.


    "Mei Mei!"


    From behind, Ji Chu Hua woke up from her thoughts seeing Ning Mei nning to leave. She quickly grabs the girl¡¯s arm to stop her.


    "That¡¯s enough."


    Hearing her sister Ji¡¯s words, Ning Mei¡¯s expression turned dishevels and ugly. Turning to look at the woman, she quickly change into an innocent little girl. She looked so pitiful like she had been greatly wronged.


    "Sister Ji.... she didn¡¯t give me any face at all..."


    Ji Chu Hua sighed at Ning Mei¡¯s words. The girl standing in front of her was really too pitiful. She was so embarrassed of this humiliation that even her face had turned red.


    "Lets go pay for the sweater and go eat."


    Ning Mei pursed her lip and nce in the direction Yue Ling went. After a quick second of looking, she suddenly thought of something.


    "Jie, I want to buy something too. Wait for me at the counter."


    Finding nothing out of ce, Ji Chu Hua nod her head and turn to leave to pay for the sweater in her hand. She didn¡¯t like Yue Ling, but because of her father¡¯s words, she cannot bring shame to the Ji family. Up until now, she has done everything correctly, she cannot let Ning Mei ruin this chance for her. Once she inheirtance everything of that old man¡¯s, she will surely make Jingxu disappear from the world and then Yue Ling won¡¯t be so much behind.


    "aChoo-"


    Walking to the end of the store, Yue Ling felt her nose itch and she sneezed. Rubbing her nose, she frown and thought to herself.


    ¡¯Is someone talking about me?¡¯


    Shaking her head to get rid of the thought, she looks at a fixture and walks over to it. Hung on each arm were men¡¯s dress shirts. Reaching towards a ck dress shirt, she picks it up and her expression turned sad.


    This dress shirt was thest one she designed before she decided to move to Imperial. A quiet sigh escapes her lip and her other hand brush against the texture of the shirt.


    After a long minute, she gently stretch the sleeve out to measure. Her brows furrow slightly as she tries to remember something.


    "Too small....."


    Looking at another of the same shirt, she puts the one in her hand down and takes the other one off the fixture. Doing the same thing, she measures the length of the arm to hers. She made sure it was longer than Her¡¯s along with the length of the shirt¡¯s body.


    "Hmm.... This should fit...."


    Her lip faintly curls and she reaches for other colors of the same size. She was satisfied with her own measurement kills.


    "M-Miss...."


    Hearing a sudden voice behind her, Yue Ling turned to the person. It was the same female worker from earlier. Looking at the worker, Yue Ling¡¯s expression turned indifference. The smile she had when picking out the shirts vanished into thin air.


    "Yes? Is something wrong with me looking at these too?"


    "..."


    The woman gulped at the model in front of her. Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words, she quickly wave her hand out in front of her and shook her head.


    "No, no, nothing is wrong. Please do look some more." Saying this, she quickly bow towards Yue Ling, "Miss, I apologize for my rudeness earlier. I hope that miss can forgive me."


    Yue Ling looked at the woman and she sighed. This is one reason why she didn¡¯t want people to know her in public. Of course, the only difference between her as a model was the makeup and the real her is in and simple. If someone knew that she was a model, they would try to curry favor.


    She let out a sigh again and wave her hand to the worker, "Whether it is to me or someone else, don¡¯t make the same mistake again."


    Saying her words, Yue Ling held onto the total of five shirts in her hands and walked towards the counter to pay. She didn¡¯t even bother to look at the worker again, because she had said what she needed to. It was up to the worker if she ns to change her attitude towards customers.


    The female worker straightened her posture and she furrow her brows in the direction Yue Ling went. She felt it was oddly strange when she heard Yue Ling¡¯s words. It was like something her boss would say to her.


    Until Yue Ling¡¯s figure nears the counter, the female worker turn to leave. She decided that from now on, she will never judge a person before knowing them. She cannot afford to make the same mistake she did today. It was clear that she was lucky Yue Ling did not report her to the higher ups or make a scene.


    Of course, this worker did not know that the ¡¯higher ups¡¯ she was referring to is none other than Yue Ling herself.


    "Hello Miss, are you ready to check out?"


    A worker asks as she sees Yue Ling in line. Yue Ling nods her head and ce the five shirts onto the counter.


    As she waited for her things to ring up, she sees Ji Chu Hua and Ning Mei standing two feet away from her. However, she didnt bother to care and continued to patiently wait.


    Seeing this, Ning Mei looked at Yue Ling and she scoff in disgust. Turning her head away, she looks at Ji Chu Hua.


    "Sister Ji, lets hurry and pay, I can¡¯t stand people like anymore."


    Handing the cashierdy her silver bank card, Ji Chu Hua raised her chin and nce to Yue Ling. Everyone in Imperial knows that having a silver card is hard to get. Although it isn¡¯tparable to the gold and ck bank cards, even Ning Mei can¡¯t get one.


    Full of confidence, Ji Chu Hua did not give Yue Ling another look. So what if she is famous model, her career was over the moment she retired from the entertainment industry.


    Oblivious to Ji Chu Hua¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling waited for her items to total. When the register worker gave her the total, she no her head and takes out her wallet. However, the space between her brows crease into three lines. She stare at the inside of her wallet and ponder in thoughts.


    Seeing this, Ning Mei sneer and hump at the same time, "Sister Ji, it seems she can¡¯t afford her items. How about we lend her a help? After all, this is De L¡¯amour."


    "Miss Ji, here is your card back."


    The worker who rung Ji Chu Hua¡¯s items hands the silver card back to its owner. She then bag the items up carefully and also hand them to Ji Chu Hua.


    Taking her card and shopping bags, Ji Chu Hua smiles and looks at Yue Ling, "Because Mei Mei asked me to, I can help pay for your items. You don¡¯t need topensate me."


    Finishing her words, she hands her silver card to the worker who rang Yue Ling¡¯s items. She held her head head full of confidence.


    "No need."


    Just as the worker was about to take the silver bank card, Yue Ling¡¯s words stopped her. Her hands stopped in midair, then she drop it back down.


    Yue Ling looks at Ji Chu Hua and smiles, "I do thank you on the offer, but unfortunately, your kind offer is too generous."


    She looks at her wallet and leisurely takes out a bank card. At first, she hesitated because she didn¡¯t know which bank card should she use. After all, when she came to Imperial, Liu Shan had gotten her two different cards.


    Yue Ling hands her bank card to the worker and in that moment, Ji Chu Hua and Ning Mei¡¯s face drained of all colors.


    Gold.


    Just like the two women who were high in confidence, the worker was just as surprised. She carefully takes the card from Yue Ling. Doing so, she steals another nce at woman who looked so normal then to the gold card in her hand.


    It wasn¡¯t the gold card that surprised her. She had seen Yue Ling take out a ck card at first, but then she changed to the gold card.


    In Imperial, the silver card is the one that most prestige families have. As for the Gold, it¡¯s difficult toe across and only a few people have it. However, unlike the silver and gold cards, the ck bank card was the most hardest. There are only a few people who has it and those people can be counted on one hand.


    Never in her entire years of working at De L¡¯amour has she seen a gold and ck bank card, yet.....


    She looks at Yue Ling like the woman was some kind of enchantress mix with monster. However, she quickly regain her senses and proceed to finish the transaction for Yue Ling.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Yue Ling was given her card and shopping bags. She takes them and turn to leave De L¡¯amour.


    She didn¡¯t care whether Ji Chu Hua or Ning Mei were giving her murderous res. After shopping, she is tired and wants to go home to sleep. Lu Tian hasn¡¯te back yet, so she has to go find him.


    Just as she was about to leave the store, two tall figures walked into the store. Standing opposite of her, she tilt her head and her expression was as if saying, ¡¯Well, about time.¡¯

 Chapter 258 Decide to retire

    Entering De L¡¯amour, both Lu Tian and Zi Yifan were surprised to see Yue Ling already done shopping. Like a painting in the night, Yue Ling looked so breath taking that they almost couldn¡¯t breath.


    From the corner of his eyes, Lu Tian could see Zi Yifan¡¯s mouth open. Annoyed, he res at the man and takes big strides toward his wife. Before he took his step, he didn¡¯t forget to send a message to the man.


    "Keep staring at my wife and I will make you blind."


    "...."


    Like someone had pour cold water onto him, Zi Yifan was dumbfounded. He stare at Lu Tian with heavy eyes and mumble to himself.


    "Sheesh, such a vinegar jar."


    Walking up to his wife, Lu Tian sees the bag in her hand and naturally, he takes it from her. He smiles a small smile to her.


    "Done?"


    Yue Ling nods her head in reply and smiles back to the man, "Mm."


    Although her smile was meant for Lu Tian, from behind the man, Zi Yifan clutch his heart and gasp a grunt. How can this vinegar eating evildoer be so darn lucky?! Who in all of Asia doesn¡¯t want Han Yue Ling to be their woman?


    Oblivious to his friend¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian looks at his wife and he gently caress her head.


    "Wait here. I have to go get the ne."


    He then looks at Zi Yifan and his eyes sent the man a warning message, ¡¯Anything and I will end your life.¡¯


    Seeing this, Zi Yifan rolled his eyes at the man. He then wave with his hand to shoo the man away.


    ¡¯I got it bro, no need to kill me with those vicious eyes of yours!¡¯


    Of course, he said the words in his head only. Never will he dare to say it aloud.


    As they watched Lu Tian¡¯s figure go towards the jewelry counter, Zi Yifan sighed in relief. He nce at Yue Ling and smiles.


    "Sister-in.... ahh, I mean Miss Han, can I ask you something?"


    Yue Ling turn her head to the man next to her and she arch a brow at his words, "Go ahead."


    Zi Yifan touch his chin, "Why Lu Tian?"


    Hearing this, Yue Ling was taken by surprise, but she didn¡¯t show it. She turn her head and looks in the direction Lu Tian went.


    Why Lu Tian?


    Why did she choose Lu Tian?


    He was the man who forcefully ate her tofu. If it was another woman, that woman would probably cry and want to kill the man. Even he would be consider a rapist....


    However.... she could have ended his life if she wanted to, except... why did she choose him?


    Seeing the deep look in Yue Ling¡¯s expression, Zi Yifan sighed and he chuckles augh.


    "No need to exin, I was just curious. However, can I ask you another question?"


    She nod her head to let the man ask his second question.


    "You were a very famous person, why did you decide to retire from modeling?"


    "..."


    Hearing his second question, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but look around the store she is in. From the clothes on fixtures to the mannequins stylishly dressed.


    These were her designs.


    Her designs that she had spent days without sleep and food working on. Each design were the proof of her hard work. Not just her own but also her team¡¯s effortlessly hard work.


    She turn to look at Zi Yifan and her lip curl upwards, "I retired, because it wasn¡¯t the career I dream for."


    Seeing her smile so suddenly at him, Zi Yifan swore his heart skipped millions of times. He quickly turn to look elsewhere and pat his chest.


    This woman is Lu Tian¡¯s, how can his heart beat like crazy and have butterflies like this! No, she is not only Lu Tian¡¯s woman, she is also his future sister-inw for crying aloud!


    Ahhhhhhh¡ª¡ª-!!!!!


    After calming himself, he turns back to normal. Coughed once to ease his fluttering heart and nod his head, "I see, so that¡¯s how it is..."


    Although her answer was short, Zi Yifan knew that behind that answer was a strong meaning. He nce at her and decided two questions was enough. Who knows when that vinegar eating man would return.


    "Ready?"


    Just Zi Yifan thought of it, Lu Tian returns as his voice interrupts the two people. He quickly ignores Zi Yifan and holds his wife¡¯s hand.


    "Mm, lets go."


    Yue Ling answers with a smile and lets Lu Tian take the lead to guide her out of the store. Behind the couple, Zi Yifan sighed at the sight of them.... One is cold but extremely handsome, while the other is sweet and beautiful.


    Why is the world so unfair to people like him? When will he find his significant other?!!


    As the three individuals walk out of the store, two figures gracefully walks not too far behind them with 2 body guards following behind.


    Ning Mei sees Yue Ling¡¯s back and she snort a hump, "Look Sister Ji, it was no wonder that slut is so cunning. She is actually the mistress of two men."


    Upon hearing Ning Mei¡¯s words, Ji Chu Hua looked in the direction pointed. Her brows slightly furrow at the sight of Yue Ling with two men. A hint of jealousy and envy erupted in her heart, but she calmed down. Hiding her emotions, Ji Chu Hua continues to walk out of De L¡¯amour.


    When the two women arrived outside, Ning Mei no longer cared about Yue Ling, she lock arms with Ji Chu Hua and smiles like a sweet little sister.


    "Sister Ji, will you attend the fashion show? I made sure to reserve a seat in the front for you."


    Ji Chu Hua smiles back, "I want to, but I have an appointment with a friend that day. I will send you my wishes."


    "Mm, it¡¯s okay then."


    Ning Mei answered like it didnt bother her, but deep down, she was boiling with rage. She had wanted Ji Chu Hua at the fashion show, because it will let people know that she has many strong friends. However, she can¡¯t disy her emotions or Ji Chu Hua would toss her to the side.


    Finishing their chat, both women walk towards Ji Chu Hua¡¯s car.


    "Are you not feeling well?"


    Inside the pearl white Aston Martin, Lu Tian who was driving asked seeing his wife leaning against the window.


    He doesn¡¯t know what happened, but the moment they got to the car, Yue Ling had been this way. His brows furrow and he stretch his arm out to touch his wife on the head. Feeling the intense heat from her head, he didnt say another word but step on the elerator.


    "Tian, slow... down..."


    Yue Ling quietly mumble. She lift her head and rest it on the headrest of the seat. Her head turns to look at the driver and she smiles a weak smile to him.


    "I¡¯m just tired..."


    Hearing her faint voice, Lu Tian felt his heart ache a billion times for her. He takes his phone out and dials a number. After two rings, a voice came in from the other line.


    ["Lu Tian, why the call suddenly? I¡¯m on a¡ª"]


    "Jade Condos, 1503. You have 10 minutes."


    Before the other person could finish their words or even reply, Lu Tian had already hung up the phone. He quickly drives through the streets of Imperial and headed home.


    "...."


    From the driver seat, Yue Ling pinch the space between her brows. Was it really that big of a deal that she is tired? Why did he have to make everything seem so exaggerated.....


    Looking at the handsome man, Yue Ling didnt say a word and closed her eyes to rest. It was probably due to her running around so much, that her body has not gotten a good rest. Maybe that is why she feels so exhausted.....


    As she ponder in her thoughts, she did not realize that sleep had already engulf her to dreand.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 259 I need you to help

    Parking the car in the garage of Jade Condos, Lu Tian turn to look at his wife. Seeing her eyes closed, he couldn¡¯t help but worry about her.


    When they left Zi International¡¯s shopping mall, Yue Ling was fine, but now.... She looked so weak...


    He quickly unbuckle his seatbelt and step out of the car. Walking over to the passenger side, he carries is wife out after unbuckling her seatbelt.


    His strides were a big and fast, but he made sure that it wasn¡¯t bumpy for his wife. Entering the front door, he didn¡¯t bother to greet the new employee at the front desk. His only mission now is to get his wife home.


    Riding the elevator to the highest floor, he exits the moment the doors slide open.


    In the distance, a man stood in front of penthouse 1503. He wore a tan sweater with ck pants. His expression was solemn as to him being here, but the moment he saw Lu Tian, his eyes widen in shock.


    It wasn¡¯t Lu Tian that shocked him, but the fact that in Lu Tian¡¯s arms is a woman. A woman for crying aloud! Everyone knows that Lu Tian is a man of cleanliness and doesn¡¯t let others approach him easily, especially when ites to women.


    However.....


    "The key is in my coat pocket."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice spoke as his tall figure stopped in front of the man.


    The man nods his head and quickly gets the keys out of Lu Tian¡¯s coat pocket and unlocks the door. He opened the door and frown when he realized something.


    He looks behind him to another door then to the door he just opened. Doesn¡¯t Lu Tian live in penthouse 1501?


    "Ye Zhongwei."


    Hearing his name, Ye Zhongwei was brought back to his five senses. He quickly disregard the sudden thought and enters the penthouse he was unfamiliar with.


    "Grrrr¡ª"


    "Ahhhya!!!"


    Just as he closed the door, a white fluff ball stood on all fours in a battle stance. It growl a low and taunting growl scaring Ye Zhongwei.


    He takes a quick step back and his back hit the door. The beautiful dog in front him looked so pretty, but... so protective...


    "Inu, he is a friend."


    Lu Tian walks out from the hallway and to the living room. Seeing Inu so protective, Lu Tian felt the animal and him have something inmon. He walks over to Inu and pat the Samoyed on the head.


    "Your mommy is not feeling well. This man is a doctor, he¡¯s here to help check on her."


    Like he understood the humannguage very well, Inu¡¯s nce at Ye Zhongwei, then he turns around and walks toward the bedroom.


    "....."


    Ye Zhongwei was speechless, however, watching Inu¡¯s attitude, he swore if the Samoyed was a human being..... Inu and Lu Tian would be enemies of a lifetime.... right?


    Looking at the aloof man, his eyes narrow in suspicion. Who is this woman that Lu Tian cares so much about? Well, more like, who is this woman who is able to captivate our Mr. Lu¡¯s heart?


    Lu Tian looks at Ye Zhongwei, "My wife isn¡¯t feeling well, I need you to see what¡¯s wrong."


    "..."


    W-w-w-wife....?


    Staring dumbfounded at Lu Tian because of what he heard, Ye Zhongwei¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor. He was already surprised that the man had carried a woman, now he¡¯s hearing that that woman is Lu Tian¡¯s wife?!


    When did Lu Tian get marry and he wasn¡¯t invited?


    Guessing what was in his frien¡¯s minds, Lu Tian paid no heed to it. He turns around and walks toward the room.


    "I called you here to check her condition."


    Like a lost spirit wondering the earth, Ye Zongwei¡¯s feet moved on its own. He follows after Lu Tian with a daze expression.


    As the two figure enter the room, Inu looks up at them. He looks at his mommy and decided he will not move, buty here.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t find anything wrong with it, he walks over to the bed and sits down beside his wife.


    Watching this scene unfold, Ye Zhongwei was even more surprised. Lu Tian¡¯s movements were gentle like a caring and doting husband. Never would he imagine that he would ever get to see this side of the man.


    Looking to the person on the bed, he furrow his brows as he felt this woman looked very familiar. He walks up to the bed and stares at the sleeping beauty.


    He reach down to hold Yue Ling¡¯s hand to check her pulse, but.....


    A rough hand quickly stops him. Ye Zhongwei turn his ahead to look at Lu Tian.


    "Bro, I can¡¯t check how she is, if you¡¯re going to stop me like this."


    "..."


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded. He looks at his wife¡¯s sleeping face and he reluctantly moves his hand from stopping Ye Zhongwei. Thinking of something, he stood up from the bed and takes a step to the side.


    "Continue."


    Ye Zhongwei looks at his friend and he shook his head. When a person is in love, there is no doubt they would not want anyone touching their woman or man.


    However, he is a doctor and as a doctor, it is job to check his patients.


    Given approval by the cold man, Ye Zhongwei held Yue Ling¡¯s wrist and he checks her pulse. His brow furrow into thinking and he set her hand down.


    "How is she? Is she sick? Tell me."


    Seeing Ye Zhongwei¡¯s diagnose process was fast, Lu Tian jumped to questions. He cannot help but worry about his wife since she is pregnant.


    Looking at the man he admires, Ye Zhongwei sighed, "She¡¯s fine. Let her rest for the night and have her get checked up in the morning."


    Just as Ye Zhongwei spoke his words, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slowly flutter open. She stare at the white ceiling and the familiar smell of her penthouse.


    Seeing her awaken, Lu Tian did not hesitate to stride over to her side. He sits on the bed and held her hand, "How are you feeling? Do you feel pain anywhere?"


    Yue Ling faintly smiles at him and shook her heads, "I¡¯m fine."


    Standing beside the couple, Ye Zhongwei¡¯s eye fell out of their sockets. He stare at the beauty he was just diagnosing and he could not believe it himself.


    Because she was sleeping, he could not recognize her, but now that she is awake, he recognizes her!


    "Yue Ling, this is my friend, Ye Zhongwei. I called him to help check the both of you."


    Yue Ling looks at Ye Zhongwei and she smiles to him, "Sorry to trouble you."


    Ye Zhongwei was at a loss for all words. He couldn¡¯t say anything, but nod his head like an idiot. This person...


    "Rest, I have some things to discuss with Zhongwei." Lu Tian spoke as he tucks his wife in. He stood up from the bed and looks at his friend, "Let¡¯s go talk outside."


    "Mm."


    Until they were no longer in sight, Yue Ling turned to the other side and hug Inu. She rubs her cheek to his soft white fur and quickly fell asleep again.


    Outside, Lu Tian walked Ye Zhongwei to the garage. Stopping by the car, Ye Zhongwei turned to look at the man clothed in all ck. He scoffed in sarcasm.


    "No wonder you were so worry, you have Asia¡¯s beautiful woman at your side."


    Lu Tian arch a brow, "Your point is?"


    "My point is, it¡¯s no wonder you got jealous when I tried to check her pulse."


    "...."


    Ye Zhongweiughs at Lu Tian¡¯s expression. He leans against his car and cross his arms, "Bro, anything you want to tell me?"


    "My wife¡¯s pregnant and I n to propose soon."


    "..."


    This time it was Ye Zhongwei who was dumbfounded. He stare with a shocked expression.


    "I-Is that¡¯s why you¡¯re¡ª"


    Knowing what Ye Zhongwei was going to say, Lu Tian cuts him off, "Whether she is pregnant or not, only she can be my wife."


    Finishing his words, he toss a shiny item to his friend and walks back towards Jade Condos.


    Ye Zhongwei was caught in surprised, but he was still able to catch it. He looks down at the item and his eyes widen more than ever. A car key!


    "B-Bro, you for reals?"


    Walking away, Lu Tian did not stop but spoke, "It¡¯s yours now."


    "....."


    Looking in the direction Lu Tian left, Ye Zhongwei finally came back to normal. He gulped a big swallow and press the item in his hand.


    *beep beep*


    His head turned in the direction and he felt his soul left his body. This key was for Lu Tian¡¯s white Aston Martin! Dear lord, only their small circle of friends know that Lu Tian¡¯s only driven this car probably three times, five the max!


    Ye Zhongwei walks up to the car and he sighed. Rich people and their ways of handling things. He looks at his old car then to his new one. Thinking of something, he smiles and gets inside his new car.


    *ding*


    The elevator door opens and Lu Tian walks out. Reaching the door, he opens it and a white fluff ball greets him at the door. He arch a brow as to how Inu is always on guard when someone enters the house.


    Thinking of it, he couldn¡¯t help but think about everything that is happening. He close the door and squat down in front of the dog.


    "Inu."


    He stretch his hand out and pat the Samoyed on the head.


    "I need you to help keep her and our baby safe when I¡¯m not here. Can you do that for me?"


    Inu wanted to move his head from Lu Tian¡¯s grasp, but when he head the man¡¯s words, he stopped. His head lift up to look at Lu Tian and after thinking, he rub his head against Lu Tian¡¯s palm.


    It was as if Inu had told Lu Tian, he will.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian faintly smile. Although he and the Samoyed never got along well, he has to admit, Inu is the best guard dog. He rubs Inu¡¯s head until his fur was disheveled and stood up to check on his wife.


    Left alone in the living room, Inu res in the direction Lu Tian went. He quickly turned around and move to hisfy bed.


    ¡¯You don¡¯t have to tell me what to do. I will protect them with my life. Hmmf!¡¯


    Entering the room, Lu Tian¡¯s eyesnd on his sleeping wife. His entire body rxed when he recalled Ye Zhongwei¡¯s words. Walking over to his wife, he kiss her on the lips and turn to the bathroom.


    The sound of water surface in the room. After a few minutes, the sound turned off and Lu Tian returned to Yue Ling¡¯s side. He gently pull the nket off her and carefully remove her clothes.


    "Mm...."


    Yue Ling¡¯s brows wrinkled at the feel of coldness. She faintly open her eyes and sees Lu Tian removing her clothes until she was bare naked.


    Lifting her tired hand up, she tries to stop him, "Tian.... why are you shameless...."


    "...."


    Lu Tian looked down at his wife and he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at her words. He leaned down and whispered beside her ear.


    "I¡¯m shamelessly helping you bathe."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes shot open when realization hit her. She sat up quickly and was no longer tired.


    Quickly covering her body, she res at him with blushing cheeks, "I can bathe myself."


    Lu Tian smiles at his wife and he nods his head. If only she knew that her posture at this moment was too alluring.


    Seeing that Lu Tian ispromising, Yue Ling didn¡¯t wait for the man to say anything else. She got out of bed and quickly rush to the bathroom. Regardless that she was naked, the man has already seen her, she doesn¡¯t need to feel so embarrassed.


    However, the moment she stood up, she was scooped into Lu Tian¡¯s arm right away.


    "Ahhh-!"


    She yelped in surprise and wrap her arms around Lu Tian¡¯s neck for support. Looking up at him, she press her lips tightly together like an angrily little kitten.


    Seeing her adorable expression, Lu Tian smiles widely and carries her princess style to the bathroom.


    "I need to bathe too."


    "...."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 260 A fan of yours

    Night turn into day bringing light into the room of penthouse 1503. Yue Ling sat up and she frown at the aching pain in her body. She looks at the empty spot next to her and she res with bullets at it.


    ¡¯Darn that shameless man!!¡¯


    Last night, Lu Tian¡¯s need to ¡¯bathe¡¯ took a whole different route. Even though he was gentle, he was still rough with her in some areas. How can he do this to her?!


    Ignoring the pain, Yue Ling pulled herself together and got out of bed. This week is going to be a long week, because it¡¯s fashion week. She doubt that she will get any rest.


    Going into the bathroom, she washes up and gets ready for work. After she finished changing, she wore a ck overall and a simple white turtle neck sweater under. Her natural wavy hair was let down loosely as it bounce like silk onto her back. Her make up was light with a peachy color lip stain to add some colors. Strapping her 2 inch heels on, she reach for her tan pea coat and handbag.


    "Inu, mommy¡¯s off to work now."


    She kiss Inu on the head and leaves the penthouse. As she leaves out the door, she frown feeling that she was forgetting something.


    Ah, my keys.


    Yue Ling quickly unlocks the door and enters the house again. As her figure enters, she was dumbfounded.....


    "Ah, Tian, why are you still here?"


    Lu Tian sat in the living room with some documents in his hand. He stare at his wife the heaviest eyes in the world.


    How dare she forget about his existence. She even grabbed her handbag that was sitting right next to him.


    He looks at her and leisurely ce the documents down to stood up. After straightening his suit, he walks up to his wife.


    "I¡¯m sending you to work."


    "..."


    His tone was cold making Yue Ling at a loss for words. She stare at the man with an indifferent expression and she tried so hard not tough. The moment she saw him, she could already see the dark re from his eyes.


    She smiles to him with a chuckle, "Tian, I was just testing the weather outside. It¡¯s quite chilly, so don¡¯t forget your coat."


    Locking her arms around his, her smile widen, "Come, lets go."


    "..."


    Lu Tian looked down at his wife and he sighed. She looks so cute that he can¡¯t be mad at her at all. What is he going to do?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Arriving at De L¡¯amour, Lu Tian parked the car in the front. Yue Ling unbuckle her seat belt and prepares to leave.


    Just as she was about to open the door, Lu Tian pulls her in towards him and their lips sealed the space between them.


    "I¡¯lle pick you up during lunch."


    "...."


    Yue Ling was even more speechless. Her head looked left and right to make sure no one had witness anything. She is in front of her workce, how can she act so shamelessly like this?


    If her workers saw her, what would they say?


    Seeing her red face, Lu Tian was quite satisfy. His demeanor quickly turned back to his usual self and he waits for his wife to step out of the car. If he could, he would have gone out to open the door but he knows she wouldn¡¯t want that. Just not yet.


    Yue Ling got out of the car and as she walks towards the door to De L¡¯amour, she tries to calm herself.


    When she nears the door, from the reflection of the window, she could see Lu Tian¡¯s car. She pout her lip and turn to look at the man.


    When their eyes locked, Yue Ling felt her beating heart beat faster. How nice it is to have the person you love look at you with so much love in their eyes....


    A smile cross her lip and she waves bye to the man. She knows that even if she was to tell him to go, he wouldnt, so she decides to enter De L¡¯amour first.


    And just like she thought, Lu Tian waited until she had enter herpany. He doesn¡¯t want her to see him leave, he rather watch her instead of the other way around.


    Waiting a few minutes, he then put the gear shift in drive and stepped on the elerator. There are somethings that needs to be taken care of.


    Yue Ling opened the door to her office and she set her handbag down on the couch. Just as she did so, a knock came from the door and it opens.


    "Miss Han?"


    Ming Yue¡¯s figure enters the office with her voice. In her hand was a tablet and some documents.


    "Here is your schedule for today. Your first meeting is with TB Corps¡¯ Chairman at 10am."


    Hearing the name TB Corps, Yue Ling frown. The name sounded very familiar, but she can¡¯t recall from where she heard it. Also, when had she ever signed a contract with them?


    She pout her lip for a quick second then proceed to her desk, "Set the things down. I will take a look in a bit."


    Hearing this, Ming Yue smiled with politeness on the outside, but on the inside, she held malicious intents. Setting the tablet and documents down, she quickly leaves the Yue Ling¡¯s office.


    ¡¯Hmmf, you won¡¯t be so lucky soon.¡¯


    In that moment, Liu Shan enters the room. He res at Ming Yue¡¯s figure leaving before he looks to his boss.


    "What does that scheming woman want?"


    "She somehow squeezed TB Corps into my schedule."


    Yue Ling answer without a care. She reach for the documents left by her secretary and reads each page.


    Her brows furrow, then she set the papers down, "Who is the Chairman of TB Corps?"


    "Ning Xingyu."


    Liu Shan did not hide anything and quickly answer his boss. He takes a seat on the couch facing her.


    Hearing Liu Shan¡¯s answer, Yue Ling nod her head with a frown, "Ning Xingyu?"


    Why does that name sound so familiar... Who mentioned the name to her.....


    She looks at Liu Shan and she leaned against her chair as she remembers where she heard the name.


    "Ning Mei¡¯s older brother?"


    "Mm."


    Liu Shan smile at his boss and leaned back on the couch. He rest both his arms on the backrest, making his posture look rx with a bit ofziness.


    "It seems, these two Ning siblings are a fan of yours."


    Remembering the things he found about the Ning siblings, Liu Shan¡¯s expression turned gravely dim. Anyone who dares to do anything bad to his boss will have to go through him first.


    Yue Ling cast a nce at Liu Shan and she felt herself rx. She really does have the most caring assistant in the entire world. However, now is not the time for emotional break downs. Her expression turned serious.


    "Did you find anything about Doctor Xie?"


    "I did. I found quite a lot of things about that old bastard."


    Liu Shan stood from the couch and walks over to his boss. He takes his phone out and pass it to her.


    "Everything is recorded in my phone. Videos, paperworks, phone calls. Everything you can name."


    Yue Ling nod her head and takes the phone from Liu Shan. She unlocks the screen and scans through each page.


    The more she read, the more grave her expression turned. Until she reached thest page, her hand clutch tightly on the phone.


    "Send Qi Li a message, tell him to not let that old man out of his sight at all."


    "Understood," Liu Shan answered, but he couldn¡¯t help pout his lip, "Boss, you¡¯re not going to release it to the press?"


    He was very curious as to this. Everything he found is enough to ruin that old man right now, but why would his boss want to wait? What is she nning?


    Yue Ling set the phone down and turn herputer on. She didn¡¯t look at her assistant but to theputer screen.


    "Lu Tian will handle it."


    "...."


    Liu Shan¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground. Was he hearing things? Lu Tian will handle this situation? Good lord, what will happen to that old man then?


    As he thought of his boss¡¯s words, an evil smile could be seen on his face. He loves the way his boss handles her enemies, but he is more interested in how Lu Tian will do it.


    The man is ruthless and straight forward. He never gives way to anyone who crosses his path.


    Oblivious to Liu Shan¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling types in a few words on her keyboard. Lastly, she press the ¡¯enter¡¯ button and stood from her seat.


    "Let¡¯s go, we still need to finish the designs."

 Chapter 261 Not good

    Inside the tallest building in Imperial, amotion was taking ce on the first floor. The workers of Lu Corps gather to see what is going on. To their surprise, it was a curly blonde hair woman.


    Two securities blocked the woman¡¯s path from entering the elevator. They did not show the woman any kind of politeness at all.


    A girl worker peaked from behind the wall and she gasp as she grabs her friend beside her.


    "Isn¡¯t that Qian Li Li?"


    The friend¡¯s eyes wide and she gasp, "It is her! What is she doing here? I thought she was let go?"


    Soon, whispers amongst the workers of Lu Corps turn into an uproar realizing who the woman was. Seeing this, the blonde hair woman¡¯s expression turned grave. She res at the two security guards.


    "Let me through, I have to speak with Mr. Lu."


    One of the guards looked at Qian Li Li. He did not smile or show any signs of moving, "Miss Qian, you are no longer an employee here. Please leave while things have not gotten out of hand."


    Qian Li Li grit her teeth tightly together. She could not believe she was being treated this way. She is Lu Corp¡¯s beauty, how can these two lowly guards treat her this way?!


    ncing to the side, she see Secretary Ye walking through the doors. Her eyes lit up in that moment and she runs to the woman.


    "Secretary Ye, please tell these two security guards to let me pass. I have an appointment with Mr. Lu today."


    She was confident that secretary Ye would help her out. No one inside Lu Corps, besides Xu Long would disregard her.


    Secretary Ye was taken back by surprise. She looked at Qian Li Li from head to toe. The woman was wearing a short white wrapped dress with ck stepped heels. Even she has to admit that Qian Li Li is a pretty woman, but.....


    Whenpare to her futuredy boss, this Qian Li Li is no where near.


    She smiles at Qian Li Li then touch her chin, "Miss Qian you¡¯re here to meet Mr. Lu?"


    Hearing this, Qian Li Li was even more happier. Her eyes glisten more and she raise her chin highly.


    "Yes, now that you know, tell them to let me through. I have something important to discuss with Mr. Lu."


    Secretary Ye sneer inside at how stupid Qian Li Li looked at this moment. She stare at woman and couldn¡¯t see what the men in Lu Corps are thinking. How can someone who underwent so many surgeries be so full of herself?


    Shaking her head, she walks pass Qian Li Li and the two guards. She has things to take care of and cannot stall time here.


    As Secretary Ye walked pass the two security guards, Qian Li Li took it as que to follow. She walks after, but the moment she took her second step, she was quickly blocked.


    Her expression turned white and green and she res at the two guards, "Why are you blocking me? Secretary Ye, tell them to let me pass."


    Secretary Ye turned around to look at the blonde hair woman. She sighed and shook her head again, "Miss Qian, don¡¯t embarrass yourself more than you already have. In regards to today¡¯s ¡¯meeting¡¯, Mr. Lu has no meetings today."


    Finishing her words, Secretary Ye didn¡¯t bother to give Qian Li Li another look. She turns around and enter the elevator. Her Boss does have meetings today, but did any of those meetings include Qian Li Li, of course not!


    "..."


    Qian Li Li was dumbfounded and rooted to the ground. She stare at the closed elevator door and blood slowly rush to her head in anger.


    "Can you believe this? Qian Li Li said she has a meeting with Mr. Lu, but Secretary Ye denied it."


    "Does she not have shame at all?"


    "I heard she used to go up to the top floor. From the looks of it now, all of it must be an excuse only."


    "Who does she think she is? She can¡¯t even bepared to our futuredy boss!"


    As the whispers continue, Qian Li Li clench her fists. She never thought she¡¯d be in this position. Her father is a board member of Lu Corps, how can she be treated like a peasant?! So what if she is not as pretty as Han Yue Ling, she has great looks more than any other woman.


    ring at the elevator door then the two security guards, Qian Li Li turned around to leave. As long as her father still holds a high position in Lu Corps, she still has a chance to be Mrs. Lu!


    Watching her leave, both security guards shook their head. Although Qian Li Li has a great outer appearance, her personality was too horrible. It¡¯s not wonder their boss never paid any attention to her.


    As themotion calmed down, inside the CEO¡¯s office, the two people inside were oblivious to what had happen. Of course, if one of the men had known and witnessed it, he would beughing until tears came out his eyes.


    Xu Long stood in front of his boss¡¯s desk and he stare at the man. When he arrived at work, his first assignment was to report. However, it¡¯s been a while and his boss has not said a word.


    Setting the report down, Lu Tian looks up at his assistant, "Is this is?"


    "Yes, boss. That¡¯s everything."


    Xu Long quickly answered. Everything he found is in the report. He made sure that nothing was left out.


    Lu Tian nod his head, "You may leave and prepare."


    "Right away boss."


    Like the sun rising high in the sky, Xu Long¡¯s eyes beam the same. He smiles and salutes to his boss and quickly leaves the office. There is nothing more amusing to him than watching his boss destroy bad people¡¯s scheming fortune!


    The door to his office closed and Lu Tian reach into a drawer to take a cigarette out. He then stood from his seat and walked over to the floor to ceiling window in his office.


    As he lit the cigarette, he thought about Xu Long¡¯s report. It turned out that Doctor Xie is not a doctor of righteousness. The man has scammed not only the Nuo family, but many families in Imperial.


    From the report, Doctor Nuo injects different types of sedation into the IV¡¯s put in his patients. By doing so, it can change the cause of a patient reason for being hospitalized. Not only that, it will make them too ill to leave the hospital.


    Just like granny Nuo¡¯s condition right now. The old man had first started injecting a small amount of barbiturates into the IV to keep granny Nuo unconscious. Although it was not harmful at first, he started using more dose. The more he uses it, the cause of it will slow down the brain and nervous system. Before someone can detect it, the patient would have died by seizure.


    Once that happen, all traces will not lead evidence to Doctor Xie, because the patient¡¯s death will look like it as done by natural causes. If not, then during surgery procedures.


    *aaaam¡ª-!*


    "Boss, not good!!"


    Into his thoughts, the door to his office abruptly opens. He did not jump in surprise or show any signs of emotion. Instead, he calmly turn to the door and he looks at the intruder.


    Xu Long¡¯s legs turned weak and he fell to his knees. Both his hands held onto the door handle for support like he was going to fall down a mountain cliff. His breath was heavy and he was slightly covered in sweat.


    Looking at his assistant, Lu Tian did not know whether tough or cry. Didn¡¯t Xu Long just leave his office, why did hee back in a mess? However, he knows his assistant and the man would not just enter his office in such manner unless it is important.


    "Speak."


    Xu Long heard the coldness in his boss¡¯s voice, he steady himself and stood up straightly. Taking a step forward, he exins his reason for acting this way.


    "Miss Han.... I meandy boss is meeting with Ning Xingyu at 10am."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darken ten shades darker. It was as if his pupils turned him into the devil.


    Ning Xingyu? Heh, looks like someone is also tired of living.


    Turning to the side in a calm movement, he kills the burning cigarette in his hand. Without looking at his assistant, Lu Tian walks over to his desk and grabbed his coat.


    Putting his coat on, Lu Tian strides out of his office. He did not look at his assistant, but his voice trailed to the ears.


    "Move all meetings I have today to the evening."


    Watching from the door, Xu Long struggle to swallow his saliva down. If one was to see his boss this way, one would think the man is calm. However, being Lu Tian¡¯s assistant for so many years now, he knows this look all too well.


    It is the calm before the storm!*


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 262 Sorry to interrup

    Fabrics of the richest silk scattered on the floor, along with prints of the most mesmerizing design sketches. Mannequins stood in rows with different styles of clothes.


    "Will this do, boss?"


    Ju Suo asked as she stands next to her tall boss. Her hands sp together happily while looking in front of her. The moment they arrived to work, no one wasted any time and hurried to get these designs done. Although these weren¡¯t the actual designs, they still put a lot of work into it. The fashion show was not too far away.


    Standing in the center of De L¡¯amour¡¯s design room, Yue Ling was very impress with her team. Hearing Ju Suo¡¯s words, she nod her head and pat the petite woman on the head. Her gesture was like an older sister caring for her younger sibling.


    "This will do."


    She looks at her infamous design team and her lip curl upward. Her smile was so enchanting and lovely, that anyone who sees could not help but smile with her.


    "After today, you all get some rest. We will meet at the fashion show and prepare."


    Yue Ling looks at Qi Li and Tang Zhong Hui, "You two will be in charge of the things."


    Hearing her order, both men nod their head. By the word ¡¯thing¡¯, they knew their boss meant the designs that is at Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    Seeing that both men did not object to her order, she looks to the other members of her team.


    "Lian Ni Shang, Shan Sinan and Gui Tian Lan will transport these designs to the location. Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin will escort our opening model."


    Hearing this, neither Shan Sinan, Lian Ni Shang or Gui Tian Lan objected, however, Ju Suo pout her lip and Gui Zhongmin frown.


    Looking at his boss, Gui Zhongmin raised his hand like a student in ss. Except he did not wait to be called on.


    "Boss, do we... well, do I have to?"


    Agreeing with the man, Ju Suo sigh and her expression turned the same as Gui Zhongmin, "Boss, I don¡¯t want to defy your orders, but.... our opening model is... well, he¡¯s too above me and doesn¡¯t listen to anyone except you."


    Knowing what both individuals was thinking, Yue Ling smiles to assure them, "Everything will be alright. I will talk to him and ask him to not give you both a hard time. After all, this will be his first appearance in any fashion show."


    Left with no other choice, Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin could only nod their head. As much as they didn¡¯t want to, this model is one of a kind and will bring a huge shock to the world. At first, they didnt think much of the idea and thought it was perfect, but when it came to it... Neither thought they¡¯d be the ones to escort the model.....


    Yue Ling looked at the rows mannequins and her eyes dimmed. She will never allow An Qing to overstep her. A baby tiger should never forget who it¡¯s mother tiger is.


    *knock knock*


    "Boss, sorry to interrupt.."


    In that moment, a knock came at the door and it opened with Ming Yue walking in. She looks at all the designs in the room and she was taken by surprised. These designs were truly above and beyond. Would An Qing have a chance to win? However, she did not show her feelings in front of everyone. If she did, it will blow her cover.


    Seeing the woman, everyone inside the room¡¯s expression turned dark. Murderous eyes re at Ming Yue like they wanted to kill the woman.


    Unlike everyone else, Yue Ling maintained her indifference aura and looks at her secretary, "What is it?"


    Ming Yue looks at her boss and she smiles, "You¡¯re appointment with TB Corps¡¯s Chairman is in 30 minutes."


    Hearing these words, Gui Zhongmin took a step forward. His fists clench tightly together at his sides.


    "What is the meaning of this? You¡¯re meeting with Ning Xingyu?!"


    Everyone else was just as angry and shocked as Gui Zhongmin. There is not one person in Imperial who has not heard of Ning Xingyu. The man is nothing but a scoundrel who likes to take in women he fancy. Beforeing here, Liu Shan had given them a list of people to watch out for, and Ning Xingyu was the first on that list.


    Seeing the looks in her design team¡¯s eyes, Yue Ling then looks to Ming Yue, "Prepare my car."


    "Right away."


    Ming Yue quickly replies and leaves the room. She was rejoicing with joy on the inside. Today will be the day Han Yue Ling¡¯s prestige image falls. Tomorrow¡¯s headline will definitely be shockingly good.


    Watching the fox leave, Lian Ni Shang walks up to her boss and she held Yue Ling¡¯s arm. Her eyes filled with worry, "Boss... are you really going? I heard that man is very dangerous."


    Yue Ling turn to look at the woman and she tilt her head, "More dangerous than your boss?"


    "..."


    Lian Ni Shang was speechless. She stare at her boss and she couldn¡¯t find anything to retort. All she could do was lower her head and shake no.


    "No, that man is notparable to you, but....." she looks at Yue Ling and hesitate before she continue her words, "he¡¯s very scheming.."


    "I agree with Ni Shang. Boss, I don¡¯t approve of this."


    From the side, Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure stuck out her chest like Superman. She cannot have her boss meet with a man like Ning Xingyu.


    "Boss, you can¡¯t go meet a man like that, he¡¯s up to no good."


    "I agree, let one of us go instead."


    It didn¡¯t take long before everyone besides Qi Li voice their opinion about Ning Xingyu. None of them has met the man, but just from his name, they don¡¯t like him. Plus, it was Liu Shan who gave them the information. If it wasn¡¯t for the man, they would probably have not said anything.


    Looking at the sudden uproar, Yue Ling sighed. She lift her palm out and the room quickly quiet down.


    "I am your boss. I know you are all worried, but am I really that weak to you all?"


    "..."


    Everyone was at a loss for words. They had been voicing out their words worrying about her that they have forgotten who she is.


    What scared of Ning Xingyu? It should be Ning Xingyu scared of Yue Ling! The man is bound to be dead if he thinks he can court their boss!


    Seeing that she has got some senses back to her team, Yue Ling leaves the room.


    "Make sure you all get some rest after preparing."


    Watching her leave, Gui Zhongmin frown and nce at Qi Li. The sses man has not spoken a word at all. What was going through his mind?


    "Qi Li, you¡¯re just going to stay quiet? What if something happens?"


    Qi Li looks at Gui Zhongmin, then to everyone else. He thought of something then to the door his boss just walked out of, "It¡¯s boss¡¯s decision. We should trust her."


    Finishing his words, he also walks out of the design room. There were still things to take care of before he could rest. It wasn¡¯t just for him, but everyone else too.


    Besides, he really does trust his boss. Ever since he started working for her, he knows that she is not someone to easily fool. She could see someone¡¯s true face as if looking through their soul.


    Stuck aplicated situation, none of Yue Ling¡¯s design team stopped to remember the cold man. The man who is currently living with their boss and is the father of her child.


    If only they had seen Lu Tian¡¯s reaction to the meeting like Xu Long. Would they be shocked or just as excited to see?


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 263 Cover Up

    The clock hit 10am and a white BMW x5m parked in front of Imperial Hotel. Stepping out of the car, Yue Ling handed the valet worker her car keys. She stood in front of the busy side walk and stare up at the tall hotel. It wasn¡¯t as eye catching as Lu Tian¡¯s Rosewood Hotel, but it was still pleasing to the eyes.


    Beforeing here, Liu Shan and Lin Hui had offer to drive her, but she declined their offer. There were still a lot of things to prepare for the fashion show and the matter with the Nuo family. Besides, she can look after herself.


    As she looks at the hotel structure, her eyes dim in remembrance of what Ning Mei did to her. She will forgive the woman for what she did, because it was Ning Mei who allowed her to meet Lu Tian. However, never will she forget what Ning Mei did. Retribution is not far for Ning Mei.


    Lifting her leg, she walks towards the door entrance and into the hotel. What Yue Ling did not see was that two cars behind her car was none other than Liu Shan¡¯s car. The assistant stepped out of the car with Lin Hui on the passenger side.


    Both men nce at each other then headed for the hotel as they put their sunsses on. Their boss had said for them not to follow, but how can they just sit back and watch their boss meet with that scoundrel Ning Xingyu.


    Inside Imperial Hotel, the front deskdy sees Yue Ling and she smiles, "Hi Miss, what can I do for you today?"


    "I have a meeting with Mr. Ning."


    Yue Ling answers the worker with a warm smile. She wasn¡¯t all to familiar with the hotel, so it was best to have a worker help her.


    The front deskdy nods her head and picks up the phone on her desk. She dials a number and speaks to the other line.


    "Hi, this is the front desk. Mr. Ning¡¯s guest has arrive.. Alright, I will send her." She hangs up the phone and stood up from her seat, "Miss, the security will escort you."


    "Mm, thank you."


    From the side, a security guard walks up to Yue Ling and he gesture with his hand, "This way please."


    Yue Ling did not answer but follows the guard towards the restaurant. When she was no longer in sight, the front deskdy sat back down in her seat and sighed.


    Every time. Ning Xingyues to Imperial Hotel, he is always meeting with different woman. Surprisingly, each women he meets is extremely pretty. Sighing again, she touch her cheeks and pout. She isn¡¯t that bad looking, why hasn¡¯t she gotten herself a boyfriend....


    "Hi, Miss."


    A man¡¯s voice suddenly sounds from above her. The front deskdy looks up and sees two charming men. One stood like a cold being while the other was the opposite.


    She swallow a big chunk of saliva and smiles. Today must be her lucky day to encounter two hunks!


    "Y-Yes.... How can I help you today?"


    Liu Shan leans on the counter and he takes off his sunsses. His chin rested on his hand and he smiles to the woman, "Can we get a table for two in a private room please."


    "....."


    The woman¡¯s smile froze upon Liu Shan¡¯s words. She looks at Liu Shan then to Lin Hui who was coldly standing behind with his sunsses still on. Her cheeks flush red as she thought of something.


    ¡¯Oh, god! What was I thinking? What hunks? These two....¡¯


    "Is there a problem?"


    Liu Shan tilt his head since the woman was not responding back. He looked even more charming than when he first enter the doors of Imperial Hotel.


    Hearing the question, the woman quickly came out of her daze. She shook her head, "No, no problem at all. A waiter will be with you shortly and take you to your room."


    "Mm, thank you then, Miss."


    Finishing his words, Liu Shan turns to Lin Hui and nudge his head indicating a signal.


    Understanding right away, both men did not waste another second and walks in the direction of the restaurant.


    From behind, the worker sighed again. She rest her elbow on the desk and her chin on her palm. Rich men are taken by beautiful women, while handsome men are taken by handsome men....


    Walking through the hall way, Yue Ling follow the security guard to the end of the hall. Until they arrived at the door, the guard knocks on the door then turn the knob.


    Pushing the door open, he looks at Yue Ling, "Please enter, Miss. Chairman Ning is a honor guest of Imperial Hotel, he has requested for a private room for dining."


    Yue Ling nod her head and enters the room without any hesitation. As the door closes behind her, she see a man in his thirties seated alone in ratherrge round table. His light brown hair looked like silk with the sunlight in the background.


    Ning Xingyu hears the soft noise of the door closing. His head lift up and there, she stood. The most breath taking woman he has everid eyes on. Her body was covered more than all the women he¡¯s been with, but she still had a minimal amount of skin exposed.


    He has long dream of this day for many years and finally, he has the chance to meet her in person.


    His lip curl awards and he stood from his chair.


    "Miss Han, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am TB Corps¡¯s Chairman, Ning Xingyu."


    Walking over to her, he stretch a hand out and smiles at the woman of his dreams.


    Yue Ling nod her head in a polite greeting. Due to her professionalism, she could not deny the hand shake.


    "It is nice to meet you too, Mr. Ning."


    "No need for formalities. Please call me Ning Xingyu." Ning Xingyu quickly replies and gesture to a chair, "Please sit. I will have the waiter bring the food."


    Yue Ling sits on the chair as Ning Xingyu sits in the chair across from her. She looks at the man and she could see why Lian Ni Shang was worried for her.


    Just from one look, she could already see that Ning Xingyu was a dangerous man. Not the kind of dangerous that attracts a person, but the kind of dangerous that lures women into bed with him. Of course, given his good looks, it¡¯s no wonder the man acts in such manner.


    Leaning back in his chair, Ning Xingyu picks up his phone and dials a number. Within 2 seconds, the call answers and he ask for the waiters to bring in the food. Ending the call, he set his phone in his coat pocket and looks at Yue Ling.


    "I¡¯m quite taken by surprise that Miss Han is the CEO of De L¡¯amour."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling smiles a faint smile, "I assume Mr. Ning has his sources to know such matter."


    Ning Xingyu chuckles at Yue Ling¡¯s response. He leans forward and both his elbows rest on the table as his fingers interlock.


    "I do have my sources, but my sources did not rify that you were the CEO. This is just a coincidence."


    Of course, he cannot say that it was Ming Yue who leaked this information out. After all, he still has some use for the woman.


    As their conversation takes ce, a knockes from the door and it was pushed open. Entering the private room was two waiters. One carrying a tray of food while the other push a cart of food and drinks.


    "Set the dishes down then leave. I have to discuss something important with Miss Han."


    Ning Xingyu spoke calmly as he nce at the waiters and then nod his head like giving a signal.


    Seeing this, one of the waiter nod his head in secret. Both men quickly set the table and leaves the room returning it to quietness.


    Silently watching this scene, Yue Ling furrow her brows. Both men were waiters, but why were they dressed in casual clothes? Shouldn¡¯t a waiter be in uniform? To make things even more suspicious, they were wearing caps...


    Seeing the confused look on Yue Ling¡¯s expression, Ning Xingyu smiles to assure his dream woman.


    "I hope Miss Han is not offended. Those two waiters are my men. Every time I step out in public, all the food I n to eat must be handled by my own people."


    He spoke these words, but they were not the truth. He had bribed some of the higher staffs here about his n. The two waiters that came in were really his people, but also part of his n. His n to drug and bed the woman in this very room with him.


    As he thinks of his n, he couldn¡¯t help but want the woman more. To have her bare naked and screaming under him. Just thinking of the beautiful deity in his arms, he could feel the lust in him takes its turn. Of course, for now, he has to be polite and act like a gentleman.


    "Miss Han, please eat. Once finish, we can discuss about today¡¯s important meeting."


    Yue Ling looked at the many different te of dishes set on the table. The aroma was very tasty and her baby was hungry.


    However, the thing bothering her is, can she trust the food here?


    Pondering for a moment, she remembers something and the corner of her lip curl upwards. It was a smile so small, that Ning Xingyu did not see.


    As Yue Ling enjoyed her food inside the private room with Ning Xingyu, outside in the hall way, both the waiters walked to the kitchen. However, when they near, instead of going into the kitchen, both men stopped by a shut door.


    One of the waiter looks around the area to see if anyone wasing. Seeing that the cost was clear, the other man opens the door and both figures enter inside.


    "MFF!!! MFF!!"


    The door quietly closed with the sound of muffling inside before it turned silence.


    Inside the room, both men looked down at the cause of the muffle sound. It was two other men sitting on the floor. They were tied up and had rags over their mouth, but their eyes were ring with rage.


    One of the waiter takes a step forward and he squat down in front of both men. Taking his cap off, he reveals his charming face to both men. He leans in closer to the men and he takes the rag out of one of the men¡¯s mouth. His voice was as cold as winter as he speaks.


    "What is Ning Xingyu¡¯s n?"


    "To hell we will tell you!"


    The other waiter looks at both men who were tied. He takes off his cap and his fingers ran through his hair, "Seems like we¡¯ll have to use other kinds of methods."


    Hearing the second man¡¯s words, both men who were tied¡¯s eyes widen in fear. The man sounded so carefree, but at the same time it was a tone that could freeze a person¡¯s soul.


    "W-Who are y-you people?"


    The men who did not have a rag in his mouth stutter in question. When they arrived here and was given order, they did not see this turn of event.


    The second man shrug his shoulder with indifference. He points to himself, "I am Liu Shan," then he points to the other waiter, "and he is Lin Hui."


    Lin Hui: "...."


    Lin Hui was even more dumbfounded. He stare with heavy eyes at Liu Shan. So much for cover up. Shaking his head, he stood up and frown at Liu Shan.


    "Do you really have to give names to these people?"


    Hearing Lin Hui¡¯s words, both men still tied sneer inside thinking the same thing. Once they leave this ce they can give names to have these two men destroyed. Of course, Liu Shan¡¯s next words was something neither of them had expected.


    "I only give out information to those who won¡¯t be living for long."


    Looking at both men who¡¯s sneer was wiped off their faces, one end of Liu Shan¡¯s lip arc upwards. It made him look devilishly charming and dangerous. Even Lin Hui who saw this look many times couldn¡¯t help but shudder.


    "Now, tell me, what does Ning Xingyu n to do with my boss?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 264 Came at the wrong time

    Yue Ling set her chopstick down and reach for a napkin. Gently wiping her lip, she ce it back down.


    Across from her, Ning Xingyu did not eat any of the food. He, however, took a few sips from the ss of wine. Never once did his eyes leave Yue Ling. The way she ate was just as pleasing to the eyes as her looks are. If he can make her his, how lucky will he be? Men will envy him for having her.


    Yue Ling looks up at Ning Xingyu and she scoffed inside. Did the man think he was slick? His thoughts were well written on his facial expression.


    ncing down at the food on the table, she thought about the two waiters. At first she was suspicious, because when ites to eating out with people she doesn¡¯t know, she can¡¯t trust them fully. Coming from the family she was raised, trust was a very difficult thing to find. Who knows what they would put in her food or drink....


    However, as she suspected the two waiters, it wasn¡¯t until they left when she noticed one of the waiter¡¯s shoes.


    Just one look at those shoes and she knew who it belongs too. If it was not for that reason, she would never have touched the food, let alone drink a sip of water.


    She looks back up at Ning Xingyu. She was never one to beat around the bush, so she got straight to the point.


    "Mr. Ning, what is your purpose for this meeting? I don¡¯t recall De L¡¯amour ever being in any form of contract with TB Corps."


    "..."


    Still in a daze, Ning Xingyu was taken back by her sudden words. He clears his throat and smiles.


    "You are right, Miss Han. De L¡¯amour and TB Corps have never been in any contract, but I would like to make one in request."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling leaned back on her chair. She cross her arms over her chest and nod her head like she was carefully thinking.


    "What will benefit me through TB Corps?"


    "TB Corps deals with shipments worldwide. If you form an agreement contract with me, it will benefit you the ess to all shipping docks."


    Ning Xingyu held his chin high and his smile widen.


    "With this opportunity, everything you want for De L¡¯amour, my TB Corps can handle for you. I will not ask for anything in return."


    Of course, given that he will bed her already, so there won¡¯t be anything to need in return.


    Thinking of it, he ever so often nce at Yue Ling. It is only a matter of time before the drug takes it¡¯s effect and knock her out. Once that happens, he will bring her to the room he reserved. As n, the news reporter Ming Yue spoke of wille in and take pictures of the after scene. Once news spread, the only way out Yue Ling has is to marry him to fix the problem.


    Some what oblivious to Ning Xingyu¡¯s ns, Yue Ling did not say a word. She pout her lip and thought about the man¡¯s suggestion.


    He is correct about TB Corp¡¯s shipping docks. If she can form a contract with him, the materials needed for her designs will arrive quicker and a lot easier.


    However..... she nce at the man and she frown.


    Ning Xingyu is not a man of his words. From what she knows about him, he is nothing but a fake. A man full of dark lies.


    She, herself has dark secrets, but she is a person of her words. Once she says something, she makes sure that it is fulfilled.


    Thinking till there, Yue Ling scoot her chair back and stood from her seat. Was there even anything else to discuss with this kind of person?


    "Mr. Ning, I thank you for your generous offer, but I must decline."


    Seeing how everything going smoothly suddenly go south, Ning Xingyu¡¯s eyes waiver. A slight panic rece his scheming expression.


    "Was my offer not enough? Anything you want, just name it and I will make it happen."


    Looking at him, Yue Ling sighed and shook her head, "De L¡¯amour is doing fine. Your offer is not the problem." But you are.


    Yue Ling kept the remaining words inside. Their meeting today is business, not pleasure. Even if she spoke those words aloud, it will not benefit her in any way.


    "Have a good day, Mr. Ning."


    Yue Ling did not want to stay any longer. She only came here because she wanted to find out what Ming Yue ns in inviting TB Corps. Seeing how she¡¯s gotten her answer, she wants to leave and get to work on what¡¯s really important.


    Watching his dream woman leave, Ning Xingyu¡¯s eyes dim and his expression turned dark. Never has any woman treat him this way before. All he had to do was say one thing and the woman would fall head over heels for him. Yet....


    *Scrrreeeeechh*


    He abruptly stood from his chair causing it to scoot back loudly. He strides towards the woman who was about to reach the door and without any warning, he grabs her wrist and force her to turn around. His gentleman demeanor was reced with an ill temperament.


    "Han Yue Ling!"


    Yue Ling did not show any sign of fear in her eyes when she heard his tone of voice. She looks at Ning Xingyu with an indifference expression then to her wrist that is being tightly held.


    "Mr. Ning, please refrain yourself or else."


    Hearing her words, Ning Xingyu let out a low chuckle. Did this woman think he is scared for her threat? When has he ever been afraid of a mere woman? This woman is bound to be his, whether she likes it or not.


    "Or else what? What can you do to me?"


    Yue Ling felt the man¡¯s hand tighten more around her wrist. It was as if he nned to break her hand, however, was she scared of him? No, she will never lower her head to a person like this.


    Her lips parted and her calm angelic voice spoke to the man.


    "Mr. Ning, if you don¡¯t want any mishap to happen, I suggest you stop your n. I have given my word. De L¡¯amour will not be involve with TB Corps."


    Finishing her words, she struggles a little to release her hand, however, the more she tries to fight back, Ning Xingyu tightens his grip.


    He liked this feeling of the other person feeling weak and vulnerable. It was the best feeling before he can taste her. Plus, it¡¯s been a while since she¡¯s ate the food, the drug should be taking effect right now.


    His voice lower and leaned closer to Yue Ling, "You don¡¯t have to pretend. You came here knowing what is going to happen."


    Ning Xingyu¡¯s other hand wraps around Yue Ling¡¯s waist. He pulls her closer to him and his face moves closer to hers.


    *knock knock*


    In that moment, the door push open and the security guard who lead Yue Ling earlier walks in. He froze at the scene in front of him before he clears his throat due to the awkwardness.


    "A-hem. Mr. Ning, pardon my intrusion, but¡ª"


    "Get lost!"


    Ning Xingyu was in rage. He was so close to tasting the lips of his dream woman, yet... this scum of a security actually dare to interrupt. His eyes re murderously at the man as if wanting to kill him.


    "Did you not hear me?! I said get¡ª"


    "Mr. Ning, seems like I came at the wrong time."


    "...."


    A deep and cold voice sounds from behind the security guard as a tall man enters the room. His dark pupils seemed to have turned into the deepest shade of ck.


    Seeing the man, Ning Xingyu was shocked speechless. Did he have a meeting with this man? How did he know where to find him?


    The man¡¯s eyes nce indifferently at Ning Xingyu, then to the man¡¯s hand. In that moment the temperature in the room dropped and everything turned into an icy blizzard. His expression darken making him look like Asura from Hell.


    "Move."


    Hearing the coldness in the man¡¯s tone, Ning Xingyu robotically did as he was told. He quickly takes a few steps away and force a chuckle.


    "It¡¯s not what you think. I was¡ª-"


    "Are you alright?"


    "..."


    Before Ning Xingyu¡¯s words could finish, he was cut off by the man cold voice. It was so cold it sent chills down Ning Xingyu¡¯s spine.


    Yue Ling stare at the man and she felt her heart warm. Although she could see the anger in his eyes, she liked the feeling of being protected. She nod her head and faintly smiles.


    "I¡¯m alright, Tian."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 265 Terminated

    The private room inside Imperial Hotel turned into a cold freezer. Lu Tian looks at his wife and when his eyes caught sight of her wrist that was held, his expression turned darker than it already is.


    Taking big strides with his long legs, he only needed 2 steps to reach her. He held her hand and gently rub it to ease the redness. As he does so, he didn¡¯t forget to lift her hand closer to his lip and blow on it.


    "Why are you so careless?"


    His frown tightens more seeing that it took a while for the redness to disappear. If he had note, what would have happened to his wife?


    Seeing the look on his face, Yue Ling smiles to the man. She could already guess what was going on in his head. Lu Tian¡¯s words were of worry, but she could hear the anger in it.


    "I¡¯m fine, Tian. My people would never let him do anything to me."


    And that was the truth. The two waiters earlier were none other than Liu Shan and Lin Hui. It was thanks to Liu Shan¡¯s certain pair of shoes that she even dare to touch the food, let alone drink the water. Knowing that they hade even though she had told them not to, it did ease her mind. However, seeing Lu Tian, she was even more at ease.


    Lu Tian nod his head hearing his wife¡¯s words. He had forgotten that she has outstanding people by her side. However, remembering how Ning Xingyu had his arm wrapped around his wife, he is still in rage inside. His head slightly turn to look at the man who is now behind him.


    "Mr. Ning, you have crossed the line."


    "..."


    Stuck in silence and confusion, Ning Xingyu could notprehend the scene in front of him. From what he gathered, Han Yue Ling is not married nor is she in any scandal involving a rtionship. However, the way Lu Tian spoke to her.... It sounded like a caring husband... Just as his mind drifted to try the scene, Lu Tian¡¯s cold words brought him back to reality. When did he cross the line?


    "Mr. Lu, I was having lunch with Miss Han. How is this crossing the line?"


    Lu Tian calmly turn to face the man. His eyes were the same as always. Indifference, but chilling cold like they could see through one¡¯s soul. He knows that his wife is capable in taking care of herself, but he also knows Ning Xingyu. There has been a lot of women in Imperial who falls for this kind of person. Once he is done using them, he will toss them out like they are garbage.


    However, he will not be Lu Tian if he allows this pest treat his wife this way.


    "You made the mistake when you invited my wife here."


    Lu Tian made sure he emphasized the word ¡¯wife¡¯. Although Yue Ling isn¡¯t his wife yet, he rather call her wife than girlfriend. Especially when ites to men who eye his wife like a hungry dog.


    "..."


    Like lightning suddenly hit him, all the hair on Ning Xingyu¡¯s body stood up. Not only is he shocked, even the security guard is shocked.


    Everyone know that Lu Tian has never been in any scandal involving rtionship. Not even any women in Imperial can get near the cold man. Yet... here he is iming Han Yue Ling as his wife...


    Seeing the shocked look in Ning Xingyu¡¯s face, Lu Tian was quite satisfy. However, he would be more satisfy if Yue Ling was really his wife, by name andw.


    Thinking of it, he felt an ufortable tinge feeling inside of him. Seems like he¡¯ll need to speed up the preparation. He really needs to propose to her and marry her. That way, he can proim to the world that she is hiswful wedded wife.


    Yue Ling stood behind Lu Tian and she stare at his god like figure. She really does like this feeling of being protected... In the past, it was always her who protected her people. Shin protected her too, but it wasn¡¯t the same like the way Lu Tian did.


    Just as her thoughts started to drift, Lu Tian unexp turns around to her. Without warning, he takes her by the hand and walks out of the room.


    "Xu Long."


    Lu Tian spoke as his figure exit the door. He didn¡¯t have to say anything else as his assistant already knows what to do.


    Entering the room, Xu Long happily appears with a smile, however, when he saw Ning Xingyu, his smile disappears. He walks to the center of the room with a folder in his hand and ce it on the table.


    "Mr. Ning, your contract with Lu Corps has been fully terminated. Please handle your business elsewhere."


    "..."


    Ning Xingyu was dumbfounded hearing this. It was like one blow came after another to his head. He gulped in difficulty and his now trembling hand reach for the folder.


    How did everything turn out this way? Didn¡¯t he n this carefully? Wasn¡¯t Qian Li Li supposed to help him keep the contract intact?


    "T-This...."


    He looks up to Xu Long, but to his surprise, the assistant had already disappeared. The only person in the room with him was the security guard. He clench the folder in his hand and threw it across the room.


    "Mr. Ning, about this¡ª"


    The security guard had yet to finish his words when he sees Ning Xingyu strides up to him in anger. It was an angry expression he has never seen from the man. He takes a few steps back to avoid what wasing, however....


    *bamm!*


    Ning Xingyu kicked the security guard in the stomach. His blood was boiling and he needed to vent his anger and humiliation. Punch after punch was thrown at the guard. If the staff had secured the n like he nned, none of this would of happened. He was so close to getting Yue Ling!


    Until the guard was unconscious did he finally calm down. His breath was heavy and his eyes turned cold. He takes a deep breath and fix his suit jacket.


    In that moment, a woman with cat like eyes walks in the room. Her auburn hair was tied in a sleek high pony tail and she was clothe in a white suit. When she saw the unconscious security guard, she didn¡¯t get scared or panic. Instead, she walks toward Ning Xingyu and takes out a handkerchief.


    "Chairman Ning, please clean your hand."


    Ning Xingyu looks at the woman and takes the handkerchief. Wiping his blood stained hand clean, he toss it in the trash bin.


    "Clean up this mess thene to room 3011."


    Finishing his words, he walks out of the private room as if nothing had happened. The woman bows to him. Her temperament was as calm as the ocean.


    "Yes, Chairman."


    "Hmmf."


    Until Ning Xingyu was no longer in the room, the woman straightened her posture. She looks at the security guard and shook her head.


    "Clean this mess up and make sure the media doesn¡¯t find out."


    When her words finish, a group of men in ck suit strides into the room. They quickly cleaned up the mess and carried the unconscious security guard out.


    One of the men walks up to the woman and he frown, "Secretary Gao, we can¡¯t locate the other two."


    Secretary Gao furrow her brows at the man¡¯s words. This was something she has yet to tell Ning Xingyu. She had been waiting in the room next door in case something happened. Everything was going well until she stepped out to use thedies room. When she returned, she was notify that the two men who were assigned to be her boss¡¯s waiters had vanished. It was as if both men were never part of the n.


    She turn to look at the round table and sees the touched food. Her frown deepen as she ponder in thought.


    If the two men disappeared, who brought in the food?


    "Check the CCTV and find them. I¡¯ll go exin to Chairman Ning."


    "Yes, Secretary Gao."


    Secretary Gao nce at the table then she quickly walks out of the room. The most important thing now is to check on Ning Xingyu. She has been working under the man for five years and she knows him better than anyone else.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    *ding*


    The elevator door opens and Secretary Gao steps out. She walks towards room 3011 and takes out a key card. Before she enters, she didn¡¯t forget to knock on the door first.


    Standing in front of a window, Ning Xingyu has his back turned to his Secretary. In his hand was a lit cigarette as he smokes it.


    Secretary Gao did not move further into the room. She stood in front of the door with both her hands ovep in front.


    "Chairman Ning, it was my fault things got out of hand. If I hadn¡¯t step out, things would of proceeded as nned."


    She knows how excited Ning Xingyu has been about this meeting. She has also seen the yearning look in his eyes every time Han Yue Ling¡¯s photos or namees up.


    Ning Xingyu stare out the window and he continued to smoke his cigarette, "So, you¡¯re taking the fault for this?"


    "Yes, Chairman."


    The corner of Ning Xingyu¡¯s lip curl upwards into a smirk. He kills the cigarette in his hand and turns to the woman.


    "Gao Yuanyuan, you should know by now that I won¡¯t do it for you."


    "I understand, Chairman."


    Gao Yuanyuan slight blow her head. She calmly raise her hands and unbutton her white suit jacket. Taking it off, she then unbuttons her inner blouse and so on to everything else.


    Watching her undress herself, Ning Xingyu did not show any change of emotion. The way he was staring at her was as if was the most normal thing to do. Like it was hobby in his everyday life.


    He had to admit, Gao Yuanyuan is a very outstanding and smart woman. She knew what she was getting herself into when she signed up for the position. Just like all the other woman around him. They all knew the type of person he is and they still stuck around him like glue.


    Until all her pieces of clothes wasid on the floor and she stood exposed, Gao Yuanyuan walks to the cleaned bed. Her back touched the slight coldness of the bed and sheid waiting.


    As she waited, Ning Xingyu proceed to undress himself. Seeing this from the corners of her eyes, blood rush to her cheeks and she blushed.


    Even if she is just his secretary and he¡¯s slept with plenty of women, if she can stay by his side that¡¯s all she cares about. He is the person who saved her and gave her a career. She sold her soul the day she took this job.


    Within minutes, an intimate act took its toll inside Imperial Hotel¡¯s room 3011. Ning Xingyu thrash the woman below him like she was y toy. However, as he did so, he imagine the woman to be the woman he was so close to getting.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

 Chapter 266 Now tell me

    Outside under the bright sky, Xu Long stepped out of Imperial Hotel. He looks left and right and frown. Lifting his hand, he scratch his head.


    "Where did boss and thedy boss go?"


    He continues to look at the crowd and tries to make out the two people¡¯s figures. However, his eyes lit up like fireworks and he runs in a certain direction. His arms wave into the sky and he cheerfully calls out.


    "New family! Wait for this one too!"


    About to get into the car, Liu Shan and Lin Hui both turn around when they heard the sudden voice. Seeing who it is, Lin Hui became alert, while Liu Shan¡¯s eyes turned heavy.


    Xu Long stops in front of Liu Shan¡¯s car and he pat his chest. He wipes away the sweat on his fired and decides that he really needs to hit the gym. This short run already tired him out!


    "New family.... Take me too...."


    Lin Hui looks at Xu Long, then to Liu Shan, "You know him?"


    Seeing the look on Lin Hui¡¯s face, Liu Shan purse his lip. He looks at Xu Long and sigh.


    "He¡¯s Lu Tian¡¯s assistant."


    Hearing this, Lin Hui was taken back by surprise, but he did not show it. He looks back at the man who looked exhausted. Is this man really the cold man¡¯s assistant? The hacker who almost outdid Liu Shan and him?!


    Thinking of something, he takes a step away from the car and walks towards Xu Long. He sized the man up and tilt his head in thinking.


    Seeing Lin Hui walk towards him, Xu Long straighten his posture and smiles cheerfully, "Hey bro, mind if I catch a lift?"


    The corner of Lin Hui¡¯s lip curl upward and had thought of something, "Sure you can."


    Xu Long was extremely happy when he heard Lin Hui¡¯s words. He takes a step forward, but in that moment, his head quickly dodges to the left.


    *swoosh*


    Lin Hui unexpectedly throws a punch at Xu Long. His smile widens and he put his hand down.


    "Liu Shan, I¡¯ll drive boss¡¯s car back."


    Finishing his words, Lin Hui then walks to the valet worker and asks for the keys to Yue Ling¡¯s car. When it arrive, he gets inside the driver seat an drives away.


    Liu Shan: "...."


    Xu Long: "..."


    Left behind, both assistants were in a daze. Liu Shan¡¯s back slouch while Xu Long still held his position with his head dodging to the left. What in the world was Lin Hui thinking?


    First toe back to reality, Liu Shan shook his head and looks at Xu Long, "Youing or what?"


    He¡¯s only agreeing to give Xu Long a lift because when he and Lin Hui stepped out, they saw their boss leave with Lu Tian. Knowing that she is with him, they won¡¯t have to worry.


    "HAI!"


    Xu Long quickly answers in Japanese. His posture returns to normal and he gets inside Liu Shan car.


    As the car drives into the distance, Liu Shan stares out the window to the road. He couldn¡¯t help but nce every so often at the jolly person in his passenger seat.


    Even he was surprised when Lin Hui made such move. Did the dude really have to test out the other person?


    However, he isn¡¯t surprised that Xu Long who looks so goofy on the outside has such good reflexes. It¡¯s no wonder the man is Lu Tian¡¯s assistant.


    While the two assistants share one car, their bosses shared another. Yue Ling sat in the passenger seat and she nce at the man in the driver seat.


    "Tian?"


    "Mm."


    "Are you alright?"


    "Are you?"


    Lu Tian replies with a question. He looks side ways to his wife then back to the road. Is he alright? Of course he is alright, his wife is safe next to him. Someone like Ning Xingyu is not worth him wasting a punch on. Besides, in a few hours, TB Corps is going to receive a shocking news.


    Seeing how calm he is, Yue Ling was even more confused. Remembering how cold he looked back there, how can he be so calm now?


    Even though she thought the question, she decided not to ask. Turning her head, she looks out the window, but something caught her attention and she quickly looks at Lu Tian.


    "Where are we going? This isn¡¯t the way to my work ce."


    Lu Tian did not look at his wife. His eyes continue to stare out at the road in front of him.


    "You didn¡¯t answer my question."


    "...."


    Yue Ling stare at the man and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She cross her arm over her chest and stare at the man with an intense look.


    "I¡¯m alright. Now tell me, where are we going?"


    "Hospital."


    Lu Tian quickly answers her. He likes how she is herself around him. She doesn¡¯t show fear in the way she talks to him nor does she treat him like other people.


    In the passenger seat, Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Hospital? why does she need to go to the hospital? Nothing is wrong with her.


    "We¡¯re going to see our baby."


    Like he had read her mind, Lu Tian answers her unspoken question. He smiles a smile so small at the thought of him taking his wife to the hospital. When his mother was pregnant with Lu Han, he never got the idea why his father always went with his mother, but now he does.


    He clearly understands what it means to be a father.


    Yue Ling smiles and she touch her stomach. She has been so busy that she had forgotten about her pregnancy check ups. It is a good thing that Lu Tian remembered.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    It didn¡¯t take long before the drive ended. Lu Tian parks the car and he steps out of the driver seat. Walking over to the passenger seat, he opens the door for his wife.


    Helping Yue Ling out from the passenger seat, he made it seem like she was far along in her pregnancy. He carefully helps her out and guard her like he was her personal body guard.


    Walking towards the hospital, Yue Ling looks at the building and she furrow her brows. This hospital was smaller than the other hospitals she¡¯s been to. It¡¯s not even one fourth of the military hospital!


    Looking at Lu Tian, she pout her lip, "Tian, are you sure we¡¯re at the right ce?"


    Hearing her confused question, Lu Tian smiles to her. He can see why she would ask, but they¡¯re definitely at the right ce.


    "This is Ye Zhongwei¡¯s family hospital."


    Yue Ling nod her head slowly and she looks back at the building without asking anymore questions. When they enter the hospital door, she was shocked to see how exquisite the inside was.


    Glossy white floors with walls that shine just as much. Even the chairs in the waiting room were expensive looking.


    Seeing her shocked look, a soft chuckle escapes Lu Tian¡¯s lip. He walks her to a chair that looked like a couch and sat her down.


    "Wait here, I¡¯ll go sign us in."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling subconsciously nod her head as she looks around. Photos were hung around the wall inrge sizes. However, these weren¡¯t photos from magazines or advertisements, they were actual family photos. Like photos that family take at the studio and enhance the size bigger.


    As she looked around, she realizes that there was no one in the waiting room with her. The thought reminded her of Rosewood Hotel. Could it be that this hospital is only for the wealthy?


    Lu Tian finished signing them in and he walks back to the waiting room. When he saw the look on her, he smiles.


    "Why are you so curious?"


    Yue Ling looks at him and she scoffed, "Of course. You rich people are a little too extravagant."


    "I guess it¡¯s part of life."


    He spoke and sits down next to his wife. His arm rest against the back of her chair and he also looks at the photos on the wall.


    His eyesnd upon a photo of a little boy. The photo taken only had the boy¡¯s happy expression, but one could see that he was holding onto his parents hands.


    A faint smile appeared on his lip. Pretty soon, he wouldn¡¯t mind taking a photo like this. Whether they have a boy or a girl, it doesn¡¯t matter to him. Their baby is a blessing gifted from god.


    "Mrs. Lu?"


    A young nurse calls from the chart in her hand. She looks around the waiting room and when she saw Yue Ling and Lu Tian, her eyes widen.


    When she read the sign in sheet, she was expecting Old madam Lu, not a young madam Lu! Even shocking was that the Mr. Lu is actually Lu Tian and not Old Lu!


    Oblivious to the nurse¡¯s thought, Yue Ling stood from her seat with Lu Tian¡¯s help. They follow the nurse and was led to a room.


    The young nurse nce at Lu Tian and her cheeks flushed. However when she nce at Yue Ling, she felt her cheeks flush even more. How can god be so cruel and spend so much time sculpting these two deity?


    She quickly clears her throat and smiles to Yue Ling. Flipping the papers on her clipboard, she spoke, "The Doctor will be with you shortly for your first ultrasound."


    "Mm, thank you."


    The nurse stepped out of the door and leaves the couple in the silent room. Yue Ling set her bag down and takes her coat off. As she did so, she turn to look at Lu Tian who was already sitting down.


    "Can you step out for bit?"


    Hearing this, Lu Tian arch a brow. He leaned back on the chair and cross his leg into a four figure.


    "I¡¯ve already seen everything, there¡¯s not point in me stepping out."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was struck dumbfounded. She had asked him to step out because she wanted to fix her clothes. Since she wore an overall, having an ultrasound would be a little difficult. So she nned to just take the top part of her overall off but....


    Seeing this, Lu Tian held in the urge tough, let alone even smile. He remain seated and looks at her with a stern expression.


    "I can help you if you want."


    "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 267 ?CHARACTER LIST?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Hi my awesome readers, here is a list of the characters until now. I will be sure to update the list every so chapters when I get the chance to.


    (Also, If I did miss any character, please do let me know in thements below. I would appreciate it a lot too.)


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    MAIN CHARACTERS:


    Han Yue Ling- Our favorite female lead. Code name Mami who moves to Imperial with many secrets.


    Lu Tian- Our favorite business king aka male lead. Your usual cold and aloof kind of man, but soft towards his wife.


    Inu- Our favorite Samoyed, who thinks he a cat¡ª I mean king.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [YUE LING¡¯S FAMILY]


    Ji Huan- maternal grandfather and General of the army. Also the Chairman of Ji Corps. He is currently ill and keeping it a secret.


    Ji Jingxu- younger brother. Adopted into the Ji family when he was a little boy.


    Han Min Joon- Yue Ling¡¯s deceased father.


    Ji An Ling- Yue Ling¡¯s deceased mother.


    [PEOPLE AROUND YUE LING]


    Liu Shan- Yue Ling¡¯s assistant and a skilled tech master, especially in hacking.


    Lin Hui- rides his motorcycle like the wind and likes long walks on the beach. Just kidding, he also has mad hacking and sniper skills.


    Qi Li- wears his sses like a boss. He is the illustrator in Yue Ling¡¯s design team and a member of her Alpha Team. He doesn¡¯t socialize much with others.


    Tang Zhonghui- a carefree person and the technical designer in Yue Ling¡¯s design team. Also a member of her Alpha Team.


    Ju Suo- a petite woman with a loud personality. She is the fashion forecaster in Yue Ling¡¯s design team and a member of her Alpha Team.


    Lian Ni Shang- a straight face woman with pretty looks. She is the pattern maker in Yue Ling¡¯s design team and a member of Alpha Team.


    Shan Sinan- a man who does not like to stand out (as you can see, he is hardly mention in the novel, I bet you all didn¡¯t know he existed. Lol). He is the textile designer in Yue Ling¡¯s design team and a member of Alpha Team.


    Gui Tian Lan- the tailor in Yue Ling¡¯s design team and a member of Alpha Team. He is the older twin of Gui Zhongmin.


    Gui Zhongmin- a very stylish man. After all, he is the stylist in Yue Ling¡¯s design team. Also a member of Alpha Team and the younger twin of Gui Tian Lan.


    Gu Ting- used to work at Jade Condos until an unfortunate event happened to his family. He is currently living and training with the soldiers in Ji Mansion.


    Liangcai- a soldier under General Ji. He has been in the army for 8 years.


    Ye Fei- a solder under General Ji. He is quite close to Xue Yi.


    Xue Yi- a young soldier in the army. He is close to Ye Fei.


    Uncle Zhi- a middle aged man who is a close acquaintance with Yue Ling¡¯s paternal grandfather and father.


    Housekeeper Hu- the old and head housekeeper of Ji Mansion.


    Zhong Yang- Grandfather Ji¡¯s close friend and assistant.


    Uncle Nuo- an old friend of Yue Ling¡¯s parents.


    Grandmother Nuo- Uncle Nuo¡¯s mother. She is diagnose with Alzheimer¡¯s, but due to an unfortunate event, she is in the hospital.


    Madam Nuo- Uncle Nuo¡¯s wife.


    Nuo Hui Ying- Uncle Nuo¡¯s daughter and a huge fan of Yue Ling.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [PEOPLE AROUND LU TIAN]


    Old Lu- Lu Tian¡¯s father.


    Madam Lu- Lu Tian¡¯s nagging mother. She is on a mission to marry Lu Tian and Grandfather Ji¡¯s REAL granddaughter.


    Lu Han- Lu Tian¡¯s noisy younger brother.(We all that one sibling in the family)


    Xu Long- the not so ordinary assistant of Lu Tian with hacking skills on pair with Liu Shan.


    Zi Yifan- CEO of Zi International and one of Lu Tian¡¯s close friends.


    Jiangyu- a bulky man who is a member of Lu Tian¡¯s Wolf Team.


    Zhao Ya-Er- the only girl cousin of Lu Tian and Lu Han. She self proim herself as Yue Ling¡¯s best friend.


    Ye Zhongwei- One of Lu Tian¡¯s close friends. He is from a doctor family.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    [YUE LING¡¯S PEOPLE IN CITY Z]


    Lee Shin- the man Yue Ling loved for 10 years. A member of Faith. He was on an undercover mission, but passed away due to heart failure during a car ident on the day of their wedding.


    Lee Hana- Shin¡¯s sister and close friend of Yue Ling. Married to Park Min Lee and named her son after her brother.


    Qin Jun- a member of Faith and the closest to Shin. After finding out the truth about Shin¡¯s death, he is out to find the man who murdered his brother.


    Park Min Lee- a member of Faith and Hana¡¯s husband. They have a son together and named him Shin.


    Song Jing Li- the youngest member of Faith. He was a carefree and energetic boy until Shin¡¯s death.


    Kira Yamato- born half american, half japanese. His real name is not Kira, but a nickname given to him by the members of Faith. He tends to joke around with Song Jing Li, but looks out for the young boy.


    Park Shin- Hana and Park Min Lee¡¯s son.


    Kang In-Sung- a trusty employee at H-International.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    [OTHERS]


    Uncle Luo- owner of Jade Condos and a close friend of both Yue Ling¡¯s grandfathers.


    Ling Ni- friend of Zhao Ya¡¯Er andter Yue Ling. She is currently seeing Liu Shan.


    Wu Jing- the handsome CEO of Beauty with gray hair.


    Zhi Yn- a detective in Imperial and old friend of Yue Ling.


    Sophia- the receptionist at De L¡¯amour.


    Doctor Dong- the Head Doctor at Imperial Military Hospital. He is a friend of Grandather Ji¡¯s.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    [OTHER 2: Underworld]


    Li Wei- leader of White Tiger. He is an acquaintance of both Yue Ling and Lu Tian.


    Chin Hua- the sworn younger sister of Li Wei. She has a crush on Qi Li.


    Chu Qiang- leader of ck Dragon.


    Chu Li Xiang- younger brother of Chu Qiang. He is a sneaky scoundrel who wants the people who murdered his sworn brother dead. Yet, he doesn¡¯t know that he crossed the line of our awesome main leads.


    Julia- the idiot right hand woman of Chu Qiang. She is in love with Chu Li Xiang.


    Guan Li- a young boy who follows Chu Qiang. He is the left hand man.


    Ti Lung- Well, you all remember him right? The leader of Ghost Gang whomitted suicide. He is also the sworn brother of Chu Li Xiang.


    Choi Li Sun- leader of a gang in Korea. He is currently in China in hiding and the man behind Shin¡¯s death.


    Hua- a mysterious woman with brown hair. She is currently keeping Choi Li Sun from being found and is in love with him.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    [THE ANNOYING PEOPLE IN THIS NOVEL (lol)]


    Ji Chu Hua- assumptions made her think she is the heiress of Ji Corps. In the past, she used to bully Jingxu with her male cousins. Now, she wants to get rid of the boy secretly.


    Ming Yue- Yue Ling¡¯s idiotic Secretary at De L¡¯amour who thinks no one knows what she is currently up to.


    Chen Limei- the self proim CEO of An Qing.


    Ning Mei- a rookie model at CNJ Entertainment, the agency that Yue Ling used to be in. Her goal is to ruin Yue Ling.


    Ning Xingyu- CEO of TB Corps. He is obsessed with Yue Ling and the older brother of Ning Mei.


    Guyao- born from a normal family and wants to be rich. She is one of Ning Xingyu¡¯s women but is in love with Lu Tian. (Btw, did you all forget about her? She was mentioned in chapter 10).


    Gao Yuanyuan- Ning Xingyu¡¯s secretary of 5 years.


    Xie Na- a spoil daughter from a rich family. She only likes to be close to rich people.


    Doctor Xie- a scheming Doctor an Xie Na¡¯s father.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    PLACES:


    Imperial- the city in China our story takes ce in.


    City Z- the city in Korea where Yue Ling¡¯s past lies.


    Rosewood Hotel: Lu Tian¡¯s fancy hotel


    Imperial Hotel: Do I even have to exin this brothel like ce? Lol


    Retro: The bustling dark ce where the people of the underworld in Imperial hangs out.


    Jade Condos- the ce where Yue Ling and Lu Tian lives.


    (Alpha Team: Yue Ling)


    (Wolf Team: Lu Tian)


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    NOTE FROM AUTHOR:


    MY DEAR READERS,


    IF YOU ARE READING THIS, I DO APOLOGIZE THAT THIS IS NOT A CHAPTER LIKE YOU HOPED FOR. TODAY, MY LITTLE PUPPY WAS ATTACKED BY ANOTHER DOG AND HE IS IN PAIN DUE TO THE SWELLING ON HIS NECK. I HAD TO TAKE HIM TO THE VET AND NOW MONITORING HIS MOVEMENTS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY AT HOME.


    I HOPE YOU ALL UNDERSTAND. I WILL RELEASE MORE CHAPTERS TOMORROW.


    THANK YOU ALL, ABEEHILTZ ??


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    ¡ª¡ª


    ??

 Chapter 268 Just simple neutral

    "B-thump. B-thump. B-thump."


    The sound of a beating heart echoes inside the quiet room. From a small monitor, the image of ck and while form like the gxy with a pea size white dot in the center.


    "Are you alright, miss?"


    From the sidees a female doctor¡¯s voice. In her hand was a transducer for transabdominal ultrasound and a fetal Doppler phoebe in her other hand. She looks at Yue Ling and a confused expression was written on her face.


    Wouldn¡¯t a woman be jumping in joy at this moment?


    Thinking of it, she looks at the handsome father. Even more surprisingly, the man looked like he was lost in space. Looking back at Yue Ling, she was a little worried.


    "Miss, are you alright?"


    Laying on the exam table in a daze. Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes stare at the monitor and everything around her seemed to have fade out, except for the thumping sound. The little white pea on the monitor thump in a rhythm correspondently her heart beat. At first, she thought she was hearing her own heart beat, but that wasn¡¯t the case....


    A smile curl on her lip and her eyes turned moist. Shees out of her daze and smiles to the doctor, "I¡¯m alright."


    Turning her head to the other side, she looks at the devilishly handsome man. Seeing his stuck expression, she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Reaching a hand out, she ce it above Lu Tian¡¯s hand.


    "Tian..."


    For the first time since they¡¯ve been together, Lu Tian did not answer her. His eyes stare unblinking at the monitor in front him. If one was to say Yue Ling was in daze, then his daze was beyond out of this world.


    After Yue Ling adjust her clothes, the female doctor hade in. She asked Yue Ling toy on the exam table, then slightly shifting Yue Ling¡¯s sweater up, she applied a thinyer of gel on her stomach. Before he knew it, the doctor moved the transducer across Yue Ling¡¯s stomach and a ck and white image appeared on the monitor screen.


    He stare at it and tried to make out what it was, but all he could see was some swirls here and there. Just as he thought so, the doctor used another equipment and gently ce it on Yue Ling¡¯s stomach. Before he could ask questions, the thumping sound echoed in the room. Everything the doctor seemed to be saying was cut out and only the thumping sound was all her could hear.


    However, at this moment, his eyes are locked into the tiny white dot in the center.


    "Tian..."


    Yue Ling called out to him again. She chuckles at how much the man is in daze.


    "Say hi to our baby."


    Like before, he did not answer, but continue to stare at the monitor. After a long while, his lips parted and a faint whisper escapes.


    "Our baby...."


    The straight line of his lip curl upwards into a faint smile. He stares at the screen, thening out of his daze, he looks at his wife.


    This time, the faint smile curl upwards more until it reach his eyes. It was a smile that he never knew he could make until he met her. He move his hand and held her hand tightly.


    "This is our baby. Our little baby. Yue Ling, I can see our little baby."


    Bursting into pure joy, Lu Tain could only chant the words repeatedly. He nt kisses on the back of Yue Ling¡¯s hand and continues to look at the screen.


    He is really a father!!!


    Watching the man she loves in joy, Yue Ling could not help but smile with him. Even she didn¡¯t think she¡¯d have this chance to be a mother.


    Being forgotten, the nurse watch the lovely couple and she smiles with them. At first, she thought they weren¡¯t happy, but man did she thought wrong. She should of expected this from the beginning, especially when ites to seeing the reaction of first time parents.


    "Both mother and baby are healthy."


    ¡ª¡ª-


    After a while, Yue Ling¡¯s check up came to an end. She finished fixing her clothes back to how it was. Looking at the man still sitting down, Yue Ling walks over to him.


    "Are you alright?"


    Lu Tian nod his head, but he did not look up. His head lower and he stare at the ultrasound picture in his hand. Ever since he saw the monitor screen to the moment the doctor gave him the picture, he never looked away from it. Just looking at it, he felt it in him that he will protect their baby. Never will he let anything dangerous happen to his wife and child.


    Standing in front of him, Yue Ling lift her hand and she gently flicks him on the forehead.


    Lu Tian: "....."


    She lets out a soft chuckle and snatch the ultrasound picture away from him. Looking at it, she could feel the same feelings Lu Tian is feeling. A child born into the world wants nothing more than the love and protection of his or her parents.


    Just like her parents, she will give her child everything they gave her.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The couple soon left the hospital. Inside the car, Lu Tian did not drive in the direction of Jade Condos. Instead, he took another route towards another part of the city.


    In the passenger seat, Yue Ling scoff a sigh. She cross her arms over her chest and tilt her head at the man driving.


    "Now where are we going?"


    Lu Tian nce at her from the corner of his eyes. Steering the wheel with one hand, his free hand reach over and held her hand. Leaning to the side, he ce a kiss on the back of her hand.


    "The baby store."


    "....."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Arriving at the baby store, Yue Ling and Lu Tian picked out all the necessary and unnecessary things needed. However, because they don¡¯t know the gender of their baby, they chose everything in neutral colors. No pinks or blues. Just simple neutral.


    Looking around, on a ss shelf, Yue Ling sees a pair white baby shoes. She walks over to it and held it up. It was so small and tiny, just like her baby on the monitor screen.


    The doctor had told her that she six and a half weeks pregnant. Her and baby¡¯s health are normal, but for her to not over stress herself.


    She stare at the white shoes in her hand and a image came to her head. Little chubby feet wearing the shoes in her hand.


    "Do you like it?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice trail into her ear. She smiles at him, then back to the shoes in her hand. Just from that one smile, Lu Tian already knew her answer. He turns his head and gesture to a worker.


    "Wrap this up too."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling tilt her head and pout. Aren¡¯t they buying a little too much? What if she sees something else at another store? Well, either way, she¡¯ll still purchase it, but still.... Lu Tian¡¯s been doing the paying only? Is she really that cheap?


    She stretch an arm out and stops Lu Tian, "Wait!"


    Lu Tian arch a brow at the sudden request, yet he does not say anything. His expression was enough to tell her to exin her ¡¯wait.¡¯


    "A-hem!"


    Yue Ling clears her throat and raise her chin, to make herself looks taller, even though Lu Tian is still taller than her.


    "Tian, I think it¡¯s only fair if I pay for half of these items. After all, how can I let you pay for everything?"


    "...."


    He stare at her with a dumbfounded expression. He ponder in thoughts about her words, then in a quick second, he turns to the worker.


    "Why are you still standing there? Wrap everything up."


    The worker nods her head and quickly leaves to wrap all the items they had picked out. She could not mess this up at all.


    Totally ignored, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turnedzy and her posture turned hunch. Did this man did not hear her the wordsing out of her mouth?


    Looking down at the baby shoes still in her hand, she suddenly sees Lu Tian reach for it. With a quick reaction, she moves her hand and hide the shoes behind her back.


    "Tian, let me buy these. I don¡¯t want you to pay everything with your money."


    "....."


    Lu Tian¡¯s body froze and his hand reach for the baby shoes also froze when he heard her words. If he was not a cold and aloof person, he was sure he would of fell head first to the floor.


    Sighing, he straightens his posture. He takes a step closer to her until there was only a few inches separating them. He lift a hand and pinch her nose.


    "Silly woman, my money is your money."


    Yue Ling¡¯s body slightly jumped at his words. Not because she was scared, but because of Lu Tian¡¯s unexpectedness. She stare unblinkingly at the man and couldn¡¯t find any word in her head.


    Seeing her stuck in a daze, Lu Tian was beaming with satisfaction inside. His other hand reaches around her and takes the baby shoes from her hand.


    As he did so, he didn¡¯t forget to steal a quick kiss on her alluring plump lips. Even more satisfied, he turns around and walks away to have the baby shoes wrapped too.


    He thought about what he said to her and he liked the feeling of always spoiling her. He finally understood why his father worked so hard in life for his family.


    ¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 269 Are you selling?

    Afternoon shifted into the evening with the red sky hovering over Imperial. Yue Ling and Lu Tian finished their shopping for their little one. Both individuals were excited and fill with joy. As expected, any first time parents would. Just the thought of knowing that you will be bringing in a life to the world, one will definitely understand.


    Staring out the window, Yue Ling¡¯s right hand caress her stomach. She was an expecting mother and pretty soon, her stomach will show. Turning her head away from the window, she looks at the man in the driver seat.


    He is the man she loves and the father of her baby.


    Staring at the handsome being next to her, Yue Ling sighed inside. After Shin¡¯s death, she didn¡¯t think she will ever open her heart to anyone again. Hana had always told her that one day she will move on and be happy again. At the time, she didn¡¯t believe it, because she had thought that when Shin left, he didn¡¯t leave alone, but left with her love.


    Now, she finally understood that the love Shin took with him was her love that was meant only for him.


    As if he knew what she was thinking in that moment, Lu Tian turn his head and his dark pupils met her bluish green ones.


    A smile appear on his lip, "What is it?"


    Yue Ling shook her head, "It¡¯s nothing."


    He knew that she was thinking of something deep, but since she doesn¡¯t want to say it, he will not force her. Reaching a hand out to her, he held her hand that was caressing her stomach.


    "If you ever want to tell me anything, I¡¯ll be your ears and listen."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling lower her head and stare at their locked hand. Although she acts like everything is alright, she really wants to tell him everything about her.


    To tell him about who she really is....


    However, will he really ept her? Will her ept the her who¡¯s hands are tainted with blood? Once he knows, how will he really feel about her? Not just her, but their child.... Can he ept everything?


    Thinking of it, she close her eyes and inhale a deep quiet breath.


    *ring ring*


    Her eyes slowly flutter open and all the feelings she had inside vanished. She nce down at her handbag and reach her hand inside. Rummaging a little, she takes her phone out.


    ncing at the name on the screen, she answers the call.


    "Hello?"


    From the other linees a middle age man¡¯s voice.


    ["Young Miss, about the thing you asked for, it just arrived."]


    Hearing this, Yue Ling pout her lip, "Okay, thank you. I will be there soon."


    Hanging up the phone, she suddenly remembers somethings. She looks at Lu Tian, "Tian, did you buy a gift for your old friend?"


    Hearing this, it was Lu Tian¡¯s turn to pout his lip and shook his head lightly. "I didn¡¯t get the chance to. Where is the ce you were telling me?"


    A bright smile rose on Yue Ling¡¯s lip. She knows that Uncle Zhi always likes it when she introduce his shop to prestige families. Especially if those treasures he¡¯s collect can be useful for someone else.


    She tells Lu Tian the direction to the shop and stare out the window again. Doing so, she couldn¡¯t help but think as to who Lu Tian is buying the gift for. From what he said, the person was an old man and an old friend. Seems like this person is a very respected person to him.


    As they arrive to their destination. Lu Tian parks the car in front of a building. Opening the door, he steps out of the car and walks over to the passenger side to help his wife.


    After he helped her out, he looks at the building and although his outer appearance stayed the same, inside he was frowning.


    This building was none other than the rundown building he had dropped his wife the night they met in Retro. He did not have Xu Long investigate this ce, because he didn¡¯t think much of it.


    His father had always told him that n life, things that appear different on the outside is not how the inside looks like. Even the most elegant looking building can hold sinful events inside. Just like General Ji, who goes out in public wearing loungewear, but behind that attire is a strong old man.


    Walking beside the tall man, Yue Ling smiled as she sees him in thinking mood. She held his hand and walks toward the entrance.


    "This ce belongs to my Uncle."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian nod his head with a hum. However, he thought about her words. Didn¡¯t she say her parents were the only children? Of course, he only thought the question. If she wishes to tell him, he will listen, if she doesn¡¯t, he won¡¯t force her.


    Entering the doors, the long hallway weed them until they stood a few feet away from two security guards. One was a bulky man and the other on the skinnier side.


    Both guards remember and knows who Yue Ling is. Neither men did not hesitate to nod their head in greeting.


    "Miss Han."


    Yue Ling smiles to both men, "Is Uncle Zhi in today?"


    The bulky man nods his head, "Master Zhi is, but..." he looks at Lu Tian and couldn¡¯t help but feel the man was dangerous. He has followed Master Zhi for a long time and he knows danger when he sees it. Especially in the aura Lu Tian gives off despite him looking like a regr customer.


    Seeing this, Yue Ling held in the urge tough, "Don¡¯t worry, he is my boyfriend."


    "...."


    Both security guards felt their jaws drop to the ground at the same time. Their Miss Han is actually not single, but in a rtionship?!


    Standing next to her, Lu Tian pout his lip with a slight frown. Boyfriend? It didn¡¯t sound too bad, but it would have sounded better if she had introduced him as her husband.


    Thinking of it, he decides to brush it aside. After all, it was only a matter of time when he gives her his surname.


    The bulky man was the first out of the two toe back to his senses. He walks to the metal door and push it open.


    "Master Zhi is waiting inside."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling smiles politely and enters the door with Lu Tian following after her. From behind, both guards watch the two people enter the shop. Although they felt Lu Tian is a dangerous man, they know that they can¡¯t do anything. Yue Ling is a honorable guest of Master Zhi and since Lu Tian came with her, they can only abide in respect.


    Inside the shop, Lu Tian was truly amazed by it¡¯s minimalistic but just from one looks, he knows that everything on the rows of shelves were not easily attained items.


    ncing to a shelf, his straight face expression slight waiver. Sitting on this shelf was none other than a dragon carved from the purest of jade.


    He walks over to it and inspect it. He must truly praise the person who is capable of finding all these treasures. The reason why this piece is so interesting for him is because his old man had spent countless years trying to find it. Who would of thought that the item would be here in a rundown like shop.


    "Quite a master piece isn¡¯t it?"


    From across the shop came a man¡¯s voice. Both Lu Tian and Yue Ling turn to look at the person. Seeing who it is, Yue Ling smiles and walks over to the man.


    "Uncle Zhi."


    Uncle Zhi smiles at Yue Ling and stroke his chin as if he had a long beard. His chin held high and he size Lu Tian.


    "What can this one do for you today, sir?"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t answer right away. He looks at Uncle Zhi and as he thought of something, he looks back at the jade dragon.


    "This jade Dragon, are you selling?"

 Chapter 270 Give me a hand

    The jade dragon on the shelf was small, but it looked so powerful like the mighty dragon that it is. Lu Tian reach his hand out and carefully touch it.


    "I am selling it if you like."


    Walking up to the man, Uncle Zhi spoke his words and stood next to Lu Tian. However, he continues to size up Lu Tian. Every now and then, he would nod his head approvingly. Liu Shan had told him in advance. At first he didn¡¯t approve of it, but....


    He turn his head to look at Yue Ling. Thinking of something, he looks at the jade dragon.


    "I will gift this dragon to you."


    "....."


    Yue Ling stare at the middle aged man and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Knowing how Uncle Zhi is, the moment he likes someone, he will gift an item to that person. No matter how much value the item has, he will give it away like candy.


    Shaking her head, she turns around and leaves the two men alone. She will ask him about the itemter.


    Lu Tian¡¯s brows furrow and the space between his brows crease into three lines. He stares at the jade dragon and ponder about Uncle Zhi¡¯s words. Why would the man gift such a valuable item to him?


    Guessing what Lu Tian is currently thinking, Uncle Zhi faintly smiles and held his hand behind his back.


    "Not many young people nowadays have good eyes like you and Miss Han. Since you have great taste in this jade dragon, I will gift it to you."


    Lu Tian looks at Uncle Zhi. He wanted to say something but before he could even open his mouth, the middle age man had already spoke.


    "Because SHE choose you, I will respect her decision. As I¡¯ve now met you, I think you are a good person."


    Listening till the end, Lu Tian did not say a word. He was not even bothered that Uncle Zhi did not let him speak. Judging by the way Uncle Zhi speaks and his demeanor, Lu Tian knows that Uncle Zhi may not be a simple person, but he has a good heart.


    He then nod his head, "I thank you then."


    Uncle Zhi smiles at Lu Tian and pat the young man on the shoulder, "No, it is I, who should thank you."


    Finishing his words, he turns away and walks to Yue Ling. He is thankful that someone like Lu Tian entered his young miss¡¯s heart. She needs a man who is at the same level with her.


    Left alone, Lu Tian took onest look at the jade dragon, then he looks in the direction of his wife. He sees that Uncle Zhi and Yue Ling are discussing about something.


    However, the more he sees this scene, he notices how it is the middle age man who shows politeness to his wife. Given the age difference between the two, it should have been the other way around, but it wasn¡¯t.


    As he thought this, deep inside him, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder about who his wife really is. He won¡¯t lie, every time hees to learn something new about her, curiosity rises inside. Yet, he only had Xu Long investigate her that one time when they first met. After that, he never did. Not because he couldn¡¯t, but because he wants to respect her and wait for her to tell him. What was the point of a rtionship if there is no trust?


    Ending his thoughts, he takes a step forward and walks in the direction of his wife and Uncle Zhi.


    Standing with her back facing Lu Tian, Yue Ling did not see the expression on his face. She continues to talk to Uncle Zhi.


    "Liu Shan notified me that you¡¯ve received the item."


    Uncle Zhi chuckles augh, "Wait here, I stored it in a safe ce."


    Yue Ling nod her head in understanding. She turns around and gasp in a slight surprise to see Lu Tian standing behind her.


    "Oh, Tian." She smiles to him, "Anything you like besides the Jade dragon?"


    Gazing at her, Lu Tian thought about something, before he quickly shook his head, "There are many interesting things here. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll find something."


    Just as he finished hisst word, Uncle Zhi had already returned. Carrying with his hands was a dark wooden box. It looked old that even some of the wood pieces were missing.


    Uncle Zhi saw the looks on the two peopole¡¯s face. He held himself back from smiling at how lovely these two people looked. If he was a random stranger meeting them, he would have thought they were a married couple.


    Thinking of it, he does not say a word but walks over to a a long table put against the wall. Setting the dark wooden box down, he turns to look at Yue Ling and Lu Tian.


    "Come take a look."


    Walking over to the wooden box, Yue Ling tilt her head and looks at the details of the box. It was very simple and old but nicely carved. Stretching her hands out towards it, she unhook thetch and lift the lid open.


    Lu Tian stood beside his wife an watch the scene. When the lid was opened, he arch a brow at the item inside. It was an old and faded scroll.


    Unlike Lu Tian, a broad smile widen on Yue Ling¡¯s face. She did not quickly reach for the item but gaze down at it like it was an item so precious to her.


    Standing on the other side of Yue Ling, Uncle Zhi stretch his head to look at the item inside the wooden box. A smile also appear on his face. He ce both his hands behind his back and nudge Yue Ling with his shoulder.


    "Not going to take a look? Keep waiting and this one will put it back."


    "....."


    Yue Ling scoffed a chuckle at his words. She rolled her eyes at the middle age man and reach out to the old scroll inside.


    Uncle Zhi continues to smile but he does not say anything. He knows how much this item means to Yue Ling.


    Looking down at the scroll still rolled up in her hand, Yue Ling turned to Lu Tian, "Can you give me hand?"


    Lu Tian nod his head and his hand reach under the scroll. The couple then begin to open the scroll. Although it looked small at first, once it was open, the scroll was long with faint colorings.


    Setting it gently down on the long table, both ends of the scroll lightly rolled down the edges of the table.


    Yue Ling walked around and her fingers gently caress the scroll. This wasn¡¯t just a scroll, but a painting. An old ancient painting that her yeye had long been searching for.


    Staring at the painting scroll, Lu Tian was even more amazed by it. He¡¯s seen this painting at an auction once, but the because he didn¡¯t participate in the auction, he didn¡¯t think much of it.


    At the time he was young and had gone with his father and grandfather Ji. From what he remember, grandfather Ji was really interested in this painting, except that the old man didn¡¯t auction for it, so another buyer bid and won it.


    Just like his wife, Lu Tian without realizing stroke the painting. The painter was truly a master painter with great skills.


    Oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s thought, Yue Ling stare at the painting and a small smile arc on her lip. She had asked Uncle Zhi to find this painting to gift her grandfather.


    One stroke, two stroke..... five stroke...


    Each stroke she madended on the figures in the painting. Five men clothe in ancient Chinese attire riding their own horses. The tips of Yue Ling¡¯s finger then trace gently over the painted calligraphy at the bottom corner.


    ¡¯Five Drunken Generals.¡¯


    By its name given and painting, if someone saw this painting, they would think why the artist painted this. However, they would forget to see the deep meaning behind it.


    Each painted person looked so free and happy. Just like the meaning behind this painting. The irreverent nature of the theme is a proof of humor rare in the art of history. The feeling of being free with the wind while riding a horse in ancient time.

 Chapter 271 Long day

    Yue Ling looked at the painting for thest time. Just as she was about to tell Uncle Zhi to wrap the box up for her, she takes a quick nce at Lu Tian.


    He had not spoke a word or made a sound. She thought he was only standing quietly next to her. However.....


    Following his eyes, she realizes that the man is a actually very interested in the painting. No, that¡¯s not possible, this is a gift for her yeye. He has to find something else. Just when she thought it, the unimaginable happens.


    "I¡¯ll buy this one."


    "....."


    Lu Tian¡¯s out of the blue words struck her like a waterball. It was like squirtle hade to life and st her with his hydro pump. The corner of her mouth twitch slightly.


    Uncle Zhi¡¯s head jolted back until his double chin could be seen. He did not see this turn of events at all. Quicklying back to is five senses, he clears his throat and nce at Yue Ling with a quiet whisper.


    "Miss, what do you say... think about this?"


    Yue Ling pout her lip and looks at Uncle Zhi. From the angle she stood, Lu Tian could only see the back of her head and not her expression at this moment. She pout her lip until both her cheeks swelled making her look like an adorable chipmunk.


    Lu Tian wants the painting too? What about her yeye? He¡¯s been looking for this paining for years... and she¡¯s finally gotten her hands on it...


    However.... she thought and thought about the situation. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, shees to a decision. Looking at Uncle Zhi, she smiles ever so faintly and nod her head.


    Seeing this, Uncle Zhi could only sigh. He knows that she doesn¡¯t want to give it away, but since it¡¯se to this.... He sighed again and looks over to Lu Tian.


    "Keep in mind that who you n to give this to


    must know his art. I risked a lot just to obtain this piece."


    Lu Tian nod his head in understanding. He looks at his wife and smiled faintly. He wasn¡¯t blind to not know what she is feeling, but he is sorry for wanting this piece of painting. Grandfather Ji has been like a real grandfather to him and he wants to gift this painting to the old man.


    Thinking of grandfather Ji, Lu Tian hopes that one of these days, he can introduce the two to each other along with his family. Maybe he should let his parents know, that way his mother can stop her nagging.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    "A-chooooo!!"


    In another rural part of Imperial, grandfather Ji who was holding a golf club suddenly sneezes. He frown and looks to the sky with questioning eyes.


    Who dares to talk about him at this moment? Are they say good things or bad thing?


    "Old Ji, has your golfing skills turn old with you?"


    From beside himes an old voice and he turn to re at the person.


    "What old with me? You¡¯re just as old."


    Remembering the reason why he is here, he leans toward the old man, "Ya, Old Dong, why don¡¯t you spill the beans and tell me about why you invited me here."


    Hearing this, Doctor Dong nce at grandfather Ji and he smirk evilly. It gave off a feeling like a viin up to no good at all. He leans closer to grandfather Ji and did not hesitate to spill the beans.


    "It¡¯s like this, the other day at the military hospital....."


    As grandfather Ji attentively listens, his eyes grew wide and his mouth opened into an O shape. Slowly, that O closes and turns into a sly smile.


    When Doctor Dong finished spilling the beans, both old menughed loudly and heartily together.


    "Ho ho ho, good, very good."


    Grandather Ji was greatly happy with this news. This is was news that makes his suspicions correct and not wrong.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Back at Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, Yue Ling and Lu Tian waited while Uncle Zhi had the painting wrapped. Lu Tian nce at his wife and he reach his hand out to hold her hand.


    "Thank You."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling tilt her head to the man, "Why are you saying that? I didn¡¯t do anything but bring you here."


    With a gentle smile, Lu Tian shook his head. He gently pinch her small nose, "I know you wanted the painting too."


    Yue Ling: "....."


    She stare up at Lu Tian and did not know whether tough or cry. Not knowing what to say in response, she only smiles to him.


    "It¡¯s nicely wrapped."


    From the side, Uncle Zhi steps out from the back door and held a perfectly wrapped gift in his hands. He walks over to the couple and hands the wrapped wooden box to Lu Tian.


    "I hope you tell the owner to take good care of it. This painting was not easy to find."


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian takes the gift and nod his head while Yue Ling rolled her at Uncle Zhi. Only she knows that when ites to finding an item, Uncle Zhi who has been in this field of business for decades is the best person to help locate. His way of saying it¡¯s not easy to find is him not wanting to brag.


    Bidding their farewell to the middle age man, both individuals leave the shop. Uncle Zhi sent the couple out to their car, but he did not exit to the street. He stayed behind the entrance door and stare out the door window to them.


    He watched as Lu Tian helped Yue Ling in the car and then get inside the driver side. He ce both hand behind his back and sighed as their car drives into the distance.


    Tilting his head to the sky outside, he smiles a happy yet painful smile.


    "Min Joon, your daughter has grown a lot. I hope you and An Ling, along with Shin can continue to watch over her....."


    ncing onest time in the direction Yue Ling and Lu Tian left, Uncle Zhi turns around and walks back inside his shop.


    Inside Lu Tian¡¯s car, Yue Ling continue to sigh at the remembrance of her letting Lu Tian buy the painting. She could have easily said no, but the moment she saw his eyes, she couldn¡¯t. Especially not since the man never asks for anything. Judging from they way he looked at the time, this person he buying the gift for must hold importance in Lu Tian¡¯s life.


    In the driver seat, Lu Tian press his lips together to not smile orugh at his wife. He could clearly her sigh and without looking at her, he could already see her expression.


    "Long day today?"


    "....."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes re at Lu Tian upon his question. She scoffed a sarcastic chuckle in response. What long day today? She was with him the entire afternoon!


    Hearing her way of responding, he did not get mad, but clears his throat to notugh. Just when he wanted to say something, the ringtone from a phone rings. He decides to not say anything and continue to drive in case it was an important call for her.


    From the passenger seat, Yue Ling turn her head to look at the aloof man. She blinks her eyes, "Tian, it¡¯s your phone."


    "....."


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded right away. He had thought that it was her phone. Strangely, he had forgotten that they had the same ringtone. Steering the wheel with one hand, his other hand reach into his coat pocket and takes his phone out.


    ncing to see who the caller is, he pout his lip then answers the call.


    "Speak."


    ["Boss, everything is prepared. Just waiting for you toe confirm."]


    At first, he was annoyed that his assistant dare to call him during his quality time with his wife, but hearing what Xu Long had to say, he was happy inside. He hum in response and ends the call.


    ncing at the man, Yue Ling narrow her eyes in suspicious. Lu Tian clearly held an notes expression, but how can the man be so bi-pr. One minute he¡¯s cold and in the next second, he¡¯s as happy as a fat kid eating ice cream.


    Shaking her head, she looks out the window to the sky. She will never how Lu Tian¡¯s personality works, nor does she wish to find out..

 Chapter 272 The holy one

    Standing in front of De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling nce down at her hand then man beside her.


    "Tian, are you nning to walk me inside too?"


    Lu Tian nce at her and he didn¡¯t show any change in his expression. Until they stopped in front of the entrance door, he looks at her again.


    "I¡¯lle pick up when you get off. As for your car, I¡¯ll send someone to drive it home."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling narrow her eyes at the handsome man. She thought of something, but decided to not to say anything.


    "Alright. I¡¯ll see youter then."


    She gives him a smile and turns to enter the door. However, before she could even take a step, Lu Tian¡¯s hand held her on the back and he pulls her closer to him. Before she could even react, his face had already leaned closer to her and their lips sealed.


    "...."


    Bystanders whisper and giggle at the shameless scene they¡¯re witnessing. However, they quickly carried on with what they were doing.


    Lu Tian reluctantly pulls away from her lip. He sighed quietly and press his forehead to Her¡¯s.


    "Don¡¯t miss me too much."


    Saying his words, he lets her go and walks back in the direction of his car. A smile rose on his lip, yet he dares not look behind at his wife. Who knows what kind of expression she is making at this moment.


    Standing rooted to the ground in front of her tinypany, Yue Ling was at a loss for all words. Her mouth slightly open due to surprise as her head slowly turn to look at the man who likes kissing her at the most random time.


    Don¡¯t miss him too much? To hell she will miss him!


    Although she thought these feelings, when Lu Tian¡¯s car drove away, a small smile could be seen on her lip. She lightly touch her lip and her cheeks flush a shade of pinkish red. She actually likes how he is so bold. He isn¡¯t shy to express his feelings towards at her.


    "Haaaaa, young people these days are so shameless! Even this lord can¡¯tpare!!"


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s body froze and she robotically turn to look at the owner of the voice. Seeing who it is, she scoff a chuckle.


    "Liu Shan, are youid to be noisy?"


    Standing a few feet away from his boss, Liu Shan held a cup of coffee in one hand and a sandwich in the other. His arms was raised high as it made a X. When he heard Yue Ling¡¯s words, he lower his arms and shrug his shoulders.


    "This lord only left to buy food. Never did this lord think he would witness such a shameless act."


    He raised his hand holding the sandwich and use his sleeve to cover the lower part of his face and giggle.


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Seeing her assistant act like an olddy, Yue Ling was dumbfounded. She res at the man and turns to leave. Liu Shan quickly chase after his boss when he sees that she was going inside De L¡¯amour.


    "Ahh! Boss wait for this great one!"


    Yue Ling did not answer, but continue to enter through the doors. Just as she was about to take a step inside, she hears a sound.


    "Plop!"


    From the side windows of the doors, she could see the sandwich in Liu Shan¡¯s hand fall to the ground. She shook her head and turn around to look at the man.


    "That¡¯s what happen when you want to be noisy."


    Liu Shan stare at his sandwich and he wanted so badly to cry and roll on the ground. Before dropping Xu Long off, they had stopped by the convenient store. He only got to take two bites out of it since Xu Long was like a machine who didn¡¯t know when to stop talking. Until he dropped the man off did he find quietness again. He even thought he could finish his sandwich in his office.


    Sighing, he bent down and picks it up to throw away. As he toss the sandwich in the trashcan near the door, he bid farewell to it.


    "My poor sandwich, you gave me two delicious bites. Who would of thought that such a shameless act would cause you your life. Rest easy my friend."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Hearing Liu Shan¡¯s dreadful words of farewell, Yue Ling was struck dumbfounded again. The corner of her lip could not help but twitch like a lunatic.


    Ignoring his boss, Liu Shan felt greatly satisfy knowing that he had hit her hard with his words. Raising his chin high, he was pass her and into De L¡¯amour without a care. It was as if the man was not just doing what he did.


    Yue Ling¡¯s head follow Liu Shan¡¯s figure and her expression was as if saying, ¡¯really?¡¯


    Shaking her head, she then enters the door too and head in the direction of the elevator to her office.


    Stopping in front of the elevator, Liu Shan had already pressed the button. As the boss and assistant waited, the secretary walks over.


    "CEO Han, how did the meeting go with TB Corps?"


    Ming Yue was thrilled inside. She couldn¡¯t wait for tomorrow toe so that she could read the headlines. Her n was marvelously nned out, she is sure nothing would have gone wrong.


    Already seeing through the woman, Yue Ling did not turn her head or look at Ming Yue. Let along say a word at all. Her eyes remain on the elevator door until it slides open and she enters with Liu Shan following after.


    Seeing this, Ming Yue was even more thrilled. Judging from the way Yue Ling looked, things must have tuned out horribly for her! She happily enters the elevator too, however....


    "Stop in the name of the holy one!"


    "..."


    Ming Yue was struck dumbfounded. She stare at Liu Shan who had suddenly stop her with his palm stretch out in front of her. If she had not stop in time, she was sure he would hit her on the face.


    Which was what Liu Shan was hoping for, but sadly it didn¡¯t happen. Yet, he does not care but continue to hold his palm out. He smiles to the woman until his eyes close.


    "Secretary Ming, I suggest you wipe that grin off your face. It¡¯s not a pretty sight to look at."


    As his words fell, his palm drops downwards and his hand move up and down. It was an up side down hand fanning, but it was a gesture of shooing the woman back.


    Ming Yue frown and takes two steps back. Without her realizing it, she had stepped out of the elevator. It wasn¡¯t until the doors slide shut that she came back to her senses.


    Her eyes re daggers at the elevator. How dare Liu Shan treat her this way?! Just wait, once this is all over, she will have him begging at her door to keep his position!


    Remembering his words, Ming Yue touch her face and frown confusingly. Was her expression that obvious? She was sure she wasn¡¯t grinning...


    Inside the elevator, Liu Shan nce at his boss. He leans back against the wall and cross his arms over his chest.


    "Why didn¡¯t you tell her that it didn¡¯t go as smoothly as she nned?"


    Yue Ling nce at her assistant, "Why did you and Qi Li end up at Imperial Hotel?"


    "..."


    Liu Shan¡¯s body froze hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words. He scratch the back of his head and chuckle sarcastically.


    "Ha ha, what are you talking about? I was here the entire time. Qi Li? When?."


    Yue Ling shrug her shoulder and her index finger points down, "Then I must tell you, someone else has the same pair."


    "What¡ª?!!"


    Liu Shan quickly straighten his posture. His nostrils re angrily at her words.


    "Who dares to make a fake copy of my precious shoes? Only I, the great Liu Shan have these!!"


    "Then it was you and Qi Li that I saw?"


    Forgetting that he was lying, Liu Shan slightly tilt his head upwards. Raising his left hand, he flicks his pretend long hair away from his shoulder.


    "Of course, it was us. Did you think we would let ehhh¡ª-"


    Before he could stop himself in time, he had already spoke too much. He sees Yue Ling looking back at him with an arch brow and he gulped. His hand that just flicked his imaginary hair back change into a fan and he fans himself.


    "Pheww. Boss, is it just me or is it getting too hot in here? How about we lower the temperature a little."


    Yue Ling rolled her eyes at him, then she smiles, "Thanks for being there."


    Liu Shan: "....."

 Chapter 273 Too quie

    After dropping Yue LIng off at De L¡¯amour, Lu Tian did not return to Lu Corps. Instead, he drives out in the opposite direction.


    When he arrived at the location, he parks the car and steps out. He looks up at the ratherrge house and he felt greatly satisfy. This was none other than the same house he took Yue Ling to see.


    Standing in front of the door, Xu Long had long arrived. When Liu Shan dropped him off, he had been notify by the hired workers that everything was set and in preparation. Hearing such good news, he did not wait and call his boss right away.


    Lu Tian walks up to the door and both the boss and assistant enter the house.


    Following behind Lu Tian, Xu Long grinned ear to ear. It was as if everything in preparation was for him.


    "Boss, everything is just as you asked. Nothing is amiss."


    Lu Tian did not answer but nod his head. His goal at this moment is to make sure everything is exactly as he had pictured.


    The time gradually moved in the distance, but the moment Lu Tian stepped out of the front door again, the sun had already began to set. He nce at the time on his watch and ponder in thoughts.


    Since Yue Ling is not off yet, he should pay his father and nagging mother a visit.


    He looks at his assistant, "Make sure everything is set to what the correct time."


    Finishing thisst word, he gets into his car and drives out the front gate. From behind, Xu Long looks at the house and he sighed.


    When will he find a girlfriend? Someone to cook delicious food and care for him?


    Thinking of it, his eyes lit up when he remembers something. Quickly taking this phone out, he sends a message to a certain person.


    ¡¯New family, introduce me to one of your girlfriend¡¯s friend.¡¯


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Early evening arrived and Lu Tian¡¯s car pulls up to the Lu family household. He calmly gets out of the car and walks to the house.


    Entering the house, the housekeeper greeted him and guide him to where Old Lu and Madam Lu were at.


    "Master Lu and Madam Lu, the eldest young master is here."


    Sitting in the living room, madam Lu and Old Lu were eating snacks. The middle age couple had spent the entire morning strolling in the city and just arrive back not too long ago.


    From the corner of her eyes, Madam Lu sees a figure standing at the side and she looks in that direction. Seeing who it is, her eyes lit up like firework.


    "Tian! Why are you here?"


    Just as surprised as his wife, Old Lu looks at his eldest son. Normally, it was them who had to force Lu Tian to visit. Why is it that the kid is suddenly visiting? Did something happen? Oh lord!


    Lu Tian nod his head to his parents. It was his normal way of greeting the couple. Walking into the living room, he sits down on the sofa across from the two.


    "Father, mother, I found the woman I love."


    "...."


    Like the unexpected person he is, Lu Tian¡¯s words were straight to the point. He didn¡¯t even give a warning to the suddenly old couple. Even stranger, his expression did not even change when he spoke those words!


    Madam Lu felt like she was suddenly at a loss of breath and Old Lu felt like someone had ssh a bucket of water on him. However, both of their expressions were the same.


    Dumbfounded!


    Lu Tian ignore their shocked reaction and he quickly got to the point again. Just that, this time, he didn¡¯t think his next words would be such shocking news to his parents.


    "I¡¯m going to propose to her."


    "...."


    As if an entire day had just gone by, Old Lu was the first to regain his senses. He takes a deep breath and stare at his eldest son attentively.


    "Is this some kind of joke?" He rubs his temple and his words continue, "Tian, I know your mother has been nagging about you finding a wife, but you should really think this through."


    Lu Tian looks at his father and their eyes met. His expression was the same indifferent and cold, but his words were firm.


    "She¡¯s the only one I will marry."


    Hearing this, Madam Lu abruptly stood up from the sofa. She points her finger at Lu Tian in rage.


    "Tian, how can you say something like that?! What about grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter? You haven¡¯t even met her and you¡¯re already deciding to marry someone else?"


    From the side, Old Lu did not say anything, but remained quiet. His wife was right and at the same time wrong. They do want Lu Tian to marry someone from a good family. It would be nice if it was Grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter, but it¡¯s only right that their son is happy with who he chooses.


    Looking at his parents, Lu Tian did not answer his mother right away. He knew she would act this way when she found out, but shouldn¡¯t they be happy for him? Weren¡¯t they always worried about his marriage?


    Sighing, he looks at them with attentive eyes, "I know you are both doing what any parent would do, but I have made my decision. I will stillplete what I promised and meet grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter. However, I hope you both respect my decision and not force this any further."


    Hearing this, both Old Lu and Madam Lu sighed. Madam Lu sat back down and pinch the space between her brows.


    "Fine, I will ept your decision. Just meet the old man¡¯s granddaughter out of respect for him. Neither, I or your father wille between you and your woman of choice."


    Just as Madam Lu¡¯s words fell, the housekeeper walks into the livingroom and towards Old Lu. He bent down to whisper something to the man, but before he could even say anything, augh enters the room.


    "Hahah, did I intrude the Lu¡¯s? I heard something about my granddaughter."


    Entering the Lu family¡¯s living room was none other than the old man they were discussing about. Old man Ji held both his hands behind his back with Zhong Yang following behind him.


    Both elderly men walked into the room like royalty from ancient times. Seeing this, Old Lu stood from his seat to wee them.


    "Grandfather Ji and assistant Zhong, please sit."


    Walking toward the sofa, Grandfather Ji nod his head in greeting and nce at Lu Tian. He made sure it was just a quick nce that did notst for 2 seconds.


    Until both men sat down, Old Lu polite asks, "What brings you here today?"


    Grandfather Ji chuckles a jollyugh, "I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by."


    Of course, he won¡¯t say that he had purposelye here after his little talk with Doctor Dong. Besides, when he arrived, without any intentions to listen, he had heard his granddaughter being mention.


    "I did not mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard you mention something about my granddaughter. May I know the reason?"


    Both Old Lu and Madam Lu were speechless hearing the old man¡¯s words. They looked at each other for a quick second, then to Lu Tian who was sitting next to grandfather Ji. Sighing, Old Lu was the first to talk.


    "It¡¯s like this, my eldest son has taken a liking to a girl. We had hope that he would meet your granddaughter, but as much as we want the two to meet, we won¡¯t use force. I hope grandfather Ji can forgive Tian."


    Grandfather Ji listened to Old Lu¡¯s exnation from start to end. His head nod every now and then in understanding. He touch his chin and ponder in thought.


    "Ah, so it was my granddaughter that you hoped to the boy to marry." His head nod again and he continue his words, "They would make a good match."


    Sitting next to the old man, Zhong Yang rolled his eyes when he heard those words. Sometimes he wish the old man was not so open minded in his words. To him, he may be referring to Yue Ling, but for those who didn¡¯t know who she is would think he meant Ji Chu Hua.


    But of course, the old man knew exactly who was talking about. He looks at the Lu parents and faintly smile.


    "As elders in our family, we should not force marriage upon our kids. Now is the new generation and they should decide who they wish to marry."


    He turns to Lu Tian and pat the boy on the shoulder.


    "I will not force you to marry my granddaughter, but I hope that you will meet her. You never know, she might actually be the one for you."


    He spoke his words with a grinning smile. It¡¯s not that he doesn¡¯t want to tell Lu Tian who is granddaughter is, but he felt it was rather amusing to watch the look on the boy¡¯s face. Just thinking of it, he can already imagine that cold and aloof mask ripped off.


    Hearing his words, Old Lu and Madam Lu both sighed in relief. If it was anyone else, they would not worry, but this was grandfather Ji. He had always been a support to the Lu¡¯s and a close friend.


    Unlike his parents, Lu Tian nod his head in response to grandfather Ji¡¯s words. Remembering something, he looks at the old man.


    "Grandfather Ji, can I ask your help with something?"


    The old man arch a brow andughs, "Ask away kid."


    "Things in Imperial is too quiet, I hope to train my team with your soldiers."


    He knows that his Wolf Team is strong, but he has a feeling that something is not right in Imperial and he should prepare for it. That way, if anything were to really happen, grandfather Ji¡¯s soldiers would also know what to do too.


    Listening, Grandfather Ji nod his head. He¡¯s been working with the boy for years now and he hase to understand the meaning behind those words. Even he felt something was not right these past days.


    "Alright, bring your team over when ready."


    "Thank You."


    Lu Tian thanked the old man, but he sudden remembers another thing, "If you don¡¯t mind, I hope my team can train with that man."


    Grandfather Ji: "...."


    Zhong Yang: "...."


    Both Old men were at a loss for words. By ¡¯that man¡¯ they knew exactly who Lu Tian was referring to!

 Chapter 274 Following her around

    Looking at the young man sitting beside him, grandfather Ji didn¡¯t know how to respond back to Lu Tian. He knows that his granddaughter is someone with outstanding skills, but....


    Thinking of something, he sighs, "Boy, I don¡¯t mind, but that man is no longer in Imperial. After he saved Jingxu, he left the military life to marry his one true love."


    Zhong Yang: "....."


    The assistant was even more dumbfounded. Grandfather Ji spoke in such a serious expression that he wanted to go over there and strangle the man for saying that the young miss left to get marry! Of course, he can¡¯t do anything, because If he did, Lu Tian will definitely know that his master was lying.


    Oblivious to the assistant, Lu Tian slight nod his head in understanding. He had hope for his team to advance in their strength but it seems like he¡¯ll have to find another way. Beside, it was more like an excuse to meet the person.


    "It¡¯s alright then. I had hope to meet that man." A faint smile curl on his lip, "Even the thought of testing out each other¡¯s capabilities."


    "....."


    Both the boss and assistant were even more dumbfounded than ever. Lu Tian wanted to test out who was better in strength? Uh... if that was really the case, what would happen to their precious Yue Ling? Not that they don¡¯t have faith in her, but...


    Grandfather Ji looks at Lu Tian and he frown. If Lu Tian and his granddaughter were to go inside the ring, wouldn¡¯t Lu Tian crush her? No, no way! His head shook and he shook away the thought.


    Sitting silently across from the room, Old Lu furrow his brows as he tries to piece together what the two people were talking. Yet, no matter how much he tried, he just couldn¡¯t. He looks at his eldest son.


    "Tian, what are you and grandfather talking about? What do you mean ¡¯that man¡¯?"


    Lu Tian eyes looks at his father and he did not answer. He stood from his seat and prepares to leave.


    "I have things to do. I¡¯ll take my leave first."


    He didn¡¯t want for a reply and bid farewell to the older people and leaves the living room. From behind, Old Lu sighed a deep breath.


    "I can never understand what is on that boy¡¯s mind. He and his younger brother are twoplete different people." He looks at grandfather Ji and smiles, "Again, I hope Tian did not offend you."


    Hearing this, grandfather Ji did not get mad, instead, heughs a joyfulugh, "Don¡¯t worry, I trust the boy. I¡¯ve watched him grow up and he has be a good man. The Lu family should feel bless to have sons like Tian and Han."


    Grandfather Ji turn to look in the direction Lu Tian had left. He felt extremely rxed inside knowing that is granddaughter is protected by someone like Lu Tian. Although he knows that Yue Ling is a strong person, but a person can only be strong for so long. She has her limits and when it does crumble, he hopes that Lu Tian can be the one to hold her hand and give her strength.


    With Lu Tian out of the house, only the four older people remained. Grandfather Ji stayed and chatted for a while, but he had to leave. Old Lu and Madam Lu walked the old man out of the house and to his car.


    Each person bid their farewell and as grandfather Ji¡¯s car drove out of the driveway, Madam Lu sighed and looks at her husband.


    "Dear, should we really not stop Tian? What if this woman is not the right one for him? I do not want my sons to be used because of their wealth..."


    Old Lu did not answer, but continue stare at the back of grandfather Ji¡¯s car. He then looks up to the now red sky and thought about his wife¡¯s question.


    He let out a deep sigh and looks to his wife. A faint smile cross his lip, "I know you are worried, but we should trust Tian. He will never do anything that is bad."


    Madam Lu nod her head and looks in the direction grandfather Ji¡¯s car had left. "You¡¯re right, but I had really hoped that we could bring both families together... After all, it was the only thing in the will your father left behind before he passed away."


    Hearing this, Old Lu felt a tinge of regret and guilt in his heart. His wife was right, his father and Old Lu were great friends, along with Old Han. They were the three greatest of friends that everyone envied how strong their friendship from youth to old age. Unfortunately, Old Han passed away, then his father.


    On his father¡¯s deathbed, he was asked to promise to marry his first son to either Old Han or grandfather Ji¡¯s first granddaughter. His father hoped to bring both families together and actually be real family.


    However, now that Lu Tian has taken a liking to another girl, does that mean he will have to break that promise? Wouldn¡¯t that make his father, who is resting peacefully wake up from the dead? Not only that, wouldn¡¯t that hurt grandfather Ji¡¯s feelings?


    Ahhhh... but he also doesn¡¯t want to force his sons into marriages that they doesn¡¯t have an ounce of love... A loveless marriage is pointless to anyone.


    Thinking of it, he suddenly and unexpectedly thought of something. The end of his curl up fainty and softly chuckles.


    Hearing him suddenlyugh, Madam Lu frown and looks at her husband, "What is so funny?"


    Old Lu shook his head and ce his hand on the back of his wife¡¯s back, "It¡¯s getting cold, lets go inside."


    As the could walk towards their house, Madam Lu frown more and res at her husband, "Old man, you better tell your old wife what made youugh."


    "..."


    Old Lu was at a loss for words. He scoff a chuckle and decides to tell her why heughed. It¡¯s not like he ever keeps anything away from her anyways.


    "I suddenly remembered a day after Min Joon and An Ling passed away."


    Hearing the two names that still ached her heart, Madam Lu¡¯s frown disappear and was rece with grief.


    Ji An Ling was her only friend growing up, while Han Min Joon was one of the few friends to Old Lu. It was thanks to the couple that they were able to be meet.


    Reminded of the good old days, Madam Lu rest her head on her husband¡¯s shoulder.


    "I miss the two of them so much."


    Old Lu sighed a smile, "Me too."


    Entering the house again, the couple sat down on the sofa again. Just a moment ago, the house was full with people, but now it¡¯s just the two of them again.


    Remember something, Madam Lu looks at her husband and narrow her eyes, "You didn¡¯t tell me what made you suddenly think of Min Joon and An Ling."


    "...."


    Old Luughs and held his wife¡¯s hand. He ce it gently on his thigh and his thumb caress the back of her hand.


    "I remembered the year after Min Joon and An Ling passed away, Old Han brought their little girl to visit. At the time, she was probably only eight or nine years old. She was once a cheerful little child, but after the passing of her parents, she seemed to closed everyone out."


    Madam Lu furrow her brows, "and how is that funny?"


    He looks at his wife and wanted to flick her head, but decided to hold back.


    "Well, that day when Old Han brought his granddaughter here, it was the first time since the young ones met that I saw Tian sneakily following her around. When they left, I asked Tian why he was following her and he told me that he wanted to protect her."


    Old Lu chuckles and his words continue.


    "He wanted to protect her because he wanted to see her smile again. He told me that she had the most beautiful smile."


    Hearing the story, Madam Lu smile with a sigh, "It would be great if the girl Tian ns to marry is the little girl he wanted to protect back then."

 Chapter 275 Greatly rewarded

    In the busy area of Imperial, De L¡¯amour¡¯s dark structure stood its ground. Inside, all the workers were busying themselves in preparation for the fashion show.


    Liu Shan stepped out of the elevator and when he saw how chaotic the scene was, he sighed. Lifting his hand he pinch the space between his brows and stretch his palm out.


    "STOP! Everyone calm down! There¡¯s no need to act like the world ising to an end."


    In that very moment, everyone paused in what they were doing. All heads turn in the direction of the assistant, yet, no one spoke a word.


    Seeing this, Liu Shan sighed again and cross his arms over his chest.


    "Look, we all have to trust our boss. I know that once the fashion show is over, you all are given two weeks of vacation, but still, no need to make such a scene."


    The room was quiet until a girl worker pout her lip, "But... if all our work isn¡¯t done, boss will...."


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes at the girl. He put both his fists on his hips, "How long have you all been working for her? Shouldn¡¯t you all know her by now? Yes, she may have her strictness at times, but does she ever go back on her words? No!"


    He sighed for the third time and walks towards the door to exit De L¡¯amour as he mumble.


    "Sheesh, making a loud scene for nothing."


    "....."


    Everyone was left dumbfounded by Liu Shan¡¯s words. How could they have forgotten how their boss is? Their boss is the only person in the world who truly cares about people like them. She knows that they have worked hard, so every year after the fashion show, she will give them vacation time to rx. Whether they finished their job or not, she will not mind and still allow them to time off.


    However, it¡¯s not that they¡¯re creating a loud scene for nothing... Everyone feels the same way. They all want to get their tasks done. In the past years when someone didn¡¯t finish, it was their boss who took her time toplete it.. Neither does she take the credit and evenpliment that person of doing a good job...


    Just as the door closed and Liu Shan¡¯s figure was now outside, all the employees nce at each other. That one nce was enough for them to understand one another and soon, the loudmotion started again.


    None of them wants their boss to finish their own work. As her employees, it is their job to get it done.


    On the highest floor, inside her office, Yue Ling was oblivious to themotion caused by her employees. The her at this moment was busy with something else.


    Sitting behind her desk, she was holding a tablet as she looks down at the screen. It was a video sent from Lin Hui. The video was what he had recorded from the cameras he set up in Imperial Military Hospital.


    The more she watched the video, the darker her expression became. Until the end, her eyes slowly close and she ce the tablet face down on her desk.


    *ring ring*


    In that same moment, her personal phone rings. Yue Ling open her eyes not too slow and not too fast. She reach for her phone and swipe the screen unlock.


    "Hello."


    ["Boss, it¡¯s your call. I can take him right now."]


    From the other line, Lin Hui¡¯s faint voice can be heard. The reason why he knows the right time to call is because he is a hacker. When he sent the video to her, he made sure to set a timer at the end of the video. It will notify him when she is done watching it. That way, he can quickly delete all traces of it and only have one original, which is with him.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes darken as she stare into the air in front of her, "Keep a close eye on him. Do not let him out of your sight at all. If he does the same thing again, give him a good fright."


    ["Got it."]


    Ending the quick call, Yue Ling set the phone down and stood from her seat. She walked over to the floor to ceiling window in her office and stare out to the busy street outside with people walking and cars driving pass.


    "Doctor Xie.... you are really ask for death for your crimes."


    She sighed and caress her stomach.


    "Baby, do you think your daddy will give the Nuo family their justices?"


    Thinking for something, she smiles faintly.


    "Should mommy tell daddy?"


    *ring ring*


    Hearing the ringtone of her personal phone again, the space between Yue Ling¡¯s brows crease into three lines. She turn to look at the phone on her desk and pout her lip.


    *ring ring*


    Why is Lin Hui calling again? Didn¡¯t she already tell him what to do?


    Thinking of it, she sigh and walks back to her desk. Reaching for the phone, she did not look at the screen and just answer the call.


    "Lin Hui, why are you calling again?"


    ["Who is Lin Hui?"]


    "..."


    From the other line was a deep voice that Yue Ling was very familiar with. However, the tone of the voice at this moment was even colder than ice itself. She couldn¡¯t help but slightly tremble in chill.


    She quickly clears her throat, "uh, Tian, why are you calling?"


    ["Are you done with work?"]


    Yue Ling nce at the time on herputer screen and seeing that it was close to 6:30pm, she pursed her bottom lip.


    "I am, but ¡ª"


    ["I¡¯m parked outside."]


    "..."


    Before she could even finish, Lu Tian had already cut her off. She pinch the space between her brows and she takes a deep breath.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll be down."


    ["Mm."]


    With a quick hum, Lu Tian ended the call first making Yue Ling even more speechless. She looks at her phone screen and scoff a sarcasticugh. Caressing her stomach again, she mumbles to her baby.


    "Baby, I think your daddy is eating another jar of vinegar."


    Grabbing her things, she prepares to leave her office. Taking a step out the door, she slowly close the door.


    "Miss Han."


    Hearing the voice that annoys her, Yue Ling did not answer right away. She closed her door and locked it, then she looks at the person.


    "What is it, Secretary Ming?"


    Ming Yue smiles at Yue Ling, "About the contract with TB Corps, I hope Miss Han can rethink about it. If you approve of it, I¡¯m sure An Qing will greatly reward you for bringing partnership to thepany."


    Looking at her scheming secretary, Yue Ling sneer inside out of disgust for the woman and Chen Limei. She touch her chin and pretend to think about Ming Yue¡¯s words.


    "You¡¯re right. TB Corps has a lot of shipping docks that will benefit us in the fashion industry."


    Hearing this, Ming Yue¡¯s eyes lit up. If she can get Yue Ling to agree and sign the contract with TB Corps, Chen Limei will greatly reward her. Not only that, even Ning Xingyu will buy her the promised house she always wanted.


    She could already see everything fall into ce. Yue Ling will be aughing stock to the world and she will have nothing to do with it!


    Yue Ling stare at the woman standing in front her and could already guess what was on Ming Yue¡¯s mind. Without a care at all, she rolled her eyes.


    "Secretary Ming, since you want so badly to form the contract with TB Corps, how about you go?"


    She walks pass Ming Yue, but didn¡¯t forget to finish her remaining words.


    "I think you will be greatly rewarded."


    Hearing these words, Ming Yue¡¯s eyes shot open and loss her bnce. She quickly held onto the wall for support and looks at Yue Ling. However, Yue Ling was already walking away towards the elevator.


    Ming Yue clench her fist and her lip press tightly together. Dark ring eyes sending daggers to Yue Ling as if she wanted real daggers to pierce the woman.


    She had thought Yue Ling actually agreed, but....


    Shit, how is she going to tell Ning Xingyu? What about her dream house?!


    Ignoring the woman, Yue Ling stopped by the design room to say goodbye to her design team. She made sure to remind them to get some rest, because tomorrow is the big day.


    As she makes her way to the lower level, she also told her employees the same thing. It was best to have her employees get a good rest inside and be energized for the morning.


    Pushing the door open, she looks out ahead and sees Lu Tian. He leaned against his car with hands in his pockets. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh at how devilishly good looking he is. Even just standing made his charm power up.


    However, it wasn¡¯t the way he looked that really made her sigh. It was his deep cold eyes that stare right into her, as if looking at her like x-rays.


    She takes a deep breath to steady herself and calmly walks toward him. Now, she¡¯ll have to exin who Lin Hui is or else the King of Jealousy will continue his childish acts.

 Chapter 276 Temperature feels normal

    Amongst the crowded streets of Imperial, Lu Tian¡¯s car parked at a red light. From the time he picked up Yue Ling from De L¡¯amour, he had not look her way once. His eyes remained glued to the road ahead.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Yue Ling was not shy at all and continue to stare seriously at the man. She also sighed loudly every so often to make sure he heard her too. However, no matter how many times she sighed, he did not show any change of expression.


    Seeing this, she sighed for thest time and looks away. When she first got inside the car, she was going to exin who Lin Hui was, but seeing how Lu Tian wanted to be childish, she decided to y along until he asks.


    Turning to look out the window, she looks to the buildings and stores.


    In the driver seat, Lu Tian pout his lower lip. His stern expression changed into a sad little puppy when he notice that his wife stopped looking at him. He likes it when she pays a lot of attention to him, why did she look away?


    However.... the red light soon turned green. He press on the elerator and drives away. Yet, his mind still thinking whether he should give in.


    Never in his entire life has he give way to someone, but she is his wife.


    He quietly sighed to steady himself. His father once said that a man should act first, even if he is in the wrong.


    Steering the wheel with one hand, Lu Tian reach his other hand towards his wife and held her hand.


    "I¡¯m sorry I overreacted."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. She slowly turn her head to look at him and her expression was as if saying, ¡¯you think!¡¯


    However, she sighed and adjust her body to turn to him. Her expression turn serious as she spoke her words.


    "Tian, let me be clear with you, AGAIN. Stop drinking vinegar. You are the only person, I, Han Yue Ling loves. There are no other romantic feelings inside of me left for another man. Okay?"


    Feeling his ears burn red listening to her, Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but gulp at her words. He swore, her words are alwaysforting and like an antidote to cure him. Not only that, he enjoys hearing her say she loves him and no one else.


    Seeing how the dark clouds around him turn into the bright sun, Yue Ling scoff a sarcasticugh. She really did not know whether tough or cry at this full grown adult man.


    Shaking her head at him, she ce her other hand on top of his.


    "Lin Hui is like a younger brother to me. If I have to say Liu Shan is my assistant inside of work, then Lin Hui is like my assistant outside of work."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian felt like an idiot for eating vinegar over some assistant-like kid. He should really ask before thinking outside of the box. However, what can he do, all the men around his wife are good looking men. Not only does she attract bees, she even attracts butterflies.


    Oblivious to what Lu Tian is thinking, Yue Ling looks out to the surrounding area, she tilt her head.


    "Tian, where are we going? Jade Condos is back that way."


    Her sudden question brought Lu Tian back from his thoughts. He nce to the buildings around them, then he brought her hand close to him. Leaning to towards her a little, he kiss the back of her ring finger.


    "Dinner."


    Yue Ling looks at him and her eyes narrows. Dinner? But she wants to go home and sleep... it¡¯s not that she didn¡¯t want to have dinner with him, she needed to rest for tomorrow...


    She nce at him and seeing the glint of happiness in his eyes, she decides to not say anything. Maybe dinner won¡¯t be so bad.


    As they arrive at the restaurant, Lu Tian parks the car in the valet parking. He steps out and then open the passenger door to help his wife. After handing the keys to the valet worker, both individuals walk towards the restaurant.


    ¡¯Elegancy¡¯


    Yue Ling furrow her brows at the restaurant building. It was very nice structure with many clear windows. She has seen this restaurant in the media when she was a model at CNJ Entertainment. The models there often spoke of this restaurant saying that it was one of few ces in Imperial that was hard to get reservations.


    Lost in her thoughts, when they enter the ss double door, she was even more stunned.


    Roses.... Red roses were ced everywhere. On top of all the tables and even the floor was filled with rose petals. And lit candles....


    She looks at Lu Tian and then back to the scene in front of her. Her eyes blinked to make sure she wasn¡¯t seeing things. However, no matter how many time she squeezed her eyes shut and open them, everything was still the same.


    "Tian, I think we¡ª"


    "Good evening, Mr. Lu."


    Before she could finish her words, a young waiter interrupts her and greeted Lu Tian. He looks at Yue Ling and politely nod his head.


    "Good evening, Miss."


    Loss for all the words that she wanted to say, Yue Ling could only nod her head like a robot.


    Lu Tian was not bother by her reaction at all. Instead, he was more satisfy with it. Taking her hand, he led her to an empty table that was in the center of the restaurant. He helps her with the chair, then looks to the young waiter.


    "Please bring the dishes."


    "Right away."


    The young waiter held good manners, but when he nce at Yue Ling, his cheeks flushed even more red. He quickly turns around and walks towards the kitchen to prepare the food.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian frown with pouting lips. He could not believe that even young men half his age would have a crush on her too.


    ncing at his wife who is oblivious to everything, he quietly sigh and takes his seat across from her. He needs to be patient, just a little bit more.


    Exactly as Lu Tian said, Yue Ling was oblivious to what happened and did not notice the blushing waiter. Her attention was fully on her curiosity about the red roses and lit candles. She leans in and whispers to Lu Tian.


    "Tian, I think we chose the wrong time to be here. What if the person who prepared all of this appears? Wouldn¡¯t that make us bad people, who ruined someone¡¯s romantic candle lit dinner?"


    "....."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyelids turned heavy and he stare at his wife dumbfounded. Person? What person? That person is none other than him! He prepared all this!


    He sighed again and decides to look around. However, when he actually fully looked at the decorations, his eye lids turned even more heavy.


    Maybe he did over do it with the red roses and candles....


    He leans back on his chair and pinch the space between his brows. How he regrets ever asking Zi Yifan and Ye Zhongwei on ideas. He should have known better since neither men has a woman of interest.


    Seeing Lu Tian¡¯s posture, Yue Ling¡¯s expression turned worry. She mistook it as him massaging his head. It was like he was having a migraine at this moment.


    "Tian, are you not feeling well?"


    Lu Tian did not answer but shook his head. He couldn¡¯t help but continue to curse his two friends in his head.


    Seeing his head shaking, Yue Ling was even more worried. She scoot her seat back and stood up. Walking over to him, she move his hand and touch his forehead with her hand.


    "Hmm.... your temperature feels normal."


    "..."


    She pout her lip then looks down at Lu Tian. Their eyes met and she froze in ce. Did she over think that he was having a migraine?


    Lu Tian¡¯s lip curl upwards and he chuckle. He gently grab her hand and scoot his chair back.


    "I¡¯m alright. I was just thinking of something."


    He stood from his chair and walks her back to her chair. Helping her sit down, he returns to his chair.


    "The dishes will be here."

 Chapter 277 Planned it all

    The sweet aroma of delicious food fill the entire restaurant, making Elegancy smell like food heaven. The young waiter returned with two more waiters and each person fill the table with dishes.


    Yue Ling sat quietly in her chair and eye the food as she could feel her own saliva wanting to drool down from the corner of her mouth. Sitting across from her, Lu Tian held in the urge tough, let alone even smile. His wife looked so adorable at this moment.


    He patiently waited until the waiters finish setting the table and leave. When they did, he smiles to her, "Eat as much as you want."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling did not hesitate at all and picks up her chopsticks. She started eating away without caring about her image. To her, eating is eating, who needs to looks nice. If a man really loves a woman, he should not hold her back from eating.


    As she dig into the food, Lu Tian slightly shook his head and pick his chopsticks up. Doing so, before he ce the food on his te, he made sure to put some on her te. Until the food stack up into a mountain did he finally stop.


    While the couple enjoyed their delicious dinner, they did not see that towards the back of the restaurant where the kitchen is, the heads of three people continue to poke out and look at the scene.


    One was the young waiter, and the other two was a middle aged man and his wife. They were the managers of the restaurant.


    The young waiter sighed and he leaned against the wall, "Who would have thought that the beauty is swooped away by the devil...."


    The middle aged woman frown at his words and hit his head, "What are you talking about? What devil? They are a pair match made in heaven."


    "....."


    The young waiter was struck dumbfounded. He rub the side of his head where the woman hit and pout his lip.


    "Everyone knows that Lu Tian is the devil. How can our beauty withstand his wrath? She is delicate like a flower, what if he breaks her heart..."


    The middle age woman snort and ce one hand on her hip, while her other hand point to the boy, "Yay, stop sprouting nonsense. They are perfect for each other¡ª" suddenly, her eyes lit up and she smiles widely, "I must inform Madam Lu! This is the greatest news of all time!"


    Ignoring her husband and the young waiter, she quickly runs away towards the kitchen to get her phone. The middle age man looks at his disappearing wife and he sighed as he shook his head.


    His wife was always a gossiper, especially when it¡¯s for Madam Lu. He nce at the only customers in the restaurant then to the young waiter.


    "Make sure you serve them properly."


    "Mm."


    Entering the office, the wife quickly grabs her phone. She then goes back out and head towards Lu Tian and Yue Ling. Crouching behind a tall nt, she sneakily snaps a photo and giggles as she tip toes back to her husband.


    "Old woman, do you have to do that?"


    Hearing her husband¡¯s words, the woman¡¯s smile froze and she frowns at her husband. She looks at the photo in her phone, then she thought for a minute. In the picture she took, others may see it as a normal dinner between a couple, but she has seen Lu Tian grow from a young boy to a young man. Never in her entire life has she seen this side of the boy before.


    Thinking thoroughly, the woman looks up at her husband, "Madam Lu will be very thankful for this picture."


    Walking away, she types a message under the photo and giggle with mumbling words.


    "This is the greatest news of all time!!"


    However, staring at the picture, she sighed.


    "How nice would it be if my daughter-inw was one of Asia¡¯s most prettiest woman..."


    The middle aged man stare at his wife with heavy eyes. He also wish to have a daughter-inw like Yue Ling, but... unfortunately, they only have one daughter. Shaking his head, he goes back to the kitchen to help the chef prepare.


    Oblivious to the scene in the back, Yue Ling and Lu Tian continue to eat their food. Until she was very full, Yue Ling gently ce her chopstick down and wipe her mouth with the napkin. She smiles at Lu Tian with satisfaction.


    "Thank you, the meal was very delicious." She looks at the all the decoration full of roses and candles, then lowers her voice, "Next time, letse when there isn¡¯t a special asion."


    "...."


    Lu Tian set his chopsticks down and when he heard her words, he swore he almost fell out his chair. However, he greatly maintained his posture.


    Sighing inside, he looks silently at his wife.


    Not noticing the gaze, Yue Ling nce at the decoration again and sighed.


    "Such a man to go through all of this, I wonder where is the couple?"


    "It¡¯s us."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen and she quickly looks at Lu Tian with a hand covering her mouth, "Us? You mean because we¡¯re here the couple did not show up?"


    "....."


    Staring at his wife like she was idiot, Lu Tian sighed inside. Sometimes, his wife is smart, but why is it that the her at this moment is so slow.... He sighed again and gesture with his hand to signal the waiters toe clean the table.


    "I prepared all of this for you. The roses and candles, I nned it all."


    "....."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen in shock and surprise mixed together. Even she was struck speechless and couldn¡¯t make a sound hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words. Unlike her, Lu Tian calmly reach for the napkin and clean his hand with it. He didn¡¯t have to look at his wife because he already knew what kind of expression she had on and it made him feel satisfy.


    The waiters came back to their table and started cleaning. The young waiter steals a nce at Lu Tian and waited for a signal and just at the same time, Lu Tian nod his head. Seeing this, he quickly removes the dishes and heads toward the kitchen again with the other two waiters.


    Seeing the small nce, Yue Ling narrow her eyes in suspicion and leans in towards Lu Tian, "Why did you n all this?"


    She looks around again and frown, "It¡¯s not even my birthday or a special assion..."


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder at her words, "I don¡¯t need any kind of asion to prepare dinners like this for you."


    Looking at him, Yue Ling scoff a chuckle. She rest her chin on her palm and smiles to him, "I never knew you were such a romantic man."


    "For you, I can be anything."


    "....."


    Lu Tian spoke his words with a stern expression making Yue Ling loss for words again. She stare at the straight face man and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. How can this man say something so sweet with such a cold expression...


    Staring at him, she thought about the decoration. The red roses and candles inside the restaurant to the fact that it was only the two of them. She turn her head away from him and looks to each bundle of roses.


    "Tian, this.... I mean¡ª"


    "Mr. Lu."


    Before she could finish her words, the young waiter interrupted her as he walks up to their table. He stops by Lu Tian¡¯s side and set a nicely wrapped nod on the table. He slightly bow and walks away.


    Now looking back at the cold man, Yue Ling furrow her brows slightly. She examined the box and tilt her head curiously.


    "What is that?"


    Seeing the expression on her face, Lu Tian faintly smile. He scoot the chair back and stood up. Walking over to her, he knelt down beside her and ce the gift in front of her.


    "This is a gift for you. I want to congratte you before anyone else."


    "...."


    Not know what to say or do, Yue Ling looks at Lu Tian then to the gift in front of her. She knows that the man would not leave unless she opens it, so doing as he wish, she touch the gift.


    "Congratte? What is inside?"


    Lu Tian chuckle and shook his head, "You won¡¯t know if you don¡¯t open it."


    "....."


    Yue Ling pout her lip and understanding that he won¡¯t tell her, she decides to open it. She undid the ribbon, then unwraps the gift.


    Until the wrapper was fully unwrapped, she sees a ck suede box in the shape of a square. The space between her brow crease into three lines and she slowly opens the box.


    Seeing the inside, her eyes waiver and she froze in ce. She quickly looks at Lu Tian and then to the gift inside.


    "D-Didn¡¯t.... This... how?"


    Everything inside her head was in a chaotic mess. She continuously looks at Lu Tian then to the gift. Her expression held confusion and shock mix with surprise.


    Lu Tian smiles at her and he finally stood up. He takes the gift from her and set it down on the table. Doing so, he removes the item inside the gift revealing a thin chain with a small diamond pendant. He walks behind his wife and his arms move over her and back behind her. As he puts the item on her, he spoke his words.


    "I know you might get mad when you hear what I have to say, but I did a little research. I know who you are and I want you to know that I will stand on your side." His fingers work their magic behind her neck, "Bnce, is my congrattion gift to you in your sess."


    He finishes putting the ne on his wife and he takes a step back to her side. He knelt down beside her again and takes her hand into his. His dark pupils met her greenish blue eyes and he faintly smile.


    "You are the bnce of my life and heart."

 Chapter 278 Who are you?

    Stepping outside of Elegancy, the dark blue sky greets Yue Ling and Lu Tian into the night. However, unlike the other nights, tonight¡¯s sky was clear with a small wind. It was perfect andfortable.


    Lu Tian held his wife¡¯s hand and walk towards the car. After he put the ne on her, she did not say anything in response. Although she didn¡¯t, he knew the answer from the look in her eyes. It was enough for him.


    Feeling like he had achieved the first step into his n, he smiles happily inside. Taking the keys to his car from the valet worker, he helps Yue Ling into the car then himself.


    Their dinner at Elegancy was just a small part of the n. Even he isn¡¯t sure how tonight¡¯s big n will go.....


    Now sitting in the passenger seat again, Yue Ling stare out the window. However, it wasn¡¯t the outside view that she was looking at. In fact, she was lost in her own thoughts about what happened.


    Her head tilt and she rest against the seat. Subconsciously, she raised her right hand and touch the tiny pendant on the ne. Never did she think this ne would return to her. When she helped Lu Tian pick it out, she had thought it was really for his cousin. At the time, she did felt reluctant to let it fall into someone else¡¯s hand, but she held herself back.


    As she drift into thoughts, Lu Tian stretch his to her and pat her on the head. He quickly nce at her and smile a small smile.


    "Sleep. I know you¡¯re tired, I¡¯ll wake you up when we are there."


    Yue Ling did not answer but turn her head to look at the handsome man sitting next to her and she sigh a smile. She was indeed tired from the day. Not only that, there was so much to do in the morning.


    Without realizing, she stares at Lu Tian¡¯s figure from the side and slowly lost to slumber. A faint smile rouse on her lip, she thought Lu Tian looked very charming despite his cold appearance.


    While the couple drove through the streets of Imperial, a certain someone was still on his assigned mission. A figure clothed in raggedy clothes sat outside the gate of Imperial Military Hospital. No one can see if it was a man or woman because of the hood covering this person¡¯s face.


    "What are you doing there? Get away."


    A voice shouts out as a Guard soldier approach the homeless person. He looks at the homeless man and point his rifle to the person with no intentions of shooting at all.


    "This is no ce for someone like you to sleep." He frown at the homeless person, then gesture with his head to a direction, "There is a shelter a few meters down, go there to find warmth for the night."


    The soldier looks at the homeless person again, however, there was no reply. He shook his head and turn to go back inside the gate.


    "When Ie back out, don¡¯t let me see you still here. You will only scare the patients and workers."


    Finishing his words, the soldier walks back towards the hospital. It wasn¡¯t that he is a mean person, if he was, he would have been more aggressive to the homeless person. However, training under General Ji, he was trained to be a better person. That is why he told the homeless person about the shelter a few meters down from the hospital.


    Silence return to the homeless person. Until the solder was no longer in sight and footsteps could not be heard, the homeless person finally move.


    The head of the homeless person tilt upwards. The hood did not fall back as night shadow this person¡¯s face to reveal a smooth and clean lower face of a man.


    The homeless man turn his head in the direction the soldier had went then he stretch his legs and stood up. In silence of the night, he walks in the direction the soldier had pointed. However, when he walked 13 meters from the hospital, he turned to the corner and walk up a hill.


    Stopping in front of a motorcycle, the homeless man sighed and pulls his hood back, revealing the face of a young and handsome man. He scratch his head messing up his hair and sighed.


    "My boss should really give me a pay raise for my job."


    He nce down at the raggedy clothes he is wearing and couldn¡¯t help but sigh again.


    "Why wasn¡¯t Liu Shan assigned this job...."


    Lin Hui turn to look at the hospital and he frown remembering what the soldier said. Lifting both hands, he touch his smooth face and pout his lip, "I¡¯m this handsome and that soldier dare to call me scary." He snort in ignorance, "Just wait and see."


    He humf and covers his head with the hood again and sat down in front of his motorcycle. Doing so, he takes out his phone and stares at the screen. If it wasn¡¯t for his assignment to monitor Imperial Military Hospital, he would never have disguised himself as a homeless man.


    Of course, he had forgotten about his past when he went in disguise as many characters.


    Just then, something caught his attention on his phone. The corners of his mouth arc upwards and he grin evilly. Out of nowhere, he takes out a tablet and press a button on the screen.


    "Heh Heh, this will give the old fart a fright."


    Inside Imperial Military Hospital, thete night shift nurses monitor each floor as they keep a close eye on their patients. Although there wasn¡¯t many patients, they knew that these people were not ordinary. One mistake and it can cause them their career.


    The nurse attending to grandmother Nuo finish changing the IV and sigh at the olddy. Her heart really ached for the grandmother. Bending over, she fixes the nket to keep grandmother Nuo warm. She then leaves the room and proceed to check on her next patient as she closes the door.


    In minutes of the nurses departure, the door that was just closed suddenly push open. It was slow and not loud to cause distraction. A figure peeks inside and quietly enters. No lights were turned on or sound could be heard.


    Doctor Xie quietly makes his way to the hospital bed and stops at the bedside. He looks at the newly ced IV bag and he smirk. Reaching into the pocket of his white doctor coat, he takes out a needle.


    Before proceeding with his evil intentions, he nce at the olddy and seeing that she is still unconscious, he injects the sharp point of the needle into the IV drip.


    "~Woooooooooo¡ª-"


    "....."


    In that moment, Doctor Xie¡¯s body froze and all the hair on his body stood straight. The ghostly sound stopped him from injecting the needle into the IV. He looks around the room and due to no light, he could barely make out what everything is. His eyes squint to adjust his vision and he scans the room again.


    However, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Heughed inside for thinking foolishly. Everything was just his imagination. If not then the wind from outside only.


    Quickly shaking the thought away, he continues with what he was doing. He needed to do it fast or else a nurse might enter the room in any moment. He takes a deep breath and ce the tip on the Iv.


    "~Woooooooooooo¡ª!"


    This time, the ghostly sound was loud and more clearer. Doctor Xie¡¯s entire body froze more and he could not move. The darkness of the hospital room made everything look even more horrifying. Never in his years working as a doctor has he been this terrified. Let alone hear something like his. He knows that all hospitals are haunted with the deceased, but....


    As he though of this, the lights in the room start to flicker uncontrobly. His body stiffen and he could feel all the hair on his body run away like crazy.


    He jumps and takes a step back not realizing that he had dropped the needle in his hand. His eyes widen in red as he trembling looks around the room.


    "W-wh...who is it?"


    His words tremble in stutter in fear. He looks in every direction of the room, until.....


    "....."


    In one corner of the room, a dark figure appears from within the wall. His head slowly turn to the figure and his soul left his body.


    It had pale skin as white as a nk sheet of paper. So pale it was almost transparent. It was dressed in an old hospital gown and it¡¯s head tilt to one side as it¡¯s long dark hair that touch the floor cover it¡¯s face.


    Doctor Xie gulped with great difficulty and he points at it with fear written all over his face.


    "W-Who are you? W-w-w-why are y-y-you h-h-here?"


    The figure did not move, but stood in silence making Doctor Xie even more terrified. He quickly steady himself and lift his chin.


    "I asked you, w-who¡ª-"


    "GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE TAKEN¡ª¡ª!!!!"


    Before he could finish his words, the figure suddenly flies towards him and it¡¯s hair pulls back revealing a horrific disoriented face. Fingers with sharp yellow nails cover in blood stretch out to grab him.


    "AAAHHHH¡ª!!!"


    Doctor Xie screamed at the top of his lungs and runs out of the room. His foot hit the chairs and his figure mmed into the wall but all he cares about right now was getting the hell out of the room.


    *SLAMM!!*


    The door was shut and silence return to the room of grandmother Nuo. The ghostly figure also no longer moved as it flickers and slowly disappears.


    Outside of the room, Doctor Xie ran as if his life depended on it. He wasn¡¯t thinking straight and crash into a person. Due to the impact, Doctor Xie fell to the ground while the other person used the wall to steady.


    "Doctor Xie, what in the world is wrong with you?"


    Doctor Dong frown and steady himself. He looks at Doctor Xie and he was loss for all words. The man looked like a mess, it was as if he had seen a ghost!


    Doctor Xie jumped due to his fear, but he quickly gather himself together. He stood up and shook his head as he tries to hide the expression on his face.


    "N-n-nothing. It¡¯s nothing..."


    Not waiting for the head doctor to say anything, he continues in the direction of his office. He needed to go somewhere he know is safe and calm his head.


    Doctor Dong nce at Doctor Xie¡¯s retorting figure. He did not say anything and continues in the opposite direction.


    "Pfffahahahahahh!!!"


    While Doctor Xie was shivering in fear, outside of the hospital, a faint, yet loudughter could be heard echoing in the night sky.


    Lin Hui held onto his phone and tablet. Heughed so hard, he was on the verge of crying. Setting his phone down, he held his stomach and wipe a tear from the corner of his eye.


    "Hmmf! Serves you right, you old evildoer!"

 Chapter 279 My dearest apologies to my readers

    <h4>Chapter 276 My dearest apologies to my readers</h4>


    Dear readers,


    I¡¯d like to sincerely apologize for letting you all down the past month(s). As I¡¯ve been in the process of moving from the United States to South Korea. However, during the preparations, I had to be hospitalized and under go surgery to remove my gall dder. It has been a long struggle for me having to set everything into ce between recovering and moving. I hope you all forgive me for not informing you all and disappear without a word.


    I am really sorry for not letting you all know.


    For now, I am still recovering from my surgery. Once I finish my move to S. Korea in mid September, I will update more chapters for Unexpected Second Chance at Love!


    Again, I am sorry for disappearing without any words and I hope you all continue to support me when I return and be the awesome readers that you all have been!


    Thank you very much for understanding.


    Abeehiltz \u003c3

 Chapter 280 Announcemen

    <h4>Chapter 277 Announcemen</h4>


    DEAR READERS,


    I HAVE SAFELY AND SUCCESSFULLY MADE IT TO S. KOREA!! MY RECOVERY IS BETTER NOW THAN BEFORE TOO. I KNOW I HAD PROMISED TO UPDATE BY MID SEPTEMBER, BUT UNFORTUNATELY MY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ARE NOT HERE YET. I AM TOLD I SHOULD RECEIVE THEM BY OCT 21.


    THE USB CONTAINING MY NOVEL AND DESKTOP IS ALSO WITH MY THINGS. WHICH I REGRET NOT JUST BRINGING THEM WITH ME ON THE PLANE. HOWEVER, ONCE EVERYTHING ARRIVES, I WILL DEFINITELY UPDATE THE NOVEL ASAP.


    I KNOW I LEFT YOU ALL IN THE MOST CRUEL CLIFF HANGER AS THE NOVEL WAS TAKING PLACE, BUT DONT WORRY, I WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU ALL.


    IF ANYTHING CHANGES, I WILL UPDATE YOU ALL AGAIN!


    THANK YOU, ABEEHILTZ ??

 Chapter 281 Keep your eyes close

    The sky grew darker, painting blue strokes at a time until it turns into a deeper shades of the night. The surrounding fields that traps Imperial in ce fade into the night allowing the tiny stars to appear.


    Behind a small hill, faint lights can be seen in the distance. A white structure house with dark tile roofing can gradually be made out. Inside the metal gate upon entrance, one can see a white Aston Martin Vanquish pulls up into the drive way.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Yue Ling felt the car stop and her eyes slowly flutter open. In anguid motion, she gently rub her eyes before looking out the window.


    "Tian, why are we here?"


    Next to her in the driver seat, Lu Tian did not show a change in his expression. Looking at his wife, he felt regretful knowing how tired she must be after a long day, but he cannot turn back now. He sigh inside and turn the engine off.


    "I want to show you something before going home."


    Finishing hisst word, he didn¡¯t wait for a response and steps out of the driver door. He walks around to the passenger side to help his wife out of the car.


    Yue Ling did not think much and step out of the car with Lu Tian¡¯s help. He probably has business to attend to here, so she won¡¯t question him.


    As she steps out, she looks at the big white structure in front of her and she sigh at it¡¯s magical beauty. She has to admit, when she saw it the other day when the sun was still out, it was already beautiful, but seeing it now in the dark with the moon and stars above... It was even more stunning.


    The dark sky at this moment painted a perfect background. It really brings out the magical features of the house like a castle in a storybook.


    Suddenly, she feels Lu Tian¡¯s hand wrap around her as it brings warmth to her palms.


    "Ready?"


    She looks at him and nod her head.


    As they start walking away from the car, she realizes they were not heading towards the front door of the house... Instead, Lu Tian was bringing her to the side of the house.


    "Uh....."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes blink in confusion and she looks at Lu Tian.


    "Why are we walking this way?"


    She thought of something as she spoke her words. She nce at Lu Tian before a quiet gasp escape her lip and she quickly cover her mouth.


    "Tian, are you afraid your wife might see you sneak your mistress inside?"


    "...."


    Hearing her question, Lu Tian did not know whether tough or cry. He nce at her from the corner of his eyes and gently pinch her nose. He didn¡¯t say a word, but continue towards the side of the house.


    Yue Ling pout her lip like a little girl who had been wronged. She rub her nose and mumble to herself.


    However, as they near the side of the house, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes begin to adjust to the darkness despite the faint lights from the outdoor lighting. From the distance, she could make out the outline of a building that looks connected to the house.


    She frown at it and thought to herself.


    Thest time when they were here, this building was not here. So how.....


    Seeing her reaction, Lu Tian held in the urge tough at his wife. He pretends to not have seen it and guides her to a double door.


    "This is one of the things I want to show you, but....."


    He pause in the middle of his words and takes a step in front of Yue Ling. A smile cross his face and he lean closer to her.


    "You have to keep your eyes close."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyelids turn heavy hearing Lu Tian¡¯s sudden words. She looks at him and wanted to say something, but when she saw the happy, yet serious look on his face, she could only clear her throat.


    "Fine, I¡¯ll keep my eyes close, but no tricks."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian¡¯s smile disappear and it was his turn to have heavy eyelids.


    Did his wife actually think he would pull some kind of trick on her? Does he look like a child to her?


    Lightly shaking his head, he turn to the double door. At the side, he opens a code box and punch in the number.


    *beep*


    The double door unlocks and Lu Tian push the doors open.


    From behind, Yue Ling poke her head out from Lu Tian¡¯s side and tries to peek inside the building.


    To her surprise, the inside was even darker than outside. She thought that from the time she walked from the car to here, her eyes had already adjusted to the darkness of the night... However, she couldn¡¯t even make out anything inside at all.


    Seeing how dark it was, she couldn¡¯t help but take a big gulp. Her eyes slowly shift to Lu Tian¡¯s back and she gulp again.


    ¡¯Well.... here goes nothing...¡¯


    Lu Tian turn his head to the side and when he saw her, he smile at the expression his wife has on. She looked like a little girl who was about to face her fears going inside a haunted house.


    "It won¡¯t be a surprise if you are trying to see what is inside."


    "......"


    Hearing him, Yue Ling quickly straighten herself. She cross her arms over her chest and tilt her chin upward.


    "I wasn¡¯t trying to see what is inside. I just wanted to help you check if it¡¯s dark enough."


    When she finish her words, she didn¡¯t wait for Lu Tian to say anything and quickly closes her eyes.


    "See, my eyes are close. How can I see?"


    "...."


    Lu Tian stare at his wife and he could only sigh inside.


    Shaking her words off of his mind, he walks behind his wife and ce his hands on her shoulder. In a slow pace, he guides her inside the dark building as the darkness inside engulf them.


    Inside the building, Yue Ling kept her words. Her eyes remain shut and she allows Lu Tian to guide her in the unknown direction they were heading.


    If it had been anyone else, she would of opened her eyes the moment she stepped foot inside. However, it was different with Lu Tian. He always made her feel safe and her heart tells her that he would never hurt her. Not even in the tiniest way possible.


    As she thought of this, her stepse to a stop follow by Lu Tian¡¯s. With her eyes close and her ears being her only sense, she didn¡¯t hear anything. Except, the moment she thought that, she felt Lu Tian¡¯s hands on her should move away then his footsteps like he is walking away.


    The space between her brows creases and she slightly tilt her head. She tries to follow the sound of his footsteps, but it didn¡¯t take long before she couldn¡¯t hear them anymore and silence returned.


    What is Lu Tian nning? Why is he leaving her alone here? Is he.....


    "You can open your eyes now."


    Lu Tian¡¯s words were calm allowing all thoughts in Yue Ling¡¯s mind to vanish. She slowly open her eyes, but to her surprise, everything was still dark. As a matter of fact it was darker than before.


    "Tian?"


    She looks around while trying to adjust her eyes. She turns her head in every direction trying to see where Lu Tian is, however, because of the darkness, it was harder for her to make out anything.


    She frown and just when she nned to take a step forward, the lights suddenly turn on. Brightness lit up the darkness of the building and she froze in ce.


    "I said I would build you a bigger one."


    At the entrance where the double door was, Lu Tian stood a few feet away. He slowly walks toward his wife with a satisfy expression.


    "Do you like it?"


    Paying no attention to Lu Tian¡¯s question, Yue Ling stare at what is in front of her. Her head turn to look at every corner of the building and she felt happiness inside her.


    Stopping in front of her, Lu Tian pout his lip seeing the happy expression on his wife. She looked as if she had fallen in love all over again. However, when he looks at what his wife is looking at, he couldn¡¯t help but admit inside, he did a good job.


    Yue Ling looks at Lu Tian and smiles a smile that reach her eyes. Her right hand touch her heart and she sigh.


    "It¡¯s perfect-!!"


    She takes two steps forward and sigh again.


    This unknown building that Lu Tian had brought her to is none other than the garage they sawst time. Except, this time it is bigger.


    A lot bigger than any garage she has everid eyes on.


    From the outside, one would think of this as a one story garage, however, seeing the inside, each side of the walls is custom with multiple car lifts allowing another car to be park on top.


    Just one look and this new garage Lu Tian renovated could fit at least a total of 100 cars!


    Yue Ling stare at the spacious space in front of her and she sigh another sigh. It is only a matter of time until her beauties get here and she could already see them parked perfectly in a line for her in this heaven like garage.


    Her sighs continue and Lu Tian lightly chuckle without knowing what is on his wife¡¯s mind. He is actually quite satisfy with the surprises he nned for her.


    The first surprise was Bnce and now, this new garage is the second surprise.


    Thinking of his third surprise, he gaze at her with loving eyes and reach for her hand. He interlock their fingers and kiss the back of her hand.


    "Come, I have another thing I want to show you."

 Chapter 282 What are you hiding?

    Walking out of the brightly lit garage, Yue Ling pout her lip as Lu Tian leads her out.


    Couldn¡¯t he have let her spend a little bit more time inside the garage?


    Even if there weren¡¯t any cars, she still wanted to look around and see what else is inside. However, thinking of it, she looks at Lu Tian¡¯s back figure and she could only sigh inside.


    Even though it was dimly lit outside, she could already picture Lu Tian¡¯s expression if she decided retort.


    Trailing behind, she sigh again and decides to obediently follow him.


    Lu Tian walks Yue Ling to the front house and unlocks the door. As they enter the empty house, the lights automatically switch on, brightening the whole first floor of the house.


    Yue Ling tilt her head with a confuse expression. The house was very empty and looks exactly the same as when they first came to see it.


    She walks towards the empty living room and poke her head in to see. However, it was also empty. Even more confuse, she turns to look at Lu Tian who is quietly walking behind her. Seeing how calm he is, she squint her eyes in suspicion.


    "Tian, what are you hiding?"


    Lu Tian looks at his wife and he held back the urge to pinch her cheeks. Taking two big strides, he stops in front of her.


    "I would never hide anything from you."


    Hearing him, Yue Ling pout her lip, but instead of being confused, this time, curiosity makes its way in her. She squint her eyes more at him.


    "What are we doing in here then?"


    "Silly, I never said what I wanted to show you is inside the house."


    Lu Tian spoke as he reach for Yue Ling¡¯s hand like he normally does and walks toward the end of the living room. In the middle of the huge living room window, a ss doores to view and he calmly turn the door handle.


    "Let¡¯s go for a little walk."


    Walking out the door, they step onto the patio deck and Yue Ling was taken back by surprise. In front of her was a vast yard that reminded her of a rice field in the dark, yet smaller. She is sure that if it had been during the day, this yard would look even more better.


    However, what surprise her more is that the grass is lit with candles that dimly brightens the yard. Not only that, in the distance of the night, she can see the faint lights of Imperial glistening from behind the shadows of the trees.


    She sigh at the breath taking view and turn her head to look at Lu Tian with glistening eyes.


    "Tian, this is so pretty."


    Standing at her side, Lu Tian nod his head, but inside he is smiling like a little boy. He had picked this house because from his time living with her at her condo, he realized that she loves to look at the city view of Imperial.


    So, if he is going to buy a house for her, he wants it to be perfect and have the best view. Not only that, he knew in his heart that his wife would love this view.


    Holding his wife¡¯s hand, he lightly squeeze her hand and walks forward.


    "Come, let¡¯s continue our walk."


    Yue Ling did not say anything, but allow Lu Tian to lead the way again. The her at this moment is to mesmerize with the view in front of her. This view was beyond her imagination, it is even better than the view from her balcony at Jade Condos.


    Anyone who sees this, would also be in a trance like her.


    Taking the lead, Lu Tianes to the three steps of stairs down from the patio deck and he carefully guides his oblivious wife. He neither spoke or made a sound, but allow her to enjoy the view.


    It wasn¡¯t until they had taken a few steps did Yue Ling finally look away from the view. She couldn¡¯t help but quietly suck in a mouthful of air.


    The grass she had thought was lit with candles was actually lit with small rice papernterns. On both sides were biggernterns in an orderly line creating a path for them.


    As if the view was already not enough, this is even more magical. She didn¡¯t know what to say, but can only remain quiet.


    At her side, Lu Tian nce at his wife and seeing her reaction from the dim light, he felt even better inside. He is screaming in joy inside knowing that his wife¡¯s reaction is what he wanted.


    Walking to the end of the lighted path, the both of them finally came to a stop.


    Yue Ling stare at what is in front of her and she is even more confused than ever.


    "Tian, what is this?"


    In front of them is a simple looking table. It did not look elegant, but it didn¡¯t look out of ce. However, what confused her was that in the center of the table was one unlit rice paperntern and a candle.


    As she tries to understand what is going on, Lu Tian walks up to the table, then he turn his body to face her. A smile arc on his lip making him look even more handsome than he already is.


    "This is my third surprise to you."


    Staring at him, Yue Ling could feel her heart melt in a pool of love. Yet, when she looks down at the unlitntern, a faint smile appears on her.


    She slowly reach down and gently trace the outline of thentern. Her movement was careful like she is afraid she might rip the fragilentern.


    However, the more she touch thentern, her smile slowly fade.


    "It¡¯s been a long time since Ist lit antern...."


    Hearing her words, the space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows lightly crease. For some reason, he can hear a hint of despair and longing in Yue Ling¡¯s voice.


    Yue Ling continue to stare down at thentern and then she holds thentern up.


    "The first time I lit antern was for my father and mother...."


    The more she stares at thentern, sadness slowly form in her bluish green eyes. Memories of her past began to resurface in her mind and her lip lightly tremble.


    "Thest time I lit antern was for Shin....."


    Realizing she had spoke without thinking, she quickly looks at Lu Tian and smile an apologetic smile. She hates it when she brings up her past. Before she met Lu Tian, she never once spoke of her past to anyone... However, ever since she met him.....


    She set thentern down on the table and takes a step back.


    "I¡¯m sorry for bringing this up at a time like this."


    However before she could, Lu Tian ce his hand on her back to stop her. His gesture was gentle like he had never heard what she said.


    He gaze into her bluish green eyes while pulling her closer to him and lower his head to press his forehead to her.


    "Why are you apologizing for something that does not need to be apologize?"


    He quietly sigh and ce a soft kiss her forehead. Pulling away he smiles at her to assure her that he does not mind her speaking of her past.


    "Remember, my time has always belong to you and it always will."


    Hearing thefort and security in his voice, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes begin to tear up, but she holds herself back from crying. She could feel the deep meaning behind his words.


    She thank God for allowing someone like her to meet Lu Tian.


    Despite his cold and aloof demeanor, she can see how much he loves and cares about her. Even if he doesn¡¯t say it to her in words, she can always see it in his eyes.


    As she gaze into his dark eyes, Yue Ling takes a small step back away from him widening the space between them. No matter when or where, his darks eyes are always able to see through her.


    And even at this moment, her mind is fill with many things to say, but....


    She looks down at the unlitntern on the table, then to the view of Imperial in the distance.


    Lu Tian did not mind that she pulled away from his grasp, instead he takes a step forward to stand next to her in front of the table. He doesn¡¯t do anything, but looks out to the same view his wife is looking at.


    Neither spoke a word, but allow the flickering sound of the fire from thenterns to rece the silence of the night.


    After a long while, Yue Ling finally broke the silence between them. She did not look at Lu Tian but continue to gaze out to Imperial as she spoke her words.


    "Tian, will you listen to what I have to say?"

 Chapter 283 I want you to know

    In the night when cars no longer clutter the roads, restaurants have close for the day, and people are resting home, only two people remain awake.


    Not once moving from her position, Yue Ling ponder in thoughts of how to begin her story. She had told Lu Tian parts of her stories when they were in City Z, but now....


    She looks down at the unlitntern on the table and touch it.


    "When we were in City Z, I told you about of my past."


    She pause in her words and gently stroke the side of thentern.


    "What if I told you, that was only part of it?"


    Finishing her question, she did not wait for Lu Tian¡¯s response. She looks away from the unlitntern and back to Imperial in the distance.


    "I...."


    Just when she spoke her first word, instead of speaking normally, she choke out the word ¡¯I¡¯. The memories she had once closed away in her heart floods her mind one after another. It was as if she had gone back to the past to experience everything again.


    Lu Tian looks at her and gently touch her cheek.


    "If you don¡¯t want to say it, I understand."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling shook her head and she ce her hand on the back of his. She looks up at him and faintly smile.


    "I want you to know about my life."


    She takes a deep breath and moves Lu Tian¡¯s hand away from her cheek. She held his hand with her hand and looks back to Imperial.


    "If you look at me, you would see an ordinary woman. You will see me as the model who had retired from the entertainment industry, but what you don¡¯t see is the person I really am."


    Yue Ling smile a smile that did not reach her eyes.


    "When my mother married my father, she knew who my father really was. She knew the kind of man she married and so did my paternal grandfather.."


    "Both my grandfathers were good friends and their ways of seeing life are simr, so marrying their only children to one another was consider the greatest blessing.... I was told that when my mother became pregnant with me, my father was the happiest person in the world. Everyday, he would care for my mother and made sure she was well taken care of."


    Talking about her parents, Yue Ling touch her stomach and she caress it. For her child, she will give the world to him or her. No matter what life has in store, she will make sure her child lives a life full of love.


    "After my mother gave birth to me, she became busy with work. My father and mother held the same dream, so they often had to leave me. Due to that, a nanny was hired and she took care of me like I was her own. She told me many stories about my father and mother and from those stories, I knew that my parents love me no matter where they were. My nanny truly loved me and never allow others to speak ill about me. If someone did, she would protect me, if someone wanted to hurt me, she would fight back.."


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression sadden and she felt a sharp pain in her heart.


    "When the tragic news of my parents death came, my nanny was the only person outside of my family whoforted me. One year after my two grandfathers and I buried my parents, I was not allow to see my nanny anymore. I didn¡¯t ask why and just obeyed my elders. However, my nanny wasn¡¯t just a person my parents hired, she is like another grandmother to me and I missed herpany every day.. So as little girl, I wanted to see her again... But no matter how much I begged to see her, I was not allow to."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turn moist and she sigh a painful smile.


    "It wasn¡¯t untilter that I learned the reason why I was not allow to see my nanny. I found out that before my parent¡¯s death, her memories were already starting topse and it didn¡¯t take long before the news came that she was diagnose with Alzheimer."


    Hearing herst word, Lu Tian looks at his wife and seeing the pained look on her face, he felt like someone had stab his heart. He gently squeeze her hand and Yue Ling looks up at him.


    "As you might have guessed by now, my nanny was grandmother Nuo and she was also my mother¡¯s nanny."


    Yue Ling sigh and she looks at the candle on the table.


    "You¡¯re probably thinking why I am telling you about my rtionship with Grandmother Nuo, but the Nuo family are consider family to me. They have been working for my paternal grandfather for a long time and I promised to take care of them.... For the love that grandmother Nuo gave me, I will return it with my support."


    After she finish talking, silence return and Yue Ling did not speak a word. Neither did Lu Tian. The night wind brush against them making the lose strands of Yue Ling¡¯s hair to slightly flutter.


    "Tian....."


    Yue Ling finally spoke and broke the silence. She doesn¡¯t look at Lu Tian but continue her words.


    "I am not who you think I am....," She looks at Lu Tian and she sigh a small smile. "In this world, there are good people and there are bad people. My paternal grandfather is a man of many powers, but he doted on me so much and never stopped me from doing anything. I was able to live my life like how I wanted and he supported me. Even when I studied fashion and became a model, never once did hee between me and my passion. However.... at the end of one¡¯s day, one must always remember their roots."


    She slowly turn her body to face Lu Tian and look straight into his dark eyes.


    "No matter what I did in life, I never want my family to be in danger. My family is important to me, but I am the heiress of a family with who¡¯s hands are stained with blood..."


    Finishing her words, she let¡¯s go of Lu Tian¡¯s hand and takes a step back from him. However her eyes never left his as she speaks her next words.


    "I am the daughter of my father and my father is the son of Fate¡¯s leader."

 Chapter 284 Watch the lanterns

    ¡¯I am the daughter of my father and my father is the son of Fate¡¯s leader.¡¯


    Lu Tian stare into his wife¡¯s eyes. He does not say a word, nor does he show a change in expression upon hearing her story. The only thing he thought about was her words as they repeated in his mind.


    His wife really is the granddaughter of Fate¡¯s leader...


    From the moment they came back from Retro, he had his suspicions, but he didn¡¯t think much of it....


    Now hearing her say so herself, it¡¯s even more of a shock for him. It¡¯s not that he cares, but when he first met her, he really did thought she was a normal person.


    After unexinable encounters, he kept questioning her background, but never asked...


    However, to know her true background.....


    Lu Tian took onest look at his wife and he turn his head to look at the unlitntern on the table.


    Taking steps away, the faint lights of the litnterns on the grass illuminates behind him.


    He stare down at the paperntern in a long silence.


    "People always say I have everything, but the truth is, in their eyes I am a person who is cold blooded.."


    He takes a step forward and reach down to get the unlitntern.


    "Because I am the oldest son and the heir of Lu Corps, I am always targeted. I had to prepare myself everyday for the unimaginable, so I distant myself. When I did, I started to realize the true colors of those around me and I learned to cut them out of my life. It wasn¡¯t me who they wanted to know, it was my wealth and connection they were after."


    He turns around and looks at Yue Ling. He held thentern in one hand and the candle in his other.


    His expression was still as cold as ever and there was not ounce of emotion that can be seen.


    "I never understood why my father loves my mother so much..."


    He takes a step forward and it wasn¡¯t until he stops a feet away from Yue Ling did his expression soften.


    "It wasn¡¯t until I met you that I realized a lot of feelings I never I had."


    Yue Ling quietly stare at Lu Tian and she could feel her eyes start to tear up. His words wereforting and honest. They live in different worlds, yet so simr at the same time.


    "I started to understand what life really means and you became the light in my life, lighting everything for me."


    Lu Tian faintly smile at her, but Yue Ling could see the affection in his smile. It was the smile of epting, a smile that could ease her heart. She looks down at thentern in his hand and she carefully takes it from him.


    He carefully use the candle to light the fuel and he ce the candle down on the table.


    Both individuals held one side of thentern¡¯s end. When the fuel burnpletely both their hands let go at the same time and allow the faint wind to slowly carry thentern upwards.


    Yue Ling¡¯s gaze follow thentern and her head tilt back. She stare at thentern as it flies higher into the night sky.


    At the same time, Lu Tian did not look at thentern, his eyes never left his wife and he takes a step forward to hold her hand.


    "I once said to you, if you need a shoulder to lean on, I will lend you mine. If you need someone to listen to you, I will give you my ears. If you need strength, I will be your strength."


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words, Yue Ling looks away from thentern and back to Lu Tian. Those words he said were the reason she found him her safe haven. He is the reason why she could love someone whole heartily again.


    Lu Tian leans closer to her and he nt a kiss on her red lip. As quickly as the kiss came, he pulls away and takes a step back.


    "No matter who you are or what your family background is, it does not matter to me."


    Yue Ling watch him in silence and she could feel her heart beat pound louder and louder.


    "The moment I met you, I didn¡¯t need the world...I just need you."


    He spoke as he slowly took to one knee and takes out a small jade like box from his suit jacket. He opens the the box and his eyes met her eyes again.


    "Will you grow old with me?"


    In that moment, thousands of glowingnterns slowly start to ascend the night sky from all directions around them. Each one creating a magical spectacle unlike anything, making the atmosphere unique and a lifetime memory.


    Yue Liang felt her heart beat faster than ever and she couldn¡¯t find the words to say.


    This surprise was more than when she received Bnce and even more than when she saw the new garage.


    Everything that happened today was.....


    Her lips tremble and she covers her mouth as tears began to fall.


    She never saw thising at all. The day Shin died, she swore to never get marry. She told herself to never love again because love for her will not be the same....


    However, she met Lu Tian and fell in love...


    He didn¡¯t understand love and she let go of love, yet, they somehow cross paths and met.


    He stood by her side without knowing anything about her and she told herself that if he decides to leave after knowing, she will understand, but.... even now, he still wants to stand by her side after knowing who she really is.


    As her tears continue to fall, she could not speak a word.


    Slowly, she nod her head in response to his question.


    If God is willing to grant her a second chance at love, she will ept and cherish it.


    Seeing her response, Lu Tian¡¯s heart flew out to the sky and back. He felt the insecurity that was forming in heart lift and he rx.


    He takes the ring out from the jade box and he stood up. Taking his wife¡¯s hand, he puts the ring on her wedding finger.


    Bringing her hand up, he kiss the back of her hand before pulling her into his arms.


    "I really do love you, Yue Ling."


    He embrace her tighter and he put his head on her shoulder. His movement was as if kneading her to be one with him.


    "No matter what happened in your past or what the future holds for us, I will continue to love you."


    Lu Tian pulls away from her, but his arms still wrap around her. He looks down at his wife and seeing her tearful face, he felt like beating himself up. If he had known proposing was going to make her cry, he would of just taken her to city hall to register.


    However, he wants to make this memorable for her and imprint it into her memories.


    He sigh a faint smile and he wipe her tears away.


    "If you keep crying, you won¡¯t be able to watch thenterns anymore."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling scoff a chuckle and she nod her head with a sniffle. She calms herself down and use the back of her hand wipes her remaining tears away from her eyes.


    "Who told you to surprise me so much in one day."


    She spoke sarcastically to him in a somewhat hoarse voice from crying, but the moment she lift her hand, she felt her heart stop.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes falter and she stare in disbelief at her hand that is starting to tremble.


    She lower her hand and look down at her hand while her other hand touch the ring.


    Seeing her do this, Lu Tian did not think much and smiles.


    When he propose to her, due to the area being dim, he knew that Yue Ling wasn¡¯t able to clearly see the ring. So, seeing her reaction now, he had already expected it.


    "I wanted to give you the perfect ring." He holds both of her hands and gently squeeze it. "This ring is the symbol of what you mean to me, because you are--"


    "L¡¯amour de ma vie....."


    Before Lu Tian could finish his words, Yue Ling subconsciously interrupts him. Her head remains down as she stares at the ring on her finger.


    Hearing her sudden words, Lu Tian furrow his brows.


    "How..."


    Without thinking, he whisper the word ¡¯how¡¯. If it was someone else, he would not think much because L¡¯amour de ma vie is a ring known to many... But the way Yue Ling said its name was different.


    She sounded like someone who had decided to give away something she treasured but it was returned to her....


    Just as he thought of this, his eyes slightly waiver and everything around froze for him.


    L¡¯amour de ma vie..... The love of my life.....


    His mind wonder off to many things, but he does not let go of Yue Ling¡¯s hand.


    Oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s feelings, Yue Ling stare at the ring then she looks up at the cold man. Seeing the look in his eyes, she already knew what he is thinking.


    She faintly smiles at him and lift her hand to caress the side of his face.


    "L¡¯Amour de ma vie was created by Shin."

 Chapter 285 Giving it away

    Thousands of glowingnterns fill the night sky illuminating a magical vision over Imperial. The scene looks as if the stars from afar had zoomed in. The cking sound of thenterns can be faintly heard from above.


    Lu Tian was at a loss for words knowing that the ring he had chose was the ring his wife¡¯s first love had once given her.


    Thinking about it, Lu Tian takes a step back and he pinch the space between his brows.


    It¡¯s not that he is angry at the fact that the ring was created by Shin. It was the fact that he had reminded his wife of the person who is no longer here.


    If he wants his wife to be happy, how can he give her something that will remind her everyday of the decease.


    Seeing Lu Tian¡¯s reaction to her words, Yue Ling sigh a smile.


    She touch his hand that is pinching the space between his brows. Bringing it downwards from blocking his face, she gently squeezes his hand.


    "Tian, I want you to hear me out."


    She turn her head to look for a ce to sit, but seeing that there is no bench in sight, she pulls him down and they sit on the cold grass.


    Turning her body to face him, she sighs again.


    Where should she start?


    "It¡¯s true that L¡¯amour de ma vie was Shin¡¯s gift to me."


    She looks down at the ring on her ring finger and her words continue.


    "When I heard that someone wanted the ring, I held mix feelings inside. For a long time I held onto this ring because it was thest thing that Shin gave me and for the longest time, I also wanted to let it go, but I could never bring myself to. It wasn¡¯t just a ring, but a sentimental item to remember him even after death."


    Yue Ling tilt her head back and she looks up to the sky. The glowingnterns were slowly getting further from view.


    "It¡¯s not that I am a greedy person.... I didn¡¯t want thest memento of someone who was part of my life to be taken away. For three years, I knew that the feelings I had held for 10 years were no longer the same, but... I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to throw away something that was part of my life for so long."


    Saying this, she looks at Lu Tian and she caress the side of his face.


    "After our encounter in City Z, I finally found the courage to give up this ring. I came to realize my feelings for you and I found the courage of finally let go of the ring."


    Her fingers trace the side of face before she move her hand away. Lowering her head, she looks back at the ring.


    "Giving it away was what I did, but I never thought the person who wanted L¡¯amour de ma vie was you."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian didn¡¯t know what to say. He felt like the biggest idiot in the world. Before he bought the ring, he had a weird feeling that kept telling him to do a research on H International¡¯s CEO, but he didn¡¯t.


    He never thought that his wife was the mysterious CEO.


    Thinking of this, he nce at his wife and seeing her expression, he let¡¯s out a sigh.


    Without a care, he falls back toy on the cold grass and stare up at the sky.


    "I never thought that you were H International¡¯s CEO."


    Yue Ling smile a small smile hearing his words. She looks out to the faint view of Imperial in the distance.


    "H International was my father¡¯s. After his death, I couldn¡¯t allow it to fall into the hands of evil people, so I took over. However, outside of the employees, no one knows that I am the CEO."


    Yue Ling looks down at the ring again and she slides the ring out of her finger. Lifting it up, she stares at it.


    "L¡¯amour de ma vie is only a ring to me now."


    Seeing what she is doing, Lu Tian quickly sits up. He reaches for her hand and takes the ring from her.


    He let¡¯s out a sigh and slides the ring back on her ring finger.


    "Even if it is only a ring now, it is meant to stay with you."


    Hearing his words and seeing his straight forward expression, Yue Ling felt her heart tinge. She ce her other hand over his and she stares deeply into his eyes.


    "Tian, I know you are trying to be reasonable, but it is not fair to you if I keep this ring."


    Lu Tian did not look at her, but stares down at her hand and his thumb caress the diamond on the ring.


    She is right... it isn¡¯t fair to him if she keeps this ring, but....


    "Fair or not, this ring will be the witness of my love to you. Let it be the proof that I really do love you."


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but smile a light chuckle.


    She really does love Lu Tian.


    Staring at him, she leans in closer to him and her lips seal his.


    If it had been anyone else, they would probably flip out over this, but because this is Lu Tian, he weighs the pros and cons.


    Feeling her sudden kiss, Lu Tian was taken back by surprise, but he did not show it.


    Her unique scent assaults his senses.


    Hisrge hand sps her slender waist, while his other hand presses the back of her head.


    Ravaging and sucking, it was after a good while when Lu Tian loosen his hold on his wife.


    Lu Tian steadied his breathing, while Yue Ling tries to catch her breath. Both people has their forehead touching one another, but neither spoke a word. Only the sound of their breathing could be heard.


    After calming himself from going any further, Lu Tian was the first to speak. He stood up from the grass taking his wife¡¯s hand.


    "It¡¯s alreadyte, we should get going or Inu will worry."


    Yue Ling allow him to help her up, but when she heard what he said, she was dumbfounded. She cast a side nce at him and roll her eyes.


    Inu will worry? Really? If that was the case, why did he n so many surprises.


    Shaking the thought away, the two individuals leisurely makes their way back inside the house.


    While walking back, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but take another look at the night sky mix with the faint vision of thenterns.


    Her mind wonder off to something before she finally looks away.


    She rest her head on Lu Tian¡¯s shoulder and without helping it, she inhale his manly fragrance.


    "Tian, when we have time, let¡¯s look for a new ring together."

 Chapter 286 Love you so much

    In the night while people are resting at home from a long day, the lights inside An Qing remain on.


    "The fashion show is a few days, I do not want to see or hear any more rumors about you from the media."


    Chen Limei looks up and she looks at the other figure in the room.


    Sitting across the room, Ning Mei did show any reaction to her words. She leans back on the chair and shrug her shoulder without a care.


    "Of course, as long as you keep your words in helping me, I will definitely help you."


    Hearing her words full of confidence, Chen Limei scoff a hmmf at Ning Mei.


    She reach into her drawer and pulls out a magazine. Looking at Ning Mei¡¯s over confident face, she throws the magazine loudly on the table.


    "If you want me to help you, you better stop this hobby of yours. You are lucky I got my hands on this before it was released."


    Seeing this, Ning Mei reach for the magazine and she froze in ce.


    On the front cover of the magazine was a photo that looked like it was taken inside a private club. In the photo was Ning Mei sitting between two men. She was kissing one of the men while the other man can be seen touching her body.


    Written in bold letters at the bottom is, ¡¯Another model¡¯s secret night scandal¡¯.


    Ning Mei¡¯s hand tremble with rage inside and she crumbles the magazine. She res at Chen Limei, but does not say a word.


    Chen Limei nce indifferently at Ning Mei, but her eyes looks as if they could kill a person.


    "No matter how hard you try to cover up this little hobby of yours, don¡¯t think that the media will not find it."


    She leans back against her chair and cross her legs.


    "If you want to ruin your career, do it by yourself. I will not allow a tiny model like you bring me down."


    Hearing Chen Limei¡¯s words, Ning Mei clench her fists tightly. Just because she is a model not well known, that didn¡¯t mean that Chen Limei can talk down to her.


    However..... if it wasn¡¯t because she wanted fame, she would of never agreed to work with An Qing.


    Taking a deep breath, Ning Mei set the magazine down on the desk and stood up.


    "Don¡¯t worry, that magazine is not true. I will make sure my manager takes care of everything in the future."


    Finishing her words, she made a low hmmf and walks out of Chen Limei¡¯s office.


    Steeping out of the office, Ning Mei sneer inside and takes her phone out. She dials a number and wait for the other person to answer.


    ["Hello?"]


    "It¡¯s me, make sure that every thing the media has about me is taken care of. If you can¡¯t fix it, don¡¯t think abouting to work tomorrow."


    ["Eh? But--"]


    Before the person on the other line could finish, Ning Mei had already end the call.


    She nce onest time at the door to Chen Limei¡¯s office and turn to leave.


    -----------------------------------------------


    "Wroof--! Wroof--!"


    Inside Jade Condos penthouse 1503, the barking of Inu echoes inside. He wags his tail and runs around the two people who just arrived home.


    After a long day of staying home by himself, he misses them so much.


    Well, mainly his mother, but as for the other peasant.... not so much.


    Yue Ling takes off her shoes and seeing Inu¡¯s cute reaction, she happily bends down and hugs him. She rubs her cheeks next to him and she felt like the happiest person alive.


    She loves how soft and cuddly he is, she is sure that when her and Lu Tian¡¯s child is born, he or she will also love Inu just as much.


    Watching this scene, Lu Tian didn¡¯t feel as happy as his wife. He res dagger at Inu for stealing his wife¡¯s attention.


    Outside he has to deal with bees surrounding his wife and when hees home he still has to deal with Inu.


    Then again, what can he say, both Yue Ling and him work, so most of the time, Inu is home alone.


    Looking at how happy his wife is, Lu Tian could only sigh inside. He walks over to them and he pat Inu¡¯s head before heading to the bedroom.


    Yue Ling: "....."


    Inu: "....."


    Left in the living room, Yue Ling and Inu held the same expressions on their face. Both their eyes stare speechlessly at the mighty figure walking away.


    The human and the dog knows that the king of jealousy does not get along with the Samoyed, so seeing Lu Tian suddenly pat Inu¡¯s head was beyond anything.


    Until Lu Tian¡¯s figure disappear into the room did Yue Ling let¡¯s out a cheerfulugh.


    She embraces Inu tighter and kiss the top of his head. Moving to the side a little, she sits down on the floor.


    "Inu, mommy has something mommy wants you to do. Will you be a good boy and cooperate?"


    Hearing her words, Inu tilt his head trying to understand. After a short pause, he barks his answer with his tail wagging.


    Seeing this, Yue Ling smiles widely at him and she gives him another hug.


    "Ahh--!!! Mommy loves you so much!!!"


    Minutester, the sound of Inu snoring can be heard. Yue Ling pat Inu¡¯s head and stood up from the floor.


    She heads in the direction of her closet room and takes out a night gown so she can change after showering.


    Stepping into the bedroom, she sees that Lu Tian is not inside, however when she head to the bathroom, she feels a cool breeze brush against her skin.


    Seeing that the balcony door is ajar, she knows that he went outside to smoke a cigarette.


    Without much thinking, she goes into the bathroom to shower.


    After Yue Ling finished her shower, she walks out wearing her nightgown and a towel in her hand to dry her hair.


    In that same moment, Lu Tian also walks back inside the house. He closes the balcony door and looks in the direction of his wife.


    Seeing him gazing so attentively at her, Yue Ling felt embarrass. She then realize that he had already shower and changed into his sleepwear.


    His perfect features mix with his damp hair really made him look more attract than he already is.


    However, when her eyes move back to his face, she met his pitch dark eyes. She could see many emotions within them, but the one thing that caught her was the sparkle of love in his gaze.


    It didn¡¯t take before she was able to break free from Lu Tian¡¯s sharp and hypnotizing gaze. She swallow with difficulty and avert her eyes from him. She quickly turns around to leave the room.


    "Let me go check on Inu-- ah!"


    However, before she could even take her third step, Lu Tian had already pull her into an embrace.


    The towel in her hand drops and she press her palms on his broad chest.


    Before she could utter another word, Lu Tian lower his head and he press his mouth on hers.


    His lips tasted of burnt tobo and biter, but for some reason, Yue Ling was not bother by it.


    She blush at his sudden gesture and before she knew it, she open her mouth and return the kiss.


    Into their passionate kiss, she felt his hande up beneath her nightgown and the rustle of material giving way.


    Yue Ling slid her arm away from his chest and wrap her arms around his neck as he move his hand beneath her bottom and lift her up.


    Walking over to the bed, Lu Tian carefullyy Yue Ling down, then he press his body on top of her.


    With one hand supporting his weight, his other hand and his mouth began to caress every inch of her.


    His hand caress downward to the base of her thighs and with his knee, he gently ease her legs apart. He slip between her wetness and his finger slid inside.


    "Ahh~--"


    A soft moan escapes Yue Ling¡¯s lip and she press her head against the pillow. She can feel his lip returning to her lip, before it slowly makes it way back down.


    nting small kisses on every part of her skin, Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes nce up see his wife¡¯s bashful reaction.


    Feeling her be wetter, he slides his finger out her. Capturing her swollen red lip again, his hand caress the side of her thigh and he goes right into her in one long, delicious move.


    They begin slowly, before gradually going faster.


    The sound of an intimacy act of the two people in love fill the air inside the bedroom.


    When Lu Tian felt himself close to his release, he pulls back a little to let it cool, then he starts again.


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but wrap her legs around his waist. She loves how he can drive her insane in bed and how he¡¯s always gentle with her.


    Lu Tian whisper a groan at her sudden motion. He lower his head and takes her nipple in his mouth while he cradle her other breast in his calloused palm.


    His mouth makes it way back to her lip and kiss her again. Each time nting a kiss one after another.


    He move head back to look at her and seeing how beautiful she looks despite what they¡¯re doing, he felt soft hearted. He caress her cheek and smile.


    "I love you, Yue Ling. I love you so much."


    Hearing his sudden words, Yue Ling ¡¯s cheeks flush even more red than they ever have. She was happy to hear him say he loves her. She stretch her head up and ce a small kiss on his lip.


    "I love you too."


    Slow, yet rhythmic and gentle, he pound into her and she was at his mercy.


    When she came, he also found his own release.

 Chapter 287 so intensely

    Rays of light stream into the bedroom making it is a nice wee in the early morning.


    Yue Ling slowly open her eyes from her good night sleep, but due to the brightness of the bedroom, she covers her eyes as she adjust her sight.


    She suddenly feels Lu Tian¡¯s steady breathing on her neck and she was slightly taken by surprise.


    Turning her head to look at him, she smile at how charming he looks even when sleeping. His arms are wrap around her keeping her warm andfortable.


    She gently and carefully touch his face to remind her that he is here with her and yesterday was real.


    Due to her sudden gesture, Lu Tian¡¯s hand caught hers, however his eyes remain close. He pulls her in closer to him and nudge his head against her.


    "It¡¯s still early, sleep some more."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling did not struggle, but pout her lip. It¡¯s still early?


    Isn¡¯t he¡¯s the one who is always up before her.


    ncing down at him, she smiles at how he looks like a little school boy who doesn¡¯t want to wake up for school.


    She also wants to sleep in, but there are still many things she needs to do.


    Slowly, she moves his arm around her waist and gets out of bed.


    However, Lu Tian doesn¡¯t make a sound, but put his leg on top of her and pulls her back in his arms. His head snuggles against her again.


    "....."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. Sheid in bed and stare up at the white ceiling with no where to go. Her eyes wonder around and she tries to think of a way to escape Lu Tian¡¯s grasp.


    Without her realizing, she was constantly making sighs aloud when she thought of a way, but knows it wouldn¡¯t work.


    Hearing her continuous sighs, Lu Tian sneakily smile and he decides to get up.


    He rest his head on his palm and looks at his wife. Seeing howplex she looks for not being able to get up, he let¡¯s out a chuckle.


    "Seems like I need to exhaust you more next time."


    His voice early in the morning sounded hoarse, but arousing at the same time.


    "..."


    Yue Ling froze on the bed at his words. She struggle a gulp and robotically turn her head to look at him.


    Seeing his mischievous smirk, she force a sarcasticugh to hide her beating heart.


    "Tian, I am exhausted, but I need to get up for work."


    Lu Tian pout his lip and frown a little. He shifts their position and pull his wife under him.


    He looks down at her and captures her lip then pulls back.


    "If possible, I would prefer you stay home."


    A sigh escapes his mouth and he moves away from his wife but he made sure his arms were wrap around her.


    "However, that would be selfish of me."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but feel her heart melt.


    Most women dream to stay home and have a man do the work, but she doesn¡¯t see their life that way.


    She wants an equal rtionship between the two of them.


    One is not superior than the other and one not inferior. Just two individuals who love one another and see eye to eye.


    She looks at Lu Tian and gives him a quick kiss, then she swiftly escapes his grasp and gets out of bed to head for the bathroom.


    "...."


    Left on the bed, Lu Tian was not bother that his wife had escape him. His eyes follow her every step until her figure disappears into the bathroom.


    When the bathroom door close, he sigh and stare up at the white ceiling of their room.


    In the past, women surround him everyday, but he never cared. His disgust with women grew more because he knows that they only want his wealth.


    Plus, after he took over Lu Corps, he never bothered to look for a wife. To him, women were a nuisance and they require too much attention. He doesn¡¯t have time to cater to them.


    However....


    He met her by chance and she was different.


    Everything she does makes him more and more attracted to her.


    It¡¯s not her who asks for attention, but him who wants to give her attention.


    She doesn¡¯t ask to be spoiled, but he wants to spoil her.


    How she is, is what makes him love everything about her..


    Thinking about it, he softly chuckle at the fact that his wife must not even know his family background. Then again, when they first met, she didn¡¯t ask him, nor did she bother to care about his ie.


    His thoughts suddenly switch to her past and his expression turn emotionless.


    If she is the granddaughter of Fate¡¯s leader, then that means his wife is very well known in the underworld.


    His eyes dim dangerously and he sits up.


    From his time working in the dark, he knows that Fate is a notorious gang, but they are different from other gangs in the underworld. There is never a crime that rtes to Fate. However, being someone from the underworld, one must always be careful.


    He looks at the shut bathroom door and coldness sh in his eyes.


    Doctor Xie is scheming man, but easy to deal with.


    His main focus now is ck Dragon.


    Chu Qiang may not be an issue, but Chu Li Xiang on the other hand is different and the man is still on the loose somewhere in Imperial.


    Thinking of the danger that surrounds his wife, Lu Tian swore inside, no matter what happens in the future, he will do everything within his powers to keep his wife and child safe.


    Moving the nket, Lu Tian stands up and walks toward the bathroom.


    Even if she is the leader of Fate and has capable people around her, she is his wife before anything and anyone else.


    ---------------------------------------------------------------


    Outside of De L¡¯amour, Lu Tian¡¯s white Aston Martin parks in the front. Passersby admire the car and wonder to who the owner is. However one could look in because in that instant, the passenger door opens.


    "Thank you for dropping me off, I¡¯ll see youter."


    Yue Ling quickly gives Lu Tian a kiss and steps out of the car. She waves goodbye to the man and turns around.


    She knows that if she does not do this, who knows what other shamelessness would he do to her.


    Ignoring all the curious stares from people, Yue Ling makes her way for the door as if running from the devil. She doesn¡¯t like public scenes, so it¡¯s better to get out of view.


    From inside the car, Lu Tian chuckle aughter at his wife. He shook his head and switch the gear from park to drive.


    "Vrrroooooooom-!"


    Just as he switch the shift gear, the sound of a motorcycle pulls up behind him. ncing at the rearview mirror, he sees a man clothe in a ck leather jacket and blue jeans.


    The man parks the motorcycle and takes his helmet off. Locking it in ce with the motorcycle, the man heads toward De L¡¯amour, however, only taking one step, he stops.


    Seeing Lu Tian¡¯s white sports car, he looks at the driver through the passenger window.


    At the same time, Lu Tian also looks indifferently at the man.


    Both individual stare at one another as if they are holding a staring contest. Neither could read what the other person is thinking, except the intense auraing out from each person.


    "Qi Li!!"


    In that moment, a voice calls out to Qi Li causing him to look away from the business king.


    The person stops next to Qi Li and looks around.


    "Eh? Who are you staring so intensely at?"


    Qi Li looks at the person and seeing who it is, he looks back to Lu Tian, but the once parked white car had already driven away.


    His brows furrow and he looks at the person standing next to him.


    "Liu Shan, is boss really in a rtionship with that man?"


    From the side, Liu Shan takes a bite on his toast, but when he hears Qi Li¡¯s question, he pause with his mouth widely open.


    "Ah..."


    He lower the toast from his mouth and stretch his head out to the busy street. Seeing the back of Lu Tian¡¯s car, he arch a brow then shrug his shoulder with a long sigh.


    "Together or not, it¡¯s boss¡¯s decision. However from my perspective, I think that man is rather suitable for boss."


    Liu Shan takes a bit of his toast and without much thinking, he makes his way toward De L¡¯amour.


    "Hurry up, we can discuss about thister, right now boss wants to see us."


    Qi Li takes onest look at the back of Lu Tian¡¯s car that is getting further away. His expression is emotionless and one that someone cannot read what he is thinking.


    Looking away, he follows after Liu Shan and both men enter De L¡¯amour.


    Inside, Yue Ling is already in her office. Sitting behind her desk, her finger flips the pages inside a folder as she reads each line.


    *knock knock*


    A knock sounds behind the door before it is push open.


    Stepping inside, both Liu Shan and Qi Li enters the room.


    Qi Li doesn¡¯t say a word, but walk towards the couch and sits down. However, following behind, Liu Shan is the opposite.


    He drag his legs to the couch andzily sits down.


    "Boss, why are you calling us here? I thought we are suppose to enjoy time off before the fashion show?"


    Yue Ling nce up at the two men, but she doesn¡¯t answer Liu Shan.


    She stands up from her seat and walks over to sit on the couch across from them.


    She set the folder in her hand down on the table and leans back on the backrest.


    "Any information on Chu Li Xiang?"

 Chapter 288 Hiding

    "Any information on Chu Li Xiang?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s question catches Liu Shan off guard. He straightens his posture and scratch the back of his head.


    "I hacked every surveince inside Imperial and outside, so far I haven¡¯t been able to locate him."


    His eyes him murderously and his words continue.


    "There¡¯s a possible chance someone is covering him. Do you think it¡¯s Chu Qiang¡¯s doing?"


    Sitting at the side, Qi Li looks at Liu Shan when he heard the report. His expression is calm, but he¡¯s deep in his own thoughts.


    Liu Shan is a pro hacker and there¡¯s not a single person who¡¯s skills can be on par with him. Yet, he can¡¯t locate Chu Li Xiang? What does that mean then?¡¯


    Listening to Liu Shan¡¯s report, Yue Ling did not get angry, she calmly nod her head.


    "After visiting Chu Qiang, I doubt he has any ideas of what his younger brother did. Besides, Chu Qiang is not someone who will steep so low as to hurt innocent people."


    Her bluish green eyes darken to the darkest ck.


    "Whether someone is hiding him or not, I will make him pay the price for hurting the innocent."


    She looks at both men sitting across from her.


    "Liu Shan, you continue to search his whereabouts. Qi Li, I need you to go undercover in Retro. I know I said everyone can rest, but we can¡¯t let him think of leaving Imperial."


    While Yue Ling is discussing matters with Liu Shan and Qi Li, in another part of Imperial, Lu Tian arrives at Lu Corps.


    He steps out of his car and walks toward the tall gloomy building of Lu Corps. He wore a grey suit with a ck dress shirt and matching ck Oxford shoes.


    Waiting in the lobby is Xu Long, who has aptop and some documents in his hands. Seeing his boss enter the building, he slightly frown inside.


    His boss usually dress in in colors, but how is it that the man is capable of looking so good? Why is humanity so evil?


    He sigh to himself and push the thought away. Rushing over to Lu Tian he waves with one hand.


    "Boss! You¡¯re here."


    Lu Tian looks indifferently at his assistant and nod his head in response.


    Both men make their way towards the elevator.


    "Ah, CEO Lu!"


    Just when they enter the elevator, a middle age man calls out and also enters.


    Seeing who it is, Xu Long pout his lip without hiding the look of disgust on his face. However, due to work protocol, he has no choice but greet the middle age man.


    "Good morning Director Qian, what brings you here so early?"


    Qian Chi Xue looks at Xu Long and snort a scoff.


    "You¡¯re only an assistant, as a member of the board, I do not need to report to you."


    Finishing his words, hepletely ignores Xu Long. To him, his authority is far superior than a lowly assistant.


    He turn his head to other person inside the elevator. However, seeing how Lu Tian¡¯s expression is the same indifference, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight chill crawl on his back. He quickly changes his demeanor and he smiles.


    "CEO Lu, I¡¯d like to discuss with you about my daughter. I know she did something unforgivable, but as a shareholder of Lu Corps, will you reconsider and allow her toe back to work for you?"


    Qian Chi Xue chuckles augh and pat Lu Tian on the shoulder. As he did so, he does not see Lu Tian¡¯s gaze shift to the hand on his shoulder before looking back ahead.


    "My daughter has been spoilt since young, so her way ofprehending to things are different. I hope you¡¯ll change your mind."


    He set his hand down and hands Lu Tian a folder.


    "If you allow my daughter toe back and work for you, I will dly raise the percentage in my share of Lu Corps."


    As Qian Chi Xue spoke each word, his expression is beaming with self confidence. However, unlike him, Xu Long¡¯s shoulder¡¯s slouch more and more to the floor. He cannot believe someone like Qian Chi Xue can think so highly of themselves. It¡¯s no wonder that evil woman is how she is!


    He wish that he can throw the scheming father and daughter duo in the ocean for sharks to eat.


    Wait no, he can¡¯t do that, it would be disrespecting the sharks if they were fed such foul food.


    His nostrils re and he opens his mouth to speak, but before he could, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes signal him to not do anything reckless.


    Left with no other choice, he takes a deep long breath and looks away.


    Seeing this happen, Qian Chi Xue felt even more satisfy. Since Lu Tian told Xu Long to back off, that can only mean that he is reconsidering the proposal.


    Thinking of it, he could already see everything fall into ce. His daughter wille back to work in Lu Corps and it won¡¯t be long until Qian Li Li wrap Lu Tian in her hands.


    When that happens, he will be the father inw of the business king and no one will dare to mess with him.


    Lu Tian looks at the middle age man and his eyes slightly narrow before returning to normal.


    "Director Qian, as an employee of Lu Corps, you should know by now that I am a person who does not take back what is done."


    He tilt his head and slightly raise his chin as he looks down at the middle age man who is beaming with confidence.


    "I don¡¯t appreciate people threatening me, especially if it¡¯s someone who works for me."


    His words finish and the elevator door dings as they¡¯ve reach the top floor.


    Lu Tian does not bother to look at Qian Chi Xue and walks out with Xu Long happily following behind.


    Before the elevator door close, Lu Tian pause in his steps. He does not look back at the person left inside, but his words continue with a hint of warning.


    "My assistant is not someone a person like you can talk down on."


    The elevator door closes and Qian Chi Xue is shock to the core. His mouth open and close like he want to say something, but nothing can be said. Not only that, he is the only left in the elevator.


    Remembering Lu Tian¡¯s warning, he clench his hand holding the folder tightly before taking his phone out. He dials a number and after two rings, someone answers, but before the person could answer, he¡¯s already yelling.


    "You ungrateful child, what did you really do that angered CEO Lu so much?!!!"


    In another part of Imperial, Qian Li Li sat up on the bed while holding her phone away from her ear. She pout her lip as her father¡¯s loud voice can still be heard clearly.


    After what seem like a long day has gone by did she not hear her father anymore.


    Putting the phone back to her ear, she puts on a wrongful act like someone how has been used of a crime they did notmit.


    "Father, how can you call me so early in the morning only to yell at me?"


    Her eyes turn teary and she sobs a whimper.


    "I.... I¡¯ll exin everything when you stop yelling at me."


    Without letting her father speak, Qian Li Li ends the call. She looks at the phone in her hand and her expression change from a sad child to one who does not care.


    "It¡¯s so early, what did your old man want?"


    A manying down on the bed asks as he looks at Qian Li Li. He could already guess what happened, but he asked to be polite.


    Hearing the man, Qian Li Li ce her phone down. Sheys down and wrap her arm around the man¡¯s waist while resting her head on the man¡¯s chest.


    "It¡¯s nothing, he¡¯ll calm down in a few hours."


    The man pat her head and he let¡¯s out a chuckle.


    "Do you need my help with anything?"


    Hearing the man¡¯s words that she was waiting for, Qian Li Li¡¯s eyes sh with an aplish gleam. However, when she looks up at the man, she puts on an innocent little girl look.


    "Ning Xingyu, you have to give me justice. I tried to help you, but I got fired."


    Ning Xingyu looks at Qian Li Li and his lip arc in a charming smile. Anyone who sees his smiles will see him as a rather good looking man, but behind that smile is nothing but evil.


    He caress Qian Li Li¡¯s cheek and leans down to kiss her lip.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I have everything under control."


    As hisst word fell, he shifts their position and the two people immerse in a morning activity of lust.


    Back at Lu Corps, Lu Tian stood in front of the huge window in his office. In his hand is a cigarette as he leisure smokes it.


    Sitting on a chair a few feet away, Xu Long is typing away on hisptop. In moments, his fingerse to a stop and he turns theptop screen to his boss with a serious expression.


    "Everything isplete and I¡¯ve sent an email out."


    Lu Tian turn his head to look at theptop screen.


    One end of his lip arc in a half smile and he kills the cigarette in his hand.


    Seeing this look, Xu Long feels a chill creeping up all over his body.


    From his time working for Lu Tian, it has made him understand the cold blooded man more than anyone. Be it the business world or the underworld, he has seen it all.


    He has to admit, that smile is by far the most heart throbbing smile to the world, but for him, that smile is the existence of king Yama.


    He couldn¡¯t help but shiver again and caress his arms to rub away his goosebumps.


    Looking at hisptop, he shook his head and sigh.


    This person is so pitiful. If they had chosen the right path, they wouldn¡¯t have to cross path with his boss.


    Oblivious to Xu Long¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian walks over to his desk and put his suit coat on.


    "Have Secretary Ye push all my meetings to the afternoon."


    He walks out of his office with a sh of killing intent in his ink ck eyes.


    "I¡¯ll be paying Doctor Xie a visit."

 Chapter 289 someone is here

    The afternoon sun rose high in the sky, as Yue Ling remain in her office.


    After her meeting with Liu Shan and Qi Li, she had dismissed them to continue their mission. She is guilty of making them work when she promised to let them rest, but everything must be taken care of.


    She let¡¯s out a long sigh and looks at herputer. However, there isn¡¯t much to do, since everything for the fashion show ispleted. She sigh again and decides to start drafting ideas for her next designs.


    "Boss."


    As she continues to type her draft, Liu Shan enters her office again. He walks over to her desk and hesitate on what he wants to ask.


    Seeing him act this way, she stops typing and looks up at him.


    "What is it?"


    Liu Shan looks at his boss and he press his lip tightly together. After a fast thinking to himself, he takes a deep breath and decides to ask her.


    At first he never nned to question her decisions, but earlier, after Qi Li questioned him, he continue to think about the rtionship between his boss and the ruthless business king. It didn¡¯t bother him one bit, but that was until.....


    "I thought you sold L¡¯amour de ma vie?"


    Hearing his sudden question, Yue Ling was taken by surprise. She pause in answering right and looks down at her ring finger.


    Before, whenever she looked at the ring, it only brought her pain and sad memories. However, now, only the memories of Lu Tian¡¯s proposal and his affections towards her appear in her head.


    A faint smile appear on her face and she touch the diamond on the ring.


    "Lu Tian was the buyer."


    She spoke the truth and looks up at Liu Shan. Her eyes did not show any signs of lying.


    "I do love him and I hope you will support me in my decision."


    Looking at her then the ring, Liu Shan sigh a small smile and he shrug his shoulders.


    "It¡¯s your decision, you should know by now that I¡¯ll support you in anything you do."


    Yue Ling arch a brow at his words. She leans back on her chair and she thought of something.


    "Even if I was to murder someone?"


    Liu Shan shrug his shoulders again, but this time his hands too.


    "Of course, I might even give you a hand."


    He touch his chin and ponder in thought. His imagination starts to run crazy and he chuckles with an unexinable look.


    "If that happens, we can be the Dynamic Duo."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded at his response. She blink her eyes at Liu Shan and chuckle lightly.


    She knows how Liu Shan is and if she really was tomit murder, she is sure he will be the one who offers to bury the body. From the first day she met him until now, she is thankful to have someone like him by her side.


    He is one of the few people she knows that has the best sense of humor.


    However, she looks down at the ring again and a trace of sadness can be seen in her eyes.


    "Do you think everyone back in City Z will support me?"


    Hearing her question, Liu Shan felt a sharp pain in his chest. He turn his head to look out the window and he heave a sigh.


    "If they really care about you, they will support your decision."


    He looks back at his boss and he smile to reassure her.


    "I think it is what Shin would want. He would hope for you to find happiness and not drown yourself in the past forever."


    Yue Ling gives him a heartfelt look. Only Liu Shan understands her. Even when things get difficult, he always shows his support to her.


    She is really grateful to have him as an assistant and friend.


    *knock knock*


    In that moment, a knockes from the door causing both Yue Ling and Liu Shan to end their conversation and look to the door.


    The door is slowly push open and Ming Yue enters the room. She looks at Yue Ling then to Liu Shan.


    "Miss Han, someone is here for you in the lobby."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling arch a brow and Liu Shan furrow his brows. Their eyes nce quickly at one another before returning to Ming Yue¡¯s figure.


    Yue Ling nod her head and puts on a smile.


    "Thank you, I¡¯ll see to it."


    Ming Yue gesture a small bow and walks out of room. However, a small sneer can be seen on her lip before it disappears without a trace.


    Unfortunately, that sneer did not escape Liu Shan¡¯s hawk eyes and he sneers back at her with a snort.


    The door close and he looks confusingly at Yue Ling.


    "Did you have an appointment with someone? I¡¯m your assistant and I don¡¯t even know your schedule? Why am I here then?"


    Yue Ling ponder in thoughts to recall if she had an appointment with someone, but she couldn¡¯t recall any.


    She looks at Liu Shan then stands up from her chair. Giving one shrug of the shoulder with a nonchnt expression, she walks out of her office.


    "Let¡¯s go see who¡¯s visiting."


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes narrow at his boss¡¯s figure. He touch his chin and his lip curl upwards in a wide grin. He quickly walks out of the office and runs after Yue Ling.


    Who is this person who appears like they own the ce?


    *ding*


    The elevator arrives at the first floor. Yue Ling and Liu Shan steps out and walks in the direction of the lobby. From ahead, they can see a small crowd gathered with amotion.


    "Miss, you can¡¯t go over there. It is strictly for employees only."


    In the crowd, Sophia¡¯s voice calls to stop the person. Yue Ling arch a brow and she tries to see who it is, but Sophia¡¯s figure is blocking the figure.


    Walking next to Yue Ling, Liu Shan also arch a brow. He pout his lip and cross both his arms over his chest.


    "Miss? Who is this person to be so bold to step foot in here uninvited?"


    Ignoring his question, Yue Ling steps into the lobby and she looks over Sophia¡¯s shoulder to the person.


    Seeing who it is, an unexinable light flicker in her eyes, follow by a light smirk. She stands three feet away from Sophia and the person, but she does not say a word and allow themotion to continue.


    idently seeing this look on her face, Liu Shan¡¯s frown deepen and he tries to think who the person is. He looks at the person and no matter how much he tries, he cannot recall at all.


    Annoyed, he throws Yue Ling a side nce with his eyes slightly ring at her. His expression was as if saying, I thought I was your friend! How dare you keep people hidden from me!


    "An acquaintance of yours I never knew about?"


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling ponders in thought of what she should say. She lift her hand and touch her chin with her index finger.


    "Acquaintance? I wouldn¡¯t put it that way..."


    She lower her hand and looks at Liu Shan. She gives him a pleasant and soft smiles.


    "More like someone who likes attention."


    Looking at her smile, Liu Shan swore, if anyone saw that smile of hers, their nose would bleed, but to him... All he felt is his entire body shiver in chills. He knows that smile all too well.


    However, when he heard her words, his eyes widen and he quickly looks at the person. His jaw drop to the floor as he turns into a fish out of water.


    "Y-y-y-you m-m-mean---"

 Chapter 290 10 million

    "Do you not know who I am?!!"


    A woman with blonde curly hair shouts as she tries to pass Sophia. However, Sophia reacted with quick reflexes and stops the woman again.


    Sophia pout her lip at the woman. She eyes the woman and tries to think of the people her boss meets, but she cannot recall this woman as being one of them.


    "Miss, I am sorry, but you need to schedule an appointment."


    Hearing this, blood rush to the woman¡¯s face. Her expression turns crimson red and her breathing bes rapid. She res at Sophia and stomps her feet causing the entire lobby to echo in the cking of her heels.


    "Appointment?! One word from me and I am capable of closing this entirepany!"


    From the side, Yue Ling who had not said anything arch a brow. She stares at the woman and shook her head.


    Standing next to her, Liu Shan stare dumbfounded at the woman, then he turn his head to look at Yue Ling.


    "No wonder you said she¡¯s someone who likes attention."


    Saying this, he sighs and shake his head.


    "She says, she¡¯s able to close us down? Hah. I wonder how."


    Yue Ling still does not say anything, but remain quiet. However, seeing that Sophia is a smaller person than the woman and is running out of ideas, she sighs and takes a step forward.


    "Sophia, what is going on?"


    Her tone of voice sounded worried, but her expression shows other wise. She walks up to Sophia and the woman.


    At the same time, Sophia sigh in relief when she heard her boss, however, the woman eyes Yue Ling from head to toe. Seeing how simple Yue Ling was dressedpare to her, she held her chin higher.


    Everything she has on is from high end designers. Everything is also limited editions that not anyone can get their hands on.


    As the woman continue to eye Yue Ling, Sophia takes a step back and slightly bow to Yue Ling.


    "Miss Han, thisdy... she.."


    Before she could finish her words, Yue Ling smiles politely to her and gives a little gesture with her hand.


    "It¡¯s alright, Sophia. I¡¯ll take over the situation now."


    Sophia quickly nods her head and takes more steps back to give way. However, seeing her boss and the crazy woman, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that the situation won¡¯t be good.


    Now standing face to face with the woman, Yue Ling¡¯s expression from politeness went straight to indifference.


    "If I remember correctly, you are the person I met at Lu Corps. Am I right?"


    Hearing this, Qian Li Li smirks at Yue Ling. She is the daughter of a rich family in Imperial, yet, someone of no background like Han Yue Ling actually dares to talk down on her?


    "We did by chance meet at Lu Corps. I am Qian Li Li and Mr. Lu sent me here to have a private chat with you."


    She cross her arms over her chest and raise her chin as if to look down on Yue Ling. However, due to their height difference, her little movement does no justice to her.


    Yue Ling continues to stare down at the woman and swore inside, if she was not trying to be in boss mode, she would of burst intoughter.


    Of course, she needs to maintain her image as the boss here, so she cannot do anything inappropriate.


    She light nod her head when hearing Qian Li Li¡¯s words.


    Taking a step to the side, she smiles a smile that reach her eyes as she gesture with her hand.


    "Miss Qian, let¡¯s discuss this private matter in the conference room."


    Seeing this, Qian Li Li hmmf and moves her hair away. Without looking at anyone else, she walks in the direction Yue Ling pointed. Her head held high and her heels cking behind.


    Judging from the scene and how the workers are looking, she is sure Yue Ling is scared to have any rumors about her get out. Not only that, she can see that Yue Ling does not want her boss to hear about this.


    At first she nned to cause a scene, but seeing how Yue Ling is already scared, she¡¯ll go in the conference room and proceed with what she came here for.


    Coming to the conference room, Qian Li Li enters the room and Yue Ling after, but before Yue Ling enter the room, she stops and looks at Liu Shan, who is still standing in the same spot.


    She gives him a quick nod and enters the conference room.


    Although it was a simple nod, Liu Shan, who has been around Yue Ling knows what it mean. He turn his head from the conference room and to the workers. Taking a step forward, he p his palms together.


    "Alright, the show is over. Everyone get back to work if you want to start your vacation soon."


    Hearing Liu Shan¡¯s words, everyone who gathered in lobby quickly disperse to what they were doing before. If they finish their work early then that means they can leave early!


    However, unlike the other worker, Sophia continues to nce in the direction of the conference room. She bit her lower lip and couldn¡¯t help but worry about her boss.


    Although she hasn¡¯t worked in De L¡¯amout for a long time, she knows her boss is a good person. Yet, that woman just now looks like someone who brings disaster whereever she goes.


    Just as Liu Shan was about to head back to his office, he sees Sophia still standing in ce with a nk stare. He looks at her then follow her eyes to the conference room.


    He let out a sigh and walks over to the young girl.


    "Sophia, get back to work."


    Coming back from her thoughts, she looks at Liu Shan and she pout her lip.


    "But... boss... will she be alright?"


    Liu Shan sigh a chuckle and pat the young girl on her head.


    "She¡¯ll be fine."


    Finishing his words, he gives her a reassuring smile and walks away from the lobby.


    Left alone in the lobby, Sophia felt her cheeks burn. Lifting a hand, she touch the ce Liu Shan had pat and her cheeks flush more.


    Liu Shan has always been nice to everyone. If possible, she would want to find a man like him.


    Inside the conference room, Yue Ling sat on a white couch and Qian Li Li on the once across from her. Not wanting to beat around the bush, Yue Ling gets straight to the point.


    "What brings Miss Qian to De L¡¯amour?"


    Qian Li Li cross her leg and leans back on the couch. She acted like she is the owner of the ce, while Yue Ling was an employee under her.


    "Miss Han, I¡¯m sure you know what my position at Lu Corps is and how important I am. I didn¡¯t want to say this, but you left me no choice. Lu Tian is only ying with your feelings. Once he is done, he will throw you away."


    She cross her arms over her chest and raise her chin.


    "As a toy for him, do you think someone with a position like yours is fit to be the wife of Lu Corps¡¯ CEO?"


    Hearing this, Yue Ling¡¯s brows arch up and her eyes slightly widen. Her expression looked like someone who is in shock and disbelief.


    Seeing this expression on Yue Ling¡¯s perfect face, Qian Li Li felt even more confident. She straightens her posture and reach into her handbag.


    "Miss Han, we are both women, but we love the same man. However, due to the difference in our background, I am the better choice. Judging by your retirement from the entertainment industry, your life now isn¡¯t that well."


    She takes out a thick envelope and gently set it on the table in between them.


    "So take this as a token and leave Lu Tian to live a better life than working here."


    Qian Li Li smiles in full of self confidence. She stares at Yue Ling and she slightly leans forward.


    "Inside is 10 million yuan, I¡¯m sure this enough for you."


    Qian Li Li acted high and mighty, knowing that anyone who is given 10 million yuan would not skip out on such luck. Of course, Yue Ling is the same as everyone else.


    Plus, only she, Qian Li Li is fit to be Lu Tian¡¯s wife and only she understands him more than anyone else.


    Her eyes nce to the thick envelope on the table and she felt more confidence rise inside her.


    After her meeting with Ning Xingyu, she found out that the once renown super model is now working as an employee at De L¡¯amour. Since Ning Xingyu wants Yue Ling and she wants Lu Tian, it is only right that they cooperate together.


    Due to this, Ning Xingyu was the one who gave her the money. Also, she saw how the ce looked, although it is nice for a smallpany, money is still the answer to everything.


    Throughout the entire conversation, Yue Ling did not spoke a word. Her expression did not change at all.


    However, when Qian Li Li mentioned the 10 million yuan, she arch a brow in amusement at the courage the woman has. Of course, she is also going along.


    She looks down at the thick envelope and hesistation appear on her face.


    "You said 10 million?"


    Qian Li Li sighs a conceited scoff at how Yue Ling thought she was lying. She pushes the thick envelope towards Yue Ling and smiles.


    "Do I look like someone who would lie? You can check if you want."


    Hearing this Yue Ling furrow her brows. Her expression was as if trying to fight her hesitation and just take the money.


    After thinking throughly, she reaches for the envelope.

 Chapter 291 Best regards

    Qian Li Li watch as Yue Ling takes the thick envelope.


    Outside, her expression was calm and collected, but inside, she is beaming in pure joy.


    Once Yue Ling sees the money, there is no way she will turn down the generous offer.


    Yue Ling takes the envelope and opens it. ncing at the inside, she touches the money and looks as if she was counting the money.


    "It is 10 million yuan."


    "Of course, I wouldn¡¯t lie to you."


    Qian Li Li spoke with more confidence as she shrug her shoulder. She looked like a rich mother trying to buy her son¡¯s freedom from a scheming girl.


    At the same time, Yue Ling set the thick envelope back down on the table and she smiles at Qian Li Li.


    "But, don¡¯t you think 10 million yuan is a little...." she pause in her words and touch her chin."Too small?"


    "..."


    Qian Li Li was shocked speechless hearing this. Her mouth slightly open and close as if she was a fish. Her nostrils re and her breathing turn rapid.


    How is tem million yuan too small? Does Yue Ling not know how much that amount of money can change a person¡¯s life?!!


    Finally, Qian Li Li calms herself down and takes a deep breath.


    "If you think 10 million yuan is too small, how much do you want?"


    Yue Ling cross her leg and lift her left hand. She looks down at the ring on her ring finger and her words continue. At the same time, she made sure to slightly turn her hand over so that Qian Li Li can see the ring.


    "Miss Qian, the amount I am going to say is not within your reach. Also, I am not someone you can make deals with. So, to make things easier for you, let me tell you something."


    She looks at Qian Li Li and smiles her usual polite smile.


    "I do not like it when others threaten me."


    Qian Li Li¡¯s eyes widen in shock when she saw the ring on Yue Ling¡¯s finger. However, hearing those words, she quickly froze in ce.


    She swore, Yue Ling¡¯s smile was a normal smile, but she could feel her legs shaking and as if fear haspletely taken over her body.


    Ignoring the fear crawling inside Qian Li Li or the surprise expression, Yue Ling stands up from her seat and looks down at the woman who tried to threaten her.


    Her bluish green eyes looked like they could see into the soul of anyoneid upon. However, the glint of death that was in her eyes quickly disappears.


    "Miss Qian, if your private matters with me are done, please see your way out."


    She walks towards the door and her words continue.


    "Also, please give Ning Xingyu my best regards."


    "...."


    Hearing her words, Qian Li Li was raging in anger from humiliation, but when she heard Ning Xingyu¡¯s name, her eyes slightly widen.


    No one knows about her rtionship with Ning Xingyu, not even her father. So how does Yue Ling know? No.. No, that nots possible, she made sure their rtionship is kept hidden.


    However, as she watch the tall supermodel walk away, more anger rose inside Qian Li Li. Never once has anyone talk to her in such manner before. Not only that, that ring should have been given to her!


    She angrily reaches into her handbag and takes out a pen.


    Holding it tightly in her hand, she rushes after Yue Ling and stabs her in the back. Her expression ugly and disoriented.


    "Die you slut!!!!"


    Just when the pen in Qian Li Li¡¯s hand was three inches away from Yue Ling, she swiftly takes a step to the side and dodges the sharp end of the pen.


    "Ahhhh--!!"


    Qian Li Li let¡¯s out a sharp cry as Yue Ling quickly grabs hold of the wrist holding the pen and bend it backward.


    Tears falling down Qian Li Li¡¯s cheeks due to the intense pain causing her eyeliner and mascara to smear.


    "You slut, let me go! Y-Your hurting me!!!"


    Qian Li Li¡¯s cries for release continue, but Yue Ling does not budge, she tightens her grip more on the wrist and she leans down near Qian Li Li¡¯s ear.


    "Since you want to hurt me, I think I have every rights to hurt you in return."


    With a strong shove, she pushes Qian Li Li to the floor with a loud thud.


    "Of course, I will not, since you¡¯re not worth my time, but if you try again, I won¡¯t let you off so easily."


    She looks away and walks out of the conference room. However, before her figure could take a step out the door, she stops and looks back at Qian Li Li.


    "A loose woman like yourself should not be calling someone else a slut."


    Without giving another look, she walks out of the conference room leaving a smudge face Qian Li Li trembling in fear.


    Once the sound of Yue Ling¡¯s footsteps disappear, Qian Li Li finally calm herself down. She shakily stood from the floor and wipe her smeared makeup.


    Her eyes full of rage and humiliation as she walks out of the conference room.


    She swore inside, Yue Ling will pay for this.


    Oblivious to Qian Li Li¡¯s thoughts, she proceeds to her office after notifying the employees to make sure Qian Li Li is off the premises.


    Walking into her office, she goes straight to working. Her actions was like the situation with Qian Li Li never happened.


    *Ring ring*


    However, before she could even sit down on her chair, her phone rings.


    It wasn¡¯t her work phone, but her personal phone.


    Her brows furrow in thought of who is calling her, but without much thinking, she answers the call.


    "Hello?"


    ["Miss Han, my mother, s-she...."]


    Hearing the words of the person from the other line, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes sh with killing intent.


    "I¡¯m on my way."


    Ending the call, she turns to leave her office. As she walks pass Liu Shan¡¯s office, he poke his head out and calls out to her.


    "Boss, did that witch leave? Eh--- Where are you going?"


    Yue Ling replies without stopping in her steps as she makes her way towards the elevator to leave.


    "Imperial Military Hospital."


    "Wait for me too--!!"


    Liu Shan calls out to his boss as he grab his coat and fumbles his way around his desk to get out. He quickly puts on his coat and chases after the woman.


    At the same time, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what is happening?

 Chapter 292 let her go

    While Yue Ling is on her way to Imperial Military Hospital, at this time, the situation there isn¡¯t looking too well.


    Police cars surround the premises along with military vehicles. Each forces covering every inch ofnd as 3 military helicopters hoover in the air.


    On the hospital roof is a crowd of people in uniform on one side, while on the other side is a man and a woman.


    Amongst the crowd, Lu Tian¡¯s figure stood in the front. His eyes at this moment shows no ounce of mercy towards the man.


    He takes a steady step forward and put both his hands out to show he has no weapons.


    "Doctor Xie, let her go."


    He takes a step again and his words continue.


    "Let her go and you won¡¯t be harm."


    Hearing this, Doctor Xie ruthlessly grabs hold of the woman to cover him and points a gun at her temple.


    "One more step and I¡¯m going to blow her head!!"


    He is scared and nervous. He has killed many people, but never has he done it in front of anyone. Not only that, never once has anyone caught him. However, how did Lu Tian find out about this?


    Earlier, everything had been going smoothly. He proceeded in putting the usual dosage of medication in this woman, yet, the woman still woke up. It was then that Lu Tian came in to the room and questioned him.


    Out of nervousness, he idently...


    His eyes scan the many officers and soldiers surrounding him. He knows that once he¡¯s caught, he will be put on death sentence.


    From behind the crowd, Uncle Nuo force his way to the front, but is stop by a soldier. However, he yells out to Doctor Xie.


    "Let my mother go! She hasn¡¯t done anything to you! Why are you doing this?!"


    Hearing this, Doctor Xie press his lips tightly together. Uncle Nuo was right, this olddy hasn¡¯t done anything wrong, but... thinking of how far he¡¯s gotten in his career, he press the end of the gun more on grandmother Nuo¡¯s temple.


    "Shut up!! Any move and I will blow her head!!!"


    "Heh heh.."


    From the side, grandmother Nuo giggles at the situation. Due to her illness, her mind at this moment is that of a 3 year who does not know what is going on. To her, this is rather amusing than dangerous.


    Seeing this, Uncle Nuo felt his heart torn into pieces. His mother who is already diagnose with Alzheimer has now be more ill.


    The entire time when she was in aa, he never left her side. If he did, his wife or daughter would be in the room. However, in the morning his mother had suddenly woke up. Due to him being the only one there, he had to leave her alone and went to call Doctor Dong. When he came back, he found his mother had left the room. In search for his mother, he idently ran into Lu Tian, who turned out to be chasing after Doctor Xie who had his mother at gun point. Out of fear, he called Yue Ling to inform her of the situation and follow after Lu Tian who is chasing Doctor Xie to the roof.


    Looking at his childlike mother, Uncle Nuo¡¯s eyes begin to tear up, but he holds it in. He force a smile and calls out to his mother.


    "Mother, don¡¯t move. Stay still. If you listen, Xiu Ying will take you to eat tangyuan."


    Hearing her son¡¯sforting voice, grandmother Nuo smiles like a child and nod her head. She covers her mouth to stop her giggling and listens to her son.


    Seeing this, uncle Nuo breathes a sigh of relief. He looks at his mother and worry fill his eyes again. No one knows if his mother will actually remain still. Any minute, the situation can change.


    Lu Tian proceed in another step forward. His hands still slightly up. The expression on his face is of one who is not worry. However, one can see that he is ready to kill Doctor Xie if any harm happens to grandmother Nuo.


    "Doctor Xie, you are surrounded by the police and the military forces. Cooperate and no one will get hurt."


    Standing a few feet behind Lu Tian, another man much older takes a step forward. He also put both his hands up to reassure that he has no weapon.


    "Doctor Xie, you are a doctor. As a doctor, you would never harm your patients. Look at the situation, are you really nning to harm one of your patients?"


    "General Ji be careful."


    A soldiers calls out after the old man using a low voice. He is worried for the General¡¯s safetly, but seeing that the old man is calm, he sighs a relief. He quickly looks back to Doctor Xie.


    Old man Ji nod his head to the soldier, then looks back at Doctor Xie.


    "Doctor Xie, you don¡¯t have to make the situation harder. Do as we say and let grandmother Nuo go. She is innocent in all of this."


    Looking at all the people in uniform surrounding him, Doctor Xie press his lip tightly together. He gulp with difficulty and he looks for a way out.


    Quickly looking away to the edge of the roof, he sees how high he is and chills sent his body shivering.


    If he jumps from where he is, there is no way he will survive the fall, however.... looking back at the people surrounding him, nervousness took over the chills.


    If he surrenders himself and go to prison, his family will be shame because of him. His daughter still hasn¡¯t gotten married.... No one would want to marry the daughter of a criminal.


    As he thinks of what to do, he slowly take steps back, his figure moving closer to the edge of the roof while pulling grandmother Nuo with him.


    "Any one of you move closer and I will shoot her!"


    Seeing Doctor Xie¡¯s movement, Lu Tian and Old man Ji give each other a quick nce. Both men knew what Doctor Xie ns to do. The man is not going to surrender.


    Old man Ji calmly takes a step forward.


    "Doctor Xie, let her go. She is fine now. Let her go and everything can be overlook."


    Doctor Xie howls a sinisterugh at Old man Ji¡¯s words. He no longer looked like a righteous doctor, instead he has turn into a crazy man and pushes grandmother Nuo to the ground.


    There is no way he is going to turn himself in. He is not going to prison.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes narrow and his hand move towards his back. He pulls out a gun and swiftly aims the gun at Doctor Xie.


    At the same, before grandmother Nuo¡¯s body could touch the ground, Doctor Xie points the gun at grandmother Nuo and pulls the trigger.


    "BAAAANNNG--!!!"


    "Bang! Bang! Bang!"


    "MOTHER!!!!!"

 Chapter 293 Right there

    Outside of Imperial Hospital, Yue Ling¡¯s white BMW x5es to a screeching stop. From inside the car, she sees the scene and her face drain of all colors.


    Why are the police and military here?


    Police officers and soldiers surrounded every inch of Imperial Military Hospital. Doctors, nurses and patients were evacuated outside creating a crowd.


    Yue Ling quickly gets out of the car and ignores the sick looking Liu Shan.


    In a quick pace, she makes her way towards the hospital entrance.


    "Miss, you can¡¯t go in!"


    A man in police uniform quickly blocks her way. He pulls her back and shook his head.


    "We are still securing the premises. No one is allow to go in."


    Yue Ling looks at the officer and her eyes dim dangerously.


    "Move."


    The police man frowns and he continues to block Yue Ling from entering. She only said one word, but it caused chills to crawl on his spine when he heard it. He also swore that her expression alone can kill someone. However... he takes a deep breath.


    "Miss, we are currently in a dangerous situation, I cannot let you enter."


    "Yue Ling!!"


    From the side, a woman calls out to Yue Ling. The woman wore a police uniform and she walks over to them.


    "It¡¯s okay, she can go in."


    The policeman furrow his brows and looks at Yue Ling. He is hesistant in letting her go in or not. She doesn¡¯t look like a person in the police force, so why....


    "Detective Zhi, our order is to not let civilians inside."


    Zhi Yn looks at Yue Ling then the policeman.


    "Let her in. I will inform the higher ups."


    Still in the car, Liu Shan finally calms himself from wanting to vomit. He opens the passenger door and steps out of the car.


    Seeing how his boss is stuck at the door by two police officer, he quickly makes his way to help. However, just when he took one step forward....


    "BAAAANNGG--!!!"


    The sound of gunshots echo into the clear blue sky as everyone froze in ce. Quickly, officers and soldiers start to evacuate the people to safer ground.


    "Everyone move! Get to safety!"


    "Doctors, move the patients this way!"


    "Oh God, did someone get kill?"


    As the shouting and crying start, Yue Ling could only feel her feet frozen in ce and she slowly looks up to the roof of the hospital. Her face turn transparent after hearing the gunshots.


    It wasn¡¯t only the gunshots that she heard, there was also the faint dreadful cry of Uncle Nuo¡¯s voice that followed.


    No... yeye.. grandmother Nuo...


    She quickly pushes her way through without caring about Zhi Yn and the policeman. Her mind turn into worry and she only thought about getting to the roof. She has to make sure that nothing happens to her yeye and grandmother Nuo.


    Seeing her run in, Liu Shan quickly reacts and rushes in after her.


    He knows that when it involves the military, Grandfather Ji will always be there. Not only that, he knows how Yue Ling is.


    If anything happens to the old man, she will never in her entire life forgive that person.


    However, running behind a few feet behind her, he notice that she had suddenly stop running. He furrow his brows and slow down.


    Yue Ling stood in ce as she stares ahead. She could feel her heart pounding from the worry that creeped in her.


    From ahead, groups of police officers and soldiers make their way down the stairs. The sound of their thick boots echo in the hallway, but Yue Ling does not move.


    Looking at each face that passes her, she looks for the people important to her.


    She sees a soldier she is familiar with and grab his arm.


    "Liangcai, where is my yeye?"


    Liangcai is taken back by surprise to see Yue Ling here, but hearing her question, he finally understood. He sighs and point in the direction behind him.


    "General is fine. We also have the suspect in custody."


    Hearing that her yeye is fine, Yue Ling felt the weigh on her shoulders lifted. However, she looks at Liangcai again and she swallow with pain in her heart.


    "What about---"


    Before she could finish asking her question, she sees a glimpse of Uncle Nuo amongst the crowd of uniforms. Letting go of Liangcai¡¯s arm, she does not say a word, but slowly make her way through the crowd.


    Liangcai furrow his brows and takes a step forward to stop Yue Ling, but before he could do so, Liu Shan stop him first.


    "I¡¯ll go. You go and assist outside."


    Liu Shan does not wait for a response and follows after Yue Ling.


    From behind, Liangcai stare confusingly at the two people who left him alone. Ignoring the soldiers and officers walking pass him, he scratch his head and mumble to himself.


    "Why does the young miss look so sad? Did she think..."


    Shaking his head, he turns around and follow the others out of the hospital. Maybe he saw wrong. Maybe he was overthinking what he saw. He already said the General is fine.


    Yue Ling felt her legs turn heavy as she takes each step closer to Uncle Nuo. Her heart became heavy and her mind had turnpletely nk.


    When she finally stop at Uncle Nuo¡¯s side, she lift her hand and pat the man on the shoulder.


    "Uncle Nuo..."


    However, before she could say any more words, she sees grandmother Nuo sitting on a chair and Doctor Dong treating her for any wounds.


    She sigh in relief and the aching pain in her heart disappears.


    If anything had happen to grandmother Nuo, she swore to God, she will make sure the Xie family suffer the most painful life ever.


    Behind her, Liu Shan also sigh in relief. Who knows what kind of wrath his boss will unleash if someone dear to her is hurt.


    Oblivious to Yue Ling and Liu Shan¡¯s thoughts, Uncle Nuo turns around and when he saw Yue Ling, his lower lip tremble tremendously and he burst into tears. He does not care about the people around.


    "Miss Han... wuuuu.. my mother... wuuuu...."


    Yue Ling smiles faintly at the middle age man and she gives him a hug. Her hand gently patting his back.


    "Everything is fine now. No more harm wille to you and your family."


    Uncle Nuo¡¯s cries be louder upon hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words. Despite his old age, he cries like a child who has been found after being kidnapped.


    After a long minute, he finally calm down and move away from Yue Ling. His cheeks turn red in embarrassment of how he cried in his benefactor¡¯s arms.


    "Thank you, Miss Han. I am alright now."


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and she turn her head to look for her yeye. However, the old man is not in sight at all.


    She pout her lip and looks at the middle age man, who now has red eyes, but looks like he never cried at all.


    "Uncle Nuo, where is my yeye?"


    Hearing her question, Uncle Nuo smiles at her and points in the direction behind Yue Ling.


    "The General is right there."


    Following his finger, Yue Ling turns around and looks in the direction given.


    Coming down a set of stairway a few feet away is her yeye. Despite his old age, when he is in uniform, he continues to look powerful and what others would consider a leader.


    Seeing him fine and not harmed, the corners of Yue Ling lip arc upwards with a long sigh.


    She walks in the direction of the stairs to greet her yeye, but....


    Following after the old man was a God like figure. His dark aura and handsome looks caused Yue Ling to stop in her tracks.


    The man¡¯s expression is cold like he does not care about anyone or anything in the world. His hand is holding the arm of Doctor Xie who is hand cuffed.

 Chapter 294 Good Job

    "Ahh! My chest hurts! Get a doctor to treat my wound!"


    Doctor Xie cries out in pain as blood continue to ooze from his chest. His white coat is stain with blood and his entire person is disheveled.


    Earlier when he nned to kill grandmother Nuo, he didn¡¯t think that Lu Tian would shoot him.


    As a doctor, he can tell that the bullet prated only 1 centimeter above his heart. However, it hurts more than anything.


    Not only that, before he could shoot the olddy, General Ji had shot his gun causing him to fire in the air.


    He res at the old man in military uniform and then to Lu Tian.


    "Can¡¯t you see I am bleeding? Get me a doctor!"


    Dragging Doctor Xie down the stairs, Lu Tian¡¯s expression does not change. He ignores the man¡¯s need for a doctor and when he takes thest step of the stairs, he shoves Doctor Xie to the police chief.


    "Take him in."


    "I need a doctor!! I¡¯m going to bleed to death!"


    Doctor Xie angrily shouts to Lu Tian¡¯s face. His eyes ring daggers as if wanting to stab Lu Tian a thousand times.


    However, Lu Tian¡¯s expression does not change and he remain indifference. He looks at the disoriented man and leans forward.


    "Bleed to death or not, someone like you will suffer a far more cruel death."


    He moves back and look at the police chief. Giving a signal with his head he does not bother anymore about Doctor Xie.


    "Take him away."


    Watching this unfold, Old Man Ji nod his head approvingly at Lu Tian. He stroke his chin and decide that Lu Tian is indeed the perfect match for his granddaughter.


    "Lu boy, you¡¯ve done a good job."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian nce at the old man and he nod his head.


    When he aimed at Doctor Xie, he didn¡¯t think that the old man was also armed. Who knew that they thought of the same thing at the same time.


    Thinking of it, the news about Doctor Xie being capture has not gotten out, so he should tell his wife. Plus, he cannot wait to see her.


    He looks at the old man and slightly bow his head in a respectful way.


    "Grandfather Lu, I will leave everything here to you. I need to--"


    Just as he spoke his words, he subconsciously nce in a direction and looks back to the old man. However, instead of finishing his words, he quickly looks back in the same direction and his words stop.


    He furrow his brows and slightly tilt his head in confusion.


    Noticing this, Old man Ji¡¯s eyes follow Lu Tian¡¯s gaze and his body turn around. He narrow his eyes trying to get a clear view of what Lu Tian is looking.


    When he saw what it is, his eyes widen and he quietly sucks in a mouthful of air.


    Oh God, it¡¯s his granddaughter!!!!!


    Standing a few feet away from the two men, Yue Ling¡¯s figure did not move. She stares back at the two men with a calm expression.


    However, deep inside, she is in a chaotic mess. Lu Tian and her yeye are standing side by side.


    She had told Lu Tian her paternal grandfather was the leader of Fate, but she didn¡¯t tell him that her maternal grandfather is the old man standing next to him. Not only that, her yeye doesn¡¯t know about their rtionship!


    Oh God, what is she suppose to do now? What should she say?


    Liu Shan who is oblivious to his boss¡¯s situation furrow his brows. He pout his lip and tap her on the shoulder.


    "Boss, what is wrong with you?"


    "...."


    Yue Ling does not answer but continue to stare nkly at the two men a few feet away.


    Seeing her like this, Liu Shan¡¯s frown deepen and he lightly shakes Yue Ling¡¯s shoulder. Lifting one hand, he waves it in front her.


    "Hellooo-- Bosssss. Hello???"


    However, not getting a response, he decides to turn his head and take a look at what his boss is so fixated on.


    "Boss, what is----"


    As his head move side to side to see what she is looking at, it wasn¡¯t long before his jaw drop to the floor. Every word he wanted to say is stuck in his throat and he sucks in a mouthful of air.


    No wonder she did not answer him, she is dead meat!


    Both men stood side by side, neither is aware that they are staring in the same direction.


    Lu Tian is the first to break his gaze away, he turn to look at the old man and lower his head in a polite nod.


    "Grandfather Ji, I will excuse myself first."


    Not waiting for a response, Lu Tian walks away and head in the direction of his wife.


    Seeing how Lu Tian is in a rush to go over to his granddaughter, Old man Ji does not say a word but stare at his back.


    It wasn¡¯t until Lu Tian was distance away did the old man let out a chuckle and he shook his head.


    "Chairman, what is it?"


    From behind, Zhong Yang asks when he heard the old man suddenlyugh. It is unusual for the chairman tough, especially after a situation like the one they were in.


    Old man Ji wave his hand gesturing Zhong Yang toe close. Once the assistant is close enough, he signal with his chin.


    "Look over there."


    Following the old man¡¯s signal, Zhong Yang narrow his eyes to see clearer and when he saw it, his jaw drops to the ground and he continuously taps the old man¡¯s shoulder.


    "C-Chairman, it¡¯s... it¡¯s... what do we do?"


    Old man Ji roll his eyes at his old assistant. He was clearly the one who told him, yet he¡¯s hitting him like they¡¯ve been caught red handed.


    Ignoring the hand tapping his shoulder, he looks at the young couple. A thought quicklyes to his mind and he grin.


    "What do we do? Of course, we¡¯re going to..."


    He pause in his words and the grin on his face bes wider. He p his hands together and rub his palm as his words continue.


    "Observe closer."


    "....."


    Zhong Yang stare at his master with heavy eyelids. He cannot believe that the old man everyone looks up to is actually acting like a little noisy child at this moment. What happened to dignity?


    However, seeing the old man already making his way through the crowd, he quickly gather himself and runs after.


    A smile full of excitement appears on his face as he already forgot that he was the one questioning the old man about dignity.

 Chapter 295 You owe me

    Passing the many police officers and soldiers, Lu Tian squeeze his way to get to his wife.


    Seeing how she is already here, he knows that it must have been Uncle Nuo who contacted her. However, how is he suppose to tell her that grandmother Nuo was held at gun point?


    Knowing that she is the leader of Fate, who knows what she will do.


    As he thought of what he should say to her, Yue Ling is oblivious of his thoughts.


    She stares at the tall man who is walking closer and closer to her.


    Should she stay or should she leave?


    If she leaves, Lu Tian will find her suspicious.


    If she stays, her yeye will be suspicious.


    Good lord, what is she suppose to now?


    Slowly, she close her eyes and take a deep breath. Once she quickly steady herself, she takes a step and walk toward Lu Tian.


    Looking pass Lu Tian, she sees that her yeye did not follow behind.


    She sighs in relief inside and smiles at him with her hand waving lightly. With so many people in the hospital hallway, there¡¯s not way her yeye saw her.


    "Tian."


    Lu Tian stops in front of his wife and seeing her smile so sweetly at him, his cold demeanor from earlier disappears and is rece with one of a worry, yet doting husband.


    Just seeing her smile is enough to make his mind go crazy.


    Reaching his hand out, he holds her hand. His movement was like it is the most natural thing to do, despite all the people around.


    "Why are you here? The premises is still dangerous."


    Hearing his words of worry for her, she shook her head and smiles again.


    "It¡¯s alright. Uncle Nuo informed me, so I had toe."


    Yue Ling squeeze his hand around her hand and just when she wanted to ask him what happened on the roof, she suddenly sees her yeye and Zhong Yang walking towards them.


    "!!!"


    She inhales a deep breath and let¡¯s go Lu Tian¡¯s hand. There is no possible way she can tell her yeye about this.


    Well, she can, but no one knows that she is the great General Ji¡¯s granddaughter. From young until now, they¡¯ve kept it hidden. Not only that, she hasn¡¯t confirm with her yeye if she can tell this secret to someone like Lu Tian.


    As she tries to move her hand away, Lu Tian senses this and the space between his brows crease into three lines. He looks down at their interlock hands and he couldn¡¯t help but feel like his wife is acting strange.


    However, not putting much thought into it, he tightens his grip on her small hand.


    He has no intentions of letting go of her hand.


    "Yue Ling, what¡¯s wrong?"


    Hearing him as her this, she looks up at him and she could feel unwanted sweat forming on her forehead.


    She open her mouth to speak, but every word she wants to say is not able toe out.


    Looking away from the handsome devil face, she looks back to her yeye, who is only a few feet away from them.


    She press her lip tightly together and her shoulders begin to slouch as if wanting to hide.


    Moving closer to him, she tries to hide her figure from view and whisper to Lu Tian.


    "Tian, I need to--"


    "Lu boy."


    "...."


    Yue Ling is rooted to the ground with her entire being dumbfounded. Before she could finish her words, it was as if her yeye had read her intentions and purposely interrupt her.


    Stopping in front of the couple, Old man Ji¡¯s expression remain as calm as ever. He holds his hands behind his back and looks straight at Lu Tian. However, behind that expression, he is grinning from ear to ear. If it was not for Yue Ling¡¯s secret identity, he would of burst intoughter without a care. Of course, he cannot do that, because they have not discuss about revealing her identity.


    Behind the old man, Zhong Yang is even more dumbfounded. His eyes blink uncontrobly at how this old man is not giving his granddaughter any face at all.


    Liu Shan who suddenly hears Old man Ji¡¯s voice is just as shocked. He looks at his boss who is trying to hide from her grandfather and he gulp in struggle. His only thought is, how is suppose to get her out of this mess?


    Oblivious to all of this taking ce right in front of him, Lu Tian turn around to the voice of the person who called him.


    Seeing that it is Grandfather Ji, he nod politely at the old man.


    "Grandfather Lu, is there something you need from me?"


    Hearing this, Old man Ji shakes his head with his eyes close. However, he didn¡¯t forget to nce at his granddaughter, who is trying so hard to hide from him. Thinking of something, he decides to not act like he does not know her.


    "Oh hoho, I was just on my way out, but I saw you here."


    He wave his hand at Lu Tian and puts it behind his back again.


    Lu Tian hears this and does not think much of it. The hospital exit is pass them, so it¡¯s only natural for grandfather Ji to bump into them.


    "I see, then do take care. If you need any help with the case involving Doctor Xie, just give me a call."


    Unlike Lu Tian, who is oblivious to what is going on, Yue Ling scoots closer to him and takes a small step to the side to have the man block her from view.


    Seeing her small gesture that does not escape the eyes of her grandfather, Old man Ji acts like he does not see her. He pats Lu Tian on the shoulder and nod his head.


    "Well then Lu boy, this old one will take leave first."


    Saying this, he takes a step and leave. However....


    "Eh? Who is this youngdy hiding?"


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s legs turn weak as she lose her bnce, but is quickly supported by Lu Tian.


    Liu Shan: "....."


    Liu Shan¡¯s figure turn sluggish and he spins around to give himself a face nt on the wall.


    Zhong Yang: "....."


    Zhong Yang¡¯s eyes roll back until his eyes turn white and he wish so badly to hit his forehead for his master¡¯s childish act.


    Unlike the three of them, Old man Ji¡¯s eyes are open widely with one hand covering his mouth. He looks as if this is the greatest surprise in his entire years of living.


    Still oblivious to all this, Lu Tian helps steady his wife. He is confuse as to why she would suddenly stumble, not only that, she is pregnant, so any small mishap is dangerous for her.


    His brows furrow and a thoughtes to his mind. He will have Xu Long investigate if there is any damage with the floors in the military hospital. He cannot let his wifee here if there are cracks.


    However, when he remembers grandfather Ji¡¯s question, he move his hand holding his wife¡¯s hand and put his arm over her shoulder. Using little strength, he gently push Yue Ling towards the old man.


    "Grandfather Ji, I want to introduce you to someone. This is my girlfriend, Han Yue Ling."


    Everyone: "...."


    Yue Ling, Liu Shan, and Zhong Yang who still has not fully recover suddenly turn into slime.


    The old man¡¯s childish act was already enough for them, yet, Lu Tian¡¯s answer is even more for them to handle.


    Yue Ling looks at her grandfather and force a polite smile.


    "Heh-Hello, I am Han Yue Ling."


    Ignoring her expression and the two other people, Old man Ji looks at Yue Ling. His eyes stare coldly at her like how he looks at other people when meeting.


    "So this is the girl."


    He cannot let Lu Tian know that they are rted. He keeps a straight face and stroke his chin as he nod his head.


    "Not bad. Not bad at all."


    Hearing his words, Lu Tian looks down at his wife. Seeing how she looks like a scared kitty, he sigh inside.


    He knows that grandfather Ji is an intimidating person due to his status, but once you get to know the old man, he isn¡¯t so scary.


    Gently, he squeeze Yue Ling¡¯s shoulder. His small gesture is to assure her that she does not need to be afraid.


    Doing so, he looks back at the old man and smile a smile so small that if one does not look closely, they would not have seen it.


    "Grandfather Ji, when I have time, I will bring Yue Ling to visit you."


    He is sure that once grandfather Ji gets to know Yue Ling, he will receive the old man¡¯s blessing.


    Also, there¡¯s no way the old man will force him to marry his granddaughter, Ji Chu Hua.


    In a different mindset from Lu Tian, Yue Ling shoots a look at her yeye and she gives him a deadly re. Her eyes as if saying, Is this so fun to you?


    Of course, Old man Ji sees her re, but he is not bother by it at all. His eyes wonder around as if he does not know her and he fakes a cough.


    "Well, this old one must get going."


    Saying this, he does not wait for the young ones to reply and he takes his leave.


    As he walks pass the couple, he quickly nce at Yue Ling and put his hands behind his back. Walking away, he acts as if nothing had happen and following after him is Zhong Yang who looks apologetically at Yue Ling.


    Old man Ji¡¯s nce was so quick that even the attentive Lu Tian was not able to catch it. This is because Lu Tian is now focusing on his wife.


    However, Yue Ling was different. She saw that quick nce and knows it better than anyone.


    It is her yeye¡¯s way of saying,


    ¡¯You owe me big time and an exnation.¡¯

 Chapter 296 In his eyes

    The crowd in the first floor of Imperial Military Hospital slowly quiet down as police officers and soldiers exit.


    Doctor Dong finish wrapping grandmother Nuo¡¯s wounds. He sigh in relief knowing that the old woman is not in critical harm.


    His mind shes back to the scene on the roof and sighs again. If anything had happen to her, it wouldn¡¯t be Yue Ling¡¯s wrath that Doctor Xie has to face. It will also be the wrath of Lu Tian and General Jibine.


    As the head Doctor of Imperial Military Hospital, he is at fault for allowing someone who has malicious thoughts to survive this long. If he had known, he would of never allow such a man to work under him.


    Quickly shaking the thought away, he looks at Uncle Nuo and nod his head.


    "Your mother is fine now. She was not badly ingure, just a few minor scratches from the fall, but with some ointment, it will heal."


    Saying this, he takes out a notepad and pen from his white coat pocket. He starts to scribble some words down and hand the note to Uncle Nuo.


    "Take this to the pharmacy to receive her medications. The hospital will take of the bill."


    Finishing his words, he looks at Yue Ling and Lu Tian.


    Seeing how Lu Tian is shamelessly holding Yue Ling¡¯s hand despite standing in front of so many people, it is confirm that the two are definitely in some kind of rtionship.


    Yue Ling who is finally recovered and back to normal from her yeye¡¯s childish act looks at Doctor Dong. Noticing how he is looking at her and Lu Tian while deep in thoughts, she quickly reacts.


    "Head Doctor, how is grandmother Nuo¡¯s condition besides the minor injuries?"


    Hearing her question, Doctor Donges back from his thoughts. He sigh and shook his head. He looks back at the old woman and he sigh again.


    "Besides her minor injuries, her condition mentally is not stable. She will have to stay here at the hospital and I will personally diagnose her. I will make sure that anyone simr to Doctor Xie is out of this hospital."


    Yue Ling nod her head in response. She knows that Doctor Dong is different from Doctor Xie.


    Both men may be doctors, but their goals are different in many ways.


    One became a doctor to save the lives of people, while the other does it out of ill intentions.


    Doctor Dong looks at the two people holding hand and without saying a word, he turn to leave. He wants to call General Ji and ask the man thoughts, but there are still patients that need to be treated since everyone was evacuated outside.


    Thinking of this, he decides that once he is done with work, he will call the old man.


    Watching him leave, Uncle Nuo quickly support his mother. Helping her stand, he smiles in relief at Yue Ling.


    "Miss Han, everything is fine now. So I will take my mother back to her room."


    Yue Ling smiles back at him. She takes a step forward, but is quickly pulled back by Lu Tian.


    "...."


    Shooting him a re, she quickly looks back at Uncle Nuo. Her ring eyes be normal again.


    "Uncle Nuo, if there is anything you need help with, don¡¯t hesitate to call me. I wille here or send Liu Shan."


    Hearing her say this, Uncle Nuo¡¯s eyes turn watery. He shakes his head and bow to her.


    "You have already done enough for my Nuo family. There is no possible way we will continue to bother you over small matters."


    He advert his eyes from Yue Ling to Lu Tian.


    His thoughts are the same as Doctor Dong about the two people.


    Witnessing Lu Tian put an end to Doctor Xie¡¯s malicious intentions, it is proof that he is not as cold as how everyone put him out to be.


    "Mr. Lu, thank you for saving my mother. If you had not helped, who knows what would of happened to her. My Nuo family is indebt to you."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression remain cold, but he still nod his head. Looking at him from the side, Yue Ling knows what the man is thinking.


    His cold personality is not out of arrogance, it was because of the people who wanted to use him.


    And just like Yue Ling, Uncle Lou understood this. He held his mother¡¯s hand and turn to leave.


    Left alone, Liu Shan scratch his head and looks at his boss. Since everything is taken care of, there¡¯s not need for him to stay here right?


    As if his thoughts were spoken aloud, Yue Ling roll her eyes at him. She knows that he just want to leave because he is so eager to see his woman.


    Shaking the thought, she quickly dismiss him.


    "Liu Shan, you can leave."


    Hearing this, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes lit up and heughs.


    "A-Are you sure? What about your car?"


    Yue Ling pout her lip in remembrance that they came together. Left with no other choice, she looks at Lu Tian.


    "Tian, I need to drop off Liu Shan off."


    "He can driver your car."


    "..."


    She blink her eyes at the man. Can¡¯t he give her a little dignity in front of her subordinate?


    However, seeing how he spoke his words with such a straight face, she couldn¡¯t help wonder what goes on in his mind.


    Shaking her head, she turn her head to look at Liu Shan.


    "Find out where Lin Hui is, after, you can go home."


    Hearing her order, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes that were lit up with firework starts to lose it¡¯s colors. He frown at her and slouch his shoulders.


    "So much for letting me go home early."


    Saying this, he snorts a loud hmmf and turn to leave.


    However, just before he could fully turn away, he caught a glimpse of Lu Tian¡¯s expression. The man¡¯s expression now is so dark, that he swore his soul would be suck out.


    Quickly using his fast reflexes, he darts as fast as he can from the two bosses and flies out of the hospital. If he remains there any longer, Lu Tian will surely murder him for snorting at his wife.


    Watching Liu Shan run as his life depended on it, Yue Ling shook her head. All she said was for him to look for Lin Hui, did that terrify the man so much?


    Lu Tian grab hold of his wife¡¯s hand and starts to walk towards the exit of the hospital too.


    "Come, let¡¯s leave too."


    He ignores the many stares from the officers and soldiers. To him, only his wife matters. No one else.


    As the two figures disappear out of the hospital, whispers begin to surface from behind.


    "Can you believe this? Lu Corps CEO who is known for his cleanliness is actually holding a woman¡¯s hand."


    "What are you talking about? It¡¯s more like, why is he the one our dream girl, Han Yue Ling chose!!"


    While the whispers turn intomotion, in a far distance from Imperial Military Hospital, a ck sedan is seen amongst the busy street.


    Inside the car, Old man Ji sat in the backseat as he stare out the window.


    Seeing the truth about his granddaughter and Lu Tian, his heart is more at ease. If they can marry before his time is up, he will be even more at ease.


    In the driver seat, Zhong Yang nce into the rearview mirror. Seeing how the old man is deep in thoughts, he already has a sense of what it is about. He nce at the old man in the mirror and then to the street in front.


    "Chairman, what do you think about the young Miss and Lu Tian?"


    Hearing this, Old man Ji does not answer right away and his head remain facing the window. After a long minute of thinking, he finally answers his assistant¡¯s question.


    "Lu Tian.... likes Yue Ling."


    His eyes wonder to the passing scenery outside and his words continue.


    "I can see it in his eyes."


    Zhong Yang furrow his brows hearing the old man¡¯s answer. Did Lu Tian really show his feelings? Howe he didn¡¯t see it? So how...


    "The look in his eyes back there was of someone who finally found the one he loves."


    Before Zhong Yang could continue his thoughts, Old man Ji interrupts him. His words shot a surprise to the assistant causing him to gasp.


    "Chairman, how do you know?"


    "...."


    Old man Ji quickly looks away from the window and res at his assistant. He wonders if Zhong Yang has grown too old that his brain isn¡¯t working well anymore. They were standing together so how did he not see?


    Shaking his head at how clueless his assistant is, Old man Ji takes a deep breath and rest his head on the back seat.


    "You didn¡¯t notice at all?"


    In the driver seat, Zhong Yang¡¯s eyelids turn extremely heavy as if they can close in that moment. He curse inside at his master¡¯s question.


    Did he notice? Of course he didn¡¯t! He was too busy trying to recover from the old man¡¯s childish act!


    However, knowing that he did not notice the look in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes, Zhong Yang could only shake his head truthfully.


    "I did not notice."


    However, instead of leaving it at that, he purse his lip and continue his words.


    "Are you sure you saw it in his eyes? How did they look like? How can you tell?"


    "....."


    Sitting in the backseat, Old man Ji could not believe what he is hearing. Zhong Yang, who has been his assistant for so many years is actually questioning him?


    His nostrils re and his breathing turn heavy. He quickly straightens his posture and p his thigh with a loud thud.


    "Zhong Yang! Are you saying that my eye sight has gone bad?!"


    Old man Ji hits his thigh again and his face turn red, while Zhong Yang felt his entire being bing tinier at each word from the old man. How did he forget that the old man has a bad temper?


    However, Old man Ji who is now irritated by his assistant¡¯s words continues to rant with his hands flying in every direction.


    "I may be old, but my eye sight has not gone bad. In fact, my eyes are so fine that I can see anywhere. See, look, I can read what that says. What does that say? Eh, nevermind. How did Lu Tian¡¯s eyes look like? Let me tell you."


    He poke his chest out and hits it like a gori ready for battle.


    "Lu Tian¡¯s eyes is he same look I had when I found my wife!"


    Saying this, he shoots a re at Zhong Yang¡¯s back with chest heaving up and down.


    "It is also the same look in your eyes when you saw your wife!"


    "..."

 Chapter 297 never last long

    Across the city from Imperial Military Hospital is a residential area with substandard housing that is poorly serviced and overcrowded.


    Just one look and one can see how unhealthy, unsafe and socially undesirable this area is.


    Amongst the crowd of people wondering in the area, a scrawny man is seen moving in a fast pace.


    His head turning side to side as if he is searching for someone, but looking closer, he is actually checking his surroundings.


    As he walks to the end of the slum area, he stops in front of an extremely rundown building.


    He looks around again and seeing no one is following him, he quickly pushes the door open and enter.


    A dark hallway with no windows greets him inside.


    The walls are so old that cracks are visible to the eyes. The only light the allows the man to see inside is the lighting in through the door he had entered.


    Anyone who enters this building will be reminded of a scene in a horror film, however, the man walks forward.


    After walking a distance, hees to a stop in front the only door inside the rundown building. Hanging over the door is a flickering light that looks like it will blow out in any minute.


    Lifting one hand, he knocks on the door, but before his hand can touch the door, he stops.


    Turning his head, he checks his surrounding again for confirmation that he was not followed.


    After a thorough check, he finally knocks on the door.


    *knock*


    He knocks once, then pause.


    After counting three seconds in his head, he knocks again, but this time, he did it in a set of three.


    *knock knock knock *


    *click*


    Just when he finishes thest knock, the lock on the door unlocks it from the inside.


    The door is open ajar and poking from behind the door is half the face of a man.


    "Name."


    This person¡¯s voice is deep and hoarse like someone who has inmmation in his vocal cords. The scrawny man does not hesitate and quickly answers the man.


    "Gongji."


    The man standing behind the door opens the door and allow the man name Gonji to enter.


    As Gonji enters the room, he is met with a tall bulky man with a deep scar of his left eye.


    Stepping away from the door, he sees that the entire room is cover in thickyers of smoke. However, he can see that in every corner of the room is a group of people.


    Menughing as they are either drinking or taking drugs, while prostitutes dance service their needs. Music is ying so loud that he cannot hear what anyone is saying except for their mouth moving.


    "This way."


    The tall bulky man spoke as his figure walks pass Gongji.


    Looking away from the people, Gonji quickly follows the tall bulky man. After all, he did note here for entertainment.


    The two individuals walk pass the groups of people and enter another door in the back of the room.


    Instead of entering a room right away, it is another dark hallway with stairs leading down to what looks like a basement.


    Walking down the stairs, they stop in front of the door.


    Gonji stood behind the tall bulky man and his cheeks flush red.


    From behind the close door, he can hear the faint moaning of a woman and the groan of a man.


    Anyone who hears this can already guess what is going on inside.


    He nce at the tall bulky man and seeing how the noise is not affecting him, Gonji quickly steady himself.


    The tall bulky man pays no attention to the noise inside and knocks on the door three times.


    "Boss, Gonji is here."


    The door does not open, but Gonji can hear a loud moan of a woman¡¯s voice. From his judgement, the woman probably reached her Climax.


    And just as he thought of this, the door in front of them clicks open and a shirtless manes to view. He gives Gonji a deadly look before walking away from the door.


    Gonji gulp and quickly enters the room while the tall bulky man turn to walk up the stairs.


    Inside the room. Gonji sees an attractive woman with long red hair sitting on the couch. He grins with a hungry smile as he thought, she must be the woman who was moaning earlier since she¡¯s fixing her clothes.


    This woman¡¯s moan sounded so pleasant to the ear, seeing her now, she must be as delicious as her voice.


    "Gonji, you better have good news for disturbing me."


    Breaking Gonji¡¯s line of thoughts, the shirtless man spoke as he sits down on a chair.


    He doesn¡¯t care about the lustful look in Gonji¡¯s eyes and takes out a cigar to smoke.


    Hearing the man, Gonji looks away from the woman and stares at the shirtless man. Taking a step forward the lustful expression he had disappears and he scratch his head.


    "Sorry to disturb you, boss, but I do have good news for you."


    He grins widely and takes a seat in an empty chair.


    "Boss, I got words of who is looking for you."


    Hearing these words, the shirtless man arches a brow at Gongji. He zes the cigar in his hand and takes a puff.


    "Who?"


    Gongji smiles like a person who is about to recieve the great award. He does not beat around the bush and gets straight to the point.


    "Lu Tian."


    "Lu Tian?"


    The shirtless man furrow his brows with a confuse expression. Why would the business King be after him? He does not remember ever crossing paths with the man at all.


    Thinking of this, he looks back at Gonji.


    "Are you sure it is Lu Tian?"


    Gongji takes a deep breath and scratch the side of his head.


    "I¡¯m sure, I heard this from some of the men at ck Dragon. They said the person who came to look for you is Lu Tian."


    Hearing Gonji say this, the shirtless man¡¯s hand holding the cigar starts to tremble. It isn¡¯t out of anger, but out of fear. He clenches his other hand tightly and press his lip tightly together in thought.


    What is the reason behind Lu Tian looking for him?


    He hasn¡¯t and never crossed the man¡¯s line at all.


    Could there have been a misunderstanding?


    If Lu Tian is after him, then there¡¯s no way he will survive. Hiding like what his brother suggested will also be useless.


    Seeing the expression on his boss¡¯s face, Gongji leans forward and continue to tell the information he gathered.


    "Boss, I also found out some things that you should hear."


    The shirtless man quicklyes back from his thoughts and shoots Gongji a look as if saying, ¡¯Well, what are you waiting for, spit it out!¡¯


    Gongji understood this look and quickly continue his words.


    "From my resources, there are rumors that Lu Tian has taken a fancy to the retire supermodel, Han Yue Ling."


    "Han Yue Ling?"


    The man questionably says the name and Gongji nod his head with a serious expression.


    "Mm. From what I heard, a fashion show is being host in a few days in Imperial. Han Yue Ling is also a model in the show and if my resources are correct, Lu Tian will definitely be there."


    The man slowly nods his head listening to Gongji¡¯s report. He is surprised to hear that the cold and ruthless man of the business world who hated woman is with a woman now. However, when he heard who the woman is, he isn¡¯t so surprise.


    There is not a single person who does not know of Han Yue Ling¡¯s beauty. If he was Lu Tian, he would fall for the model too.


    Thinking of this, he ends his thoughts and looks at Gongji with a serious expression.


    "Leave. Don¡¯t let anyone catch you and wait for my call."


    Gongji nod his head and stood from his seat to leave the room. His job here is done.


    "Wait!"


    From behind, the man stops Gongji before he takes a step out the door.


    "Gather some men and tell them to wait for my order."


    "Yes, boss."


    Gongji answers and walks out of the door. He made sure to also close the door in case his boss decides to bang the red hair woman again.


    Inside the room, the red hair woman who had remain quiet the entire time finally stood from the couch. She lift her hand and flip her hair back.


    "Li Xiang, how are you going to deal with Lu Tian?"


    She walks over to the shirtless man and sits down on hisp.


    Chu Li Xiang stares at the woman and when he heard her question, he smirks with a sinister expression.


    "I have to do what I need to do."


    He takes a puff of his cigar and use his other hand to caress the side of the woman¡¯s arm.


    "I need to use this opportunity to take out the person who wants my life. If I don¡¯t, my days in Imperial are over."


    Which is the truth. If he does not act first, Lu Tian will find him and when that happens, no one can save him.


    The woman stares at Chu Li Xiang for a second and takes the cigar in his hand. She takes a puff of it and blows the smoke up.


    "What if your brother finds out? Everyone in Retro knows that he has high respect for Lu Tian."


    "Heh."


    Chu Li Xiang let¡¯s out a sarcastic scuff and he continues to caress the woman¡¯s arm.


    "Julia, you have been my woman for years. You should know that I never listen to Chu Qiang."


    Hearing this, Julia could not refute him. Ever since she met Chu Li Xiang, she had long known that he never listens to Chu Qiang. Even if Chu Qiang is her boss, whatever Chu Li Xiang says or do, she will follow.


    Suddenly, she remembers what Gongji reported and jealousy rose in her. She turns away from Chu Li Xiang but remain on the man¡¯sp.


    "Li Xiang.... Do you also think Han Yue Ling is pretty?"


    Chu Li Xiang looks at Julia and he could already guess the reason for her sudden question.


    He leans his head forward and nt a small kiss on the side of her shoulder. Remember seeing the model¡¯s photo in magazine, his eyes sh with lust.


    "She is indeed beautiful."


    He nts another kiss and turn Julia around to face him. He caresses her cheek and nt a kiss on her jaw.


    "However, beautiful things neverst long."


    Hearing his answer, Julia knew the meaning behind his words. She slowly closes her eyes and allow Chu Li Xiang to kiss her.


    However, in the darkness of her close eyes, she suddenly remembers the woman who appeared in Retro the same day as Lu Tian.


    She thought the woman looked very familiar, but couldn¡¯t recall where she has seen her.


    As she tries to recall, she suddenly feels Chu Li Xiang¡¯s lip brush against her neck.


    Julia gasp lowly and quickly push her thoughts to the back of her mind.


    Since Gongji had already confirmed that it is Lu Tian who is after her man, there is no need to be wary of the woman.

 Chapter 298 Yearly meeting

    Unknown to the schemes n against them, Lu Tian drops Yue Ling off at Jade Condos and he drives to Lu Corps.


    He is reluctant to leave his wife¡¯s side, but after leaving Imperial Military Hospital, Xu Long had notify him about what he found.


    Arriving at Lu Corps, Lu Tian does not waste another second and takes the elevator to the high floor.


    Just as the elevator door opens, Xu Long is already waiting outside with hisptop in one hand and some documents in the other.


    "Boss, you¡¯re here!"


    He calls out the moment he saw Lu Tian. From one look, he could already guess that he must have ruined the man¡¯s time with thedy boss. However, as much as he didn¡¯t want to, this is a serious matter.


    Lu Tian does not look at his assistant and walks in the direction of his office.


    Quicklying back to his senses, Xu Long follows in pursuit.


    Inside the office of the business king, Lu Tian sits on a chair and Xu Long seated across.


    "Report."


    Xu Long takes a deep breath and ce hisptop on the table separating them. He opens it and unlocks the screen. Quickly typing some code, the screen changes into images and codes.


    Finally, he taps the enter button and turn hisptop to Lu Tian.


    "Boss, this is everything I found out about Chu Li Xiang. It appears that after we went to Retro, he has gone into hiding."


    He lifts his hand to his head and scratch the side with his lip pouting.


    "However, if he is trying to hide, did he really think that we won¡¯t be able to locate his whereabouts?"


    Lu Tian remains quiet and scrolls through the information on theptop. Reading each detail found, his eyes dim darker and darker. Xu Long had found everything the man has been doing.


    Seeing this, Xu Long press his lip tightly together and swallows in difficulty due to the dryness in his mouth.


    His hand still holding the documents clench and he looks down at the papers.


    "Boss..."


    He finally gathers enough courage and set the papers down. Slowly, he slides it closer to his boss and his words continue.


    "There¡¯s something else too."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes that were on theptop screen shifts to his assistant. Seeing his assistant¡¯s expression, an uneasy feeling rises inside him, but he quickly brushes it off.


    "Speak."


    "Umm, Chu Li Xiang knows about your rtionship with Miss Han."


    "..."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian lightly furrow his brows in thoughts. He looks down at the documents on the table and reach for it.


    He scans each word on the papers and as if his expression towards theptop wasn¡¯t dark enough, he looks as if he was going to destroy the entire country.


    Xu Long struggles a gulp and he retrieve hisptop. He swore, if his preciousptop continues to stay near his boss, it won¡¯t be long before he is left with scraps of metal.


    However, from the information he gathered, his boss has every reason to be angry.


    He types on the keyboard and the image of man pops up on the screen. The image isn¡¯t clear because it is an image captured from a surveince camera.


    "This is the man gathering information for Chu Li Xiang."


    Saying this, he then taps another button on the keyboard and another image appears on the screen.


    In the second image is another surveince image, but instead of the same man, it¡¯s a woman.


    "This woma is Julia, she is Chu Qiang¡¯s right hand woman, but from what I found, she is also Chu Li Xiang¡¯s woman."


    As Xu Long tells his report, Lu Tian had not once look at the images on theptop. His eyes remain lock on the documents in his hand.


    It contained little details of Yue Ling¡¯s personal information. The details are the small details that she allow people to know, however, only a little bit is enough to make his heart quiver.


    After a long silence surface in the room, Lu Tian finally set the documents down.


    He nces at the two images on the screen and his eyes dim dangerously.


    "Locate that man. I want him alive when captured."


    Hearing this, all the hair on Xu Long¡¯s body straighten. His boss wants the man capture alive? Dear lord, he pities the man for crossing his boss¡¯s path.


    Then again, the only person to me is the man since he chose to enter a tiger¡¯sir.


    Xu Long looks at his boss and points to the other image.


    "What about her?"


    Lu Tian does not look at the image of the woman. He stood from his seat and walks over to the floor to ceiling window.


    Reaching into the pocket of his suit jacket, he takes out a cigarette and light it. He takes two puff of it and he stares out to the busy street below.


    "Where is Chu Qiang?"


    Xu Long breathes a long sigh. He crosses his arms over his chest and looks at the images in hisptop.


    "Chu Qiang is in City Z."


    Saying this, he nces at his boss from the corner of his eyes.


    "It seems City Z¡¯s underworld isn¡¯t looking so good."


    Hearing his assistant¡¯s words, the space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three faint lines. He does not say a word but continue to smoke his cigarette.


    Receiving the silent treatment, Xu Long is not offended by it at all. Instead, he takes it as que to continue his report.


    "From the looks of it, Chu Qiang is there to meet some of the gang leaders."


    Saying this, he quickly remembers something, and he looks at his boss.


    "The yearly meeting is held in City Z tomorrow, should I locate where this meet is taking ce?"


    Lu Tian raise his hand and put the cigarette on his lip, but before it could touch his lip, his hand pauses in midair.


    Xu Long¡¯s words repeats in his head.


    Due to his time with his wife, he has forgotten about this yearly meeting.


    Thinking of something. his eyes shift from the street below to the sky above.


    "Book me the earliest flight to City Z tomorrow."


    Saying this, he kills the cigarette in his hand and takes out another one.


    "Send me the address when you¡¯ve located where the meeting is taking ce."


    Hearing this, Xu Long lightly furrow his brows. From what he understands, his boss is nning to go to City Z¡¯s underworld....


    Imperial and City Z have different rules due to the difference in country. Despite his boss being in the business industry, there are many people in the underworld who wants his life.


    Thinking of Lu Tian¡¯s order, Xu Long lifts one hand and use his other hand to support the elbow. He continues his thoughts as he bites his nail.


    If the meeting is in a public ce, everything will be fine. However, if it is really in the depths of City Z, wouldn¡¯t that mean his boss is walking into enemy hands?


    While Xu Long remain deep in his thoughts, Lu Tian finishes his second cigarette. He takes out the third one, but remembering that his wife is at home waiting, he puts the cigarette away.


    "Inform Jiangyu and Yiqing. Only the two of them are going with me to City Z."


    "...."


    Lu Tian¡¯s words quickly breaks Xu Long¡¯s deep thoughts. His eyes widen with his furrow brows. He parts his lip to speak but is unable to say anything.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, he finally found his words.


    "B-Boss, you¡¯ll be in enemy territory. Why...." Are you bringing only two men?


    Xu Long wanted to say the remaining words but he could only swallow them. Once his boss says something, he will never take back his words.


    Left with no other choice, Xu Long could only let out a long sigh.


    "What about me? What do I do?"


    Lu Tian turn his head to look at his assistant.


    Xu Long has been his assistant for many years and one of his trusted subordinate.


    He knows that many sees the man as a useless person with no talents. Some even question why Xu Long is his assistant, but what they don¡¯t know is, behind that carefree person is someone with capabilities.


    Give him a name and he can dig the deepest and darkest secrets of the person.


    Give him a gun and he will hit his target without missing.


    Lu Tian move his gaze from Xu Long and onto the documents on the table.


    This is also why he cannot let Xu Long go to City Z with him.


    "I am Chu Li Xiang¡¯s target. Once I am in City Z, he might change his target to Yue Ling or anyone in the Lu family."


    Turning his head slowly, he looks at two items in the corner of his office. He scoffs a very faint chuckle almost like a whisper and walks toward the items. He stares at it and his words continue.


    "You and Wolf Team will split in two teams. One team will protect my parents and brother."


    He picks up one of the items and stares down at it. His expression is unreadable, but a faint smile curl on his lip. When he returns from City Z, he should really return these two items back to his wife.


    Thinking this, he set the item down and turn to face Xu Long.


    "The other team will protect Yue Ling."

 Chapter 299 only a few days

    Early in the morning before people even awake from their nights slumber, the lights inside Jade Condos penthouse 1503 is the only one on.


    Inside the penthouse, Yue Ling sat on the king size bed with the nket half covering her. She sighs every two seconds while supporting her chin with one hand.


    Laying at the foot of the bed is the white fluff ball who is fully awake as well.


    Both human and pet stares at the cold man living with them. Unlike the both of them, he is leisurely walking in and out of the room.


    Yue Ling stares at the neatly folded shirts in his hand and she lets out a long sigh.


    When Lu Tian arrived home after meeting with Xu Long, he told her that he has to go to City Z for a meeting early in the morning. She didn¡¯t ask what kind of meeting it is because she is not a noisy person. Also, he is a businessman, so it¡¯s only natural for one to go for work.


    At first, she didn¡¯t think much of it, but seeing him pack his things now, she can¡¯t help but already miss him.


    Thinking of how much she is going to miss him, she changes the hand her chin is resting on to the other and her sighs continue.


    Lu Tian ce thest set of clothes he is bringing inside his luggage bag and hears his wife sigh loudly.


    The corners of his lip twitch upwards, but he quickly forces back the urge tough and close the suitcase.


    Turning his head to look at his wife, a faint smile curl on his lip.


    "Miss me already? I¡¯ll be back for the fashion show."


    Bending over, he held her chin up and kiss her on the lips.


    "....."


    Yue Ling is quickly taken by surprise and her eyes shot wide open.


    She isn¡¯t the only one as Inu who had been minding his own business sees this shameless act and he covers his eyes with one paw.


    Lu Tian pays no attention to his shamelessness and his lip captures her red lips again, however this time, he uses a little more strength.


    He really does not want to be apart from her, but he must think about their future.


    Reluctantly, he pulls away and press his forehead against hers. He closes his eyes and whisper.


    "Be good, okay?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks are as red as a tomoto, but she quickly calms her beating heart and pout her lip hearing his words. She wanted to say something but decides not to, instead, she nods her head obediently like a child.


    Moving away from her, Lu Tian takes the handle of his luggage bag and smiles at her.


    "Walk me out?"


    Yue Ling smiles back with a nod. Moving the nket off her, she gets out of bed and holds Lu Tian¡¯s hand.


    Seeing her do this, Lu Tian is taken by back surprise. He arch a brow and chuckles. Normally, he is the one who takes the first step to hold her hand. However...


    He looks down at her small jade like hand that is barely wrap around his and a feeling he cannot exin dawn on him. He doesn¡¯t want to go to City Z anymore. If he can, he wants to spend every minute of his day with her.


    Seeing the look on his face, Yue Ling got a sense of what he is thinking. She takes a step forward and pulls him with her out of the room as Inu quickly follows after.


    With her leading the way, she raises her chin and heads for the front door like a mother forcing her son to go to school.


    "It¡¯s only a few days. I won¡¯t miss you one bit."


    Hearing her say this, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darken and he abruptly stops. Due to his sudden movement, Yue Ling is quickly pull back.


    "Ah!"


    She bumps into his hard chest and realizing what she had said, she felt like someone had ssh ice cold water on her.


    Forcing out a sarcasticugh, she robotically turn her head to face the man standing behind her.


    When she met his dark and gloomy expression, she grins widely at him with her teeth.


    "Heh. Tian, I was just kidding."


    She avert her eyes from his dark ones and touch his ck tie.


    "I¡¯ll listen to you and be good. Okay? Okay. Make sure you eat three meals a day and take care of yourself. If you are feeling sick, make sure you go straight to the hospital. Okay? Okay."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes stare down at her and he does not say a word. However, seeing how cute his wife can be, he could only sigh inside.


    She is the only person he can never be angry with.


    Moving his hand away from the luggage handle, he wraps both his arms around his wife and pulls her into an embrace.


    His head lower and rest on her shoulder as he inhales her unique scent that he loves so much. He tighten his arms around her as if kneading her into one with him.


    He is a ruthless man who does not blink an eye when seeing someone grusomely killed. He was such a man who didn¡¯t believe and understand love, but once he met her. Once she became imprinted in his life, he couldn¡¯t control his feelings and love her more and more.


    Due to his love for her, he can¡¯t help but be paranoid about the unimaginable. Their hands are stained with blood, but because she is his wife, his enemies will use her to get to him.


    Thinking of any harming to his wife and unborn child, he tightens his hold on her.


    "Don¡¯t do anything reckless while I¡¯m away. I¡¯ll call you when I arrive in City Z."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling smiles and wrap her arms around his waist. She gently pat his back like a mother bidding her daughter farewell on her wedding day.


    "Tian, it¡¯s only a few days. I can take care of myself."


    Saying this, she moves one hand and point to Inu who is sitting at the side. He is staring at Lu Tian, but his expression is as if saying, ¡¯Peasant, hurry up and leave so I can spend time with my favorite human.¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remain on his beautiful wife and the feeling inside him bes even more chaotic.


    Since he knows about Chu Li Xiang¡¯s n, he can¡¯t help but worry about her safety.


    He didn¡¯t tell her about his real purpose going to City Z, because he does not want to disturb her time off before the fashion show.


    Knowing that the fashion show is very important to his wife, he doesn¡¯t want her to worry. She is in the most critical time of pregnancy and he wants her to be able to enjoy a little break from the world.


    As he continue to gaze at her, he debates if he should tell her. Yet, in the end, he decides not to tell her.


    Turning his gaze away from his wife, he looks at Inu.


    Both the human and pet meet each other¡¯s dark gazes before Lu Tian looks back at his wife.


    "Can you grab me a coat from the closet?"


    Oblivious to the secret nces between the two beings, Yue Ling remembers that around this time in City Z is colder now.


    Without hesitation, she pulls away from Lu Tian and quickly walks back to the bedroom to get him a coat.


    Following her every step, Lu Tian stares softly at her slender figure until she is no longer in his view.


    He shifts his gaze to Inu and walk to the Samoyed.


    Squatting down, he lifts his hand and pat Inu on the head. His palm touches the soft white fur and the soft look on his face turn serious.


    "Inu, I¡¯ll be away for a few days. You can spend as much time as you want with my wife."


    Inu feels Lu Tian¡¯s cold hand on his head, but he does not move away. Before, he didn¡¯t like the man, but after some time with him, he is starting to think that the evil peasant isn¡¯t so bad. However, he does not show it on his face, instead he acts like he does not care at all.


    Seeing how Inu is acting stubborn, Lu Tian smiles a small smile. His opinion on the Samoyed is the same. As much as he doesn¡¯t want to admit, he has taken a liking to the little fe. He also find Inu a good dog.


    He ruffles the fur on Inu¡¯s head and continue his words.


    "I once asked you for a favor."


    Saying this, he ruffles the fur on Inu¡¯s head again.


    "I won¡¯t be here, so I need you to protect her and our child. Can you do that for me?"


    Hearing his favor, Inu raise his head and his eyes meets Lu Tian¡¯s eyes. It was as if he understood the man and rub his head against Lu Tian¡¯s palm.


    Getting an answer from Inu, Lu Tian scoffs a light chuckle and ruffles the little fe¡¯s fur but with a little strength.


    In that moment, Yue Ling walks out of the room and when she saw Lu Tian and Inu together, she gasps in surprise.


    Never did she ever thought that this day would happen. She saw it once, but to see it again, she has to say these two are very much alike.


    Both are cold and thinks highly of themselves.


    Both found each other a pain the moment they met.


    She chuckles at the sight of them and walks over to the two figures.


    "Here, I picked this coat, it¡¯s perfect for casual and business attire."


    Lu Tian looks at the ck wool coat in his wife¡¯s hand and he takes it from her as he stands up.


    Putting the coat over one arm, he grabs the handle of his luggage bag and surprise her with another kiss.


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush red and she blinks her eyes at the man who stole another kiss from her.


    She puff her red cheeks until she looked like a chipmunk and pushes Lu Tian towards the front door.


    "Okay, okay. Hurry up and go before you will miss your flight."


    As he is being push away, Lu Tian let¡¯s out augh. He does not argue back but willingly allows her to force him out of the penthouse.


    Like someone who is kicked out of the house, Lu Tian stands outside the door and stares at his wife who is waving him goodbye before closing the door.


    Left standing outside of the door, Lu Tian smiles faintly recalling his wife¡¯s embarrass expression from his sudden kiss.


    Turning away, he walks in the direction of the elevator. The doors slide open and he enters, in a calm motion, he takes his phone out and press a button.


    The call rings twice before a voice answers from the other line.


    ["Boss."]


    Standing inside the elevator, Lu Tian looks at the door to his and Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse. In that moment, as the elevator doors slowly close, the resoluteness in his ink eyes turn as dark as a ck hole and he part his lip.


    "Commence."

 Chapter 300 Lock the door

    Inside the penthouse, Yue Ling stood facing the front door. She regrets bidding him goodbye so fast, but if she didn¡¯t, Lu Tian would probably stall time and end up missing his flight.


    She sighs at the door and turn around. However, she is met with Inu, who is staring at her with a curious expression.


    Seeing how fluffy and adorable he looks, she smiles, and strides pass him.


    "Come Inu. Today, we¡¯re going to enjoy the day outside."


    Hearing the word ¡¯outside¡¯, Inu¡¯s ears perk upwards and he quickly follows after his favorite human. His fluffy tail wags side to side and joys of happiness surround him with flowers.


    Finally, he gets to go outside!!! Yay!!!


    Outside, a ck Maserati drives out of Jade Condos parking garage.


    In the driver seat is a young man in his twenties, he wore a ck suit with aviator sunsses, while Jiangyu seated in the passenger seat. Unlike his usualbat gear, he also wearing a ck suit.


    Seated in the backseat, Lu Tian looks out the window to Jade Condo¡¯s tall structure. His eyes stare at the highest floor to his and Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse.


    After a long minute, he slowly looks away and take his phone out. In a calm motion, he dials a number and put the phone next to his ear.


    The call connects and rings three times before a sleepy voice answers from the other line.


    ["Ugh.. Hello? Who is this? Do you know how early it is?"]


    "It¡¯s me."


    As Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice continue his words, the ck Maserati drives further and further away from Jade Condos.


    Unknown to Lu Tian¡¯s reasons for going to City Z, Yue Ling freshen herself up and change out of her nightgown.


    She wore a pair of tight yoga pant and a light grey hoodie. Reaching for a long coat, she puts it on and grab Inu¡¯s leash on the counter.


    Securing it on Inu¡¯s cor, she decides to take the little fe out for an early morning walk. From there, she will n out the rest of her day.


    It didn¡¯t take long before the ck Maserati arrive at a nearby private airport. Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure step out of the car and walks in the direction of his private jet.


    The aura around him made the people who saw him shiver in fear as if seeing the devil in person.


    Following behind him is Jiangyu and Yiqing. Both men remain straight face and each holding a ck duffle bag.


    "Mr. Lu."


    The pilot driver bows in greeting to Lu Tian with two flight attendants standing at the side.


    Lu Tian nod his head in response and climbs up the stairs to the private jet, but he stops when one of his foot touches the hard floor of the private jet.


    An uneasy feeling rises inside him and he turn to look at the direction Jade Condos. He can see the very faint structure of the tall building in the distance.


    This feeling was the same feeling he had earlier.... It felt like someone is slowly stabbing his heart.


    "Boss."


    From behind, Jiangyu confusing calls out to his boss. He didn¡¯t understand why his boss had suddenly stop.


    Staring at his boss nk expression, he turns his head in the direction his boss seems to be looking at. However, he doesn¡¯t seem to understand what his boss is looking at. There isn¡¯t anything there.


    Standing behind the boss and subordinate, Yiqing also turn his head to have a look. However, he too, does not understand what his boss looking at.


    Lu Tian notices this from the corner of his eyes and he quickly push the uneasy feeling inside him away.


    Turning away from Jade Condos, he does not say a word and enters the private jet.


    "....."


    Both Jiangyu and Yiqing tilt their head in the same direction as they stare nkly at the back of their boss.


    The boss they know is a man who leaves traces of fear on others. He is notorious for his ruthlessness and whoever saw him lower their head in respect. Even the so call gang leaders in the underworld cower in his presence.


    However, for the first time, they can¡¯t help but feel something is different....


    Is something bothering their boss?


    Thinking the same thing, Jiangyu turn to look at Yiqing for an answer, but only got a shrug for an answer.


    Both men shrug their shoulders and quickly enter the private jet. Maybe they¡¯re just imagining things.


    *ding*


    At the same time when Lu Tian entered the private jet, Yue Ling steps out of the elevator.


    She holds the leash connecting to Inu¡¯s cor as both tall and short figure walks out of the lobby.


    Just as she walks pass the front desk, she catches a glimpse of Uncle Luo standing in the hallway.


    She parts her lip to greet him, but she quickly stops herself.


    Uncle Luo appears to not be alone. From what she can make out, the old man seems to be talking to two workers. Due to them being quite far from her, she cannot hear what they are saying.


    Deciding she¡¯ll greet him when shees back, she lowers her head to Inu.


    "Ready?."


    "Wroof!"


    Inu barks excitingly and Yue Lingughs at his happy mood. Both human and pet exit the building for their early morning walk.


    However, just after they exit, Uncle Luo and the two workers turn their gaze to Yue Ling and Inu.


    The look in their eyes are unreadable, before they quickly go back to their discussion.


    Two hours quickly goes by and Yue Ling along with Inu returns to Jade Condo after their long morning walk around the area.


    Yue Ling unlocks the door to the penthouse and just when she takes a step inside, her phone rings.


    ncing down at her phone, she sees the name of the caller and answers.


    "Tian."


    ["Did I wake you up?"]


    From the other line, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice can be heard faintly from the speaker. Yue Ling held the phone with one hand and remove the leash from Inu¡¯s cor.


    "No, Inu and I decided to go for a walk. We just got back."


    Saying this, she looks up at the wall clock. Seeing how it hasn¡¯t been long since he left for the airport, she furrow her brows. It takes 4 hours to get to City....


    "You¡¯re in City Z?"


    ["Mm."]


    Hearing his short answer, Yue Ling nod her head. Knowing that he arrived safely, she sighs in relief.


    However, hearing his voice, she can¡¯t help but miss him more.


    "Remember to eat three meals a day. It gets quite cold in City Z at night, so make sure you keep yourself warm."


    ["Mm."]


    "Also, don¡¯t forget to lock the door to your hotel room."


    ["Mm."]


    "....."


    Yue Ling pout her lip hearing his answer. Was Lu Tian always the type to answer with short responses? Usually, his words to her are in full sentences...


    Quickly brushing it off, she doesn¡¯t think much of it and heads for the bedroom. After taking Inu out for a walk, she wants to take a nice morning bath.


    "Tian, I¡¯m going to freshen up. Remember what I told you, okay?"


    ["Mm."]


    ["Boss, we¡¯re here."]


    From the other line, Yue Ling hears a man¡¯s voice after Lu Tian¡¯s ¡¯mm¡¯. Guessing they must have arrived at their location, she decides to end the call.


    "Tian, I¡¯ll hang up now. Call me when you have time."


    ["...¡¯]


    The call goes quiet and Yue Ling moves the phone from her ear. She stares at the screen and sees the call is still connected.


    Maybe he hung up? Or the line disconnected?


    ["Yue Ling."]


    Just when she thought of ending the call, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds again. She is taken back by surprise, but quickly put the phone next to her ear.


    "Yes?"


    ["I love you."]


    "...."


    His sudden words cause every cell inside her body to freeze. The low thumping of her heart slowly beat and gradually bes louder.


    Before she knew it, a faint smile curl on her lip and she softens.


    "Mm, me too."


    On the other line, Lu Tian is seated in the backseat of a car. His expression is soft as a faint smile also curl on his lip hearing his wife¡¯s voice.


    He moves the phone from his ear and end the call.


    Staring at the phone in his hand, he really wish to go back to Imperial and be with his wife. Only when he sees her can he be at ease.


    However....


    He ce the phone in his pocket and step out of the car.


    The cold wind brush pass him as the ck coat chosen by his wife gently sway.


    His head tilt back and his sharp knife-like gaze looks at the tall dark building in front.


    The soft expression he had seconds ago vanishes as coldness rece it.


    Taking a step forward, he strides in the direction of the door entrance.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Jiangyu and Yiqing nod their head at the same time and follows closely behind.


    Both men¡¯s expressions remain unmoving, but their eyes didn¡¯t forget to scan their surroundings.


    Their movement is cautious and attentive. Leaving nothing out of their sight.


    As they near the entrance of the building, the tinted ss door is push open and a man wearing a navy suit steps out.


    He holds the door open and politely smile with a nod seeing Lu Tian.


    "Mr. Lu, it is a pleasure to see you again. Pleasee in."


    Lu Tian nce at the man and nod his head without saying a word. Doing so, he moves his eyes from the man and enters the tall dark building.

 Chapter 301 Blood or no

    Inside the tall dark building in City Z, the workers were going off with their day, but the moment they saw three men enter the building with the man in navy, everyone stops.


    All heads turn in the direction of the entrance door and the entire floor turn quiet.


    Alertness mix with curiosity shes in their eyes as they size the figures walking in. They have never seen the bulky man and much less the scrawny man.


    Shifting their gaze, their eyesnd on the tall figure walking next to the man in navy....


    All the men and women could only suck in a mouthful of air.


    This man is indeed perfect in looks and built. His eyes alone are enough to give them a chill on the back of their spine...


    One look at him and one would profile the man as an ordinary businessman. However, this man, there is not a soul in City Z who has not heard of him.


    Walking pass the people, Lu Tian pays no attention to their gazes. His eyes stare in front, but his head is slightly turn towards the man in navy as he listens. Every so often, he will lightly nod his head in response.


    Like their boss, Jiangyu and Yiqing pays no attention to the people around them. They have encountered situations like this many times and are ustom to it.


    The moment the four men disappear inside the elevator, amotion of whispers quickly surface.


    "Hey, why is he here? He was personally brought in by-"


    "Shh! Don¡¯t mutter things that should not be said."


    "That man is not to be crossed. One word from him and your career is over."


    As the people on the first-floor whisper to one another, the elevatores to a stop at the second highest floor.


    First to step out is the man in navy, then Lu Tian, follow by Jiangyu and Yiqing.


    Unlike the floor they entered, this floor is emptier. Only a few people are seen walking and sitting at their workstations. The workers on this floor look more professional and does not stare at the arriving men.


    Walking to the back of the floor, the man in navy stops in front of a closed door.


    Stretching his hand out, he opens the door. Taking a step to the side, he gestures into the room and smiles at Lu Tian.


    "Mr. Lu, please go in."


    Lu Tian nod his head and walks inside the room as his two men follow behind.


    Inside the room is a long ck table. A chair at each end of the table and five at the sides. In the left side of the table, seven seats are currently upied.


    An old man in histe sixties sat the end, which looks to be the main seat. The other six people consist of four men and two women. Each looking between theirte twenties or fifties.


    They seem to be discussing about something seriously since they did not notice the door opening.


    The old man is speaking to a young woman on his right with a serious expression. He unknowingly nces up and sees Lu Tian enter the room. His eyes lit up and he quickly stood up with a smile.


    "Ah, Mr. Lu, perfect timing. This is great."


    Saying this, he gestures to the seat at the right end side of the long table.


    "Please have a seat."


    He smiles widely at Lu Tian like a proud father.


    From his time working alongside Lu Tian, he understood that the young man likes cleanliness and is not fond of close contact with women. To which is why he chose the seat at the end, but directly across from him.


    Seeing the old man stand up, everyone quiet down, but when they heard his words, they all stood up. Each person looks in the direction of the person and give their greetings.


    Lu Tian nod his head in reply and leisurely makes his way to the directed chair. Despite the people inside the room being from City Z, Lu Tian¡¯s action made it look like he is still in Imperial.


    Jiangyu and Yiqing follows in pursuit, but neither sat down. They stood behind their boss¡¯s chair and held their hands behind their back. Each man protruding their own atmosphere in the room.


    Lu Tian sits down and his dark eyes met the old man. His eyes slowly blink and he spoke.


    "Chief Kim, do carry on."


    Being suddenly met with Lu Tian¡¯s sharp eyes, Chief Kim was taken back by surprise. The young man sitting across from him gives off a natural intimidating aura. Even he can¡¯t help but feel all the hair on his body stand.


    This meeting is issue once every year for confidential purposes, yet, instead of the army or a member of thew enforcement, Imperial sends him every year.


    It is no surprise to why Imperial¡¯s government value him so much.


    Even he, the Chief, who has met many dangerous men cannot help but admire the young man.


    Chief Kim quickly gathers his thoughts together and advert his attention from Lu Tian. He scans the people in the room and open his mouth his speak.


    "Since everyone is here, let us begin the yearly meeting."


    Saying this, he reaches for a remote on the table and press a button. The white wall behind him flickers an image as the projector turns on.


    "As you all know, it¡¯s been 12 years since we¡¯ve opened this case."


    He points to the image and his words continue.


    "Two months ago, we found this in the outskirts of City Z. From....."


    As Chief Kim¡¯s exnation continues, everyone in the room stare and listen attentively.


    Some images shown are shots of suspects, while some contain horrifying graphics. The graphics are bloody and gruesome that two of the six people had to look away.


    The images change one after another as Chief Kim exins in detail.


    Sitting at the right end of the table, Lu Tian¡¯s expression remained the same as when he walked in. He didn¡¯t bat an eye or look away. To him, things like this is normal.


    While Lu Tian is in City Z for a meeting, this time in Imperial, a group of people is seen as a man ruthlessly hits a boy to the ground.


    "Ting, are you alright?"


    Outside on the steps to Ji Mansion¡¯s front door, Ji Jingxu helps a fallen Gu Ting up.


    "Yea."


    Ting answers with a light grunt and wipe his lip. A small trace of blood transfers onto the back of his hand and he res ahead.


    Hearing Ting say he is alright, Ji Jingxu turn his head and res ahead too.


    Standing in front of the two boys is a slender woman. Her milk chocte hair bounce on her shoulder to her back and she wore a red dress with matching red heels.


    Her thickyers of makeup made her look stunning to the eyes, but to the two boys, all they saw was ugliness.


    Two bulky bodyguards stood behind the woman while the one who hit Ting stood separating her from the two boys.


    Ji Jingxu wishes so badly to beat the woman. Never in his entire life has he hated someone so much. He clenches his jaw tightly and spoke through his gritted teeth.


    "Ji Chu Hua, what do you want?"


    That¡¯s right, this woman in red with three bodyguards is Ji Chu Hua. She is the eldest miss of the second Ji family.


    Hearing Ji Jingxu say her name, Ji Chu Hua snort sarcastically at the boy. The moment he was taken in by grandfather Ji, she never liked him. He is the reason why her position is unstable as the next Chairman of Ji Corps.


    Ever since this boy came into the Ji family, she spent every day trying to better herself. To coax others into liking her, she had to put on an innocent fa?ade.


    She is already near her thirties and yet, herpetitor is none other than a little boy.


    Thinking this, blood boiled inside her and she put one hand on her hip. Lifting her chin, she looks down at Ji Jingxu.


    "What I want does not involve you. Now move out of the way, I don¡¯t have time for you."


    "Y-you! What are you scheming?"


    Ji Jingxu¡¯s breathing turn heavy and he daringly points at the evil woman.


    "Grandfather is not here! He said without his permission, you and your family cannot step foot here!!"


    Hearing his words, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s entire face turned ck. Her image as a nice and caringdy rips off and she angrily stomp her heels on the ground.


    "Shut up! I am the daughter of the Ji family by blood. You are nothing but a trash found in the country. If it wasn¡¯t for my grandfather, someone like you of unknown origins would never be given the surname Ji!"


    She gnashes at Ji Jingxu and point to the boy with trembling hand.


    "I can send you to the afterlife to be with your poor parents."


    "Shut up... Shut up!!!!"


    The rims of Ji Jingxu¡¯s eyes turn red and he clench his fists tightly at his side.


    He knows he isn¡¯t supposed to be a member of the Ji family. He knows he doesn¡¯t have any Ji blood in his veins. He knows where he came from. He knows it all. But...


    Yue Ling and the old man never once belittled him. They treat him like a Ji and no one inferior.


    He res at Ji Chu Hua and ignores the pain of his nails stabbing the skin of his palms.


    "Blood or not, I am a Ji. I won¡¯t let you get pass me!"


    Ji Chu Hua sneers an evil smile. She knew her words had already hit the kid in the heart. Without a care of hurting the boy, Ji Chu Hua sighs nonchntly and wave her hand in signal.


    "Get rid of them. My time is not spent on people like them."


    "Yes, Miss."


    All three of Ji Chu Hua¡¯s bodyguards nod their head and stare at Ji Jingxu and Ting. A sneer curl on each person¡¯s lip and they walk towards the boys.


    Eyeing the little boys, the bodyguards already knew the oue. As personal bodyguards, they are trained to protect their master. Inparison to these two little boys, this is going to be a piece of cake.


    Ji Jingxu and Ting sees this, and quickly bes alert of the three bigger men.


    However, at the same time, their fists raise in front of them and they took to a fighting stance. They have been training day and night with the soldiers, so they are prepared for situations like this.


    As the three bulky man move closer, Ting gives a nce to Ji Jingxu. In response, Ji Jingxu nod his head and both smaller figures do not n to back down.


    One of Ji Chu Hua¡¯s bodyguard sees this and howls a loudugh. He swings his arm out and aims directly at Ji Jingxu¡¯s face.


    "Argh-!!!!"


    Just as his fist near Ji Jingxu, he feels a sharp stabbing pain on his arm. It felt like someone had drill a sharp knife into his skin.


    Quickly as the pain came, his entire bigger body is flip over.


    A shadow shes pass him as his face hits the hard ground and he coughs a groan. Due to the harsh impact on his body, blood slowly slid down the corner of his lip.


    Seconds after his fall, he hears a loud thud follow by another and then the groans of pain from the other two men.


    None of them could put the pieces together. The two boys didn¡¯t hit them, so who did?


    "....."


    Ji Jingxu and Ting remain in their fighting stance. Seeing the three men knockdown one after another, both their heads tilt confusingly to the left.


    Uh..... What just happened?

 Chapter 302 No respec

    "....."


    Ji Chu Hua stare with wide eye in disbelief.


    Her bodyguards who are highly trained are...


    All three of themid on the ground. Each one groaning in pain.


    One is holdinghis arm, the other covering his neck and the third one holding his leg.


    How did it turn out this way?


    Blood rush to her head and she angrily stomp her red heels on the ground. A loud cking thud sounds with her index finger pointing at them.


    "All of you get up! Get up right now! Did the Ji family pay for a bunch of useless people?!"


    "Grr..."


    "...."


    This.....


    All the hair on Ji Chu Hua¡¯s body stood on ends. She struggles a gulp and slowly turn her head in the direction of the sound.


    Why would there be a wolf here?


    At the same time, Ji Jingxu and Ting lower their hands and turn to look in the same direction. Even the animal sound sent shivers down their spine.


    However....


    To their surprise, they were all dumbfounded at what they thought was a wolf.


    A few feet away from them, a white fluffy fur ball sat elegantly. It¡¯s postured no difference to a noble king. It¡¯s white fur sway in motion with the light wind that passes through.


    Anyone who sees this can¡¯t help but want to hug it and bring it home to keep. However, despite its noble elegance, stain on the corner of its mouth is blood.


    Ting furrow his brows in confusion. He swore he heard a wolf¡¯s growl, so why is he seeing a dog?


    Unlike Ting, Jingxu quickly gather himself and his eyes lit up.


    "Inu!"


    "Wroof-!"


    Inu¡¯s growl quickly changes to a yful bark when he heard Ji Jingxu. His tail wag side to side as if ready to y.


    Struck in a daze, the corner of Ji Chu Hua¡¯s lip twitch uncontrobly. Her eyes dart from the little creature to her bodyguards.


    Her mind bes chaotic when she put the pieces together. To think her bodyguards were beaten by a tiny dog.


    "Argh...."


    The three bodyguards groan in pain as they struggle to bnce themselves off the ground. Each shooting a deadly re at the little white ball.


    Seeing her bodyguards getting up, Ji Chu Hua sigh in relief. She knows that what happened earlier was out of pure luck. If her bodyguards were not distracted, that dog would not have had a chance to attack.


    She points directly at Inu and shout.


    "Get that little runt! I¡¯m going to turn his fur into a coat!"


    "Yes Miss!"


    The three men wipe the blood from their mouth. Their eyes re at Inu like a pack of hungry wolves finding their prey. Stretching their arms out, they slowly advance forward.


    Inu stares at the men and does not run. His head tilt to the side with the expression of, ¡¯what did I do?¡¯


    Seeing this, Ji Jingxu and Ting felt fear for the Samoyed. Lifting their legs, they dash to block the little guy from being taken hostage.


    "Tsk tsk tsk."


    Just when the both of them took a step, a voice sounds from behind Inu¡¯s tiny figure and they stop. Even Ji Chu Hua¡¯s men stop at the voice.


    Following the voicees the sound of heels cking on the ground. The sound slowly makes its way to the little guy before a woman¡¯s tall and slender figurees to view.


    She wore a long wool coat with a high neck sweater and leather pants that wrap around her legs warmly. Everything on her body is colored in ck along with her heels.


    Her aura and the way she carry herself is natural and theplete opposite of Ji Chu Hua.


    Her bluish green eyes stare fixated on Ji Chu Hua¡¯s brown eyes as if staring into her soul.


    Being looked at by those sharp eyes, Ji Chu Hua felt her legs go weak, but she forces herself to remain calm.


    Ji Jingxu stares at the woman with eyes sparking with excitement. He quickly runs to the woman and Samoyed with a wide grin.


    "Jie!!"


    Yue Ling shift her eyes away from the unpleasant woman and looks at her younger brother. The cold look in her eyes disappear and a soft smile curl on her lip.


    "Jingxu."


    As the sister and brother meet, Yue Ling check the boy for injuries, but seeing he didn¡¯t have any, she sighed inside. Good, nothing happened to him.


    Seeing her do this, Ji Jingxu¡¯s cheeks flush in embarrassment and he wave his hands out.


    "I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m okay."


    He then points to Ting and his words continue with anger.


    "But Ting took a blow from them."


    Yue Ling arch a brow and tilt her head to look behind her younger brother. She sees Ting standing alone in the distance, but close enough to see the boy¡¯s swollen red cheek.


    "I see."


    She narrows her eyes and direct her eyes to the three men, beforending on Ji Chu Hua. The corners of her lip curl upward into a pleasant smile, but one can see the mockery behind it.


    "I never knew the graceful Miss Ji is still the same as always. This is truly a sight to see."


    Ji Chu Hua was still speechless. She could not move her eyes from Yue Ling at all.


    She has long known that Yue Ling was in Imperial since they met in public, but she didn¡¯t think the woman would show up here. Especially at the right time too.


    However, when she heard Yue Ling¡¯s words full of taunting, the colors on her face turn red. She takes a deep breath and put one hand on her hip. Her other hand raise and she flicks her hair behind her back.


    "Hmmf, someone like you should not criticize me."


    Saying this, she touches her chin and sneer at Yue Ling as she thought of something.


    "How about we do it like this this, you give me that dog and I won¡¯t tell my grandfather about this. You know how he favors me out of all the grandchildren. In fact, I¡¯ll even put in some good words for you too."


    "...."


    Ji Jingxu could not believe what he is hearing. This evil witch said his grandfather favors her. When did this happen?


    He scoffs sarcastically at Ji Chu Hua and gives her a disgusted look.


    "Ji Chu Hua, did something hit you on the head? My old man strictly forbids you and your family here. How does that mean he favors you?"


    "Y-You..."


    Ji Chu Hua was quickly tongue tied at the little boy. Her hands clench tightly, and she looks away. She did not expect Ji Jingxu to refute her words in front of Yue Ling. The little bastard has no respect for her at all.


    Unlike her, Yue Ling stare at her younger brother and she is truly proud of him. When her car pulled up to the driveway, she saw what was happening from a distance. Despite him being smaller than the three men, he didn¡¯t back down at all.


    He has truly grown a lot. Especially after the incident with Ghost Gang, she can tell that he¡¯s been training with the soldiers. Not only him, but Ting too.


    Shaking her head lightly, she looks at Ji Chu Hua and part her lip to speak.


    "Miss Ji, you and I both know who grandfather Ji favors. Also, I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t want the media to know that you, the graceful Miss of the Ji family is bullying two little boys."


    Yue Ling spoke her words and touch her chin. Her movement is exactly the same as what Ji Chu Hua did.


    "Or... Should I tell the media that Miss Ji harbors ill intentions towards animals?"


    Hearing Yue Ling¡¯s taunting words of threat, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s eyes turn bloodshot red. She res at Yue Ling and wish to stab the woman repeatedly.


    If the media found out about her being this way, her image in Imperial is over. Anyone who meets her can¡¯t wait to be on her good side, and yet...


    She cast a re at Yue Ling then Ji Jingxu.


    "Han Yue Ling, you¡¯ll regret this!"


    Her pretty features turn disoriented and she turns to her car. Her heels cking loudly against the ground.


    Seeing her leave, her three bodyguards did not waste another minute and follow.


    Watching the evil witch leave, Ji Jingxu snort at her. He quickly ignores her and looks at his older sister. A wide happy smile appears on his face.


    "Jie, why are you here?"


    Yue Ling faintly smiles at him and she pat his head.


    "No reasons, I brought Inu out since it¡¯s been a while."


    She looks at Inu who is leisurely sitting at her side. Her training for the little guy always pays off. Even she was surprised to see him take out threerge men.


    Ji Jingxu pout his lip. He remembers Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words and he frown deeply.


    "Ah, why are we not allow to tell those people that you are the real granddaughter and not that evil woman? I want to see her arrogant attitude rip off!"


    Hearing his question, Yue Ling looks away from Inu and to the young man. She takes a deep breath and wrap her arm over his shoulder.


    "Whether they know or not, it doesn¡¯t matter. Come, let¡¯s go inside. I want to have breakfast with you and yeye."


    Saying this, she changes the topic and drags Ji Jingxu towards the house with Inu nobly following behind.


    "Arrrhhhh-!!"


    Ji Chu Hua let¡¯s out a shrieking yell as she pulls her hair. She angrily stomps her feet and res at the Ji Mansion.


    "Han Yue Ling... Just you wait. I will make sure you regret humiliating me like this."


    She mumbles her words as one of her bodyguard open the rear door for her. She looks away from the Ji Mansion and gets inside her car.


    "Miss, what about.... You know."


    The bodyguard spoke with hesitation as he looks at her. They didn¡¯t get to meet General Ji, so wouldn¡¯t they be in trouble when returning?


    Hearing the man, Ji Chu Hua pause in her step. She ponders in thought before quickly entering the backseat.


    "It¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll return for now. I¡¯ll exin it to my fatherter."


    The rear door closes and Ji Chu Hua sat quietly in the backseat. She cross her arms over her chest and recall what happened.


    When she arrived, she ran into Ji Jingxu and the other boy outside. Things escted and she ended up not getting the chance to go inside.


    She knows that she and her family are now allowed to step foot inside Ji Mansion. However, her father said if she wants the Chairman position, she needs to coax the old man. If it wasn¡¯t for that, she would of never step foot here!


    In the end, she got humiliated by that slut!


    Whether it was the past of present, Han Yue Ling always stood up for Ji Jingxu. She is only someone rted to the Ji family by marriage, yet, she acts high and mighty.


    Thinking of Han Yue Ling embarrassing her, Ji Chu Hua takes her phone out and calls a person.


    The call clicks a sound as the person from the other answers.


    "Let¡¯s meet tonight. I¡¯ll send you the location."


    Before the person could say anything, she scolds in anger as if venting her rage out and quickly ends the call.

 Chapter 303 Bring them with you

    After Ji Chu Hua left the Ji Mansion in failure, Yue Ling and Inu spent their morning inside the warm and cozy Ji Mansion. Ting didn¡¯t stay and left to go back and prepare to train with the soldiers.


    Yue Ling had wanted to eat breakfast with her yeye and younger brother, but the old man did note back. So, she and Ji Jingxu had no choice but to eat breakfast without him.


    Seated at the dining table, Yue Ling sat on one end and Ji Jingxu sat on the chair next to her.


    "Jie, you were awesome! I wish I had a camera and recorded Ji Chu Hua¡¯s disoriented face. Hahah, the world can finally see how ugly she is!"


    The young man is beaming in pure joy as he spoke and eats his food. He is truly happy because he gets to spend time with her without the old man.


    Remembering something, Ji Jingxu turn his head to the white fluff ball at the corner of the room. Inu who arrived with the appearance of a noble and elegant king is currently having his way with his food. He¡¯s eating out of his food bowl as if he hasn¡¯t eaten in days, even crumbs can be seen flying out.


    Ji Jingxu furrow his brows and takes a bite of his food. Thinking back to Inu¡¯s movements, his frown deepens.


    "Is Inu really a house pet? The way he attacked those three bodyguards was as if he was ninja!"


    Yue Ling sees the expression on his face and she lightly shook her head. Without saying anything, she continues to eat her breakfast.


    Inu is in fact a house pet. Well, more like an undercover house pet.


    Halfway into his food, Ji Jingxu stops talking and lightly press his lip together. He steals a nce at his older sister and debate if he should tell her.


    Since she is the old man¡¯s real grandchild, she has the rights to know that he is sick...


    He put the spoon in his hand down and looks at her with a serious expression.


    "Jie...."


    However, he stops himself. The words he wants so badly to say does note out. He swallows down the saliva in his mouth and sigh.


    Yue Ling looks at him and furrow her brows. Setting down the spoon, she leans back on the chair.


    "What is it?"


    Ji Jingxu stare at his sister and his heart tighten in pain. His mouth open and close, but in the end, he closes his eyes and shook his head.


    "It¡¯s nothing. I just wanted to know how long you will staying here..."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling doesn¡¯t find him suspicious and she lightly tap his head. Reaching for her spoon, she continues to eat.


    "I¡¯ll be leaving in the evening."


    "I see. That¡¯s good then."


    Ji Jingxu spoke with a smile, but when his sister did not look at him anymore, the smile slowly fades.


    He lowers his head and stare at the food in front of him.


    He really wants to tell her about the old man¡¯s condition, but he respects the old man. If she were to hear about it from anyone, it should be from him.


    Pushing the thought away, he holds his spoon and continue to eat.


    As the sun fully rises into the blue sky, their breakfastes to an end.


    "Jie, I¡¯m going to go train with the soldiers, do you want toe watch?"


    Ji Jingxu asks as he stood up from the chair. His eyes beam with happiness as he thought about showing his sister what he learned.


    Seeing his happy mood, Yue Ling sigh inside. She stood from the chair and reach for her te and his.


    "Let me take care of the dishes, then I¡¯lle find you."


    "Mm! I¡¯ll get going now!"


    Ji Jingxu grins widely and turns to leave out the back door. For the longest time now, he knows how much the soldiers respect and appreciate his sister. He cannot wait to see the looks on the soldiers¡¯ faces when they see her!


    Watching the boy leave out the door, Yue Ling shook her head. Turning away, she heads to the kitchen.


    Usually, dishes are done by the servants inside the Ji Mansion, but she never allows them when she is here. For small things like this, she can do it herself.


    Ji Jingxu walks down the stairs and he quickens this pace. He is really excited to tell the brothers about the good news. However, halfway down the stairs, he furrows his brows and decrease his steps.


    "Eh?"


    He sees a familiar figure standing below and he narrow his eyes before he continues to walk down the stairs.


    "Ting, why are you standing there?"


    Ting stood by the stairs with his back facing Ji Jingxu. After he left the brother and sister alone, he had gone back to his room to change.


    Hearing Ji Jingxu¡¯s voice, he jumps in surprise, but quickly calms himself. He slowly turn to the boy and point to a direction.


    "Can we talk for a bit?"


    Ji Jingxu stares at Ting for a long minute. He narrows his eyes as if trying to read the young man then shrugs his shoulders.


    "Sure, why not."


    He ces both his hands on the back of his head and walks in the direction Ting had pointed.


    From inside the kitchen, Yue Ling sees the two boys from the window. She lightly shook her head and continues to wash the dishes.


    Seems like they¡¯re getting along quite well.


    Ji Jingxu and Ting walked to a nearby by hill. It was the same hill when Ji Jingxu put some senses into Ting¡¯s head about his doubt.


    "Ah, today is a great day. Even the weather is nice!"


    Ji Jingxu cheerfully spoke and drops his body to sit on the ss. He is really happy because not only is his sister here, he even got to face p Ji Chu Hua.


    Ting stare at the cheerful boy and he sits down. He thinks of how he should say his words, but over and over again, he doesn¡¯t know how to bring up the subject.


    As he tries to think again, the words Ji Jingxu saidst time cross his mind.


    Regret sh in his heart and he stares in silence at the vast field in front of him.


    ¡¯I know that same loneliness...¡¯


    ¡¯Not just me, but also everyone you¡¯ve been training with.¡¯


    ¡¯We all have our own tragic past, so don¡¯t assume because we don¡¯t show it.¡¯


    Ting turn his head to Ji Jingxu and seeing the boy still smiling happily, he felt another tinge of regret inside.


    ¡¯Just because we all smile every day, doesn¡¯t mean we aren¡¯t hurting in the inside.¡¯


    Those words slowly repeat in his head and he remembers Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words.


    ¡¯A trash found in the country. If it wasn¡¯t for my grandfather, someone like you of unknown origins would never be given the surname Ji.¡¯


    Remembering those words, he thought about Ji Jingxu¡¯s expression at the time. The boy not only looked angry, he also looked hurt.


    He had always thought that someone like Ji Jingxu, who is from a good family will never understand him. He even thought the kid¡¯s words were only out of pity.


    Tingughs inside at his stupidity for judging and his head lower.


    "Jingxu, I¡¯m sorry about what I saidst time..."


    "...."


    Suddenly getting an apology, Ji Jingxu frown and looks at Ting. The smile on his face disappears and he could already guess what the apology was for.


    After all, that evil woman said it like she was performing on a stage.


    He turns his head to the vast field and sigh.


    "What she said is the truth."


    He bends his legs and rest both arms on top of his knees.


    "The old man and his wife found me in the country."


    Saying this, he thought about the day grandfather Ji and grandmother Ji found him. They were his benefactors and instead of leaving him, they adopted him into the family.


    "My family was normal farmers in the countryside. I lived a normal life and I didn¡¯t hate it. I had a mother, a father and an older brother."


    Talking about his deceased family, Ji Jingxu could feel his eyes water up, but he takes a deep breath and steady himself from crying.


    "Even though I was young at the time, all I knew was that my family meant everything to me. As long as I had them, I didn¡¯t need anything else. I didn¡¯t care if we were poor or if we struggled in life. For me, they were more than enough..."


    Suddenly hearing Ji Jingxu talk about his family, Ting didn¡¯t make a sound but looks up at him. His words were exactly like how he felt towards his father and mother.


    He stares at the boy and a question rise inside him. Without thinking, he asks in an almost whisper.


    "What happened to them?"


    Ji Jingxu showed not reaction, but his heart tightened at the question. He forces out a sarcastic chuckle to hide his pain and scratch his head.


    "They were murdered."


    "...."


    Ting¡¯s eyes shook and he stares in disbelief at the boy smiling. It wasn¡¯t the happy smile he made minutes ago, but one that tries to hide his pain.


    He turns his head away and stares down at the grass.


    Seeing Ting¡¯s reaction from the corner of his eyes, Ji Jingxu doesn¡¯t say anything and stayed quiet too.


    He never liked talking about his past, because it makes him miss his family.


    He can still remember his mother¡¯s warm smile when she cooks and the warmth of his father¡¯s palm on his head. Even though, he and his older brother fought a lot, he still remembers his older brother protecting him.


    A faint smile curl on his lip as the image of his family appear in his mind and he takes a deep breath.


    "After what happened to my family, I never thought that the old man would take me in. He didn¡¯t know if I was trouble kid, yet, he epted me. As you can see from that woman¡¯s attitude towards me, only the people here treat me like I exist."


    Another image appears in his mind and his expression soften.


    "For them, I am grateful for this second chance. So, you don¡¯t need to apologize for not knowing."


    Just when he spoke hisst word, his eyes caught sight of a white fluff ball running towards them in the distance. Slowly walking behind the little ball, he sees her slender figure.


    The corners of his lip curl up and he could not take his eyes off the figure.


    She is the person who gave him hope more than anyone else.


    She is his precious older sister.


    Seeing hering closer, he quickly got up from the ground and dust any dirt from his pant. His arms stretch out and he decides to end the conversation.


    "Alright, let¡¯s get going. The others are probably nagging why we haven¡¯t shown up."


    He takes a step forward but stops.


    The words Yue Ling once said to him appear in his mind and he turn to look at Ting.


    "Don¡¯t think of your them as they¡¯re gone."


    He lifts his right hand and ce over his heart.


    "Bring them with you in here."


    Saying this, Ji Jingxu smiles a faint smile at Ting before he turns around and runs down the hill. His arms wave up into the air and he cheerfully calls out.


    "Jie! Inu! Over here! Over here!!"


    From behind. Ting stares at the boy¡¯s figure. To see him smiling so happily, he knows that Ji Jingxu has moved on from his past.


    As for him....


    He lower his head and stares down at his palm. He imitates what Ji Jingxu did and ce his palm on his heart. As he did so, a faint smile curl on his lip and he whispers the words.


    "Don¡¯t think of them as they¡¯re gone. Bring them with you in your heart."

 Chapter 304 Act freely

    When afternoon arrived in Imperial, the bright and beautiful morning had turn gloomy. Grey clouds slowly cover the once bright sky as faint sound of thunder transmit in the sky.


    Despite the gloominess, Ji Jingxu and the soldiers did not pay attention to it. They ran in their usual pace through the vast open field.


    To them, rain or shine, it did not matter. Of course, knowing that Yue Ling is watching, they were even more motivated to impress her.


    Yue Ling, who is oblivious to herself being their strength, sat on a bench at the side. She watched the soldiers run with their might like she did when she young. Her eyes caught sight of Ji Jingxu and Ting amongst the many heads.


    However, she is were more focused on the little white fluff ball taking the lead.


    Inu ran freely as the wind brush against his face. His tongue slightly hung out, but he does not care. He loves the feeling of the wind!


    Yue Ling lightly shook her head. She knows that Inu could have outrun the boys behind him, but he made sure to keep a steady pace. He acted like he is part of the team and he didn¡¯t leave anyone behind. Of course, at the same time, he made sure no one pass him.


    While Yue Ling watch the soldiers act out their daily training, a loud thud echo inside the Ji Mansion¡¯s livingroom. Follow by a loud roar.


    "What did you say?!"


    Grandfather Ji abruptly stood up from the couch and his nostrils re. His eyes turned murderous and his chest heaving up and down.


    Standing at the side, Housekeeper Hu hung his head low. Even though he has been the housekeeper of Ji Mansion for many years, he will never get use to the old man¡¯s temper.


    Beads of sweat slowly form on his forehead and he answers his master.


    "Master, earlier Miss Ji came and wanted to meet you. However, upon her arrival, she met with the young master."


    Saying this, he gulps in difficulty and tells the man the truth.


    "Miss Ji said some upsetting words to the young master. She mentioned the word t-t-trash... and that he is not rted to the Ji family by blood. She also said, she can send the young master to meet his deceased family."


    When he finally finished, Housekeeper Hu wipe the sweat with the back of his hand. He swore inside that having to exin what happened terrified him. Each time he spoke, it was like he had somehow fallen into the bottom of a burning volcano.


    Everyone at the Ji Mansion knows that it is a taboo to speak about the young master¡¯s past. No one dares to say anything or mention a word. If one did, the General¡¯s wrath will turn into Hell.


    "Good. Very good."


    Grandfather Ji scoff a sarcastic chuckle and he looks at Zhong Yang.


    "Zhong Yang, inform the second Ji family. This is one is going to pay them a visit."


    Saying this, his eyes narrow and the temperature in the room turned cold.


    "Seems like I have let them act freely for too long."


    "Yes, Chairman!"


    Zhong Yang quickly answers. The him at this moment is no different from Housekeeper Hu. He can tell the temperature in the room change from fiery hot to a blizzard. It was as if the intense blizzard had burst from the old man.


    However, he quickly gathers himself together and turn to leave the room. He mustplete this task given to him at all cost.


    Grandfather Ji takes a deep breath to calm himself. He had just return from his daily check up, never did he expect such urance happened while he was away! With his current health, the doctor told him to maintain his temper. Any more stress can cause him to faint.


    However, when someone dares to mention his precious grandson¡¯s past... How can he not be angry?


    Ji Jingxu may not be his grandson by blood, but he does not care. No matter what others say, the boy will always be his grandson.


    Thinking this, he takes another deep breath and sits down. Knowing the boy, he¡¯s sure that Ji Jingxu is hurt from Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words. His grandson¡¯s pain is his pain.


    "Where is that boy?"


    Hearing the question, Housekeeper Hu was tongue tied. He looks at his master and ponder in thought on what he should say.


    However, he straightens his back and decides it¡¯s better to tell the truth.


    "Young Master is outside training with the soldiers again."


    "....."


    Grandfather Ji who was worried about his grandson turned dumbfounded. He thought the boy was hurt, but...


    Blood rush to his head and he hits his thigh. He abruptly stands up and another roares out from him.


    "Training?! Again?! Why is he training again? Why is he out there and not in his room? Has he forgotten that he lives in this house?!!"


    He angrily storms out of the living room and head for the back door.


    Ever since the incident with Ghost Gang, the boy has turn into a different person.


    He is proud that Ji Jingxu is training with the soldiers, but...


    He also misses being the one who protects the boy.


    Housekeeper Hu anxiously follows behind. He can see the anger in his master, but he is also confused.


    Why would his master be angry? Didn¡¯t he alwaysin to the young master to train?


    He thought of this and suddenly remembers something. His legs increase their speed as he nears his master. There is only one person who can calm the old man¡¯s temper.


    "Master, the young Miss is also here. Master. Master, the young Miss came to visit with Inu. Master, I said--"


    Housekeeper Hu continues to try and tell grandfather Ji, but his words went through one ear and out the other.


    Grandfather Ji arrives at the back door. He reaches out to grab the door handle, but the moment he touched it, he stops.


    His brows scrunch tightly and tries to think about something that Housekeeper Hu had said.


    He heard the old man mention something about Inu. How did their topic change to Inu?


    As he thought of this, in the far distance, he sees the young soldiers running.


    Suddenly, his eyes widen when he sees a majestic beast running freely at the front. Its white fur dance smoothly against the wind like a movie.


    He inhales an intense amount of air through his nose and froze in ce.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, his mouth finally open.


    "H-Housekeeper Hu.... Is that Inu?"


    Standing behind him, Housekeeper Hu sighed and lightly shook his head. He had been trying to tell his master, but he didn¡¯t listen.


    He sighed again and spoke.


    "Master, the young Miss brought Inu over this morning. They are currently outside with the young master and the solders. Also, the young Miss arrived when Miss Ji was here."


    "....."


    Grandfather Ji was dumbfounded. His eyes blink as if something had caught in his eyes. However, he cast a re at Housekeeper Hu.


    He is angry about what happened to Ji Jingxu, but knowing that Yue Ling is here... If he had gone outside to lecture the boy without knowing, he will definitely get lecture by her.


    Pushing away his anger, he changes into a highly distinguish demeanor and pretends nothing happened. He pulls open the door and walks out.


    "Mm. Mm. This one shall go watch too."


    Just as he took a step out, he stops and turn to shoot Housekeeper Hu another re.


    "You heard nothing and saw nothing."


    "....."


    Saying this, Grandfather Ji continues with his walk. His appearancepletely knocking off the cold atmosphere he had.


    Housekeeper Hu stood dumbfounded at the door. The old man was raging when he heard Ji Jingxu was hurt. Then he got angry when he heard that Ji Jingxu is out training.


    Then now, he¡¯s acting as if none of this ever happened...


    He shook his head and decides to not push it. After all, everyone knows how protective Yue Ling is towards her little brother. If the old man were to lecture the boy, Yue Ling would lecture him.


    Walking towards the soldiers, Grandfather Ji sighed inside. He ces both his hand behind his back and stare at the running group.


    Amongst the group of young men, he can spot his grandson running behind the forth person in front. Although his frame is smaller inparison to the others, he did not look out of ce. He can even see the determination in the boy¡¯s face.


    From young till now, he had always lectured the boy. It wasn¡¯t because he didn¡¯t love boy, but because he wanted Ji Jingxu to know that resilience is very important. No matter how much you fail, always get back up and strive forward.


    However, after the boy started training, he notices that they spent less and less time together.


    It¡¯s not that he isn¡¯t proud, he is very proud of the boy, but he misses seeing the boy inside and studying. Now, Ji Jingxu would finish his schoolwork and runs off to train.


    Thinking these thoughts, he sighs but quickly sees something.


    His granddaughter sat at the side like a fairy.


    Despite her dark attire, she looked like an immortal looking down upon the mundane world.


    Seeing her so beautifully, he couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of his wife and daughter.


    A faint smile curl on his lip and he sighs again.


    The reason why he couldn¡¯t stay mad at Ji Jingxu isn¡¯t because he favors Yue Ling. In fact, he loves and favors both equally. Of course, he also doesn¡¯t want to get lecture by his granddaughter for lecturing his grandson.


    "Wroof! Wroof!"


    Suddenly, a white fluff ball runs around Grandfather Ji. He remembers something and pat the little guy on the head.


    A small chuckle escapes his mouth and he proceed forward.


    ¡¯Ah, that¡¯s right. Since she is here, I should have her exin.¡¯

 Chapter 305 Too fas

    Yue Ling sees her yeye from the corners of her eyes. She turns her head in his direction and stood up from the bench.


    Seeing the old man¡¯s expression full of mischievous intent, she already knew what was going to happen.


    Lu Tian had left to City Z, so she decided to use this time to visit and exin. After all, she cannot keep this secret for long.


    Her eyes soften and she gently touch her lower abdomen. Today, she will tell her yeye about her rtionship with Lu Tian. As for the little one inside her, she will talk with Lu Tian first.


    Besides, judging from what she saw at Imperial Military Hospital, her yeye seems to like Lu Tian. She really hopes to get his blessing.


    "Grandfather!!"


    Ji Jingxu calls out when he sees the old man. He steps out of formation and quickly runs to his grandfather with a wide smile.


    Grandfather Ji looks at his grandson and sees how the boy is covered in sweat.


    When he saw the happy and energetic expression on the boy, he could only soften. That face full of life, how can he ever get angry with a face like that?


    The feeling he had earlierpletely vanishes, but he made sure to maintain a straight face.


    "Your speed is too slow. You need to train more so you can catch up to Inu."


    Ji Jingxu: "...."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Ji Jingxu was dumbfounded. He stumble but quickly steadied himself. However, he stares at his grandfather with heavy eyelids. His looks at Inu and sees the white fluff ball staring back at him.


    "...."


    That expression...


    Ji Jingxu was even more dumbfounded.


    Inu at this very moment stare back at him with an expression full of confidence and arrogance. It was as if the Samoyed was saying, ¡¯Don¡¯t look at me. I am the fastest one here.¡¯


    At the same time, the soldiers didn¡¯t understand why Ji Jingxu had stepped out of formation. Their heads turn in his direction and seeing the reason, their eyes widen.


    They all quickly stop running and straighten their postures. Multiple hands raise and saluted.


    "General Ji!"


    Grandfather Ji looks away from his grandson to the young men behind. His eyes scan every one of them until he sees Ting. His heart ached for the young man, but he doesn¡¯t show it. He nods to the young men and usher with his hand.


    "Good job everyone. Continue on with your training."


    "Yes, sir!!"


    Being dismissed, the soldiers continue with their run. However, Ting didn¡¯t forget to look back at the old man again. His mind is unreadable as he looks away and quickly follows in pursuit of the soldiers.


    At the side, Yue Ling sighs a smile. She walks over to her grandfather and brother.


    "Yeye."


    Grandfather Ji hears her and turn his head to look at her. Seeing her smiling at him, he makes a hmmf and swung his head away from her. He will pretend to be angry at her for hiding such important news.


    "After so long and you finally decide to visit? Look at Jingxu, he doesn¡¯t stay home anymore, and you are always busy with work. Should I find new grandkids?"


    "....."


    Both grandchildren were dumbfounded at the old man¡¯s words.


    However, Yue Ling was the first to recover. She walks over to stand next to him and hook her arm around his.


    "Yeye, I really was busy with work. Since I have some free time, I specially came to visit. See, I even brought Inu."


    Grandfather Ji rolled his eyes but does not move his arm away of hers.


    "Free? Yes, my granddaughter must have a lot of free time today."


    He made sure to emphasize the word free. After all, he knows about that his granddaughter is seeing Lu Tian. Not only that, he also knows that the yearly meeting is today, so Lu Tian must have left the city. Thus, this gives Yue Ling the ¡¯free¡¯ time to visit him.


    Yue Ling stare at her grandfather and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. On the other hand, Ji Jingxu furrow his brows.


    "Old man, Jie finally has time to visit us. Why are you acting like the world is going to end? Do you want Jie to leave, because I don¡¯t!"


    Grandfather Ji shoots Ji Jingxu a re. The boy¡¯s words had clearly hit him in the heart with the truth. However, he snorts a hmmf again.


    "Someone who runs slow should not get involve in adult conversations."


    "Y-You...!"


    Ji Jingxu¡¯s face turn red and he points his shaking finger at the old man.


    "Slow? Hah! If we race right now, you won¡¯t even be able to catch up!"


    Grandfather Ji does not care at all. He continuously rolls his eyes at each word that came out of the boy¡¯s mouth. When the boy finally finished, he smirks and points behind Ji Jingxu.


    "Jingxu, look. There¡¯s something behind you. What is it?!"


    Unknowing to his grandfather¡¯s intention, Ji Jingxu turns around to look. However, he sees nothing and res back at the old man.


    "Old man, there is nothing behind me."


    Grandfather Ji touch his chin and furrow his brow. His expression looking like he is deep in thoughts. In the end, he shook his head and sigh.


    "Ah, such a pity. I was too fast that you didn¡¯t see me run pass you."


    Ji Jingxu: "...."


    The corner of Ji Jing¡¯s lip twitch uncontrobly. He swore his high IQ and EQ have dropped to the negatives since the old man came here.


    He res at his grandfather and stutter his words.


    "Y-You.. Your face is so t-thick!!"


    Grandfather Ji roll his eyes again and touch the side of his face.


    "Aiya! My face has always been thicker than yours."


    "....."


    Grandfather Ji smiles with arrogrance seeing his grandson¡¯s face turn bright red. He didn¡¯t care if he was being thick faced, he was beaming with happiness inside. For many years, this was always how theymunicated.


    Standing quietly the entire time, Yue Ling press her lips tightly together. She wanted so badly tough but could only stop herself.


    However, when she saw the color on Ji Jingxu¡¯s face turn red, she coughs to stop her urge tough.


    "Yeye, let¡¯s go back. I need to speak with you about some things."


    Hearing this, Ji Jingxu frown and he walks over to his sister. He light tug the sleeve of her coat.


    "Jie..."


    He spoke, but when he remembers something, he swallows back his remaining words. His head lower and he mumbles.


    "Can Inu train with us?"


    Yue Ling looks at boy put on a pitiful look. She lifts her free hand and pat his head.


    "Mm. Take care of him until Ie back."


    Ji Jingxu nod his head and the pitiful look he had disappears. He signals to Inu and runs off.


    "Come Inu. Let¡¯s go!"


    "Wroof!"


    Yue Ling stare at the boy¡¯s figure as he got further and further away. She felt his expression just now was weird, but she doesn¡¯t put much thought into it.


    A faint smile curl on her lip and she spoke in a low voice.


    "He has grown so much..."


    Grandfather Ji hears this as he also stares at Ji Jingxu. He lift his hand and ce it over Yue Ling¡¯s arm around his.


    "You¡¯ve both grown so much."


    As he said this, he faintly smiles. It was a smile filled with love and doting, but at the same time pain and guilt.


    Both children have no one else but him. He, who is their only elder left and yet... He will soon be leaving them alone in this cruel world.


    He takes a deep breath and push the sad thoughts away. It is better to focus on the happy thoughts.


    "Ah Ling, are you going to exin how you know Lu Tian?"


    "Heh."


    Yue Ling was taken back by surprise. She forces a small chuckle and looks at her yeye.


    "Yeye, let¡¯s go inside. I¡¯ll exin it to you."


    Grandfather Ji narrow his eyes as he tries to read her, but knowing his granddaughter, he will never be able to read her. His only choice now is to listen to what she has to say and decide after.


    As both individuals head back to the Ji Mansion, Ji Jingxu slows down his legs.


    He stops and stares down at the grass for a long minute, then slowly turns around and stare at the two most important figures in his life.


    At first, he wanted to spend more time with his older sister, but.. He remembers the old man¡¯s condition.


    It was better to let the old man win this time.


    He inhales a deep breath and looks away. Picking up his pace again, he runs to catch up with the soldiers.


    Once he graduates, he will enlist in the military. He will get stronger and make his grandfather proud. In the future, he will protect everyone important to him.


    As Ji Jingxu thought this, he does not see the determine look in Inu¡¯s eyes.


    Inu ran with his might and also wants to be stronger so he can protect his favorite human and the little one!

 Chapter 306 Explain

    Inside the study room in the Ji Mansion, Grandfather Ji sat behind his desk. His eyes stare intensely at the figure across from him.


    "Ah Ling, are you going to exin? How do you know Lu Tian and when did you both meet?"


    He has watched Lu Tian grow into a fine young man. He also knows that the boy is not interest in women, even he thought the boy was into men. Not only that, there has never been any rumors about the boy dating.


    His eyes narrow and his words continue.


    "As your yeye, you shouldn¡¯t lie to me."


    Saying this his eyes narrow more until they are barely open. Until he thought of something and his eyes widen.


    "Two people living at Jade Condos.... Is that how you both met?"


    Yue Ling remains calm. She did not wince at all to his words. Even though she could feel the intimidating aura, she flicks it away like swatting a fly.


    After all, she is his granddaughter and knows him better than anyone. Not only that, he was one of the elders who trained her.


    Seeing the old man¡¯s face slowly turn red from her silence, she sighs inside. She leans back on the chair and cross her arms over her chest.


    "Lu Tian and I met when I first arrived in Imperial. We met a few times by coincidence and now we¡¯re engaged."


    "What?!!"


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s eyes widen in shock. He abruptly stood up and pace back and forth in the room. Both his arms motion in the air like he is dancing.


    "Aiya! What kind of news is this? You¡¯ve both known each other since then? How can I meet your parents now? Engage? What do I tell Old Han? What will my wife think of me now?"


    Grandfather Ji stops by his desk for support and massage his temples.


    "Ah Ling, tell me, how did you be engage to Lu Tian.... Eh? EH?!"


    He froze once he realized something was not right. His eyes slowly widen along with his mouth. The look he has reminds one of a sloth.


    "Engage?"


    He gasps aloud and his legs turn weak. He staggers back to his chair and sits down.


    "En...En...gage..."


    Did he hear that wrong? No, she clearly said engage. How?


    He could not believe it. How can his granddaughter be engaged to Lu Tian? He thought they were only seeing each other or at most dating.


    But engaged?


    "How can this be?"


    Grandfather Ji was at a loss for words. Without thinking, he had whispered his thoughts. He massages his temples again and mutter random words to himself.


    Yue Ling stare at her grandfather with aplex expression. She couldn¡¯t help but question whether she had thought wrong. Could it be that her grandfather didn¡¯t like Lu Tian?


    Thinking this, she sat up straightly and looks at her grandfather with stern eyes. However, there is a mixture of assurance and love.


    "Yeye, although Lu Tian appears cold, he is really good to me."


    "....."


    Grandfather Ji jumped at her words. He cast her a nce and seeing how she must have gotten the wrong idea, he is even more dumbfounded.


    He takes a deep breath to calm his head and wave his hand before massaging his temples again.


    "Ah Ling, how can you get engage to someone without informing me? What if he turns out to be a bad man?"


    Yue Ling felt guilty hearing his words. The old man was right, she should have told him. However, she and Lu Tian never talked about it. Even she hasn¡¯t met his family, so she cannot say if his family knows about her.


    Grandfather Ji sees her expression and he sighs again.


    "Alright, if Lu Tian is good to you then that¡¯s all that matters. After all, dating is dating and engaged is engaged."


    He leans back on the chair and his words continue.


    "Bring him to visit. At least introduce him to me."


    "....."


    Yue Ling furrow her brows and she tilt her head. Her grandfather¡¯s words did not make any sense at all.


    "Yeye, don¡¯t you already know Lu Tian? Why do you want meet someone you already know?"


    Grandfather Ji scoffs at her and his palm hits the desk.


    "I know Lu Tian. As a matter of fact, I know him very well, but I don¡¯t know your fianc¨¦, Lu Tian. As your yeye, it¡¯s only natural for me to meet the man who proposed to my granddaughter!"


    "....."


    Yue Ling stare at her grandfather speechlessly. After a long minute, she lift her hand and pinch the space between her brows.


    "Fine. I¡¯ll bring him to visit you."


    Hearing this, Grandfather Ji¡¯s eye lit up with fireworks. A sudden idea quicklyes to mind and leans forward.


    "Ah Ling, does Lu Tian know that you are my granddaughter? Did you tell him?"


    Yue Ling shook her head and her voice sounds.


    "No, he doesn¡¯t know."


    She has told him about her past, but not her rtionship to her yeye.


    Grandfather Ji nod his head and stroke his chin.


    "I see. So, he really doesn¡¯t know."


    He had been curious as to why Lu Tian was so clueless. The truth was his granddaughter never told the boy. It was no wonder the boy didn¡¯t suspect anything when they met at Imperial Military Hospital.


    Thinking this, the dead light bulb on top of his head lights up. A glint of light sh in his eyes and hees up with an idea.


    "Ah Ling, how about you invite Lu Tian to my birthday banquet? Yes?"


    Yue Ling tilt her head and the space between her brow crease into three lines. She ponders on about her grandfather¡¯s question.


    Invite Lu Tian? Wouldn¡¯t that go against their promise that she is the granddaughter of Imperial¡¯s General Ji?


    Knowing what is on her mind, Grandfather Ji sighs and voice his opinion.


    "Ah Ling, sooner orter Lu Tian will find out. He is a smart man. Besides, I want to reveal your identity at the banquet. What do you say?"


    Yue Ling pout her lip. She remembers the reason why they kept her identity hidden and looks at her yeye.


    "Is this a good idea? After all, wasn¡¯t it so that-"


    Before she could finish her words, Grandfather Ji stuck his palm out to stop her. He slowly stood from his seat and walks over to the window.


    He held his hands behind his back and open his mouth.


    "Ah Ling, we¡¯ve kept you hidden since your birth."


    He sighs as hisst word fell and he stares out the window.


    "You know, it was requested by your father and mother."


    Speaking of his daughter and son-inw, his eyes soften as their faces appear in his mind.


    "Being your grandfather and only blood family left, I want to do this. Despite any danger that might ur in the future, I am well prepare for it."


    He slowly turns to her and the intimidating aura around him is rece with warmth.


    "What do you say?"


    Yue Ling stares at her grandfather with mix emotions.


    When she was four, she had always wonder why people didn¡¯t know she was the great General Ji¡¯s granddaughter. At the time, she was young and did not understand the reason.


    It wasn¡¯t until she turned six that she finally understood.


    Her mother is someone from a family who follows thew and her father from a family that goes against thew.


    In order to not let the underworld know who her maternal family is, they had to keep her identity hidden. Even her mother¡¯s background was wiped clean with no traces rted to the Ji family.


    If the underworld knew, no one can assure the safety of her maternal family.


    If it means bringing harm to Fate, even by a little, they would stop at nothing.


    Yue Ling slowly blink her eyes and looks at her grandfather.


    She can see that he has grown older over the past years. However, despite his old age, he is still the highly distinguish General.


    Her lip curl into a pleasant smile and she nods her head.


    "I think it¡¯s not a bad idea."


    Hearing her agreement, Grandfather Ji sighs in relief. He can finally tell the world who is real granddaughter is.


    Yue Ling sees his happy expression and she lightly shook her head.


    In the past, her family had always protected her. When her parents and paternal grandfather left, it was her yeye who never let any harme to her.


    She had only agreed because she is no longer the little girl who needed to be protected. This time, she will be the one to protects her love ones from any harm.


    Anyone who dares touch a strand of their hair, she will collect their fate.


    Grandfather Ji who is oblivious to his granddaughter¡¯s thoughts beamed with happiness. He strides over to his desk and sits down.


    However, the moment he sat down, his eyes stares straight into hers with a stern expression.


    "Ah Ling, what about Ji Corps? Can I hand over Ji Corps to you? Hm?"


    Yue Ling pout her lip and ponder in thoughts. Her expression is unreadable as shees to a decision.


    "Let me think it over."


    Saying this, she nces at the window and sees that the grey sky outside had darken.


    She slowly got up and smiles.


    "Yeye, it¡¯s gettingte. I won¡¯t be staying for lunch since I have to meet Lin Hui. So, I will take my leave."


    "Alright. Go home before it starts raining."


    Grandfather Ji sighs his words. Just when she almost walks out the door, he calls out with a smile.


    "Ah Ling, don¡¯t forget your promises! Also, keep it a secret from him until my birthday!"


    Yue Ling shook her head and walks out of the study room.


    Grandfather Jiughs as he watch his granddaughter leave.


    He is very happy to know that Yue Ling and Lu Tian are engaged. His reaction earlier was out of pure shock. He had wanted them to meet and yet, they were already two steps ahead of him.


    Until her footsteps was not heard anymore, Grandfather leans back on his chair. The smile on his face slowly lowers and he close his eyes.


    He knows that he is asking for too much from his granddaughter, but he hopes that she will consider taking over Ji Corps.


    His eyes slowly open and looks at the neatly lined pictures on his desk.


    The look on his face soften, but one can see how exhausted he is.


    When Han Min Joon and Ji An Ling left, they left H-International to their young daughter.


    When Old Han left, he left Fate to his teenage granddaughter.


    And now... He is pushing the weight of Ji Corps onto his adult granddaughter.


    To think Yue Ling has to carry so much weigh on her shoulders.

 Chapter 307 Here for business

    The heavens darken and thunder rumble in the sky as thete afternoon arrive. Heavy bean-sized raindrops fell from the sky, damping over City Z.


    The tall dark building remains gloomy, but it glistens like a painting.


    On the second highest floor, the door to the back room opens and the people inside walk out.


    They discuss amongst one another as they exit the room.


    Chief Kim walks out of the room and he stops. He turns back to thest group to leave and smile.


    "Mr. Lu, care to join this old one for lunch?"


    Lu Tian walks out of the room follow by Jiangyu and Yiqing. When he heard Chief Kim¡¯s question, he stops. His brows slightly furrow before his expression returns to expressionless.


    He looks at Chief Kim and nod his head.


    "My car will follow yours."


    Hearing the unexpected answer, Chief Kim smiles and turns to leave first. It is his greatest honor to have lunch with Lu Tian.


    Every year when they have this meeting, whether it was in City Z or Imperial, Lu Tian would decline all the invitations.


    From behind, Jingyu stares at his boss with a confused expression. Usually, his boss wouldn¡¯t agree, so why now?


    Thinking this, he lift his hand scratch the side of his head.


    "Boss, what about our other purpose ofing here?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remain on the old man¡¯s departing figure. He slightly tilt his head to Jiangyu and his deep voice sounds.


    "Wait for Xu Long¡¯s call."


    Saying this, he takes a step forward and walks away from the back room.


    He is in a rush to go back home to be with his wife, but Xu Long has not found the location of the meeting Chu Qiang is participating.


    If it wasn¡¯t for that, he wouldn¡¯t have agreed to join Chief Kim for lunch.


    Once he finishes his purpose ofing here, no one can stop him from returning to his wife.


    Jiangyu and Yiqing looks at each other and nod their head. Both men quickly follow after their boss.


    If their boss says to wait, then wait it shall be.


    Outside, the rain continues to pour over City Z without stopping.


    In a private room inside one of City Z¡¯s most highly rated restaurants, Lu Tian sat on a chair across from Chief Kim.


    A waiter stood at the side as he just finished taking their order and collects the menu book.


    "Mr. Lu, I was truly surprised when you agreed to have lunch with this old man."


    Chief Kim spoke in a cheerful and happy tone. He cannot wait to brag about this to the others. How jealous would they be?


    Lu Tian does not say a word, but not his head.


    The waiter walks out of the room and just when he stepped out, another waiter enters the private room.


    The new waiter walks over to Chief Kim and whispers near his ear.


    "Chief...."


    Upon listening to the waiter¡¯s words, a glint of light beams in Chief Kim¡¯s eyes. He chuckles heartily and ushers the waiter to get going.


    "Hahah, what are you waiting for, bring her in."


    "Yes, Chief."


    The waiter bows and quickly takes his leave out the room.


    Hearing the word ¡¯her¡¯, Lu Tian¡¯s expression turn cold and his eyes darken. He looks at Chief Kim with a murderous aura that sent shivers to the old man.


    Seeing the dangerous look in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes, Chief Kim smiles a chuckle and he wave his hand out.


    "Ah, Mr. Lu, please excuse my rudeness. You see, my daughter is here. I forgot that I had promised to join her for lunch, so I could only invite her to join us."


    Lu Tian does not say a word, but his expression remains the same. He signals with his hand to Jiangyu and the man leans forward.


    Watching this, Chief Kim could only swallow his saliva, but it was difficult due to the dryness. It wasn¡¯t until he saw Jiangyu return to position and Lu Tian remain seated that he sighs in relief.


    He knows that Lu Tian isn¡¯t fond of close contact with women, however, his daughter just arrived in City Z, so he had no choice. If he had remembered his promise, he would have never invited Lu Tian for lunch.


    "Dad, you couldn¡¯t pick me up from the airport, but want me to meet you here? I don¡¯t like the food here."


    A soft voice calls out from behind the door as a slender woman enters the private room.


    Her short dark hair framed around her slim face. She had big round eyes that made her look adorable and soft pink lips. She wore a pink dress and a brown trench coat to keep her warm.


    Anyone who sees her will be in awe and captivated by her natural looks.


    However, Lu Tian does not bat an eye in her direction and neither did the two men standing behind him.


    Chief Kim¡¯s eyes lit up and he calls out to the woman.


    "Yoona, you¡¯re here. Come sit down."


    Kim Yoona pout her lips and walks over to the chair next to her father. She had on an annoyed expression, but when she saw that there was someone else sitting at the table, she looks at the person.


    Her eyes shook and her cheeks turn red. She has never seen such a handsome man before.


    His sharp facial features disyed a noble and indifferent temperament. The man seemed to be frowning deeply as there is traces of disdain in his eyes.


    His entire personage emitted a menacing aura that sent chills to the back of her spine for no reason.


    But Kim Yoona quickly shakes away her feelings and sits down. Her seat is next to her father, but two chairs away from the man.


    Chief Kim sees the redness in his daughter¡¯s face, and heughs.


    "Mr. Lu, this is my daughter, Yoona. She just came back from abroad."


    Hearing the introduction, Jiangyu and Yiqing shook their head in fear for the old man. Both men could feel that the temperature in the room drop to negative degrees, yet, the old man is so blind.


    Jiangyu looks at the old man and he could only sigh inside. If the old man knew who theirdy boss is, would he still think to introduce his daughter to their boss?


    Of course, as much as he wants to say a word, he can¡¯t because its only his opinion.


    Oblivious to the two bodyguard, Kim Yoona nce at Lu Tian and smiles her most charming smile.


    "Hello Mr. Lu, I am Kim Yoona. Please excuse my disturbance in this lunch."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remain elsewhere as he only nods his head in greeting.


    Most women would find his reaction an insult, but Kim Yoon was not bothered by it. Instead, she maintains her smile without a care.


    She has long heard about Lu Tian, but never met the man. Her father had always praise him like he was a son and from what she¡¯s heard, Lu Tian does not like women near him.


    The introduction soon turned awkward and Chief Kim chuckles.


    "Ah, Mr. Lu, how long will you be in City Z."


    "A few days."


    Lu Tian¡¯s answer was short and puts one back in a more awkward position, but Chief Kim continues to smile. He is not one bit offended andughs.


    "Haha, if it¡¯s a few days, my Yoona can show you around City Z. What do you say?"


    "D-Dad..."


    Kim Yoona lightly hits her father¡¯s arm in embarrassment.


    Chief Kim chuckles at his daughter and ce his hand over hers. His attention returns to the man sitting across from him.


    "What do you think about this?"


    Unlike the father and daughter duo, Lu Tian furrow his brows without a word.


    Jiangyu stares dumbfounded at Chief Kim¡¯s useless words. He wants to scream at the duo for thinking such thing. If it was¡¯t for him having to maintain his bodyguard cover, he would of made a scene.


    Yiqing nce at Chief Kim and he silently shook his head. Next, he looks at Kim Yoona and he couldn¡¯t help but shake his head more.


    He has heard from Xu Long that they have ady boss. Although he has never met her, he can already guess that she must not be ordinary since his boss chose her.


    "Chief Kim, I am only here for business. Nothing more and nothing less."


    Lu Tian finally spoke, and his dark eyes stare straight into the old man¡¯s soul.


    He is not the kind of man who mix his personal life with business. Neither does he care about women that are thrown his way. To him, they mean nothing.


    Of course, his wife is different, because she is the only woman for him.


    In that moment, the waiters enter the room with the ordered dishes. They ce the dishes on the table one at a time.


    *Ring ring*


    Just when the waiters were done, the phone inside Jiangyu¡¯s coat pocket rings. He takes the phone out and quickly answers.


    "Jiangyu speaking."


    Due to the sudden quietness inside the private room, the noise from the other line can be heard, but no words can be made out.


    Quickly as the call came, it ended in less than ten seconds.


    Jiangyu calmly puts the phone away and takes a step forward. He leans down to whisper something to his boss.


    Lu Tian listens from start to and he nod his head.


    When Jiangyu return to his position, Lu Tian looks at Chief Kim. He scoots his chair back and part his lip.


    "Chief Kim, something came up. I will take my leave first."


    Hearing this, Chief Kim sighs in pity, but he nods his head. He knows that Lu Tian is a busy man. It¡¯s no surprise to see the young man leave without touching the food.


    "It¡¯s a pity you cannot stay, but I understand. If you need anything, I will offer my help."


    He looks at his daughter and his words continue.


    "When you¡¯re free during your stay, please allow Yoona to keep youpany."


    Kim Yoona does not say a word but pout her lip. She stares at the te food on the table and ponder in thoughts.


    Lu Tian calmly stood up from the chair and meets Chief Kim in the eyes.


    "My actions do not reflect on me but my wife. Enjoy your lunch."


    Chief Kim¡¯s cheeks flush in embarrassment and he nod his head in understanding.


    "I see. I understand then. It¡¯s good to know that you are respectful towards your wife."


    Lu Tian nod his head and walks out of the room without another word.


    Inside the room, Chief Kim smiles as he pats his daughter¡¯s hand. However, his smile quickly fade and his eyes widen.


    Wife?!


    When did Lu Tian get married?!


    At the same time, Kim Yoona res at her father in disbelief. She ignores his shock expression and moves her hand to cross her arm over her chest. Doing so, her pink lip parts to speak.


    "Dad, I know you like Lu Tian and you want what is best for me, but can you not make a fool out of me?"


    She pinch the space between her brows and her words continue.


    "He never once looked at me, let alone utter a single word to me. Not only that, he made it clear that he is married. I do not want to be known as someone who stole another¡¯s husband. So, stop!"


    Finishing her words, she takes a deep breath and starts to eat her food.


    She must admit, Lu Tian is a very ambitious man and her type. His looks are worth praising and there is no women who wouldn¡¯t want him as a husband.


    However, she is not one to steal another¡¯s man. Neither is she someone who will ruin a rtionship.


    She has her pride too.


    Outside of the restaurant, Lu Tian looks at the dark sky and walks toward his car as Jiangyu held an umbre to keep the rain away.


    He gets into his car and the moment he sat in the back seat, he felt the same uneasy sensation return.


    His brows furrow and he looks out the window.


    He needs to quickly finish up here and return to his wife and child.


    That uneasy feeling is something he¡¯s never felt before and he hates it.

 Chapter 308 up to her place

    As the heavy rain continue to pour over City Z, Lu Tian stood outside on the balcony connected to his private house. His arm rested on the ss rail as he stares out to City Z.


    Every so often, his hand would raise as he brings the cigarette to his lip.


    He reaches into his coat pocket and takes his phone out. Dialing a number, be brings the phone to his ear.


    The call only rang once before it is connected, and Xu Long¡¯s voice sounds from the other line.


    ["Boss!"]


    "Speak."


    ["Um... Boss, I did as you had ordered. I followed thedy boss, but... Well, you see, it¡¯s like this, she entered Ji Mansion."]


    Lu Tian furrow his brows as he listens. Why would his wife go to the Ji Mansion?


    From the other line, Xu Long takes the silence as que to continue his report.


    ["I tried to enter after, but the guard watching the gate wouldn¡¯t permit. As a result, I could only wait outside. However, thedy boss had already left and is on her way back to Jade Condos."]


    Lu Tian listened to the end, but he does not say a word.


    After what felt like a long minute had pass, he only makes a mm sound and ends the call.


    His hand holding the phone lowers and he stares at the picture on the screen.


    It was a picture he had secretly took of his wife sleeping. She looked so peaceful that he couldn¡¯t help but capture it.


    Staring at his wife¡¯s beautiful sleeping face, he starts miss her.


    However, he locks the phone and put it away.


    Taking a puff of the cigarette, he stares back to City Z¡¯s view and ponder in thoughts about Xu Long¡¯s report.


    Ji Mansion is not a ce anyone can easily enter as they please. The ce is tightly secured with soldiers and highly trained guards. So...


    Just as he thought this, a soft chuckle escapes his lip as he realizes something.


    That¡¯s right, how could he have forgotten.


    His wife is the leader of Fate. Her grandfather was the man who he once trained with when he was young at the Ji Mansion. She must have gone to visit General Ji out of respect for her deceased grandfather.


    Lu Tian ends his thoughts and decides to not push it further. He kills the cigarette in his hand and without giving City Z another nce, he walks back inside.


    As the rain continue to pour over City Z, the grey sky over Imperial has yet to shed its tears.


    Yue Ling and Inu enters the lobby to Jade Condos.


    "Miss Han, how is your afternoon?"


    From behind the front desk, Manager Luo calls out as he walks to the human and beast. He held his hand behind his back and smiles.


    Seeing him, Yue Ling stops and turn to face him. She smiles with a nod.


    "Uncle Luo, my afternoon was great. Inu and I just returned from our little outing."


    "Ah, I see. That¡¯s good."


    Manager Luo maintained his smile and nod his head. He looks at the young woman and then the Samoyed. Knowing that Yue Ling must be tired from her day, he excuses himself.


    Yue Ling bid the old man goodbye and walks in the direction of the elevator with Inu.


    Once they entered and the elevator doors closed, Manager Luo takes his phone out and dials a number.


    "She¡¯s going up to her ce."


    Oblivious to the things happening around her, Yue Ling and Inu exit the elevator when it reached the highest floor.


    Walking to her penthouse, she sees a man waiting outside by her door.


    He wore a dark brown leather jacket that covers his white tshirt and ck jeans. Held tightly around his arm is a white motorcycle helmet and in the other hand a stic bag.


    The man did not seem to notice Yue Ling and Inu as he whistles to himself.


    "Lin Hui."


    Hearing his name called, Lin Hui turns to look at the elevator. Seeing his boss, his eyes lit up and he runs to her.


    "Boss, you¡¯re here!"


    He lifts his hand holding the stic bag and grins.


    "I brought food!"


    Yue Ling nod her head in greeting and unlocks the door. Turning the door handle, she pushes the door open.


    Inu¡¯s fluffy figure pushes pass his favorite human and rushes inside. He was extremely tired from his training, however, he is also hungry. He gobbles down his food like there is no tomorrow and drank the water at the speed of lightning.


    Feeling his stomach full to the brim, he hops onto his cozy andfortable bed. The moment his body touched the bed, his snores quickly surface, and he drifts into slumber.


    "....."


    The little noble king did not realize that his actions had struck the two humans dumbfoundedly.


    Yue Ling had already taken her shoes off, but when she was in the process of taking off her coat, she saw what Inu was doing. Her eye lids turned heavy and she felt embarrass that she is the mother of such creature.


    Lin Hui who enteredst had yet to close the door and felt his body turn heavy at the sight.


    He had always thought Inu was a very well-mannered Samoyed. One who held his dignity high in the sky and makes one think of him as a king amongst beasts.


    However....


    All that imagepletely shattered with a poof.


    Yue Ling shook her head and finish taking off her coat. cing it down on one of the white couches, she walks to the kitchen.


    "Coffee or tea?"


    "Eh?"


    Lin Hui, who was still in his own world, was quickly brought back to his five senses. He shakes his head and takes his shoes off.


    "Coffee for me."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling prepares the hot water on the stove and makes herself a cup of warm milk. As she did so, Lin Hui ce the stic bag on the dining table and sits down. He opens it andys out the store-bought food.


    The water finally boils, and Yue Ling prepares the coffee. When she finished, she hands the cup to Lin Hui as she sits on the chair across from him.


    "Thanks boss!"


    Lin Hui beam with joy when he felt the warmth of the cup. He didn¡¯t hesitate to drink it despite the coffee being hot.


    The sweet, yet bitter sensation traveled down his body with its warmth. He felt his entire body melt like moltenva.


    Yue Ling shook her head and takes a sip of her warm milk. She puts the cup down and looks at Lin Hui.


    "Want to exin why you were not at the scene?"


    Hearing this, Lin Hui¡¯s shoulders jump and chokes on the coffee.


    "Cough-! Cough-!"


    He pats his chest and set the cup down. His face turns red and he touch the tip of his nose.


    "Heh Heh. So you noticed... Actually, I was there that day. As a matter of fact, I never left my post once."


    Saying this, he starts to open the lid to the food he bought, and his words continue.


    "However, while I was watching that old bastard¡¯s every move, I found out that someone else is backing him."


    As he spoke his words, he grabs the chopsticks and starts eating. He is extremely hungry.


    Yue Ling furrow her brows, "What else did you find out?"


    Lin Hui had just put a piece of meat in his mouth. When he heard her ask, he quickly chews and swallow.


    "That day, I saw Lu Tian at the hospital. I don¡¯t know what he said, but the next thing I know, he was chasing after Doctor Xie with his men and police. I nned to intervene in the man hunt, but I saw a man go inside the bastard¡¯s office. The man quickly came back out with aptop, so I had to leave the old bastard to Lu Tian and follow the suspicious person."


    He finishes saying hisst word and puts another piece of meat in his mouth. At the same time, he takes his phone out of his jacket pocket and pass it to his boss.


    "The person I followed is the man on the right. He met up with the skinny guy on the left in an alley."


    Yue Ling stares at the photo on the phone and she pout her lip in thinking.


    The man Lin Hui followed is bald and chubby. She has never seen him before and neither has she seen the other skinny man.


    Lin Hui continues to stuff his mouth with food, but he does not forget to keep exining.


    "Boss, I did a background check on both men. The bald-headed man works for Chu Qiang, as for the skinny dude, he works for Chu Li Xiang."


    Lin Hui reach for a piece of jiaozi and put it in his mouth and his head slightly tilt.


    "From what I found, Chu Li Xiang has been bribing his brother¡¯s men to work for him. Example A is that fat bald man."


    Yue Ling quietly listens and she nod her head. She looks up at Lin Hui and the corner of her lip twitch.


    If Inu¡¯s actions earlier made her speechless, then there¡¯s probably no word to describe how she feels about Lin Hui.


    Lin Hui¡¯s face is smear with oil and sauces from the food, but he doesn¡¯t seem to care at all.


    Shaking her head, she decides to ignore his hungry state.


    "What about the medicine injected in grandma Nuo?"


    Lin Hui pause from eating and he looks at his boss.


    "That old man was very stupid. He continued to inject more medicine into grandma Nuo¡¯s IV, but..."


    He leans forward and giggle his next words.


    "He did not know that I had already connected grandma Nuo¡¯s IV tube to another bag and hid it behind the curtains. I just made it look like it was still connected to the one at her bed side."


    Remembering something, his brows arch upward and he looks at his boss.


    "Boss, this mo-"


    *Ring ring*


    Before Lin Hui could finish saying what he remembered, the phone inside Yue Ling¡¯s bag rang.


    "Hold on."


    She stood from her seat and walks to retrieve her phone. Seeing the name of the caller, she answers.


    "Hello?"


    ["..."]


    She walks over to the floor to ceiling window in her living room, but frown when no one answer from the other line.


    Her head slightly tilt and she moves the phone from her ear. However, seeing the call is still connected, she puts it back to her ear.


    "Tian, are you done with your meeting? Hello?"


    ["...."]


    Still no answer. Yue Ling¡¯s brows crease tightly.


    "Tian?"


    ["I¡¯m here."]


    Finally, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds from the other line.


    Hearing his sudden voice, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but shiver. His voice, no matter how many times she hears it will always sound seductive and pleasing to her ears.


    She could feel her heart beat loudly and her cheeks flush, but she quickly clears her throat.


    "Why didn¡¯t you answer? Is everything alright?"


    ["I wanted to listen to your voice."]


    "...."


    Yue Ling was stunned. Holding the phone with her left hand, she lifts her right hand and put it over her heart. She felt like cupid had shot an arrow full of love into her heart.


    Her burning cheeks travel throughout her face and the corners of her lip curl upwards, but she quickly covers her mouth. At the same time, she screamed inside like a fangirl at her idol¡¯s meet and greet.


    Lu Tian is too shameless for her heart. Yet, he can always stir her heart so much.


    Of course, she cannot let him know, because he will use it as an advantage against her.


    She quickly calms herself and clears her throat again.


    "Tian, did you eat yet?"


    ["Mm. Did you?"]


    "Not yet, but Lin Hui brought food over."


    As their conversation continue in the living room, Yue Ling did not notice the head that is poking out from the dining room.


    Lin Hui stare at his boss with heavy eyes. He cannot believe that he is being fed dog food by his boss.


    His lip arc down and he sobs quietly butck the tears. Looking down at the food in front of him, he sobs again and continues stuff his mouth.


    For a single person like him, it¡¯s better to eat delicious food than listening.


    That¡¯s right, food is forever his girlfriend.

 Chapter 309 Red Nigh

    Darkness engulf City Z as the heavy rain does not n to subdue. The sky lights up with constant shes and rumble horrifyingly.


    Inside Lu Tian¡¯s private house, every inch of the ce is dimly lit. One the second floor, all the doors are tightly shut except for the one furthest to the end. The door is slightly open ajar, and the room is often lit by the sh of lightning.


    The atmosphere inside the room is gloomy and eerie, however, Lu Tian sat at the edge of the bed. His head lower as he stares down at the phone in his hand.


    A sh of lightning brightens the room again, but Lu Tian does not react to it. His wife had long ended the call, yet, he continues to stare at the phone.


    Suddenly, another sh of lightning shines again and the sound of footsteps close in from the door.


    The ajar door slowly creaks open and a figure¡¯s bulky outlinees to view.


    "Boss."


    Jiangyu stood at the door as he looks at his boss. After they returned from the yearly meeting, he had changed out of his ck suit into something more casual. He wore a in ck shirt with ckbat pants. A holster harness drape over his shirt with a gun in each pocket.


    He takes a step inside the room and his voice continues.


    "It¡¯s time."


    Lu Tian¡¯s head remain down for a long minute. His thumb caresses the screen of his phone as if he was caressing his wife. His eyes slowly blink and light emitting from the phone turns ck.


    He stood up and put the phone in his pocket. At the same time, he grabs his coat on the bed and walks out of the room.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Jiangyu nod his head and follows out. Xu Long had located the meeting ce and sent them the information. Once they finish this task, they will head back to Imperial.


    In a deluxe nightclub located in the heart of City Z, music yed loudly as people fill the entire ce up. Dancers on the stage and men going crazy for their attention.


    The nightclub has three floors. The first floor is for entertainment while the second floor is a casino. The third floor, however, is separated into two sections. The first section consists of rooms for pleasure for the guests whereas the second section is separated for special VIP guests.


    This deluxe nightclub is called Red Night and hold the root for one of City Z¡¯s most notorious gang. When the leaders of the underworld gather in City Z, this is the ce they will host the meet.


    Inside the biggest room in the second section, two middle aged men sat in their own red armchair. Surrounding them are a few of their subordinates on guard and women of service.


    A middle aged man seated in the main armchair tilt his head back as he close his eyes. His shirt is pulled open as his face shade red from the service girl standing behind him. She is gently massaging his shoulders into rxation while two men sat on each of his side as they nt kisses on his body. As if three women were not enough, squatting down in front of him is a fourth woman, her head motion up and down as she pleasure the man into ecstasy.


    This man is Silver. He is notorious for his ruthlessness in the underworld. When people from the underworld see him, they would address him as ¡¯Master Silver¡¯. At the mention of his name, all will tremble for the fear of remembering his name.


    His head slowly tilt forward and he looks at the other middle aged man. A sneer curl on his lip and he spoke.


    "Chu Qiang, you are in Red Night, why aren¡¯t you enjoying yourself? Are the women here not of your taste?"


    Unlike Silver, Chu Qiang leisurely drinks the tea in front of him. He may be the leader of a gang, but that does not mean he has to partake in foul y. For him, women servicing him is inconvenient and something he never cared for.


    When he heard Silver¡¯s words, he calmly ces the cup of tea down and looks at the man with a smile.


    "The women here are of the greatest beauties, but I prefer to drink my tea in peace."


    Silver snort and shook his head. Turning away from Chu Qiang, he goes back into his own world and roughly kiss one of the young women sitting next to him.


    The woman¡¯s movement below him was driving him insane. His breathing soon turns heavy as he felt himself reaching the highest peak in his life. He groans and his hips starts to help the woman squatting down.


    "Boss..."


    Just when he was about to feel himself reach the heavens, one of his subordinates interrupts him.


    The feeling Silver had quickly disappears, and his eyes shot open. Blood rush to his face and he ruthlessly kicks the woman squatting away.


    "WHAAT?!!!"


    He roars in rage and res at the subordinate who dare to interrupt him as everything around turn silent. Only his heavy breathing could be heard.


    The subordinate trembles in fear knowing he had made a huge mistake, but he could not waste any time. He gulps with difficulty and whispers to his boss.


    Listening to his subordinate¡¯s words, Silver¡¯s eyes shot open and all the colors on his face drained. He quickly sat up and wave the women away as he starts to straighten his clothes.


    "Shit!! Why is Lu Tianing here? Who was it that provoked the King of Hell?!"


    Chu Qiang furrow his brows and set the cup of tea down.


    "Silver, you said Lu Tian ising here?"


    The moment hisst word fell, the tight shut double doors is push open.


    All the people in the room turn to see the person.


    Lu Tian entered the room bringing the cold aura that naturally surrounds him. His dark pupils that meets anyone in the eyes sent chills to them.


    Silver quickly gather himself together and stood up the same time as Chu Qiang.


    "Mr. Lu, wee to Red Night!"


    Jiangyu, who followed behind Lu Tian didn¡¯t have much of a reaction at the scene. Yiqing, however wanted to vomit. He hated dirty ces like Red Night.


    Lu Tian paid no attention to the atmosphere in the room. His pace was steady as walked forward.


    Silver muster the most cordial smile he could make.


    "Red Night is truly honored to have a guest like you. May I ask why Mr. Lu has grace us with his presence?"


    One of Silver¡¯sckey standing at the side dropped his jaw in shock, His master, who is someone that cause the underworld to tremble is actually being humble to a young man!


    Lu Tian only made an apathetically ¡¯en¡¯ sound before his eyes scan the people in the room. When he found the person, his eyes slightly dim and he continues forward.


    "Chu Qiang."


    Chu Qiang takes a step forward and he also muster a cordial smile.


    "Mr. Lu, what a coincidence that we meet here. Is there something I can help you help?"


    Lu Tian takes a seat and looks at the middle age man. He doesn¡¯t beat around the bush and gets straight to the point.


    "Exin why your brother is investigating me."


    Hearing this, Chu Qiang was shock to the core. He could feel his back slowly drench in cold sweat. After the visit from Lu Tian and Fate, he had told that good for nothing brother of his to hide and keep quiet. Never would he have imagined Chu Li Xiang to dig his own grave!


    "Mr. Lu, I swear to the heavens, I do not know any of this. I clearly stated for him to leave the incident behind. I don¡¯t have the guts to break thews that you set on the underworld."


    Lu Tian made noment, but the aura emitted from him grew colder by each second. Even Jiangyi and Yiqing who felt this aura were starting to feel ufortable.


    Silver couldn¡¯t help but shudder at what he is hearing. He was curious and confused as to why Lu Tian woulde to Red Night. He even thought it was him who offend the ruthless man, but it turned out to be ck Dragon!


    *Click*


    Suddenly, the noise of a gun clicking in load sounds and a male voice spoke.


    "Kid, who do you think you are walking into Red Night like you own the ce?"


    One of Silver¡¯s subordinate startled in disdain. He aims his gun in Lu Tian¡¯s direction.


    "This is Red Night. One click and you¡¯re a dead man!"


    Lu Tian¡¯s face remained unmoving. He was unaffected by the man¡¯s taunt. His eyes slowly shift from Chu Qiang to man and coldly instruct.


    "Yiqing."


    Yiqing¡¯s forthright face slowly reveals a smile that makes one feel uneasy.


    He lifts his left hand and flicks his finger. A tiny silver needle shoots out and prates the man¡¯s hand holding the gun.


    "Ah-!"


    The man drops the gun and held his hand. His eyes re at Yiqing and then down at his hand. Just when he touched the needle to take it out, a sharp pain shot throughout his arm and through his body.


    "A-Arrrgghhh-!!!!"


    The blood curdling scream cause the subordinates within the room all to feel their skin go numb.


    Silver res at the useless subordinate who dared to act without being instructed.


    "E-Everyone, stay¡ª"


    *Click*


    Before he could finish his words, all the subordinates regain their senses and take their guns out. Multiple guns pointed in Lu Tian¡¯s direction, yet he shows no reaction.


    At the same time, Silver¡¯s eyes wide and he was glued to the floor while Chu Qiang felt his body turn numb.


    "Tsk, tsk."


    Jiangyu who had suddenly appear in front of the two men click his tongue. His eyes shone brightly as he slightly tilt his head up and a sinister smirk curl on his lip.


    "Your men must really want you both to meet my bullets."


    Both his arms stretched out in opposite directions. Holding a gun in each hand, the tip of one gun presses on Silver¡¯s forehead while the other press at Chu Qiang¡¯s temple.

 Chapter 310 We have guests

    While the situation in City Z turn intense, the grey sky in Imperial also darkened. Raindrops slowly trinkle as they lightly sprinkle against the windows of Jade Condos penthouse 1503.


    Inside the living room, Lin Huiid on his backzily on one of the white couches. He caresses his bloated stomach and grin with a satisfaction face. He is the happiest when full. It¡¯s the soul reason why he cannot break up with food.


    Yue Ling stare at the man and she couldn¡¯t decide whether tough or cry. Sometimes, she also can¡¯t help but wonder why the people around her are out of this world.


    Seeing howfortable he is, she sighs inside and shook her head. Lin Hui had clearly made himself at home.


    "Lin Hui, it¡¯s going to start pouring soon. When are you leaving?"


    Oblivious to his boss¡¯s view on him, Lin Hui close his eyes and continue to casually stroke his stomach with a smile.


    "Aiya boss, let me rest for a bit. I ate too much and I drove my bike here so I¡¯ll speed home before it pours heavily. Besides, I need to...."


    Suddenly, his eyes shot open and he abruptly sat up.


    "B-Boss! I-I suddenly remember something!"


    "...."


    Yue stare at him with a dumbfounded expression. Lin Hui, who sat up quickly was struggling with difficulty, however, she suppresses the urge tough and clears her throat.


    "Ahem. What is it?"


    "Well...."


    Lin Hui realize that she had seen him struggle and he blush in embarrassment. Of all people in the world, it had to her who saw him. He takes a deep breath and brush the embarrassing scene away.


    "Early this morning, I received a strange call. This person called so early that when I looked out the window, it was still dark outside."


    He touches his chin and his words continue.


    "The strange thing was, this man asked me to keep a look out."


    His head slightly tilt to the side and he sigh.


    "When I asked what I was supposed to be keeping a look out for, he hung up on me. I tried to track the call, but I was led into a dead end."


    Yue Ling quietly listen and nod her head from start to end. She finds it strange that someone would call Lin Hui. Who made the call that even he could not trace?


    Keep a look out... A look out for what?


    While Yue Ling and Lin Hui continue their conversation about the subject, they were unaware of the situation right outside.


    Surrounding the entire premises of Jade Condos, men in ck tactical gears hid in the dark. The sound of fists hiting and silent gunshots can faintly be heard as they take out their opponents.


    A man in ck tactical gear held the head of a man wearing a mask. With a strong twist, he quickly and swiftly kills the man. Letting the body fall to the ground, the man in ck tactical gear lift his hand and touch his earpiece.


    "Assistant Xu, South is clear."


    On the other side of Jade Condos, Xu Long flips a mask man. Before the person could move or make a sound, he sends a bullet to man¡¯s head. He stood over the man and stare with an expressionless face. Unlike his usual suit attire, he had changed into the same tactical gear as Wolf Team.


    When he heard the other person called clear, he touches his earpiece.


    "North and West are clear. What about East?"


    Speaking into the earpiece, he looks at the many bodies on the ground and sneer.


    "Ah, that bastard really thinks he can win against us?"


    ["Assistant Xu! It¡¯s a setup! These men were a decoy to distract us! *pu*"]


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes widen when he heard the words. He can hear gunshots through the earpiece and raises his head to look at Jade Condos.


    High in the dark sky, one can see dark outlines climbing the walls with the help of ropes.


    "Shit-! Those mother fuckers."


    Xu Long clench his fists tightly and curse without caring about his assistant image. Those figures climbing are closing in on the highest floor.


    ["Assistant Xu, we can shoot them down. I have a clear shot on the East side."]


    ["South has a clear view too!"]


    The rest of Wolf Team quickly spoke into their earpieces with their guns pointing up at the figures. They had also seen what Xu Long saw. If they don¡¯t take down the enemy, the enemy will reach the target after climbing four floors.


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes dimmed dangerously. Shooting those bastards isn¡¯t a bad idea, but...


    He touches his earpiece and grit his teeth.


    "Don¡¯t shoot. There are too many civilians. Team Cmence inside. Team B, keep watch for anymore suspects. Snipers get into position."


    ["Roger!]


    Xu Long gives order and ran towards Jade Condoes as if his life depended on it.


    Taking down the men climbing the wall would have been an easy way out, but they were train to never fire in front of civilians. It was a rule set by Lu Tian.


    His boss ordered him to protect thedy boss. If any mishap were to happen, he will never forgive himself.


    Taking out his phone, he quickly dials a number and calls a person.


    "Come on, pick up. Pick up, pick up..."


    Inside a room of Red Night, the once lively room is now an intense scene.


    *Ring ring*


    Suddenly, the ringtone of a phone surface as it bes the only sound inside the room, however, no one dear to make a move.


    Chu Qiang and Silver were in utter disbelief at how the situation had turned into a battlefield. A bead of cold sweat slowly trials down both their faces. Any small movement and they swore Jiangyu will not hesitate to pull the trigger on both guns.


    Unlike the two middle age men, Lu Tian seemed to not care at all. Even with the many guns pointed in his direction, his reaction is unmoving like he is sitting at home and drinking tea.


    *Ring Ring*


    However, the ringtone of someone¡¯s phone continues to ring without stopping.


    "ck Dragon! Cease your weapons!"


    "Red Nigh! Drop your guns!"


    Both men quickly roar in burning rage until their face turned red and veins appear on their foreheads.


    Did their subordinates think that shooting Lu Tian will save them? Can¡¯t these useless men see that they are being held at gunpoint?!


    *Ring ring*


    At the same time, Lu Tian turns a blind eye to the situation happening. He calmly reaches into his coat pocket and takes out his phone. Answering it, he puts the phone near his ear.


    "Speak."


    The person from the other lines starts speaking, but no one in the room can hear a single word except for Lu Tian.


    Seeing Lu Tian so calm, the men of ck Dragon and Red Night couldn¡¯t help but shiver. However, following their boss¡¯s order, they slowly lower their weapons.


    Silver sighs in relief, but he was still scared. Even though his and Chu Qiang¡¯s men have lower their weapons, Jiangyu still held them at gunpoint. His mouth dried and he force a smile while slightly waving his hands.


    "Heh. Mr. Buff, my men have already put their guns away, why don¡¯t you do the same? Hm?"


    Jiangyu arch his brows and his eyes scans the room. His head nod in understanding, but his arms stayed in ce.


    "Aye, you are correct. Your men have ceased their weapons."


    Saying this, he looks at Silver and grin with his teeth.


    "However, I only take orders from my boss."


    The two guns in his hands remained unmoving as if he was statue. Even if the other team had surrender, he will only give way when his boss says so.


    "Jiangyu. Yiqing."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds from behind. He had already finished his call and stood up.


    Yiqing, who was quietly standing beside Lu Tian, slowly motion with his figures. If one looked clearly, they can see a flicker of lights reflected from the tiny silver needles as they disappear.


    At the same time, Jiangyu hears his name and he lower his arms. Looking at both of the terrified middle age men, he cast them a smile.


    "I do apologize if I scared you both."


    Taking a few steps back, he returns to his boss¡¯s side.


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes nce at Silver then to Chu Qiang.


    "Chu Qiang, if a strand of my wife¡¯s hair is touched, we will meet again."


    His tone was ice-cold. From top to bottom, his entire body emitted a chilling vibe, yet there wasn¡¯t any expression on his distinct face. However, Chu Qiang and Silver have met Lu Tian a few times and knew thetter was on the edge or erupting in rage after the phone call.


    Lu Tian does not say anymore and turns to leave with Jiangyu and Yiqing.


    Until Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure was not longer in sight and the double door closed, Silver was finally able to breathe again. He slumps in his chair and res at his men.


    "Useless! When did I order for you guys to draw your guns?!"


    "Master Silver.... We thought you were in danger..."


    One of his Red Night men murmur at the side.


    "Shut up! What danger?! It was all of you trash that put me in danger!! You are all lucky that Mr. Lu showed mercy!"


    Silver roared and m his fist on the table. His breathing turned rapid as he ignores his men and shoots Chu Qiang a re.


    "Is this how you treat my Red Night? You think Lu Tian will let this slide? Is that brother of yours trying to get the both of us killed!"


    Chu Qiang pays no attention to Silver¡¯s words. The him at this moment is panic-stricken by Lu Tian¡¯s words. As the man¡¯s words repeat in his head, his eyes slowly widen, and his entire body froze.


    Lu Tian¡¯s wife.... Mami...


    "Fuck! That useless brother!!!"


    While City Z¡¯s Red Night turned into chaos, Yue Ling and Lin Hui maintained their conversation in Imperial.


    Lin Hui sigh and he pout his mouth.


    "Boss, what do you think that person wanted? Was he referring to the uing fashion show or Doctor Xie¡¯s case? Should we have Liu Shan look into this?"


    Just when hisst word fell, the lights inside the penthouse flickers and darkness quickly engulf them.


    "Eh? Why did the power go out?"


    Lin Hui question the sudden situation while Yue Ling calmly stood and walks over to the floor to ceiling windows. She nces down and can see the shadow lights emitting from the floors below.


    From behind, Lin Hui furrow his brows and scratch his head in awkwardness.


    "Boss, your ce is really fancy and all, but itcks power outage."


    Yue Ling does not answer him and stares down at the window. The settled rain had suddenly turned heavy, but she can make out a group of dark figures moving in the shadows.


    Watching the dark figures move, she finally understood the meaning of the strange call Lin Hui received.


    She stares out the window for a long minute before her lip part and her voice sounds.


    "We have guests."

 Chapter 311 P?ijí

    The long night began to whisper in the air as the heavens above continue to weep. The trickling sound came to the ears of those awake like music and a luby to those asleep. However, as the people of Imperial immerse into their own world, they heed no attention to the situation happening at Jade Condos.


    "Boss, are you sure?"


    Inside the pitch-ck penthouse, Lin Hui spoke as he abruptly stood from the while couch. He stares at the figure standing in front of the floor to ceiling window. He does not make another sound but wait in silence.


    Yue Ling stares out the window for a long minute before turning around.


    Although the ce no longer held any lights, her eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness. She looks at Lin Hui and nod her head.


    "They¡¯ll be here soon."


    In the dark, Lin Hui clench his fists tightly. He thought about the strange phone call and was able to connect the dots. Both his arms raise and reach towards his back as his hands slide under his leather jacket. He pulls out a Beretta 95 and a silencer.


    As he adjusts the silencer on the tip of the pistol, he looks at his boss.


    "I¡¯ll handle this side."


    Saying this, he jumps over the couch and moves to the door. His movements were swift and quiet that it makes one think he was floating on air. He leans his back against the wall and held his gun into position.


    If those ¡¯guests¡¯ open the door, it will cover him and block their view seeing him.


    Yue Ling did not move away from the window. The look on her face was her usual calm temperament, but her head turned towards the door.


    Her eyes slowly flutter, and she turns her head to the other side.


    Inu, who had been deeply asleep was now sitting up on hisfortable bed. In his sleep, he had sense something was not right and awoke, however, he was met with the darkness that engulfed the entire ce.


    Yue Ling looks away from the little guy and walks out of the living room.


    "P?ij¨ªt."


    Her voice trails in an almost whisper, but Inu¡¯s ears perk in understanding. He swiftly jumps out of bed and follows in pursuit. However, despite his fluffy and adorable looks, his entire demeanor changed as his eyes scanned the ce in full alert.


    Walking pass the kitchen and through the hallway, Yue Ling heads for bedrooms. Her feet stop and she stood in front of two doors. One in front of her and one to her right.


    The door in front was her and Lu Tian¡¯s bedroom that had been left open, but only darkness greeted her like the rest of the ce. She turns away and opens the door on her right as she steps into her closet room.


    Even without the light, she knew where everything was ced. Her calm movements quickly approach one of the shelves housing her many shoes.


    Staring down at what looks to be a pair of knee-length boots, she reaches her hand inside one of them. Her finger curls around something cold and solid as she pulls her hand back out. What follows is a ck PIG Sauer P226.


    She pulls the slide back to eject the empty cartridge and turns away from the show shelf. Taking a few steps towards the door, her hand gently brushes over the top of her makeup vanity before sliding under to grab an item.


    Without stopping in her steps, she walks out of the room and adjust the silencer on her gun.


    As her figure leaves the room, she stood in the hallway and turn her head to look at the pitch-ck living room.


    Her right hand grips the gun as she lifts her left hand and ce it on her abdomen. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.


    ¡¯Baby.... Stay with mommy. I will never let anything happen to you. I promise.¡¯


    When her eyes opened again, every ounce of emotion is ripped away. The only thing that can be seen in her bluish green eyes is a dark pool of death.


    She looks away from the living room and walks into the dark bedroom she and Lu Tian shares. Following her every move, Inu also moves in.


    At the same time in City Z, Lu Tian did not return to his private house after leaving Red Night. He did not waste anymore time and gets into his private jet to go home to his wife and unborn child.


    He sat in the aircraft seat and leaned against it with his eyes closed.


    When Xu Long sent the location of Chu Qiang and Silver¡¯s meet, he also mentioned that Chu Li Xiang did not go after the Lu family, instead, he had sent his men after Yue Ling.


    He knew that Chu Li Xiang was nning something against him, but he didn¡¯t think the man would use his departure from Imperial to kidnap his wife.


    Thinking this, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes slowly open and he sat up. He unlocks his phone and stares down at the photo of his sleeping wife. His fingers tighten around the phone and murmur quietly to himself.


    "Please be safe..."


    *Pu Pu Pu*


    At the same time back in Imperial, Xu Long and Wolf Team takes out three men wearing masks. They had advance inside Jade Condos and were on the stairs inside the stairwell exit. Due to the enemy cutting out the power outage of the elevator and Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse, they could only proceed by stairs.


    ["Assistant Xu, 10. 3, 8; 2, 12; 1, 14; 8, target."]


    On the roof of another building, a member of Wolf Team spoke into his earpiece as he calls the locations. He is a sniper on standby, but heid in position as his stares into a thermal binocr towards Jade Condos.


    "Got it. Keep look."


    Xu Long answers the sniper and adjust the night vision device attached to his head. He looks at the men following behind him and signals with two fingers.


    "Four teams. Clear each assigned floor."


    ¡¯Roger."


    As they continue tomence up the flight of stairs, each team slowly steps out of formation on certain floor levels and hunt for the mask men.


    ["3, 8 down."]


    ["2, 12 down."]


    ["1, 14 down."]


    Quickly as the team enter each floor level, the sound of gunshots quietly fire as they take down the mask men in sight.


    ["Assistant Xu, four closing in on target. Another four reaching outside."]


    Hearing the sniper¡¯s words, Xu Long swear inside and quicken his pace up the stairs with the rest of Wolf Team. They were already on the fourteenth floor, but he knows that by the time they get to the fifteenth floor, the enemy would already have reached inside.


    No. No matter what happens, he will make sure thedy boss is safe!


    While Xu Long and Wolf Team continue the flight of stairs, Yue Ling stood in the middle of the dark room.


    Despite them living on the highest floor of Jade Condos, there is still two entrance into the penthouse. With the help of her eyes adjusting to the darkness, she scans the room and see that no one had entered.


    However, her intuition about two entrances was correct. Her head slight move as her ears pick up the sound of movements faint shuffling.


    Outside on the balcony, four figures climb over the ss rail and quietlynd on the floor. One of the men signals to the other two to keep watch and slowly walks toward the door with another man following behind.


    Yue Ling hears their footsteps and calmly walks to the darkest part of the room. She turns around to look at Inu and takes a step back into the darkness. She part her lip to whispers a word before her figure immerse into the shadow.


    "Pozice."


    Her voice was quiet and unheard as her word was foreign to the ears, but Inu understood more than anyone. He swiftly runs towards the king-sized bed and jumps onto it. His fluffy body quickly maneuvers under the nket.


    *Click*


    In that very moment, the balcony door unlocks from the outside and the ss door slowly push open.


    A man wearing all ck with a mask quietly enters the room. His arm stretches forward as he held his gun out ready to shoot. Quickly as the man entered, another figure wearing the same attire enters behind.


    The first man squints his eyes and looks around the room, but because his eyes had not yet adjusted to the darkness, it was difficult to see. Just when his head turn to the right, he hears a faint shuffle.


    "...."


    The corner of his lip curl into a sneer and he gestures with his hand to the man behind him. The second man follows the gesture and looks at the bed. They could make out what seemed like the outline of a person under the nket.


    Both men smirk as they have have found their target and moves toward the bed.


    Just when both men took a step forward, they froze in ce as the figure under the nket suddenly moves.


    Each person held in their breath and wait, but after a few seconds, the figure stops moving and both men silently sigh in relief.


    Their boss had ordered them to kidnap Lu Tian¡¯s woman for ransom. He also said to shoot the woman but not to the point of killing her.


    When they arrived at the location, they had cut the power source to specific areas of the building to not make anything suspicious. However, they didn¡¯t expect toe across Lu Tian¡¯s notorious team.


    Good thing they had a back up n and luckily for them, the target was sleeping, which makes everything easier for them.


    The man who entered first slowly walks closer to the bed and lower his hand. He quietly presses the tip of his gun on the nket at what he can makeout to be the woman¡¯s leg.


    An evil grin curl on his lip and he couldn¡¯t wait to hear the woman scream in pain. Without hesitating, he pulls the trigger.


    "BANG--!!"


    --------------------------------------------------------------

 Chapter 312 Záchva

    The loud gunshot echoed through the quiet penthouse. The man who fired the shot sneers down at the bed. He couldn¡¯t wait to hear the woman cry in pain.


    From what he was told, the woman is the beauty, Han Yue Ling. Even he can¡¯t help but be jealous that a man like Lu Tian is able to keep her by his side.


    However, after the gun shot, all was still and quiet with no sound of a woman crying.


    His brows knitted tightly, and he quickly grabs the nket.


    By now, both men¡¯s eyes had slightly adjusted to the darkness, but once the nket was pulled, all they saw was what looked like feathers floating in the air.


    "...."


    Both men were rooted to the ground. Neither couldprehend what happened.


    "Grr...."


    A low growl sounds from the bed and quickly brought the senses back to the two men. They could see the outline of something hair on top of the bed.


    "What the fuck-!"


    Man 1 reacted first and lift his hand hold the gun. He pulls the trigger and fires another shot at the unknown creature.


    "Z¨¢chvat."


    "Wroof!"


    Inu¡¯s ears perk in response to the foreign word and swiftly leaps to the side as more feathers float into the air.


    Man 1 had yet to fire when Inu bounces on the bed and charges at the man.


    "Argh--!"


    Man 1 shrieks in pain and drops his gun to the floor. Inu¡¯s mouth locks onto the arm and with a slight twist, a loud ¡¯ka-cha¡¯ sounds as he breaks the arm without letting go.


    "Argh-! What are you waiting for, shoot it!!"


    Man 1 roars in rage and pain. His other hand grabs hold of Inu¡¯s head and tries to pull the Samoyed away.


    Man 2 reacts and aims his gun at Inu, however, with Man 1 constantly moving, he couldn¡¯t get a good aim. He swears inside and pulls the trigger. It was all or nothing.


    *Pu!*


    Before Man 2 could even pull the trigger, his eyes widen as his head flings sideways to the left. A sharp pain prates the right side of his temple and out the left side. Blood spurts out and his body falls to the ground with a loud thud.


    Laying on the cold floor, his eyes remained open as hisst thoughts wonder to who shot him.


    "F-Fuck!"


    Man 1 curse when he heard the suppressed gun shot and the loud thud of a body. His head darts in every direction as he tries to pull the unknown creature off of his arm.


    However, Inu does not budge at all. His mouth tightens its hold and he swung his body to flip the man.


    "Argh--!"


    *Pu-!*


    The man¡¯s body had yet to touch the floor when the sound of a suppressed gun shot fires again and his head flings to the right.


    *Thud*


    Like the other man, heid on the cold floor and could not understand how or where the bullet came from.


    As the two menid dead, Inu finally let¡¯s go of the arm and sits. His head turns to look up at the darkest part of the room.


    Yue Ling¡¯s slender figure slowly steps out from the shadows and she stares does at the two men.


    Her calm expression makes one tremble as everything seem so natural for her.


    Without moving her body, she turn her head to the ss door.


    A few moments ago when the two mask men were still alive and opened the ss door, the front door in the living room also opened at the same time.


    Footsteps quietly enter the penthouse as four men wearing masks steps inside. Their guns ready in position as they can¡¯t be sure if Lu Tian¡¯s men are waiting for them inside.


    They left the door opened and did not bother to close it. Slowly proceeding towards the bedroom, they confirmed that they were the only ones inside. They continue but remembered that they were inside Jade Condos.


    "Search for any valuables."


    Man 1 calls amand to the other three. Due to them having the upper hand, they can kidnap and rob, after all, Han Yue Ling is only a model and Lu Tian is not in Imperial.


    While the four men start to search the living room, they did not notice the head poking behind the door they left opened.


    Lin Hui stares at the four men rummaging through the ce and he lightly shook his head. He cannot believe how dumb these men are to enter without caution.


    "Hmmm-"


    "...."


    Just when he thought of the idiotic men, he unknowingly sighs aloud. He quickly hides behind the door again and held in his breath. He curses inside for his dumbness.


    However, all four men had heard his sigh. They look at each other and Man 1 whispers.


    "Who was it that breathed?"


    "It wasn¡¯t me."


    "Not me."


    "Not me either. Was it you?"


    The other three men quickly denies. They had also heard the sigh, so it was not them.


    Man 1 res at the three men. He had heard the sigh loud and clear.


    "If it wasn¡¯t you guys, then who? A ghost?"


    "It was me."


    From behind the door, Lin Hui nonchntly answers with a light giggle, but he does not move from position.


    All four men look in every direction in search for the owner of the voice, however, there was only four of them and no one else.


    Man 1¡¯s eyes narrow and he signals the men toy low. His hand motion towards the door.


    Seeing the gesture, Man 2 nod his head and slowly creep towards the door, but instead of going directly to the door, he stops in front of one of the white couches.


    *Bang-!*


    The same time Man 2 fired a shot, another shot sounds from the bedroom, but no one moves. They were already upied in the living room, and the other shot should be from the other men.


    Man 2 jumps behind the couch and furrow his brows. He scratches his head and looks at the other three.


    "There¡¯s no one."


    Hearing his words, the other three lowers their guns. Maybe it was one of them ying a trick on them since the ce was dark.


    Man 1 scoffs and continues to search for any valuables.


    Man 2 sits down on the couch and sees a dark object. He grabs it and a wide grin curls on his lip when he realized that it was a handbag. He quickly digs inside for the wallet and spoke.


    "Bro, are you sure you heard someone else? I¡¯m sure we¡¯re the only ones here."


    "That¡¯s because I¡¯m over here."


    *Pu-!* Thud*


    Lin Hui answers Man 2. His figure shes out from behind the door and quickly shoots Man 2 in the head.


    "Shoot!!"


    Man 1 roars out to the other two as each person quickly reacts and fires in the direction of where Man 2 was.


    *Bang! Bang! Bang!*


    However, after the gun shots, all three men held their positions as they try to see if they killed the person.


    *Pu-!*


    Lin Hui smoothly jumps out from behind the couch and sends a silent bullet into Man 3¡¯s head. He leaps forward and wrap his left arm around Man 4¡¯s neck.


    Swiftly catching Man 4 off guard, he ms the body down and sends a bullet to the head.


    *Pu-!*


    *Bang-!*


    Man 1 sees the figure move in the dark and he fires a shot in Man 4¡¯s direction. Unfortunately, his bullet did not hit the target but his brother because Lin Hui had already leap away and was no longer in sight.


    "Fuck!"


    Down below in the quiet stairwell, the only sound one can hear was the many footsteps climbing up the stairs.


    Xu Long and Wolf Team were two flights away from the fifteenth floor. However, reaching thest flight of stairs, Xu Long¡¯s steps slows down.


    Any wrong move or sound and the enemy will know their location. He signals with his hand and spoke in a low voice.


    "Team B, advance forward. Our main goal is to secure the safety of ourdy boss."


    *Bang-!*


    Just when hisst word fell and before any members of Wolf Team could respond, a loud bang echoes through the walls and into the stairwell.


    *Bang-! Bang-! Bang-!*


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes widens intensely as if his eyeballs were going to pop out of their sockets. One gunshot was already dreadful enough, but three?


    "All teams move in! Move! Move!"


    He yells out with panic and the sound of heavy footsteps quickly stomps up the stairs and head for the fifteenth floor.


    The same time in the bedroom, Yue Ling and Inu had taken down the two mask men. From the footsteps she heard, there should be a total of four men. Since she killed two, the other two should be waiting outside.


    On the balcony, one of the mask men takes his mask off and leans against the ss rail. He takes out a cigarette and orders the other man.


    "Go check on them. They¡¯re taking too long."


    Man 2 nod his head and walks to the door. Kidnapping people had always been an easy task for them, so why are the other two taking so long? If they don¡¯t hurry, Lu Tian¡¯s team will be here in any minute.


    Walking up to the ss door, he does not bother to check inside and push the door open. He nonchntly enters and calls out.


    "Hey, what¡¯s taking so long? We need to go."


    *Pu-!*


    Man 1 was just about to light his cigarette when he hears the suppressed gunshot. His hand holding the lighter froze in midair.


    "What is it?"


    "..."


    Man 2 stood at the doorway with his back slightly sticking out in view. However, he does not answer causing Man 1 to furrow his brows.


    "What is¡ª"


    *Thud*


    Before Man 1 could finish his words, Man 2¡¯s body slowly falls backward onto the floor with a loud thud. His eyes remained open as if he was staring at the pouring night sky.


    Seeing this, Man 1 tosses the cigarette and lighter. He quickly reaches for his gun and aims it at the door.


    Moving in carefully, he walks over to the body. He sees a dark hole on Man 2¡¯s forehead as blood slid down. His hand tightens around the gun and he rushes inside the penthouse, but what he is met with shocked him to the core.


    The other two men were already lying dead on the ground.


    Panic struck him and recklessly fires out to anything he can.


    *Bang-! Bang-! Bang-!*


    He fires three shots as another three shots sounds from the direction of the living room. He looks at the door and runs out to meet the other men.


    "Z¨¢chvat."


    "Aaarrrggghh--!"


    Before he could move, a sharp pain prates his arm holding the gun and he shrieks in intense pain. Quickly as it came, a heavy weight pulls a tug and sent him flying with part of his skin ripping.


    Landing on the floor, he sighs inside for not letting go of the gun. Ignoring the pain on his right arm, he grabs hold of the gun with his left hand aims out as he sits up.


    "Grr...."


    In front of him, he sees the dark outline of an unknown beast and a low ferocious growl. It stood in a threatening position with teeth snarling and ears erect.


    *Bang-!*


    Man 1 fires a shot as another shot sounds from the living room again. He does know what is going on over there, but he needs to kill this beast or else he¡¯s dead meat.


    Unfortunately for him, his bullet did not hit it¡¯s target.


    Inu had leap to the left and dodge the bullet. Unlike his threatening position earlier, he adorably sits down and stares at the man.


    Man 1 felt offended by the taunting act. He presses his lips tightly together and shoots another fire.


    *Pu-!*


    However, before he could press the trigger, his head flings sideways to the left and his entire being slumps onto the ground.


    Like the other three, he never got to understand the situation because he is already dead.


    Yue Ling steps out from the corner of the room and her head slightly tilt. She stares emotionlessly at the man she just killed.


    At the same time, in the living room, thest man looks around the room in full alert. Thinking the other four men entering through the balcony are still alive, he quickens his pace to the bedroom.


    Just when he passes the kitchen, Lin Hui jumps out from behind the counter and his left arm wraps around the person¡¯s neck.


    Forcing his body to fall back, he pulls the man down with him in a choke hold. Both his legs wrap around the man¡¯s waist like an MMA fighter and he shoots the man in the temple.


    Knowing the man died instantly, Lin Hui pushes the heavy body off him and stood up.


    In that very same moment, the sound of multiple footsteps enters his ears. He looks at the door and scratch his head in frustration.


    "You gotta be fucken kidding me."


    He swears a mumble and jumps behind one of the white couches. He detaches the magazine to count his pullets and quickly adjust it back in ce.


    His ears listen to the footsteps as everything suddenly turns quiet. However, as quickly as the quietness came, his ears picks up light steady footsteps approaching the opened door.


    With no intentions of waiting, Lin Hui abruptly stood up and fires his gun.


    *Pu!*


    *Pu!*


    Two suppressed shots fires at the same time, one at Lin Hui and the other at the unknown person. However, both bullets collide into one another and forcibly change directions.


    *CRAC--!*


    The huge floor to ceiling window in the living room shatters into millions of pieces from one of the bullets while the other bullet enters the wall but does not prate through.


    Due to the shattered window, the strong wind from the night swirl inside as it blows in the heavy rain.


    Through the night vision device, the other person¡¯s eyes widen in surprise when he saw who he fired at.


    Quickly removing the device covering half his face, he cheerfully voice calls out.


    "New family! It¡¯s me! Xu Long!"


    -------------

 Chapter 313 poor bed

    Amidst the quiet night, Yue Ling stood unmoving in the dark bedroom with Inu at her side. She squats down at eye level with him and pat his head.


    "Good job, Inu. You kept mommy and baby safe."


    "Wroof-!"


    Inu happily barks while rubbing his head against his favorite human¡¯s palm. He is always happy to spend time with her, especially when they are taking down the bad guys. Not only that, he kept the promise he made with his enemy.


    A soft chuckle escapes Yue Ling¡¯s lip when she saw Inu¡¯s cute gestures. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was a mistake to turn the little guy into a house pet.


    Just as Inu was enjoying his bliss of happiness, his ears perk up at the sound of footstepsing in their direction.


    "Grrr..."


    At the same time, Yue Ling slowly stood up and turn to look at the door.


    Due to the darkness, she could only see the outline of a figure approaching them. Her eyes slowly flutter, and she looks down at the little guy on guard.


    "It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s Lin Hui."


    Hearing her words, Inu returns to usual self, but he is still cautious. Bad people were just here, so he cannotpletely let his guard down.


    "Boss!"


    Lin Hui calls out as his hands brush against the wall to help him walk straight. It was still dark inside, and he does not know his way around her ce.


    Following behind him is none other than Xu Long, however, just like Lin Hui, he was also fumbling with the wall. He hadpletely forgotten about his night vision device.


    Entering the room, Lin Hui sees the outline of his boss and Inu. He smiles widely and waves both arms out.


    "Boss, are you alright?"


    Yue Ling answers with a simple ¡¯en¡¯, then looks down at the fluff ball.


    "Inu did most of the work."


    "...."


    Hearing her words, Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help but feel awkward and jealous. He was busy taking down the other four men that instead of being the hero who saves the princess, he gave the opportunity to Inu.


    He scratches the temple of his head with his index finger and chuckle sarcastically.


    "Heh heh... I always knew Inu was a capable guy. With him by your side, nothing would happen."


    As Lin Hui carry on with his words, he did not pay attention to Xu Long, who is standing behind him.


    Xu Long, however, was not like Lin Hui, the him at this moment had his jaw dropped to the floor and eyes widely open when he heard Lin Hui¡¯s words. He could not believe what he is hearing.


    Who is Inu?


    A capable guy?


    Inu is always by thedy boss¡¯s side?


    Dear Lord, what about his boss?


    Does his boss know about this Inu guy? Oh my God!


    How will he break the news to the King of Hell?


    Just when his head was about to blow up from his chaotic thoughts, the lights suddenly switch back on and brightens up the entire ce.


    Yue Ling felt a slight pain in her head due to the brightness and she closes her eyes to adjust them. When she opened her eyes again, she was taken back by surprise. Her brows slightly furrow, and she looks behind Lin Hui.


    "Assistant Xu, why are you here?"


    Her voice was calm with a soothing mixture that it sounded music to Xu Long¡¯s ears. He quicklyes back to his senses and smiles.


    "Ah.. Well, you see....."


    His cheeks flush and he touch his nose in awkwardness. How is he supposed to exin this to her? Should he tell her that there are bad guys after her life? No... She¡¯s a model, so that will only scare her. Guess its best to go with another excuse.


    "Boss asked me to check on you since he is away."


    Saying this, he finally notices the four bodiesying on the floor and he was shocked speechless.


    Yue Ling looks at him and sees the tactical gears he was wearing. She felt the attire tters him more than his usual assistant attire, but it also gave away his real reason for being here. However, she decides to not push the question further and walks out of the room.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    "Wroof-!"


    Inu quickly follows in pursuit as he and his favorite human leave the two idiots behind in the room.


    At the same time, Lin Hui sighs and pat Xu Long on the shoulder. Judging by the way Xu Long looks, he could already guess that they were prepared for what happened moments ago.


    He looks at Xu Long¡¯s face and lightly tap the bottom of the man¡¯s chin.


    "Close your mouth or you¡¯ll need to mop the floor."


    Lin Hui doesn¡¯t wait for a response and walks out of the room.


    Left alone in the room, Xu Long maintained his daze, but he didn¡¯t forget to close his mouth. It felt like an entire day had gone by before he was about to fully recover.


    He slowly approaches one of the men and shook his head. A chill crawl on the back of his spine as he shivers. From one look, he could tell that the kill was lethal and fatal. He really needs to meet this Inu guy.


    Suddenly, his eyes widen, and he turns around to leave the room. He quickly runs after Lin Hui, whom he forgot to ask about Inu.


    "New family, wait! I need to ask¡ª"


    The moment he caught up to the other person, he was in the kitchen, but he froze in ce as he stares ahead.


    Standing next to him, Lin Hui was also frozen in ce.


    Neither men dare to utter another sound or make a move.


    Some members of Wolf Team had follow Xu Long inside, but when they saw theirdy boss step into the living room, they also stopped moving and looked in her direction.


    Yue Ling stood in the middle of the living room and she was more dumbfounded than ever. Ignoring the group of people inside her penthouse, she stares at her living room.


    The two white couches were destroyed to the point they looked like a stack of hays and the walls had holes with bullets still in them.


    Like that was not enough, half of her living room is drenched with water due to the shattered floor to ceiling window.


    Inu stares in disbelief at the destroyed room. However, his eyes caught sight of something in the corner, and he slowly moves away from his favorite human. He stops in front of the object and he felt like crying when he saw his oncefortable bed badly beaten up.


    Grabbing it with his mouth, he drags it back to his mommy. The look on his face was adorable, but full of sadness. He ces the beaten-up bed in front of Yue Ling, and howls.


    "Awoooooo---!¡¯


    It was as if he was crying and saying, ¡¯Human, look at what happened to my bed!¡¯


    Lin Hui slouch his shoulders and walks over to Inu. He felt it was his fault for not taking the little guy¡¯s bed into consideration when he took down the four men.


    "Little guy, I was too reckless and couldn¡¯t save your bed. I¡¯m so sorry."


    "Grrr...."


    Inu utters a low growl in response to Lin Hui. However, he looks back at his favorite human with tearful eyes and howls again.


    "Awoooooo¡ª"


    This time, it was as if he was saying, ¡¯Human, my bed. My poor bed died with no justice.¡¯


    Yue Ling stares at the little guy and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Her living room is in a chaotic mess, yet, Inu¡¯s crying over his bed.


    Lightly shaking her head, she squats down in front of him and she soothes the little guy¡¯s head.


    "It¡¯s okay, mommy will buy you a new bed."


    Inu¡¯s agonizing howles to an abrupt stop. His tail wags and he kisses his favorite human on the cheek before casting a re in Lin Hui¡¯s direction.


    ¡¯A peasant like you should be thankful.¡¯


    "..."


    Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help but shudder at that evil re that could kill him. However, he quickly looks away from Inu and to the door.


    The sound of sudden footsteps approaches as an old man¡¯s figure enters the penthouse.


    "Miss Han, are you alright?"


    Manager Luo calls out with worry as his figure appears behind Wolf Team. He was covered in sweat and his breathing was rapid.


    Before Lu Tian left Imperial, he was notified of the situation and even prepared a higher security on the premises. He also let Xu Long know every time Yue Ling left or entered the building, but who would have thought that the enemy toss a decoy their way and sneakily entered. The reason why he did note see her on time was because he had to check if there was anymore enemy lurking outside.


    If anything were to happen to her, it won¡¯t Lu Tian he has to worry about, it is also Old Ji. Not only that, how can he face Old Han when he goes to the afterlife.


    Seeing the worried old man, Yue Ling stood up and nod her head.


    "I¡¯m alright, but..."


    She looks at the messy living room and awkwardly smile.


    "The living room is in quite a shock."


    Manager Luo sighs in relief. He waves his hand to assure her not to worry. cing both hands behind his back, he spoke.


    "Don¡¯t worry. The clean up crew will take care of this."


    The moment hisst word fell, a group of men in casual clothes enter the penthouse. They look like normal cleanning workers, as each person came in with their own cleaning supplies and proceed their work.


    The group separated into two. One team cleaned up the broken ce, while the other team move the dead bodies.


    Their reactions and movements were natural, like they hade across situations like this many times.


    Lin Hui, Xu Long and Wolf Team were shocked when they saw this. They had always thought Manager Luo was an ordinary old man who owns Jade Condos, yet...


    Xu Long looks at the old man, he couldn¡¯t help but find the man interesting. Even he wants to ask what the old man used to do... or still do.


    Unlike the men, Yue Ling wasn¡¯t surprised. She has known Manager Luo for a long time and knows that he likes to maintain a simple life, but in the underworld and those who really know him, he is the person you call on to clean up any bloody mess.


    Manager Luo walks over to Yue Ling and he smiles to her.


    "Miss Han, I cannot let you stay in a messy ce. I have already arranged a temporary lodging for you."


    Yue Ling smiles a nod at the old man, "Uncle Luo, I will have to trouble you."


    Agreeing, Manager Luo and Yue Ling walks out of her penthouse. Of course, Inu also follows in pursuit as Lin Hui and Xu Long did not waste time to do the same.


    *Ding*


    Outside in the hallway, Wolf Team filled the area as they all check their equipment. However, the moment Yue Ling took a step out the front door, the elevator sounds a ding as it reaches the fifteenth floor.


    Her head slowly turn and through the gaps of Wolf Team in the hall, she could see the elevator door slide open. She pause in her steps and furrow her brows when the figure she is very familiar withes to her view.

 Chapter 314 Youre paying

    Arriving in Imperial, Lu Tian did not waste any time to get back to Jade Condos. He shoves Jiangyu and Yiqing into the back seat as he took the wheel. He sped through the streets like a manic, crossing every red light as there were less cars at this time of the night. He ignores his dumbfounded subordinates in the back and made the thirty-minute drive into ten minutes.


    Stopping in front of Jade Condos, the cares to a screeching stop and he flung the driver door open. Paying yet again, no attention to the two people in the back seat. He rushes out and enters the lobby without a care about the heavy rain pouring onto him.


    "....."


    Watching their boss leave in a hurry, Yiqing rest his head on his palm to calm his dizzy head while Jiangyu quickly opens the door. His body slumps onto the ground like a bad of potatoes and he sighs in relief when he felt the touch of hardnd.


    "Land... Finall... Woo¡ª"


    Suddenly, he feels the tingling sensation in his head travel to his stomach. Before he could calm himself, that sensations rise to the back of his throat and he vomits.


    "Woooo--!"


    Yiqing nce at the bulky man through the gaps of his fingers. He shook his head and close his eyes. He had always known Jiangyu to be a tough guy, but who wouldn¡¯t want to vomit after experiencing their boss¡¯s insane driving.


    Even he feels like throwing up.


    Oblivious to his subordinates left in the car, Lu Tian strides inside the lobby. He nned to take the stairs, but sees it packed with his team members.


    Although he knew it was slow, he ended up taking the elevator.


    Standing at the stairwell, a member of Wolf Team sees Lu Tian and he was dumbfounded.


    "Eh, isn¡¯t that the Captain? I thought he was in City Z."


    *Ding!*


    The elevator door slides open and Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes stares ahead. He did not need to search because he had already found the one person who can ease his mind.


    "Captain!"


    "The Captain¡¯s here!"


    Members of Wolf Team were surprised to see the man, but at they same time were also happy. However, the man they called out to did not give them any attention.


    Lu Tian walks out of the elevator and takes big strides in the direction of his wife. He needs to confirm that she and their child are safe.


    At the same time, Wolf Team quickly moves to the side to allow their almighty Captain through.


    As Wolf Team slowly clears a path, Yue Ling could not look away from the direction of the elevator. Through that path that was slowly made, her heart could not help but pound as it echoes inside her body to her ears.


    *B-dump*


    It was like everyone on the fifteenth floor had vanished and they were the only two people left.


    *B-dump*


    He is truly the man who can make any women suffer a heartattack.


    *B-dump*


    Even his damped hair added more attractiveness to his alluring devilish features.


    *B-dumb*


    Her bluish green eyes met his dark pupils and she couldn¡¯t help but swallow her dry throat.


    *B-dump*


    Suddenly, Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure stops in front of her and without giving her any warnings, he pulls her into an embrace. One hand wrap around her wait while the other held the back of her head.


    Yue Ling was caught off guard and ce both her hands on his hard chest. She was at a loss for words. However, she struggles another gulp and utter.


    "Tian, why are you here? I thought¡ª mm¡ª"


    Before she could finish her words, Lu Tian¡¯s lip had already sealed hers. His kiss was gentle, but it was like he had poured his entire heart into it. It was the cure for the uneasy feeling inside him.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen in surprise. She could feel herself soften but, that still did not calm her beating heart. Her cheeks burned into redness when she remembers the other people around.


    However, Lu Tian turns a blind eye to the surrounding people. He deepens the kiss and embrace her tighter as if she was going to disappear within his grasp.


    All the members of Wolf Team were rendered speechless. Their jaw drops to the ground when they saw their highly respected Captain embrace thedy boss.


    They were already surprised when they learned they had ady boss. Even they were curious about the woman who tamed the cold man who was never involved with any women.


    However, the moment they saw their Captain kiss thedy boss, they were even more speechless. They couldn¡¯t help but blush and look away from the dog food fed to them. Some stare at the wall, while others stare down at the ground. Each person quickly distracting themselves with things to so.


    At the same time, Lin Hui and Xu Long blush at the intimacy of their bosses. Both men quickly advert their eyes away.


    Xu Long slightly leans to the side and whispers to Lin Hui.


    "New family, want to go grab a few drinks? I know a good ce."


    Lin Hui who was looking down at his shoes touch the tip of his nose as if to brush the flush away from his face.


    "If the ce you say is good then I don¡¯t see why I should I object. Also, my name is Lin Hui, not new family."


    Inu sat at the side and rolls his eyes. He could only cry inside as he realizes his precious time with his favorite human hade to an end.


    Like everyone else, Manager Luo couldn¡¯t help but blush. He is already in his prime, but he will never understand the intimacy of young people these days.


    He sees the awkwardness around, and he clears his throat.


    "Ahem¡ª"


    Hearing the sudden cough, Lu Tian was annoyed, but he reluctantly pulls away from his wife. However, he does not move his arm around her waist as he gaze intensely at her.


    His hand holding the back of her head slowly moves to the side of her face and his thumb gently caress her cheek. Without a care about the people around, he leans down and kiss her forehead.


    Yue Ling felt herself blush more and she gently hits his chest. He had hugged her so tight that her clothes are now slightly damp.


    "Tian, you¡¯re making me wet."


    "...."


    Lu Tian had just moved away from her when he hears her words. He arches a brow and stares down at her with amusement.


    "Seems like you¡¯ve be more shameless than me."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded. She furrows her brows as she thought about his words. Realizing Lu Tian had shamelessly misinterpreted her words, her face reddens and hits his chest again.


    "T-Tian, y-you... That¡¯s not what I meant."


    Lu Tian quickly catches her hand that was about tond on his chest. Raising it up, he kisses the back of her hand and chuckles. He was clearly teasing her, yet, who knew she would act so cute.


    Behind the couple, the members of Wolf Team stares in wide eye at another disbelief. They have never heard their Captainugh, let alone smile. Yet, here he is,ughing and smiling while feeding them dog food.


    Oblivious to his men, Lu Tian decides to stop teasing his wife. He looks at Xu Long and Manager Luo. His expression had returned to its usual straightness, as if the him seconds ago was only in their imagination.


    "Thank you for checking on her."


    He then looks at Lin Hui and nod his head.


    "Same to you. Thanks for keeping a look out."


    Lin Hui looks at the tall man and he nonchntly shrug his shoulder.


    "It¡¯s nothing, she¡¯s my boss, so her safetyes first. Besides, someone already called to le¡ªeh"


    Just as he spoke without a care, his eyes widen, and he stares at Lu Tian. His mouth opens and close like a fish on drynd. He gasps aloud and his bottom lip tremble.


    "Y-You¡¯re the person..."


    Yue Ling furrow her brows and looks at Lin Hui. Before she could confirm her thoughts, his voice continues.


    "Boss, it¡¯s him! It¡¯s definitely him, I remembered his voice! He is the person from the strange call!"


    Yue Ling arch her brows and looks at Lu Tian. Did he know that something like this was going to happen? Was that why he organized his men and Uncle Luo? Then, why didn¡¯t he tell her?


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t say anything and looks away from Lin Hui. His head lower to the fluff ball at the side and squat down to eye level.


    Although he had ordered his men to protect his wife, it was really this little guy who he counted on the most.


    He pat Inu on the head and a faint smile curls on his lip.


    "Thanks for protecting them."


    "Wroof--!"


    Inu answers in annoyance at his enemy, it was like the Samoyed was saying, ¡¯I don¡¯t need you to tell me, I would have protected them even if you didn¡¯t ask.¡¯


    He maintained his indifferent noble aura, however, at the same time, he couldn¡¯t help but rub his against the enemy¡¯s palm.


    Manager Luo smiles at the scene in front of him. He can see that Lu Tian really cares about Yue Ling. If he didn¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t have ordered his men to keep watch.


    Thinking this, he remembers that Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse is now under renovations. He sigh inside and interrupts the lively atmosphere.


    "Ah, Miss Han, let me show you to your temporary lodging until your penthouse is ready."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling nods a smile at the old man. She part her lip to speak, but before she could say anything, Lu Tian stood up and he spoke first.


    "No need to, Manager Luo."


    He held his wife¡¯s hand and points in the direction behind him towards the elevator.


    "We can stay at my penthouse."


    Manager Luo could not help butugh heartily. He had forgotten that Lu Tian and Yue Ling were neighbors. He waves his hand out to the two people andughs again.


    "Alright, you two get going. My team will clean up the mess here."


    Lu Tian nod his head and turns to leave with his wife in hand. Without looking at the fluff ball, he calls out.


    "You too Inu."


    "Wroof¡ª Wroof-- Wroof--!"


    ¡¯What do you mean ¡¯you too¡¯, I go wherever my favorite human goes!¡¯


    Inu runs after the two humans and he barks at the man as if talking to him.


    "Wroof-- Wroof-- Wroof!¡¯


    ¡¯Evil peasant, you lied to me! You said I get to spend a few days with my mommy! Why are you back so soon?¡¯


    Inu¡¯s barks as he vent his anger out, but his barking did not reach Lu Tian. Each bark went in one ear and out the other.


    As Lu Tian pass his team, he made sure to praise their good work. Dismissing them, he unlocks the door to his penthouse and enters with his wife and Inu.


    Watching the three figures disappear behind the door, Manager Luo enters Yue Ling¡¯s penthouse. He decides to end his night by helping his team clean up.


    At the same time, Xu Long¡¯s mouth open and he gasps aloud. He had thought Inu was a human guy! Turns out, Inu is a beast guy! Oh God, he can only pray for his boss. After all, seeing how Inu is so fluffy and adorable, his boss has one hell of apetitor.


    Until the members of Wolf Team were no longer in sight and the fifteenth floor had return to its usual quietness, Xu Long close his mouth and turn to look at Lin Hui. His elbow nudge the man and he grins.


    "Still up for that drink?"


    Lin Hui looks at the goofball assistant. He thought back to the man¡¯s quick reflexes and he must admit, the man is truly worthy of being Lu Tian¡¯s assistant. After all, one should never judge a book by its cover.


    Ending his thoughts, he turns to leave and head for the elevator.


    "You¡¯re paying."

 Chapter 315 Going to bathe

    As the quiet night darkens with the only sound of rain, the lights turn on as Yue Ling stood in front of the door. This is her first time every stepping foot inside the penthouse of the man who has been living with her.


    Although theyout is rather simr to hers, everything still felt foreign to the eyes. Surprisingly, his ce is very tidy and minimal.


    She also notices that Lu Tian is very fond of the color ck. Not only are his clothes ck, even the furnitures and decorations inside the same color.


    "You can look around if you want."


    From behind, Lu Tian cooed into her ear. His voice was low and deep as he filled her nose with the scent of him.


    Fully mesmerized by his hoarse voice, Yue Ling came back to her senses. She takes a step forward but was quickly pulled back into an embrace. Her brows furrow when she repeats his words in her head, so much for letting her look around.


    The touch of his wet clothes brush against her skin and she pouts her lip.


    "Tian, you should hurry and change out of your wet clothes. What if you catch a cold?"


    His arms remain wrapped around her waist and he rest his head on her shoulder. He couldn¡¯t help but inhale her unique scent that he loves so much.


    However, she is right. He had run in the rain and needs to change. He cannot risk getting her sick since she is pregnant.


    Thinking this, an ideaes to mind and without moving his head from her shoulder, he asks.


    "Did you take a bath yet?"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t take his words into consideration and answers him right away.


    "No, I didn¡¯t have time to bathe, because¡ª ah!"


    Before she could even finish her words, Lu Tian swiftly carries her in princess style. He didn¡¯t care to listen to her remaining words. The only word he heard was ¡¯no¡¯ and took it as her answer.


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush and she quickly wrap her arms around his neck. She was afraid of falling.


    "Tian, what are you doing? Put me down!"


    She protested him, but she has forgotten two things. This is Lu Tian, when ites to his wife, he is clingy and does not n to let her go.


    He gives her a breath-taking smile and kiss her lip.


    "Let¡¯s take a bath together."


    "Tian, I can take a bath by myself. Now, put me down."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen at his words. She hits his shoulder and continue to protest, which causes him to pause in his steps.


    She sighs in relief and wait to be put down, but to her unfortunate, Lu Tian did not do so. Instead he mischievously smiles at her and murmur near her ear.


    "Wife, if you keep hitting me, our baby will think you are a husband abuser."


    "....."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded by his words. Husband abuser? How can she bebel as a husband abuser? When did she abuse him?


    Ignoring the look on her face, Lu Tian smiles to himself and stride in big steps toward the bedroom.


    As the two humans disappear into the bedroom, Inu sat in the living alone. He stares at the tall figure stealing his favorite human. However, he does not follow them. He waited until the door close and he jumps onto the couch.


    He circles into afortable position andys down. The evil human should be thankful that he, the noble king considers his (Lu Tian¡¯s) peasant feelings, because he is still mourning over the death of his bed.


    "Tian, can¡¯t we bathe separately?"


    Inside the bedroom, Yue Ling spoke as she is held captive in the bathroom. Lu Tian wrapped one arm around her waist while the other turned the water on.


    Without looking at her, he adjusts the temperature of the water to make sure it is warm as he answers her question.


    "No need. Bathing together makes us a big happy family."


    As the warm water slowly began to fill the bathtub, he looks back at his beautiful wife. Seeing her angry expression and flush cheeks, he faintly smiles.


    No matter how many times he looks at her, it is never enough for him.


    He pulls her closer to him and leans down to capture her lush lips.


    He couldn¡¯t help but sigh a satisfied groan when his lip touched hers. Their kiss earlier was not enough for him, he wants more of her.


    Deepening the kiss, he pushes his tongue inside her mouth until he found the softness of her tongue. Both their breathing turns heavy, but before things got more heated, he reluctantly pulls away and slowly undress her, then himself.


    Yue Ling was stuck in a daze from his sudden kiss. However, when she felt the sudden breeze of coldness touch her skin, she finally blinks her eyes.


    Of course, only to find herself standing naked and exposed in front of the man.


    She looks up at Lu Tian, but was tongue tied. Her throat dried up and she tilt her head as she stares at him.


    His naked body is truly a masterpiece. Well-built with no excess fat. Toned arms and perfect long legs. Even his eight pack abs look contoured to the eyes as if pulling her in temptation to touch it.


    Being mesmerized by this masterpiece in front of her, she struggles a gulp and her eyes couldn¡¯t help but lower. However, she froze and could only wish she had never lowered her eyes.


    Staring back at her was a dragon that had awoken from its deep slumber.


    Her struggle a big gulp, but eyes remain fixated on the dragon between his legs. Slowly raising her hands in slow motion, she cover her eyes. However, she did not make a sound but screamed inside wishing a hole would magically appear so she can hide in it.


    Oh God, when did she be so perverted to stare at the naked man! Shameless Yue Ling! Shameless!


    Lu Tian stares at his wife with an arch brow. He is quite amaze at how she can shamelessly stare at his body, then be embarrass over it. Then again, he doesn¡¯t mind, because she is the only person who can see him without clothes.


    Of course, he had forgotten that while she was shamelessly admiring his body, he was also shamelessly admiring hers.


    He suppresses the urge to smile and looks at the ready bathtub. He switches the water off and without warning, he picks her up and enter the tub.


    He sat her between his legs, but had her sit facing him. His eyes trail over her body as every inch of her makes him want to take her right away, but looking at her hands covering her face, his entire being softens. He really wants to see her.


    "Yue Ling."


    His deep voice calls her name, but she does not answer or look at him. Her hands do not move as if saying, if she cannot see him, he cannot see her.


    A soft chuckle escapes his mouth and he gently grab both her wrists. Moving her hands away from her face, he finally saw her expression. A wide smile curls on his lip when he saw her fair skin turnpletely red from embarrassment.


    Her eyes did not look at him but stares down. She made sure to only stare at his cor bone. She is too nervouse to look up or any lower.


    Lu Tian press his forehead against hers and he couldn¡¯t help but tease her.


    "You¡¯ve seen all of me countless times. Why are you still shy?"


    Moving away, he nt a small kiss on her forehead. He let go of her wrist and his fingers move to trace the smooth curves of her body as he repositions her.


    With her naked back now facing him, Lu Tian felt his throat tightens more. He gently moves her long dark hair to the side and lower his head to kiss her shoulder.


    Suddenly feeling his lip brush against her bare skin, Yue Ling lightly shudder as a tingling sensation crawl inside her. However, she couldn¡¯t help but close her eyes and tilt her head back.


    Every movement of his is like a drug that keeps her addicted and wanting more. She can feel him nt small kisses on her shoulder as he moves towards her neck.


    His hands continue to trace her curves until they brush against her twin peaks.


    "Mm~"


    A soft quiet moan escapes her lips, but she quickly opens her eyes. She sits up and grabs his right hand.


    "Tian, we can¡¯t¡ª"


    Before she could say anything more, she swallows back her remaining words. Her eyes caught sight of Lu Tian¡¯s left hand and she was bbergasted.


    "..."


    His left hand was reaching for the bath sponge!!


    She was more embarrassed than when she stared at his naked body earlier. Her eyes tightly shut and she screams inside again for her shameless thoughts.


    Lu Tian held in the urge tough. He knows what she was thinking about but decides to act like nothing happened. His small kisses continue as he grabs the bath sponge and gently wash the side of his wife¡¯s arm.


    However, catching a glimpse of her tomato red ears, he smiles and move his lip away from her neck to her ear. He gently nibble on her earlobe and teasingly murmur.


    "Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯re only going to bathe."

 Chapter 316 Spring

    The lonesome night carries on with the trickling rain. Inside a popr nightclub called Spring, the good vibe flows like a drug, but a good one. Men and women enter through the entrance upstairs as a crowd gathers around the dance floor and bar downstairs.


    The loud music ying in the background brings the crowd higher and higher like adrenaline to the heart. Everyone moves like puppets on the dance floor.


    Amongst the gathered crowd, two men sat at the bar with drinks in their hands. Both men were eye catching, but oblivious to the women giving them nces, yet afraid to talk to them.


    One looks like a pretty boy while the other looks like a bad boy. Each man facing the opposite direction of one another.


    Pretty boy faces the dance floor and nod his head in rhythm to the loud music.


    "It¡¯s so packed with beauties tonight!!"


    Watching thedies dance, he couldn¡¯t help but exims excitedly. His posture is barely standing yet, the excitement of the nightclub made him happy.


    Bad boy with his back turned to the dance floor looks at the half drunk pretty boy. His expression wasplex for a long minute before he also downs his drink. Pretty boy had only 2 mix drinks and yet, he¡¯s already drunk.


    Setting the empty ss down, he slightly turns to the man.


    "Xu Long, are you sure you¡¯ve been here before?"


    That¡¯s right, pretty boy and bad boy are none other than Xu Long and Lin Hui.


    Xu Long, who is beaming with excitement thought about Lin Hui¡¯s words. In a half drunken state of mind, he flung his head at the man and grin.


    "Heh. I¡¯ve never been to a nightclub. I only heard about this ce from men of Wolf Team."


    "....."


    The corners of Lin Hui¡¯s lip twitch uncontrobly. He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at this moment. He scratches his forehead and wave his hand to get a bartender¡¯s attention.


    "Bartender! Can we get two of your strongest liquor!"


    After confirming there were no more enemy lurking in the dark around Jade Condos, both men came to Spring for a few drinks. Of course, Xu Long had to change out of his tactical attire beforeing here, but that¡¯s not the point.


    The point is, while they were on their way here, Xu Long bragged about the nightclub like he¡¯s been to it countless times. He even mentioned that the people whoe here are from prominent families.


    Thinking this, Lin Hui looks at pretty boy next to him and he shook his head.


    Who would have thought everything Xu Long told him were based on experiences told by others.


    "Here you go. Two shots of our finest liquor."


    A bartender spoke as he hands two shot sses to Lin Hui, then proceed in assisting others.


    Lin Hui looks down at the two shots and he takes a deep breath. He hands one to Xu Long and turn to face the dance floor.


    "Since were here, mind as well enjoy out time."


    He nks his shot ss with Xu Long¡¯s and tilt his head back to drink the liquor.


    At the same time, Xu Long does the same thing and set his shot ss down when finished. A wide grin curls on his lip and he put one arm over Lin Hui¡¯s shoulder. Lifting his other arm to the sky, he exims.


    "Wahh-hooo¡ª!! Let¡¯s part-tay¡ª!"


    Both men walk away from the bar and made their way towards the dance floor.


    The night is still young for single men like them.


    Suddenly, Xu Long stops in his steps. Due to the alcohol he consumed, he had the urgent need to take a leak. He taps Lin Hui on the shoulder and grin apologetically.


    "Bro.... I need to go use the bathroom.."


    "...."


    Lin Hui was dumbfounded. He stares at the grown man with heavy eyelids. They had just stepped onto the dance floor and now he says he needs to take a leak?


    He sighs and point upstairs.


    "The restroom is up there. I¡¯ll wait for you down here."


    In a half drunken state, Xu Long pout his lower lip and gives Lin Hui a tearful puppy look.


    "I¡¯m scared... What if I get lost? Who will save me?"


    "....."


    This time, Lin Hui was more dumbfounded than he ever was. He wish so badly to cry butck any tears to shed. So much for praising the man for being worthy of the King of Hell¡¯s assistant.


    Even he cannot understand how Lu Tian deals with a grown man with a child¡¯s brain.


    He pinches the space between his brows and waves his hand in frustration.


    "Fine! Go. Go. I¡¯ll go with you. Sheesh!"


    "Hehe."


    Xu Long happily giggles and turns around. He didn¡¯t care about the annoyance he was causing and heads for the stairs.


    No choice but to follow, Lin Hui curse inside. He cannot believe he has to babysit a fully-grown man instead of enjoying his young night at Spring.


    Climbing up the stairs, both men heads through the hallway towards the restroom. However, two turns away, Lin Hui stops in his steps.


    "I¡¯ll wait here for you."


    He does n to go inside the men¡¯s restroom with Xu Long. Who knows what the man will ask when inside. Xu Long might even ask for help to aim correctly in the urinal and that¡¯s something he does not want to do or see!


    Xu Long leans against the wall for support. He narrows his eyes at Lin Hui for a good minute, then he points his index finger and drunkenly grins.


    "You better not go anywhere, or I¡¯ll cry that you abandoned me."


    "...."


    Lin Hui was once again struck dumbfounded. He blinks his eyes a few times and reach into his jacket for a cigarette.


    "Yea, yea. Go before I really do abandon you."


    As he put the cigarette in his mouth and lights it, Xu Long continues to the restroom. However, taking a few steps, he reaches inside his pocket and takes something out. He waves the item with his index finger and drunkenlyughs as the item jingles.


    "Hehe, you can¡¯t leave me here. I have the keys!"


    "....."


    The lighter had yet to touch the cigarette when Lin Hui hears the jingling sound of keys. His head abruptly turns to the man and he pat himself down. As he did so, he froze when he remembers something and sighs in frustration.


    "Ahh... Why didn¡¯t I drive here..."


    He scratches his head and lights the cigarette. He swears inside to never go with Xu Long to a nightclub again.


    Oblivious and not carrying about Lin Hui¡¯s feelings, Xu Long stumble his way to the restroom. Even though he is half drunk, he can still control his brain to work properly when needed.


    He reaches the men¡¯s restroom and his eyes narrow to read the sign. After all, he does not want to go into thedy¡¯s restroom.


    Confirming that it is the restroom for men, he pushes the door open and enter.


    Being the only person inside, he walks over to the urinal and unzip his pant. Feeling a little lightheaded, he presses one hand on the wall and close his eyes as he releases his leak.


    "Stop! Let me go!"


    Suddenly, his brows furrow when he hears a woman¡¯s voice. His head is pounding like crazy, so why is there a woman inside the men¡¯s restroom.


    As he finishes, he open his eyes, zips up his pant and proceed towards the sink to wash his hands.


    "Stop! I said let me go! I don¡¯t want to go with you!"


    And there it was again. The same woman¡¯s voice. His head tilt to the side and he finishes washing his hand then reach for a towel.


    "Stop! We¡¯re already over! I don¡¯t want to go with you!"


    "Shut up! You better listen or I¡¯m going to beat you up again!"


    Just when Xu Long toss the towel away, he hears the woman¡¯s voice again, then a man. He is not one to get involve in other people¡¯s matters, but when he heard the man say ¡¯beat up¡¯, his eyes dimmed murderously.


    He cannot stand men who abuse women.


    He angrily flung the door open and stomps out of the restroom.


    His head turns in the direction of the two voices and he squint his eyes. Due to him being half drunk, he could only make out two blurry figures heading towards the back.


    "Hey!!"


    He drunkenly roars out after them and staggers his way to them. He lifts his arm and points his not so straight finger at the man.


    "She said she doesn¡¯t want to go with you!"


    Hearing him, the man who was dragging the woman stops and turn to re at Xu Long.


    "Mind your own business. This is between my girlfriend and I!"


    "Ex."


    The woman sighed in relief when she saw Xu Long, but when she heard the man¡¯s words, she angrily corrected him. At the same time, she is trying to pull her captive hand from the man¡¯s grasp.


    "Shut up! It¡¯s over when I say it is!"


    The manshes out at the woman. She is the first woman to ever break up with him in public and humiliate him in front of all his friends.


    Remembering the humiliation, blood boils inside him. He ignores Xu Long¡¯s presence and lift his other hand to p the woman.


    Seeing the handing down on her face, the woman shut her eyes tightly and use her other arm for protection. Every time he beats her up, it would leave dark bruises. Afraid her family would see the bruises, she would hide herself inside for a few days before going out.


    With her eyes tightly shut, she prepares herself for the p. At the same time, she felt a tug on her captive hand, but didn¡¯t think much and counted to herself.


    1.... 2.... 3.... 4.... Eh?


    Did he p her so hard that she died?


    Where is the usual pain that came after the p?


    Confused, she slowly opens her eyes one and a time. However, what she saw dumbfounded her. It was not the man standing in front of her, but Xu Long.


    She furrows her brows and slowly looks down. Her eyes widen and gasps before covering her mouth.


    The man who always takes his anger out on her is now lying on the floor like a dead man!


    Xu Long tilt his head with eyes blinking and he looks at the man he just jumped kicked. He then looks back at the woman as he touch the tip of nose with his thumb like Bruce Lee and grin with his eyes close.


    "A wise man should never hurt a woman."


    Suddenly, just when hisst word fell, the sound of footsteps storm in the distance as someone shouts.


    "Hey! What the fuck are you doing?!!"

 Chapter 317 have to die

    "Hey! What the fuck are you doing?!!"


    A group of men storm in the direction of Xu Long and the woman. One of the men shouts as he recognizes the woman, but not thetter.


    This man was clothed in the finest tailor suit. Anyone who sees him will know that he is from a wealthy family. Not only him but the same for the other men he was walking with.


    As the group approach Xu Long and the woman, the man sees someoneying on the ground and his eyes narrow to see better.


    "Eh, isn¡¯t that Hongyi?"


    Observing the unconscious man more clearly, his eyes wide and he gasp. His eyes quickly burn with rage and roars.


    "That is Hongyi! Who did this to him?!"


    "I think it was me.... Hic*..."


    Xu Long drunkenly answers with a hup and one hand raise like a student in ss. He smiles at the group with his shiny white teeth, but his eyes barely able to stay open.


    "..."


    The group of men stares at Xu Long in disbelief. The man looked like a good for nothing pretty boy who is experiencing his first night life. Not only that, Hongyi is a ck belt in karate, so how did he get knocked out by a pretty boy?


    However, seeing one of their brothers knocked out on the floor, anger rose inside them and they re at Xu Long. If eyes could kill someone, Xu Long would have died a painful death.


    "You son of a bitch!!"


    "You¡¯re gonna die for what you did!!"


    Angry shouts roared in the hall as the men did not waste any time. Each person charging towards Xu Long to give the pretty boy a good beating. They are from prominent families, so any time they get into trouble, their family will take of it. Beating up a good for nothing is easy.


    As the men charge in his direction, Xu Long did not run away. Instead, he stood unmoving and blink his eyes like someone who was going to watch a good show. However, his eyes slowly blink and the space between his brows crease into three lines.


    Staring at the men, he drunkenly mumbles to himself with a confused expression.


    "Die? Why do I have to die?"


    He scratches the back of his head with watery eyes. He pout his bottom lip and mumbles again.


    "I don¡¯t want to die... and I¡¯m not the son of a bitch..."


    The moment he spoke hisst word, a glint of danger sh in his tearful eyes. He tackles the first man he could grab and drops the man with a loud thud. The mannds on the ground and his mouth open to yell, but before he could utter a sound, Xu Long¡¯s fists came to his view. He punch the man and roar in anger.


    "You¡¯re the son of a bitch!!"


    The man groans in pain with a now bleeding nose. His body ached so much that he could only continue toy on the ground and cover his nose.


    Xu Long paid no more attention to the man. He rolls over to the side and kicks the next man closest to him in the crotch. It was the ce he, himself knows that pains a man the most.


    "Arghh¡ª"


    Seeing where the man was kicked, the other men froze in ce and cover their family¡¯s treasure. They felt sorry for the brother who had to experience the painful kick.


    However, when they saw that Xu Long did not get up from the floor, they quickly use it as an advantage. Punches and kicks are quickly thrown down at the man.


    "You¡¯re gonna die now!"


    "Do you know who we are?! One word from us and you¡¯re a dead man in Imperial!"


    "Ah! Stop hitting me! Ah! It¡¯s hurts! My head! Ah! My back! Ah!"


    Xu Long yells as he tosses and turns on the floor while the men continue to punch and kick him.


    Standing at the side, the woman was shocked to the core. Her hands cover her mouth as she stares at the scene. She wanted to go help the man who saved her, but she couldn¡¯t help but frown. The man is half drunk and screaming, but how is he able to swiftly dodge each punch and kick thrown at him?


    BAM¡ª!


    Suddenly, one of the men stumbles as he is hit on the head with a hard object. He looks down at his feet and he was dumbfounded.


    He was hit on the head by a pair of men¡¯s boots!!


    "What the fuck?!"


    He stroke the pain on his head and turn in the direction the shoe came from.


    "Ack¡ª"


    Just when his head turn, he meets the bottom of a foot wearing only sock. His head title back, and he ends up taking a bite of fabric. His entire being falls onto the floor with a loud thud.


    "Dude, did you have to eat my sock too?"


    A voice sounds from the direction the shoe hade from and the group of men turn to looks at the person.


    Seeing that the men were distracted, Xu Long took the opportunity to roll away until he reached the person. His body touch the person¡¯s legs and he swiftly flip himself up. However, he staggers in hisnding before properly steadying himself.


    He looks at the person and drunkenly grin.


    "Heh Heh... New family Lin Hui hic*... you¡¯re here hic* too?"


    "...."


    Lin Hui stares at the drunken man in frustration, then the group of men. He pout his lip and asks in a low voice.


    "Xu Long, what in the world did you get yourself into?"


    He had finished three cigarettes while waiting for the man. When another ten minutes passed and he did not see Xu Long, he thought the man might have passed out in the restroom, so he came to check. However, he did not expect to see a fight break out and the man being the victim dodging every fists and feet thrown his way!


    Thinking of Lin Hui¡¯s question, Xu Long giggles and points to the woman. He gives the man a puppy eye look and slouch his shoulders.


    "I wanted to be the hero who saves the beauty..."


    "...."


    Lin Hui felt his brain was going to burst from all the dumbfounded emotions Xu Long has been giving him in one night. He looks down at his feet and sighs inside. Why did he throw one of his shoes at the man? Now he¡¯s only left with one and the other bare.


    "Hey! You two better prepare yourselves!"


    The man Lin Hui kicked stood from the ground and toss the sock in his mouth away. He is annoyed that Lin Hui and Xu Long acted like they were not here at all. Not only that, he recieved such humiliation in front of his friends!


    However, given their situation, both men were doomed the moment they cross paths with each other. He had more peoople while the other side only had two of them.


    Lin Hui looks at the man and he frown. All the men were indeed sons of prominent families. He recognized their faces because of Liu Shan. Before moving to Imperial, the man had sent him a list of people in Imperial and these men were on that list.


    He shift his gaze to the woman, and he pinch the space between his forehead. God dammit! She was also on that list!


    Taking a deep breath, he murmur to Xu Long while keeping his eyes on the men.


    "Xu Long, there¡¯s five men total. I¡¯ll handle the 3 on the right. You take care of the other 2."


    Hearing this, Xu Long gives hisrade a grin and thumbs up.


    "Two? Hic* Piece of cake!"


    Lin Hui stares at the man next to him and he didn¡¯t whether tough or cry. With the way Xu Long is at this moment, he can see that the man can barely stand straight.


    Remembering Xu Long¡¯snding earlier, Lin Hui wanted to cry, butcked the tears to shed.


    He quickly brush the thought away and looks back to the men. It¡¯s not the time to worry about Xu Long¡¯snding. They are in a more difficult situation right now.


    Both men takes a deep breath at the same time and charge towards the five men. Their mouth open and they yell with all their might as they face their enemy head on. The expression on both their faces was nothing but confidence. Like they were ancient heroes in the battlefield ready to defend their country.


    Lin Hui: "Arhhhh¡ª!!"


    Xu Long: "Arhhh¡ª!!"


    In that very moment, just when they were 3 feet away from the five men, their eyes widens in terror. Their steps quickly slows down to a screeching stop.


    Watching the two men charge at them, none of the five men made a move. Each person sneering as they already know what wasing.


    Behind them, a vast crowd of men suddenly appear out of nowhere. Each person charging towards Lin Hui and Xu Long with their own weapons.


    Lin Hui¡¯s heroic expression was now reced with panic and fear. At his side, Xu Long was no different.


    Like time had suddenly slow down, the sound of opera music ys in the background. Lin Hui stretch his arm out in slow motion and grabs the back of Xu Long¡¯s cor. He pulls the drunk man as he turns them around.


    Lin Hui: "Ahhh¡ª"


    Xu Long: "Ahhh¡ª"


    Unlike their crouching tiger roar earlier, they are now roaring for their lives in the opposite direction. Both their expression¡¯s scrunch in terror.


    As time returned for them, Lin Hui drags Xu Long and head for the nightclub¡¯s exit. Both individuals jumps and hops over obstacles and the crowd entering. Their movements were like professional free runners as they forgot they had just taken down gangsters sent after their bossdy boss.


    Quickly as it came, the loud footsteps and yelling subdues, no one was in sight except for the woman and the unconscious Hongyi.


    The woman Xu Long saved was at a loss for all words. She could not believe what just happened. Everything felt like a dream for her.


    "There you are! I¡¯ve been looking all over for you!"


    Suddenly a blonde hair woman calls out as the sound of her cking heels follows. She runs over to her friend and gasp midway when she saw the unconscious man on the floor.


    "W-What happened?"


    The woman looks at her blonde hair friend and she finally returns to her consciousness.


    "I....I..."


    "You what? What is it?"


    The blond hair stares at her friend with worry and panic. Her friend is a beautiful woman and from a powerful family, but after meeting the sweet and romantic Hongyi, it wasn¡¯t untilter that the abuse started happening. Afraid the man will ruin her and her family with ill intentions, she stayed in the abusive rtionship for years. She even chopped her hair into a pixi hairstyle so Hongyi won¡¯t be able to pull her hair.


    However... after years of being in the abusive rtionship, she finally found the strength to leave the man.


    The blonde hair woman looks at her friend then the unconscious man. Did she kill Hongyi in self-defense?


    The woman does not say a word. She looks at her friend, then stares in the direction Xu Long and Lin Hui had left.


    After a long minute in silence, she finally answers her blond hair friend¡¯s question.


    "I... I think I just feel in love..."

 Chapter 318 Undying love

    [Dear readers, it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve added this message, but WARNING: This chapter contains scenes inappropriate for younger readers!!]


    While the lonesome night turned chaotic for Yue Ling¡¯s subordinate, Lin Hui and Lu Tian¡¯s assistant, Xu Long, the two bosses stayed inside the warm penthouse.


    Yue Ling stood in front of the floor to ceiling window inside Lu Tian¡¯s bedroom. The view was different from hers and it gave a different feeling despite the pouring rain outside.


    Thinking back to the dangerous situation she was in earlier, she gently touch her abdomen.


    Her strength alone was enough to take down the men, but it would have harmed her baby. If Inu and Lin Hui had not been there with her, who knows how the oue would have turned for her.


    At the thought of possibly losing her child, Yue Ling close her eyes and her fingers gently grip against her abdomen. It was as if she was holding tightly onto her child.


    Lost in her thoughts, she did not notice the man standing by the door.


    After their bath, Lu Tian gave her one of his shirts to wear since she did not bring any extra clothes. He had left the room to let her change while he went to check on Inu. When he came back, he did not see her in bed and his eyes panickily search for her.


    However, seeing her stand in front of the window, he sighed in relief. He felt the tension inside him loosen, but he does not move and continue to gaze at her.


    The way she wore his shirt made it look like a dress on her, but it added an alluring and mesmerizing aura around her. It was as if she was a goddess sent down by the heavens to tempt any man who meets her.


    Of course, the only man is him and no one else.


    He quietly close the door and walks towards her. He made sure not to disturb her thoughts as he forgot to breath himself.


    Unaware of the man behind her, Yue Ling remained unmoving. It wasn¡¯t until she felt hisrger hand slip around her.


    She did not flinch at his sudden touch. Her eyes slowly open and she looks down. Her hand that was caressing her abdomen was now rece with his as she held his.


    "Not tired?"


    Lu Tian cooed near her ear as he finally remembered to breathe. He inhale her scent and embrace her tighter as if wanting to knead her with him.


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but smile and shook her head. She leans against his broad chest with a thought.


    Every time she is in his arms, he gave her a sense of security. Like every burden she carries are lifted away by him.


    Thinking this, she reposition herself to face him. Her bluish green eyes stares into his and the courageous woman inside her breaks. Only with him, can she show such weakness.


    Her eyes moisten and she hugs him tighter.


    Lu Tian was at a loss for words. He stares down at his wife and he softens.


    He allows her to hug his waist as he wrap his arms around her tightly. His chin rest on top of her head and a tinge of pain stabs his heart.


    Even if she is the leader of Fate and a woman with a strong well, she is still human. And like everyone, she has feelings too.


    Remembering the uneasy feeling he had, he hated himself for not being with her when she and their child was in danger.


    He close his eyes and kiss the top of her head.


    "I¡¯m sorry I did note back sooner."


    He pulls away from her, but only enough so he could see her face.


    When he saw her, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. It felt like someone had stabbed him in the heart with thousands of sharp needles.


    Her eyes were red and moist. She looked so fragile like a person who would break at any moment. However, he knew she was trying her best to stay strong.


    He move his hands to hold her face and leans down to kiss her forehead.


    "I promise, I will never let any harme to you and our child. Not now, not ever."


    Yue Ling stares up at the man. From each word he spoke, she could hear the never-ending promises in his voice. Her eyes slowly close as his lips moves from her forehead to her moisten eyes, nose, cheeks andstly, her lips.


    His hand holding her cheeks moves away and he grabs her hands that are wrapped around his waist. He did not let go but interlock one hand with hers while guiding her to the bed.


    When they reached the bed, Lu Tian sat down at the edge and pulls his wife closer to him.


    She stood between his legs and gaze down at him as he to her. A soft sigh escapes her lip and she couldn¡¯t help but trace her fingers along the side of his face.


    "The little one and I are fine, so don¡¯t me yourself for what happened."


    From his hugs and their interactions, she knows that he mes himself for what happened. He didn¡¯t need to tell her because she could see it in his eyes.


    Lu Tian sighs a faint smile. His hand reach for her left hand and raise it to his lip. He nt a small, yet powerful kiss on the back of her ring finger.


    His hand holding hers ce it around his neck and he move his other hand to her back. Bringing her closer to him, he rest the side of his head on her abdomen.


    Feeling the warmth of her on his cheek, he slowly close his eyes.


    Seeing him do so, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He looked like a lost child who had given up all hope, but suddenly found his way back.


    She gently stroke his head with her fingers running through his soft hair.


    "Tian, what are you doing?"


    He doesn¡¯t answer her but tightens his arms around her. At the same time, he made sure not to use too much strength afraid he might hurt her and their child.


    After a long minute pass, he shift his head to look at her abdomen. He nts a kiss and lower his head, allowing his forehead to rest against her. He doe not let get gom but continue to embrace her.


    "Let me hold you both for a little longer."


    A small smile curl on her lips upon hearing his words. They met under a difficult situation, but now she feels extremely blessed to have him in her life.


    She decides to not move and allow him to embrace her and their child. After all, their child needs to feel his love too.


    Seconds turned to minutes and as she stayed still in his embrace, she was suddenly wash with regret.


    Lu Tian¡¯s cold hands trace the back of her thighs and slowly move under the shirt until she felt the coldness on her back.


    "Mnn..."


    She couldn¡¯t help but utter a soft moan at the touch of his callus palm. Both her hands quickly grasp onto his shoulder and she exim in surprise.


    "T-Tian!"


    He pulls her down and sat her on top of him with her legs spread on his sides. She wanted to protest but ended up inhaling a mouthful of air.


    She could feel the hardness of his dragon press against her womanhood. The only thing blocking it from entering is the fabric of his lounge pants and her undergarment.


    The moment she opened her mouth, Lu Tian chuckles as he leaned to kiss her. Silencing any words she had yet to say.


    With her mouth agape, he stuck his tongue in and taste every corner of her mouth. It was only until he felt she was almost out of breath that he reluctantly release her.


    Pulling away, he slid the shirt off her and swallow dryly. Her perfect twin peaks were like soft pillows making him want to cuddle against them and fall into a peaceful sleep.


    His hand slowly lift and he hesitate in whether to touch or not to touch.


    Yue Ling blush when she sees Lu Tian staring at her chest like she was a prey being cornered. She could only curse inside for not putting on a bra after changing.


    However, embarrassed by the man¡¯s dark gaze, she ignores his hand moving in on her twin peaks and quickly covers herself with both her hands.


    Lu Tian frowns when his view was blocked. He looks at his wife like an angry child. A deep sigh escapes his lip and he gently held her hands.


    "Why are you still shy?"


    He chuckles a tease and moves her hands behind her back. Capturing both wrists with hisrger hand, he smiles in satisfaction that his view is back. His other hand lightly trace over her twin peaks.


    "Only I can see every part of you... as you can see every part of me."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush more than it already was. She struggles within his grasp but was unable to even budge.


    Due to her sudden movement, she did not notice the lower half of her had continuously brush against the man.


    "Tian.. w-wait¡ª!"


    As she protested, the fully awaken dragon below was on the verge of invading her.


    Lu Tian held himself back and nce at her before leaning down. He slowly nibble on one of her aroused beans. His free hand cup her other twin peaks and he gently fondle with it as it fitted so perfectly in his palm.


    "Nn.."


    She gasps a small moan at the touch of his mouth and hand. Her body began to burn as her mind became hectic.


    Seeing that she had stopped struggling, Lu Tian moves away from her aroused bean. His lip trails up to her jaw line until he found her lips again. At the same time, his hand fondling her twin peak slides down until it found her most sensitive spot.


    His fingers lightly brush against her undergarment, rubbing her into wetness.


    He moves back and gaze at her aroused expression without looking away. Slowly, he slid one finger inside her.


    "Ah~"


    Yue Ling shivers a moan at his thrust of finger. With her hands captive, she struggles again to move, but was pulled closer to him. She could feel his finger stroking her inside as it sent a tinge of sensation in her.


    His finger thrust again and she gasp a moan again. However, her moan was quickly swallowed by the man the moment he captured her lip.


    Their breathing turned heavy as love soon filled the bedroom.


    Feeling her ready for him, he slid his finger out of her. Reluctantly parting from her lips that he loves to kiss, he press his forehead on hers. His breathing was heavy, but he mutter in a low hoarse voice.


    "Can I?"


    As much as he wanted to take her at this moment, he still wanted her approval. If she says no, he is willing to stop.


    Yue Ling¡¯s chest heaved up and down. She was in utter disbelief by the man. He clearly had his way with her and now that she is in heat, he has the audacity to ask?


    However, she also finds it sweet when he asks her before proceeding.


    She sighs a small ¡¯en¡¯ and shyly looks away from him.


    Lu Tian faintly smiles and he release his hold on her hands.


    He held her naked back with one hand as the other tug at the front of his lounge pant to free the mighty dragon on the verge of an outburst. Doing so, he carefully part the thin fabric keeping him from entering.


    Slowly raising her, he swallow dryly when he lowers her and felt his beast touch the softness of her again.


    Eyes on her facial expression, he slowly enters her. He nts small kisses on her lip and murmur through each gap.


    "I hope you always know that I love you desperately."


    Yue Ling met his eyes and part her lip to speak, however, instead of words, only a soft moan came after.


    The beast had entered her fully and she held his shoulders with her nails slightly digging his skin.


    No matter how many times they immerse in intimacy, she always finds it hard to receive hisrge beast. It was painful, yet insanely satisfying at the same time.


    Lu Tian growls a low groan when he felt herpletely wrapping around him. Only she alone can make him feel this way. However, he does not move right away and allow her body to adjust to his size.


    When he felt she had adjusted, his hand on her back press her closer to him. Moving his other hand to her smooth bottom, he slowly lift her up in guidance and the thrusting begins as both individuals joins together into one.


    Into their pleasure of love, Lu Tian slows down the pace of rhythm, but does not stop. The sound of their disheveled panting and moans echoes inside the quiet bedroom matching with the rain outside. He gaze at his wife with admiration.


    Her long dark hair flowed down one shoulder as her body rolled in matching pace with him.


    Meeting his gaze, her bluish green eyes became hypnotize by his ink ck eyes.


    His expression was not that of a hungry wolf pouncing on its prey, but one, full of love and devotion.


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but move one hand to the side of his face while the other remain on his shoulder. She caress his cheek and she leans to him. This time, she is the one to capture his lips.


    Lu Tian was taken back by surprise but utter a groan and quickly returns the kiss by deepening it.


    He shifts their position and gentlyys her down on the bed. His lips remain locked with hers and with his ninjalike moves, he undresses himself and the only fabric left on her.


    Returning to her again, he parts her leg to wee him and enters her in one swift thrust. He moved, slowly and deeply, each thrust reaching her deepest parts.


    Lowering his head to her ear, he whispers his undying love for her as the night carries on.

 Chapter 319 I am...

    The wind picked up into the night and carries the rain in passing. Imperial quiets down with hardly any people and cars in sight.


    However, despite the quietness of the rainy night, the sound of continuous footsteps echoes into the night sky like the sound of passing hooves.


    In an area of Imperial where the shopping center goes to sleep, the streemps dimly light the ce. Two sets of footsteps storm through the empty ce.


    "Ahh¡ª! I hate you, Xu Long! Why did you have to go and find trouble!"


    Running with every ounce of energy he has left, Lin Hui angrily curse at the still drunken man running beside him.


    "It¡¯s not my fault hic*! I only wanted to save the beauty!"


    Xu Long yells back in response. Although he is still slightly dizzy from drinking, he can maintain the speed as Lin Hui.


    Neither men outran the other nor made sure not to fall. If they did, the massive group chasing them would catch up in seconds. However, no matter how fast they ran, the footsteps behind were gaining up on them.


    Seeing a gap between the stores that leads to a dark alley, Lin Hui pulls Xu Long by the cor and turns. He shoves the man behind a huge dumpster and himself after as both their figures squat into position.


    "Where did those two bastards go?!"


    "Search for them! They shouldn¡¯t have gotten far!"


    The moment they hid, the people chasing them stops in front of the dark alley. Their shouts echoes into the sky as they search for Lin Hui and Xu Long.


    As the footsteps subdue, Lin Hui sighs in relief. He was exhausted and curse inside for not running more often.


    "Hic*"


    "Shh-"


    He res at Xu Long who hupped. His hand quickly covers the man¡¯s mouth. Even if the people had gone further, they cannot be too sure. Any small noise will catch their attention.


    "Did you guys hear that?"


    Suddenly, a man¡¯s voice asks from the front of the dark alley. His eyes search the darkness for any signs of movements lurking in the alley. The others had left, but a few of them stayed to be sure.


    Lin Hui opens his mouth but only to scream in silence. He wish so badly to beat up the man next to him. However, he tries to think of the pros and cons of their situation. Xu Long was dumb to try and be the hero, but if he was in the man¡¯s shoes, he would have probably tried to the hero too.


    *Click*


    Just when he was thinking to himself, the sound of metal clicking enters his ears. The sound was faint as it mixed with the light footstepsing in their direction, but he knows that sound all too well.


    His eyes dim as the click was the sound of a pistol.


    At first, he thought those men only wanted to give them a good beating, but once he heard the gun, everything became clear.


    Those people clearly wants them dead.


    Earlier in the club, he would have taken down the men, but there were too many people. Even if he did not harm innocent bystanders, that did not mean the other men won¡¯t. He has seen and been in situations where innocent people are dragged into a blood bath because they were at the wrong ce at the wrong time.


    He looks away from Xu Long and abruptly stands up. It was now or never.


    "What are you doing?!"


    Xu Long grits a whisper and quickly pulls Lin Hui back into hiding. He knows that he is a weak drinker, but he also understands the situation they are in. If Lin Hui reveals himself, that would attract the men¡¯s attention to him.


    Lin Hui shoves Xu Long¡¯s hand away and he looks the man dead in the eyes.


    "I¡¯ll hold them off while you leave. This alley connects to the other street, so you won¡¯t be seen."


    He does not wait a response and quickly stands up. However, to his unfortunate, Xu Long wraps his arms around his waist.


    Lin Hui: "...."


    Xu Long: "L-Let¡¯s go together. W-What if you get killed?"


    Lin Hui: "...."


    Lin Hui stares at the man crease brows and twitching lips. He is a straight man who chases after women, but... Seeing the man hugging his waist, he couldn¡¯t help but feel he look like a husband abandoning his wife... uh husband?


    He shook his head and brush the hideous thought away. Grabbing Xu Long¡¯s arms, he lightly push the man away.


    "Kill? Hmmf, I am Lin Hui, a loyal follower and subordinate of Han Yue Ling."


    The corner of his lip arc into a sneer and his eyes sh dangerously.


    "Fate does not run away from its enemies."


    Hisst word finish and he stands up. This time, he was able to slip pass Xu Long without being pulled back. He also hopes that Xu Long will not argue back and use the chance to escape.


    He steps out from behind the big dumpster and face his enemies.


    "Ass wipes! I¡¯m over here!"


    Hearing him, the men were taken back in surprise. They hade to check the alley but did not expect to see the person they were looking to show himself instead.


    Seeing that it was the man with only one shoe, they sneer maliciously at him. Even if the other one ran off, there¡¯s more of them, so they will easily track him down.


    Lin Hui stares at the men with aplex look. He couldn¡¯t help but shiver when he saw their eyes. It wasn¡¯t fear that he felt but disgust that they dare to look at him like a little bunny trapped in the woods.


    The man in the lead stops a few feet away. He points the gun in his hand at Lin Hui.


    "Kid, you should have never messed our bosses."


    Lin Hui furrow his brows. Their bosses? Ah, that rights, those rich kids didn¡¯t even chase after them. As expected, they would never dirty their hands. He cross his arms over his chest and tilt his chin up.


    "Kid? I¡¯m old enough to be your grandfather."


    He stuck an arm out and shook his index finger as his head follow in rhythm.


    "It is ass wipes like your bosses, that should not have messed with me."


    "Hahah! You? Too easy."


    The man with the gun snickers at Lin Hui¡¯s words. Seeing that it only one scrawny man against them, he puts the gun away. There were still seven other men plus him, so taking down Lin Hui should be easy as said.


    Without looking away from Lin Hui, he reach down for a piece of wood from a broken crate that the store employees tossed out.


    He lightly tap the wood on his palm and shook his head.


    "Wrong choice of words, kid. If you had just stayed still and let us beat you up, none of this would have happened."


    He slowly walks towards Lin Hui and sneer.


    "Let¡¯s get him¡ª"


    *Thud!*


    Before Man 1 could finish his words, he was hit on the head by a glossy item. His head froze as it tilt back and he stares up to the sky. The object did not fall but stayed perfectly in ce on his face.


    He tilt his head forward and the object bounce onto the wet floor. Seeing what it is, he was dumbfounded. Steam quickly blew out from his nostril like a Spanish bull. His face turn red and he grit his teeth.


    "Who threw the fucken shoe?!"


    The other men were just as dumbfounded. None of them had seen where the shoe came from. Their heads dart in every direction to find the person. However, there was no one in sight except for them and Lin Hui. Did the shoe fall from the sky?


    "I threw the fucken shoe."


    A voice answers the man as the figure steps out from behind the big dumpster. His entire being was drenched from head to toe by the rain. However, his eyes did not look normal. It was as if the beast inside him had awaken from a deep slumber.


    Lin Hui maintained hisposer to notugh at Man 1¡¯s red and embarrassed face. He ignores the men and turns to look at the figure and frowns.


    "Xu Long, what the hell are you doing? Why haven¡¯t you left yet?"


    Xu Long does not answer right away. He stares at the eight men with eyes of a ferocious beast finally let out of its cage. Taking two steady steps forward, he stood shoulder to shoulder with Lin Hui.


    "I am Xu Long, the loyal assistant and subordinate of Lu Tian. There¡¯s no way I am going to run and leave a brother behind."


    Lin Hui blink his twitching eyes at the man. He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Is Xu Long sober now or still drunk?


    However, it¡¯s not time to ask questions. His head turns away from the man and looks at the eight men. Each person held their own weapons but that does not matter.


    Do or die, they are men trained to never run away!

 Chapter 320 Save us

    Xu Long¡¯s eyes scanned the men opposite of them. He was fully awake and sober now. It was as if he was never out drinking. As the assistant of Lu Tian, he was trained to never back down from a fight, even if the other person has a gun.


    He slowly gets into a fighting stance, making the aura around him change. He was no longer the pretty boy at the night club, but a tiger. Even the aura he gave felt like an actual tiger had emerge from within him and appeared into the sky above.


    Lin Hui nod his head at Xu Long with an impressed expression. He turns away from the man and looks at the other men. His posture slowly change and gets into a fighting stance with fists ready to fight.


    "Hahahah¡ª"


    The group of men roar inughter when they saw Lin Hui and Xu Long¡¯s fighting stances. Compare to them, both men were skinnier and looked like kids. Two skinny men thinks they can take them down? When had they ever lost a fight?


    Seconds after the men¡¯sughter echoed into the sky, thunder roars and lightning shes in the background. The sound of heavy footsteps quickly storm from behind Lin Hui and Xu Long.


    The area they were in was already small. However, with the other men now in the alley too, they trapped the two men with no space to run.


    Lin Hui stares at the back and he was at a loss for words. He scratch his head in annoyance and curse the heavens. They were already outnumbered and yet, the darn sky wanted to take sides!


    However, one end of his lip curls up into a charming smirk, "Xu Long, should we test out who takes down the most men?"


    Hearing Lin Hui¡¯s words, Man 1 scoffs inughter. He points the piece of wood at the boy and roar.


    "Kill them!"


    At the man¡¯s voice, the massive group of men charges at Lin Hui and Xu Long. Each person ready to beat the living hell out of them.


    Lin Hui sighs and turn to the other side to await the men. However, unlike him, Xu Long rushes forward to the men in front.


    Two men approach him with fists thrown in direction. He bends his body forward and avoids the hit. His arms swiftly wraps around their neck, mming both heads together.


    "I¡¯ll handle the front. You take the back. Don¡¯t forget to count!"


    Lin Hui nods his head with a ¡¯en¡¯ and runs three sprints to meet them. He sends a jumping punch to a man, knocking him out right away. Without pausing, he tackles a man around the waist and ms the man onto another man with a metal stick.


    *nk*


    The sound of metal bounce onto the floor. No intentions of stopping, Lin Hui quickly catches the metal stick when it bounce up. He swings the stick like a baseball bat and hits the side of a man¡¯s head as he jump kicks another¡¯s stomach.


    At the same time, a man punches his cheek, but he did not wince at the pain. He arms and legs continue to strike back in full force.


    On Xu Long¡¯s side, he crouch every so second to dodge the hits. Doing so, he sends punches at the men he passes. Taking down the tenth man, he sends a fist to the eleventh man, but before he could hit the man, another man kicks the side of his waist.


    He groans at the sudden pain and ms against the wall.


    A man aims the baseball bat at his head, but Xu Long raise his arm to block it. The pain shot through his body, but he ignores it. He sends the man a punch in the stomach and swiftly snatch the baseball bat.


    The quiet night began to ease as the heavens above stopped weeping. However, the sound of a fight continues without stopping. Bodiesy unconsciously on the wet ground.


    "Haa¡ª!"


    Lin Hui exhales from exhaustion. He stabs the metal stick on the ground to steady his posture. His entire body drenched from the rain and his own sweat. Small bruises appeared in his once wless face along with open scars that bled.


    He stares at the men who were no different from him. They had also stopped attacking to rest, but one can see that they aren¡¯t nning to stop until he and Xu Long are dead.


    Thinking of how he ended up this way, he chuckles and groan at the same time.


    "Xu Long, I swear, I¡¯m never going to a nightclub with you ever again."


    "What are you saying? I promise next time won¡¯t be like this."


    Xu Long chuckles a response. His back inches away from Lin Hui as he stares cautiously at the opposite side. The baseball bat in his hand aiming out to the men.


    His appearance was no different from Lin Hui, let alone the men they¡¯re fighting. He curse inside at the men of Wolf Team. It was because of their bragging that Spring was such a great nightclub. If it was so great, how in the world did he end up in this kind of situation?


    *Vrr Vrr*


    Amongst the heavy panting, the sound of a phone vibrating sounds. Man 1 lifts lift his hand holding the piece of wood and rest it on his shoulder. His other hand reach inside his pocket and takes the phone out.


    "Yes, boss."


    ["Is it done?"]


    Man 1 nce at Lin Hui and Xu Long, then his brothers who have the two boys trapped like a cage. He sneers maliciously and answers his boss.


    "Almost."


    ["Almost? Hurry up and finish them. I want no survivors!"]


    "Got it."


    Man 1 ends the call and puts his phone away. He points the wood in the direction of the two boys.


    "Finish them!"


    Hearing his words, the others were hesitant. Each person were tired and couldn¡¯t help but have second thoughts. Anyone who sees this can see that they outnumbered the two boys, yet, looking at their brothers on the ground, they can only shiver. No one knows if they are still breathing or dead.


    Even Lin Hui and Xu Long were still standing after such fight broke out.


    However, if they don¡¯t do as Man 1 says, their days in Imperial are over. Even looking for another job would be of no use.


    Thinking this, two men, each from opposite sides decided to charge at the two boys.


    Lin Hui and Xu Long shook their heads in pity for the men. Taking one step forward, their arms stretch forward, and each person¡¯s fist collide on the men¡¯s face.


    *thud*


    "What the fuck?! Arrrggghhhh¡ª""


    Just when the two men knocked out onto the ground, Man 1 who stood afar shriek in pain.


    The shrieking pain he made caused all the men to turn in his direction with confused expressions. It was two other men who were hit, so why did Man 1 scream?


    However, when they saw him, they were all dumbfounded.


    Man 1 who had not once engage in the fight was standing on all fours like a dog. His palms scraped on the ground and knees on the verge of breaking. The piece of wood in his hand was no longer in his hand. His face drained of colors as he groan.


    Even worse, that piece of wood was now pointed at his neck. Pressing the man down on the back was a foot wearing house slippers.


    Their eyes slowly follow the foot as they look up. When their eyes met the unknown person, they were even more dumbfounded.


    This unknow man doesn¡¯t look like someone who would engage in a fight.


    The ck and white id pajama he wore made him look like someone who was just about to go to bed! Not only that, he is also wearing a green robe to keep him warm.


    The man looked rxed and nonchnt. He had one hand on his hip as one leg bent and foot on Man 1¡¯s back. The piece of wood in his hand now, looks like it had turned into a long sword ready to cut at any moment.


    However, when they met his eyes, a chilling chill shot through their spine making them shiver like a winter blizzard.


    Seeing the men¡¯s attention turn to one direction, Lin Hui and Xu Long also turned to look. Through the gaps of the many heads, both their eyes lit up with firework.


    Xu Long raised his hands and waves to get the pajama man¡¯s attention as Lin Hui jumps like he was on a trampoline. Both their voice excitedly calls out.


    Lin Hui: "Liu Shan!!"


    Xu Long: "Save us!!"

 Chapter 321 Isnt it you?

    Liu Shan stood like a noble ruler looking down at the people in his pce. His eyes scans every face like an eagle until he sees the two people in the center of the crowd. He shook his head and sigh at the sight of them.


    "Man, you two are so lucky."


    He had spent the entire day with his neighbor, Ling Ni. They had spent a great time shopping and exploring Imperial. They even enjoyed a romantic candlelight dinner together.


    After he sent Ling Ni home, he return to his home next door. Preparing for bed, he changed into his pajamas and was ready to sleep in peace while dreaming for his good fortunate.


    Yet, the moment he closed his eyes, someone decided to disturb his peace by calling him.


    He was indeed annoyed when he saw that it was Lin Hui and answer with annoyance. However, the other person did not answer. All he heard was fabric shuffling and heavy breathing.


    For a moment there, he was dumbfounded. He could not believe that Lin Hui shamelessly butt dialed him to listen to something his virgin ears do not want to hear!


    He abruptly ends the call and close his eyes to dream about his pretty neighbor.


    Yet agian, the moment his eyes shut, his phone rings again. Now he was really annoyed, but when he saw the name of the caller, he was confused.


    Why is Xu Long calling him too?


    He answers the call thinking it might be something important, but to his unfortunate, he was once again dumbfounded. Xu Long¡¯s call was no different from Lin Hui¡¯s!!


    Confused, disgusted, disbelief, every feeling he could not exin rushed inside him. He could not believe that Lin Hui and Xu Long are a couple! Good Heavens!


    He did not hesitate to end the call, but before he could press the end button, he heard the words, ¡¯Kill them!¡¯


    That was when he fully sat up and everything made sense. He rushed out of his apartment without changing and sped through the streets in his car.


    Coming back from his little shback, Liu Shan stares at the men surrounding Lin Hui and Xu Long with eyes full of killing intent.


    Good thing he ced a tracker in Lin Hui¡¯s phone or he would have had to hack every surveince camera in Imperial to find them.


    Even he did not think the situation was this bad, but one thing he knows, Lin Hui would rather die a warrior than ask for help. The man has too much pride.


    "Fucken bastard, get off me!!"


    In the middle of his thoughts, the shout cause Liu Shan to furrow his brows. His head lower and looks down at the man under him like a dog. He scoffs a sneer and add more strength into his feel on the man¡¯s back.


    "Bastard? Isn¡¯t that you?"


    "Y-You!"


    Man 1 groans at the sudden pressure. Sweat form on his forehead. The pressure on his back was like he was carrying Mount Tai! Even he does not know how much longer his hands and knees can hold position. His jaw clench tightly before he growls.


    "I¡¯m gonna kill you! You fucken bastard!"


    Liu Shan blink his eyes at the man with no ounce of emotion in his eyes. He click his tongue at the man.


    "Tsk tsk. Someone like you cannot kill me."


    He shifts the piece of wood in his hand and smoothly slice the side of the man¡¯s neck with the edge. His movements made it seem like he really was holding a long sword as blood slowly color the wood.


    Man 1 was terrified. His eyes widen when he felt the sharp edge of the wood slice his throat. His eyes rolled back and he falls t onto the ground.


    *Thud*


    "..."


    Liu Shan arch a brow and then frowns. He didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at the man. Scratching his head with the hand on his hip, he pokes the man with the piece of wood.


    "Yah, I didn¡¯t even kill you. Why are you acting like that?"


    He sliced the side of the man throats and didn¡¯t cut any crucial points that would kill him. So, why did he make it seem like he died?


    Lin Hui and Xu Long shudder when they caught a glimpse of Liu Shan¡¯s move. Both men held the sides of their neck as they could feel the slice happen to them.


    Good thing Liu Shan was friend and not for. However, how did he know they were in this mess?


    "KILL THEM!!!"


    A man from within the group shouts in rage. He turns away from Lin Hui and Xu Long, his figure rushes out at Liu Shan. He wants to test out this new person¡¯s strength.


    "Haa... These ass wipes don¡¯t know when to quit."


    Lin Hui shook his head at the man. He really pities the guy. When ites to marksmanship, he is the best, but when ites to hand-to-handbat, Liu Shan is a beast amongst beast. He has seen Liu Shan go into killer machine mode before and it was not pretty.


    "Arh¡ª Die fucken asshole!"


    The man rushes up to Liu Shan at full force with a baseball bat in hand. He swings the bat with the intentions of smashing Liu Shan¡¯s head.


    Liu Shan stares at the man with tranquil eyes. He does not move and allows the man to waste his energy from running.


    The tip of the bat swings at him, but he yawns and lean his head back to dodge. One hand grab hold of the bat and he pulls the man closer. Next came a loud smack as he hits the man¡¯s leg with the piece of wood.


    *Ka-chaa*


    "Ahhh¡ª"


    The sound of bone breaking echoes into the sky with the man pierce shrieking cry.


    Liu Shan let¡¯s go of the baseball bat and poke the man with the wood, thus causing him to fall down. He looks at the now broken wood and nonchntly toss it away.


    He unties his robe and flicks it back. His legs slightly part with knees bent. He stretch one arm out and gestures to the men as if telling them to some closer.


    "Who wants next?"


    "Get him!!"


    All the men did not show hesitation anymore. Splitting into three groups, they all rush at the three men. After all, they still have more men, so it¡¯ll be minutes before they kill the three men.


    Liu Shan leisurely waits for the men. When the first man neared him, he dodge the fist and grabs the man¡¯s arm. mming him down with a back flip, he grabs the next man¡¯s head and ms it hard against his knee. He drops the man and continues to take the men down one after another. He was never great with weapons, but his fists never failed him.


    At the same time, Lin Hui and Xu Long who were exhausted suddenly found their strength again. Both men nod to one another in understanding and decided not to let Liu Shan have all the fun.


    The fight carries on into the night as the men from the enemy side gradually decrease. Before they knew it, an hour had passed and then two hours.


    When thest man fell by a push, his face was swollen and covered in blood. One cannot tell if he was still breathing or hand long died.


    Liu Shan stares at the man and shook his head. He dust his palms and hops ove the body, then another and another. It was like he was hopping in a vast field cover with flowers on a bright and sunny day. In the process of hopping, he even stepped on some bodies, but did not care. He leisurely makes his way towards the other two men he hade to save.


    Arriving in front of Lin Hui and Xu Long, he secures his robe in ce. However, seeing how messed up they look he couldn¡¯t hold back his urges andughs.


    "Ahaha, you guys are a mess. What the hell did you two do and why are you guys together?"


    By now, Lin Hui and Xu Long were no longer standing. Both men sat on the ground with their backs supporting each other from falling. Their clothes were torn in certain ces and each person had their own wound and blood.


    Hearing Liu Shan¡¯s tone of voice, Lin Hui groan at the pain in his rib and res up at the man.


    "We look like a mess?! You look just.... the same.... as us....?"


    As he spoke his words, he could only lower his voice until it bes a whisper. He was dumbfounded the moment he looked up at Liu Shan. The corner of his mouth twitch and he scoffs a chuckle in disbelief.


    "What the hell? This is so unfair."


    Before he knew it, he wasughing so hard that his stomach started hurting. He couldn¡¯t not believe that Liu Shan has such good luck.


    Wondering why Lin Hui isughing so hard, Xu Long decides to look up too. However, what he saw did not dumbfound him. Instead, his eyes widen in amazement.


    "Wow Liu Shan! How do you not have single scratch on you? Even your face is as spotless as a baby¡¯s bottom!"


    Liu Shan stood proudly in front of them. Heughs again when he looks at them. If he did not know them, he would probably think they were two homeless men in the alley.


    However, when he head Xu Long¡¯s question, he grins with his teeth. Lifting his hand, he ran his fingers through his washed hair and stroke it back. Sending the man wink, he tilt his chin.


    "My face and body are too important to be touched by filthy hands."


    "...."


    Lin Hui stares at the untouched man with heavy eyelids, while Xu Long nod his head like an obedient student taking notes in ss.


    Shaking his head, Lin Hui looks away, but feels another sharp pain in his body. He groan and looks at Liu Shan.


    "Are you done bragging? If you don¡¯t know, we¡¯re dying here."


    "Ah yea, I forgot."


    Liu Shan quickly reacts and helps both men. He even wanted to snap a photo to show them how they look, but knowing Lin Hui, his temper would turn into a maniac . However, looking at their sorry state, he couldn¡¯t help butugh again.


    "Haha! Man, you both look sorry."


    He pulls Lin Hui up from the ground. Wrapping Lin Hui¡¯s left arm over his shoulder, then he reach for Xu Long.


    "Ah man, I think my ribs are buster."


    Lin Hui groans at the intense pain on his rib. However, he made sure to steady himself so Liu Shan could help Xu Long.


    "Your rib? I think I broke my leg!"


    Xu Long refutes as he is pulled up. He can¡¯t even remember when he was hit on the leg, let alone feel any pain until now.


    Being the only support of both me, Liu Shan was in regret. Both men did notin when it came down to fighting, but now they¡¯reining about who has more pain? Idiots!


    He shook his head and put both arms around the two idiots.


    As they step out of the dark alley and towards his car, Liu Shan remembers something and ask.


    "How did two idiots like you guys end up in this mess?"


    Lin Hui cast a nce at Xu Long and frowns, "We went to Spring. Xu Long decided to a hero thinking he could save a beauty. As a result, this is how his herotic attempt turned out."


    "Hahah, really two idiots!"


    Liu Shanughs in response. However, unlike him, Xu Long snort in argue.


    "Hey! She was really a beauty!"


    Lin Hui¡¯s arm that wrap around Liu Shan lightly tugs a push at Xu Long¡¯s.


    "Beauty?! Where were you when my boss was being attacked by those hooligans?!"


    No intentions of backing down, Xu Long also pushes the man, except he adds a small smack on the back of Lin Hui¡¯s head.


    "Where was I? I was still making my way up those stairs!"


    Lin Hui scrunch his face like he had smelt something foul. He cannot believe that Xu Long dare to hit his head. His nostrils re and he returns the smack.


    Both men continue to smack each other¡¯s head and argue against one another. They had forgotten about the man they sandwiched whose expression turned deadly grave.


    "Yah! How many men did you take down? I took down 28! Ah¡ª"


    "Well, I took down 28 too! We just¡ªAh¡ª"


    Into their argument, both men were suddenly pushed onto the ground. Each groaning at the sudden pain.


    "W-What did you say?"


    Liu Shan stutters in disbelief at what he just heard. His expression pale in colors and he stares at both men for an answer.


    However, neither spoke, except give him a deathly re. They were in great pain and yet, Liu Shan has not ounce of sympathy for them!


    Lin Hui held the side of his stomach and grunt in pain. He then points at Xu Long.


    "He wanted to see who could take down the most men. So, I said I took down 28!"


    Xu Long¡¯s face redden. He held his leg that was in pain and shakingly points it at Lin Hui.


    "Hey, I took down out 28 too and it was you who made the bet! Not me!"


    "SHUT UP!"


    Irritated by both men¡¯s fighting like husband and wife, Liu Shan raise his voice at them.


    "I¡¯m asking, what happened to boss?!"


    He wanted so badly to smash their head together to bring fix their brains. He doesn¡¯t care about who defeated the most enemy, he only cares whether his boss is safe or not.


    Lin Hui and Xu Long abruptly zipped their mouths. Neither dare to utter a word seeing how angry Liu Shan looked. However, left with no choice, Lin Hui slowly raise his hand and muster the courage to exin from start to end.

 Chapter 322 oldest son

    After the gloomy night ended, Imperial quickly awoke to a clear and beautiful blue sky. It was if the rain had never appeared as people fill the sidewalks and cars create traffic on the streets.


    Inside Lu Tian¡¯s penthouse, there is an intense tension in the living room. Two men can be seen on opposite sides of the room. One standing and the other sitting down.


    The man standing wore a brown trench coat over a white turtleneck sweater and dark blue jeans. His looks are absolute charming and captivation to the eyes. However, he has one hand on his hip and the other massaging his temple. His figure continues to pace back and forth in front of the couch.


    "What kind of man are you?"


    He pace with his words and res at the man sitting across from him.


    "Tian, how can you be so reckless?"


    Lu Tian leisurely sat on the couch with no ounce of emotion. His devilish face was calm and tranquil with arms folded over his chest, but one can see his lip slightly purse in guilt.


    The man walking back and forth let¡¯s out a long sigh and sits down. He cross his arms over his chest and tilt his head back to lean on the couch.


    "Lu Tian, you should be thankful nothing happened to her. If she had put too much strength in her body, she could have lost the baby."


    He tilt his head forward and pinch the space between his brows.


    "Also, try to refrain from sex. She is in the early stage of pregnancy and it¡¯s the most crucial. Any little thing can cause harm not only to the baby but her too."


    Lu Tian stares at his doctor friend. He had called Ye Zhongwei toe check on his wife, because he wanted to make sure she was fine and not harmed. However, he did not expect that it was his selfishness that almost cause them to lose their child.


    He takes a deep breath and nod his head in response to the doctor. For now, he will fight the burning sensation to eat his wife.


    Ye Zhongwei was at a loss for words. Never has he ever seen the cold man listen to anyone! Yet, here he is, quietly listening and being obedient. He part his lip to say something, but he caught sight of something and swallowed his words.


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian questions the man when he see Ye Zhongwei suddenly stop what he wanted to say. His eyes narrow for a quick second before his head turn to look in the direction.


    The moment he saw what his friend was looking at, his eyes softens. He pays no attention to the other person in the room and stood up.


    "It¡¯s still early. Why don¡¯t you sleep some more?"


    He asks with worry and attentive eyes as he walks over to his wife.


    "Tian, it¡¯s already 9. How much longer can I continue to sleep?"


    Yue Ling chuckles at the man. She looks at the living room and sees Ye Zhongwei. She smiles and lightly nod her head in a polite manner.


    "Good morning."


    "Ah yes. Good morning Miss Han."


    Ye Zhongwei robotically answers. He really cannot believe that the retired supermodel is actually standing in front of him. They had metst time, but seeing her again, it still feels like a dream.


    He could never believe that the supermodel, who¡¯s private life is unknown to the world is actually in a rtionship with the business king, who has never been involve with any women.


    Thinking this, he sighs inside. It was no wonder Lu Tian cannot tame the beast down there.


    Seeing that Ye Zhongwei is lost in his own world, Yue Ling looks at Lu Tian. She gives him a sweet smile and part her lips to speak.


    "I¡¯ll go make breakfast."


    Before she could make a move, Lu Tian wrap his arms around her. His lips reach her forehead and he smiles down to her.


    "Let me do it. You can go rest some more."


    "..."


    Yue Ling flush red from head to toe. She could not believe that Lu Tian shamelessly kiss her in front of Ye Zhongwei.


    Her cheeks puff like a chipmunk and she hits his arm. cing her palms on his back, she pushes him in the direction of the living room.


    "I can cook on my own. I¡¯m not a potato that can¡¯t move around!"


    "Alright, alright."


    Lu Tian chuckles a heartilyughter. Both his arms slightly raise like a criminal caught in act. However, before he enters the living room, he swiftly turns around and kiss his wife¡¯s puffy cheek.


    "...."


    Without waiting to see her reaction, he quickly steps into the living room like a man who hadmit the most dangerous crime and escaped.


    Yue Ling stood frozen in ce. She covers the part on her cheek Lu Tian had kiss and her entire being reddens more. How dare he kiss her again?


    Her outer appearance seemed like her usual calm self, but deep inside, she was screaming at the top of her lungs. Never will she understand the man¡¯s shamelessness!


    Sitting in the living room, Ye Zhongwei had seen everything. He never knew that Lu Tian was such a shameless man. Watching the cold-blooded man walk to the couch, he ignores his blushing red face and res at the man.


    "Really bro? It¡¯s still early in the morning and you want to feed your single friend dog food?"


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder and sits down. He doesn¡¯t care if he kiss his wife in front of others. All he knows is that he loves her and no one else matters.


    "My wife is preparing breakfast. Stay and eat if you don¡¯t have to leave for work."


    Ye Zhongwei arch a brow in amusement, then in the direction of the kitchen. He has always been a foodie, especially when ites to home cooked meals.


    He and Lu Tian have known each other since they were still in diapers, but the man has never treated him this nicely. Bless Yue Ling for helping the man see a new light.


    However, thinking of something, he sighs a long sigh.


    "I really don¡¯t mind staying for breakfast, but I have a patient to see."


    He stood up from his seat and gives Lu Tian the stink eye.


    "Plus, if I really do stay, I¡¯ll probably end up eating dog food only."


    Lu Tian arches his brows at his friend. He actually wants to go over and give the man a pat on the back for turning down free food.


    However, he nods his head in understanding and does not stop the man from leaving but stands up.


    "I¡¯ll walk you out."


    "EH¡ª?!"


    Ye Zhongwei had already reached the front door. He was currently putting his shoes on when he suddenly heard Lu Tian¡¯s words. Upon those words, he almost lost his bnce, but steadied himself.


    He looks up at Lu Tian with furrow brows.


    "Who are you? Where am I? Do you know my friend, Lu Tian? What have you done to him?"


    "....."


    Seeing his friend trying to read him with curious eyes, Lu Tian awkwardly touch the tip of his nose. He also sometimes question where the old him went.


    He clears his throat and looks to the hallway.


    "I¡¯m only doing this for him. *Fweet*"


    After hisst word, he blows a low whistle, but enough to hear. At the same time, Ye Zhongwei finished putting his shoes on and looks in the direction of the hallway. The sound of footsteps sound and his eyes widen with his mouth.


    "Bro! Don¡¯t tell me you already have a kid?!"


    "Wroof¡ª Wroof¡ª!"


    At the sound of two barks, Ye Zhongwei tilt his head in confusion. He looks at Lu Tian and wanted to ask why he¡¯s hearing a dog barking, but from the corners of his eyes, he sees a white figure appear beside Lu Tian¡¯s legs.


    His eyes lower and he gasp aloud. In a lightning speed, he dashes from the front door to the couch forgetting to take his shoes off. However, he stood on top of the cushion as if it would help increase the height difference.


    "W-What is t-that?!"


    "....."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyelids turned heavy. He looks at his idiotic friend and down to Inu. Thinking of something, he slightly bend down to pat the little guy¡¯s head and faintly smile.


    "You can say this little guy is Yue Ling and I¡¯s oldest son."


    "Wroof¡ª"


    Inu who was dumbfounded by this new peasant didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. However, when he heard the evil peasant¡¯s words, he cheerfully barks.


    "Let¡¯s go, Inu."


    Lu Tian walks toward the front door as Inu quickly follows like always.


    "W-w-w-wait!"


    From the couch, Ye Zhongwei stutters out to stop his friend. His entire body was trembling, but he ignores it.


    "B-Bro... You¡¯re n-n-not going to p-put a l-leash on h-him?"


    Lu Tian looks at his friend again then down at the Samoyed. He purse his lip into thinking and shook his head.


    "Inu won¡¯t run away. My wife is here."


    "....."


    When Lu Tian finished speaking, he opens the door and leisurely walks out. Inu looks at the new peasant and he shook his head in pity. His only thoughts were, ¡¯Humans are so weird.¡¯


    Left alone in the living room, Ye Zhongwei felt all the strength in his body vanish into thin air. He stares at the now open front door and slowly steps down with trembling legs.


    He curse inside at Lu Tian. Their long-time friendship must mean nothing to the man. How dare he forget that this doctor is afraid of dogs no matter what size!


    He cries with no tears and sluggishlynds on the floor. However, the moment his feet touched the floor, he was more dumbfounded than ever.


    From the corners of his eyes, he see Yue Ling staring at him from the kitchen. She had one hand covering her mouth, but he could tell it was to help prevent her fromughing.


    Now he really wish to cry butck every ounce of tear to shed. Even if a hole was to magically appear, he does not mind going inside it to hide forever.


    Left with no choice, he calmly straighten his posture and dust away any dirt he got on the couch.


    "Aiya, who was it that dirty the couch. If I find out, I¡¯ll give him a good beating."


    Finished, he grabs the front of his brown trench coat and slightly tug it into ce. He smiles a nod at Yue Ling with eyes close.


    "Miss Han, I hope you have a good day."


    With no intentions of opening his eyes, he turns for the door and fumble his way to it. He didn¡¯t forget to calmly close the door and pretends that nothing happened, neither did the supermodel saw anything.


    The moment his body stepped out of the penthouse, he turns into a tomato and open his eyes. In the fastest speed ever, he runs after Lu Tian.


    This is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happen to him!

 Chapter 323 free soul

    After Ye Zhongwei left Jade Condos, Yue Ling and Lu Tian ate their breakfast in ease. Due to both individuals not having to go to work, they decided to take Inu to see the new house.


    Through the busy streets, they quickly arrive at the new house.


    In the car, Inu¡¯s tail wag from side to side in excitement. The moment Lu Tian opened the driver door and stepped out, Inu also jumped out. He race around the yard like he was finally free.


    "Inu! Wait!"


    Yue Ling calls out to him as she steps out from the passenger side. She was worried and afraid that Inu might get lost since it was a new ce for the little guy.


    "He¡¯ll be fine. The ce is gated all around."


    Lu Tian reassures her as he helps her get out of the car. He turns to look in the direction Inu had gone and a faint smile curl on his lip.


    "The little guy needs to get familiar with the new ce."


    Moving from the door, Yue Ling narrow her eyes at the man now closing the car door. Remembering something, she smiles.


    "I heard what you said to Ye Zhongwei. I never thought you would refer Inu as your oldest son."


    Lu Tian looks at her with a calm expression, but one can see his cheeks turn pink. He clears his throat and reach down for his wife¡¯s hand.


    "His temper fits enough to be my son. Don¡¯t you think so?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling was tongue tied by him. She scoff a chuckle and shook her head. She can see the resemnce between the man and Samoyed.


    *Ring ring*


    The moment they arrived at the front door and Lu Tian touched the door handle, Yue Ling¡¯s phone rang. She takes her phone out and checks the caller.


    "It¡¯s Liu Shan."


    "Mm. Go ahead and answer."


    Lu Tian gently caress her cheek and open the door. As they entered, he looks at the empty ce and decided he will have his people set up furnitures as soon as possible. That way, they can move in right after.


    Watching his back, Yue Ling smiles as she could still feel his touch on her cheek. She looks down at her phone and answers the call.


    "Hello?"


    ["Boss, it¡¯s me! Are you alright?! Lin Hui told me everything! I¡¯m so sorry I was not there! Please forgive me!"]


    Hearing her assistant¡¯s voice full of worry, Yue Ling sighed inside. She knows that her subordinates always worry for her when she is danger, especially Liu Shan. However, due to him knowing of her pregnancy, she can see why he worries.


    "I¡¯m alright. No harm came to me or baby."


    As their conversation continue, it also came to end. Yue Ling put her phone away and search for Lu Tian. However, he was not inside the house, but outside on the back-patio deck.


    Stepping outside to join him, she sees a tiny Inu running in the far distance. His entire being looked like a free soul wondering the world in pure happiness.


    Shifting her gaze to the man, she used the time to admire him. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh inside.


    He is truly lovely. To think, such a man will be her husband and father of their child. It¡¯s like a dream to have him as her beloved and hers alone.


    As her thoughts wonder, she slowly makes her way to him. Her steps were quiet and steady, but Lu Tian heard her footsteps.


    A small smile curl on his lip and he turns to see her. However, before he could even turn around, her arms slid pass his waist and wraps around him with the side of her head rested on his back in silence.


    He sighs a small smile and ce hisrger hand over her small hands.


    "What is it?"


    Yue Ling shook her head and inhales his manly scent with a wide smile.


    "It¡¯s nothing. We just wanted to hug you."


    Listening to the way her angelic voice spoke those words, Lu Tian¡¯s entire being softens. He slowly shift his position to face her and pulls her into a gentle embrace. His chin rested on top of her head and he feltplete.


    "What did Liu Shan say?"


    Yue Ling moves her head to look up at the man. Her arms hugs his waist and she smiles.


    "Liu Shan ising here. I hope you don¡¯t mind."


    He sounds a ¡¯mm¡¯ and slowly shifts their position again. This time, he held her from behind as they stare out to the view from the patio deck. Remembering something, he part his lips to speak.


    "The house is still empty. I¡¯ll have furnitures put in soon. Is there a specific style you like?"


    She tilt her head and thought for a moment. Coming to a decision, she rest her head against his chest.


    "I¡¯ll have Liu Shan send a list to Xu Long."


    As the couple enjoyed the view, Inu was having the time of his life. The gate that Lu Tian mentioned only surrounded the outer premises, thus this gave Inu the advantage to run around the giant house in sprinting circles. However, due to the rain, the grass was still wet, but he made sure not to get any dirt on his silky white fur.


    Morning quickly pass as the afternoon sun rose into the sky. Unlike the day before, today¡¯s sun was warmer and makes one want to go out for a walk.


    *Ding Ding*


    The doorbell rang and the couple¡¯s peaceful retreat came to an end.


    "I¡¯ll get it."


    Lu Tian faintly smiles and kiss the temple of her head. He pulls away from her and head inside the house.


    Entering the house, Lu Tian did not think much since his wife said Liu Shan wasing over. However, as he near the front door, he hears voices from outside and the space between his brows crease into three lines.

 Chapter 324 be obedien

    "Wait for me! Can¡¯t you guys see that I am handicap?"


    "What are you talking about? I¡¯m more handicap than you!"


    "Can you both be quiet. All morning I¡¯ve heard nothing but your whining!"


    "He started it!"


    "No! He did!"


    Inside the house, Lu Tian frown in listening. His wife said Liu Shan ising, so why are their two other voices? And why does one of them sound like his assistant?


    He brush the thought away and continues to the door. Reaching for the door handle, he opens it.


    "SHUT UP!!!"


    The moment he opened the door, a loud thundering voice roars from the outside and echoes into the empty house.


    Outside, Liu Shan¡¯s chest heave up and down. His back turned to the door and face the other two people. He is on the verge of losing his temper at the idiots.


    Beforeing here, he had taken them to the hospital to check their wounds.


    Xu Long, who was crying about his broken leg only suffered a sprain on his ankle. Due to the swelling, he had to wear an ankle brace and use crutches to easily move around.


    As for Lin Hui, he imed his ribs were fractured, but the pain was from a bruise. The back of his head was what suffered the most. He has a gauze wrapped around his head because he ended up needing 48 stitches from the cut.


    Other than the major wounds, both men were covered in gauze pads and band aid for the minor wounds.


    Seeing both men quickly quiet down, Liu Shan snorts a hmmf at them.


    "What? You two finally decided to be obedient?"


    Unlike the two annoying idiots they were seconds ago, Lin Hui and Xu Long dare not to utter a word. Only two sets of eyes stare at Liu Shan and nods their head in response.


    Liu Shan pout his lip. He found it strange but decides not to push it. As he was about to turn around, he felt a sudden chill on his back. He looks up at the clear blue sky and frown.


    There¡¯s no wind so why am I cold?


    His eyes blink confusingly and turn to the door.


    However, in that very moment, he froze in ce along with everything around him. He finally understood why the two idiots behind him stopped arguing.


    It wasn¡¯t because of him, but because of the man standing at door! Oh God!!


    Lu Tian¡¯s majestic figure stood quietly at the door. One hand inside the front pocket of his pant and the other hand resting on the door.


    He kept a straight face with no emotion, but if one looked carefully, one can see one of his brows slightly raise.


    He looks at the three men and wanted tough at their amusing interaction towards one another. However, letting them keep their dignity, he suppress the urge tough or smile.


    Pulling the door open more, he leaves it open and turns away.


    "Come inside when you guys are done."


    Watching the cold business king leave, the three subordinates were at a loss for words.


    Liu Shan swallow with difficulty and without looking at the two men, he quickly enters the house.


    Left outside, Lin Hui leans toward Xu Long as he shivers. He is so thankful that his boss is nice.


    "Xu Long, when I visit the temple, I will pray for you."


    "..."


    Upon entering the house, Yue Ling was dumbfounded when she saw not only Liu Shan, but Xu Long and Lin Hui.


    However, seeing Xu Long and Lin Hui¡¯s appearance, she couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. From what she remembers they clearly did not look like this after leaving Jade Condos.


    "Well, you two must have had a great night."


    Due to the house not having any furnitures to sit, Xu Long and Lin Hui could only sit on the stairs. Neither spoke a word when they heard Yue Ling¡¯s jokingly words. Both men were embarrassed by their appearance.


    How can they tell their bosses that it was Liu Shan who saved them after getting beaten ck and blue?


    Yue Ling looks at the two pitiful men. From their expressions, she already had an idea of what happened to them. Deciding not to push her teases, she looks at Liu Shan with a faint smile.


    "I¡¯m really alright."


    Liu Shan who stood at the side had watery eyes. He nods his head and wipes the tears that had to fall.


    "I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t a better assistant. I¡¯ll take full responsibility for what happened to you."


    "...."


    He was truly sorry. As her assistant, he should have been the first to detect any movements nned on her. It¡¯s his negligence that caused her to encounter danger.


    However, knowing that what is done cannot be undone, he sighs aloud. His eyes subconsciously looks away from his boss and he was dumbfounded.


    Lu Tian at this moment was staring at him with such murderous eyes.


    Did he say or do something wrong?


    Watching from the stairs, Xu Long was in disbelief. He wished so badly to strangle Liu Shan. If it was not Lin Hui holding him back, he would have seeded.


    Holding the assistant back, even Lin Hui felt no difference to the man. He could not believe that Liu Shan had the audacity to say he¡¯ll take responsibility for their boss. Does he not see the man (Lu Tian) on the verge of ending his (Liu Shan) life?


    Yue Ling felt the sudden chill and was just as dumbfounded as her assistant. She clears her throat and decided it was best to calm the man from granting Liu Shan a death wish.


    "Tian, what your thinking is not what he meant."


    Hearing his wife cooed to him, Lu Tian¡¯s cold aura disperse. He looks away from Liu Shan to his wife. Seeing her lovely face, he sighs a faint smile that only she can see.


    "Only I can be responsible for you."

 Chapter 325 should be scared

    Inside the empty house of Yue Ling and Lu Tian, the model looks at her assistant and part her lips to speak.


    "Why did you want to see me?"


    "Ah, that¡¯s right."


    Liu Shan quickly pays no attention to the vinegar eating man. He takes his phone out and hand it to his boss.


    "Xu Long, Lin Hui and I did a little investigation. This is everything we were able to find. Everything that connects Doctor Xie to Chu Li Xiang."


    After saving the two idiots, he had done a little hacking throughout Imperial with a little bit of their help. From what they found he is confident that it¡¯s something interesting.


    Yue Ling looks at her assistant as she reach for the phone. Unlocking the screen, she scrolled through the pages while Lu Tian nce from the side. However, the more they read the report, the dimmer their eyes became. No one can read what is on their mind, but they know that it was not good.


    ustom to the tension, Liu Shan sighs aloud and massage his head. He walks over to the stairs and sits down on the second step in front of the two ¡¯handicap¡¯ men.


    "It seems like Chu Qiang has no idea of what his brother has been doing in the dark until now."


    Unlike the nonchnt Liu Shan, both Xu Long and Lin Hui slowly wrap their arms around each other with fearful expressions. They could feel the empty house turn into an ice cave.


    Good Heavens, how can people who are bless with great looks look so scary at the same time?


    As they continue the day in discussion about the information found, this time, in the slums of Imperial, a loud crash is heard inside the rundown building at the far end.


    A middle age man breathes heavily with blood shot eyes. ss shatter on the floor, but he does not care.


    "How can you be so fucken stupid?! Did everything I said fucken mean nothing to you?!"


    Chu Qiang res at the younger man across from him, ignoring the blood sliding down his hand.


    "Li Xiang, I mean it. You better start using your brain and listen if you want to continue living."


    Chu Li Xiang stood unmoving with his head lower. He clench his fists tightly at the side as a thick line of blood slowly slides down from his head to chin due to the ss thrown at him.


    "I didn¡¯t do anything wrong."


    Chu Qiang loudly scoffs. He slowly approach his brother as he steps over the pieces of ss on the floor. He stop inches away and ruthlessly grabs the cor of Chu Li Xiang¡¯s shirt. Slightly lifting the man up, his eyes turn murderous.


    "I fucken told you to leave the matters alone. Did you think I wouldn¡¯t know what you did while I was away?!"


    He shoves Chu Li Xiang to the ground and put his hands behind his back.


    "Lu Tian is not someone you or I can cross. He is a man of great capabilities, if not, he would have been dead long ago."


    A long sigh escapes his lips and he continues his words.


    "He also knows that it was you who sent those people after his wife."


    He looks at his brother with disgust and turns away.


    "You should stop your useless ns. If you make another mistake, I really won¡¯t be able to save you."


    Chu Qian did not give the man another look. He walks out of the room but stops at the door.


    "I¡¯m warning you, Li Xiang. Stop all your fucken wrong doings. Cross the wrong line again and it won¡¯t only be Lu Tian you have to deal with, but fate too."


    No intentions of waiting for a response, Chu Qiang walks out of the room.


    Standing outside by the door, Julia stood on one side, while Guan Li on the other.


    Chu Qiang looks at the woman and another wave of disgust sh in his eyes.


    "Julia, if you really love him, you should know what is best for him."


    His words finish and he walks up the stairs to leave this ce. He has long known that Julia who is his right-hand woman has been seeing Chu Li Xiang. Even after all these years, he did not get in between them, but who would have thought them to be so careless.


    At the same time, Guan Li wanted to say something to Julia, but decides not to. He turns away and quickly follows his boss.


    Inside the room, Chu Li Xiang remained seated on the ground. Heughs in remembrance of the humiliation he received from Chu Qiang. His breathing turn rapid and he res at the door as if looking at the middle age man.


    "It¡¯s not me who should be scared. It¡¯s you and Lu Tian who should be scared."


    He looks away and helps himself up from the ground. Thinking of Chu Qiang¡¯sst words, he scoff augh.


    "Fate? My fate is mine to decide. We¡¯ll see who has a better fate."


    His hand lift to wipe away the blood that smeared on his face.


    "Julia!"


    Hearing her name, Julia quickly enters the room. When she saw the blood on Chu Li Xiang¡¯s face, her eyes shook. She runs to him and worriedly ask.


    "Are you alright? Does it hurt?"


    Chu Li Xiang push her hands away from touching him. He walks over to his desk and sits down.


    "Is everything ready?"


    "T-That...."


    Julia bit her lower lip in hesitation. However, looking at the man she loves, she decides to ignore the man who saved her.


    "Everything is ready."


    A cunning sneer curl on the man¡¯s lip. He had sent men to kidnap Lu Tian¡¯s wife, but not a single person returned. After, his subordinates said Chu Qiang returned to Imperial and was paying him a visit.


    Connecting the dots, everything came together. However, this is only the start.

 Chapter 326 have to redo i

    The days passes by smoothly without any drama and the long-awaited fashion show finally arrive. In the early morning, while others are preparing for their day, some are in a hurry.


    On the most important day for every designer, An Qing was packed with all the employees. The fashion show will take ce in the evening, but that still does not mean anyone can rx. Between the time given now until the show, any wrong move and An Qing can kiss first ce goodbye.


    Inside the main design room, the employees ran and gather everything that is needed for the final touches of each designs. While the employees and design team continue their work, a woman wearing sunsses enters the chaotic room.


    The white newsboy cap on top of her head frames her head shape. She wore a tight ck dress with a pink fur coat over. Wrapping her legs in warmth was a pair of white thigh-high boots.


    Seeing her figure entering, everyone inside the room quickly stops what they are doing. Turning in her direction, they bow forward in respect.


    "Good morning, CEO Chen."


    Chen Limei removes her sunsses and smiles to her hard-working employees. She waves her hand in gesture for them to stand up and walks towards the rows of finished designs that are hanging on a z-rack.


    "Is everything well prepared?"


    A woman from the design team takes a step forward and gently smiles with a reply.


    "CEO Chen, everything is well prepared. We are adding the finishing touches before having each design transfer to the fashion show."


    Chen Limei nod her head in understanding. She takes a step forward and stretch her arm to one of the designs. Gently grabbing hold of a dress, she slightly pulls it out to look.


    The sequences on the dress glisten in sparkle as the light in the room shines over it. It was majestic and breath taking like actual diamonds.


    Her smile widens with proudness and gently put the dress back in ce. She did not think these designs would turn out better than the blueprints she received.


    No one will ever know that the designs were giarized from the information Ming Yue sent her.


    She turns away from the rack of clothes and looks at her employees. Her entire aura gave the feeling of a true hardworking CEO and someone worth respecting.


    "I want everything properly handle with extra care. Today is a very important day and we must win first ce. Mistakes are not tolerated. If anyone does make a mistake, don¡¯t bothering back to work."


    "Yes, CEO Chen."


    Everyone slightly bends forward at the same time and answers her in understanding. No one dares to make a mistake. From what they can recall, thest person who made a mistake was stripped from all eligibility to work in the fashion industry, let alone even find an ordinary job.


    Chen Limei turns away and walks out of the room. She does not need someone who will bring mistakes to An Qing. Her dream have yet to start, so how can she let An Qing fall.


    Stepping out of the room, she pause in her steps and signal with a finger to her assistant behind her.


    "How are things over there?"


    A woman wearing a ck dress suit takes a step forward. Her head slightly lower with no intentions of looking at Chen Limei.


    "In response to CEO Chen, it appears that side is not looking so good. Miss Ming also informed that she does not know who the opening model is. However, from observations, it appears to be someone new to the modeling industry."


    Hearing this, Chen Limei furrow her brows. If Ming Yue does not know who the model is, then there¡¯s no way she will too. However, that also means that the model is no one important.


    Then again, that still doesn¡¯t change anything. Han Yue Ling is a well-known model, even if she has retired from the modeling world, she can still be requested to participate in the event without a contract.


    Thinking this, she looks ahead and gesture to her assistant.


    "Contact Ning Mei. Tell her to wear the dress I sent and to look her best when arriving at the event¡¯s opening entrance."


    "Yes, CEO Chen."


    Chen Limei ce her sunsses back on and head to her office. There¡¯s still a few hours until the big event, but she still needs to get her makeup and hair done.


    Entering her office, she sits down behind her desk. Looking down at the only folder on top of her desk, she picks it up and flips through the pages.


    This folder contains the information Ming Yue sent about De L¡¯amour. As the secretary there, she knows the ins and outs of things happening.


    However, from each report reported, there¡¯s no confirmation on who the actual designer of De L¡¯amour is.


    Like her, who was put in the CEO seat of An Qing, Han Yue Ling who left the modeling industry was put in De L¡¯amour¡¯s CEO seat.


    It¡¯s normal that there is someone pulling the strings in the dark, but who is it?


    Quickly reaching a dead end, Chen Limei close the folder and toss it back on her desk. Her eyes res at the closed folder as if killing it withser beam.


    Whoever is pulling the strings, she will get to the bottom of itter. However, she will do whatever it takes to win first ce at tonight¡¯s event. She will not let a puny De L¡¯amour continue to be the brand that carries An Qing to the top. Her goal is to make An Qing its own brand and ruin De L¡¯amour.


    While An Qing turn into their own mess in preparations for the fashion show, De L¡¯amour was no different. However, instead of having all the employeese in for work, Yue Ling only requested that the ones partaking in the event toe to work.


    As themotion inside the design room continue, Ming Yue stood outside the tightly shut door. She leans against the door to listen to anything important.


    "Oh my God! Where is the hat for this design?"


    "Where are the shoes for these two designs?"


    "Jewelry! I need the jewelries! Hurry!"


    "Oh no, this dress has a stain! What are we going to do?!"


    Hearing the voices yelling in panic from inside and the sound of chaotic footsteps all over the ce, Ming Yue¡¯s eyes lit up brightly. She moves away from the door and quietly runs to a hidden corner to send a report to Chen Limei.

 Chapter 327 oh, help us!

    Inside the design room of De L¡¯amour, everything was really in a horrible mess. Scraps of fabrics are thrown on the floor with sketch designs. Shoes are missing another pair and broken pieces of jewelries are scattered everywhere. However, unlike Ming Yue¡¯s imagination, the people inside were utmost rxed. Each person did not have an ounce of panic on their expressions.


    "Oh, help us! The designs are all a mess!"


    Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure like a lolita stomps back and forth in the room while tossing scraps of fabrics onto the floor. Her expression smiling with happiness making her look like a flower girl at a wedding.


    Laying on a long table, the twins, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zongmin continuously tap on the table to make more chaotic sounds as they toss sketches on the floor.


    "Hurry, we need to finish, or everything is ruin!"


    "No! This design is not good! This one is just as bad! No! What do we do?"


    Their words and tone of voice are full of panic and worry, but their expressions were as if they were enjoying their time at the beach on a sunny day.


    On the other side of the room, Tang Zhonghui sat on an office chair and slides himself in every direction. He nears the wall and kicks his feet to slide backwards. In the process, he knocks a mannequin onto the floor. He clutch his chest with one hand and stretch out the other to the mannequin like a man who is pulled away from his lover.


    "Noo¡ª! I dropped thest piece of the design!!"


    Unlike the four people causing a scene, Qi Li, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan stayed near the windows of the room.


    Qi Li calmly leaned against the window with his arms folded over his chest. Behind his sses, his eyes remain closed and he mutes the noise in the room.


    A few feet away from him, Lian Ni Shang sat on a stool. Her usual straight face stares dumbfoundedly at the four people making extremely loud noises. She looks at Qi Li and pout her lips. However, deciding not to ask him, she looks at the man sitting next to her.


    "Shan Sinan, are we really going to let them continue like this? Isn¡¯t it a little to.... extravagant?"


    The always quiet Shan Sinan was just as dumbfounded as Lian Ni Shan. Hearing her questions, he furrow his brows in thoughts then shrug his shoulders with a sigh.


    "Boss said to make a scene, so they¡¯re only following orders."


    "....."


    Lian Ni Shang did not know whether tough or cry. She looks at the man for a long minute then back to the four people destroying the ce. Thinking of something, she could only sigh aloud.


    "I guess you¡¯re right."


    Yue Ling had specifically ordered them to make it look like a mess. That way, the stupid secretary out there will think that everything inside is not going so well.


    However, looking at the four people, she felt it rather strange. Like a bunch of monkeys at the zoo, they are actually enjoying themselves in the fun.


    Qi Li who had not moved or said a word, slowly open his eyes. He unfolded his arms and straighten his posture in ease.


    "She¡¯s here."


    Just as he spoke his words, the door handle turns, and the door is push open. Themotion inside abruptly stops and no one moves.


    Yue Ling walks inside the room with Liu Shan quickly following behind after her. When they saw the mess inside, both boss and assistant were at a loss for words.


    Liu Shan ps his palm on his forehead. He close his eyes to steady himself and sigh.


    "Really? You four had to go and destroy the ce?"


    Twins, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin quickly sat up and jumps down from the table. Both men lower their head, but their expressions looked like someone who has been wronged.


    "It¡¯s notpletely destroyed...."


    Tang Zhonghui looks at the pitiful twins. Knowing that Liu Shan will yell at him next, he does not stand up from the chair, but slowly slide himself to hide behind a rack full of clothes.


    On the other hand, Ju Suo pout her lips in annoyance at Liu Shan. She leisurely toss the rest of the scraps of fabrics in her hand onto the floor.


    "Assistant Liu, we were only doing what we were ordered to do."


    Hearing the petite woman¡¯s words full of confidence, Liu Shan snorts a scoff at her. His palm on his forehead moves to hold his waist as his other hand lock on the tiny woman with his index finger pointing to her.


    "Little woman, I can see that, but that didn¡¯t mean for you four to sabotage the ce."


    "It¡¯s alright, Liu Shan."


    Before a fight was to break out between the assistant and tiny fashion forecaster, Yue Ling¡¯s calm voice cuts in. She looks at the members of her design team then Liu Shan. Without saying another word, she lightly gesture with her head to the door.


    Seeing this, no one moved, but all eight pairs of eyes nce in the direction their boss had pointed.


    The door to the room was left opened and they can see the top of Ming Yue¡¯s head hiding behind a pot of nt. They knew it was her because other than Yue Ling, Liu Shan and the design teaming in for work, Ming Yue was the only other person.


    "Disgusting."


    Liu Shan mumbles quietly with his face scrunch in disgust. He walks to the door and without a care for the woman¡¯s feelings, he ms the door shut.


    Outside of the room, Ming Yue jumped at the loud sound of the door closing, but she was quickly beams with joy. When Yue Ling and Liu Shan arrived, she had secretly followed them. The moment the door opened, she was able to see the mess inside. She didn¡¯t hesitate to snap a photo to send to Chen Limei.


    Hearing the door m shut, she could already guess that things weren¡¯t looking so good inside. Straightening herself from hiding, she flicks her hair back with a face full of arrogance.


    After today, none of those people can look down on her again.

 Chapter 328 different lis

    After Liu Shan mmed the door shut, the design room inside De L¡¯amour instantly quiets down. Yue Ling leisurely walks over to a chair and sits down.


    Seeing her do so, everyone else follows pursuit. Except for Qi Li, who did not move from his position by the window.


    Yue Ling nce at the people in the room one by one. The calmness in her expression changes into seriousness.


    "Tonight¡¯s fashion show will not be like the past ones we¡¯ve participated. As you all know, Chen Limei ns to sabotage us by recreating our designs and Chu Li Xiang is making a move in the dark."


    She looks at the faces of her most loyal and trustworthy subordinates again.


    The other day when Liu Shan showed her and Lu Tian what he found, she had him forward everything to the members. She wanted everyone to well be prepared and in full alert.


    Chu Li Xiang is indeed a sneaky man, so they cannot anticipate Lu Tian¡¯s team to finish the job alone. Even if the show starts, they still need to stay alert, whether if it¡¯s the outside or inside.


    Hearing her words, the members of the design team turned serious. When they found out their boss was targeted, they wanted to go and kill the man. However, she didn¡¯t allow them. She said to let the mane to them since he is seeking death.


    Yue Ling nce at the wall clock in the room and continues to tell them the change of n. She left no details out as Liu Shan fills in the gaps every here and there.


    In the end, when she finished what she had to say, she stood up to leave. However, she pauses in her steps and looks back at everyone again.


    "Remember, Qi Li and Tang Zhong Hui, you two are transporting the designs from Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop. Lian Ni Shang, Shan Sinan and Gui Tian Lan, you three are transporting the designs here."


    Saying this, she looks at the petite Ju Suo and stylish Gui Zhongmin.


    "You two are escorting our opening model. Make sure nothing goes wrong."


    Being reminded of their task, the first five people nod their heads in understanding. However, unlike them, Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin felt otherwise.


    Ju Suo wipes her eyes with no tears and bit her lower lip.


    "Boss... I love you the most, but do I have to? Can¡¯t I switch ces with someone else?"


    Gui Zhongmin also wanted to cry butck the tears to shed. He thought back to his encounter with this person and he could only shiver. Why is his luck so bad?


    "Boss, will he really allow us to escort him? I mean, he¡¯s got a really bad temper... Can¡¯t you have mercy on Ju Suo and me?"


    Yue Ling looks at the duo. One short and the other tall. She knows why they don¡¯t like this task, but who else can she depend other than them? Thinking of something, she smiles reassuringly to them.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I will talk to him. I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t give you both a hard time."


    Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin were reluctant to agree, but seeing her expression, they could only nod their heads in understanding.


    Coming to an agreement with her, Yue Ling looks at each person again. She couldn¡¯t help but a sigh a smile like a proud mother watching her hard-working children.


    "Whether we win first ce or not, that is not important to me. I am thankful to have you all as part of my design team and family. Your efforts put into each design makes me proud and shows that you all are your own winner. I hope you all be careful and take care of yourself tonight."


    From her words, everyone¡¯s eyes tear up, except for the carefree Liu Shan and calm Qi Li. However, they all had one thought, motivation.


    "Liu Shan will fill you all in on the rest of tonight¡¯s n. After, everyone may leave to rest for the afternoon. I will see you all at tonight¡¯s event."


    Yue Ling spoke with a smile and bids them goodbye as she leaves the messy design room.


    As her figure exits the room, Qi Li who had been quiet the entire time finally moves from his position. He walks over to Liu Shan with a stern expression.


    "Is it really true? Did Chu Li Xiang really sent his men to harm her?"


    His sudden question caught the attention of the others. Each person turn to look at the assistant for an answer. Even they could not believe such thing happened.


    Looking at the seven people in the room, Liu Shan could only sigh aloud.


    "It¡¯s really true. I wasn¡¯t there, but Lin Hui and Lu Tian¡¯s assistant, Xu Long were there."


    His eyes darken at the thought of his in danger. Not only did those people not care about harming her, they didn¡¯t even stop to consider the child inside her.


    "Tonight, they n to attack again, but this time, it will be more dangerous. Before, during or after, we can¡¯t let them make a move to sabotage boss¡¯s dream. Lu Tian has ordered his team to secure the surrounding premises. Anyone suspicious will be taken out right away. However, as the Alpha Team of Yue Ling, you guys will be participating in the event. In that case, you all must keep watch inside."


    As Liu Shan finish his words, Shan Sinan furrow his brows in thought. He looks at the assistant and spoke to confirm his curiosity.


    "You¡¯re referring to Lu Tian¡¯s Wolf Team? THAT team?"


    Mentioning the team¡¯s name, everyone eyes widen in surprise. They look at Liu Shan for another confirmation. From what they know, Wolf Team consists of more members than Alpha Team, but despite the number difference, the way they handle missions are simr.


    They are well trained and everything they do is precise. Give them a task and they willplete it at all cost even if it means they won¡¯t be returning home.


    However, if it¡¯s Wolf Team, then that means this will be their first time working alongside them.


    Liu Shan looks at they many eyes staring at him. He felt rather ufortable to be stared at by so many people, but he answers them truthfully.


    "Yes, THAT Wolf Team."


    He takes his phone out and unlocks the screen. Pressing a button, he looks at everyone.


    *Beep beep beep*


    In that exact moment, the phones of all seven people sounds into the room. Each person quickly takes their phone out to check what was sent to them.


    To their surprise, it was a list of names and photos of the person.


    Seeing their expressions, Liu Shan does not react. Instead he goes on and exins.


    "What I have sent are two different lists. The first list contains every member of Wolf Team, the other contains Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men. As of now, names are not important, but make sure you do your best to mesmerize each face."


    He puts his phone in his pocket and his words continue.


    "You must be able to differentiate between who is friend and who is foe."

 Chapter 329 ideal husband

    As the afternoon quickly came, the members of De L¡¯amour¡¯s design team were finally able to memorize the faces and names in the list Liu Shan sent. If it were normal people, this task would have taken days or even months, but for them, this was an easy task.


    As under covers, familiarizing faces was part of their training.


    Liu Shan stood up from his seat and walks toward the door. His task here is done and he needs to meet with Xu Long and Lin Hui to discuss some other things.


    "Wait!"


    From behind, Ju Suo¡¯s childlike voice calls out to the man. She runs after him with her short legs and stretch her arm out. Phone in hand, she points to a certain person from the list with flush cheeks.


    "Will he be there tonight too?"


    "..."


    Liu Shan was dumbfounded, but he nce down at the petite woman, then the photo on her phone. He pout his lip and ponder in thoughts before giving her an answer.


    "Him? He should be there, unless Lu Tian sent him on a different mission."


    Ju Suo pout her lips when she heard his words. She sighs and lower her hand holding the phone. She really wants to meet him, but....


    "I guess I¡¯ll only know if I see him tonight..."


    Looking at the sad little woman, Liu Shan smiles in pity. He lift his hand and pat her on the head.


    "You never know, he might really be there."


    He did not wait for a response and turns to leave. He also did not look at the expression on the others.


    Ju Suo lift her hand and looks at the photo of a man on her phone. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh again at the thought of possibly meeting him.


    *Swooosh¡ª*


    "Wow! So, this is who you admire?"


    Suddenly, her phone was snatched from her hands by someone. She turn her head to the culprit with eyes ring with daggers. In a sh, she snatches her phone back.


    "Gui Tian Lan, you better behave or I¡¯ll pierce you with your own needles."


    The culprit, Gui Tian Lan snorts at the tiny woman. He sits on top of the table andzily wave his hand at her.


    "My needles? Hah! In your¡ª"


    *Swoosh*


    Before he could say the word ¡¯dreams¡¯, a silver line shes at him, but he swiftly catches it in time. His hand raise and between his index and middle finger, he observes the weapon with narrow eyes.


    He nods his head and smiles.


    "Wow, for someone with short legs, you have the guts to attack me with my own ¡¯Swift Needles¡¯."


    Ju Suo continues to re at the man. She held her phone like it was the most precious item to her, but when she heard his mocking words, her face redden.


    "So, what if I have short legs? My short legs can destroy your family¡¯s treasure!"


    "...."


    Gui Tian Lan did not expect the petite woman to use such words toward him. He quickly covers his family¡¯s treasure and res at her. Judging by her height and temper, if she wanted to, she would seed in doing so.


    Standing behind the table Gui Tian Lan was sitting, Lian Ni Shang was at a loss for words.


    When the tailor, Gui Tian Lan snatched the phone, she was not being noisy, but subconsiously able to catch a glimpse of the photo. Upon seeing the person, she didn¡¯t know how to think.


    She looks at the petite woman who dresses simr to a Lolita and recalls the man in the photo.


    Base on the information Liu Shan sent, this man is very tall and bulky. If you put Ju Suo who is 146 centimeters next to the man, she probably reach his waist only.


    Wouldn¡¯t that mean she will be crush by this man?


    Thinking this, Lian Ni Shangughs inside. How could she think such thing? Ju Suo is indeed a very small woman, but she¡¯s probably the one who will crush the man.


    Seeing the straight face woman lost in a daze, Ju Suo ce both her hands on her hips.


    "Ni Shang, I know what you¡¯re thinking, so stop. He¡¯s my ideal husband and I n to make him fall for me at first nce."


    "....."


    Oblivious to the things happening inside the design room, Yue Ling walked out of the restroom. After leaving her subordinates, she felt nauseas and had to spend a little time in thedy¡¯s room. However, just as the sensation finally left her, she had to see her secretary on the way to her office.


    Ming Yue had her head down as she was in the middle of sending a message. She did not see Yue Ling approach her desk until she subconsciously looks up to see if anyone wasing.


    "Ah! Miss Han!"


    She gasp with eyes full of surprise and shoves her phone inside her pocket. Quickly standing up, she force a smile.


    "Can I assist you with anything?"


    Yue Ling looks at the woman without saying a word. She shook her head with a sigh and walks to her office. Ming Yue can be considered as a pretty woman, but her personality does not match her looks.


    "Go home and rest. There¡¯s nothing else to do for the day. I will see you at tonight¡¯s event."


    Ming Yue smiles like an understanding secretary. However, the moment Yue Ling entered her office, she scoffs in disgust. She flicks her hair back and stood up.


    For someone who is going to be humiliated tonight, she will allow Yue Ling to keep up the act of someone high and mighty.


    She puts on her coat and reach for her bag. Since she is the secretary, she will need to look her best for tonight. After all, once this is over, she is going to be the new CEO of De L¡¯amour.


    Of course, Ming Yue would ever imagine that her easy life is all because Yue Ling has been patient with her. If not, she would have been a dead woman a long time ago.

 Chapter 330 at your command

    Inside her office, Yue Ling decides to ignore her obvious secretary. Walking to her desk, her eyes catches a glimpse of three white boxes set on top of the table.


    She furrow her brows and walks over to them. She had only arrived earlier, so who could have put these here?


    Taking a seat on one of the white couches, she observes the three boxes. Each box had the same silky white ribbon wrapping it securely, but they were all in different sizes.


    Reaching for the smallest box, she realized it was not the same as the other two. She felt the suede outer appearance of it and a faint smile curl on her lip. This is indeed a jewelry box.


    Lifting the lid up, the sparkle inside took her by surprise. It was a dainty twoyer ne. The firstyer wraps around in tiny rows of diamonds as the secondyer chains slightly down in gold with only one shiny diamond pendant.


    The ne was very simple, but one look and she can tell that it is a very expensive ne.


    Her fingers gently trace over the ne as her smile softens. She gently set the jewelry box down and reach for the second biggest box. She undid the silky ribbon and removes the lid.


    Inside was a pair of strapped heels in the shade of sand. Again, it was very simple, but she couldn¡¯t help but sigh a smile. This pair of heels was part of the first collection she ever designed.


    She takes the heels out and admire each pair like a mother who is finally reunited with her long-lost child. It¡¯s been such a very long time since she¡¯s seen anything from her first collection.


    Now she can¡¯t help but be curious as to who this mysterious sender is. Putting the heels back inside the box, she ce it on the table and looks at the biggest box.


    Slowly undoing the ribbon like how she did the other two, she removes the lid.


    Layers of gold tissue paper flutter out as it hides away the gift inside. However, under threeyers, she sees a ck envelope.


    Picking it up, she opens the envelope and reads the card inside.


    My dearest love,


    I hope you shine as brightly as the stars tonight.


    -Lu Tian


    Reading the short message on the card, Yue Ling smiles a chuckle. She sets the card down and moves the gold tissue papers to unravel thest gift.


    *Ring Ring*


    Into her process of admiring thest gift, the sound of her phone rings inside her office. She set the gift down and reach for her phone inside her pocket.


    Seeing the name of the caller, she was taken by surprise. How can the timing be so right? Brushing the thought away, she did not hesitate to answer the call.


    "Tian."


    ["Do you like the gifts?"]


    Hearing the man¡¯s deep voice, Yue Ling nce down at the three boxes opened on the table. She leans back on the couch and part her lips to answer.


    "I¡¯m quite in shock. I never thought you would have such good taste."


    ["You don¡¯t like them? I can have another set sent to you."]


    "No, no. I love the gifts. Thank you."


    Yue Ling quickly protested. She knows that if she had said no, he really would send her another gift. It¡¯s not that didn¡¯t appreciate his gifts, she only did not want him to spend money on her.


    Remembering something, she stood up from the couch and walks over to the floor to ceiling window in her office.


    "Tian, can I ask you to do something for me?"


    ["I am at yourmand."]


    "...."


    Hearing his shameless words, Yue Ling did not know whether tough or cry. She stares out the huge window and decided to smile widely with her straight white teeth.


    "Since you agree, can I ask you to..."


    As she tells him her favor, on the roof top of a tall structure a few buildings away from De L¡¯amour, the dark tip of a snipere to view.


    Through the scope, the image is locked on Yue Ling as she stood in front of the floor to ceiling window. A hand reach out and adjusts the scope to zoom in on her face.


    Behind the sniper, a tall man clothe in ck is positioned like he is going to shoot his target. However, a faint smile curls on his handsome face as he stares into the sniper scope. His dark wool coat slowly flutters with the breeze that passes by.


    After a long minute passes, he reluctantly pulls away and lift his hand to the earpiece to end the call he was in.


    He steps away from the sniper and turn to look at the empty roof. Setting the weapon down, he straightens his coat and the smile he had is rece with seriousness.


    "Wolf Team, formation!"


    Quickly as he spoke, the sound of shuffle and footsteps echoes into the air. Ten members of Wolf Team clothe in ck tactical gears steps out from hiding and lines up in front of him.


    "At your orders, Captain!"


    Lu Tian, who was keeping watch on his wife stares at his men. There were only ten of them, but these are the ten men he ordered to keep watch for any suspicious movements around his wife. He cannot be certain when Chu Li Xiang ns to attack.


    "Keep a clear watch. She is my wife and yourdy boss. Seeing her is like seeing me. Make sure you all protect her. Report anything or anyone suspicious."


    "Roger Captain!"


    The members of Wolf Team quickly answers in understanding with determination written on their faces. There is no possible way they will let harme to theirdy boss.


    Setting his orders, Lu Tian walks away from his post. He hade here to personally keep an eye on his wife and child, also because he misses her. However, now he needs to leave.


    As the ten men were returning to their positions, a member sees Lu Tian leaving. He couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Captain, are you leaving?"


    Lu Tian looks at the man and ponder in thought. After thoroughly thinking, he nonchntly tells the truth.


    "I need topete the task my wife has required."


    "....."


    The ten members of Wolf Team were in utter disbelief. Ten Jaws dropped to ground and no one dare to move as their eyes glued onto their aloof boss.


    Lu Tian turned ignorance towards his men and walks away from the scene. As of now, his number one priority is to do what his wife had specifically asked.

 Chapter 331 mysterious model

    Imperial slowly engulf into darkness as lights sparkle from a pyramid building. The fashion show is held inside the top magazine Beauty hosted by Wu Jing.


    Outside of Beauty, paparazzi surround the premises with their cameras as they wait for the guests attending the event. From past experiences, they know that only the wealthy are invited. However, they mainly came here for one purpose and that is to see if they can finally catch a glimpse of De L¡¯amour¡¯s famous designer.


    As models slowly make their way into Beauty, so did the wealthy. Daughters and sons, husbands and wives, each from highly prestige families exit their cars and head for the event. Each person dressed their best in high end brands from head to toe.


    Camera sh from all angles as the people pose every so often between their steps. Even if the paparazzi did not get what they came here for, as long as they have another article to cover tomorrow¡¯s headline.


    Commerce in their goal, a white Maserati Quattroporte pulls up to the carpet entrance. The rear door opens from outside by an employee of Beauty.


    A slender figure steps out of the car as she makes her way towards Beauty. Following her behind are her two bulky bodyguards.


    She wore a strapless A-line dress with a heart shape cut at the front. Her cleavage light protrude in view, but not too revealing. The color of her dress shade like the morning sky with swirls with details in white.


    Seeing the woman, everyone was in a daze. The paparazzi quickly turn their attention to her and camera sh to capture her fairy like figure.


    "It¡¯s An Qing¡¯s CEO!"


    "Miss Chen! Look this way!"


    "Miss Chen is truly beautiful tonight!"


    Hearing themotion break out, a reporter, allowed to do interviews on set sees Chen Limei. Her eyes lit up and she signals to the cameraman.


    "Good evening, Miss Chen."


    Chen Limei sees the reporter approaching and smiles a nod. She steps forward to meet with the reporter in the middle of the carpet entrance. Before she could pass the woman, the reporter spoke to her.


    "Miss Chen, is it true that An Qing will be showcasing their own designs this year? What about De L¡¯amour?"


    Chen Limei looks at the reporter and smiles widely with chin slightly raised.


    "As the CEO of An Qing, I will not hide anything. I hope to broaden everyone¡¯s view of An Qing tonight. In the future, everything An Qing releases will only be personally designed by An Qing. I hope everyone can continue to support me. As for De L¡¯amour, I have noment."


    The reporter gasp a surprise. However, she knew the meaning behind those words. It can only mean that after tonight, An Qing is going to cut all ties with De L¡¯amour.


    She looks at Chen Limei and wanted to ask more but decides to change the subject.


    "Miss Chen, can we have an inside scoop on who your opening model is? Many are truly curious to know."


    Chen Limei ponder in thoughts as she maintains her elegant smile. Debating whether she should say or not, her eyes suddenly lit up.


    "An Qing¡¯s opening model has finally arrived."


    Hearing her sudden words, the reporter along with the paparazzi turn to the direction Chen Limei was looking.


    Another white Maserati Quattroporte pulls up to the carpet. Camera quickly move away from the CEO towards the vehicle. No one dare to miss the chance to capture this model.


    As the car parks, a figure steps out from the rear seat. Although her looks are inferior to Chen Limei, she was still pleasing to the eyes. Her dark short blond hair is curled into waves with a bright pink lipstick.


    She wore a yellow off the shoulder dress with no details. However, despite the inness of the dress, it still brightens the woman like a sun above.


    "Oh my, it¡¯s Ning Mei!"


    "Ning Mei? Who is that?"


    "She is a C-list model at CNJ Entertainment, but since she¡¯s able to be An Qing¡¯s opening model, she must have great talent!"


    Whispers from the paparazzi quickly surface between those who recognized Ning Mei from her small photo shoots and those who didn¡¯t know her.


    Despite knowing her or not, cameras quickly sh without stopping. This is indeed another great headline!


    Pretending not to hear the paparazzi and cameras on her, Ning Mei walks over to Chen Limei and the reporter. However, she was beaming with joy inside at the attention given to her. Ever since she became a model, not once did she receive a scene like this.


    Stopping her steps next to Chen Limei, she smiles a polite nod to each woman.


    The reporter eyes Ning Mei from head to toe. A bright smile curls on her lips as she speaks her next words.


    "Miss Chen, is Ning Mei the mysterious model for An Qing?"


    Chen Limei kept her elegance and gently lock her arm with Ning Mei. Her simple gesture made it seem like they were close acquaintances.


    "Yes, Ning Mei is the opening model personally chosen by An Qing. Her capabilities are outstanding and phenomenal. I guarantee that she will not let everyone down."


    Hearing such words of praise, Ning Mei felt even more happier. Even if this was all for show, she will not put it to waste. She gently touch Chen Limei¡¯s hand around her arm and a lovely chuckle escapes her lip.


    "Since CEO Chen has praise me, I will definitely make sure to put on a fabulous show for everyone tonight."


    As their conversation continues with the reporter, a ck Maybach Exelero slowly pulls up to the carpet entrance.


    Seeing the luxury car, all the paparazzi quickly divert their attention to this new vehicle.


    From the logo engraved outside of the car, they knew who exactly this person is. Everyone¡¯s eyes lit up with firework in the night sky and voices surfaces from all directions.


    "Oh my goodness! I cannot believe this! This is truly a surprise!"


    "This is definitely going to make the headlines tomorrow!"


    "No one has seen her for a long time, I did not expect to see her attend tonight¡¯s event!"

 Chapter 332 our full suppor

    The ck Maybach Exeleroes to a slow stop and no one dare to make another sound but wait for the person toe out of the car.


    An employee of Beauty who awaits the guests quickly approach the rear and opens door.


    As the door open, a middle-aged woman steps out of the car. Her movements were full of grace and she knew how to carry herself.


    She wore a long dark midnight dress that sparkle like the night sky. Her hair styled in a low bun that appreciated her features. A warm white shaw wraps around her arms to keep her warm from the breeze.


    As the woman stepped out of the vehicle she turns back to the car as if waiting for someone.


    In that moment, another figure slowly steps out of the same car. Unlike the middle-aged woman, this figure looked younger.


    Their features were simr to one another, but not enough to address them as mother and daughter.


    This young woman wore a matching dark midnight dress, but without the sparkles of glitter. It was more different and younger style. The long sleeve wraps around her arms as her shoulder and corbonees to view due to the off-the-shoulder style. Her curves were shown as the dress wraps her warmly into the shape of a mermaid.


    Despite her short pixi haircut, she still looked stunning with neutral makeup applied on her and a light tint to her lips.


    She wraps her arm around the middle-aged woman¡¯s arm and both individuals cast a smile to one another like everyone else did not matter.


    "It¡¯s Madam Lu and her niece, Zhao Ya¡¯Er."


    "They are so beautiful. If I did not know, I would have thought them to be sisters!"


    Like every other famous event, cameras quickly sh into action to captures the aunty and niece duo. Although Chen Li and Ning Mei held a good headline at first, it was notparable to Madam Lu¡¯s figure in Imperial.


    However, neither aunt nor niece cared for the attention and continues to walk toward Beauty.


    The reporter who once had her attention on Chen Limei and Ning Mei walks over to Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er as the cameraman follows in pursuit.


    "Madam Lu, you look absolute stunning! If you do not mind, may I ask what brings you out to tonight¡¯s event?"


    The reporter spoke with a smile. She cannot believe that she is meeting the famous Madam Lu again. It should be noted that Madam Lu is a prestige figure in Imperial, but there are only little events that are able to bring the woman out for the world to see.


    Madam Lu pause in her steps hearing the questions. She looks at the reporter and smiles.


    "I am only here tonight as my dear niece¡¯s guest."


    Standing next to her aunt, Zhao Ya¡¯Er gently tug at the woman¡¯s arm like a spoilt daughter. She chuckles and part her lips to speak.


    "My aunt and I are here to support a very good friend of mine."


    Hearing this, the reporter was taken by surprise. She looks at the happy woman then turn to look at Ning Mei. From the resources they¡¯ve been collecting, Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Ning Mei are associated within the same circle. It¡¯s no wonder the woman is here with her aunt.


    Ning Mei who had not entered the building was just as surprised. Her eyes lit up at the thought of everything going so well for her tonight. First, it was Chen Limei and now, Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    Of course, that happiness did notst long, because it was quickly destroyed by Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    "I¡¯m sure you all know of my good friend, Han Yue Ling. She will be attending tonight¡¯s event, so my aunt and I are here to give her our full support."


    Saying this, she ushers Madam Lu for them to head inside since the night sky was picking up and it is not good for her aunt¡¯s health.


    Madam Lu smiles apologetically to the reporter and allows Zhao Ya¡¯Er to guide her towards the entrance. However, passing each person, her eyes sneakily scan for a person. She obviously had her own personal reasons foring here tonight.


    As the old and young woman made their way, the crowd behind gasp with wide open mouths.


    "Will Han Yue Ling really be here?"


    "No one has been able to locate the model since herst photoshoot with Beauty."


    "Good gracious, is she here to attend the show or is she participating as a model? How will that affect An Qing?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er grins ear to ear as she walks towards Beauty. The other day, Yue Ling had sent her an invitation to attend the fashion show and it was a seat in the front. How could she possibly decline such invitation from her best friend? Of course, she also had to stir up the crowd a little since she isn¡¯t fond of the arrogrant Chen Limei and scheming Ning Mei.


    Watching Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er walk pass, Ning Mei¡¯s expression darken like the bottom of a wok. Her fists clench tightly as she tries to maintain her innocent and pure look.


    For the past few days, she had not been able to see Ji Chu Hua or Xie Na. She doesn¡¯t even know if either woman will be attending the fashion show to support her.


    When she saw Zhao Ya¡¯Er with Madam Lu, she was even happier. They may not be close, but they had mutual friends in the same social circle. However, she could not believe that Zhao Ya¡¯Er was not here to support her, but Han Yue Ling!


    Chen Limei nce at the shorter woman next to her. She lightly scoff and shoves her arm away.


    "Wipe that look off your face or others will see."


    Without waiting for a response, Chen Limei heads inside Beauty with her two bodyguards following behind. As of now, she has more important things to worry about other than Ning Mei¡¯s jealousy. Han Yue Ling is a model above all, she needs to find out if the supermodel is here for the show or participating.


    Watching the arrogant woman leave her alone, Ning Mei click her tongue. She quickly stomps after Chen Limei with her heels cking loudly behind.

 Chapter 333 Angel

    As all the guest continue their way inside Beauty, the paparazzi slowly clears from the premises. Due to Beauty¡¯s strictness as the top magazine in Imperial, the media is limited to ess inside. Thus, those who cannot enter can only leave and return when it ends to capture more images.


    "Miss Zhao said she is here to support Han Yue Ling, but I did not see her. Did she by chance snuck through the guests?"


    "No, it seems like Han Yue Ling is not attending the fashion show."


    "Haa- What a pity. Her appearance would have made the perfect headlines tomorrow."


    As the paparazzi leave their position, they confirmed that all the guests should have already arrived. However, as the carpet cleared of any person, no one heard the sound of an engine approaching.


    It wasn¡¯t one, but two ck Bentley Mulsanne perfectly parked in front of the carpet entrance.


    The passenger door to the first Bentley is pushes open and a young man steps out of the luxury car. He looks to be in his twenties as the ck suit he wore made him look like the son of a noble family. However, the only thing that made one know he is actually a bodyguard is the earpiece he wore as the spiral wire attaches to the cor of his suit jacket.


    Closing the passenger door, the young man opens the rear door. His movements were without pause like he had done this many times.


    When the door opened, an old man in his prime steps out from the backseat. He held a stern expression with natural crease between his brows.


    Clothe in a traditional white changshan, he held one hand behind his back and the other on the handle of a shiny gold cane that shapes like a bamboo stick.


    In the distance, two men working under Beauty stood at the door to the building. When their eyesnded on the old man, both jaws drops to the floor in surprise.


    "It¡¯s General Ji."


    The same time the door was opened of the old man, the passenger door to the second Bentley also opens.


    Another young man steps out from the passenger seat. However, unlike the first one, he appears older and more sophisticated.


    Unlike the young man in a suit from grandfather Ji¡¯s car, this man wore a white turtleneck sweater with an open burgundy zer over. On the bottom, he wore ck slim trousers and a pair of congac oxfords. Toplete his outfit is a gold chain ne in ce of the tie.


    His shoulders rolled forward as if to ease any rough knots on his body. Then he lifts a hand to flip his hair back in slow motion. Doing so, he buttons his zer with one hand as the other reach to open the rear door.


    "...."


    Grandfather Ji and the young man stares at the man with heavy eyelids. Neither can exin the feeling they were feeling at this moment. What kind of grand entrance is he thinking of?


    Oblivious to them the man stretch a hand into the backseat to help the person out of the luxury car.


    A delicate hand reach out to hold the man¡¯s hand. As the figure descends out of the car, the man sighs in admiration. He ce his other hand over the hand on his and smiles.


    "Boss, you are an angel tonight."


    "Ahem!"


    Grandfather Ji clears his throat as he walks over to the angel. The gold cane in his hand taps away the man¡¯s hand and he arch his arm out for the angel to hold.


    "My granddaughter has always been an angel."


    "...."


    Now it was Liu Shan¡¯s turn to stare at the old man with heavy eyelids. How dare he steal his line! Ignoring the old man, he looks at his boss like a proud father. If she had wings, she would definitely be mistaken as an angel.


    Due to the cold weather and her pregnancy, Yue Ling wore a long and cozy white cape over her dress. The cape covered her entire being except for her head.


    Yue Ling held her yeye¡¯s arm and nce at the young man. A smile curls on her lip as she spoke to him.


    "Ting, please keep my yeye in your eyes."


    Standing quietly at the side, Ting looks at his savior and smiles.


    "I will guard him with my life."


    Looking at how much he has changed since he lost his parents, Yue Ling felt happy for him. What people don¡¯t ever tell you is that the hardest part about losing someone you love is letting go.


    She looks at her yeye and smiles to the old man.


    "Shall we go inside?"


    "Hahah. Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re probably thest ones to show up."


    Walking hand in hand towards Beauty, Liu Shan and Ting follows closely behind. However, Ting couldn¡¯t help but wonder why there seems to no guests. Did the event end already?


    Walking shoulder to shoulder with the young man, Liu Shan paid no attention to the empty area.


    Ever since he¡¯s known Yue Ling, he knows how his boss and the general like to do things. They attend events like everyone else, but neither cares for the attention. They wait for all the guests to arrive and paparazzi to leave then they make their entrance.


    Into his thoughts, they were already inside Beauty. Seeing how the ce is set up, his eyes lit up as he inhales a mouthful of air.


    As the structure of Beauty shaped like pyramid, all the windows are decorated in rows of lights from the ground to the peak. The center ceiling is kept open for the people to see the sky outside as a crystal chandelier drops down.


    The entire ce looked magical as if one had step into outer space to enjoy the gxy.


    "Haa¡ª It¡¯s Han Yue Ling."


    "Look! She came here with General Ji!"


    As the supermodel enters the building the infamous General, the two individuals quickly caught the attention of everyone inside.


    Never would they thought to see this at all.


    Grandfather Ji paid no attention to the others and proceed to guide his granddaughter inside the crowded ce.


    "Ah, boss! Wait a moment."


    From behind, Liu Shan quickly calls out to her. He takes a step forward and carefully removes the white cape covering her.


    The moment the cape is removed, the guests all gasp in amazement and surprise. Their attention was fully on Yue Ling like she was the host of the event.


    "She¡¯s so beautiful like an angel."


    "It¡¯s as if a star in the night sky had turned itself into a person and wonder the earth."

 Chapter 334 His new mistress

    Her hair is styled in a loose fishtail braid down her back as loose strands of hair frame her face in the front to match her neutral makeup and crimson red full lips. Around her neck is a simple dainty diamond ne that coordinates well with her long neck.


    She wore a long sleeve dress made by the finest champagne fabric as it sparkles with each step she took. The scattered of gold glitters on the dress shines brightly when the light reflects upon it as if they were diamonds in the sky.


    The front of the dress tightly oveps into a v-shape at the chest down to the waist but does not expose her. The back part of the dress reveals her fair shoulder des and backbone.


    Her slim waist is wrapped nicely at the top as the bottom flows over her feet like a milky waterfall.


    The dress itself looks very formal with a hint of alluring features to the eyes.


    "Indeed, worthy of a supermodel."


    "Even when she is not on the stage, she can still look so graceful."


    Hearing the praises about his granddaughter, grandfather Ji held his chin high with joy and proudness. Times like this, he truly wishes he could spend it with those who are no longer here. If they could see the wonderful woman Yue Ling has be, they would be as happy as him.


    Moving shoulder to shoulder with her yeye, Yue Ling muted everyone out. She did not appearst to get anyone¡¯s attention. It was only to avoid the cameras outside since neither she nor her yeye likes it.


    Following behind, Ting casually looks around the ce since this is his first time attending an event like this. Liu Shan on the other hand was different. His assistant aura is now reced with alertness. He cannot be too careless at all. The incident with Doctor Xie is proof that any of these prestige families can be the enemy too.


    "Is Han Yue Ling somehow rted to General Ji?"


    "I don¡¯t think so. This is the first time I¡¯ve seen them together and attend the same event."


    Two women from prestige families whispers to one another in curiosity. One wore a ck dress while the other wore a purple dress.


    To them, seeing two well-known people who are not associated to one another rises their suspicion.


    "She is his new mistress."


    "...."


    Suddenly, a third voice spoke from behind the two women. Their eyes widen with a gasp and turn to the owner of the voice.


    It was a woman with blond curly hair and bright red lips. She wore a very tight red mermaid dress that scoops behind her neck and down. Not only were chest visible to the eyes, even the center part of her stomach is shown.


    One tug and the possibility of herrge chests would pop out into view.


    Eyeing the woman¡¯s outrageously looks, both women furrow their brows.


    This woman¡¯s dress is too revealing, and she looks like every wife¡¯s waking nightmare. The type of woman who would still someone¡¯s husband.


    However, the woman in ck nce at the woman in red and force a polite smile.


    "I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen you before. Who are you?"


    The woman wearing the red mermaid dress slightly jumped at the question. A small change of annoyance can be seen on her face, but she quickly hides it. Her red lips widen in smile.


    "Oh, how impolite of me. I am Qian Li Li."


    "Qian Li Li?"


    Both women mumbled the unfamiliar name at the same time. ncing at one another, both women confirmed that they have never heard of Qian Li Li. However, seeing that she is invited to the fashion show, she must also be from a prestige family.


    The woman in ck stares at Qian Li Li then turn her head in the direction Han Yue Ling went. Her eyes narrow and she looks back at the revealing woman.


    "Miss Qian, about what you said, is it really true?"


    The woman in purple also looks at Qian Li Li for an answer. In high society, gossips are always important, especially when it¡¯s about well-known figures.


    Seeing the curious looks in the two woman, Qian Li Li yfully chuckles.


    "Of course, it is true."


    She leans forward and raise her hand to her mouth to whisper.


    "Everyone knows that she likes to keep a low profile, but only a few knows that after leaving the modeling industry, she became General Ji¡¯s mistress to attain his fortune."


    Both woman gasp in shock. They could not believe such thing has happen in Imperial with only a few people knowing. How is it that they have never heard of such thing before?


    Qian Li Li sneer inside and pretends to look around. Her gesture was as if she was going to tell the deepest and darkest secret.


    "Think about it, he is a infamous figure in Imperial with his positions. Not only is he a general, he is also the chairman of Ji Corps. Why wouldn¡¯t she be his mistress after bing nothing. Once he reaches age and dies, his fortune will be passed to her if not his adopted grandson."


    Both women looks at each other with a hint of doubt. Thinking of what Qian Li Li said, the woman in purple pout her lips.


    "How can she be his mistress? Isn¡¯t it said that General Ji only cares about one woman and that is his deceased wife?"


    Qian Li Li scoffs inside but maintains a polite smile. She straightens her posture and fold her arms under herrge chest.


    "All men are like that no matter how old they are. When a beautiful woman enters their lonely life, how can they possibly turn down such a great offer. Han Yue Ling only has her looks, everything else is meaningless."


    Saying this, she subconsciously sees a figure in the crowd and she smiles with her teeth to both women.


    "Please excuse me, I must take my leave now."


    Without waiting for a response, she walks pass the two women still in shock. She had purposely said those words because she hates Yue Ling with every feeling. Even she was shocked to see the slut attend tonight¡¯s event with the General.


    However, since she already created a rumor, words will definitely travel fast and once those words reach outside, Lu Tian will not want anything to do with that slut again.


    Both women¡¯s eyes followed Qian Li Li¡¯s red figure until she was no long in view. They look at one another and anger rose inside them.


    "I can¡¯t believe this. How dare that evil woman do such a disgusting thing? To think so many has actually looked up to her."


    "Han Yue Ling, this woman is too arrogant. She is only a tiny model and yet, she dares to fancy someone out of her reach."


    As the two women continue tosh out in private about Yue Ling, neither women nor Qian Li Li were aware that their entire conversation from start to end was heard by two figures standing next to them.

 Chapter 335 daughter-in-law

    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s nostrils re and her eyes widen like a mad man in the direction Qian Li Li had walked. If she had note here with her aunt, she would have caused a scene.


    "Disgusting."


    While the niece¡¯s anger risen, she did not notice the middle-aged woman standing next to her.


    Madam Lu¡¯s expression was no different from her niece. However, her attention was not on Qian Li Li but the two women. How dare they speak such words about her daughter-inw?!


    That¡¯s right! Her daughter-inw, Han Yue Ling!


    Although she wanted Lu Tian to meet her good friend, Ji An Ling¡¯s daughter, Mami, she had decided to respect her son and ept the fact that he found a woman of his own liking.


    However, to her surprise, the other day, her friend working at her restaurant Elegancy sent her a photo of her son with a woman. She recognized right away that the young woman was none other than Han Yue Ling.


    From what she knows about the model, she can see that Yue Ling is indeed a good girl and is not someone after fame or wealth. If she was the type, she would have never kept such a low profile or retired from the modeling world when her career was already at its peak.


    She even wanted to pat her son on the back for finding such a magnificent woman, however, she decided to keep quiet and watch behind the scenes.


    Of course, she only came to the fashion show to support her daughter-inw and get a chance to personally meet the young woman.


    However, that is not the point. The point is, these two women are still speaking nonsense about her daughter-inw!


    Oblivious to Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er, the two women continue to whisper to one another.


    "Should we tell the others about this?"


    "Yes. Yes, we should. We cannot have someone of such low standard continue living in Imperial. What if she decides to steal someone else¡¯s husband?"


    "How dare you two speak such nonsense!"


    "...."


    Both women suddenly jumped in fright. Not only them but also Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Three sets of eyes looks at the woman who spoke.


    Madam Lu, who is known for her kindness now has the expression of an evildoer. Her eyes re at the two women like a snake about tosh it¡¯s fangs out and attack.


    "M-Madam Lu..."


    The woman in purple slouch her shoulders in a embarrassment. She did not expect Madam Lu to hear their conversation.


    Madam Lu looks at both women with disgust written on her face.


    "As long as I am here, I do not want to hear another foul word from your mouths or anyone else."


    Whether her words hurt them or not, she did not care. They shouldn¡¯t have said things that shouldn¡¯t be said.


    Standing next to her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er stares at her aunt with a surprise look. Her right hand slowly raise, and she gives the woman a thumbs up with slightly open lips.


    At the same time, the woman in ck pout her lips like someone who has been wronged. Her eyes turn moist and she takes a step forward to exin.


    "Madam Lu, we were not speaking nonsense but the truth. You see, Han Yue Ling has been lying to everyone. She is not a good person. Everyone knows how much General Ji loves his his deceased wife, yet she went and became his mistress."


    "You!"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er raised her voice in rage. She takes a step towards the woman but was pulled back by Madam Lu.


    "Did you see it with your owns eyes?"


    Madam Lu calmly spoke her question with slightly raise brows. However, one can see a hint of superiority in her eyes.


    "I.. I..."


    The woman in ck was tongue tied. She had only heard those rumors from Qian Li Li and had not seen it. Thinking of something, she looks at Madam Lu.


    "I did not see it, but how could she attend tonight¡¯s event with General Ji? Anyone who sees this will¡ª"


    "What about you?"


    Before the woman could finish, Madam Lu cuts her off without a care. She takes two steps forward and stood one foot away from the woman. Chin raise and eyes staring down at the woman.


    "You im Han Yue Ling came here with General Ji but did you see them get out from the same car?"


    She eyes the woman from head to toe then back to her face. A smile curl on her lips.


    "If I¡¯m not mistaken, you did not attend this event with your husband but some unknown man. I wonder what others will think when they hear this, especially your husband."


    Both women shudder in fear. Neither did not expect Madam Lu to speak those words and not give them any face at all. With their background, they cannot refute or else not only them, but their entire family will have no face in Imperial. However, why is Madam Lu defending Han Yue Ling?


    Unlike the two women, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes lit up widely and her left hand also raise to give her aunt two thumbs up. Her aunt is truly someone worth admiring. It was no wonder her uncle always gave way to her.


    "Han Yue Ling is my Lu family¡¯s future daughter-inw. If you speak ill of her again, you better be prepare to face the consequences of offending my Lu family."


    Saying this, Madam Lu slid her arm around her niece¡¯s arm and turn in a different direction. However, before she turns away, she made sure to give another warning.


    "If I hear any more nonsense about my daughter-inw, I know who it came from."


    Without giving the two women another nce, Madam Lu walks away with her still in a daze niece. It was as if she had not turn into a crouching tiger at all.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stares at her aunt and ponder in thoughts. After a long minute, her lip arc into a pleasant smile.


    "Aunty Lu, do you by chance like Han Yue Ling?"


    Hearing her only niece¡¯s question, Madam Lu sighs aloud and touch the girl¡¯s hand.


    "I was only speaking for her because she is innocent. As a member of my family, you should also know how Grandfather Ji is. Do you really think such rumor exists and my Lu family has never heard about it?"


    "...."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes turned heavy. Only speaking? What happened to Han Yue Ling being your future daughter-inw? Just a moment ago, you were daughter-inw this, daughter-inw that and now you¡¯re saying you were only speaking for her?


    She narrows her eyes in suspicion before a evil smile curl on her lips.


    "My dear aunty Lu, as your favorite and only niece in the whole world, can you help me with something?"


    Madam Lu does not answer but pout her lip. However, her expression was enough to tell Zhao Ya¡¯Er to continue her words.


    "It¡¯s like this. Han Yue Ling is my best friend and I know she has a good heart. So, as the wonderful cousin I am, I want to set a blind date for brother Tian. What do you say?"


    Of course, Zhao Ya¡¯Er has no idea that her aunt already knows about Lu Tian and Yue Ling. However, neither women knew the fact that the two people they want to help get together are already engaged and expecting a child.


    Madam Lu arch her brows in full of surprise. She did not expect such idea toe from her niece. However, thinking about the photo sent to her, she cannot determine the rtionship between her son and the supermodel.


    Did they meet for a friendly dinner or was it due to business?


    She pout her lip in thinking, then she nods her head.


    "Tell me your n. If it¡¯s good, I will do whatever I can to help."

 Chapter 336 Enjoy the show

    Helping her grandfather to his seat, Yue Ling did not sit down. She smiles apologetically to him.


    "Yeye, I need to head back to prepare for the show."


    "Mm. Go, go. I¡¯ll be fine here. There¡¯s also Ting so do not worry about me."


    Grandfather Ji spoke a heartily chuckle and his thumb points to Ting who is seated behind him.


    His expression was full of understanding, but deep down he really wish to spend more time with her since this is their first appearance together in public, but he knows he cannot wish for too much. She has things to take care of.


    Seeing the quick sh of sadness in her yeye¡¯s eyes, Yue Ling felt her heart tighten. As his granddaughter, she should spend as much time as possible with him after the fashion show.


    Thinking this, she turns away and head in the direction of the backstage.


    "Liu Shan, let¡¯s go."


    Liu Shan slightly bow to Grandfather Ji and follows after his boss. Even if he has to keep an eye out, they still need to get the show on the road.


    As the supermodel and her assistant leave, a middle-aged man wearing a brown suit approaches the seat next to the old man.


    "General Ji, it¡¯s a pleasant surprise to see you at this kind of event."


    Grandfather Ji turn his head to look at the person. Seeing who it is, he smiles a small smile and nod his head in greeting.


    "Mying here is only to support the designers of Imperial. Mr. Feng, I assume you are here with you wife and daughter?"


    "Hahah, I see and yes, I was dragged here by my wife and daughter."


    Mr. Feng heartilyughs as he lightly taps his thigh. ncing at the empty seat next to the old man, he smiles.


    "I saw you made a grand entrance with young Miss Han. Did you twoe here together?"


    Hearing this, Grandfather Ji did not get angry. He has long known the personality of the middle-aged man and Mr. Feng is not someone who¡¯s mind turn wild like others. However, Grandfather Ji¡¯s expression remains stern and unchanging.


    "I met Miss Han by chance when I arrived. As an elder, I suggested we enter the event together."


    "Ah, so that was what happened."


    Mr. Feng nod his head in understanding. He nce at the empty seat again and sighs.


    "I thought you knew the youngdy. I was hoping to set a date with her for my son. You know that boy of mine has finally return from abroad after seven years and is already saying he wants to go back when he¡¯s only been home for three days."


    Listening to the man, Grandfather Ji rolled his eyes. He will never sell his granddaughter out!


    However, recalling Mr. Feng¡¯s son, he felt the boy wasn¡¯t so bad. At first, he even considered pairing the two together. Unfortunately, Lu boy now holds the winning position.


    Into his thoughts, he hears Mr. Feng sigh again.


    "General Ji, I should go see where my wife and daughter has gone. I hope you have a pleasant evening and enjoy the show."


    Grandfather Ji bids the man farewell and his eyes search through the crowd like an eagle. He does not know what is going on, but from the way Liu Shan reacted when they arrived, it clearly means something is not right.


    Thinking this, his eyes dimmed as he recalls Lu Tian¡¯s words, ¡¯Imperial is too quiet.¡¯


    He leans back in his seat and slightly turn his head to Ting who sat behind him but his eyes still wonder to the crowd.


    "Keep an eye out for anyone suspicious."


    Unknown to her grandfather¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling and Liu Shan approach the designated area for the designers. There were two rooms separated across from one another. One side was for De L¡¯amour and the other for An Qing.


    As they approach their side, she sees three figures standing a few feet in a hidden corner. Her eyes sh with a glint of danger as her assistant no different.


    However, instead of cowering away, the boss and assistant continue in their steps with a pause.


    The three women were whispering to one another like they were in a deep conversation, but the woman wearing a yellow dress caught sight of the model.


    "Han Yue Ling, I did not think you were going to be here."


    Ning Mei sneers at the tall woman. She was happily discussing important matters with Chen Limei and Ming Yue, yet, this slut had to ruin her good mood.


    She tilt her head and scoffs a chuckle.


    "By chance are you lost? This is strictly for participants only."


    Like the rookie model, both Chen Limei and Ming Yue stare at the model. Especially Ming Yue. She thought Yue Ling was only here to watch the show, she didn¡¯t hear anything about the model participating.


    Yue Ling pause in her steps near the three women. Due to her taller height by a head, she looks down at each face. However, she nonchntly shrug her shoulders in response to Ning Mei¡¯s useless words.


    "Whether I will be here or not, I¡¯m sure Miss Ming would have mentioned it."


    Finishing her words, she does not want to waste anymore time on them and walks to the room for De L¡¯amour.


    "Even if you are not a model for me, An Qing will still win like every other year. If I lose, I will resign, but if I win, I want you out of Imperial."


    From behind, Chen Limei calls out to the model with confidence. No matter how manypetitors she came across, no one stood a chance against An Qing. So, what if De L¡¯amour decided to showcase their own designs, she will continue step on them like she always had with others.


    Hearing the woman¡¯s taunt, Yue Ling pause in her steps. She calmly looks back at the woman and smiles her usual carefree smile.


    "Miss Chen, as the CEO of An Qing, I hope you keep to your words."


    "...."


    Chen Limei was rendered speechless. She did not understand what those words meant. However, she knows one thing and that is, she will indeed keep her words and win first ce. Once she does, she wants to see how cunning Yue Ling and the mysterious designer can continue to keep up their act.


    Thinking this, she raise her chin and put on her CEO aura.


    "I have faith in my An Qing. I will win that award."


    Staring at the overly confident woman, Yue Ling sighs inside. Shaking her head, she turns away and continue on walking. Chen Limei is a smart woman, but her smartness is lower than an infant¡¯s.


    Liu Shan stares at Chen Limei like she was the biggest idiot. How can she say such words to the person who has been the sole reason of An Qing winning first ce every year? If it was not for his boss¡¯s hard work, An Qing would have been kissing first ce goodbye. Not only that, his boss is Chen Limei¡¯s boss!


    He shook his head in pity at the woman. Following after his boss, he rolls his eyes with a hmmf as he flicks his imaginary long hair behind his back with attitude.


    His boss¡¯s enemies are forever his enemies.


    "....."


    All three women were dumbfounded by Liu Shan. Their eyes turned heavy as the model and assistant leave the scene.


    Until neither figure were in sight, Chen Limei res at Ming Yue.


    "Ming Yue, you said she wasn¡¯t going to model."


    "I..."


    Ming Yue lower her head knowing she had given false information. She knew that Yue Ling would be here, but was everything not how she thought?


    She knows that Yue Ling was put in the CEO seat of De L¡¯amour, but that¡¯s all she knows. In this world, there is always someone controlling in the dark, so who could it be? Even now, she does not know who calls all the shots.


    Chen Limei scoffs at the good for nothing woman, then cast a nce to Ning Mei. Inparison to Yue Ling¡¯s looks, Ning Mei is far inferior but there¡¯s not going back.


    She will not let Yue Ling continue to have the spotlight. A retired model should silently stay retired until the end.


    "Ming Yue, find out if she is participating in show. As for the rest, I will handle it."


    Without giving either women another look, she walks in the direction assigned for An Qing.


    "Let¡¯s go, Ning Mei. The show is going to start soon."

 Chapter 337 Snow Enchantmen

    As the scheduled time arrives, the guests quickly took to their assigned seats. The set up for tonight¡¯s event positioned the chairs in rows that make a sharp U.


    Grandfather Ji held the front center seat that gives view directly to the stage. Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er sat to his right as to his left while the seat remained unupied. Neither person bothered about the empty seat and focused on the stage.


    "Oh, it¡¯s starting. I can¡¯t wait to see the designs from each designer."


    "I heard that this year, An Qing is showcasing their own designs and not De L¡¯amour¡¯s designs."


    "Eh? Why the sudden change of designer? Didn¡¯t An Qing win each fashion show because of De L¡¯amour?"


    "A friend of mine who is close to Miss Chen said that this year, all the designs are hand made by An Qing. However, seeing that Miss Chen has so much potential, I am curious to see who is up against An Qing."


    As the guests converse amicably with one another, the lights inside Beauty slowly dims as darkness engulfs the entire ce.


    However, quickly as it happened, a spotlight turns on as it shines onto the stage.


    The guests quickly quiets down and all eyes stare to watch a good show.


    A tall and slender man steps onto the stage as his figurees to view. He wore an all-white tailored suit that enhanced his charming and sharp features. Although his hair had been dyed a shade of gray, he was able to pull off such look.


    "Oh my God! It¡¯s Wu Jing!"


    "If this was not a fashion show, I would have mistaken this as his wedding!"


    All the single and youngdies in the crowd blush into an uproar at the sight of Beauty¡¯s CEO Wu Jing. He is one of the bachelors in Imperial and considered an ideal husband.


    ustomed to the voices, Wu Jing slowly approach the end of the stage that nears the audience. He held the microphone close to his mouth and smiles a wink at the youngdies attending the show.


    "Good evening,dies and gentlemen, and members of the mass media. I am Wu Jing and I will be your host tonight."


    As the CEO of Beauty, how can he not be his own spokesperson. After all, the only person he wanted to hire is participating in the show.


    His eyes scans through the crowd as the media he allowed ess inside click their cameras. He smiles with his teeth with a professional aura.


    "First, let me wee and thank you all for your presence at Imperial¡¯s Fall Fashion Show. I know many of you have waited a long time for this event. However, I warn you all, it¡¯s going to be a fabulous show."


    Continuing his opening speech, he did not stay in ce, but leisurely pace back in forth as hefortably chats away.


    "We would like to thank our judges and our mysterious guest of honor for being here with us and taking the time to enjoy tonight¡¯s event."


    Saying this, he pause for a quick second to wink with a click of his tongue at the audience before his words continue.


    "Don¡¯t worry, at the end of the show, we will reveal this mysterious guest of honor."


    He walks to the front of the stage and stares out to the audience with a heartily smile.


    "To entertain our guests, we have lined two fashion shows. Our first designer is one that everyone is familiar with, An Qing. As for our second designer..."


    His eyes looks across the audience and he yfully chuckles.


    "It is yet another mystery."


    Saying this, the guest quickly whispers in curiosity as to who the second designer is. There was no name given on the invitation except for An Qing. They were sure Wu Jing would tell them, but he said it was another mystery.


    Wu Jing takes a step back with a please expression of the atmosphere he created. Once the audience quieted down, he continues his speech.


    "In line with tonight¡¯s theme "Snow Enchantment", you will witness the many manifestations of the inspiring designers."


    When he spoke hisst word finished, he drew his right leg back. His righthand press horizontally across his abdomen and left arm held out away from his body as he bows forward.


    The guests apud and watch the young bachelor leave the stage. One must know that Wu Jing is a man of great personality. His sense of humor is one that attracts not only the young but also the old.


    As Wu Jing reached the back end of the stage, he walks in the direction of the left to exit.


    In that very moment, the spotlight shuts off as the stage brightens with decorative lights. Music ys and the in background portrays the image of mountains covered in snow with the faint movement of snowkes.


    A model steps onto the stage from the right side and the spotlight shines on her.


    "Oh my goodness! What a lovely dress!"


    "Who is she? Why haven¡¯t I seen her before?"


    "I don¡¯t know, but she looks so lovely in that dress. An Qing is really a toughpetitor."


    The opening model of An Qing was not tall like other models, but she held her chin up with each step she took in her white six-inch heels.


    Her short hair was slick back into a sleek style giving her a sharp feature. Her eyes were lined in a thick cat eye look with a soft pink tint to her lips.


    She wore a long sleep dress in a soft blue color that flows down to the floor. The top part of her dressce in floral in the matching color as the dress. However, it sparkles like glitter as the sequences reflected upon the lights.


    The bottom of the dress flow in tulle as it trails down behind her like a river. The slit gap on the sides of the skirt allowed her to easy walk the runway. Both her wrists decorated with fur in the matching color of her dress.


    "Isn¡¯t that Ning Mei? I saw her photo shoot once and it wasn¡¯t too bad."


    "I know her. She is a rookie model under CNJ Entertainment. Wow! I never imagined that she would rise to be An Qing¡¯s opening model."


    "She looks so lovely in that dress. It really does make one think about a vacation on the snowy mountains. If An Qing decided to sell this dress, I¡¯m buying!"


    All the women sitting in the crowd couldn¡¯t help but stare in awe at the young model as the young men admire the woman¡¯s face. She may be a rookie model, but they can see the potential in her.


    As Ning Mei made her way across the runway, the sound of apuse surface from the audience.


    When she heard the sound, she beamed with joy and her confidence rose more. She raise her chin higher and continues to walk the runway.


    So what if Han Yue Ling is here, as the opening model for An Qing, she held the higher position. Plus, from the looks of it, she¡¯s already captured everyone¡¯s attention.


    After tonight, everyone will know who she is, and no one will be able to look down on her.


    Reaching the front of the stage, she ce both her hands on her hips and strikes a pose for the camera.


    In the back, Chen Limei stood in front of the monitor screens set up to see the models on the runway. She scoff a chuckle and stares at the screen focusing on Ning Mei¡¯s face.


    Never did she think that Ning Mei would be able to pull of the dress.


    Once An Qing¡¯s turn is done and the audience sees De L¡¯amour¡¯s, they will surely be shock at the simrities and criticize them for giarizing. After all, Ming Yue had given her the blueprints for the designs, and she had secretly stolen the materials from De L¡¯amour in Mn.


    She looks to the screen that focused on the judges and her smile widens. From their expressions, she can already determine that An Qing will win first ce.


    "How is this possible? An Qing¡¯s opening dress is ten times better than ours! How are we going topete with them?"


    On the other side, De L¡¯amour was not in a pleasant mood. Tang Zhonghui cries loudly in panic as he bites his nails.


    Standing next to him, Yue Ling had changed out of her dress and was now wearing a champagne silk robe. She stares at the monitor screen on their side and pout her lips.


    "Indeed a toughpetition."


    "Do you think we have a chance?"


    From behind, Lian Ni Shan asks as she walks up. Her usual straight face was now rece with a hint of panic.


    Yue Ling does not look at the woman, but part her lips to speak.


    "Win or lose, we¡¯re all winners."


    As the three figures stood in front of the many monitors, Liu Shan drags his legs to stand next to Tang Zhonghui. He stares at the monitors then covers his eyes with his right arm as he sobs with trembling shoulders.


    "Wuu... Our designs areparable to An Qing¡¯s. Wuu! The possibility of us winning is 0 to ten. Wuu! What are we going to do?"


    "....."


    While the model and her two design members stare dumbfoundedly at the assistant, they did not see the sly secretary hiding behind a z-rack full of clothes.


    Ming Yue¡¯s eyes lit brightly with a wide grin hearing their defeated conversation. Checking around to make sure no one saw her, she quickly runs from her hiding ce and head in the direction of An Qing¡¯s team.


    As her figure disappears from the room, Liu Shan continues to wail in tears with his right arm covering his eyes. However, he tiptoes sideways to his boss.


    Standing next to her now, his shoulders continue to tremble but he lowers his arm and his dried eyes blink to her as heughs with snorts.


    "Boss, how did I do?"


    "...."

 Chapter 338 So scary

    Yue Ling was the first toeback from her dumfounded state. She lift her hand and lightly flicks Liu Shan¡¯s forehead.


    "Ack!"


    Caught off guard by her sudden hit, Liu Shan covers his forehead with his right hand in pain. He pout his lips but does not say a word making him look like a little kid who had been bullied.


    Yue Ling shook her head and turn her head to the direction Ming Yue had left.


    "You did good."


    She knew Ming Yue was hiding behind the z-racks. It was so obvious that anyone would have spot her.


    Without waiting for anyone to say something, she walks away from the monitors.


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes lit up at her praise while Lian Ni Shang finally came back to her senses. She quickly strides after her boss.


    "Do you want me to stop her?"


    At her question, Yue Ling pause in her steps. She ponder in thought before looking at Lian Ni Shang. A smile curls on her lip but she did not speak a word and walks away.


    Seeing the smile, Lian Ni Shang¡¯s eyes dim, and she also smiles. Even if Yue Ling did not utter a sound, she already knows what to do.


    She turns to the right and walks out of the room in the same direction Ming Yue had gone.


    Behind, two sets of eyes stare at the two women parting ways. However, unlike before, Liu Shan and Tang Zhonghui were now hugging each other with fear written all over their face.


    Tang Zhonghui: "So scary..."


    Liu Shan: "Women are the scariest when they don¡¯t speak but somehow understand each other."


    As An Qing¡¯s models continue to take the stage and capture the audience, De L¡¯amour prepares the models.


    Now that there was no longer a mole in the room, the real show is about to start.


    Qi Li and Tang Zhonghui rolls out four z-racks covered with ck cloths. They had hid the real designs within the fakes so Ming Yue would not notice.


    Once the z-racks were set in ce, Yue Ling approach each one. As she passes one, her hand slowly pulls down the ck cloths then another and another.


    Her lip curls into an angelic smile as she stares at the designs they had worked so hard on.


    She stops in the middle with two racks on each of her sides. Turning around, she made eye contact with the female and male models she had personally picked and trusts.


    "I¡¯m sure you all have a lot of questions to ask. However, I will be honest. An Qing has breeched their contract with De L¡¯amour."


    She turn her head to the left as her hand reach to gently trace the clothes on one of the z-racks.


    "I personally chose each of you because I have trust in your potential from our time working together in the past."


    And that was the truth.


    Each of these models were normal models with no secret background like her. However, they are the very few that she does trusts in the modeling industry. None of them knows who she really is, but they are celebrities who keep to themselves and do not like to gossip.


    Her eyes slowly flutter, and she looks back at the models.


    "Tonight, let¡¯s put on a great show for Imperial."


    "Of course."


    "Imperial will never forget about tonight."


    An uproar rose from the models with full support of her. Each person felt and thought the same thing.


    They did receive an invitation to model for An Qing, but they all turned the offer down to join De L¡¯amour.


    If youpare the two, De L¡¯amour is smaller inpany size, but it is the pir that held An Qing¡¯s status to this very day.


    Not only that, Han Yue Ling is still and always will be a legend in the modeling industry. After she retired, they all thought their chance to work with her again had ended.


    However, De L¡¯amour sent an invitation to them with her personal signature. How could they turn down such a good opportunity?


    Coming to a quick understanding, everyone gets into preparation for the fashion show. Some models sat in chairs to get their makeup done while others had their hair fixed.


    Amongst them, a male model was the first to finish since he did not need make up and his hair was buzzed. He stood in ce while Yue Ling and Gui Tian Lan fixed the outfit chosen for him.


    "Gong Jun, lower your head."


    Yue Ling spoke to him as she reach for a silver chain ne on the table nearby.


    Like an obedient student, Gong Jun quickly oblige and lower his head after stealing a quick nce at the model.


    They stood at the same height, but in order to not mess up his outfit, it was better to take precautions and have him lower his head.


    Yue Ling ce the ne over his head to his neck and fix it into position.


    "Ahem!"


    In that same moment, the sound of someone clearing their throat echoes inside the busy room.


    Gui Tian Lan who fixing Gong Jun¡¯s sleeves turn in the direction of the voice as everyone else did the same.


    No different from them, Yue Ling also turn to look. Her hand on the ne does not move.


    Liu Shan, who is now a hairstylist, held out a hair straightener and mps it loudly in the direction of the cough.


    "Gui Zhongmin, do you need me to fix your hair too?"


    His head tilt and stares at the little Lolita woman next to the stylist. He did not know whether tough or cry at her appearance.


    "Ju Suo, why do you look like a panda? Go to Lian Ni Shang, she¡¯ll help you put on some concealer. You wouldn¡¯t want your ideal husband to see you like that, right?"


    "...."


    Both Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin who had just entered the room stare with heavy eyes at the assistant. Neither smiled upon hearing his joke at them.


    The man¡¯s usual stylish hair looked as if he had just walked out from a snowstorm and the petite woman looked like she hadn¡¯t slept in days.


    "Shut up stupid assistant."


    Ju Suo curse at Liu Shan without a care about formality. She lifts her short legs and stomps in the direction of the makeup artists. Good thing she didn¡¯t run into her ideal husband or else, she would have scared him off.

 Chapter 339 dress like this

    Watching the petite woman storm in anger, Yue Ling shook her head. She looks at Liu Shan and held back the urge tough.


    "Liu Shan, get back to work."


    Without helping it, a light chuckle escapes her lips as she thought of Liu Shan¡¯s words. She had sent Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin on a task, never did she expect them to return in such a horrible state.


    Her head turns away and she focuses on the ne again. However, from the corners of her eyes, she sees that Gui Zhongmin had not moved an inch.


    The space between her brows crease into three lines and she turn back to the man.


    "Why are you still standing there? Did something happen to our opening model?"


    "...."


    Hearing her words, all the models including Gong Jun turn to look at the man. They had thought Yue Ling was going to be the opening model, but she denied with a smile. Now, they can¡¯t help but be curious to know who this model is.


    Seeing the many eyes on him, Gui Zhongmin was not bothered at all. His heavy eyes remains on his boss¡¯s figure then her hand still fixated on the ne.


    A long and heavy sigh escapes his lips. He draws his legs and lift his left arm to usher a signal behind him.


    "Boss, anymore and you¡¯re going to have to hire a new stylist."


    Yue Ling furrow her brows hearing his words. She wanted to say something, but as Gui Zhongmin¡¯s figure moves, she finally understood the meaning of his words.


    "...."


    All the models widen their eyes in surprise, but only Yue Ling and her team stare dumbfoundedly.


    A tall figure clothe in all ckes to view like the devil. He held a chilly look as the dimly lit light reflects behind him.


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and steps away from Gong Jun.


    "Tian, you¡¯re here."


    She casually walks over to him and ignores his gloomy expression. Her figure stops in front of him and her smile widens.


    "Thank you for doing this."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deadly eyes moves away from Gong Jun¡¯s figure andnds on his wife¡¯s smiling face. He couldn¡¯t help but faintly smile to her as the feeling he had inside him disperse into thin air.


    He must pull himself together and not eat anymore vinegar. This is part of his wife¡¯s career.


    Knowing how he is, Yue Ling chuckles heartily at the man but does not say anything. She lower her head and reach down.


    "How is my Inu?"


    "Wroof¡ª!"


    Sitting down next to the cold man, Inu happily barks at the touch of his favorite human. It was a long ride, but he is all better now that he is with her.


    As the two individual and Samoyed entered their own world, they heed no attention to the models who are staring with curious eyes.


    Like everyone else, Gong Jun stares at the two tall figures and a faint smile curl on his lip. However, one can see a hint of disappointment in his eyes.


    He had always found Yue Ling to be an attractive woman and hoped to one day be at the same level as her so he can ask her out for dinner. However, he knows that it will never happen.


    Not only that, he is also surprised to find out that the ruthless business king is the opening model.


    Everyone knows how difficult it is to get close to the man, yet, here is every man¡¯s dream girl happily chatting away with him like it is the most natural thing to do.


    Gui Tian Lan who wasmence in his work, finally finished Gong Jun¡¯s outfit. He takes a step back to admire his hard work but quickly sees the model¡¯s sad look.


    "Bro, she¡¯s taken, but there¡¯s still a lot of fishes in the sea."


    He lightly chuckles and pat the man on the shoulder before his words continue.


    "Alright, you¡¯re done."


    His head turns to the models waiting to get dress and he waves to a female model.


    "Xiao Wen, you¡¯re up."


    As the models are getting dress for the show, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remain only on his wife. His brows furrow at the sight of her thin robe.


    "Why are you wearing so little? It¡¯s not good for your health and our child."


    He spoke his words, but his voice was only loud enough for her to hear. However, before she could even respond back, he had already removed his coat and drape it over her shoulders.


    Of course, he won¡¯t tell her that he did so because she looked too alluring with only a silk robe on. How can he possibly allow other men to see her like this when this is his first time seeing her like this?


    Feeling the sudden warmth of his coat transfer to her body, Yue Ling smiles at him. She part her lips to speak, but before she could even utter a sound, Lu Tian¡¯s face leans towards hers and their lips met for a quick kiss.


    "...."


    Her face turns crimson red and her eyes widen in embarrassment. Not only her, but everyone else including her team blush for her.


    Even Inu, who should have been used to the evil peasant¡¯s shamelessness couldn¡¯t help but cover his eyes with one paw.


    As if they were the only two people in the room, Lu Tian did not care about feeding others dog food. His hands reach to the front of his coat and close the buttons one at a time.


    When he finished, he smiles a smile that only she could see as his eyes held a touch of doting.


    "You should dress like this more often."


    "...."


    Yue Ling had yet to calm her red face when she was suddenly struck dumbfounded. She looks down at the coat over here and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He said she should dress like this more often? Does he want her to drown onnd?


    Lu Tian looks away from his wife. The faint smile on his lip disappears as he locks eyes with the members of her design team and Liu Shan. He lightly nod his head as they to him in nonverbalmunication.


    Each person quickly came to an understanding even without words.


    He looks at his wife and raise his hand to caress her cheek.


    "I¡¯m going to check on the situation outside."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling smiles to him with a pink face. However, Lu Tian was able to catch the quick sh of worry in her bluish green eyes. His hand on her cheek does not move but his thumb gently caress her soft skin.


    "I¡¯ll be back before it¡¯s your turn. I won¡¯t miss it for the world."


    Without waiting for a response, he turns around and walks out the door he had entered from.


    Until the man was no longer in view, Yue Ling sighs as her mind wonder to many things. She looks down at Inu and smiles faintly.


    "Come, let¡¯s get you settle in."


    Just as she turned around, she was once again dumbfounded.


    "..."


    She felt that this entire day she had been struck dumbfounded so many times that her high EQ and IQ must have dropped by many numbers.


    Everyone in the room was staring at her like they had just witnessed a romantic show.


    Which was the truth. They were shocked when the well-known man suddenly kiss the supermodel. Women were heartbroken to know Imperial¡¯s number one bachelor is no longer single, while men cried in silent seeing their dream girl taken by the aloof man.


    They wanted to ask about the two people¡¯s rtionship, but seeing how close they were, it was enough to answer their question.


    However, despite what they were feeling, they also felt that the two people looked like a match made in heaven.


    It was as if they had all returned to ancient times.


    Lu Tian, a powerful General has to leave for the dangerous battlefield as he says goodbye to his wife, Han Yue Ling, the woman he deeply loves.


    Knowing that they saw everything, she was sure their mind had traveled to another world. Yue Ling sighs and walks back to help Gui Tian Lan dress the models.


    "Alright, the show is over. Everyone get back to work."

 Chapter 340 homeless men

    Imperial¡¯s night turned busy as the annual Fall Fashion Show took ce inside Beauty. However, the night was quieter than usual with only little pedestrians and a few cars roaming to get to their destination.


    Across from Beauty stood two buildings with no lights on as everyone had gone home. However, between the dark alley that separated the twopanies, two figures can be faintly made out.


    It was two homeless men thates to view with faces smear in dirt. Their hair disheveled and oily like they had not showered in months.


    Despite their shabby and torn clothes, neither men did not care because they each had a nket to keep them warm.


    One homeless man sat up as the nket covers him from head down, while the otherid to the right with the nket covering his entire body up to his nose as he sleeps.


    The one sitting up rest his elbows on his knees with both hands near his eyes. He held a dark object and part his lips to speak.


    "I see movement at 1 o¡¯clock."


    Saying this, his eyes narrow as if to get a clearer view through the dark object.


    "Movement headed this way."


    His right hand quickly lowers and his dirty index finger hits the homeless man sleeping.


    "Closing in at 100 feet... no 50 feet..."


    Feeling the continuous taps, the homeless manying down opens his eyes with murderous intents. He pulls the nket away from his face and abruptly sits up.


    "Stop hitting my forehead!!"


    His eyes res at the man. Anymore and he swore he¡¯s going to lose his mind.


    He looks away from the annoying man to the street ahead at the supposedly movement. However, he was struck dumbfounded.


    "Xu Long, are you an idiot or a big idiot? That¡¯s your boss."


    "...."


    Xu Long¡¯s face turns red and he lowers his hand holding the dark object that turns out to be binocrs.


    His bottom lip oveps his upper lip and he sarcastically hums augh.


    "Heh Heh... I knew that. I was just testing you."


    Lin Hui rolled his eyes and scoff.


    "You¡¯re really a big idiot. How can you not recognize your own boss?"


    "If I¡¯m a big idiot, then you are a bigger idiot."


    "Ha! Then you are the biggest idiot."


    Into their refute towards one another, neither men paid attention to the man approaching them.


    Lu Tian walks up to the two homeless men arguing like an old couple. Stopping in front of them, he held back the urge tough at their undercover appearance.


    After they had recovered, Lin Hui was paired with Xu Long. Of course, Lin Hui also chose their disguise and off all the choices, he decided on homeless men.


    However, looking at them now, Lu Tian felt this identity wasn¡¯t so bad for them.


    He clears his throat and looks down at them with his usual stern expression.


    "Are you both done?"


    "..."


    Bickering at one another, Xu Long and Lin Hui both shiver at the sudden drop of temperature. Neither dare to look up but answers together.


    "Yes Captain!"


    Xu Long knew this cold air better than anyone, while Xu Long felt the cold air was far more menacing that his boss¡¯s.


    Seeing they had stopped arguing, Lu Tian reach into his pocket and takes a cigarette and lighter out. cing the cigarette in his mouth, he lights it.


    "How is the situation on this side?"


    Lin Hui stretch his arms and also takes a cigarette out. Lighting it, he used his mouth to hold the cigarette as he pulls the nket over him.


    "Over here has been cleared."


    His right-hand raise, and he points to a direction with his thumb.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes slowly blink as he blows a puff of smoke. His head turn to the left and stares expressionlessly in the direction Lin Hui pointed.


    In the far back of the dark alley, a pile of ck trash bags are visible to the eyes of those nearby. However, amongst the bagsid unconscious bodies in masks.


    He toss the cigarette on the ground and steps on it as he walks over to the pile of bodies.


    Ten bodies and they were some of Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men sent to kill him.


    Thinking of something, he turns away and walks back in the direction he came from.


    "Stay alert. Chu Li Xiang has yet to show himself."


    Xu Long nod his head, but he did not look at his boss. Instead, his head is looking down as he held both hands out and count his fingers.


    Seeing this, Lin Hui furrow his brows and looks at the man¡¯s hands.


    "What are you doing?"


    "I¡¯m counting."


    Xu Long nonchntly answers. Without letting the man ask any further questions, his words continue.


    "Lately, my boss has been speaking in full sentences. Before, it was always, report, no, kill, speak, and en or mm."


    "...."


    Lin Hui stares at the man and did not whether tough or cry. Each word Xu Long spoke, his head and hands motioned like it was the most intriguing thing ever.


    "Ah!"


    Xu Long shouts as he suddenly lifts his head and stumbles his way up. He quickly runs after his boss who had yet to reach the street.


    "Boss! Boss! I forgot to tell you something!"


    He caught up to Lu Tian and tries to catch his breath while exining.


    "J...Jiangyu... He.. He has something.. to.. report."


    Lu Tian nod his head without looking at his assistant and walks out of the alley towards another direction.


    Walking back to his seat, Xu Long sits down and pulls the nket to cover his head. However, he did not see the look on the other homeless man¡¯s face.


    Lin Hui¡¯s eyes turned heavy without blinking at the assistant.


    It was only five steps and yet, Xu Long is breathing like he had ran an entire marathon.


    His head shook in self pity andys back down. Next time, it¡¯s going to be Liu Shan¡¯s turn to be pair up with this imbecile.

 Chapter 341 elderly couple

    Down the street from Beauty, the road had turned empty with no cars but a few people still walking. Stationed at the corner of the sidewalk, the lights from a tiny food cart shines for those who want to eat ate night snack.


    There were deep friend cough sticks, steam burns, barbecue meat and other dishes pierced with skewers to boil in the hot boiling water. On both sides of the cart, tanghulu are stuck in a straw head attachment.


    "Mister, wrap us two tanghulu and four steam buns."


    A young couple approaches the cart and ce an order. From their appearances, they dressed like they were on their way to a nightclub but wanted something light to eat first.


    "Hohoh. Coming right up."


    A skinny elderly man with gray hair and a long beard joyfullyughs. He prepares to wrap two steam buns for the young couple that approached his lonely cart.


    As he finish wrapping one steam bin, the space between his brows crease into three lines. He turn to look behind him and smiles with his eyes closed.


    "Honey, can you help wrap the tanghulu?"


    Hearing the elderly man¡¯s words, the young couple were in awe. It was nice to see an elderly couple work so hard together even at old age. Both man and woman nce behind the old man and sees the back figure of a woman with a gray bun sitting down.


    However, the moment the elderly woman stood up, both individuals were dumbfounded and loss for words.


    "....."


    The elderly woman they had pictured was a small and weak woman, but instead of what they had thought, this elderly woman was tall.


    Very, very tall and... bulky...


    She wore a yellow knitted sweater with a pink scarf wrapped around her neck. Her long white floral skirt sway with the light breeze that suddenly passes.


    Her expression was extremely gloomy with a mole on her chin.


    The young couple stare at the elderly woman who is now wrapping the tanghulu. Only God knows what they were thinking as they turn to look at the elderly man next.


    If the old man had not mentioned the word ¡¯honey,¡¯ they would have mistook her as a man.. a very tall and masculine man.


    "Wait!"


    The young man calls out as his hand stretch out to stop the old man.


    "I don¡¯t want four steam buns anymore. Give me twenty."


    "Hohoh! Young man you are my most generous customer today."


    The old manughs and happily wraps twenty steam buns for the young couple. He takes the two tanghulu from his wife and ce them in a bad before handing the food to his customer.


    Seeing the elderly man¡¯s wrinkled face wrinkle more out of happiness, the young man also smiles and hands over the money.


    However, when he nce at the tall elderly woman, he could only let out a sigh.


    He takes the bag and turns to leave with his girlfriend.


    As they walked three steps away from the food cart, the young woman pout her lips and whispers to him.


    "Why did you buy so many? It¡¯s going to be a waste."


    The young man puts his arm over his girlfriend¡¯s shoulder and whispers back to her.


    "Babe, didn¡¯t you see that old woman? The old man must have been a king in his past life and offended so many people. With an ugly wife like that, life must be very hard for him every day."


    Although they had used their most quiet voice, they were unaware that each word they whispered was heard by the old couple.


    The elderly man sighs and reach his arm up to pat his tall wife¡¯s broad shoulder.


    "Honey, don¡¯t listen to them. Young people nowadays like to speak nonsense. I still love you like when we were young."


    The elderly woman held no change in her expression. She looks down at the skinny old man with the corners of her eyes and part her lips to speak.


    "You¡¯re quite enjoying this aren¡¯t you?"


    Instead of an elderly woman¡¯s voice, what came out was a deep and manly voice that sends chills to one¡¯s ears.


    However, the elderly man was not bothered by it at all. He lift a hand to stroke his long gray beard as if thinking of something.


    "Honey, I am only ying the part."


    He nce at his ¡¯wife¡¯ and nod his head approvingly.


    "Jiangyu, I think you don¡¯t look too bad like this. Maybe you should go on missions wearing that outfit. No one will ever know."


    "...."


    Jiangyu who is disguised as an elderly woman stares at the old man. If it wasn¡¯t for them being under cover, he would have already strangled the man to be with his ancestors. His jaw tightens to suppress the temptation of killing and spoke through his gritted teeth.


    "Yiqing, you better shut up or I¡¯ll really make you turn into an old man."


    However, who was Yiqing? He is a carefree spirit wondering this world and did not get offended by Jiangyu¡¯s threat. He shrug his shoulders and return to his stool.


    Just as he was about to sit down, he caught sight of someone. He doesn¡¯t know how long the person had been standing there, but he quickly stood up.


    "Boss!"


    Lu Tian stood on the other side of the food cart with a straight face. However, if one were to take a closer look, one can see a very unnoticeable smile on his face.


    He had thought Xu Long and Lin Hui were in a horrible state, but who would have thought these two to be even worse. He sighs inside and wonder why his subordinates and his wife¡¯s subordinates are so weird.


    Shaking the thought away, he looks at both men.


    "Report."


    Hearing his one word, Jiangyu grabs some skewers with meat and dip them into the boiling hot water. His hands move to and from as if working on an order for a customer.


    "We captured his woman."


    He spoke his words but does not look at his boss and goes into undercover mode.


    "She¡¯s held behind."


    As the meat are finish cooking, he takes each skewer out and drizzles some sauce over it before cing them in a paper te.


    Standing next to his ¡¯elderly wife¡¯, Yiqing prepares the utensils and takes the paper te from her... him. He bags the food and hands it to his ¡¯customer¡¯.


    "She won¡¯t talk."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian shows no change of reaction. He hands the money to Yiqing and takes the bag.


    From start to end, their entire conversation was so low that no one can hear them. If you saw them from a far, you would have thought Lu Tian was an ordinary customer waiting for his food.


    He turns from the food cart and walks away like was on his way home with dinner.

 Chapter 342 Where is he?

    The metal doors to a small building pushes open as a man clothe in all ck steps inside. He brought in with him the night breeze and the lights of thempposts outside to shine the streets.


    This building was dimly lit inside with emptiness like no one has cleaned the ce nor step foot inside. Specks of dusts floated in the air as men in ck tactical gears held their guns in position in alert.


    However, their alertness did not direct at the man who suddenly entered. Neither were their guns pointed at him but out the windows with caution for suspicious movements outside.


    "Captain."


    A man calls out as he walks over to his captain. Unlike the other men, this man was not holding a gun, but his hands was covered in blood without wound.


    Lu Tian looks at the man then in a certain direction. He hands the bag of food he bought from Jiangyu and Yiqing to the man before walking over to the direction he looked.


    The ce had little light, but in one corner of the room, a light shine down on a woman with red hair. Her hands were tied behind her back and legs bound to the chair.


    Her face was swollen and covered in bruises as blood trickle down her lips. There were fresh blood and dried blood smeared all over her body.


    And this person is Chu Li Xiang''s woman, Julia.


    Lu Tian leisurely walks over to the woman. His expression the same as usual, but the darkness in his eyes darkened into a ck hole that can engulf anyone''s soul into a deep abyss.


    "Where is he hiding?"


    Julia hung her head low at the exhaustion of having been beaten numerous times by the members of Wolf Team.


    When she heard Lu Tian''s deep voice suddenly speak, her shoulders jumped in fright. Her eyes lifts to see the man and when she met his eyes, all the colors on her face drained.


    Before she was captured, they had carefully nned everything out. Chu Li Xiang''s men were hiding in the most unnoticeable ces and she was sent to disguise as an employee of Beauty to get inside.


    Usually, she can sneak in and out of any ce without anyone noticing her, yet, who would have though that Beauty''s CEO Wu Jing pays so much attention to his employees. He spotted her the moment she stepped through those doors.


    With her n failing, she escaped Wu Jing''s security guard and fortunately ran into an odd elderly couple selling food.


    However, to her dismay, that elderly couple turned out to be Lu Tian''s men!!


    She tried to run, but the old man quickly press her acupuncture points with needles. She didn''t even notice the needles until she realized she couldn''t move a muscle.


    Thus, she ended up being captured and beaten for details she does not n to tell. However, suspecting that she might bite her tongue, they stuffed a rag inside her mouth.


    Staring up at the ruthless man known to everyone in the underworld, Julia turns her head away with a muffle that seems to be a ''hmmf.'' Her gesture was clear that she would not snitch.


    Her attitude did not anger Lu Tian one bit. He wave his hand to signal one of his subordinates.


    "Yes Captain."


    A member of Wolf Team quickly nods his head in understanding. He walks over to Julia and without any gentle manners, he grabs hold of her disheveled red hair and pulls it down making her head draw back to look at the ceiling.


    Julia''s eyes tremble in wideness as her vision is quickly blocked. Before she even breathe, water poured endlessly over her.


    "Mm! Mm!"


    Her horrifying muffled echo into the empty building. However, no cared or pitied the woman. No matter how much she struggles, she was tightly tied to the chair.


    With her mouth gaged by the rag, she could only breathe through her nose, but each time she tries to catch a breath, water continuously enters her nostrils.


    After a long minute passes by, the member of Wolf Team finally stops. He removes the cloth and takes the rag out of her mouth. He then shoves her head to face his boss. Doing so, he takes a step back and wait for further instructions.


    Julia felt like she had escaped deaths door only to return to death itself again. Without a care, she heavily breathes in all the air she could.


    Her red hair drenched wet and even more disheveled than before. However, she tells herself to keep holding on. As Chu Qiang''s right hand woman, she''s been in far more crucial situations than this and still made it out alive.


    Knowing what the woman was thinking, Lu Tian did not care. He stood unmoving and takes a cigarette out. As he lit the cigarette, his lips part to speak.


    "Where is he?"


    "I''ll never tell you!"


    Julia spat out her words through her clench teeth. Her eyes ring at Lu Tian as if wanting to stab the man over and over.


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian blows a puff of smoke out and signals with one finger to his subordinates.


    "Bring him in."


    Hearing his words, two men from Wolf Team nod their head and leaves the building. However, Julia''s eyes widen with a confused expression and worry.


    Did Chu Li Xiang get captured?


    No¡­ That''s not possible.


    She sneers at the business king and spots blood to the ground. Her gesture was notdylike, but she did not care. With her current situation, what''s there to bedylike?


    "Bring him in. I know it''s not Li Xiang. You wouldn''t be interrogating me if you already have¡ª"


    Before she could say the word ''him'', her eyes widens as the two men from Wolf Team enters the building again. The two men was carrying a man who was in a far worse condition than her.


    Seeing the man''s horrible condition, her heart shook uncontrobly like thunder in the sky on a rainy day.


    How¡­ Why¡­

 Chapter 343 the last time

    The two members from Wolf Team drags a middle-aged man towards Julia. He had opened wounds smeared with fresh and dried blood all over his face and body. Both his hands were not tied together, but one can see that all his fingers were broken.


    He appears to be unconscious as his feet slides behind him through each of the two men¡¯s steps.


    Without any care for the middle-aged man, the two men throws him in front of Julia. It was as if they were throwing away a bag of trash. However, despite the harsh throw, the man did not move as hends on the floor.


    Upon seeing him, Julia¡¯s eyes turned red as her lip slightly trembles. This person was not Chu Li Xiang, but he was someone she knows very well.


    Lu Tian brings the cigarette in his hand to his lip. Inhaling the tobo, he blows a puff of smoke out. His entire being looked like he was smoking outside on his balcony at home.


    "You have two choices. Tell me where he is, or this man dies."


    Julia didn¡¯t know what to answer. She bit her lower lip and stares down at the badly beaten man. Her eyes turned crimson red as she slowly close them and turn her head away.


    "Ask me all you want. I don¡¯t know this person and I won¡¯t tell you where he is."


    Instead of getting angry, Lu Tian was still rather calm. His eyes slowly blink and walks over to the unconscious body on the floor.


    No one can read his thoughts as he leisurely squats down. He lowers his hand holding the cigarette and he press the burning tip on the man¡¯s bloody cheek.


    A sizzling sound echoes inside the building as the cigarette burns the man¡¯s skins. His expression slightly change at the sudden pain, but he does not open his eyes.


    Until the cigarette burned out, Lu Tian casually toss it away and stood up.


    "It¡¯s interesting how one can cover for someone they have no blood connection to."


    He calmly spoke his words and stares down at the man for a long second. He signals with his head to his men and takes a few steps back.


    The two men who brought in the new person walks up to the man with a bucket of liquid in each hand. At the same time, Lu Tian leisurely takes out a handkerchief inside his pocket and wipes his hands clean like he had touched something disgusting.


    "I also found it interesting, why would someone like him would work for Chu Li Xiang, but it seems everything always has an answer."


    His dark eyes nce at the woman with no ounce of emotion. As he did so, the two men also ssh the liquid onto the man.


    "Xie Julia."


    "...."


    Julia¡¯s eyes that were tightly shut quickly widens at the sudden name. Her entire body tremble in fear.


    How....


    No one knows about this.


    She is Doctor Xie¡¯s illegitimate daughter. After her mother died, he has been taking care of her in secret since he has a legal wife and daughter.


    The only reason she convinced Doctor Xie to work for Chu Li Xiang was because the man was money hungry. He would do anything that involves the word money.


    Chu Li Xiang promised to provide the medical drugs for hospital patients as long as Doctor Xie transfers 60 percent of the ie to him.


    However, no one should have known about their rtionship. Not even Chu Qiang and Chu Li Xiang. They have kept it well hidden all these years, so how did Lu Tian find out?


    Of course, Julia would never know that it was actually Yue Ling¡¯s assistant Liu Shan who found the information with his mad hacking skills.


    As she thought to herself, she suddenly furrow her brows. There was a strange distinctive odor that filled the ce and enters her nose.


    "Cough... cough..."


    At the same time, Doctor Xie who had been unconscious jolty awake at the sudden ssh of liquid. He chokingly coughs like he had reach shore after drowning in the ocean.


    The moment his eyes shot open, he is met with Julia¡¯s horrible condition. Blood quickly boils inside him and his nostrils re as his breathing turned heavy.


    "You bitch! I should have never listened to a whore¡¯s child! It¡¯s all your fault I am like this! You should have died with your slut mother!"


    He roar in intense anger and murderous eyes. Despite his body covered in gasoline, he wish so badly to strangle the woman to death. If it wasn¡¯t for his broken arms and legs, he would have seeded.


    The moment she appeared at his doors with the paternity test results, he should have listened to his guts.


    If he had did then, he would have never lost everything he worked so hard on!


    Listening to his curses, Julia¡¯s heart ached in pain. She had seen the way he treated Xie Na and it waspletely different from this. Every time she went to visit him, she was given the cold shoulder and told to leave.


    Her chest began to heave heavily and veins appear on her forehead.


    "Shut up! You are not my father!!"


    As the father and daughter argue, Lu Tian felt his day has been rather a pain. He¡¯s been constantly listening to others bicker about useless things. All he wanted to do was spend his time with his wife, was that so hard to ask?


    He pinch the space between his brows and turn to his subordinates eating the food he bought from Jiangyu and Yiqing.


    Seeing him approach them, the members of Wolf Team pause in chewing. One of them takes a bite of the meat on a skewer and asks with a grin.


    "Boss, are you hungry too? There¡¯s¡ª"


    *Swoosh¡ª*


    Before he could finish his words, his eyes widens at what interrupted him. Not only him, but the others of Wolf Team did so too. Their mouths open into an O as the food they had yet to swallow plops onto the floor.


    "Ahh¡ª"


    Doctor Xie screams at the sudden sharp pain on his side as Julia wince at the pain on her chest. Both the father and daughter quickly stops arguing.


    Julia¡¯s eyes re viciously in the direction of Lu Tian. Blood travels to her throat and slowly slides down the side of her mouth.


    She looks down at the sharp pain on her chest and was dumbfounded.


    The end of what looks to be a skewer stuck out of her chest as the sharp tip prated into her. She could feel that it was only centimeters away from her heart. If he wanted to kill her, he would have done so.


    However, that¡¯s not what dumbfounded her. It was the fact that the skewers still had untouched meat on it!


    "Noisy."


    Lu Tian¡¯s sudden deep voice brought the father and daughter duo back to their senses. Their throat bob with difficulty as sweat form on their forehead.


    They had been cursing at each other that they had forgotten the real situation they were currently in.


    "I will ask you for thest time. Where is he?"


    Lu Tian walks over to the duo again. Each step of his felt like mountains that ovepped on top of them one after another. The air around him seems to have thicken and making it hard for others to breathe.


    Unlike the father and daughter, from behind Lu Tian, Wolf Team all held sulking expressions.


    If their boss was going to y a game of darts, couldn¡¯t he have at least used the skewers without meat or at the very least give them the meat?


    After all, the two skewers with meat he grabbed were thest two! *sob

 Chapter 344 Burn alive

    "Arghhhh¡ª!!!"


    A piercing scream of a woman echoes inside the empty building as quietness engulf over Imperial. However, only the people inside can hear the scream. No one cared about the person who screamed, nor did they show any pity.


    Julia clench her jaw tightly as tears stream down her cheeks. Her face was pale like the dead and breathing in a crazy rapid speed. Her sweat blended in with the blood on her body.


    After Lu Tian asked the third time where Chu Li Xiang was, she used every ounce of energy in her to curse him dead.


    As a result, her fingers were broken one at a time. It wasn¡¯t done fast but in a rather slow and painful way. Her only finger that is still able to move is her right pinky, but she knows that it wouldn¡¯t be long until that finger joins the rests.


    She res at Lu Tian with red eyes and her hoarse voice screams at him.


    "Kill me! I rather die than tell you anything!!"


    *Ring Ring*


    Suddenly, the sound of a phone rings inside the building. Lu Tian reach into his pocket and takes the phone out. ncing at the caller¡¯s name, he answers the call and put the phone near his ear.


    ["Boss, he¡¯s here."]


    The person from the other line spoke quickly into the phone.


    ["Chu Li Xiang and his men are parked near Beauty."]


    Lu Tian sounds a simple ¡¯mm¡¯ and ends the call. Seems like it was pointless in capturing Chu Li Xiang¡¯s woman. Since the man has shown himself, there¡¯s no need for her anymore.


    He doesn¡¯t give the father and daughter another nce, but looks at the two men who brought Doctor Xie in.


    "Burn them."


    Without waiting for an answer, he turns around and walks in the direction he came from.


    "No! Wait! You can¡¯t kill me!! If you do, you will go to jail!!! LU TIAN!!!"


    Doctor Xie who had been quiet since the breaking of Julia¡¯s fingers finally spoke. He screams after Lu Tian¡¯s departing figure. He is a prisoner awaiting his trial, if Lu Tian kills him, the man will be charge with first degree murder.


    Knowing that he might have a chance at not getting burn alive, he must take a chance. After all, Lu Tian is a businessman, he should know what is good for him if he doesn¡¯t want to be behind bars.


    However.... What Doctor Xie got in return was not what he had expected.


    Lu Tian gives him the cold shoulder without pausing in his steps and continues to walk out of the building.


    Because who was Lu Tian? Ah, that¡¯s right. He is the person the government sends to do the dirty deed. Doctor Xie is a prisoner charge with many murders, his death is not importance as it means one less criminal to deal with.


    Both Julia and Doctor Xie were left with widen eyes as the man who holds their life disappears out the building. Neither thought that they would ever fall into a hopeless state like this.


    As they were stuck in a daze, the two men Lu Tian ordered walks to the two beaten up people. Since they had already ssh gasoline on Doctor Xie, all they had to do was light the fire.


    One man sparks a zippo lighter and flicks it at Doctor Xie¡¯s legs. He did not bat an eye as if he had done this many times.


    *Swoooosh¡ª*


    "Arrhhhh¡ª!!!!"


    Fire quickly surface in a sh as Doctor Xie cries horrifyingly at the fast burning sensation on his legs. Even if his hands and legs were broken, that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t feel the pain on the other parts of his body.


    Julia¡¯s eyes sh with fear as she watch her bastard father burn alive. Are they nning to make her watch him burn?


    Thinking this, she sneers inside. This is what he gets for treating her like a piece of shit.


    So what if she gets burn, she will have a better chance at surviving since he would die before her. Once the fire burns the rope tying her to the chair, she will use that chance to escape.


    However, what happens next froze her in ce. The fire continues to spread up to Doctor¡¯s Xie back. Yet, he wiggles his way towards Julia like a crazy monster with eyes full of red veins.


    "If I¡¯m going to die, I¡¯m taking a bitch like you with me!!"


    "No!!! Get away from me!! Get away!!"


    Julia shouts in panic and struggles to free herself. However, her struggle to move only brought her closer to the burning man.


    *Thud*


    She falls to the side with a loud thud and her eyes widen more. Before she could even struggle again, Doctor Xie grins like a crazy maniac and wrap his arms around her legs.


    The mes intensifies and transfers onto her body.


    In that moment, she recalls Chu Qiang¡¯s words. She should have listened to him.


    ¡¯Julia, if you really do love him, you of all people should know what¡¯s best for him.¡¯


    If she had listened and stopped Chu Li Xiang¡¯s n, she wouldn¡¯t be slowly dying like this. However, it was toote for regrets.


    Tears roll down her cheeks as the burning pain was more painful that when was getting beaten up or having her fingers broken.


    "Arrrhhhh¡ª"


    Her shrieking cry rings into the sky as the metal door opens, but that sound was quickly silence as the door shuts.


    Lu Tian casually walks away from the building in the direction of Beauty as if the two people inside were not being burned alive.


    Behind him followed five members of Wolf Team who also left the building to join him.


    He slightly raise his hand to check the time on his watch.


    "Thirty-minutes."


    Murmuring those words to himself, one of his subordinate hands him a pistol. He takes the gun and continues in his steps as he puts on an earpiece.


    There is 30 minutes left until his wife goes on stage. He needs to wrap this up, so he doesn¡¯t disappoint her by not being there.


    His pace quickens in big strides as he press the button on the earpiece.


    "All units, move in."


    In the quiet night of Imperial, five van slowly pulls up to a nearby corner of Beauty. However, no one steps out of the vehicles.


    Inside the third parked van, Chu Li Xiang sat in the passenger seat. He did not look out the window but stares down at his phone with a frown.


    The time they agreed on has already arrived, so why hasn¡¯t Julia called him?


    She should have gotten inside Beauty without any problems and lure Lu Tian out.


    *knock knock*


    Suddenly, his thoughts are disturbed as a faint knock sounds from the passenger window. He looks up and his frown deepens.


    The face of a dirty homeless man with a nket covering the top half of his heades to view.


    Chu Li Xiang scoffs in disgust and ignores the homeless man. He looks back down at his phone and decides to call Julia.


    However, the call went straight to voicemail.


    He pout his lip and ponder in thought. Something doesn¡¯t seem to be right. Every time he calls her, she will always pick up at the first ring.


    *knock knock*


    "....."


    Another set of knock sounds again, but Chu Li Xiang does not look at the person. He takes a deep breath and orders his men.


    "Someone get a hold of Julia."


    "Yes Boss!"


    The men in the same car as him quickly takes their phone out to call the red hair woman. However, in the end, no one was able to get in contact with her.


    "Boss, she¡¯s not answering."


    "Mine went straight to voicemail."


    "Mine too."


    "Bitch!!!"


    Chu Li Xiang rose into rage and throws his phone at the dashboard.


    What in the world is Julia doing that she cannot answer his call?


    Unfortunately, he does not know that his woman is slowly burning alive in a building not far from his location.


    *knock knock*


    A third set of knockes to Chu Li Xiang¡¯s ears again and this time adding more rage to him. He res at the window and swung the door open.


    "What the fuck do you want?!"


    He shouts at the dirty man and grabs the cor of the homeless man¡¯s torn shirt. His movement caused the already torn shirt to rip more, but he doesn¡¯t care.


    "Do you know who you are fucken irritating??!"


    The homeless man lower his head in fear and shoulders tremble like he hade across the most terrifying monster.


    "Get lost fucken piece of trash!!"


    Chu Li Xiang scoffs and shoves the man with a strong push. A thoughtes to him. Killing this homeless man will surely lessen his anger.


    However, before he could move....


    "I know exactly who you are."


    Suddenly, the trembling homeless mutters in a low voice that only Chu Li Xiang can hear. His head was still down as the nket shadows the top half of his face.


    Chu Li Xiang furrow his brows but was quickly alert by the words. He reach behind him for his gun but was a step toote.


    The nket over the homeless man falls back like everything had turned into a slow motion. A handsome face smeared in dirtes to view as his lips curl into a grin.


    "But do you know who I am?"


    His voice sounds as one arm grabs one end of the nket. Swiftly double wrapping it tightly around Chu Li Xiang¡¯s neck, he secures the ends with one hand while his other hand pulls out a gun with an attach silencer.


    *Pu!*


    Before any of the people inside the van could react, a bullet shoots straight into the driver¡¯s head as the ss window shatters loudly.


    "FUCK!!"

 Chapter 345 sneak an attack

    The men in the ck van were caught off guard, but each person quickly takes their guns out and slides the backdoor open. None of them had expected the homeless man to pull out a gun.


    "Shoot him!!!!"


    Chu Li Xiang yells to his men as he tries to untangle the nket around his neck. However, the more he struggles, the more the nket tightens.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu!


    Before Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men could even pull their triggers, the homeless man pulled his first. He quickly takes down the men that steps out of the van.


    Doing so, he pulls Chu Li Xiang back making the man fall to the ground. He turns around and runs from the vans whiles dragging Chu Li Xiang by the nket.


    "Asshole! You¡¯re gonna die!"


    Chu Li Xiang burned in rage at the humiliation he is put in. Not only that, he also lost his gun when he fell down!


    At the same time, the doors to the other four vans abruptly opens and the men inside jump out. Each person holding a gun with attached silencers as they give chase.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu!


    Bullets flies out from every direction, but all seemed to miss the homeless man and directed at the man being dragged.


    ¡¯Shoot him!! NOT! ME!!"


    Chu Li Xiang¡¯s face drained of all colors as the bullets hit the ground close to him. How can his men be so useless and shoot at him?!


    The homeless man continues to run from the group of men now chasing behind. Why does this feel like deja vu all over again!


    With one hand gripping tightly onto the nket, his hand holding the gun lifts to press a button on his earpiece.


    "Lin Hui!! Shoot! Shoot them!!"


    Xu Long¡¯s screams into the earpiece with his eyes tightly shut and teeth clenching in full view. He runs with all his might and curse inside for being the one who has to do this dangerous task!


    ["Hey, no one told you to do paper."]


    Through the earpiece, Lin Hui nonchntly sounds in. It really wasn¡¯t anyone¡¯s fault that Xu Long lost in one round of paper, rock, scissors.


    ["Ahahaha!!"]


    ["Wow! Assistant Xu, you really lost?"]


    ["Someone finally beat the Paper Champion!"]


    Hearing theughter of everyone through the earpiece, Xu Long swears inside. He and Lin Hui had to determine who was going to snatch the target and his always winning paper lost to Lin Hui rusty old scissor.


    "Alright! I lost! Now can you guys help a brother out?!"


    Xu Long yells into the earpiece as his legs continue without stopping.


    *Pu!


    A bullet shoots from behind passing Xu Long¡¯s head to the right. His eyes widen and his speed increases with a few jumps here and there.


    "Hurry up! Shooooot¡ª!!"


    The moment Xu Long runs pass a small building, Lin Hui¡¯s homeless figure steps out into view.


    A wide grin curls on his lip making him look like a mad man. He raise both arms and the nket over him drops to the ground revealing two guns in his hands.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu!


    He takes down four men but does not stop. Four more bullets shoots out and four more men falls to the ground. Each trigger he pulled did not miss its target at all.


    As Lin Hui appears into action, Xu Long rolls his eyes but continues to drag Chu Li Xiang like a heavy sack of rice. If he didn¡¯t lose to paper, rock, scissors, he would be showing off like Lin Hui too.


    The moment he thought this, he runs pass a small food cart and his head slightly tilt to check for any innocent bystanders. Unfortunately, what he saw felt like a bullet had struck his head making him dumbfounded.


    "....."


    Like time had gone into a slow motion, the sound of a zither starts to y in the background.


    An elderly man positioned himself behind the food cart on one knee as he holds a gun shooting in the direction Xu Long hade from.


    However, what dumbfounded him more was the tall and ugly old woman near the tanghulu stand. She held two guns and was also shooting in the same direction as the elderly man.


    One corner of his lip twitch uncontrobly and he scratch his head with the gun.


    Why did that old couple look like Yiqing and Jiangyu?


    Thinking this, he ps the thought away andughs inside. There¡¯s no way Jiangyu would dress as a woman. He has too much pride in himself.


    Of course, Xu Long did not know that he was in for a huge shock once this is over.


    Through the quiet street, the sound of silent bullets rang in every direction. Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men continue to give chase after Xu Long to save their boss, but only to lose more men.


    "Fuck! Split up!!"


    Realizing this, the remaining men decides to split up to take cover.


    However, luck was not on their side at all. One by one, each men quickly enters death¡¯s door.


    What they did not know was that, if the bullets did note from the homeless man Lin Hui, then it came from the elderly couple, Yiqing and Jiangyu. If not from them, then it came from the members of Wolf Team hiding in the dark shadows or the snipersying on top of the nearby roofs.


    "Gosh! For someone like you, you¡¯re very heavy!!"


    Xu Long heavily breathes his words as he continues to run away from all the action behind. He really can¡¯t understand how someone skinny like Chu Li Xiang can weigh a ton, but he mustplete his task and bring this heavy man to his boss.


    "Fucken bastard! I¡¯m gonna kill you!!"


    On the ground being dragged, Chu Li Xiang curse at Xu Long. He had been dragged all the way in such a humiliating way! He was sure that his pants probably have a huge hole and his bottom is scar for life.


    "Ah shut up! Be thankful you¡¯re not dead yet."


    Xu Long rolled his eyes and refute the man. If it wasn¡¯t because his boss wanted Chu Li Xiang alive, the man would have long died back there.


    "I¡¯m gonna skin you alive! You¡¯re not going to get away with this! My older brother is gonna feed you to wild animals!"


    Chu Li Xiang continues to throw a fit with kicks and threats, but none of it went into Xu Long¡¯s ears. Each word went in one ear and out the other.


    "Boss!"


    In that moment, Xu Long¡¯s eyes lit up as he sees a familiar dark figure in the distance. He smiles and quickens his pace. However, he couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brows in confusion.


    Why does his boss look so menacing?


    Oh God!! He¡¯s pointing the gun this way!!


    At the same time, Chu Li Xiang remembers something and his hand tugging the nket lowers to his pocket. He pretends to struggle but takes out a shiny silver object.


    Knowing that Xu Long was not paying attention to him, he use the opportunity to stab the back of Xu Long¡¯s leg.


    Lu Tian: *Pu!


    Chu Li Xiang: "Arrhhh¡ª!"


    Xu Long: "...."


    The assistant froze in ce as his hand holding the nket loosens. He drops the man and stares widely into who knows where.


    Chu Li Xiang¡¯s scream lingers into the night sky as he covers his righthand with his left. Blood ooze out like a fountain without stopping.


    "Son of a bitch! You¡¯re all gonna die!!"


    After a long minute, the assistant finally blinks his eyes and looks down to the man screaming his lungs out.


    Seeing the pocketknife, he jumps away with a loud gasp and covers his mouth.


    No wonder his boss aimed the gun at him without a word. The bullet sent from his boss actually cut off Chu Li Xiang¡¯s right thumb and index finger!


    Staring down at the man rolling on the ground and groaning in pain, Xu Long pout his lips.


    "Quit your whining! That¡¯s what you get for wanting to stab this Buddha!"


    Saying this, he sends a hard to Chu Li Xiang¡¯s back and stuck his tongue out.


    "...."


    Approaching the two men, Lu Tian and the five members of Wolf Team were dumbfounded at what they saw. Now they can see why Xu Long has been single all these years.

 Chapter 346 snap a photo

    The night slowly picks up as the cold breeze brushes by. A quiet whistle sings through each passing wind.


    "I swear, I¡¯m gonna skin you all alive!!"


    Chu Li Xiang yells in fury with a struggle. His wrist were cuff behind his back as he res at Lu Tian and the men of Wolf Team. He cannot believe that he had easily fallen into their trap!


    "Ah, shut your mouth. No one cares about your feelings."


    A manly voice spoke as he pushes the idiotic man into the backseat of a vehicle. His pink scarf and long white skirt with florals swags with the wind.


    mming the door shut, Jiangyu scoffs and turns to look in the direction of his boss. However, what he was met with turned his eyes lids heavy as the sound of cricket chirp in the distance.


    "...."


    Standing behind him was not his boss, but Xu Long, Lin Hui and the members of Wolf Team. Each person held their mouth widely open and eyes out of their sockets.


    He close his eyes and takes a deep and long breath to steady his mind. He already knows why they are like that.


    Xu Long and Lin Hui stare at the bulky man and did not know whether tough or cry at this moment. When they split into their positions, they knew that Jiangyu and Yiqing were going in disguise too, but never would they thought it to be worse than their homeless disguise.


    "Pftt¡ª"


    *Click*


    Unable to hold back the urge tough, Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help but snort augh with his mouths tightly sealed. At the same time, Xu Long was able to keep a straight face, but his right hand slowly raise, and he couldn¡¯t help but snap a photo with a bright sh.


    Lin Hui: "Send it to meter."


    Xu Long: "Already did."


    Jiangyu: "...."


    "Ahahahah!!"


    Standing next to the bulky woman, Yiqing still dressed as an elderly man burst intoughter.


    All night he had been waiting for this moment. He knew that the others wouldn¡¯t dare tough at Jiangyu¡¯s appearance, but Xu Long was different. The assistant¡¯s skin was very thick. Not only that, there was also their newrade, Lin Hui.


    The moment he saw them together, he knew that they would drive Jiangyu insane.


    Jiangyu¡¯s nostrils re with steam blowing out. The veins on his forehead pop and he grit his teeth.


    "Xu Long! If you want to keep living, you better delete that photo!"


    At the man¡¯s rage, the members of Wolf Team who wanted tough were quickly swept with fear. They know Jiangyu¡¯s strength and fear him if not their boss.


    However, unlike them, Xu Long only blinks his eyes. He casually puts his phone away and shrug his shoulders with both palms out.


    "What photo? I didn¡¯t take any photo. Lin Hui, did you see me take a photo?"


    Standing beside the assistant, Lin Hui¡¯s head looked left, right, up, and down. His shoulders shrug and he looks at Jiangyu.


    "Sorry bro, I saw nothing."


    Jiangyu: "...."


    "Pftt! Ahaha!!"


    Augh echoes into the sky, but this time it was not from Yiqing. Instead. It came from Lin Hui. He really did try to keep a straight face, but he couldn¡¯t. His boss said, if something is really funny, don¡¯t hold back andugh as loud as you want.


    He held his stomach with his left hand and put his righthand on Xu Long¡¯s shoulder to steady himself from falling.


    Jiangyu¡¯s ears turned crimson red hearing Lin Hui¡¯sugh. His eyes dimmed and he points at the two men dress as homeless men.


    "Yiqing! Take their picture! It¡¯s going to be my new screensaver!"


    That¡¯s right, if they want to take his photo, he can take there¡¯s in return. He wants to see how they will react.


    Yiqing stroke his long gray beard with pouting lips. He nce at Xu Long and Lin Hui for a long minute, then decides. He takes his phone out and takes a photo of them.


    Seeing Yiqing do as told, Jiangyu scoff a satisfying chuckle.


    Once he has their photo taken, he knows they will ask him to delete it. In return, he will have them delete the one they took of him.


    However, things did not go as he nned. The moment Yiqing lift his hand to snap a photo, both men quickly move.


    Xu Long jumps with his knees bent up and both arms pull back. His fingers curl like ws as he strikes a flying eagle stance.


    Next to the assistant, Lin Hui lowers with bent knees as he strikes a stern horse stance and both his palms sp together.


    Behind the two homeless men, the members of Wolf Team also partake in the action. Everyone stood straight in rows of pirs.


    *Click*


    Each person kept a straight face as Yiqing captures the photo.


    He nods his head in satisfaction and gives the men a thumbs up. Maybe he should be a photographer.


    "...."


    Jiangyu was dumbfounded to the core. He did not see thising at all.


    "Yiqing, was it good? Should we take another one?"


    Without a care for Jiangyu¡¯s feelings, Xu Long smiles and runs to Yiqing.


    "XU! LONG!!"


    Before Xu Long could take two steps, Jiangyu¡¯s raging voice roars into the sky like a dragon unleash to destroy the world.


    "Jiangyu."


    However, before the homeless man or elderly woman... man... could move, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice from a distance stops them.


    Due to Chu Li Xiang being a part of the underworld, Lu Tian and his team took care of the situation, but the man still needs to be handed to the police for prosecution.


    Thus, he was talking to the Chief over the phone and did not bother with what was going on.


    However, when he finished the call, he did not expect to see the womanly dressed Jiangyu on the verge of killing the homeless Xu Long.


    He shook his head and put his phone away. Walking over to his team, he ignores his subordinate¡¯s angry face.


    "Jiangyu, Yiqing. The Chief is waiting."


    Hearing this, Jiangyu could only re with murderous eyes at Xu Long and Lin Hui. For now, he will finish his new mission and deal with these twoter.


    He points his index and middle finger to his eyes then points them at the two homeless figures. Giving them a silent warning, he turns around and enters the passenger seat of the car he shoved Chu Li Xiang in.


    Xu Long: "...."


    Lin Hui: "..."


    Walking to the driver side, Yiqing held a huge grin like he had just witnessed the greatest show.


    "You two be careful now. I suggest you guys to make more money."


    Saying this, he winks at both men and enters the car.


    As the car drives off into the distance, both Xu Long and Lin Hui cover their bodies. Yiqing may have a carefree personality, but behind that mask of his, he can be consider a dangerous man.


    "Hey, Xu Long, are our days in Imperial over? I don¡¯t want to sell my body for money."


    Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help but ask. He had seen Jiangyu¡¯s eyes and he was sure, if Lu Tian did not intervene, both he and Xu Long would have long died.


    "I think we still have a few more years to live."


    Xu Long answers and fold his arms over his chest. He touch his chin with one hand and ponder in thought.


    "If we want to live longer, we need to think of a n...."


    Hearing this, Lin Hui¡¯s eyes lit up. He put his arm over the assistant¡¯s shoulder and whispers.


    "I have a great n. Earlier, Liu Shan told me that..."


    As Lin Hui continues to whisper his n, Xu Long¡¯s cheeks flush and he grins from ear to ear.


    Lu Tian massage his temples seeing both men nning something against Jiangyu. He lowers his hand and check the time on his watch.


    "Wolf Team, standby. Secure the premises until the event is over."


    "Roger Captain!"


    Wolf Team quickly answers with seriousness. Even though they have captured Chu Li Xiang, they cannot let their guards down. Anything can happen.


    Giving his order, Lu Tian dismiss them to return to their post.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    He signals to both homeless men and walks in the direction of Beauty. There is only ten minutes left until his wife takes the runway.

 Chapter 347 opening model

    Unaware of the situation that took ce outside, the guests attending the annual Fall Fashion Show continue to enjoy the show.


    An Qing¡¯s ending model steps onto the stage in a metallic silver dress that makes one think of ice crystals inside a snowy cave in the early morning as the sun rises.


    The long dress wraps over one shoulder as it flows down into a long mermaid tail. Rhinestones sparkles in a line formation from top to bottom. The slit on the side of the dress opens between each step the model took, revealing her diamond heels.


    "Wow! I did not think Ning Mei would also be An Qing¡¯s closing model."


    "The first dress Ning Mei modeled was very nice. This one is even nicer!"


    "I¡¯m going to contact An Qing and ask if they are going to put this dress on the market!"


    "After seeing An Qing¡¯s designs, I don¡¯t think the mysterious designer has a chance."


    As the audience burst into rounds of praises, Ning Mei felt like she had be number one model. She smiles in her steps and chin raise as she approaches the front of the runway.


    Her goal in stepping over Yue Ling has already seeded.


    One hand on her hip, she strikes a pose as she slightly turn her body with a pause. Once she did so, the cameras sh in her direction and she turns around to walk back.


    "Oh my gosh! She is so beautiful!"


    "I think I am now a fan of Ning Mei!"


    Sitting in the front row, Grandfather Ji rolled his eyes and yawn aloud. He felt that it was pointless to praise horrible work. There was nothing good about Ning Mei, but a self-centered brat.


    He really wish that Ning Mei would speed up her steps so his granddaughter can show her how it¡¯s really done to walk the runway.


    While the old man thought to himself, the two women to his right felt the same as him. Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er felt annoyed hearing the praises from the others. They were not jealous but felt there was nothing good about Ning Mei that is worth praising.


    Did they not know that instead of taking their words to heart, her head just grows bigger?


    Soon, Ning Mei¡¯s figure exits the runway and the lights dims as An Qing¡¯s snowy mountain disappears.


    The audience quickly apud at the beautiful show that was put on by An Qing. It was truly worth their time toe and see in person.


    "That was amazing! It¡¯s no wonder An Qing always held first ce at every show."


    "I thought Han Yue Ling would be the model for An Qing like the past years, but Ning Mei really gave everyone a shock with her performance."


    "After seeing their designs, I really don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need to see the next designer¡¯s."


    "I agree. Even though Wu Jing said it was a mysterious designer, I think An Qing already took first ce."


    As the audience apud and chat with one another, the five judge scribbles down their thoughts about the designs. A quiet whisper immerse between them as they discuss about their decision.


    "Wasn¡¯t that nice?"


    A spotlight quickly shines onto the stage as Wu Jing¡¯s figure clothe in white returns to the stage to greet the audience. A pleasant smile curls on his lip as everyone quickly quiets down seeing him.


    "I hope everyone enjoyed the marvelous show presented by An Qing."


    Hearing his words, the audience apud with no voice. Their praise of p was enough to show their feelings toward An Qing.


    Wu Jing gaze at the crowd in front of him and smiles with his eyes close.


    "I¡¯m d everyone enjoyed the first show. I hope you all show the same sincerity towards our next designer. However, I would like to give you all a hint. If you are familiar with An Qing, then you are very familiar with this designer."


    As he spoke hisst word, Wu Jing does not say anymore and turns to leave the stage. His hint was already good enough to stir the crowd.


    Watching the man leave the stage, the audience fell into a moment of silence. The spotlight turns off and the lights dims again.


    "What did Wu Jing mean?"


    "Very familiar? Who can be more popr than An Qing?"


    The audience quickly rose into an uproar of questions. Even the judges couldn¡¯t help but whisper to one another again. When they were invited, Wu Jing had mentioned that the fashion show was a little different.


    He said he cannot tell who this designer is, but is someone they know very well, but like An Qing, they are representing themselves.


    Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er beamed in joy with sparkling eyes. They don¡¯t know who the designer is, but they know that Yue Ling is a model for this designer.


    Unlike everyone else, Grandfather Ji kept a stern expression like he couldn¡¯t wait for the event to be over. However, only God knows how he is really feeling at this moment.


    He swore his heart was going to burst out of his chest. This is his first time ever seeing his granddaughter on the stage in person. Before, he and Ji Jingxu could only watch on the television at home, but now, it was different.


    Quickly as the uproar surface inside Beauty, the dim lights switch off only to brighten again in seconds. It was a sign to let the guests know that the next show is starting.


    At the same time, the in white wall is now reced with another scenery. However, unlike An Qing¡¯s snowy mountain background, this new background gave a more magical feeling.


    It was a dark enchanted forest covered in snow with faint light from the gaps of the trees. The specks of radiant dots that surround the forest made one think of snow, yet at the same time as fireflies in the night.


    The lights around the stage lights up in rows as the music begin with the sound of a zither plucks.


    Amazed by the lovely background, everyone were lost in their own world as no one dare to make a sound or move. The feeling the background created felt like they were enchanted into a world of fantasy.


    Grandfather Ji smiles a deep breath and his eyes lock onto the stage.


    However, from the corners of his eyes, he sees a dark figure approach him. He couldn¡¯t help but turn to the person.


    "Lu Tian?"


    "Grandfather Ji."


    Lu Tian politely nod his head and greets the old man. Due to the slight darkest that engulf the guest seats, no one was able to recognize him upon entrance. Everyone¡¯s attention was also on the stage, so he was able to approach his seat without disturbance.


    He nce behind the old man and nod his head to Ting before taking the empty seat on the old man¡¯s left.


    Watching the young man take a seat, Grandfather Ji narrow his eyes as if he was reading the boy, but to no avail, he can never read what Lu Tian is thinking. He push the thought away and looks back at the stage.


    In that very same moment when Lu Tian sat down, the opening model for this mysterious designer steps onto the stage.


    "Haa¡ª"


    "Oh my..."


    Gasps sounds from the audience at the sight of this opening model. Some stare with their mouth cover while others forget to cover their mouth. Even the mass media that were allowed in to capture the show were struck in a daze and forgot to do their job.


    Grandfather Ji, Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were just as surprised. Three sets of eyes stares at the stage with an unexinable feeling. They could not believe what they were seeing.


    However, unlike everyone else, Lu Tian held a different expression. Although he kept his usual stern expression, if one looked closely, one can see the unnoticeable smile on his face.


    This model¡¯s every step held elegance and power like a noble ruler. No one can take their eyes off of such majestic being.


    A long white cape flutters behind like a pair wings as the opening model takes each step not too fast nor too slow on the stage.


    Gold details on the white cape outlines a fierce dragon in the center with gold peony threaded at the end. A matching gold leaf crown held its ce on the model¡¯s head without falling.


    "Am I really seeing this? Somebody pinch me if I am dreaming?"


    "My... this is the first time I am seeing this."


    Walking up to the front of the stage, the opening model stops as the cape slowly descends down as it gives a slow-motion effect. The scene made the model look like an immortal thatnded in mundane world.


    Gazing with the audience, the model¡¯s chest stuck out reminding one of a mighty beast.


    Unlike Ning Mei¡¯s self-centered aura, this model held a domineering aura but at the same time with pure and natural cuteness that makes one can¡¯t help but smile in awe.


    Staring back at the many eyes, the opening model slowly sits down and adorably tilt its head.


    "Oh my God! He¡¯s too cute!!"


    "He¡¯s so fluffy! I want to go up to the stage and hug him!"


    "Can I take him home with me?!"


    In a sh, the crowd burst into awe and excitement full of happiness as the camera¡¯s quickly shed to capture this unexpected moment that caught everyone by surprise.

 Chapter 348 no one can compare

    To the surprise for everyone, they were expecting a human, but instead what greeted them was an animal. Not just any kind, but an adorable Samoyed that makes one want to take him home.


    Inu gaze at the audience with his perfectly round eyes. The enchanted forest background gave the atmosphere around him feel like he was a divine guardian amongst all beasts.


    Feeling he had spent a long enough time in the mundane world, Inu stood up and turn to leave. As he turns around, the white cape that is three times his size flutters in motion to give the audience a better view of the detailed dragon.


    "So beautiful! I just want to cry!"


    "This is indeed a work of art. Whoever designed this piece did an amazing job. The dragon looks like it cane to life any minute."


    In the audience, Grandfather did not know whether tough or cry. He had anticipated the opening model to be his granddaughter, yet... it turned out to be none other than Inu!


    What is going to happen to the world now?


    Seated beside the old man, Lu Tian felt otherwise. He stares at Inu¡¯s now departing figure and a faint smile curl on his lip. His entire expression resembles that of a proud father.


    The favor his wife asked him was to help Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin bring Inu to the show. She knew that Inu would give the two subordinates a difficult time, so she could only ask him. Which was the truth. The Samoyed was a handful that drove Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin insane.


    As Inu¡¯s beastly figure disappears from the stage, another model steps out.


    This time, it was an actual human.


    He wore a long white zer that bounce with each step he took as the front opens. However, the inside of the zer held floral patterns in gold details. Each time the zer opens, the gold floral shines with the light.


    The cor of the shirt he wore under was buttoned halfway as it reveals his masculine upper chest and a silver chain ne.


    One hand inside the pocket of his matching white pants, he proceed to walk the runway with an expressionless face.


    "It¡¯s Gong Jun!!"


    "No wonder he didn¡¯t appear during An Qing¡¯s turn! But why is he with this designer?"


    "The design he¡¯s wearing is really something. Doesn¡¯t it make him look like a pirate lost in an enchanted forest?"


    Unlike An Qing¡¯s show of presenting one design at a time, the moment Gong Jun reached the front of the runway, another model steps onto the stage, but this time a woman.


    She wore something that looked like a dark cape. It covered her entire body with only her head in view.


    Seeing this, the audience couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the design was supposed to look like that. A whisper amongst them quickly surface as the judges frown at the piece.


    "The first two pieces were outstanding, but I¡¯m not too sure about this third one."


    "Why would someone design something like this? I could just wrap curtains around me."


    Gong Jun pause in his steps for a quick second to let the judges get a better view at the details on the design he wore. He then turns around and walk in the direction he came from.


    As the third model walks towards the front, the moment she passed Gong Jun¡¯s figure, both her arms raise from the open sides to cover her chest in a X.


    Her right hand leisurely pulls the fabric covering her left shoulder then the same with her left hand to her right shoulder.


    Opening her arms, she held the dark fabric in ce like butterfly wings as the piece she wore underes to view.


    Her hips motion from side to side as the silky ck dress follow in rhythm. The top part of the dressced in silver metallic leather to her waist. From the hips down, it revealed the silky fabric used to make the dress as the bottomce the same details as the top.


    "Haa¡ª This dress... I did not think that such a piece like this was hiding underneath!"


    "I want this dress! It looks better than the dress Ning Mei wore during An Qing¡¯s opening!"


    The minute the model revealed the dress, the audience erupt inments. They had judged the dress too quickly to only be taken by surprise at the masterpiece done.


    One after another, the selected models continue to appear on the stage with different designs. However, they followed in a pattern between ck and white.


    "Ahh!! My baby was fantastic!!"


    As the show continues, Yue Ling shriek in smiles like a fangirl as she hugs Inu in the back. Her cheeks rubs against the Samoyed with lots of love and doting.


    "My family¡¯s Inu is the best! No one canpare!"


    Many in the industry have doubts of allowing an animal to take the stage alone, but she didn¡¯t. She knew her Inu would do a terrific job out there. He is a well trained and smart dog.


    Watching from the sidelines, the models around were at a loss for words. They had all thought the aloof Lu Tian was going to be the opening model, but after the man left, he never came back.


    When it was time to go on stage, Yue Ling suddenly shocked them with the announcement of who the opening model is.


    None of them had expected the adorable Samoyed that was brought in to be the one to hold the highly value position and performed perfectly.


    How does An Qing feel knowing that their openingpetitior is not human?


    "H-How can this be...."


    One the opposite side, An Qing was in a chaotic mess. Chen Limei could not believe that De L¡¯amour¡¯s designs were nothing like the designs Ming Yue gave her.


    She even changed a few things, but whenparing them to De L¡¯amour¡¯s pieces out there, hers was inferior by far.


    Her expression turned uglier and uglier as the opposing models took the stage one by one. She clench her fists tightly and res at her assistant.


    "Where is that bitch Ming Yue?!"


    The assistant jumped in fear, but she quickly shook her head.


    "I wasn¡¯t able to get a hold of her. She didn¡¯t show up as part of our deal."


    Hearing this, Chine Limei rose into rage. She smash everything she could get her hands on, even the z-racks filled of clothes were not spared.


    She breathes heavily and pinch the space between her brows. Even with the many eyes in the room staring at her, she did not care if her respectable CEO image was gone. Once this event is over, she can silence whoever dares to stir unnecessary rumors.


    "Find her and bring her here!"


    "Yes, CEO Chen."


    Chen Limei¡¯s assistant quickly replies and leaves the room. If she cannot find Ming Yue, who knows what kind of wrath the witch would unleash.


    Ignoring Chen Limei¡¯s outburst rage, Ning Mei stood in front of the monitor screens and her expression was not inferior to the CEO¡¯s.


    When they say people are ugly when angry, that is exactly how Ning Mei looks like at this moment.


    Her high and mighty attitude from earlier was gone as both her fists clench tightly at her sides.


    She cannot believe that her perfect performance was stole y a stupid dog!


    No...


    Ning Mei takes a deep breath and calms herself down.


    The show hasn¡¯t ended, and the judges have yet to announce who the winner is. There¡¯s still a chance An Qing will take first ce like every other year.


    Out in the audience, the guests continue to be amazed by the designs presented by the mysterious designer. One look and one can see how much time had been put into each piece.


    "This mysterious designer has spectacr skills. Each piece of design takes you into a different world."


    "I¡¯m curious to know who this designer is. I really want to meet him or her."


    "Anyone can see the top quality of materials used to create each piece of work. This is by far better than An Qing¡¯s."


    Listening to the goodments, Grandfather Ji couldn¡¯t help but tear up. Although his granddaughter has not appeared on the stage, he can see all the hard work the audience spoke of.


    Each design may look like normal clothes to be worn, but for a fashion designer, each design meant more. They pour their heart and soul into each creation like parents showing their love for their children.


    He knows that Yue Ling and her design team shed blood and sweat to perfect the pieces now being shown to the world.


    Thinking this, he sighs inside and wish that Ji Jingxu was also here to witness this.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the boy having to study for exams, he would have taken the boy to share this wonderful moment together.

 Chapter 349 forest goddess

    The fashion show carried on with ease as the mysterious designer¡¯s designs slowly near its end. Knowing this, the audience became out of sorts as they wish to see more of the work. However, they know they cannot ask for too much.


    "I wonder what the closing piece will look like."


    "This designer¡¯s pieces were beautiful, but will the closing design be able topare with An Qing¡¯s. I feel like An Qing still has the better advantage of taking first ce."


    "I think this mysterious designer had better designs. An Qing may now havee face to face with their match."


    Grandfather Ji sat in his seat in full smiles at the praises from those nearby. However, when he heard unpleasantments, be couldn¡¯t help but snort disapprovingly.


    Seeing the old man¡¯s often changes of expressions, Lu Tian lightly shook his head. It¡¯s no wonder the old man doesn¡¯te to events like this. He does not hide anything as his opinions are clearly written all over his face.


    Just as he though this, a smile curls on his lip.


    The song ying slowly changes into a soft melody of endless love yed by a zither. The atmosphere inside Beauty felt as if the enchanted forest in the background had suddenlye to life.


    Before anyone could react to the change, a tall figure clothe in white appears on the stage. It was so mesmerizing that the figure looked as if she had stepped out of the background.


    A silky white robe drapes over her shoulders like a calm river in this enchanting forest. With one foot in front of the other, she walked in long and smooth strides. Her arms at her side remained rxed as the open robe flutters behind each of her steps.


    Revealing underneath is none other than a traditional white qipao. Its length reached mid-calf with one open slit on the left side. Her long smooth leg partiallyes to view when her left leg steps forward.


    The mandarin cor of the qipao wraps highly around her neck as a set of white pankous fastens therge front to keep the dress in ce.


    From afar, the qipao appeared very in and simple, but as the model nears the front of the stage, everyone can see the exquisite embroidery of plum tree blossoms.


    The detailing was embroiled by using white thread, but it was still visible to the human eye.


    As the model takes each step on the runway, the audience remained in silence with only the sound of the soft zither melody ying.


    It felt as if time had slowed and the goddess that watched over the enchanted forest had shown herself. Afraid that any sound even small will disturb this peaceful piece and disappear.


    *Click¡ª


    Suddenly, as everyone were lost in time, a cameraman in the front subconsciously press the shutter button and a bright sh brightens the ce. The sound quickly brought everyone back from their long daze.


    "It¡¯s Han Yue Ling! Han Yue Ling is here!"


    "I never thought I¡¯d see her take the stage again! I¡¯m so d I came or else I would have missed this great chance to see my idol again!"


    "She is still as beautiful as ever!!"


    Unlike their praise about Ning Mei, this time, it was not only praises, but tears in seeing the model.


    Yue Ling was not like the other celebrities, she liked to keep a low profile and the only time anyone was able to see her, it would be in the magazines, television or during her meet and greet. However, after CNJ Entertainment released her retirement, no one saw or heard anything about her anymore. They all thought that thest time of them seeing her was on the cover of Beauty¡¯s magazine.


    Seeing her appear in person on the runway again felt like she had never left the modeling industry.


    "Han Yue Ling is a natural when ites to the runway. The way she moves is graceful like she was born to walk the runway."


    "Didn¡¯t she always model for An Qing? Why did she change designers?"


    "Who is this mysterious designer that is able to bring her back to the stage?"


    "Han Yue Ling, please don¡¯t leave the modeling world! We miss you!"


    "Han Yue Ling, I love you! Please marry me!"


    Unlike their well behave behavior from the start of the event, the young audience no longer came to watch a fashion show. It was as if they were attending a meet and greet with their favorite model.


    Lu Tian sat in his seat with eyes glued on his beautiful wife. He felt like the luckiest man in the world to have her in his life. Only God knows how truly blessed he is to have met her.


    However, when he heard a man shout that he loved his wife, his eyes droop heavily. And as if that was not enough, the same man dared to shamelessly propose in front of so many people.


    How he wish to find this unknown man and dig his eyes out for eyeing his wife.


    At the same time, the three people sitting to the right of Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but shiver. Grandfather Ji and Madam Lu knew the reason behind the sudden chill because they also heard the confession.


    Who is the idiot courting death?


    However, unlike the two older people, the younger Zhao Ya¡¯Er did not think much. She thought someone had opened a door and a gust of wind flew in.


    Oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s current thoughts, Yue Ling proceed in her steps on the stage. As a model, it is known for one to keep an expressionless face, however, she was tad bit different.


    The moment she reached the front of the runway, she pause in her steps and eyes gaze to the many eyes staring back at her.


    Both her arms raise as the long sleeves of the robe slips down to reveal her smooth white forearms.


    Slowly bringing both hands to her lip, she seals a gentle kiss on the tip of her fingers. However, instead of blowing a kiss out, she spread her arms as her angelic smile smiles to the audience.


    "Oh my God! Her signature pose!"


    "I caught her kiss!"


    "She¡¯s an angel! My goddess!"


    Quickly as she gesture her famous signature pose, the young audience scream with throbbing hearts. Even the older crowd couldn¡¯t help but smile as they praise the young woman¡¯s capability of naturally capturing her audience.


    As Yue Ling¡¯s arms lower, her bluish green eyes met with Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes before looking away.


    Lu Tian who was recovering from the sudden confession to his wife was struck to the core when he saw what his wife did. However, when their eyes met, even if it was for a brief second, he could only sigh inside. After tonight, the only person she will be blowing kisses to is him and him only.


    Unknown to their quick encounter, a cameraman nearby was able to capture a photo of them in the moment.


    Like a pair of lost lovers finally meeting again after years of separation.


    Yue Ling held the open front edge of the robe and with a swift but gentle turn, the robe flutters like wings ready to ascend back to the heavens above.


    With her figure turned away, everyone can see the embroidery of red spider lilies smeared like a painting on the back of the robe. However, the most captivating part was the corporation of a Phoenix emerging from the flowers. Its wings spread with glistening red and gold like it was soaring to the sky.


    "The cape from earlier and the one Han Yue Ling is wearing looks like a matching set!"


    "I want to know who this mysterious designer is and praise him or her for such outstanding work."


    "Wu Jing! Hurry and tell us!!"


    After knowing that the closing model was Yue Ling, curiosity rose within the audience. Before the model retired, the only brand she modeled for was De L¡¯amour which was always represented by An Qing. However, An Qing represented their own brand tonight. So, who could this mysterious designer be?


    "An Qing should be wary. They may have showcased first, but that doesn¡¯t confirm they will be taking home first ce."


    Even though whispers continue in the audience, no one was able to take their eyes off of Yue Ling¡¯s figure. Everyone felt as if they were in a trance and watching the forest goddess return to her own world.


    The enchanted forest in the background that came to life slowly engulfs in darkness as Yue Ling¡¯s figure in white disappears from view.


    In that moment, the answer to everyone¡¯s curiosity is revealed.


    The background that is now reced with darkness appears the name "De L¡¯amour" in white bold letters.


    And as quickly as it appeared, it disappears with the dimming lights around into the unknown.

 Chapter 350 Guest of honor

    *Knock! Knock! Knock!


    A continuous loud pounding echoes throughout a secluded part inside Beauty. However, due to the fashion show that is still taking ce, the hallway remains empty with no one in sight, not even the employees are seen walking around.


    "Someone! Help me!"


    A woman¡¯s faint voice sounds from behind the tightly shut door of a storage closet.


    Inside the dark room, Ming Yue screams at the top of her lungs with tears running down her cheeks. However, no matter how much she knocks or shout, the door remains shut with no oneing to help her.


    Her legs turn weak and she falls to her knees in sobs.


    "How did it turn out like this...."


    After she left the reserved area for De L¡¯amour, she had gone to find Chen Limei. On her way, she noticed Lian Ni Shang was following behind her, so she pretended to head in the direction of thedies room.


    Coincidently, Lian Ni Shang also came the same direction. Left with no choice, she waited inside the bathroom stall until the cold woman left.


    After confirming that Lian Ni Shang was no long in the restroom, she carefully snuck out.


    However, the moment she opened the stall door, everything around became a blur and her vision went dark.


    When she opened her eyes again, darkness greeted her. At first, she didn¡¯t know where she was, but constantly touching the things around, she realized she was inside a storage closet.


    Coming back from her daze, Ming Yue wipes her tears away and pounds on the door again.


    "Hello?! Is anyone out there? Please open the door for me! Hello?!"


    When she thought all hope was lost, the shut door suddenly opens and the light from the hallway shines inside.


    "Miss Ming, why are you hiding in here?"


    Standing on the other side of the door, Chen Limei¡¯s assistant stares down at the pitiful looking secretary. However, seeing the woman¡¯s disoriented appearance, she frowns with pursing lips.


    "If you want to satisfy your own selfish needs, you should do it on your own time. Do not waste my boss¡¯s time."


    "...."


    Ming Yue stares up at the woman and she was dumbfounded with confusion. Satisfy her own selfishness needs? She had been stuck in this tiny storage closet the entire time! How was she able to go find some man to mingle with?


    "Ah!"


    Lost in her thoughts, Ming Yue yelps as the assistant suddenly grabs her arm and pulls her up.


    Before she could process her thoughts together, the assistant had already dragged her to meet Chen Limei in a quiet corner.


    "CEO Chen, I¡¯ve brought her."


    Ming Yue is ruthlessly shoved towards the CEO. The impact was so strong that she stumbles and falls to her knees and hands.


    Her fists clench tightly and her lower lip trembles. Never has she received such humiliation in her entire life!


    "Get up."


    Chen Limei ordered as she stood in front of the woman kneeling to her like a ve. Her eyes re murderously at Ming Yue as if wanting to stab the woman to death.


    "Why did De L¡¯amour chance their designs? Did you already know this was going to happen and purposely give me false information?"


    Ming Yue was helping herself stand up, but when she heard Chen Limei¡¯s words, she was rendered speechless.


    De L¡¯amour changed their designs? How was that possible? She made sure the designs she stole were the one from this year¡¯s ck book.


    All the employees at De L¡¯amour knows that the ck book is the one that contains all the current designs chosen.


    "I..."


    *p¡ª


    Just when Ming Yue steadied her ground and tried to exin, Chen Limei ps her hard across the face. The woman¡¯s palm can be seen imprinted on Ming Yue¡¯s cheek that was pped without mercy.


    Ming Yue¡¯s head turned to the side from the hard impact. Her eyes trembled along with her lips as tears began to form.


    "You screwed this up. Our deal is off. Don¡¯t even think that I will help you get the CEO position at De L¡¯amour."


    Chen Limei snort in disgusts after her words and turn to leave. Right now, she has a bigger problem to deal with.


    Taking five steps away from the good for nothing secretary, she pause in her steps but does not turn to face the woman.


    "Don¡¯t ever show yourself in front of me."


    Ming Yue¡¯s shoulders jumped in fear hearing the warning and disgust in Chen Limei¡¯s voice. She bit her lower lip and sob quietly to herself as the CEO and her assistant leave.


    Chen Limei was her strongest backer. How did things not go ordingly to her n?


    She lifts one hand and bit her nails. Thinking of something, her eyes lit up and she wipes away the tears.


    So what if she lost Chen Limei¡¯s support, she still hand another one.


    Ning Xingyu!


    Unknown to the conversation that took ce, the audience apud as Wu Jing¡¯s figure steps onto the stage to greet them again.


    "Did that take you all by surprise?"


    He smiles with his straight white teeth and help the microphone close to his mouth.


    "I¡¯m sure by now you all know that De L¡¯amour is our mysterious designer tonight. Like An Qing, this year, De L¡¯amour decided to represent itself in this event."


    The eyes of everyone in the audience widen at the confirmation. They had thought it was their eyes that was ying a trick on them. However...


    "If An Qing¡¯spetitor is De L¡¯amour, wouldn¡¯t that mean they already lost?"


    "An Qing was able to win first ce in the past because of De L¡¯amour. Their designs were just as good, but from the looks of it, they lost their biggest trump card."


    "I wouldn¡¯t be surprise if De L¡¯amour won first ce. Their pieces were beyond perfection whenparing to An Qing¡¯s."


    On the stage, Wu Jing can hear the whispers below and didn¡¯t mind them at all as he kept his usual wide smile.


    When he learned that his good friend, Yue Ling had decided to reveal her identity as De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer, he was just as shock as everyone here. However, he recovered from the shock since he knew that this day would eventuallye.


    "I hope everyone enjoyed the fabulous show as I did. Before I introduce our two designers, I would like everyone to give a round of apuse to our guest of honor."


    His words fell, and everyone¡¯s attention turn back to him in apuse. Although they are curious to know who this mysterious designer is, they are also curious about this special guests Wu Jing mentioned.


    A spotlight shines over the audience like a game revealing the look on each person¡¯s face as they try to guess who the special guest is.


    After a few rounds, the spotlightnds in the section in the front and everyone couldn¡¯t help but gasp in surprise.


    Clothe in all ck is the one person everyone in Imperial knows. His long and narrow eyes did not meet anyone¡¯s eyes, but one can see how soul captivating they were. The coldness within those dark pupils made people tremble as hisplexion gave a matching cold countenance with a powerful impression that did notck to anyone.


    The aura around him made one afraid to get near him but can¡¯t help from not wanting to look away.


    "It¡¯s Lu Tian!"


    "Lu Corps¡¯ CEO is the guest of honor?"


    "When did he arrive? I was too focused on the show that I did not see hime in at all."


    Which was the truth. Everyone had been lost in a trance with the fashion show that no one saw the man. Not even during the opening entrance, so when did he arrive?


    Even Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were shocked speechless. They sat so close to the aloof man and yet, neither did not notice him until now.


    Lu Tian paid no attention to the stares. He calmly rose from his seat as his dark figure quickly silences the voices inside with eyes glued on him.


    Although they were shocked at this moment, they were also happy.


    Not only did they get to see Yue Ling take the stage again, they also got the chance to see the infamous business king in person.


    As Lu Tian steps onto the stage, Wu Jing maintained his usual smile and personality.


    Both resembled the opposite of each other. One clothe in all ck like a dark knight, while the other looked like a light knight in white.


    "WOW! Lu Tian and Wu Jing are both equally charming!"


    "To see two of Imperial¡¯s bachelors on the stage together is like a dreame true!"


    "I don¡¯t know who to choose at all. The cold and aloof, Lu Tian or the nice and carefree, Wu Jing!"

 Chapter 351 Ruthless

    The spotlight disappears as Lu Tian joins Wu Jing on the stage. Unlike the energetic man next to him, Lu Tian¡¯s expression remained cold and indifferent with no ounce of emotion. Not even a tiny smile can be seen on his face.


    Of course, despite the man¡¯s demeanor, Wu Jing did not mind. He turn to look at the audience and smiles cheerfully.


    "Did tonight¡¯s honorable guest surprise you all?"


    Saying this, he takes a deep breath and looks at Lu Tian.


    "Mr. Lu, Beauty is truly thankful for your eptance in joining us tonight. Though, I am sure our guests and viewers are very curious to know, what made you decide to join this year¡¯s annual Fall Fashion Show?"


    The audience remained quiet with eyes staring at the business king. Each person could not wait to hear his response.


    After all, one should know that, although Lu Tian is a distinguish figure in Imperial, the man rarely shows himself at events, let alone a small fashion show like this. Even in the past, he never once attended a fashion show.


    After a long minute had gone by, the guest could only sigh inside. They should have expected that he will not answer the question.


    However, just when they though this, Lu Tian¡¯s closed lip parts and his deep voice sounds.


    "I¡¯m here to support someone important to me."


    "..."


    Hearing this unexpected response from the infamous cold man, not only the young but the older audience erupt into amotion again.


    "Lu Tian said he is here to support someone important to him? Who can it be?"


    "Could it be An Qing¡¯s opening model, Ning Mei? I heard there¡¯s a rumor that Ning Mei is engaged to Lu Tian."


    "Ning Mei¡¯s first appearance on the runway and Lu Tian¡¯s sudden appearance, is this really a coincidence or are they really a pair?"


    "If it¡¯s true, I don¡¯t know what to think. I don¡¯t want Lu Tian to be paired with Ning Mei. She¡¯s pretty but she is not his match."


    Although, Lu Tian¡¯s sudden response stirred the crowd, Grandfather Ji rolled his eyes.


    Someone important? Hmmf. Why not announce to the world that you already proposed?


    If it was him up there, he would brag about it to the entire world and make sure all the media here release the news!


    On the stage, Wu Jing stares at the tall and aloof man. His head shook and he sighs inside. Lu Tian did answer his question, but it gave no room to ask more.


    A soft chuckle escapes his lip and he stares back to the stirring crowd.


    "Alright! Mr. Lu has given us his honest answer. Now, let us all wee our first designer, An Qing¡¯s Chen Limei."


    Quickly changing the subject, he diverts the attention to the appearance of Chen Limei.


    The moment Wu Jing poke his words, Chen Limei steps onto the stage in the same blue dress she arrived in. She was in full smiles as she had cast the incident with Ming Yue aside. It was as if nothing had happened in the back.


    She calmly walks over to the front of the stage with one hand waving to greet the guests. Seeing both good looking men, she decides to stand between them.


    "Wow, Miss Chen, you are as lovely as ever. I pity all the young men that were rejected by you."


    Wu Jing flirtatiously praise the woman with a smile. He found Chen Limei to be a very beautiful and sessful woman, but her inner hear was too ck for him. If he had not known the real her, he would have been one of the many suitors who fancied the woman.


    "Wu Jing, you¡¯re always full ofpliments."


    Chen Limei blush a smile in giggles. She may keep her arrogant appearance in front of others, but that does not mean she didn¡¯t like to hear otherspliment her.


    While Wu Jing tried to keep his polite manners with the woman, Lu Tian was nothing like him. He did not care about manners and showed his ruthlessness.


    The minute Chen Limei walked to stand between the two men, Lu Tian took one big stride to the side. He avoided any close contact with the woman like she was a disgusting gue.


    Chen Limei: "-__-"


    Wu Jing: "..."


    Chen Limei was stupefied, but despite her redden face, she tries to keep a graceful smile. She had long known that Lu Tian didn¡¯t like being near women, but right now, they were live and in public eye. Did he really have to humiliate her to the extent?


    Like the woman, Wu Jing was also stupefied, except he was not embarrass for her. He quickly pretends to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand to hide his urge tough, let alone smile.


    Now he understands why Lu Tian has never been in a rtionship. The man really lives up to his reputation, even towards women.


    Down in the audience, everyone gasp in shock at the obvious move Lu Tian did. Even they want to hide in a hole for the young woman. However, how could she try to do such a thing knowing how Lu Tian is.


    As part of the crowd, Grandfather stroke his chin and his head approvingly. If it was known that he is Yue Ling¡¯s grandfather, he would have gone up to the stage and pat the boy¡¯s back for doing a great job.


    Sitting beside the old general, Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er held double thumbs up in their heart. Times like this, they are very thankful for Lu Tian¡¯s dislike towards close contact with women.


    Feeling pity for the woman, Wu Jing decides to do what he does best.


    "Miss Chen, as the CEO of An Qing, you always represented De L¡¯amour, but tonight, you showed us your own designs. How do you feel about yourpetitor, knowing that it is the brand you used to represent?"


    Knowing that Wu Jing had purposely changed the attention to their main purpose of being here, she smiles to thank him. However, what she heard the question, she feel herself slightly jump nervously.


    She swallow with difficulty and force a smile on her face to answer.


    "No need for the formality, you can just call me Chen Limei. As to answer your question, An Qing has always represented other brands and we were happy to do so. Though it was unexpected, we decided to change the course of events this year and present our very own brand to the world. My team and I have worked day and night just for tonight¡¯s event."


    Saying this, she looks to the audience that was now quiet and her words continue.


    "I hope that after tonight, everyone will bare witness and continue to support my An Qing as you have always done."


    Wu Jing nod his head listening to the woman¡¯s words. When she finished, he did not hesitate to ask the final question.


    "Do you have confidence that An Qing will be bringing home this year¡¯s award?"


    A soft giggle escapes Chen Limei¡¯s lips as she raise one hand to cover her smile. When she lowers her hand, her voice spoke.


    "An Qing has always won first ce in the past. If we lose this year, then it can only mean that we have met our match."


    As her words continue to unt her confidence, Lu Tian stood like a pir at the side with a tired expression.


    At first, he didn¡¯t agree to the be the guest of honor, but when he learned that his wife was participating in the event, he did not hesitate to agree.


    Of course, he only did so because he wanted to stand on the stage with her. Whether she win or lose, or even if this is the first andst time, it will be a moment worth remembering.


    However, why does he feel that it is taking longer than what he thought?


    He knows that it hasn¡¯t been long since hest saw her, but he really misses her.


    Can¡¯t Wu Jing speed things up so he can see his wife again?


    While Lu Tian continues his wishes to see his wife, Wu Jing continues the conversation with Chen Limei.


    "Miss Chen, your words are indeed worth praising. Confident and generous. I do wish An Qing the best of luck in tonight¡¯s award."


    Chen Limei politely smiles as she express her gratitude for his words. However, deep inside, she was screaming in rage.


    She had allowed him to call her by name and yet, he still continues to call her with formal manners.


    Wu Jing is a good-looking man with great sess, but whenparing to Lu Tian, he is nothing inparison.


    Inhaling a deep breath, she nces over to Lu Tian with a smile that can captivate any man¡¯s heart. Since Wu Jing wished her luck, it would be inappropriate if Lu Tian didn¡¯t do the same.


    However, to her greatest disappointment, Lu Tian remains indifferent as if she was not standing on the same stage as him.


    Her fists clench tightly until her nails dug her skin, but she did not care.


    "Mr. Lu..."


    "Miss Chen, if you don¡¯t mind, I am going to announce our final designer."


    Before Chen Limei could try to get Lu Tian¡¯s attention, Wu Jing¡¯s voice suddenly cuts her off. He had moved the microphone away so that only she could hear him.


    Left with no other choice, Chen Limei could only smile angeringly and takes a step to the side. However, what she did, only made Lu Tian take another obvious step further.


    Chen Limei: "...."


    "Oh my gosh! Was it just me or did Lu Tian move away again?"


    "What is Chen Limei thinking? As someone from a prominent background, she should know not to push any further."


    "Everyone knows how Lu Tian is, why is she still trying so hard?"


    As the whispers surface from the audience below, Chen Limei raged in anger and embarrassment inside. She did not do it intentionally, but... how could Lu Tian take another step away?


    Wu Jing sighs inside and decides to ignore the woman¡¯s tomato face. He raise his hand holding the mic and takes a step forward. For now, he will just divert everyone¡¯s attention again.


    "Now that we have weed our first designer, An Qing¡¯s Chen Limei, let us also wee our mysterious designer."

 Chapter 352 mysterious designer

    "Are we finally going to meet the famous designer of De L¡¯amour?"


    "After so many years, this day has finallye!"


    "I¡¯m really curious to meet this amazing designer. I wonder if it¡¯ll be a man or woman."


    "Does Chen Limei know who the designer is?"


    "My friend works at An Qing and she said no one has ever met the designer. It seems every year, a different person is sent to discuss the designs with Chen Limei."


    Wu Jing¡¯s sudden announcement stir the audience once again. As everyone knows that De L¡¯amour is a very famous brand in the fashion industry.


    Every women and men, whether young or old favored the brand. However, from the moment it rose into fame, no one has met the designer of such fine art.


    Wu Jing softly smiles and turns to look at the back of the stage.


    "Let us wee De L¡¯amour¡¯s mysterious designer."


    His words fell and the audience apud with eyes staring at the back. No one dare to blink in case they miss anything.


    On the stage, Chen Limei lightly ps her palm together in a polite manner. Exactly like the audience, she also wants to know who this designer is.


    She may sit on the highest position at An Qing, but from what she learned throughout her years as CEO, there is someone who controls all her move. Everything that she approves of has to go through this person first. Some of the other branches of An Qing from around the world also warned her about this. They said although An Qing represents De L¡¯amour at events, the designers is the actual owner of An Qing.


    However, the only reason she had her doubts was because Yue Ling held the CEO position at De L¡¯amour. When she learned of this, she had the thought of believing that An Qing owns De L¡¯amour and not the other way around. There¡¯s no way a puny model can control her every move.


    Thinking this, her eyes stares without missing anything to the back. Once she meets this designer, she will put on a good impression and secure her position at An Qing.


    As everyone¡¯s eyes glued in on direction, the mysterious designer everyone has been wanting to meet finally steps onto the stage.


    At each of her steps, her gold and shimmering skirt of the dress she wore when she arrived, swept the floor, partially trailing behind her. As she took each step in steadiness, her whole being seemed like a celestial maiden from the moon.


    A beautiful sight that captures one soul in never forgetting.


    Her sudden appearance silences the entire audience below. No one could take their eyes off of her as if one blink and she would disappear.


    On the same stage as her, Lu Tian did not turn to look. His expression remained the same as when he first appeared on stage, but only God knows how he is feeling at this moment.


    He could hear the sound of his heart beating in slow strokes as they match all of her steps.


    Everything around seemed to have vanished as he listens to the sound of her every footstep. It was like the most pleasant sound he has ever heard entered his ears.


    Until he knew she was only steps away did he finally turn to face her.


    A faint smile curls on his lip with his entire body softening at the sight of her. He held a smile that was indeed visible to the eyes of any who saw, but everyone¡¯s eyes were now glued in the same direction as him.


    He had always known that her appearance was unmatched to anyone else¡¯s. Before they met, he had long seen her face all over Imperial. Only then, he was one of the many men who could only look and not touch. Never would he expect that one day he would fall so much for her.


    Gazing at her figure slowly approaching him, Lu Tian felt as if he had traveled into the future. It was as if he was standing at the alter and gazing at the woman he loves as they start a new life together.


    Without helping it or any care of what anyone will say, he slowly lift his arm and stretch his hand out to her. He part his lip and his deep voice that sent chills to anyone¡¯s spine sounds.


    "Yue Ling."


    Seeing him do something so unexpectedly, Yue Ling was at a loss for words. She almost stumbled in her steps but was able to quickly steady herself. Never did she expect him to do something like this.


    However, the way he says her name, was enough proof that he will never do anything to hurt her.


    She smiles to him and did not hesitate to meet his palm with hers.


    So what if tomorrowes and the media releases this to the world, she does not care.


    So what if tomorrowes and the world is against their rtionship, she does not care.


    So what if tomorrowes, as long as they had each other, no one else matters.


    Her bluish green eyes gaze into his dark one and she takes her final step to stand next to him.


    At this side, Wu Jing¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground and he could not believe what he is seeing. He had been lecturing Lu Tian in his head about being single, yet...


    One look and that was all he needed to confirm the rtionship of these two.


    However, as the host of the fashion show, he needed to calm himself and get back to the main purpose of being here tonight.


    He takes a deep breath and repeats the line, ¡¯ask questionster¡¯ multiple times in his head. After all, once the event ends, he can ask both of them questions since he is mutual friends with both individuals.


    Turning to face the shocked audience, he smiles and part his lips to speak.


    "In having the biggest honor tonight, let me introduce you all to De L¡¯amour¡¯s one and only, Han Yue Ling."


    Hearing his voice echo into the quiet ce, everyone returns to their senses. They had been shocked so many times in one night, but... the thing that shocked them the most was who the mysterious designer is.


    Not only did their jaw dropped, even their eyes were no longer in their rightful ce.


    None could decide whether to be surprised about Yue Ling being De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer of the rtionship between the model and business king.


    "This is indeed a shocking new! Han Yue Ling wasn¡¯t only a model but also a designer!"


    "I wonder what kind of shock the world will face when tomorrowes!"


    "This is shocking news, but can we get back to Lu Tian and Yue Ling. They looks so good together!"


    "I wouldn¡¯t be surprise if this ¡¯important person¡¯ Lu Tian mentioned was Han Yue Ling."


    As the audience continue to discuss amongst the news, Lu Tian nce at his wife. Although he wanted to keep holding her hand, he could only reluctantly let go.


    After all, they were still at an event that requires both individuals to be professional.


    In which Yue Ling felt the same. She moves her hand from his and turn to face the audience below with a smile.


    Grandfather Ji scoffs a chuckle and shook his head. The boy had already made a move in front of the world, so what was the point of letting his granddaughter¡¯s hand go.


    Thinking this, his eyes narrow and he couldn¡¯t help but nce to his right. Madam Lu is also here, and he wonders what her expression is like at this moment, since she has been nagging the boy to get marry.


    Will she approve or disapprove of this rtionship.


    The moment his head turned to see, he was dumbfounded.


    Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were hugging each other like two girls at their favorite idol¡¯s concert. Their eyes spark as if fireworks can be seen in them and each person held a wide grin, that almost scared the old man to death.

 Chapter 353 a wise man

    The inside of Beauty was in amotion due to everything that suddenly took everyone by surprise. Not only in the audience, but also in the back as Yue Ling¡¯s design team and assistant stood in front of the many monitor screens.


    Each person could not help but smile proudly at the screen of their beautiful boss.


    They had long waited for this day toe. Even if they did not win first ce. As long as the world knows who De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer is that is all that matters.


    Liu Shan chokes a sob and wipes away the tears that have yet to shed. He had been with Yue Ling since the start of her path to be a fashion designer. At first, he did not understand why she wanted to keep her identity hidden, but now he does. It was indeed for a moment like this.


    "Wow Liu Shan. You¡¯re already a grown man, how can you cry at a time like this?"


    From the side, Gui Zhongmin jokingly spoke. Of course, he would not tell anyone that he only did so because he needed to distract himself from shedding his own tears. Luckily, he saw the assistant¡¯s teary eyes.


    "Hmmf. I am a grown man."


    Liu Shan snorts at the man and wipes his other eye of any tears. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stuck his chest out.


    "But, it takes a real grown man to shed these magical tears."


    "...."


    Gui Zhongmin and the rest of everyone in the room were struck dumbfounded. Was that really something to be proud of? Then again, it is Liu Shan.


    On the opposite side of De L¡¯amour, Ning Mei¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t so good. Her face darkened and turned uglier by the second.


    "Is Ning Mei alright?"


    "I don¡¯t know, but if she doesn¡¯t want words to spread about her, she should hide that look on her face."


    Two female models of An Qing couldn¡¯t help but whisper to each other. This was their first time working together and they thought the rookie was very professional. However, seeing her face now, doubt rose inside them.


    Maybe Ning Mei isn¡¯t as sweet and kind as they had thought.


    As a professional model, one should never express their true feelings in the eyes of others if they wish to keep a good image.


    "Both of you shut up!"


    Ning Mei res viciously at both models. She had heard their conversation just as much as anyone else in the same room.


    So what if her innocent image is ripped off. As of right now, she cannot contain her anger and no one else matters.


    "If both of you still want to remain in this industry, I suggest you keep your both shut and scram!"


    "..."


    Both models were rendered speechless at Ning Mei¡¯s change of attitude towards them. Neither could refute a word to the tiny rookie as if she were of higher superiority.


    Which was the truth. Their poprity as models was higher than Ning Mei¡¯s, but when it came to family background, theirs was inferior. One word from the rookie and her brother can destroy their career in seconds.


    Afraid of what might happen, both women quickly shut their mouth and turn to leave.


    Ning Mei scuffs at the two models before turning back to look at the screen. Seeing Yue Ling smiling happily on the stage, she clench her fists tightly.


    Not only did Yue Ling stole her spotlight, the slut even stole her man. The one standing next to Lu Tian should have been her, not Yue Ling!


    Oblivious to the feelings of those in the back, Wu Jing smiles to the audience, then he looks at Yue Ling.


    "Miss Han, your sudden appearance tonight not only shocked the world, but with you publicizing as De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer, it has also taken everyone by surprise. Can I ask why the sudden reveal after so many years?"


    Saying this, he moves the microphone towards her as the audience seemed to lean forward to hear her answer.


    Met with the many curious eyes on her, Yue Ling sighs inside with a soft smile. She had already suspected this to happen and was prepared for it.


    "Before I exin my sudden reveal, I would like to thank everyone for taking their time in joining tonight¡¯s event. For those who are unaware, I am Han Yue Ling and I apologize for shocking some of you with this news. However, after tonight, I hope everyone bes familiar with not only the brand, but also with who it¡¯s designer is."


    As her words finished, what she did not know was that, it was not some who were shocked, but it was all. Every person sitting in the audience had millions of questions that they wanted to ask, but before anyone could voice their thoughts, Wu Jing quickly spoke.


    "Miss Han, as your reveal as De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer, what are your thoughts about yourpetitor being An Qing?"


    Wu Jing¡¯s sudden question quickly caught everyone¡¯s attention. The same question was asked to Chen Limei and they heard her response, so how does Yue Ling feel about this?


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling did not hesitate to answer. Her eyes scan the faces of the people below and smiles.


    "I am truly thankful to An Qing for representing De L¡¯amour these past years. For the effort they put in the past, I am grateful and will remember."


    Saying this, she turns to face Chen Limei with a polite smile. One that makes others think of her as a woman who considers Chen Limei a close friend.


    "As they decided to represent their own designs this year, I, myself decided to represent my own."


    As Yue Ling¡¯s words of generosity sounds inside Beauty, everyone nods their head in understanding. However, only Chen Limei¡¯s face drained of all colors.


    The model¡¯s smile was indeed that of no threat, but only she knows the real meaning behind those words.


    It was Yue Ling¡¯s hidden warning to her. As she (Chen Limei) was the one who forced An Qing into breaching their contract, so now she must pay the price.


    Chen Limei dug her nails painfully into her palms as she clench her fists tightly. However, due to the camera¡¯s still recording and her being in front of many prestige families in Imperial, her only choice left was to maintain herposure and smile.


    By chance, Wu Jing was able to get a quick nce of Chen Limei¡¯s expression and he sneers inside. Serves the woman for trying to have a big head.


    "What about first ce? What does Miss Han think about De L¡¯amour¡¯s chances of winning this year¡¯s award?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask another question he had asked Chen Limei. He has long known about Yue Ling¡¯s identity as a designer since she was still a model, but he does not know how she feels about winning or losing. Even he is curious to hear her response.


    ncing over to the gray hair man, Yue Ling kept her smile. She does not answer right away but turns to look at the audience.


    Until her bluish green eyesnded on a certain person amongst the many people, her entire being softens.


    It was her yeye. He sat up front and center with a proud look on his face.


    For a quick second, her eyes turned moist as a smile of heart throbbing pain reces the smile on her. However, it appeared so quickly that before anyone could notice, it already disappeared.


    "A wise man once told me. Life is like a continuous battlefield. Whether you win or lose, you will always learn to keep going. Instead of aiming to win, remember to embrace the hardship you shared in the battle with those who were with you in that moment."


    Herst word fell and she moves her eyes away from her yeye as her words continue.


    "So, whether De L¡¯amour wins tonight or not, I am and will forever be grateful."


    Down in the audience, Grandfather Ji did not show a change in his stern and strong expression. However, if one were to look very closely, one can see his lower lip trembling.


    Never did he think she would remember those words to this day. As they were the exact words, he once said to her when she first started pursuing her dream of bing a fashion designer.

 Chapter 354 the winner is

    The broadcasting of the annual Fall Fashion Show continues as those at home watch and cheered for their designer of support. At the same time, the Ji Mansion held a nervous vibe. Outside where the soldiers reside, a television turns on to the channel of the live broadcasting.


    "I knew our young miss is someone with a pure heart and soul. She doesn¡¯t need to win because she will always be a winner in my heart."


    Xue Yi sobbed his words with tearful eyes. He may have only met Yue Ling a few times, but those few times were enough for him to differentiate what kind of person she is.


    Thinking of the kindness she has given, he couldn¡¯t help but lift his hand and touch the pendant of the ne on his neck. It was the very ne when he first encountered her and a gift he will treasure even after death.


    Seeing him do so, the other soldiers surrounding the television did not hesitate to do the same. They were all blessed to have known not only the old general, but also the young miss.


    "Our Miss is the best!"


    "Win or lose, like Xue Yi said, she is always the winner in our heart! No one is better than her!"


    All the soldiers at the Ji Mansion shouted in full of support. Even if they can only watch at home, they are spiritually there with Yue Ling.


    As the soldiers cheer on their own outside, inside the Ji Mansion, Ji Jingxu and Housekeeper Hu sat in the living room with their eyes glued on the television. Not only them, but Zhong Yang and the other servants were also present.


    "Ah! Hurry up and announce the winner already!"


    Housekeep Hu eximed nervously. Knowing that the event was today, he and all the servants sped up with their chores. That way once the show started, they can also enjoy it.


    Both his arms raise into fists in front of him and he whispers to himself.


    "Young Miss, do your best! We are cheering for you!"


    Sitting next to the old man, Ji Jingxu stares nervously at the screen. However, seeing his older sister standing next to the cold and aloof man, he recalls his grandfather¡¯s question and pout his lips.


    "Assistant Zhong, do you think Lu Tian is a good match for my jie?"


    Hearing the boy¡¯s sudden question, Zhong Yang didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Good match for the young Miss? Boy, they are already in a rtionship. However, as of right now, he cannot say anything.


    Looking at the same screen as the boy, he sighs inside. Although not much was said, Lu Tian clearly hinted to the whole world how he feels towards Yue Ling.


    He shook his head and sighs.


    "Don¡¯t listen to what others say about the Lu boy. Not everything you hear is true."


    Ji Jingxu nod his head without looking away from the screen. His grandfather had once asked him how he felt about Lu Tian.


    Truth be told, he would be lying if he said Lu Tian was not a scary man. Although they have not met face to face, he can tell that the aura around the man is very unapproachable.


    In the past, Lu Tian would bring his men to train with the soldiers, but he (Jingxu) was too focused on his studies to even think about training like now.


    From what he knows, Lu Tian is a man capable of many things. He heard one of the soldiers mention that Lu Tian¡¯s ruthlessness is not to be taken lightly. His men may be the ones doing most of the work, but once when it¡¯s personally him, his ways of tormenting others are beyond the imaginable and will give anyone who witness it nightmares for the rest of their lives if not years.


    Thinking this, his eyes focuses on his beautiful sister in a glistening gold dress. His grandfather may approve of this, but what about jie? Is she ready to open her heart again?


    -------


    As the night carried on, inside Beauty, Yue Ling and Chen Limei were no longer standing on the stage. After their introduction, Beauty had prepared designated seats for them. The only ones currently on the stage was only Lu Tian and Wu Jing as they wait to reveal the winner.


    Down below, the judges held their evaluation forms as theypare the measures of each designer¡¯s performances in designs. At the same time, they whispered amongst their small group in discussion of who they felt is suited to be the winner.


    Seated two seats away from Yue Ling, Chen Limei held her perfect CEO image. However, she could feel the sweat on her palms.


    An Qing may have won first ce in the previous years, but now it is different. She should have weighed the pros and cons beforepeting against the team that brought her fame.


    However, it¡¯s toote for any regrets. ncing to the judges, the nerve wrecking feeling inside her eases. Three out of the five judges are people she is acquaintances with. If they do not wish to have their darkest secret revealed, they should know what to do.


    Thinking this, a sneer curls on her lip and she arrogantly raise her chin. Casting a nce to the model sitting away from her, she quietly scuffs.


    Obvious to Chen Limei¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling was not affected by the woman¡¯s attitude at all. She stares ahead and kept her usual calm demeanor.


    Whether she wins or not, it really does not matter. However, she does hope that the judges do the right thing and choose the winner ordingly to pure evaluation.


    At the same time, the judges nce every so often in the direction of Yue Ling and Chen Limei as they continue to discuss amongst themselves.


    "Are we sure about our decision?"


    "Yes, we all decided on her. Her work exceeded our expectation and is worthy of winning first ce."


    Their whispers continue as it quicklyes to an end. A female judge nods her head then ce the card with the winner¡¯s name inside a red envelope. She stood from her seat and walks over to the stage to hand the envelope to Wu Jing.


    "Your decision is finalized?"


    Wu Jing asks in a low voice to the judge. Although he is friends with Yue Ling, he is not one to scheme to let a friend win. Thus, he hopes that the judges do the right thing and not choose based on who they are closer to.


    For everyone in this industry knows that not all judges are pure hearted as some goes by any means to help a friend win especially when ites to being bribed.


    "Yes, we¡¯ve confirmed our winner. Our choice of designer seed in all the criteria."


    The female judge quickly answers with a smile before returning to her seat.


    ncing over to the judges, Wu Jing takes a deep breath and walks back to stand next to Lu Tian. Even as the host, he is also nervous to know who will take home the award.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, and those watching from home, our judges have made their final decision. Based on the evaluation of the designs our designers presented us, tonight¡¯s winner goes to..."


    He pause in his words and turns to the aloof man who hardly spoke a word the entire night. With he cunning smile, he chuckles to Lu Tian.


    "Mr. Lu, as tonight¡¯s special guest, will you do the honor of announcing the winner of this year¡¯s Fall Fashion Show?"


    "..."


    Casting a nce to the man, Lu Tian does not say a word but nod his head in epting. He takes the red envelop from Wu Jing and leisurely opens it.


    Seeing him open the envelope, no one can read what he is thinking as the audience below and those watching at home felt nervousness crawl inside them.


    Madam Lu and Zhao Ya¡¯Er held their fingers crossed as both could feel sweat slide from their forehead. Why is Lu Tian taking so long? Hurry up and announce the winner!!


    Seated to the left of both women, Grandfather Ji held tightly onto the golden bamboo cane. He swore the feeling he has at this moment was more nerve wrecking that how he felt during his time on the battlefield.


    Lu Tian slowly takes the card out of the envelope and his deep voice sounds as he reads the name.


    "The winner of this year¡¯s Fall Fashion Show is..."


    His eyes slowly blinks as he looks up from the card and turns to meet the winner in the eyes.


    "Han Yue Ling." My wife.

 Chapter 355 Thank you

    "I knew it! With De L¡¯amour¡¯s outstanding designs, Han Yue Ling is meant to win first ce!"


    "As expected of the true champion! Every year, An Qing won only because of De L¡¯amour. Now that De L¡¯amour has represented themselves, it¡¯s not surprise that An Qing lost."


    After Lu Tian announced the winner, the audience cheer in apuse and words full of praises. However, only Chen Limei muted everything out with eyes staring out into emptiness. In a quiet voice, she repeatedly murmurs to herself in disbelief.


    "How can this be? What went wrong?"


    Without a care for the woman¡¯s feelings, Yue Ling stood from her seat with a smile and steps onto the stage. She gestures a polite bow to the audience then another one to the judges before walking over to Lu Tian and Wu Jing.


    In her steady steps, she approaches the two men as the crystal award is given to Lu Tian and a bouquet of orchid and dried flowers is given to Wu Jing. Both men stares in her direction in awe with a hint of proudness written on their faces.


    "Congrattions, Yue Ling."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expressionless face changes into a soft one as he hands the award to his wife. He is truly proud of her aplishment in something she cares about. Especially when he gets to witness and spend this moment with her.


    From the side, Wu Jing who was suddenly blocked by the aloof man pokes his head out from the side. He steps into view and didn¡¯t care about what Lu Tian will do to him as he cuts in with a face full of smiles and hands Yue Ling the bouquet of flowers.


    "Congrattions, Yue Ling! I knew you would win!"


    "Thank you both."


    Yue Ling smiles to both men and turn to face the audience. Her left arm wraps around the bouquet holding it in ce. She lightly lifts up her right hand holding the award and shes her straight white teeth with a cheesy grin curls on her lip to the audience and cameras.


    "YES¡ª!!!"


    In the back, Liu Shan exims loudly with his eyes tightly squeezed shut. Both his arms raise into fists with both index fingers pointing out in the air as he runs in a circle like a wild bull.


    "Yes¡ª!! We¡¯re number 1¡ª!!"


    At the same time, the twins Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin fell to their knees. One sighs aloud while the other held his head. Both men felt as if arge mountain had been lifted from their shoulders. The nervous wreck they had been feeling dissipated into thin air at the announcement of the winner.


    "Inu! Your mommy did it! She won!"


    Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure jumps in joy as she turns to hug the Samoyed. However, before she could take a step, she quickly stops herself.


    "Never mind. Ju Suo will give you a high five in the air."


    Saying this, she could only stretch out her arm out in midair as if to high five the Samoyed, because Inu¡¯s expression at this moment was full of happiness until she wanted to hug him. His face was as if saying, ¡¯Hug me and I will turn you into a panda again.¡¯


    On the stage, Wu Jing hands Yue Ling a microphone, but with her hands full, she smiles apologetically to him before turning to an female employee on standby and hands the items to her.


    "I¡¯ll hold them."


    Before the employee could step onto the stage, Lu Tian made a move first. He had long returned to his indifferent temperament but leisurely takes the award and bouquet from his wife.


    As her man, it is his duty to carry her things for her.


    "...."


    Yue Ling was at a loss for all words. Having the items taken from her before she could say anything, she could only smile a chuckle to him.


    "Thank you."


    She turns back to look at Wu Jing and takes the microphone.


    Wu Jing stares at the two people and he shook his head as no one can tell what he is thinking about at this moment. He quickly brushes off any thoughts he had and brought the microphone closer to his lip.


    "Miss Han, congrattions on winning this year¡¯s annual Fall Fashion Show. Is there anything you would like to say?"


    Yue Ling stood in the center between both men and she takes a deep breath. Never did she thought she would be the one standing up here to receive the award. In the past, she may have modeled for An Qing but when it came to the award, it was Chen Limei who stood up here.


    ncing at the award in Lu Tian¡¯s hand, a faint smile curl on her lip before she lift her hand holding the microphone and looks back at the audience.


    "I would like to thank An Qing and the judges for allowing me this opportunity to receive this award. No words can express how I am feeling at this moment. Not only the judges but my also my team. Without their hard help, none of these designs would havee to life."


    Within her speech, she couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh. Her eyes wonder to her grandfather in the audience.


    "I am also thankful to the ones who have pushes me throughout the years to better myself. With their love and support, I am who I am today."


    Her eyes nce away to the cameras broadcasting and her words continue.


    "To my fans here and to those who are watching from home. Although, I was a model that you all supported, I hope that my sudden public appearance as a designer does not stop you all from supporting me."


    Her speech continued through the night as she thanked everyone who has been by her side and pushing her in thisplicated path. As her speech nears its end, she held the microphone with both her hands and brings the microphone closer to her mouth with her eyes staring ahead.


    "I have mentioned many people, and I know you probably thought I have forgotten about you, but I haven¡¯t."


    She slowly turns to her side and her bluish green eyes meets the dark pupils of the aloof man. She sighs a smile to him and part her lips.


    "Thank you for being by my side and being here with me today."

 Chapter 356 remind you

    The fashion show ended in ease as the morning headlines burst into news about the events that happened in one night.


    "De L¡¯amour¡¯s mysterious designer is revealed to be retired supermodel, Han Yue Ling."


    "Han Yue Ling not only shook the modeling world, but also the fashion."


    "Retired supermodel, Han Yue Ling is in a rtionship with Lu Corp¡¯s CEO, Lu Tian."


    News articles surface one after another beyond anyone¡¯s imagination. This is the first time Imperial was given such shock that even theizen was in a chaotic mess. The top search was not about Han Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s rtionship, but her reveal as the mysterious designer.


    How can anyone not be surprised to find out that the model everyone idolized is the designer of the brand everyone loves to purchase!


    However, while the world turned chaotic, a private room inside Imperial Hotel was not much of a difference. The sound of ss shattering on the floor can be heard from outside. The maids on duty could only tremble as they walk pass with no one daring to take a look.


    "How could you do this to me?!"


    Outside, one can hear a woman¡¯s voice roar in rage while the continuous sound of items being thrown can be heard.


    If one were to enter, one would think that a massive tornado hade through the room.


    The woman had great looks, but her shouting and sabotaging the room made her look ugly as she paces back and forth inside. She held her forehead and breathes heavily.


    "I have never been this humiliated in front of the entire world! You could have changed the oue but instead, you chose her with everyone else!"


    She inhales a mouthful of air that caused her body to tremble in rage. Continuing to breath, she slumps onto the edge of the huge hotel bed.


    "Limei, you know that I couldn¡¯t do that. None of us invited as a judge could."


    Standing in front of the opened bathroom, a man wearing Imperial Hotel¡¯s robe steps out into view. He was a man in histe thirties with a devilish look and he was none other than one of the five judges during the fashion show.


    He stares at the pretty woman thrashing her anger at everything she could get a hold of and annoyance rose inside him. However, he kept a smile and walks over to Chen Limei.


    "What is done, is done. Why anger yourself over something you knew that was going to happen?"


    He sits down on the bed and wrap his left arm around her waist. Pulling her closer to his body, he trace the side of her arm with his fingers intending to take off her coat.


    "Let¡¯s forget about the fashion show and enjoy ourselves since we are already here."


    *p¡ª


    A loud p echoes inside the room before the man could touch any further. His head turns to the right and a murderous glint shes in his eyes. He scoffs and caress his cheek that was pped.


    "You could have changed the name of the winner. If you had done so, the other judges would have agreed with you!"


    Hearing Chen Limei¡¯s annoying nagging, the man turns to her with ring eyes.


    "Do you hear yourself? You expected me to change the name of the winner. Do you know what would have happened if I did that?"


    He abruptly stood from the bed and his gentleman persona is ripped off. Without a care about Chen Limei¡¯s feelings, he walks to the table that had only one wine bottle and a ss cup still intact.


    "Did you forget who was hosting the event?"


    The man opens the wine and pours himself a ss and downs the drink in one gulp.


    "Limei, you and I both know that Wu Jing is a well temperament person, but we have seen what he is capable of. If I had lied in his territory, not only mine, but your entire career would have been over within seconds!"


    He then ms the cup on the table and his words continue to remind the idiotic woman.


    "Not only was Wu Jing there, Lu Tian was also there. If you couldn¡¯t remember, let me remind you that General Ji was also present. To forge a lie in front of three of Imperial¡¯s most highly respected men is like asking for death. So, tell me, why should I give up my hard work so that you could win first ce?"


    "...."


    Chen Limei was tongue-tied hearing the man¡¯s reminder. However, as someone close to her, she thought that he, out of the three judges she knew would help her. Yet...


    She inhales a mouthful of air and stood up from the bed. Straightening her coat, she turns away and walks out of the room.


    "Since you are afraid of them, our affair ends here. I have no more use for you."


    --------


    Leaving Imperial Hotel in anger, Chen Limei drives herself to An Qing. After experiencing her first lost, she could not bring herself to stay idly at home.


    "Miss Chen."


    Upon Chen Limei¡¯s arrival inside the tall building of An Qing, her assistant greets her as usual. However, Chen Limei does not say anything and walks through the almost empty lobby until she enters her private elevator.


    What she did not took notice of was the many stares that were cast upon her.


    "Schedule a meeting with my design team. I want a head start on next year¡¯s designs."


    The assistant nce at Chen Limei and bit her lower lip.


    "Umm, Miss Chen...about that..."


    Hearing the assistant address her as Miss and not CEO, Chen Limei scoffs in annoyance. Her head turn to look at her assistant.


    "What? Now that I have experienced my first lost, you can speak to me in such ways?"


    Taking a step forward, she stood closer to the assistant.


    "Let me remind you, I am and will always be the CEO of An Qing."


    She eyes the woman from head to toe in disgust and sneers.


    "Go collect your monthly pay from Human Resources. I have no need for someone useless like you."


    Saying this, she press a floor level and stops the elevator.


    "Scram!"


    The assistant stares at Chen Limei in disbelief. However, taking a deep breath, she lift her legs and steps out of the elevator.


    As the elevator doors close, Chen Limei leans against the wall and massage her temples.


    One night.


    All it took was one night for her to be humiliated in front of the entire world. Even her stupid assistant is looking down on her.


    *Ding¡ª


    Soon, the elevator sounds as it stops on the highest floor inside An Qing. Chen Limei takes a deep breath to calm herself down and exits the doors. However, the moment her figure stepped out she was rendered speechless at the scene that greeted her.

 Chapter 357 Why are you here?

    In an orderly formation, eight people stood in two rows with four people on each side. Two women and six men.


    Each person dressed stylishly with their own charm. However, Chen Limei felt the faces of these people were familiar, except she cannot recall where she had seen them.


    Looking at their faces one by one, her eyes narrow to her unknown guests.


    "Who gave you permission to stand outside my office?"


    Hearing her sudden demanding question, no one answers her. Two men with simr facial features lifts their hands at the same time and used their pinky to dig their ear. Their gesture was clearly saying, they did not care about the woman at all.


    Seeing this, anger rose inside Chen Limei as her expression turned grim. She stomps her heel loudly on the floor and points at them.


    "How dare you lowly pest ignore me! I am the CEO of An Qing. Who gave¡ª"


    "Our boss."


    Before Chen Limei could continue her words any further, a man¡¯s voice interrupts her. She turns to look at the owner of the voice and her eyesnds on a man wearing rimless sses. His expressionless face stares directly back at her and she could feel a chill crawl on the back of her spine.


    However, as the CEO, she cannot let low standard servants get to her. With her head held high, she walks pass them and head for her office.


    "Hmmf. If your boss wants to meet with me, go tell him or her to schedule an appointment. I have other important matters to take care of."


    Without a care, she pushes the door open and enters.


    Left alone outside, the eight people nce at one another. Once the door is shut, each person press their lips tightly together as they try to hold back the urge tough.


    "Well, she¡¯s as arrogant as always."


    A petite woman nonchntly spoke as she walks over to a chair or sit down.


    "Not for long."


    One of the twins responds as he leans against the wall and fold his arms over his chest.


    Oblivious to the short conversation outside, Chen Limei stood inside her office with a pale expression.


    There were currently two other people in her office, a man and a woman. However, her eyes stare in the direction of the woman like she had seen a ghost.


    At this very moment, a beautiful woman with long dark wavy hair sat highly in a chair.


    Except, that chair is the chair that belongs to the CEO. Not anyone can sit there, but this woman did not care and dares to sit down.


    Chen Limei¡¯s eyes shook with an unexinable feeling. Her lower lip lightly trembles and with no intentions of doing so, she utters in a difficult whisper.


    "Han Yue Ling."


    Seated elegantly in the seat that belonged to Chen Limei, Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes stares without moving at the woman. She slowly blinks her eyes and part her perfectly plump red tinted lips.


    "Chen Limei."


    Staring at the model, jealousy and rage rose inside Chen Limei. Her chest began to heave up and down as she clench her jaw tightly.


    "Why are you here?"


    Chen Limei¡¯s tone was one that could scare off her employees, but it was not enough to scare the two other people inside the room. Let alone, make them tremble.


    A faint smile curls on Yue Ling¡¯s lip and she slowly rise from the chair. Walking around the desk, she approached Chen Limei.


    "You of all people should know exactly why I am here."


    As she spoke her words, her fingers trace the smooth top of the desk until she steps away.


    "Did you really think An Qing was yours?"


    Hearing this, Chen Limei gulp with difficulty. It was as if something hard was stuck in her throat making it hard for her to breath.


    "Y-You... An Qing was mine the moment I took over the position. It is not yours!"


    "Not mine, but yours?"


    Yue Ling quickly retort Chen Limei¡¯s words with an arch brow. She touch her chin and smiles to the woman.


    "Have you forgotten how you got this position?"


    She takes a step closer to the woman and her kind aura vanishes as coldness fills the entire room.


    "Not only did you decide to breach the contract, you decided to do things without approval. Now, you im An Qing as yours?"


    "...."


    Chen Limei¡¯s face turned paler and paler at each of her words. She felt that the air around had turned thicker making it even more difficult for her breathe. Even the sound of Yue Ling¡¯s footsteps felt like mountains dropping onto her one by one. However, she manages to calm herself a little.


    "Y-You can¡¯t do this to me. Everyone here is under my control. No one will believe that you own An Qing."


    Thinking of all the hard effort she had done for An Qing, Chen Limei felt a little better. Without her, An Qing would not be as strong as it is today.


    So, what if Yue Ling owns An Qing, she (Chen Limei) was the one who controlled everything that went on inside. She was the one who came up with all the ideas. Or so she believes.


    A sneer curls on her lip and she scoffs at Yue Ling. Her chin raise and she cross her arms over her chest.


    "Without any proof, you can¡¯t just walk in here and expect me to give up my position. Once I leave, An Qing will be nothing. All the businesses I¡¯ve made contracts with will leave out that door with me."


    As her words continue, Yue Ling remained indifference. Like she had finally heard enough, she turns away and walks to the couch inside the room.


    "Liu Shan."


    Standing silently at the side the entire time, Liu Shan finally moved. His dark eyes stares at Chen Limei as if he could see through her every move.


    Before his boss called for him, he was in full alert. She is pregnant and any mishap cannot happen to her. However, hearing her say his name, he takes a step forward and walks to Chen Limei.


    "Miss Chen."


    Stopping in front of her, he hands her a thick folder that contained some documents inside.


    Chen Limei stares at the folder and her fists clench tighter. She res in the direction of Yue Ling andugh mockingly.


    "Hah. You think something like this will remove me from my position? Keep dreaming! No matter how much you want to bribe me, I will never do what you want!"


    *p¡ª


    Just as she finished her words, she ps the folder in Liu Shan¡¯s hand away. A loud thud sounds as it falls onto the ground.


    However, she subconsciously nce down at the folder and she was rooted to the floor.

 Chapter 358 Amusing

    Inside the office of An Qing¡¯s CEO, the atmosphere was not too good. As two figures stood up in close distance, another sat on one of the couches. However, at this moment, a folder is opened on the floor with the documents inside all scatter out for anyone to see.


    Chen Limei¡¯s eyesnded on the documents and her eyes widen as if they could fall from their sockets at any second.


    At first, she thought it do be some contract for her to leave An Qing that involved a nk cheque.


    However....


    "H...How..."


    With a shaking voice, she could only choke out one word in a stutter.


    One the floor, it was not only document papers of everything she has done, but also full-size photos of her meeting in private with businessmen and businesswomen.


    However, it wasn¡¯t just any professional meetings, it was also the affairs she had.


    All the affairs she¡¯s had and did to keep the business running for An Qing.


    Her lower lip trembles and she could not look away from the floor. Before she could react, he legs turned weak and she slumps onto the floor without a care about the pain on her knees.


    Some photos had her in clothes while some were naked photos of her. In each photo, she is seen with a different man even woman.


    How could Yue Ling get her hands on these?


    She had been so careful and done everything in secret. No one else should know about this besides those she had an affair with.


    "Amusing isn¡¯t it?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice sounds as Chen Limei kneeled on the floor.


    Anyone who sees this scene would think of Yue Ling as the evil viiness in a novel and Chen Limei the pitiful protagonist.


    However, no matter what others may think about her, Yue Ling did not care. The world can see her however they want, because the world itself is already corrupted.


    She leans against the couch and decides to partake the roll of the evil viiness. After all, it was people like Chen Limei who made her this way.


    Her left-hand raise, and she stares at the one of a kind beauty on her ring finger.


    "You hold the deepest and darkest secrets of those around you, while I hold yours."


    Her hand lowers onto herp and she turns to look at the pitiful looking Chen Limei.


    "Did you really think that I wouldn¡¯t find out about any of this?"


    Seeing Chen Limei¡¯s head still hung low without a response, she looks away and a soft, yet evil chuckle escapes her lip.


    "Chen Limei ah, I once thought you were a cleaver woman. However, you are indeed too na?ve. Every move you made I was always ten steps ahead."


    Listening to Yue Ling¡¯s words, Chen Limei felt as if someone had dumped buckets of ice-cold water onto her. She slumps more onto the floor and could not believe this is happening to her.


    She had already lost face in front of the entire world with her loss and now, Yue Ling is pouring more salt on her yet to heal wound.


    If this is really a dream, she wish someone will wake her up from it.


    However, to her unfortunate, this is not a dream but reality that stabbed her hard on the back for her crimes.


    "Lies..."


    She clench her fists tightly. Even with her nails digging painfully into her skin, she could not feel the pain at all.


    "LIES!!"


    Grabbing the photos scattered on the floor, she crumbles them and throws them at Yue Ling. Only, the photos did not reach the model. Anger rises inside her and her eyes turned red as she res murderously.


    "You tampered with these photos! Every one of them has been photoshopped! You think something like can ruin me?! Keep dreaming!"


    Yue Ling stares at Chen Limei like she was an idiot and sighed inside. She slowly stood up from the couch and her words fell.


    "Do you think I would tamper some photos just to get rid of you?"


    She calmly walks to the woman in steady slow steps.


    "Not only am I removing you from your position as CEO..."


    Her words pause and she stops in front of Chen Limei. She stares down at the woman with eyes like a deep ocean as her words continue.


    "You are going to pay the debt you owe."


    "Debt? What debt?! I don¡¯t owe you anything! I haven¡¯t done anything wrong to offend anyone!"


    Chen Limei quickly spat out her words in refute. She looks up at Yue Ling with raging tearful eyes due to her anger.


    She may have schemed in the dark with these affairs of hers, but she has never done anything to wrong Yue Ling.


    Staring back at the murderous eyes looking at her, Yue Ling did not flinch at all. She has gone through enough in life far beyond anyone¡¯s imagination and eyes like this do not terrify her.


    As her hal-abeoji once said to her, no matter how one looks at you, always meet them eye to eye. Show them you are not afraid of them.


    Yue Ling softly chuckles and nce down to the photos that have not been crumbled. She slowly lowers herself to be at eye level with Chen Limei and slides a photo in front of her.


    "You haven¡¯t done anything wrong?"


    It was a photo of Chen Limei smiling happily over dinner with an Italian man. From the looks of it, one can see that they are inside a private room inside a fancy restaurant.


    "What about bribing the other branches?"


    Hearing her words, Chen Limei stares at the photo and her expression pales more than it already has. However, she does not say a word but gulp.


    "No?"


    Yue Ling lightly shook her head in mockery. She sighs pitifully at the woman and reach for another photo.


    "What about ckmailing those in the industry?"


    This time it was a photo of Chen Limei without any clothes on. She was inside a hotel room and one can see the side view of her face as she enjoys a night of pleasure with a middle-aged man.


    Chen Limei¡¯s eyes shook with her lips at the disgusting photo of her and some man. She never wanted to stoop so low to do any of this, but to keep her position steady, she had to...


    As she thought about all the disgusting men she had to sleep with, Yue Ling¡¯s next words struck her like thunder on a rainy day.


    "Or.... was it murder Chen Yifeng?"

 Chapter 359 Chen Yifeng

    Chen Limei hung her head low to the passing photos Yue Ling ced in front of her. However, her eyes at this moment remained lock on thest one.


    It was a photo unlike the rest.


    She was not in this photo, nor were any of the people she had an affair with.


    In this photo, one can see a handsome young man with neatlybed brown hair sitting on a bench outside. Even if it was only the photo, you can see the kindness in his eyes and his smile that can melt anyone¡¯s heart.


    Chen Limei inhales a mouthful of air that made her body shook and stretch her trembling hand to touch the photo as the tears she fought so hard back slips down her cheeks.


    How long has it been since shest saw a photo of his face?


    Her only and older brother, Chen Yifeng.


    However, before Chen Limei¡¯s trembling hand could touch the photo, it was snatched away as Yue Ling stood up.


    Yue Ling stares down emtionlessly at the crying woman. The color of bluish green eyes seemed to have darken as the aura around her gave the feeling of no sympathy.


    "You have no rights to cry for someone you murdered."


    "I...I..."


    Hearing those words, Chen Limei¡¯s perfect CEO image is ripped off and her quiet sobs turned into loud wails. She shakes her head and clutch her chest as if her heart was going to explode.


    "I didn¡¯t murder him... wuuu... I didn¡¯t... wuuu... I didn¡¯t mean to..."


    Watching the woman cry like a mother who had lost her child, Yue Ling slowly close her eyes and inhales a quiet deep breath.


    When she first started An Qing, she had chosen someone with a pure heart who would not scheme just to get things done and that person was Chen Limei¡¯s only and older brother, Chen Yifeng.


    She had met him the same time she met Liu Shan when she was studying abroad. Due to herplicated life, he took on the role as CEO and maintained the growth of An Qing in her ce and followed her given instructions.


    Never once did he go behind her back.


    However, who would have known that someone was slowly poisoning him every day. Through their chats, whether it was over the phone or in person, he had always kept a smile for her, until he was on his deathbed.


    Only then did she receive his letter in City Z and found out about the poisoning.


    In his letter, he had long known who was slowly killing him and said to forgive the person. When she came to see him, fate had already taken him.


    Thinking of a good friend who passed away young, Yue Ling¡¯s heart ache for him.


    As her eyes slowly open and every ounce of sympathy in her disappears with only coldness shown.


    For what Chen Limei did, she must pay the price.


    "You poisoned him every day until he took hisst breath. All because you wanted the position he had!"


    "NO!!"


    Chen Limei screams back without a care that her eyeliner and mascara had smeared with her tears. She hits her chest to calm her aching heart and shook her head.


    "I didn¡¯t mean to... I thought by doing it that way, he would give up the seat to me..."


    Standing at the side, Liu Shan stares at the tearful woman with disgust written all over his face. Even if she had no intentions of murdering her own brother, she shouldn¡¯t have done it in the first ce. Only a person with a pure evil heart would think of such thing.


    This was also the reason why he wanted to take down Chen Limei so badly. He couldn¡¯t wait until the day he sees her so called perfect little life crumbles.


    Chen Yifeng was not only a friend to him but a sworn brother. Even if Chen Limei was the sister of his dear friend, for what she did, she can¡¯t even be consider human.


    Yue Ling looks down at the woman and thinking about her deceased friend¡¯sst words in his letter, she decided she had wasted enough time here.


    "I will not hold you ountable for all your bribery and ckmailing, but I will hold you ountable for the death of Chen Yifeng."


    Her words fell like another wave of thunder in the sky. She turns away and walks toward the door.


    "Stop¡ª!!"


    Just when Yue Ling reached the door, Chen Limei yells out to her. She wipes away the tears and stumble up with a maniac smile.


    "You think the world will believe you that I murdered my own brother? All this, all these photos, who will believe you?"


    Yue Ling stood in front of the door as her hand touched the door handle. However, listening to Chen Limei¡¯s words, she does not open the door nor turn to look at the woman.


    "You should be grateful that I respect Chen Yifeng. If not for the friendship I have with him, I would have exposed your crimes in front of the entire world. Whether this will keep you in your position or not, you should know better than anyone."


    Her head slightly turn, but only enough for Chen Limei to see the side of her face.


    "Like how you nted a mole inside De L¡¯amour, I also nted one by your side."


    Without waiting for a response or to see her reaction, Yue Ling pulls open the door and walks out of the room.


    Following after, Liu Shan snorts in disgust at Chen Limei and exits the room.


    As the figures of the boss and assistant disappear, Chen Limei stood unmoving from the spot she was in. Her mind at this moment was focused on Yue Ling¡¯sst words.


    Yue Ling knows about her and Ming Yue¡¯s schemes.


    She looks down at the scattered documents and photos on the floor.


    How could Yue Ling nt a mole inside An Qing without her knowing?


    Everyone working inside An Qing are loyal to her and follows her orders, so...


    The moment she thought this, the sound of footsteps echoes into the room and she looks up at the unknown person. However, when she saw the person, she was dumbfounded with widen eyes in disbelief.


    Out of everyone, she trusted this person the most. Everything she did, this person was always there to witness it all.


    Feeling betrayed, Chen Limei points her index finger at the person.


    "You traitor!!!"


    "Miss Chen."


    "You are my assistant! How could you do this to me?!"


    "Ex-assistant."


    The woman who was once Chen Limei¡¯s assistant stood in front of the door. Her eyes slowly blink and she takes a step forward.


    "In breaching the contract with De L¡¯amour, your position in An Qing has been revoke."


    She calmly bows a polite gesture and turns to leave without saying another word as two men in security uniform enters the room.

 Chapter 360 Man up

    "Ahh¡ª!!! Let me go!! I am Chen Limei, CEO of An Qing! How dare you do this to me! Let me go!!!"


    Stepping out of the elevator, Chen Limei¡¯s scream echoes inside the lobby as the two security guards drag her struggling figure out. The sudden scene caught the attention of the employees who had toe in for work.


    "Isn¡¯t that CEO Chen? What happened? Why are the security guards dragging her out?"


    "Does this have something to do with her lossst night?"


    "Did shemit a crime?"


    Whispers between the gathering employees quickly surface inside An Qing. Not only their whispers, but also the sound of their phones unlocking to capture a photo and record the scene.


    Reaching outside the building, Yue Ling and her group walked in the direction of their parked cars. Even though the scream can be heard from where they are, none paid any mind to it.


    Stopping in front of Liu Shan¡¯s car, she turns around to face the unfamiliar person in her group.


    This person was none other than Chen Limei¡¯s assistant. However, Yue Ling did not give her the cold shoulder but gave her friendly smile.


    "Sorry you had to put up with her all these years, Qinqin."


    Qinqin smiles to Yue Ling and she shook her head, "Putting up with her was nothingparable to the loss of my Yifeng."


    Yue Ling smiles to her and takes a few steps toward her. Her arms wraps around the woman and she takes a deep breath.


    This woman name Qinqin was Chen Yifeng¡¯s girlfriend that no one knew about due to the difference in their family background. Only she and Liu Shan knew of their rtionship.


    However, when Qinqin heard about Chen Yifen¡¯s death, she begged Yue Ling to help her stay by Chen Limei¡¯s side to avenge the death of her lover. Even during his funeral, she was not allowed to see him for thest time but could watch from afar.


    Thinking of the tragedy that one must face in life when losing someone they love, Yue Ling tightens her arms around Qinqin before slowly pulling away from her.


    "What do you n to do now?"


    Qinqin smiles at Yue Ling and turn to look at the people who are loyal to Yue Ling. She is indeed happy to meet such outstanding people since she moved to Imperial. However, she still has one more thing to do.


    "Yifeng¡¯s first dream was to help you with An Qing, now I¡¯m want to pursue his other dream and travel the world."


    Saying this, she looks at Yue Ling and sighs a smile.


    "When I return to Imperial, tell me everything that I missed. Even the tiniest things."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling nods her head in agreement and watch the woman walk away into the crowd before disappearing from view. Her mind couldn¡¯t help but think about the loved ones she lost in her life. Would she have done the same if she knew they were murdered?


    Brushing the thought away, she looks at her team and smiles.


    "It has been a long week for you all. In return, I will give you one more week off."


    She turns her head to the left and chuckles at Lin Hui¡¯s exhausted figure.


    "You had it worse, so I¡¯ll give you two weeks off."


    "Thank~! You~! Boss~!"


    Lin Hui happily sang his words with a huge grin. He really does need two weeks off. He and Xu Long still needed to n on how to keep living in Imperial after Jiangyu¡¯s warning.


    Everyone from the design team stares at Lin Hui with envy. However, none could say a word, after all, Lin Hui had it worse than them. During the fashion show, nothing happened inside, but something did happen outside.


    Giving her order, Yue Ling enters Liu Shan¡¯s car as he enters the driver seat and drives away.


    Until his car was no long in view, Lin Hui turns to his motorcycle in high spirits. He really wants to go home so he can sleep and do nothing for the rest of the day.


    "Wait¡ª!"


    Suddenly, a childish voice calls out to stop him from leaving. He pout his lip and turn to look at the owner.


    "What is it Ju Suo?"


    Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure runs to catch up to Lin Hui and both her hands held onto the back of his motorcycle. Her round eyes beam brightly at the man.


    "Did you meet him? How was he? Is he okay? Is he as handsome as his photos?"


    "Meet who?"


    Lin Hui furrow his brows hearing her questions. Was he supposed to meet someone? Why didn¡¯t anyone tell him?


    Seeing the man¡¯s confused look, Ju Suo didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Sometimes, Lin Hui can be very smart, but why is it that most of the time, he is such an idiot?!


    Shaking her head, she jumps up and flicks the man¡¯s forehead.


    "I know Liu Shan already told you. So did you meet him?"


    Hearing this, Lin Hui was dumbfounded as he finally understood who she was referring to. He looks down at the petite woman and rub his slightly red forehead from her flick.


    He wanted to answer her question, but he was suddenly reminded of something and motions augh with his mouth closed.


    Ju Suo: "...."


    However, quickly as theugh came, Lin Hui quickly changes his expression into a serious one. He reach a hand for his helmet and the other to pat the little woman on the shoulder.


    "I did meet him, but a little advice from your big brother here."


    He looks at her and stares straight in the eye.


    "You might want to man up."


    "...."


    "Pffft¡ª!!!"


    "Ahahahh!!"


    From behind, twins Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin burst intoughter while holding their stomach. Lin Hui is telling Ju Suo to man up? How can the little woman ¡¯man¡¯ up when the ¡¯man¡¯ she likes hasn¡¯t even ¡¯man¡¯ up?


    Tang Zhonghui, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan shook their heads without a word and turn in the direction of their vehicles.


    After the fashion show ended, Lin Hui had sent them all a photo of the womanly Jiangyu, except, only Ju Suo did not receive it.


    Staring at hisrades, Qi Li straightens his rimless sses and walks to his motorcycle. He does not say anything but put his helmet on and drives off in the opposite direction his boss had gone.

 Chapter 361 colorful dishes

    In the distance away from An Qing, Liu Shan¡¯s ck car can be seen driving through the streets of Imperial as it gets smaller and smaller. Inside, he nce every so often to the rearview mirror.


    Ever since they left An Qing, Yue Ling had not spoken a word, but immerse herself into her own thoughts.


    Seeing her lost in her own world, he couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Boss, are you alright?"


    Yue Ling had her head turned to face the window as she stares nkly out. Although the many buildings continue to pass by, she was stuck in a daze.


    She couldn¡¯t help but think about her good friend, Chen Yifeng. In order to fulfill her dream, he had put aside his own dream to help her.


    If she had not put him in the CEO chair, maybe he and Qinqin would have been married by now and were happily exploring the world together.


    If only she knew then, she would have never allowed him to be CEO of An Qing. That way, she wouldn¡¯t have been the one to separate two lovers.


    Thinking this, her thoughts wonder to Chen Limei.


    She could have humiliated Chen Limei in front of the cameras for the world to see, but she decided to give the woman some face because of Chen Yifeng.


    However, even though she came to An Qing, it was still her way of giving Chen Limei face and not let the world see her be humiliated in such way. The only thing was, when she left, it was up to Chen Limei to decide on how she wanted to go down.


    She could have kept her face and allowed the security guards to escort her nicely out, but instead, she chose to make a scene in front of her employees. There¡¯s no doubt that when tomorrowes, the headlines will be filled with her name.


    As Yue Ling drifted into her thoughts, she was brought back by Liu Shan¡¯s questions. Her eyes remained on the passing buildings but she lightly nod her head.


    "I¡¯m alright."


    She turns to look at Liu Shan in the driver seat and she couldn¡¯t help but ask him.


    "Do you like your life right now?"


    Hearing her sudden question, Liu Shan was at a loss for words. He stares ahead to the road and ponder in thought, but only to quickly answer her with his opinion.


    "I love my life right now."


    Yue Ling does not respond but faintly smile and turn to look out the window again.


    For which, Liu Shan knew what she was thinking. As someone who has been with her for so long, he can sometimes read her mind, and this is one of those times.


    He sighs and both his hands held onto the steering wheel.


    "Listen. I am telling you the truth. I do love my life right now. Before, I was no one. Not just me, but everyone else too. Society left us and outcasted us all, but you found us. You saved us. You made us who we are today. Without you, some of us may be wondering the streets without a home if not dead somewhere in the gutter."


    Hearing his honest words, Yue Ling felt a bit a ease. She is truly blessed to have Liu Shan as a friend. Not only a friend, but someone she considers as her confidant. Never will she forget any of the moments when she met him and everyone else.


    However, he was wrong about one thing. It was not her who saved them, but them who saved her.


    They gave her a reason to keep going.


    Thinkinking this, she looks away from the window and rest her head on the backseat. Her eyes slowly close as she decides to rest for a bit.


    However, just when her eyes closed, they quickly reopened as she remembers something.


    Sitting up, she looks at Liu Shan.


    "Oh my gosh! Liu Shan, take me to the new house. I¡¯m suppose to meet Lu Tian there!"


    "..."


    Liu Shan shook his head and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. His boss had been so focused in her own thoughts that she had forgotten about someone. Good thing he had great senses and decided to drive in the direction of the new house.


    Even he doesn¡¯t dare to imagine what the aloof man¡¯s face looks like at this moment.


    As Liu Shan thought this, in the distance from where they are stood a newly furnished house. Its usual elegance is reced with gloominess as if the clear blue sky above had turned gray.


    Not only the outside, but even the inside was no different.


    Unlike the emptiness before, the entire ce inside is nicely decorated with furnitures and decors. It gave the feeling of a perfect dream home, but at this very moment, it gave off a gloomy feeling to anyone who enters through the doors.


    The gloominess is currently being emitted from the direction of the kitchen as a tall dark figure stood menacingly in front of a long dining table.


    Unlike his usual suit attire, he wore a set of gray loungewear with a white apron over the front of his body. In the center of the apron, one can see a pink heart with glitters.


    Both his hands fists on his hips as he stares down at the dining table with a sulking expression.


    Laid out on the table were freshly cooked lunch he had prepared all by himself for his wife.


    There was sweet and sour pork, almond chicken, warm congee, eggnt with garlic sauce, stir-fried bamboo shoots and vegetables.


    Staring at the delicious and colorful dishes, he nce at the wall clock and pout his lip. His head lowers to the right at his enemy.


    "Why isn¡¯t she back yet?"


    "Wroof¡ª"


    Inu barks a response at the man as he rolled his eyes. His expression was as if saying, ¡¯How should I know, she¡¯s your wife.¡¯


    Doing so, he stood up and walks away. As of right now, he has more important things to do. Which he still needs to explore this gigantic new house and understand itsyout for future references.


    Watching the Samoyed leave, Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He lift his hand and pinch the space between his brows. Ever since he met the Samoyed, he can¡¯t believe he is always asking the little guy where his wife is.


    *Click¡ª


    Just as he thought this, the sound of the front door unlocks, before it is quietly push open.


    However, Lu Tian does not move away from his spot. Instead, he lowers his hand and turns to the open gap of the dining room that allows one to see in when they walk through the living room.


    He ce both hands on his hips again and stares ahead while he waits for this ¡¯intruder¡¯ to appear.

 Chapter 362 How long?

    Liu Shan¡¯s ck car pulls up into the metal gate until it slows into a stop in front of the white structure house with dark roof tiling.


    Looking at it, he couldn¡¯t help but shiver despite its dream like aura. Unlike thest time he came here, the house now somehow gave off an eerie and gloomy feeling. The feeling you get when you¡¯re a character in a movie and came across Drac¡¯s castle.


    He shivers again with goosebumps and turn his head to look at his boss.


    "Will... Boss, will you be alright?"


    He knows that Lu Tian loves his boss, but as of right now, its still too early to tell how much he loves her. After all, there are humans in the world who can love someone for a minute and hate them the next.


    Yue Ling stares at her assistant and shook her head. From his expression, she could already guess what he was thinking.


    "I¡¯ll be fine. Tian won¡¯t take all my blood."


    She chuckles softly and steps out of the car.


    "Go home and enjoy your time off."


    Without waiting for a response, she closes the door and turn to the house. Looking at it, she held tightly onto her bag and lift her leg to walk forward.


    Lu Tian will never do anything to hurt her, but the thing she is most afraid of is when he gets jealous.


    The man can eat millions of jars of vinegars all at once.


    Stopping in front of the double doors, she reach inside her handbag for the housekey.


    Unlocking to the door, her righthand held onto the door handle and her left hand gently caress her stomach.


    "Baby... Pray with mommy that daddy didn¡¯t eat any vinegar."


    Taking a deep breath, she push the door open and enters the house.


    Upon entering, she does not see Lu Tian anywhere and sighs in relief. Quietly closing the door, she changed out of her shoes into house slippers and carried on.


    Her movements were as quiet as a mouse with no sound heard. However, she felt as if she was an unfaithful wife who had snuck out in the middle of the night to enjoy a night of drinking and partying.


    Gently setting her handbag down on a side table, she continues inside without realizing she was holding in her breath. At the same time, she stares at the newly ced furniture and decorations inside the house.


    After the fashion show ended, Lu Tian didn¡¯t drive them back to Jade Condos, instead, he drove them here.


    At first, she was confused as to why he would bring them to an empty house, but once they arrived, she was surprised to see the once empty house fully furnished.


    While she was preparing for the fashion show, he had hired movers to set up furniture inside. He also had Manager Luo have his men move both their belongings from Jade Condos to here.


    The most surprising part was to see everything neatly set up all in one day.


    Like a person on an expedition tour, Yue Ling steps into the spacious living room.


    Unlike its emptiness from before, there were two long white sofas across from each other. Separating the two was a ratherrge ss top coffee table with gold legs.


    Staring at the setup of the living room, she sighed in relief that it was not dark furnitures like Lu Tian¡¯s penthouse. If it had been, the gloomy feeling she felt outside would indeed coordinate well with the inside.


    Enjoying herself for a quick second, she suddenly froze in ce.


    The living room is indeed bright with the sunlight from the windows, but why does she feel there is a dark auraing from behind her? Is she thinking too much?


    However, just as she thought this, she could only close her eyes and take a deep breath. With a struggle gulp, she opens her eyes to turn around.


    Through the huge open gap that connects the living room and the dining room, there, stood the King of Jealousy.


    Her shoulders slightly slouch and she grins to him with her teeth.


    "Ah, Tian. How long have you been standing there?"


    Lu Tian stood slightly leaning against the long dining table with eyes staring directly at her. His expression was like a husband who had caught his wife returning home after sneaking out the night before.


    Hearing her question, he lift his left arm and check the time on his watch.


    "I¡¯ve been standing here before the food turned cold."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turned heavy seeing his gesture. She blinks a few times and kept a straight face to hold back her lip from curling into a smile. Doing so, she clears her throat and points to him.


    "How long?"


    Lu Tian sighs aloud and checks the time again. However, the moment his left hand raised, and his head lowered, his ears turned crimson red.


    He had forgotten to wear his watch!


    Stealing a nce at his wife, he sees her head slightly tilt as if waiting for an answer, but he could also see how hard she is trying to hold back her smile.


    Calmly lowering his hand, he moves it behind him as if to hide something. Turning to look at the wall clock, he looks back at her as if nothing had happened.


    "Ten minutes."


    He kept a cool and indifferent expression, but Yue Ling could see his ears still red from embarrassment.


    "Pfft!!"


    Unable to hold herself back, Yue Ling burst intoughter and walks toward him.


    Seeing the many colorful dishes, she decides to stop teasing him. sping her palms together, she grin from ear to ear.


    "Wow! You made all of this for lunch?"


    At the sight of her face full of smiles, Lu Tian felt his heart softened. Even he doesn¡¯t understand why being apart from her for only a few hours can make him miss her so much.


    However, he is willing to do anything to see her smile like this every day.


    Of course, he will only show her this side of him, because it is her and not anyone else.


    Yue Ling stops in front of the dining table and the delicious aroma of each dish enters her nostrils. From the smell, she can tell the dishes will be just as tasty.


    "Ahh¡ª"


    Before she could move to sit down on a chair, Lu Tian suddenly reach an arm out and pulls her closer to him. Although it happened so fast, he made sure to do it as gently as possible and not use too much strength.


    "Tian, what are¡ª mff!"


    He cuts her remaining words by pressing his lips onto her soft ones.


    Feeling the touch of her, he sighs a low groan full of satisfying. His other hand moves to hold the back of her head and he deepens the kiss.


    Until she was almost out of breath, he reluctantly pulls away, but with his arm still wrap around her.


    Seeing how flush her face is now, he smiles down to her and kiss her forehead.


    "I¡¯ll heat up the food."


    Releasing his hold on her, he reach for the dishes and walked in the direction of the kitchen with a smile he never knew he could make until he met her.


    He came to decision that every time he sees her, he must get at least one kiss. Even if he has to steal it.

 Chapter 363 If only

    After dropping Yue Ling off at the new house, Liu Shan did not return home to enjoy the rest of his day like everyone else. He stopped by a convenience store to buy beer and cigarettes. From there, he drove in the opposite direction of his apartment.


    Through the bustling streets of Imperial, he did not stop for thirty minutes until he arrived in an almost secluded part of the city.


    Parking his car on the side of the empty road, he grabs the things he bought and stepped out of the car.


    "Ha¡ª"


    Although the sky was clear, one can see the small, misty cloud of his breath when he sighed.


    Holding the case of beer in one hand, he ces the pack of cigarette in his coat pocket and walks away from his car.


    Coming to a path with dried leaves on the ground, he can tell that maintenance hasn¡¯t been here for a while to clean the ce.


    Through his steps, he arrives in front of a ck metal fence. Pushing the door part open, his lonely figure enters.


    Inside stood many tombstones in a neatly order, but he continues in his steps until he reached the end of the pathway. Making a turn, he finally stops in front of a tall gray marble tombstone.


    Staring down at it, he stares at the picture of a young and healthy man smiling. He looked so free, like nothing in the world could disturb or make him angry.


    Under the picture were the words ¡¯Chen Yifeng, Beloved by family, cherished by friends¡¯ engraved nicely.


    However, staring at the words Beloved by family, Liu Shan reach out to wipe the dust on the tombstone with his free hand and scoff a sarcastic chuckle.


    How can someone be loved by his family when it was his own family who murdered him.


    He lowers to sit on the ground and set the case of beer down. Taking a can out, he opens it and set it in front of the tombstone.


    "It¡¯s been a while, my brother."


    Saying this, he takes a cigarette out and lights it. Doing the same thing as the beer, he ce it down on the tombstone.


    When he finished, he opens a beer and light another cigarette for himself.


    Sitting face to face with the tombstone, he stares at the photo of Chen Yifeng in silence.


    Through the long silence, the full can of beer in one hand remains untouched as the cigarette in his other hand burned on its own without him smoking it.


    He was never a person who smokes, but Chen Yifeng did. Holding the cigarette makes him feel like his deceased friend is still here with him.


    Thinking of something, a faint smile curl on his lips and he finally takes a sip of the beer.


    "Yue Ling couldn¡¯te see you, but... she finally met someone after Shin left us. She is doing great and going to be a mother soon. Not only that, she finally revealed herself as De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer and won first ce against An Qing."


    Saying this, he chuckles to himself and takes another sip of the beer.


    "It¡¯s funny isn¡¯t it? She¡¯s the one who created An Qing to support De L¡¯amour and yet, she had topete with her ownpany."


    As his words finish, silence came again. Taking a deep breath, he slowly turn his head to look at the many surrounding tombstones.


    "I guess you¡¯re not that lonely since you have so many friends here with you. Are they nice... like you?"


    He looks back at the man in the photo and he sighs a chuckle. However, this time, he felt as if someone had grabbed his heart and yanked it out of his chest.


    "You know, most people would want the person who hurt them to suffer, but you... you said for us to forgive because she was your sister... you said to give her a chance..."


    His lower lip lightly trembles as he struggles to put on a smile.


    When he first met Chen Yifeng, he finally understood what it felt like to have a brother.


    Chen Yifeng was the kind of person who would forgive someone even if they had wronged him. He was always the one who said to forgive and see the person for all the good they have done.


    Thinking this, Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but softly chuckle. There was once a time when he had told Chen Yifeng, he should be a monk for having such kindness.


    As he thought of the past, his trembling lips began to tremble tremendously as his vision began to blur.


    "I know you didn¡¯t want us to, but today... today we avenged you..."


    His words continue in his normal tone until he could only choke his words out as the tears, he fought so hard to hold in slowly slides down his cheek.


    "Every day... something happens, and I wish you were here to witness it with me."


    He inhale a mouthful of air in agony and stares at Chen Yifeng. He tries to force a smile, but instead he choked out a heart aching sob.


    "Why... Why didn¡¯t you tell us sooner? Did you think we would judge your family?"


    Even though he knew the person was no longer there, he stares at the person in the photo as if waiting for the man to answer his questions.


    "Were we not like family to you at all? Why did you do something so stupid and decided on your own that we should know after you were gone?"


    As he waited, only the sound of the light passing breeze answers him while the man in the photo kept a smile.


    His lip trembles as more tears fell one after another with pain and anger crawling inside him.


    "Answer me! Tell me why?!"


    He roars in a hoarse voice at the man even though he already knew.


    He knows that no matter how much he screams or shout, Chen Yifeng will not answer him.


    His head lowers and he could only sob a faint whisper.


    "Why...."


    Yue Ling had allowed Chen Limei to be the CEO because Chen Yifeng had asked in his letter. He asked to give his sister a chance. However, they had given Chen Limei so many chances to redeem her crimes, but she did not stop. Instead, it only continued.


    Even after Chen Yifeng passed away, no one from the Chen family came to pay him a visit. From the moment Chen Limei took on the role as CEO the Chen family became blinded by wealth.


    That is how you know money can change someone so much that they even forget those they love.


    Liu Shan stares with streams of tears down his cheeks. He didn¡¯t care if he was a grown man crying with snoting down his nose. For the pain of losing someone close to him, he would cry to the end of the world.


    His eyes slowly close as more tears slid down his cheeks.


    If he could go back in time, he would have chosen not to take the role as Yue Ling¡¯s assistant.


    He would swap ces with Chen Yifeng and be the one who sat in the CEO seat of An Qing. The difference between them was that he was able to handle any mishap thates his way while Chen Yifeng was too kind of a person.


    If it had been him, there would have been no brother or sister to fight with him for the position.


    If it had been him, there would have been no one to scheme against him.


    If it had been him, Chen Yifeng would be standing in front of him right now and not a tombstone.


    If only....

 Chapter 364 her belongings

    The afternoon sky turned red as the sun slowly began to set in the far horizon. Inside the study room of Lu Tian and Yue Ling¡¯s new house, both individuals stood in silence. At the open doorway, Inuid down as he stares at the two peasants with a face full of curiosity.


    After their lunch, the small family had spent the remaining afternoon outside. A whileter, Lu Tian said he had a surprise for his wife, so they came inside.


    Now in the study room, Yue Ling stares down at the ¡¯surprise¡¯ in front of her and she didn¡¯t know what to feel at this moment.


    Lu Tian¡¯s surprise was her luggage and handbag!


    The two items she had ¡¯lost¡¯ when she first arrived in Imperial. To which, both things were in Lu Tian¡¯s hands. Of course, she was supposed to retrieve them when she went to Lu Corps for the first time, but things got... a little out of control.


    Turning to look at the man standing next to her, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    "This is the surprise?"


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian nod his head with a short answer. However, his expression was like a puppy waiting to be praised for doing a good job.


    Staring at him, she pout her lip for a quick second and said thank you. Doing so, she lowers to sit on the floor. At the same time, Lu Tian did the same thing too.


    He would be lying if he wasn¡¯t curious about what was inside.


    From the moment he brought her belongings from the airport, he kept hearing a jingling sound inside. He had contemted whether to open it or not, but he never did. He was never one to go through someone else¡¯s things without approval.


    Although most people would find it odd to have someone see what they have, but Yue Ling did mind at all. She has nothing to hide from Lu Tian.


    Reaching for the zipper, she slowly unzips the suitcase.


    From the side, Lu Tian looked like a noisy child who wanted to see everything his sibling had. While from the doorway, Inu also poke his head out to see what was inside his mother¡¯s luggage.


    Fully unzipping the luggage, Yue Ling opens it with a wide grin. She reaches down and her hands gently caress over the things inside. Her movement looked like someone who was afraid of touching an ancient item too much in fear that it might turn into dust.


    However, unlike her, Lu Tian and Inu were stupefied. Both individuals at this moment looked like two children who had opened the worst gift during Christmas morning.


    They had thought something extraordinary was inside, but it was only a bunch of keys.


    Although, these keys weren¡¯t just thrown inside the suitcase, they were actually hung in an organized order.


    Oblivious to the man and Samoyed¡¯s feelings, Yue Ling carefully picks up a set of keys with slightly trembling hands and rubs it against her cheek. Feeling the coldness of they key on her cheek, she sighs in satisfaction. It was as if she was holding onto the world¡¯s most valuable treasure.


    "My babies are safe and sound."


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Inu: "..."


    ncing down to see another set of keys, she picks it up with her still trembling hands and ce it next to her other cheek. Her eyes slowly close and she turned into a mother who had finally been reunited with her long-lost child after decades of separation.


    "My beautiful babies! How mommy misses you all so much."


    Lu Tian stares at his wife with aplex expression. Unable toprehend with her thoughts, he purse his lip and turn to look at the Samoyed.


    Laying at the doorway, Inu wasn¡¯t much less of a difference from his enemy. However, seeing the man look at him as if waiting for an answer, he stood up and turn his head away as his body follows.


    His expression was as if saying, ¡¯Hey, don¡¯t look at me. I never said I was her only baby.¡¯


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Watching the Samoyed leave with no intentions of giving him an answer, Lu Tian could only look back at his wife then down to the luggage full of keys. He couldn¡¯t help but ask in a mumbling voice.


    "You packed a luggage full of keys?"


    Hearing his question, Yue Ling who enjoying her moment of uniting with her babies was interrupted from her blissful moment. Her eyes shot open and she cast him a quick re before setting the keys down with a hmmf.


    "These aren¡¯t just any keys. These are all my babies."


    Saying this, she sighs at the sight of the many keys and decides to exin herself.


    "Before I moved to Imperial, I packed my most prize possessions in this luggage."


    Her words fell and a smile curl on her lip as she gestures her left hand over the top section of the suitcase.


    "The keys on this side holds my Turbos and Cruisers." Her righthand then moves over to the bottom section. "Whereas, this part holds my little riders."


    "..."


    Lu Tian stares at his wife¡¯s smiling face in silence. He felt that ever since he met her, he has been more speechless than ever. He wouldn¡¯t be surprise to find out that his high EQ and IQ have dropped by many numbers.


    He sighs inside and finally understood why, out of all the things she could ask for, she wanted a huge garage.


    Looking down at the keys, he can estimate there were at least fifty keys or even more.


    Thinking this, he could only pat himself on the back. Good thing he renovated the garage.


    However, he sighs again, but this time not inside. Since his wife also has this many cars, then that means he¡¯ll have to build another garage for his own cars.


    Shaking his head, he brush the thought away and looks at his wife.


    "When are they arriving?"


    Yue Ling pout her lip and ponder in thought about what Liu Shan had told her when she first arrived in Imperial.


    "Well... they¡¯re being transported here by ship, so I another week or two."


    He nod his head at her words, then looks down at the keys again. From a nce, he can tell that each key is from highly expensive brands. Even some of the keys look identical to the ones he has. However, remembering her current car, he couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "If you have all these cars, why drive a x5m?"


    Hearing his unexpected question, Yue Ling puff her cheeks then gives him a smile with her eyes closed. At the same time, she ce her left index finger on her lip as to shush him.


    "Low-key."


    Lu Tian stares at his wife in a moment of silence. A long minute passes and a chuckle escapes his lip as he nods his head.


    "Mm. Low-key."


    Lifting his left hand, he pat her on the head and smile.


    "If you want, you can drive any of my cars. I don¡¯t mind."


    Hearing his sudden proposal, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes lit up with fireworks in the sky. Although, she has only seen him drive 2 cars, they were also very good cars. Since he said ¡¯any¡¯...


    Staring at his wife¡¯s sudden changes in expressions from happiness to cunning then back to happy, Lu Tian wanted to take back his words.


    However, he already gave her his words. He sighs for the third time and move his hand to the back of her head. Pulling her head closer to him he leans forward gently knock their foreheads together.


    "You can only drive them after your pregnancy."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares at him with widen eyes as if wanting to refute, but then thinking about her pregnancy, he was right. It¡¯s best to wait until after she gives birth.


    *Ring Ring*


    Suddenly, the sound of a ringtone interrupts their conversation in the study room.


    Lu Tian moves away and reach into his pocket to take his phone out. ncing at the caller, he furrow his brows then looks at his wife with an apologetic smile.


    Not bothered by the call, Yue Ling gives him a smile to let him know she understands and turn her attention back to her luggage.


    Seeing how she always understood him, Lu Tian leans forward to kiss the side of her head before standing up to answer the call.


    "Hello."


    His deep voice sounds as he walks out of the study room.

 Chapter 365 over for dinner

    Yue Ling slowly closes the luggage and zips it up. Scooting it aside, she stood up, but sees Lu Tian also walk back into the room.


    However, turning to face him, she notices that he held aplex expression as if something was bothering him. Her head lightly tilt to the side and she decides to ask him.


    "Is everything alright?"


    Lu Tian was still pondering in thoughts about the sudden phone call he had received. When he heard her soft voice ask a question, he looks at her and a faint smile curls on his lip.


    "Mm. Everything is fine."


    He leisurely walks over to her and reach to intwine his hand with her soft ones. His small gesture was like it was the most natural thing to do and something he will continue to do so. However, he also continues his words.


    "It was a call from my mother. She said to go over for dinner."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling nod her head with a face full of understanding.


    Even if one is a grown adult, one¡¯s parents will always want them to spend time together. Not because they think you cannot cook for yourself, but because, no matter how old you be, you will always be a baby in their eyes.


    That is the warmth of having a parent, even if you have only a mother or only a father. Having the love of your parents is the best gift in the world.


    Thinking of one¡¯s parents, she couldn¡¯t help but miss the love and affection of her own. It¡¯s been so many years since she¡¯s had her mother¡¯s home cooked meal, yet, it is also something she will never get to taste again.


    Her free hand slowly lift to touch her stomach and she smiles a faint smile.


    She will love their child like how her parents loved her and give him or her everything.


    As they walked out of the study room, she looks up at him and smiles.


    "You should go. Inu and I will be fine here."


    Unaware of the man next to her, she did not notice that Lu Tian was able to catch a glimpse of her hand on her abdomen. He stops in his step and already knew what she was thinking. After all, she had told him she lost her parents at a young age.


    However, seeing how understanding she is, he felt his entire being soften. His other hand lift and he gently pinch her cute little nose.


    "Silly, you¡¯reing with me."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen with her mouth slightly agape. She had always reminded herself that one of these days, she has to meet his family but...


    Touching her nose from the light pain, she quietly mutters.


    "Isn¡¯t it a little too soon?"


    Just as Lu Tian was about to lower his hand, he hears her question and his eyes turned heavy as if they wouldpletely close at any moment.


    His hand that had yet to lower raised higher and this time, he knocks on her forehead, but with little strength like a gentle tap.


    "What goes on in this brain of yours to make you think so slow sometimes?"


    He lowers his hand and reach to grab her other hand and brings them up to his lip. nting a light kiss on both of her hands, he reassures her.


    "It¡¯s never too soon for you to meet my family. Besides, you are a my fianc¨¦ and my child¡¯s mother."


    Saying this, he lowers her hands, but made sure to still hold onto one. Turning in the direction of the stairs, he guides her away from the second floor. However, he did not forget to mention one more thing.


    "Also, my mother specifically asked for you. She wants to meet you."


    As they walked towards the stairs, Yue Ling was at a loss for words. Lu Tian¡¯s mother asked for her? How did she (Madam Lu) know that it was her in a rtionship with Lu Tian? Did he already mention her to his family? When?


    Thinking this, she pout her lip and ponder in thoughts again. It¡¯s not that she didn¡¯t want to meet his family. It was more like she hadn¡¯t prepared herself for this day.


    What if they don¡¯t like her or what if she doesn¡¯t meet their expectations?


    What if they find her unworthy of their son?


    Reaching the stairs, Yue Ling came back to her consciousness. Remembering something, she abruptly stops and tugs her hand holding his.


    "L-Let me change first."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian turns to look at his wife with his eyes lower to her body.


    She was wearing a white long sleeve turtleneck sweater with a ck midi dress over. It wasn¡¯t too loose nor was it too tight, but it still outlines her perfect curves.


    His eyes trail from what she was wearing to her face and seeing the nervous look she has on, he smiles a chuckle.


    "You look fine."


    "..."


    Yue Ling purse her lip and furrow her brows. She nce down at her outfit, then looks at Lu Tian. Seeing that he¡¯s still in his loungewear, Yue Ling felt even worse.


    For someone with such great looks like Lu Tian, even if he goes out like this, it still looks good on him.


    However, feeling she should at least wear something more decent looking, she tugs his hand again.


    "Let me change first, then we can go, okay?"


    "Do you want me to carry you down the stairs?"


    "...."


    Just as she spoke her words, Lu Tian quickly refuted her with a question that he knows she cannot argue back with.


    She let¡¯s go of his hand and stares at the man with a silent re before her cheeks puff and walks down the steps of stairs. She knows that if she decided to go against him, he would really carry her down!


    Shameless!


    Lu Tian stares at her departing figure for a long minute then he lift his hand that had been intwined with hers. He could still feel the warmth of her hand, but now... he felt so empty.


    Looking back at her, he inhales a deep breath and strides down the stair after her.


    For some reason, he feels that it¡¯s always his wife who likes to let go of his hand. She is a very understanding person, but why can¡¯t she understand that he likes to hold her hand?


    Just when Yue Ling¡¯s feet touched the first floor, Lu Tian also did too. He didn¡¯t care and quickly reach down to hold her hand again.


    Feeling whole again, he nce down at her with a satisfying smile and walks her towards the front door.

 Chapter 366 many firsts ahead

    After leaving their new home, Lu Tian sat in the driver seat of his car as he drives them in the direction of the Lu Family Household. In the passenger seat, Yue Ling stared down at the nicely wrapped gift on herp.


    When they left the house, she had nagged Lu Tian to take her to buy a gift. Since this is going to be her first time meeting his parents, she wanted to buy a gift for them instead of visiting empty handed.


    Staring down at the nicely wrapped gift in red, she slightly purse her lip and looks at the man driving.


    "Are you sure they will like this?"


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian answers her without moving his eyes away from the road. He slows the car to a stop at a red light and turn to look at her.


    "They will like the gift. My mother and father prefer simple gifts more than they do prestige ones."


    His words fell just as the red light turns green. Stepping on the elerator, he drives the car forward again.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes remained on the side view of the man¡¯s face. She part her lips to say something, but in the end, she could only open and close them without a word escaping.


    Since Lu Tian already said his parents would like the gift, she can¡¯t argue with him. After all, he had helped choose it and he knows his parents more than she does.


    Deciding this, she stays in silence and turns to look out the window to distract herself from being nervous.


    Never did she know that meeting your partner¡¯s family would be so nerve wrecking, especially when it came to buying a gift.


    Staring at the view of the setting sun in the distance, she quietly sighs inside, and her thoughts began to travel to her past.


    When Shin was still here, she never had the chance to meet his parents. Not because she didn¡¯t want to, but because they had also left the world like her parents when he was young. Whereas, Shin¡¯s only family left was his sister, Hana. However, Hana and she were already friends before she met Shin.


    Remembering her past, her eyes slowly close and she couldn¡¯t help but inhale a deep breath.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Focusing on driving, Lu Tian suddenly hears her sigh and he asks without turning to look at her.


    "I was just thinking."


    Yue Ling answers him as she opens her eyes again. She turns to look at him but does not say anymore.


    She knows that it is unfair to think of the past that is longer there, but she is also thankful. If her past never happened, her present wouldn¡¯t be here.


    The past that she had with Shin allowed her present to meet Lu Tian.


    "What¡¯s on your mind?"


    Lu Tian subconsciously asks as he turns the car into another road. For him to hear her sigh, he has a feeling that she must have thought about her past. Even though he asked, he doesn¡¯t expect her to answer if she doesn¡¯t want to.


    Continuing to stare at the man in the driver seat, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but sigh again. She faintly smiles and looks down at the nicely wrapped gift sitting on herp.


    "I was thinking about the past. I never got to meet Shin parents because they passed away when he and Hana were younger. However, I was also thinking, because of it, this will be another first with you."


    Hearing her response, Lu Tian arch a brow at how honest she was with him. Most men would be angry about their partner thinking about an ex and he would be lying if he wasn¡¯t jealous, but instead of jealousy, what he feels is more like envy.


    He envies Shin for having many firsts with his wife, but...


    He reach a hand to grab hold of hers and brings it closer to him. With eyes on the road, he lightly kiss the back of her hand.


    "We still have many firsts ahead of us."


    His head turn to look at her and he sighs a smile before kissing her hand again, but this time with eyes staring directly into hers.


    "I thank Shin for giving me the chance to meet you."


    He turns his head to look back at the road and does not say another word. Although his words were short for a reassuring response, it had a lot of meaning behind it.


    If Shin was still here, his chance of meeting her would have never happened.


    Yue Ling stares at the man with unblinking eyes. She smiles a soft chuckle and turn to look out the passenger window. Shin may have been her first love, but Lu Tian is her forever love.


    As she thought of her blissful fortunate in meeting Lu Tian, the buildings that were once in view were now reced with rows of trees. Before she could fully appreciate the scenery of nature, she was suddenly greeted with a high brick wall.


    Lu Tian¡¯s car pulls up to a metal gate and he rolls the window down as a security guard steps out from the guard booth towards them.


    "Good evening, young master Lu."


    The guard gestures a bow to greet the famous businessman. However, he was quickly taken back by surprise when he saw that Lu Tian was not alone inside the car.


    Sitting in the passenger seat is a woman!


    Even more surprising was that it was not Madam Lu or the cousin, Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    Lu Tian ignores the security¡¯s surprised face and hands over his ID. Although hees here often to visit his parents, he made sure the security was very tight. Even if the security guard knows those who lives or frequently visits here, whoever is on duty must check IDs at all times.


    The security guard still in a daze takes the ID and checks it out. Handing it back, he gestures another bow and goes back into the booth to open the gate. However, he didn¡¯t forget to take another look at the mysterious woman in the passenger seat.


    Just when the gate opened and Lu Tian¡¯s car pulls forward, he was able to catch a better glimpse of the woman. Though he did not get a perfect look at her, he knows that his eyes did not lie to him.


    He finally understood why the famous Lu Tian has never been involved in any scandals with women.


    It¡¯s because he already has a beautiful woman by his side!

 Chapter 367 Not his sister!

    Distracted by the view, Yue Ling stares out the passenger window in awe. Right outside of the gate is a gold sign with the words engraved, ¡¯Peony Vi.¡¯


    The second the car drove through the gate she was more in awe as she gasps in amazement.


    During her career as a model, she had once read in one of Beauty¡¯s magazines about ¡¯Peony Vi.¡¯ It was and still is the top-rated ce to live in all of Imperial. In the article, it mentioned that only the wealthiest families live here and each house is worth millions.


    Even she isn¡¯t surprise to know that the Lu family has their home here.


    As Lu Tian continues to drive the car forward, Yue Ling continue to stare at the scenery outside. She couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of her grandfather¡¯s ce. Although his house was surrounded by cherry blossoms, Peony Vi is exactly as it¡¯s given name.


    Due to the cold season they are in, she can see that once Spring and summeres, the trees that surrounded the ce would be blossom with beautiful peonies.


    "Do you want to live here instead?"


    Lu Tian chuckles in his words. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was her intentions, but he could hear her sighs in awe each time the car passes by a house.


    If she does want to live here, he will buy one of the vacant houses and have their belongings move here.


    Of course, he never intended to live near his parents since his mother always nagged him about marriage, but now, it was different. They are going to get marry and she is going to give birth. With his mother around to visit, it will help make his wife morefortable.


    Hearing his questions, Yue Ling shook her head and turns to look at him. She smiles and part her lips to speak.


    "Here is nice, but I like our new home."


    Which is the truth. She had never understood why her grandfather chose to live in a secluded ce far from the noisy city, but now that she is older, she understood.


    With a busy life one has every day, living in a quiet ce can put one¡¯s mind to ease. Like nothing in the world can bother them.


    Into her thoughts, Lu Tian¡¯s car reaches the end of the road and turns into a driveway that goes up to a small hill. The moment they turned into the driveway, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slightly widens at the change of scenery in front of her.


    The red sky above added a breath-taking background to the surrounding area. However, what caught her attention the most is the neo-eclectic house with limestone exterior.


    Out of all the 34 houses in Peony Vi, she has to admit, this one is by far the most extravagant one, but it¡¯s details and structure is the reason for it extravagant.


    It can even be on pair with her grandfather¡¯s Spanish house.


    Staring at the lovely house, she wanted to ask if this was the Lu family house, but before she could ask, her question was already answered as she sees a sign with the Lu family crest.


    Lu Tian¡¯s car pulls up into the round driveway and slows into a stop as it parks.


    While Yue Ling was lost in her daze, Lu Tian turns the car off and opens the driver door to step out. He then walks around to help his wife out from the passenger side.


    "You¡¯re here!!!"


    Just as Yue Ling stepped out of the car, a woman¡¯s cheerful voice calls out to greet the two of them. Before she could even step away from the car, a handes to view and pushes Lu Tian to the side and grabs hold of Yue Ling¡¯s.


    "...."


    Lu Tian stares with heavy eyes at the woman. Good thing his reflexes were good, and he steadied himself. If not, that shove would had knocked him off bnce.


    He looks down at the gift in his hand and sighed inside. Luckily, he held the gift away so his wife could step out of the car. If not, this woman would have toss it away without a care.


    Shaking his head with another sigh, he closes the passenger door and sighs a smile to his wife.


    "Yue Ling, this is my mother."


    Yue Ling lightly nod her head and looks at Madam Lu. She smiles to the older woman with a polite bow in greeting.


    "Hello Aunty Lu, I am Han Yue Ling."


    Hearing the word ¡¯aunty¡¯, Madam Lu who was smiling like there was no tomorrow suddenly purse her lips disapprovingly. She looked like Yue Ling had offended her family¡¯s nine generations.


    Seeing her look, Yue Ling was washed with nervousness as her body tense. She turns to look at Lu Tian, but before she could say anything, Madam Lu¡¯s hands around hers tightens.


    "No need to call me aunty. Instead, Yue Ling can call me mother."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares at Madam Lu who now had glistening eyes and a wide grin. She didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at this moment. However, staring at the middle age woman, she couldn¡¯t help but smile in return.


    How wonderful this feeling is...


    It¡¯s been so many years since she has said the word mother.


    Gazing at the women full of smiles, Yue Ling felt her eyes turn moist, but not enough to make her cry. With no intentions of doing it on purpose, she murmur in a whisper to herself.


    "Mother..."


    Although her whisper was very quiet, it did not escape Madam Lu¡¯s ears. Her eyes lit up even brighter than ever and she heartilyughs with her head nodding approvingly.


    She moves to stand side by side with Yue Ling and her hand gently pat over the model¡¯s hand she was holding.


    "This olddy had always wanted a daughter but was given two sons. How about you be my Lu family¡¯s daughter? What do you say?"


    "Mother."


    From behind, Lu Tian growls unapprovingly at his mother¡¯s preposterous question. Yue Ling is going to be his wife and child¡¯s mother. Not his sister!


    Madam Lu cast a re in the direction of her oldest son but seeing his murderous look like he wanted to strangle her to death, she stuck her tongue out at him like a child.


    Without a care, she looks back at Yue Ling and unlike her reaction towards her son, she was in smiles again. It was as if she had never done such a childish thing.


    "Aiya, what are you getting jealous for?"


    She waves her hand as if to brush her son away. Holding onto her future daughter-inw¡¯s hand, she pulls Yue Ling in the direction of the Lu family house.


    "The weather is colder today. Come, let us go inside."


    After seeing Yue Ling at the fashion show, she was even more eager to meet the person. However, after the event ended, she was told that her annoying son had already stole the model and left.


    If not for that reason, today would have been their second time meeting each other!


    She had told Lu Tian to bring Yue Ling over, but if she could have decided, she would have preferred only her daughter-inw. Of course, she couldn¡¯t do such thing because others will say she neglects her own son.


    Watching his mother and wife walk away, Lu Tian could guess his mother¡¯s intentions. He shook his head and calmly follows after them.

 Chapter 368 you can look

    Inside the main living room of the Lu family house, Lu Tian sat down on one sofa while his father sat on the one across from him. Both men quietly sat as each person sips on their own cup of tea.


    As a father, Old Lu was worried about his oldest son. Unlike his youngest son Lu Han, his oldest Lu Tian tends to keep to himself from the world. He has a few close friends, but he mostly kept himself busy with work every day.


    Then again, who can me Lu Tian. The moment he took the seat of CEO at Lu Corps, everything had been ced on his shoulders.


    As for finding a wife for their oldest son, there has been quite a few prestige families who have proposed marriage, but Lu Tian always turned them down. He would always find something to back his reason.


    Like thest girl they introduced to their son, she looked like a pure and innocent girl. She was the daughter of a friend, but she was only after the wealth that surrounded Lu Tian. Good thing Lu Tian did not fall for her and found proof to turn that family down.


    Thinking this, Old Lu sighs inside. It is so hard to find a good family nowadays since some would go to any means just to get their hands on the Lu family fortune.


    Suddenly, his oldest son, who never involved himself with any woman, suddenly said he found a woman he is going to marry.


    At first, he was not too sure about Lu Tian¡¯s words since he¡¯s seen quite a few dramas with his wife involving ¡¯contract lovers¡¯. However, he decided to respect his son¡¯s decision. Since it is the girl his son chose, he is happy to ept her.


    His wife had attended the fashion show to observe the woman their son chose. When she came back, she told him that she wants the girl as her daughter-inw no matter what.


    He was astonished hearing such words but decided to see for himself since his wife had invited them to the house.


    When Lu Tian and Yue Ling arrived, he did not go out to greet them, but he did stand by the door to observe the scene. Even though the day had turned into evening, it was still bright enough for him to see the look on his son¡¯s face when they arrived.


    Unlike his usual cold demeanor, he had on a soft expression. One he had never seen his done make before, but it was a look that was enough for him (Old Lu) to tell that his son was serious.


    Not only that, putting the two individuals next to one another, they looked like a pair match made in heaven.


    However, he needs a confirm answer from his son. He does not want to wee someone who will end up leaving his son in the future.


    Old Lu lowers his cup and calmly ce it down on the table separating him and his son. He looks up at his oldest son and breaks the silence.


    "Are you sure she is the one for you?"


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian quickly answer with a nod and ce the cup in his hand down. He looks straight into his father¡¯s eyes with a stern expression.


    "I want no one else but her."


    Seeing the look on his son¡¯s face, Old Lu could tell that Lu Tian was serious and not joking. He takes a deep breath and turn to look at another part of the house. From a far, he can his wife and Yue Lingughing together in harmony.


    "Have you met her parents?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask. Yue Ling is a well-known figure in Imperial, so her parents must not be ordinary. To raise such a remarkable daughter, he would like to meet her parents as well.


    Just as he thought of meeting his inws soon, he did not expect his son¡¯s next words to struck him.


    "Her parents died when she was young."


    Old Lu looks at his son with a grief, yet shock expression. He open his lips to ask another question, but before he could utter a sound, Lu Tian¡¯s words continues and answers the question.


    "Her only elder was her grandfather, but he passed away a few years after her parents."


    Left with no room to ask more questions, Old Lu slowly not his head and sigh. He really pities Yue Ling to have to experience such cruelty.


    He turn his head to look back at the two women and he could only sigh again.


    Never would he thought that Yue Ling, who is a prominent figure in the industry had to go through such tragedy. Still a child but had to face life on her own.


    He had nned to ask her parent¡¯s names, but since Lu Tian told him this, he decides not to.


    Bringing up the topic of one¡¯s deceased loved one is too cruel.


    Old Lu stares at the cup of tea he ced on the table. Thinking of something, he looks at his son.


    "If you are certain that she¡¯s the one, then your mother and I will take on the role as her elders from now on."


    Saying this, he gesture his hand for them to stop talking about the topic. He has heard what he needed and stood up to leave the main living room to join his wife and future daughter-inw in the other room.


    Lu Tian stares at his father departing figure and he faintly smile. Since his father said those words, then it means they have epted Yue Ling into the family. If anyone were to speak ill of her, then they would be speaking ill about the Lu family.


    Satisfy with this, he also stood up and follow after his father.


    Oblivious to the discussion between the father and son duo, Madam Lu and Yue Ling enjoyed their own time in another room almost identical to a living room, but smaller.


    "See this one. This is Tian when he was five years old. His expression from then and now are still the same."


    Madam Luughs and shows a photo in a frame to her precious daughter-inw.


    It was a photo of five-year-old Tian dressed in a long blue changshan. He was slightly chubbier as a child. He held one hand behind his back and the other hand in front while holding an opened white fan. His expression was cold as ever, as if wanting to stab the eyes of whoever took the photo.


    Yue Ling nce at the photo and she chuckles with Madam Lu. Lu Tian¡¯s expression from young really does look the same as now. However, the chubby five years old him in the photo looked so cute that it makes anyone want to pinch his cheeks.


    Entering the room, Lu Tian follows behind his father, but he arch a brow at the view of the two women giggling over something.


    However, the thing that caught his attention the most was how close the two women looked even though they just met. If someone else had walked into the room, they would have thought Madam Lu and Yue Ling were a pair of mother and daughter.


    He sighs at the sight of the two most important women in his life getting along.


    From what he knows, his mother is kind to everyone, but it is very rare to see her take a liking to someone she just met.


    Madam Lu: "Don¡¯t tell him I showed you this photo. He hates it when I show our guests his photos when he was a child."


    Yue Ling: "Mm. I won¡¯t tell him."


    Hearing the whisper between both women follow by a giggle, a faint smile curl on his lip. He did not hesitate to walk over to see which photo his mother had showed his wife.


    "What are you looking at?"


    "Ah Tian!"


    Yue Ling yelp in surprise hearing Lu Tian¡¯s sudden deep voice. She turns to look at him, but only to be met with his face right next to hers.


    From the side, Lu Tian was curious to see which photo it was, but the moment his eyesnded on it, he was dumbfounded. Of all the photos in this room, it had to be this one!


    He quickly snatch the photo away from his mother and put it back on the shelf. Except he made sure the photo was turned away. The space between his brows crease into three lines and he slightly purse his lip.


    "What is so nice about looking at photos of me when I was young?"


    Both Yue Ling and Madam Lu rolled their eyes hearing him. His expression made it seemed like it was a crime to look at these photos.


    However, Yue Ling sigh in regret and quietly mumble, "But you looked so cute when you were younger..."


    Just as Lu Tian was about to move his hand away from the photo, his good ears heard her mumbling words. His expression remained the same as always, but his ears flushed red.


    She thought he looked cute as a child?


    He quickly turns the photo around again and smiles to her.


    "If you like it, you can look at it as much as you want."


    The three people in the room: "...."

 Chapter 369 Dinner is ready

    "Master Lu, Madam Lu. Dinner is ready."


    Entering the room, the Lu family¡¯s butler interrupts the lively atmosphere. The maids had informed him that the food were prepared and ready to be serve.


    Old Lu nod his head and gestures to the butler that he can leave. On the other side, when Madam Lu heard the butler¡¯s inform for dinner, her eyes lit up and she reach for Yue Ling¡¯s hand with a smile.


    "Yue Ling, I have prepared a delicious meal for you. Come, you can sit next to me."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and allows Madam Lu to guide her to the dining room. She is happy that Madam Lu isfortable with her and gives her the feeling of home.


    Watching both women leave the room, Lu Tian frown with a sulking expression. His mother is being too clinging with his wife. He is the son but he¡¯s being treated like an unwanted guest. Maybe he shouldn¡¯t have brought his wife here. If he didn¡¯t, he would still be able to have her all to himself.


    "Son, you will have to get use to this."


    From the side, Old Lu chuckles his words. For some reason, he can¡¯t help but pity his son, but he knows this feeling better than anyone. When Lu Tian was first born, his wife had shoved him to the side and forgot all about him. It was as if Lu Tian was the only one in her eyes.


    However, after they had Lu Han, both he (Old Lu) and Lu Tian did not get as much attention as Lu Han did.


    Thinking this, he pat his son on the shoulder before following after his wife and Yue Ling.


    Good thing Lu Tian is never one to fight for attention.


    Left with no choice, Lu Tian could only follow behind. He shouldn¡¯t be childish and fight over his wife with his mother.


    He also thought it was a good thing Yue Ling did not want to live in Peony Vi. If they did, he is sure his mother will never go home, even worse, she might wee herself to live with them.


    Entering the dining room, half of the long dining table is covered with different dishes. The delicious aroma filled the entire room making one drool inside at its smell.


    Madam Lu¡¯s eyes beam with joy. She had spent the entire afternoon preparing these dishes and told the maids to help finish cooking since Yue Ling and Lu Tian were here.


    Just as she was about to say something, she did not expect her son to be faster.


    "Yue Ling, you sit on this side."


    He ce a hand behind his wife¡¯s back and pulls her away from his mother¡¯s grasp. Pulling a chair back for her, he motions her to sit down.


    So what if he had said he wouldn¡¯t fight for attention, when it involves his wife, he does not care who it is.


    Oblivious to his vinegar eating, Yue Ling thanked him and sits down as Lu Tian quickly takes the seat next to her. He thought, if his mother wants, she can sit on the left of his wife.


    "..."


    Left in a speechless state, Madam Lu could not believe that her own son was eating vinegar!


    She scoffs inside and decided to do exactly what her son wants. There is enough room for the three of them to sit on one side of the table.


    Staring at his wife and son, Old Lu sighs inside. He had just praised that his oldest son did not like to fight for attention and yet, here he is, fighting for attention.


    Shaking his head, he reach an arm out to grab his wife who was just about to sit down. He smiles to her and part his lip speak.


    "Dear, you sit next to me."


    Without waiting for her response, he drags her over to the other side of the table. He helps Madam Lu sits on a chair while ignoring her annoyed expression. Then he took the head seat.


    Yue Ling stares at the dining table and she was in for a surprise. Even her throat could not help but move at the sight of the food.


    Laid out on the table was roasted duck, dumplings, Sichuan pork, sweet and sour chicken, Ma Po tofu, preserved vegetables, steamed vermicelli rolls, and fried shrimp. In front of each person was bowl of steamed rice ready to be eaten.


    Seeing Yue Ling¡¯s expression, Madam Lu smiles with satisfaction. She picks up her chopstick and grabs the leg part of the roast duck.


    "Yue Ling try this one. I prepared it especially for you."


    cing it onto her te, Madam Lu quickly reach for another dish. This time it was a piece of tofu.


    "This one too. Ah, this one too! Oh and this one too. See this one? It¡¯s healthy for you."


    Piece after piece, Yue Ling stares down at her bowl and did not know whether tough or cry. The bowl in front her was filled above the rim that it now looked like a mountain.


    Seeing that Madam Lu had no intentions of stopping, she turn to look at Lu Tian for help.


    Lu Tian did not look at his wife, but he could see her pleading look from the corner of his eyes. He grabs his chopsticks and reach his hand to stop his mother.


    "Mother."


    Taking the piece of preserved vegetable from her chopstick, he ce it in his bowl.


    "You gave her a lot already. Anymore and she won¡¯t be able to see her rice."


    "..."


    Madam Lu furrow her brows at her son, she thought he was being jealous but looking over at Yue Ling¡¯s bowl, she felt embarrassed. She did over do it with the food. She had ced so much that one can barely see the rice under.


    She covers her mouth and chuckles. "Aiya, silly old me. Yue Ling ah, eat, eat as much as you want."


    As the family of four start to eat, Old Lu and Lu Tian frequently discussed some matters about Lu Corps.


    Madam Lu had mentioned that her youngest son Lu Han could not join them because he was busy with work. However, with each of her spoken words, she did not notice Yue Ling¡¯s lost in time look.


    Each time her bowl was almost empty, Madam Lu would fill it up to the rim again as she chatted away.


    Yue Ling sighs inside and is thankful that she is no longer a model. With all of Madam Lu¡¯s cooking and feeding, she is sure she will gain a few pounds.


    Staring down at her bowl of food, she sees a piece of shrimp and suddenly felt a nausea feeling crawl in her. She likes to eat shrimp, but for some reason, the fried shrimp in her bowl gave her a weird feeling.


    She inhales a deep breath through her nose to calm herself then picks up the shrimp with her chopstick. Although she did not feel like eating it, her mother once told her that when someone ce food on your te, it is rude not to eat it.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t untilter, she found out that it was a way to get her to eat her vegetables.


    Not only that, Madam Lu has been very caring towards her, so it would be rude to not eat the meal she had prepared.


    Just as she lift her chopstick and got a better smell of the fried shrimp, her head began to spin. It was a rather delicious smell at first, but now, for some reason her child did not like it as much as she does.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Lu Tian, who had been indulge in conversation with his father, turn to ask her. He may have looked like he wasn¡¯t paying any attention to her, but he was. One ear listened to his father while the other listened to his wife¡¯s movements.


    He had also heard her utter a gag sound. Though it was very quiet and unnoticeable, nothing of hers escapes his ears.


    Hearing their son¡¯s sudden question, both Madam Lu and Old Lu¡¯s attention was now on Yue Ling too. A worry look wash over them as they stare at her.


    Sensing the many eyes on her, Yue Ling takes another deep breath and smiles reassuring to Lu Tian.


    "I¡¯m fine."


    Just as she said this, the deep breath she took gathered the smell of the shrimp into her nostril. She quickly cover her mouth as to not vomit and stood up from the chair.


    "I¡¯m sorry, please excuse me."


    She did not know where the bathroom is, but she still left the room in hopes that she can find it soon.


    Lu Tian quickly stood up and chase after his wife, but before he left the room, he turns back to look at his mother.


    "Mother, do you have any bird¡¯s nest soup?"


    Madam Lu, who was confused and worried at the same time, looks at her son and nod her head.


    "Yes, I do. I¡¯ll go warm it up."


    As the three people left the dining room in a frantic, Old Lu remained seated his seat with narrow eyes in the direction his son and Yue Ling had gone. He felt someone was rather unusual based on Yue Ling¡¯s reaction, but he can¡¯t seem to put it together.

 Chapter 370 greatest news

    Able to find the bathroom thanks to Lu Tian¡¯s help, Yue Ling felt like a drunk person sitting in front of the toilet as she vomits the food she consumed.


    Inside the bathroom with her, Lu Tian squat down beside her and gently sooth her back with one hand while the other held her hair back from falling into the toilet.


    It truly pains him to see his wife go through all this, but Ye Zhongwei had mentioned that it is normal for some women to go through this during pregnancy.


    He swore inside, when the little brates out, he or she better love his wife for having to go through all of this.


    Yue Ling breathes heavily as she finally feels herself feeling a little better after vomiting. She moves away from the toilet as Lu Tian¡¯s hand that was soothing her back reach for a towel and hands it to her then flushes the toilet.


    "Thank You." She wipes her mouth and smiles apologetically to him, "I¡¯m sorry for doing this to your parents..."


    Lu Tian shook his head and helps hers tie her hair with one of his mother¡¯s hair ties. Then he helps her stand up, "What are you sorry for? You¡¯re pregnant, Ye Zhongwei said this is normal for some women."


    Feeling much butter, Lu Tian and Yue Ling walked out of the bathroom to head back to the dining room.


    Madam Lu had already warmed the Bird¡¯s nest soup and ced it on the table in waiting. She and Old Lu were worried about Yue Ling. Could she have eaten something wrong? Was she allergic to one of the dishes? Did she catch a cold?


    As they thought of many questions, they see their son and Yue Ling enter the room again. However, the worry feeling they had was suddenly wash with a heart aching pain.


    Yue Ling who had her hair down when she first arrived now had her hair tied in a loose and low ponytail. Looking at Madam Lu and Old Lu, she smiles apologetically to them.


    "I apologize for what happened. A nausea feeling washed over me."


    Madam Lu stares at the young girl with aplex feeling of all sorts. When she saw Yue Ling enter the room with that simple hairstyle, she swore she had saw her good friend, Ji An Ling. If it was not for the difference in their voice and height, she would have thought they were the same person.


    Suddenly, a thought hit her. Her friend was not tall, but her husband was...


    ¡¯Han¡¯ Yue Ling... Ji An Ling¡¯s husband¡¯s name was ¡¯Han¡¯ Min Joon.


    Could she be their daughter?


    Thinking this, Madam Lu chuckles inside. How could Yue Ling be their daughter... Ji An Ling and Han Min Joon¡¯s daughter¡¯s name is Mami. Plus, they may have the same surname, but there are other family names with Han.


    Knowing what his wife must have thought about, Old Lu gently ce his hand over hers. He knows how much his wife misses her dear friend who passed away, but it is just as much as how he thinks about his friend, Min Joon.


    "Mother, did you warm the soup?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice sudden interrupts his parent¡¯s thoughts. He gently helps Yue Ling sit down on the chair then sat in his chair.


    Looking at his parents, he felt something was off, but he did not push into it.


    "Yes. Yes, the soup is ready."


    Hearing her son, Madam Lu nods her head and reach for the bird nest¡¯s soup. She stood up from her seat and walks over to the other side and hand it to Yue Ling.


    "Child, I apologize, I must have fed you too much food. The soup is a little hot, but warm enough to drink."


    Yue Ling smiles another apologetic smile at Madam Lu and takes the bowl of soup. She hopes that what happened did not offend her.


    "Thank you. I suddenly got a headache from the smell of the fried shrimp. I hope I did not offend you by any means."


    As she drank the warm soup, she felt her body feeling even better with warmth. If she can, she want to drink soup every day during the cold winter.


    Madam Lu¡¯s eyes shook upon hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words. She nce at the te of fried shrimp and felt it was rather strange. The aroma was fine, so....


    Her eyes widen at a thought then sheughs to herself and shook her head.


    "Aiya, don¡¯t scare this olddy with such words. I almost thought you were pregnant."


    Saying this, she walks back to her chair next to her husband. However, the moment she sat down she saw her son¡¯s face.


    Lu Tian looked at both his parents. His expression was like he was hesitant to say something but seeing his wife had finished drinking the soup, he reach for it and set it down.


    Doing so, he held her hand and looks back at his parents, but this time with a stern expression.


    "I know this is sudden, but Yue Ling is pregnant."


    "...."


    Old Lu was stupefied as he almost fell out of his chair. He held onto the table to steady himself, while Madam Lu stare with an agape mouth.


    Were they hearing things? Did Lu Tian say Yue Ling is pregnant? How is that even possible? Is this a time to joke?


    As Old Lumence in thoughts, Madam Lu¡¯s eyes widen and her expression changed with a huge grin. She abruptly stood up and knocks the table without a care.


    "I¡¯m going to be a grandmother?!"


    She points to her chest and her eyes beam even brighter than ever, but she stares at Lu Tian and Yue Ling for a confirm answer. As if she wanted to hear it a second time.


    Lu Tian nod his head in answer, whereas Yue Ling could only smile at Madam Lu¡¯s happy expression like a little child.


    "I¡¯m going to be a grandmother! I¡¯m going to be a grandmother!!"


    Madam Lu jumped in joy with both her arms dancing in all directions. She runs over to Yue Ling to give her a big yet soft hug in pure happiness.


    Turning to her husband, she didn¡¯t care if he was still in a daze. Grabbing his shoulders, she shook him with all the strength she has.


    "Old man, did you hear? I¡¯m going to be a grandmother! Me! Finally the heavens have heard my prayers! I finally have a grandchild!!"


    Stuck in a daze, Old Lu allowed his wife to shake him. He slowly looks at his happy wife, then he turn to look at his son and Yue Ling. He didn¡¯t know how to feel at this moment.


    Happiness? Disbelief? Joy?


    Are those even the right words to express his feelings right now?


    His lower lip trembles uncontrobly and he grabs one of his wife¡¯s hand to stop her from shaking him. He shut his eyes and wail in a loud sob as his other hand points to his chest.


    "Wuu... I¡¯m finally going to be a grandfather. Dear, did you hear? Wuu... I¡¯m going to be a grandfather!"


    He did not care if his image of a prominent person was destroyed. At this moment, he can only cry tears of joy at such wonderful news. Forget how the world sees him, he¡¯s going to be a grandfather!


    He and his wife has long waited for this day! Not only are they getting a daughter-inw, they are also getting a grandchild!


    Yue Ling and Lu Tian stares at the two older people and neither could decide how to react at this moment. Their head turn at the same time to look at each other and a chuckle escapes both their lips.


    The news quickly broke out inside the Lu family household as Madam Lu went to brag about it to everyone. How can she not unt such great news, if she could, she would go to the media and brag to the entire world. Of course, she wouldn¡¯t because that would be crossing the line.


    As the evening turned into night, Yue Ling and Lu Tian decided to leave. They bid Madam Lu and Old Lu goodbye and enter Lu Tian¡¯s car.


    Watching the car drive away, Madam Lu sighs with one hand over her heart.


    "Such great news... even better than the gift."


    However, her eyes turned moist with slightly trembling lips.


    "So simr..."


    Old Lu snort at his wife¡¯s words. Better than the gift? This entire time, they hadn¡¯t even opened the gift, but she is right. This news is better than any gift.


    However, as he thought this, he heard her whisper of ¡¯so simr.¡¯ Two simple words, but it was enough for him to understand.


    He stretch his arm to hold his wife closer and stares at the back of his son¡¯s car exiting the driveway.


    "Indeed very simr."


    Even though Lu Tian¡¯s car was no longer in view anymore, neither Madam Lu nor Old Lu turn to go inside. As much as they don¡¯t want to think about it, they felt Yue Ling resembled their good friends too much.


    She had so many features simr to their deceased friends.


    Madam Lu suddenly remembers something and turn to look at her husband.


    "What about Grandfather Ji¡¯s granddaughter? Do you think Lu Tian should still meet her?"


    Old Lu ponder in thoughts for a long minute. It would have been nice to marry his son with his friend¡¯s daughter. Not because of his father¡¯s dying wish, but because he wanted them to be a family. He wanted to take care of his friend¡¯s daughter in return for their years of friendship.


    However, he also knows that some things are not meant to happen.


    A deep sigh escapes his lip and he looks at his wife.


    "We already gave our words to Old man Ji. They will meet at his birthday, but nothing more and nothing less. Lu Tian is happy, and he has found us a great daughter-inw."


    Hearing his words, Madam Lu sighs a smile. She indeed wanted Lu Tian meet Mami in hopes of marriage, but her husband is right.


    Lu Tian is happy.


    From young until now, she has never seen him smile so softly at anyone and yet, today, she has witness it.


    Yue Ling is able to bring the better side out of him.

 Chapter 371 want you to meet her

    The days soon turned into weeks as the day before Grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday arrived.


    Inside the study room of the Lu family house, Old Lu sat in his chair behind the desk, while both his sons sat across from him.


    "Father, why did you suddenly call us here?"


    Lu Han frown in annoyance as he was supposed to go on a date with a beautiful actress he met. If not for his father¡¯s sudden phone call, he would have been out enjoying his time.


    Hearing his son¡¯s words, Old Lu sighed in self pity. He is blessed with two sons.


    Lu Tian listens the most, but he is cold and hard to approach, while Lu Han is yful and open minded.


    Why couldn¡¯t he just have a decent child?


    Brushing the thought away, he clears his throat and pays no mind to his youngest son¡¯s annoyed look.


    "I called you both here in regards of Old man Ji¡¯s birthday tomorrow."


    Saying this, he leans back in his seat and held both hands together.


    "Have you both prepared gifts for him? If not, your mother and I already have."


    Lu Han suddenly froze in his chair. He had been busy with work and fooling around that he had forgotten all about buying a gift. Truth was, he forgot all about the birthday!


    Unlike his younger brother, Lu Tian has better memories. Whether it was important or not, he will always remember something.


    "I prepared a gift."


    Hearing this, Old Lu was taken back surprise. However, it was only for a quick second since he knows his oldest son would not forget the old man¡¯s birthday.


    After all, the old man was like a second father to him rather than a grandfather.


    Thinking of something, he leans forward and couldn¡¯t help but curiously ask.


    "What did you buy him?"


    Lu Tian stares at his father¡¯s curious face, but he could sense mischievous in those eyes. He cross his arms over his chest and leans back on his chair.


    "You will know once the old man opens it tomorrow."


    "..."


    Staring at his son, Old Lu snort and rolled his eyes. What, did Lu Tian think he would swap their gifts?


    Of course, that is exactly what Lu Tian had thought. After all, he is his father¡¯s son and from past experiences, once his father knows what gift he bought, he (Old Lu) will ask for them to trade.


    Which he never minded, but this time it was different. He wants to personally give the gift he bought to the old man.


    Thinking this, he looks at his father with an expression as if saying, ¡¯Don¡¯t even think about asking to trade.¡¯


    Old Lu was able to read his son¡¯s look and decided to not push it any further, he looks at Lu Han and frown.


    "You forgot, didn¡¯t you? Be more like your older brother. Old man Ji has been like a grandfather to you both. Go home and buy a gift for him."


    Hearing that he can leave, Lu Han¡¯s eyes lit up with relief and joy. He smiles with his teeth and did not hesitate to leave at all.


    Reaching the door, he turns back around and gives his father a salute.


    "Don¡¯t worry father! I will not fail you and buy the old man the perfect gift!"


    Walking out of the study room, Lu Han quickly paused in his steps. Remembering something, he smack himself on the forehead.


    "Aiya! Lu Han ah, how can you forget something so important!"


    While he was away, he had read online about his brother being in a rtionship with the supermodel, Han Yue Ling. He wanted to ask his brother about it, but work caught up with him.


    Not only that, his mother had called him toe over for dinner, but once again, he was busy with work and had to leave Imperial.


    Later, his mother called to brag about her bing a grandmother and that he was going to be an uncle!


    When their old man called them toe over today, he nned to ask, but before he could, he was already kicked out of the room!


    Thinking this, he decides to go wait downstairs for his brother to finish up.


    Inside the study room, Lu Tian was oblivious to his younger brother¡¯s thoughts. He stares at his father like a student waiting to be dismissed from ss. However, after a long minute pass, he knew his father still had something to discuss with him.


    "Tian, regarding Old man Ji¡¯s granddaughter, your mother and I still want you to meet her."


    Old Lu knew his son¡¯s patience is very short, so he decides to not beat around the bush. His wife and him had discussed it over the week and they came to a decision.


    "Your mother and I know that you are certain with Yue Ling, but we already promised Old man Ji that you will meet his granddaughter during his birthday banquet."


    Saying this, he sighs and looks at his son.


    "We are not asking you to see her as a marriageable partner, but only to meet out of respect for the old man."


    Hearing this, the space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three lines. He already has Yue Ling. Wouldn¡¯t it be unfair to her if he meets another woman? How can he be considered faithful?


    It¡¯s not like he will ever cheat on her, but still, just the thought of meeting another woman is being unfaithful to her.


    Besides, he has long heard about Ji Chu Hua, she is nothing but a white lotus after the Chairman position at Ji Corps. The woman could not wait for the old man to leave the world.


    Others may see her as a dainty woman, but he isn¡¯t so blind like those others. A woman like that is no whereparable to his wife.


    Knowing what Lu Tian is thinking, Old Lu sighs again. He leans back on his chair and faintly smile.


    Indeed his son is worthy of being a Lu. Loyal and faithful only to one woman.


    "You can bring Yue Ling to attend the banquet with you. As my Lu family¡¯s future daughter-inw, it¡¯s good to let other families know that she is a part of our family now. I¡¯m sure the old man won¡¯t mind."


    Lu Tian nod his head in response. Since he can bring Yue Ling to the banquet with him, he will listen to his father¡¯s words and meet the old man¡¯s granddaughter.


    As their discussiones to an end, Lu Tian bids his father goodbye and leaves the study room. Going down the stairs, he increases his steps.


    He needed to go home because today Yue Ling has a prenatal visit with Ye Zhongwei.


    "Waoh bro! Wait for me!"


    Seated in the living room, Lu Han calls after his older brother. He was waiting, but suddenly sees a dark shadow sh by and knew right away that it was Lu Tian.


    Catching up to his brother outside, he pant in breathing as he has not run in a long time.


    "Why are you in such a rush? I want to ask you something."


    "Can¡¯t talk. Doctor¡¯s appointment."


    Lu Tian did not slow down in his steps at all. He threw a few words at Lu Han and quickly enters his car. Right now, his wife¡¯s prenatal visit is the most important. Knowing how Ye Zhongwei is when ites to his patients, the man can be considered ruthless.


    Watching the car speed away, Lu Han could only sigh aloud. Well, at least that confirms his questions.


    Yue Ling is his future sister-inw and he is going to be an uncle.


    Just as he thought this, from the corner of his eyes, he sees a dark figure standing next to him.


    Turning his head to see who it is, both his fists aims out as he jumps back with a yelp.


    "Ah shit! Xu Long, you monk! You scared the crap out of me!"


    However, he furrow his brows with blinking eyes.


    "What are you doing here? My brother just left."


    Xu Long: "..."


    Xu Long stares with a nk face at the driveway as Lu Tian drives his car away. He doesn¡¯t even know what kind of face to make at this moment.


    They were on their way to Lu Corps when Old Lu suddenly called for Lu Tian toe over. Thus, he drove his boss here.


    After waiting, he had just stepped out of the car to get some fresh air and yet...


    Who would have thought his boss would forgot all about him.


    He takes a deep breath thinking about all the hardship he has to go through as Lu Tian¡¯s assistant.


    Turning to look at Lu Han he made a pitiful expression, but Lu Han felt it looked more like a constipated face.


    "Lu Han, can you offer to give me a ride?"

 Chapter 372 made him feel bad

    Forgetting that Xu Long was the one who drove him, Lu Tian had driven almost near home.


    Along the way, heined inside at how slow the car was moving.


    From what he remembers all his cars were fast, but why is this one...


    ncing down at the steering wheel for a quick second, he was dumbfounded.


    How could he have forgotten?!


    Taking his phone out, he dials a number and put it on speaker.


    ["Hello boss! Have you finally remembered me?"]


    Xu Long¡¯s always out of the world tonees through like a mistress who had finally received her lover¡¯s call.


    "..."


    Lu Tian felt rather awkward for what he did. He clears his throat and stares at the road ahead.


    "Go to Lu Corps and move my meetings to the afternoon."


    ["Aiya, you forgot all about me. I thought you remembered, but you only call me for work."]


    "....¡¯


    Listening to his assistant¡¯s womanly voice, Lu Tian felt himself cringe in disgust. Why did he choose a man like this to be his assistant?


    "If you don¡¯t want 2 months of pay deducted, do as I say."


    ["Sir yes sir!"]


    The moment Lu Tian spoke his words, all Xu Long heard was the words ¡¯2 months¡¯ and ¡¯deduct¡¯. He quickly returned to his usual face and spoke like a soldier.


    Lu Tian shook his head and ends the call. He drives the car through the metal gates and parks the car in front of the house.


    Stepping out, his eyes caught sight of a figure in the upstairs window. Seeing that it was wife sitting by the window, he softens inside. Although it was only her back, he felt like this was the best feeling ever.


    Toe home everyday to see her waiting for him.


    Closing the driver door, he proceeds towards the door.


    Inside, Yue Ling was sitting on a bench by the window in the open room that looks simr to a living room on the second floor.


    She was currently teaching a few new tricks since they are now living in a new and bigger home. So for future references, it would be better for him to know what to do in case something were to happen.


    "skryt."


    In the center of the spacious room, Inu who wasying down abruptly stood up when he heard his mommy¡¯s word. He does not sniff around but quickly runs in the direction of the bedrooms.


    Until he was not longer in sight, Yue Ling slowly stood up from the bench. In slow and steady steps, she walks in the direction Inu had gone.


    All was quiet as no sound can be heard. She carefully approach one room after another. From theyout of the house, there is a total of eight rooms upstairs.


    Poking her head into each one, she scans the inside for Inu.


    Through each room, she does not see him at all. When she first started training him, he understood her words, but when it came to him hiding, she was able to spot his cute ears, if not then either his nose or his fluffy tail.


    However, now was different. She stood in the long hallway and she smiles at the thought of how much he has improved.


    "Mommy lost. You cane out now."


    "Wroof¡ª"


    Inu¡¯s bark sounds as he exits from a room. As Yue Ling turn to him, she sees that it was the study room. Her brows slightly furrow, and she walks towards the room.


    "Why the study room?"


    Entering the room, Yue Ling looks around and notices that there was no ce to hide at all. There was only her and Lu Tian¡¯s desks and open bookshelves.


    Seeing his mother¡¯s confused look, Inu sighs inside. Walking pass her, he walks around to the ck desk and shows her his hiding spot.


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turned heavy and she could only chuckle. Out of all the rooms in the house, he chose the study room so he could hide under Lu Tian¡¯s desk.


    She walks around the desk and sees Inu sitting obediently inside the space where Lu Tian¡¯s legs would go when sitting down.


    However, she felt her heart soften at the sight of Inu.


    When he first met Lu Tian, neither of them could get along, but now it was different. To see him hide in a ce Lu Tian frequently uses means he isfortable with the man. As if he knows now that Lu Tian gives him a sense of security.


    "What are you doing in here?"


    From the door, Lu Tian¡¯s voice sounds in. He hade inside hoping to see his wife wee him with open arms, but no one was at the door to greet him. Even when he came upstairs, she was not in the spot he had saw her from outside.


    Yue Ling turns to look at him and smiles, "Inu and I were ying hide and seek."


    Saying this, she turns back to look at Inu before walking to where Lu Tian stood.


    "Prijit."


    Hearing the foreign word, Inu quicklyes out from hiding and follows his favorite human. However, seeing his enemy at the door, he felt distraught as his time with his mommy hase to end.


    Lu Tian arch a brow at the foreign word. To some, the word would indeed sound foreign to their ears, but as businessman, he had to study differentnguages and Czech was one of them.


    Thinking of the word she said, he was reminded of the day when they went for a walk to grab dinner at the food stalls. His wife had said another foreign word at the time, and it made Inu attack the man that was behind him.


    "Why do you speak to him Czech?"


    "Eh?"


    Yue Ling had just reached his side when she heard his question. Her head slightly tilt in thought then she looks down at Inu who was walking pass by her.


    "I found him in Prague three years ago when I went for a photoshoot. He was a stubborn little guy."


    She couldn¡¯t help but think of the day she found him. It was a month after Shin passed away that she left City Z to go for a photoshoot. As a person still breathing, life had to continue for her, even when she was in mourning. After her photoshoot ended, she had decided to explore Prague.


    As she spent half the day there it was starting to rain. Left with no choice, she decided to return to her hotel to pack up, but in the alley near the hotel she stayed, that was when she found him.


    He was only a puppy at the time and his white fur was covered in dirt as some parts were mats.


    Feeling the loss of a loved one, she didn¡¯t want him to be alone like her. So she approached him and decided to bring him inside. However, despite Inu¡¯s tiny figure at the time, he was aggressive towards her as she was an unfamiliar person to him.


    He probably thought she was a bad person and was terrified of what will happen to him.


    Seeing him so scared, her heart ached for the little guys, but no matter what she did, he wouldn¡¯te near her or let her near him. As she tried to sooth him with words, she felt her heart ache more and more.


    As a person in grief, she thought about how her parents and grandfather had already left her. Yet, Shin had to leave her too. Her only thoughts at the time was, if she can save another living being from being alone, she will do everything in her power to help it.


    Thinking of the past, Yue Ling stares at Inu figure going down the stairs while Lu Tian stared at her.


    However, thinking of her choice of words to describe Inu, he had to agree. Even now, Inu is a stubborn little guy when he wants to be.


    "How did you get him toe to you?"


    Hearing the questions, Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes met his. She turns slowly turns away and shrug a shoulder before following after Inu.


    "I made him feel bad."


    Which was the truth.


    Because she had lost so many important people in her life, while trying to get close to him, she ended up crying. She felt she couldn¡¯t help Inu from the feeling of being alone. Thus, seeing her cry, it made the little guy think it was his fault and reluctantly approach her with no choice.


    And that was how Inu saved her from the feeling of being alone. Not her saving Inu.


    Watching her figure leave, Lu Tian felt that his wife and Inu¡¯s meeting will make a great story.

 Chapter 373 with a woman

    Arriving at the Imperial¡¯s Union Hospital, Yue Ling learned that this private hospital is own by the Ye family. Ye Zhongwei is a doctor there as his father is the Head Doctor. She wasn¡¯t surprised when Lu Tian said that Ye Zhongwei¡¯s younger sister and cousin also works here.


    Stepping out of the car, Yue Ling went inside first to sign in while she made Lu Tian drove the car to find a parking spot. She wasn¡¯t sure if the wait would be long, so it was better to sign them in.


    As she enters the private hospital, she was taken back by surprise at how empty it was. Usually hospitals are packed, but it¡¯s 2pm and yet, the ce is empty with no one in sight.


    Brushing the thought away, she continues to walk towards the sign in table. After signing her name on the chart, she turns to sit on a chair.


    "Did they call you in?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice sound as he enters the private hospital. His voice and demeanor looked calm, but if one were to look closely one would the small sweat on his forehead like he had ran like his life depended on it.


    "I just signed in."


    Yue Ling chuckles at how silly the man can be sometimes. She reach an arm to pull him down to sit and leans in to whisper to him.


    "Is it just me or it¡¯s strange that we are the only ones here?"


    Hearing her suspicious question, Lu Tian softly chuckles and pinch her nose.


    "I booked the ce for us."


    "Eh?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen in surprise as she moves back to look at the man. However, she furrow her brows and purse her lip at him.


    "Why would you do that? What if someone has an emergency?"


    Lu Tian looks at his wife then shrug his shoulders, "Well, they¡¯ll have to go to a different hospital."


    However, seeing his wife¡¯s face suddenly turn into a chipmunk in disapproving, he sighs inside and wrap an arm around her shoulder.


    "Ye family has another adjoining hospital behind this one, I only booked this side for us. Other patients are being treated at the other one."


    He had to do it like this because she is not only a retired model, but also a well-known designer. If others were to see her here, spections will surface, and he isn¡¯t sure if she wants others to know.


    "Tian? Why are you here?"


    Suddenly a woman¡¯s soft voice sounds from a distance. Both Yue Ling and Lu Tian turn to look at the person.


    It was a young woman in a white doctor¡¯s coat walking up to them. She had dark hair but tied in a ponytail. Her eyes stares at Lu Tian with a glistening look of someone who admires the man.


    However, when Lu Tian slightly moved and showed Yue Ling sitting next to him, she slightly stumbled in her steps.


    Steadying herself, her smile disappeared, but only for a quick second as it returned to normal. She stops in front of the two people and force a smile.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Lu Tian looks at the woman and then to his wife. Helping her stand up, he part his lip to speak.


    "Yue Ling, this is Ye Zhongwei¡¯s younger sister, Ye Ju-Hsin."


    He looks to Ye Ju-Hsin with a polite nod and his words continue.


    "This is my wife, Han Yue Ling."


    Yue Ling smiles to the woman in greeting with a slight nod. Though she had no intentions in doing so, she could read the expression written on the woman¡¯s face.


    It was the face of someone who suddenly meets their childhood crush¡¯s new girlfriend.


    Ye Ju-Hsin at this moment kept her smile, but deep down she was fuming with rage and jealously.


    She has known Lu Tian her entire life and never seen him with a woman besides his mother and cousin. Yet, here he is, at her workce with a woman!


    However, she cannot reveal these thoughts, or he will have a bad impression of her.


    Her smile widens and she reach her hand out to Yue Ling.


    "Ah, I see. It¡¯s a honor to meet the soul designer of De L¡¯amour, Han Yue Ling. Please call me Dr. Ye."


    Yue Ling does not find the woman¡¯s inner thoughts a threat. She takes the woman¡¯s hand and smiles back.


    "Please call me Designer Han."


    Since the woman wanted Yue Ling to call her in a formal way, it should only be fair to be called in the same manner too.


    Just as Yue Ling shook her hand, Ye Ju-Hsin sneer inside and added more strength in her grip. However, what she did not know was that it was a wrong move of hers.


    Who was Yue Ling again?


    That¡¯s right, she is a woman who never backs down from a gun fight.


    Feeling the tight grip around her hand, Yue Ling scoffs a soft chuckle and decides to return the favor. Her smile was so pure that Lu Tian did not find any reason behind it but friendliness.


    "Ah..."


    Ye Ju-Hsin wince in pain as Yue Ling¡¯s grip was a lot stronger than hers. She quickly pulls her hand away knowing that any longer and she was sure her bones would break.


    Her eyes re murderously at Yue Ling as if wanting to stab her to death for what she did.


    For a lousy model and designer, how dare she (Yue Ling) try to hurt her (Ye Ju-Hsin). However, she takes a deep breath and turn to look Lu Tian.


    "Why are you both here?"


    Yue Ling sighs inside and lightly shook her head. Indeed women are scary when they are jealous.


    Except, one should never judge a book by it¡¯s cover. She may be a model and designer on the outside, but inside, she can be your worst nightmare.


    So what if Ye Ju-Hsin is a doctor, her hal-abeoji was a famous doctor for the underworld who taught her the ins and outs of the medical world.


    Oblivious to the short interaction between the two women, Lu Tian nce around as if looking for someone.


    "We have an appointment with your brother. Is he busy with other patients?"


    Hearing this, Ye Ju-Hsin reach an arm to hold Lu Tian¡¯s arm in a yful, yet friendly gesture.


    "My brother left to see a patient. I can see you two for your appointment."


    However, the moment she was about to touch Lu Tian, his brows furrow and he takes a step behind his wife. His visible movement was as if he was going to catch a gue and his wife was the only barrier able to save him.


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Ye Ju-Hsin: "..."


    Seeing this, Yue Ling press her lips tightly to hold back her smile, but Ye Ju-Hsin was theplete opposite. Her expression turned bitter at how Lu Tian moved away without giving her any face.


    Although this was her first time to do such a thing, she thought that since he was with Yue Ling, other women being near him would not be a problem.


    They have known each other since they were kids, so how could he embarrass her like this?


    "Doctor Ye, what are you doing?"


    From behind, another woman¡¯s voice interrupts the three people in the waiting area.


    Turning to look, it was a woman wearing thick frame sses and a short Bob haircut. She was also wearing a doctor¡¯s coat, but she didn¡¯t give the same aura as Ye Ju-Hsin.


    Anyone who sees her would think she looked like Edna from the movie Incredibles, but a prettier version.


    She walks up to them and stops beside Ye Ju-Hsin. Looking at Yue Ling and Lu Tian, she ignores the woman with a jealousy look.


    "Are you here for Ye Zhongwei¡¯s 2pm appointment?"


    Yue Ling looks at the new woman with a nod of her head and decides to ignore Ye Ju-Hsin too. At least someone knows how be professional when they are on the job.


    "I am Ye Xiaotong. Ye Zhongwei just stepped out to see a patient. Pleasee this way, I will be your doctor for today."


    Following after the new doctor, Yue Ling and Lu Tian turned a blind eye to Ye Ju-Hsin like she was never there.


    Neither has time to deal with the woman because they came for a prenatal visit and it was more important than some woman¡¯s feelings.


    Watching the three people leave, Ye Ju-Hsin was still fuming with rage and jealousy.


    Lu Tian had never been involved with any woman and she was fine because it meant she still has a change. However, when she read online that he was in a rtionship with Han Yue Ling, she felt even more jealous.


    She is a woman with great looks herself, but whenpare to the model, she was like dirt for Yue Ling to step on.


    Thinking this, she scoffs inside and heads in the opposite direction the three people went.


    She knows how Ye Xiaotong is and if she were to follow, the woman, despite them being cousins willsh at her for not being professional as a doctor.

 Chapter 374 red chrysanthemums

    After their prenatal visit, Yue Ling and Lu Tian left the hospital in smiles. She was now 10 weeks pregnant and their baby was healthy and doing great.


    Walking out of the private hospital, Lu Tian told her to wait while he went to go get the car. However, she continues to stare at the ultrasound photo of their little one. He or she is already the size of a strawberry.


    Staring at it, she decided that she will gift this photo to her grandfather as a second gift since Lu Tian bought the original gift. She knows that he will be happy for them.


    Her hand gently touch her stomach and she softened. Before, her stomach was t and unnoticeable, but now, she could feel a tiny bump. If she were to wear tight clothes, one will definitely notice.


    As Lu Tian¡¯s car pulls up to the curb, he helps her get inside.


    Unaware of the person looking at them from the third-floor window, Ye Ju-Hsin sneer at the scene below the hospital.


    She has never seen Lu Tian so attentive towards anyone before. Even when she was the one who grew up with him, he never showed her any gentleness, let alone smile at her. Being near him was not even an option.


    However, seeing Lu Tian treat Yue Ling like she was his most precious item, she felt envy and hatred for the woman.


    "What are you looking at?"


    From behind, Ye Zhongwei walks up to his sister and sees her staring out the window. Stopping behind her, he nce out and sees what she is looking at.


    His head shook and he sighs.


    "You are a smart girl. Don¡¯t try to make it yours if it is not meant to be yours."


    Hearing her older brother¡¯s words, Ye Ju-Hsin felt even worse inside. She turns to look at her brother with an angry expression.


    "Not mine? I was there for him ever since we were young. He is meant to be mine, not hers!"


    Ye Zhongwei shook his head again and ce his hands inside the pockets of his white coat.


    "Ju-Hsin, you know better than anyone that you are like a little sister if not a friend to him and nothing beyond that."


    Saying this, he nce down at Lu Tian¡¯s departing car and turns away.


    "You should be happy for them."


    Walking away, he couldn¡¯t help but pity his sister. Out of all the men in Imperial, she had to aim for Lu Tian.


    Growing up together, everyone could see that Lu Tian never held the same feelings as Ye Ju-Hsin, but she was always too blind because of love.


    Hopefully his sister will be a mature person and move her love interest to another.


    Right now, Lu Tian is happy, and anyone can see that he has fallen head over heels for his wife.


    If she decides to intervene, who knows what kind of cruelty will befall her.


    Watching her brother walk away, Ye Ju-Hsin pondered in thoughts about what he said. She turn to nce one more time at the back view of Lu Tian car and turns away.


    Walking in the direction her brother had gone, her eyes sh with a glint of evil. She knows that her brother is right, but she is a selfish person.


    Lu Tian may be in love with Yue Ling, but that is only a phase. She tells herself that Lu Tian is only with Yue Ling because she is pregnant with his child or... is it even his?


    Thinking this, she felt better as a smile curl on her lip.


    Whatever she wants, she will get.


    Oblivious to the thoughts of the doctor, Lu Tian drives his wife to De L¡¯amour while he left to Lu Corps. He had told Xu Long to push his meetings to ater time, so he must return to finish them.


    Inside De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling enters through the doors and sees her cute receptionist at her desk.


    "CEO Han!"


    Sophia held her chin with one hand and contemted on what to do, but when she saw her boss walked through those doors, her eyes lit up and she quickly stood up.


    "You¡¯re finally here!"


    Yue Ling looks at her receptionist and she chuckles a smile. She walks over to the front desk and decides to chat a little with the young woman.


    "Good afternoon, Sophia. Anything for me today?"


    Hearing those words, Sophia rolled her eyes inside. She slumps down onto her chair and points to a direction.


    "Ever since the world found out that you were the designer of De L¡¯amour, the gifts have been piling up every day."


    Yue Ling turn to look in the direction Sophia pointed out. However, when her eyesnded in that area, she was dumbfounded.


    Stack on a table nearby was bundles of flowers and gifts in all sizes. Some were even on the floor. However, there was one that stood out the most to her.


    It was a bouquet of bright red chrysanthemums.


    She slowly walks over to the table of gifts and gently touch the pedals of the flowers. Seeing a card inside, she picks it up and opens to read it.


    Note:


    To my greatest friend, good luck and best wishes in your new beginning.


    Love, Lee Hana, your friend for eternity


    Reading the words to herself, she felt a tinge of pain yet relief wash inside her. She had been so busy with life in Imperial that she had forgotten all about her family in City Z.


    However, from the note, she can guess that news about her reveal and her rtionship must have traveled far.


    "What is it?"


    From the side, Sophia¡¯s voice suddenly brings Yue Ling back from her thoughts. She set the card back in its original ce and picks up the bundle of red flowers.


    "It¡¯s nothing. Move the gifts into my office as for the flowers, ce them on empty tables for disy."


    Saying this, she turns around and head for the elevator.


    What she did not see was the confused look on the young woman¡¯s face.


    Sophia stares at her boss then the many gifts. There were many prettier flowers sent to her, but why did she only grab the bouquet of chrysanthemums?


    However, deciding not to put too much into it, she shrug her shoulders. Since she wasining about nothing to do, she will use the time to do what her boss asked.


    Walking to a storage room nearby, she goes and grab a trolley to put the gifts in.

 Chapter 375 point ou

    *Ding¡ª


    The elevatores to a stop on the highest floor of De L¡¯amour and Yue Ling steps out once the doors opened.


    She had decided that once she reaches her office, she would give Hana a call and see how she is doing. She also wants to know how little Shin is.


    However, the minute she stepped out of the elevator her n was stalled. Her eyes darkened at the sight in front of her.


    "CEO Han!"


    Ming Yue who has such thick skin stood from her secretary seat. She greets the model with a smile as if nothing had ever happened. Like, she had never schemed behind Yue Ling¡¯s back and gave the designs to Chen Limei.


    After the fashion show, she knew that Yue Ling would go to An Qing and get even with Chen Limei, so she had requested for emergency leave and hid for a few days. Once she felt the model had cooled off, she would return and im her position as secretary.


    Yue Ling stares at the woman expressionlessly. She lift her leg and walks towards her office.


    "You¡¯re fired. Go collect yourst cheque from human resources."


    Just as she walks pass Ming Yue¡¯s desk, the woman runs after Yue Ling and reaches an arm out to grab hold of her.


    "W-Wait! F-Fire? But I didn¡¯t do anything wrong!"


    However, before Ming Yue¡¯s hand could touch Yue Ling, she takes a step to the side to avoid contact with the woman causing Ming Yue to stumble and fall to the ground.


    Yue Ling takes a deep breath and turns to look down at the woman.


    "You think I didn¡¯t know what you have been doing?"


    Hearing this, Ming Yue looks up at Yue Ling with widen eyes. However, she was still in denial. Yue Ling couldn¡¯t possibly know. She had been so careful.


    Knowing what she is thinking, Yue Ling felt like strangling the woman to death. How can such an idiotic person exist in the world.


    She sighs annoyingly and decides toy it out t for the stupid woman.


    "First, you applied to De L¡¯amour on Chen Limei¡¯s orders to observe our moves. Second, you snuck behind my back to steal the designs and gave them to Chen Limei. Lastly, you set me up with Ning Xingyu in hopes of sabotaging my image."


    Her words fell and she takes a step towards the woman sitting on the ground.


    "There is by far more that I can point out, but these three are the main reasons why you are fired."


    Ming Yue¡¯s head shook at each of her words that felt like thunder to her ears.


    Before she knew it, she was already crying with tears down her cheeks. She looks up at Yue Ling with pleading eyes.


    "Please, I cannot lose my job. I can¡¯t..."


    Listening to Ming Yue sobbing words, Yue Ling indeed felt pity for the woman. It was not Ming Yue¡¯s fault that she got big headed when she became blinded by money. However...


    "You should have thought about that before you decided to scheme against me."


    Done with the woman, Yue Ling turns around and walks in the direction of her office.


    "I will give you one hour to collect your things. After that, if you are still here, do not me me for being ill-manner."


    The door to Yue Ling¡¯s office closes and Ming Yue remained seated on the floor in disbelief. She could not believe this was happening to her.


    She had depended so much on the pay at De L¡¯amour and from Chen Limei that she thought everything would be fine. However, Chen Limei is in prison for murder and now, she has lost her only ie.


    Her head slowly shook, and she helps herself up from the ground. With shaking legs, she walks to her desk to get her handbag.


    She must leave... She must go find Ning Xingyu... He will definitely help her.


    Thinking this, she does not bother to collect her things and runs towards the elevator. She has nothing valuable here to take, so its better to just leave them.


    She also doesn¡¯t dare to sit around and wait to plead for forgiveness.


    After hearing about what happened to Chen Limei, she knows that if Yue Ling wanted, she could destroy her (Ming Yue) entire career.


    Inside her office, Yue Ling gently ce the bouquet of flower inside an empty vase on the table. Staring at the flowers, she reach for her phone and calls Hana.


    ["Hello! Mami? Hello? Is this Mami?"]


    Quickly as the call rang through, a tiny little boy¡¯s voice sounds from the other line. His words were not clear but enough to understand.


    Hearing the voice of the cute little boy, Yue Ling¡¯s lip curl into a soft smile. Its been a while since she heard his voice.


    "Hi Shin. It¡¯s me."


    ["It is you! I miss you! Do you miss me?"]


    "Mm. Mami misses you very much."


    ["Why I don¡¯t see you no more? You no like me?"]


    She felt as if someone had stabbed her right in the heart hearing the sadness in little Shin¡¯s voice. She had always loved the boy and even wanted to kidnap him to Imperial with her. However, she knows Hana and Park Min Lee would have flip the entire country just to find them.


    "Shin, I will always like you. You are my favorite little bee."


    ["Yay! I am still Mami¡¯s little bee!"]


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and asks him, "Shin sweety, where is your mommy?"


    ["Mommy? Mommy um... Wait."]


    Seconds after the wait, Hana was put on the phone. Yue Ling and her friend talked about the things that has happened since she came to Imperial. She told Hana about the fashion show and Chen Limei, then her engagement to Lu Tian. She didn¡¯t forget to tell her friend about the ring too.


    Lastly, she finally told Hana about her bing a mother.


    As their conversation drifted, the afternoon turned to evening. Yue Ling finally ended the call and turn to look out the window.


    The sun that had been up was now covered by dark clouds as it looks like it¡¯s going to rain soon. Just as she stood from the couch, the door to her office was flung open.


    Looking at the intruder, she was bbergasted, but stares at the person.


    "Ju Suo, what are you doing?"


    Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure waltz into her boss¡¯s office and spins in circles. Reaching one of couches, she slumps onto it and ce both her hands over her chest with a sigh.


    "Boss, I am in love and I don¡¯t care what anyone has to say~."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares at the petite woman and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She turns to the door that was left open and sees Lian Ni Shang standing with the same expression as hers.


    "Ni Shang, care to exin?"


    Hearing her boss ask her, Lian Ni Shang sighs inside and enters the office. She walks over to the couch and kicks the leg part as if to shake Ju Suo awake from Lland.


    "She¡¯s been like this ever since Lin Hui set her up on a date with Jiangyu."


    Yue Ling furrow her brows and tilt her head in thoughts. She lowers down to sit again and touch her chin.


    "Jiangyu? Why does that name sound so familiar?"


    "He is one of your husband¡¯s most loyal subordinates."


    Lian Ni Shang quickly answers. Looking at Ju Suo, she could only sigh and shake her head.


    Hearing her subordinate¡¯s response, Yue Ling¡¯s brows arch up in surprise.


    Now she remembers who Jiangyu is. She had met him one time when she and Lu Tian went out to the food stalls with Inu. However, remembering Jiangyu¡¯srger built, she looks at Ju Suo.


    Why does a petite woman like Ju Suo like a bulkier man like Jiangyu?


    Wanting to ask, their discussion was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door.


    Yue Ling and Lian Ni Shang turn to see who it was while Ju Suo remained lost in her own world on the couch.


    Seeing who it was, Yue Ling stood up and smiles to her person.


    "What are you doing here?"

 Chapter 376 lovesick

    Standing by the door to Yue Ling¡¯s office stood Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure clothe in ck. He had left Lu Corps right after his meetings ended.


    The sky looked like it would rain soon, so he wanted to get his wife home as soon as possible.


    Except when he arrived, he met Liu Shan on the way in as the assistant was leaving home. He was then directed toe up without escort, which he did not mind.


    However, he did not expect toe across a scene like this. It was like neither woman were at work, but at home enjoying themselves in a conversation with tea.


    Sometimes, he wonders about how his wife treats her workers. Unlike mostpanies, they would have to maintain a professional image, but for some reason, he feels that its rather more rxed here.


    Into his thoughts, he hears her ask what he was doing here. Looking at her, he steps into her office and walks over to grab her handbag.


    "I¡¯m here to take home."


    By chance, he sees Ju Suo¡¯s love struck face lost in her own world. He furrow his brows then looks to his wife.


    "Did Ie at a wrong time?"


    Yue Ling chuckles and shook her head, "You¡¯re fine. She¡¯s just sick."


    Lu Tian furrow his brows more in confusion. Staring at his wife who is now putting on her coat, he couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Sick?"


    Just as Yue Ling was buttoning her wool coat, she heard his word. ncing at Ju Suo, she walks over to Lu Tian and ce her arm around his left arm.


    Leaning closer to him, she smiles a whisper as was a high school girl telling the biggest secret.


    "Lovesick."


    However, that whisper did not escape Lian Ni Shang¡¯s ears. Her usual cold facial expression suddenly shatters as she tries to hold in herugh.


    Yue Ling looks back at Lian Ni Shang and chuckles.


    "I¡¯ll be leaving first. Once she recovers, take her home and lock my office."


    "Yes, boss."


    Lian Ni Shang quickly replies with a smile. Until Yue Ling and Lu Tian were no longer in the room, she turn to look down at the woman.


    "Really Ju Suo? You had to go and brag to everyone?"


    The moment this woman came back from her date, she bragged about it to everyone. She said that Jiangyu is the most handsome man she has ever seen, even his muscles were so alluring that she almost pounce on him like a hungry lion.


    Ju Suo sat up and res at the cold face woman. She flicks her hair and snort.


    "Ni Shang ah, you will know when you fall in love. No one and nothing matters."


    Saying this, she touch her chin and grins with evil eyes to the woman.


    "How about you try expressing your love~ to Shan Sinan? I noticedtely that you two have been working side by side together. Hoho~."


    "Y-You!"


    Lian Ni Shang¡¯s face turned crimson red hearing Ju Suo¡¯s words. She wanted to refute the woman but was unable to say anything.


    That is because she does harbor feelings for the textile designer. Only she isn¡¯t sure if he would like her back. That is why she hasn¡¯t confessed her feelings all these years.


    However,tely they have been working together. Maybe she should tell him her feelings and get it over with.


    Unaware of the love conversation taking ce in her office, Yue Ling sat in the passenger seat of Lu Tian¡¯s car as they drive home.


    "Are you free tomorrow evening?"


    Lu Tian suddenly asks as he stares ahead to the road. His father had said he can bring Yue Ling to Grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday, so he wants to ask her first.


    "I will be attending my friend¡¯s birthday. He more like a father to me than a friend, but I want you to go with me."


    ncing at the man, Yue Ling pondered in thoughts. His friend¡¯s birthday? She would love to go but...


    She sighs inside and shook her head.


    "I also have a birthday event to go tomorrow."


    The moment she spoke her words, she could see a disappointed look on Lu Tian¡¯s face. She sighs again but this time aloud and decides to exin to him.


    "This person is very important to me like family. I cannot miss his birthday."


    Although she spoke her words, she truly regrets that Lu Tian has to attend another event. She had promised to bring him to meet her yeye. However, seems like it will have to wait until after.


    Hearing her exnation, Lu Tian nod his head. He held her hand and decides to tell her the real reason for him going.


    "I wish you could go with me. My parents want me to meet his granddaughter."


    Yue Ling arch a brow at his words. So does that mean that his parents are not sure about their rtionship?


    Knowing what she was thinking, he chuckles and exins.


    "My parents love you just as much as I do. However, they want me and Han to meet this granddaughter out of respect."


    "Ah, I see."


    Yue Ling¡¯s head slowly nod in understanding. It is indeed normal for one¡¯s children to meet the children of those they know.


    She smiles to him and reassures him of how she feels.


    "It is something your parents asked, so you should go and meet her. I will be fine since I have to attend an event."


    Saying this, she leans toward his and rest her head on his shoulder as he drives.


    "I have enough trust in you to let you go and meet another woman."


    "..."


    Lu Tian was praising his wife¡¯s understanding temperament in his head, but when he heard herst words, he was dumbfounded.


    Why did she it make it sound like he is a man who often changes woman like he changes his shirt? Does he look like Lu Han?


    ----------------------------------------------------


    "hhhooooo¡ª!!"


    In a private room of a nightclub, Lu Han was just starting to enjoy his night with his friends. However, just when he was about to take a sip of his drink, he suddenly sneezed.


    Rubbing his nose, his eyes scan the people in the room.


    Who could be talking about him?


    Suddenly, he sees the beauty sitting next to him and he was dumbfounded. When he sneezed, he had identally poured his drink onto her. Not only the drink but he even sneezed on her!


    God have mercy on whoever it is that is talking behind his back!!!


    ----------------------------------------------------


    Through the streets of Imperial, Lu Tian¡¯s car drove until it stopped in front of their new house. Going inside, the couple shared a lovely homecooked dinner and then cleaned themselves for good night¡¯s rest.


    As neither is aware that tomorrow will be a big day full of surprises for not only them but everyone. Especially to the families of Yue Ling and Lu Tian.

 Chapter 377 long and happy life

    The day of Imperial¡¯s great General¡¯s birthday finally arrives as the clear sky turned dark. Unlike other birthday event of prestige families, General Ji made sure to have the soldiers secure the premises. He didn¡¯t want any mass media lurking inside or outside of the Ji Mansion.


    Like every year before, he made it clear that he only wanted a peaceful and rxing day for his 75th birthday with family and friends.


    Through the gate of the Ji Mansion, one by one, luxurious cars slowly enter. However, instead of going to the front of the house, they are directed to the side.


    There, Grandfather Ji had built an adjoining building as the grand ballroom of the Ji Mansion.


    He was never one to go out and celebrate his birthday, because he did not like to attract attention. Thus, he decided to construct his own ce at home.


    As the cars pulled up to the front entrance of the ballroom, the invited guests exit their vehicles one after another. Some family members could not make it, but one or two of their family members still came out of respect.


    Important events like this weed guests from many prestige families and a good chance to find good marriages for sons and daughters.


    However, it was not only prestige families that Grandfather Ji had invited. He had also invited those from ordinary families that he is close acquaintances with.


    No matter what anyone has to say, it is his birthday and he can invite whoever he wants.


    Of course, this is also something those from wealthy families came to understand.


    Even if they did not want to be in the same room as someone of a lower background than them, they had no choice. If they dare toin, it would mean disrespecting the almighty General.


    "The General¡¯s birthday is as grand as always."


    "Indeed worthy of Imperial¡¯s infamous General, look at the decorations."


    The guests enter the grand ballroom and were taken by surprise at the marvelous set up of the ce. Round tables ce in the neatly order with red chairs that surround it. Tied across the room were red and goldnterns with a huge banner against the center wall that said, ¡¯Happy Birthday, Ji Huan."


    Amazed by the enchantment of the ballroom, everyone¡¯s eyesnded on the person sitting ahead. Even from a far they can tell who this person is.


    Grandfather Ji sat in a gold chair clothe in a traditional gold changshan with ck trousers.


    None were surprise to see him out of his military uniform. From their knowledge of the old man, he did not like to wear his uniform outside of military lines.


    He felt that when he does, there is a boundary that separates him from others, thus, he likes to wear traditional changshan in hopes that others will be morefortable with him.


    Plus, it is his birthday and he wishes to converse with everyone like ordinary people in the world.


    First to arrive, a family of three slowly walks up to the old man. The father and mother took the lead as their daughter follow behind.


    Politely gesturing a bow to the old man, each person spoke at the same time.


    "General Ji, may your fortune be as boundless as the East Sea and may you live a long and happy life."


    Grandfather Ji smiles a nod and wave his hand, "Today is my birthday, no need for formalities. Address me by my name is enough."


    The father of the family chuckles and ce one hand behind his back, "Dong family wishes Ji Huan a prosperity life."


    After a few more words, the Dong family turn to their assigned tables.


    One after another, families came to greet Grandfather Ji. However, despite seeing the many familiar faces, his eyes constantly turn to the entrance as if waiting for a specific person¡¯s arrival.


    "Grandfather."


    From the side, Ji Jingxu¡¯s voice sounds to the old man. He had been busy instructing the cooks on what to cook and giving orders to the servants.


    As it was his old man¡¯s big day, he decided to take on the role like a host so that his grandfather could rx for the day.


    Grandfather Ji turns to the young boy and he smiles.


    "Ah, Jingxu. You¡¯re here. Come, sit down with me."


    The old man¡¯s loud voice caught the attention of everyone inside the ballroom. All eyes turn to the young man now sitting next to the old man.


    He was indeed a charming boy with features that makes one find him attractive. He wore a light blue tuxedo with a white buttoned up shirt and a matching light blue vest under. Around the neck was a bowtie in a darker blue shade.


    "Is that the boy General Ji found in the countryside?"


    "Shh!"


    A daughter, who has never met Ji Jingxu before asks her mother, but was quickly hushed. The mother res at her idiot daughter for speaking such words. She leans in and exins.


    "It is a taboo to mention those words here. If General Ji heard you, he will not show you any mercy."


    Hearing this, the daughter quickly covered her mouth. She did not know that it was taboo because outside, everyone talked about the issue like it was a normal thing to do. It¡¯s a good thing her mother warned her.


    Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of two figures entering the ballroom and she gasp aloud.


    "It¡¯s Ji Chu Hua."


    Her voice was loud that it caught the attention of everyone nearby causing them to turn to look.


    Although Ji Chu Hua is from the second Ji family, she can be considered as a prominent figure in Imperial. Many look up to her because of her grandfather being the General.


    Seeing the young woman enter the ballroom with her father, the single men stare in awe as some almost drool at the sight of her.


    She wore a white strapless dress in the style of a mermaid and matching gloves that reach above her elbows. The top part of her dress glisten with pearls as she wore a set of pearl ne around her neck and ears. Her hair was curled to one side.


    However, as she enters the room, she pretends to not notice the many eyes on her. She pause in her steps and smiles to her father.


    "Dad, you go on ahead. I will be there to greet grandfather soon."


    Ji Shao An nods his head and continues on his way to greet the old man.


    As everyone hears Ji Chu Hua¡¯s soft and angelic voice, they felt like they were listening to a fairy amongst them. One of the young men sees that she was alone and decided to go and escort her into the ballroom.


    Just as he was about to move, not only him but everyone inside was swept with surprise.


    Behind the beautifuldy in white, a healthy-looking man walks up to her. He wore a burgundy tuxedo with his hairbed back.


    "Did you wait long for me?"


    He smiles softly to Ji Chu Hua. His eyes told everyone that she is the only person in his eyes as she returns a smile to him. cing a hand gently on her back, the couple continued inside.


    "So it is true. Ji Chu Hua and Gu Ting Fei are a pair."


    "I heard they announced their rtionshipst year at Gu Ting Fei¡¯s birthday."


    "Didn¡¯t the media mention they will be getting engage this year?"


    Being the talk of the party, Ji Chu Hua kept a settle smile, but she was screaming with happiness inside. She loves it when she is the center of attention.


    ncing at the man walking next to her, she felt even better.


    Gu Ting Fei is also a good-looking man and the next heir of Gu International.


    Although they are not the wealthiest like Lu Corps or Ji Corps, they specialize in hotels all over the globe putting them at the same level as Ning Xingyu¡¯s TB Corps.


    Walking up to her grandfather, Ji Chu Hua bows to him in a polite and respectful manner as Gu Ting Fei did the same.


    "I wish grandfather a happy birthday. May you be healthy and continue to live younger and younger."


    Hearing her wishes to her grandfather, everyone was in awe. Ji Chu Hua is like the sweet and caring granddaughter anyone would hope to have. She was well-manner and polite at all times.


    Unlike everyone, Grandfather Ji felt otherwise. However, since he did not want his birthday ruined, he decides to be civilized with her. He smiles a smile that did not reach his eyes.


    "Mm. Thank you."


    Watching the young girl turn to her seat, he sighs inside.


    Ji Chu Hua is the daughter of his nephew, Ji Shao An. After his brother passed away, he took in the family. However, instead of living in peace, Ji Shao An became greedy for more.


    Hearing that his only daughter Ji An Ling was ¡¯sterile¡¯, everyone started assuming that Ji Chu Hua was the only granddaughter in the Ji family.


    With the promise to hide one from the world, words spected without anyone knowing the truth.


    The truth that he does have a granddaughter and she is not Ji Chu Hua.


    Just as he thought this, his eyes widen in smiles at the door entrance. He stood up from his chair and walks to greet his new guests that just arrived.

 Chapter 378 top of a mountain

    Through the doors of Ji Mansion¡¯s grand ballroom, a family of four made their entrance inside.


    No one noticed their arrival until everyone saw Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu stood from their seats. Both the young and old man made their way towards this family.


    Seeing who it was, everyone was in more of a surprise than when the second Ji family came in.


    "It¡¯s the Lu family."


    "I heard General Ji is an old friend of the Lu family."


    Leading the family in, Old Lu wore a ck tuxedo making him look younger than his age of fifty. To his right, Madam Lu held onto his arm as her pace matched with his.


    She wore a tradition white qipao that reached her above ankles. Her hair was styles in a low bun with loose strands of hair that framed her face. Although she has reached the age of fifty, she still looked as young as when she was in herte twenties.


    Following behind were none other than their two sons, Lu Tian and Lu Han.


    Lu Tian wore a ck tuxedo, with a white dress shirt and a ck waistcoat. His hair was neatly slit back giving him a rather refine and sharp look. However, his dark eyes and cold aura made others shiver and unable to look him in the eye.


    Unlike his older brother, Lu Han was theplete opposite. He held a smile to each person he passes by like he was celebrity. He wore a light grey tuxedo, with the same inner wear as his older brother and father. The sides of his head was faded up as the longer hair on top of his headbs to one side.


    Meeting the family of four in the center of the room, Grandfather Ji was extremely happy.


    "I see that you all made it today."


    Old Lu politely bows then smiles to the old man he considers a father figure to him.


    "Uncle Ji, thank you for inviting us to your home."


    Madam Lu leaves her husband¡¯s side and walks over to Grandfather Ji. She held his arm and smiles to him.


    "I wish uncle the best of all birthdays. May you live a long and healthy life."


    To some people, they would find Madam Lu¡¯s sudden move to be impolite, but not Grandfather Ji. He has watched both Madam Lu and Old Lu grow along side his daughter and son-inw. If she had been too formal with him like everyone else, he would have found it weird.


    After all, Madam Lu was like a daughter to him.


    Lu Tian took a step closer to the old man and leans forward in a polite bow too. However, he does not say a word as he looks at Ji Jingxu with a silent nod.


    Watching the man his grandfather wants to pair his sister with, Ji Jingxu nod his head in greeting, but his eyes slightly narrow. He will use this chance to see if Lu Tian is a good match for Yue Ling.


    "Happy birthday Grandfather Ji!"


    Lu Han¡¯s energetic voice calls out to greet the old man as he also gesture a bow. He was not like his older brother, who finds it so hard to wish someone a happy birthday.


    To which, Grandfather Jiughs at Lu Han¡¯s free spirit personality. He wasn¡¯t bothered by Lu Tian¡¯sck of socializing either. He knows the two boys like they were his own.


    If Lu Tian had wished him a good birthday, he would have thought the world wasing to an end.


    "Hahah, I am very d you were all able toe. This makes me truly happy."


    He nods his head a few times as he steals a few nces at Lu Tian. He couldn¡¯t help but ask inside. Why did Lu Tiane to his birthday without his granddaughter? Wasn¡¯t she suppose to introduce the boy to him? Also, where is she?


    Lu Tian noticed the old man and Ji Jingxu¡¯s eyes constantly ncing to him, but he does not put too much thought into it.


    He just wanted to speed things up so he could go home and be with his wife.


    After all, they had left the house in the morning for work, but never saw each other afterwards. He had to prepare for the old man¡¯s birthday while his wife had to prepare for her friend¡¯s birthday.


    "The Lu family and Ji family are indeed close. Truly the greatest chance to see them in person together."


    "Do you think General Ji will use this banquet to unite both families?"


    "Eh? But isn¡¯t Ji Chu Hua dating Gu International¡¯s heir, Gu Ting Fei?"


    The guestsmence in whispers as they observe the situation from afar. No one dare to disturb what looked to be a family reunion.


    "Wait, isn¡¯t the qipao Madam Lu is wearing the one from De L¡¯amour¡¯s design?"


    "Oh God, you are right. It¡¯s the same one Han Yue Ling modeled for the closing piece."


    Quickly as it came, the women nearby were able to get a better look at the qipao Madam Lu was wearing. They had all been invited to the fashion show and saw the qipao up close. There¡¯s no way they are seeing wrong.


    Hearing the praises about her dress, Madam Lu¡¯s nose grew longer.


    In her head, she was standing at the top of a mountain with one foot bent on the peak. Both her hands on her hips as the people worship her dress like a superhero.


    Indeed she is wearing the dress designed by her daughter-inw. Though, because of their height difference, the qipao is a bit longer on her inparison to when Yue Ling wore it.


    When Lu Tian invited Yue Ling toe with them, she declined saying she had to attend another event. Madam Lu and Old Lu were disappointed, but eventually got over it. Lu Tian came to the Lu family house and said Yue Ling wanted to give her (Madam Lu) a gift for the party.


    Even she was surprised when she opened the gift to see the beautiful qipao.


    She had always been a fan and supporter of De L¡¯amour. Her wardrobe is mainly filled with clothes from the brand. However, to be gifted such a valuable gift was beyond her imagination. Although Yue Ling did not personally hand it to her, the thought of gifting the qipao to her personally came from her daughter-inw.


    "Ma, your nose is like Pinhio."


    Into her own little imagination, Lu Han¡¯s voice suddenly whispers near her ear and brings her back to her senses. She res at her youngest son and scoffs.


    Seeing their mother this way, Lu Tian rolled his eyes inside while Lu Han rolled his eyes for everyone to see.


    Grandfather Ji smiles at the interaction between the mother and sons. He turns to look at Ji Jingxu as if saying, ¡¯See, I told you. They¡¯re not a bad family for his sister.¡¯


    However, before he could see the young boy¡¯s reaction, he looks back to the Lu family.


    "Come, I have specifically set my table for you all to join me and my grandson."

 Chapter 379 granddaughter

    The table in the center was the same size as the ones around, but it was exclusively for the Ji family and those who are close to Grandfather Ji. No one else was allowed to sit. However, Ji Chu Hua and her boyfriend, Gu Ting Fei, along with Ji Shao An were part of the Ji family.


    The other day he had visited them to see why Ji Chu Hua came to the Ji Mansion and caused a disturbance with Ji Jingxu and Ting. Never would he thought it was just to sit at the table with him.


    As much as Grandfather Ji didn¡¯t want them at his table, he had to give them some face.


    He chatted away with the guests who held high statues in Imperial, then to the ordinary families he invited. He made sure everyone who attended his birthday were treated equally by him.


    Saying a few words to the families, Housekeeper Hu walks up to him and whispers a few words into his ear. His brows furrow for a second but he quickly nod his head and sends the old man away.


    Walking to the table that was for him, he sat down and leans towards Ji Jingxu who sat to his left.


    Whispering what Housekeeper Hu had told him, Ji Jingxu pout his lip, but could only nod in head.


    The seating of the round table went with Grandfather Ji in the center, Ji Jingxu on his left, two empty seats, Gu Ting Fei, Ji Chu Hua, Ji Shao An, Old Lu, Madam Lu, Lu Han, Lu Tian, and finally, another empty seat on Grandfather Ji¡¯s right.


    Madam Lu sat directly across from the old man, she waited until he was done speaking with the young Ji Jingxu. When she saw him move away, she smiles and decided to ask.


    "Uncle Ji, is your granddaughter going to be here?"


    Although she asked this, it did not mean she wants Lu Tian to marry the old man¡¯s granddaughter.


    She likes Yue Ling very much, so she only wishes to meet the daughter of her good friend.


    After the death of her two friends, she saw the little girl again, but she was around the age of nine or ten. She did expect that to be theirst meeting. Ever since that day, she has been wondering how the little girl is doing.


    Lu Tian who was indifference the entire time sudden frown at his mother¡¯s words. Why couldn¡¯t she wait until after the party?


    On the opposite side, Ji Chu Hua was seated between Gu Ting Fei and her father, Ji Shao An. When she heard Madam Lu¡¯s words, her cheeks flush and she nce shyly at Lu Tian.


    Even though she is with Gu Ting Fei, if the Ji family and Lu family want to pair her with Lu Tian, she would not hesitate to agree. Gu Ting Fei is wealthy and has great looks, but he is no where on the same level as Lu Tian.


    Gu Ting Fei feign ignorance to Madam Lu¡¯s words and Ji Chu Hua¡¯s reaction. Truth is, he does not even care.


    He isn¡¯t in love with Ji Chu Hua. She was just a woman to help pass the time. If she wanted to break up, he wouldn¡¯t object.


    Hearing Madam Lu¡¯s sudden words, Grandfather Ji furrow his brows. Could it be that the Lu family already knows that Yue Ling is his granddaughter?


    No, that can¡¯t be. If they knew, she would havee here with them.


    However, thinking something, he nce at Ji Chu Hua. So far, everyone in Imperial thinks she is his granddaughter. Could it be that Madam Lu wants to introduce Lu Tian to this girl?


    Thinking this, he sees the look in Ji Chu Hua¡¯s eyes. A glint of disgust sh in his eyes before he retracted his gaze from her.


    Although it was quick, Lu Tian who had eyes like an eagle did not miss the look in the old man¡¯s eyes. He slightly purse his lip and thought to himself.


    Grandfather Ji looks at Madam Lu and he smiles, "Ji Chu Hua is currently dating Gu Ting Fei. I think letting the two of them meet like this is inappropriate."


    Madam Lu was stupefied hearing these words. She looks at Ji Chu Hua and was even more dumbfounded. She wasn¡¯t referring to Ji Chu Hua. She part her lip to correct her words, but before she could utter a sound, someone interrupted.


    "Grandfather, brother Ting Fei and I are just friends."


    Ji Chu Hua softly spoke. She slightly leans away from the man to not cause anymore misunderstandings and nce at Lu Tian with a shy expression.


    "The rumors about us are not true. Don¡¯t listen to what others say. Right brother Ting Fei?"


    As her words fell, she turn to look at the man who was supposed to be her boyfriend.


    Gu Ting Fei nod his head at her words. There was no expression of jealousy or hurt on his face at all. It was more like he did not care.


    Grandfather Ji furrow his brows then nod his head in understanding.


    "Mm. Who ever you decided to date or marry is of no concern to me."


    Hearing these words, Ji Chu Hua smiles sweetly. Her smile was one that could capture the hearts anyone who sees. However, what she did not grasp was, the old man meant she is not affiliated with him.


    Ji Chu Hua looks over to Madam Lu and smiles with her teeth.


    "Aunty, I am his granddaughter, Ji Chu Hua and I don¡¯t mind chatting after the event."


    Madam Lu: "..." But I mind!!


    Madam Lu was at a loss for words as she screams those words in her head. She force a crooked smile and robotically nod her head. She wanted to turn Ji Chu Hua down, but that would make the girl embarrass.


    How did it turn out like this?


    No one noticed that at the table, the temperature had dropped drastically.


    Lu Tian was indifferent, but his eyes had turned cold and dangerous. He agreed to meet the old man¡¯s granddaughter, but why did it turn out to look like a discussion over marriage?!


    On the other side, Ji Jingxu who looked like a sweet young boy held a bitter expression. Both his hands clench tightly under the table.


    How can Ji Chu Hua be so disgusting? She is in a rtionship with Gu Ting Fei, but the moment her eyes caught sight of Lu Tian and Lu Han, she dare to ignore her boyfriend!


    Out of everyone seated at the table, Lu Han was the only one who felt the change of temperature. He could feel sweats form on his forehead as he sat right next to his older brother!


    He cast a side re at Ji Chu Hua with disgust in his eyes. ¡¯This ugly woman actually thought my mother was referring to her?! Hah! She must be dreaming!¡¯


    Feeling the awkwardness at the table, Old Lu decides to change the topic. He looks at the old man and smiles.


    "Uncle Ji, why are there three empty seats? Are you waiting for more guests?"


    Grandfather Ji sighs in relief at Old Lu. He nce at the two empty seats between Ji Jingxu and Gu Ting Fei, then he looks at the empty seat on his right.


    "Ah, yes. I have invited three guests who are very close to me, but it seems like they haven¡¯t arrived yet. I¡¯ll wait a little longer before I make my speech."


    Everyone at the table and those who sat near heard the old man¡¯s words. However, all could not help but wonder, who are these guests that are very close to the old man?


    Just as his words fell, Housekeeper Hu enters the ballroom with two people following behind him.


    One was a middle-aged man and the other was a teenage boy around the same age as Ji Jingxu. Unlike those who came in first, these two were dressed more casually.

 Chapter 380 a hard time

    "Eh, who are they? How dare they attend General Ji¡¯s birthday dressed like that?"


    "Someone said they arrived at the front gate in a taxi. How embarrassing."


    "Aiya, were they even invited? Look, even the families from lower backgrounds knew how to dress appropriately."


    "Ji Mansion is not some charity ce that wees them."


    Staring at the two people being led by Housekeeper Hu, Ji Jingxu smiles at the young boy around his age. However, hearing the whispers surface around the ballroom, his expression darkened more than ever.


    He wanted to go over to each person speaking foul words and smash their heads on the table for being so stupid.


    Unable to hold back his anger, he abruptly stood up, but before he could even scoot his chair back, Grandfather Ji stopped him.


    With no other choice, Ji Jingxu could only remain seated and try to calm himself down. He hated people like this the most. Always judging before they even get to know the person. Aren¡¯t they scared that they might have offended the wrong person?


    The middle-aged man was led by Housekeeper Hu to Grandfather Ji¡¯s table. Stopping near the old man, the middle-aged man bows with a respectful smile.


    "Thisrade wishes a great birthday and a long life ahead."


    Grandfather Ji nod his head in return with a satisfy smile on his face. He turn to the people sitting at his table and part his lips to introduce the new guests.


    However, like it was a gic thing from the second Ji family, Ji Shao An snort and spoke first.


    "Uncle, how can you invite people like them to attend a grand banquet like this? You already invited so many from lower ss backgrounds, is there any more room for them?"


    "People like them?"


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s eyes turned cold as he retort a question at his nephew. Even the tone of his voice had turned murderously to anyone who heard.


    Although others had sensed the cold gaze from the old man, his nephew seemed to be oblivious of it. Ji Shao An scoffs aloud and cross his arms over his chest. His next words caused everyone in the ballroom to turn their heads in the direction of two new guests.


    "It was supposed to be only the highest of statuses in Imperial who were invited. You were already generous enough to invite those from lower background."


    Looking at the poorly dressed middle-aged man and teenage boy, Ji Shao An felt disgusted.


    "How did they even get pass the gates? If they are here to find a job at Ji Corps, they can wait until tomorrow to apply."


    Saying this, he waves at Housekeeper Hu as if to shoo them away.


    "Take these two away. My Uncle does not wee guests like them."


    Those around knew the meaning behind Ji Shao An¡¯s words. These two people who were dressed poorly were using General Ji¡¯s birthday as an excuse to get on his good side for a job.


    Unlike everyone else, the expression on the Lu family turned cold and murderous at the stupid man¡¯s words. Grandfather Ji is a man who sees everyone as equal beings despite their background.


    So, how is it that Ji Shao An is from the same bloodline, but he is so stupid.


    The middle-aged man frowns at how he was put in an awkward situation. However, when he looked around the ballroom, he could see the weird and disgusted looks of the guests.


    As if it was not already enough, Ji Shao An¡¯s words continue to add more fuel.


    "Uncle, I know you are always kind to everyone, but we cannot have people like them here. It¡¯ll only ruin the joyful atmosphere we were just having."


    "Shut up!"


    Ji Jingxu roars at the stupid man. He didn¡¯t care about being respectful towards his elders anymore.


    Ji Shao An has crossed the line. Did he not think before he spoke his words? There are also families from lower backgrounds who were invited here. Does he not understand that his words are directed at the two new people but also at the families with lower background?


    He res viciously at Ji Chu Hua and gritted his teeth.


    "Cousin, I suggest you calm your father before he makes a fool out of himself."


    Hearing him call her cousin, Ji Chu Hua pout her lip disapprovingly.


    "Jingxu, you are ¡¯adopted¡¯ and still young. You should stay out of this. It is a matter between ¡¯family¡¯ only."


    The tone of her voice was calm and like an older sister trying to watch out for her younger brother. However , she made sure to emphasize the words ¡¯adopted¡¯ and ¡¯family¡¯.


    All the guests who heard Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words shook their heads in pity for the young Ji Jingxu.


    He is an adopted grandson, but it is exactly like Ji Chu Hua said, this is a matter between the Ji family. He may have the surname Ji but he is still an outsider.


    Listening to the show that is taking ce, Lu Tian felt like leaving. He did note here to watch a live drama. His wife is probably at home waiting for his return.


    Lu Han leaned against the table and held his chin with both hands under. His eyes and head darts back and forth between the people. He knows that it is wrong, but he can¡¯t help but like to watch a good show.


    Old Lu and Madam Lu could only sigh inside and remain quiet. They may be close to Grandfather Ji, but they are still considered outsiders. As much as they want to say something, it is the old man who has the final say.


    Seeing the two poorly guests have not move, Ji Shao An¡¯s nostrils re and turns to a servant.


    "Get the guards in here. Toss these twomoners out. They are spreading their stitch in here. Any longer and they are going to wreak havoc to my Uncle¡¯s birthday."


    *SLAM¡ª!!


    A loud bang echoes inside the ballroom as everyone¡¯s face pale. No one dared to move or say a word. Only Lu Tian remained unmoved by the sudden sound.


    Grandfather Ji who had tolerated enough of Ji Shao An¡¯s words was now standing up. His left palm was on the table as his breathing turned heavy and his nostrils red widely.


    His eyes that were gentle moments ago had turned cold.


    He was no longer the sweet Grandfather Ji or Chairman Ji. He had changed his aura to the almighty and merciless General Ji that everyone feared.


    "You dare to so such thing in front of me?!"


    His thunderous voice prates the soul of all the guests as every cower in fear. They had only heard stories about his wrath. Now they can witness it for themselves.


    Lu Tian tilt his head at the old man. He arch a brow and thought inside, ¡¯Not bad old man. Seems like you still have it in you.¡¯


    Ji Shao An¡¯s throat turned dry as he try to gulp with difficulty. His mouth open and closed to say something, but it was like all the words he knew had vanished.


    He knows his uncle is someone who appears kind at times, but when angry, he is like the devil. However, he thought that since there were many people around, his uncle will notsh at him.


    Noticing her father¡¯s paled expression, Ji Chu Hua decides to intervene. She looks at Grandfather Ji with a sweet smile and tries to calm him down.


    "Grandfather, my father wouldn¡¯t do such thing in front of you. He just wanted you to enjoy your birthday. There is no harm done here."


    Hearing her words, the teenage boy looks at Ji Chu Hua then to Ji Shao An. He cross his arms over his chest and slightly tilt his head with narrow eyes.


    ¡¯Ah, so this father and daughter duo are the ones always giving Jingxu a hard time.¡¯

 Chapter 381 make you a targe

    Watching the scene, Old Lu shook his head at Ji Chu Hua. He felt pity for the woman for not using her brain. He then advert his eyes to Ji Shao An and part his lips to speak.


    "Ji Shao An, it is Uncle Ji¡¯s birthday, don¡¯t cause a scene like this in front of so many guests."


    "Hmmf. You are an outsider, don¡¯t get yourself involve with our Ji family¡¯s matters."


    Ji Shao An refute with a snort. He hated the Lu family. Ji Huan is his uncle by blood, yet, he treated the Lu family better than he treated him (Ji Shao An) and Ji Chu Hua.


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, Old Lu furrow his brows. He wanted to say something back, but Madam Lu ce her hand over his and lightly shook her head.


    As much as they want to intervene, it is not their ce to have a say in it.


    Seeing that the Lu family had backed down, Ji Shao An¡¯s head grew bigger.


    However, he did not realize that he had just be a target after disrespecting Old Lu.


    He suddenly felt a cold chill crawl on his back and subconsciously looks to his left.


    In that moment, he is met with both Lu Tian and Lu Han¡¯s cold gaze and he froze in his seat.


    How could he have been such an idiot?!


    Lu Tian is a man short of words. He is usually quiet at events, which makes people forget that he is the number one person no one should ever cross the line with.


    Not only him, but the carefree Lu Han is just as scary.


    Lu Han may appear like someone who is easy to approach, but once you get on his bad side, he is no different from his older brother.


    Being met with two pairs of dark eyes that could see into one¡¯s soul, Ji Shao An regretted so badly for opening his mouth at Old Lu. However, it was toote for regrets.


    Grandfather Ji had enough of this outrageous discussion. He res at Ji Chu Hua and Ji Shao An with a vicious look.


    "Anyone who dares to disrespect Lieutenant General, Zhuang Xie Li is disrespecting me."


    His voice was calm, but loud enough for everyone in the ballroom to hear.


    It was a tone that held power and authority in each word his spoke.


    Hearing his words, both Ji Chu Hua and her father were rendered speechless.


    Not only them, but everyone else in the ballroom were just as shocked, especially those who were looking down on Zhuang Xie Li and his son, Zhuang Li.


    No one would have thought that the two people who were dressed so poorly were actually people who held more authority than them.


    Grandfather Ji turn to look at hisrade and sighs apologetically.


    "This General would like to apologize to Lieutenant General Zhuang. It is this old one¡¯s fault for not disciplining his family well."


    Zhuang Xie Li sighed inside. He was put in an awkward situation, but seeing how the General stood up for him, he is truly happy.


    "No need to apologize. This soldier should be the one apologizing for causing this misunderstanding."


    Hearing the words of hisrade, Grandfather Ji sighs and wave his hand.


    "You did nothing wrong here. If anyone here feels that you are not wee here, then they should be the one to leave."


    He spoke his words in a calm manner, but everyone could hear the warning behind his words.


    If anyone has something bad to say, they are no longer wee here.


    Zhuang Xie Li and his son, Zhuang Li walks over to sit down on the two empty chairs between Ji Jingxu and Gu Ting Fei.


    No one dares to say another word. Everyone was afraid they¡¯d angry the old man again, but a few guests couldn¡¯t help but steal nces at the new father and son duo.


    Now they understood why it was Housekeeper Hu who personally guided the two in and was very respectful towards them.


    Zhuang Xie Li, the middle-aged man is the Lieutenant General. He is the second most powerful in the military. However, unlike the General who is often seen by many, this Lieutenant General is not often seen because he likes to keep a low profile from public eyes.


    Thinking this, some guests sigh in guilt while some patted themselves on the back for not disrespecting the poorly dressed man.


    Like the saying goes, ¡¯Never judge a book by its cover.¡¯


    After the scene of misunderstanding, the birthday celebration continued with no more disturbances.


    Ji Shao An held his held down the entire time in shame and embarrassment.


    Ji Chu Hua was able to calm herself and acted like nothing happened. She hopes that she did leave a bad impression on the Lu family, especially Lu Tian.


    She would often steal nces at Lu Tian as she held a conversation with Gu Ting Fei. She made sure to brag about her achievements and everything that she owns.


    However, what she did not know is that, no one cared about anything she said. Everyone at the table converse in their own discussion away from her and Ji Shao An.


    Even Gu Ting Fei was being treated better as Old Lu would often through questions at him about Gu International.


    Grandfather Ji decided to have the guests enjoy the celebration and entertain each other. His words allowed them to stand from their seats and move around inside the ballroom.


    Suddenly, Housekeeper Hu walks up to remind Grandfather Ji to make his speech to the guests. Except, this was already the fourth time and he was told to wait a few more minutes.


    A few elderly men from wealthy families crowded around Grandfather Ji to talk to him. Of course, they also didn¡¯t forget to introduce themselves to Old Lu and Zhuang Xie Li.


    Ji Jingxu decided to ignore the second Ji family and chatted away with Zhuang Li.


    "Bro, you didn¡¯t tell me they were this vicious."


    From the side, Zhuang Li whispers to Ji Jingxu. He had heard from many that Ji Chu Hua is a dainty woman, however, seeing the way she is today, he can see why Ji Jingxu calls her a white lotus.


    Even he doesn¡¯t understand why a good-looking man like Gu Ting Fei is with her.


    Ji Jingxu rolled his eyes at the boy¡¯s words. He and Zhuang Li are the same age and attend the same school. Everything that happens to him, his good friend Zhuang Li knows all about it.


    However looking at the way Zhuang Li is dressed, and he purse his lip.


    "Why did you and your fathere here looking like that?"


    Hearing this, Zhuang Li furrow his brows. He thought for a second then turn to look at his father¡¯s clothes.


    His father was wearing a white polo shirt with blue jeans and a green utility coat. Then he looks down at his outfit. He was wearing a ck sweatshirt with the words De L¡¯amour in white and gray woven shorts with white socks and sneakers.


    Putting their clothes together, he thought they looked fine.


    However, he scratch his head and chuckles.


    "Ah, we thought it was going to be a small family get together. General Ji only said for us toe, he didn¡¯t tell us how we should dress."


    "..."


    Ji Jingxu was dumbfounded as his eyes turned heavy. He heaves a loud sigh and shook his head.


    It¡¯s no wonder they came looking like that. They didn¡¯t receive an invitation but were personally invited by his old man.


    Knowing his grandfather, he will invite whoever he wants and not go into details at all when ites to the events.


    Seeing the look on Ji Jingxu¡¯s face, Zhuang Li finally understood. His hand scratching his head lowers to touch his chin and he put on a thinking face.


    "So that¡¯s why they kept saying my father and I are poor."


    Saying this, he shrug his shoulders and ce an arm over Ji Jingxu¡¯s shoulder.


    "Poor or not, what¡¯s the point of dressing rich. unting your wealth will only make you a target."


    "..."

 Chapter 382 kill you

    While the celebration continued through the evening, Lu Tian remained seated at the table. He looked like a statue with a poker face.


    He calmly drinks the red wine in his hand. Every few minutes that passes by, he would nce down at the watch on his wrist.


    Lu Han suddenly ce his elbow on his brother¡¯s shoulder and stares out to the guests.


    "Bro, there¡¯s so many fishes here, why not take this time to meet a few beauties?"


    "..."


    Lu Tian res at his brother with an expression that says, ¡¯Say anymore and I will kill you in front of all these people.¡¯


    Being met with those deadly eyes, Lu Han gulped inside.


    How could he forget?! What beauty?! His older brother already has the purest beauty in all of Imperial!!


    Lu Han stares at his brother for a long day.


    Thinking of something, he looks to the front of him as he moves back to straighten himself on the chair.


    Now staring ahead, he held a straight face while his left hand raise to his neck. He pretends that his hand is a knife and swiftly cuts his throat.


    He slumps onto the table with his face turned away from his older brother.


    Lu Tian: "-_-"


    Seeing this, Lu Tian did not know whether tough or cry. How is it possible that he and Lu Han are tied by blood?


    Lu Han rest his head on the table and cried inside with no tears.


    Everyone is enjoying their sweet time getting to know one another, but his cold and aloof brother is sitting here by himself.


    He noticed that there were a few people who wanted toe over to talk to them, but his brother would scare them off with his vicious and grim reaper eyes.


    Thinking this, Lu Han sobs inside.


    Lu Tian said he could leave to go chat with others, but if he did, it means his brother will look like aplete loner. How can he outcast his older brother like this?


    Another sob escapes his lips again. He wish to cry so badly butck any tears to shed.


    ¡¯Why must I, the ocean be granted with an older brother like this? There are so many beautiful fishes here and yet, I can¡¯t even go explore my own ocean...¡¯


    In the distance, Ji Chu Hua had long left the table. She was now standing with a group of young women around the same age as her. She smiles elegantly andughs sweetly with them.


    "Chu Hua, you¡¯re so lucky. You have brother Ting Fei and both the Lu Brothers at your table."


    A woman wearing a yellow dress said yfully, but one can see the jealousy in her eyes.


    Ji Chu Hua smiles with blushing cheeks at the woman. However, one can see how pleased she was with the situation.


    "Ni Wenli, why are you saying that? It was by chance that we were all seated at the same table with my grandfather."


    Ni Wenli, the girl in yellow chuckles at Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words. "You already stole Gu Ting Fei from all the women, don¡¯t steal Lu Tian and Lu Han too. Don¡¯t break anymore of our hearts. Right, Ning Mei?"


    Standing next to Ji Chu Hua was Ning Mei. She wore thevender mermaid gown ofce design she had an argument with Yue Ling over. Her short hair was curled out making her look rather cute to anyone who sees.


    However, she was currently sulking over the fact that she wanted to catch the attention of the men here. Except, she never thought that Ji Chu Hua would wear a nicer dress than her. To make things worse, it was in the same mermaid style as hers!


    When she heard Ni Wenli¡¯s words, jealousy rose insider her more. Holding a ss of wine in her hand, she raises it and tilt her head back to drink it all in one go.


    Ji Chu Hua could see the jealousy in Ning Mei¡¯s expression. She pretends to not care and slowly drinks her wine.


    ¡¯Ning Mei ah Ning Mei, you¡¯re not even as pretty as me. No matter how much you try, I¡¯ll always overshadow you.¡¯


    Thinking this, she smiles to the shorter girl and held her arm in a friendly gesture.


    "Mei Mei don¡¯t drink the wine too fast. You might get drunk before my grandfather¡¯s speech."


    Ning Mei nce at Ji Chu Hua and quickly hides her anger. Putting on a sweet smile, she turns into the innocent little sister that everyone adores.


    "Sister Ji, what are you saying? I am fine. It¡¯s just one ss."


    Saying this, she nce in the direction of the main table and leans closer to Ji Chu Hua.


    "Um, Sister Ji, if it¡¯s alright with you, can I sit at the same table with you? I saw that there is still an empty seat."


    Thinking Ji Chu Hua might suspect her intentions, she goes on to exin her reason.


    "You see, my brother wants me to ask your grandfather about a contract involving bothpanies."


    Hearing her words, Ji Chu Hua did not find it suspicious. She wasn¡¯t even aware that Ning Mei is eyeing Lu Tian this entire time they have been friends.


    Seeing that there is an empty seat by Grandfather Ji, she smiles a nod.


    "I¡¯ll ask my grandfather and see if he is okay with it."


    Ning Mei¡¯s eyes beamed with joy. She was currently sitting five tables away, so he wouldn¡¯t be able to see her. It was an excuse to sit at the main table. The empty seat was next to Lu Tian, so if she can sit there, she can catch his attention right away.


    So what if there are words that he is with Han Yue Ling, from what she can see, the slut is not here.


    "Youdies seem to be enjoying yourselves."


    Suddenly, Gu Ting Fei who had left Ji Chu Hua¡¯s side to go speak with some acquaintances returned to her side.


    When Ning Mei saw him, her heart skipped a beat. Even though, he is with Ji Chu Hua, she has to admit, the man is still one of the handsomest men in Imperial.


    If he wasn¡¯t with Ji Chu Hua, she would not mind having a taste of him in bed.


    Her cheeks flush pink thinking about how Gu Ting Fei¡¯s naked body would look like under his nice fitted tuxedo.


    A smile curls on her lip, "Sister Ji, I heard you and brother Ting Fei are going to be engage soon. Is it true?"


    Hearing her question, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s face slightly pale and was hesitant to answer.


    She and Gu Ting Fei are an item, but she also doesn¡¯t want to miss her big chance with Lu Tian.


    Gu Ting Fei looks at his girlfriend¡¯s beautiful little face. He could see that she was hesitant to answer, so heughs and decides to answer for her.


    "We are just friends, but if Chu Hua wants, then I don¡¯t mind proposing to her."


    Like a mountain had suddenly been lifted from her shoulders, Ji Chu Hua was able to breath. She smiles thankfully to him.


    She is lucky that he is an understanding man. Their rtionship wasn¡¯t serious, it was only a rtionship of convenience.


    Both Ning Mei and Ni Wenli¡¯s eyes beamed hearing the man¡¯s words. Since Gu Ting Fei said he and Ji Chu Hua are only friends, that means there¡¯s still a chance for them.


    However, the only thing is, Ji Chu Hua is always with him!


    They envy Ji Chu Hua so much. She doesn¡¯t even love Gu Ting Fei, but he only has eyes for her.


    The group of four continue to chat away about personal matters and oftenughed loudly at jokes.


    In the corner of the ballroom, Ji Jingxu and Zhuang Li were standing with a group of boys the same age as them. They were all friends from school and knew one another well.


    Zhuang Li elbows Ji Jingxu as he looks through the crowd of guests.


    "Jingxu, where¡¯s this sister you are so proud of? Howe I don¡¯t see her?"


    Ji Jingxu furrow his brows in a frown. His eyes were also scanning through the crowd, but he does not see the person he is looking for.


    "She¡¯ll be here soon." She promised.


    He spoke thest two words in his head. His grandfather said, she had called Housekeeper Hu to inform them that she was runningte.


    Apparently, something happened that she needed to deal with, but she will be here.


    However, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was evening.

 Chapter 383 cant sit there

    Returning to the table, Old Lu and Madam Lu were surprised to see both their sons in the same ce since they had left them. Everyone had stood from their seats, but neither Lu Tian nor Lu Han seemed to have moved at all.


    Madam Lu looks at Lu Tian and then her youngest son.


    "Why aren¡¯t you two meeting with other people?"


    Of course, she was not referring to meeting other women. She meant as in, why are they not speaking to the elders or the men they know.


    However, Lu Tian looks at his mother with no emotions, then looks away without saying a word.


    "..."


    Given the cold shoulder, Madam Lu felt blood boil inside her. However, she knows why he is like this and can¡¯t me him for it. Even she regrets forcing him toe knowing that he already has a perfect wife waiting at home for him.


    She feels like the evil mother-inw during ancient times who forces her son to meet other women even though he has a pregnant wife.


    Thinking this, she decided that it was best to have her son leave early. After all, she does not want any misunderstandings toe between Lu Tian and Yue Ling.


    While Madam Lu was in her thoughts, Lu Han¡¯s voice sounds as he leans back on his chair.


    "Ma, leave my older brother alone or did you find someone better than my sister-inw?"


    "..."


    Hearing those words, Madam Lu¡¯s eyes widen with red nostrils. She turns to Lu Han and reach to twist his ear as hard as she could.


    "You unfilial child! How dare you say that to me?! No one here can beparable to my daughter-inw!"


    "Ahh Ahh!"


    Lu Han cried in pain as one hand holds onto the cushion of his chair and one hand hits the table. What about Lu Tian? Why is it always him who has to suffer?


    "Hohoh, its lively here."


    A jolly old voice suddenly sounds at the table surprising the Lu family.


    Madam Lu¡¯s cheeks turns red and she let go of her youngest son¡¯s ear that had turned red.


    Lu Han quickly straightens himself and acts like nothing happened.


    Both the mother and son pair looks at Grandfather Ji with an embarrassed expression. How they pray inside that the old man did not see what happened.


    Grandfather Ji slowly sat back in his seat followed with Zhuang Xie Li. A smile curls on his lip as the wrinkles near his eyes creases more.


    "No need to feel embarrass. We are family after all."


    The space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three lines when he heard the old man¡¯s words. No one knew what he was thinking at this moment.


    Seconds after Grandfather Ji sat down, Housekeeper Hu returns to the old man¡¯s side. He was hesitant but had no choice but to whisper the sudden news to him.


    Listening until the end, Grandfather Ji sighs aloud and nod his head in understanding.


    At the same time, Ji Jingxu and Zhuang Li also returned to their seats. Following after was Ji Chu Hua and her little group.


    However, there was something different, another woman was following behind Ji Chu Hua in avender mermaid dress.


    Seeing this, Ji Jingxu nce at the still empty seat next to his grandfather. He pout his lip then turn to look at Ji Chu Hua and Ning Mei with a disgusted expression which he did not care to hide.


    Housekeeper Hu nce at Ning Mei. Thinking the girl wanted to wish his Master a birthday wish, he did not put much thought to it. He turns away and walks back in the drection of the kitchen.


    Grandfather Ji sighs again and then notices the girl behind Ji Chu Hua. He felt like he has seen this girl before but cannot remember where.


    "Chu Hua, who is this youngdy?"


    When he spoke his question, Ji Chu Hua had just pulled her chair out. Sitting down, she smiles sweetly to her grandfather.


    "Grandfather, this is my little sister, Ning Mei. I noticed there is still a vacant seat there. If grandpa doesn¡¯t mind, can she sit at the table with us?"


    Her index finger points to the empty chair next to him.


    Standing behind Ji Chu Hua, Ning Mei was extremely nervous. She is more afraid of the old man than she is with her own father and grandfather. However, she needs to remain m. Ji Chu Hua is General Ji¡¯s precious granddaughter, so a few words from Ji Chu Hua should allow her to sit at the table.


    Grandfather Ji silently nods his head when he heard Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words. No one knew if he had allowed the girl to sit or was pondering in thoughts.


    Seeing this, Ji Chu Hua took it as approval. She turns to Ning Mei and gesture the girl to quickly sit down.


    As Ning Mei moved around the table to the vacant seat, no one noticed the murderous look in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes.


    Madam Lu looks at Ning Mei and sneers inside. She had heard Lu Han mention that Ning Mei was the woman going around iming herself to be Lu Tian¡¯s fianc¨¦.


    Never has she met the person, but seeing her today, she can tell that Ning Mei is not a clean person.


    Unaware of Madam Lu¡¯s dislike for her, Ning Mei reaches the vacant chair. She was so excited inside that she did not notice that more than half of the people at the table had turned cold towards her.


    "Who said the seat is empty?"


    Suddenly, someone from the table spoke aloud. Ning Mei jumped in fright. She turns her head to look at Lu Tian then Grandfather Ji.


    She ispletely confused now. Everyone saw Grandfather Ji nod his head in approval, so who would say that to her?


    Thinking it was only her imagination, she proceeds to pull the chair out.


    However, before she could even sit down, the same voice spoke again, but much louder this time.


    "I said, who said the seat is empty?!"


    This time, everyone at the table heard the voice. Everyone besides Lu Tian and Grandfather Ji turned to look at the owner.


    Ji Chu Hua crease her brows together as she looked at the person who suddenly spoke.


    "Jingxu, what are you saying? The seat is vacant, so it¡¯s normal for someone to sit."


    Ji Jingxu res at the disgusting woman. His fists clench tightly under the table.


    "Who told you no one is going to sit there? Grandfather hasn¡¯t even said she could sit down."


    The corners of Ji Chu Hua¡¯s lip twitch uncontrobly when she heard this. She wanted to retort back, but the stinking beat was right. Grandfather Ji only nod his head, he did not say whether it was alright for Ning Mei to sit.


    Ning Mei was put in a tight spot. She looks at the young boy with eyes staring daggers at him.


    "I haven¡¯t done anything to wrong you. Why are you treating me this way?"


    Feeling more disgust towards both women, Ji Jingxu move his eyes from Ji Chua Hua and res at Ning Mei.


    "I don¡¯t care who you are. That chair is already taken."


    Ji Chu Hua: "Jingxu, stop making a scene. Ning Mei can sit in it."


    Ji Shao An: "Jingxu, the celebration has been going on for almost two hours now. No has shown up to im the seat. Be a good boy and let your sister Ning Mei sit down."


    Ning Mei held her chin high and scoffed in Ji Jingxu¡¯s direction. She ignores his protests and sits down. From what she thinks, Ji Chu Hua and Ji Shao An hold more authority than the boy.


    However, before she could even pull the chair, Ji Jingxu abruptly stood from his chair making a loud screeching sound.


    "Are you death?! I said you can¡¯t sit there!"


    The loud screech attracted everyone¡¯s attention and all the heads in the room turned to look at the scene.

 Chapter 384 Unforgivable

    "What is going on? What happened?"


    "Why is Miss Ning standing at the main table?"


    "Why is Ji Jingxu so angry?"


    Ji Jingxu did not care that he had caused a scene. He doesn¡¯t care about what others have to say, he¡¯s long been used to it since he was adopted into the Ji family.


    He only knows that right now, no one can sit in that chair. It is reserved for his sister!


    Sitting next to the boy, Zhuang Li looked at his friend with an astonished expression. Ever since he¡¯s known Ji Jingxu, he has never once seen the boy rage like this before.


    Ji Chu Hua takes a deep breath and tries to sweet talk her way with the boy.


    "Jingxu, listen to sister. It¡¯s just a chair, let Ning Mei sit down and stop causing a scene more than you already have."


    She sounded like a loving older sister who was trying to calm her younger brother down. However, deep down, she was cursing at the boy.


    ¡¯This sticky bumpkin is doing too much. It¡¯s just a chair, why is making it sound like the world is going end!¡¯


    Hearing her sweet words, Ji Jingxu¡¯s face scrunch with more disgust than ever. His eyes darken and he growls to her.


    "You¡¯re not my older sister. Don¡¯tpare yourself to her!!"


    Acting like those words had stabbed her in the heart, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s eyes turned moist and she acted like the saddest person in the world.


    Seeing her hurt like this, Gu Ting Fei gently sooth her on the back and looks at Ji Jingxu. He sighs then in a calm voice, he part his lip to speak.


    "Ji Jingxu, why are you saying that? If Chu Hua isn¡¯t your older sister, then who is? Today is your grandfather¡¯s birthday, be nice to your older sister."


    Feeling Gu Ting Fei¡¯s hand on her back, Ji Chu Hua smiles with tearful eyes to the man. Anyone who sees her like this would want toe over and sooth her like how the man is.


    "Thank you, brother Ting Fei, but it is fine. Jingxu is young and has always been like this since young."


    Although her voice was sweet and forgiving, she made sure it was loud enough so everyone in the ballroom could hear. She wanted to embarrass the boy in return for the humiliation her and her father received earlier.


    And just like how she wanted, everyone had heard her words and started whispering to one another.


    "This Ji Jingxu is too much. To have Ji Chu Hua as his older sister is already fortunate enough. How can he be so rude to her?"


    "He¡¯s just an adopted child, how can he treat the nice and gentle Ji Chu Hua this way?"


    "Such an unfilial child. I don¡¯t know why General Ji adopted him."


    Hearing the whispers from everyone in the ballroom, Ji Jingxu was not embarrassed at all.


    Instead, what he felt was nothing but more hate towards Ji Chu Hua. He wanted to argue back but he a hand suddenly stops him.


    He turn to look at the person and one can see his lower lip tremble ever so lightly.


    "Grandfather..."


    Grandfather Ji who had been lost in his own thoughts finally came back to his senses. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he did not expect the situation to be this bad when he came to his senses again.


    He looks up at the boy and shook his head.


    "Jingxu, sit down."


    Doing as he is told, Ji Jingxu could only sit back down. However, his eyes did not forget to re murderously at Ji Chu Hua and Ning Mei. He made sure both people saw the disgust look in his face.


    Seeing that Grandfather Ji had calmed Ji Jingxu down, Ning Mei took it as approval to sit down.


    However, just as she pulls the chair back, it was suddenly pushed back in.


    "..."


    Her eyes blink down with a confused look. Thinking it was her mind ying tricks on her, she pulls the chair again.


    "This seat is upied."


    Before Ning Mei could touch the chair, a deep voice sounds that surprised everyone at the table.


    All the eyes at the main table shifted their gaze to the man who had not spoke a word the entire time. However, his expression remained cold and indifferent as always.


    Ning Mei¡¯s cheek flush and she bashfully spoke, "Brother Lu, I haven¡¯t sat down, so how can the chair already be taken."


    She looked like a little high school girl speaking to her crush for the first time. Except, that was only in her head.


    Lu Han who changes his girlfriends like he changes his shirts wanted to vomit. For the first time in his life, he has never such a sickening woman before. He hasn¡¯t even eaten anything foul and yet he could feel an unsettling sensation in his stomach.


    He slightly turn to his mother and rest his forehead on her shoulder. Covering his mouth he coughs.


    "*Cough No one cough* here cough* is your brother. *cough"


    Lu Tian feign ignorance to his brother¡¯s words. Usually, he would not get involve in other¡¯s matters, but he found Ji Jingxu¡¯s attitude a little odd.


    The chair to his left has been vacant ever since he sat down. So when he saw Ji Jingxu arguing like he was protecting the chair with his life, he decided enough was enough.


    When Ning Mei pulled the chair out, he had ced his left foot on the front right leg to keep it from being pulled out. Doing so, he was able to push the chair back in ce.


    He did so because he thought about his wife. If it had been his wife, she would have taken Ji Jingxu¡¯s side without a second thought.


    Without looking at Ning Mei, his cold voice sounds again.


    "If Jingxu said the seat is taken, then it is taken."


    "..."


    Ning Mei felt like someone had sshed ice cold water over her. She opened and closed her mouth to speak, but she was unable to say anything. She ended up looking like a fish who was on drynd without any water.


    Like the rookie model, everyone¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor. His words were simple, but it was an understanding that Lu Tian is siding with Ji Jingxu. Not only is he taking the boy¡¯s side, it was also a warning.


    However, it was the Lu family that was the most shocked. They knew Lu Tian¡¯s personality more than anyone and he never once led a helping to anyone he is not close with. Unless that person catches his attention...


    Grandfather Ji sighs and decides to put a stop to all the ruckus. It was his fault for being so lost in his own thoughts.


    "Miss Ning, as my grandson said, this seat is taken. I apologize and ask you return to your original table."


    Ning Mei¡¯s jaw dropped even more to the ground. It was already embarrassing enough that everyone¡¯s attention was directed this way. Instead of asking her to sit and avoid humiliation, he actually told her to find another seat.


    She wanted to say something, but when her eyes nce to Ji Chu Hua, she could only swallow back her words.


    Quickly apologizing to them, she lowers her head and returned to her original table.


    However, neither she nor anyone else saw the quick sh of darkness in Grandfather Ji¡¯s eyes.


    The reason his thoughts had drifted so deeply was because he did find Ning Mei¡¯s name familiar.


    After thorough digging his memories, he finally remembered where he had seen and heard about her.


    It was after the fashion show ended. At the time felt it was rather odd because he has seen the way this little girl looked at his granddaughter and it was nothing but pure evil.


    He then told Zhong Yang investigate the rookie model and what he found out truly made his blood boil.


    Watching Ning Mei¡¯s pitiful figure walk away, Grandfather Ji¡¯s eyes slightly narrow.


    This young girl looks so innocent and pure on the outside, but she is just as evil as her family. She was the one who actually dared to drug his precious granddaughter!


    Unforgivable!

 Chapter 385 his speech

    Everything finally settled down and everyone returned to their seats. After Housekeeper Hu¡¯s constant reminder, Grandfather Ji decided it was time to make his speech.


    Something urgent hade up and cause the dy of his granddaughter¡¯s arrival, but it is something he understands she must take care of.


    However, no matter how long it will take, he cannot stall time anymore. It was already gettingte.


    He sighs inside and stood up from his seat with the help of Ji Jingxu. Lightly tapping his wine ss, everyone quiets down and turn to look at him.


    Seeing that he had caught everyone¡¯s attention, Ji Jingxu sat back down and stares up at his grandfather.


    "As you all gather here today, I, Ji Huan have invited you all to celebrate my 75th birthday. I appreciate the time you have taken out of your busy schedules to be here with me. It brings me great joy to know that many of you still consider me despite my old age."


    He pause in his words and turn to the servants. Giving them a light nod, the servants makes their way to each table to pour wine into each person¡¯s ss.


    When he saw that everyone¡¯s ss is filled, he slightly raise his ss to the guests and continues his speech.


    "Many of you know that Ji Jingxu is my adopted grandson. Today, I want you all to remember this."


    Saying this, he takes a deep breath and his hand holding the ss lowers a little as he looks at Ji Jingxu.


    "I never once regretted bringing him into my life. Anyone who speaks ill of him will be speaking ill of me."


    He wants everyone here to know and never to criticize the boy ever again. His love for the boy is the equal amount of love he has for granddaughter. After today, he does not want anyone to look down on the boy he considers his own flesh and blood.


    A sharp pain pierce inside Ji Jingxu¡¯s heart. He stares at his grandfather with slightly moist eyes. Only he and assistant Zhong know about the old man¡¯s health. However, why is he making it sound like he is going to leave them...


    Grandfather Ji could see the boy on the verge of having a break down.


    Ji Jingxu knows about his health but the boy does not know that he does not have much longer to live. Any day can best, so he wants to set a warning to those who cannot seem to grasp how much he loves the boy.


    He faintly smiles and looks back to the guests.


    "I know someone of you have noticed that I have been stalling my speech, and I thank those of you for being patient with an old man like myself. I will not hide anything. I was purposely stalling time."


    His eyes scanned across the room and smiles happily with a glisten in his eyes.


    "I want to tell everyone here that not only do I have a grandson, but also a granddaughter. Both of them are the roots that hold my heart intact."


    When Ji Chu Hua heard him mention granddaughter, she was grinning inside with happiness. However, she pretended to be emotionally touched on the outside as a faint sniffle sound escapes from her.


    Gu Ting Feng and Ji Shao An gently pat her shoulders as if to sooth her.


    As everyone saw this, they were touched by the old man¡¯s words and Ji Chu Hua¡¯s emotional breakdown.


    Of course, this did not include the Lu family and the Zhuang father and son. They were only touched by Grandfather Ji¡¯s words, not the woman¡¯s fake tears.


    Grandfather Ji heaves a heavy sigh before continuing his words.


    "Although, I did not watch my granddaughter grow up like how I did with my grandson, she has always been in my heart. Jingxu and her are the joy to my world. As long as I am still breathing, I will make sure that no harm everes to them."


    Ji Jingxu¡¯s lower lip trembles more and he lower his head to close his eyes. He forces his tears to not fall as it was his grandfather¡¯s birthday. The old man is still here with him, he is not going anywhere.


    Grandfather Ji part his lips to speak, but he suddenly froze in ce.


    His eyes stares unmoving in the direction of the back where the entrance was.


    Lu Han being the noisy person he is notices this and turns his head to see what caught the old man¡¯s attention. However, the moment he saw what it was, his jaw dropped into a ¡¯O¡¯ as a surprise gasps resounds from him.


    Hearing his sudden voice, everyone couldn¡¯t help but turn their head in the same direction.


    A stunning girl dressed in a silky dark green dress slowly enters the ballroom. Her tall and slender figure fitted perfectly with the shape of her dress.


    The top part of her dress was designed off-the-shoulder with long sleeves down to her wrists. The a-line part of her skirt flows down to the floor covering her feet.


    Her long ck hair was bounded into a loose bun at her nape as loose strands of hair curl to the frame her smooth and heart shape face.


    Under the shiny light of the ballroom, her wless and astounding beauty rouse everyone into gasps of admiration instantly. Especially her face that looked like God had spent his time to carve.


    A faint smile can be seen on her crimson red lips.


    It made everyone¡¯s heart palpitate with eagerness. A luster shone in her attractive bluish green eyes like they contained a gxy of stars.


    Although she had the look of a delicate girl, her aura was extremely refined unlike anything from this world.


    In a split second, everyone was drawn in a daze to the stunning figure that just appeared. However, everyone recognized her the moment she stepped inside.


    "She¡¯s too beautiful."


    "This look... this aura... I thought Ji Chu Hua¡¯s looks were outstanding, but I did not expect there to be someone with even better looks. Why is she here?"


    Every guest at the scene, no matter male or female waspletely speechless.


    They know she is remarkably beautiful, but to see her in person, everyone felt the word beautiful could not describe her at all.


    Ji Chu Hua looks at the woman with aplicated gaze. She observes her graceful steps and realizes she was walking closer and closer towards them. Her brows slightly furrow, and a bad feeling inexplicably rouse in her heart.


    Like everyone else inside the ballroom, Madam Lu and Old Lu were shocked to the core. Neither were in their right mind.


    Lu Han remained rooted to his chair with his mouth still widely opened. Without looking away from the beauty, he fumbles with his left hand to tug on his older brother¡¯s sleeve.


    "Bro... Bro... Are you seeing this too? Am I dreaming? This is a dream, right?"


    He felt everything that is happening at this moment is like a dream. He knows exactly who this stunning woman is, but for some reason he could not say her name at all. It¡¯s like his brain had toss her name away.


    Unlike everyone else, Lu Tian did not care who the new guest is or if she is beautiful as the whispers.


    To him, his Yue Ling is the most beautiful. Plus, if he looked at another woman, pretty or ugly, he felt he would be betraying his faithfulness to his wife.


    He just wishes that Grandfather Ji would hurry up with his speech so that he (Lu Tian) can leave. He really wants to see his wife.


    Just when everyone was immerse in a daze, they see her walking directly to Grandfather Ji¡¯s table.


    Stopping behind the empty seat, she nce to Ji Jingxu with a light nod, then looks at the old man.


    She ignored all the stunned looks from the people around and those at the table. Her red lip arcs up into a captivating smile as her straight white teethes to view.


    "Happy birthday, yeye. Sorry I cameter than promised."


    Her natural sweet and soft voice melted everyone¡¯s heart.


    Even the cold and aloof Lu Tian who didn¡¯t have a care about this person felt his body stiffened at her voice.


    His eyes never moved from the table, but when he felt a slight wind brush his back as she approached, he felt it was oddly familiar. However, he did not think much about it.


    Even when she stood right next to him, he could smell her natural and unique fragrance that reminded him of his wife. However, he also didn¡¯t think much about it.


    That was until she spoke.


    It was the voice that he is most familiar with.


    It was the voice that he loves to hear the most.


    It was the voice of the person he had been eager to see.


    He, who had not once moved, slowly turn his head to the left. Even if it was only the side of her face, he felt like a statue that shattered and was gifted life.


    Lu Han noticed his brother¡¯s reaction and he nudge him with his elbow.


    "See, I tried to tell you. Sister-inw is so beautiful that even you are shocked speechless. Huh? Huh?"


    Lu Tian heard his younger brother¡¯s teasing words, but he did not care.


    His eyes right now are currently too focused on the person he has been wanting to see....


    His wife...

 Chapter 386 your friend

    Grandfather Ji ignored all the stares andughs in a heartily tone. He sighs in a big relief as he takes her hand and turn to look at the confused and surprised guests.


    "Everyone, I would like to introduce you all to someone."


    Hearing his words, everyone leaned in as if not wanting to miss an important news.


    "As you all know, I have only one child and that is my daughter, Ji An Ling. My daughter married my son-inw, Han Min Joon and moved away. For those who are unfamiliar with my son-inw, he also goes by the name, Han Lin Qing."


    At the mention of the names, everyone gasp in more shock than they already have.


    They have not heard of a Han Min Joon, but they have heard of Han Lin Qing. He is the deceased CEO of H-International in City Z.


    Grandfather Ji sighs a heart aching smile at the mention of his daughter and son-inw.


    "What the world did not know is that, my daughter and son-inw gave birth to a beautiful girl."


    He turns back to look at his granddaughter and a proud smile curls on his lip.


    "And that girl is the lovely girl standing right here."


    He raise the wind ss in his hand and looks at the invited guests.


    "My real and only granddaughter, Han Yue Ling."


    Everyone froze in silence at the sudden words from the birthday man. No one expected this kind of news at all. They had always believed that Ji Chu Hua was the only granddaughter, but it turns out, Han Yue Ling is the real one.


    What kind of news is this?!


    Ji Chu Hua¡¯s face pales even more than when she saw Yue Ling walked in through those doors. Both her hands curl into tight fists as she clench her dress.


    Her murderous eyes did not leave Yue Ling¡¯s face at all.


    Ever since she was young, she had always thought that Yue Ling was a cousin rtive. When she heard that her aunty Ji An Ling was sterile, she was even happier. She may be born from the second Ji family, but as the only daughter closest to the main family, she held the position of granddaughter to both grandfathers and the sole heiress to Ji Corps.


    However, never would she have thought that Han Yue Ling turned out to be the true heiress to Ji Corps.


    Now she understood why every time her and her cousin brothers pick on Ji Jingxu, Yue Ling would always stood up for the boy. She was not some distant rtive, but his very own sister!


    Thinking this, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s eyes subconsciously wonders away only tond on the man next to her.


    Seeing the look on his face, jealousy and anger rouse more inside her.


    Seated next to the woman fuming in rage, Gu Ting Fei stares at Yue Ling like a lovestruck maniac who found his soulmate.


    He has long heard about this supermodel. Her face was on the front cover of every magazine in Imperial. However, he never got to meet her in person until now.


    His eyes continued to stare at her perfect face, then slowly lowers to the curves of her body. His eyes couldn¡¯t help but stop at her chest. Although her cleaveage is barely noticeable, one thing he knows is that her perfectly round breasts are way bigger than Ji Chu Hua¡¯s.


    He struggles a gulp from his dry throat as he could feel the lower part of his body rise. Quickly, he shift his attention elsewhere. Anymore and he won¡¯t be able to stand up.


    Thinking no one saw him, he calms himself down. However, Gu Ting Fei did not know that his movements were noticed.


    Lu Tian who was just as shocked as everyone had finally calmed down. The granddaughter his mother has been nagging him to meet is not Ji Chu Hua, but his wife!


    Now everything made sense.


    When he left Imperial to City Z, Xu Long did follow her to the Ji Mansion. He thought it was because her paternal grandfather was friends with Grandfather Ji, but it turns out to be deeper than that.


    Grandfather Ji isn¡¯t a family friend but her actual maternal grandfather.


    However, as he stares up at his stunning wife, he suddenly heard a buzzing sound lurking nearby. His eyes then caught sight of the man who ims to be Ji Chu Hua¡¯s boyfriend.


    ¡¯How dare this fly vite my wife with his filthy eyes!!¡¯


    A few seats from the vinegar eating man, Madam Lu could only keep her eyes on Yue Ling. Everything Grandfather Ji said did not enter her ears at all.


    The longer she stares at Yue Ling, the more she could see the resemnce of her friend, Ji An Ling. It was no wonder why she thought they looked so much alike.


    Eighteen years ago she met a little girl and now, eighteen yearster, that little girl has grown into a fine young woman.


    Her lower lip begins to tremble, and she slowly reach to hold her husband¡¯s hand.


    "Dear... It has been her all this time..."


    Seated to her right, Old Lu¡¯s feelings were not inferior to his wife¡¯s. No words can express how he is feeling at this moment. However, seeing his wife on the verge of tears, he takes a deep breath to steady himself.


    As her husband and head of the Lu family, he should be the one who holds everything together for them.


    He intwine their fingers together and gently squeeze her hand. It was his way of letting her know that he felt the same as she does.


    Unaware of those at the table, Yue Ling carefully helps her grandfather sit down in his chair. With her eyes locked on the old man, she slowly pulls the chair next to him.


    Unlike the scene that happened with Ning Mei, no one stopped her from sitting.


    Just when she was about to sit down, from the corners of her eyes, she could see the person seated to her right suddenly stand.


    Even at her taller height of 180 centimeters, this person still overshadowed her like a dark shadow.


    Her brows slightly furrow as she turns, but before she could even turn to look at person, she felt a sudden warmth drape over her shoulders and transfers to her body.


    With furrow brows, she looks down at the item that gave her warmth.


    Seeing what it was, her brows furrow more as a thought came to her mind.


    Why does this smell like Lu Tian?


    Thinking this, she turns to look at the person who had abruptly stood up. However, what she saw dumbfounded her.


    After Lu Tian saw the way Gu Ting Fei was staring at his wife, it was then that he noticed the gazes of the other single men. They all looked like a pack of hungry wolves waiting to devour their prey.


    Annoyed with the eyes of these flies, he wished so badly to go up to each person and dig their eyes out for having such filthy thoughts towards his wife. However, if he did, it would be rude of him as this was Grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday.


    Knowing he cannot do as he wishes, he abruptly stood from his chair and removes his tuxedo jacket.


    cing it over his wife¡¯s shoulders, he sighs inside. She is too beautiful that no matter where she does, she always attract attention.


    Yue Ling stares at the man with widen eyes. Shocked? No... That word cannot even describe how she is feeling at this moment.


    She knew he was acquaintances with her grandfather, but when he asked her to go with him to his friend¡¯s birthday, she never thought this friend was her grandfather!


    By the word friend, it can be anybody!


    If she had know, she would have came here with him.


    She chuckles in disbelief and looks at him with a wide grin. It was as if this was the most surprising thing that has ever happened to her.


    "Tian, your friend is my yeye?"


    Seeing her smile that always melts his heart, Lu Tian sighs inside but nod his head with a simple ¡¯Mm¡¯. However, remembering how she only wore a dress, he purse his lip and pulls thepel of his jacket together.


    "Why are you dressed so thin?"


    Not wanting other men to eye his woman¡¯s curvy body, he wraps her in his jacket like a spring roll.


    It wasn¡¯t only because of other men that he is doing this, but also because he does not want her to catch a cold. It would not be good for their child.


    Until her upper body waspletely out of sight, he sighs a very tiny smile only for her to see.


    "Wear my jacket for now. It will keep you warm."


    Before she could respond to him, he ce a hand on her back and helps her sit down.

 Chapter 387 then who else?

    "Are the rumors true then? Are Han Yue Ling and Lu Tian really an item?"


    "From their interaction at the fashion show, I think they were already in a rtionship."


    "Han Yue Ling just revealed herself to be De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer and now, it is reveal that she is General Ji¡¯s granddaughter! What will the world think if this news was release?"


    "Since her father is Han Lin Qing, does that mean she is the current CEO of H-International?"


    Everyone in the ballroom were more shocked than they were during the fashion show. Yue Ling is a retired model who already held a prominent figure in Imperial. However, the news of her being the fashion designer of De L¡¯amour was already mind blowing.


    No one has yet to recover from such shock, but now, not only one news but more news are added to shock them.


    She is the true heiress of Ji Corps and her background is not simple. Her father was a very well-known person throughout the entire continent.


    As the granddaughter of General Ji, theres no mistaking that she must be the current mysterious CEO of her father¡¯spany, H-International.


    Even her rtionship to the famous business king cannot be overlooked.


    Lu Tian is one of Imperial¡¯s wealthiest man and the most eligible bachelor. There had never been any scandals of him with anyone, until now. Seeing how he treats Yue Ling everyone can confirm their curiosity.


    Staring at the main table of Yue Ling and Lu Tian, a young woman sighs inside. She was one of the many girls who admires Lu Tian, but seeing how good the man treats the model, she faintly smiles.


    "If CEO Lu and Han Yue Ling are a pair, I have nothing against them. One is handsome while the other is beautiful. Truly a match made in heaven."


    "I agree, I also support their ship! They are my new power couple!"


    Another woman at the same table calls out cheerfully. Everyone knows that Lu Tian is cold towards not only women but also men. However, seeing how he can be so gentle and soft towards Yue Ling, it means that he indeed loves her very much.


    So, instead of hating on their rtionship, why not support their love!


    Hearing the two women, a single man at the table furrow his brows.


    "Hey, how can you all pair our ideal goddess with the cold and ruthless, Lu Tian?"


    The first woman who spoke scoffs at the man. "What? If not Lu Tian, then who else? You think you are Han Yue Ling¡¯s match?"


    Their conversation soon turned into a friendly argument, but no one notice the short hair girl sitting at the table next to them.


    Ning Mei res at them with burning rage and jealousy inside. First, it was Ji Chu Hua who stole the spotlight and then it was her embarrassment at the main table. Now, this slut Han Yue Ling dares to walk in and catch everyone¡¯s attention.


    Angry and irritated of the people around mentioning Yue Ling¡¯s name, Ning Mei downs her ss of wine in one gulp. A glint of sinister thought shes in her eyes and she abruptly stood from her seat.


    Ignoring the fact that the birthday celebration has not ended, she walks out of the ballroom without looking back.


    ¡¯Han Yue Ling! I¡¯ll make you disappear from the world!¡¯


    That¡¯s right, she will tell Lu Tian about the night of Yue Ling¡¯s farewell party. Although her n failed at the time, she knows that with the drug she used, a cold bath would not solve the problem. Yue Ling needed a man to cure her. A little switch of words and Lu Tian will surely leave the slut!


    Unknown to Ning Mei¡¯s sinsiter plot, Madam Lu and Old were more dumfounded than the guests.


    The Lu Tian they know had never once dated a girl, let along go near the opposite sex. His face would scrunch in disgust and be angry even when a girl idently touches his clothes.


    However, seeing him all loving and doting towards Yue Ling, they couldn¡¯t help but think about the night he brought her over for dinner.


    Instead of being call the King of Business, he should be called the King of Jealousy!


    Madam Lu shook her head and looks at Grandfather Ji with a smile, "Uncle, if it is alright with you, after your birthday celebration, I would like to chat with Yue Ling and get to know her better."


    Hearing the sudden words, Grandfather Ji slightly frown. If he knows that Yue Ling and Lu Tian are together, shouldn¡¯t the Lu family know this too?


    Thinking this, he turns to look at Yue Ling then a smile curl on his stern face. Whether the Lu family knows or not does not matter. The secret is already out.


    "Mm. I do not mind as long as Ah Ling is willing."


    Yue Ling turn her attention away from Lu Tian to her grandfather and Madam Lu. With slightly furrow brows, she thought about the woman¡¯s words.


    They had already met, but why would she say she wanted to get to know her better?


    Thinking that it must be something polite to do since it is revealed that she is her yeye¡¯s granddaughter, she nods her head.


    "Mm, we can chat after the celebration."


    However, what Yue Ling did not know is that, Madam Lu wanted to meet her not as the retired supermodel or the designer of De L¡¯amour. She wanted too meet Yue Ling as the daughter of her dear friend who left this world.


    Ji Chu Hua watched everything happen in jealousy. She wishes so badly to go over to Yue Ling and rip the slut into shreds.


    She was the granddaughter who was supposed to chat with Madam Lu. How did it be Yue Ling? How is she supposed to get close to Lu Tian now?


    Oblivious to the woman¡¯s inner feelings, Madam Luughs heartily as she looks at Yue Ling and Lu Tian then Grandfather Ji.


    "Uncle, this is perfect. Both children had already met before we even introduced them to each other."


    Grandfather Ji also looks at Yue Ling and Lu Tian.


    He does not have much longer to live and hopes to see the day she marries. From the way Lu Tian looks at Yue Ling, he can tell that the boy¡¯s feelings are genuine. Unlike the way Gu Ting Fei stared at his granddaughter like a hungry wolf.


    If he wants to protect Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu from the snakes hiding within the Ji family and those outside, he needed to find someone powerful. Someone who he knows will be able to keep them both safe.


    And with Lu Tian and the Lu family at their side, there¡¯s no way others will dare to harm them.


    Ji Jingxu was also happy to know his older sister is being taken care of. He had his doubts about Lu Tian, but now, he can rest assure that Lu Tian will not break Yue Ling¡¯s heart.


    While the conversation continued at the main table, no one noticed how nervous Yue Ling was despite her looking calm on the outside.


    She really did not expect to meet Lu Tian here, however, she must collect herself together. She made a promise to her yeye and there was no turning back.


    As she thought to herself, she felt a sudden cold touch on the back on her hand that was resting on herp.


    Though it was cold, it somehow brought warmth to her.


    Yue Ling turn her head to the right and looks at Lu Tian.


    The man remained expressionless, but as her eyes met the side of his face, hisrge hand gently slides his fingers between hers and held a firm grip.


    She couldn¡¯t help but blush as the nervous feeling she had quickly disappears in ease.


    Knowing that he is here with her, she inhales a deep breath and turn to look at her grandfather.


    "Yeye, I want to formally introduce you to someone."

 Chapter 388 in his head

    Having the old man¡¯s attention, Yue Ling smiles to him and slightly moves so that the old man could see Lu Tian.


    "Yeye, this is Lu Tian. My fianc¨¦."


    Grandfather Ji stares at Yue Ling with a surprise look. He acted like this was his first time hearing such news from her, despite she had already dropped the bomb on him.


    Of course, he had to act this way, because if the Lu family knew that he already knows, they would be so angry with him for keeping such important secret. Especially Madam Lu. Even if he is an elder to her, she will go on and on without stopping.


    Seeing his look, Yue Ling scoffs inside. If she could roll her eyes in front of the many people here, she would have done so.


    However, since it is his birthday, she will let him off the hook.


    "Ha¡ª Y-You¡¯re fianc¨¦?"


    Thinking his reaction was not enough, Grandfather Ji decided to be more realistic. He gasps his words and he covers his mouth. His eyes widens more as if the news had shocked him to the core.


    "..."


    Both granddaughter and grandson stares at the old man with heavy eyes and a dumbfounded expression.


    To the right of the old man, Yue Ling felt like her grandfather was exaggerating the news since he already knows about her and Lu Tian.


    To the left of the old man, Ji Jingxu felt the same as his sister. The old man had been going on about letting the two people meet, but now that he¡¯s heard such news, he would act like it was the biggest surprise in the entire world.


    Oblivious to Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian slightly nod his head to the old man.


    "Grandfather Ji, pardon my introductionst time at the hospital. If I had known Yue Ling was your granddaughter, I would have properly introduced myself. I hope you can give us your blessings."


    Although his reaction was calm, deep down he is just as surprised as everyone else here. Never would he have thought that his wife is the granddaughter of Grandfather Ji.


    Thinking of how he introduced his wife to the old man when they encountered at Imperial Military Hospital, he must have looked like fool to them.


    Of course, fool or not, he does not care. Knowing that his wife is the old man¡¯s family is the greatest thing. Both families are well acquaintances. So, if he has to be a fool, he is willing to as long as he has her by his side.


    Grandfather Ji chuckles at Lu Tian¡¯s words and wave his hand.


    "I am happy to know that you both are together. You have my blessings."


    As the discussion escted withughter, Ji Chu Hua heaves heavily with tightly clenched fists under the table. The more she stares at Yue Ling, the more her blood began to boil.


    She is also a daughter from the Ji family, but why is her luck not as great as the slut.


    Thinking this way, she inhales a mouthful of air that caused her body to slightly shake. So what if Yue Ling is the old man¡¯s read granddaughter. Sixty percent of those associated with Ji Corps is on her side.


    Once the timees and the old man dies, they will definitely choose her as the CEO.


    Satisfy with this thought, Ji Chu Hua felt she has had enough of Yue Ling being the center of attention.


    She gently tug on Gu Ting Fei¡¯s sleeve and whispers in a pitiful, yet soft voice to him. She already lost her chance with Lu Tian, so as of now, she cannot lose this man either.


    "Brother Ting Fei, I... I¡¯m not feeling well, can you take me to rest?"


    Gu Ting Fei was currently stealing nces at Yue Ling despite her being Lu Tian¡¯s woman. However, when he heard Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words, his brows furrow.


    Although she spoke in a coquettish voice that can arouse any man, he didn¡¯t feel like leaving the celebration. Turning to look at her, he wanted to tell her no, but his eyes caught sight of Grandfather Ji and Ji Shao An looking in his direction.


    Both the elder and middle-aged men had heard her ask him.


    ncing at Yue Ling, he sighs in self-pity and reluctantly agrees to go with Ji Chu Hua.


    "General Ji, I will have to excuse myself to help Ji Chu Hua take rest."


    Seeing that he has agreed, Ji Chu Hua sighs a smile in relief. She looks at Grandfather Ji and gives him an apologetic look.


    "Grandfather, I am not feeling too well. I will go rest for a bit if grandfather does not mind. Once my head feels better I will return to see you open your gifts."


    Grandfather Ji looks at the young couple, then nod his head, "Mm, you may go."


    As the head of the Ji family, he had also watch her grow up to know when she is speaking the truth and when she is lying.


    Despite her sickly look, he knows that Ji Chu Hua is faking her sickness because she does not want to be in the same room with someone who gets more attention than her.


    However, remembering how Ji Chu Hua was bullying Ji Jingxu, he smiles to her.


    "Chu Hua, I do not wish to kill one to warn a hundred."


    Just as Ji Chu Hua stood from her seat with the help of Gu Ting Fei, the color of her face pale at the old man¡¯s words. Not only her, but everyone nearby who heard also paled with her.


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s expression was like a caring grandfather, but his words were a warning. Although he had directed those words to her, it was something that refers to everyone else.


    She was the first to cross his line when she picked on Ji Jingxu and others were dumb enough to follow along. If he has to, he will not hesitate to punish her as an example to others.


    While Ji Chu Hua¡¯s legs turn weak, Gu Ting Fei did not notice that the old man¡¯s words were directed at her. Others had bad mouth Ji Jingxu, so he thought Grandfather Ji was using this time to warn everyone else.


    He was currently stuck in stares at Yue Ling as regret crawls inside him. However, he had already agreed to take Ji Chu Hua.


    A long sigh escapes his lips and he faintly smiles to the model.


    "It was a pleasure to finally meet Miss Han in person. Regrettably, I must take my leave."


    Yue Ling looks at the man. She wanted to bid him farewell, but before she could even part her lips, the hand holding hers tightens with great strength.


    Unable to say a word, she force a smile and nod her head to the man. However, under the table, her right foot did not forget to step Lu Tian¡¯s left foot with all the strength she has.


    Lu Tian showed no reaction at all. His face did not even wince at the pain. It was as if her foot that stomped onto his was a light feather that softlynded his foot.


    Seeing her captivating smile, Gu Ting Fei was once again turned into a lovestruck man. If it had not been for Ji Chu Hua pulling him away, he would have probably stood rooted in ce for who knows how long.


    Yue Ling lightly shook her head at the departing pair.


    Since it is known that she is the real granddaughter of her grandfather, she knows that Ji Chu Hua will not sit ideally and let it go.


    However, what ever Ji Chu Hua ns to do, whether it be tomorrow, a few days, a month or even a year from now, she will be ready.


    To protect her yeye and Ji Jingxu, she will protect them. Even if she has to sell her soul to the devil himself.


    As she thought this, the hand gripping onto hers had not loosen one bit.


    Turning to look at Lu Tian, she smiles to him and strengthens her grip on his. Her smile was so wide that her eyes turned into upside down cresents.


    Feeling her sudden response, Lu Tian looks at her and loosens his grip, but only a little.


    Both individual paid no attention to the people around and converse in a nonverbalmunication.


    However, neither were aware that the man seated on the other side of Lu Tian was in full attention of their interaction.


    Lu Han ced both his arms on the table. His right hand held his chin as his left rested under. He stares at the two lovebirds in wonder.


    Do they know that there are single people like him still here?


    Staring at them, he couldn¡¯t help but voice their facial expressions into words in his head.


    He change his voice into a girl and pretends to be bashful Yue Ling in his head, ¡¯Stop it. Stop staring at me like that. It¡¯s embarrassing.¡¯


    Now for his brother, he made sure to deepen his voice as much as he can, ¡¯Don¡¯t smile at other men.¡¯

 Chapter 389 Springtime Memories

    As the celebration continues into the night, the arrival time came for Grandfather Ji to open his gifts.


    Seated in the chair he sat when the guests first arrived, each person wait for their turn to hand in their gifts for him.


    Outside the Ji Mansion, the vehicles belonging to each invited guest are parked in a neatly order.


    However, in the darkness with only the moon shining above, a chauffer is currently standing outside of a white Mercedes.


    asionally, he would blow on his hands to add warmth as the night is cold. Even in the dark, one can see how red his face is as he would nce at the white car.


    Looking at the dark tinted window of the car, his face turns redder and he quickly advert his eyes while trying to distract his mind. However, due to the window being left opened a little, he can hear the faint sounds inside and the constant shaking of the car.


    "Mmf... Mm... Ah... Ting... Fei..."


    Inside the backseat of the white Mercedes, Gu Ting Fei and Ji Chu Hua were half naked. The man sat in the center while Ji Chu Hua sat on top of him with her legs spread apart at his sides. Her figure bounces up and down in rhythm as she rides him.


    She had purposely said she was not feeling well so that they coulde out and do this. She needed to distract his attention away from the slut, Yue Ling. He is her strong backer as of now and she cannot lose him.


    Just as both individuals were about to reach their own highest peak of pleasure, faint voices can be heard in the distance.


    "I wonder what General Ji¡¯s granddaughter is going to gift the old man."


    "Let¡¯s hurry and finish our cigarettes before we miss the chance to see."


    It was two middle-aged men who had came out for a quick smoke. Neither were aware of the moving car in the distance as each person rush through their cigarette.


    However, only taking a few puffs, they quickly killed their cigarettes and returned inside the ballroom. At the same time, Gu Ting Fei had released his load into the woman above him when he heard the two men talking outside.


    His eyes lit up and without a care whether she reached her own bliss or not, he quickly push her off of him. Reaching for a wet wipe, he cleans himself and fixes his clothes.


    "Chu Hua fix yourself. We should hurry back in since you promised your grandfather that you would return to see him open the gifts."


    "..."


    Now sitting on the backseat, Ji Chu Hua was tongue tied as she stares at the man in utter disbelief.


    She was almost there, but he had suddenly pushed her away the second he was done.


    However, hearing his words, she could only purse her lip bitterly. She did tell the old man that she would return.


    She curse inside for making such a stupid promise and reluctantly fix her dress and hair.


    Inside the ballroom, no one was aware or cared about the intimacy act that had taken ce out in the parking lot.


    Everyone continued to gather around the center of the ballroom in wait of their turn to give the old man his gift.


    By now, Grandfather Ji had already opened a total of fifty gifts.


    He had hope to open either Yue Ling or Ji Jingxu¡¯s gifts first, but the two brats said they will wait in line with everyone else until it is their turn.


    As he opens one gift at a time, it was the Lu family¡¯s turn.


    Old Lu walks toward the old man with a long red box in hand while his wife matched his pace on the right.


    The middle-aged couple stops in front of the man and slowly gesture a bow.Old Lu then pass the box to two male servants standing at the side.


    "Uncle, my wife and I would like to present this gift to you. We hope that it will be of your liking."


    Seeing the gift, the guests were curious to see what it was. Those in the back of the line could not help but raise on their tip toes to catch a glimpse.


    "What can it be?"


    "Is it a sword? The box looks like it can fit a sword."


    "Are you an idiot? Why would Old Lu and Madam Lu gift General Ji a sword? It¡¯s a taboo for such gift to be given."


    Hearing the words of those speaking, Grandfather Ji was just as curious as everyone. However, he knows that Madam Lu and Old Lu would never give him any sharp items as a gift.


    He looks at both the servants and nod his head. Seeing this, one man held onto the box while the other opened the lid.


    Unlike the sharp item everyone had anticipated, inside was a rolled up handscroll. It was 70 cm in width and from one nce, anyone can see how valuable this gift is.


    The servant holding the box walks over to Grandfather Ji and moves the box closer so the old man can get a better view of the gift.


    Grandfather Ji smiles and takes the handscroll out. He made sure to be extra careful incase the item was too fragile.


    Doing so, he slowly begins to unfold the handscroll with attentive eyes to see what will be revealed inside.


    "Uncle, let me help you."


    Old Lu chuckles seeing the old man like a little child opening gifts excitedly. He walks over to the old man and held onto the edge so that Grandfather Ji could unravel the remaining.


    As Grandfather Ji continues to unfold the gift, Old Lu would asionally take a few steps to let the piecee to view.


    Until the end, both men held onto their own side of the now opened handscroll and gaze at the gift in view.


    It was a handscroll painting at the length of 127cm. In ck ink,ndscape stter softly as a gentle river flow in the center traveling to the far horizon.


    The only color are the specks of pink that brush into cherry blossoms.


    At the bottom corner of the painting entitled, ¡¯Springtime Memories.¡¯


    Staring at the piece of artwork, Grandfather Ji felt as if he had been transmitted into the painting. He couldn¡¯t help but think about his wife. The only woman he vowed his heart to.


    Many thinks that he admires cherry blossoms because he nted many cherry blossom trees around the Ji Mansion, but that is not the truth.


    The truth is, he honestly prefers peach blossoms, but it was his dear wife... she loves cherry blossoms and enjoyed watching them bloom. Thus, he nted the trees for her.


    Holding the scroll up with one hand, his other gently trace over the painted cherry blossoms.


    A faint smile curls on his lip and looks at Old Lu then Madam Lu.


    "Thank you for this generous gift."

 Chapter 390 Five Drunken Generals

    "Is that what I think it is? Springtime Memories?"


    An elderly man who admires artifacts gasp in surprise as he was able to catch a glimpse of the breath-taking painting. Even from away, he knows art when he sees it, and this was a piece beyond anything he has everid eyes on.


    Hearing the man, another man also gasp, "You said Springtime Memories? I heard the painting was sold for 230 million yuan to an anonymous buyer. I would have never thought that the buyer was Old Lu."


    Grandfather Ji is also a collector of artifacts, especially when there is a long history behind it. However, when he heard the price of the gift, he looks at Old Lu inplex and astonishment.


    He did not think the Lu family would be so generous to actually spend that amount on him.


    He continues to look at Old Lu and sighs.


    "This gift is too valuable. I do not think I can keep it."


    Old Lu and Madam Lu were struck dumbfounded. The husband and wife looks at each other then to the old man.


    "Uncle, this is a gift from us to you. Please take it as our gratitude for all the years you have been our elder."


    Madam Lu smiles her words at the old man. After the death of her father, Grandfather Ji had taken on the role as her uncle and a father figure. He is the only elder she is close with and greatly respects.


    Standing closer to Grandfather Ji, Old Lu sighs a smile as he nods his head in agreeing with his wife¡¯s words.


    The old man is indeed like a father to him too.


    Many people did not know, but his father, Madam Lu¡¯s father, Yue Ling¡¯s paternal grandfather, Manager Luo and Grandfather Ji were the closest of friends.


    The word ¡¯friendship¡¯ cannot even describe the bond they share. These five figures together are like brothers more than friends.


    However, now, it was only Grandfather Ji and Manager Luo who are still here with them.


    Hearing Madam Lu¡¯s words, Grandfather Ji sighs inside. His head nod once as he waves the servants to put the gift in a safe spot.


    Just as Madam Lu and Old Lu took a step aside, it was Lu Tian¡¯s turn.


    As the tall and cold man walks towards the old man, Old Lu passes his oldest son with a face as if say, ¡¯Hoho, let¡¯s see if your gift can beat mine.¡¯


    Seeing this, Lu Tian shook his head. At times, he feels his father can be quite childish. Especially when ites to gifting someone something.


    Stopping in front of the old man, both his hand stretch forward to give the man his gift.


    It was a dark wooden box that looked like it would fall apart if someone was not careful. Even pieces of the woods are missing.


    However, he did not care. He stood in front of the old man and part his lips to speak.


    "A long time ago, I remember you said you regretted not buying this. I hope your interest in this has not faded."


    Handing it to the old man, he takes a step back.


    Grandfather Ji narrow his eyes at the oldest Lu boy. He ponder in thought about Lu Tian¡¯s words but could not seem to recall not buying something he was interested in.


    However, staring at the wooden box in his hands, he is curious to know what is inside that made Lu Tian say such words.


    He unhooks thetch that sealed the box closed and opens the lid.


    Watching from a distance, everyone still in line stares attentively to see what Lu Tian had buy. Even they wonder if it would be able to outshine Old Lu and Madam Lu¡¯s gifts.


    Grandfather Ji slowly lifts the lid and when his eyesnded on an old and faded scroll. Upon it¡¯s features, his hands slowly began to tremble.


    "What is it? What did Lu Tian gift General Ji?"


    "Is the old man happy or angry at the gift?"


    Whispers soon surface around the room as everyone tries to guess what the gift was and what the old man was feeling based on his reaction.


    However, Grandfather Ji ignores all the whispers with eyes locked inside the box at the scroll.


    He had seen this once at an auction, but it was very long time ago. Though it was only once, he has never forgotten how it looked it at the time.


    Taking a deep breath, he slowly reach inside the box and trace the scroll with careful, yet trembling fingers. He was afraid that if he was not careful, the scroll will disappear.


    Even blinking was not an option for him. One blink and he felt like the scroll would disappear and everything will turn into a dream.


    He stood from his seat and walks over to a long table that had been set up for the gifts.


    Setting the scroll down, he struggle a gulp as he slowly begins to unfold it.


    Unlike the time he did with Old Lu¡¯s scroll, this time he made sure to be extra cautious.


    The scroll appeared to be half the width of Springtime Memories, but it was longer.


    One stroke turned into two, then three.


    Until Grandfather Ji had unfold the entire scroll, it was five strokes in total.


    Each stroke painted a figure clothe in ancient attire riding their own horses with a expression like the group was on a worldly adventure.


    At the bottom corner entitled, ¡¯Five Drunken Generals.¡¯


    Staring at the painting, Grandfather Ji felt his eyes turn moist as memories of the past flood his mind like meteors in the sky.


    Old Lu and Madam Lu¡¯s gift had reminded him of his wife, while Lu Tian¡¯s reminded him of his good friends.


    "Twenty years ago, I remember seeing this painting at an auction with you. You were very interested in it but in the end, you did not buy it."


    From the side, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice spoke as he stood next to the old man. He also stares at the painting with admire in his eyes.


    "Today, I gift you this painting in return of your time raising me like your own."


    Hearing the boy¡¯s voice, a faint smile curl on Grandfather Ji¡¯s lip and he reach down to touch the painting.


    Now he remembers.


    This painting, the moment he saw it at the auction house, it reminded him of his four friends and himself.


    Each person in the painting looked so free like nothing in the world could disturb their peace.


    Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he looks at Lu Tian and nod his head with an approving expression.


    "Thank you. I have indeed been trying to find this painting, but it was always a dead end. How did it end up in your hands?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask. Although he looked like he was not interested in the piece anymore, he had been secretly searching for it. However, how did Lu Tian get his hands on it before him?


    Hearing the old man, Lu Tian did not hide anything. He slowly turn to the guests and looks in the direction of his wife.


    "Yue Ling knew someone who found it. I was there and bought it."


    Grandfather Ji turn his head to look at his granddaughter with a stunned expression. Of course it would be her. How could he have forgotten that there is Uncle Zhi by her side.


    One word, and the man is able to get his hands on anything valuable in this world.


    As Lu Tian¡¯s turn quickly came to an end, it was Lu Han¡¯s turn.


    The youngest son in the Lu family held a wide grin on his face with a gift bag in hand. Walking up to the old man, he hands the gift towards Grandfather Ji.


    "Old man Ji, I hope you will not only like my gift, but also love it. I specifically chose it just for you."


    Saying this, he leans in closer to the man and whispers.


    "Don¡¯t worry, it will not disappoint you at all."


    He takes a step back and proudly held his chin high. The look on his face was like his gift was better than everyone else¡¯s. Even his parent¡¯s and Lu Tian¡¯s expensive gifts can¡¯t bepared to it at all.


    Grandfather Ji looks at Lu Han and he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. From young until now, he felt this boy was rather the strange one in the family.


    However, who can me him, his personality is exactly the same as Grandfather Lu when the man was younger.


    Seeing the boy full of proudness and smiles, Grandfather Ji couldn¡¯t help but shake his head and smile with the boy.

 Chapter 391 Mister General

    Observing eyes stares at the gift bag in Grandfather Ji¡¯s hand. Seeing how the old man is taking his sweet time reaching inside, some guests couldn¡¯t help but want to go over and help the old man.


    Even Old Lu and Madam Lu stare in enthusiasm as they were curious to know what their youngest son had bought.


    Old Lu had told his son not to forget and the boy promised that his gift would not be disappointing.


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s hand that reached into the bag finally returns to the surface.


    In his had was a dark material that slightly glisten under the lights inside the ballroom.


    "Eh? What is that? It¡¯s such an odd item."


    "That... That¡¯s a jacket! A leather jacket!"


    A young fashion enthusiast gasps when he saw the gift in Grandfather Ji¡¯s hand. Though he is quite far in the back, he knows fashion when he sees it. As a matter of fact, he has one almost simr to it!


    Hearing the young man¡¯s sudden words, everyone¡¯s enthusiasm towards the gift was quickly crushed into pieces like a broken vase.


    Old Lu and Madam Lu had gifted Springtime Memories, while Lu Tian gifted Five Drunken Generals.


    Both gifts were highly valuable artifacts as each one were the only to exist in the world.


    However, never would anyone anticipated that the second young master of the Lu family would present the old man a gift like this.


    While everyone ponder in their own thoughts and whispers, Grandfather Ji stares at the leather jacket. Holding it in one hand his other hand holding the bag slowly loosen its grip.


    *Thud¡ª


    The bag falls onto the ground as his face slowly turns red and everyone¡¯s attention return to the old man.


    "Oh my God. General Ji¡¯s face turned red. Is he angry to receive a gift like this?"


    "If someone gave me a useless gift like this, I would be disappointed too."


    "Such a shame. Madam Lu, Old Lu and Lu Tian gave such remarkable gifts. Lu Han¡¯s gift is quite disappointing."


    Hearing the whispers, Grandfather Ji shoots re at the crowd. Though he did not spoke a word, his facial expression was enough to warn them.


    Of course, everyone quickly zipped their mouths. The old man had already given a warning when Ji Chu Hua left. No one here wants to be a second example.


    Seeing that everyone had quiet down, Grandfather Ji looks back at the leather jacket.


    It was a style more suited for younger men, but he sighs inside as a faint smile curl on his lip and looks at Lu Han.


    "You picked this for me?"


    Standing in ce without a care about what anyone has to say, Lu Han held both his hands behind his back.


    When he heard Grandfather Ji¡¯s question, he smiles widely with upside down crescent eyes and nod his head.


    "Mm, I did. Do you like it?"


    Grandfather Ji stares at Lu Han as the smile on his face disappears. Thinking of something, he looks back at the leather jacket and an even wider smile curls on his lip.


    Before anyone could react, a heartily chuckle sounds from his mouth.


    "You chose a great gift for me, boy."


    At those words, everyone¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor. They had thought the old man was disappointed or angry, however, it was neither.


    He was actually happy with the gift!


    Lu Han¡¯s eyes lit up and he smiles with his teeth in view. Reaching into his pocket, he takes his phone out and scrolls through his photo album.


    Stopping at a photo, he strides happily towards Grandfather Ji. He stuck his arm holding the phone out with the screen facing the old man.


    "See, I got the idea from this photo."


    Grandfather Ji stares at the photo and he was dumbfounded. His eyes rotated in three directions making a triangle.


    Lu Han, phone, jacket, Lu Han, phone, jacket. Then it repeats again and again until he started seeing stars circling above his head.


    He inhales a mouthful of air to steady the dizzy feeling. Until he calmed down, heughs with his head tilt back.


    "Indeed the same. Thank you boy."


    Knowing that the old man liked his gift, Lu Han smiles satisfyingly. He politely gestures a bow.


    "I¡¯m d that you like my gift."


    He straightens his posture and takes a step back as he turns around to walk away.


    "Oh yea, I almost forgot."


    Just as he took a step back, he spins around in smooth circle and stops with his back facing Grandfather Ji.


    Both his arms lift and his hands curl into a fist. His thumbs point towards his shoulders in gesture to his back.


    With his head turn to the left so the old man can partially see his face, he smiles.


    "I added a little be~ dazzle~ to the jacket."


    Saying this, he lowers his hands and walks toward the crowd to join his family.


    "...."


    Grandfather Ji stares at the boy with slightly arch brows. Even he doesn¡¯t know which was more urate,ughing of crying.


    The boy¡¯s sudden move was very cheeky that it gave him goosebumps he never felt before, but...


    For some odd reason, he also felt the boy looked cool for a brief moment. Of course, he cannot say this aloud or else everyone would bleed to death.


    Brushing these feelings away, he thought about Lu Han¡¯s words.


    Raising the jacket higher with both hands, he turns it around so he could see the back part.


    However, what he saw dumbfounded him more than ever.


    Printed inrge bold characters were the words, ¡¯Mister General¡¯.


    The word Mister was in white while the word General was in red. As if it was not enough, under the word general were small words that read, ¡¯The best of the best.¡¯


    The corners of his mouth twitch without stopping and he stares at Lu Han who had walked away.


    Walking to join his family, Lu Han¡¯s chin raised high into the sky and his nose grew exceptionally long.


    Stopping between his older brother and mother, he fold his arms over his chest and spins a circle.


    Of course, through his spin, he didn¡¯t forget to send a wink to both people as he stops to look at the crowd.


    "Neither of your gifts can top mine."


    His expression beamed with proudness as one can see a shiny rainbow shine over his head.


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Madam Lu: "..."


    Madam Lu stares at her son with a bitter expression. She wanted to twist his ear but could only hold herself back. There were too many people here.


    It¡¯s not like she cares if anyone sees, but she doesn¡¯t want her son to be embarrass for the rest of his life.


    Taking a deep breath, she calms herself and narrow her eyes at her youngest son.


    "What photo did you get the idea from?"


    Hearing her words, Old Lu turn to look at his son. He was also curious to know which photo it was that made Grandfather Jiugh until his stomach hurt.


    Seeing the curiousness in his father and mother¡¯s face, Lu Han snickers evilly. He takes his phone out and shows them the same photo he showed Grandfather Ji.


    "I said I was going to get the perfect gift and I did."


    Old Lu and Madam Lu stares at the photo then their son. Both individuals were at a utter loss for words. It was like every word they ever knew had been tossed out of their brain.


    Feeling like an entire day had gone by, Madam Lu lift her hand and massage her temple, while Old Lu pinch the space between his brows.


    Throwing a nce at the photo again, both people could only shake their head.


    Lu Han shrug his shoulders at his parent¡¯s reaction and turn his phone to look at the photo.


    The photo was a very old ck and white photo that had some fadedness to it. One look and one can estimate that the photo was taken fifty or less years ago.


    However, this photo wasn¡¯t just any photo Lu Han found on the inte.


    It was a photo that had been framed and hung inside both the Lu family house and Ji Mansion.


    In the photo stood five young and handsome men. They were all posing against what looked to be a brick wall with one hand in their own pockets. Though they dressed in different styles, they had one thing inmon and that was the same ck leather jacket.


    Staring at the photo, he sighs a smile and looks at the old man who is the main attention of the night.


    He had his friend recreate the same jacket in the photo and gifted it to the old man for old memories.


    Looking back at the photo in his phone, he sighs again. Never would he have thought these old men were such good looking men when they were younger.


    Especially Grandfather Ji. The man was very handsome when he was younger. It was no wonder Grandmother Ji, who was known for her beauty married the man.

 Chapter 392 arm and a leg

    After Lu Han¡¯s one of a kind gift presentation, a few families took their turn giving Grandfather Ji gifts. Standing in line with 3 families ahead, Ji Jingxu nervously held his gift close to his body.


    He sneakily nces at Yue Ling¡¯s gift, but seeing it, he purse his lip and couldn¡¯t help but steal a nce at everyone else¡¯s gifts.


    However, seeing their gifts, his lip purse more.


    Unlike everyone¡¯s gifts, his and Yue Ling¡¯s were the smallest. To make things even worse for him, his gift is smaller than hers! So in other words, his gift is the smallest!!


    Feeling like a heavy weight was suddenly dropped onto his heart, his head hung low and he stares at the gift withplex feelings. In a very quiet voice, he murmur to himself.


    "Will he like my gift...? What if he doesn¡¯t..."


    Yue Ling stood next to the boy on his left. Hearing his very faint voice that will never escape her ears, she turns to look at him.


    Seeing his head down as he stares at the tiny box in his hands, she faintly smiles.


    As his older sister who has been in life for so long, how could she not know what he is thinking?


    Her gift is the size of a small ne box, but Ji Jingxu¡¯s gift is the size of a ring box.


    However, hearing his words continue, she slowly lift her right hand and gently pat the boy on his head.


    "Yeye will love your gift."


    Hearing her sudden words, Ji Jingxu felt the heavy feeling in his heart disperse into thin air. His sister¡¯s voice is the voice that always gives him the touch of being love.


    He raise his head and turn to look at her.


    "Jie..."


    His lips press tightly together, and he sighs a faint smile that did not reach his eyes. ncing down at the small box in his hand, he sighs again.


    "Do you think he will like something like this? I mean, everyone¡¯s gifts looks like it must have costed an arm and a leg."


    Seeing him fidget nervously like a little boy nning to give a gift to his crush, she smiles a chuckle. Her hand that is still on his head messes up his hair a little.


    "No matter what gift it is, expensive or inexpensive, it is the thought that always counts."


    She lowers her hand and turn to look ahead at the old man opening his gifts.


    As her eyes slowly flutter, her line of sight leaves Grandfather Ji¡¯s face and down to his neck. The old man didn¡¯t wear any jewelries, but she picture a ne wrap nicely around his neck. She faintly smiles and her words continue.


    "Once you give him your gift, he will have the final piece."


    "..."


    Ji Jingxu was listening to her words like an understanding student. After seeing all the shy gifts everyone had presented and yet to give, he started having second thoughts about his. However, having Yue Ling here to assure him, he is d that she is back.


    Only she can take away this insecurity feeling inside him.


    Just as he was finally able to rx his shoulders, he suddenly heard herst sentence and was stupefied.


    His eyes widen as if he saw something horrifying in front of him and slowly turn his head like a robot to her.


    "J-J-J-Jie..."


    He opened and closed his mouth, but was only able to stutter one word as he struggles a very difficult gulp. Lifting one hand, he wipes the imaginary sweat away from his forehead.


    "H-How did you k-know?"


    Seeing his face turn as red as a tomato, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Did he honestly think that after all these years, she wouldn¡¯t know?


    Thinking of something, she decides to tease him. She shrug one shoulder with a nonchnt look.


    "Oh, I don¡¯t know, maybe it¡¯s because I am your sister and I know you better than anyone."


    She pause in her words and touch her chin as if thinking hard about something.


    "Or... Maybe it¡¯s because every year you¡¯ve gifted yeye the same gift."


    "..."


    Ji Jingxu¡¯s face turned even redder than it already is. He inhales a mouthful of air only to raise his shoulders as his neck shrunk in like he had turned into a turtle returning inside its shell.


    "Is it that obvious...?"


    ncing to the boy from the corners of her eyes, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but chuckle sweetly at him. After all these years, he is still the same gullible boy that she loves so much.


    She raise her hand and gently pat his head again.


    "Only yeye and I know. Your gift is one in million. Not mine or anyone here can win against it."


    Ji Jingxu sighs at her words and close his eyes. He felt like his most embarrassing secret had been found out and of all people, it had to be his older sister.


    Taking a deep breath, he opens his eyes and subconsciously looks at the ck tuxedo coat draped over her shoulders.


    He hesistated inside, but decided to ask her the question that has been on his mind all night.


    "Jie, are you and Lu Tian really together?"


    Yue Ling looks down at the coat that covered more than half of her body. Thinking back to how Lu Tian put it on her, she sighs a smile.


    Ji Jingxu is her beloved younger brother and the secret is already out. There is no need to beat around the bush anymore.


    Slightly turning her body to face him, she part her lips to speak.


    "We are."


    Just as Yue Ling spoke, what came out was not her usual angelic voice, but a very deep voice.


    Her brows scrunch together, and she touch her throat as she tries to clear her throat a few times.


    Something isn¡¯t right. Did she catch a cold?


    How can she hear her own voice in her head, but hear a deep voice when she spoke?


    Ji Jingxu stares at her in utter disbelief. However, it was not her wless face that he was looking at.


    Into her thoughts, Yue Ling sees the look on the boy¡¯s face and she slightly tilt her head. Quickly realizing that he wasn¡¯t looking at her but looking behind, she slowly turn to see what could have caught his attention.


    Her eyes quickly met a pair of dark pupils and both her brows arch up in surprise.


    "Tian, why are you standing there?"

 Chapter 393 to your side

    The Lu family stood at the side and observe each passing gift given to the old man. However, unlike his family, Lu Tian held his eyes elsewhere.


    He stares attentively in the direction of the crowd to his wife. Seeing her constantly smile at Ji Jingxu, the between his brows crease into three lines.


    What are the two siblings whispering about that his wife is smiling?


    As he thought this, he sees her suddenly pat the boy¡¯s head and his entire being softens.


    From what he knows, Fate is one of the notorious underground gang. Despite Yue Ling being the leaser, she is a caring person and never is she a selfish person. If someone is in danger, she will not hesitate to risk her life to save the person.


    Buzz.... Buzz... buzz...


    As he ponder in thought, his brows furrow more when he suddenly hears the sound of a fly... no... two, wait... three.


    The sound quickly intensify inside the ballroom like hundred of flies gathering for a piece of meat that had set out for them.


    His eyes darken at the annoying sound as he avert his eyes away from his wife to the culprits.


    Single men in every direction of the room stares at Yue Ling with love struck eyes. Some are hesitant to go over and talk to her or get a closer view.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian lift his leg and strides forward without a care for anyone but his wife.


    "Eh? Tian, where are you going?"


    Madam Lu calls out as she sees her oldest son walk towards the guests who has not present their gifts. However, just as she wanted to ask him again, a hand covers her mouth.


    "..."


    "Ma, let him go find his one true love."


    Covering his mother¡¯s mouth with his right hand, Lu Han wrap his left arm around her shoulder. Until he felt it was safe, he lets go, but only realize what he had done.


    He struggle a gulp and turn to look at her with puppy eyes.


    "Bro is going to kill some flies."


    Madam Lu stares at her son with a disoriented expression. Even her lip that was twitching uncontrobly sounded like she had spent an entire night in an ice-coldke.


    She is the wife of Old Lu, the madam of the Lu family, and a prominent figure in Imperial to all women, yet....


    How dare this insolent child of hers do such thing to her in public?!!


    Wanting to give Lu Han a good beating, Madam Lu reach for his ear, but her eyes caught sight of the reason for Lu Tian¡¯s sudden temperament.


    Her cheeks puff out like a chipmunk and ignores what her youngest son had done to her. She stares at her oldest son and prays inside.


    ¡¯Buddha, if you can hear me, pleeeeeease help my oldest son not unleash his wrath too much. I want to meet my grandchild and I do not want my daughter-inw to be without a husband.¡¯


    Lu Han stares at his mother with purse lips. Thinking of something, he looks ahead and close head to pray with her.


    ¡¯Buddha, if you can hear me, pleeeeeease help me find a pretty girl to spend time with tonight. She doesn¡¯t have to be very pretty, but not too ugly too.¡¯


    Unlike the mother and son duo, Old Lu held a smile as he watch Grandfather Ji open his gifts. He slowly turn his head to say something to his wife, but seeing the pair lost in their prayers, he was dumbfounded.


    He looks around the ballroom then back at the duo. They are at a birthday celebration, not the temple. However, seeing how focused they were, he sighs and shook his head.


    Oblivious to his mother and younger brother¡¯s prayers, Lu Tian continues to stride in big steps towards his wife.


    Feeling the sudden drop of temperature, all the men staring in a daze at Yue Ling felt all the hair on their body stand.


    Instead of standing in a snowstorm, it was like they had been toss into a burning volcano about to explode.


    Unable to withstand the heat of the burningva, each person quickly avert their gaze in another direction and wipe the sweat away from their forehead.


    However, the direction they averted to was only directed at the devil!


    Through each passing fly eyeing his wife, Lu Tian¡¯s cold and ring eyes turned into a fly swatter and whips them away to Mars.


    Staring at Yue Ling before was a normal thing because she was a model both men and women admire, but now it was different.


    She is Lu Tian¡¯s woman.


    Women can still freely admire her, but if men do so much as have any malicious thoughts about her, it¡¯s a death wish!


    Maybe admiring her is already a death wish itself!


    Lu Tian slows in his steps until he was only 2 feet away from his wife. He stood like a giant pir blocking her from other¡¯s view.


    Just as he wanted to let her know that he was behind her, Ji Jingxu¡¯s voice sounds.


    "Jie, are you and Lu Tian really together?"


    Hearing the sudden question, Lu Tian did not wince at all. Neither did his eyes move away from his wife¡¯s figure from behind.


    Without any hesitation or care that others are around, his deep voice answers the question.


    "We are."


    It took a long minute before Yue Ling turns around to face him and both her brows arch up.


    "Tian, why are you standing there?"


    Met with her bluish green eyes that he loves so much, a very unnoticeable smile curls on his lip. He takes one big stride to stand in front of her and spoke in an almost whisper to her.


    "I missed you."


    "..."


    Both Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu stares up at the man and neither knew what to say. Although his voice was not loud, it was loud enough for both siblings to hear.


    Yue Ling tilt her head in amusement at how straightforward Lu Tian is. She nce to the Lu family and slightly purse her lip.


    "Tian, we¡¯re at the same event and it hasn¡¯t been that long since I stood in line."


    "One second away from you is like 1 year without you."


    Lu Tian quickly replies without hesitation. Looking at his tuxedo coat that is covering her, he sees the front part had loosened. He sighs and reach to fix it.


    "I should bring you with me where ever I go. That way I will miss you less."


    "..."


    Hearing the man¡¯s sudden words, Yue Ling¡¯s lips slowly curl upwards. Lifting her hand, she lightly tap his forehead and chuckles.


    "Silly."


    She had wanted to say how shameless he is, but thinking about how cute he can be, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to call him shameless.


    Ji Jingxu stare in a daze at the lovers. When he saw his sister tap the man¡¯s forehead, he thought Lu Tian would erupt in rage, but instead, he allowed her to do so. Even when she called him silly, he did not get angry!


    Just like Ji Jingxu, everyone that stood in a close distance witnessed the scene. They were even more dumbfounded when Lu Tian did not unleash his wrath!


    Everyone in Imperial knows that Lu Tian is a man of cleanliness. There was once a time when a woman idently brush against his coat and he did not hesitate to throw the coat away.


    Like that was enough, Lu Tian once attended an event and a man who was not close to him thought it was alright to give Lu Tian a friendly hug, but the oue was getting a kick!


    "Lu Tian and Han Yue Ling are really together. He didn¡¯t even get angry when she touched him!"


    "This is proof that they are a pair. If it had been anyone else, Lu Tian would have made the person disappear."


    Whispers quickly surface from those who witnessed Lu Tian¡¯s gentle treatment with Yue Ling.


    Ji Jingxu takes a deep breath knowing that Lu Tian really does care about his older sister. He wanted to say something but notice that it was his turn.


    He looks at Yue Ling and could only interrupt the couple¡¯s interaction.


    "Jie, it¡¯s our turn."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling turn to see that it was indeed their turn. She looks at Lu Tian and smiles apologetically to him.


    "I will return to your side."


    Her words fell and she turned to walk away with Ji Jingxu in the direction of Grandfather Ji.


    Usually they would have presented the gifts separately, but the old man had requested them to walk up together.


    He said he wanted both his grandchildren to walk up together because it¡¯s been a long time since he has seen them together.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t think much about it and agreed, but what she did not know is that the old man¡¯s time was running out.

 Chapter 394 in my hands

    Standing amongst the crowd of line, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes stare unmoving at his wife. His expression had return to it usual indifference as no one can read what he is thinking about.


    However, until Yue Ling stopped in front of the old man, he finally blink his eyes. Turning away, he strides back to join his family. She did say that she will return his side.


    Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu both gesture a polite bow to the old man. Each person held their own smile.


    Staring at both his grandchildren, Grandfather Ji stares in awe at them. His granddaughter has grown to be a young woman and his grandson into a young man.


    Usually, it was his family who should have been the first to give him their gifts but instead, they chose to wait in line with everyone else.


    As he continue to stare at them, he felt a tinge of pain in his heart as his eyes stare into the unknown. He felt proud of the both of them, yet, he felt guilty for leaving them so soon.


    Who will continue to guide them in the right path?


    Who will discipline them?


    Who will purposely pick fights with them?


    "Yeye..."


    Seeing the man deep in his own thoughts, Yue Ling slightly furrow her brows and calls out to him.


    Hearing her voice that can guide anyone out of the dark, Grandfather Ji came back to his senses. He looks up at her and slowly smiles to her and Ji Jingxu.


    That¡¯s right, today will probably be hisst birthday with them. Now is not the time to act this way.


    "Come my children, sit down with me."


    His usual strong and domineering voice changed into a soft and gentle one as he gestures to the two stools that were put on both sides of his seat.


    Yue Ling walked to the stool on his right and sat down as Ji Jingxu on the left.


    Both individuals looked at the old man with a soft smile on their lips.


    "Grandfather, this is my gift you. I hope you like it."


    Ji Jingxu stretch his hand to him with his gift. In the past, it had always been him who gave handed the old man his gift first then Yue Ling.


    Grandfather Ji looks at the gift in his hand and he sighs a smile. It was indeed a smaller boxpare to all the gifts he had received, but that does not matter to him.


    Anything given from Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu are sentimental items to him.


    He takes the gift and narrow his eyes as he observes the wooden box the size of a ring box.


    "My grandson gifted me a gift like this. So small."


    He snort his words and pretends to criticize his gift. However, deep inside, he couldn¡¯t wait to open it.


    Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu stares at the old man for a quick second. It was always like this so neither found it rude, instead they let out augh at the old man.


    "Old man, if you don¡¯t want it, give it back."


    Ji Jingxu frown and reaches for the gift, but before he could even touch the box, Grandfather Ji quickly turns to Yue Ling with his hand holding the box stretched away from the boy.


    "Hmmf, this is my gift. How are you going to steal it?"


    Saying this, he res at Ji Jingxu for a long minute then snort.


    "There are no take backs in my Ji family."


    "..."


    Ji Jingxu stares at the old man and he was at a loss for words. His hand that was reaching to grab the gift kept in midair before he slowly retract it.


    His lip purse disapprovingly at his grandfather¡¯s attitude and he scoffs.


    "And you call yourself a General, you¡¯re more like a child."


    Grandfather Ji stares at Ji Jingxu with ring eyes, before nonchntly turning his head away. However, when he looked away from the boy, a wide smile curled on his lip for everyone to see.


    He may be hard on the boy, but it has always been like this. They bicker every day like two people who do not get along, but everyone knows how much he loves Ji Jingxu.


    Feeling like he has done enough to irritate the boy, Grandfather Ji looks back at him and puts on an indifferent expression.


    "Since this is my gift, I am going to open it."


    Ji Jingxu scoffs again at the old man and rolled his eyes. However, seeing the happiness in the old man¡¯s eyes, Ji Jingxu could only sigh inside.


    The day he found out about the old man¡¯s health, he had ced another gift inside the drawer. Hopefully, after today, he will see it when he returns to the study room.


    Unaware of this second gift, Grandfather Ji looks down at the small ring box and he did not hesitate to open it.


    Of course, he made sure to do it slowly like it was the most precious treasure he has evere across.


    "Eh? What did Ji Jingxu gift the General? Why is the gift the small?"


    "What kind of gift fits a ring box besides a ring?"


    The invited guests stares attentively at the box in Grandfather Ji¡¯s hand. Each person is just as curious to know what the boy could possibly gifted the man.


    Ji Jingxu sat nervously in the stool with eyes on the floor. Every so often, he would nce at the box in the old man¡¯s hand wishing he would hurry up.


    The tiny box finally opened and as the people observe without blinking. However, the moment they saw what was inside, everyone was dumbfounded.


    Inside the box was none other than one ss prayer bead.


    Why would Ji Jingxu gift the old man something like this?


    Compare to the other gifts, his is the most useless on.


    However, unlike everyone, Grandfather Ji softens a smile at the sight of the prayer bead. He held the box in one hand as his other reach to take the bead out.


    Holding it up for everyone to see, he carefully observes it like it is an artifact. A smile curls on his lip and he nod his head in approval.


    "Finally, thest piece is in my hands."


    "..."


    No one understood the old man¡¯s words expect for Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu.


    A smile curls on Yue Ling¡¯s lip while Ji Jingxu held a sullen face.


    He felt the old man was making fun of his gift as it did not cost an arm and a leg like everyone else¡¯s.


    However, what Ji Jingxu did not know was that, to Grandfather Ji, his gift was priceless as it is a more meaningful gift.


    For many years, he (Grandfather Ji) has long known that Ji Jingxu has been collecting these prayer beads to make one for him to wear.


    Only, he yed oblivious all these years.


    Grandfather Ji put the ss prayer bead inside the box and closed it. He looks at Ji Jingxu and chuckles.


    "Finally, I have 108th bead in my hands."


    Hearing his words, Ji Jingxu wanted to refute, but he could only sigh inside and nod his head.


    In the past, the gift started as more beads, then the number decreased each year, until it came to only one.


    Grandfather Ji smiles at the boy and stretch his hand to pat Ji Jingxu¡¯s head.


    Indeed the boy has grown, but no matter how much Ji Jingxu has grown, to him, his grandson will always be a child in his eyes and heart.


    Yue Ling felt at peace looking at her grandfather and brother. She is happy to be here with them. From now on, she will never leave them.


    Grandfather Ji lowers his hand and turn to look at Yue Ling.


    "What about you, where is your gift for me?"


    Yue Ling stares at her grandfather speechlessly at his words. She lightly shook her head and hands her gift to him.


    Seeing the box, Grandfather Ji furrow his brows. He looks at size of Ji Jingxu¡¯s gift then his granddaughter¡¯s.


    Comparing them, he couldn¡¯t help but scoff a chuckle.


    "Wah, Jingxu¡¯s gift was so small and yet, yours isn¡¯t so much different."


    "Small or not, you are the one who always said it was the thought that counts."


    Yue Ling chuckles her words as her smile remains on her face. Looking at the box, her smile turns into a faint one.


    "I had Uncle Zhi help me find this."


    She looks at the old man and sighs to him as her words continue.


    "Although it took many years, he was finally able to find it."


    Hearing her words, the space between Grandfather Ji¡¯s brows crease into three lines. He stares at his granddaughter in thoughts then down to the gift in his hand.


    A gift that took many years to find and she even needed help from Uncle Zhi... What can it possibly be?


    Thinking this, a thought quicklyes to his mind and he looks at her with widen eyes.


    His expression was one that looked like he knew what was inside but wanted a confirm answer from her.


    Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes met his and she sighs a smile. She understood his feelings at this moment, so she reassures him. Her eyes slowly close as she lightly nods her head once and opens to look back at him.


    Though it was a nonverbal question, her one nod was enough to answer his questions.


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s eyes shook as he felt his hands begin to tremble.


    Holding the small jewelry box in his right hand, his left hand gently trace over the top. Even he did not realize that his lower lip was trembling.


    He struggle a hard gulp that shook his body as he tries to fight back the tears.


    Without waiting any longer, he slowly lift the lid and when his eyesnded on the item inside, the tears he was trying so hard to hold back slowly slid down.


    His eyes did not once leave the item as he quietly sobs.

 Chapter 395 return this to you

    "What is it? Why is the General suddenly crying?"


    "I have never seen the old man cry before. Han Yue Ling¡¯s gift must be very meaningful to make him cry so sad."


    Questions erupt from the crowd as they suddenly see the infamous and strong General cry in such a heart-breaking way.


    Yue Ling muted the voices of those whispering as her eyes stares only at the old man at her side. She did not expect him to break down the moment he saw this, but who could me him.


    It had been so many years...


    Lifting her hand, she gentle touch his back and sooth him like he was child.


    "Yeye, please do not cry... It breaks my heart to see you this way."


    Grandfather Ji nod his head, but he was unable to calm his tears as he stares down at the gift she had given him.


    Seated on the other side, when Ji Jingxu saw the gift, his eyes also teared up, but he forced his tears to not fall. The pain in his heart cannot bepared to the old man¡¯s at this moment.


    He looks at Yue Ling and in a trembling voice he asks her.


    "Jie... is it really...?"


    His voice shook so badly that he couldn¡¯t even finish his question and stares back at the gift in the old man¡¯s hand.


    Yue Ling¡¯s gift was a very simple jadeite stone.


    However, it wasn¡¯t like any in the world. The texture of the stone is fine as one can see the stone¡¯s natural translucency.


    Even inside the box, one can see the purity in the green color of the jadeite with a strong saturation and bright tone.


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s trembling fingers trace over the jade stone like it was a lost item that had been returned to him. An item that he had long to see again in so many years.


    Which is exactly like that.


    His lower lip trembles and his eyes slowly to take a deep breath.


    "My dear wife..."


    He choked his words in a very faint sob that only Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu could hear. However, the Lu family standing at the side felt their heart tinge in pain for the old man who always maintained a strong image.


    Even if they do not know what Yue Ling had given the old man, to make him cry like this, they know that it has to be something to do with Grandmother Ji.


    Only the thought of her can make the old man lose hisposure like this.


    After what felt like entire day had gone by, Grandfather Ji was finally able to calm down. Except his eyes did not leave the stone at all.


    This stone, for so many years he had been secretly searching for it more than anything else.


    It was the stone he had given to his dear wife when he proposed to her. It was their momentum of love.


    His wife had turned it into a ne and wore it every day without taking it off. When she turned ill and could not leave the bed, she had asked him to cremate it was her.


    She said she wanted to bring their love with her when she leaves the world. That way, it will be the light that helps guide her in the long journey.


    He kept his promise to her as he wanted her to know that even after death, his love will never leave her.


    However, due to mishap, on the day she was to be cremated, the despicable diener who was ordered to take care of her stole the ne.


    The man fled the country by ship in hopes of selling it in a different country, but authorities were able to hunt him down before leaving the country.


    Except, during the chase, the man threw the ne into the ocean and it was never seen again.


    He had spent many years searching the ocean for the ne, but the oue was always a dead end. Even he was starting to lose hope.


    The light to guide his wife did not leave this world with her.


    Coming back from his long daze, he stares at the stone and sighs in an aching relief. It was no longer the ne his wife had always worn, but he is d the stone had returned.


    Looking at his granddaughter with red eyes, he sniffles his words.


    "Thank you. Thank you for finding this."


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and ce her hand on his hand holding the box.


    "Yeye, do not be sad. I¡¯m sure nai nai wanted this to return to you. To help you remember the love you both had for each other."


    Listening to her words, Grandfather Ji nod his head. She was right, he cannot feel this way.


    His wife meant the world to him, so if she saw him like this, she would be sad.


    For now, he will hold onto this stone that held their love and when he leaves this world, he will bring it with him. That way, it will guide him to her.


    --------


    Hourster, the celebration finally came to end as all the guests slowly made their way out of the ballroom to their designated cars.


    In the white Mercedes, Ji Chu Hua did not return to the ballroom. She told Gu Ting Fei that she was still not feeling better and decided to stay in the car to wait for him.


    However, as she saw the figures of guests approach their cars, she could hear some people talk about what happened.


    "Can you believe it? The Lu family presented marvelous gifts and the General¡¯s grandkids did an even better job."


    "It¡¯s really a shame that the General told everyone to keep quiet about Han Yue Ling being his granddaughter. If she was my daughter, I would brag to the whole world."


    "If anyone so much as go to the media and leak this out, that person is done for in Imperial."


    Hearing Yue Ling still being the center of attention, Ji Chu Hua felt annoyed as she push the door open.


    "Excuse me, what did my cousin gift my grandfather?"


    A couple had just reached their car that was parked next to Ji Chu Hua¡¯s. Seeing the woman appear out of nowhere, they were taken back by surprise, but seeing that it was Ji Chu Hua, the wife smiles to her.


    "Ji Chu Hua, you were here? No wonder I did not see you inside with young master Gu."


    Not thinking much of the question asked, she answers.


    "Han Yue Ling presented the General a stone that was given to Madam Ji of their love. It was a very sweet and touching gift."


    Anger rouse inside Ji Chu Hua when she heard this. Without saying a word, she got into her car again and ms the door shut.


    What she did was consider rude as the couple were like elders, but she did not care.


    "Go. We don¡¯t need to wait for Gu Ting Fei. He came here on his own, he can get back on his own."


    The chauffer was at a loss for words. He wanted to ask about her father, but remembering that they all came in different vehicles, he could only obey her order and start the car to leave.


    As the car drives out the Ji Mansion, Ji Chu Hua sneers inside as she stares angrily out the window.


    Han Yue Ling, since the old man does not want others to speak of your reveal as his granddaughter, do not me me for being ruthless.


    No matter what happens, I, Ji Chu Hua do not care if you are his real granddaughter.


    Everything that belongs to the Ji family will be mine.

 Chapter 396 you have suffered

    After all the guests left, only the Lu family and Zhuang father and son duo stayed behind. They had left the ballroom and made their way to the living room of the Ji Mansion.


    Grandfather Ji was in a rather good mood, he ordered the servants to put up the paintings given by the Lu family. That way, every morning he can look at it.


    "Uncle Ji, if you do not mind, I wish to speak with Yue Ling in private."


    Madam Lu spoke from the side as they enter in the living room. She couldn¡¯t wait for the event to end so she could talk to the girl.


    Hearing this, Grandfather Ji turned to look at his precious granddaughter, who was walking at his side.


    Although he wished to spend more time with her, he already knew what Madam Lu wanted to talk about.


    He nods a smile to the middle-aged woman then to Yue Ling.


    "A promise is a promise."


    Saying this, he turn to look at Lu Tian.


    "Lu Tian, I would also like to speak with you in my study room."


    Following the group in the back, Lu Tian looks at his wife then to Grandfather Ji. He does not say a word but nod his head.


    He had many questions he wanted to ask his wife but ask herter when they go home.


    As Yue Ling turn to follow Madam Lu, she looks at Lu Tian in silence. Meeting his dark eyes, she smiles to him and proceed in her steps.


    Lu Tian stares at his wife¡¯s departing figure. The further she went, a faint smile curl on his lip as an image sh in his mind.


    Like time had turned back to the day they were little kids.


    To the day he followed the little girl who lost her parents and promised to protect her.


    It had been her all this time...


    Until she was no longer in sight, did he finally look away to Grandfather Ji and follow the man in the direction of the study room.


    Madam Lu and Yue Ling slowly made their way to back of the Ji Mansion where the garden room is.


    Stepping inside, the usual pot of flowers that used to fill the ce were no where in sight.


    As the weather had turned cold, Grandfather Ji ordered the servants to move all nts until the warm season.


    Madam Lu walks up to the long chaise and sat down. She smiles to Yue Ling and pat the seat next to her.


    "Yue Ling, sit down with me."


    Hearing the woman, Yue Ling followed as instructed and takes a seat. She returns a smile to Madam Lu.


    "Aunty Lu, what was it that you wanted to speak to me about?"


    Staring at the young and beautiful girl seated next to her, Madam Lu couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    Both her hands reach for Yue Ling¡¯s and she held her hands.


    "I just wanted to look at you."


    Yue Ling¡¯s brows slightly furrow at her words. She does not move her hands away from Madam Lu¡¯s and decides to ask.


    "Look at me?"


    "Mm."


    Madam Lu faintly smile. Her hand that was on top of Yue Ling¡¯s gently pat the softness of her hand.


    "I am very happy to finally meet you."


    Staring at the young girl¡¯s face, she sighs inside at how much Yue Ling resembles her deceased friends.


    "I have met you as the supermodel Han Yue Ling and the designer of De L¡¯amour but..."


    Pausing in her words, her eyes slowly begin to turn moist.


    "You really resemble them... so much alike."


    Hearing her sudden words, Yue Ling¡¯s brows furrow more. She part her lips to say something, but before she could utter a sound, Madam Lu¡¯s words continued.


    "You look so much like your mother..."


    Madam Lu smiles a smile that held happiness, but the look in her eyes held only grief. Her hand slowly raise, and she gently caress the side of Yue Ling¡¯s head.


    "You have your father¡¯s eyes."


    At first, Yue Ling was surprised and confused about Madam Lu¡¯s words and sudden motherly touch, but hearing her words, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes shook.


    "You... know who my parents are?"


    "I not only know them, but we grew up together."


    Madam Lu answers her right away. She lowers her hand and gently ce it over Yue Ling¡¯s again.


    "Your mother and I were best friends while Old Lu and your father were best friends."


    A smile curls on her lip and she takes a deep breath.


    "You have grown so beautifully. If your mother and father saw you today, they would be so proud of the woman you have be."


    Yue Ling felt her entire being soften hearing the way Madam Lu addressed her parents. It was genuine feelings with no hate in her voice.


    However, she slightly tilt her head and blink her eyes at Madam Lu.


    "You have met me before?"


    Madam Lu chuckles at her words and her smile widens.


    "Mm. When you were still a little girl, your mother and father often brought you here. Every chance my husband and I had, we would bring Tian and Han toe y with you."


    Listening to her exnation, Yue Ling tried to remember the past that involved the Lu family, but no matter how much she tried, it was only a nk page.


    If she had met Lu Tian when she was younger, how could she not remember?


    Even when she saw his photos when he was younger, why didn¡¯t she feel he was familiar at all?


    Madam Lu stares at Yue Ling and she could see the confused look in the girl¡¯s face. She sighs a smile and pat Yue Ling¡¯s hand again.


    "It has been many years and you were so much younger, it¡¯s normal to forget."


    Hearing these words, Yue Ling smiles apologetically at Madam Lu. It is not that she is purposely doing this. She really does not remember ever meeting the Lu family.


    If she did met them before, she is sure she would have remembered.


    Madam Lu sighs a chuckle and reach a hand to caress Yue Ling¡¯s cheek.


    "The past is the past, there is no need to remember. I am d to know that you have grown up to be great and ambitious young woman."


    However, saying this as she was trying to fight back her tears, a faint sob escapes her lip as her hand holding Yue Ling¡¯s tighten a little.


    A tear slid down her cheek and a heart-aching smile curls on her face.


    "You must have gone through so much by yourself."


    Yue Ling stares at Madam Lu with slightly furrow brows. She did not understand why Madam Lu would say something like this and suddenly cry.


    Knowing that Yue Ling is confused as to why she is this way, Madam Lu¡¯s hand on the girl¡¯s cheek moves away as she wipes away her tears.


    "You are only one person and yet, you had to shoulder so much all these years. If I had met you sooner again, I would have not let you be alone in this world."


    Another tear falls, but she quickly wipes it away and trembles a smile to Yue Ling.


    "Now that you are a part of my Lu family, do not worry on your own anymore. Every burden you are carrying, my Lu family will help you carry them."


    Staring at the middle-aged woman whose tears would not stop falling, Yue Ling eye¡¯s slightly shook.


    She felt like the air around her had turned so thick that it was hard to breathe.


    Hesitation washed inside her as she thought of something, however, she couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "You... Do you know?"


    Madam Lu struggles a smile and wipes her tears at the question. She stares directly into Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes and nods her head.


    "Aiya, my Zhao and Lu family have been close with your Han and Ji family for so many years. How can I not know?"


    She tries to force her tears back from falling, but to no avail, one after another, her tears continues to fall.


    Her hand slowly raise to touch the top Yue Ling¡¯s head like a mother to her daughter.


    "To leave such a bigpany and Fate in your hands, it must have been very hard for you."


    In gentle strokes, she pats Yue Ling¡¯s head.


    "Everything will be okay now, Mami."


    Like time had stopped, Yue Ling felt all the hair on her body stand at the mention of the name she was familiar with more than anyone.


    It was a Japanese nickname her mother had given her as a child. The Ma Kanji meaning true and the Mi Kanji meaning beauty.


    A name she had thrown away when she came to Imperial.


    Her eyes slowly turned moist as only a few people in the world know this name of hers.


    She had thought Madam Lu was only a friend of her mother on the surface, but never would she have imagined that both Madam Lu and Old Lu know about her paternal family¡¯s background.


    As she stares into the woman¡¯s eyes, her lower lip began to tremble.


    Before she could remember to blink her eyes, a tear slowly sought its way down her cheek.


    It brought a burning sensation into her heart as another tear falls.


    Seeing these pearl size tears, Madam Lu¡¯s heart aches even more for her.


    She quickly wraps her arms around Yue Ling as one hand gently stroke the back of her head.


    "Aiya, my child... you have suffered so much."

 Chapter 397 Who is he?

    Inside the study room of the Ji Mansion, Grandfather Ji sat in his chair while Lu Tian sat across from him.


    All was quiet as both men stare at each other like they were having a staring contest.


    Grandfather Ji heaves a sigh and was the first to look away. He leans back on his chair and decided to break the silence.


    "Lu Tian, I know you know why I wanted to speak with you."


    Saying this, he sighs a deep breath and looks back at the boy.


    "I never intended to keep this secret for this long. Now that you know Yue Ling is my precious granddaughter, as the only elder she has left, I do not wish to see her hurt again."


    Lu Tian had nned to keep quiet and listen to what the old man had to say, but when he heard Grandfather Ji¡¯s words, he knew what the old man meant by ¡¯hurt again.¡¯


    He stares straight into the old man¡¯s eyes and answers him.


    "As long as I am breathing, I will never let her get hurt."


    Hearing his words full of promising, Grandfather Ji sighs in relief. He stares at Lu Tian for a long minute before taking another deep breath.


    "I hope you will keep your words. If I am going to hand her to someone, I want him to be someone worthy of her."


    He avert his eyes from Lu Tian to the photosid out in order on his desk.


    "I had always wanted her to live a simple life without having to worry about social status. However, if it is your Lu family, I can rest in ease."


    He pause in his words for a long minute.


    The Lu family is a very powerful and prominent family, but Yue Ling¡¯s family is not inferior.


    Lu Tian may have the Lu and Zhao family on his side, but Yue Ling has the Ji and Han family.


    Although the members of the Ji family is not as stable as the Lu and Zhao family, Yue Ling is thest sessor and holds the control of the Han family.


    She also has the backing of every member in Fate.


    However, that does not matter. He knows that the Lu family will never betray her.


    Thinking this, he faintly smiles and kept his eyes on the photos.


    "She may smile like everything is fine, but she is still human and has been through a lot in life."


    As he stares at the photo of Ji An Ling and Han Min Joon, he smiles a smile full of deep sorrow.


    "For a child like her, the experiences she had to face alone are beyond anyone¡¯s imagination."


    Remembering the day he received the phone call about his daughter and son-inw¡¯s death, Grandfather Ji slowly close his eyes to take another deep breath.


    When he opened his eyes, he looks away from the photo and stood up from his chair.


    As he walked to the window in the room, he held his arms behind his back and stares out to the night sky.


    "Yue Ling... that child, she cannot remember anyone outside of her family after her parent¡¯s passed away."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian¡¯s indifferent expression made a slight change. His brows furrow together as he thought back to something.


    Knowing how Lu Tian is, Grandfather Ji does not beat around the bush. With eyes staring out the window, he decides to tell the boy.


    "After the loss of her parents, she blocked the memories of everyone who is not important to her. Anyone who did not y a main part in her life were all forgotten."


    Lu Tian listened until the end. Thinking of something, he part his lip to speak.


    "Is that why you hid her as your granddaughter?"


    Grandfather Ji sighs a smile and turn away from the window. He walks back to his chair.


    "That is part of it."


    Sitting back down, his words continue.


    "I assume she has already told you who she really is."


    Lu Tian did not say a word but nod his head in response. The night he proposed to Yue Ling, she had told him about her being the leader of Fate.


    Knowing that Lu Tian knows who Yue Ling really is, Grandfather Ji felt like the heavy weight on his shoulders had been lifted.


    For so many years, he was afraid that it would be hard for someone to ept Yue Ling as she held a dark past. However, knowing that Lu Tian knows and still epted her, he could finally rx.


    "As someone who deals with the underworld, I¡¯m sure you know about Fate. I¡¯m also sure that by now, you already know that it was Fate¡¯s former leader and one of my good friends, Old Han who had trained you when you often came to visit."


    He pause in his words and sighs.


    "To keep us safe, my daughter and son-inw made me promise to not reveal Ah Ling to the world. If the underworld knew that Fate is tied to the Ji family, a war will not only break out in the underworld, but also up here."


    Grandfather Ji held a sullen expression as he spoke his words but remembering how he was finally able to introduce Yue Ling as his granddaughter to others, he softens a little inside.


    "If any harm came to the Han family, I will not hesitate to take action as the Han family to me. In order to keep both worlds in peace, her identity could not be revealed. Fate may be a notorious gang in the underworld, but it follows thew. However, like every gang out there in the world, it has enemies."


    Hearing the old man¡¯s words, Lu Tian ponder in thought. He is the person the government sends when ites to dealing with the underworld and he knows how each gang works.


    However, why does it have to be his wife who has to take on the role as Fate¡¯s leader?


    Looking at Lu Tian¡¯s expression, Grandfather Ji already knew what he was thinking about. He sighs and answers.


    "It was her choice."


    He looks away from Lu Tian and stares out to the window.


    "After Ah Ling lost her parents, she threw away her childhood. Old Lu and I tried to convince her, but she told us that she will ept her fate and be the next leader in line for Fate."


    Saying this, he looks back at Lu Tian before his words continue again.


    "The stablization of Fate is all her doing."


    He stares at Lu Tian to observe the boy¡¯s expression. However, no matter how long he looked, Lu Tian¡¯s expression remained the same as usual. Indifference.


    Thinking of something, he sighs a smile.


    "There are some who say that she is a curse, are you sure you want to be with her?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes stared at the desk as he was deep in his own thoughts about the life his wife had lived.


    Hearing the old man¡¯s sudden words, he was reminded of his wife¡¯s words to him when they were at the beach in City Z.


    ¡¯Like a curse, everyone beside me always end up leaving...¡¯


    Recalling the pain in her eyes that day, he felt a sharp stab in his heart.


    His eyes slowly shift from the desk to Grandfather Ji.


    "If she is a curse, then let her be my curse. Even if you, my parents or the whole world wants me to leave her, I won¡¯t give up on her."


    Staring straight into the old man¡¯s eyes, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice continues inside the study room.


    "She is the only Han Yue Ling in my world."


    Grandfather Ji stares at Lu Tian with an expressionless face. Even when Lu Tian was done speaking, he did not say a word but continue to look at the boy sitting across from him.


    After what felt like forever, his lip slowly curl up into a smile as he chuckles.


    "Good."


    He nods his head approvingly andughs heartily aloud.


    "Now I can rest assure that I will not be giving my granddaughter to someone useless."


    "..."


    Lu Tian stares at Grandfather Ji and he did not know whether tough or cry. Should he be happy or angry at the old man¡¯s words?


    Seeing the quick change in Lu Tian¡¯s facial expression because of his words, Grandfather Ji chuckles and stood up from his seat.


    "Alright, I¡¯ve said what I needed to say and heard what I needed to hear. Everyone must be tired of waiting for us."


    Saying this, he proceeds towards the door to leave, but just as he reached the door, he paused in his steps.


    "Ah yes, since you know about Ah Ling, I guess I should fill you in on something."


    Turning back to look at Lu Tian, he smiles a smile that reached his eyes.


    "The ¡¯man¡¯ who saved Jingxu and Ting did not leave Imperial."


    Hearing these words, Lu Tian who had just stood from his seat arch a brow. He had wanted to train with this mysterious man.


    "Who is he?"


    Grandfather Ji sighs a smile and held his hands behind his back as his chin slightly raise up with proudness.


    "He is someone who has always been in front of you."


    Arching his other brow, both Lu Tian¡¯s brows arch up at the old man.


    "It was you?"


    "No."


    Grandfather Ji quickly answer as he shook his head and smiles chuckle.


    He turns around and walks out of the room as he chuckles his next words.


    "Yue Ling."

 Chapter 398 kids these days

    After a tearful conversation of catching up with life, Madam Lu and Yue Ling left the garden room to join everyone else in the living room.


    As the two women enter the room, Lu Tian and Grandfather Ji were already done with their conversation as well.


    Grandfather Ji and Old Lu were discussing about something as both men sat on the sofa, while Lu Tian stood near the window with Zhuang Xie Li.


    From the corners of Lu Tian¡¯s eyes, he sees his wife walking into the room with his mother. He turn to look at her then to Zhuang Xie Li.


    "Excuse me for a moment."


    Saying this, he strides towards his wife. However, when he saw her red and puffy eyes like she had cried for days, his eyes darken intensely.


    He nce murderously at his mother as his cold voice spoke.


    "What did you do?"


    "..."


    Madam Lu stares in disbelief at her oldest son. She looks at Yue Ling then back to Lu Tian.


    She knows why her son is angry, but what about her?


    The way she looks right now is not so different from Yue Ling!


    "Tian, you shouldn¡¯t speak to your mother like that?"


    Yue Ling frowns at Lu Tian. She could not believe that he dares to talk to his mother this way.


    Taking a step to the right, she slightly blocks Madam Lu like shielding the woman from a monster.


    "She didn¡¯t do anything wrong."


    Being protected by Yue Ling, Madam Lu¡¯s eyes turned moist as her entire being softens.


    She is very touched to know that Yue Ling would not hesitate to defend her. Even if the other person was Lu Tian.


    She sighs at the thought of having such a wonderful daughter-inw, then res at her son.


    "You think I will be mean to my daughter-inw? Hah! The only ones I will be mean to is you and Han!"


    "..."


    Lu Han who was currently sitting on the ground with Ji Jingxu and Zhuang Li was happily ying a card game. However, when he heard his mother, he felt a bitter taste in his mouth.


    He looks at Yue Ling then to the two boys.


    Seeing them look at him with pity, he sighs inside and lower his hand holding the cards.


    Bringing his other hand up, he covers his eyes and sob.


    "Children let me tell you. Be grateful you do not have a mother like mine."


    He inhales a sniffle and wails louder with no tears.


    "I am this old and my mother still beat me like I am an empty can in the street for her to kick."


    "..."


    Ji Jingxu and Zhuang Li stares at Lu Han speechlessly. Both individual nce at one another then back to the man crying without tears.


    Feeling sympathy for the grown man, Zhuang Li stretch an arm to pat Lu Han on the back. His head nods and he heaves a sigh like he was older than the man.


    "Mm, mm. I will be grateful that my father does not hit me."


    Lu Han quickly pause in his act and looks at Zhuang Li, then Ji Jingxu. Seeing how they are so much luckier than him, he felt even worse.


    He lowers his head again and sob like a person who had gone through so much hardship.


    "Wuu... Why are kids these days are so lucky! Wuu..."


    Zhuang Li did not know what else to do. He looks at Ji Jingxu for help, but only got a shrug of both shoulders.


    Standing unmoving in her position, Madam Lu stares with heavy eyes at her youngest son¡¯s exaggerating act. She takes a deep breath and massage her temple.


    "Han, if you keep acting like that, I will drag you back to live with your father and I."


    Hearing this, Lu Han who was crying like his entire world wasing to an end abruptly stops crying.


    He straighten his posture and shamelessly smiles to both boys then res at his mother.


    "Ma, I was just showing these two boys how hard my life has been."


    "..."


    Ji Jingxu stares at Lu Han with aplex expression. He felt that the man¡¯s sense of humor is very out of this world. However, thinking of something, he reach his arm to pat the man¡¯s shoulder.


    He stares seriously into Lu Han¡¯s eyes and spoke in a serious tone.


    "Lu Han, you have lived a very hard life. I will pray for you."


    Standing next to Madam Lu, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at her brother¡¯s words. This feeling of knowing such wonderful people gave her a peaceful feeling.


    She looks at Lu Tian and smiles.


    "Tian, can I talk to you."


    The space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three lines as he was pondering in thoughts. Should he embarrass at the fact that his family is this way?


    However, hearing his wife¡¯s words, all the colors on his face drained.


    What did she want to talk to him about?


    Did his mother tell her something?


    Seeing the look on his face, Yue Ling chuckles. She takes a step forward and reach to hold his hand.


    "Can I tell my yeye?"


    Although her voice was very quiet, Lu Tian quickly sighed in relief. He thought it was going to be something scary.


    Brushing the quick feeling he fear away, he nods his head.


    "If you want."


    A smile curl on Yue Ling¡¯s face as she tilt her head to look at her grandfather.


    Even with the scene that just happened, neither Grandfather nor Old Lu paid any attention to it. Both men were too into the conversation they were having.


    Staring at his wife, Lu Tian faintly smile. If she wants to tell the old man, he is not against it. Even if she wanted to tell the whole world, he will whole heartily support her.


    Thinking of something, he reach into his pocket to take his wallet out.


    "Give this to him."


    Yue Ling looks away from her grandfather to Lu Tian. When she saw the ultrasound photo in his hand, she smiles with her teeth and takes the photo from him.


    Never would she have thought that he would keep the picture in his wallet.


    Holding it with both her hands, she inhales a deep breath to steady herself.


    Just as she was going to take a step away, Lu Tian ce his hand on her back.


    "Let¡¯s tell him together."


    "Mm."


    Yue Ling nod her head and rx her shoulders. With Lu Tian by her side, she is not afraid to do anything.


    Seeing the pair walk towards Grandfather Ji, everyone in the room grew curious to what they were nning to do.


    Lu Han no longer wanted to sit with Ji Jingxu and Zhuang Li as stood up and tip toe his way over.


    Seeing him do so, both the boys also stood up and follow after.


    Standing by the window, Zhuang Xie Li shook his head. Seeing all three them move in a line, he felt like he was watching some boys in grade school ying follow the leader.


    His head lightly shook, and he shift his attention to Yue Ling and Lu Tian. Just like them, he is also curious to know what these two are nning to do.


    Behind Yue Ling and Lu Tian, Madam Lu¡¯s eyes lit up. She was able to catch a glimpse when Yue Ling took the ultrasound picture from Lu Tian.


    Grinning from ear to ear she happily follows after the pair. She could not wait to see the old man¡¯s reaction.


    Walking up to the two man converse in a deep conversation, Yue Ling and Lu Tian came to a stop.


    Grandfather Ji and Old Lu saw them and turn to see Yue Ling sit beside her grandfather at the end of the sofa while Lu Tian stood at her side.


    "Is something wrong?"


    The old man asked as he felt it was rather odd for the pair to suddenly walk up to them like this.


    Hearing the worry in his voice, Yue Ling faintly smiles and shook her head.


    "It¡¯s nothing."


    Her hand holding the photo slightly hides behind her as she ce he rother hand over her grandfather¡¯s and part her lips to speak.


    "Tian and I have a gift we want to give you."

 Chapter 399 in the future

    Grandfather Ji stares at Yue Ling with slightly furrow brows.


    She said that her and Lu Tian have a gift to give him? Didn¡¯t they already give him gifts during the birthday celebration?


    His head lower to her hand that is ced over his and he narrow his eyes.


    However, unable to read the situation, he looks up at her and smiles.


    "What else is there that can possibly top the gifts you both have already given me?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s smile widens as she softly chuckles at his words. She takes a deep breath and turn to look at the man standing at her side.


    Met with her eyes, Lu Tian did not make a sound but lightly nod his head.


    Knowing that they should not beat around the bush, Yue Ling turns back to her grandfather.


    Staring at his face, she sighs inside at how much he has grown older these past few years. He used to never have wrinkles, but now she could see the fine lines clearly.


    A very faint smile curls on her lip and she part her lips.


    "Yeye, you have always taught me the way of life and guided me to right path."


    Her head lowers to the hand that she is holding.


    These hands are the proof of how much her grandfather has lived life in hardship.


    These hands are also the hands that held hers from a young age until now.


    Never once did he let go.


    Thinking about all the effort he has put in her life, Yue Ling gently caress the back of his hand with her thumb.


    Slowly blinking her eyes, she raise her head to look back at him.


    "I hope that in the future, you will guide our child the same way you did for us."


    She sighs a smile and her words continue.


    "Teach our child the things we cannot and show our child the world that we cannot."


    As her words fell, Grandfather Ji felt like he was going to have heart attack. Not in a bad way, but a good way.


    It was like there is a dy in transferring all her words from one side of his brain to the other.


    Like something like this had happened before.


    Ah, that¡¯s right. This scene was like the day his daughter and son-inw told him that he was going to be a grandfather.


    Just as the thought processed in his mind, his eyes widen and he stares in disbelief at Yue Ling before looking at Lu Tian.


    His mouth opens and close, but it was like all the words in his brain had been put on pause.


    Seeing his stunned reaction, Yue Ling chuckles and she slowly pass the ultrasound picture to him.


    "Yeye, I hope that you will be in mine and Lu Tian¡¯s child¡¯s life."


    She stares into his eyes and sighs a smile.


    "I hope that you can be another shelter for our child, so he or she will know that no matter what happens, you will be another ce called home."


    Listening until the end, Grandfather Ji did not utter a sound.


    Even he doesn¡¯t know what to think at this moment.


    However after a long minute passed, his eyes slowly lowers to the photo in the Yue Ling¡¯s hand.


    Before he knew it, he was already holding the ck and white photo.


    "You both... I..."


    His lower lip trembled so much that his words could not be spoken properly.


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and nod her head once.


    "You are going to be a great grandfather."


    Grandfather Ji looks at Yue Ling with shaking eyes. Seeing her smile, he slowly looks back down at the photo in his hand.


    Though the quality of the photo is not clear, he could see the forming of the baby.


    He or she¡¯s head is already taking shape with well-formed limbs.


    Holding the photo with his right hand, his gently trace the part of the tiny baby with his trembling fingers.


    "I am going to be great grandfather..."


    As he spoke his words with a smile, his vision slowly became a blur and a tear slid down his cheek.


    "My very first great grandchild..."


    He gasps heavily for air and move his left hand from the photo as he clutch his chest of the aching pain inside. However, he did not stop sobbing.


    Instead, his sobs that started out quietly turned into a wail.


    He did not care about his image or if the people around were confused as to why he is crying like this.


    The him at this moment, is beyond happy, but also in guilt.


    Yue Ling stares at her grandfather and she could not describe the feeling she was having.


    She felt he looked so sad like there is only sorrow in the world.


    Thest time she remember seeing him this way was when her nai nai passed away.


    Feeling a sudden sharp pain ache in her heart, she could not bare to see him look so vulnerable.


    She reach to hold his hand with of her hand.


    "Yeye..."


    Hearing her angelic voice that can always calm a person¡¯s mind, Grandfather Ji takes a deep breath and shook his head.


    "I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just very happy."


    He looks at the ultrasound picture then to his granddaughter. He force a smile to reassure her that he is really fine. However, deep inside, only the heavens know how much pain he is in.


    "You both have my support and blessings."


    Seeing his usual smile, Yue Ling did not put much thought into it and thinks he is really fine.


    "Thank you, yeye."


    Grandfather Ji sighs inside and brush his feelings away. Returning to his usual self, he looks at Lu Tian with red tearful eyes.


    "Promise me you will take care of them. Do not let any harme to neither mother nor child."


    Hearing his words, Lu Tian looks at the old man and nod his head. Even if he did not answer, his expression was enough to put Grandfather Ji at ease.


    Standing behind the sofa, Ji Jingxu stare in wide eyes with agape mouth. His eyes locked on the photo in his grandfather¡¯s hand.


    Turning to look at him, Yue Ling smiles when she saw his expression.


    "Jingxu, you¡¯re going to be an uncle."


    As her words enter his ears, Ji Jingxu inhaled a mouthful of air. He had seen others be called uncle, but never would he have thought the day woulde when he would be called one too.


    His eyes slowly shift to his sister and he stares at her, then he looks at the cold and aloof man standing by her side.


    Lu Tian did not move his eyes away from his wife, but feeling a pair of eyes on him, he looks at Ji Jingxu. He nod his head to the boy without a word.


    Being met with those dark pupils, Ji Jingxu felt a chill down his spine. Quickly averting his eyes, he looks at his sister and his lip arc up into a smile that reached his eyes.


    "Jie, I am happy you both. Really happy."


    Lu Tian may be a man who others fear, but when he (Lu Tian) is with Yue Ling, he (Ji Jingxu) can see the gentleness in those eyes that can see into a person¡¯s soul.


    Thinking this, his eyes moves to the old man and he ce his hands on Grandfather Ji¡¯s shoulders.


    "Old man! Did you hear?! I¡¯m going to be an uncle!!!"


    Feeling his body being shake by the boy, Grandfather Ji¡¯s head wobble from side to side like he had no neck to support his head.


    However, he was not bother by it. Like the boy, he is also in smiles at such wonderful news.


    Even if his remaining time is short and uncertain, he will embrace this moment with everyone.


    So what if he won¡¯t be here to greet this little one in the future, he is happy to know that he has a great grandchild.

 Chapter 400 taken care of

    After telling the news to Grandfather Ji, one conversation led to another. Madam Lu, Old Lu and Lu Han were the first to leave while Zhuang Xue Li and Zhuang Li did not leave. The father and son duo were spending the night at the Ji Mansion.


    ncing at the wall clock in the living room, Lu Tian was surprise so see howte into the night it had gotten.


    "Grandfather Ji, it is gettingte so I will take Yue Ling home."


    Lu Tian spoke as he stood up from the sofa.


    Knowing his wife wanted to stay behind longer, he willingly agreed. However, it was already one in the morning.


    Grandfather Ji looks at his granddaughter then to Lu Tian. Even if he wanted to spend more time with her, Lu Tian was right. Tomorrow is a off day from work, but she still needed to rest.


    He nod his head and turn to his granddaughter who sat next to him. He pat Yue Ling¡¯s hand and smiles.


    "Ah Ling take care of yourself. Eat healthy meals every day and do not stress yourself."


    Yue Ling smiles a nod in understanding. As much as she wanted to stay longer, she knows that her grandfather must be tired from the long night.


    "I wille back to visit again."


    Grandfather Ji answers with mm and lift his hand to pat Yue Ling on the head. His eyes held happiness and a mixture of sadness. He then looks to Lu Tian.


    "Make sure both mother and child are properly taken care of. If you need any help, I am here to help."


    Lu Tian nod his head with a mm. Even if this is first time taking care of a pregnant woman, he will do everything he can because she is his wife. For all the things he does not know, he will study them.


    Heading towards the front door, Grandfather Ji and Zhuang Xie Li walks the young couple out as they bid goodbye to each other.


    Ji Jingxu and Zhuang Li had already said their goodbyes earlier as both boys needed to sleep for tomorrow¡¯s long training.


    Watching Yue Ling and Lu Tian get into the back seat of Liu Shan¡¯s ck car, both men stood on the front steps of the Ji Mansion.


    As the back lights of the car slowly furthers into the distance, Grandfather Ji and Zhuang Xie Li finally returned inside the house.


    Grandfather Ji sighs as the entire house suddenly return to it¡¯s usual quietness.


    Although it is just him and Ji Jingxu, the Ji Mansion isn¡¯t as quiet, but to see it now, he felt it was more quieter than before.


    Having Yue Ling and the Lu family here, the Ji Mansion actually felt warmer with many people.


    His eyes looks ahead and he sighs again. Indeed it is nice to have a big family.


    Now that they have all left, he isn¡¯t even tired anymore.


    Walking to the living room, he stops in the center of the room and held both his hands behind his back.


    Raising his head, he stares at the painting Lu Tian had gifted him.


    He made sure Lu Tian¡¯s ¡¯Five Drunken Generals¡¯ was hung in the living room while Old Lu and Madam Lu¡¯s ¡¯Springtime Memories¡¯ was hung in his study room.


    "Have you really decided not to tell them?"


    From behind, Zhuang Xie Li¡¯s voice suddenly sounds. He couldn¡¯t help but ask as he is the other person besides Zhong Yang who really knows about the old man¡¯s health.


    Even he was shocked, and heart broken when he heard the news. He only knew because the General had a fall out while they were training the soldiers. If it was not for that, he would have never known.


    With eyes on the painting, Grandfather Ji did not answer right away. He continued to admire the painting before a faint smile curl on his lip.


    "I will, but not now. Yue Ling is with child. I do not want her to stress over me. As for Jingxu, he is graduating soon. I want him to focus on his studies."


    His words fell as he slowly turn his head to face one of his most trusty subordinates. Lifting his hand, he pat Zhuang Xie Li on the shoulder.


    "When my timees and I am no longer here, I hope that you will be one of the people I trust who will help look after them."


    Zhuang Xie Li felt a sharp sensation in his chest as he listens. He wanted to tell the old man that everything will be fine, but the moment he met Grandfather Ji¡¯s eyes, he could only nod his head.


    "I will follow your order until the death of me."


    Grandfather Ji smiled faintly and turns back to look at the painting on the wall. Both his hands reaches into the pockets of his pants.


    As his hands return out, what he brought in his hands was the gifts of both his grandchildren.


    He stares down at the jade stone and ss bead for a long minute before walking over to a table against the wall that hung the painting.


    The table had rows of drawers, but he did not pause to see which one he needed to open.


    He pulls the second drawer open and reach inside to take out a wooden box.


    Removing the top part, Zhuang Xie Li was curious to know what is inside the box. He quietly gasps when he saw that inside was filled to the rims with many ss beads of the same color.


    "General, why do you have so many prayer beads?"


    Hearing the question, Grandfather Ji chuckles and he ce the ss bead and jade stone he had received inside.


    "Jingxu gave them to me."


    His fingers gently trace the many prayer beads and a small smile curl on his lip.


    "When my wife was still alive, Jingxu and her would always go to the temple to pray. Since then, that boy had always crafted them on his own and gave it to me every year for my birthday."


    Ji Jingxu had always asked him if he keeps the beads. In his reply, he would lie and say they were unimportant.


    He knows how words may hurt, but Ji Jingxu never cared. He still continued to give him the same gift every year.


    Closing the lid, he ce the wooden box back inside the drawer.


    "This year, I finally have the 108th bead toplete the ne."

 Chapter 401 made a deal

    In the far distance away from the Ji Mansion where Peony Vi resides, the Ning family alsoid its housing foundation.


    Although both families lived in the same area, the Ning family¡¯s house is not as luxurious as the Lu family house. However, its beauty is not one to look down upon.


    While the lights of the houses are turned off, only the lights inside the Ning family house is kept on.


    Ning Xingyu sat inside his study room as he leaned against the chair with his eyes closed.


    A faint wet and suckling sounds can be heard from the lower part of his body as the top of a young maiden¡¯s head is slightly visible.


    With his eyes closed, Ning Xingyu thought about the beauty in the green dress during Grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday celebration.


    She is indeed the most beautiful and alluring woman he has everid his eyes on.


    Just as he reached the ninth heavens of pleasure, he groan satisfying and whispers her name.


    "Yue... Ling..."


    Gripping the back of the young maiden¡¯s head, he made a final thrust to make sure she captures his entire load before pushing her away.


    He didn¡¯t care if he was too ruthless with the woman. Reaching for a tissue he leisure cleans himself and fixes his clothes.


    However, seeing that the woman was rather slow in dressing herself up, Ning Xingyu frowns.


    "Hurry and get out."


    The woman had just finished buttoning her blouse when she heard him. Her shoulders jumped and she nods her head while quickly fixing her skirt into ce.


    Due to his sudden words, her usual hair that was put up in a neat bun was left down.


    Just as she reached the door, it was abruptly pushed opened.


    "Ah¡ª!"


    She yelped in fright and shocked at the sudden intruder.


    Ning Xingyu res at the stupid woman then to the person now standing at the door.


    "What do you want?"


    Ning Mei looks at her older brother then to the maid, who was a young woman with fair skin and dark hair.


    She has to admit, this maid was very pretty, it¡¯s no wonder her brother often calls for her. However, no matter how much she is favored, she is still a maid and one of her brother¡¯s ythings.


    Just as she thought this, she hears her brother¡¯s question follow by a smell that entered her senses and she quickly covers her nose.


    "Tell your woman to leave first."


    Seeing the maid still standing in the room, Ning Xingyu furrow his brows with an irritated expression.


    "Get out. Why are you still standing there?"


    The maid jumped at his cold voice before bowing to the brother and sister duo. She then runs out of the room without closing the door.


    Ning Xingyu sneer at how useless the maid was. He stood from his seat and walks over to the window. Opening it, he takes a cigarette out and lights it.


    "Why are you here?"


    Still covering her nose from the after smell of two people having a intimacy act, Ning Mei ushers a hmmf as she walks over to a chaise and sat down.


    "Brother, how can you keep involving yourself with the servant girls here? Aren¡¯t you afraid that they will ckmail you? What if one of them by chance gets pregnant?"


    Ning Xingyu stood by the open window and continued to smoke his cigarette. When he heard his sister¡¯s words, a sinister sneer curl on his lip.


    "How I spend my private life isn¡¯t of your concern."


    Hearing his words and the tone of his voice, Ning Mei¡¯s expression turned red. Not the kind of red that makes one embarrass but the one that makes one angry.


    She and Ning Xingyu are siblings, but they were never close like other siblings. How they react towards each other in public is only for show.


    Behind close doors, Ning Xingyu treats her like dirt. As if they don¡¯t share the same father and mother.


    Brushing the thought away, she was reminded of the humiliation she received at Grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday. When the Ji family was humiliating her, not once did he stood up for her.


    She looks at her brother and pout her lip.


    "When are you going to help me marry Lu Tian?"


    At her question, Ning Xingyu¡¯s eyes turned murderously cold. He scoffs a sarcastic chuckle like he heard the most stupidest thing ever.


    "Help you? If you had kept your mouth shut instead of spreading lies, I wouldn¡¯t have lost my partnership with Lu Corps."


    He turns away from the window to Ning Mei and snort.


    "I lost a very important contract because of you. So, don¡¯t even think about me helping you."


    He remembers the humiliation he received during the social gathering. If it was not for his idiotic sister, Lu Tian would have never spoken so coldly to him.


    From that night onwards, everything seemed to be going down hills for him and TB Corps.


    Ning Mei turned speechless at his words. She had in fact imed herself as Lu Tian¡¯s fianc¨¦, but she didn¡¯t expect the man to know. Even worse, she did expect Lu Tian to be so cruel and terminate the contract between Lu Corps and TB Corps that has been going on for 2 years now.


    Seeing her pitiful face, Ning Xingyu did not feel any pity for her at all. He turns back to the window and continue smoking his cigarette.


    "If that¡¯s all you wanted to ask then get out. Seeing you makes me sick."


    Ning Mei bit her lower lip and clenched her hands into tight fists. Standing up from the chaise, she strides out of the room without saying a word.


    She knows her brother¡¯s temper. If she was to push the topic any further, he would definitely snap at her.


    Even if they were family, he doesn¡¯t care at all.


    Like this house, she had also once lived here, but he was the one who kicked her out. He said she was an embarrassment to the family thus having her live here will only ruin their family¡¯s name.


    As she storms out of the Ning family house, she gets into her car. However, she does not leave right away.


    Grabbing her phone inside the glovepartment, she quickly dials number.


    The call rang twice before the line connects, but before the other person could answer, she spoke first.


    "I can¡¯t wait anymore. I need Han Yue Ling to disappear as soon as possible. I have new information about her that will help your task. Once you¡ª"


    Before she could finish her words, the other person cuts her off.


    However, the longer she listened, the more her eyes widened in horror.


    "T-That¡¯s not possible... We made a deal. I already sent the first half of the money."

 Chapter 402 also there

    In the living room of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s new house, the aloof man had already changed out of his tuxedo into a set of loungewear.


    He sat on one of the couches while Inu sat on the one across from him.


    Both the human and Samoyed had their eyes glued on the coffee table that separated them.


    Set on top of the table is a white pr bear that Lu Tian had set down. It was one of Inu¡¯s toys that he loves the most.


    However, at this moment, the eyes of the businessman and the Samoyed were like hunters in a forest ready to attack their lunch.


    Without moving his eyes away from the pr bear, Lu Tian carefully stretch his arm to the side and press a button on his phone.


    "J¨ªt."


    He spoke the foreign word the same time his finger touched his phone, but he does not move.


    In that very same moment, Inu who was calmly sitting across made his move. He lungs toward the coffee table and grabs the pr bear with his mouth.


    He then jumps down from the table and turn to look at the man.


    Lu Tian presses his phone again and brings it closer to him. ncing down at the screen, he arch a brow.


    "3.48 seconds."


    He looks at Inu and is met with an expression as if saying, ¡¯I¡¯m the fastest creature in the world!¡¯


    Like he was able to read the Samoyed¡¯s mind, Lu Tian shook his head and ce his phone on the table. Leaning back against the couch, he cross his arms over his chest.


    "You are 15 hundredths of a second faster than yourst one."


    "..."


    Hearing the man like he understood those words, Inu stares at him with heavy eyes.


    He walks back to the table and set the pr bear on the table in the same position it was on earlier.


    Without waiting, he jumps onto the couch and face Lu Tian again.


    Seeing him do so, both Lu Tian¡¯s brows arch up. However, not saying a word, he reach for his phone and reset the timer.


    Ever since he finished changing, he and Inu had been going at this for a while. When he says go, Inu is to grab the pr bear and get down from the table as fast as he can.


    It is to help calcte how fast the little guy can move.


    The Samoyed had started off at five seconds, then within each passing time, the number would decrease as Inu¡¯s speed seemed to increase.


    Thinking this, he held his phone and looks at Inu.


    "Ready?"


    "Wroof¡ª"


    Inu quickly barks an answer. His head slightly lowers with eyes focusing on the pr bear like he was trying to make it move without touching it.


    "Seems like you both are having fun."


    Just as Lu Tian was about to press the button for the timer on his phone, Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice enters his ears.


    Both Lu Tian and Inu turn their head in her direction and sees her walking halfway down the stairs.


    Yue Ling chuckles as she moves forward in her steps. She had just finished taking a shower and changed out of her green dress into a nightgown and robe.


    When she saw that Lu Tian was not in bed, she heard his and Inu¡¯s voice downstairs. Thus, leading her here. However, she did not expect to see such a scene from the two.


    Watching her descend from the stairs, Lu Tian did not answer her but stare at her in awe. No matter how many times he sees her, he can never get enough of her.


    Her beauty is one that is unparalleled to anyone. Even her personality is kind and loving.


    However, as he continues to stare at her, he couldn¡¯t help but think about the dark figure that saved Ji Jingxu and Ting from the Ghost Gang.


    The slim figure was a blur in the footage Xu Long retrieved, but it was enough for him to see how the person moved around.


    Fast and swift.


    Each movement were done like the person had turned into a light feather.


    Grandfather Ji had told him that it was his wife who was the mysterious person he had wanted to meet.


    However, gazing at her feminine figure approaching him, he can¡¯t seem to believe the old man¡¯s words.


    His wife looks so innocent and fragile, so is she really the person who killed without batting an eye?


    Feeling the gaze on her, Yue Ling took herst step on the stairs and looks at Lu Tian.


    The moment her bluish green pupils met his dark pool like ones, she furrow her brows. Lowering her head, she looks down at her clothes and ponder in thought.


    Does her nightgown have a hole somewhere or is there a stain? Why is he looking at her like this?


    Not seeing anything that would make him look so seriously at her, she looks back at him and brush the thought away.


    It¡¯s not like he¡¯s never looked at her this way before.


    "Is everything alright?"


    She nonchntly asks as she walks over to the couch Inu was sitting on. Her eyes never leaving the man¡¯s face at all.


    Hearing her question, Lu Tian was brought back to his senses. He looks at her and faintly smile.


    "I was just thinking. Grandfather Ji told me that it was you who saved Jingxu and Ting from Ghost Gang. Is it true?"


    Just as Yue Ling sat down, his sudden question took her by surprise. She looks at him and didn¡¯t know how to answer him. However, since they are together and he already knows that she is the leader of Fate, she has no need to hide anything from him.


    Nodding her head, she sighs a smile.


    "Mm, but Liu Shan and Lin Hui were also there."


    Listening to her answer, a part of Lu Tian wanted her to deny the truth, but hearing her honestly tell him, he was also relieved.


    He doesn¡¯t want her to be involve in dangerous situations, but it also shows that she trusts him enough to let him know about things like this if he were to ask.


    Thinking back to it, he could onlyugh inside. He was tasked a mission to save a civilian, but in the end, someone beated him to it and it was none other than his wife.


    However, what can he say?


    She is someone from the underworld and her knowledge of the gangs are far greater than his.


    Even that assistant of hers. Xu Long has great hacking skills, but whenpare to Liu Shan, he (Lu Tian) feels that his assistant¡¯s skills is still at a lower level.


    At the time, Xu Long was barely able to hack into each camera as Liu Shan¡¯s codes were harder to decode.


    Thinking this, he thought about her safety and their child. His expression turns into a frown and his deep voice sounds.


    "Next time, if something like this happens again, promise me you will let me handle it."

 Chapter 403 you were late

    Yue Ling sat across from the man with mixed feelings inside when she heard his words.


    Truth was, if Ji Jingxu was never involved, she would have never gone to visit Ghost Gang. After all, when she left City Z, she had an agreement with the few people from the underworld that knew her.


    So long as they do not cross her line, she will not bother them.


    Unfortunately, Ji Jingxu was pulled into a mess that involved Ting. Thus, causing her to return to the world she decided to leave.


    However, thinking about Lu Tian¡¯s words, she could not argue with him. She is now pregnant and any small mishap can make her lose their child.


    Meeting his eyes, she nods her head.


    "I promise. If something like this happens again, I will let you handle it."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian sighed in relief. He knows that his wife is a someone with great capabilities, but as her man, it¡¯s his duty to protect her.


    What kind of man is he if he cannot protect her and their child?


    Unknown to the man¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling¡¯s words did not stop there. She looks away from him to Inu.


    Gently touching Inu¡¯s head, she caress his soft white fur.


    "However, I cannot promise that in the future, if something fatal were to happen, I will just sit back and watch."


    Her words fell and her eyes slowly blink. However, when her eyes open again from that one blink, she was no longer looking at Inu, but to Lu Tian.


    "I hope you will at least give me this."


    Staring at her, it was Lu Tian¡¯s turn to have mix feelings. Her sudden proposal quickly demolished the relief feeling he had, but looking into her eyes, he could only sigh.


    "Alright."


    He willingly agrees with her. Not because he knows that she can solve a problem in her own way, but because he will never allow such fatal incident to ur that will need her to act.


    As long as he is still breathing, he will never let here into any kind of harm.


    Seeing that they havee to an agreement, Yue Ling smiles at him and continues to pet Inu. However, thinking of something, she looks back at him.


    "Was it yeye who told you about what happened to Jingxu and Ting?"


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether to cry orugh at this moment. After running into him in Retro, does she still see him as only a businessman?


    A deep sigh escapes his lip and he answers her question.


    "I was at the scene after you left."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen and she gasps aloud. Raising one hand, she covers her agape mouth and stares at Lu Tian.


    Remembering what happened, she didn¡¯t stay behind to find out who the team that arrived on the other mountain was. Neither did she order Liu Shan or Lin Hui to stay behind.


    After rescuing both boys from Ghost Gang, she took Ji Jingxu and left Ting behind.


    At the time, she did so because she had a gut feeling that the unknown team were good people.


    Thinking this, she thanks her gut feeling then chuckles as she looks down to Inu.


    "I see, so it was you and your team."


    The moment she spoke the word team, she suddenly remembers something and looks back at the man.


    "Tian, can I tell you something?"


    Seeing the quick change in her expression, he already had a faint idea of what she has to tell him.


    "Is it about why you werete to the birthday?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask. During the birthday celebration, Grandfather Ji had mentioned in his speech that he was stalling time for her arrival. Not only that, Housekeeper Hu kept going back and forth to inform the old man.


    Yue Ling was once again taken back by surprise when he asked. Her eyes blinked and she wonder if Lu Tian was someone who could read minds.


    Then again, she is not surprise. He is a businessman after all. Understanding each situation is something he must know.


    She softly chuckles and sighs a smile to him.


    "Mm, it is about that."


    As her words fell, her smile slowly disappears, and she turns her attention back to Inu who isying down next to her.


    "On the way to yeye¡¯s birthday, Qi Li called me."


    Gently caressing Inu¡¯s soft fur again, her words continue.


    "Someone had vandalized Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop while he took the day off."


    She sighs a pitiful smile remembering how the ce looked like when she and Liu Shan arrived at the scene.


    Everything was destroyed to the ground. Whoever it was made sure that nothing was left intact. Even the shelves to store the items werepletely broken.


    However, that was not the only thing, the secret backroom that held all Uncle Zhi¡¯s confidential information and valuables were all taken.


    "Uncle Zhi did not want me to know about what happened since it was yeye¡¯s birthday, but I was the only person Qi Li could think of to call at the time."


    Lu Tian listened to the end. Remembering his meeting with Uncle Zhi, he found the middle-aged man to be very respectable and honest.


    All the items he sold were ancient artifacts if not then very highly valuable items.


    To think such unfortunate event had to happen to him.


    "Did Liu Shan check the CCTVs in the area?"


    Yue Ling nod her head, "He did, but was unable to trace anything."


    The first thing they did was check the surveince cameras within the area and a 50-mile radius from the scene. However, they were led to a dead end.


    Lu Tian furrow his brows at her words. If Liu Shan was unable to find anything, then that means this person is very skilled or knows how to hide from the cameras.


    "What about the security guards?"


    Hearing his question, Yue Ling close her eyes and shook her head.


    "One was dead at the scene while the other is now in critical condition."


    Opening her eyes, she felt sympathy for the two security guards. Although they were once thugs Uncle Zhi hade across while doing business overseas, he took them in and treated them like his sons.


    The hardest thing about caring for those without families are when you lose them.


    When they leave this world, no one remembers them except for the person who looked after them.


    She looks at Lu Tian with a faint and apologetic smile.


    "I know this might be too much to ask, but can you have your team help my team search for the culprit?"


    Though she did not want to ask him, if its his team and hers working together then she knows they have a better and faster chance of finding the person who vandalized Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    Plus, Liu Shan may be a highly skilled hacker, but he is still one person. With Lin Hui and Xu Long working with him, she knows that all three of them will find a lead.


    Seeing her apologetic smile that makes his heart ache, Lu Tian sighs inside and pinch the space between his brows.


    His expression looked like one that doesn¡¯t know if he should lend a helping hand.


    However, lowering his hand, he stood from the couch and walks over to the one she is sitting on.


    With her sitting in the middle, he sat down at the end to her right and ce his palm on her back.


    "I¡¯ll have my team help search for any lead."


    Saying this, his other hand reach towards her face and held her chin. Turning her to look at him, he leans in and nts a quick kiss on her lip.


    "Whatever you ask from me is never too much."


    He faintly smiles and ce another kiss on her soft lips.


    "Except for my heart, because it is already yours."


    "..."


    Yue Ling did not once blink at the sudden kisses thrown at her. Her cheeks were already blushing red from the first kiss, however, being kissed a second time, she swore her face is probably as red as a baboon¡¯s bum!


    This man is too shameless for her heart!!


    Seeing her reaction, Lu Tian felt rather satisfied.


    From the moment he saw her appear at the birthday celebration, he had wanted to kiss her so badly. However, he had to hold back out of respect for the elders.


    Within time, their conversation soones to an end, Yue Ling headed up stairs for bed while Lu Tian took Inu outside to the back so the little guy can handle his business.


    Lu Tian stood on the patio deck as he smoke a cigarette. Taking his phone out, he dials a number.


    After four rings, the person on the other line finally answers the call as a groggy voice sound.


    ["Boss, I know you miss me, but its three in the morning."]


    "..."


    Hearing his assistant¡¯s voice, Lu Tian sighs inside. Even in a tired state of mind, Xu Long can still joke around with his words.


    Shaking his head, his deep voice sounds.


    "You¡¯re teaming with Liu Shan and Lin Hui to search for someone."


    ["Eh? Who?"]


    "Someone who doesn¡¯t want to live anymore."

 Chapter 404 caught red handed

    While the night came to those in Imperial, in the far distance of City Z, it was alsote into the night. However, the lights inside the top floor of a high apartment building is kept on.


    Inside the apartment,puter equipment is set up throughout the entire living room.


    Seated in the center is a man with long hair tied into a high ponytail. In front of him is a desk with two monitor screens and one keyboard.


    His long fingers types over the keys like he was ying a piano. It was like the sound of typing was like music to his ears and nothing else matters to him.


    "Did you find anything?"


    Suddenly, another man walks into the living room and asks the long hair man. However, instead of walking over to theputer station, he heads for the sofa and sits down.


    Hearing the question, the man with long hair quickly stops typing. He turns around in his swivel chair to the other man and sighs.


    "Nothing. I¡¯ve checked all the surveince cameras in City Z for the seventieth time. There¡¯s no sigh of him or the woman anywhere."


    He leans back on the chair and fold his arms over his chest.


    "By now, don¡¯t you think we should contact her? She has more resources than we do. If we let her know, we have a better chance of finding his whereabouts."


    Hearing those words, the man sitting on the sofa does not answer. He stares at the coffee table with a picture frame and a news article.


    He stares at the picture frame that held a photo of five people standing on what looks to be a stage. The background looked like one during a music performance. However, his eyes remained on the man standing in the center of the group.


    The man in the photo had a short buzz cut hair with a wide grin.


    It was a grin that makes one feel like nothing in the world matters. A smile that makes one can¡¯t help but smile back.


    Staring at the photo, he couldn¡¯t help but faintly smile back at the person. However, as he shift his gaze to the news article, the smile slowly disappears follow by a sorrowful sigh.


    "She has finally moved on... We should not bother her anymore but give her our blessings."


    The news article was a photo taken during Imperial¡¯s Annual Fall Fashion Show.


    On the runway stood a goddess clothe in all white as her eyes stare lovingly at the man sitting in the front with the audience.


    For such a scene to be captured, the headline for it entitled, ¡¯Supermodel and designer of De L¡¯amour, Han Yue Ling, and Imperial¡¯s Business King, Lu Tian in a rtionship.¡¯


    Under the headline are the words, ¡¯a perfect match made in heaven.¡¯


    After a long minute passes by, the man slowly close his eyes to calm his mind. When he opened his eyes, he reach for the news article and turns it over.


    He stood up and walks towards theputer station to join the man with long hair.


    "She made it clear when she left and she didn¡¯t tell us about her new life, except for Hana. We should not involve her with the past."


    Stopping at the side of the long hair man, his eyes scans the two monitor screens.


    "Continue the search. If we cannot find him within one month¡¯s time, then it confirms that he is no longer in City Z. We will then depart to Imperial."


    One month is a long time to search for someone, but they need to be sure. There¡¯s a fifty percent chance that the man they¡¯re looking for might still be hiding in City Z. However, the other fifty percent can be that he already fled the country.


    Either way, they cannot be too careless in this mission.


    Hearing these words, the man with long hair furrow his brows.


    "Isn¡¯t that crossing our jurisdiction? Will the Chief let us?"


    "I¡¯ll inform him of our n."


    The other man answers and turns away from the screens. He then walks in the direction of the balcony as he takes a cigarette out and put in his mouth.


    Watching the man leave, the man with long hair heaves a sigh aloud. Turning back to one of the monitor screens filled with codes, he sighs again.


    "Times like this, I really miss Liu Shan..."


    -


    The dark sky that once engulfed over Imperial soon brightens as the sky cleared thanks to the morning sun.


    Rays of light shines into the master bedroom awakening the beauty from her deep slumber.


    With eyes still closed, a refreshing smile curls on Yue Ling¡¯s lip as she stretch her arms in bed. It was the best feeling one gets after a long night¡¯s sleep.


    Into her stretch, her left hand suddenly hits the man sleeping next to her and she quickly opens her eyes.


    Retrieving her arm, she slowly turn her head to face him. However, to her surprise, the man did not wake up at her sudden touch.


    Usually he was the first to get up or wake up at her sudden movements. Even if it was a small move, he would have woken up, but not this time.


    Staring at him, she notices the crease between his eyebrows.


    A faint smile curl on her lip and she carefully turn her body to face him. She made sure to be extra quiet so that her movements does not wake him up.


    As she face him, she sighs inside and admire the sleeping beauty next to her.


    From his sharp brows to his closed eyes, her eyes travels down to his fine straight nose then his luscious pink lips.


    Her eyes blinked a few times and she struggle a difficult gulp. It was like something hard was stuck in her throat making it hard for her to swallow.


    He is indeed a very handsome man even when he is sleeping.


    He is hers to love and do whatever she wants with him. Even if she were to devour him, he cannot say no.


    Realizing her shameless thoughts, both her hands quickly covers her face and she tightly shut her eyes. Without making a sound, she screams inside her head.


    Han! Yue! Ling! Ah! When did you be such a shameless person?!


    As she lost herself into her own thoughts, she did not realize that the sleeping beauty she was admiring now had his eyes opened.


    Lu Tian stares at his wife and a warm smile curls on his lip.


    He had long been awake but knowing that they did not have to go in for work, he decided to stay in bed and admire her sleeping face.


    However, when she stretched her arms, he quickly pretended to be asleep and allow her to admire him as much as she wanted.


    Feeling something was off, Yue Ling stops screaming inside her head, but kept her hands over her face.


    Slowly sliding her middle fingers and ring finger apart, she peeks at the man.


    Except, she was quickly met with his dark pupils staring right back at her.


    Her entire body froze, and her face turned brightly red.


    "Ah!!"


    Her fingers slid back together to block her eyes from seeing his. She wanted to scream in embarrassment inside her head, without knowing, she had screamed aloud.


    Lu Tian stares at his wife and his smile curls up more until a soft chuckle escapes his lip.


    "Why are you still so shy?"


    Stretching his arm towards her, he held one of her wrists and moves it away from blocking her face.


    "It¡¯s not like I caught you red handed staring at me."


    "..."


    Like she was already not embarrassed enough, Lu Tian¡¯s sudden words were like a giant rock that suddenyered over her shamelessness even more. She wanted to cry so badly butck any ounce of tears to shed.


    With one hand still covering half of her face, she res at him. However, seeing his smile that can make any woman¡¯s heart flutter, she quickly tries to cover her entire face with one palm.


    Now she really wish she could dig a hole a hide in it. Not to hide her embarrassment, but to hide her from doing anything shameless.


    Thinking this way, she subconsciously mumbles aloud.


    "I¡¯ve really be too shameless..."


    Holding her wrist, Lu Tian slowly brought it to his lip, but the moment he was about to kiss the back of her hand, he heard her mumbling words.


    He looks at her and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle again.


    Pulling her closer to him, he wraps his arm around her and embrace her in hug.


    However, he could not stopughing at her sudden words.


    Lowering his head, he ce a kiss on the top of her head and decides to help her hide her embarrassment in his chest.


    "Mm. Mm. You have indeed be shameless."


    Knowing his words had struck his beautiful wife again, he smiles a smile that reached his eyes and tightens his hold on her in case she decides to leave his grasp.


    Of course, he did not forget to tease her some more.


    "We can be a shameless couple together."

 Chapter 405 midnigh

    Morning quickly turned into afternoon for Imperial as Yue Ling and Lu Tian arrives at Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    Stepping out of the car, the couple dressed in casual wear since neither were going to work.


    Yue Ling turn to the man and faintly smiles.


    "The ce is in a mess. Be careful where you step."


    Lu Tian nod his head. However, it is not him who he is worried about, but her. He had tried to persuade her to stay home since the dust may harm her body, but she kept insisting oning.


    Walking through the hallway inside the rundown building, both individuals put on a mask as there was dust everywhere.


    Approaching the main entrance, the once metal door that secured the shop was no longer standing in its ce.


    As Yue Ling enters the shop, she sighs in pity at the sight of it, while Lu Tian stopped at the door.


    Yue Ling had already told the situation beforehand, but when he saw the inside of the shop, he was stunned to the ground.


    He thought it was only the items that were destroyed, but not only were the shelves destroyed, even the concrete walls were smashes with a sledgehammer.


    Whoever it was must have some kind of malicious feelings towards Uncle Zhi.


    Lifting his leg, he takes a step forward. However, to his surprise, not only was Yue Ling¡¯s team already here, but even his assistant was here.


    "Boss! You made it!"


    Xu Long was also wearing a mask as he seemed to be lifting a piece of broken wood that was part of a shelf when he saw his boss enter.


    He carried the piece of wood to a corner of the shop and drops it with the rest of the things gathered.


    Walking over to Lu Tian, his eyes turned into an upside-down crescent as one can see that he is smiling despite the mask covering his mouth.


    Staring at his assistant, Lu Tian did not return a smile. His natural cold eyes moves away from Xu Long then to the others moving all the broken things.


    "How did it go?"


    Just as Xu Long nears his boss, hearing the question, he sighs inside and shook his head.


    "Liu Shan informed me this morning after you called. When I arrived, we tried to search for the culprit, but we were all led to a dead end. This person made sure that none of the camera¡¯s picked up their figure, let alone shadow."


    Saying this, his brows furrow and he pout his lip. Leaning towards his boss, he whispers.


    "Do you think this has something to do with ck Dragon?"


    Lu Tian was analyzing the situation when he heard Xu Long¡¯s sudden questions. His brows slightly furrow for a quick second then he shook his head.


    "Chu Qiang is not the type to pull something like this."


    Looking in the direction of his wife, he ponders in thought.


    He (Lu Tian) may have put Chu Li Xiang behind bars, but knowing how Chu Qiang is, the man will never steep so low as to vandalize a person¡¯s shop.


    If he (Chu Qiang) was the one behind this, he would have done so face to face and not hide in dark.


    Besides, many know that Chu Qiang and Chu Li Xiang may be brothers, but both are not on good terms. With the younger brother out of the picture, it give Chu Qiang more time to rx and deal with his own problems.


    Thinking this, his eyes narrow into the unknown and his thoughts continue.


    But who would do this to Uncle Zhi?


    Chu Li Xiang is the only person who was after them. He is already put behind bars, so...


    His eyes subconsciouslynds on his wife who is talking to Uncle Zhi about something.


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder, could someone be after his wife?


    This person must have known that Uncle Zhi is associated with her, thus leading them to vandalize his shop.


    Could this be a warning?


    His eyes shift away from his wife to the scene again.


    "Check every person in Imperial. Find out if there are any suspicious activities."


    Hearing the order, Xu Long tilt his head in confusion. Why would his boss want to check every person in Imperial?


    However, he sighs inside. An order is an order.


    "Alright, I will get to it."


    Just as he turned away to go back to what he was doing he was suddenly stopped by Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice.


    "Send our location to Wolf Team."


    As Lu Tian¡¯s words fell, he removes his coat and set it aside with the rest of everyone¡¯s coats.


    Walking in the direction of an area where no one has gotten to, he pulls up the sleeves of his sweater and picks up the broken pieces of woods.


    Xu Long stood in his ce and stares at his boss. He isn¡¯t surprise to see the man helping out since this is not a first.


    Although Lu Tian is known for his cleanliness, he will lend a helping hand to those he knows.


    Averting his eyes away, Xu Long continues in his steps to the area that he was working on. He didn¡¯t forget to take his phone out and sends their location to the members of Wolf Team.


    The more people they have to help clean this ce up, the sooner they can search for the culprit.


    Oblivious to the discussion between boss and assistant, Yue Ling busied herself listening to what Uncle Zhi has to say.


    As their conversation near its end, Uncle Zhi hands her a piece of paper. It was not a full sheet of paper but a small note paper.


    "I found this in the backroom today. It was put where the confidential information were supposed to be."


    Yue Ling looks down at the paper and she crease her brows. Taking it from Uncle Zhi, she reads what was written.


    ¡¯0000¡¯


    Staring at the written zeros, she does not speak her mind but stares at the paper.


    "What does it mean? Liu Shan and the rest are unable to identify it."


    Uncle Zhi couldn¡¯t help but asks as he stares at Yue Ling¡¯s expression. He couldn¡¯t figure it out and neither did Liu Shan or Alpha Team. However, if it¡¯s her, he knows she has some kind of idea.


    After a long minute, Yue Ling finally answers the man.


    "Midnight."


    Her voice was low, but it still echoes inside the shop for everyone to hear.


    Each person stops what they were doing and turn in her direction with a confused expression.


    When Uncle Zhi found the note, he had asked each one of them, but they were not too sure as to what it meant. Their only thought at the time was, why would someone leave a note with only four zeros?


    However, hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words, everything made sense. The four zeros are written based on the 24-hour time.


    Uncle Zhi furrow his brows and scratch his nape. He stares at the note paper and asks.


    "What does this person mean by midnight?"


    "They will be striking again at midnight."


    This time, it was not Yue Ling who answered, but Lu Tian.


    He had stopped what he was doing. His figure walks towards his wife and Uncle Zhi.


    Reaching her side, he slowly takes the note paper from her and looks down at it.


    "Everyone here will have to take precautions."


    As Lu Tian¡¯s words fell, the expression on everyone¡¯s face drained of all colors. However, it was not themselves who they were worried about, but one person in particr.


    Lian Ni Shang who stood in the closest distance to her boss walks toward the woman.


    "Boss."


    Her eyes held worry as she stops on the other side of Yue Ling.


    Liu Shan had told them that she was pregnant, so they should not bother her too much or it will put a lot of stress on her. However...


    Turning to look at the woman, Yue Ling sighs inside. She caught a glimpse of her team looking in her direction and sighs again.


    "I¡¯ll be fine."


    She smiles reassuringly to them and points to the man standing on her other side.


    "I have him."


    Looking at Yue Ling then to Lu Tian, everyone sighed in relief. How could they have forgotten that Lu Tian is not some useless being. With him by her side, no harm will happen to her.


    However, thinking about the man¡¯s words, they cannot be too rxed. The note clearly meant midnight, but it can be the midnight of any day.


    Even if Yue Ling is not the person being target, she is with child and the one who will be put at a greater risk more than anyone else.


    Lu Tian stares at his wife for a long minute then to the note in his hand. His eyes darken dangerously with no ounce of mercy in them.


    He had told Xu Long to search for this unknown person, but now that it involves the safety of his wife and child, he will personally track down this person who is asking for death.

 Chapter 406 Traitors

    Nearing thete afternoon, Yue Ling and her team along with Lu Tian and Xu Long continued to clean up the mess befell inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    However, unlike everyone, Yue Ling held a sulking expression. Due to her pregnancy she was limited to doing things. Well, more like she couldn¡¯t do anything at all.


    Every time she reached for something, someone would suddenly appear out of no where and grab the item.


    Walking to the far corner of the room, she sighs in relief as no one seemed to have gotten to this part of the store. She knows that they are worried about her, but it¡¯s not like she cannot be of any help.


    Reaching down for a piece of cloth that was once used as a shelf liner, she decides to pick it up.


    However, just as she was about to bend down to grab it, arger hand was faster and picks it up.


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares at the ground in a daze. She sighs inside and straightens her posture.


    Turning to look at the person, she takes a deep breath.


    Lifting a hand, she pinch the space between her brows while her other hand fists at her hip.


    "Tian, its only a piece of cloth."


    Seeing the irritated look in her face, Lu Tian paid no attention to it. He looks at her then down to the cloth now in his hand.


    It was covered in dirt and some parts of it was missing.


    Anyone who sees it would agree with her that it¡¯s only a piece of cloth, but...


    "You can idently suffocate from this."


    Without waiting to see her reaction, Lu Tian turns away and throws the cloth away.


    Even if this is just a piece of cloth, the shop is in a mess. What if she idently trips on something and falls? Or what if her facended on the cloth? It can stop her from breathing.


    Yue Ling lower her hand and stares at the man. She was at a loss for all words. Her mouth opened and closed to say something, but to no avail, nothing came out.


    Unable to think straight, she turns to her team for some kind of help.


    Everyone was amused at what they were seeing and in smiles of how Lu Tian is so overly protective. However, when Yue Ling turned to face them, everyone quickly looks away.


    It was like they did not know anything or see anything.


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Seeing how her own team turned a blind eye to her. Yue Ling scoffs in disbelief. She looks at Lu Tian then to her team again.


    "Traitors."


    "..."


    Standing a few feet away Liu Shan was dumbfounded when he heard his boss¡¯s words. He sighs inside and shook his head.


    Boss, if only you knew. Your husband has been giving us cold eyes if we allowed you pick up anything.


    In a close distance to the assistant, Qi Li shook his head at his boss. He pays no attention to what she said and continues to pick up more things from the ground.


    However, when Xu Long heard her word, he gasps aloud with his mouth widely open. His head quickly turn in every direction.


    "Traitor? Where? Who¡¯s the traitor?! Ack!"


    The back of his head is suddenly smacked, and he res at the person with a raging voice.


    "Lin! Hui!"


    Lin Hui stares at Xu Long with a nonchnt expression and fold his arms over his chest.


    "Xu Long, how can you be such an idiot? My boss meant all of us are the traitors."


    As he spoke his words, his hand motions a circle indicating all of them, then he points to the man.


    "That includes you."


    "..."


    Xu Long slowly lift his hand to soothe the back of his head and listens to Lin Hui. However, when he was told that he is a traitor, his jaw dropped to the floor in disbelief.


    Never has he beenbeled a traitor!!


    Paying no attention to the assistant and subordinate, Lu Tian walks back to his wife. He ce a palm behind her back and ushers her in a direction.


    "You¡¯ve worked very hard and must be tired. Let me take you to rest."


    Yue Ling looks up at the man and wanted to refute his words, but she was met with a smile that sent chills down her spine.


    Lu Tian¡¯s smile was very faint and heart fluttering, but his eyes said otherwise.


    She knows that if she does not do as he says, who knows what he will do.


    Left with no other choice, her shoulders slump downwards and she allows him to guide her to wherever he ns to take her.


    With her head lower and eyes on her feet, she did not realize Lu Tian had brought her outside. However, it was not the front of the store but in the back.


    "Ah, Yue Ling,e join me here."


    Uncle Zhi calls out to her cheerfully as he fans himself with a piece of paper he had turned into a fan.


    He sat on a chair under the shade and was enjoying his time when he say the couple walk out from the building.


    Hearing the middle-aged man¡¯s words, Yue Ling looks at him and she felt even more defeated inside.


    She isn¡¯t even old and yet, she has to sit out like she had be an old grandma.


    However, seeing that Ju Suo was also there, she felt a little better.


    "Be good and wait here. It¡¯s dangerous inside."


    Lu Tian calmly spoke his words as he guides her closer to the two people sitting under the shade.


    When Yue Ling heard his words, her eyes turned extremely heavy. Without turning her head to look at him, her eyes looks up to the man from the corner of her eyes.


    Met with this new look of hers, Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Even if she did not say a word, the look on her face says it all.


    Ignoring all the silent protests she had thrown his way, he helps her sit down and leaves her in Uncle Zhi and Ju Suo¡¯s care. Kissing her on the forehead, he turns around and heads back inside to help clean up.


    "Aiya, young love. So pure and sweet. I wish I was young again."


    Uncle Zhi couldn¡¯t help teasingly chuckles his words as he fans himself.


    When he left Fate to start his new life, he had met Lu Tian a few times and heard about the young man.


    Known as a ruthless man who doesn¡¯t have an ounce of mercy for anyone, he never thought he would ever see this gentle side of the cold blooded man.


    And even better, this affection is all directed at his young Miss.


    Yue Ling held a sulking expression, but when she heard the man¡¯s words full of teasing, she cast a re at him.


    "Uncle Zhi, don¡¯t you have something better to do?"


    Though her eyes seemed like they were shooting out sharp daggers that can pierce someone in the heart, Uncle Zhi was not affected by it all. It was like the paper fan in his hand had turned into a shield and blocked all the daggers with each wave.


    "I am doing something better."


    He covers his mouth with the fan and chuckles.


    "I was told by the youngsters inside that I should take a break."


    Moving the fan away, he leans back on the chair and smiles a smile that reach his eyes.


    "So, I am doing as told."


    Which was the truth. Everyone inside said for him to sit outside and rest while they do the cleaning.


    Since that was the case, he decided to act like an old man and let the younger people do the work.


    Yue Ling stares at him with a face full of doubt. She didn¡¯t even care to hide her feelings. Of course, she is only this way to those who are close to her.


    Growing up in the darkness of the underworld, Uncle Zhi had been a father figure to her.


    Shaking her head, she couldn¡¯t help but smile with the man. Turning to the right, she looks at Ju Suo and was dumbfounded.


    "What are you doing?"


    Ju Suo who muted Yue Ling and Uncle Zhi¡¯s conversation was immersed in her own world. Her back was turned to the two people, but her hands seems to be fumbling with her face.


    When she heard her boss¡¯s voice, she pause in what she was doing and turn to look at them.


    She smiles a wide grin and her cheerful childlike voice sounds.


    "I¡¯m putting on up my makeup."


    "..."


    Seeing her face, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turned heavy and she felt like she had suddenly walked into a circus. While Uncle Zhi who was waving the fan at himself almost fell out of his chair.


    He looks at Ju Suo in horror and choked on his own saliva.


    "J-Ju Suo, who taught you how to put on makeup?"

 Chapter 407 few mistakes

    Hearing Uncle Zhi¡¯s voice full of terror, Ju Suo furrow her brows and pout her lip. She looks at the middle-aged man then at her boss.


    Seeing the dumbfounded look in Yue Ling¡¯s expression, Ju Suo was even more confused.


    She raise her hand holding a pinkpact mirror and looks at her reflection. However, she did not see what was wrong.


    Her eye shadow looks fine. Even her foundation is correct. Also her lip color matches her face.


    So what could be wrong?


    She looks back at the two people and purse her lip.


    "Why are you both looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong?"


    Yue Ling stares at her petite subordinate and her lip curls into a warm smile. She lightly shakes her head and takes the mirror from the woman.


    "Ju Suo, you look fine, but you made a few mistakes."


    The Lolita like girl¡¯s round eyes widen and she was at a loss for words. She stares at her boss in disbelief then to the bag filled with makeup products.


    "How? I did exactly what Ni Shang always did when she touches up her makeup."


    Yue Ling arch a brow hearing her words. Looking at Ju Suo¡¯s makeup, she isn¡¯t surprised at all since the woman never wore make up.


    Ju Suo is a woman in herte twenties, but herplexion and facial features made her look like a little girl. When she first met Ju Suo, she (Yue Ling) almost mistook her (Ju Suo) for a girl still in grade school.


    Shaking her head, she reach for the makeup bag and grabs a blending brush.


    "Here, I will teach you the steps you missed."


    Hearing these words, Ju Suo¡¯s eyes lit up with fireworks. She scoots closer to Yue Ling like she was an obedient child with eyes closed.


    She had always seen other women put on makeup, but never got around to doing it herself. Even now, this is the first time someone will be giving her some beauty advices.


    Yue Ling smiles at her and gently held the woman¡¯s chin to tilt slightly tilt it up.


    "When applying your eyeshadow, always remember to blend it."


    Holding the blending brush in her hand, she blends the brown eyeshadow Ju Suo had put on. When she finished, she slightly leans back and smiles to her.


    Passing the pink mirror back to Ju Suo, she part her lips to speak.


    "See, this way, the eyeshadow gives you a more natural and settled look."


    Ju Suo opens her eyes and looks at herself in thepact mirror. Seeing how nicely blended the eyeshadow was, she gasps in surprise.


    Earlier, she had only patted it on her eyelid. Blending it like Yue Ling said does give her eye a natural look. If Yue Ling did not help her, she would have looked like a brown panda!


    She looks back Yue Ling and smiles, "What¡¯s next?"


    Yue Ling smiles with her teeth and reach into the makeup bag again. She takes out a tissue and gently wipes Ju Suo¡¯s cheeks.


    "When you put on your blush, it needs to be done in soft strokes."


    Wiping off the excess blush that Ju Suo had applied, her cheeks now looked more like a natural blush than the patch of redness that made her look like she had a bad sunburn.


    As Yue Ling continue to guide Ju Suo into the steps of applying makeup, Uncle Zhi stare at the two and he sighs inside.


    Even though Yue Ling is their boss, she treated everyone equally. She doesn¡¯t act like how a boss should to her subordinates, but a sister to her family members.


    If someone close to her is in need of help, she will not hesitate to lend a helping hand. She doesn¡¯t ask for anything in return, but for the person to do well in life.


    Oblivious to Uncle Zhi¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling finished fixing Ju Suo¡¯s makeup. As she put the lid over the lipstick, she looks at Ju Suo and couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Why did you decide to wear makeup?"


    From what she remembers, Ju Suo never wore makeup. She didn¡¯t even wear lipstick. Judging by all these makeup products, every one of them are new.


    Ju Suo was looking at her new look in thepact mirror. When she heard Yue Ling¡¯s question, her cheeks blush red and she turns into a bashful little girl.


    "I wanted to look nice for a certain person."


    Yue Ling¡¯s brows arch upward in amusement at how honest Ju Suo is. However, she (Ju Suo) wouldn¡¯t be the Ju Suo she (Yue Ling) knows if she (Ju Suo) was not honest.


    Remembering the time Ju Suo walked into her office and proim her love for a certain person, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but teasingly asks.


    "Oh, who is this certain person?"


    Ju Suo bashfully cross her arms over her chest in a X and lightly sway her body. Without hiding anything, she smiles.


    "Jiangyu."


    Hearing the straightforward answer, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but smile. Though she found Ju Suo¡¯s choice in men a little weird, she fully supports the woman.


    "Cough! Cough!"


    Unlike Yue Ling¡¯s reaction, Uncle Zhi choked on his own saliva when he heard the name Ju Suo mentioned. He pats his chest to calm his suffocation and stares at the petite woman.


    "Cough! You mean... cough.... Jiangyu.. cough... Jiangyu from Lu Tian¡¯s Wolf Team?"


    Ju Suo continued to sway her body in a shy motion. She turns blind eye to Uncle Zhi¡¯s facial expression and nod her head.


    "Mm. That Jiangyu."


    Uncle Zhi finally calmed himself from coughing and could only stare at the petite girl with a bewildered expression.


    Lifting one of his hand, he scratch his head and mumble to himself aloud.


    "How can you like someone so big?"


    "He¡¯s not big!"


    Though he had spoke in a low mumble, it did not escape Ju Suo¡¯s ears. She abruptly stood up and angrily refute the man.


    Her shy persona quickly disappears, and she fist her hands on her hips with tightly clench jaw.


    She res at Uncle Zhi and growl through her gritted teeth.


    "He only has muscles!!"


    "..."


    Uncle Zhi stares at the girl and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He said big as in masculine, but who would have thought Ju Suo to be so angry.


    However, he hmmfs at her and waves the fan in his hand like he didn¡¯t care.


    "Mm, he¡¯s only muscles."


    Usually, it was the younger generation that needs to respect the older generation, but when ites to Yue Ling and the rest, he did not mind. They were all like his own children.


    Yue Ling stare at the two and furrow her brows. With their current situation, how can these two still have a friendly fight like this?


    Shaking her head, a faint smile curl on her lips and she turns to the direction of the rundown building. However, when her eyesnded on the structure, her eyes dimmed dangerously.


    When she finds the person who did this, she will make sure he or she experience a slow painful death. For what they did, she will return it back ten folds.


    Never will she forget the look on Uncle Zhi when she arrived on the scene.


    He kept reassuring everyone that he was fine, but when they sent the two security guards to the hospital, only she witnessed the man¡¯s heartbreaking tears.


    It was like a part of him had been ripped out of him and can never be returned.


    Thinking of this, Yue Ling slowly turns to look at Uncle Zhi.


    He was smiling and joking with Ju Suo like everything was fine, but she knows that deep down, he is also hurting. Every piece of artifact that was destroyed were items he spent many years searching for.


    She sighs a faint smile and felt sympathy for the middle-aged man.

 Chapter 408 beautiful day

    Five ck vehicles slowly pulls to a stop in front of the rundown building. The engines shut off in a neatly order, but no one steps out of the cars.


    "Why did these cars suddenly park in front of this creepy building?"


    "This building looks like it¡¯s going to fall apart in any second, buttely, there¡¯s been a few people seen going in and out."


    "Really? You saw someone enter? Should we report to the police that there¡¯s suspicious activities going on here?"


    "Shh! Mind your own business. No one knows who they are. What if they¡¯re some kind of gang? Let¡¯s hurry and leave."


    Passersby whispers to one another in discussion, but none dare to stay for a long time to observe who is inside the cars. Just looking at the creepy and old building was enough to give them nightmares.


    Just as the people scattered on with their own businesses, the doors to the five cars click open.


    Four people stepped out from each vehicle making a total of twenty men. However, unlike their usual ck uniform, each man was dressed morefortably.


    "Are you sure this is the right ce?"


    Yiqing asks as he steps out from the driver side of the first vehicle. He stares at the rundown building then to the nicer buildings around.


    The location sent to them clearly pinpointed to this building, but no matter how much he looks at it, he can only have doubt inside.


    Why would their boss want them to gather here?


    "It¡¯s the correct address."


    Stepping out of the passenger side from the same car as Yiqing, the tall and bulky Jiangyu answers. He lift one hand to remove his sunsses and stares at the building.


    "Great! You¡¯re all here!!"


    Just as all twenty men took a step away from the cars, a man¡¯s cheerful voice calls out to them.


    Each person looks at the owner of the voice and furrow their brows.


    Jiangyu¡¯s eyes turned murderous as he ms the passenger door shut. His jaw tightens and he growls at the man.


    "Xu Long, you better have a good exnation for this call on our day off."


    Meeting Jiangyu¡¯s cold eyes that can kill a person¡¯s soul, Xu Long rolled his eyes. One look and he can already tell that the bulky man is still holding a grudge against him over the picture he took.


    However, is he afraid of Jiangyu? Of course not!


    Without a care for those deadly eyes, Xu Long smiles a wide grin to the men.


    "It was the boss¡¯s order to gather you all here. So, if any of you want toin, goin to him."


    He lift his righthand and points his thumb in the direction of the rundown building.


    "He¡¯s inside."


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words, everyone rolled their eyes. Comin? Hah! If they dare toin, they wouldn¡¯t have been members of Wolf Team.


    Besides, only an idiotic person like Xu Long would dare toin and somehow get away with it.


    Shaking their head, each person closes the door to the car and approach the building.


    Xu Long stares at each man walking pass him then his eyesnded on the bulky man. His palms rubs together like an evildoer up to no good.


    "Bro Jiangyu."


    He cheerfully calls out and turn around to walk in the same pace as the man. He lift his arm and ce it on Jiangyu¡¯s shoulder.


    At first, he intended to put his elbow on the shoulder, but due to the huge difference in their height, Xu Long could only straighten his arm up and put his palm on Jiangyu¡¯s shoulder.


    Leaning closer to the man, he giggles a whisper.


    "There¡¯s someone inside dying to see you."


    The moment Xu Long ced his hand on Jiangyu¡¯s shoulder, the bulky man wanted to smack the assistant¡¯s hand away.


    However, hearing that someone wanted to see him, his brows slightly furrow.


    He gives Xu Long a side nce then to the rundown building.


    When the word ¡¯someone¡¯ was mentioned, he couldn¡¯t help but think about the petite woman he had gone on a blind date with. She said she was a part of theirdy boss¡¯s team.


    Remembering her cute and shy expression at the time, Jiangyu¡¯s cheeks lightly flush. However, as quickly as the feelings came, they were brushed away.


    If he allows the guys from Wolf Team to see him this way, they will no doubt make fun of him.


    In fact, he really doesn¡¯t care if they do, but this is the first time a girl has interest him. With his temper, if he was to turn into a gori, he might scare her off.


    As Lu Tian¡¯s team makes their way inside the building with the escort of Xu Long, another person is off to escort a certain person.


    Lin Hui strode out to the back with both his hands held behind his back. He leisurely skips towards the three people sitting under the shade.


    "Wow, today is such a beautiful day."


    Hearing his sudden voice, Yue Ling along with Uncle Zhi and Ju Suo turned to look at the man. Seeing his expression, they already knew why he came out here.


    Unaware that the three people already knew what he is up to, Lin Huies to a halt. He looks at Ju Suo and gasps aloud.


    "Wow! Ju Suo, you look absolutely stunning!"


    He has to admit, most of the time, Ju Suo is a little vicious cat, but she is like the cute and adorable little sister he never had. However, with light touches of makeup, it feels like she had suddenly blossomed into a more mature woman.


    Thinking this, he lift his hand wipes away the imaginary tears sliding down his cheeks.


    "Our family¡¯s Ju Suo has be so mature."


    Of course, these words are just a cover up for his real feelings. He will never admit that deep down, he is crying in joy at that fact that he and Xu Long are able to live longer.


    And its all thanks to this blissful love that is slowly developing between Ju Suo and Jiangyu.


    "Lin Hui, whatever it is you want to say, just say it."


    Uncle Zhi rolled his eyes at the young man and wave the paper fan in his hand. His gesture was like he had turned into a noble Lord and Lin Hui was his servant hesitating to report something.


    He never understood why people like to beat around the bush.


    Hearing the middle-aged man, Lin Hui shift his eyes away from Ju Suo to Uncle Zhi. He smiles with his eyes closed and held his hands behind his back again.


    "Aiya, I only ame out here to see how the weather is. Also, I wanted to let our little Ju Suo know that her Jiangyu is inside."


    "..."


    Ju Suo frown hearing Lin Hui¡¯s words, but at the sudden mention of Jiangyu, her eyes widen, and her jaw drops to the ground. She abruptly stood up and straighten her clothes.


    She wore an oversized pink cardigan and a ratherrge white t shirt with ck leggings.


    On normal days, she would be wearing something very cute, but because they were cleaning, she wore something morefortable.


    If she knew she was going to see Jiangyu again, she would have dolled up more. However, it was toote.


    "Boss, how do I look? Do I look fine? Do I have dirt anywhere on my clothes? What about my face?"


    Being asked the many questions, Yue Ling faintly smiles at the petite woman.


    "Mm, our Ju Suo looks fine."


    Trusting her boss¡¯s words, Ju Suo inhales a mouthful of air to calm herself down. Without wasting anymore time, she lift her foot and runs in the direction of the building.


    She cannot wait to see Jiangyu!


    Lin Hui shook his head and quickly follows after the petite woman. He is very curious to know how Ju Suo acts when Jiangyu is around.


    Will she turn into the usual vicious little cat or be an innocent bunny?


    Staring at her two subordinates leave, Yue Ling¡¯s entire being softened.


    Ju Suo was like a high school girl off to meet her longtime crush and Lin Hui the annoying brother who is always up to no good.


    Until they were no longer in sight, she turns to Uncle Zhi. The soft demeanor she had was quickly reced with seriousness.


    "Do you have a ce stay? If not, you can stay with me and Lu Tian until everything settles down."


    Uncle Zhi was looking in the direction Ju Suo and Lin Hui had gone, but when he suddenly heard Yue Ling¡¯s words, his head slowly turn to look at her and he shook his head.


    "No need. I have already moved some of my things to Manager Luo¡¯s ce."


    Yue Ling arch a brow in surprise. She was going to talk to Lu Tian to let the man stay with them for the time being. That way, if anything were to happen, she and him will be there to help.


    However, she did not expect Uncle Zhi to already found a ce.


    Knowing what she is thinking, Uncle Zhi chuckles and waves the paper fan in his hand.


    "I may have gotten older and Manager Luo may have be a lot older, but we are still capable like how we used to be."


    Staring at him, Yue Ling returns a smile and nod her head. She would rather have him stay with her and Lu Tian, but since he chose to stay with Manager Luo, it isn¡¯t such a bad idea either.


    Manager Luo is a well-respected man in both worlds. Only an idiot would dare to cross his line.

 Chapter 409 blossom of young

    "What in the world happened here?"


    Someone from Wolf Team gasps as they entered the building. Everyone was shocked to see the inside of the ce is not so different from outside.


    Scanning the ce, Jiangyu¡¯s eyesnded on the familiar tall figure carrying arge broken piece of wood.


    "Boss! Let me get that."


    He calls out and quickly strides over in an almost jog pace.


    However, Lu Tian did not stop. He walks over to the pile of things they had already gathered and toss the piece in his hand down.


    The piece of woodnds on top of the other things and dusts flutter everywhere.


    He turns away to look in the direction of his team and walks towards them. As his figure nears them, he removes the mask covering the lower half of his face.


    "Help clean this ce. Xu Long will fill you guys in on the details."


    Hearing his sudden order, the members of Wolf Team were slightly confused, but no one dare asked further questions.


    Each person quickly puts on a mask and start helping Yue Ling¡¯s team pick up bulk items.


    With the extra hands of Wolf Team, Yue Ling¡¯s team were relieved. There were more people, so they should be done before night fall if not a littleter.


    Jiangyu ce the mask over his face and looks around. However, not seeing a certain person, his heart dropped.


    Could Xu Long have lied to him?


    "Jiangyu!"


    Just as Jiangyu felt his feelings had been deceived by the assistant, a child like voice calls out to him from behind.


    It was a voice that he could make his heart fly to cloud nine.


    His throat motion in a difficult gulp and he slowly turns around to the face the person.


    Met with a pair of big round eyes, his cheeks flush red. However, thanks to the mask he is wearing, no one is able to see his expression.


    "J... Ju Suo."


    Standing at the entrance door to the back, Ju Suo smiles sweetly to the tall and bulky man. The way he says her name made her heart flutter like millions of butterflies were gathering inside her.


    She did not hesitate to walk towards the man and her smile widens.


    "Are you here to help us clean?"


    Jiangyu did not answer but shyly nod his head in response. He stares her adorable face and could only fight the urge to hug her.


    Never did he think that someone this cute will actually take interest in a big man like himself.


    "Ahh, the blossom of young love."


    "Truly a marvelous sight to see."


    "My heart is going t-thump, t-thump, t-thump."


    As the pair were distracted in their own world, three voices sound from the side of them.


    Both Ju Suo and Jiangyu returned to their five senses and turned their head to look in the same direction. However, what they saw dumbfounded them to the core.


    "..."


    Lin Hui and Xu Long squatted down in a close distance with their palms under their chin. The glisten in their eyes was so visible like they were watching the best show ever.


    Standing behind the two was none other than Liu Shan.


    He held both his arms up with the tips of his fingers touching the top of his head like he was making a heart shape.


    And as if the three people were already not enough, everyone¡¯s eyes was glued in their direction. Except for Lu Tian and Qi Li.


    Jiangyu¡¯s chest began to motion up and he turned into a Spanish bull ready to charge, while Ju Suo¡¯s eyes sh with a dangerous glint ready to kill. Both figures quickly reach out to grab who ever they could.


    "Ah! Run for your life!"


    Liu Shan shriek and jumps back with both his arms pping at his side. It was like he had transformed into a bird and swiftly dodge a bullet.


    At the same time, Lin Hui and Xu Long transformed into two Armadillidiidae (roly poly bug) and quickly rolled away to escapes the ws of death.


    "Well, everyone seems to be getting along quite well."


    An angelic voice chuckles and everyone¡¯s attention shift to the direction Ju Suo had entered.


    "Boss!! Save me! I mean, save us!!"


    Liu Shan yells at the top of his lungs at the sight of his boss. If anyone can stop Ju Suo from unleashing her wrath, it¡¯s her and Jiangyu wouldn¡¯t dare toy a hand on her!


    Yue Ling stood near the back door with Uncle Zhi. Neither had anticipated to walk into such a scene.


    Running in her direction, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Xu Long were beaming in joy at the sight of their savior. Just a little more and they are saved.


    However, just as they near her by five feet, each person was quickly met with a cold chill that sent them turning in 180 degrees another way.


    Lu Tian res at the three idiots with murderous eyes. How dare they try to use his wife as a shield?!


    He had always thought Xu Long had a weird personality but seeing how Liu Shan and Lin Hui aren¡¯t so different, he doesn¡¯t even know how to think anymore.


    Shaking his head, he ignores Jiangyu and Ju Suo¡¯s process in chasing down the three men. He walks over to his wife and sighs.


    "Why did youe inside? It¡¯s still a mess in here."


    Turning away from the lively show, Yue Ling looks at Lu Tian and smiles a chuckle.


    "Uncle Zhi and I came to check how everything is going."


    She knows that he is worry about her health and safety, but she isn¡¯t so fragile like a porcin doll.


    --------


    While Yue Ling and everyone continued their task in Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, no one was aware about another situation taking ce at the same time.


    In the far distance away from the heart of Imperial, a 7-story hotel stood its ground.


    Unlike Imperial Hotel or the luxury hotels that frequent its wealthy guests, the people entering in and out are frommon households.


    "We agreed that you guys will take care of her. How did it turn out like this?"


    A woman¡¯s voice echoes through the thin walls inside the fifth floor of the hotel.


    Inside the room, the woman paced back and forth with an angry expression. Lifting her hand, she bites her nails to calm down her frustration.


    Sitting on the bed, a scrawny man with a haggard face stares at the angry beauty.


    "Ning Mei ah, we really did try, but our n was interrupted by another group."


    Hearing the man, Ning Mei pause in her steps and throws him a re. However, staring at the man, her face scrunch in disgust.


    This is man is so ugly that it makes her sick just looking at him.


    She inhales a deep breath that shook her body to calm herself.


    "What about your boss? Didn¡¯t he get captured? What is he nning to do topensate me for the first half of the money that I already paid?"


    The scrawny man¡¯s eyes lit up at her words. A malicious grin curl on his lip and he chuckles.


    "Don¡¯t worry. This is all part of his ns. We are already working on our backup n."


    He looks at Ning Mei and licks his dry and crack lips.


    "As long as you keep your part of the deal in paying us the remaining 100 million yuan, we will get rid of Han Yue Ling for you."


    Ning Mei¡¯s stiff shoulders finally rxed. Turning around, she walks to the only desk in the room where she had ced her handbag.


    Opening it, she takes out a thick yellow envelope and ce it on the tabletop.


    "In here is 50 million yuan. Once you guys havepleted your task, I will give you the rest."


    Seeing the thick envelope, the man was taken back by surprise. He did not think Ning Mei would give them a split payment of the remaining money.


    However, his gaze slowly moves from the envelope to Ning Mei¡¯s figure.


    She was wearing a red sweater with a short white re skirt and ck heels.


    Though her figure isn¡¯t well proportioned like other women he has seen, she can still be considered a beauty.


    Suddenly, the image of his boss¡¯s red hair beauty enters his mind. He licks his lip again and stood from the bed.


    Unaware of the man¡¯s thoughts, Ning Mei closed her bag and picks it up. She could not wait to leave this filthy ce.


    "Ahh¡ª"


    Just as she was about to turn around, she was pushed against the desk. She frowns in disgust at the smell of the man and held onto the edge of the desk for support.


    "What the fuck are you doing?!!"


    The scrawny man wraps his arms around her waist and began to feel every inch of her.


    "Ning Mei ah, you were the one who walked in here. Did you think you can just leave?"


    Ning Mei¡¯s face drained of all colors hearing his words. Last time, she met with the boss, but he had a woman. Now...


    "Y-You let me go! Let¡ªmmf¡ª!"


    The moment she wanted to raise her voice more, the man held her face and turn her head to meet his mouth. His tongue stuck out to lick her smooth face with saliva.


    Moving his hand holding her face, he stuck his index and middle finger with dirty nails inside her mouth.


    Pressing his body hard against her back, his other hand grabs her short blonde hair and roughly pulls her head back.


    "Ah¡ª!"


    Ning Mei screams at the sudden pain. Goosebumps ran down her body at the feel of the man¡¯s tongue on her neck and the taste of the man¡¯s salty fingers in her mouth.


    She struggles to free herself but was frozen by his next words.


    "If you want to keep your image, be good for me."


    "..."


    Her eye¡¯s shook in horror with tearful eyes and her struggles stopped.


    There has been many scandals about her with different men, but she never cared because each man was famous and good looking.


    However, what will happen to her if the world were to know that she is seen with a disgusting low life like this man?


    Thinking about her career, she bit her lower lip and she close her eyes to allow the man behind to do whatever he wanted.


    If she doesn¡¯t do as he says, her life in Imperial is over.

 Chapter 410 Gold Fis

    Hours quickly passes by and before anyone remembered to check outside, the sky had already turned red.


    As the sun began to set, the people inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop were no longer cleaning up.


    Unlike the messy ce it had be overnight, the entire ce was empty of things. Everything was moved out to the back of the store in a big pile.


    Both teams finally found time to rest. Some sat on the ground without any care of dirtying their clothes, while the others sat on the chairs they had built using the broken pieces of woods that were once shelves.


    Entering the back door, Yue Ling had just finished making a phone call. When she saw the sight in front of her, she couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    Everyone had met on the day of the fashion show, but neither team were familiar with one another.


    However, after spending a long day of working together, the once awkward air around has disappeared.


    Looking away from the many people, she walks over to Lu Tian and Uncle Zhi who were standing near the door to the secret room.


    "I informed Uncle Luo. He said he¡¯ll have his teame move the things tomorrow morning."


    Hearing her voice, Lu Tian nod his head in understanding as Uncle Zhi smiles thankfully to her.


    Unlike the two men who understood her reason, a member of Wolf Team sitting on the ground furrow his brows confusingly.


    He didn¡¯t understand why they needed Manager Luo and his clean up crew toe collect the pile of trash they had gathered.


    If that was the case, why didn¡¯t they just call them toe clean up the mess?


    Thinking this, he couldn¡¯t help but mumble.


    "Why are we waiting for Manager Luo to pick up the garbage? I mean- ack¡ª"


    As he nned to continue his words, the back of his head was suddenly smacked by someone.


    He turns to the person and res with eyes full of daggers.


    "Assistant Xu, why did you hit me?!!"


    Xu Long sat to the right of the man. He shook his head and index finger indicating a no.


    "Shaofeng ah Shaofeng."


    He motions his index in a circle to indicate the entire room and his words continue.


    "Everything we picked up are not garbage."


    As his words fell, Lin Hui¡¯s head pops out from the right of Xu Long and he continues to words.


    "They are valuable items collected."


    Just as Lin Hui spoke hisst word, Liu Shan¡¯s head pokes out from the right of Lin Hui and finished the sentence.


    "One item is worth 5 months of your sry."


    "..."


    Shaofeng, the man Xu Long smacked on the head for speaking garbage stares at the three men with heavy eyelids.


    Now he can see why they get along. Their personalities are not so different from one another.


    However, thinking about their words, his brows furrow again, and he looks at Uncle Zhi.


    "But all we did was pick up trash that were broken inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop. Ack¡ª!"


    Suddenly, Shaofeng¡¯s head flung forward by another smack on the back of his head.


    His face turned as ck as the bottom of a pot and he slowly turns to look at the one person who would dare to do such thing to him.


    "Xu! Long!"


    Except, those murderous eyes did not affect Xu Long one bit.


    He cross his arms over his chest and stares right back at Shaofeng like the man was some idiot student who doesn¡¯t pay attention in ss.


    "Let me give you some information."


    His right arm unfolds and points down to the ground.


    "Everything you picked up today in this shop are artifacts that not just anyone can get their hands on."


    His eyes slightly widens like the evil stepmother at Shaofeng and gives the man a look as if saying, do you understand?


    "Do you know why Uncle Zhi is able to get his hands on these ¡¯garbage¡¯?"


    Xu Long raise his chin and made sure to emphasize the word garbage.


    Staring at the assistant, Shaofeng didn¡¯t know why, but he felt like sweat was staring to form on his forehead as he listens to Xu Long¡¯s lecture.


    His head slowly shook no to answer the question.


    Xu Long rolled his eyes and his finger pointing at the ground shifts to the direction of Uncle Zhi.


    "He is..."


    Pausing in his words, he leans closer to Shaofeng.


    "Zhi."


    Just as Xu Long spoke his word, Lin Hui¡¯s head pops out again and points to Uncle Zhi.


    "Jian."


    Then like a practiced staged performance, Liu Shan¡¯s head pokes out and he gestures in the same way as Lin Hui and Xu Long.


    "Hong."


    "..."


    Shaofeng was once again struck dumbfounded by the three men. His eyes blink with heaviness not knowing what to say.


    He takes a deep breath and part his lip to speak, but before he could utter a sound, his eyes widen like never before and he looks at Uncle Zhi.


    "Z-Zhi Jian H-Hong?"


    Hearing the man suddenly throw the name back at him, Xu Long rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    The three of them clearly said it loud and clear. Did their words go in one ear and out the other?


    He lift his hand and smack Shaofeng¡¯s head again.


    However, this time, Shaofeng was prepared. Even though his eyes were directed at Uncle Zhi, he was quick enough to block the hit.


    Paying no more attention to the assistant and the other two (Liu Shan and Lin Hui), he tilt his head and continues to stare at the man called Zhi Jian Hong.


    Not only him, but rest of Wolf Team also stared at Uncle Zhi when they heard his full name.


    Hearing his name suddenly called by three different voices, Uncle Zhi turn to the source. Except, he was met with many curious eyes that made him feel slightly awkward.


    cing one hand behind his back, he raise the other to his mouth and clears his throat.


    "Yes, I am Zhi Jian Hong. It is a great pleasure to work alongside all you youngsters."


    It was indeed ate introduction, but since they are working together, he mind as well let them know who he is.


    At his sudden self-introduction, Wolf Team gasps in shock.


    As members of Wolf Team, they had to memorize the names and faces of those in the underworld and Zhi Jian Hong was a name they had to remember.


    However, there was never a photo to identify the man, let alone anyone from the gang he was in.


    Though they had seen Uncle Zhi¡¯s photo in the profile details Liu Shan sent them, they thought he was just an ordinary man who owns an antique shop.


    Not only that, the name shown on his profile was only Uncle Zhi.


    Never would they have thought this simple looking man to be none other than the infamous Gold Fist, Zhi Jian Hong.


    The man capable of finding any treasure in the world and this person happens to be the mysterious righthand man of Fate¡¯s former leader.


    It was said that anyone who meets his fists would see the color gold before knocking out.


    However, words spread that after the former leader passed away, Zhi Jian Hong resigned from his position to wonder the world and was never seen again.


    He was like a famous swordsman who left the Jianghu world to seek his own path.


    It was no wonder thedy boss called Manager Luo toe collect the things. With highly valuables like the ones Uncle Zhi has, even if they were broken, they are still worth some money.


    As each person thought to themselves, questions curiously flood in their head.


    But why is someone like Zhi Jian Hong here? What is his connection to their boss anddy boss?


    Like the assistant could read their minds, Xu Long¡¯s next words struck them to the furthest end of the world.


    "Ah yes, I also forgot to mention that ourdy boss is the current leader of Fate."


    "..."


    Like the roof had suddenly shattered, rain sshed onto each person like a waterfall.


    In one single motion, the men of Wolf Team slowly turn their head to the assistant.


    Staring at Xu Long, they all turned to look at the slim figure standing next to their boss.


    "She... no... not possible."


    A young member of Wolf Team subconsciously murmurs as he stares at theirdy boss.


    She looks so innocent and fragile, there¡¯s no possible way that she¡¯s the current leader of Fate.


    Feeling like an entire day had gone by, everyone shifts their gaze to the members of Alpha Team.


    Qi Li looked like a person who is only interested in racing, while the twins Gui Tian Lan and and Gui Zhongmin looked like models with great fashion styles.


    On the other side, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan looked like a couple, but the woman is more dominant than the man. While Tang Zhonghui looked like azy man who did have a care for anything.


    Staring at the six people, Wolf Team were at a loss for words. Each person shift their gaze to Lin Hui and Liu Shan.


    However, no one utter a sound as only God knows what they are thinking at this moment.


    Liu Shan grins like a evildoer to them when they met his eyes.


    "Surprising isn¡¯t it?"


    "What¡ª?!"


    A deep voice suddenly echoes inside the empty shop as everyone turn to look.


    Entering the door that once held the metal doors of the entrance, Jiangyu idently shouted as he came to a sudden halt when they heard the news.


    He and Ju Suo had left to buy some refreshments for everyone¡¯s hard work. However, as he was about to enter the ce, he heard Xu Long¡¯s sudden reveal of theirdy boss and Liu Shan¡¯s response.


    His eyes blinked in disbelief as he did not know what to think right now.


    Slowly turning his head to the left, he looks down at the petite woman standing by his side.


    "J-Ju Suo, you¡¯re from Fate?"


    It was then that Wolf Team was in a more speechless state of mind as they stare at the petite woman standing next to Jiangyu. She is so tiny and yet...


    Hearing his question, Ju Suo pout her lip. Judging from his expression and the sound of his voice, she can already guess that he does not like those associated with gangs.


    However, as much as she feels the heaviness in her heart, she cannot me him.


    He is from Wolf Team that follows thew, while she is from Alpha Team that goes against thew. Both their worlds are separated by a thin line.


    A long sigh escapes her mouth and she nce up at the tall bulky man.


    When she met his eyes full of questions, her eyes turned moist and she purse her bottom lip.


    Lowering her head, she sighs again.


    "I didn¡¯t choose the thug life. The thug life chose me."

 Chapter 411 needle handler

    Hearing the suddenmotion, Yue Ling turns around to see what is going on. Following her move, Lu Tian and Uncle Zhi also did the same.


    Yue Ling¡¯s brows furrow when she saw that everyone is looking in one direction. Her eyes follow to the source.


    When her eyesnded on Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure standing next to Jiangyu, she notice the woman had her head lung low.


    A glint of coldness sh in her bluish green eyes that made the vibrant color turn darker.


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    Her voice sounded calm and soft, but the moment everyone heard her, their shoulders jumped in fear. It was like a thunderous sound that can kill anyone who hears.


    So scary that even a ghost would turn into a coward.


    Yue Ling at this moment resembled an older sister who is confronting the people bullying her younger sister.


    "W-We..."


    Someone from the group stuttered but could not finish his words.


    Everyone nce at one another and didn¡¯t know how to exin the situation.


    Seeing that no one wanted to exin, Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes dimmed into a darker shade than it already is. Taking a step forward, her aura turned cold bringing in a blizzard with her.


    "Do I have to repeat myself?"


    Looking around to the many faces, Lian Ni Shang shook her head. She stood up from her chair and walks over to her boss.


    "There was a misunderstanding."


    Although she spoke her words, Yue Ling did not once look in her direction but kept her eyes on Jiangyu.


    She doesn¡¯t care if the man was three times her size. Anyone who hurts her family will have to face the consequences.


    Sensing her murderous eyes, Ju Suo lift her head and takes a few steps to stand in front of the man as if trying to shield him.


    Both her palms stuck out like she was stopping theser beam emitting from Yue Ling¡¯s eyes.


    "Boss, it¡¯s not what you think. I am fine."


    Jiangyu felt sweat slide down his spine. Even if he did not look Yue Ling in the eyes, it was like her one stare turned into a mountain that dropped over his body.


    He swore inside, his boss anddy boss are truly meant to be together. Each person¡¯s eyes can kill someone in silence.


    However, seeing Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure trying to speak for him, he furrow his brows.


    Setting down the bags of refreshments they had bought, he grabs Ju Suo¡¯s hand and drags the woman in the direction of the back door.


    "Ah!"


    Ju Suo yelped and was caught by surprise. She stares confusingly at the man but does not retaliate and allows him to pull her away.


    "..."


    Everyone stared in bewilder at what they were seeing. Until the two figures were no longer in sight, Liu Shan turns to look at his boss.


    Unlike the fearful expression on Wolf Team, he rolled his eyes and hold his arms.


    "Really? You had to go and scare the man?"


    Hearing his sudden words, everyone furrow their brows. Their eyes stare at the assistant then to the slender figure.


    Yue Ling meets Liu Shan in the eyes and shrug her shoulder with an expression full of indifference.


    "I was only giving them another chance to be alone."


    "..."


    Not wanting to look at the people with their mouth widely opened in disbelief, she turns away.


    When she saw Lu Tian and Uncle Zhi¡¯s face full of astonishment, she smiles a chuckle.


    "I had to do something so they can talk privately."


    Lu Tian arch a brow at his wife. For a second there when her back was turned to him, he really thought she was going to turn into the devil.


    However, seeing that she was only teasing them, he couldn¡¯t help but want to know how she is when she is actually angry.


    Staring at hisdy boss, Shaofeng wanted to cry butcked the tears to shed. When he saw the look in her eyes, he thought they were all doomed. Even he almost pissed himself.


    At the thought of this, his body turned sluggish and he slumps to the ground in relief that Yue Ling was only messing with them.


    His boss was already scary enough, but now that they have Yue Ling as theirdy boss, what kind world will they be put into now?


    Hends on Xu Long¡¯sp and stares up at the assistant.


    "Xu Long, you really weren¡¯t joking when you said ourdy boss is the leader of Fate. Now, I see why she is the leader of that notorious gang."


    After his spoken words, everyone from Wolf Team nods their head agreeingly.


    At first, they had misjudged her and doubted Xu Long¡¯s words. However,ing into contact with a tiny bit of her wrath, even if she was joking, no one wants to ever meet the remaining wrath of hers.


    Xu Long stares down at the man using his thigh as a pillow. He doesn¡¯t push Shaofeng away but shook his head.


    "See, I told ya, but ya did not want to listen to this old me."


    Soon,ughter follow and everyone started to talk to one another. Each person from the two teams wanted to know more about one another, especially when their worlds are so different.


    Standing at the side, Yiqing leaned against the wall. His armed crossed over his chest as he stares at Yue Ling.


    Thinking of something, he turns to the man standing to his right with sses.


    His eyes slightly narrow and he secretly moves his left hand. He rubs his thumb and index finger together before he motions a quick flick.


    *Swoosh¡ª


    A glint of light shes as something as thin as a strand of hair flies ahead in the direction of the group sitting.


    Just as it was about to hit someone in the back of the head, that person slightly tilts his head to the left and the person sitting across catches it.


    Tang Zhonghui kept his head tilted as Gui Zhongmin held his hand in midair with his index and middle finger pointing up.


    Gui Zhongmin¡¯s eyes leisurely flutter and he nce at his hand then to the man who threw the object.


    At the same time, Tang Zhonghui slowly turn his head to look at Yiqing and a carefree smile curls on his lip.


    "Nice throw, bro, but you¡¯re a little slow."


    Yiqing was not surprised at all. He was only slow, because he used a little strength. However, not affected by the words, he grins at the two men and held both his hands up like he was surrendering to the police.


    He turns to look at the man standing next to him.


    "Did you already know too?"


    Qi Li stares at his tworades with a poker face. Sometimes he felt like they were useless, but times like this, he can¡¯t help but be proud to be on the same team as them.


    Shifting his eyes away from the two men, he turns to look at Yiqing.


    "We have a needle handler in our team too."


    Hearing this, Yiqing arch a brow in surprise. He has never met another person who is also skilled with needles. Wanting to meet this person, he looks at Gui Zhongmin and smiles.


    Gui Zhongmin quickly drops the needle in his hand and waves both his hands in no.


    "Uh... it¡¯s not me."


    It¡¯s not that he is scared of Yiqing, but when he met the man¡¯s eyes full of interest, it was the kind of look that made all the hair on his body stand.


    A look one makes when a person found someone of their liking.


    However, he likes women and not men.


    "It¡¯s me."


    Just as Gui Zhongmin¡¯s voice sounded, another voice sounds from next to him.


    Yiqing shift his gaze to the person and arch both his brows in surprise. The corner of his lip curls up, but when he was about to say something, his eyes slightly shook.


    *Swoosh¡ª


    He didn¡¯t doge whatever was thrown his way, but swiftly catches it with his hand and observe it.


    It was a needle as thin as a strand of hair. However, unlike his short needles, this one is longer about five inches in length.


    He looks away from the needle then to the person who looks almost identical to Gui Zhongmin.


    Thinking of something, the corners of his mouth curl into a wide grin.


    Indeed a person worthy of handling needles.


    Just one single move and he can tell that if Gui Tian Lan wanted to harm him, the man could have done so easily.

 Chapter 412 your subordinate

    While the situation inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop took ce, outside in the back, Jiangyu and Ju Suo stood at the far end facing one another.


    "I¡¯m sorry..."


    Ju Suo¡¯s child like voice quietly spoke with a sad expression. Her head hung low and she stares down at her feet. She could not bare to look at Jiangyu.


    She had finally met the man of her dreams and everything was going fine. She did n to tell him, but she wanted to wait until the finalized their rtionship. Yet, something like this had to happen.


    Does this mean she cannot like him anymore?


    Jiangyu stares down at the petite woman who is not even half his size. His eyes blinks a few times with a confused expression.


    He has never been in a rtionship and no women ever approached him. In the past, if he were to even talk to a girl, they would run away in fear.


    That being said, he¡¯s never been a situation like this.


    However, hearing her sudden apology, he was even more confused.


    Why does Ju Suo look so sad? Did he do something wrong?


    The space between his brows crease into three tight lines and he decides to ask her.


    "Why are you apologizing?"


    "..."


    Ju Suo lift her head and looks at him. Now it was her turn to blink her eyes in confusion. Isn¡¯t he mad that she is part of the underworld? Isn¡¯t this why he brought her out here, because he wanted to confirm?


    She lifts her hand and scratch her cheek with her index finger as she looks away from him.


    "It¡¯s because I didn¡¯t tell you that I¡¯m a member of Fate."


    She takes a deep breath and her words continue.


    "I¡¯m sorry for approaching you when you don¡¯t like people who has something to do with the underworld."


    Hearing her exnation, Jiangyu was at a loss for all words. Thinking about what happened inside and her words, he finally put the pieces together.


    His left-hand raise, and he stroke the back of his neck.


    "I... I don¡¯t mind that you are a part of Fate or if you are involved with the underworld."


    Ju Suo did not have the courage to look at the man in the eyes again. She was waiting to hear him say he cannot be involved with her. However, she did not expect to hear his next words.


    "I... like you for who you are."


    The nervous feeling inside her quickly disperse into thin air and she looks at him with her big round eyes. Before she knew it, her eyes were already glistening with moist.


    Met with her tearful eyes, Jiangyu was bbergasted. Is he so scary that his words alone were enough to make her cry? Should he have not said what he said?


    Lowering his hand in awkwardness, he press his lips tightly together then decides to apologize.


    "I¡¯m sorry, what¡ª"


    "Ah! I¡¯m so happy!"


    Before Jiangyu could finish his words, Ju Suo eximed in joy and jumps onto the man.


    Her tiny arms wrap around his waist and she beamed in happiness. Tilting her head back, she looks up at the man and smile with her teeth.


    "I like you too, Jiangyu."


    "..."


    Jiangyu was taken back by surprise at her response to his sudden confession. He looks down at her and his cheeks flush red.


    She looked like a cute little child. He wanted to pick her up and squeeze her tightly but could only hold himself back.


    There¡¯s no possible way he would want to hurt her with his strength.


    Lifting one hand, he pat the top of her head and clears his throat.


    "I¡¯m happy too."


    How can he not be happy? He finally met someone who likes him and isn¡¯t afraid of him.


    As the two stayed in a hugging position for a long time, they decided to go back inside.


    Reluctantly parting from each other¡¯s body, Ju Suo smiles and skips her way back into the shop. She is so d that Jiangyu doesn¡¯t hate her but epts her the way she is.


    Unlike the little woman, Jiangyu held a soft smile with his cheeks still flushing a shade of red.


    He slowly follows behind her with eyes never moving away from her figure.


    Only the heavens above know how happy he is at this moment.


    He is so happy. It was like he can run an entire mountain and not be tired at all.


    As he was lost in his daze about the woman, both his hands quickly grab hold of the door frame.


    The little woman he was idolizing had suddenly stopped. If it wasn¡¯t for his quick reflexes, he would have rammed into her and probably sent her flying away.


    "Ju Suo, why did you suddenly stop?"


    He furrow his brows and asked her, but the moment he took his eyes off of the woman, he was dumbfounded at what he saw ahead.


    Inside the empty shop, every person from Wolf Team and Alpha Team were no longer sitting on the ground or their chairs.


    Instead, they were up posing in a horse stance in a neatly order.


    Yue Ling stood in front of them with Lu Tian and Uncle Zhi standing at her sides.


    Three pairs of eyes stares at the people with an expression full of indifference.


    "Who started it?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice sounds inside the empty shop.


    Her voice was as soft and soothing as usual, but everyone posing in a horse stance could only shiver in sweat.


    She was like the fierce general in ancient times disciplining her soldiers for their wrong doings.


    At first, she had already sensed the person who started themotion, but she turned a blind eye to it because she knew the reason behind it.


    However, what she did not expect was that, her and Lu Tian¡¯s team would break out into a fight in seeing who is more skilled.


    Thus, this is why the situation now turned to this.


    "I... It was me..."


    In the far back of the many people, Yiqing¡¯s voice quietly sounds in embarrassment. He really did not expect the situation to get out of hands.


    Truth was, he wasn¡¯t nning to find trouble. Once he learned that Alpha Team was a part of Fate, he wanted to test their skills.


    It was said that every person from Fate cannot be taken lightly and like the rumors, Alpha Team did not fail his expectations.


    Although they appear like ordinary people you pass in the streets, each person is highly skilled.


    In the many years of his life, only two people are able to catch his needles, yet, every member in Alpha Team caught each one he had thrown.


    Yue Ling stares at the skinny looking man with an arch brow. She knew it was him the moment she heard a faint swoosh of a needle.


    However, she does not say anything to him and turn to the aloof man standing to her left.


    "He¡¯s your subordinate."

 Chapter 413 The plan

    Lu Tian nce at his wife for a long minute, then to his subordinate trying to hide from his eyes.


    Thinking of something, he shrug his shoulder indifferently.


    "I¡¯ll let you decide on how to punish them."


    "..."


    Hearing his sudden proposal, Wolf Team could only suck in a mouthful of air. They had all hoped Lu Tian would save them. If it¡¯s the usual punishment, they don¡¯t mind, but he gave them the cold shoulder.


    What happened to their loyalty for him all these years?


    Does he not have pity for them?


    However, no matter how many questions they want to ask, they can only cry inside. Once the aloof man has spoken, he will not take back his words.


    Continuing to cry inside their heart, all the members of Wolf Team turn their head in one direction and res at the person responsible for their misfortune.


    Yiqing forces a smile to hisrades with an apologetic face and quickly avert his eyes. He knows that once they leave here, he will be hearing more from themter.


    He slowly shift his feet to the right and whispers to Qi Li.


    "Hey, what does your boss make you guys do for punishment?"


    "You¡¯ll find out."


    It was not Qi Li who answered, but Gui Tian Lan who posed on the left of Yiqing with a huge grin.


    Seeing his smile, Yiqing was stuck in daze. His eyes continuously blinks, and he quickly turns away.


    He has to admit, both Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin are indeed a pair of good-looking twins, but he, Yiqing is not interested in men.


    As Yiqing thought this, he did not know that earlier Gui Zhongmin had thought the same about him.


    Yue Ling smiles to each person and held her hands behind her back. She looks at her assistant and her smile reached her eyes.


    "Liu Shan, I¡¯ll let you fill Wolf Team on how we do things here."


    Saying this, she sps her palms together.


    "Alright, everyone worked very hard today. Jiangyu and Ju Suo bought refreshments, so please enjoy some before you leave."


    Hearing her words, Wolf Team sighed in relief. She actually let them slide instead of having them continue to pose in a horse stance.


    However, what they did not know is that Yue Ling already knew it was Yiqing who started it and why he did so.


    Not only that, she will not be punishing everyone from Wolf Team, only Yiqing.


    Since he wanted to test the skills of her team, she will let him experience their usual disciplinary exercise.


    -


    After eating the refreshments bought by Jiangyu and Ju Suo, there was not much left to do, so Lu Tian dismissed his team.


    While most people left, only Jiangyu, Yiqing and Shaofeng stated behind from Wolf Team.


    As for Yue Ling¡¯s team, the only person who left was Tang Zhonghui. Yue Ling did not mind because he lives with his grandmother and needs to take care of her.


    Just as the rest of Wolf Team prepared to leave, a member walks over to Lu Tian.


    "Boss, Huan Min and Weilong are in position. They will keep watch from outside until everyone leaves."


    Lu Tian nod his head listening to his subordinate. Although there was 20 of his men here today, his Wolf Team actually consist of 22 members.


    Each person has their own skills are divided into sperate teams. Not only are they his subordinates, but also the people he trust the most.


    Yue Ling by chance overheard the short conversations. She waited until the subordinate left before she asks Lu Tian.


    "Who is Huan Min and Weilong?"


    Hearing her question, Lu Tian smiles to her and reach down to hold her hand. Intwining his fingers between hers, he does not hide anything from her.


    "They¡¯re my subordinates and a part of Wolf Team. Both men are skilled with snipers."


    Listening to him, Yue Ling smiles in understanding. Her eyes nce in the direction Wolf Team had left.


    So these were the men who were on the mountain with Lu Tian that day she saved Ji Jingxu and Ting.


    Thinking this, Lu Tian¡¯s words about his two subordinates skilled with snipers crosses her mind. She nces over to Shan Sinan but does not a say a word.


    "Boss, what¡¯s the n from here on?"


    Lian Ni Shang¡¯s voice sounds from the side as she approaches the couple. With no intentions of doing so, her sudden question caught the attention of everyone who stayed behind.


    Met with many pairs of eyes, Yue Ling faintly smiles to them. No matter how lively the atmosphere was moments ago, they cannot forget their main purpose for being here.


    Lu Tian looks at Jiangyu, Yiqing and Shaofeng, "Did Xu Long give you the details on what is going on?"


    "Yes Captain."


    All three men turned serious and quickly responded together like soldiers. While they were moving things around, Xu Long was also filling them in on what happened to Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    Seeing their nod, Lu Tian looks at his wife. He did not say a word, but his expression was enough for let her know that she can exin the rest.


    Like an understanding wife, Yue Ling did not hesitate, nor did she beat around the bush.


    "From this very moment on, everyone will have to be on guard."


    Her eyes scanned the people in the room and her words continues.


    "Whoever it was that vandalized Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop left a note behind stating midnight. Without a doubt, they are sure to be keeping a close watch nearby. Any one of us can be their next target."


    She lift her hand and points her index finger up into a circle.


    "Liu Shan and Xu Long will be setting up cameras inside and outside. For that, we cannot let the person know that we are also watching them."


    Hearing her words, everyone nod their head in understanding.


    Yiqing furrow his brows and couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Who will be keeping watch?"


    "Everyone."


    Yue Ling answers and exins, "Each of you will be assigned into a group of two or three ande here every day at different hours."


    Like she was able to read their next question, her words did not stop.


    "Although you will being here, you do not need to stay here since there will be cameras."


    She points in the direction of the door leading to the secret room.


    "Inside that room, there is a secret passage that Uncle Zhi added when he bought this ce. Once you enter through the front door, you can leave from the passage."


    Taking her phone out from her coat pocket, she taps on the screen and reveals a map.


    "This map will be sent to each of you. The secret passage leads underground and connects to another building one block away from here."


    As she finished herst words, Lu Tian looks at his team then his wife¡¯s team.


    "After leaving, you must return before midnight and walk out the front door."


    "That way, who ever it is that is nning to attack will think that we have been staying here the entire time."


    This time, it was Uncle Zhi who spoke thest sentence after Lu Tian.


    He held both his hands behind his back and sighs inside.


    "This person left a note indicating midnight, but we cannot be too sure if that is the time they really n to attack again."


    Hearing the n, everyone nod their heads in understanding.


    No matter what happens, they will use this time to catch this person and make them suffer for wanting to enter to the devil¡¯sir.

 Chapter 414 something like tha

    Inside the brown hotel, after hours of rough pleasure, a woman¡¯s voice screams in horror mix with pleasure. In the room on the fifth floor, a scrawny man finally pulls out from the woman underneath him after releasing his load.


    He stares down at her trembling figure and leans down to kiss her lip. At the same time, he didn¡¯t forget to inhale her scent of perfume and sweat.


    Moving away from her, he licks his lip as if to taste her and pat her on the cheek.


    "Not bad for a woman so loose."


    Feeling the man¡¯s weight finally off of her, Ning Mei curled into a ball on the bed. She held her bruised body and quickly grabs the nket to cover her naked body.


    Right now, she didn¡¯t care about his words as she was only feeling disgust.


    Her quiet sobs echoed inside the room but the scrawny man with a haggard look did not care nor did he feel any pity for her.


    He sat at the edge of the bed and smoked his cigarette. Until it was done, he stood up and leisurely dressed himself as he felt like a new man after having his way with the rookie model.


    "Ning Mei don¡¯t forget my words."


    Finished putting his clothes on, he turns to look at the woman curled on the bed. Seeing the bruises on her arms that he had given her, a sneer curl on his lip.


    Walking over to the side of the bed sheid, he leans down and kiss her head.


    "If you want me to keep this a secret between us, remember to transfer another 50 million yuan to me."


    Saying this, he straightens up and walks out of the room without another care for Ning Mei.


    Hearing the door to the room shut, Ning Mei jumped at the sound. Her eyes that had been squeezing shut opens and she force herself to sit up.


    The nket fell and she stares down at her body covered in red kiss marks and bruises.


    She could remember everything so clearly. That disgusting man really wanted to ruin her. He didn¡¯t even spare her a chance to breath after having his way with her.


    Her entire body is sore in all ces.


    She forces her aching body to get out of bed and stumble to her handbag. Reaching inside, she takes out an emergency contraception pill and poured herself a cup of water.


    Remembering how the disgusting low life had released inside her multiple times, she quickly swallows the pill and drank the water.


    Her breathing turned rapid and she res at her reflection in the mirror that is hung on top of the desk.


    She swore inside. For this torment she had to go through, Han Yue Ling will have to pay with her life.


    -


    In the heart of Imperial, once the sky engulfed into darkness, everyone inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop had finished helping Liu Shan and Xu Long set up the camera equipment.


    They had hidden the cameras so well that no one other than them will be able to tell where each one is. It was like each set up had blended in with the walls.


    Checking the time on his wristwatch, Lu Tian looks at his wife.


    She was currently speaking to Gui Zhongmin and Shan Sinan, but he could see the exhaustion in her eyes.


    Walking over to the three people, he gently ce his palm on her back.


    Feeling the sudden coldness of his palm, Yue Ling turns to look at the man.


    "Tian, what¡¯s wrong?"


    Hearing the sound of her voice, Lu Tian sighed even more inside. Her usual soft and silvery tone was now lethargic.


    He stares at her slightly red eyes like a person who did not get enough sleep.


    "I¡¯m taking you home."


    "Eh? But we¡¯re not done here."


    Yue Ling quickly retorted. They still have a few more things that needed to be set up, so how can they leave already?


    Everyone heard Lu Tian¡¯s words and nce over to Yue Ling. However, as much as they wanted her presence here, she is pregnant and needs to rest.


    Liu Shan: "Boss, it¡¯s alright. We can handle it from here, so go home and rest."


    Qi Li: "It¡¯s already 9pm, do not exhaust yourself anymore."


    Lin Hui: "There¡¯s not much left to do, so don¡¯t worry about us."


    Soon, everyone quickly ushers her to leave. It was indeed gettingte and the warning time was midnight. Whether this unknown person is going to attack tonight, they do not know.


    With Yue Ling being pregnant, it was best to get her to safety first.


    Hearing their words, Yue Ling did not know what to say. She stares at each person then to the tall man standing next to her.


    "I..."


    Before she could utter another word, Lu Tian gently push her towards the door. If she does not listen, then he will have use force.


    His reason for wanting to bring her home is the same as everyone else¡¯s.


    If the unknown person attacks tonight, not only will Yue Ling be injured, but also the child inside her.


    "Everyone will be fine. Once they finish, they¡¯re also leaving."


    He calmly spoke to her, but deep inside, he wanted to take her away from here now that night hase. As of this moment, her and their baby¡¯s safetyes first.


    Watching the two figures leave the shop, Yiqing looks at everyone and smiles.


    "I have never seen the captain so caring before."


    Saying this, he wipes away the tears from his eyes and lightly elbows Liu Shan.


    "How about we finish up and go grab a few drinks?"


    The assistant looks around the empty shop and ponder in thought. If they go out for drinks, maybe he can invite Ling Ni toe meet him.


    Thinking this, he shrugs his shoulders and agrees.


    "I don¡¯t see why we can¡¯t."


    Quickly as the sudden question came, everyone gave their answer. However, unlike the young people, Uncle Zhi sighs inside at how energetic they are, but instead of joining them, he said he will be going to Manager Luo¡¯s ce.


    Once everything was set up, everyone prepares to leave. As Uncle Zhi locks up the ce, everyone waited for the middle-aged man outside.


    When he came out, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan decided to skip out on the n and offer Uncle Zhi a ride to Manager Luo¡¯s ce.


    As the group split up in different directions, Xu Long would often turn back to look at the three figures then he looks to Lin Hui and the twins.


    "Are they together?"


    Hearing the assistant, Gui Tian Lan nce at his tworades who were walking further away. Thinking of something, he looks at Xu Long and shrug his shoulders.


    "Eh, something like that."


    For as long as he could remember, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan were always together. Even when they go on missions, the two were never separable. Thus, everyone just assumed they were a couple and never pushed the topic.


    "I see... How nice..."


    Xu Long nod his head in understanding. How envious he is of Shan Sinan. To have a femalerade and fall in love with her.


    Within Wolf Team, all the members are men. If he had a femalerade, he would treat her super nice.


    Thinking of women, he sighed inside at how horrible his luck is with them. However, his eyes lit up when he remembered the beauty he saved.


    A wide grin curl on his lip and increase his pace to the front of the group.


    Lifting both his arms, he wraps them around Yiqing and Gui Zhongmin¡¯s shoulders.


    "Bros, I know a great ce that has a lot of beauties waiting for us."


    Near the back, when Lin Hui heard his words, he rolled his eyes and he scoffs at the man.


    "Great ce? Your great cest time almost got us killed!"


    Xu Long moves his arms away from the two men and turn to Lin Hui.


    His eyes rolled up and he stuck out one hand like he was showing something.


    In a nonchnt voice, he spoke, "But did you die?"

 Chapter 415 adjustments

    Unaware about what their subordinates are up to, Yue Ling and Lu Tian arrived home to their quiet house.


    "Wroof¡ª"


    Just as they entered the front door, Inu pounced in their direction to wee them with a bark. His tail wagged side to side in happiness that they are home.


    "Oh my baby! Did you miss us?"


    Yue Ling happily calls out as she squats down to give the little guy a hug. She rubbed her cheeks against his soft fur and felt like his happiness had been transferred to her.


    "Mommy missed you so much."


    Standing behind his wife, Lu Tian did not eat any vinegar like before. He had already gotten used to the scene and closed the front door.


    Walking over to them, he reach down and pat the Samoyed on the head then slip into his house slippers.


    "I¡¯ll heat up something warm for you."


    Saying this, he walks in the direction of the kitchen. Although they had ate the refreshments Ju Suo and Jiangyu bought, he wants to make sure that she has something warm to drink after being exposed to the cold weather.


    Staring at the man turning into the kitchen, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know what to say. Lu Tian did not even wait to see if she was parched or hungry. She looks back at Inu and faintly smile.


    Lu Tian is such a good man. Not only is she lucky to have him, he is always the one taking care of her.


    She pats Inu on the head and decides to go upstairs to shower and change.


    Walking up the stairs, she steps into one of the rooms she had converted into her closet. Grabbing a set of nightwear, she heads for the bathroom.


    As she turns the water on to take a nice warm shower, Lu Tian remained in the kitchen.


    He puts on the pink heart apron and heated up some milk for his wife. In the process, he also decided to make some congee for Yue Ling and their child.


    While waiting for the congee to cook, he sees Inu standing by the open gap that connected the kitchen to the living room.


    Turning to the little guy, he faintly smiles and walks over to the back door to let the guy out to take care of his (Inu) business.


    Once Inu was let out, the sensor lights switches on and brightens the entire back courtyard for him.


    Lu Tian closed the door and walks into the living room. Sitting on the sturdy coffee table, he stares out to Inu from the huge floor to ceiling window that gave view to the back yard of the house.


    As he watched the little guy run wildly in the grass, he thought about their current situation.


    Once their off day is over, he and his wife will be returning to work. That leaves Inu all alone in the house.


    With the things happening now, he needs to adjust a few things around here.


    That way, if he and Yue Ling leaves the house, the little guy will have some kind of shield to keep him protected.


    Or if he has to attend a meeting outside of Imperial, with a few adjustments done to the house, he can be at ease knowing his family is protected.


    As he thought about what to adjust in the house, one thought quickly led to another.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Yue Ling spoke from behind Lu Tian as her voice woke him from his long thought.


    He does not turn to look at her but furrow his brows in surprise.


    This is the first time he had ever been so lost in his own thoughts. Not only that, he didn¡¯t even hear her footsteps approach from behind.


    Shaking the feeling away, he turns to her. However, staring at her, he couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    Her fair skin was slightly red due to the warm shower with hair slightly damp. No matter how she looked like, whether it was with makeup or without, he can never get enough of her.


    However, remembering her question, he stood up from sitting down and walks over to her.


    "What do you think about adjusting a few things in our home?"


    Yue Ling tilt her head at his words, "Adjustments? Like what?"


    "Whatever you want." He held her hand and walks her to the kitchen. "I was thinking, since we aren¡¯t home most of the time, maybe we should add a few things to the house. That way, when Inu is alone, he will be protected."


    As his words fell, the couple arrived at the dining table. He helps her sit in the chair then walks over to the stove to turn off the fire for the warm milk and checked on the congee.


    Seeing that the congee is almost ready, he takes a cup out from the cab and pours a bit of the warm milk inside. Walking back to the table, he set it down and looks at her.


    "What do you think?"


    Yue Ling stares down at the cup of warm milk and ponder in thought about his suggestion.


    She is surprised to see the man care for Inu¡¯s safety, but she has trained Inu from a young age and knows that the little guy is not like any ordinary house pet.


    He is a brave and clever little guy who isn¡¯t afraid of anything.


    However, Lu Tian is right. Once they leave the house, Inu is all alone.


    Even if their current situation did not happen, anything can still happen in the future.


    After thinking thoroughly, shees to a decision and looks at the man.


    "We can make a few adjustments."


    Hearing her agreement, Lu Tian was relieved. He knows that she is only thinking about Inu¡¯s safety while he is thinking about theirs, but he does not mind as long as she agrees with this.


    He gently held the back of her head and moves her closer to him as he leans to her. cing a soft kiss on her forehead, he pulls away in a smile and turn for the stove.


    "I¡¯ll inform my men about the adjustments needed."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes blinked at the man with a muddled expression. Trying to remember the faces of his team, she furrow her brows.


    "Shouldn¡¯t we hire a carpenter for this?"


    As her question fell, Lu Tian was currently making her a bowl of congee. He faintly chuckles and turn to her with the bowl in hand.


    Walking back to her, he ce the bowl down and hands her a spoon.


    "Three members of my team are carpenters."


    "..."

 Chapter 416 Tailor

    The days quickly passes by as everyone from Alpha Team and Wolf Team continued into their usual routine with a little twist.


    Each group was to keep up with your daily tasks, but given a certain time to meet at Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    However, throughout the days, there was no sign of another attack at midnight like the note left behind. Although, nothing happened, no one put their guard down.


    It was now week, but everyone made sure to keep a close eye on Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop as each person took turn changing shifts ording to n.


    As themon people of Imperial continued their walk in thete morning, no one was aware of the what was going on inside the creepy building.


    Amongst the crowed street, three men with charming looks can be seen walking in the same pace as everyone else.


    Taking the lead is a man wearing rimless sses. He wore a tan trench coat with a ck turtleneck sweater and ck jeans.


    Behind him, the other two followed, but were immerse in their own conversation.


    One wore a id cor shirt with khakis and a brown wool coat over while the other wore a ck coat with a grey sweater and light blue denims.


    "Oh my! Are they celebrities? Why haven¡¯t I seen them before?"


    "They¡¯re all so handsome, do you think they¡¯re single?"


    "As handsome as them, I¡¯m sure they already have girlfriends."


    As the three men passes through the busy crowd, young women stare in awe at the them. Just seeing them was enough to make them want to faint into blissfulness.


    They have been walking this street everyday and never seen such handsome men before.


    Whispers and giggles sound loud enough for the three men to hear, but none paid any attention to the young women.


    "Qi Li, don¡¯t you agree?"


    Suddenly, the man wearing the ck coat spoke as he ce his hand one the leading man¡¯s shoulder.


    Qi Li kept a straight face and shrug his shoulder. He slightly rolls his shoulder to brush Gui Tian Lan¡¯s hand away.


    Though his expression said one thing, deep down he was fuming with frustration.


    He could have been riding his motorcycle, but to his misfortune, he was paired up with Gui Tian Lan and Yiqing.


    Like it was not enough, throughout the entire time they have been working together, both men would continuously bragged about their needle skills.


    Sighing inside, he sees that they were nearing Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    His eyes lit up in relief and he picks up the pace in big stride ahead.


    Behind, both men were unaware of their teammate who left them. Gui Tian Lan touch his chin as he thought about something.


    "Yiqing, your needle skills are indeed good, but I think you¡¯recking a bit on how you flick them."


    Usually when someone corrects him other than his boss, Yiqing would have unleashed the demon inside him, but surprisingly, he did not get angry when he heard Gui Tian Lan¡¯s words.


    He nod his head and slightly furrow his brows at the same time.


    "Hrmm... You are right. My needles are shorter than yours, which should be faster than yours, but your flicks are sturdier than mine."


    Which was the truth. The day he tried to test Alpha Team, judging from the short time and distance Gui Tian Lan sent the needle his way, he could tell the speed was three times faster than his.


    For some people, three times the strength might not be much, but for him, it makes a huge difference. If he can flick his needles at the same speed as Gui Tian Lan, he¡¯ll have a better advantage against his enemies.


    As he immerse in his own thoughts, Gui Tian Lan nce at the man with side eyes. He shook his head and ce his left hand on the man¡¯s shoulder.


    "Here, let me tell you a little something."


    His righthand slightly raises as he brings the tip of his thumb and index finger together. Lightly stretching out his other three fingers, he motions a flick and spoke.


    "This is how you usually flick your needles right?"


    Yiqing¡¯s eyes shook at how Gui Tian Lan knew the way he handles his needles. However, he quietly nods his head yes.


    Getting an answer, Gui Tian Lan gestures another sign with his fingers.


    This time, he brings the tip of middle finger and thumb together.


    "Instead of using with your index finger, use your middle finger. It has more strength and gives you a better control in aiming what is in your hands."


    Hearing the advice, Yiqing¡¯s brows arch up in amusement. He continuously nods his head in understanding and test out the new ¡¯skill¡¯ he learned.


    As he moves through the crowd, both his arms raised, and he starts to flick imaginary needles in every direction.


    However, thinking about something, he turns to look at the man who has now be his new teacher.


    "Master, how do you know this?"


    "..."


    Gui Tian Lan blinks his eyes and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Never in his entire years of living has anyone called him master. Not only that, he thought it wasmon sense that flicking with your middle finger has more control and strength?


    However, making up his mind, heughs and fold his arms over his chest.


    "Needles are my specialty. Understanding them is my job."


    "Your job?"


    Yiqing questions in confusion. He can understand that needles are Gui Tian Lan¡¯s specialty, but what does that have to do with his job? Aren¡¯t the members of Alpha Team like Wolf Team?


    Seeing that Yiqing can sometimes be slow, Gui Tian Lan heaves a long sigh. Unfolding his right hand, he points to himself.


    "My student, your master here is a professional tailor."


    "..."


    Yiqing¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground in disbelief at what he was hearing. How can a refine person like Gui Tian Lan be a tailor? No, more like, why be a tailor?


    Oblivious to the thoughts of his new and only student, Gui Tian Lan¡¯s eyes subconciously nces away from the man only to suddenly widen them.


    He and Yiqing were so into their discussion that he just now realized Qi Li was no longer in front of them.


    Instead, the sses man was already making a turn into the entrance of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop!


    "Bro, we gotta go!"


    He spoke and without a care for the man in a daze, he grabs Yiqing by the cor of his coat and strides after Qi Li.


    Ahead of the two men, Qi Li leisurely enters the rundown building, as Gui Tian Lan and Yiqing finally caught up to him in a few seconds.


    Heading straight for the secret room in the back, Qi Li stood in front of one of the walls and gently ce his palm near the far end.


    With a light push, the entire wall in front of them slowly shifts in rotation.


    As the three figures enter to the underground passage, the wall slowly shifts back into its normal position. It was as if no one had stepped foot into that room at all.

 Chapter 417 family car

    Through the dark underground passage that held little light, Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan and Yiqing finally reached the end.


    Unlike the rotation wall of the secret room, the end of the passage led them to a simple door.


    Qi Li reached to hold the doorknob and turns it. However, just as he was about to push it open, Yiqing¡¯s figure quickly dashes pass the two men and enter the light on the other side.


    "Light¡ª! I¡¯m saved¡ª!"


    He yells in a dry voice as his skinny figure falls to his knees and without any care, he slumps onto the floor on his stomach. Both his arms spread at his side like he was hugging the floor underneath him.


    "..."


    Inside this new building that they had arrived, the rest of Alpha Team were already there waiting for them. Not only them, but so were Uncle Zhi, Jiangyu and Shaofeng.


    The ce was not like the inside of Uncle Zhi¡¯s dark shop. It¡¯s lighting was on point as it came from the sun emitting through one wall that was made of windows.


    However, at this moment, everyone stares at Yiqing in a perplex and confused expression.


    After a long moment of silence, Uncle Zhi was the first to speak. He looks at the two man still standing by the door then takes a few steps forward and stares down at the man lying on the floor.


    "What happened? Why is he like this?"


    Qi Li didn¡¯t say anything but shrug his shoulders. He then walks over to a chair to sit. Behind, Gui Tian Lan¡¯s full figurees to view and he scratch the back of his head in bewilder.


    "Uh... I don¡¯t know. He was fine a second ago."


    Taking a step inside the new ce, he closes the door and furrow his brows tightly at Yiqing.


    At the time, he was in the back while Qi Li and Yiqing lead the way, but they were all fine and nothing seemed to be out of ce.


    However...


    "He¡¯s not fond of tight ces, especially if it¡¯s dark."


    From the side, Jiangyu suddenly exins about hisrade. He and Yiqing are always assigned on missions together, so he pretty much knows everything about the man.


    Seated on the opposite wall, Shaofeng sighs aloud and shook his head. Everytime the man is like this, there is only one way to get him back on his feet.


    He stood up from his chair and walks over to the man before squatting down.


    "Yiqing ah Yiqing, everyone is watching, so get up. What happened to your so-called dignity?"


    Even though the words were spoken, Yiqing did not budge from the floor. However, that was until he heard the word ¡¯dignity¡¯.


    As much as he is ustrophobic, he cares more about his image than anything.


    His eyes shot open and is met with everyone staring back at him. His cheeks slowly burned in embarrassment and he turns his head away to the other side.


    However, to his misfortune, he was met with the eyes of the people standing on this side too.


    Shifting his face to the floor, he curse inside for letting himself go and slowly push himself off the floor.


    As he stood up, he clears his throat while trying to act like nothing happened.


    "Oh, hi guys. When did you all get here?"


    All the men shook their heads while Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang press their lips tightly together.


    Both women wanted tough but could only hold themselves back. They didn¡¯t want to shame the man any further.


    "Alright, alright. That¡¯s enough."


    Uncle Zhi¡¯s voice sounds as he clears his throat. He found is amusing that Yiqing is ustrophobic, especially since his personality seems to be one that has no fear of anything.


    However, it¡¯s none of business. In life, no matter how strong a person is, he or she has something they fear the most.


    Brushing the situation that just happened away, he looks at everyone that is now here.


    "Since everyone is here, let¡¯s get started."


    Hearing the older man¡¯s words, everyone quickly turned serious. They should start working on the n since their two bosses have yet to arrive.


    Liu Shan, who sat on a stool in front a table swiftly turns away from everyone.


    Set on top of the table were three monitors he had set up with hisptop in the front.


    Pressing on the power button on hisptop, not only did hisptop turn on, but so did the other three monitors behind.


    On the screen of the three monitors appear multiple camera images while hisptop appeared a ck screen with multiple codes.


    His eyes scans each image that is recording the movements inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop and in the surrounding area outside.


    Quickly typing in some codes intoptop, he nods his head in satisfaction and turns back to face everyone.


    "Alright, all camera are rolling."


    As their discussion advance, Yue Ling and Lu Tian arrived in another part of Imperial.


    Driving into the parking lot of a restaurant, it was not any of Lu Tian¡¯s usual sports car but a ck Maserati Levante Trofeo.


    Inside the car, Yue Ling stares at the nice interior design. When he picked her up from De L¡¯amour, she was astonished to see the new car.


    However, after seeing Lu Tian drive so only sporty cars, she didn¡¯t know what to think when he said he bought this Maserati as their family car.


    Unaware of her thoughts, Lu Tian parks the car and steps out.


    He wore a fitted a ck business suit with a ck coat over. Closing the door, he walks over to the passenger side.


    Opening the door for his wife, he held her hand to help her out of the car.


    "Thank you."


    Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounds as she steps out of the car.


    She wore a long gray wool coat with a beige cashmere sweater and pleaded ck skirt under.


    ncing at the restaurant, she was muddleheaded.


    "Tian, why are we here?"


    Weren¡¯t they supposed to meet everyone? If so, why did they stop by here?


    Lu Tian faintly chuckles at her expression as he closes the passenger door.


    Gently grabbing hold of her hand, he walks her towards the building.


    "It won¡¯t take long. We¡¯re grabbing lunch for everyone."


    Hearing his words, her brows arch up and she gasps at him then to the restaurant sign.


    ¡¯Elegancy¡¯


    Thinking of something, she gives him a side nce and scoffs a chuckle.


    "Wow, Mr. Lu really knows how to treat his subordinates."


    Lu Tian shrugs one shoulder with a nonchnt look. Doing so, he raise his hand holding hers and brings it closer to his lip.


    cing a kiss on the back of her hand, he looks at her with smiling eyes.


    "I treat my Mrs. Lu better."


    Yue Ling stares at the man as she felt her cheeks burn at his words. As much as she wanted to hide her smile, her lip couldn¡¯t help but curl into a soft smile.


    She parts her lips to say something, but...


    "Ah Tian, you¡¯re here!"


    A woman¡¯s voice sounds from ahead as it suddenly interrupts Yue Ling¡¯s unspoken words.


    Both Yue Ling and Lu Tian then turn to look at the person.

 Chapter 418 Ge Yun Li

    A middle-aged woman with a captivating smile walks in the direction of Yue Ling and Lu Tian. She wore a flowy long sleeve dress in the shade mauve. It flows over her legs down above her ankles. Though she appears older in age, she still looked young and healthy.


    Seeing the woman, Lu Tian lightly nod his head in a polite greeting. Next to him, Yue Ling smiles to her.


    However, the longer Yue Ling stared at the woman, she couldn¡¯t help but feel she¡¯s seen her somewhere or at least someone who looked simr.


    The woman happily approach the two with a wide grin. Once she was in close distance, she stood on the other side of Yue Ling and held the model¡¯s hand. Her gesture was like it was the most naturalist thing to do.


    "Aiya, look at you. You are even prettier than thest time I saw you."


    Yue Ling stares at the woman in silence. She doesn¡¯t mind the friendly gesture, but she doesn¡¯t remember meeting this woman before.


    "Have we met before?"


    Hearing her question, the woman was struck speechless. She kept her smile and was going to say something but stops herself.


    How could she have forgotten than the first time she met Yue Ling, the two did not meet face to face. Instead, she (the woman) was actually peeking from the kitchen while snapping some photos to send to Madam Lu.


    However, even if that was the case, shouldn¡¯t Yue Ling know about her since she is with Lu Tian?


    Thinking this, she looks away from the beautiful model to the aloof man on the other side. How could this evil being not tell Yue Ling about her?


    "Tian, why doesn¡¯t she know who I am? Did you and your family forget to mention my name, hmm?"


    Met with the woman¡¯s sudden eyes shooting daggers at him, Lu Tian lightly shook his head and heaves a sigh.


    "Yue Ling, this is my aunt, Ge Yun Li."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling nod her head and smiles apologetically to Lu Tian¡¯s aunt. Just as she was about to apologize for being impolite in any way, Aunt Ge Yun Li spoke first.


    She stretch her arm behind Yue Ling and lightly hits Lu Tian on the back as her heartfulughs follows.


    "What aunt Ge Yun Li? I have been your Aunt Zhao for the past 32 years."


    She scoffs at the man then held Yue Ling¡¯s hand again. However, unlike her attitude towards Lu Tian, she smiles sweetly to Yue Ling.


    "I am the sister-inw of Lu Tian¡¯s mother. So my child, just call me Aunt Zhao."


    As she spoke her words, she did not leave any room for Yue Ling to speak. Without wasting any more time, she pulls Yue Ling towards the restaurant.


    "Come child, the weather is too cold today. It¡¯s not good for you."


    Madam Lu had informed her of the joyous news, so she cannot let a pregnant Yue Ling stand outside and endure the cold.


    If the Lu family knew that she had kept Yue Ling out in the cold for a long time, she will never hear the end of it.


    Left near the car, the wind lightly brush against Lu Tian as he watched both women disappear inside the Elegancy. Neither even bothered to ask him to follow.


    Standing in silent, he lowers his head and stares down at his now empty hand. The armth of his wife¡¯s hand was rece with coldness.


    He sighs aloud at the thought of so many people always stealing his wife from him.


    One minute, he¡¯s holding her hand and in the next, she¡¯s already taken away.


    All he wants to do is hold her hand, is that so hard to ask?


    Sighing again, he decides that he will need to buy a handcuff and cuff her next to him.


    That way, she will always be within his sight at all times. Not only that, if someone wants to take his wife away from him, they will have to bring him too.


    Satisfy with this decision, he takes a step forward and strides towards Elegancy to follow his wife.


    As he entered the restaurant, he noticed that the temperature was very warm. It was a lot warmer than usual. However, there was no other customers other than them.


    "Tian, over here!"


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheerful voice calls out to him with one hand waving. Aunt Zhao had her seated near the window so she could look outside while they waited.


    Met with her smile that never stops melting his heart, Lu Tian softens inside. Walking to her table, he takes a seat in the chair across from her.


    "Should we have lunch before leaving?"


    The n was to grab food from Elegancy and leave, but if his wife wants to eat first, they can leave after.


    Knowing that he is only thinking about her, Yue Ling smiles and shook her head.


    "It¡¯s fine, everyone is still waiting for us."


    Just as her words fell, from the corner of her eyes, she could see Aunt Zhao¡¯s figure approaching their table.


    "The food is almost ready."


    The middle-aged woman sits down next to Yue Ling near the window. She looks at Yue Ling and couldn¡¯t help but think about Ji An Ling. Indeed like Madam Lu said, both mother and daughter do look very much alike.


    Although she and Yue Ling¡¯s mother were not close, they were of the same age and she knows that Ji An Ling was a very beautiful woman. Many of the young men at the time admired her. However, she chose the pretty boy Han Min Joon who was her childhood friend.


    Brushing her thoughts aside, she sighs inside. Reaching to hold Yue Ling¡¯s hand, she asks.


    "Are you sure you don¡¯t want anything to eat? Not even some appetizers?"


    Yue Ling faintly smiles and shook her head, "Aunt Zhao, thank you, but I am really fine."


    "Mm, mm." Aunt Zhao sighs a nod. As much as she wants Yue Ling to eat something, she cannot force the girl.


    A person knows their body than anyone else and judging from the looks of it, Yue Ling appears to be healthy and in great shape.


    Deciding not to push the topic further, a smile curls on her lip.


    "My daughter would be so jealous when I tell her that I met you today."


    "Your daughter?"


    Yue Ling asks as Aunt Zhao nods her head.


    "Mm. My only daughter is the same age as you."


    Thinking of her spoilt daughter, Aunt Zhao smiles at how she wish the brat was here too. She notices Yue Ling¡¯s dark long hair that almost resembles silk and she sighs.


    "That child of mine, she used to have beautiful long hair like you. She told me she would never cut it, but for some reason, she has been keeping her hair short like a boy."


    Listening attentively, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but ponder in thought about the description of Aunt Zhao¡¯s daughter. The image of her new friend with a Pixi haircut appears in her head.


    "Aunt Zhao, is your daughter¡¯s name, Ya¡¯Er?"


    At the mention of the name, Aunt Zhao¡¯s eyes lit up with sparkles. Her hand holding Yue Ling¡¯s gently tightens.


    "You know my Ya¡¯Er? I thought she was only exaggerating when she said you are her friend."


    Yue Ling chuckles and nod her head, "We met not too long ago and became friends."


    As the two women immerse in their own conversation, Lu Tian who had been ignored again arch a brow. He thought back to the day his cousin bragged to him about her new friend.


    He scoffs a smile inside and decided he will need to have a talk to this cousin of his. If she had mentioned his wife¡¯s name at the time, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate at all to agree to meet this friend.


    Good thing Zhao Ya¡¯Er did not introduce this ¡¯friend¡¯ to Lu Han or else all hell would break loose.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting, the food is packed and ready to go."


    A voice suddenly interrupts the three people and each person turn to see who it was.


    Standing a table away was a young waiter. He was the same waiter who had served Yue Ling and Lu Tian the day Lu Tian gave Yue Ling the ne, Bnce.


    The moment the young man saw Yue Ling, he gasps in surprise and covers his both.


    "I get to meet Han Yue Ling in person a second time."


    Lu Tian frowns at the lovestruck boy. Not wanting those eyes to continue staring at his wife, he abruptly stood up.


    "Aunt Zhao, we are leaving."


    Yue Ling smiles in greeting to the boy, but when she heard Lu Tian¡¯s sudden words, she was bbergasted. Shaking her head, she turns to look at the middle-aged woman.


    "Since the food is ready, Tian and I will be taking our leave."


    Aunt Zhao could only nod her head in understanding. However, ncing at this nephew of hers, she scoffs inside.


    From the many years that she has watched the boy grow into a fine young man, never once had she seen him lose his temper.


    However, it¡¯s a pity that he lost his cool because he is eating vinegar over a young fan boy.


    As she thought this, her brows slightly furrow.


    If he is like this, what will happen when they (Yue Ling and Lu Tian) wee their child into the world? Will he be eating vinegar over his own flesh and blood too?

 Chapter 419 I got i

    Through the busiest part of Imperial, cars and pedestrians crowded the streets as everyone head for lunch.


    Amongst the many cars, Lu Tian¡¯s ck Maserati Levante Trofeo slows down to make a turn into a public underground parking lot.


    As the cares to a stop and the engine shut off, both driver and passenger doors to the car opens.


    Yue Ling did not wait for Lu Tian toe and open the door for her. Stepping out of the car, she wore a ck mask as the same with Lu Tian.


    They were not hiding their faces from their fans or any paparazzi nearby, but from the unknown person they have yet to catch.


    Closing the passenger door, Yue Ling acted normal, but her eyes did not forget to scan the surrounding rows of cars for anyone suspicious.


    Walking to the back of the car, Lu Tian had already opened the trunk door and was reaching for the bag of food they bought from Elegancy.


    Seeing there were four bags in total, she offers to help.


    "Let me help carry a bag."


    When Lu Tian heard her, he did not let her get near the bags. He shakes his head as he moves them out of the trunk.


    "I got it."


    He held the four bags in one hand and takes a step back to close the trunk door. Once it was fully closed, he press the rm to lock the car and adjust the bags in his hand, so that he was holding two bags in each hand.


    Yue Ling rolled her eyes and decides not to argue with him for wanting to help. She turns away and walks ahead.


    Just as she took three steps, her brows furrow and she pause in her steps. Turning to face the man behind, she arch a brow.


    "Tian, what are you doing? Everyone is waiting for us?"


    Standing by the car, Lu Tian did not move an inch. He stares at his wife for a long minute without changing the indifference in his expression.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Why aren¡¯t you moving?"


    Yue Ling tilt her head with a perplex look. Everyone is waiting for them, so why is he just standing there?


    Just as she was thinking to herself, the man who did move an inch slightly nudge his left elbow out.


    "..."


    Yue Ling was struck dumbfounded when she saw this. She lifts her hand and massage her temples for a quick but long second. As she lowers her hand, she walks back to the man.


    Standing next to him, she held his arm and sighs.


    "You can be so childish, you know that? More childish than a child."


    Lu Tian was not affected by her words at all. Even though the ck mask was covering his mouth, one can see the upside-down crescent shape of his eyes as he smiles to himself.


    He can be as childish as he wants as long as his wife is always by his side.


    Feeling satisfy of her understanding, he takes a step forward and walks toward the exit of the parking lot.


    As the two quickly blended into the crowd, no one took notice of them as the mask hid them well enough.


    After walking a good distance, Yue Ling and Lu Tian had already walked pass three buildings. Reaching an intersection, they made a right turn and walked pass two small shopping stores until they reached the third store.


    Walking into the store, the couple looked like customers going in to shop around.


    Inside, there were workers and a few customers as it was a equipment store forputers. However, no one paid any attention to the couple that just came in.


    Everyone minded their own business like they didn¡¯t see Yue Ling and Lu Tian.


    Walking through an aisle, Yue Ling didn¡¯t forget to look at each thing she passes. It was like she was a customer looking to buy some things for her brokenputer at home.


    However, as the two reach the end part of the store, their figures cannot be seen from anyone else inside.


    Both individuals made a left turn and leisurely disappears through the back flip p doors.


    "I¡¯m soooo hungry..."


    Xu Long¡¯s groggy voice sounds with his eyes closed as he rest his head on top of the table with Liu Shan¡¯sputer equipment.


    He hasn¡¯t eaten anything all morning. If he had known he would be starving like this, he wouldn¡¯t have skipped breakfast.


    As he curse inside at his own misfortune, his eyes suddenly shot open and he abruptly stood up from his chair. He did not hesitate to sniff the air.


    "Mr. Assistant, are you alright?"


    Tang Zhonghui asks when he saw the assistant acting weird again. He knows that Xu Long is hungry, but so is everyone else. However, they couldn¡¯t leave because their bosses weren¡¯t here yet.


    Without answering the man, Xu Long focused on sniffing his way through the ce. He kept his eyes closed and allow his nose to lead the way.


    He sniffs the entire ce from the walls to the windows and even the floor.


    "..."


    Everyone stares at the assistant and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. How can such a person exist in the same world as them?


    It¡¯s no wonder he hasn¡¯t found a girlfriend.


    Oblivious to the thoughts of the people in the room with him, Xu Long could smell the delicious aroma getting closer and closer. Just when he got a stronger sense of the delicious fragrance, he turns right.


    "Ack."


    However, he was suddenly hit in the face by something slightly hard. It made a stic crumble sound that made his brows wrinkle.


    "Sniff... sniff."


    He inhales deeply through his nose to smell whatever it is that hit his face and sigh at the delicious savor.


    Just the aroma alone was enough for him to know that whatever it is was very delicious and heave like. So good that the smell alone is enough to make his empty stomach full.


    No... He needs to eat whatever is causing this great smell.


    His eyes shot open, but was met with what looks like a ck stic bag in front of him. He struggle a gulp as he knew the mouth watering aroma wasing from inside the bag.


    "Food... Hungry..."


    "Xu Long."


    Just as Xu Long mumbled his two words like a zombie, he furrow his brows. Why does the voice in his head suddenly sounds like his boss?


    Blinking his eyes, he slowly leans his head away from the bag. Behind the bag was not a face but instead a pair of legs wearing expensive ck suit pants.


    "Uh... Boss, where is your face?"


    He scratch the back of his head in confusion at what he was seeing. Subconsciously, he nce up and was met with a pair of dark cold eyes staring down at him.


    His lips trembles into a crooked smile as a fake chuckle escapes his mouth.


    "Heh, heh. Boss, you¡¯re here."

 Chapter 420 a loyal follower

    Lu Tian stares down at his assistant and he couldn¡¯t describe the feeling he was having. However, one thing he knows for sure is that his assistant is indeed a man not from this universe.


    Standing next to the father of her child, Yue Ling also stares down at Xu Long. However, her expression held bewilderment unlike the man.


    She had always thought the people around her had weird personalities, butparing to Xu Long, her team can be considered normal.


    Clearing her throat to hide the urge tough, she smiles to the assistant.


    "Assistant Xu, if you are hungry, we bought food."


    Xu Long stares at his boss with an agape mouth. When he heard hisdy boss, he turns to look at her. The second he saw her smile his mind went nk.


    Her smile alone is very pleasant, and he can see why his boss dotes on her so much.


    However, behind that smile that can make any man¡¯s heart flutter, he knows that she is doing her best not tough at him.


    Just as he thought this, he finally realized he is sitting on the floor.


    "..."


    Awkwardness poured over him like a bucket of ice-cold water. He slowly helps himself up and decides to ignore the eyes of everyone.


    If possible, he would like a hole to magically appear so he can hide in it forever.


    First, Yiqing hugged the floor and now it¡¯s him sitting on the floor looking for food.


    Now thedy boss and her team must be thinking the people on Lu Tian¡¯s side are a bunch of weirdoes.


    After Xu Long¡¯s brief moment of self-embarrassment, everyone gathered around to eat the food brought by Yue Ling and Lu Tian.


    Even more surprising was when they found out that it was Lu Tian who decided to buy them food and the delicious food was bought from Elegancy.


    Everyone has long heard about the five-star restaurant and knows how hard it is to even book a reservation. To think they would be eating such fine dining food.


    As each person finished eating, Yue Ling and Lu Tian had already finished their lunch before everyone.


    Yue Ling was not that hungry, so she only ate a little as the same with Lu Tian. Of course, the reason why Yue Ling ate was all because Lu Tian¡¯s eyes never left her unless she consumed something.


    Approaching the three monitors Liu Shan had set up, both individuals sat in the chairs and looks at the many camera recordings.


    Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes scans each image like an eagle soaring the clear blue sky.


    "Boss."


    From behind, Qi Li¡¯s voice sounds as he approach the couple. Lifting his hand, he points to an image on the monitor to the left.


    "That car has been parking there the past week without moving."


    Yue Ling nce to the image pointed by Qi Li. It was a ck Mercedes but an older model with dark tinted windows. If anyone were to pass by the car, they would have difficulty looking inside.


    For the people walking through the street, the car would look like a normal vehicle owned by someone working nearby or making a quick stop. However, since Qi Li pointed it out, she trust his judgment.


    From the moment he became her subordinate, his eyes has never been wrong. One look and he is able to tell who is the enemy.


    Staring at the car on the monitor, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slightly narrow.


    "Did you see the driver?"


    Just as she asked her question, everyone else had finished throwing their lunch away. Gathering the table with the monitors, everyone listens for Qi Li¡¯s answer.


    Not caring about the eyes on him, Qi Li scans all the images on each monitor until he found the right one.


    "There."


    He points to an image on the monitor to the far right.


    ncing at the image, Yue Ling furrow her brows. From the background of the image, it was the coffee shop across from Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    There were people walking pass but sitting down on a chair outside of the shop is a fat man wearing sunsses and reading a newspaper. He looked very normal and blended in well with the crowd. One nce and no one would suspect him at all.


    "He parks his car in the same spot at 8am. He¡¯ll sit outside the coffee shop until the employees ask him to leave."


    Qi Li¡¯s voice sounds again as he points to the monitor in the center.


    "Once he leaves the coffee shop, he moves down to this restaurant and waits until everyone leaves Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop then he leaves."


    It was a very simple looking restaurant with customers always stopping by for lunch and dinner.


    Yue Ling stares at the three images that were pointed out by Qi Li. She then looks back at the image of the fat man and her eyes narrow.


    "Did you do a background check?"


    "I did."


    This time, it wasn¡¯t Qi Li who spoke, but Liu Shan who stood to the left of the man wearing sses.


    He takes a step forward and reach for hisptop. Turning it to face him, his fingers dance over the keyboard and an image with information appears on the screen.


    Turning theptop screen to his boss, his voice sounds.


    "His name is Xu Zheng. He is 47 and a loyal follower of Chu Li Xiang."


    Yue Ling nod her head as she listens. At the same time, she also reads the information about the man name Xu Zheng.


    Seated in silence next to his wife, the space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three lines.


    Since Xu Zheng is connected to Chu Li Xiang, this sudden attack must have something to do with him putting Chu Li Xiang behind bars.


    However, if that is the case, why attack Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop that has no connection to him?


    "I think this is more than revenge."


    Uncle Zhi¡¯s sighs his words and lightly stroke his chin as he tries to add the details together.


    "That¡¯s right."


    Liu Shan quickly agrees with a nod. His fingers dance over hisptop again and looks at his boss.


    "When Lu Tian told us to search every person in Imperial, I was able to find this."


    He press the enter button on the keyboard and a few more images appear on the screen.


    It was Chu Li Xiang and Julia before she died. Both individuals are seen meeting with a woman in private.


    Though the photo was in ck and white and the woman¡¯s back was turned to the camera, Yue Ling knew the figure very well.


    Her eyes turned murderous as one corner of lip faintly curls up into a devilish smile.


    "Ning Mei."


    Yiqing and Shaofeng who stood near Liu Shan by chance saw the look in Yue Ling¡¯s eyes. Both men quickly shiver in goosebumps.


    Theirdy boss¡¯s expression when she is like this is more terrifying that their boss¡¯s.


    No wonder she is the leader of Fate. Her eyes alone is enough to send a person to King Yama¡¯s door.


    Good thing she is friend and not foe.


    Oblivious to the two men¡¯s thoughts, Liu Shan taps on the keyboard and more images pop up on the screen.


    "They day after Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop was attacked, Ning Mei went to this hotel."


    He points to an image of Ning Mei waiting outside of a hotel, then his finger moves to another image, but this time of a scrawny man with a haggard look.


    "I ran a background check, this man is Gongi. The same man Lin Hui gave chase to during the incident with Doctor Xie at Imperial Military Hospital."


    He then points to another photo.


    Unlike the first two of Ning Mei and Gongi arriving separately, this photo captured the two entering the hotel together.


    "The two met in private after Chu Li Xiang¡¯s arrest to discuss something."


    As Liu Shan continues to exin the details, Yue Ling stares at each image on the screen.


    The next image was a recording that showed Ning Mei and Gongi entering a room and from the time frame shown, anyone can guess what must had happened inside. However, the following recording was only of Gongi leaving out the room alone and putting away what looks to be a thick envelope in his pocket.


    As Liu Shan finished exining, his head turns to look at his boss.


    "There¡¯s one more thing."


    Yue Ling turns her head to face him when she heard his words. She did not say a word, but her silent expression was enough to tell Liu Shan to continue.


    Staring into her bluish green eyes that can trap a person¡¯s soul, Liu Shan felt hesitation engulf him.


    His eyes subconsciously looks away from her but was quickly met with the quiet Lu Tian¡¯s dark pupils of the devil staring at him.


    "..."


    Frozen in ce, Liu Shan wish so badly to cry butck the courage to make any tears. Taking a deep breath, he decides to say it.


    "Ning Mei had hired Chu Li Xiang and his men to kill you for 200 million yuan."

 Chapter 421 sit here and wai

    At the mention of Ning Mei¡¯s evil intentions, everyone¡¯s eyes sh with killing intent. Especially those from Yue Ling¡¯s side.


    Yue Ling¡¯s hands may stain with blood, but she is the person they know with the purest heart. She took them in when the world turned away from them.


    She is the one person who pulled them out of the darkness and gave them a second chance at life. If anyone wants her life, they¡¯ll have to get through them.


    Any enemy of hers is their enemy too.


    Sitting to the right of Yue Ling, Lu Tian remained in silence. Even at the mention of someone wanting his wife¡¯s life, he did not say a word.


    However, words at this moment is not enough to describe the boiling of blood rushing inside him.


    Seems like both the Ning siblings are really tired of living.


    He slightly turn his head and his voice finally sounds, "Report."


    Hearing his sudden deep voice, Xu Long returned to his senses after hearing Liu Shan¡¯s report. He turns away from the gathered people and grabs two folders on the table at the far end.


    "Here is what I was able to find."


    He opens the first folder and takes out a stack of documents. Setting it down on the table in front of Yue Ling and Lu Tian, he takes a small step back.


    "These are the outgoing and iing calls made from Ning Mei¡¯s phone to multiple unknown numbers. I traced each number and they all lead to either Chu Li Xiang or Gongi."


    Opening the second folder, he ce the document inside next to the first one.


    "This is Ning Mei¡¯s bank statement. She has already paid Chu Li Xiang the first 100 million yuan. When she met with Gongi after Chu Li Xiang¡¯s arrest, she gave him 50 million yuan for the remaining half she owes."


    Saying this, he points to a section on the bank statement.


    "After her private meeting with Gongi, someone transfered 60 million yuan into her ount, but that same day, she also withdrew 50 million yuan from it."


    Yue Ling stares at the printed call logs and bank statement. Seems like Ning Mei¡¯s n isn¡¯t going so well, since she had withdraw another 50 million yuan despite still owing the same amount.


    Her hand reach out and she flips the first page of the bank statement to see the second page.


    However, unlike the first page, the second page held detailed information of a person with a man¡¯s photo attached.


    It was an older man with slightly gray streaks within his ck hair.


    "That¡¯s the person who transferred 60 million yuan into Ning Mei¡¯s ount after she met with Gongi."


    Xu Long exins when he saw the page, but Yue Ling¡¯s lip curls up at the photo of the man.


    "Xie Xiaowen."


    Hearing her mention the name, Lu Tian furrow his brows. He looks at his wife and asks, "You know him?"


    Yue Ling shook her head no, but her smile remained kept.


    "I saw them together once in the past after a photoshoot."


    It was a few years ago when she was still a model and living in City Z. She had came to Imperial for a photoshoot.


    When she finished the shoot and was heading to her car in the parking garage, she by chance saw the new rookie model Ning Mei step out of a ck car in the far back corner.


    Thinking no one was around, Xie Xiaowen also stepped out of his car and kissed Ning Mei.


    At the time, Yue Ling didn¡¯t care because it had nothing to do with her, so she just left. However, now... now is a different story.


    Ju Suo sat with Jiangyu away from everyone and her expression turned into one of disgust. She pretends to gag and covers her mouth.


    "That Ning Mei is such a disgusting woman. Xie Xiaowen is almost the same age as her father."


    ncing at the petite woman, Lian Ni Shang rolled her eyes. Ju Suo was the one who told her that age was just a number as long as two people are in love.


    However, thinking about how Ning Mei is such a loose woman, even she felt disgusted.


    Shaking her head, she looks back at her boss.


    "Is Xie Xiaowen rted to Doctor Xie?"


    Yue Ling nod her head, but it was Xu Long who answered the question with more details about the man.


    "He is Doctor Xie¡¯s younger brother. Also married and owns a small pharmacy in Imperial. Ning Mei is in the same social group as his niece, Xie Na, and that was how the two met. From the information gathered, the two have been involved since."


    Yiqing leans against the table and cross his arms over his chest, "So, the 60 million yuan transferred to Ning Mei is out of ckmail?"


    "Yep." Xu Long answers with a nod, and his words continue. "Xie Xiaowen regretted having an affair with Ning Mei and paid her 300 million yuan for her to leave him. However, after taking the money, Ning Mei started ckmailing him with photos of their affair and saying she will reveal everything to his wife if he doesn¡¯t pay her. So in guilt and afraid of his wife finding out, Ning Mei became his mistress and with him in her palms, he transfers her money whenever she asks."


    After his long exnation, Xu Long does not say anymore. He looks at his boss anddy boss for further instructions.


    "Xu Long, inform the rest of Wolf Team."


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice sounds as he stares at images on the three monitors.


    "Everyone advance into positions tonight."


    Hearing his sudden order, the three men from Wolf Team looks at each other. With a nonverbalmunication, their head nods at the same time in understanding.


    Gui Zhongmin tilt his head and looks at his boss, "What about us?"


    "Proceed with the n."


    Yue Ling answers her subordinate. She stood from her seat and turn to face her team.


    "Since I am their target, Gongi will no doubt attack tonight now that he is given the money by Ning Mei."


    She looks at Uncle Zhi and sighs a faint smile.


    "I am sincerely sorry for what happened to your shop. If you were not an acquaintance of mine, none of this would have happened to you."


    Uncle Zhi shook his head at her words, "But I am an acquaintance of yours. Be it my shop or not, someone else would have had to take the damage."


    Hearing his boss say she is the target, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes turned red in anger.


    Yue Ling is with child and if any harm befalls her, not only will it be one life these people are taking, but two.


    Thinking about the despicable people wanting to harm his boss, he ms his fist on the table and abruptly stood up.


    "If death is what they¡¯re after, they cane and pay with their life."


    He looks at his boss with serious eyes.


    "Are we just going to sit here and wait?"


    Everyone looks to the tall slender figure when they heard the question. However, met with the many eyes, Yue Ling did not wince. All she feel and see from their eyes was their loyalty.


    A elegant smile curls on her lip and she slightly turn to face the three monitors.


    Slowly lifting her right hand, she points to an image on the monitor to the far right.


    "We¡¯ll start with him."


    In the image she pointed was the one of Xu Zheng. However, the fat man was no longer sitting down and reading the newspaper like before. At this moment, he was being asked to leave by the employees of the coffee shop.


    After the new n was given in detail, everyone prepares themselves for the action soon to happen.


    Sitting down on a chair, Yiqing stares at Gui Tian Lan who is speaking to Uncle Zhi. He couldn¡¯t help but think back to when Gui Tian Lan said he is a professional tailor.


    Thinking of something, he looks to the other members of Alpha Team.


    Despite them being from the underworld, each person was very stylish in their own way with great looks. If he had met them in the streets, he would have mistaken them for some kind of celebrity.


    Lifting one hand to touch his chin with slightly narrowed eyes, he turns to the member of Alpha Team closes to him.


    "Hey Gui Zhongmin, if your brother is a tailor, what are you?"


    Hearing the question directed at him, Gui Zhongmin stops what he was doing and turns to Yiqing. He doesn¡¯t think much about the question and answers with a shrug shoulder.


    "I¡¯m a professional stylist."


    "..."


    Yiqing was in utter disbelief when he head the answer. He stares at Gui Zhongmin for a long minute before finally remembering to blink his eyes.


    Judging from the man¡¯s perfect stylish choice of clothes, he can see why Gui Zhongmin is a stylist. Out of all the members of Alpha Team, the man had more sense in putting his clothes together.


    Just as Yiqing moves his eyes away from the stylist, he is met with the eyes of the other members from Alpha Team.


    "Uh... heh..."


    He chuckles sarcastically and scratch the back of his head in awkward.


    Qi Li looks at the man with a straight face. Without hiding anything, his voice sounds before turning away.


    "I¡¯m an illustrator."


    Following the man¡¯s words of indifference, each person Yiqing¡¯s eyesnds on answers the question he had asked Gui Zhongmin.


    Tang Zhonghui: "Technical designer."


    Lian Ni Shang: "I¡¯m a pattern maker."


    Shan Sinan: "Textile designer."


    Ju Suo: "I¡¯m the one who predicts what¡¯s soon to be hot, what will stay hot and what¡¯s not hot anymore. In other words, you can call me the fashion forecaster."


    Yiqing: "..." The what...?

 Chapter 422 Mr. Muscles

    The bright sky that once rose above Imperial soon engulf into darkness as night fell. What was once a crowded street, now empty as people had already returned to their homes.


    However, three buildings down from Uncle Zhi¡¯s rundown building, a simple looking restaurant was having their own difficulty outside.


    "Sir, we are now closed. You need to leave."


    A male worker of the restaurant politely asks as he tries to get a drunk customer to leave. They had already cleaned the ce and locked up whatever needed to be locked.


    The only thing left was to get this man to leave. He had been here since the afternoon and continued to order beer after beer.


    "Sir, do you hear me? We¡¯re closed now."


    He repeated his words and stares at the fat man now sitting on the ground. As much as he wanted to help the man get up, he (the worker) is barely half the size of the drunk man.


    "Sir, we are closed. You¡ª"


    "Shut up!!"


    Xu Zheng angrily yells at the worker in annoyance. He indeed had a little too much to drink and now his head is pounding like crazy. If this worker says one more word, he is going to beat the living hell out of him.


    Unaware of Xu Zheng¡¯s ns to beat him, the worker continues to ask.


    "Sir, do you hear me? We¡¯re closed now. Is there someone we can call toe pick you up?"


    As the words enter Xu Zheng¡¯s ears, his headache became more painful.


    Forcing his eyes to open, he was able to open one and res at the worker in a drunken state of mind. His hand raises and he reaches for the boy.


    "Y-Y-You l-little shit. I s-said for you to *hic to shut up..."


    Just as Xu Zheng was about to grab the worker, someone pulls the man away from his grasp.


    The male worker turns to the person and furrow his brows, "Boss."


    It was an elderly man that pulled him from getting beat up. He is the owner of the restaurant and looks at his employee then to the drunken man.


    "Leave him be. I already locked the restaurant. Once he sobers, he¡¯ll eventually leave, or someone wille looking for him."


    It didn¡¯t take long before both employee and owner decided not to waste anymore time on the drunk man.


    They have dealt with situations like this too much to care about it.


    Left alone in silence, Xu Zheng¡¯s head drops, and snoring sounds came from him like he had fallen into a deep sleep.


    *Ring ring*


    "Mmm..."


    He groans at the sound of his phone and fumble to get his phone out of his pocket.


    "H-Hello...?"


    ["Xu Zheng! You fat fuck, where the hell are you?!"]


    A man¡¯s raging yell sounds from the other line as Xu Zheng frowns.


    "I... I¡¯m here... *hic"


    ["Fucken bastard, are you drunk? Didn¡¯t I tell you not to drink?!"]


    "I... *hic... I only had one beer... *hic"


    ["You better not screw this up for us! If boss finds out, you¡¯re a dead man!!"]


    The voice continues to roar in anger and quickly ends the call.


    "Hrmm..."


    Xu Zheng groggily groans and put his phone away. However, instead of his phone entering his pocket, it slid down to the ground next to him.


    Forcing his eyes to open, he held onto the edge of the table and stumbles to stand up. As he stood, he almost lost his bnce but was able to steady himself correctly.


    He squints his eyes to see better and walks in the direction of his car.


    After what felt like forever, he is finally able to make out the outline of his parked car. It was the only vehicle in sight since everyone had already left home.


    "Uh..."


    He groans at his headache and reach into his pocket for his car key.


    Just as he nears his car, a slim arm swiftly wraps around his neck from behind and held him in a choke hold.


    "Argh... Who are you...?"


    Xu Zheng grown as a growl as he struggles. His key drops to the ground and both his hands grip onto the slim arm to free himself. However, in his drunken state, whoever was behind him had the upper hand.


    Before he could fullye to his senses, his eyes rolled up and everything in front of him turned ck.


    Loosing his consciousness, he falls face t onto the ground as the man behind stared expressionlessly down at him.


    The man slowly lift his hand and his index finger points between his eyes. With a small push, he fixes his sses.


    "Really Qi Li? You couldn¡¯t catch him before he fell?"


    A voice sounds from the side as a figure steps out from the shadows of a dark alley.


    Yiqing shakes his head at Qi Li and walks over to the fat man lying unconscious on the ground.


    "How are we going to carry him now?"


    Qi Li stares at the man he had knocked out and shrug his shoulder. He wasn¡¯t thinking about the aftermath while choking the man.


    "I got it."


    Another voice sounds from the direction of the dark alley and both men turn to see who it is. The tone waszy and deep, but they knew who it was.


    Yiqing¡¯s eyes lit up like he had seen his savior and he stood up from the ground. One hand raise in an okay gesture to the man.


    "Alright, we¡¯ll leave it to you then, Mr. Muscles."


    Jiangyu ignores the nickname and strides over to where Xu Zhengid. He looks down at the man before lifting his left leg and kicks the man to turn him over.


    Grabbing one of Xu Zheng¡¯s arm, he pulls the man up and ce him over his shoulder like a sack of rice.


    "Let¡¯s go before someonees."


    His words fell as he did not wait for the other two and walks back into the dark alley where no one can see his figure carrying a heavy load.


    Yiqing smiles and quickly follows after in skips while Qi Li remains unmoving.


    He arch a brow in amazement at Jiangyu¡¯s departing figure.


    Jiangyu is tall and bulky, while Xu Zheng is shorter but bigger in weight. However, the bulky man carried the man like was picking up a bag of garbage from the ground.


    Shaking his head, he follows after the two men.


    Indeed worthy of the nickname, Mr. Muscles.

 Chapter 423 a fake

    *Ssh¡ª


    Inside a dimly lit room, a bucket of cold water sshes not Xu Zheng¡¯s unconscious face. The suddenness of it quickly woke him up from his drunken state.


    He groans as he could feel his entire body sore all over. Even the pounding in his head has not subdue one bit. If he had not ordered so many beers, he wouldn¡¯t be in this condition.


    Lifting his hand to massage his head, his eyes shot wide open.


    "..."


    He can¡¯t move his arms and legs.


    "What the fuck?!"


    His body wiggles like a worm but was unable to free himself. Breathing heavily, his eyes scans the unfamiliar ce. However, to his horror, he only came to realization that everything is upside down.


    No, he is being hung upside down that¡¯s why the ce looked so weird.


    But how did he get here? How long has he been hung like this?


    Asking himself questions, he suddenly remembers someone had held him in choke hold when he was about to get into his car.


    In a panic state, he struggles to untie himself again.


    *Click*


    Just as he was about to move, the sound of a door opening echoes into the quiet room.


    "Who is it? Why the fuck do you have me hung?!"


    Xu Zheng roars in anger at whoever it is. From the sounds, he can hear four sets of footsteps. One leaving the room and three entering.


    "Fucken bastards! Do you know who I am?!"


    He starts to wiggle around in hopes that his heavy weight would break the rope and free him. However, realization quickly hits him in the head.


    The sound of metal hitting enters his ears and he froze in ce.


    It wasn¡¯t normal ropes binding him, but metal chains.


    "..."


    "Seems like someone is fully away now."


    A man¡¯s voice sounds from behind Xu Zheng as the footsteps slowly made its way to the front of the man.


    "W-Who are you?"


    Xu Zheng could only see the person in an upside-down angle, but he can tell that the person is a middle-aged man.


    The middle-aged man did not answer, but leisurely held his hands behind his back with eyes never moving away from Xu Zheng¡¯s.


    Blood rush to Xu Zheng¡¯s head in anger and frustration of the situation he is in.


    He is a member of ck Dragon and never has he been in a situation like this.


    "What the fuck do you want?"


    His voice roars again and his body hanging down slowly swings in motion. However, the middle-aged man remained unaffected.


    "Your life alone is not enough for what I want."


    "Do you know who I am?! Once my men knows that I am missing, you¡¯re a dead man! Dead!"


    Xu Zheng¡¯s anger explodes inside the room with the sound of metal nking together. His face turned crimson red from his anger and the blood beginning to pool in his brain.


    Calmly staring at the man hanging upside down and breathing heavily, the middle-aged man part his lips to speak.


    "I know exactly who you are, Mr. Xu Zheng."


    At the mention of his name, Xu Zheng¡¯s eyes widen in confusion. He tries to recall if he had met this man before, but...


    Suddenly, his eyes widens more but in pure horror.


    This person...


    He remembers now, he has indeed seen this man before. This man is the owner of the shop they were ordered to vandalize.


    But they had been so careful and avoided all the camera. So how did he find them?


    "Ah, I see you have remembered who I am."


    The middle-aged man spoke with a smile that reached his eyes. It was the kind of smile one makes when they meet their close friend after so many years.


    However, when Xu Zheng saw that smile, all the hair on his body stood on ends.


    "Y-You... I am a member of ck Dragon. My boss will never let you go if you kill me."


    He roars again at the man. Every time he mentions ck Dragon, no matter who it is, they will run in fear of messing with the notorious gang in the underworld.


    "If you let me go, I won¡¯t tell my boss."


    Xu Zheng¡¯s roar soon turned into pleads as he tries to convince the man to let him go.


    However, it was like each word he spoke went in one ear and out the other. Even at the mention of ck Dragon, the man remained calm like he was sitting at home watching a good show.


    How can he not be afraid?


    In his subconscious state of mind, he murmurs, "Who the fuck are you...?"


    His voice was very quiet, but it did not escape the ears of the man standing in front.


    The middle-aged man¡¯s lip curls up into a wide smile that even his eyes closed into upside down crescents.


    "I am Zhi Jian Hong."


    "..."


    Hearing the name in full of confidence and proudness, the other two men in the room who had not spoken a word rolled their eyes. For now, they¡¯ll let this old man have the spotlight.


    However, unlike them, the color of Xu Zheng¡¯s face changed from red to white like he had seen a ghost.


    Zhi Jian Hong.


    No wonder the man did not cower away at the mention of ck Dragon.


    His name alone is one that can scare the shit out of anyone in the underworld including Chu Qiang.


    Uncle Zhi stares at the stupid man and shook his head.


    He would be lying if he isn¡¯t angry about his precious items losing their lives, but thinking about this man¡¯s misfortune, he doesn¡¯t feel so angry anymore.


    Looking away from Xu Zheng, he walks around the man and headed back in the direction he came from.


    "W-Wait¡ª! Where are you going? Let me go!"


    Xu Zheng yells at the top of his lungs when he sees Uncle Zhi suddenly walking away. Horror engulf him when he came to realize that they had mess with the wrong man.


    Zhi Jian Hong may have left the underworld, but he is still loyal to Fate.


    Thinking this, another realization came to him.


    Fate...


    Does this mean they have crossed the line with Fate? Does his boss know about this?


    However, even when he thought this, because of his panic mind, he suddenly remembers that Uncle Zhi is a shop owner and was currently walking away.


    Deciding on something, heughs aloud.


    "You¡¯re not Zhi Jian Hong! Zhi Jian Hong would never leave a person alive after seeing his face! You¡¯re nothing but a fake!"


    That¡¯s right, the well-known Zhi Jian Hong is a man who kills without mercy. Only a few people from the underworld knows how he looks like because he allowed them to live.


    If Uncle Zhi is really Zhi Jian Hong, why is walking away?


    Just as Uncle Zhi¡¯s hand touched the door handle, he hears Xu Zheng¡¯s taunting words.


    He does not open the door but stood quietly as the other two men turn to look at him. Each person wanting to know what he will do.

 Chapter 424 Ghos

    If it had been the younger him from the past, he would have killed Xu Zheng on the spot instead of having him hang like a pig in a ughterhouse.


    However, he is different now.


    After the former leader of Fate left this world, he had decided to leave Fate too. Of course, if Yue Ling ever needed his help, he would not hesistate to lend a helping hand to her.


    During his time of traveling, he understood life better and came to realize that there is more out there in the world instead of staying in one ce.


    From his journeys in life, his patience now is different from the past him when he was still the Gold Fist, Zhi Jian Hong.


    Now, he is simply Uncle Zhi, the treasure hunter.


    He sighs a deep breath and waves his hand to the other two people in the room.


    "I''m too old for this. I''ll leave the rest for you two to decide on what to do with him."


    Saying this, he turns the doorknob and push the door open. His figure then disappears from the room and silence returns with the faint sound of metal nking.


    "W-Who''s there?"


    Xu Zheng asks with a trembling voice after hearing Zhi Jian Hong''s words. He had been so focused on the man that he had forgotten about the other two sets of footsteps he heard.


    What are they nning to do with him?


    However, no one answered him, but the quietness inside the room.


    "Who''s there? I know someone is still in this room."


    "Ghooost."


    "¡­"


    Xu Zheng froze from the ghost like voice, but just as he was about to pee himself, a chuckle sounds with the echo of footsteps approach him from behind.


    The two people slowly made their way around the man hanging so that he can see their faces.


    However, what Xu Zheng saw shook him. Why is he seeing two figures with the same face? Is he still drunk?


    His eyes squeeze shut multiple times to adjust his sighting. He needed to make sure his conscious was not ying with him.


    "Zhongmin, I think he thinks he''s seeing things."


    Gui Tian Lan spoke a chuckle as he stares at Xu Zheng. Taking a few steps closer, he squats down to be at eye level with the man hanging from the ceiling.


    A faint smile curls on his lip and he asks.


    "How are you hanging?"


    Hearing the question, Xu Zheng was dumbfounded. He is being hung from the ceiling and this son of a bitch still has time to joke with him?


    If he was tied up here, he would have killed this stupid man of asking such a stupid question.


    Gui Zhongmin shook his head at his older twin brother. Turning away, he walks to one of the walls in the room.


    "Let''s hurry up and finish here."


    They were ordered to take care of this fat pig and return to join everyone else. Hopefully by the time they are done, they haven''t missed out on any of the actions outside.


    "W-What are you guys p-nning to d-do?"


    Xu Zheng trembles his words when he heard Gui Zhongmin. He looks at Gui Tian Lan, then at Gui Zhongmin, but the man was no longer in sight.


    Seeing the fear not only in Xu Zheng''s eyes, but also on his face, Gui Tian Lan smiles with his eyes closed.


    He slowly lift his right hand and reveals a long thin needle between his index and middle finger.


    The moment Xu Zheng saw the needle as thin as a strand of hair, his eyes widens with tears. His body shook as he tries to struggle out of the chains.


    "N-No... No..."


    However, no matter how much he tried, nothing worked. The chains wrapped around him like an anaconda.


    "Tsk tsk."


    Gui Tian Lan click his tongue and slowly shook his head when he saw the man struggle to no avail. He nce at the needle in his hand then back to his victim.


    "You won''t die from this."


    He points the sharp tip of the needle on Xu Zheng''s chin and slowly trace it down to the man''s temple.


    "I promise."


    His words fell with a small flick of his fingers and the needle swiftly enters the man''s head.


    "ARRRGGGHH¡ª!!!!"


    Xu Zheng screams at the intense pain and in horror. He was in so much pain. The feeling was the same as when a person is stabbed, and the knife is turned in a circle cutting every part of him.


    Watching the man scream in agonizing pain, Gui Tian Lan slowly blink his eyes and tilt his head. The smile he had was no where in sight as his expression looked like he had long been used to scenes like this.


    "Arrrggghh¡ª Argghh¡ª"


    Xu Zheng''s shrieking screams continues before his struggles came to an abrupt stop with no more sound of screaming.


    The man hung unmoving with his eyes widely open and mouth agape as his drool slowly slides down his face. It was like he had turned in a mental person after experiencing brain shock.


    Gui Tian Lan''s eyes turned indifferent. His hand that flicked the needle slowly pats Xu Zheng''s cheek and he scoffs a chuckle.


    "Funny isn''t it?"


    He calmly spoke his question, but his hand patting the man''s face adds a little more strength to each pat.


    "For someone who likes to rape women and enjoys their screams for help, it isn''t so enjoying when you''re the one screaming, hm?"


    His slow pats turned into ps before his fingers curl into a fist and he swung a punch on the man''s redden face.


    Xu Zheng''s body swings away as Gui Tian Lan slowly stood up. When the body hanging swings forward, another fist sends the man away again.


    Fist after fist, Xu Zheng soon turned into a punching bag for Gui Tian Lan.


    Each punch he gives the man, Gui Tian Lan''s eyes held no ounce of feeling, but when his fistnds on the man''s face, he would apologize in his head.


    Not to Xu Zheng, but to all the rape victims of the disgusting lowlife.


    After they did a background check on Xu Zheng, no one paid attention to the details, but he did.


    Xu Zheng has raped many women and silenced the ones who tried to press charges against him. If it were not for his connections, he would had long been locked up and now rotting in prison for all of his evil crimes.


    Thinking about all the innocent victims at his (Xu Zheng) hands, Gui Tian Lan''s nostril slight re as he inhales deeply and swings a fist with all his strength to the man.


    "Bro!!"


    Gui Zhongmin yelps from the side as he dodges the body swinging from the punch. Unlike the stylish clothes he had on when he entered, he was now wearing ab coat with goggles and protection gloves.


    If he had not been careful, Xu Zheng''s body would have knocked him flying out of this room.


    However, when he looks at his older brother, he could only sigh inside.


    The Gui Tian Lan at this moment was no longer the man who smiles at everyone, now he had turned into the old him.


    Those eyes, it has been a long time since he (Gui Zhongmin) hadst seen that look in Gui Tian Lan''s eyes.


    It was as if the old Gui Tian Lan had returned.


    Seven years ago before they came into contact with Fate, the 22 year old Gui Tian Lan was in a six-year rtionship with his girlfriend. They had been together since they were sixteen and although life hadn''t been easy for them, they were always happy and deeply in love.


    One night while he was working overtime, the police informed him of a break in at their apartment. When he arrive at the scene, it was then that he learned that the disgusting bastard who broke into their home slit his girlfriend''s wrist and slowly let her bleed to death while raping her.


    The sick bastard even made it look like she hadmitted suicide.


    Gui Zhongmin will never forget the look in his older brother''s eyes while hugging the corpse of his loved one. He knew that his brother is no longer the same person.


    For an entire year, they had tried to push the case to find the killer, but the police had to close it because they were always led to a dead end.


    Feeling justice was not fair, Gui Tian Lan took matters to his own hands and continued to search for the murderer of his girlfriend.


    However, even now, he hasn''t stopped looking.

 Chapter 425 be alone

    The sound of continuous punching echoes loudly inside the room as Gui Zhongmin returned from his shback of the past. He slowly looks at looks at his older twin brother and sighs inside.


    Xu Zheng had indeed turned into a punchbag for him to vent his anger.


    Every time Gui Tian Lanes into contact with a rapist, he would lose himself and want to kill the person.


    Looking at Xu Zheng¡¯s face that is now swollen and bloody, Gui Zhongmin walks over to his brother.


    He can tell that Xu Zheng had long passed out from all the hits done by the man.


    Handing his brother a whiteb coat, he calmly spoke.


    "He¡¯s not him. You¡¯re wasting your energy."


    Which was the truth. Even to this day, they cannot find the murderer of Gui Tian Lan¡¯s girlfriend. He had told Gui Tian Lan many times to ask Fate to help search, but the man always said no.


    He (Gui Tian Lan) will only ask for Yue Ling¡¯s help when he feels that he no longer has anymore hope.


    Hearing his younger brother¡¯s words, Gui Tian Lan¡¯s eyes that seemed to have lost their way finally returned to normal. He stares at the bloody face of the man he used as a punching bag.


    Staying in silence for a long minute, he takes theb coat without taking his eyes off of Xu Zheng.


    However, instead of putting it on, he uses it to wipe the blood stains on his hands.


    Turning away from the disgusting man, Gui Tian Lan¡¯s voice sound.


    "I want him thrown in prison."


    "Prison?"


    Gui Zhongmin questions with furrow brows. He looks at his brother then to the unconscious man hanging upside down. Why the sudden change of n?


    Taking the safety goggles off, he purse his lip.


    "I thought we agreed with pouring hydrofluoric acid on him."


    Gui Tian Lan slowly shook his head as he stares back intently at Xu Zheng with cold murderous eyes.


    "For a rapist like him, death is too easy for him. He will rot in prison and reap what he sow."


    Saying this, he toss the now bloody whiteb coat on the ground and strides out of the room.


    Watching the man leave, Gui Zhongmin shook his head with a long sigh. He reach down to pick up theb coat then looks at the fat man.


    Taking two steps closer, he lift his leg and sends the man swinging away with a kick as he sighs again.


    "Well, I gotta say, you are a lucky bastard. Seems like you will be hanging in prison."


    He turns away and follows out the door after his brother. Right now, they still have things to take care of.


    As the twins exit out from the room, Uncle Zhi did not leave. He had been waiting for them outside the door.


    When he saw the two boys, he looks at them then down to Gui Tian Lan¡¯s hands that still had faint colors of blood.


    "The hydrofluoric acid did that?"


    Gui Tian Lan nce at the older man but does not utter a sound as he strides away. From behind, Gui Zhongmin stares at his brother¡¯s back then to Uncle Zhi.


    "Prison."


    Hearing this one word, Uncle Zhi did not get angry that they didn¡¯t kill Xu Zheng for all his crimes. Instead, he nods his head in understanding and turns to look at Gui Tian Lan in the distance.


    Only a few people within Fate truly knows the real reason behind Gui Tian Lan¡¯s hatred for rapists. Except, this time he didn¡¯t kill the person like all the other times.


    Walking after the older twin, Uncle Zhi felt Gui Tian Lan¡¯s decision this time isn¡¯t so bad.


    Prison is the scariest ce for a rapist to be as they are meat for the ones resting behind bars.


    As the three people left the room, they pass through a dark and long hallway before reaching a single door.


    Gui Tian Lan opens the door and the light from the other side gave way to them.


    It was the same room hidden behind theputer store.


    However, Gui Tian Lan did not stop in his steps. He strides to the other side and walks out through the flip p doors.


    The members of Wolf Team stares at the man in confusion. They then turn to look at Uncle Zhi and Gui Zhongmin.


    Yiqing furrow his brows. What happened back there that made Gui Tian Lan like this? Earlier he wasn¡¯t like this at all.


    Thinking this, he decides to follow after, but was quickly stopped by a voice.


    "Leave him."


    His brows furrow more as he pause in his steps. Turning to the owner of the voice, he purse his lip.


    "Why? What¡¯s wrong with him?"


    Yue Ling was discussing something with Ju Suo and Jiangyu when her three subordinates entered the room again. However, when she saw the look one Gui Tian Lan¡¯s face, she already knew the reason behind it.


    When she read the information on Xu Zheng, she too saw the mention of the man being a rapist of many women, but got away with it.


    At first, she wanted Qi Li and Gui Zhongmin to handle the man, but Gui Tian Lan said he will take Qi Li¡¯s ce. She knew why but did not stop him.


    Even if she were to stop him, Gui Tian Lan would still have found his own way.


    However, when she saw that Yiqing wanted to follow, she could only stop him.


    "He needs to be alone for a few minutes."


    Her words fell as she looks at the flip p doors. Turning away, she doesn¡¯t say anymore and continues her conversation with Ju Suo and Jiangyu.


    Yiqing stares at hisdy boss in a long daze. He thought about the expression on Gui Tian Lan¡¯s face then turns to look at Gui Zhongmin. He part his lip to say something, but...


    "It¡¯s not my story to tell. You¡¯ll have to ask him if you want to know."


    Gui Zhongmin answers the unspoken question and walks over to a chair to sit down.


    What happened to his brother is not something he can just go around and tell people. Besides, right now they may be working with Wolf Team, but they¡¯re not that close enough for personal life details.


    If Yiqing really wants to know, he¡¯ll have to hear it from Gui Tian Lan.


    Passing the flip p doors, the warehouse part of theputer storees into view. However, Gui Tian Lan continues in his steps as his mind seemed to have turned into a nk page.


    Feeling his steps begin to feel heavy like giant rocks had been tied to his ankles, he slows down.


    Reaching into his pocket, he takes out his wallet and opens it.


    His body slowly slips down until he sat on the floor and he stares at the inside of his wallet.


    On one side of the wallet held his bankcards and ID, but on the other side held a picture of a young woman in her early twenties.


    "I¡¯m sorry..."


    Her smile was full of happiness as it reached her eyes. She was hugging a giant panda bear that is two times bigger than her, but the look on her face was like the teddy bear was the best gift ever.


    However, the longer Gui Tian Lan stares at the girl in the photo, his eyes sh with grief and guilt.


    His thumb gently caress the photo as if he was caressing her cheeks.


    "I¡¯m so sorry I couldn¡¯t protect you..."


    He inhales a mouthful of air and close his eyes to calm himself. He had promised that he will not cry again.


    Slowly opening his eyes, he murmurs a whisper.


    "I¡¯ll find him... I promise..."

 Chapter 426 Diversion

    Inside the back room hidden far in the back of theputer room, Yue Ling gave further instructions to the petite woman and the bulk man. There has been a sudden change in their n.


    The same people were still present except for Lu Tian, Shan Sinan and Gui Tian Lan.


    After thorough discussion with Ju Suo and Jiangyu, she turns to look at everyone who had been patiently waiting.


    She takes a deep breath and part her lips as her voice sounds into the room.


    "Xu Zheng was the eyes for Gongi, but now that we have him in our hands, it¡¯ll be hard for the man to make his next move."


    Looking at the people in front of her, her eyes slightly darken as she spoke her next words.


    "But we also need to keep a close eye on Chu Li Xiang."


    She walks over to a map that had been put up on one of the walls inside the room. Pointing to a part of the map, her voice sounds again.


    "Chu Li Xiang is being held prisoner here."


    Her finger then moves to another part of the map, but further away from where she hadst pointed.


    "Tian received a call from the Chief, for an unknown reason, the man is being transferred tonight to the prison on this side of Imperial."


    Saying this, her fingers moves again on the map, but what she pointed to was their current location.


    "We are here and far from the prison, but..."


    She pause in her words and turns to face everyone.


    "There¡¯s a possibility that with me being the target, they know Tian won¡¯t leave my side."


    Hearing her words, everyone was slightly confused, but the longer they listened, they slowly began to grasp the meaning behind her words.


    It was confusing enough as to why Chu Li Xiang is suddenly being transferred and at night, but now that Yue Ling has given her exnation, everything came together.


    Liu Shan approach the map with attentive eyes as he stares at the three coordinates she had pointed out.


    Judging from the map, they are located at the Far East side of Imperial, Chu Li Xiang is being held prisoner on the far right. However, the prison he is being transfer to is southwest.


    His lip slightly purse before his eyes suddenly shook.


    A sudden thought sh in his head and he turns to looks at his boss.


    "You mean..."


    Yue Ling nod her head, "A diversion."


    Everyone froze when they heard her words. Now everything made perfect sense. Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men attacked Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop not because of Lu Tian, but to use it as a distraction.


    Knowing that Yue Ling is acquaintances with Uncle Zhi, once his shop is destroyed, she won¡¯t leave his side but offer a hand to help.


    With her being here, Lu Tian will no doubt stay at her side and help too. Thus the attack is to pull their attention away from the main one.


    Judging from the coordinates, they will use Chu Li Xiang¡¯s transfer to another prison to help the man escape. Once that happens, Lu Tian will be called, but he will be a step toote.


    By the the time he reaches the scene, Chu Li Xiang would have been long gone.


    ncing at the time, Qi Li furrow his brows. There is only 2 hours left before midnight, will they have enough time?


    Like she knew what he was thinking, Yue Ling goes into further details of the n she had been discussing with Ju Suo and Jiangyu.


    "The team here will be splitting in two. Ju Suo, Jiangyu, Tang Zhonghui, Shaofeng and Gui Zhongmin are leaving to keep watch on Chu Li Xiang on that side."


    Hearing her sudden order, Tang Zhonghui and Gui Zhongmin looks at one another in perplex. Neither men didn¡¯t mind the sudden change of n, but how can they leave their boss alone when she is still being targeted?


    Yue Ling looks at her two subordinates and she was able to read their mind just by looking at their expressions. She is indeed grateful to have such loyal people on her side. However, they also cannot let Chu Li Xiang escape.


    She sighs a smile and reassures the two men.


    "Everything here will be fine and under control."


    Her eyes looks at the five people she had given this new order to and she faintly smiles.


    "They¡¯re nning to kill two birds with one stone, but we won¡¯t allow them."


    Just as her words fell, the door that led to the secret passage opens at the same time with the flip p doors.


    Everyone turns to the sudden cause of intrusion only to see Lu Tian¡¯s figure entering one door and Gui Tian Lan on the other.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes remained on the cold man who had left a while ago to check on his team that was now stationed outside.


    "Is everything ready?"


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian nods his head in response and takes big stride to her. With the sudden change of ns, only God knows how he truly feels right now.


    If possible, he wish to take her away from this ce so no harm wille to her and their child. Losing the both of them is thest thing he would want.


    Oblivious to the man¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling turns to look at her subordinate. She sighs inside as she already knows what he left to do.


    However, not pushing the topic of why he became like how he did, she gives him a very faint understanding smile.


    "Are you alright now?"


    Gui Tian Lan stares at her for a long second before nodding his head. He takes a step forward and walks into the room to join everyone.


    The look on his face had returned to normal like the cold and lonely aura he had moments ago was only a mirage.


    "Where is Sinan?"


    From the side, Lian Ni Shang worriedly asks when she did not see her man. Earlier when Lu Tian received the call, he left the room with Shan Sinan following behind, but why is it that two people left and only one returned?


    Xu Long walks over to the woman and pat her on the shoulder as he gives her smile.


    "Don¡¯t worry. Right now he is a temporary member of Wolf Team¡¯s sniper team. Trust me, he is in good hands."


    "..."


    Feeling the touch of the man¡¯s hand on her, Lian Ni Shang frowns in distraught. Her eyes cast him a cold re.


    "Move your hand or I will move it for you."


    "..."


    Xu Long was at a loss for words, but he didn¡¯t forget to move his hand away with a jump. He shivers in remembrance of her eyes.


    "Ouch! So feisty."


    All he did was answer her question, did she have to look at him like he was some kind of pervert? I mean, he also has his own standards in women and Lian Ni Shang is definitely not his type.


    Liu Shan walks over to the assistant and ce his palm on the man¡¯s shoulder with a pat.


    "It¡¯s okay Xu Long. Our Sinan is into the feisty type."


    Hearing this, Xu Long looks at Lian Ni Shang and gasps in shock. He slowly covers his mouth and ponder in thought.


    No wonder Shan Sinan is always the one following Lian Ni Shang. One is submissive and other is dominant. He would never have thought that the two of them are in that type of rtionship.


    Thinking this, just as he was about tough, it was like Liu Shan already knew what he was thinking and both assistantsughs together.


    Hearing their suddenughter, everyone couldn¡¯t help but smile with them.


    Even when facing danger, it¡¯s nice to have someone in the team keep a smile on everyone.


    After all, you never know when it will be thest time you can smile andugh with everyone.

 Chapter 427 have to go

    As the team split into two groups, Ju Suo, Jiangyu and the other three entered a ck car and drove away from the scene.


    Watching them leave from the cameras that were set up, everyone made sure that the five people leaving did note into any ambush by the opposing team.


    Once confirming they are safe and away from here, Qi Li, Yiqing and Gui Tian Lan turned for the door leading to the secret passage. As the n, they have to leave the same way they came from.


    The time is nearing so they need to get into their positions.


    Watching the three men leave, Lian Ni Shang and Uncle Zhi also followed. Although they aren¡¯t leaving the empty shop, they still have to prepare for the unimaginable.


    "Boss, are you sure you don¡¯t want any of us to stay with you?"


    Liu Shan spoke as he approach her. He is teamed up with Lin Hui and Xu Long but if she needs him, he won¡¯t hesitate to stay by her side.


    Hearing his sudden words, Yue Ling knows that he is worried about her safety, but everything will be fine.


    "I¡¯ll be fine. Tian will be with me."


    Not only him, but everyone too. With them standing by, she knows that they won¡¯t let any harme to her.


    Left with no room to push the question further, Liu Shan could only nod his head. He looks at Lu Tian who is giving order to his assistant. With the man¡¯s capabilities, he hopes both mother and child will be safe until all this is over.


    His eyes moves away from the man and back to his boss. Giving her a faint smile, he turns away.


    However, the moment he turned away from her, the look on his face turned into one with determination.


    He will make sure these people get no where near his boss and child.


    As Liu Shan¡¯s figure disappears through the door, Lin Hui and Xu Long quickly followed after. Both men didn¡¯t forget to tell their bosses to be careful before leaving.


    With everyone gone, only Yue Ling and Lu Tian remained inside the room.


    Yue Ling turns to look at the man but was taken back by surprise when he was already standing behind her. She tilt her head back to look up at him.


    "Did you buy what I asked?"


    Lu Tian was staring at his wife as he was deep in thoughts, but when he heard her question, he returned to his senses. He sighs inside and nod his head.


    "I did."


    Turning away from her, he walks over to a table and picks up a bag.


    When he received the call from the Chief about Chu Li Xiang¡¯s sudden transfer, he had left the room to further instruct his team. However, before he left, she had asked him to stop by the store.


    "Thank you."


    Yue Ling approach him with a smile and takes the bag. Without saying another word, she heads for the restroom.


    Due to her wearing a skirt, she won¡¯t be able to move around properly, so she asked him to buy her a change of clothes, mainly pants.


    Inside the restroom, Yue Ling took out the new set of clothes. Staring at each piece, she could only sigh a chuckle.


    Why is she not surprise to see each clothing in the ck?


    Lightly shaking her head, she quickly changes out of her old clothes into the new ones.


    For someone who always wore ck unless he is at home in his loungewear, Lu Tian sure pays attention and knows her choice in fashion.


    He had picked out a simple ck turtleneck sweater. However, its style is more oversized, which is what she actually prefers. As for the bottom, it was a pair of ck jeggings.


    She can tell that he probably picked up this style because her once t stomach now has a small bump. Knowing the man, he probably also thinks that jeans will harm the baby.


    Putting her old clothes inside the bag, she put on her shoes. Good thing she didn¡¯t wear heels and opt for a pair of suede knee-high ck boots. These boots weren¡¯t high too.


    After putting her shoes on, she wore her gray wool coat and grabs the bag to leave the restroom.


    "Yue Ling."


    Just as she opened the door, she is met with Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure. Her brows arch up in surprise, before she steadied herself.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    She asked when she saw that something was bothering him. However, it didn¡¯t take long before she could already guess the reason.


    A faint smile curls on her lip and she reach her free hand to hold his hand.


    "Everything will be fine. Baby and I will be safe since you and everyone are here."


    Lu Tian gaze down at her with perturbed eyes. He was having that same uneasy feeling he had when he left her alone to go to City Z. It was the same feeling he did not want to feel again.


    However, knowing that this time he is here with her, he sighs aloud and pulls her into an embrace.


    He held her tightly with one arm wrapped around her and the other holding the back of her head. His head lowers as he press his forehead on her shoulder.


    Inhaling her unique scent that he loves and finds addicting, he tightens his hold on her. It was as if she was going to disappear from him.


    Seconds passed in silence before his deep, yet hoarse voice sounds.


    "I know you are a strong woman but promise me you¡¯ll bide with the n no matter what happens."


    Yue Ling stayed unmoving in Lu Tian¡¯s embrace, but when she heard his words, her entire being softened.


    His words sounds calm and collect like usual, but she could hear the faint tremble in the tone of his voice.


    Her hand holding the bag loosens as the bag drops to the floor and she hugs him at the waist.


    "I will... I promise."


    Hearing her promise to him, Lu Tian tightens his hold on her more.


    If he could, he would want to knead her into one with him. That way, if danger everes to her, he can be her shield and take the damage without any harming to her and their child.


    He had tried to convince her to stay with Grandfather Ji and let him handle this, but she was insistent ining. If he knew he would be this afraid of losing her in any way, he would have locked her in a safe ce.


    However, it¡¯s toote. She is here and he will do everything to protect her and their child.


    Lifting his head, he slightly turn to kiss the temple of her head.


    He leans his head back a little only to lower it again and nt a small, yet deep and powerful kiss on her lip before reluctantly pulling away from her.


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks was flushing red from the sudden kiss, but when her eyes subconsciously nce at the time, she gasps.


    It was already 11:30pm.


    "Tian, we have to go."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian nce at the time. However, instead of leaving right away, he pulls her in the direction of a chair.


    As he sat down, he slowly brings her closer to him.


    Yue Ling stares down at the man with an arch brow. The time is nearing, so why does he still want to leisurely do something like this?


    She part her lips to speak, but before she could utter a sound, his next move shook her heart.


    Lu Tian ce his hand behind her back and leans toward her as he ce a kiss on the little bump on her stomach.


    Moving back a little, he gently press the side of his face against her and slowly close his eyes.


    He held her close to him, but looked like he is listening to the little one inside her whisper something to him.


    After listening to little one, he too, murmurs a whisper.


    "Little one... Daddy promise, I will keep you both safe."

 Chapter 428 so scary

    Amidst the night of Imperial, the street became vacant of people as a ck Maserati Levante Trofeo makes a slow turn around the corner and slows down to a stop. Parked in front of the rundown building, the engine shuts off along with the bright headlights.


    Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure clothe in all ck steps out from the driver side and walks over to the passenger side. Opening the door, he reach his arm forward to help his wife.


    cing her palm onto his, Yue Ling smiles thankfully to him and steps out as well.


    Both individual leisurely walks in the direction of the creepy rundown building like they were strolling in the park on a warm and sunny day.


    The moment Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s figures disappears inside the building, the short and long hand on the clock struck twelve.


    A group of men clothe in all ck and wearing masks slowly creep out from within the shadows of nearby alleys. Each person moving carefully and making sure the lights from thempposts do not give them away.


    One by one, they all approach the creepy rundown building and slowly enters after the two people.


    "Targets have entered the building."


    Across the street from Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, on the rooftop of a tall building, Liu Shan spoke into the earpiece as Lin Hui and Xu Long crouched near him. All three men held their own night vision binocrs as they kept their positions as the eyes on the front side of the shop.


    Surrounding the three men are four other men from Wolf Team with snipers ready to shoot when given order.


    ["Targets are moving to the back entrance."]


    On the other side, Qi Li¡¯s voice sounds through the earpiece of everyone as he stood inside the third floor of another building. He, along with Yiqing and Gui Tian Lan positioned themselves inside the building right behind Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    On the opposite side of the man wearing sses, Gui Tian Lan and Yiqing sat in front of their own window. Both men kept their eyes glued on the alley down below.


    From where they sat, they have a clear and perfect view of the back door into the shop.


    Down below in the alley that separated Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop and the building the three men were in, a group of five men wearing ck clothes and masks can be seen moving amongst the dark fences.


    "Targets have reached the back."


    Yiqing spoke as he watch the five people move closer and closer to the back entrance. Slowly raising his right arm, his index and middle finger points up.


    Waiting for the right moment, he swiftly gives a signal.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu!


    Just as he gave the signal, all five men below are shot in the head by the nearby snipers of Wolf Team. However, the moment their bodies touched the hard ground, another group clothe in ck tactical gears approach the dead men and carried their bodies away.


    It was as if no source of life had stepped foot in the dark alley.


    Qi Li stares out the window and his eyes darkened. He lift his hand and his right index touches the earpiece.


    "Targets approaching at 7 o¡¯clock."


    ["Targets approaching at 3 o¡¯clock and 9 o¡¯clock."]


    Right after Qi Li¡¯s voice sounds another alert to everyone, so did Xu Long¡¯s voice. Everyone stood in their position as they prepare their guns for the fight that is about to take ce.


    While the situation outside slowly changed into a heated battlefield, inside the rundown building, Yue Ling and Lu Tian slowly walked the long and dark hallway that connects to Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    The footsteps behind were quiet and unnoticeable but not for the couple. They could hear the footsteps as clear as day. Reaching the door that leads into the shop, Lu Tian¡¯s hand touches the doorknob of the door they had put up in rece of the once metal door.


    Turning the knob, he pulls the door open. As Yue Ling enters the shop, he did not forget to ce a kiss on the side of her head. Their small gesture was like a lovely couple without a care about the ws in the world.


    However, once Yue Ling was inside, Lu Tian did not follow but slowly closes the door behind her.


    Knowing that she is inside and safe with Uncle Zhi and Lian Ni Shang, he slowly turns around to face the direction they had entered.


    His dark eyes stares ahead into the long hallway. Even though there was little light, Lu Tian was able to make out the figures hiding in the shadows of the two walls.


    "Who sent you?"


    "Hahah!"


    A sinisterugh howls in response as it echoes inside. Following came the sound of heavy footsteps.


    Six dark figures emerge from the shadows to reveal themselves and stood in an orderly row of two due to the narrow hallway.


    The man in the front left side lightly ps his hand like was apuding to a great show.


    "Mr. Lu, you are very impressive as the rumors says."


    He has never met Lu Tian in person but has heard many things about the aloof man. Each time Lu Tian stepped foot inside Retro, he (the man) was always sent away on orders.


    However, to meet the legendary man that many in the underworld fear, it is indeed his honor. Even he wants to test why this man (Lu Tian) is so feared.


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes were as calm as the ocean. Even with six men all from the underworld standing in front of him, his expression remained indifferent like he was in a business meeting.


    His eyes slowly blink, and he reaches into his back pocket. All six men became alert, but seeing him take out his wallet, they were dumfounds. He gestures like he was handing it to the Man 1.


    "Take it and leave."


    Seeing this, everyoneughs in ridicule. Did Lu Tian actually think they were here to rob him?


    "I never knew the almighty Lu Tian was this stupid."


    "Instead of a wallet, how about you give us each a nk cheque?"


    "The rumored man in Imperial doesn¡¯t look so scary to me. Hahah!"


    The five men standing behind Man 1 chuckle in words at Lu Tian. From the looks of it, it should be said that Lu Tian is only scary when he has his men with him. Seeing him now, he is nothing but a person afraid of being robbed.


    Man 1 slightly tilt his head and smiles under his mask. He takes out a pocketknife from his pocket and walks towards Lu Tian.


    "Mr. Lu, you are a smart businessman that many of us fear."


    As he nears Lu Tian, he slows to a stop and points the tip of the knife at the wallet.


    "I think we all know that you are already aware of who sent us and why we are here. If you know what is best for you, leave."


    He spoke his words in full of confidence. However, for some reason he couldn¡¯t help but struggle a hard and difficult gulp.


    The look in Lu Tian¡¯s eyes sent a chilling shiver not only to Man 1, but also to the five men who wereughing seconds ago.


    There was only one of him and six of them, but his figure alone in the dimly lit hallway gave a more menacing vibe than theirsbined. It was as if they had walked straight into death¡¯s door.


    *Swoosh¡ª Thud¡ª


    Before anyone could react, the pocketknife in Man 1¡¯s hand disappears followed by the sound of a body hitting the ground.


    "..."


    The man standing next to Man 1 was nowying on the floor with the pocketknife in his forehead and eyes widely open as he entered death.


    None of the four men standing behind saw what happened but Man 1 did. If he had blinked his eyes, he would have missed everything.


    Lu Tian had actually snatched the knife using the wallet and threw it at their now dead brother. It happened at lighting speed, but he saw. It was like Lu Tian was ying a game of dart.


    Quicklying to their senses, everyone¡¯s eyes turned sharp and murderous. They had kept their guard down because Lu Tian was alone. However...


    "Shoot him! He killed our brother!"


    One of the men roars in rage as each person reach for their guns. However, just as they touched the cold handle of their guns, Lu Tian was faster.


    His right hand swiftly reaches to grab the gun he had hidden behind him and shoots down at Man 1.


    *Pu¡ª


    "Arrrgghh¡ª!!"


    Man 1 drops to the ground as he clutch tightly onto his now bloody foot that received the bullet.


    *Pu¡ª


    Right after the first bullet was sent, so did the second one. It aims straight into the forehead of another man and sends him to death¡¯s door.


    Striding towards the remaining men still standing, his expression did not flinch at all.


    The man standing in the far back was in disbelief. His eyes widens like was seeing a monster. Gathering himself together, he fires a shot at Lu Tian.


    *Pu¡ª


    However, his eyes widens more with red veins when his target dodged the bullet.


    Lu Tian¡¯s head tilt to the right as the bullet passes by him. He swiftly grabs the pocketknife that stuck on the forehead of first man he killed.


    *Swoosh¡ª Pu! Pu!


    Without pausing in his every step, he throws the pocketknife at the man before firing two more shots.


    The man who shot the missed bullet turns around and tries to run in the direction they had came from, but the moment his back turned to Lu Tian, the pocketknife pierce the back of his head. Following that stab was the painful pressure caused by a bullet hitting the knife¡¯s rear bolster.


    As the man slump onto the ground, so did his brother next to him as the second bullet sent from Lu Tian prated his forehead.


    Both men were unable to grasp the situation as they already entered death¡¯s door.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu!


    The sound of silent gunshots rang throughout the dimly lit hallway as Lu Tian calmly takes down the men who came for his wife. He was like a protector of the door that leads to his wife.

 Chapter 429 clear

    Inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, Yue Ling¡¯s tall and slender figure stood unmoving in the center of the empty ce. Her bluish green eyes stares attentively at the wooden door she had entered.


    The sound of faint gunshots can be heard but her expression held no ounce of fear. If she was not pregnant, she would be out there with everyone and not standing in here.


    However, before her own selfishness, her childes first. She will do everything to keep her little one safe.


    Slowly raising her right hand, she gently touch the small bump on her stomach.


    ¡¯Baby, pray with mommy that your father will be alright.¡¯


    "Boss."


    From the side, Lian Ni Shang¡¯s voice interrupts Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts. Her usual poker face now held a hint of worry. Ever since her boss came in through that door, she had not spoken a word but stare at it.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slowly flutter as she turns to look at her subordinate. Right now, she cannot let her emotions get the better of her.


    A faint smile curl on her lip and she part her lips to speak.


    "How is the situation outside?"


    Lian Ni Shang sighs inside when she heard the question. After many years of following Yue Ling, she has a better understanding of the beautiful woman.


    No matter how apprehensive she is on the inside, she will never show it. Not because she is afraid of others seeing her as a weak person, but because for everyone, she will be the one to pull everyone together.


    Whenever a situation bes hectic, she is always the one who puts it back in ce.


    Thinking this, Lian Ni Shang walks over to Yue Ling and hands her the tablet.


    "Everyone has began moving."


    Yue Ling nod her head and takes the tablet. Lowering her head, she stares down at the brightly lit screen.


    Due to them having to stay inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, Liu Shan had connected the tablet to all the cameras they had set up outside. This way, she can also keep watch from where she is. If by chance those outside were to miss something, she can point it out for them.


    Holding the tablet with her left hand, her right index finger taps on the screen and opens a camera.


    Outside, across from Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, Liu Shan stood near the edge of the roof and held the night vision binocrs to his eyes. He scans the area below for any movements from the enemy.


    Seeing something, his eyes narrow dangerously and he touches his earpiece.


    "Three. 2 o¡¯clock. Building 4."


    ["Got it."]


    It was not anyone, but Lin Hui whose voice came in through the other line.


    He was no longer positioned on the roof with Liu Shan. At this moment, he and Xu Long were hiding in the dark alley right below the building as they prepare to take down their next target.


    In the darkness of the night with little light, Lin Hui slowly and sneakily pokes his head out to check the given location Liu Shan had mentioned.


    He was able to make out three figures hiding like him. However, they were not facing his direction but staring at the rundown building.


    His eyes scans for his next n before quickly hiding within the alley again. He lowers his head and nce down at the watch on his wrist.


    Thinking quickly to himself, he turns to look at the assistant of Lu Tian.


    "You better cover me."


    Xu Long stares at the man and he grins with his teeth. He lifts both of his arms and reveals two guns pointed up to the sky.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I got you."


    Seeing that grin, Lin Hui rolled his eyes. He knows that Xu Long is a capable man after their life and death experience at Spring. However, at the same time, he can¡¯t help but doubt the man at times like this.


    Instead of Xu Long covering him, it might be him covering the darn assistant.


    Turning away, he brush his thoughts away and inhales a massive amount of air through his nostril to prepare himself.


    From the map set up inside theputer room, Yue Ling had numbered each building for easier understanding of the enemy¡¯s location and theirs.


    With his calctions, building four where his targets are standing are two building down from where he and Xu Long are hiding. To get to them, he will need to pass not only the two buildings but two alleys as well.


    However, within each building, he can use the alleys to hide.


    With his running speed, he should get to the first alley within two minutes or less.


    He sets the timer on his watch then touch his earpiece to connect with Liu Shan.


    "Give me clear."


    On top of the tall building, Liu Shan hears hisrade and scans the premises for any other movements. Unable to see anything, he set the binocr down and turn to hisptop.


    His fingers dance over the keyboard as he check the connected cameras.


    Confirming there is no other movement, he speaks into his earpiece.


    "Clear. Go."


    Hearing the clear from the eyes above, Lin Hui starts the timer on his watch and dashes out from the alley to the next one.


    His steps were as light as a feather as he made sure to avoid any lights and stayed close to the shadows. Like a ninja in the shadow, he sprints with all his might.


    Just as he was about to turn into the first alley, his eyes widen like his eyeballs were going to pop out.


    Increasing his speed, he makes a break for it as his figure slides a smooth and quiet homerun into the alley.


    Quickly leaning his back against the wall, he didn¡¯t even have the time to catch his breath as right now, he is holding it in. At the same time, he also didn¡¯t forget to stop the timer on his watch.


    "Where is that bastard Xu Zheng? Shouldn¡¯t he be here before all of us?"


    "Gongi said to start without the fatso. Since he backed out, he won¡¯t be getting a cut."


    Two men wearing ck masks strode pass the dark alley. They were deeply immersed in their own conversation and with little light, neither notices Lin Hui nor did they hear him.


    As the two men pass the alley, Lin Hui slowly poke out the top half of his head to check. Seeing that they were nearing the alley Xu Long is currently at, he hides back within the darkness again.


    However, his nostril re like a Spanish bull and he press the button on his earpiece.


    "Liu Shan, you ass wipe. What kind of clear was that?"


    ["Uh... heh heh, my bad bro. At least they didn¡¯t see you."]


    Lin Hui¡¯s jaw clenched tightly, and he growls a whisper through his gritted teeth.


    "Do that again and you¡¯re the one I¡¯m shooting."

 Chapter 430 Kid, get los

    While Lin Hui advance towards his given targets, Xu Long leaned against the wall hidden away in the dark alley. He had heard the conversation between Lin Hui and Liu Shan.


    As he stood in silence, the voices of the two men grew closer and closer in his direction.


    He closes his eyes and inhale a mouthful of air. As his eyes reopened, his carefree aura disappears to reveal a sh of the dangerous man he is.


    Listening to the two sets of footsteps, he takes a big step to reveal himself from the darkness.


    "Fr¡­"


    However, just as he part his lip to say the word freeze, he was struck dumbfounded. His eyes turned heavy and he did not know what to think anymore.


    Really?


    One of the men was squatting down to tie his shoe while the other had his back to Xu Long''s direction and fumbling with the lighter due to the wind.


    Sighing inside, he shook his head. Hiding his guns behind his back, he clears his throat to get their attention.


    Hearing the sudden sound, the man tying his shoe looks up at the unknown person. At the same time, the other man was finally able to light his cigarette as he turns around.


    The man who tying his shoe furrow his brows and stood up. His height was shorter than his brother, but he was more masculine.


    However, both men were even more confused about one thing. The area should have been blocked of any people and cars, so how did this loser get this far?


    The taller man takes a puff of his cigarette and blows out the smoke. He sneers and mockinglyughs. Judging by the way Xu Long looks, one punch will no doubt knock him (Xu Long) out.


    "Kid, get lost while you still can."


    Xu Long blinks his eyes like he was confused about what is going on. His head slightly tilt to the side and he pout his lip.


    "Kid?"


    He held a confused expression as his head looks left, then right. Seeing no kid, he looks up at the night sky then down at the ground.


    Still, he saw no kid.


    He furrow his brows at the two man and raise his right hand to scratch his head.


    "What kid are you talking about?"


    The moment Xu Long raised his hand, alertness sh in both men''s eyes. Never did they expect the weak looking man to have a gun.


    "Fuck!"


    Reaching for their guns, they n to shoot Xu Long. How could they have forgotten that Lu Tian''s team was also lurking around here!


    *Pu! Pu!


    Unfortunately, before neither men could react to their n, both their head flung back as Xu Long''s bullets prates into their forehead.


    *Thud


    Watching both men hit the hard ground, Xu Long leisurely walks over to them. He ce his two guns behind his back and tilt his head down at them.


    "Aiya, disappointing that were taken down by a mere kid."


    He bends down to grab the shorter man''s hand.


    Like the n, each time they take down an enemy, they must remember to hide the body. However, due to him not having much strength, he can only drag one person at a time.


    ["Xu Long, three men are approaching on your side."]


    Hearing Liu Shan''s sudden warning, Xu Long was at a loss for words. He scans around him to see how far these three men are. However, seeing they were still a distance away, he quickly grabs the other man''s hand.


    Using all the strength he has he drags both men into the dark alley. It was like Mr. Muscles, Jiangyu had magically lend some of his muscles to the assistant.


    While Xu Long and Lin Hui were facing their own enemy in the front, the same thing is happening to the three men guarding the back entrance of the shop.


    One by one, the men wearing ck masks fell to the ground as two figures move like they were dancing under the night sky.


    Gui Tian Lan leaps toward a man. Once he was a car length away, he jumps into a front flip. His sudden move caught the man off guard, but before his feet could touch the ground, he flicks two needles. It was like he had turned into Spiderman, but instead of shooting webs, he was shooting needles.


    "Ahhhh¡ª"


    The man''s head flung back with a shriek in pain. The two needles had pierce into his eyes with their ends sticking out.


    *Pu!


    Before the man could utter another sound from the intense pain, a bullet silences him as it enters his widely opened mouth.


    Watching the man drop, Gui Tian Lan''s eyes nce to the right side with his head slightly tilt.


    Two men wearing masks were running towards him with their guns ready to shoot. However, like those guns did not exist in his eyes, he flicks a needle to each person''s knee.


    "Arghh¡ª"


    Within seconds, both men fell to their knees at the same time. Their mouth open as they scream in pain.


    *Swoosh¡ª swoosh¡ª Pu! Pu!


    Before either one could make another sound, two shes of silver shoots into their mouth. Quickly as it came, a bullet follows the needle that prated the back of their throat.


    Without waiting to see the men fall, Gui Tian Lan advance towards this next target. Since he is facing a bunch of scums from the underworld, he will give them a gruesome death.


    Moving at the same speed as the tailor, Yiqing also takes down a man. He dashes in the direction of the wall as two men chase after him.


    However, just as the two men thought they had him trapped, Yiqing suddenly does a wall flip.


    As his world turned upside down for a brief second, a seductive smirk curl on his lip. He flicks two needles to his enemies.


    "Arhhh! What the fuck?!"


    Both men drops their guns as the hand they used to hold the gun was suddenly in so much pain and shaking.


    Yiqingnds on his feet in crouch position with one knee almost touching the ground. Both his hands reach for his back and spread his arms open. He pulls the triggers on his guns.


    *Pu! Pu!


    He takes down two men charging at him from the sides then turns to the other two men crying from his needles. Showing mercy for them, he did not hesitate to fire two more bullet.


    Unlike the two men fighting off the enemy, Qi Li sat on a bench like he was resting under the shade on a hot and sunny day. He does not move nor does he n to dance under the moon with the two men.


    At first, he was also taking down the enemy, but each time when he was going to kill his enemy, either Yiqing or Gui Tian Lan would do the final kill. Thus, he decided to sit this fight out and let the two menpete to see who is the better dancer... fighter.


    Of course, he is also looking out for any more enemy.


    Within minutes, thest two men wearing masks fell to the ground and joined their brothers as they journey to meet King Yama.


    "Phew¡ª"


    Gui Tian Lan breathes out in relief as he wipes the tiny sweat on his forehead. He and Yiqing stood amongst the many bodies like two swordsmen in the middle of a bloody battlefield.


    Opening his mouth, Yiqing lets out a yawn and turn to look in the direction of Qi Li.


    "Alright, take them away."


    Qi Li stares at the skinny man. His eyes slowly flutter, and he cross his arms over his chest. Without saying a word, his head turn to the right.


    Sitting on the ground near the man wearing sses were none other than seven members of Wolf Team. They were ordered to help guard the back entrance, but when the enemy appeared, none of them made a move.


    It was not because they were afraid of the enemy, but because they know how Yiqing is.


    The man may be afraid of tight and dark ces, but when ites to killing, it''s like the man had turned into a killing machine without a stop buttom.


    However, it wasn''t only Yiqing, but also Gui Tian Lan. Knowing that both men''s weapon are needles, they (Wolf Team) do not want to get in their way.


    So, like, Qi Li, they also decided to sit this one out and agreed to do the cleaning at the end.

 Chapter 431 Call him

    The same time the enemy outside were being taken down, Lu Tian stood in the middle of the dimly lit hallway. Surrounding him were five dead bodies, but it was like none of them were there.


    He slowly turn around to Man 1 who he shot on the foot. His dark pupils seemed to have turned darker almost like a pair of ck holes ready to swallow anything it sees.


    "W-What do you w-want?"


    Man 1id on the ground as he stumbles to sit up. His confidence from the start was now reced with panic and horror.


    He had watched his brothers die like a bunch of ants being stomped on. The man they thought to be weak without his team was actually the living image of the devil.


    As someone from the underworld, he has encountered many deathly situations, but none terrified him like this. Now he knows why even the leaders of many notorious gangs fear the businessman.


    Not once did Lu Tian flinch when pulled the trigger. It was as if killing was natural to him.


    There is no doubt, Lu Tian''s hands are stained with blood far more than his (Man 1).


    As he thought this, a chill shot through him when he realizes that Lu Tian was now walking towards him.


    "Y-You¡­ W¡­ What do you want?"


    He would be lying if he isn''t scared right now. The moment he saw his brothers die like grass being mowed, he already had a sense why Lu Tian did not kill him right away.


    Lu Tian stops in front of the man with an even more menacing aura than before. His eyes gave a dangerous vibe as he part his lip.


    "Gongi."


    Hearing the name, Man 1''s eyes widen. Could it be that Lu Tian already knows about their n? Does that mean the reason why none of them were able to get a hold of Xu Zheng is because Lu Tian already has him?


    No¡­ Gongi said Xu Zheng was drunk¡­


    "Argh¡ª"


    Lost in his thoughts, the pain on his foot suddenly intensify to the maximum. His face turned deathly pale with sweat forming not only on his forehead, but all over his body.


    "Call him."


    Lu Tian''s deep voice sounds from above. Since the man did not want to answer his question, he purposely stepped on the man''s wounded foot. He made sure to use more strength to increase the pain.


    Man 1 groan at the increasing pain. His jaw clench tightly until he bled from the pressure of him gritting his teeth together too hard. Unable to find his own voice, he could only nod his pale white head.


    Feeling the pressure like a mountain on him lifted, he was able to catch his breath. Just as he was about to take another deep breath, his eyes subconsciously met with the devil''s again.


    "I¡­ I''ll c¡­call him¡­"


    Stuttering his words, his hand struggles to get his phone inside his coat pocket. However, as he was about to grab his phone, he could feel the cold grip of his gun.


    A sudden thought came to him. He did not take out his gun since he was shot on the foot. If he can just¡­


    *Click


    "¡­"


    Before his thoughts could further anymore, the muzzle of Lu Tian''s gun appears an inch away from his face. It was pointed directly between his eyes.


    He stares at the ck hole and struggle a difficult gulp, then looks up at the man holding the gun.


    Lu Tian stares back at him with an expression full of indifference. He slowly shook his head in a silent warning.


    Met with those eyes that kill a person, Man 1 cursed inside. Any false move and he knows that Lu Tian would not hesitate to pull the trigger on him.


    Moving his hand way from the gun, he reach for his phone. Even if he were to take out his gun, Lu Tian still has the upper hand and would be faster. Left with no other choice, he takes his phone out from his pocket. Dialing a number, he press the speaker button.


    The call rang only once before the other line was quickly connected and Gongi''s voice sounds.


    ["What is it?"]


    Man 1 nce at the muzzle in front of him then back to the aloof man. Although he was in so much pain, he needed to sound normal.


    "Gongi, we met with a little trouble, but its all taken care of now."


    ["Hahah! Perfect! Seems like the infamous Lu Tian isn''t so scary as the rumors says. Only you six and you already took care of him. Hahah."]


    Listening to the words, Man 1 wishes so badly to curse at the stupid man. His life is in the hands of Lu Tian and yet, Gongi still has the time tough?!


    ["Where is his woman? I heard she is a great beauty. Tie her up for me to have a taste."]


    Man 1''s body froze when he heard Gongi''s ridiculous words. He slowly looks up at Lu Tian and cold sweat ran down his spine. Even he forgot about the pain from his wounded foot.


    Lu Tian''s expression at this moment was hidden by the shadows due to the dim lights, but Man 1 knew very well about one thing.


    The sudden drop of temperature is no doubt from Lu Tian. It was one that is going to unleash his wrath upon anyone who dares toy a finger on his woman.


    "G-Gongi¡­ h-hurry."


    ["Haha, why are you stuttering? Everything is going as nned. Also, have her ready for me. Oh, I want Lu Tian to watch while I enjoy his woman."]


    Outside in a car parked a block away, Gongi''sugh sounds as he sat inside a ck car with three men. He ends the call and became excited about the news. However, due to his excitement, he did not pay attention to the fear in Man 1''s voice.


    ncing in the direction of Uncle Zhi''s shop, a malicious sneer curl on his lip.


    He had seen a photo of Han Yue Ling and he cannot wait to taste the beauty. He thought Julia and Ning Mei were beauties, but after seeing Yue Ling, she is no doubt on another level of beautiful.


    Unaware of what he is walking into, he thinks they still have the upper hand. Licking his palm, he uses his saliva to slick the side of his hair back and opens the door to step out.


    Inside the dimly lit hallway, Lu Tian remained unmoving in his position. He stood over Man 1 like a giant pir blocking any light.


    "I-I did what you as-asked. N-Now l¡­let me g-go. Let me go!!"


    Man 1 mumbled his words as he is losing too much blood and his conscious is slowly slipping away. Towards the end, he used every ounce of strength he had left to roar in rage. He hopes that his voice would be loud enough for his brothers outside to hear.


    However, to his misfortune, the door that gave entrance to the outside world for Uncle Zhi''s shop is not only bullet proof, but also soundproof.


    Lu Tian stares down at the man begging for mercy.


    At first, he did n to keep this man alive and throw him in prison to let him rot inside. After all, he knows the faces and information of those from the underworld and this man has done many evil deeds. However, throwing him in prison would be unfair.


    Unfair to all the innocent lives he (Man 1) had taken.


    *Pu!


    The back of the man''s head hits the wall with great impact. He did not expect Lu Tian to pull the trigger and end his life for all his past crimes.


    Staring at the now lifeless man, Lu Tian calmly puts his gun away.


    He reach down to grab the man by the cor and turn for the wooden door as he drags the man with him like a sack of rice.


    It''s time for the real show to start.

 Chapter 432 finally move

    Sitting on the floor in the middle of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, Yue Ling and Lian Ni Shang watched the situation outside. The look on their face was one of seriousness, but something they couldn¡¯t help but be giggle or be dumbfounded at what they were seeing.


    It was like both women were at having a girl¡¯s sleepover and watching a live action movie.


    "Young Miss, everything is ready."


    From behind, Uncle Zhi¡¯s voice interrupts the two women as he walks out from the secret room. He had left to the other building to retrieve some things. However, when he returned, he did not expect to see a scene like this.


    Hearing his words, Lian Ni Shang furrow her brows. Thinking about what they have to do, she looks at Yue Ling.


    "Boss let me do it. What if something goes wrong?"


    Uncle Zhi sarcastically scoffs and walks over to Yue Ling and Lian Ni Shang.


    "No, allow me. So long as I keep my head down and wear a wig, that idiot will never know."


    He lowers to one knee at Yue Ling¡¯s side like a knight and points to his himself.


    "I am already old and lived my life. If anything goes wrong, my life will not matter to anyone."


    Hearing their words of worry for her, Yue Ling felt very bless to have amazing and caring people around her. Although their personalities are out of this world, she is grateful to call them family.


    She turn to look at Uncle Zhi and gives him a smile.


    "Your life matters to me."


    She then turns to look at Lian Ni Shang and chuckles.


    "And so does yours. So never belittle yourself."


    Her head lowers and she looks down at the tablet in her hand.


    "Gongi already knows how I look like. If he were to see that we tricked him, who knows what he will do. So, for that, I cannot let either of you do it."


    Left with no room to say anymore or try to convince her, both Lian Ni Shang and Uncle Zhi could only sigh inside.


    Yue Ling is too good of a person. Even when her life is on the line, she will not let others take the bullet for her.


    The both of them know that if she was not pregnant, she would have been outside helping instead of staying inside like now.


    Oblivious to their thoughts, Yue Ling stares at an image on the tablet. It shows Gongi and three men stepping out of the ck car.


    Her eyes slightly narrow and dangerous smile curl on her lip.


    "Our honorable guest has finally move."


    When Lian Ni Shang and Uncle Zhi saw her smile, all the hair on their body stood on ends. That smile of hers is enough to make anyone¡¯s heart flutter, but they of all people know better than anyone knows what it meant.


    Demise.


    Yue Ling hands the tablet to Uncle Zhi as Lian Ni Shang helps her stand up from the floor.


    *Click


    Just as she stood on her feet, the wooden door that remained shut was slowly being open. All three people turn to look at the person entering.


    Lu Tian held the door open with one hand as his other hand drags Man 1 inside. Instead of gentlyying the body down, he toss the body like it was a bag of trash being thrown away.


    Closing the door, he looked like he didn¡¯t brought in a dead body, and takes a step forward. However, he was met with three pairs of eyes staring at him.


    "..."


    He arch a brow as he did not understand why they were staring at him like he was a stranger. He looks down at Man 1 then back to the three people.


    His brows furrow and he look at his hands. It was then that he realized that there were blood stains from the people he had killed.


    Not thinking much, he reach inside his pocket and takes out a handkerchief.


    By now, he would have gone straight to check on his wife, but he needed to clean any blood stains that might have gotten on him.


    "Here, use this."


    Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounds as she did not hesitate to walk over to the tall man. She hands him a wet wipe for easier use.


    ncing at her sudden appearance in front of him, Lu Tian sighs inside. He looks at the wet wipe then to her eyes.


    "I reek of blood. It¡¯s not healthy for you and our child."


    Knowing that he spoke his words out of worry, Yue Ling didn¡¯t care and takes a step closer to him. She chuckles a smile and takes his hand.


    "You¡¯re over exaggerating."


    She wipes away the blood and looks up at him. Her smile widens as it reaches her eyes.


    "See, baby and I are fine."


    Feeling her warm hands on his hand, Lu Tian faintly smile and allows her to clean the blood away. Even if he were to tell her no, she wouldn¡¯t listen to him.


    Uncle Zhi and Lian Ni Shang stares at the couple¡¯s interaction with a face of awe. If only they were not dealing with the enemy at this time.


    Thinking this, Uncle Zhi heaves a sigh and lightly nudge Lian Ni Shang with his elbow.


    "Let¡¯s go get the things."


    Lian Ni Shang nod her head and turns away from the couple. She follows after the middle-aged man and couldn¡¯t help but think about her beloved. Is he freezing outside? Is he hurt anywhere?


    Her man is not sociable and looks very weak. Most of the time, he is clumsy and has many scars from their past missions. So, whenever they are apart, she can only worry about him.


    As they prepare for the final n, outside on the rooftop of another building, a manid on his stomach near the edge.


    "One. Alley."


    His facial features were very femininepare to most men. If it was not for his manly voice, one would have mistaken him for a woman.


    He held a sniper gun close to him with one eye closed as his other eye stares into the scope. Focusing on the dark alley below, there was no one in sight, but he still pulled the trigger.


    *Pu!


    Down below, a man wearing a mask was about to make a run for the rundown building. However, before he could move a step into the light, he was already greeted by the feminine looking man¡¯s bullet.


    "Wow! Sinan, you have good eyes."


    From the side, a man¡¯s voice sounds in praise of the textile designer.


    "Really, I didn¡¯t even see that man. If you didn¡¯t shoot him, he would have gotten inside."


    Another man¡¯s voice sounds from the other side in more words of praising.


    Confirming the situation below is clear of any enemy, Shan Sinan moves away from the scope. He looks at the two men and shrug his shoulder with a nonchnt look.


    "..."


    Huan Min, the one who spoke first was sitting up on the right side of Shan Sinan. He has sharp features and an anchor beard. However, he was bbergasted by the man¡¯s response.


    He nce over to his brother on the other side like he was asking a question.


    On the left side of Shan Sinan is another man name Weilong. The top half of his long hair is tied into a bun as the bottom half flows with the passing wind of the night.


    He was alsoying on his stomach, but when he saw Huan Min¡¯s silent question, he shrugs his shoulder in response.


    Both men couldn¡¯t help but look back at their newrade.


    When Lu Tian introduced Shan Sinan to them, the man¡¯s pretty face took them by surprise. Not only his looks but with the way his appearance looked. They even thought his shooting skills would be so-so.


    However, as they had been taking down the enemy from above, the man Shan Sinan just killed was one that neither of them saw. He had been hiding so well in the dark and yet, Shan Sinan was able to detect him.


    Now their curiosity has risen. If Shan Sinan is this skilled, then how skilled are the people by theirdy boss¡¯s side?


    "Target has reached the corner."


    Shan Sinan¡¯s voice spoke as he paid no attention to the other two men. He wasn¡¯t only talking to them, but also into the earpiece for everyone to hear.


    At his sudden words, Huan Min and Weilong came back to their senses. Both men sees that Shan Sinan was looking into the scope of his gun again. However, the tip of his sniper is moving in a slow pace like it was following something below.


    Doing the same, both men looks through their scopes.


    Down below, Gongi and his three men had already turned at the corner and were now walking on the main street. Due to them not knowing the real situation, the look on their face was full of confidence like everything was going ording to their n.


    As they made their way towards Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, no one made a move. All was silence before everyone¡¯s earpiece sounds a connection and a deep voice sound.


    ["Everyone on standby."]

 Chapter 433 too late for regre

    Walking up to the front door of the rundown building, Gongi stops and checks his reflection in the ss door. He fixes his hair again and gestures a signal with his head to the three men.


    "What are you idiots wait for? Open the door."


    All three men looks at the scrawny man with a haggard face. Hesitation is shown on their face as they did not hide it from him. They didn¡¯t know if they should listen to the useless man.


    Truth be told, none of them were close to Gongi even though they¡¯re from the same gang. However, Chu Li Xiang did give Gongi the permission to lead this mission.


    One of the three men sighs in annoyance and pulls the ss door open.


    Seeing them listen to him like he was the king of the world, Gongi scoffs at the man and enters the building with his chin raised. However, what his eyes were met with shook him to the core.


    "W-What the hell happened here?!"


    "These are our brother! Why are they dead?"


    "Gongi, didn¡¯t you say we got a clear? Why are our brothers like this?"


    All three men spoke in horror and confusion at the sight of five dead men lying on the ground, but all their words did not enter Gongi¡¯s ears. His expression at this moment is as pale as a ghost. Even his legs were shaking at the sight of the dead men.


    He may be a part of the underworld, but every time it came to bloodshed, he would cower and hide behind everyone until its over.


    One of the men (we¡¯ll call him A) nce at Gongi and his face sh with disgust. This is why they were hesitant to follow the good for nothing man. At the sight of blood and Gongi would turn into a frighten little girl.


    However, in respect for his boss, he will put up with this for now.


    "Gongi, are you going to chicken out now?"


    Hearing A, Gongi cast a re at the man. He force a scoff and force his feet to move forward. Right now, he is the one in control, he cannot be a chicken and lose face.


    Watching the haggard face man walk with trembling legs inside, all three men couldn¡¯t help butugh to each other. To think Chu Li Xiang actually left them in the hands of the useless being.


    "F-Fucken b-bastards... J-Just w-watch..."


    Gongi mumble under his breath as he force his legs to move through the dimly lit hallway. He made sure to keep his eyes ahead with no intentions of looking down at the dead bodies of his so-called brothers.


    After what felt like a whole year in a scorching hot desert, he finally arrives at the wooden door on the other side.


    Man 1 had already called to confirm a clear, so he did not waste anymore time and swung the door open. Right now, he just wanted to get away from this blood stench hallway of hell.


    Like the hallway that had very little light, the inside of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop was just the same. The entire ce dim of light with only one light brightening the middle. Everything else was covered in darkness.


    However, a slender figure can be seen sitting on a chair with her hands tied behind her back and ankles strap to the front legs of the chair. Her head hung low as she drifted away from her consciousness.


    Next to her was none other than Man 1. He had his ck mask on and looked like he was taking a nap.


    Gongi¡¯s fear was quickly reced with a malicious sneer when he saw Yue Ling all tied up and ready for him. Although, he would have preferred her to be tied to a table, a chair isn¡¯t so bad either.


    Just as he was about to take a step forward, he sees a dark figure from the corners of his eyes. Turning to see what it is, his sneer widens more than it already is.


    Sitting on the ground with his back leaned against the wall is none other than Lu Tian. Like his wife, his hands are also tied behind his back.


    "Heh."


    Gongi scoffs a sarcastic chuckle at the sight of the almighty business king. Ignoring him, he walks straight for Yue Ling. He could not wait to tear her clothes to shreds and have a taste of her.


    Seeing the man be so careless, A shook his head. This is why Gongi can never be a leader but a stupid follower. How can he just walk over to the target without checking the situation first?


    Good thing Chu Li Xiang warned them at the start. Even if they were told the situation is clear, they have to double check. After all, this is Lu Tian they¡¯re dealing with.


    Shaking his head, he looks at the other two men before walking away.


    "I¡¯ll go check if he¡¯s really dead."


    Hearing A, the other two men (B and C) nod their head. As A went to check on Lu Tian, B and C went to check the other ces in case this is a set up for them.


    B walks towards the door leading to the back of the store while C headed for the secret room.


    As A walks over to Lu Tian, he scoffs a sneer as he stops in front of the man.


    Everyone said Lu Tian is the living image of the devil, but seeing him now, he is nothing but a pitiful man whose life ended at the hands of his many enemies.


    Remembering how his other five brothers died in vain, anger rouse inside him. He lift his right leg and sends a kick to Lu Tian¡¯s head. However, before he could lift his leg, his entire body froze in ce.


    His eyes widen and he curse inside.


    ¡¯Fuck!¡¯


    Seeing them check the ce, Gongies to a stop in front of Yue Ling. With her head down, her dark wavy hair flows over her shoulder as it covers her face from anyone¡¯s line of sight.


    He licks his dried and cracker lip as he could feel the lower part of his body awaken at the sight of her.


    Unable to hold himself back, Gongi reach his hand out to touch her chin and lift her head up.


    "Shit!"


    Before he could get a better view of Yue Ling, one of the three men suddenly cursed aloud. The word shocked Gongi so much that he jumped away from the woman in fright.


    He turns to the person and res viciously at the man for disturbing his precious moment.


    "What is it? Did you fucken see a ghost?"


    A: "Ah... Sorry, I saw... a mouse."


    B: "It¡¯s clear over here."


    C: "C-Clear over here too."


    Although they had answered as calmly as they could, all three men were unable to move a muscle. Cold sweat ran down their spine as no one dare to even make move.


    Seeing the dark outlines of the men standing normally, Gongi pays no attention to them and turns his attention back to the beauty.


    Her head was no longer down but slightly tilted back as her facees into full view for the man.


    A malevolent smile curls on Gongi¡¯s haggard face making him even more disturbing to look at.


    Even with her eyes closed, he can tell that she is a beauty if awaken. Her fair and wless skin with longshes and plump red lips made her look more alluring that any women he has seen.


    No wonder Lu Tian is so protective of her. Any man who sees her will no doubt fall for her charms that can bring down a nation.


    He stretch a hand towards Yue Ling and lightly touch the side of her face like she was a piece of fragile ss.


    While Gongi became lost in his lustful thoughts, the three men who came inside with him were facing their own desire.


    That is, the desire to run for their life.


    A stares at the nk wall in front of him and he struggles a difficult gulp that shook his body. He could feel his legs tremble uncontrobly despite his feet turning cold.


    The hard tip of a silencer connected to a pistol is pointed at him. However, of all the ces, it is aimed directly at his crotch. One mistake and he will never be a man again.


    On the other side where the door leading to the secret room is, C also stood unmoving under the door frame. He stares ahead into the darkness of the pitch-ck room as the cold tip of a gun press against his forehead.


    Like his two brothers, B was also having his own difficulty trying to hold himself together. Press against his neck is not a gun, but the sharpness of a knife. He knows that if he made one wrong move, it will be the death of him.


    All three men could do nothing but curse at Gongi for being so careless and leading them right into a trap. If they had known this would happen, they would have never agreed to follow the useless man.


    However, it was toote for regret because they had already stepped on the mine.

 Chapter 434 his own voice

    Gongi¡¯s eyes glisten with lust at the sight of the sight of Yue Ling. His luck with women has always been bad due to his built since young. He had always been scrawny and had a horrible appearance. So seeing a woman look so weak in front of him, he loves it the most.


    The back of his index finger slowly trace her cheek as it moves to her alluring plump lips.


    Just as he was about to seed, he hears footsteps approach from behind. Soon, a tall shadow overshadows him with a very menacing aura that caused him to shiver.


    However, despite the sudden feeling, anger rouse inside him. He was just about to get to the good part. How dare one of the three men interrupt his time.


    Without turning to see who it was, he close his eyes and growl in annoyance.


    "Can¡¯t you see that I am busy? You can enjoy her after I¡¯m done. Now get lost!"


    Hearing his words, the person behind takes one step. Forward or back, no one knows.


    Thinking his words were harsh enough, he ce his full attention back on Yue Ling. However, when he opened his eyes to look at her again, he was dumbfounded.


    ¡¯What the hell! Wasn¡¯t she...¡¯


    Yue Ling¡¯s head was no longer tilted back. Her bluish green eyes stares directly back at the scrawny man. The look on her was not one of fear, but calm and indifference.


    Women would have screamed in fear when they are in her position, but she was otherwise. It was like she wasn¡¯t tied to a chair but leisurely sitting in her office.


    "H-How are you awake? You¡¯re supposed to be unconscious!"


    Gongi spoke his thoughts aloud as he stares into her mesmerizing eyes. He couldn¡¯t help but feel all the hair on his body stand up.


    However, remember that she is still tied to the chair and Lu Tian is probably near his death, Gongi rxed a little.


    There was four of them and only one of her. Even if she tries to struggle free, they still have the upper hand.


    Gongi sneers an evil chuckle and reach his hand to touch Yue Ling¡¯s smooth and soft cheek again.


    "Since you are awake, this will be even better. I do prefer to see the woman under me struggle with all her might."


    Yue Ling stares at the man with slow blinking eyes. Though his hand is nearing her face, she was still calm.


    Just as the tip of Gongi¡¯s fingers reach a distance of two inches from her, her left hand appears out of nowhere and covers her mouth as she sounds yawns.


    "..."


    Gongi was rooted to the floor when he saw this. His brainpletely stopped working as he couldn¡¯t understand what just happened.


    Wasn¡¯t Yue Ling¡¯s hands supposed to be tied behind her back? How could she easily free herself?


    "Surprise?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice woke the man up from his daze. He looks at her with a grim expression, before scoffing a chuckle.


    "So what if you were able to free yourself. You¡¯re only a woman."


    Suddenly feeling confident by his own words, Gongi straightens his posture with malicious eyes staring down at her.


    "You are nothing but a weak woman whose man couldn¡¯t even protect."


    He spread his hands out to show her the emptiness of the ce like he was a God.


    "You are outnumbered. What can a weak woman like you possible do to us?"


    Listening to him bber nonsense, Yue Ling sighs inside. She wish so badly to beat the living crap out of this man. No man should ever put down a woman.


    Men do not realize that women may be smaller in size, but they are far more scarier than they think. Especially when a man decides to cross the line of a woman he does not know.


    However, remembering the n, she could only hold herself back from strangling Gongi to death.


    Taking a deep breath inside, she stares at Gongi in silence. Within three seconds, under the light, tears welled up in her bluish green eyes. It was time to be an actress.


    "W-Why are you doing this? What do you want?"


    She suddenly looked so afraid like Gongi¡¯s words had frighten her to the core. The calmness she had before had disappeared and it made Gongi¡¯s head grow five times bigger.


    He loves seeing woman scared at the sight of him. However, since Yue Ling is pretty, he will answer her question before having his way with her.


    Besides, no one is here to save her.


    "Since you won¡¯t be alive for long, I will tell you why."


    He takes a step closer to her and slightly bends forwards to decrease the gap between them.


    "All this is only a diversion to keep the infamous Lu Tian on this side of Imperial."


    His right fingers trace down from her temple to the end of her hair and he yfully twirls it around his index finger.


    "You see. Lu Tian is too powerful. If we do not distract his attention elsewhere, my boss will never be able to escape."


    Letting go of her hair, he sneers at her as his words continue.


    "It¡¯s a great pity that you are his woman. You are his weakness and because you are his weakness, all his enemies wille after you. Just like the situation you are in now."


    Like the fragrance of her hair had lingered onto his hand, he lifts his hand to his nose and inhales the sweetness of her scent.


    "Luckily we got to you first."


    Feelings his desire for her burn more, he lowers his hand and reach to touch her chin.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I will make this a memory you will never forget but dream of every night."


    ["So what if you were able to free yourself. You¡¯re only a woman."]


    Just as Gongi was about to touch her again, a sudden voice stops his hand in midair. He stares at Yue Ling with a perplex look only to see the expression on her face return to calm and indifferent.


    It was as if she never had teary eyes or a weak and frightened appearance.


    However, the look on her face was not the only thing that shook him. It was the sudden voice that spoke.


    It was his own voice.


    "Y-You..."


    ["You are nothing but a weak woman whose man couldn¡¯t even protect."]


    Hearing his own voice and words echo inside the empty shop, Gongi subconsciously moves away from Yue Ling. He swallows with great difficulty and takes a step back.


    *Click

 Chapter 435 Which hand?

    Gongi¡¯s bottom lip began to tremble uncontrobly. He could feel the hard and cold tip of something metal touch his back. The touch alone was enough for him to tell that it was a gun.


    "W-What is this? Are you betraying boss?!!"


    He shouts in rage but was not willing to turn and see who it is. The reason why he assumed it was the same man who interrupted him because the man only took one step back. He (the unknown man) did not leave.


    Thinking that there is a traitor amongst them, he looks at Man 1 who had not moved a muscle since their arrival.


    "Why the fuck are you still sleeping? Fucken wake up!!"


    He roars at the top of his lungs but could feel the tip of the gun press more against his back.


    A shiver shot through his entire body. It felt like the gun had turned into a snake and was slithering on his spine.


    Before he could think any further, Man 1 slowly, but finally moves from his spot.


    Gongi¡¯s eyes glisten in relief knowing that he will be saved. Man 1 is a capable and strong person, he will definitely take down whoever it is that is behind him.


    However, Man 1 did not stand up like Gongi had hoped for. His body slowly slides towards Gongi andnds on the cold floor with his heading to view under the light.


    "..."


    It was then, Gongi finally saw the ripped hole on the mask. The blood that stained Man 1¡¯s forehead can be seen despite the mask still on. His eyes were wide open even after death.


    "Ahh¡ª!!"


    Terrified by the sudden greeting, Gongi jumps back in horror. Only this time, he was the one who pressed his own back deeply against the gun. He groan at the sharp pain and remembers the man holding the gun to him.


    "W-Why are y-you doing this? Aren¡¯t w-we brothers?"


    He stuttered his words but cursed inside in wonder of where the other two bastards went. Can¡¯t they see that he is being held at gun point?


    "You touched her."


    A deep and cold voice answers from behind. It sounded like a low growl, but Gongi could only focus on the three words that were spoken.


    Each word felt like the weight of a giant mountain ce on his shoulders one after another.


    However, his brows furrow in confusion. Did any of the three men have such a deep voice like this? Howe he doesn¡¯t remember?


    As he spoke to himself, the sound of rustling awoke him back to reality. What he saw shook him even more by surprise.


    "Y..."


    Yue Ling, who was tied to the chair was now standing up. The rope that was once around her is neatly ced on the chair behind her.


    She was taller than him by a full head as he stares up at her and she down to him.


    However, Gongi could only ask more questions inside his head. When did she free herself? And was she always this tall?


    Seeing him so confused about the situation, Yue Ling gives him a smile that reach her eyes. She lifts her hand to reveal a very simple ck pen.


    Just as Gongi was contemting at why she would have a pen, her thumb presses the end cap. It sounds a click and Gongi¡¯s voice sounds again. His recorded words echoes inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop on repeat.


    "Y-You fucken bitch! Give that to me!!!"


    Gongish out in rage and tries to grab the voice recording pen. However, Yue Ling was quicker than him. She calmly turns away and avoids his w like hand as she walks away like the man was never there.


    Gongi inhales a mouthful of air and veins popped on his forehead. Wanting to get that recorder from her, he takes a step forward, but he was met with arge hand that appeared out of no where. It ms against the side of his head and ms his body down.


    "Ugh!"


    Hends on his side with a loud groan at the painful fall. His jaw clench tightly as he res at Yue Ling¡¯s departing figure.


    As much as he wants to catch the woman and end her life on the spot, he still has to deal with this man. He curse inside and turns to look at the man. They were brothers serving under the same boss, how dare he betray them!


    "You fucken traitor! H-How¡ª"


    He shouts in anger, but before he could finish his next sentence, his eyes widen in pure horror. The person who knocked him down was none of the three men.


    "L-Lu Tian..."


    Lu Tian stood towering over Gongi like a menacing shadow ready to swallow him whole. He nce at his wife, then back to the man on the ground.


    "You shouldn¡¯t have touched her."


    When he saw Gongi¡¯s disgusting hands touched his wife, he wanted so badly to chop those hands off. Those hands of his (Gongi) will only taint his wife with nightmares. However, he had to hold himself back because his wife kept ncing at him with eyes that said ¡¯not yet¡¯.


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words, sweat formed like crazy on Gongi¡¯s forehead. He struggles a difficult gulp and couldn¡¯t continue to stare the man in the eyes.


    However, what he saw behind Lu Tian shook him even more.


    Sitting in the spot that Lu Tian was supposed to be sitting was none other than A. The man had been knocked out cold. Whether he is still alive or dead, Gongi could not tell.


    Seeing A like this, all the colors on Gongi¡¯s face pale. What about B and C? Don¡¯t tell him they have been captured too and this is all a set up?


    "Which hand?"


    Deep in his thoughts, Lu Tian¡¯s voice brought him back to reality. Gongi looks up at the tall man and slightly furrow his brows. Hand? Why would....


    Suddenly, his pupils shook when he understood the question. He press his lips tightly together and curl his fingers into a tight fist. Forcing a crooked smile, he chuckles sarcastically.


    "I d-didn¡¯t touch h-her. I-I swear."


    He had been so confident since they got the clear from Man 1 that he did not expect the sudden turn of events. He even dared to touch Yue Ling and curse Lu Tian when he was standing right behind him (Gongi).


    Lu Tian stares down at the man and slightly lift his hand to point the gun at Gongi.


    "Which hand?"


    "Ah! I didn¡¯t touch her!!"


    Gongi¡¯s shoulders jumped in fear when he saw the gun pointed at him. He quickly answers Lu Tian in a choking sob. His bottom lip trembles and he pulls himself to sit up. However, with the gun pointed at him, he made sure not to get too close.


    He raise his left hand and waves it in front of him as his head shook violently.


    "I didn¡¯t... I really didn¡¯t touch her!"


    Lu Tian continued to stare at the man who suddenly turned into a coward. He takes a step forward and his deep voice sounds.


    "Wrong answer." *Pu!


    "Arrgghhh¡ª!!!"


    Gongi shrieks at the horrifying pain. He falls back onto the ground on his back as he tossed and turned. His right hand covers over his left hand with tears falling out of his eyes like a river.


    The bullet that shot from Lu Tian¡¯s gun aimed straight for his hand taking with it his thumb and index finger together.


    Seeing the man¡¯s pale face covered in more sweat, Lu Tian did not take another step.


    No longer hearing the man¡¯s footsteps, Gongi¡¯s breathing turned heaby as he groan in pain and used his left elbow to support himself up a little. He press his wounded hand against his chest to stop the bleeding. Thinking unclearly, he raise his right hand and tries to beg for his life.


    "I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m sorry! I didn¡¯t know she was your woman! Please spare me! I¡¯ll tell you everything you want to know! Please!"


    *Pu!


    "Arrgghh¡ª!!!"


    Another shot sounds after Gongi¡¯s pleading words. He screams at the intense pain and falls back onto the ground.


    Like his left hand, he lost yet again two more fingers on his righthand. However, this time, it was his middle and ring finger. Not only that, the bullet shot through his hand and scrape his shoulder.


    Never ending tears fell from his eyes as he wails in frantic panting.


    Why did he get so full of himself? If he had been cautious like A, B, and C, he wouldn¡¯t have fallen into this trap.... Maybe all of them would have lived to see daylight.

 Chapter 436 smiling to yourself

    The dark ceiling above seemed to have darken more and more like a ck hole slowly engulfing any source of life away.


    "Heh..."


    Gongiid like a lifeless soul on the cold floor. He chokes a chuckle as he stares up at the ceiling. Both his arms spread at his side and he ponder about his life at this very moment.


    He could feel his body slowly turn cold and numb due to the massive amount of blood he was losing.


    Averting his gaze to the tall and aloof man standing in front of him, he curses inside. If he had been born with a silver spoon like Lu Tian, his life wouldn¡¯t be so miserable like this.


    "K... Kill me..."


    He sobs a quiet whisper in plead. For someone weak like him, he rather die than rot in prison. Especially now that he has missing fingers, life will never be the same for him.


    However, Lu Tian does not kill him but stares with no emotions in his eyes.


    "You reap what you sow."


    His words fell as he walks away from Gongi. The moment they decided to target his wife, their life was already in his hands, but as much as he wanted to end this bastard¡¯s life, they still need him alive to confess Chu Li Xiang¡¯s escape n.


    Gongi was frozen in ce when he saw Lu Tian walk away. He thought the man would kill him on the spot, but instead he (Lu Tian) allowed him to live.


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s footsteps grow fainter and fainter, Gongi uses every strength left in him to curse his next words.


    "Lu Tian you bastard! You¡¯re going to die with no grave!! All your enemies wille after you and one by one they will rape your woman!!!!"


    *Pu!


    "..."


    A shot fires from the direction Lu Tian had left to the man cursing aloud making everything silent.


    Gongi¡¯s eyes shot open as the bullet did not hit him but a foot away from him head. He was so scared that he pissed himself. If Lu Tian really wanted him dead, he would have died right away.


    Seeing the man go quiet, Lu Tian turns around and continues his steps in the direction his wife had gone. Reaching the back door leading to outside, his deep voice sounds.


    "I will kill anyone who touches a strand of my wife¡¯s hair."


    Just as he took a step out the door, the sound of siren wails from the back of the shop and in the front.


    "Arrrhhhhh¡ª!!!"


    Gongi howls a deranged cry with both his legs kicking a fuss when he heard the cop cars. It was as if he had into a crazy psycho who was possessed.


    "Arrhhh¡ª!! Just kill me!!! Arrhhh¡ª!!! Lu Tian you coward!!! Arhh!!!"


    His treacherous yelling echoes inside Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, but no one cared for the man at all.


    "Captain!"


    The members of Wolf Team who were positioned to guard the back calls out to Lu Tian when they saw him exit the building. Each person sighed in relief when no harm was done to their boss.


    Lu Tian motion a nod in response to his men, but his eyes wonder through the crowd in search of his wife. He needed to see her so that this uneasy weight inside his chest will be lifted.


    As he search for her, he finally sees her in the far back. She was currently speaking to three people with Uncle Zhi and Lian Ni Shang at her side.


    A slight feeling of relief wash inside him, but he strides over to her. Only when she is standing in front of him will he bepletely at ease.


    "Captain, what about these two?"


    Just as he took three steps, Yiqing¡¯s voice calls out to stop him. His brows slightly furrow disapprovingly, but he turns to see what his subordinate was referring to.


    Sitting on the ground were B and C. Both men were now in handcuffs and knocked out cold.


    "Hand them over to the police."


    He looks at Yiqing and gestures a signal with his head in the direction of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    "Get the other two inside."


    "Roger Captain!"


    Yiqing motions a salute and made his way inside the building with three members of Wolf Team as Lu Tian makes his way to his wife.


    Unaware of Lu Tian¡¯s approaching figure in the distance, standing in front of Yue Ling was two male officers in uniform and a woman with dark curls. However, she was not in uniform but wearing a brown suit and ck coat.


    "Yue-Yue, thanks for informing us about this. I¡¯m really grateful that you still thought to call me after what happened before."


    Zhi Yn smiles her words to Yue Ling. After the incident with Ting and Ghost Gang, she thought Yue Ling would hold a grudge against her.


    When Yue Ling notified her about the situation, she rushed here as fast as possible. She even went against her higher ups about the situation.


    At first, they said it was not as important as guarding Chu Li Xiang, but the second she mentioned Yue Ling¡¯s name, the Chief gave her way toe here. Even when everyone else objected to the matter, the Chief¡¯s order meant more.


    Yue Ling stares at the woman and sighs inside. She would be lying if she was not angry with Zhi Yn. If they had done their job correctly, two innocent lives would not have been taken. However, in regard to the situation now, she can only trust a few people outside of her team and Lu Tian¡¯s side.


    Thinking this, she reach inside her coat pocket and takes out the ck recording pen. Handing it to Zhi Yn, she exins.


    "Here is a voice recording of Gongi¡¯s confession to the escape n."


    Zhi Yn takes the recording pen and put it inside her coat pocket. Her eyes met with Yue Ling¡¯s eyes and she gives a serious nod.


    "I will guard this with my life and personally hand it to the Chief."


    Just as she spoke her words, two members of Wolf Team carries B and C to the police car. Opening the back door, the two unconscious men were ruthless shove inside.


    ["Detective Zhi, we have detained Gongi and another man."]


    The radio attached to Zhi Yn¡¯s waist sounds as a police officer spoke through. She unclips the radio and press a button to respond.


    "Affirmative. I¡¯ll meet you all back at base."


    cing the radio back in its original ce, she turns to the two male officers and gives them an order.


    "Take these two back. I¡¯ll inform the Chief that we¡¯ve cleared this side."


    Both officers gives her a salute before turning for the car.


    Zhi Yn turns her attention back to Yue Ling and she couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    "This reminds me of the old days."


    She looks at Uncle Zhi and Lian Ni Shang, then to Qi Li and Gui Tian Lan who were standing not to far away. Thinking about something, she sighs inside.


    "Well, since my job here is done, I¡¯ll get going. I¡¯m sure you already have everything here under control."


    Yue Ling smiles back to her, "If you need a witness, I will be happy to help."


    Hearing her sudden words, Zhi Yn was taken back by surprise. However, she chuckles and shook her head.


    "You¡¯ve already done more than enough to help us. Besides, the Chief is ming himself for not realizing this sooner and had to get you involved."


    She leans towards Yue Ling like she was going to tell the world¡¯s darkest and deepest secret.


    "You should have seen the look on his face when he heard that you were Chu Li Xiang¡¯s target. The old man almost went ballistic at everyone."


    Yue Ling smiles faintly as she listens to Zhi Yn¡¯s words. It has been a few years since shest saw the old man. Maybe one of these days when she has time, she will stop by to visit him.


    Getting an idea of what Yue Ling is thinking about, Zhi Yn was d to know that after all these years, she still thinks about the Chief.


    However, as much as she wanted to stay and chat, she still needed to get back to headquarters.


    "Yue-Yue, I¡¯ll be on my way then."


    She sneaks a nce at Uncle Zhi and sighs inside. They both have the surname Zhi, but unfortunately, they are not rted. If she could have a doting uncle like the man, how wonderful would that be.


    "Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan. Walk Detective Zhi back to her car."


    Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounds to the two men standing not too far from her. When they heard her, neither objected to the order and walks over to Zhi Yn.


    Staring at Qi Li who looked like a hot bad boy wearing prescribed sses, blood rush to Zhi Yn¡¯s cheeks. However, when she saw Gui Tian Lan who looked like a world ss model, she swore she was going to have a nosebleed.


    All of a sudden, she couldn¡¯t help but pity herself. Everyday Yue Ling gets to surround herself with pretty women and good-looking men, while she is surrounded by pigs and cows at work.


    Of course, not all of them, but still, whenpare to Qi Li and Gui Tian Lan, those men at the police station aren¡¯t evenparable.


    Watching the three of them leave in one direction, Yue Ling chuckles as she already know what Zhi Yn is thinking. After all, they have been friends for a long time before she (Zhi Yn) moved from City Z to Imperial.


    "What are you thinking about that you¡¯re smiling to yourself?"


    A voice suddenly interrupts her and Yue Ling to her senses. Turning to the person, she sees who it is, and her smile widens with her teeth showing.


    "Tian!"

 Chapter 437 want to die

    Lu Tian stares at his wife¡¯s smiling face and his entire being softened. Her smile was always pure and genuine like she can take away all the bad feelings in life.


    He is d that she is fine, and no harm came to her or their child.


    Stopping in front of her, he could feel that uneasy weight lifted from his shoulders. Without a care about whether anyone is looking, his right hand gently caress her cheek.


    "I¡¯m d nothing happened to the both of you."


    Feeling the coldness of his palm touch her skin, it sent a faint electric shock to Yue Ling¡¯s heart. However, she does not move away from him, but tilt her head to feel his hand more.


    Her bluish green eyes met his for a brief second before slowly closing them. Her left-hand ce over his and she sighs a smile.


    "We¡¯re also d nothing happened to you."


    Lu Tian stares down at her before his left-hand wraps around her waist and pulls her into his embrace.


    Watching the two people feeding dog food to everyone, Uncle Zhi and Lian Ni Shang nce at each other. Both their cheeks flush a shade of red as they thought about the same thing.


    Give the couple some space.


    Lian Ni Shang walks away like she did not see anything. After that uneasy event, she also wants to find her Shan Sinan.


    At the same time, Uncle Zhi also walks away. Seeing young people in love, he can¡¯t help but want to find a woman to love him too. Maybe it¡¯s time he settles down and start his own family.


    Oblivious to her two subordinates¡¯ thoughts, Yue Ling chuckles within the man¡¯s arms.


    "Tian, we¡¯re really alright now."


    Lu Tian did not loosen his hold on her. Instead he hugs her tighter as if kneading her into one with him. He knows that she and their child is safe, but the thought of anything happening to them still haunts his mind.


    Back there, if things had gone wrong, he will never forgive himself for being unable to protect them. He will never forgive himself for breaking his promise to their little one.


    However, hearing her words full of reassuring, he held her tighter before reluctantly pulling away.


    Even if he wanted to keep holding her in his arms, they still have to take care of the situation here.


    Thinking this, he decided that once this is over, he will hold her in his arms when they return home. He will not let her out of his sight for one second. Even if she has to use the restroom, he will stand by the door and wait for her.


    Feeling happy with this decision, he looks down at her.


    "How¡¯s the situation in the front?"


    Hearing his sudden question, Yue Ling arch a brow. For a someone who is quite possessive, he sure knows how to change the topic. However, not pushing it, she answers him.


    "Liu Shan said they have the front under control. Once he finishes exining the situation to the police, they will join us here."


    Lu Tian nod his head in understanding with a faint ¡¯mm¡¯. Remembering something, he couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "You know the Chief?"


    The sudden question took Yue Ling by surprise. Did Lu Tian by chance heard her and Zhi Yn¡¯s conversation?


    She was hesitant in whether to answer him or lie, but quickly making up her mind, she decides to tell him.


    "We¡¯ve worked a few cases together in the past."


    Hearing her answer, Lu Tian nod his head. However, he ponder in thought to himself. She is from Fate, so why would the Chief ask someone from the underworld to help with some cases? Also, howe he has never heard about this?


    Knowing what he is thinking about, she part her lips to exin in further detail, but her eyes caught sight of something.


    "Ah, its Liu Shan and them!"


    The rest of the two teams walks out from Uncle Zhi shop with their own weapon in hand. They looked like soldiers who were returning home after a long battle with the enemy.


    "Boss!"


    "Boss!!!"


    Lin Hui and Xu Long eximed when they saw Yue Ling and Lu Tian. Of course, Xu Long made sure his voice was louder so his boss can see that he is more worried.


    Both men grinned widely as they walk over to the two people. However, seeing the same pace of each other matching to one another, Lin Hui increased his speed as Xu Long did the same.


    A glint of light sh in their eyes and their speed walking quickly turns into a race.


    A race to see who could reach their boss first.


    Lin Hui stretch his right arm and tries to push Xu Long away, "You¡¯re going down loser!"


    Xu Long stretch his left arm and pushes Lin Hui¡¯s head, "No! You¡¯re going down loser!"


    Both men ran with their might, but neither forgot to try and slow the other person down.


    In the midst of their struggling race, a figure dashes pass them with a wide grin. Both his arms raise high and waves bye to them as he makes his way to his boss.


    "Hahahah! Bye losers!!"


    Lin Hui and Xu Long¡¯s eyes widen in shock. Both men picks up their pace and chase after the person. Their mouths open and at the same time yells out.


    "Liu Shan! You cheater!!"


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Neither Yue Ling nor Lu Tian couldprehend with what they were seeing. One second ago, the three men looked like brave warriors and now, they looked like grade schoolboys betting to see who can run faster.


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded seeing his assistant act so childish but seeing how the other two didn¡¯t belong to his team, he felt a little better. ncing at his wife, he jokingly spoke.


    "Your subordinates are very interesting."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling puff her cheeks like a chipmunk in embarrassment. Casting him a side re, she knows that he is making fun of her subordinates.


    She has to admit, her team is a little unusual, but is his any different?


    Looking back at the three men running towards them, she couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly. If they were not this way, her life wouldn¡¯t filled with heartwarmingughter.


    Seeing their face full of seriousness like this race meant the world to them, she smiles more. Not only were they serious, but also trying to stop the other person from winning.


    Thinking about how childish they are, sheughs as she watches them.


    "Indeed they are out of this world."


    Hearing herugh, the corners of Lu Tian¡¯s lip curls up and he chuckles along with her.


    Yue Ling¡¯s angelicugh quickly caught everyone¡¯s attention. A smile curl on their faces as they listen to herugh. It was like music to one¡¯s ear. So soft and...


    However, as quickly as that soul softening moment came, everyone from Wolf Team was struck speechless when Lu Tian¡¯s chuckle came after.


    "..."


    "In the name of Xu Long, STOP!!"


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s suddenugh, Xu Long who was immersed in his life or death race came to an abrupt halt.


    His right hand did not forget to reach out and grab the back of Liu Shan¡¯s coat as his left hand stretch out to stop Lin Hui from further advancing.


    Liu Shan had eyes sparking with fireworks when he knew he was going to win the race. However, Xu Long¡¯s sudden move jerked him so hard that his back hits the man and they both stumbles to the hard ground.


    At the same time, Lin Hui who did not expect Xu Long to stick his arm out was caught by surprise. His free like the wind expression sh in pure horror. Unable to stop himself in time, his nose ms right into the man¡¯s arm and he falls backward.


    "Ugh!"


    Both men groan at the sudden pain done to their body. Liu Shan held his neck while Lin Hui held his nose.


    "Fucken Xu Long you bastard!"


    Lin Hui groans his words with a face in pain. Next to him, Liu Shan stumbles to sit up.


    "You want to die?!!"


    Ignoring their aching pain, both men res at Xu Long wanting to strangle the man. Neither of them couldn¡¯t understand why the idiotic assistant would suddenly stop them.


    He nearly killed them!!


    Xu Long was nowying on the ground and staring at the night sky. Ignoring Liu Shan and Lin Hui¡¯s murderous words, he abruptly sat up and slowly lift his hand to point ahead.


    Seeing this, Lin Hui¡¯s eyes turned heavy. He follows the man¡¯s finger and furrow his brows.


    "Your boss? Your boss is the reason why you were about to kill us?!"


    Xu Long does not answer with words, but slowly nod his head. Seeing the nod, Liu Shan also looks at Lu Tian. However, his eyes blinked in confusion.


    "What about him?"


    Xu Long stares in a long daze as he struggles a gulp. "H-Heughed..."


    Liu Shan: "..." Really?


    Lin Hui: "..." That¡¯s it?

 Chapter 438 on my own

    Xu Long and Wolf Team stare in shock and amusement at their almighty boss. One should know that a man like Lu Tian does notugh, let alone even smile.


    Seeing their dumbstruck faces, Liu Shan and Lin Hui looks at one another. Xu Long said it was because Lu Tian hadughed, but why do they look like they saw a ghost?


    Thinking this, both men turn to steal a nce at Yue Ling and Lu Tian. Their brows furrow together and ponder in thought.


    Was it that terrifying to see the manugh?


    From what they can see, it was only two people madly in love andughing together.


    However, it was only the two of them who thought this way. What they do not know is that the only time Lu Tian smiles orugh is because of one thing only.


    And that is, someone is going to die.


    Unaware about the men¡¯s sudden state of mind, Yue Ling walks over to the three men still sitting on the ground. She didn¡¯t see what happened, but only saw them suddenly fall.


    "Are you guys okay? I thought one of you would have won by now."


    She teasingly chuckles her words. Reaching her hand out, she decides to give them a pull up.


    Not thinking much, Liu Shan takes her hand. After all, they have been together for many years and have held hands in the past.


    Of course, holding hand as in a boss helping her subordinate up from a fall or like saving him from falling down a cliff. You know, things like that.


    However, before his palm could reach hers, arger hand met his.


    "..."


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes turned heavy as he stares up at the owner of this new hand. It was not his boss¡¯s smooth and soft hand, but arge hand that is a little bigger than his. He could even feel the coldness of the person¡¯s palm with traces of calluses.


    "Oh! My! God!"


    It wasn¡¯t Liu Shan who spoke, but Xu Long. His eyes widen more than ever before turning white and he falls back onto the hard ground with a loud thud. Only the heavens above knows what is going on inside his colorful world.


    "..."


    Lin Hui did not bother to catch the assistant as he was stuck in his own daze. However, the loud thud awoke him back to five senses.


    "Uh... Did I miss something?"


    His sudden question brought Liu Shan from his daze. His cheeks slightly flush a shade of pink as he pulls himself up from the ground. Letting go of the hand that helped him, he scratches the back of his head.


    "Heh heh, thanks."


    Lu Tian looks at the man and nod his head. He didn¡¯t expect himself to lend a hand, but when he saw Liu Shan reaching for his wife¡¯s hand, he had to step in.


    Even if Liu Shan was her assistant and knew her longer, right now, she is his wife and the thought of another man holding her hand is something he does not approve.


    Standing at the side, Yue Ling pressed her lips tightly together to stop herself from smiling. When she offered her hand to help, it was out of good well and something she often did.


    However, when Lu Tian suddenly pulled her aside and offered his hand instead, she knew the man was eating a jar of vinegar.


    Shaking her head, she looks at Lin Hui who was still sitting on the ground.


    "Do you need help getting up too?"


    Lin Hui looks at her and quietly shook his head. If it was her helping him, he wouldn¡¯t mind, but after seeing the look on Lu Tian¡¯s face, no way. He is still young and wants to continue living. Besides, he still has Jiangyu who wants his life.


    He quickly stood up and dust away any dirt that might have gotten on his clothes.


    "See. I could get up on my own. Nothing wrong with me."


    Saying this he looks down at Xu Long. The man wasying down with his eyes closed.


    Thinking of something, Lin Hui¡¯s eyes narrow and he grins evilly. He shall give the man a kick for what he did earlier. Of course, this kick will also wake the man up.


    However, even when the kicknded on him, Xu Long did not move a muscle. He looked like he had really passed out.


    Seeing the man not avoid his kick, Lin Hui arch a brow. His leg that had kicked Xu Long froze in midair before he pokes the man with the tip of his foot.


    "Xu Long? Bro, did you really faint? Xu Long?"


    As Lin Hui continued to poke Xu Long¡¯s waist, the man remained unmoving like he was dead.


    "Wow. I guess he really did faint."


    Lin Hui spoke and looks at the other three people. Staring back at Xu Long again, he pout his lip. He was now feeling guilty for kicking the unconscious man. He thought Xu Long was faking it and would dodge the kick.


    Stratching the tip of his nose, he nce at the other three witnesses.


    "Um... What should we do with him now?"


    Lu Tian nce at Lin Hui then down at his assistant. For some reason, he couldn¡¯t help but feel embarrass for himself knowing that he has a man like Xu Long as an assistant.


    Sighing inside, he part his lip to speak.


    "Xu Long, two months of your pay will be deducted."


    Xu Long¡¯s ears twitch to listen before his eyes shot open. His legs bend forward as he kicks himself up from the ground and stood facing the four people.


    His right hand raises to his head and he gestures a salute.


    "Assistant Xu Long is my name and I am ready for duty! Please do not deducted my pay!"


    It was like the man had never fainted or wasying on the ground like a dead man.


    Yue Ling, Liu Shan and Lin Hui stares at the assistant with face full of bewilder. If Xu Long was an actor, his outstanding acting skills would definitely win him Best Actor Award without a doubt.


    Oblivious to their praising thoughts about him, Xu Long res with sharp daggers at Lin Hui.


    "Your kick almost killed me!"


    Lin Hui eye¡¯s blinked with heaviness on his eyelids. However, thinking about the man¡¯s words, he ce one hand on his hip and stuck his other hand out. He mimics the assistant¡¯s famous pose and voice with his head wobbling.


    "But did you die?"


    Listening to their interaction, Yue Ling was on the verge ofughing aloud. Not wanting to embarrass the assistant, she turns towards Lu Tian and hid her face against his arm. Of course, her shoulders can be seen slightly trembling.


    Lu Tian nce down at his wife and he frowns. Did Xu Long¡¯s sudden revival frighten her this much that she is trembling uncontrobly?


    He deepens his frown and wrap his arm over her shoulder. Looking at Xu Long, his deep voice sounds.


    "Xu Long, three months of your pay is deducted."


    "..."


    Hearing this, Xu Long who was about to beat up Lin Hui for revenge was struck dumbfounded. Ice cold water poured over him as his mind could not think straight.


    His hard work... money... food... bills...


    "B-But... I... who... me..."


    Both Lin Hui and Liu Shan stare at the dumbstruck man then nce at each other. Given a moment of silent, both men burst intoughter at Xu Long¡¯s misfortune.


    This is the fail oue of someone who is not a professional deciding to be an award-winning actor.


    Liu Shan held his stomach and wipes his tears away. Walking over to Xu Long, he pat the man on the shoulder and points his index finger.


    "Don¡¯t worry, your brother here will look after you."


    Xu Long, who was in disbelief, blinks his eyes at Liu Shan in relief. He smiles thankfully that there are still good people in this world who would take care of him.


    However, when he saw Liu Shan¡¯s finger, he was dumbstruck.


    It was not pointed at him (Liu Shan), but at Lin Hui.


    "..."

 Chapter 439 You go firs

    As Lin Hui and Liu Shan continue to tease Xu Long about the man¡¯s poor acting performance, Yue Ling sees Qi Li walking back to join them.


    However, seeing that it was only line, she couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Where is Gui Tian Lan?"


    Qi Li joins the group and shrug his shoulder, "He went with Detective Zhi. He said he wanted to make sure nothing happens to her on the way since she has the proof of Chu Li Xiang¡¯s escape."


    Hearing the exnation, Yue Ling nod her head in understanding. Zhi Yn had arrived here by herself, so it was better to have to someone go with her to the police station.


    Besides, she knows Gui Tian Lan and trusts that he will protect her if anything were to happen along the way.


    After all, they might have taken care of the situation on this side, but there might be more of Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men lurking in the distance.


    Thinking this, she turns to look at Lu Tian and she smiles to him.


    "Should we start cleaning?"


    Liu Shan who wasughing with Xu Long and Lin Hui hears her question and before Lu Tian could answer her, he spoke first.


    "Boss, I already called Manager Luo. He and his clean up team are on their way."


    Yue Ling arch a brow at her assistant before heaving a sigh and nod her head.


    "Seems like we¡¯ll have to trouble Uncle Luo again."


    The old man is a very busy person and already has to take care of Jade Condos despite his old age. He was even involved when she was attacked at her penthouse.


    Of course, she doesn¡¯t want to get him involve again but it¡¯s a good thing Liu Shan called him.


    If anyone can clean a crime scene spotless, Manager Luo is the person to hire.


    However, they should at least help clean a little since the man and his team has not arrive.


    She looks at Lu Tian and part her lips to say something, but before she could utter a sound, the man beat her to it.


    "I¡¯ll stay here and wait. You leave first."


    He already knew what she was going to say and knows that once she says it, she will be stubborn and not take back her words. Thus, he had to say it first.


    She is pregnant and needs to rest since its already veryte into the night. As her man and husband, he will only allow this time that she is staying outte, but there will be no next time.


    Making his decision, he looks at Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li. "Make sure she gets home safely."


    All three men nce at one another, then back to the man, then to their boss. Who were they supposed to listen to?


    One is their boss who has called all the shots for many years. However, the other one is the man who is only thinking about their boss¡¯s safety.


    Yue Ling stares at the man with her mouth opening and close. She wanted to refute his words but was unable to say anything.


    Judging from the looks of it, her three subordinates have been put in a tight spot.


    She raise her hand and pinch the space between her brows to think about what she should do.


    As much as she wanted to stay and wait for Uncle Luo, she knows that Lu Tian¡¯s stubbornness is a match to hers. However, he spoke first, so she will respect his decision.


    Besides, she should at least depend on him since they are each other¡¯s backbone.


    She lowers her hand and looks up at the man, "I¡¯ll go home first, but if anything is wrong, you have to call me right away."


    Turning to her three subordinates, she smiles a nod as if saying she was ready to leave.


    All three men nod their head and turn to leave. However, each person did not forget to give the other a serious expression like they were about to handle the most important task in their life.


    Liu Shan walks in a direction to retrieve his car that he had parked a few blocks away from Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop. At the same time, Lin Hui and Qi Li headed in the opposite direction.


    Although they were tasked to walk everyday to Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop, they still rode their motorcycles and parked it in an underground parking lot not too far away.


    Watching the three men leave, Xu Long¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. His lower lip slightly trembles, and he sounds a sniff.


    "T-They did even say bye to me... Haters."


    He wipes his tears and without waiting for Lu Tian to give him an order, he stomps his feet in the direction of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    Yue Ling stares at the assistant and she couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Earlier they were acting like a bunch of kids fighting over candies, but now that they were splitting up, it was like Xu Long was never going to see them again.


    Shaking her head, she sees Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan headed in her direction.


    Thinking about something, she takes a step forward and walks over to meet the two people.


    "Lian Ni Shang, Shan Sinan, can I trust you both to stay here and help assist the situation?"


    Hearing her order, neither person objected but nod their head in response. Even though the situation has been cleared of the enemy, they cannot let their guard down.


    Given her order, Yue Ling turns to look at the aloof man who did not move from his spot. She sighs a smile to him and like two people understanding each other¡¯s mind, Lu Tian walks over to her.


    "Ready?"


    Yue Ling answers a faint ¡¯mm¡¯ and reach her hand to hold his. Both individuals then walked shoulder to shoulder in the direction of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop to the front.


    As they made their way inside the empty shop, Yue Ling tightens her grip on the man¡¯s hand. She couldn¡¯t help but suddenly have this uneasy feeling inside. Something didn¡¯t seem right.


    At the same time, Lu Tian also felt that uneasy feeling he hatede back. He can¡¯t put his mind to what it is, but maybe it¡¯s because they haven¡¯t heard from Jiangyu and the rest of the team.


    "Tian."


    "Yue Ling."


    Thinking about the same thing, both Yue Ling and Lu Tian looks at each other and spoke at the same time.


    Yue Ling was indeed caught by surprise. The corners of her lip arcs up and she chuckles.


    "You go first."


    Lu Tian also couldn¡¯t help but smile with her. However, instead of doing as she said, he shook his head.


    "My ears are meant to listen to you."


    "..."

 Chapter 440 Keep her safe

    Dumbfounded by Lu Tian¡¯s shameless words, Yue Ling sighs inside. For how long will the man continue to act this way?


    Pushing the thought aside, she tells him what she was thinking about.


    "I have a feeling that Gongi and the other men¡¯s capture was too easy. Like they already knew what they were walking into. Don¡¯t you think so?"


    Listening to her, Lu Tian slightly arch a brow. He is quite surprise to know that she was thinking the same thing as him. Of course, this gives him another reason to love her more. She was born to be his match and he is d that it is her and not someone else.


    However, thinking back to her words, he nod his head as the space between his brows slightly crease.


    "Their capture was easier than we thought. When Gongi begged for death, I had a feeling that he really wanted me to kill him."


    He recalls the scrawny man¡¯s taunting words, and everything seemed to make sense. From the way Gongi acted, it was like the man was trying everything he can to piss him (Lu Tian) off.


    The man also did not want to go to prison to confess the escape n but would rather die. After all, once he confesses, he would bebel as a traitor to ck Dragon.


    Quickly as their conversation started, it also came to an end as they reach the ss door leading to the front of the shop.


    Lu Tian held the door open for his wife and sighs to her. "For now, we¡¯ll have to wait until we hear from Jiangyu and the rest of the team."


    As Yue Ling walked through the door, the sound of engines running slows to stop in front of the rundown building.


    Liu Shan parked his car and steps out to open the rear door for his boss. In front of his car was Lin Hui and Qi Li sitting on their motorcycles and helmet in hand.


    Seeing them, Lu Tian looks at his wife. The uneasy feeling inside him did not disappear as he couldn¡¯t help but regret making her leave first. However, as much as he wanted her by his side, he has to think about her current condition.


    Walking her to the car, he pulls her into his arms and ce a kiss on her forehead.


    "Go home and get some sleep. I¡¯ll be home soon."


    Seeing the couple¡¯s interaction, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li felt like they had turned to dogs and were being fed dog food. How dare a man like Lu Tian show off his love for their boss like this?


    Shameless.


    Each person quickly turn to look elsewhere as they mute Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s on-going conversation.


    Oblivious to her subordinates, Yue Ling smiles at Lu Tian for being such a sweet man.


    "Don¡¯t take too long. You need to rest too."


    She lifts both her hands and grabs the man¡¯s cheeks. Slightly pulling him down to meet her, she kisses him on the lip.


    Pulling away from him, she let¡¯s go of his face and quickly enters the backseat to Liu Shan¡¯s car. Any longer with him and she really won¡¯t want to leave anymore.


    Surprised by her sudden kiss, Lu Tian stood unmoving from his spot. Like an entire day had gone by, a very faint smile curls on his face and he looks at his wife in the car.


    He wanted so badly to feel her soft lips again, but forcing back the urge to hold her again, he takes a step back and closes to door.


    Turning to look at the other three men, he realized that they had put their attention elsewhere. Lightly shaking his head, he clears his throat and return to his usual self.


    "Keep her safe."


    Three pairs of eyes stare at the man. Even if Lu Tian did not tell them, they will guard Yue Ling with their life no matter what.


    Liu Shan turns to face the aloof man and gives Lu Tian a salute, "My life was hers the moment I started following her."


    As he opens the door and gets inside the car, Lin Hui shook his head at the assistant. He looks at Lu Tian and nod his head. "Don¡¯t worry. For us, her safetyes first."


    He gestures a salute with his index and middle fingers before cing his helmet over his head and starts his motorcycle.


    Being the only person left, Qi Li did not know what to do. His personality was not like Liu Shan and Lin Hui, so how can he gesture a salute. Thinking hard, he held his helmet against his hip and politely bends forward.


    "I will guard her with my life."


    Watching the man wearing sses put his helmet on, Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Maybe his wife¡¯s team and his team are getting toofortable that they are starting to act like each other.


    The engine to their vehicles starts as Lin Hui and Qi Li took the lead with Liu Shan¡¯s car following behind.


    As the three vehicles drove away from the building, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes did not leave Liu Shan¡¯s car. He does not walk back inside but waited. He wanted to make sure that they were able to turn from the main street without any problems.


    *Ring Ring


    The three vehicles slow to a stop at a red light not too far as Lu Tian¡¯s phone suddenly rings. He takes it out and nce down to see who was calling him.


    Seeing who it was, he does not take his eyes off of Liu Shan¡¯s car but answers the call.


    "Speak."


    ["Boss..."]


    Holding the phone near his ear, Lu Tian listens to his subordinate. However, his brows furrow together as one word was only made.


    "Jiangyu?"


    ["..."]


    From the other line, there was not another sound of Jiangyu¡¯s voice but only the sound of staticing in.


    Quickly knowing something must have happened on the other side, Lu Tian does not end the call but continues to listen. He knows his subordinate and to not hear the man respond, something is definitely wrong.


    ["Boss... p..."]


    Suddenly, Jiangyu¡¯s voice sounds again from the other line, but it was still not clear as the static noise oveps with his voice.


    Lu Tian tries to make out Jiangyu¡¯s words, but it was difficult to hear anything.


    As he stares at the back of Liu Shan¡¯s car and tries to listen for anymore words from Jiangyu, the uneasy feeling inside him grew more intense. However, this time, it came with a suffocating feeling.


    "Jiangyu, hold your position. Do you hear me? Hold your position."


    At the same time, he didn¡¯t know why, but he was already striding after the car his wife was in. That uneasy feeling and Jiangyu¡¯s call was making him more anxious than ever.


    However, just as he took five big strides, the red light in front of the three vehicles turns green. The engines to Lin Hui and Qi Li¡¯s motorcycles sounds as they make a turn with Liu Shan¡¯s car soon following after.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian slows down in his steps as he sighs in relief. Maybe he is overthinking the situation too much.


    ["Boss... it... t... p..."]


    As he stops in his steps, Jiangyu¡¯s voice along with static noise spoke from the other line again.


    His subordinate¡¯s words were not clear, but he knew what Jiangyu had been trying to tell him. It wasn¡¯t that same uneasy feeling but fear that now washed inside him.


    Just as he lift his leg to take a step forward, Jiangyu¡¯s voice sounds a warning through the phone follow with the loud screeching sound of tires.


    ["It¡¯s... a trap..."]


    *CRAASSHHH¡ª-!!!!


    Like time itself had stopped for Lu Tian, everything became a big massive blur. His brain turned into a nk page engulfed by ck ink as his whole world turned dark.

 Chapter 441 Stay with me

    The moment Liu Shan¡¯s car entered the middle of the four-way intersection to make a turn, a big garbage truck with no headlights on ms right into his car.


    The hard impact pushes Liu Shan¡¯s smaller car until it flips over three times in a 360 and ms into amppost across the street.


    "Yue Ling..."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes stared in disbelief at what just happened. He whispers her name with a trembling heart as the phone in his hand drops to the hard ground.


    "Yue Ling..."


    Like someone had suddenly dropped a heavy weight onto his heart, Lu Tian felt like he was trapped in the deepest part of the ocean with no air to breathe.


    Everything happened so quickly and right in front of him.


    Suddenly feeling another wave of shocking pain in his chest, his senses finally returns to him. Dread sh on his face as he roars her name and runs to her like his life depended on it.


    "YUE¡ª!!! LING¡ª!!!"


    Reaching the damaged car that is now upside down, Lu Tian tries to pull the open the jammed door with all his strength. His mind filled with two things and that is his wife and child.


    *Pu!


    *Pu!


    Just as he was able to pull the door open a little, a shot fires from behind him. However, before it could hit Lu Tian, someone else also fires a shot.


    Two bullets collide together before changing their course of directions.


    Lin Hui and Qi Li who also witnessed the horrifying scene were unable to think clearly. Both took their helmets off and dropped their motorcycles. Without having any second thoughts, they rush towards Liu Shan¡¯s car.


    When they were almost there, a man suddenly stepped out from the driver seat of the garbage truck and shoots Lu Tian.


    Luckily Lin Hui reacted fast enough and shot a bullet in the direction of the man¡¯s bullet.


    *Pu!


    Seeing that the two bullets had change directions and Lu Tian was now safe, he fires another shot at the man before he (the man) could shoot again.


    Unfortunately, Lin Hui¡¯s bullet did not enter the man¡¯s skull but hit his waist. The man utters a groan and falls down to the ground.


    Lin Hui¡¯s attention turns back to the messed up car and he force his legs to run faster.


    "BOSS!! LIU SHAN!!"


    Even with the sound of gunshots right behind him, Lu Tian did not care. He needed to know that his wife and child are fine. He cannot afford anything to happen to them.


    Using all the strength in him, he pulls the jammed door to force it open. Just as he was finally able to pull the door open, the window that had yet to fully shatterpletely shatters.


    Inside the car, the seatbelt wrapped across Yue Ling held her upside down.


    Her body was covered in red as a trail of blood covered half of her face with open cuts as parts of her clothes had been slit from the crash.


    However, what ached Lu Tian¡¯s heart the most was her hands. Even when she was experiencing this life threatening situation, she still held onto her stomach like she was protecting their child.


    "Yue Ling, everything will be okay. So stay with me."


    Lu Tian force himself to stay together and tries to calm his trembling hands. He reach for the belt buckle to unfasten her seatbelt.


    "Please... stay with me."


    "Tian..."


    As his pleading whispers enter her ears, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes faintly open as she murmurs his name. She knew his words were to try and help her stay awake, but her state of mind right now was fighting between staying conscious and slipping into unconsciousness.


    Her eyes slowly blink and she faintly whispers to him.


    "H... Help Liu Shan..."


    Lu Tian nods his head as tries to unfasten her, but the buckle was jammed from the crash. Just as he tug on the seatbelt, he sees Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slowly close and she slips into unconsciousness.


    "No... No... Yue Ling! Stay with me! Keep your eyes open, don¡¯t sleep."


    Fear, far greater than anything he has ever felt quickly wash over him as he continues to pull the seatbelt.


    "Don¡¯t sleep. Focus on my voice. Please."


    Qi Li and Lin Hui reached the car. Seeing the once nice car turn into a total wreck, both men were rooted to the ground as their entire body froze. This was the first time they ever felt this way.


    "Help Liu Shan! Hurry!"


    Without turning to look at the two men, Lu Tian yells at them. Even when his wife was in a critical condition, she did not think about herself, but others.


    His words quickly put some senses back to Lin Hui and Qi Li. Both men quickly move forward to help get Liu Shan out of the car as Lu Tian with Yue Ling.


    Like Yue Ling, the assistant¡¯s seatbelt also held him in ce as his body hung upside down. However, he had long slipped into darkness.


    "Liu Shan! Liu Shan!"


    Qi Li calls out the man¡¯s name in hopes of waking him up. He reach for the door, but due to the crash, the side on the front of the car was smashed as part of it it jammed into the driver side door.


    "Liu Shan, you bastard! Wake up! You better not die!!"


    Tears ran down Lin Hui¡¯s eyes the moment he saw his boss and brother both unconscious. If this was a dream, he wish someone would wake him up already.


    He and Qi Li were right in front of them and yet, they weren¡¯t able to do anything.


    "What the hell happened here?!!!"


    Uncle Zhi¡¯s voice yells out to them as he ran towards them. He and everyone else had been waiting inside his shop when they heard the loud crash. However, when they came out to check, they did not expect to see Liu Shan¡¯s car turned upside down and big garbage truck.


    However, as he nears them, all the colors on his face turned pale in dismay. Tears filled his eyes and he turns around to Xu Long who was not too far behind him.


    "Call an ambnce! Hurry!!"


    His panicked gasping and sobs made him unable to think clearly but quickly thinking of a person, he waves to Xu Long.


    "Call the General. The ambnce won¡¯t get here fast enough!"


    Given his words, he rushes to help the three men get Yue Ling and Liu Shan out of the car.


    "Oh God!"


    Lian Ni Shang agonized a sharp inhale and covers her mouth with both her hands. She did not hold back her tears and falls to her knees.


    Just seeing the horrible state the car is in, she prays that her boss and Liu Shan are alright.


    Standing next to her, Shan Sinan did notfort her, but rushes to help too. Right now, Yue Ling and Liu Shan need to be taken out of the car or else something everyone fear might happen.


    Lu Tian tugs at the seatbelt again. Even when his hand was bleeding due to friction burn from the seatbelt, he does not stop. Gripping the seatbelt tighter, he gives another hard pull.


    *Click


    Finally, the seatbelt unclips, and Yue Ling¡¯s body covered in blood falls down. However, Lu Tian quickly and carefully caught her in time. His arms were slit by the shattered pieces of ss, but he did not care.


    Right now, the pain he is feeling is far more painful than these small cuts.


    "Yue Ling? Yue Ling?"


    Pulling her out of the car, he held her tightly in his arms. He could feel a pulse, but it was very weak. So weak that he couldn¡¯t almost feel it.


    He press his forehead against hers and quietly murmurs.


    "Please... I can¡¯t lose you... please..."

 Chapter 442 Its alrigh

    The same time Lu Tian pulled Yue Ling out of the car, Qi Li and Lin Hui were also able to pull Liu Shan out of the car with the help of Shan Sinan.


    Liu Shan¡¯s body was covered in blood, but most of the blood came from his neck. He had a sharp piece of broken ss stabbed into the side of his neck.


    "Let me through."


    Approaching them, Xu Long kneels down beside the man. He ce his pointer and middle finger on the unwounded side of Liu Shan¡¯s windpipe just below his jawbone.


    As a member of Lu Tian¡¯s team, every one of them were trained to understand medical procedures.


    Able to detect a pulse, he sighs in relief. Although Liu Shan¡¯s pulse was faint, it was enough to tell that the man will be alright.


    He slumps onto the ground with his bottom, "He¡¯s losing a lot of blood, but he will be fine as long as we get him to a hospital."


    Lin Hui heaves a sigh in relief when he heard Xu Long¡¯s words. However, seeing the ss on Liu Shan¡¯s neck, he reach down to take it out.


    "Don¡¯t!"


    From the side, Qi Li quickly grabs the man¡¯s hand to stop him. His eyes dimmed and he res at Lin Hui.


    "Are you stupid? Moving it can possibly kill him!"


    Lin Hui froze in ce and stares down at Liu Shan¡¯s unconscious figure.


    He was indeed too careless. The ss that stabbed Liu Shan¡¯s neck didn¡¯t look too deep but they can¡¯t be too careless. One small mistake and it can cause Liu Shan his life.


    In the past, when any of them were wounded, it was always Yue Ling or Liu Shan who took care of the medical procedures. If only they hadn¡¯t been so stubborn and learned the basics of first aid.


    Lin Hui, Qi Li, Xu Long and Shan Sinan stares at Liu Shan¡¯s figure before turning at the same time in one direction.


    However, what they saw next, words could not describe the feeling inside them.


    Not too far from them, Lu Tian, who is known for his cleanliness sat on the ground as he held his wife in his arms. If one looked closely, one can see not only his shoulders but his entire body tremble.


    Known as the cold and ruthless man in Imperial, the him at this moment looked like someone who was going to lose the most important person in his life.


    Lu Tian did not care about what anyone was thinking about him at this moment. He held Yue Ling tightly in his arms as he quietly murmurs words to her.


    Quickly as the call to Grandfather Ji was made, intense gust of wind blows from the sky down to the group of people below.


    Looking up to see what it was, everyone sees a ck medical helicopter slowlynd on the open road. The door abruptly slides open and two figures jumped down.


    "My Ah Ling!!!"


    "Jie!!!"


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s agonizing cry sounds as his figure runs to his granddaughter. When Xu Long called to inform him about the tragic ident, he almost had a heart attack. He cannot let the same thing happen to her like what happened to her parents.


    Running at the side with the old man, Ji Jingxu calls for his sister. He had been sleeping when he heard the house turned into a chaotic mess. It was then that he learned his older sister and Liu Shan had been in a car ident.


    Behind the two figures were four paramedics with two stretchers.


    Even with the suddenmotion, Lu Tian did not move away from his wife. His head hung low against hers like everyone else did no exist.


    Everything felt like a horrible nightmare he couldn¡¯t wake up from. Only by feeling her in his arms does his mind every so lightly functions.


    Grandfather Ji stops in front of Lu Tian and drops to his knees when he saw his granddaughter condition. No person in the world would ever want to see their kin in their kind of situation.


    His proud and strong image of a heroic general rips off as endless tears slid down his cheeks. His trembling hand reach to touch her, but a voice inside his head told him to get it together.


    Instead of reaching for his granddaughter, he ce his palm on Lu Tian¡¯s trembling shoulder.


    "Boy, we need to quickly get her to the hospital. She needs medical attention. We need to go."


    Hearing his words, Lu Tian does not raise his head but nods in understanding. He reluctantly pulls away from her, but only a little so that he can look at her.


    However, a sharp pain stabs him straight in the heart when he saw her beautiful face covered in blood.


    If only it had been him who was in the car. If it had been him, his wife and child wouldn¡¯t be in this state.


    "Sir, please put her on the stretcher. She needs to seek medical attention."


    One of the paramedics spoke from the side. They had already put Liu Shan on a stretcher and carried him into the helicopter.


    Lu Tian nce at the stretcher then down at his wife in his arms. He slowly stood up and carefully brings her with him.


    However, he doesn¡¯t put her on the stretcher but carries her to the helicopter.


    "Sir, you¡ª"


    The same paramedic was shocked when he saw the man be so careless. He wanted to stop Lu Tian but was stopped by Grandfather Ji.


    "It¡¯s alright."


    The old man stares at Lu Tian¡¯s departing figure and his heart ached for them. Lu Tian had promised that he would not let anything happen to the Yue Ling and their child, but he (Grandfather Ji) knows that right now, the boy is ming himself for what happened.


    Knowing they cannot waste anymore time, Grandfather Ji quickly gives order to Uncle Zhi, Wolf Team and Alpha Team. When he finished, he enters the medical helicopter, the doors closed, and it takes off into the night.


    Qi Li stares up at the helicopter as it hoovers into the distance. After all long minute pass, he then looks at Liu Shan¡¯s car that had beenpletely wrecked.


    He sighed thankfully that there was no gas leak. If there was, the car would have blown before they could even get Yue Ling and Liu Shan out in time.


    As he thought this, a glint of light sh in his eyes as they turned murderous. He looks at Lin Hui, who¡¯s eyes were no different from his.


    Both men quickly understood each other¡¯s minds and turns away from the car. Neither spoke a word as they make their way towards the members of Wolf Team.


    Seeing the two men suddenly turn viciously cold, a shiver crawled on everyone. Not nning to ask any quesions, they quickly made a path for the two men to walk through.


    Xu Long stares at the two men in silence. He already knew why and what they were going to do.


    *Ring ring


    Just as he was about to follow after, his phone rings.

 Chapter 443 need him alive

    The man who drove the big garbage truck and crashed into Liu Shan¡¯s car was a middle-aged man with a huge scar on his right eye. After Lin Hui shot him, he tried to escape, but was caught by Yiqing and another member from Wolf Team.


    He sat on the ground leaning against the truck as half his body covered in blood.


    However, he was no where near death, because Lin Hui made sure not to kill him.


    "Who sent you?"


    Qi Li coldly growls through clench teeth. They had already taken care of the situation here, so why did this man suddenly appear?


    Hearing the question, the scar faced man groans a snort. He spits a chunk of mucus mix with his own blood at Qi Li¡¯s feet.


    So what if he is going to die, at least he seed in what he came here to do.


    ncing down at the spit thatnded an inch away from his feet, Qi Li did not get angry. His head slightly tilt to the side and he squats down to be at eye level with the man.


    Casually reaching for his gun, he slowly takes it out and poke the disgusting mucus with the tip of his gun.


    He looked like a kid poking a stick into ake, but before anyone could blink their eyes, he ruthlessly shoves the muzzle part of his gun into the man¡¯s mouth.


    It happened so fast that the man did not have time to react. The harsh impact of the gun hits his teeth causing them to break right away.


    Qi Li¡¯s eyes stares murderously at the man as he spoke in a demanding tone.


    "I will ask you again. Who sent you?"


    The man stare with blood shot eyes in disbelief of the situation he was in. Beforeing here, he had prepared himself for death and was not afraid. However, despite Qi Li¡¯s innocent face with sses on, the moment he (the man) looked into the young man¡¯s eyes, his whole world froze.


    Qi Li¡¯s eyes looked like that of a the grim reaper.


    "Don¡¯t want to answer? That¡¯s fine too."


    From the side, Lin Hui nonchntly spoke from above the man. He takes a step to the side and plops down to sit with the man. His head tilt and he grins a smile a reached his emotionless eyes.


    "From what I can see, that bullet didn¡¯t go through your body."


    He leans closer to the man and his grin curls up more.


    "Want to know how I know this?"


    The man felt like a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over him. He hase across many dangerous people in his entire life, but how is it that these two men who are years young than him can frighten him so much?


    Just the look in their eyes and he knows that Lin Hui and Qi Li meant business and does not care whether he dies or not.


    However, remembering Lin Hui¡¯s question, the man frantically pants and nod his head.


    Seeing the man be so obedient, Lin Hui¡¯s grin quickly disappears, but only for a quick second as it quickly returns. Only, this time it was wider than before and gave an ominous feeling.


    "It was I who shot you."


    *Pu!


    "Mmmmffff¡ª!!!!"


    The man¡¯s eyes shot wide open at the sudden intense pain on his waist. Streaks of tears ran down his cheeks with cold sweat as his jaw mps down tightly on Qi Li¡¯s gun that was still in his mouth.


    He didn¡¯t know how or when, but Lin Hui had already pointed the gun at his bleeding wound. When he (Lin Hui) pulled the trigger, the bullet that was fired pierce through the same wound and he (the man) could feel the two bullets collide as they prate out his back.


    Seeing the man¡¯s face covered in sweat and pain, Lin Hui grins again.


    "Oh, did that hit the spot?"


    He moves his gun and nce at it. Seeing the blood stained on the muzzle, he ps the gun on the man¡¯s face and wipes the blood on his (the man) cheek.


    "Must have been painful to be shot in the same ce twice. Hm?"


    He taps the gun on the man¡¯s cheek again and his words continue.


    "You see, Fate trained us to kill without asking questions, but Fate also does not mind us torturing our prey when ites to asking questions."


    The wide smile on his face disappears and he stares at the man with eyes of no emotions.


    "So, do you want to answer us or not?"


    The man was cowering in fear and distraught listening to Lin Hui¡¯s every word. However, when he heard the mention of Fate, his soulpletely left his body.


    They were ordered to kill Yue Ling and his boss did not say anything about Fate. So how does this have anything to do with Fate? Is Lin Hui lying or speaking the truth?


    However, as someone from the underworld, he knows that Lin Hui and Qi Li wouldn¡¯t bluff. Not anyone can go around and say they are from Fate.


    Watching all this unfold, Yiqing was speechless. He stares at the two men and didn¡¯t know what to think anymore. The look in their eyes were enough to send a chill down his spine.


    As a member of Wolf Team, when it came to contact with the enemy, they kill without asking questions. From what he can see, the way Lin Hui and Qi Li were tutoring the man was like two lions ying with their meal before devouring it.


    Lin Hui raise his hand a little and points the tip of his gun on the man¡¯s temple. His eyes slightly widen as his expression turn into one of a crazy manic who had escaped from the psychiatric ward.


    "You have three seconds. Three."


    At the same time, Qi Li¡¯s lip arc into a sinister smirk. He could not wait to blow this man¡¯s head and watch his brains stter into bits of pieces.


    "Two."


    "Wait!"


    Just as the two men got to one and were about to pull the trigger to their guns, a voice suddenly stops them from behind.


    Never taking their eyes off of the man, Lin Hui coldly growls to the person who interrupted them.


    "Xu Long, you better have a good exnation for stopping us."


    Hearing the tone in Lin Hui¡¯s voice, all the hair on Xu Long¡¯s body stood on ends. They have not known each other for long, but he thought Lin Hui¡¯s temperament was the same as the night they went to Spring.


    However, seeing him now, he understood that this is the real Lin Hui when angered. Not only him, but even the calm and straight face Qi Li.


    Both men werepletely different people at this point.


    Quickly brushing these thoughts away, he walks over to them and squats down on the other side next to the man.


    "We need him alive."


    When the scar face man heard Xu Long¡¯s words, a tinge of relief dawn on him. He was ready to die, but he would be lying if he was not afraid of how Lin Hui and Qi Li nned to kill him.


    Only, that relief he felt was quickly taken away by Xu Long¡¯s next words.


    "Lu Tian will deal with him."


    "..."


    The man¡¯s face sh in terror when he heard Lu Tian¡¯s name sudden mentioned. His blood shot eyes shook and he starts to tremble like he was having a seizure.


    He would rather die at the hands of Lin Hui and Qi Li than Lu Tian.


    From the stories he heard, the cold and ruthless Lu Tian is not to be taken lightly. The man is known to be a lunatic when someone crosses his line.

 Chapter 444 Lu boy, please

    The medical helicopter arrives at Imperial Military Hospital as itnds on the rooftop. The doors quickly open and a man is carried out on a stretcher by two paramedics.


    Already waiting for their arrival, Doctor Dong, three other doctors and nurses rush to help them. They had been notified that a man and woman were in a car collision.


    "How is his condition?"


    Doctor Dong asks as he nears the paramedics transferring the patient onto a hospital gurney.


    "He sustained minor puncture wounds over his body, but the abrasion on his neck is unclear."


    Hearing one of the paramedics exin the situation, Doctor Dong looks down at the patient. However, when he saw the person, his pupils shook and he froze for a quick second.


    Liu Shan.


    The shard piece of ss that stuck on the side of Liu Shan¡¯s neck did not look deep, but working as a doctor for many years, he knows that if they don¡¯t perform surgery soon, that minor wound will be fatal.


    Collecting himself together, he points in the direction of the hospital.


    "Go! Bring him into the operating room!"


    Wasting no time, he orders two doctors and a few nurses to bring Liu Shan in. However, he couldn¡¯t help but pray inside. He hopes that the woman mentioned is not who he thinks it is.


    The same time this was happening, Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure steps out from the helicopter with Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu following right behind.


    Doctor Dong turn to them and all the blood in his body drained. What he didn¡¯t want to believe became the truth.


    In Lu Tian¡¯s arms was a woman. However, she was not any woman but the person who meant the world to the three men.


    When Doctor Dong saw Yue Ling¡¯s body covered in blood, panic and fear rush into his brain. Subconsciously, he pokes his thumb with the tip of his index finger to wake himself up.


    Coming back to his senses, he grabs the handle of the gurney and push it to meet them.


    "Lu boy, please set her down."


    Hearing the doctor, Lu Tian did not lift his head but looks at the cold gurney then down to his wife. Hesitation sh in his eyes as his arms slightly tightens around his wife¡¯s body.


    His cold demeanor was rece with one of a lost child not wanting to give up his most precious toy.


    The reason why he wouldn¡¯t let her go was not because he didn¡¯t trust them, but because he is afraid.


    When he pulled her out of the car, her pulse was so weak that he was barely able to feel it. Even her usual warm temperature was slowly turning cold to the touch.


    If he set her down, she would not receive any warmth but be colder and colder.


    Seeing Lu Tian look this way, Grandfather Ji felt a sharp stab in his chest. This is the first time he has ever seen the boy lose hisposure. However, seeing his granddaughter¡¯s almost lifeless body, he carefully ce his hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder not to frighten him.


    "Son, we¡¯re at the hospital. Let the doctors help her."


    Lu Tian¡¯s trembling hands slightly tightens before reluctantly cing her on the gurney. His head finally lifts, and everyone was able to see the redness around his eyes.


    His eyes that were always cold and soulless now held pleading.


    "Save them... Please save my wife and child."


    "I will."


    Doctor Dong nods his head and without wasting anymore time, he pushes the gurney Yue Ling is lying on into the hospital. Quickly following after were the remaining doctor and nurses.


    As Yue Ling and Liu Shan unconsciouslyid in the operating room, minutes passes before it turned into hours. The operating sign remained on without anyone knowing when it will turn off.


    Sitting in the chair closest to the double doors of the operating room, Jingxu¡¯s legs could not stop shaking. Every second that passes by, he would look at the sign to see if the light would turn off. However, the light remained on no matter how many time he checks.


    He held his forehead and prays. "Please let them be okay. Please. Please. Take my life if needed, as long as they are fine, I do not care."


    Grandfather Ji paces back and forth in front of the double doors. He could not bring himself to sit down and wait. Holding the prayer ne he had made with Ji Jingxu¡¯s gifts, his thumb touch against each passing bead and he prays inside his head.


    Seated not too far from the two was Lu Tian. He did not know how he came inside the hospital, but thest thing he remember was carrying his wife out of the helicopter.


    His clothes and hands were stained from Yue Ling¡¯s blood, but he did not care. He kept his head down as he stares at the ck and white photo in his hand.


    Their child was 10 weeks thest time they went for Yue Ling¡¯s prenatal checkup. The doctor said their baby is healthy and growing strongly with nothing out of sorts.


    His thoughts drifted to the time he saw the pregnancy report inside his wife¡¯s bag, then to the time his wife told him about the pregnancy, then to the time he first heard their baby¡¯s heartbeat.


    As he stares at the photo of their tiny baby, his thumb gently caress the photo and Doctor Dong¡¯s words before entering the operating room sounds in his head.


    ¡¯The fetus is now 12 weeks, but she is bleeding heavily due to the impact cause by the collision. There¡¯s a 50/50 chance for us to keep the baby.¡¯


    Those words were like sharp needles pricking on his heart. Each prick was like a sharp stab removing his heart little by little.


    He inhales sharply and tries to calm his mind.


    ¡¯They¡¯ll be fine. They¡¯re safe now.¡¯


    "Tian! Uncle Ji!!"


    In the distance of the quiet hospital corridor, Madam Lu cried out to them. She frantically runs to the three men with Old Lu and Lu Han following after her. When Xu Long called to tell them the terrible news, they quickly rush over to the hospital.


    Old Lu and Lu Han rush over to Grandfather Ji to find out the situation, as Madam Lu runs over to Lu Tian and like her legs gave up on her, she falls to her knees. Tears covered her face as her trembling hand reach to hit her son¡¯s knee.


    "Why did something like this happen? Where were you when this happened? Why were you not with them?"


    She sharply inhales a trembling sob and her hand lifts to hit Lu Tian¡¯s shoulder.


    "Wuuu... my poor child... why..."


    Her gasping sobs echoes inside the empty hospital as she continues to hit Lu Tian, but the man did not get angry. His empty figure sat there and allowed her to hit him as much as she wanted.


    When Grandfather Ji finished exining the details, Old Lu felt all the strength in his body disappear and loses his bnce.


    "Dad!"


    Lu Han quickly catches his father before falling. He helps his old man sit down then turn to look at his older brother.


    Despite their mother constantly hitting Lu Tian, he sat there and only stare down at the photo in his blood-stained hand.

 Chapter 445 Where are you going?!

    "Ma! Stop hitting him! He¡¯s in more pain than you! Stop!!"


    Lu Han raise his voice at his mother as his arms wraps around her and carefully pulls her away from his older brother.


    Out of everyone here, he knows that Lu Tian is in the most pain. The person behind those doors is not some person, but his wife and child.


    Just as Lu Han was able to pull his mother away, the lights to operating sign turns off and the doors slide open.


    Doctor Dong steps out in his surgical uniform and he removes the mask on his face. He looks at everyone and sighs inside.


    "How are they?"


    Grandfather Ji quickly asks when he saw his friend walk out. Only the heavens above know how he feels at this moment.


    Turning to look at his friend, Doctor Dong nods his head. "Liu Shan¡¯s surgery was a sess. The abrasion on his neck has been cleared. He will need to stay here in the hospital for a few days until he recovers."


    Hearing that Liu Shan was alright, Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu sighed in relief. The Lu family was not close to the man, so it was reasonable that they did not worry much for him.


    However, because he is Yue Ling¡¯s assistant, Liu Shan often came to visit the Ji Mansion when he had time off. Thus, both the grandfather and grandson were worried about him. After all, Liu Shan was not only an assistant, but was a part of their family.


    Just as Doctor Dong exined Liu Shan¡¯s condition, Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li arrived at the hospital in time to hear the news.


    When they heard Liu Shan was going to be fine, all three men felt relief.


    Lu Tian slowly stood up when he did not hear about his wife¡¯s situation. He looks at Doctor Dong and the same uneasy feeling he hates so much intensified inside his chest.


    "What about my wife and child?"


    He needed to know that they are both safe and nothing happened to them.


    Doctor Dong looks at the young man and he close his eyes to take a deep breath. As a doctor, he had to tell the patient¡¯s family the news whether it was good or bad. However, now, everything was different because he is standing in front of two of Imperial¡¯s most powerful people.


    Taking another deep breath, he opens his eyes and part his lip to speak.


    "Yue Ling suffered blood trauma in her head due to the crash but we were able to save her. However, the impact of the collision was too much for her body to handle and she suffered massive blood loss."


    He avert his eyes from Lu Tian to look at everyone else in the room.


    "The danger has passed. Once the anesthesia wears off she will wake up. As of now, she is being transfer to a private ward for close monitoring, but I advise everyone here to give her some time once she is awake. She will need all of your support."


    As Doctor Dong¡¯s words fell, Lu Tian¡¯s lower lip began to tremble as he lift his leg to take a step towards the old man. However, each step he took felt like he was slipping into quicksand.


    "W-What about our baby? Were you able to save our little one?"


    Doctor Dong does not beat around the bush but close his eyes and shook his head. "We lost the fetus."


    "Noooo!!"


    Madam Lu wails in agonizing pants and sobs as she covers her mouth with one hand. She press her head against her youngest son¡¯s chest and pours her heart out.


    No mother ever wants to lose a child. Yue Ling is so young and in her weakened state, how will she take the tragic news?


    As her heart wrecking cries sound, everyone else became at a loss for words at the news.


    Loss? Sad? Grief? Guilt? Pain?


    At this moment, no one knew what to feel anymore.


    Hearing the words he did no want to hear, Lu Tian felt something hit him hard in the chest. The feeling was like a million shocks of lightning had struck right into his heart making it harder to breathe.


    Without saying a word, he held the ultrasound photo in his hand and slowly turns away. Walking in the opposite direction of the operating room, he felt like everything in his world had turned dark.


    Like the light that once lit his path for him no longer existed.


    Whichever direction his feet wanted to go, he didn¡¯t care anymore.


    "Tian! Where are you going?! Tian!"


    Madam Lu sobbingly yells out after him when she saw him walk away. How can he leave and not check on her daughter-inw? Does he not care about her?


    "Yue Ling needs you! Why are you leaving?! You unfilial son!"


    Watching Lu Tian walk away, Grandfather Ji walks toward the boy but does not stop him. Instead, he stops in front of Madam Lu and shook his head to her.


    "Give him some time."


    He looks back at Lu Tian¡¯s departing figure. After experiencing all the dreadful feelings of losing those dear to him, he knows better than anyone how Lu Tian is feeling at this moment.


    However, he hopes that Lu Tian does not loose his way.


    Xu Long stares at his boss and he did not know what to say. This is the first time he has seen the strong and powerful man look so fragile.


    "Boss..."


    As Lu Tian walks pass him, he part his lip to say something, but Lin Hui stops him. Turning to look at the man, Lin Hui shook his head as if saying, Lu Tian needed to be alone.


    Passing the long hospital corridor, Lu Tian stares into emptiness as he continued to walk and walk wherever his legs went.


    Lost in his own world, hees to stop in an empty hallway with no one was in sight.


    Feeling the photo in his hand, it was like reality finally struck him in the head. He leans against the wall and slowly slid down onto the floor.


    He raise his trembling hand holding the ultrasound photo of his and Yue Ling¡¯s baby and stares at it.


    Yue Ling¡¯s blood that stained his hand had transferred onto the photo as what was once white was now covered in red.


    Lu Tian struggles a pain wrecking gulp and he faintly smiles.


    "I really wanted to meet you..."


    When he held his wife in his arms, he saw the blood on her, but he didn¡¯t want to believe it. He kept telling himself that as long as he held onto her, their baby would be safe too.


    However, remembering the doctor¡¯s words, his lower lip trembles and he chokes a gasping sob.


    "I¡¯m so sorry..."


    He caress the photo and for the first time in his life, his vision blur everything away as a tear slid down his cheek.


    And once that first tear broke free, the rest quickly followed after.


    "Forgive me for being a useless father..."


    Pressing the photo against his heart, his soul wrenching sobs tore through his chest as he clutch his chest tightly.


    "Forgive me for not keeping my promise..."

 Chapter 446 suffered yet again

    The dark sky that gave view to the stars was now covered by gray clouds. Thunder rumble from above, as rain pour over Imperial. It was as if heaven was crying for the tragic incident that befall Yue Ling and Liu Shan.


    Inside a private ward in Imperial Military Hospital, Yue Lingid unconscious on the hospital bed. Her fair skin was paler than it already is with a gauze wrapped around her head.


    Despite everything that had happened, she looked like she was sleeping peacefully at home, but everyone knew that was not the case.


    A woman¡¯s hand carefully reach out to her and gently caress her head.


    "My poor child... you have suffered yet again..."


    Madam Lu sat on one side of the bed as she stares with teary eyes at her daughter-inw. She made sure to be very careful and not hurt Yue Ling.


    For someone so young like Yue Ling, life was too unfair for her. From a young age to now, hasn¡¯t she already suffered enough? Why take her child too?


    "How is she?"


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s voice sounds as he and Old Lu enter the private ward. They had left to check on Liu Shan and speak with Doctor Dong to get more details about Yue Ling¡¯s condition.


    Without turning to look at the two men, Madam Lu silently shook her head. The anesthesia had already worn off, but Yue Ling has not opened her eyes.


    Grandfather Ji sighs inside and walks over to the other side of the bed. Sitting down, tears welled up in his eyes.


    Seeing his granddaughter this way, he feels guilty for not being a better grandfather. If he had properly took care of her, maybe none of this would have happened.


    Reaching to hold her hand, he heaves a long sigh.


    Doctor Dong said the danger has passed. The blood trauma on her head has been cleared, the only thing to do now is wait for her to wake up.


    However...


    He looked at Yue Ling and his heart ache more and more.


    When she wakes up, will she be able to handle the tragic news that befalls her?


    Just as Grandfather Ji thought this, the door to the private ward opens again. All three heads turn to see who it is.


    "Tian..."


    Madam Lu trembling stood up when she saw her oldest son. Seeing his red eyes that are slightly puffy, her lower lip shook as she walks over to him. Yue Ling¡¯s blood that got on him had long turned dried.


    "Oh my poor son."


    She caress his face and hugs him tightly in her arms.


    "I am so sorry. I¡¯m sorry for taking my anger out on you. Mother should have known you were in your own pain. I am so sorry for being too careless."


    Her words fell as she continues to apologize to him.


    She knows that she shouldn¡¯t have med Lu Tian and had stepped out of line. However, she said those things because she was so angry and in pain for what happened to Yue Ling.


    But every mother knows her child better than anyone.


    Despite her oldest son known for being a cold-hearted person, he is still human, and he has a beating heart like everyone.


    The pain he had to suffer is far more painful than what anyone here is feeling.


    As his mother continued to sob, Lu Tian did not push her away but allow her tears to stain his shirt.


    He is not angry with her because everything she said was true. If anyone were to be me, then is it him.


    This happened because he told her to go home first.


    This happened right in front of him and he couldn¡¯t stop it.


    He wasn¡¯t with his wife because he decided to stay behind.


    The uneasy feeling that kept crawling in his heart was already a sign, but because of his carelessness, he put his wife in danger and their child paid the price.


    Grandfather Ji stares at Lu Tian and he knew what the boy was thinking. Lu Tian is ming himself for what happened.


    Some people tend to find their way back from the darkness, but some tend to lose their way.


    Once his granddaughter wakes up, no matter how painful their feelings are for their loss, he hopes that the two of them can be each other¡¯s light.


    Thinking this, he avert his eyes to his granddaughter. Gently squeezing her hand, he stood up.


    "It¡¯s gettingte. Jingxu still has school in the morning, so we will be leaving first."


    As much as he wants to stay and take care of his granddaughter, he felt it was best to let Lu Tian stay here.


    Hearing the old man¡¯s words, Old Lu nod his head and walks over to his wife. Carefully pulling her away from their son, he sighs to her.


    "Dear, we should go too. Tian will be here to keep Yue Lingpany. We cane back in the morning."


    Madam Lu did not argue with her husband but nods her head.


    Waking up Ji Jingxu and Lu Han who had fallen asleep on the chairs while waiting for Yue Ling to wake up, they all prepare to leave.


    Grandfather Ji was thest to exit the room. He walks up to Lu Tian and ce a hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder.


    "Son, get some rest too."


    As they all left, the room became even quieter than before.


    Lu Tian gaze at his wife and the look in his eyes seemed so lost. Like someone who does not know what to do anymore.


    Forcing his feet to move, he slowly walks to her.


    He made sure his steps were not too loud as if he did not want to disturb her sleep. However, each step he took felt like hundreds of heavy sandbags had been tied to his ankles.


    Finally reaching the side of the bed, he looks down at her and felt like someone had ruthlessly ripped his heart out.


    She always looked so calm and strong. No mater what she was going through, good or bad, she would smile and when she smiles, all the bad feelings in the world would disappear.


    But now...


    She looked so weak. Like if he blink his eyes, he will lose her at any moment.


    Was this heaven¡¯s punishment to him for all the lives he has taken?


    Was this heaven¡¯s way of telling him that a coldblooded person like him does not deserve love?


    His hand reach to hold hers and he slowly sits down on the chair. Eyes never leaving her face, he leans closer to her and ce her hand on his cheek.


    "Yue Ling..."


    His voice was deeper than usual and very hoarse, but it was soft and almost fragile, as if his heart would break at any minute.


    Feeling the touch of her soft hand, he could feel her warmth slowly return. He close his eyes and press his cheek against her hand more.


    "I¡¯ll find whoever did this. I swear."


    He chose to say swear instead of promise because he is not worthy of the word.


    He had promised Grandfather Ji that he will keep her from harm, but he failed. He promised their child that he would protect them, but he failed yet again.


    However, so long as he is still breathing, he will find this person who did this and make them suffer a slow painful death.

 Chapter 447 his head

    Time slipped away as the rain outside did not cease one bit. Lu Tian never left his wife¡¯s side, afraid he would not see her anymore. He stares at her and thought about their little one.


    They hadn¡¯t even decided a name or find out the gender...


    *Knock knock


    A quiet knock at the door suddenly interrupts Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts. The door slowly opens as Xu Long looks inside at hisdy boss then his boss. Sighing inside, he enters the room.


    "Where is he?"


    Before Xu Long could even utter a sound, Lu Tian¡¯s hoarse voice spoke first. However, the assistant did not get surprised or scared, he takes a step inside and answers.


    "We¡¯ve taken him to that ce."


    Lu Tian¡¯s red eyes that seemed to have lost its way sh murderously, but only for a quick second.


    He calmly stood up and leans down to kiss his wife¡¯s.


    ¡¯When you open your eyes, I will have returned to your side.¡¯


    He takes one long look at her before turning away.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Walking out of the private ward, Xu Long quickly follows after.


    Outside the room, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan were waiting with Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    Leaving Imperial Military Hospital, Lu Tian ordered Lian Ni Shang to stay with his wife while Shan Sinan stayed with Liu Shan.


    He also ordered the members of Wolf Team to keep a close watch inside the hospital and outside.


    The only ones who left with him were Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    As the four men entered a ck car, it drove through the empty streets of Imperial.


    It didn¡¯t take long before they arrived in front of a small building.


    It was restaurant, but unlike all the other building that had no lights on, the lights inside this restaurant was brightly lit.


    The second the car parked, Lu Tian pushed the door open and stepped out.


    Quickly following his action, the other three doors open, and the three men stepped out as well.


    Entering the brightly lit restaurant, the bell that was hung on the door chimes a sound.


    An elderly man with white hair sat behind the front counter. He was reading a newspaper, but when he heard the bell, he lowers it to see who hade in.


    Seeing the four men, he looks at each one with slightly squint eyes until he got to Lu Tian.


    "Ah, Mr. Lu, it¡¯s a pleasure to see you here. Xu Long informed us of your arrival."


    Usually others would have stood and greeted the powerful man, but the old man remained seated. Giving his greetings, he raise the newspaper and goes back to reading.


    Qi Li and Lin Hui arch a brow in curiosity when they saw this, then to Lu Tian.


    However, the man did not get angry at the elderly man. His eyes scans the empty restaurant before striding in the direction of the back.


    As the four men pass the counter, they entered the long hallway before disappearing behind a door.


    Without moving his eyes from the newspaper, the elderly man¡¯s hand reach for the bell that was ced on the counter. Tapping it three times, he calls out.


    "Table for four."


    His words fell as three tapping sound of bell came again, but this time from the kitchen.


    The restaurant quickly returned to emptiness like none of the four men had ever stepped foot inside.


    "Mister, are you closing soon?"


    Seconds after the quietness, the front door opens again with the chime of the bell. Looking up from the newspaper, the elderly man squint his eyes to see the customer.


    It was two men and a woman that entered the restaurant. They looked like they had just left the nightclub and were craving ate night meal.


    Setting the newspaper down, he smiles to them and grabs the menu.


    "We are open 24 hours every day."


    As he walks around the counter with the menus in one hand and a cane in the other, he lifts the cane and taps on the bell once.


    "Table for three."


    It was as if the ce was indeed a restaurant with nothing out of sorts.


    Behind the door in the back of the restaurant, Lu Tian and the others arrived at a thick metal door. Opening it, it was a back up freezer for storing fresh meat.


    However, none of them stop but continue forward, reaching another door identical to the one they came through, Xu Long opens it and Lu Tian entered first.


    This time, a set of stairs leading down greets them with little light.


    "Arrhhh¡ª!!!"


    Each step they took, the faint screaming of a man can be heard. The more they walked down the stairs, the screaming grew louder and louder.


    At the end of the stairs, five doors to different roomse to view. Two members from Wolf Team stood guarding the door in the far end where the screaming wasing from.


    "Captain!"


    The two men sees Lu Tian and salutes to the man. Knowing their boss is not in the mood for questions, each person took a step aside to make way after opening the door.


    Inside the room that was dimly lit but one small light, the man with a scar on his right eye was hung by chains. Both his arms spread out as the chain wrapped his wrist and legs hanging down as they touch the floor.


    He was screaming out of pain from the wound Lin Hui had gave him.


    Suddenly hearing the door open, he sounds a snort, but he felt a chill down his spine.


    Looking at the person standing in front of the door, his knees became weaker than they already were.


    "L-Lu Tian."


    Lu Tian¡¯s perfect features made him look like an immortal descended from the heavens. However, his dark clothes that were stained with blood made him look more like the devil.


    Despite what he was wearing, Lu Tian calmly enters the room. Taking a cigarette out, he lights it and looks at the man in the eyes.


    The scar face man shiver when he was met with those dead eyes.


    Lost in his own thoughts, Lu Tian approach the man and he chuckles a smile.


    Not knowing why, the man also chuckled back, but before he could grasp the situation, a powerful punch was suddenly thrown on his face.


    The man groan in pain as his body flung back. However, due to the chains, he did not fall.


    His mouth hung open with blood and drool sliding out of his mouth.


    Lu Tian¡¯s sudden punch did not break his jaw but dislocated it.


    "Who sent you?"


    Hearing the question, the man did not hesitate to answer. He hand long surrendered himself the moment Fate and Lu Tian was mentioned.


    Even if he was going to be known as a traitor, he rather be one than be chased by of Fate.


    Unable to close his mouth, he gurgles his words.


    "Chu Li Xiang."


    Just as he spoke the name, the veins pop on one of Lu Tian¡¯s hand. His other hand shoves the burning cigarette into the man¡¯s mouth.


    Sending a kick to the scar face man¡¯s stomach, Lu Tian¡¯s expression became one of a mad man. Both his fists clench tightly, and he continuously punches the man in the face.


    Each time he punched the man, a bruise appeared before it turned into a bleeding cut.


    Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li stood by the door as they watched. No one dared to stop Lu Tian. They didn¡¯t care if the scar face man was being used as a punching bag. He deserved every bit of Lu Tian¡¯s angry and theirs.


    Seconds turned into minutes before an hour pass, but Lu Tian did show any signs of being tired as he continues to beat the man¡¯s face.


    His wife... His child...


    For what they had to go through, this man will be the first to pay.


    *nk¡ª"


    Just as Lu Tian sent another powerful punch, the chains holding the man up breaks and he (the man) drops to the ground.


    The man¡¯s face was covered in blood andpletely disfigured. Heid unmoving like he had long been dead. However, one can see his body move in breathing.


    Lu Tian¡¯s lips that were pressed tightly together slowly part and his deep hoarse voice sounds.


    "Tell that son of a bitch he¡¯s next."


    Hearing his sudden word, Lin Hui and Qi Li furrow their brows. Is Lu Tian nning to let this despicable man go? What about what he did?


    Knowing what the two men were thinking, Xu Long sighs and nce at them.


    "It¡¯s going to get gruesome. If either of you have a weak stomach, I suggest you close your eyes or leave the room."


    Lin Hui and Qi Li nce at one another then to Xu Long. What did he mean by gruesome? Isn¡¯t Lu Tian nning to let the man go so he can send the message to Chu Li Xiang?


    Unable to grasps the meaning behind Xu Long¡¯s words, both men wanted to ask, but before either could say a word, their question was answered.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu!


    Lu Tian reached for his gun and shoots the man who is near death, but still alive. However, each bullet he sent prated the same part of the man¡¯s body in a line across his neck.


    Firing thest bullet, he calmly puts his gun away. Taking a few steps towards the man, he stares down with his head slightly tilted.


    "Locate Jiangyu and the others."


    He gives an order to the three men before lifting his right leg. The tip of his foot press against the man¡¯s chin and he press a push.


    The man¡¯s head rips apart from the body and rolls to the wall.


    Lu Tian did not once flinch at the sight of a bloody headless body or a bodyless head.


    He calmly turns away and strides out of the room.


    "Send his head to ck Dragon."

 Chapter 448 is awake

    The dark night soon turned to morning. However, the gray clouds continued to cover the sky with no signs of the letting the sun through.


    Rain trickle onto Imperial Military Hospital as Lu Tian sat by the bed his wife slept on. He was no longer wearing the bloodstained clothes but changed into a set of ck casual clothes.


    He had bags under his eye since he did not go to sleep. Holding tightly onto Yue Ling¡¯s hand, he kept his eyes on her. Even when the nurses came in to check on her, he did not leave the room.


    *knock knock


    A knock sounds at the door before the person entering quietly push it open.


    Grandfather Ji stares at Lu Tian and he could already guess the boy did not rest like he had told him to. Walking to the room, he looks at his granddaughter.


    "How is she doing?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes did not move from his wife as he did not turn to look at the old man, but his head lightly shook to answer.


    A sigh escapes Grandfather Ji¡¯s mouth. He walks to the other side of the bed and sat down on the empty chair.


    After he and Ji Jingxu left home, neither of them were able to fall asleep. He knew Ji Jingxu had been crying until morning because the boy did not eat breakfast and his eyes were puffy and red when he left for school.


    Gazing at Yue Ling, he felt a tinge of pain in his chest.


    She is like the sun that lights the world for those around her. However, now that she is face with this cmity, it¡¯s like the world for everyone had turned dark like a night without the moon.


    He heaves a sigh and looks at Lu Tian.


    "She will be fine, so do not keep ming yourself for what happened. No one anticipated this to happen."


    Saying this, he reach to hold his granddaughter¡¯s hand. The IV was inserted to this hand so he made sure not to use too much strength.


    As sad as he is right now, he cannot think negative and stay positive. Not only for himself, but for everyone else too.


    "It pains me for the tragedy you both have to through, but son, in life, every person has to face their own obstacles. No matter how painful it is, you have to be strong and get through it."


    He avert his eyes from Lu Tian to his granddaughter and his words continue.


    "By faith, you were able to meet my granddaughter as she to you. You became each other¡¯s backbone and when one you is in pain, so is the other. However, if one of you is in pain, no matter how much pain the other is in, one of you need to stay strong and pull the other one from darkness."


    Listening to the old man¡¯s words, Lu Tian drifted into his own thoughts. After he killed the man who murdered their child, he told himself that he cannot lose himself. Especially not when his wife is unconscious like this.


    Just as he thought back to this, a sudden thought came to him.


    Wife...


    He always referred her as his wife despite them not being married. Will she still want to marry him after knowing he didn¡¯t protect her and their child well enough?


    No...


    He cannot think like this. He will stay by her side through it all. Once she is awake, he will ask her if she still wants to be with him. If she does, he will be a better man for her.


    If she decides to end their rtionship, no matter how much he doesn¡¯t want to let her go, he will not stop her. Instead, he will be a shadow for her and protect her in the dark.


    *knock knock


    "Boss."


    Xu Long softly knocks on the door as he enters the private ward. Seeing Grandfather Ji, he politely bows. No wonder there were so many soldiers patrolling inside and outside of the hospital. The old man must have ordered them to keep watch too.


    Brushing the thought aside, he looks at his boss, "Jiangyu is awake."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian nod his head and stood up. cing a kiss on Yue Ling¡¯s forehead, he let¡¯s go of her hand. Looking at Grandfather Ji, he gives the old man a meaningful look.


    "Please look after her until Ie back."


    Grandfather Ji sighs a smile, "Don¡¯t worry, if she wakes up, I will inform you right away."


    Steeping out of the private ward, Xu Long led his boss to another part of the hospital. The once empty halls were filled with soldiers guarding the ce with Wolf Team.


    Lu Tian did not pay any attention to the newly arrived soldiers. His steps continue to meet his subordinate to find out what happenedst night.


    After they left the restaurant, Xu Long and Lin Hui worked together to hack the CCTVs in Imperial. It took a little longer, but they were able to locate Jiangyu and the others near the mountains.


    Like the incident that happened to Yue Ling and Liu Shan, the others also suffered the same incident.


    While they were transporting Chu Li Xiang to the prison located on an ind, they were ambushed from all sides.


    Inside a room inside Imperial Military Hospital, Jiangyuid awake on the bed. The bulky man that looked like he was made from iron was now wearing a cast on his right arm as so did his left leg.


    He stares up at the white ceiling and thought about what happened. Everything came so fast that none of them had the time to react fast enough.


    *creak


    The door to the room opened and Jiangyu was brought back from his thoughts. He turn his head to see who it was, and his eyes shook.


    "Captain."


    "It¡¯s alright."


    Just as Jiangyu was about to sit up, Lu Tian stops him and walks over to an empty chair.


    "Exin."

 Chapter 449 If not, get los

    "When we set out for the transfer, I volunteered to ride in the same vehicle that held Chu Li Xiang. The others followed behind with the rest of the police cars. When we reached the mountain, that was when everything started going downhills."


    Jiangyu continues to exin what happened to him and the others while transporting Chu Li Xiang to the prison. Lu Tian listened to end without saying a word even when his subordinate was done.


    Seeing him so quiet, Xu Long and Jiangyu stares at the man then cast each other a nce. However, not pushing it, they decided to wait until their boss decided to speak.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, Lu Tian slowly rise from the chair. He does not look at either of his subordinates but walks away.


    Opening the door, he exits the room. However, he didn¡¯t forget to give an order to Jiangyu.


    "Get some rest."


    As his figure disappears out of the room, all was silent with no sound. Xu Long and Jiangyu stares at the door and both men didn¡¯t know how to react.


    Lu Tian¡¯s three words were very simple, but only the two men, knew how heart touching those words meant.


    ncing at the bulky man, Xu Long sighs inside. He has been Lu Tian¡¯s assistant for many years and has done so much more, but he has never once received anyforting words from the aloof man.


    Shaking the envious thoughts away, he sighs and turn to leave too.


    "Well, you heard the man. Get some rest."


    Oblivious to his two subordinates being affected by his words, Lu Tian walked back to the room his wife was in. At the same time, he couldn¡¯t help but think about Jiangyu¡¯s words.


    The prison Chu Li Xiang was being transferred to is on an ind far away from Imperial. It is a prison specifically built for scums like Chu Li Xiang. Only the lowest and most despicable criminals are sent there. However, in order to get there, one must drive through a mountain forest then get on a boat to cross over.


    Jiangyu said everything was going well without any problems until they reached the mountain. Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men were already waiting at the top of the mountain in the forest. However, knowing that all this was a diversion, Jiangyu and the others were able to outdo Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men.


    Except, thinking that they had cleared the road, they were ambushed the moment they drove down near the foot of the mountain.


    The vehicle Jiangyu and Chu Li Xiang were in lost control after the driver was shot in the head. Falling down the mountain, the car was in a wreck, but Jiangyu, who barely survived the crash was able to pull him and the driver out safely.


    When he forced himself to get up and get Chu Li Xiang, the vehicle suddenly blew up.


    Before he could get the ringing sound from the explosion out of his head, Chu Li Xiang was already standing in front of him.


    Taking advantage of Jiangyu¡¯s weaken state, Chu Li Xiang took his (Jiangyu) gun and shot his chest but missed his heart.


    He told Jiangyu to give a message to Lu Tian.


    ¡¯A life for a life.¡¯


    Coming out of his thoughts, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes shed dangerously than ever before. Chu Li Xiang wanted Yue Ling dead not because of Ning Mei¡¯s bribe, but because he (Lu Tian) killed Julia.


    Only, it was their child that paid the price.


    From behind, Xu Long finally caught up to his boss when they reached the room Yue Ling was in. He slows down in his steps and takes a deep breath.


    "Boss, the message is being deliver. What are your next orders?"


    Lu Tian stops in front of the door to the private ward. He held the door handle and his deep voice sounds before entering.


    "Pay a little visit to Chu Qiang."


    -


    In the far distance away from Imperial Military Hospital, Retro crowded with people from the underworld as rain pour over them.


    The red lights that glisten during the night for ck Dragon was not turned on. Two bulky men stood in front the entrance as they keep out unwanted guests.


    A man wearing a ck coat with the hood covering the top half of his head suddenly walks up to ck Dragon. He did not look up and had a ck box in his hand as he spoke.


    "I am here to deliver this to your boss."


    Hearing the man¡¯s sudden words, the two men were confused and stares at the man.


    "Hey, if you¡¯re here for the nightclub,e backter. We¡¯re not open yet. If not, get lost."


    The bulky man standing on the right snorts his words when he saw the man. However, judging from the way this unknown man is dressed, he doesn¡¯t look like someone from the underworld.


    The other bulky man thought the same too. They have seen many people in Retro, but this man doesn¡¯t look like someone they¡¯ve seen before.


    However, eyeing the man from head to toe and back up, a sudden thought came to the bulky man on the left. He chuckles aloud and fold his arms.


    "Get loss kid. We don¡¯t do charity here."


    Both men quickly howl inughter as they threw jokes about the man they assumed was a kid.


    "Well, well. ck Dragon is as lively as ever."


    A voice suddenly spoke that surprised the two bulky men. However, they weren¡¯t looking at the ¡¯kid¡¯ but pass him.


    Standing not too far away was a tall and slender man. His hair was shaved in a buzz cut style and he wore a set of dark running clothes.


    He looked very charming and held a cheesy grin on his face. However, the roaring tiger tattooed on the front of his neck gave him a dangerous vibe.


    Both bulky men struggle a gulp before the one on the right spoke first.


    "You have to business here, Li Wei."


    Li Wei¡¯s figure was drenched from the rain, but hearing the way the man spoke to him, he shrug his shoulder. cing his hands behind his back, he leisurely strolls over to them with his smile that reached his eyes.


    "Indeed I have no business here."


    He stops in his steps when he stood shoulder to shoulder with the hooded man. ncing down at the ck box, he arch a brow before looking at the two bulky man.


    "A little sparrow informed me to let you both know that this gift is for your boss."


    He gives a flirty wink to the two men then tilt his head at the unknown man.


    "Isn¡¯t that right, Yiqing?"

 Chapter 450 Gif

    Hearing the sudden name, the two bulky men were rendered speechless. The name Li Wei just said is a name everyone from the underworld is very familiar with.


    While the two men were lost in a daze, a chuckle sounds from the man standing next to Li Wei. Holding the ck box in one hand, his other hand reach up to pull the hood back.


    Yiqing¡¯s wless face reveal with his usual carefree smile. Lifting his head, he turns to look at the leader of White Tiger.


    "Seems like you¡¯ve been contacted by him."


    At the mention of ¡¯him¡¯ both men from ck Dragon knew exactly who Yiqing was referring to.


    Lu Tian.


    It is known that Lu Tian¡¯s Wolf Team is indestructible and highly trained. However, amongst those people, there are five people who everyone should not look down on, and this man...


    This man name Yiqing, who is standing in front of them is one of those five people they have to be wary of. No wonder he was able to casually walk into Retro like he was walking to school.


    Casting a look to the two men, Yiqing takes a step forward and put the box in the hands of the man to the right.


    Taking a step back, his pointer and middle fingers tap against his forehead as he gestures a friendly salute. A wide grin curls on his face and he spoke.


    "Please hand this gift to your boss."


    -


    On the highest floor of ck Dragon¡¯s base, a knock sounds at the door before it opens. The man Yiqing entrusted the box to enters the room.


    "Boss. Sorry to disturb you."


    Seated behind the only desk in the room, Chu Qiang was reading some reports on their business with other gangs. Hearing his subordinate, he looks up.


    "What is it?"


    Unlike Chu Li Xiang¡¯s demeanor, Chu Qiang was always the opposite. Maybe it was due to his older age, but he never spoke to his men like he was superior than them.


    Standing at the side of him was his left hand man, Guan Li.


    The bulky man swallow with difficulty before entering the room. He walks over to the desk and ce the ck box down.


    "Lu Tian¡¯s subordinate came by just now and asked this to be given to you."


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, Chu Qiang furrow his brows in a frown. He looks at the box then set the reports in his hands down.


    "You said Lu Tian sent it?"


    The bulky man quickly nod his head. Seeing this, Chu Qiang couldn¡¯t help but feel something strange arise inside him. However, pushing the feeling aside, he waves to the man.


    "Mm. You may leave."


    Until the man had left and it was only Guan Li in the room with him, Chu Qiang reach for the box.


    "Boss."


    Just as Chu Qiang¡¯s hand touched the lid, Guan Li stops him. Walking up to the desk, his voice sounds.


    "Let me open it. What if it¡¯s a trick?"


    Hearing this, Chu Qiang chuckles and shook his head.


    "Lu Tian is not the type to send a trick." He stares at the box and his words continue. "If he ever did send a gift, it¡¯s a message."


    Just as his words fell, he opens the lid. However, opening it three inches of the way, all the colors on his face drained of life.


    "What is it?"


    Guan Li worriedly asks when he saw the pale look on his boss. Never has he seen the strong man look so terrified.


    The boy¡¯s voice brought Chu Qiang out of his sudden shock. He covers his nose and takes a deep breath that cause his body to shudder before removing the lidpletely.


    "What the¡ª"


    A shiver crawled on Guan Li and he stumbles a step back in horror. The strong stench of something decaying enters his nostrils making him want to vomit.


    Inside the ck box was the bodyless head of a man. Despite it being covered in dried blood, his eyes remained open and mouth left widely agape.


    With a slightly tremble body, Guan Li looks at his boss, "Who... Why?"


    Chu Qiang ce the lid over the box again and he leans back on his chair.


    "Send out a message to everyone. ck Dragon will not be open for business tonight."


    "Eh, why?"


    Guan Li quickly asked when he heard the sudden order. He couldn¡¯t understand why his boss would close the ce. Lu Tian sent them a dead man¡¯s head, shouldn¡¯t he (Chu Qiang) prepare for war? Or...


    Knowing what the boy was thinking, Chu Qiang heaves a long sigh.


    "The owner of that head belongs to one of my brother¡¯sckeys."


    Like lightning had struck his heart, blood rush to Guan Li¡¯s head and he ms a fist on the desk.


    "Then shouldn¡¯t we get revenge? Isn¡¯t this a threat from Lu Tian?"


    Chu Qiang slowly shook his head. ncing at the box, he could still remember the look in the dead man¡¯s eyes. It was the look of one who had gone to Hell and met the devil.


    However, thinking about the reason behind this gift, he felt agitated.


    "Lu Tian is not the type of person to send a head like this for no reason."


    Hearing this, the anger inside Guan Li disperse into thin air. He was angry because one of their brothers was killed, but his boss is right. Lu Tian is not the kind of man to do something like this without reason.


    Quickly understanding the meaning of the gift, all the hair on his body stood and he looks at Chu Qiang.


    "Don¡¯t tell me..."


    Chu Qiang nods his head and lifts a hand to massage his temple.


    "Chu Li Xiang must have crossed Lu Tian¡¯s line. I do not know what he did, but Lu Tian ising here."


    Heaving a long sigh, he waves for Guan Li to leave.


    "Go. Our guest will be here soon."


    Guan Li had more questions he wanted to ask, but seeing the stress on his boss, he decides not to ask. Gesturing a polite bow, he leaves the room.


    Left alone in the room, Chu Qiang couldn¡¯t hold himself back anymore. Fear finally showed on his face as he nervously ponder in thoughts.


    He didn¡¯t know what his stupid brother was doing behind his back until he met Lu Tian in City Z. When he learned that Chu Li Xiang was going after Yue Ling, he warned that bastard brother of his to back off.


    Lu Tian is already someone they cannot offend, but to cross the line with Yue Ling, that was ten times worse.


    Yet, that stupid idiot didn¡¯t listen.


    Subconsciously ncing at the ck box, he felt even more distressed and apprehensive.


    What in heavens name did Chu Li Xiang do to piss off Lu Tian so much?


    Just as he thought this, he suddenly remembers another person.


    Yue Ling, no... Mami.


    Not only did Chu Li Xiang cross Lu Tian¡¯s line, he must have crossed Yue Ling¡¯s too. If so, then ck Dragon is doomed.

 Chapter 451 so unfair

    Inside the private ward, Grandfather Ji held his granddaughter¡¯s hand as he stares at the empty seat on the other side of the bed.


    After Lu Tian left to discuss some things with his subordinates, the boy had returned, but only for a few minutes. He asked Grandfather Ji to look after Yue Ling until hees back.


    Where he left to, he did not say.


    However, Grandfather Ji knows that it must have something to do with the person who mobilized the incident that happened.


    He sounds a sniffle as he squeezes Yue Ling¡¯s hand a little. ncing at her sleeping face, he trembles a smile.


    "Ah Ling..."


    His free hand stretch forward to gently stroke her head, but he was very careful as her head was still wrapped with a gauze.


    "I hope that when you wake up, you will remain strong. Lu boy is nearing a dead end... I hope that the both of you will continue to support each other through this crisis."


    Unable to hold the heartbreak no longer, a great tremor overtook him. He continues to stroke her head in a disheveled heap as his grief pour out in a flood of uncontroble tears.


    "Yeye is sorry... Yeye never wanted anything like this to befall you... Yeye only wanted you to be happy..."


    Tears of grief and pain ran down his cheeks as he mumbles incoherent words through his weeping.


    "My dear Ah Ling... This is too unfair... You are but a good person, why must you suffer like this... Why must you and Lu Tian suffer like this?"


    When he learned the news about having a grandchild, he was thrilled about the news. Knowing that his granddaughter won¡¯t be alone after he leaves, he was more than happy.


    But why... Why is life so unfair to his granddaughter? Hasn¡¯t she suffered enough already?


    The heavens above is too cruel. Was it too much to ask for his granddaughter to be happy? Didn¡¯t they take enough of the people she loves? If the heavens wanted to take someone, they could have taken him? He is old and already nearing his end, why did they have to take the baby?


    Like the heavens above heard Grandfather Ji¡¯s thoughts, the sky turned darker as thunder rumble with shes of lightning.


    It was as if they regretted their decision, but all was toote for regret. Time cannot turn back because what is done already happened.


    With the sudden intense change of weather, rain poured heavily down onto Imperial.


    While the people scatter away to find some king of shelter to wait for the rain to subdue, two ck cars pulls up in front of ck Dragon.


    The doors flung open with the sound of thunder rumbling in the sky. Five men in total stepped out and arouse the attention of those in Retro.


    Leading the group, Lu Tian did not care about the sudden attention directed at them. Taking a step forward, he strides towards ck Dragon.


    Holding an umbre over his boss, Xu Long walked at his side while Lin Hui, Yiqing and Qi Li followed behind.


    Each man blessed with their own good looks, but the aura around them was so chilling that it makes those around can¡¯t help but shiver in fear.


    Standing in front of the entrance were the same two bulky men that met Yiqing. When they saw Lu Tian, they did not ask questions but nod their head in greeting.


    "Mr. Lu, our boss has been waiting for your arrival."


    The one to speak first was the man standing on the left. He and his brother takes a step to the side as they pull open the double doors.


    Lu Tian showed no signs of politeness to the two as he strides forward. For what happened to his wife and child, if ck Dragon so little as try and do anything, he will not show any mercy.


    Watching the business king enter the building, the two bulky men closes the door. However, to their surprise, Yiqing did not follow his boss.


    The man leisurely stood outside the door. He smiles a smile that made one cringe as his smile did not reach his eyes.


    "Boys, I will be keeping you bothpany."


    The two bulky men couldn¡¯t help but frown, but Yiqing did not care. He stood between them and cross his arms over his chest. His eyes nce at the building around and very faint and undetectable sneer curls on his lip.


    Beforeing here, he was ordered to guard outside the door.


    Chu Qiang is a leader in the underworld who wishes to follow justice more than other gang leaders, but despite him being that way, Chu Li Xiang is still his brother.


    They cannot let their guard down in case Chu Qiang tries to protect his brother.


    Thus, he (Yiqing) is to keep a close eye outside. After all, he, himself is capable to handling a bunch of lowly thugs.


    Inside ck Dragon, Lu Tian and the other three men were led to an elevator. As they walked pass the members of ck Dragon, the murderous looks thrown at them makes one tremble in fear, but not for the four newly arrived men.


    As their figures disappear inside an elevator, an uproar arises.


    "Why is Lu Tian here? Boss said that we won¡¯t be open for business. What was so serious that even Lu Tian is involved?"


    "Did you see the three men with Lu Tian. Hahah, I thought he is a coldblooded man, but hisckeys are like women."


    "Shut up you idiot. Boss always said not to put your guard down. Especially when ites to that man¡¯s people. They may look weak to you, but they are his people for a reason."


    The members of ck Dragon were all curious about Lu Tian¡¯s purpose of being here. Their boss only gave them order to close the nightclub, but why?


    However, knowing that Lu Tian is here, some already had an idea. The only time Lu Tian ever appears in Retro is when something severe has happened in Imperial and from the looks of it, ck Dragon is part of it.


    On the highest floor of ck Dragon, Chu Qiang couldn¡¯t stay still. He paced back and forth inside his office as he ponder in thoughts.


    Lu Tian had not gotten involve with ck Dragon for a while now. The people of ck Dragon have also been out of trouble, so what could his stupid brother possibly do to trigger the sleeping dragon?


    *knock knock


    A knocks interrupts Chu Qiang¡¯s thoughts. His head turn to the door as it slowly creaks open and an elderly man enters before bowing.


    "Mr. Lu is here."

 Chapter 452 I will take

    Chu Qiang nods his head as he stops pacing. Taking a deep breath to try and calm himself, he gesture to the elderly man.


    "Let him in."


    Walking over to his desk, he sits down on the chair as Guan Li stood to his right.


    The young man couldn¡¯t help but nce at the door. At the same time he couldn¡¯t help but ponder in thoughts to himself.


    Chu Qiang had ordered ck Dragon to be close for the night, but he (Guan Li) had instructed some of the members to hide outside.


    Of course, he is not nning to ambush Lu Tian, but if anything were to go wrong and this meet is some kind of trick, they can have back up when needed.


    Just as he thought this, the sound of footsteps enters the room causing the tension inside to change drastically.


    Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure walks through the door bringing in with him cold air.


    He wore a ck wool coat, with a sweater and jeans in the same shade of ck. His eyes that were usually cold and gloomy filled with murderous intent.


    Even when Lu Tian did not look at him, Guan Li felt intimidated. His feet turned cold and he didn¡¯t dare to make any reckless move.


    "Ah, Mr. Lu. It¡¯s a pleasure to have you here in ck Dragon."


    Chu Qiang smiles respectfully as he tries to force himself to calm down. He pretends to act like he was not just worriedly pacing inside the room. However, his legs couldn¡¯t stop trembling. If it were not for the desk covering him, everyone in the room would have noticed.


    Taking a deep breath inside, he gestures to an empty chair and tries to maintain his smile.


    "Please do sit."


    Lu Tian does not answer but walks over to the chair. However, he does not sit in the chair Chu Qiang had pointed to. Instead, he chose the one directly opposite from the man¡¯s desk.


    Seeing this, Chu Qiang felt even more nervous. Lu Tian¡¯s refusal confirms that this time, Chu Li Xiang has done something that he (Chu Qiang) cannot fix.


    Averting his eyes from the man, he looks at Guan Li.


    "The weather is cold, bring some tea for Mr. Lu."


    "Yes boss."


    Guan Li bows to the man and leaves the room. However, just as he was about to take a step, Lu Tian¡¯s voice stops him.


    "I am not here to drink tea with you."


    Lu Tian sat on the chair like a majestic ruler as Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li stood behind him like his generals.


    Put in a difficult situation, Guan Li gives his boss a nce only to see the man¡¯s face pale as a ghost before giving a wave of his hand. Understanding right away, he remains in ce.


    Taking another deep breath, Chu Qiang coerce a chuckle to his guests. He would be lying if he wasn¡¯t afraid, but he needs to hold it together.


    "Mr. Lu, may I ask the reason for your sudden visit to ck Dragon?"


    Lu Tian sat with one leg crossed over the other making a four figure. His elbows rest on the armrests and fingers intwine.


    His murderous eyes stares at Chu Qiang for a long minute. However, never was he the kind of person to beat around the bush and he needed to get back to his wife. Parting his lips, his voice sounds.


    "If you want to keep your peace in Imperial, hand over Chu Li Xiang."


    Hearing this, Chu Qiang was turned muddleheaded. He had sent his men to find where his brother was, but when they returned, it was only then that he learned his brother was arrested and thrown in prison.


    How can he hand his brother over if he (Chu Li Xiang) is already in Lu Tian¡¯s hands?


    Unless...


    Thinking this, horror shows on Chu Qiang¡¯s expression as he stares at Lu Tian.


    "Seems like you¡¯ve finally caught on."


    Lu Tian calmly spoke as he takes a cigarette out from his pocket and lights it. His movements were as if he was the owner of the ce while Chu Qiang and Guan Li were his guests.


    Inhaling a puff, he blows the smoke out and his words continue.


    "You see, your brother took someone from me. Someone very important. For that, he must pay the price."


    Listening attentively to each word, Chu Qiang knew that although Lu Tian had spoke calmly, he could see the intense anger in the man¡¯s dark eyes.


    This time, he knows for sure that the business king is dead serious, and his stupid brother hasmitted a crime he has no control over.


    Just as he thought this, his eyes subconsciously moves away from Lu Tian. However, when he unknowingly nce at the three men standing behind Lu Tian, he was even more struck to the core.


    Like someone had poured a bucket of ice-cold water on him, he felt his heart stop beating.


    He had been so focused on Lu Tian that he did not look at the three men until now.


    However, he knows that one of them is Lu Tian¡¯s assistant, whereas the other two...


    They were the ones who came to ck Dragon once, but even though it was only once, he will never forget their faces.


    Only because these two men are members of Fate. No, they are Yue Ling¡¯s people.


    Realizing this, the fear inside Chu Qiang intensify more than ever. Lu Tian said Chu Li Xiang took someone from him, could it be that his brother killed Yue Ling?


    He looks at Lu Tian and his eyes shook, "You mean to say my brother..."


    Knowing what the man was going to say, Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li sneers a scoff. All three men thought of the same thing, ¡¯as if¡¯.


    Lu Tian brings the cigarette to his mouth and inhales a puff. As he finish blowing out the smoke, he spoke.


    "Your brother escaped prison. Not only did he harm my people, he murdered my unborn child."


    Killing the cigarette on the arm rest, he slowly rises from the chair.


    "Mr. Chu, your brother¡¯s life, I will take. Whether you decide to go against me or not, it is your decision."


    Tossing the cigarette on the floor, Lu Tian turns to leave. His business here was done.


    As he walked to the door, he pause in his steps and without turning back to look at Chu Qiang, his deep voice sounds again.


    "Tell him, my wife is doing well and if wants to y hide and seek, he better hide well."


    His eyes darkens more before his words continue in an even more menacing tone.


    "Because when I find him, I will not show any mercy."


    Lu Tian¡¯sst word fell and he strides out of the room with Xu Long following behind. However, Lin Hui and Qi Li did not.


    Seeing this, Chu Qiang felt all the hair on his body stand.


    Both men turn to look at Chu Qiang. The look in their eyes held no ounce of emotion other than indifference. At the same time, their voices sound as they ry a message.


    "Fate will be collecting Chu Li Xiang¡¯s life."

 Chapter 453 listen to me

    The doors to ck Dragon that were tightly shut opens as Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure walks out. Behind him were Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    Yiqing turns around to see them and he takes a step to the side to let his boss through. Waiting for the other three to pass too, he smiles at the two bulky men.


    "Well, it¡¯s been fun hanging out with you both but give your brothers a message for me."


    His smiles widens until his eyes turned into upside down crescents.


    "Next time, don¡¯t hide in such obvious ces."


    He ce his hands behind his back and spins around. However, the second he turned away from the two men, the smile on his face disappeared as indifference appear on his face.


    Walking away from ck Dragon, he and Qi Li enters the second ck car while Lu Tian entered the rear seat to the first ck car with Xu Long and Lin Hui.


    Watching the cars start up, the two bulky men were dumbfounded by Yiqing¡¯s sudden words of message. Their eyes couldn¡¯t help but nce to the surrounding buildings and they thought the same thing.


    ¡¯Don¡¯t tell me...¡¯


    On the rooftop of the surrounding buildings, the members of Wolf Team spread to their own positions. Guns in their hands, they point down to the men Guan Li instructed to hide for backup.


    Each person from ck Dragon had been found the second Lu Tian entered the building.


    Sitting near the edge of a building, Huan Min wore a ck raincoat to keep the rain away from him.


    His eyes kept for movements down below. When he saw his boss and the others exit ck Dragon with no scratch and enters the two cars, he stood up from his pose.


    Lifting a hand, he press the button on his earpiece, "Captain has left the building. Everyone move out."


    Giving words to the other members of Wolf Team positioned in the other buildings, he turns to look at his partner, Weilong. He signals a nod with the man.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Weilong nce at the older man with purse lips and points his finger.


    "What about them?"


    Sitting on the ground drenched by the rain were five members of ck Dragon. They had been striped of their weapons and tied together.


    Huan Min looks at the five men, then shrug his shoulder.


    "Captain¡¯s orders for now. Let them go."


    Which was the truth. Lu Tian ordered them to capture anyone from ck Dragon hiding. However, he said not to kill.


    Of course, if they make any attempts, go ahead, but if they don¡¯t, let them go.


    Freeing the men, Huan Min and Weilong knows that this little bit of mercy from Lu Tian is only directed at Chu Qiang and not Chu Li Xiang. After all, the two men have their own followers.


    As the members of Wolf Team pack up their things to leave Retro, the two ck cars had already driven a distance away from the wretched ce.


    In the first car, Xu Long who took the driver seat nce at the rearview mirror to his boss. He contemted to himself for a few seconds before asking.


    "Boss, what are we going to do about Chu Qiang?"


    Hearing the question, Lin Hui was also curious about Lu Tian¡¯s ns. The second he walked into ck Dragon, he wanted to tear the ce into pieces and leave no survivor, but he had to hold himself back. As of right now, he and Alpha Team are to listen to the man¡¯s orders.


    Seated in the backseat, Lu Tian stares out the window as rain trickle onto the car with sound. His lip slowly part and his voice sounds.


    "If he decides to help Chu Li Xiang, it will be the end of ck Dragon."


    Lin Hui lightly nod his head as he listened to Lu Tian¡¯s words. Keeping his eyes on the rainy road ahead, he slightly furrow his brows.


    "From the man¡¯s expression earlier, it seems he has no idea what his brother has been doing until now, but will he really turn his brother in? I mean¡ª"


    "They¡¯re not brothers."


    Before Lin Hui could finish his words, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice interrupts him.


    As someone who deals with the underworld, he has found many information about each gang and like every human being in the world, Chu Qiang and Chu Li Xiang have a story of their own.


    Thinking this, he slowly reach into his coat pocket and takes out the bloodstained ultrasound photo of his and Yue Ling¡¯s baby.


    His thumb gently caress it and his words fell.


    "Find Chu Li Xiang."


    Both Xu Long and Lin Hui were surprise to hear that Chu Qiang and Chu Li Xiang were not brothers, but when they heard Lu Tian¡¯s words, their expressions sh with seriousness.


    Out of the three of them, Liu Shan is the better hacker, but he is still unconscious. They will work together and find the bastard.


    Even if they have to turn the world upside down, as long as they find him, they will make him pay for what he did.


    Staring at the photo in his hand, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes slowly flutter. He turns his head to look out the window again.


    With his wifeying unconscious and their child gone, he feels so numb like he was the one who died.


    Like he¡¯s just dragging his empty body around until he kills Chu Li Xiang.


    As the two ck cars travel through the rainy streets of Imperial, the red lights to ck Dragon turned on as they open for business for the rest of the night.


    However, despite the ruckus ofughter and music echoing inside the ce, Chu Qiang was in a chaotic mess inside his office.


    He sat behind his desk with shaking legs. His mind was a mess at what was happening. That stupid brother of his actually dare to cause havoc for ck Dragon by trying to kill Yue Ling but ended up killing Lu Tian and Yue Ling¡¯s unborn child.


    Chu Qiang held his head as he massage his temples. Why is he and that stupid Chu Li Xiang¡¯s way of seeing things so different? Why didn¡¯t that bastard back off?


    Thinking to himself for a long time, he takes a deep breath and turn to look at Guan Li.


    "Find my brother. If he refuses, tie him up and drag his ass here."


    Just as Chu Qiang¡¯s words fell and Guan Li was about to answer, the doors to the room abruptly swung open and a figure enters in a sarcasticughter.


    "Hahaha, my dear older brother. Why the need to find me when I already came to you?"


    Chu Li Xiang, who had escaped prison was standing in front of his older brother. His entire head was wrapped in a white gauze that one can see his blood almost soaking through. He wore a cast on his right arm and a small gauze wrap around his right ankle.


    Walking over to an empty chair he plops down to sit.


    "Don¡¯t you feel any sympathy seeing me like this?"


    He looked so pitiful from the crash, but the moment Chu Qiang saw him, blood rush to his head. He abruptly stood up from his chair and walks around his desk.


    Striding in big steps to his younger brother, he grabs the man by the cor and pulls him up. His bloodshot eyes res murderously at the man.


    "You fucken idiot! Why didn¡¯t your fucken ass listen to me?!! Why did you fucken do it?!!!"

 Chapter 454 help him

    *Thud


    Chu Li Xiang¡¯s body ms against the chair by Chu Qiang, but due to the hard impact the chair tips back and loses bnce as it falls backward causing the man to fall onto the floor with a loud thud.


    His body aches all over as he has not fully recovered from the crash during his escape. His breathing turned heavy as he res up at his brother.


    "What the fuck Qiang!! Can¡¯t you see that I am in pain?!!!"


    Chu Qiang res with wide murderous eyes at his bastard brother. He walks over to his brother and squats down to be at eye level with the man.


    "Lu Tian was just here, and he is looking for you."


    Hearing this, Chu Li Xiang¡¯s eyes widen in shock and horror. He struggles a difficult gulp that shook his body.


    "So what. Are you going to turn me in?"


    Just as his words fell, he is met with a sudden punch on the cheek. His head turns to the side and he spat out blood.


    Chu Qiang press his lips tightly before parting them to speak.


    "Turn you in? Of course I will. You reap what you sow. What you did and who you did it to, your life alone will never make up for it."


    Listening to his older brother, Chu Li Xiang clench his fists tightly. He thought Chu Qiang would help him since they are brothers, but now, it seems he is alone.


    Julia is already dead and the only person he thought would help him is Chu Qiang, but from the looks of it, Lu Tian¡¯s little visit has made his brother turn into a coward.


    His body shook tremendously before he reach into his pocket. Taking out a gun, he shoots his brother.


    *Bang¡ª!


    "Boss!!"


    Chu Qiang was caught off guard as he was suddenly shot in the shoulder. His body falls back as Guan Li shouts to him with widen eyes. He (Guan Li) never thought Chu Li Xiang would want to kill his boss.


    The young man reach for his gun and shoots Chu Li Xiang, but before he could pull the trigger, Chu Qiang stops him.


    "No, it¡¯s alright."


    Chu Qiang grunts at the pain as he sits up. His palm press against the wound and he looks at Chu Li Xiang with a sneer.


    "Our brotherly rtionship ends here."


    Shock filled Chu Li Xiang when he realized what he had done, but it was toote, he had already shot his brother. However, hearing the man¡¯s words, anger arouse in him more.


    "You¡¯re a coward brother. You turn you back on me all because you are afraid of Lu Tian."


    He force himself to stand up from the ground and res down at Chu Qiang.


    "But I am not a coward like you. I am not afraid of Lu Tian."


    His fists clench tightly, and he stumbles out of the room. He knows that Lu Tian is searching for him, because he killed Yue Ling, but it is only fair since the man took his (Chu Li Xiang) woman.


    Nearing the door, he swore inside, he will make sure that Lu Tian does not find him, once he recovers, he will kill the man himself.


    Watching the man leave, Chu Qiang force the blood wanting to escape from his mouth back inside. He takes a deep breath inside and spoke.


    "Lu Tian wants me to ry a message to you."


    He pause in his words as Guan Li helps him stand up.


    "If you want to want to y hide and seek, you better hide well, because your fate was decided the moment you took what was important to him."


    He takes a deep breath and his words continue.


    "The person you thought you killed, is not dead and doing well."


    Hearing that Yue Ling did not die, Chu Li Xiang was rooted to the floor. How? Shouldn¡¯t the crash have killed her? What about the man he sent?


    However, he calms himself and strides out of the room. Right now, he needs to hide and recover.


    Chu Qiang gritted his teeth as he growls after his so called brother.


    "Fate is alsoing to collect your life."


    Hearing these words, Chu Li Xiang paused in his steps, but only for a quick second. He was too angry to think about the man¡¯s words and continues to stride out the room.


    Until his footsteps further away from the room, Chu Qiang heaves a sigh. His head shook and he orders Guan Li.


    "Send someone to follow him."


    Guan Li nod his head and helps his boss to a chair. Helping him sit down, Guan Li looks at his boss.


    "You really don¡¯t n to help him?"


    Leaning against the chair to lessen the pain on his shoulder, Chu Qiang shook his head.


    "Fate already sent a message. If I help him, it will be the end of ck Dragon."


    Listening to his boss¡¯s words, Guan Li sighs inside. He knows that his boss is not a coward, he is only thinking about the people in ck Dragon.


    Brushing the thought aside, he politely bows, "I¡¯ll call for a doctor."


    Chu Qiang¡¯s eyes follows the boy until he disappeared from the room. He leans his head back on the chair and stares up to the ceiling.


    Guan Li is known as his left-hand man, but in truth, the boy is more like a son to him. Someone he wholeheartedly ces his trust on, even more than his brother.


    If possible, he wishes to let the boy live a normal life instead of staying in the underworld. However, no matter how many times he brings the subject up, Guan Li would refuse to leave.


    Thinking this, he thought about his words to his brother.


    Chu Li Xiang can call him a coward all he wants, but he is not one. As a leader, he needs to think about his people too. Why would he sacrifice the lives of hundreds for Chu Li Xiang¡¯s evil deeds when they did nothing?


    Taking a deep breath, his thoughts deepen.


    The reason why he and Chu Li Xiang are so different is because they are only brothers in name.


    His father, the former leader of ck Dragon and Chu Li Xiang¡¯s father were brothers from the same parents. When his uncle passed away, his father was forced to take in Chu Li Xiang¡¯s mother as a side mistress.


    At the time, Chu Li Xiang was only four years old when he entered ck Dragon. As he grew older, he appeared to be a righteous person to the point that his (Chu Qiang) father even wanted to make Chu Li Xiang the leader.


    But behind all that goodness, Chu Li Xiang had an evil side to him. He would sacrifice anyone¡¯s life just to get what he wanted.


    His (Chu Qiang) father had a well temperament and wanted to do things based on right and wrong, when he (the father) saw Chu Li Xiang¡¯s true evillness, he knew he could never give the leader position to a person who only wants to do evil upon the world.


    Thus, when the former leader passed away, in his will, the position was passed down to Chu Qiang.


    As the new leader, he (Chu Qiang) had tried every possible way to change his younger brother, but everything he did seemed to turn for the worst.


    ck Dragon may be part of the underworld, but they are not considered as evil as the rest. They maintain their peace and only attack when needed. However, those who oppose of this way sided with Chu Li Xiang in the dark.


    Chu Qiang sighs and his thoughts change to Lu Tian and Yue Ling.


    He has seen what Lu Tian is capable of. All the people the man has gone after has not once escaped his grasp. If not thrown in prison, then they are dead somewhere.


    However, it¡¯s Yue Ling who he worries about the most. She may be a woman, but she is the leader of Fate for a reason. Her ways of handling things is by far different from Lu Tian.


    The reason he couldn¡¯t tell Chu Li Xiang her identity is because of a deal made between her and those who have seen her.


    In the past, there was a gang leader who met her for the first time and when he tried to reveal her to someone, the man was found dead in his bed that same night.


    As Chu Qiang was deep in his thoughts, it was suddenly disturbed when Guan Li returned with a doctor. He sits up and sighs inside.


    Chu Li Xiang¡¯s fate was already decided the moment he tried to kill Yue Ling.

 Chapter 455 You made us

    Rain continue to trickle down onto Imperial as people went on with their routine. Inside Imperial Military Hospital, Liu Shanid on the hospital bed with his eyes closed.


    The day had already turned to evening as the beeping of the monitor continues into the quiet room with the sound of continuous clicking of keyboard. The man on the bed slowly opens his eyes.


    Liu Shan felt as if he was in a very long dream. Trying to turn his head, he felt a sharp pain on the side of his neck and sounds a groan.


    However, from the corner of his eyes he can see two figures moving about in the room.


    He close his eyes and lightly squeeze them so that he could adjust his sight. Parting his lip, his dried hoarse voice sounds a whisper.


    "Boss..."


    Hearing his voice, the two figures moving around froze in ce.


    After leaving ck Dragon, the five men came straight to here. While Lu Tian went his wife, the assistant and subordinate came to check on their brother.


    Lin Hui and Xu Long had brought theirputer equipment and set it up inside Liu Shan¡¯s room so they can look for Chu Li Xiang and keep a close eye on Liu Shan.


    However, unable to think clearly, the two men slowly turn to look at the person who spoke.


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes were wide open as he was staring right back at the two of them.


    "Oh my God..."


    Tears welled up in Xu Long¡¯s eyes as he drops hisptop and rushed over to the man. At the same time, Lin Hui held back the urge to cry and rushes over too.


    Xu Long: "Liu Shan! You¡¯re awake!!"


    Lin Hui: "You bastard! I thought you wouldn¡¯t wake up anymore!!"


    Seeing the two men running to him, panic and horror sh on Liu Shan¡¯s face. Just as they reach one foot away from him, he raise his voice at them.


    "Stop!!!"


    "..."


    Both Lin Hui and Xu Long froze at the word and did not dare to move.


    Seeing them stop, Liu Shan sighs in relief. He knows that if he did not stop them, they would jump on him and inflict more pain onto him. However, because he raised his voice, the side of his neck felt like it was being rip apart.


    "Fuck..."


    He curse a whisper at the pain and squeeze his eyes shut. Waiting for the pain to ease, he res at the two man.


    "I would be dead if you two continued over here."


    Both men ce at one another then thinking of something, they couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    "Liu Shan, it¡¯s good to see you up and normal."


    Xu Long spoke as he slowly approach the man. He sits down at the end of the bed and sighs inside.


    "It¡¯s good to see you up."


    Agreeing with the man, Lin Hui nods his head and pulls a chair from the side to sit.


    "You made us worry too."


    Hearing the word ¡¯too¡¯, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes shook, and he looks at the two men.


    "What about Yue Ling? How is boss?"


    He remembers they were making a turn at a green light, then seeing the front of a garbage trucking at them. Before he could turn the car in time it had crashed into them.


    Thest thing he remember before slipping into consciousness was Yue Ling¡¯s voice. Even though she was in pain from the crash, she was still calling his name to keep him awake. However, when he wanted to answer her, everything turned dark.


    Being asked the question, Xu Long and Lin Hui didn¡¯t know how to answer him. If Liu Shan hears what happened, he will no doubt me himself.


    However, knowing that they can¡¯t keep it a secret from Liu Shan, Lin Hui heaves a sign and force a smile.


    "Boss is here too, but..."


    "But what?"


    Liu Shan quickly asks when he heard that Yue Ling was also admitted to the hospital. His heart tinge in pain, but he still needed to know.


    Looking at the man, Xu Long knows that it was hard for Lin Hui to exin. He sighs inside and decides to tell Liu Shan.


    "She is still unconscious."


    Hearing that Yue Ling has not woken up, fear and worry rouse inside Liu Shan. It was his fault that she is like this. If he had turned the car in time, they would have dodged this cmity.


    Just as he thought this, his pupils shook and he asks, "W... What about the little one?"


    Lin Hui and Xu Long did not know how to answer the man. Both their heads lower and slowly shook at the same time.


    Getting the answer he did not want to hear, Liu Shan¡¯s lower lip began to tremble and his eyes turned moist.


    He pulls the IV needle out from his hand and force himself to get out of the bed, but before his feet could the floor, Lin Hui and Xu Long stopped him.


    "Liu Shan! You haven¡¯t recovered yet!"


    Lin Hui yells at the man as he force the man toy back down on the bed. He knows how Liu Shan feels but he cannot be reckless right now.


    "Lu Tian is with her. If you want to see her, quickly recover."


    Like waves of endless emotions erupted inside Liu Shan, heys on the bed and allow his tears to fall.


    He doesn¡¯t care about how Lin Hui and Xu Long will think of him and wails in gasping sobs.


    "Why... Why..."


    Streams of tears flowed faster than his beating heart as he clench his fists tightly.


    "Why couldn¡¯t it be me... Why take the little one?"


    Lin Hui and Xu Long stares at the grown man crying his heart out. Neither made fun of him as tears slowly made its way into their eyes.


    And like Liu Shan, both men couldn¡¯t help but sob with him.


    They had tried to hard to remain strong, but a person can only stay so strong for a certain limit and right now, they have reached their limit.


    As the three men weep into grief and sorrow for the loss of the little one, Qi Li stood outside the door.


    He held one hand in midair as he was about to knock on the door and enter, but the sound of the three men crying stopped him.


    Lowering his hand, both his hands curl into tight fists as he turns from the door and walks away.


    "Where are you going?"


    Yiqing¡¯s voice sounds when he was about to walk to Liu Shan¡¯s room to check on the man. However, seeing Qi Li not enter, he could help but ask.


    Walking pass the man, Qi Li does not stop to chat, but his voice sounds.


    "Find that bastard."


    Hearing this, Yiqing arch a brow. He looks at the door to Liu Shan¡¯s room then deciding on something, he heaves a sigh.


    Turning around, he follows after Qi Li.


    It is best to get a heard start in finding Chu Li Xiang.

 Chapter 456 Ill be back

    One day turn to two then three. The gray sky above Imperial did not clear as rain continue to tipple down onto the ground.


    Inside Imperial Military Hospital, people entered and leaves out the building. Madam Lu¡¯s figure walks through the busy hospital as she makes her way to private ward. In her hand were two bags.


    Stopping at the door, she knocks on it then opens to enter. However, she couldn¡¯t help sighing inside.


    "Tian."


    In the room, Lu Tian sat unmoving beside his wife while holding her hand. He looked so fatigue and drained like an empty shell without a soul.


    Never has she seen her son look so weak like this.


    Walking over to the bed, she looks at Yue Ling and she faintly smile, but her smile held sorrow as it¡¯s been three days and Yue Ling has not woken up.


    Taking a deep breath, she ce her hand on Lu Tian¡¯s shoulder.


    "I brought some food and change of clothes for you."


    She ce the two bags on the table near Lu Tian then walks over to the other side of the bed. She sits down on the empty chair and reach her hand to stroke her daughter-inw¡¯s head.


    "Her colors have returned."


    When Yue Ling first came to the hospital her face was as white as a sheet of paper, but now, she was slowly returning to usual color. However, the only thing left is for her to return to her conscious.


    She sighs a smile and looks at her oldest son.


    "Tian, I can look after her. Go and get some rest."


    The moment his mother came into the room, Lu Tian had no once look at her. His red eyes remained on his wife as he does not want to miss any signs of her waking up.


    However, hearing his mother, he slowly shook his head.


    "I¡¯m fine."


    Hearing his reply, Madam Lu sighs inside. She knows that he is forcing himself to stay awake.


    The day before, Doctor Dong had informed her and Old Lu that Lu Tian copsed. He had not once slept since Yue Ling was brought to the hospital and he didn¡¯t drink or eat anything.


    Thinking this, Madam Lu felt more pain her heart. No mother ever wants to see their strong child look this way. So weak and they can¡¯t do anything.


    *knock knock


    Suddenly, a knock sounds at the door and Grandfather Ji enters the room. He smiles a small smile to Madam Lu in greeting before walking over to the bed to look at his granddaughter.


    "How is she doing today?"


    Lu Tian stares at his wife and shook his head in answer to the old man.


    Heaving a sigh, Grandfather Ji takes a step closer to the bed to look at his granddaughter. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh again then turn to look at Lu Tian and his heart tinge in pain for him.


    The soldiers have reported about Lu Tian fainting. They also said he has not once stepped out of the room nor has he slept.


    Grandfather Ji stares at Lu Tian and he knows how the boy is feeling.


    When his wife was admitted to the hospital, he couldn¡¯t sleep or eat too. Whatever Lu Tian is going through, he (Grandfather Ji) has been in his (Lu Tian) shoes.


    However, looking at his granddaughter, he decides to give it a try.


    "It¡¯s been three days, go get some rest. If you don¡¯t want to sleep, at least eat something."


    cing his hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder, he lightly squeeze it.


    "Ah Ling would be sad if she woke up and saw you like this."


    Lu Tian wanted to refute the old man, but when he heard Grandfather Ji¡¯sst sentence, he had to agree with him.


    As much as he doesn¡¯t want to leave his wife¡¯s side, he cannot let her see him this way when she wakes up. He already told himself that he will be strong for them.


    Reluctantly letting go of her hand, he stood up from the chair and leans down to kiss Yue Ling on the forehead.


    "I¡¯ll be back."


    He grabs the two bag his mother brought in and walks out of the room.


    As the door shut, Madam Lu looks at Grandfather Ji and she gives him a meaningful look.


    "Thank you, uncle."


    Grandfather Ji nods his head and sits down in the chair Lu Tian had been sitting one. He held his granddaughter¡¯s hand and gaze at her.


    ¡¯Ah Ling, why are you sleeping for so long? Do you not want to be with us anymore? Is the dream you¡¯re in right now better than here?¡¯


    Like his thoughts were heard, Yue Ling¡¯s hand ever so little moves as if to answer him. It was very small, but Grandfather Ji was able to feel it.


    His eyes widen and his pupils shook, "Ah Ling?"


    He leans closer to her and his eyes welled up with tears, "Ah Ling?"


    Madam Lu sat on the other side of the bed. When she saw Grandfather Ji suddenly call for Yue Ling, she lightly furrow her brows in confusion. However, she quickly came to an understanding.


    "Is she awake?"


    She moves closer to her daughter-inw in wait for Yue Ling to open her eyes, but after a long minute, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes did not open.


    Grandfather Ji stares at his granddaughter in wait for her to regain consciousness, but seeing her eyes remain closed, dread wash over him.


    His hand holding hers tightens and he looks at Madam Lu.


    "Go get Doctor Dong and Lu Tian. I felt her hand move just now."


    Madam Lu did not know how to react at this moment. A tinge of hope touches her heart and she nods her head. Wasting no more time, she stood up from the chair and rushes out of the room.


    Just as she ran out of the room, she sees Lu Tian in a distance away, but he was talking to Doctor Dong.


    Seeing them, she runs over to them and grabs her son¡¯s arm.


    "Yue Ling, she..."


    Lu Tian nce at his mother and his brows furrow. Wasn¡¯t his mother supposed to watch Yue Ling with Grandfather Ji? Why is she out here?


    Just as he thought this, he felt his heart dropped when he thought of the unimaginable.


    Fear wash inside him and without waiting for his mother to exin, he shoves his arm away from his mother¡¯s grasp. He sprints in the direction of the room.


    ¡¯No... No... Yue Ling, don¡¯t do this to me... please...¡¯


    Thinking of the unimaginable, he finally reaches the room. Rushing inside, he makes his way to the bedside. His lower lip trembles and he reach for her hand.


    "Yue Ling..."


    Grandfather Ji looks at Lu Tian. Seeing the boy¡¯s paler face, he could already guess that Madam Lu did not exin the situation well.


    "Tian, she is fine."


    Hearing the old man, the fear inside Lu Tian lessen a little. However, his eyes did not move away from her wife.


    "My mother, she said..."


    Just as he spoke his words, he stopped himself. He didn¡¯t even give his mother a chance to exin. When he heard the mention of his wife¡¯s name, he came rushing here.


    Grandfather Ji sighs inside and looks at his granddaughter, "I felt her hand move a little."


    "General!"


    Doctor Dong and Madam Lu quickly enter the private ward as Madam Lu exined the situation on the way.


    Striding over to the bedside, Doctor Dong removes the stethoscope around his neck and use it to listen to Yue Ling¡¯s heartbeat.


    His brows slightly furrow, and he nce at the vital sign monitor keeping track of Yue Ling¡¯s heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiration and oxygen saturation.


    However, from each number shown on the monitor, he looks back at Yue Ling.


    The numbers have be normal, so why is she not waking up? Unless...


    Lu Tian looks at Doctor Dong. Anger mixed with fear and worry arouse inside him.


    "What is it?"


    "Well..."


    Just as Doctor Dong was about to exin his perspective, Madam Lu suddenly gasp aloud.


    Lu Tian quickly shift his gaze to his wife. She was not awake, but he can see her eye movements behind her closed eyelids.


    He slowly falls to his knees and held her hand tighter. It was like she wanted to wake up but something was holding her back.


    His heart trembles as he softly spoke to her.


    "Yue Ling, can you hear me?"

 Chapter 457 the way ou

    The faintness of Lu Tian¡¯s voice enters her ear. Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slowly flutter open as sheid down.


    Blinking her eyes to adjust her vision, the clear blue sky greets her with specks of white clouds floating. The smell of grass enters her nose as she sits up.


    However, she felt a small sting in her head. Lifting her hand, she gently massage her head. Subconsciously looking up, she was surprised at the sight in front of her.


    Tall dried grass surrounded her like a cage.


    "Where am I?"


    Lowering her hand, she slowly stood up from the ground to see where she was. However, the moment she stood up she was even more surprised.


    Surrounding her was not tall dried grass, but a vast field of dried barley.


    The cool wind that often passes by was like music that made the dried barley sway like they were dancing.


    ncing down at herself, she was wearing a ck turtleneck and matching ck jeans.


    Her brows slightly furrow as she tries to remember what she was doing. However, she couldn¡¯t remember anything.


    Taking a deep breath she decides to make a path on her own to get out of this ce.


    Just as she took a step forward, the dried barley that surrounded her like a cage suddenly sways in motion and clears a path for her.


    She stares at the new path until the end and to her surprise again, standing on the other side was a boy about the age of four.


    From where she stood, it was hard to make out the boy¡¯s face, but something in her told her that he was someone close to her. Someone very important.


    As she thought this, she didn¡¯t know why, but she couldn¡¯t stop her feet from walking towards the boy.


    Through the field of barley, the closer she got to the boy, she could see him clearer.


    He wore a ck long sleeve turtleneck like her but with a ck overall that was folded above his ankles.


    He wasn¡¯t too skinny nor was he too chubby. He had his ink-ck hair and fair skin, but despite his adorable look, he had a natural straight face and one can see a trace of coldness around him.


    However, what stood out the most about him was the color of his eyes.


    They were a shade of greenish blue that makes one think of the ocean that surrounds the inds.


    A shade of greenish blue just like hers.


    He looked very familiar, almost like the mini version of the person she loves.


    Yue Ling stares at the boy for a long minute as she carved him inside her heart.


    She didn¡¯t know why she did it, but something inside was telling her to.


    Blinking her eyes, she looks back to the dried barley around them. When her eyes looked back to the boy, her lip curls into an angelic smile.


    "Do you know the way out?"


    The little boy did not answer her but stares up at her like he was charmed by her smile. However, realizing that she was looking at him, the little boy¡¯s cheeks flush red and he nods his head to answer her.


    Seeing the little boy as a big softy on the inside, Yue Ling smiles a chuckle and does not tease him. She decides to leave him with some pride.


    Reaching her hand out to him, she kept her smile. "Shall we?"


    The little boy stares up at Yue Ling in silence for another long minute. It was as if he was deep in thoughts about something, but quicklying back to his senses, he lifts his hand and ce his palm on hers.


    Just as their hands touched, the passing wind picks up and everything began to flutter.


    Yue Ling pulls the little boy into her arms to cover him from the dust flying. She closed her eyes without realizing that the little boy had wrapped his arms around her waist.


    Quickly as it came, the wind returns to it calmness like before.


    Opening her eyes, Yue Ling gasps in shock at what she was seeing. The field of dried barley that they were standing in had suddenly turn green all around.


    She lowers her head to check the boy in case he was harm, but to another shock, the colors of their clothes had changed from ck to white.


    It was like a dream...


    The little boy lightly tightens his arms around her waist before letting go. He takes a step back and looks up at her.


    The coldness around him somehow turned warmer as he reach to hold Yue Ling¡¯s hand again.


    "I am happy I can meet you."


    Taking her hand, he walks in the opposite direction of where Yue Ling hade from.


    Letting him guide her to who knows where, Yue Ling stares at the back of the little boy and she was lost in thoughts about his words.


    What does he mean? Have they met before?


    However, the longer she stares at his little figure in white, she couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    Whether they¡¯ve met before or not, it doesn¡¯t matter because a part of her feels that they are connected by heart.


    As time seemed to pass by, their walk took longer than Yue Ling had thought, but no matter how long they walked everything around didn¡¯t seem to change. It was like they were walking around in a circle.


    Just as she thought this, the little boy walking in front of her spoke again. His cute childish voice chimes in that made her heart flutter in love.


    "Can you keep a secret?"


    Yue Ling chuckles and nod her head, "Of course, I promise."


    The little boy stops in his steps with his head down and one foot bashfully kicking the dirt on the ground like a shy little boy.


    "I like listening to yours and his voices. It makes me happy."


    Slowly turning to face Yue Ling his head tilt back to look up at her.


    "Can you tell him that I am not mad at him."


    Yue Ling stares at the boy as she didn¡¯t quite understand his words. However, it was only for a quick second before everything dawned on her like a flood.


    Her pupils shook with a tightening of her throat and a short intake of her breath.


    Her legs turned weak and she falls to the ground, but she does not let go of his hand.


    She part her lip to speak, but it was like someone had pressed the mute button on her as everything she wanted to say to him does not sound.


    Unable to say anything, tears welled from deep inside her and coursed down her cheeks.


    The little boy slowly let go of her hand. His tiny hand touches her cheek and, on his face, appears a very cute smile that can melt one¡¯s heart.


    "Please do not be sad."


    His little fingers wipes away her tears as he leans in to kiss her on the cheek.


    "It is not time."


    He moves his hand from Yue Ling¡¯s cheek as his eyes glisten in moist. Taking a step away, he looks at her onest time before walking pass her in the direction they hade from.


    "No..."


    Yue Ling reaches for the boy as she force out the only word she could say. However, before she could grab him, the little boy had already walked out of her reach.


    Tears flow down her cheeks uncontrobly as she gasp in sobs.


    She wanted to run after him, but it was like the ground below had glued her in ce from moving.


    The little boy stops in his steps as he turns back to look at Yue Ling. One can see that he is trying to hold back his tears.


    He slowly walks back to Yue Ling and sits down next to her.


    Seeing him return to her, Yue Ling quickly wrap her arms around him and tightly held him within her embrace as he to her.


    After what felt like forever, the little boy slowly pulls away from her arms.


    He looks at her and smiles that same heart melting smile to her, but this time with puffy red eyes as he had been crying with her.


    "Don¡¯t be sad okay?"


    He ce a kiss on her other cheek and stood up.


    However, the moment he stood up, Yue Ling sees a tall man clothe in all white standing not too far from them.


    His hair was shaved in a faded buzz cut and his features were very refining like God had taken his precious time sculpting the man.


    When Yue Ling saw him, her heart shook.


    No matter how long, it was a face she will never forget. One that had been deeply engraved into her heart.


    "Shin..."


    A faint but bright smile curls on his lip when she spoke his name. He walks towards her and the little boy.


    Yue Ling stares at the man and she felt everything felt like a dream. Never did she think she would ever meet him again.


    Stopping in front of her, Shin slowly kneels down to her and pat her on the head.


    His smile widens as it turns into one that can make anyone sad smile.


    "Be happy. He is a good person."


    He leans towards her and kiss her forehead before standing up.


    Turning away, he looks at the boy and stuck out his hand. "Ready?"


    The little boy looks at Shin¡¯s hand then to Yue Ling. He wanted to take a step toward Yue Ling, but stops himself.


    Taking a deep breath, he ce his hand on Shin¡¯s hand, and smiles happily to Yue Ling.


    As their two figures walk away in the direction Yue Ling had first awoke, everything around slowly turned dark.


    Watching them get further and further away, Yue Ling felt sadness inside her, but a faint smile curls on her lip.


    She closed her eyes and let the darkness engulf herpletely.


    "Yue Ling."


    A voice she is very familiar with enters her ear as she slowly opens her eyes from the long dream.


    The white ceiling greets her as she turns her head to see the person she loves and a very faint smile curls on her lip.


    "Tian."

 Chapter 458 leave him

    The rain that covered Imperial subdue as its heaviness turn into sprinkles.


    Inside Imperial Military Hospital, there was a crowd gathered outside a private ward. Even a line is formed as the members of Wolf Team took their turn to enter.


    Yue Ling sat up on the bed as Lu Tian sat by her side with Grandfather Ji and Madam Lu. As the members of Wolf Team made their way to wish her a full and speedy recovery.


    However, as each person left, the room slowly began to pile with all kinds of flower bouquets.


    Until thest person exit the room, Yue Ling sighed in relief.


    She had just woken up not too long ago and was already met with such a heart warm weing. Even she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry because she never thought the members of Wolf Team to be so caring and generous.


    Of course, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know that it was only towards her as theirdy boss that they acted this way.


    After what happened, they all swore to protect her even if it meant losing their life.


    Turning to look at Lu Tian, she gives him a faint smile.


    "Thank you."


    Lu Tian sighs an apologetic smile to her. He did not expect such a scene from his men. However, seeing them this way shows that they approve and care about Yue Ling¡¯s health.


    Surprisingly, he didn¡¯t eat any jars of vinegar.


    As the room quiets down, Grandfather Ji and Madam Lu secretly nce at one another. Understanding each other¡¯s thoughts, they stood up at the same time.


    Madam Lu: "I need to run some errands. Yue Ling do you want me to get anything for you?"


    Grandfather Ji: "Doctor Dong wanted to see me. I¡¯ll use this time to find him."


    Hearing their sudden words, Yue Ling was dumbfounded, but she nods her head in understanding. She smiles to her grandfather then looks at Madam Lu.


    "Thank you, but I don¡¯t need anything."


    Madam Lu smiles to her daughter-inw as she sighs inside, "You just woke up, I¡¯ll buy some soup for you."


    Both the elders walks out of the room, leaving only Yue Ling and Lu Tian alone inside.


    Lu Tian stares at his wife in silence before he reach to hold her hand. He sat so close to the bed that the moment he bent towards her, he was able rest his head on herp.


    Everything still felt like a dream to him. He slowly close his eyes and part his lip.


    "I¡¯m sorry..."


    His hand tightens on hers and his lower lip slightly trembles.


    "I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t protect you both..."


    Yue Ling looks down at him and a faint smile curl on her lip.


    The moment she woke up, the only thing he said was her name. He kept calling to her as if he was in a dream. When she wanted to answer him, everyone had rushed into the room to see her.


    Thinking this, she lifts her other hand and gently stroke his head.


    "Tian... What happened was not your fault."


    Her fingers ran through his hair as she gaze down at him. No one told her, but the moment she opened her eyes, she already knew that she lost her little one.


    "Our child will not want to see you this way."


    Truth be told, knowing that their little one is gone, she feels empty inside. Like a part of her had disappear from this world.


    However, something inside is also telling her to hold it together, but for how long can she?


    Is it because everyone is here that her tears do not want to show?


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian slowly open his eyes and lifts his head to look at her. He held her hand with both his hands and press it against his forehead.


    "Because of my carelessness, I put you in harm and our child paid the price..."


    He tightens his hands around hers as his words continue.


    "If you feel I am not worthy of you, I will get out of your sight. I will never appear in front of you again. If you tell me to die, I am willing to give my life to you."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling felt aching pain struck her heart like lightning. It was so painful that the air around her was hard to breathe in.


    Their child who had yet to see the world was taken from her and she hadn¡¯t even decided on a name for him or her.


    The most painful thing is, what if they move on with life?


    What about their child?


    Who else will remember their child?


    Her hand slowly pulls away from his grasp as she stares at him with eyes of emptiness.


    Was it really Lu Tian¡¯s carelessness that this happened?


    Does she me him for the loss of their child?


    Will his death bring their child back?


    Feeling her hand out of his reach, he froze in ce without moving.


    It was like the universe shook him by the shoulder as it makes its way into his heart.


    His eyes slowly look at her and when he saw the emptiness in her bluish green eyes, he knew that what he did not want to happen is going to happen.


    She is going to leave him.


    He had prepared himself for this, but even if it was only a little, he had hope that with that little bit of hope, it can ovee her decision.


    But is it really his ce to even wish for something like this?


    If she wants to put the me on anyone for their child¡¯s death, then it can only be him.


    Yue Ling gaze at the man in silence without realizing that her silence was putting pain and fear right into his heart.


    Slowly lifting her hand, her palm touches the side of his face.


    "Tian... it was not your carelessness that our child was taken from us."


    Her eyes remain on his face and she felt an aching pain inside her as she can see all the pain and hurt in his eyes.


    "I do not me you nor am I angry with you, so stop ming yourself."


    Moving her hand from his cheek, her fingers slowly stroke his hair back as her eyes follows every outline of his face.


    "The love we have for our child is proof that our child was real."


    She sighs a very faint smile as her words continue.


    "You once told me, if I am a curse, then I am your curse..."


    Her hand gently caress his cheek and her smile widens ever so lightly.


    "If I am still your curse, then let us get through this curse together."


    Lu Tian was unable to get a word out. Everything she was saying was not what he had anticipated.


    However, it was like all the weigh on his shoulders had been lifted and the hundreds of sandbags tied to his ankles had been cut away.


    The knot inside his heart slowly return to its original form, but despite all that feeling, his lower lip still tremble.


    He ce his hand over her hand that was on his cheek and he held it tightly.


    "I¡¯m sorry..."


    His shoulders tremble and the sound of struggling to breath against the emotions swirling within him as streaks of fire burn down his cheeks.


    "Yue Ling, I am so sorry..."


    He had told himself that he would be strong when she wakes up, but the moment she spoke those forgiving words to him, it was like all the feelings that had built up inside him broke free.


    From the moment they met, Yue Ling had only saw the cold and aloof side to him, but seeing him this way, the heart throbbing ache inside her heart intensify as she stares at him sob his pain away.


    Allowing him to pour all his tears out, Yue Ling quietly pat his head like a mother soothing her child.


    Life is indeed too unfair to them.


    They didn¡¯t even get to meet their little one and the heavens already took him or her away from them.


    However, even with their child gone, their timeless is as timeless as their love for their child.


    For every time they think of their child, he or she will be right there in their heart.

 Chapter 459 took me so long

    Like the sky above did not agree with the heaven¡¯s decision in taking Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s child, the gray clouds gathered together more than it already was, and rain poured down over Imperial.


    Anger and sadness rumble as thunder cried and the sky weep in pain for the unfairness that befall them.


    Yue Lingid on the hospital bed, but this time it was not only her but Lu Tian as well.


    After the man poured his heart out, she made room to let himy down with her.


    His arm wrapped around her waist as his head rested on her chest and use her arm as a pillow.


    The moment Yue Ling woke up, she could see that he had not slept. Unlike his usual strong appearance, he looked so fragile like he could break at any moment.


    Grandfather Ji told her that she had been in a deep sleep for seven days and throughout those days, Lu Tian never left her side but continue to whisper her name to her in hopes that his voice will guide her back to him.


    She rest her head on the pillow and stares up at the white ceiling.


    "Tian..."


    She whispers his name as he answers her with a faint ¡¯mm¡¯.


    "I¡¯m sorry it took me so long..."


    The tips of her fingers gently trace the side of his arm and she turns her head to look out the window. Unlike the clear blue sky in her dream, outside was gray and gloomy.


    "I was in a far away ce... A ce I did not know, nor have I been to..."


    Watching the rain trickle onto the window and slide down, a faint smile curl on her lip.


    "In that ce, I met our child... our child was a healthy boy and he looked just like you..."


    She sighs a faint chuckle as she remembers the little boy in her dream. He looked exactly like the photo she saw at the Lu family house of Lu Tian when he was younger.


    However, the corners of her lip trembles a smile.


    "He had my eyes... the same exact color as mine."


    Her fingers continue to gently trace the side of his arm as her words continue.


    "He wanted me to tell you that he is not mad at you."


    She looks down at him and she faintly smiles. The sound of his quiet breathing enters her ears as he was deep asleep.


    Moving her hand, she ce her palm on the side of his head and leans her head against the top of his head.


    Closing her eyes, she nestles against him more.


    "Our son guided me back to you."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes slowly open as he woke up from his sleep. Ever since his wife was admitted to the hospital, he couldn¡¯t sleep at all. Well, more like he didn¡¯t have it in him to sleep.


    He was afraid.


    Even when he blinks his eyes, he can still see the crash so vividly.


    They have already lost their child, he cannot bare to lose her too.


    However, he didn¡¯t know why, but as Yue Ling continued to pat his head, the tiredness inside overtook.


    Subconsciously wanting to hold in her in his arms more, his eyes widen when all he could touch was the coldness of the bed.


    He abruptly sat up and looks around the room in panic. His wife isn¡¯t here!


    His heart clenched tightly with intense fear and he got up from the bed.


    "Yue Ling?"


    She was just here in his arms. Everything was so real and not some kind of dream.


    "Yue Ling?"


    Just as he was about to walk out of the room, the door to the restroom inside the private ward opens and Yue Ling steps out.


    Lu Tian¡¯s legs went soft and he was barely able to stand up.


    Yue Ling close the door and she looks at Lu Tian with a confused expression.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    She had only left to wash her face since she has been bedridden for seven days. However, seeing the pale look on his face and the way he was looking at her, she could already guess what he was thinking.


    Walking over to him, she sighs smiles to him and wrap her arms around his waist.


    "Tian, I¡¯m here. I¡¯m not going anywhere."


    Feeling her warmth transfer onto his body, he knew this was not was a dream. If it was, he wouldn¡¯t be able to feel her touch do vividly.


    Wrapping his arms around her, he held her tightly. Resting his head on her shoulder, he swore inside he will never let her out of his sight.


    After a long while, he reluctantly pulls away from her. Walking her back to the bed, he tells her to rest some more. Her body has not fully recovered.


    As Yue Lingid back on the bed, Lu Tian ce the nket over her body and sat down on the chair by the bed.


    Never letting go of her hand, he part his lip to speak.


    "If you need anything, let me know. If you have to get up, let me know."


    He tightens his hold on her hand and his words continue.


    "Only when I¡¯m able to see you will I feel alive."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling felt her entire being soften. She knows that anyone in his position would react this way. If it had been her, she would have been afraid too.


    Gently squeezing his hand that is wrapped around hers, she brings his hand closer to her lip and she ce a kiss on his hand like how he would always do to her.


    *knock knock


    Just when she wanted to tell him that she won¡¯t go anywhere, a knock sounds at the door as it opens.


    Both their head turn to look at who it was and to their surprise, it was Lin Hui and the members of Alpha Team.


    Yue Ling had been wondering where here team was since she only saw Wolf Team, but seeing them now, she already knew why they did not appear until now.


    Each person stares at Yue Ling with swollen red eyes before entering the room one at a time.


    Seeing them, Lu Tian felt bitter inside as he still wanted to spend time with his wife, but knowing he can¡¯t be selfish, he stood up from the chair.


    cing a kiss on her forehead, he faintly smiles to her.


    "I¡¯ll step out for a bit. Call for me if you need anything, I won¡¯t be far."


    Yue Ling looks at him and returns a smile to him. She knows that he doesn¡¯t want to leave, but he respects her and her team, so he is willing to give them time.


    As Lu Tian¡¯s figure exit the room, Ju Suo stares at her boss with moisten eyes. Like a child finally reunited with her mother again, tears ran down her eyes and she wails loudly as she runs over to the bed.


    "Boss¡ª!!!"

 Chapter 460 enjoy her life

    Ju Suo cried as she recounted what happened that night in the same details Jiangyu had told Lu Tian. However, unlike the bulky man, the rest of them only sustained minor injuries.


    Her tears continue to pour down her cheeks despite her hands wiping the tears away.


    "We¡¯ve failed you boss. We weren¡¯t careful so that wretched man escaped."


    She chokes a sob and looks at Yue Ling.


    "Because of our failure, you... you..."


    Her words stop as she dares not to finish her line. If they had taken proper precautions, the little one will still be with them and none of this tragedy would have happened.


    *Thud


    Just as Ju Suo was unable to say another word, Gui Tian Lan, Gui Zhongmin and Tang Zhonghui dropped to their knees. The three grown men kowtow to her as each man do not hold back their tears.


    Gui Zhongmin: "Forgive us for leaving your side."


    Gui Tian Lan: "If I didn¡¯t send Detective Zhi off, I would have been by your side."


    Tang Zhonghui: "I am a failure as your subordinate."


    As the three men remained on their knees, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan joined them as each person spoke words of apologies for not doing a good job at keeping their boss safe.


    Each person med themselves for the cause of the little one¡¯s death.


    Standing behind the group, Lin Hui takes a step forward and he slowly walks towards Yue Ling. Once he was near the bed, he kneels down and kept his teary eyes at her.


    "Boss..."


    His fists clench tightly as he fights his tears from escaping his eyes.


    "If anyone was to be me, it is me. I was right there, and I couldn¡¯t protect you."


    His head lowers as his tears broke free.


    "If anyone is a failure then it is me. I failed you."


    Yue Ling did not once say a word as she looks at her most loyal subordinates.


    Their tears were one that she never wanted to see. Not because she doesn¡¯t care, but because she never wanted to see them this way.


    ming themselves for something that no one has control over.


    Staring at each person, she could feel the pain they were feeling at this moment.


    Lifting her hand, she ce it on the top of Lin Hui¡¯s head and she softly spoke to them.


    "I never once saw any of you as failures. Each one of you did your best. For what happened, it was something we did not seeing."


    "The only failure here is me."


    Just as Yue Ling spoke her words, a voice sounds at the door and she looks at the person.


    The man was wearing a set of patient clothes like her. He did not style his hair like he usually would. His neck was properly bandage as he stares at her.


    Yue Ling felt relieved when she saw him. Losing so many people was already hard enough for her heart to take in. If he was also taken, she would forever live in guilt.


    Her lips trembling parts and she calls out to him.


    "Shan..."


    Liu Shan stood by the door as he stares at his boss. The feeling inside him was by far more dreadful than the people here.


    His head lowers as he can¡¯t look her in the eyes anymore.


    "I¡¯m sorry. I will put in my resignation letter and live with this guilt my entire life."


    He was the driver and if he had turned the car in time, none of this misfortune would have happened. If anyone were to be me, then it is him. It was his fault.


    Never will he forget her voice as she called out his name even when she was injured.


    Yue Ling stares at her assistant then to others in the room. She couldn¡¯t help but heave a sigh.


    "Is this how you all see things?"


    She slowly got up from the bed and walks over to Liu Shan. Out of everyone here, Liu Shan is the one in the most pain.


    He was with her when the ident happened, but it was not his fault.


    Stopping in front of him, she gives him a faint smile and wrap her arms around him.


    "Everything happened for a reason. My child may be gone, but he will forever be in my heart."


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan lifts his hands as he hugs her and resting his head on her shoulders, the tears he thought he had already shed pours again.


    "I swear to the heavens, I will find Chu Li Xiang. I will make that bastard pay for what he did."


    His tears soaked onto her shoulder as Yue Ling sighs inside. Lifting one hand, she gently pats his back and allows him to cry all he wants.


    As everyone heard her words, each person couldn¡¯t help but cry along. She was the one suffering from the loss of her child, but instead of themforting her, it is herforting them.


    It is her who is staying strong for everyone.


    After a long heartfelt moment between boss and subordinates, everyone finally calmed down.


    "I never want to hear any one of you regard yourselves as failures. You all are the most courageous people I know."


    Yue Ling walks back to the bed to sit, but seeing that someone was missing, she turns to look at everyone.


    "Where is Qi Li?"


    Each person nce to one another when they heard her words. Lin Hui takes a deep breath as he was now sitting on a chair.


    "He and Yiqing have been trying to track down Chu Li Xiang."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling nod her head as she looks at everyone inside the room again.


    Remembering a certain person, she looks at Lin Hui.


    "What about Ning Mei?"


    Lin Hui snorts a sneer and his eyes dimmed darker than they already are.


    "I¡¯ve kept an close eye on her. Right now, she is overseas for a photoshoot."


    Disgust sh on his face when he remembers the things he found. While his boss is facing all this crisis, that disgusting woman is overseas enjoying endless nights of drinking and sleeping with men.


    His fists clench tightly and he looks at Yue Ling. However, when he looked at her, his face showed respect and care like it always had.


    "What do you have nned for her?"


    Yue Ling ponder in thoughts for a long minute. Folding her arms over her chest, she touch her chin with one hand.


    "I¡¯ll let her enjoy her life for now. Our main target right now is Chu Li Xiang."


    Saying this, her eyes dimmed as a sinister grin curl on her lip.


    "Send words to the underworld. In one weeks¡¯ time, a meeting will be held."

 Chapter 461 past three days

    Three days quickly went by as the sky turned clearer with the sun shining down to Imperial. Liu Shan was the first to be discharged from the hospital, but he did not rest like he was told.


    He sat on a bench outside of Imperial Military Hospital as his hands continuously dance over the keyboard of hisptop to hack every CCTV in Imperial in search of Chu Li Xiang.


    Through each passing minutes a slender figure would run by him and he sighs.


    "Boss, you need to rest. You just recovered."


    Yue Ling¡¯s figure jogged through the empty paths that surround Imperial Military Hospital. She was still wearing the hospital clothes, but with running shoes.


    She had long caught the attention of patients who came out for fresh air, but she did not care.


    Right now, she needs to recover fast. If she wants to capture Chu Li Xiang, she cannot waste any time since he had a head start.


    However, hearing her assistant¡¯s words, she slows in her run and looks at him.


    "You were only discharged from here yesterday. Shouldn¡¯t you be resting too?"


    "..."


    Liu Shan was dumbfounded by her words. He smiles to her sarcastically and scratch the back of his head.


    "Um... That¡¯s true, but I am not a patient anymore. You still are."


    Seeing him argue back with her, a faint smile curls on Yue Ling¡¯s lip. It¡¯s good to see that Liu Shan has returned to his normal self.


    Thinking this way, she looks away from him and starts to run again.


    She knows that she is forcing her body and it is bad for her, but she needs to build up her strength again. The faster she recovers, the faster she can unleash retribution upon Chu Li Xiang and Ning Mei.


    As she starts to run again, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes widen, and he yells out after her.


    "Boss!! You¡¯ve already ran 25ps! Why are you still running again?!!"


    Feeling a sudden pain, he quickly ce his palm on the side of his neck. The cut on his neck was deeper than he had thought and still hasn¡¯t fully recovered, but he didn¡¯t care.


    Pressing his hand more against the bandage cut, he continues to yell out to her.


    "If Lu Tian sees you running again, this great one is going to really die!!"


    Ever since she woke up, she was already moving around, but she started off with small walks, then light jogs and now she was running.


    The path that Yue Ling had been running on was a total 400 metered around. She had just started not too long ago and already ran up a little more than 6 miles in total.


    Lu Tian was so angry when he first saw her up and running around like she was not a patient admitted to the hospital. He forbid her from running and made sure she was well rested.


    However, something happened at Lu Corps and he had to leave, but if the man returned and saw Yue Ling running like this, Liu Shan knows that all Hell will break loose.


    Watching her figure run further away, Liu Shan heaves a long sigh. His carefree expression changes to one of concerning.


    Everyone had slowly gone back to their usual routine, but what about his boss?


    On the outside she smiles and talk to everyone like normal, but what about on the inside?


    For how long will she keep her heart paralyze?


    As he thought this, Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but shiver. His furrow his brow and he looks up at the sky.


    "Hm, the sun is still out and the wind is not strong, but why is it suddenly freezing cold?"


    Just as he spoke his words, all the hair on his body stood on ends. He struggle a hard gulp and slowly turn around.


    "..."


    His jaw dropped to the ground and his eyes fell out of their sockets.


    The person he was hoping to appear had appeared!! Oh God!!


    Lu Tian did not bother with the assistant as he kept his eyes on his wife¡¯s running figure in the distance. cing both hands inside his coat pocket, he sighs inside and walks around the bench to sit down.


    Seeing his sudden movement, Liu Shan was even more dumbfounded. He swore his soul had left his body and was just now returning.


    "Mr. Lu... I really tried. She wouldn¡¯t listen."


    Liu Shan tries to sugar coat his way as he did not hesitate to sell out his boss. However, he didn¡¯t forget to apologize inside.


    ¡¯Boss! I told you!! Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao will appear!¡¯


    Lu Tian does not answer Liu Shan, but he nod his head. Whether it was to tell the assistant he understood or whether it was a gesture in greeting, Liu Shan will never know.


    However, it didn¡¯t take long before he part his lips to speak.


    "Lu Tian."


    Liu Shan furrow his brows as he did not understand why Lu Tian would suddenly say his name. However, quickly understanding, his mouth open into a wide O and he slowly turn to look at the aloof man.


    He (Lu Tian) is actually telling him (Liu Shan) to call him (Lu Tian) by name and not Mr. Lu.


    Did he save a country in his past life? Why is he suddenly given this grand opportunity of friendliness by the worldly known ruthless man?


    As Liu Shan became stupefied, Yue Ling¡¯s figurees running back towards him. However, the moment she saw Lu Tian casually sitting down next to her assistant, she abruptly stops in her steps.


    cing her hands behind her back, she slowly walks towards them. At the same time, she didn¡¯t forget to look around like she had juste out for some fresh air.


    "Wow! Today is such a beautiful day. The sun is out, the sky is clear, and birds are singing in joy."


    Walking closer to the two men sitting on a bench, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen in surprise and she gasp with one hand covering her mouth.


    "Tian, I didn¡¯t see you there. When did you get back?"


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Liu Shan: "..."


    Lu Tian stares at his wife with heavy eyelids while Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but shake his head and p his palm on his forehead.


    Sometimes he (Liu Shan) really wants to sign his boss up for acting school. Maybe it will help her with her acting.


    Lu Tian slowly stood up from the bench and he walks over to his wife. A smile curls on his lip that made one lost in a daze, but for Yue Ling, she could only shiver.


    Lifting her hand, she fans herself and turns to leave.


    "It¡¯s suddenly too hot. I need to go back inside."


    Just as she was about to turn around, Lu Tian was one step faster. He grabs her arms and swiftly positioned her in his arms in princess style.


    "I need to go inside too, so let¡¯s go together."


    "..."


    Yue Ling looks at him and force out a smile. She sarcastically chuckles and nods her head obediently to him.


    During the past three days when he caught her running around the hospital, he literally lectured her to the point she thought her ears were going to bleed.


    Knowing she can¡¯t refute him, she ce her arms around his neck and let¡¯s him carry her back inside.

 Chapter 462 some time alone

    Through the corridors of Imperial Military Hospital, Lu Tian carried his wife in his arms without a care about the attention directed at them.


    Patients, nurses and doctors couldn¡¯t help but blush shyly at the scene in front of them.


    However, unlike the aloof man, Yue Ling could only hide her face against Lu Tian¡¯s shoulder and neck.


    She thought it was fine at first to let the man have his way, but now that so many eyes are on them, she felt embarrass.


    "Tian, I can walk on my own."


    She murmur her words so only he can hear, but after a long minute, he does not answer her. Confused, Yue Ling looks up at him.


    Lu Tian was staring ahead and he had stopped walking.


    Her brows furrow together, and she turn to look in the direction he was looking at.


    However, when she saw what he was looking at, her brows arch upwards in surprise.


    "Li Wei?"


    Standing in front of the private ward Yue Ling was staying in, stood the leader of White Tiger. He wore a white dress shirt, with ck trousers and a tan trench coat.


    His features were very soft and caught the attention of many young female nurses that walked by. However, the roaring tiger tattooed on the front of neck made each nurse afraid to approach him. The tattoo gave him a dangerous feeling.


    Standing next to him was his sworn sister, Chun Hua. Her plump lip was colored in crimson red as she wore a red long sleeve dress with her hair tied up in a high ponytail.


    When the two saw Yue Ling and Lu Tian, both could not believe their eyes. Lu Tian was carrying Yue Ling like they were not at the hospital but at their own home.


    However, quicklying to his senses, Li Wei clears his throat and smiles to them.


    "Sorry for the unannounced visit. I hope you both don¡¯t mind."


    Lu Tian nonchntly shrug his shoulder while Yue Ling smiles sarcastically to him due to the situation she was in.


    Looking at Lu Tian, she pats his shoulder and whispers to him.


    "Put me down."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian was reluctant, but he oblige anyways. Carefully setting her down on her feet, he looks at Li Wei.


    "Why are you here?"


    Li Wei looks at the man then to Yue Ling. Why does Lu Tian sound like he (Li Wei) was unwee here? However, he really mind the man since thats the way he (Lu Tian) had always spoke.


    His eyes then scans the hospital corridor as he gestures to the closed door.


    "Can we talk inside? I have something to tell you both."


    Lu Tian nod his head as he walks to the door and opens it for his wife. As Yue Ling entered, he followed after her.


    "Hua, you wait out here."


    Before entering the room, Li Wei instructed his sister to wait.


    Hearing his words, Chun Hua did not get angry. She nods her head and leans against the wall in wait for her sworn brother.


    As Li Wei stares at Yue Ling, he couldn¡¯t help but let his thoughts drift away.


    He has known her for a long time now and never has he seen her end up in the hospital. When he first heard the news, he couldn¡¯t believe it at all.


    The Yue Ling he knows is strong and nothing ever happens to her. Even when she is face with other leaders from the underworld, she never once backed down or showed her weak side.


    However, now...


    Seeing him stare at with intense eyes, Lu Tian slightly covers his wife and stares straight into the man¡¯s eyes.


    "What is it?"


    Hearing the business king¡¯s voice, Li Wei quickly returned to his senses and his cheek flush red when he realized what Lu Tian must have thought.


    His head lightly shook and he thought, ¡¯what a jealous man.¡¯


    He clears his throat with one hand covering his mouth and he starts talking.


    "I heard the tragic news from Qi Li and Yiqing. My condolences for your lost."


    Remembering the exact words that were told to him, he sighs inside.


    "I never liked Chu Li Xiang, but I never thought he would steep so low and do something like this."


    Taking a deep breath, he looks at Yue Ling and his expression turned serious.


    "I personally came here today to let you both know that if you need help from White Tiger, we will do everything we can to help you find that bastard."


    Yue Ling stares at the man and she sighs a faint smile. Li Wei has been a good friend of hers since she became the leader of Fate. However...


    "Thank you, but we have this under control."


    She reach her hand to hold Lu Tian¡¯s and she gives him a reassuring smile.


    "We will find him no matter what it takes."


    Li Wei slowly nods his head in understanding. However, remembering something, his slightly purse his lip.


    "I heard that Chu Qiang knows where his brother is hiding."


    Hearing his words, Lu Tian was not surprise. The past few days, they had already received the news that Chu Qiang sent someone to follow Chu Li Xiang.


    "We won¡¯t ask him."


    Yue Ling answers with a wide smile that reveals her teeth. She looked so beautiful like a moon goddess, but despite seeing her that way, Li Wei could only shiver.


    Chu Li Xiang thought he could kill two birds with one stone, but he didn¡¯t think about the oue of when he fails. Now that Yue Ling didn¡¯t die like he wanted, he¡¯s on the run from Lu Tian.


    However, what he doesn¡¯t know is that it is not only Lu Tian he is running from, but also Fate.


    Thinking this, he politely bows to the couple.


    "Well, seems like I am not needed here. I will leave you two be."


    Yue Ling and Lu Tian nod their heads to him. They were truly thankful that he took the time toe here to offer help, but they can take care of this on their own.


    Of course, they also do not want to involve any more people.


    Just as Li Wei opened the door to leave the private ward, Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounds after him.


    "I hope to see you at the meeting."


    Hearing her words, the corners of Li Wei¡¯s lip arc upwards. He turns to look at her and nods his head.


    "Up front and center."


    As he left the room and closed the door, he gestures with his head to Chun Hua for them to leave. However, a glint of light shes in his head.


    When Yue Ling... no, when Mami¡¯s sudden message arrived at the doorstep of each leader from the underworld, only God knows the reaction they all had.


    Fear? Definitely.


    The person they all fear in crossing paths with had left the underworld years ago.


    She made it clear that so long as no one crossed her line, she will not appear in the underworld, but someone stupid had decided they didn¡¯t want to live anymore.


    And Chu Li Xiang just had to be that stupid person.


    If she needs anything, he (Li Wei) will not hesitate to help as she had done so much to help him in the past.


    The room became quiet with only Yue Ling and Lu Tian inside.


    Yue Ling slowly moves the nket and gets out of bed. She had just run almost a total of 7 miles. Her body is sticky from her sweat, and she feels ufortable, so its better to clean up.


    "Where are you going?"


    Just as her foot was about to touch the floor, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds as he looks at her.


    Met with his dark pupils, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but gulp with difficulty. She force a smile and tries to make an excuse.


    "I need to use the restroom."


    Like he could read her mind, Lu Tian leisurely stood up and picks her up from the bed.


    "I¡¯ll take you."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was speechless by his action. She struggles within his arms and tries to talk her way out.


    "Tian!! I can go by myself! I¡¯m fine now!"


    Of course, her words did not enter his ears. If it did, it entered one ear and out the other.


    He carried her in his arms and strides towards the bathroom.


    Knowing she cannot fight him with words, Yue Ling covers her face with her palms and screams inside her head.


    Ever since she woke up, this man has been bathing her every time she wanted to freshen up. Even when she needs to use the bathroom for personal matters, he would stand outside the door like she would run away.


    Can¡¯t she have some time alone to herself?


    Screaming onest time in her head, she moves her hands from her face and raise her chin high.


    "Fine. Take me to the restroom. What¡¯s there to fear when we¡¯ve already seen each other!"


    She spoke her words with confidence but her cheeks flushed crimson red.


    As the the bathroom door close, it didn¡¯t take long before the sound of water running faintly echoes inside the private ward.

 Chapter 463 Liu Shan, you idio

    In another part of Imperial, Liu Shan¡¯s ck car parks as he steps out. Grabbing hisptop and bag he close the door and makes his way to his apartment.


    A wide grin shown on his face as he could not wait to see his girl friend.


    He had been in the hospital and after he was discharged, he stayed with Lin Hui and Xu Long as they searched for Chu Li Xiang.


    Now, he was finally given the chance toe home, but only to get some things then head back. However, he also wants to use this time to exin to Ling Ni why he was not in contact with her.


    Walking up the stairs, he opens his bag to take out a bouquet of flowers. He couldn¡¯t wait to see her beautiful face that makes his heart flutter.


    "Hurry and leave or someone will see."


    Just as he was about to reach the floor he lived on, he hears a woman¡¯s giggling voice.


    His brows furrow and he stops in his steps. A feeling of difort rouse inside him. Why did the voice sound like Ling Ni?


    "This is for you. I had a great time with you."


    Quickly as he thought this, a man¡¯s chuckling voice sounds, and he frowns. Why is there a man¡¯s voice too?


    Lifting his leg, he continues to climb up the stairs. His heart was beating in slow rhythms as he tells himself that it is not Ling Ni with another man.


    Reaching the floor to his apartment, Liu Shan was rooted to the floor like he had turn into a statue.


    The door to Ling Ni¡¯s apartment was wide open and there was a bulky bald-headed man standing outside the door. The man held Ling Ni in his arms as he kissed her with his tongue tangling with hers.


    Ling Ni was wearing a silky pink robe and holding a gift bag in one hand. Anyone can see that she was not angry with the man as she was returning the kiss.


    As they pull apart, the bulky man licks his lip to taste her saliva and he pulls out an envelope from his back pocket.


    Handing it to her with one hand, his other hand reach to grab her butt with a squeeze.


    "I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the usual ce tonight."


    Ling Ni takes the envelope and puts it inside the gift bag. She gives the man a smile and gestures for him to leave.


    The man grins as he got what he wanted and leaves with a happy face.


    Seeing all this, Liu Shan felt like someone had dropped a mountain on his chest. His grip loosens on his bag and it falls to the ground with a loud thud.


    The sound caught the two people¡¯s attention as they turn to look at the source of sound.


    All the colors on Ling Ni¡¯s face drained away when she saw Liu Shan. She knows that he must have heard and seen everything.


    However, unlike her, the bulky man leisurely walks away and pass Liu Shan as he leaves down the stairs.


    "Liu Shan..."


    After a long moment of silence, Ling Ni shockingly whisper his name. She clench her hand holding the gift bag as she doesn¡¯t know what to say.


    Coming out of his shock, Liu Shan gives her a faint smile and reach down for his bag. He picks it up and walks over to her.


    "I thought you might like these."


    He hands her the bouquet of flowers and without waiting for a response, he walks to the door to his apartment.


    "Liu Shan, I¡¯m sorry."


    Ling Ni trembles her words as sorry was all she could say. Liu Shan had been very sweet to her, but...


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan clench his hands holding his bag. He turn his head to look at her with a smile that did not reach his eyes.


    "What are you sorry for? You didn¡¯t do anything wrong."


    Turning away from her, he unlocks the door and opens it.


    "It¡¯s your life."


    His words fell as he enters his ce and closed the door.


    Ling Ni felt like everything around her had be dark. She looks down at the gift the other man had given her then the bouquet of flowers.


    Tears slid down her eyes and she quickly enters her apartment. Closing the door, she throws the bag on the floor as an expensive high-end bag slides out with an envelope of money.


    Her legs turn weak and she slumps onto the floor.


    She always appeared as a dainty and innocent woman, but the truth is, she sells her body for money. She had her reasons for doing such a filthy thing, but she had to.


    The only thing was, she never thought she would one day meet someone so good to her like Liu Shan.


    Never did she ever want him to see her this way.


    Streams of tears ran down her cheeks and she hugs the bouquet of flowers in her arms.


    As Ling Ni cried to herself inside, Liu Shan calmly set his bag andptop on his couch. He looks around his lonely living room and he chuckles in self-pity.


    He thought Ling Ni had mutual feelings with him, but turns out, it was only him. All this was one-sided.


    While he was in the hospital, she was going around selling her body to other men.


    Was he disappointed that she¡¯s been with other men? Yes, he is.


    Does he mind it? No, he doesn¡¯t. Every person has a past.


    Thinking this, he takes a deep breath to calm himself. He shouldn¡¯t be sad since he and Ling Ni are not in a rtionship. His wishful thinking made him read her feelings all wrong.


    However, why does his heart ache so much?


    His ex-girlfriend left him because he didn¡¯t have money to spoil her. So when another man shes his wealth in front of her, she did not hesitate to leave him.


    Remembering his bad luck with women, he faintly scoffs a chuckle and sniffs.


    "Liu Shan, you idiot. Why do you always fall for the wrong girl?"


    Forcing his tears back, he walks in the direction of his bedroom to take a shower.


    However, each step he took, he couldn¡¯t help but lift his hand to wipe away the tears that somehow found their way out of his eyes.

 Chapter 464 to dress him

    Liu Shan sat on the edge of his bed as he couldn¡¯t help but think about what he just saw.


    He was supposed toe back to get some things really quick then head back, but after what happened with Ling Ni, he lost track of time.


    *Ring Ring


    Suddenly, the sound of his phone rings inside the room as it woke him up from his deep thoughts.


    Looking at the screen to see who it was, he takes a deep breath and answers the call.


    "Sorry, I fell asleep."


    He made sure he sounded normal so the person on the other line will not realize he had been crying.


    ["Really? You think I¡¯m stupid? I know you didn¡¯t fall asleep. You went to hang out with your pretty neighbor, huh?"]


    From the other line, Lin Hui¡¯s teasing voice chimes in as he knows about Liu Shan¡¯s feelings for Ling Ni. However, he didn¡¯t know that his words just crushed the assistant¡¯s heart more than anything.


    Liu Shan force a painful smile and chuckles.


    "Ah, you got me, but I¡¯m on my way now."


    Quickly as his words fell, he ends the call and stood up. Grabbing for his packed bag at his side, he takes a deep breath.


    As he reach the front door of his ce, his hand froze when he touched the cold door handle.


    Why does love have to hurt so much...?


    Realizing his sad question, he drops his bag and got onto the floor. He starts doing some push ups to distract his mind.


    This was a habit of his when he wants to clear his head.


    After forty pushups, he stood up again and takes another deep breath. He cannot appear in front of Lin Hui and Xu Long like this. There are other more important things to do than worry about his broken heart.


    Pulling the door open, he strides out in full confidence like he was not sad at all. However, the moment he closed the door, the one next to his opens.


    "Liu Shan..."


    From the side, Ling Ni¡¯s voice calls out to him.


    Usually the way she said his name would make him have butterflies in his stomach, but now, it was like a sharp pain to his heart.


    Like someone was stabbing every part of his inside.


    Telling himself to hold it together, he does not say a word to her, but nod his head in greeting. It was the same gesture he used to give her when they were only neighbors.


    Without looking at her, he turns the other way and headed for the stairs.


    Ling Ni had been waiting for him. She stayed by the door and listened for his door. Which was how she was able to leave her apartment the same time he left his.


    However, seeing him ignore her and give her the cold shoulder, she felt an aching pain in her chest.


    "Liu Shan, I¡¯m really sorry. I never meant to¡ª"


    "Stop."


    Before she could finish her apology, Liu Shan cut her off as his back turned to her.


    "Whatever you do is your private life."


    He clench his fists tightly and inhales a quiet breath. He slowly turns to look at her.


    She was wearing a light pink dress and white trench coat. Her brown hair was tied in a low bun with loose strands of hair framing her face.


    Seeing her look as pretty as always, Liu Shan faintly smiles to her.


    "You look really nice."


    His smile andpliment were very sweet, but one, especially Ling Ni, can see the amount of pain in his eyes and hear the heart break in his voice.


    He engraves her face inside his heart for thest time before turning away and walks down the stairs.


    Entering his car, he starts the engine and leaves the parking lot.


    Watching his ck car drive away, Ling Ni couldn¡¯t hold back her tears anymore.


    She covers her mouth with one hand and sobs her heart away at the pain she had inflicted upon Liu Shan.


    "I¡¯m really sorry..."


    Never did she ever wanted him to see this side of her life. A life she had long wanted to escape from but never can as it continues to haunt her.


    Unaware about the assistant¡¯s heartbreak, Yue Lingid on the hospital bed with her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.


    Her bluish green eyes continuously res at a certain figure as she heaves a sigh.


    Sitting down next to her, Lu Tian ignores her eyes and sighs as he reads a report in his hand. However, knowing he can¡¯t keep ignoring her, he ce the paper down and looks at her.


    A mischievous smile curls on his lip as he leans closer to her.


    "Am I that good looking that you keep sighing?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling blinks her eyes as she turned bbergasted at his shameless words. It was like her puff cheeks were balloons and were sudden deted.


    Sighing again, she sits up and looks at him with puppy eyes.


    "Mr. Lu, you are indeed too good looking. How about we get away from this stuffy room so everyone can admire you with me? Hm?"


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian touch his chin like he was pondering hard about her words.


    "That¡¯s not a bad idea..."


    Seeing him like this, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes spark with fireworks thinking she had talked some sense to him in letting her out of bed.


    However, just when she thought she was going to win, the fireworks in her eyes were put out with rain.


    Lu Tian leans his elbows on the bed and gives her a smile.


    "But I only need my Mrs. Lu to admire me."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turned heavier than ever as she could not believe what she was hearing. How could she forget that this man is like a statue and nothing can convince him.


    Heaving a long sigh, she pout her lips.


    "Tian, I don¡¯t want to stay in the hospital anymore."


    Her legs lightly kick under the nket like an angry child making a fuss.


    "I miss home, I miss my bed and I miss Inu!"


    Lu Tian was going to refute her words, but hearing her say she miss home, he had to second think his decision.


    Taking a deep breath, he leans back on the chair. Folding his arms over his chest, his dark pupil stares at her.


    "Fine."


    Hearing him agree to her childish tantrum, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes shone as brightly as the moon.


    She had always hated hospitals because it reminded her of the painful past. However, knowing that she can leave this sad ce, she couldn¡¯t help but scream in joy inside.


    However, her sweet escape was quickly destroyed again by Lu Tian¡¯s next words.


    "BUT there are some ¡¯THINGS¡¯ you can¡¯t cross."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s moonlike eyes quickly lost their light when she heard his words. Each word he said was the exact words she had once said to him.


    The words she had spoke when he ¡¯forced¡¯ her to let him move in with her despite them being neighbors at Jade Condos.


    However, knowing that he is up to something, her eyes slightly narrows.


    "What ¡¯things¡¯?"


    The corner of Lu Tian¡¯s lip twitch up into a smile, but he quickly kept his cool and maintains an indifferent expression.


    "If I get Doctor Dong to discharge you from here, you have to behave yourself. Whatever you need to do, I have to do it for you."


    Yue Ling¡¯s lip twitch uncontrobly when she heard him exin the ¡¯things¡¯. Her eyes blinked and she stares at him in a long silence.


    "So, you¡¯re going to do everything for me?"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t need to think about her words. He nods his head with a proud expression.


    Seeing his response, she cross her arms over her chest.


    "So, you¡¯re saying, I can¡¯t do anything. I¡¯ll be like an Emperor waiting for his Eunuch to dress him?"


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian quickly clears his throat to force back the urge to smile.


    "Something like that."


    "..."


    Yue Ling sarcastically scoffs at his agreement and plops back toy on the bed.


    Last time, he referred himself as a concubine and this time he is a Eunuch. What¡¯s next, he¡¯ll be a Empress Dowager?

 Chapter 465 put him over

    By nightfall, Yue Ling was quickly discharged from Imperial Military Hospital. Doctor Dong was reluctant in letting her leave, but it was Lu Tian¡¯s request along with Grandfather Ji and the Lu family.


    He knows that Yue Ling may appear to be recovering quicker than most patients and doing fine, but he also knows that she is mentally hiding her pain.


    However, Lu Tian is right.


    After what she went through, it was best to have her stay at home where it is morefortable. That way she can recover physically and mentally.


    In the far distance of the hospital, Lu Tian¡¯s ck Maserati Levante Trofeo pulls up through the gate to their home.


    Yue Ling had her head turned to the window but when something outside suddenly caught her attention, her brows arch up.


    "Eh? Why is Liu Shan here? Lin Hui and Qi Li too."


    Parked in front of her house on the driveway was Liu Shan¡¯s ck car along with Lin Hui and Qi Li¡¯s motorcycles.


    Weren¡¯t they supposed to be searching for Chu Li Xiang? If so, why are they here?


    "I asked them to do the search here with Xu Long."


    Lu Tian spoke from the driver side as he parks the car then turns the engine off.


    "It¡¯ll be easier since you can¡¯t leave the house."


    Not waiting to see her reaction or hear her refuting words, he opens the door and steps out. Walking over to the passenger side, he opens the door and reach down to pick up his wife.


    "Wait!"


    Yue Ling quickly reacts and stops the man. Both her palms press against his chest to make sure he doesn¡¯t move closer.


    "Can I least have some dignity here?"


    She looks at him with a face of pleading. How can he want to carry her inside the house when her subordinates are inside?


    The infamous leader of Fate being carried in front of her subordinates.


    What will they think about her?


    How will they see her?


    As she lost herself in her own thoughts, Lu Tian ignores her words and take the opportunity to leisurely picks her up.


    Carrying her to the door, he gently ce her down and turns to unlock the door. The second her feet touched the hard ground, Yue Ling finally came to her senses again. However, she was struck dumbfounded.


    How did he carry her here without her realizing?


    What happened to her asking for some dignity?


    She cast him a re and cross her arms over her chest.


    "Tian."


    Unlocking the door, Lu Tian had his back turned to her. He answers her with a calm ¡¯mm¡¯ but on his lip was a wide grin.


    Even he was surprised at how engrossed she was in her thoughts.


    Pushing the door open, he turns to look at her. However, the smile on his face was no longer there and he turned back to his indifferent expression.


    "You can have your dignity now."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyelids quickly turned heavy when she heard his words. However, wanting to maintain thest bit of dignity in her, she rolled her eyes at him and strides inside the house with a faint hmmf.


    Eyes on her every move, Lu Tian lightly shook his head. A very tiny smile curls on his lip as he follows in after her.


    Inside the living room, what was once an empty room with only two simple couches and a ss coffee table was now filled withputer equipment.


    Liu Shanid on the ground with hisptop while Lin Huiidzily on one couch with his eyes closed. However, one can see his foot lightly tapping in the air like was singing to himself.


    On the other couch, Qi Li sat near Xu Long as both men focus on aputer screen.


    Seeing the four men look sofortable, Yue Ling arch her brow. If this wasn¡¯t her and Lu Tian¡¯s house, she would have thought the four of them were roommates living here.


    Lin Hui¡¯s ear slightly twitch when he hears the faintness of footsteps. His eyes slowly opens, and he sit ups.


    "Boss!"


    Surprise in seeing Yue Ling, he couldn¡¯t help but gasp his word. His loud voice caused the other three men to look in his direction then to the front door.


    Each person quickly stood up to wee her home.


    Yue Ling nods her head in greeting, then she looks around in search of a certain someone.


    "Where¡¯s Inu?"


    Hearing her question, all four men froze before ncing at one another. Their mouths did not move but their eyes said otherwise.


    It was if they weremunicating with their eyes in saying, ¡¯You tell her¡¯ or ¡¯no, you tell her.¡¯


    "Speak."


    As the four men immerse in a nonverbalmunication, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds to them.


    When they heard him, it was like someone had opened the window and allow a cold blizzard to enter the living room.


    However, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li all nce at Xu Long. Their eyes thought the same thing.


    ¡¯Your boss, your answer.¡¯


    Seeing that it was three against one, Xu Long wanted to cry butck the tears to shed.


    Where are Jiangyu, Yiqing and everyone else from Wolf Team when he needs them?


    Taking a deep breath, he pretends to be a winner on the outside despite crying on the inside.


    "We... We had to put him over here."


    Walking towards the stairs, he leads the way for the couple as Lin Hui, Liu Shan and Qi Li followed behind. However, despite their courageous demeanor against their enemies, the three of them at this moment stuck closely in a line behind Yue Ling.


    "Why did you guys leave him up here?"


    Oblivious to her three subordinates, Yue Ling asks as she walks behind Lu Tian who is following Xu Long.


    Hearing her question, Liu Shan heaves a sigh and he shook his head.


    "Boss, we really didn¡¯t mean to, but..."


    Remembering something, he couldn¡¯t help but shiver in fear.


    "That little fe nearly killed us like we were some kind of intruders."


    Listening to his words, Lin Hui and Qi Li nod their head as they remember what happened, while Xu Long who was leading the group shiver like he was having a seizure.


    Yue Ling furrow her brows as she was skeptical about her assistant¡¯s words. She has never seen Inu give anyone a hard time unless it was an enemy.


    Just as she wanted to say something, the faint sound of howling can be heard as they reach the second floor.


    "Ooowwoooooo¡ª"


    Stopping in his steps, Xu Long doesn¡¯t dare to go any further. He swallow with difficulty and points to the door leading to an empty room.


    "He¡¯s in there."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t think much and walks over to the room. She could still hear Inu howling inside the room, so she slowly opens the door.


    Inside, Inu¡¯s white fluffy figureid in the middle of the empty room as he howls in the saddest way ever. He looked so lonely like an abandoned child.


    "Ooowooooo¡ª"


    His head tilts back as he howls sadly to the ceiling and then he falls to the side.


    "Owwooooo¡ª"


    Standing by the door, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at her partner in crime. Unlike his usual majestic being, the him at this moment was singing his heart out.


    Even Lu Tian didn¡¯t know how to feel at this moment. He never thought the Samoyed had this side to him.


    Behind the two, the four men couldn¡¯t help but poke their head in to take a look at the Samoyed. However, seeing him so sad, all four of them felt guilty for locking him inside the room.


    "Ahem."


    Yue Ling clears her throat to get Inu¡¯s attention, which she did. He abruptly sat up with a little bit of trouble as he looks at her with glistening eyes.


    "Wroof¡ª!!"¡¯Mommy, I thought you abandoned me!¡¯


    However, that quick excitement quickly disappears when he saw the four men.


    "Grrr¡ª"¡¯You peasants!!¡¯


    He growls viciously at them and lunges in their direction like a wild dog on the loose.


    "Wroof¡ª Wroof¡ª"¡¯Revenge time!¡¯


    "Ahhh!!!"


    Liu Shan, Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li all screamed in horror at the same time. Each person wanted to run, but it was like someone had glue their feet to the floor.


    "Inu."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds as it stops Inu from chasing the four men away. He walks over to the Samoyed with his wife.


    Walking up to the little guy, Yue Ling chuckles and she squats down to hug the little guy. However, the moment she felt his soft fur, she tightens her hold around him, and closed her eyes.


    "I missed you so much..."


    Feeling her touch on him, Inu¡¯s tail wagged side to side as he rubs his head against hers. However, he didn¡¯t forget to constantly send a re to the four men.


    The expression on his face was as if saying,


    ¡¯Just you wait. I will get my revenge.¡¯

 Chapter 466 one by one

    "Grrr..."


    Inside the living room of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s house, Inu sat on one couch as the couple sat on the one across from him. However, he was constantly growling with angry eyes in their direction.


    "Grrr..."


    Behind the couch Yue Ling and Lu Tian were sitting on were the four men who locked Inu in the upstairs room. Knowing that the beast has been released, they could only hide from the little guy.


    Yue Ling sat in silence. Lifting her hand, she massage her temples. Not because she was having a headache, but because she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at this moment.


    The reason Inu is so angry at the four men is because he had been stuck inside the house for so many days with no one to y with him.


    Usually Lu Tian would y with him, but Yue Ling was in the hospital, so he only came home to let Inu out to do his business then leave the Samoyed.


    So, when Liu Shan, Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li came over, the little guy wanted to y with them.


    However, the four men ignored him and went on with their own tasks. When he (Inu) finally had enough of being ignored, he went into zoomie mode.


    He ran inside the house like a crazy maniac and knocked down each person and the items he bumps into.


    Thus, the four men got scared and locked him upstairs. They actually thought he was trying to chase them out of the house.


    Coming back from her thoughts of the story told, Yue Ling lowers her hand. She looks at Inu and sighs before turning to Lu Tian.


    "Can you take him outside? I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be happier."


    Lu Tian calmly nods his head. Standing up, he turns to look at the four men. Looking at their faces one by one, he lightly shook his head and walks away.


    "Inu, let¡¯s go."


    "Wroof¡ª"


    Inu barks a response as his white fluffy figure jumps down from the couch and follows after Lu Tian. All he wanted was to y, but the useless peasants didn¡¯t want to y with him.


    At least, now he has the evildoer to y with him.


    His tail wags happily until he passed the couch his favorite was sitting on.


    Seeing the four men that won¡¯t y with him, he gives them a vicious re before triggering a feint at them.


    "Grrooof¡ª"


    "Ahhh¡ª!!"


    Caught of guard, all four men screamed like four little girls seeing the little ball going to pounce at them.


    Liu Shan and Lin Hui quickly hugs one another while Xu Long jumped into Qi Li¡¯s arms like a princess.


    "Inu."


    Lu Tian clears his throat to hide the urge tough as he calls out to the Samoyed. Walking to the door, he opens it and let¡¯s Inu out to the back courtyard.


    Seeing them scared to the max, Inu scoffs a snort and flung his head away with attitude. He raise his chin high and walks out the door like a noble beast.


    Once he was out the door, he dashes away like a free soul entering the world again.


    Lu Tian faintly smiles at the sight of Inu as he closes the door. Turning around, he sees the four men still frozen in fear and his head shook.


    Walking back to sit with his wife, his voice sounds.


    "Report."


    Hearing his one word, Lin Hui and Liu Shan¡¯s eyes blinked before realizing the position they were in. The two men quickly shoves the other away and straightens their clothes like they were not hugging each other.


    At the same time, Xu Long heaved a sigh as he wipes the imaginary sweat on his forehead. He really thought Inu was going to lunge at them.


    He subconsciously nce to the side before he took a quick second nce and froze in ce.


    Qi Li was looking at him with a straight face, but one can see how dumbfounded he is.


    Slowly setting his feet down, Xu Long sarcastically chuckles and scratch the back of his head.


    "Heh heh, thanks for carrying me."


    Qi Li stares at the man with heavy eyes before striding away to the couch Inu was sitting on. His demeanor was as if he never partake in the act with the other three men.


    Seeing the man act so calm, both Liu Shan and Lin Hui¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor. Ever since they¡¯ve known Qi Li, the man is very cautious when ites to physical contact with anyone.


    Even they can¡¯t get near him, let alone jump into his arms like Xu Long.


    However, remembering the crisis they just went through, they can tell that he (Qi Li) only let Xu Long off because he (Qi Li) wanted to keep thest ounce of dignity left for him.


    Oblivious to all this, Xu Long runs to hisptop and sits down on the floor near his boss.


    "We did locate Chu Li Xiang yesterday, but today, he became a ghost and has not set foot anywhere."


    His fingers tap across the keyboard then he set theptop on the ss coffee table.


    "Hisst location was here."


    Taking a look at the screen, Yue Ling arch a brow while Lu Tian furrow his brows.


    The CCTV footage captured Chu Li Xiang outside an underground bar called Glory. However, this bar is known only to wee those from the underworld.


    "He met with Steelhead."


    From the side, Liu Shan spoke as if he had never been scared of Inu. Walking over to hisptop, he types in a few codes and three images pop up.


    The first image showed Chu Li Xiang walking out of the bar with a middle-aged man who only has one arm. In the second image, it captured them shaking hands like business partners and the third image shows Chu Li Xiang politely bowing as the man called Steelhead enters the ck car.


    Yue Ling calmly touch her chin and ponder in thoughts.


    Glory is known for its strict business, so no cameras are put up inside for personal privacy. It is also the main ce everyone from the underworld conduct their business.


    However, it is known throughout the underworld that ck Dragon and Blue Axe are enemies, so why is Chu Li Xiang meeting with Steelhead the leader of Blue Axe?


    She nce at the three photos then to Qi Li.


    "What did you find?"


    Qi Li didn¡¯t beat around the bush and quickly tells her.


    "Chu Li Xiang and Steelhead are secret business partners. Not only are they smuggling drugs, they are also trafficking women."


    Thinking back to what he and Yiqing saw while tailing Steelhead, Qi Li¡¯s eyes dimmed dangerously.


    "We followed Steelhead after finding out his business with Chu Li Xiang. At the port, we saw three shipping containers. Two trafficking women out of Imperial while one trafficking them into Imperial."


    Listening to his words, Yue Ling nod her head in a calm manner, but one can see the murderous glint in her eyes.


    Holding her chin, her pointer finger gently taps on her lip.


    "It seems Chu Qiang really has no idea what Chu Li Xiang has been doing."


    Lin Hui leans against the couch near Lu Tian and cross his arms over his chest.


    "If he knew what that bastard brother of his has been doing, he would faint to death."


    Leaning back against the couch, Yue Ling cross one leg over the other.


    "Until the meeting with the underworld, I want you four to keep a close eye on Steelhead too."


    Saying this, she stood up to leave the room. She wanted to shower and change intofortable clothes since she just came back from the hospital.


    However, just as she stood, the man sitting next to her clears his throat.


    Yue Ling was rooted to floor when she remember her deal with the devil. Taking a deep breath, she lifts her hand. cing the back of her hand on her forehead, she pretends she was going to faint.


    "Oh... Head Eunuch Lu, help me walk to the bedroom."


    Hearing her words and seeing her bad acting, the four men were struck dumbfounded.


    Is this really the Han Yue Ling they know? The woman who is not scared of anything or anyone.


    Just as they thought this, Lu Tian¡¯s expression kept its usual indifference as he stood up. cing his arm over her shoulder, he helps her move from the couch.


    "Let us go, Emperor Han."


    Yue Ling does not push the man away, but she made sure to roll her eyes and didn¡¯t care if he saw or not. As much as she doesn¡¯t want to lose her face like this, she already gave him her words.


    As the couple walk towards the stairs, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li stare with their eyes on the brink of closing.


    What did they just see? Who are these two people? What happened to their bosses? How did it be like this?

 Chapter 467 but I do!

    Yue Ling stepped out of the bathroom dressed in afortable pajama set of peach. A towel in hand, she dries her damp hair and walks into the bedroom.


    However, seeing a certain someone, she arch a brow.


    "Why are you frowning?"


    Lu Tian held a pillow in his arms as he sat on the kind sized bed. However, his cold expression was reced with a sulking one and his lip pout like an angry child.


    Hearing her question, he turns his head to the side with a ¡¯hmmf¡¯.


    Seeing him act like a child who didn¡¯t get what he wanted, Yue Ling was put in a difficult position.


    After he helped here upstairs, she grabbed a set of pajamas and ran into the shower as quickly as she could.


    Of course, he followed her into the bathroom by unlocking the door, but she said if he really loves her, he will let her shower by herself.


    So forth, he had no choice but to wait outside for her.


    Thinking about it, she could still remember the look on his face when he stormed out of the bathroom. He was so angry with her like he wanted to strangle her to death, but knowing he can¡¯t go against her words, he had to leave.


    Sounding a very faint chuckle as she clears her throat, she nce at him.


    Walking over to him, she gives him a very sweet smile.


    Right now, it is best to calm the man.


    "Eunuch Lu, I know a deal was made between this one and you, but I can bathe myself. Next time, we can bathe together, okay?"


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t look at her but turn his head the other way with another ¡¯hmmf¡¯.


    Heaving a long sigh, Yue Ling stops in front of him. Tossing the towel on the floor, she ce both her hands are on her hips.


    "Tian, are you a child?"


    Hearing her call him a child, Lu Tian cast her a side re before turning his head the other way with another ¡¯hmmf¡¯. So what if he is acting like a child, they had clearly made a deal, but she actually went back on it.


    "Waahh...."


    Yue Ling could not believe this man at all. He¡¯s even more childish than a child. Even Inu doesn¡¯t often act this way to her.


    Moving one hand from her hip, she pinch his chin and turn his head to look at her.


    Her bluish green eyes locks with his dark ones and she gives him a stern look.


    "I promise, starting tomorrow, we can shower together."


    Just as herst word fell, Lu Tian moves the pillow to the side and pulls her down to sit on hisp.


    A wide grin curls on his lip as it reach his eyes.


    "Deal."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares in disbelief seeing his smile. She sarcastically scoffs at his quick change of behavior. It was like he wasn¡¯t throwing a childish tantrum at all.


    Shaking her head, she part her lips to say something to him. However, before she could utter a sound, her lips were quickly captured by his.


    Lu Tian held her back with one hand as the other held the side of her face.


    Being able to taste her soft lips full of sweetness, he couldn¡¯t help but deepen the kiss.


    His hand press against her back to pull her closer to him. Parting her lips, he found her tongue.


    Yue Ling was taken by surprise, but she does not push him away. Closing her eyes, she wraps her arms around his neck, and returns the kiss.


    Lost in the passionate kiss, Lu Tian gentlyy her on the bed as he press over her. However, he made sure not to put his entire weight on her.


    It didn¡¯t take long before their rapid breathing echo inside the bedroom.


    Knowing they can¡¯t do the deed, Yue Ling press her palms against his chest and lightly push him away.


    "T-Tian, we can¡¯t... I haven¡¯t recovered..."


    Lu Tian had moved from her soft lips to her neck, but hearing her words, he could only sigh inside.


    He kiss her neck onest time and moves away from her. However, the moment he lift his head and saw her flustered face, he couldn¡¯t help but nt another kiss on her lip then her forehead before moving away from her.


    "I just wanted to kiss you."


    Laying on his back next to her, he ce one arm under her neck as his other arm covers his eyes. He needed to cool his head or else the beast inside him will get out of control.


    Before they left Imperial Military Hospital, Doctor Dong strictly warned him about having any intimacy. His wife¡¯s body is still healing from the loss of their child, so he needs to tame the beast inside and let her recover.


    Seeing him try to restrain himself, a smile curls on Yue Ling¡¯s lip. She feels bad that he can¡¯t have his way with her, but she is also happy that he has self-control and didn¡¯t turn into a hungry wolf.


    Just as she thought this, her eyes widen, and she abruptly sat up.


    "Oh God! Liu Shan, Lin Hui, Qi Li and Xu Long are still here!!"


    She looks at the door and her cheeks turned even more redder than it already is.


    The door to their bedroom wasn¡¯t closed but widely opened.


    What is they heard? What if... Oh God, how is she supposed to face them now?


    Lu Tian leisurely turn to the side and held his head with one hand. Seeing her panic expression, he faintly smiles.


    Sitting up, he looks at her with an indifferent expression.


    "So what if they heard us? It¡¯s not like we went all the way."


    "..."


    Yue Ling froze in ce when she heard his shameless words. Her head robotically turns to face him and her nostrils re with steam.


    "How can you calmly say something like that?"


    Her jaw clench and she grabs the cor of his shirt. Holding it tightly with both her hands, she shakes him.


    "You might not care if anyone hears, but I do! I care!"


    Lu Tian remained calm as he allows her to shake him. The him right now needed to concentrate on notughing let alone smile. Also, she is the only person he will allow to treat him this way.


    However, seeing her cute angry face, he was defeated. Grabbing her hands to stop her, he stares straight into her eyes and looks at her with a serious expression.


    "They already left."


    "..."


    Like someone had pour a bucket of ice-cold water on her, Yue Ling was struck dumbfounded. Her mouth opened and close to speak but she was unable to say anything.


    Seeing her face full of bewilder, Lu Tian clears his throat and pecks her lip before standing up.


    "I¡¯ll go get Inu."


    Calmly walking out of the bedroom a wide grin curls on his lip with his teeth showing.


    After she ¡¯kicked¡¯ him out of the bathroom, he decided to go out for a smoke. Of course, he made sure the door was closed when he left.


    When he stepped into the living room, the four men had informed him that the CCTV outside of Glory had capture Steelhead going inside.


    Wanting to follow Yue Ling¡¯s order of keeping an eye on the man, they decided to go take a look. It was also just in case Chu Li Xiang decides to appear.


    So, in conclusion to Yue Ling¡¯s worry, the four men had long left the house. Also, he (Lu Tian) will never let anyone hear his wife¡¯s seductive voice in bed.


    Smiling to himself, he walks to the door leading to the back courtyard to let Inu inside.

 Chapter 468 Do you know

    Glory.


    The underground bar known to every person from the underworld. Men stammer around with alcohol in their hands and beautiful women dress in revealing clothes for them to enjoy.


    Faintughs can he heard as the loud music ying in the background over voice each person inside the bar. However, nobody cares as they lost themselves to a night of alcohol and lust.


    "Ah~!"


    Inside one of the many rooms in the back of Glory, a man and a woman can be heard making love passionately.


    The man is standing with one knee press on the long cushion bench that wraps around the room. His bulky built was two times the size of the woman underneath him.


    Holding her hip with one hand to control the rhythm, his other hand clench tightly onto her brown hair slightly pulling her head back.


    The woman he was enjoying pleasure with was on all four on the cushion bench. Each time the man thrust into her from behind, she would let out an alluring moan. However, no one knows whether she is really enjoying herself or just doing so to satisfy the man.


    Within a few minutes into their intimacy, the bulky man finally reached heaven and release his load inside the woman as she herself reached her climax.


    The bulky man pulls out of her and sits down on the cushion bench. His chest heaving heavily with sweat covering his entire body.


    "No bad, Ling Ni. I knew I could always count on you for this."


    Laying on her stomach, Ling Ni could feel her arms and legs turn weak from the bulky man rough ravishing. Her brown hair that was tied in a low bun when she left her apartment was now in aplete mess.


    Seeing her quieter than usual, the bulky man reach for a cigarette on the nearby table. Lighting it up, he inhales a puff.


    "Clean it up."


    Hearing his sudden demand, Ling Ni was very exhausted. She just wanted to get this over with and go home, but knowing she has no choice, she force herself to sit up.


    Turning around to face him, she moves her hair to one side and bends forward to clean up the mess.


    "Hnn..."


    Feeling her soft lip and tongue wrap around his manhood, the bulky man tilt his head back with a groan.


    "You always do it best with your mouth."


    Holding the back of her head, he allows her to take her sweet time cleaning him off.


    While Ling Ni continues to service the man, she did now know that she would be meeting the one person she regret hurting.


    Outside of Glory, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, Qi Li and Xu Long casually walks up to the luxurious underground bar.


    Liu Shan wore a green utility jacket with a ck turtleneck and matching ck jeans. His hair is nicelyb to the side as he gave a very charming vibe.


    Walking next to him was Lin Hui. Unlike his usual bad boy image, he looked like a cute innocent boy. He man wore a white knitted sweater with a ck t-shirt showing under and light blue jeans.


    Behind Lin Hui was Qi Li. He wore something morefortable and casual. A white and ck stripe t-shirt with a ck long sleeve turtleneck under. Keeping his legs warm were a pair of light blue jeans.


    Despite his usual cold and straight face, the rimless sses he wore made him look like a schoolboy.


    And then there¡¯s Xu Long.


    Due to what happenedst time at Spring, he decided to dress different this time since he ising to the underworld.


    His hair smoothly sleek back in style and he wore a ck t-shirt with the yin yang print on the front and a pair of ck distressed jeans that revealed some of his skin.


    Unlike the three men, he was the only one who wore jewelries. Silver earrings and a matching silver chain ne.


    Toplete his look was a ck leather jacket he had borrow from Lin Hui, but who will know.


    As the four men near the entrance of Glory, they had long caught the attention of the people nearby. However, none of them paid any attention.


    "Whoa! So this is Glory?!"


    Xu Long eximed as he stares at the luxurious ce with bright lights. He thought ck Dragon¡¯s nightclub was the kick it spot, but seeing Glory, he can see why this ce is the ce for business.


    His head lightly nods to himself and he touch his chin.


    "So this is where all the fun is."


    Hearing his words full of excitement, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li shook their head.


    None of them wanted toe here, but when Yue Ling said for them to keep a close eye on Steelhead, the man just had to appear.


    Of course, the three of them wanted to keep watch from behind theputer, but Xu Long convinced them toe.


    Since Glory forbids any cameras inside, their best bet is toe here to investigate.


    However, what they didn¡¯t know is that there¡¯s another reason why Xu Long wanted toe to Glory.


    He has heard many things about Glory despite it being a ce specifically for the underworld. So, like any human being, he wanted to see the ce at least once in his life since he¡¯s been given the opportunity.


    Oblivious to the assistant¡¯s intentions, Liu Shan leads the three men to the entrance of Glory. They did not enter the guest line but went straight for VIP.


    Just as they were about to enter, an obese security guard stretch his arm out to stop them.


    "This line is for VIP members only."


    He sized the four men then points to another line that had people waiting to enter the bar too.


    "If you aren¡¯t VIPs, get in line like everyone else."


    Judging from their appearances, they must be new to the ce and thought their good looks can get them inside Glory. However, no matter how wealthy or good looking someone is, that¡¯s not how it works here. If you are not a VIP member, you have to wait in line with everyone else.


    Liu Shan sighs inside and reach for his wallet. However, just when he touched his wallet and had yet to take it out, someone made a move first.


    "Tsk."


    Behind, Xu Long click his tongue disapprovingly. Putting both his hands into his Jean pockets, he lifts his chin up and puts on a stern face. Walking like a badass through the gap of Liu Shan and Lin Hui, he looks at the obese security guard.


    He size the man up and down then purse his lips like he was thinking about something.


    His tongue click again, and he frowns.


    "Do you know who we are?"

 Chapter 469 was broken

    The obese security guard stares at Xu Long with a frown. He size Xu Long from head to toe then back up. The space between his brows crease into three lines as he avert his eyes to Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    Based off of their clothes, he can tell each piece is highly expensive. However, from the way they dressed, Xu Long must be the leader of the four.


    Thinking this, he ponder in thought about Xu Long¡¯s question. No matter how much he tries to think, he has no idea who they are. So left with no choice, he shook his head.


    Seeing his answer, Xu Long scoffs annoyingly as he rolled his eyes. He takes his left hand out of his pocket and slightly raise it.


    The pad of his thumb and middle finger press together as he sounds a snap then points his index finger out to who knows where.


    "Tsk. Show him our pass."


    "..."


    Suddenly being treated likeckeys, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li stares at Lu Tian¡¯s assistant with heavy eyelids. Never have they been treated like this before, even Yue Ling doesn¡¯t treat them like this.


    However, eyeing the man¡¯s outfit, they now understood why he dress what he wore.


    They were in the turf of the underworld. One nce and one would no doubt think Xu Long is the leader.


    As much as they wanted to tackle the man down for acting like their boss, they needed to stay in character.


    Liu Shan takes a deep breath inside and pulls his wallet out. Reaching for a card, he hands it to the obese security guard.


    "Is this enough?"


    The obese man snorts at Xu Long¡¯s arrogant attitude, then hearing Liu Shan¡¯s words, he takes the card almost like he was snatching it.


    However, the second he looks down at the card, his eyes widen, and he turned as pale as a ghost.


    Even his hands were beginning to tremble as he gulp with great difficulty.


    Checking the card, he could feel sweat slowly from on his forehead.


    This card is a very in and simple ck card with a matte finish, but if one looked carefully, one can see the bold lettering of ¡¯FATE¡¯ in a glossy metallic finish.


    "T-This..."


    He was only able to stutter one word, but quickly remembering something, he hands the ck card back to Liu Shan.


    A smile full of respect appears on his face and he gestures to the door.


    "Forgive me for taking up your time. Please enter. As our honor guest, all your drinks will be on Glory."


    As Liu Shan put the card back in his wallet, Xu Long grabs the front of his jacket and tugs it. Rolling his eyes, he strides inside Glory like a boss.


    "Hmmf. Come on boys, let¡¯s go."


    All three men rolled their eyes and allows Xu Long to keep his dignity as they follow after the man. They can see that Xu Long already has a hard time being Lu Tian¡¯s assistant, so one night of him having his way won¡¯t hurt.


    Watching the four good looking men enter Glory, the obese security guard was still in disbelief.


    As an employee under Glory, all the workers have been informed who is a VIP member and who is not.


    So far, all the VIP members thate to Glory all have gold cards. However, only one ck card has been given out and that card went to Fate.


    His mind quickly turned chaotic until he remembers something. Gesturing to a muscr man standing nearby, he quietly whispers.


    "Inform boss that..."


    Entering Glory, Xu Long¡¯s eyes widen in amazement at what he is seeing.


    Glory is indeed worthy of its name.


    The entire ce is as luxurious as a five-star hotel. Even ck Dragon¡¯s red and ck interior cannotpare to Glory¡¯s shiny gold interior like it is made from pure gold.


    "Quite dashing isn¡¯t it?"


    Liu Shan chuckles as he ce his elbow on Xu Long¡¯s shoulder. Seeing him (Xu Long) nod his head, he (Liu Shan) taps the man¡¯s chin.


    "Close your mouth, you¡¯re drooling all over the ce."


    From the other side, Lin Hui snorts a chuckle. Quickly clearing his throat, his eyes caught sight of a figure in the distance.


    "3 o¡¯clock."


    Hearing his words, the three men nce in the direction Lin Hui had pointed out.


    Standing near a table in the back of Glory¡¯s lounge was a skinny man with long straight hair. He wore a fitted white suit and held his tattoo covered hands in front of him.


    Seated in an armchair next to him was the middle-aged man called Steelhead. However, across from the man is a woman with ck hair.


    Her back is turned to them, so they could not tell who she is, but one can see she is wearing a ck dress.


    Qi Li looks away from Steelhead and he scans the ce. Seeing a bunch of members from Blue Axe sitting by the bar, he strides over.


    "I¡¯ll be at the bar."


    Watching him calmly walk away, the other three men nod their head secretly. Just as they were about to make their move to a table, a group of five women swarm over to block them.


    A pretty woman with curly blonde hair wearing a tight pink dress held onto Liu Shan¡¯s arm and press her ratherrge breasts against him. An alluring smile curls on her lip as she lifts her hand and trace his jawline.


    "Hello there, Mr. Charming. Can I be at your service tonight?"


    Liu Shan nce down at the woman. Instead of pushing her away, he ce his arm over she shoulder and smiles.


    "If it¡¯s you, I don¡¯t mind."


    His fingers yfully twirls her hair as his smile widens.


    "And what should I call you?"


    The woman giggles shyly, and she hugs Liu Shan by the waist. Leaning her head against him, she bashfully answers.


    "Winny."


    Liu Shan chuckles heartily and walks over to a table. Of course the table he chose is right next to Steelhead¡¯s table.


    However, acting like a regr customer, he pays no attention to the table next to him.


    "Winny, what a beautiful name."


    Sitting down, he pulls her down to sit on hisp.


    "So, how will you be of a service to me tonight?"


    Winny giggles as she yfully hits Liu Shan on the chest.


    "As much as you want my sweetheart."


    Turning away, she waves a waiter down to bring them some bottle of alcohol.


    As Liu Shan shamelessly flirt with Winny, both Lin Hui and Xu Long were at a loss for words.


    Even with the beautiful and alluring women trying to get their attention, the two men were busy trying to understand the Liu Shan in front of them.


    Xu Long frowns and leans towards Lin Hui as he whispers.


    "Is Liu Shan alright? I thought he has a girlfriend?"


    Staring at Liu Shan¡¯s unusual behavior, Lin Hui furrow his brows. Liu Shan has always been loyal. Although he (Liu Shan) and Ling Ni were not an official couple, he never flirted with any women, let alone allow one to flirt with him.


    Even before he met Ling Ni, he never allowed any women to throw themselves at him.


    Thinking this, he strides towards Liu Shan and Winny¡¯s table. Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to wrap his arms around two of the beautiful women left for him.


    "Comedies, let us have a glorious night."


    He doesn¡¯t know what happened between Liu Shan and Ling Ni, but from careful observations, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan always drink when things go south.


    And looking at Liu Shan¡¯s sudden change of behavior, it can only mean one thing.


    His heart was broken.

 Chapter 470 ready for use

    Left alone, Xu Long tilt his head to the side. His eyes blinked a few times before remembering the other two women.


    "Ah..."


    He sarcasticallyughs as he really didn¡¯t know what to do in this kind of situation. However, remembering his role as the leader, he held his head high and imitates Lin Hui¡¯s action.


    cing his arms over the two women¡¯s shoulder, he smiles.


    "It¡¯s so nice to be surrounded by two beautiful women."


    As Xu Long joined the table and they start drinking alcohol, Steelhead would often nce at their table.


    He had chosen this table because it was in the back and away from the noise. However, the group next to him is just as loud as the people at the bar.


    "What is it?"


    The woman sitting across from the middle-aged man asks when she sees the man look distracted.


    She wore a ck two-piece dress that showed her curves, but it was less revealing unlike the other women. Even her looks was more appealing to the eyes than the five women with the group next to them.


    Seeing Steelhead not answer her, she didn¡¯t hesitate to look over. However, what she saw shook her to the core and she gasp.


    "Mr. Liu?"


    It has been a long time since shest saw him here.


    Sitting on the armchair in arm¡¯s length from her, Liu Shan had just down a ss of alcohol Winny had pour for him. His attention was not directed at the woman until he heard her voice and turn to look at her.


    Met with her smiling face, he sighs a polite smile with a nod.


    "Yuanyuan."


    Hearing him say her name, Yuanyuan was happy that he still remembers her even though its been a few years since they saw each other.


    Turning to look at Steelhead, she politely smiles to him.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Liu is a very honor guest of Glory."


    Steelhead looks at Liu Shan, then to Lin Hui and Xu Long. He has never seen them before but since Yuanyuan is putting in good words for them, they must not be ordinary people.


    Thinking this, he nods his head in greeting to the three men.


    One should know that Glory may be a bar for the underworld, but it prohibits any violence.


    All three men returns a nod in greeting to the man. Although they are here to keep watch on him, they cannot be reckless and blow their cover.


    Sitting on Liu Shan¡¯sp, Winny steals a nce at Yuanyuan who had returned to discussing some things with Steelhead. A mischievous smile curls on her lip and she hugs Liu Shan¡¯s neck.


    "So you are Mr. Liu."


    From what she can remember when she first started working at Glory, Yuanyuan is the only woman who doesn¡¯t sleep with her customers.


    She mainly acts as the host for important customers, but nothing beyond that. No one is allowed to have any physical contact with her. Even if they are the most powerful person in the underworld, the boss of Glory will always back her up.


    However, a rumor spread that only one man is allowed to touch her, and that man is Mr. Liu.


    Unknown to Winny¡¯s thoughts, Liu Shan smiles to her with his finger tracing her arm as he drink his ss of alcohol.


    "Well, now you know how to address me."


    Winny¡¯s cheeks turn red as she tightens her hug of the man.


    "Mr. Liu, should we go and get a room for ourselves? I promise you will not be disappointed in my service."


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan felt disgusted on the inside, but he smiles at her without answering her question.


    As the two began to flirt around, Yuanyuan heard their entire conversation. Although she kept a sincere smile as she listens to Steelhead talk, deep down she felt a tinge of pain in her heart.


    In the past, every time Liu Shan came to glory whether it was for fun or business, he would always ask for her. Little did he know, those short moments were the best for her. He treated her with respect and never looked down on her.


    However, seeing that he did not ask for her, he must have forgotten about her at some point.


    After all, why would someone like Liu Shan remember a service girl like her.


    Pushing these feelings away, she reach for a bottle of wine and fills up Steelhead¡¯s empty ss.


    "Is your guest arriving soon?"


    Steelhead chuckles and he takes the ss Yuanyuan had filled up.


    "Is Miss Yuanyuan tired of servicing me?"


    Hearing his words, Yuanyuan¡¯s cheek flush pink in embarrassment. Was he able to read her thoughts?


    Trying to keep herself together, she shook her head.


    "The pleasure is all mine for Glory¡¯s esteem guests."


    Finding her as someone easy to speak with, Steelhead chuckles and drinks the ss of wine.


    "My guest will be here soon."


    Just as his word fell, he sees a figure enter the doors of Glory.


    "Speaking of my guest, here he is."


    It was the person he was waiting for. However, it was not Chu Li Xiang but an obese man in his sixties.


    He slowly rise from his seat to wave the man down then looks at Yuanyuan.


    "I am thankful for your generous time in entertaining me. Is the room ready?"


    Each time a business if made, they must talk it out in a room for their own privacy.


    Yuanyuan smiles politely and stood from her seat. She gestures with her hand towards the dark hallway.


    "The room is ready for use."


    Her words fell as she leads Steelhead to meet with the obese man then they turn for the hallway.


    However, unknown to her, she did not see the obese man¡¯s eyes full of lust for her as he follow behind.


    As Yuanyuan disappear through the hallway, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes dimmed dangerously.


    He saw the look the obese man was giving Yuanyuan and it was one full of ill intentions.


    It¡¯s true that he used to call on Yuanyuan when he came here, but he has never touched her. He will never force someone to do something they do not want.


    "Isn¡¯t that Snakehead¡¯s Gao Jie?"


    From the side, Lin Hui leans towards Liu Shan and whispers as Winny finally moved from Liu Shan¡¯sp to get another bottle of alcohol.


    With a very faint nod in answering, Liu Shan stood up and strides in the direction Yuanyuan had led Steelhead and Gao Jie.


    "Keep watch from here."


    Watching his figure disappear into the dark hallway, Xu Long and Lin Hui remained seated. If all three of them followed, it would be suspicious and catch attention.


    Xu Long leans back on his chair. He can see Qi Li sittingfortable at the bar like a regr customer.


    His eyes slightly narrows, and he looks at Lin Hui.


    "Do you guys oftene here?"


    Lin Hui had just taken a cigarette out of his pocket when he heard the assistant¡¯s question. Lighting it up, he shrug his shoulder.


    "Sometimes, but Liu Shanes here more than us."


    Xu Long nods his head in understanding. Other will think Lin Hui meant Liu Shan came here for fun or to enjoy time with the women here, but he (Xu Long) knows that is not the case.


    What Lin Hui meant is that Liu Shan often came here for missions assigned by Fate.

 Chapter 471 Glory is my home

    Inside one of the private rooms, Ling Ni had just finished putting her clothes on. Tying her hair in a low ponytail, she reach for her bag.


    "Here¡¯s your pay."


    The bulky man hands a stack of money to Ling Ni. He was already dressed and held a cigarette in his hand.


    "Thank you. I will leave first."


    Ling Ni force a sweet smile and takes the money. Putting it inside her bag, she stood up to leave the room.


    Outside in the hallway, Liu Shan calmly walks to find the room Steelhead and Gao Jie were in.


    "Hey, you can¡¯t be back here."


    Up ahead, a man calls out to stop Liu Shan when he saw that Liu Shan was leisurely strolling through the hallway.


    This section of the bar is for the customers, but in order for them to enter, they must pay for a room and the guard patrolling will be notified. However, Liu Shan did not pay for a room and he (the man) had not been notified.


    "He¡¯s with me."


    From behind the man, Yuanyuan¡¯s voice sounds as she walked out from the room she had led Steelhead and Gao Jie into.


    Walking up to Liu Shan, she held his arm and smiles.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting. Our room is this way."


    Seeing that Liu Shan is with Yuanyuan, the man felt like an idiot for assuming things. He smiles a chuckle and apologize.


    "Ah, sorry. Since you are Miss Yuanyuan¡¯s guest, you may go."


    Liu Shan looks down at the beautiful woman next to him. He gives her a smile in thanks.


    Returning the smile, Yuanyuan moves her hand from his arm and held his hand in a yful manner.


    "Shall we?"


    Although she had asked her question, she was already pulling Liu Shan in the direction of a private room.


    "Liu Shan?"


    Just as they stopped in front of the room next to Steelhead¡¯s, a woman¡¯s voice calls Liu Shan¡¯s name.


    Ling Ni had just stepped out of the room when she saw Liu Shan walk pass. She was surprise to see him at Glory, but seeing him with a woman other than her, she felt like the air around had be hard to breathe in.


    Her lips lightly trembles, and she takes a step towards the man.


    "Liu Shan, it is you right?"


    Even if his back is turned to her, she knows that it is him.


    Hearing her voice, Liu Shan felt like someone had dug his heart out and stomped on it. His legs froze in ce and he was unable to move.


    Holding the door halfway open, Yuanyuan looks at Liu Shan then to Ling Ni. Her brows slightly furrow, and she asks.


    "Mr. Liu, is she someone you know?"


    Yuanyuan¡¯s voice brought Liu Shan back to his senses. Without looking at Ling Ni, he ce his hand on Yuanyuan¡¯s back and gently push her inside the room.


    "You¡¯re the only one I know."


    As the two enter the room, the sound of the door closes and Ling Ni was left alone in the hallway.


    She could not believe what she was seeing. Liu Shan who is always sweet and caring is actually here for some women. Not only that, he even said he didn¡¯t know her.


    "You¡¯re still here?"


    Just as she thought this, the bulky man steps out of the room. He was surprised to see Ling Ni had not left. Thinking of something, he reach to grab her butt and pulls her towards him.


    "Shall we have another round?"


    Ling Ni press her palm against the man¡¯s hard chest to keep herself from stumbling. However, hearing his words, she shook her head.


    "I¡¯m tired. I¡¯ll see you next time."


    Knowing he had been a little rough with her, the bulky man didn¡¯t think much and ce his arm over her shoulder.


    "I¡¯ll take you home then."


    As the two walks away from the room, Ling Ni didn¡¯t forget to look at the tightly shut door to the room Liu Shan had enter. She wanted to go and confront him about the woman, but who is she to do so.


    That woman with Liu Shan is indeed prettier than her. Maybe it is for the best that they go their separate ways.


    Inside the room, Liu Shan sat on the cushion bench and he stare into a nk space.


    When he found out about what Ling Ni was doing, he remember she was meeting that man again. Since she¡¯s here, it can only mean that the man is someone from the underworld.


    Sitting next to him, Yuanyuan made sure she was not too close to him. She quietly sat by his side and let him have the time to himself.


    From what she saw, Liu Shan pretended not to know the woman they ran into. However, when he said he only knew her (Yuanyuan), she was indeed happy, but at the same time, she felt pain in her chest as she could see the hurt in his eyes.


    That woman must have been someone important to Liu Shan.


    Thinking this, she takes a deep breath and reach for a bottle of alcohol that is ce in each room. Pouring two ss for them, she hands one to Liu Shan.


    "Do you want to talk about it or drink this?"


    Her words brought him out from his thoughts, Liu Shan nce at the ss. The corner of his lip faintly arc, and he takes the ss from her hand. Downing it one gulp, he sighs aloud.


    "Thanks."


    Never did he expect to run into Ling Ni here, but he is thankful that it was Yuanyuan who helped him.


    He is Yue Ling¡¯s confidant and in the past when he was still roaming the underworld, Yuanyuan was his confidant. He trust her enough to tell her things that he has never told anyone.


    Not because she is service girl, but because she is a good person and someone he trusts.


    Seeing him so lost in thoughts again, Yuanyuan couldn¡¯t bare to see him look so sad.


    She faintly chuckles and leans against the wall. Lightly swirling the ss in her hand, she decides to cheer him up.


    "I didn¡¯t know that Fate¡¯s infamous Liu Shan can have his heart broken like this."


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan sullenly pout his lip. He gives her side re and scoffs a chuckle.


    "In that case, I didn¡¯t know that the sister of Glory¡¯s boss is still portraying herself as a service girl."


    Yuanyuan had just taken a sip for her ss when she almost choked on his words. Patting her chest, she set her ss down and looks at the man.


    "Glory is my home. I can be whoever I want."


    Turning his head to look at her, Liu Shan did not know what to think anymore. However, he faintly smile as he knows that she is trying to cheer him up.


    He looks down at the empty ss in his hand and he part his lip to speak.


    "You should really stop pretending to be a service girl. It doesn¡¯t look good on you."


    Others only know that Yuanyuan as a service girl, but only he and Yue Ling knows that she is the sister of Glory¡¯s boss. Not even the people working inside Glory know this secret.


    Why? He doesn¡¯t even know because it¡¯s not his business.


    Yuanyuan smiles to him when she heard his words full of caring for her. However, she does not answer him but reach for the bottle to fill his empty ss.


    Once his ss was full, she finally spoke.


    "Steelhead and Gao Jie are negotiating in regard to Chu Li Xiang¡¯s trafficking business."


    Setting the bottle back on the table, her words continue.


    "If the n falls through, Blue Axe and Snakehead are going to help Chu Li Xiang take over ck Dragon."


    Hearing her sudden words, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes dimmed murderously. He knows that Yuanyuan is not lying because she is a close friend of Yue Ling¡¯s and Glory has always been loyal to Fate.


    However, thinking about her words, he scoffs a chuckle.


    "That man is trying to reach too high for something he cannot have."

 Chapter 472 a misunderstanding

    Inside the private room next to the one Liu Shan and Yuanyuan were in, the businessmunication between Steelhead and Gao Ji came to an end.


    Steelhead calmly rouse from his seat and looks at Gao Jie.


    "If Chu Li Xiang seeds in this deal, I hope you will keep your promise as we speak."


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, the 60 years old Gao Jieughs heartily and downs his drink.


    "Don¡¯t worry. If he does do as he promise, my Snakehead will lend him a hand."


    His eyes sh maliciously, and he sneers with more wrinkles added to his old face.


    "It¡¯s about time Chu Qiang leaves this world for good."


    Saying this, he tilt his head back and groan in lust.


    Steelhead stares at Gao Jie in silence. He didn¡¯t understand how people like Gao Jie have no shame at all.


    The old obese man was casually sitting down with his legs slightly spread and pants unzipped. Between his legs was a woman sitting naked with only her heels on.


    Her head constantly moves as her mouth wraps around the old man¡¯s aroused manhood.


    Shaking his head, Steelhead turns to leave. He, himself has taken in many different women, but he knows how to differentiate between pleasure and business.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    He gestures to his subordinate in the white suit and the both of them leave the room.


    "Fucken whore!"


    *Crash¡ª


    Just as Steelhead and his subordinate reached the door, Gao Jie howls in pain then a loud crash sounds with ss shattering.


    Steelhead frowns and turns to look at what had happened to cause the fat man to make a ruckus.


    Gao Jie¡¯s obese figure was now standing up and heaving heavily. He didn¡¯t care that his junk was out as he res down murderously at the woman pleasuring him seconds ago.


    Seeing the broken bottles of sses on the table, one can see that the woman had been roughly shoved against it before falling onto the ground.


    Steelhead furrow his brows and asks. "What happened?"


    Breathing rapidly, Gao Jie sends a kick to the woman before fixing his pants.


    "The fucken bitch bit me!"


    He muster up his mucus and spits at her naked body like she was a piece of trash.


    "How are you a service girl if you can¡¯t even do one simple thing?!"


    Grabbing the woman by the hair, he draws her towards the door. He wants to file aint to Glory¡¯s boss about the horrible service he received.


    "I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to. I promise, I¡¯ll do a better job."


    The woman wailed at the pain of her hair being suddenly pulled and her body being dragged on the floor.


    "Gao Jie, whatever you¡¯re nning to do, I suggest you stop right now."


    Steelhead¡¯s eyes dimmed when he was able to read the stupid man¡¯s intentions. He quickly stops Gao Jie and shook his head.


    "You know Glory¡¯s strict rules around here. Do not cross the line."


    Hearing his words, Gao Jie burned in more rage. He res down at the woman, but the moment he saw her face, he sneers.


    "I am Snakehead¡¯s leader. What can a puny Glory do to me?"


    The second his words fell, the door to the room calmly push open and Yuanyuan¡¯s figure enters the room.


    "Is something the matter in here?"


    She had heard the noise from next door, so she came to check since she knows that Gao Jie is an irresponsible person.


    Seeing her, Steelhead sighs in frustration. He had hope no one heard the noise so they can leave without any problem but seems like it¡¯s toote.


    He sighs again and exins.


    "Miss Yuanyuan, there seems to a misunderstanding."


    Unlike the leader of Blue Axe, Gao Jie¡¯s eyes lit up at the sight of Yuanyuan¡¯s beautiful figure. Compare to the woman assigned to service him, Yuanyuan is the better choice.


    Thinking of all the malicious things he wants to do to her, he shoves the woman at Yuanyuan.


    "This bitch is of bad service. Send me a new one."


    Yuanyuan nce down at the woman who was assigned to please Gao Jie. The woman¡¯s cheek was still red with the man¡¯s handprint and she had cuts on her body from broken ss.


    Her eyes dimmed dangerously before she returns to her usual calm self. A sincere smile curls on her lip.


    "Mr. Gao, Glory truly apologizes for our bad service. This will not happen again."


    She calmly spoke as she walks forward to get the woman¡¯s clothes that were thrown on the floor.


    It was an oversized cor blouse and a red skirt.


    Picking it up, she walks back to woman and squats down to wrap the blouse over her trembling naked body.


    "Yuanyuan..."


    The woman sobs when she saw Yuanyuan. Her makeup was smeared in a mess and she sobs again.


    "Yuanyuan, I¡¯m sorry... I... I..."


    Staring at the woman, Yuanyuan sighs inside. She helps the woman up and ushers her to leave the room.


    "I know. Go, I¡¯ll handle the situation here."


    Seeing the woman leave, Gao Jie¡¯s rage burst inside him more than it already is. He grabs an unopen bottle of liquor and throws it at Yuanyuan.


    "Bitch! Did I say the whore can leave?!"


    ss shatters near Yuanyuan¡¯s feet with alcohol sttered everywhere. However, she remained calm and did not flinch at all.


    "Mr. Gao, as someone who often visits Glory, you should know that Glory prohibits any violence."


    Turning to look at him, she emitted an aura that a service girl should not now have. It was one of power and someone Gao Jie should not cross the line with.


    "Even if you are the leader of Snakehead. Glory has its rights to refuse anymore service to you and your people."


    Hearing her words full of belittle, the anger inside of Gao Jie did not intensify but instead it deted. He is in Glory¡¯s territory. How could he think he was going to get what he want?


    However, thinking about the humiliation he had received from the service girl, another wave of anger quickly took over.


    He res maliciously at Yuanyuan and takes a step forward.


    "Since my Snakehead has always been loyal customers to Glory, I will not make this difficult as long as Glory gives mepensation."


    Stopping in front of the beautiful woman, he grimace maliciously and lift his hand to caress Yuanyuan¡¯s cheek.


    "I don¡¯t need money, so long as you can give me a good service."


    The moment heid eyes on her when he entered Glory, he knew he needed to have her. Out of all the women in Glory, she is the prettiest. Every time he was enjoying another woman, he would image her in his head.


    He even ordered his men to find more details about her and it is said that she has never been touched by a man.


    Thinking about how he is going to get his way with her, he could feel the lower part of his body awakening again.


    However, just as his hand was an inch away from touching Yuanyuan¡¯s cheek, arger hand grabs his.


    "Ahh¡ª"


    Gao Jie winced at the sudden pain. Whoever it was held his wrist so tight that he felt it would break at any moment.


    Near the door, Steelhead¡¯s subordinate sh with alert. He quickly protects his boss and eyes dimmed as he did not even see when the person entered the room.


    Yuanyuan looks at the hand that appeared out of nowhere, then to the person.


    "Mr. Liu."

 Chapter 473 youre going to regret this

    Holding onto Gao Jie¡¯s wrist without a care, Liu Shan¡¯s expression remained indifferent andpletely different from the one he had when he first entered Glory.


    His other hand reach for Yuanyuan and he pulls her to stand behind him.


    "Sorry for intruding, but she¡¯s with me."


    When he and Yuanyuan were in the room next door, they heard the sound of ss shattering. Yuanyuan told him to wait while she goes and take a look, but he decided to take a look too since he knows that Gao Jie is a disgusting pig with ill intentions.


    However, the second he appeared at the door, he heard the man¡¯s words in making Yuanyuan service him (Gao Jie).


    Staring down at the much shorter old man, Liu Shan let¡¯s go of his hand and turns to look at Yuanyuan.


    "Are you alright?"


    Seeing him worry about her, Yuanyuan nods her head. Her brother has trained her for self-defense, but if it¡¯s Liu Shan saving her, she doesn¡¯t mind letting him be her knight in shining armor.


    "I¡¯m alright."


    Standing behind the two, Steelhead stares at Liu Shan with curious eyes. When he first saw Liu Shan, he thought the man was just someone here for fun, but seeing him now, he can¡¯t help but have a sense that they should not look down upon him.


    Thinking this, he takes a step forward and politely smiles. As much as he wants to leave, he cannot let Gao Jie sabotage their n.


    "Mr. Liu, Miss Yuanyuan, please excuse Mr. Gao¡¯s behavior. He had a little too much to drink."


    Hearing Steelhead¡¯s words, Gao Jie¡¯s face turned crimson red as blood boiled inside him. He turns away and reach for another unopened bottle.


    Anger that he can¡¯t have Yuanyuan, he throws the bottle of alcohol at her.


    "Gao Jie!!"


    Steelhead¡¯s raging voice roars at the stupid man to stop him, but he was toote.


    As the bottle nears Yuanyuan, she was quickly blocked by Liu Shan.


    The ss bottle smashed against the side of his head before it shatters onto the floor with the liquid inside flows out. Blood slowly slid down his face.


    "Liu... Mr. Liu..."


    Panic rushed inside Yuanyuan when she saw everything unfold in front of her. She did not expect Liu Shan to block her.


    "Bro! Is everything alright?!"


    At the same time when everything escted, Lin Hui¡¯s voice yells out as he and Xu Long appear at the door. Both men were also able to witness what had happened.


    They had been waiting at their table when the woman who was assigned to service Gao Jie ran out from the hallway in tears. She rushed to a security guard and frantically exins what had happened.


    Although she was far and the music was loud, both Lin Hui and Xu Long were able to read her lips.


    Knowing that things were going down, they signaled for Qi Li to keep an eye from the bar while they go check on the situation.


    However, they did not expect to see the obese pig to throw an unopen ss bottle at Liu Shan.


    Seeing Liu Shan¡¯s backup had appeared, Gao Jie sneers at them. Puckering out his lip, he sounds a whistle.


    Multiple footsteps quickly storm through the hallway and blocks Lin Hui and Xu Long from leaving.


    Seeing the group of twenty men all twice his and Xu Long¡¯s size, Lin Hui lifts his hand and massage his temple.


    "Aiya. Here we go again."


    It was like dejavu all over again. Except, instead of them facing some rich kid¡¯s men, they¡¯re up against people from the underworld.


    At the same time, Xu Long heaves a long sigh. Why are they always met with misfortune every time they go out for some fun?


    "Hahaha. Scared now? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll tell my men to take it easy on you three."


    Gao Jie howls inughter with his stomach jiggling. Liu Shan appeared inside the room with so much confidence, he (Gao Jie) wants to see how he (Liu Shan) will handle the situation now.


    However, unlike the obese pig¡¯s thoughts, Liu Shan was as calm as ever. He did not even flinch when the hard bottle smashed against his head or when the men of Snakehead arrived.


    Despite the blood trailing down from his wound, he stares at Gao Jie.


    He calmly raise his hand to touch the wound on his head. When his hand lower, he nce at the blood and faintly smirk.


    "You¡¯re going to regret this."


    However, despite Liu Shan¡¯s words of warning, Gao Jie did not look at the big picture. He snorts arrogantly and points at the assistant.


    "If anyone can bring his head to me, that person will be rewarded one million yuan!!"


    The twenty men from Snakehead sneer evilly hearing their master. To them, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Xu Long are nothing but easy prey.


    One punch and these three men will surely be knocked out.


    "Wow! I thought snakes were supposed to be quiet, but it seems like I was wrong."


    Just when the men were about to take a step forward, a woman¡¯s sweet but coquettish voice sounds from behind them.


    Everyone¡¯s attention turn to her, except for Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Xu Long.


    She wore a red bondage dress with spaghetti straps. The length of her dress went below her knees, but the top part of her dress revealed her cleavage in full view.


    Every part of her gave a very alluring look that will catch any man¡¯s attention. However, both her arms were covered in tattoo.


    A roaring tiger wraps around one arm, while the other is inked with roses and a pocket watch.


    Seeing that this new woman is just as pretty as Yuanyuan, but with a sexier look, Gao Jie licks his lip.


    "Another whore?"


    The woman looks at Gao Jie and she sarcastically chuckles as she walks pass the men of Snakehead.


    "A whore? Isn¡¯t that your wife?"


    Steelhead was able to get a clearer look of the woman and his eyes shook. He struggles a gulp before forcing himself to stay calm. Putting on a smile, he part his lip.


    "Miss Chun, why are you here?"


    Hearing the way Steelhead address the unknown woman, Gao Jie was rooted to the floor. He had been so full of himself that he had just called her a whore when he shouldn¡¯t have.


    Chun Hua lifts her hand and flicks her wavy brown hair behind her back. She stops in front of Lin Hui and Xu Long.


    "Anyone dares toy a finger on them is an enemy of White Tiger."


    At the sudden mention of White Tiger, Gao Jie and his men did not dare to make another move. Not because they are afraid of Chun Hua, but because they are afraid of Li Wei.


    The man may appear clumsy and carefree, but if anyoneys a finger on his subordinates, he will unleash the tiger within.


    And to make things even worse for them, Chun Hua is not Li Wei¡¯s subordinate, but his sister.


    Gao Jie takes a step forward and trembles a smile.


    "Miss Chun, it was my mistake. My eyes failed to recognize Mount Tai."


    Chun Hua nonchntly ignores the man. She turns to look at Lin Hui an Xu Long, but her lips purse. The person she wanted to see was not here.


    She didn¡¯t even want toe here because she didn¡¯t like the vibe Glory gave, but Li Wei ordered her toe. He also said her crush was here, but why is he not in sight?


    However, knowing this is not the time for her love life, she looks back at Gao Jie then to Steelhead.


    "The meeting is in a few days and yet, Snakehead and Blue Axe are already tired of living?"


    Steelhead quickly steps forward and apologetically bows to the young woman.


    "We dare not. It was all a misunderstanding."


    He knows the meeting is happening, but he didn¡¯t think their business meeting would turn into a mess. If Fate finds out what they are really up to, they are as good as dead.


    At the same time, Gao Jie wanted to say something, but Steelhead warningly sends him a re.


    Chun Hua smiles to the two men then she walks over to Liu Shan and Yuanyuan.


    "Shall we leave?"


    She ce her arm around Liu Shan¡¯s and leans toward him. Her gesture was very flirtatious to anyone who sees, but she did so to secretly whisper something to him.


    "You¡¯ll have your chance."


    Hearing her words, Liu San does not show a change in his expression. He looks at Gao Jie and a very tiny smile curls on his lip.


    "I¡¯ll be seeing you."


    Turning away, he strides out of the room with Yuanyuan. As much as he wants to end Gao Jie¡¯s life, he needs to remain calm.


    Chun Hua was right. He will have his chance.


    As Liu Shan and Yuanyuan exit the room, Lin Hui and Xu Long leisurely follows. Chun Hua smiles to the leaders of Snakehead and Blue Axe.


    Without saying a word, she walks out of the room to join the people she was ordered to save.

 Chapter 474 wont kill you

    Stepping out from Glory, Liu Shan and the others decided not to stay anymore. They needed to report what they found to Yue Ling and Lu Tian as soon as possible.


    "Here¡¯s the recording."


    Yuanyuan spoke as she hands a microchip to Xu Long who was standing in front of his ck car.


    After they left the private room, she had left to meet her brother, the boss of Glory. He had given her a voice recording of Steelhead and Gao Jie¡¯s meeting along with the one between Steelhead and Chu Li Xiang.


    When one of his security guards came into his office to tell him about Fate¡¯s arrival, he did not appear but ordered his men to keep a close watch. If things get out of hands he will step in, but if Liu Shan and the others are able to handle it, he won¡¯t.


    It is true that Glory does not have security cameras set up inside the ce in respect for other¡¯s privacy, but that doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t have other ways to keep tabs on their customers.


    Also, the moment Fate sent out the message for the sudden meeting, Glory made a few small changes inside the ce.


    Fate had left the underworld, but to hear from Fate again and suddenly, someone is definitely going to die.


    As Xu Long takes the small microchip and put it inside his pocket, Yuanyuan walks over to the backseat of the car. She was also carrying a first aid kit and looks at Liu Shan.


    The assistant looked calm but the blood stain on his face gave him a chilling vibe. However, Yuanyuan knows that despite everything that happened, Liu Shan is deep in thoughts about the encounter with Ling Ni.


    She doesn¡¯t know what happened and she won¡¯t ask, but if he needs someone to listen to, she will lend him her ears.


    Thinking this, she decides to break him from his thoughts.


    "Liu Shan."


    Hearing her sweet voice, Liu Shan came out of his daze. He looks at her and sighs a faint smile. She did not say anything other than his name, but he knows what she is thinking about.


    "I¡¯m fine."


    Yuanyuan smiles to him and set the first aid kit on top of the car. Opening the lid, she prepares the medical things to clean his wound.


    "I know you are, but your wound needs to be disinfected."


    Looking up at her, Liu Shan knew he couldn¡¯t refute her. Besides Yue Ling and Uncle Zhi, the other person he cannot hide his feelings from is Yuanyuan.


    Even if its been a few years since theyst saw each other, she is someone who understood him in the past and still does.


    Thinking this, he doesn¡¯t move but remain seated as Yuanyuan cleans the blood and dress his wound.


    As everything unfold, Chun Hua stood next to Lin Hui and Xu Long. Seeing how her brother had tricked her, she sighs inside and decide it was time for her to leave.


    "Well, since I saved you all, I¡¯ll be leaving now."


    Lin Hui arch a brow at her. The first time they met outside of ck Dragon, she was very interested in Qi Li. However, seeing her nning to leave right away, could it be that her feelings for the man isn¡¯t as strong as he had thought?


    Just as he thought this, Chun Hua did not wait for them to say anything and turn to leave back in the direction Glory was in. She had parked her motorcycle over there.


    However, taking one step, her eyes lit up seeing Qi Li¡¯s schoolboy figure walking towards them.


    "Mr. Handsome!"


    Chun Hua widely grins and walks toward him in an almost jogging pace.


    "I¡¯m so happy I can meet you again!!"


    She exims happily like a girlfriend who had not seen her boyfriend in a long time due to work. However, unlike her, the space between Qi Li¡¯s brows crease into three tight lines.


    "Do I know you?"


    "..."


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, not only was Chun Hua quickly dumbfounded, but so were Lin Hui and Xu Long.


    Chun Hua could not believe that the person she had been wanting to see again doesn¡¯t remember her. How can he forget someone like her?


    Behind, Lin Hui and Xu Long thought the same thing. Chun Hua is a very pretty woman and with her wild and straightforward personality, how can Qi Li forget about her?


    Oblivious to their thoughts, Qi Li walks around the unfamiliar woman. He needed to tell the three men about something he had encountered while leaving Glory.


    However, within one step, Chun Hua quickly blocks his path. Both her arms spread out and she smiles to him like she had not been affected by his words at all.


    "I saved your friends. Go on a date with me."


    "..."


    This time it was Qi Li¡¯s turn to be dumbfounded. He looks down at the woman and frowns.


    She is indeed pretty. Prettier than most women, but not as pretty as his boss. However, other than his boss, he has learned that most pretty women are nothing but trouble.


    Thinking this, he takes a step to the side to walk away from her, but Chun Hua quickly blocks his path again.


    "I¡¯m serious. Go on a date with me."


    Qi Li¡¯s frown deepens, and he purse his lip. Are women these days so shameless?


    Quickly remembering her words, he looks at Lin Hui and Xu Long for confirmation.


    He wasn¡¯t there when they came into contact with Steelhead and Gao Jie, so he needed to know whether Chun Hua was lying or telling the truth.


    Met with the man¡¯s cold eyes, both Lin Hui and Xu Long were now put in a difficult situation.


    How can they tell him that this unfamiliar woman was really the one who saved them? Wouldn¡¯t they lose face?


    Then again, Chun Hua did save them the trouble.


    Sighing, Lin Hui nods his head, "I hate to admit it, but she did save us."


    Hearing Lin Hui¡¯s words, Chun Hua lowers her arms. Smiling with her teeth, she folds her arms over her chest.


    "See, your friends even agreed. So what do you say?"


    Qi Li ponder in thought then looks down at Chun Hua. Seeing that she wasn¡¯t blocking his path anymore, he strides forward.


    "No."


    "No?!"


    Chun Hua questionably retorted. She was wash with disbelief by his straight and short answer. However, not being able to ept it, the moment he stride pass her, she quickly throws herself at him.


    Her tattooed cover arms wraps around his waist from behind and she uses all her strength to stop him from advancing.


    "Why?! Give me a reason why you won¡¯t go on a date with me!"


    Feeling her arms suddenly around him, Qi Li abruptly stops in his steps. His face darkened and he clench his teeth.


    "Let go."


    Due to his sudden stop, Chun Hua mmed into his back, but hearing his words, she shook her head and tightens her hold on him. She knows that if she let¡¯s go, her only chance to convince him is over.


    "If you agree, I¡¯ll let go."


    Qi Li felt more frustrated than ever. This woman was starting to get on his nerves, but he is not one to hit women let alone push one. How can he tell her to leave him alone? Has she no shame in throwing herself at him?


    Seeing their brother friend stuck in a difficult situation, Lin Hui and Xu Long did not go over to help. Instead, the two men stare in amusement.


    It was like they were watching a live drama. If only they had some popcorn to enjoy.


    However, the longer they watched, they were able to see Qi Li¡¯s expression turn darker and darker.


    Lin Hui sighs and fist his hip, "Bro, just go on one date with the little girl."


    Next to him, Xu Long agreeingly nods his head, "Yea. One date won¡¯t kill you."


    Hearing their words of support, Chun Hua felt more confidence rise in her.


    "One date. If you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll stop pestering you!"


    Qi Li res murderously at the two idiotic men then sighs aloud.


    He doesn¡¯t want to go on a date with some random girl, but he knows that if he doesn¡¯t say yes, this monkey-like girl will never leave him alone.


    Taking another deep breath, he force himself to answer through his gritted teeth.


    "Fine."

 Chapter 475 white shadow

    In the darkness that surrounded every inch of Imperial, the lights to Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home remained on.


    Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan made a visit to give a report on the task assigned to them while Yue Ling was in the hospital.


    Sitting on one of the white couches in the living room, Yue Ling calmly scrolls through the tablet in her hand.


    Finally reaching the end, she sets it down on the ss coffee table and looks up at her subordinate who is sitting on the couch across from her.


    "How is the merge between De L¡¯amour and An Qinging along?"


    Lian Ni Shang reach for her work bag to retrieve a ck folder. Handing it over to Yue Ling, she answers.


    "It¡¯s going ording to your instructions. For now, nothing is amiss. Sinan and I have drafted a list of all the employees within An Qing and those you put in the branchpanies."


    Taking the ck folder, Yue Ling opens it and flips through the list of names.


    Since the removal of Chen Limei, the CEO seat at An Qing has be vacant. She wants to use this time to merge the twopanies together.


    As much as she doesn¡¯t want to do this, she knows she cannot stay hidden forever.


    It¡¯s time she publicize her ownership of An Qing and do an early spring cleaning of these so-called people loyal to her. She cannot risk another Chen Limei or Ming Yue to remain in herpany.


    Thinking about this, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh aloud.


    "Boss, is everything okay?"


    Lian Ni Shang worriedly asks when she heard her boss suddenly sigh. Yue Ling had just been discharged from the hospital, but instead of resting, here she is busying with work matters.


    Could it be that something is wrong with the list the names?


    "Everything is fine. Don¡¯t worry."


    Yue Ling reassuringly answers with a smile. Continuing to flip through each page, she scans the list of names as she memorize each person.


    Quietly watching her, Lian Ni Shang felt a tinge of pain inside her heart. She knows that her boss always appear as a strong person, but deep know she never shows her weak side to anyone.


    She (Lian Ni Shang) hopes that Yue Ling will let them help her carry all the weigh on her shoulders.


    Oblivious to Lian Ni Shang¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling calmly close the ck folder and ce it down on the table next to the tablet.


    "Once the situation with Chu Li Xiang is dealt with, I¡¯ll be paying a visit to An Qing and all the other branchpanies."


    "Should I inform eachpany about this?"


    Lian Ni Shang questioned when she heard the sudden words. However, Yue Ling shook her head no.


    "Its best to go unannounced."


    It was normal for Chen Limei to think she had the authority to control An Qing because she was the only person given the CEO seat. Since she has been removed, Yue Ling wants to see how the other branches are handling the smallerpanies they were assigned.


    As their conversation continues, it quickly came to an end. At the same time, Lu Tian and Shan Sinan entered the house through the back door with Inu.


    Lu Tian wanted Shan Sinan to help with the remaining cameras that needed to be set up in the back for Yue Ling and Inu¡¯s safety.


    Inu entered the housest, but the moment he had enough room to squeeze through the two men, he races towards his favorite human. However, just when he neared her, he abruptly stops.


    His ears perk in listening and he looks in the direction of the front door with a stance full of alert.


    "Grrr..."


    Hearing the Samoyed, four pair of eyes turn to look at the door too. The sound of a car pulling into the driveway can be heard.


    Lu Tian strides over to check who it was. After confirming the person outside is not a threat, he moves to reach for the door handle.


    "Boss!"


    Just as he pulled the door open, Xu Long¡¯s figure runs inside the house. He wanted to tell his boss anddy boss about what happened.


    "Groofff¡ª!"


    The moment he walked though the door, a white shadow appears out of nowhere and leaps up to jump kick the assistant.


    "Ugh¡ª"


    Xu Long quickly stumbles back and falls on his bottom with a loud thud. He groans in pain and clutch his chest. It all happened so fast that he didn¡¯t have the time to react.


    "Dude, what¡ª ah!"


    Entering through the door after the assistant, Lin Hui confusingly asked when he saw Xu Long sitting on the ground. However, before he could finish his words, the same white shadow leaps from the side and he (Lin Hui) was kicked to the side.


    Lin Hui ms against the wall and held onto his waist. His face scrunch in pain at what was done to him.


    Lu Tian stood dumbfounded at the side of the door. He covered his mouth with one hand while his other hand supported his elbow.


    Despite his dumbfounded state, one can see he is trying very hard not tough at the two men.


    From the corner of his eyes, he sees Liu Shan and Qi Li approaching the front steps to the house. He looks down at the white shadow now hiding behind him.


    "Inu."


    Inu was preparing himself to get his revenge on the two remaining peasants who didn¡¯t want to y with him. However, hearing Lu Tian, he knew he had to put his revenge on pause.


    Sounding a snort, he walks away with his head held high. Since the decent peasant has spoken, he will listen and go to his favorite peasant.


    He didn¡¯t even bother to look at the two human he had snuck an attack on. His expression was as if saying, ¡¯Two down, two more to go.¡¯


    Both Xu Long and Lin Hui stares at the little guy in disbelief. Neither man could believe that the Samoyed was still holding a grudge on them.


    Not only that, he moved so fast that they didn¡¯t even see his jump kicking at all.


    "What¡¯s wrong with you two?"


    Entering the house, Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but ask when he saw Xu Long sitting on the floor and Lin Hui pressing himself against the wall.


    Did he and Qi Li miss something?


    Hearing the assistant, both Lin Hui and Xu Long quickly came to their senses. Pretending like the vicious beast did not just attack them, they continue towards the living room after taking their shoes off.


    Lin Hui: "There was a mosquito on the wall."


    Xu Long: "I saw a mouse."


    Both men spoke normally, but once their back were turned to Liu Shan and Qi Li, they wanted to to cry so badly butck the tears.


    Why are they so unlucky to be tackled by the white beast?

 Chapter 476 I saw...

    As Lin Hui and Xu Long walked into the living room, both men kept their eyes on the white fluff ball sitting down next to Yue Ling. They cannot let that cute and adorable face trick them again.


    "Liu Shan, what happened to your head?"


    Yue Ling worriedly asks when she saw Liu Shane into the living room. When he left the house, he only had a bandage on the side of his neck. Now he came back with his head wrapped in a gauze and the blood is almost soaking through.


    "We met Gao Jie at Glory."


    Liu Shan truthfully answers as he sits down on the couch next to Lian Ni Sang. Before, he didn¡¯t feel any pain, but now, he would be lying if he feels fine.


    Hearing the mention of the obese man¡¯s name, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes dimmed. To think that disgusting pig actually dared toy a finger on her people.


    Looking at the four men, she part her lips to speak, "What happened?"


    Lin Hui sat down on the floor when he heard his boss¡¯s question. He quickly exins in full detail about what had happened to them from start to end.


    Once he finished, Xu Long hands the microchip Yuanyuan had given him to his boss.


    "This is the voice recording between Steelhead and Gao Jie. The one with Chu Li Xiang is also inside."


    Lu Tian takes the microchip and walks over to his wife. As he sat down, Yue Ling nce at the microchip then back to the four men.


    She didn¡¯t say a word, but the look in her eyes was enough to indicate them to continue their report.


    Liu Shan looks over to Qi Li and gesture with his head. "Tell boss what you told us."


    Qi Li was standing at the side. When Liu Shan gave him que, he did not hide anything and went into full details.


    "I saw Ji Chu Hua."


    When Liu Shan and the others had left Glory, he stayed behind for a few minutes to make sure that neither of Steelhead nor Gao Jie¡¯s men followed them.


    Once he confirmed that they weren¡¯t being followed, he decided to leave too.


    As he left the bar area, he saw a woman with brown hair walk out from the hallway that led to the private rooms in the back of Glory. She wasn¡¯t alone but with a man that looked to be a bodyguard.


    Even though she was quite far away from him, he recognized her right away.


    Seeing that she was leaving at the same time as him, he took the chance to follow her since she has never seen him before.


    Once they got outside, her car was already waiting for her in the front. However, before she got inside, she told the man that she will contact him again.


    Finished exining, he looks at Yue Ling with a serious expression.


    "That was all she said. The man wasn¡¯t her bodyguard but only someone escorting her to her car."


    Recalling the man¡¯s facial features, his brows slightly furrow.


    "I¡¯ve never seen him before, but he definitely looks like someone from the underworld."


    Yue Ling nod her head in understanding. She isn¡¯t surprise to hear that Ji Chu Hua associated herself with the underworld, but why?


    What benefit will she gain from the people in the underworld?


    Quickly as she thought this, she was able to put the pieces together.


    Her grandfather has been persuading her to take over Ji Corps despite knowing that she already has to deal with De L¡¯amour, An Qing and H International.


    If she is correct, Ji Jingxu is still young, so it will be a while before he can take over thepany. Thus, the other person suitable to be the next chairman is Ji Chu Hua.


    However, after the reveal of her (Yue Ling) identity on Grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s position has be unstable.


    It is also likely that the people who were supporting her are slowly backing out and choosing another side.


    Her side, since she is the real granddaughter of Grandfather Ji and not Ji Chu Hua.


    Lost in her thoughts, her lip slightly purse and she continues to think to herself.


    Can this be the reason why her grandfather has been pushing her to take over Ji Corps?


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but question when he saw that she was deep in thoughts. He noticed that each time she immerse in her thoughts, he can never read what she is possibly thinking about.


    Which sometimes makes him worry, because he has always been able to read others until her.


    The man¡¯s deep voice brought Yue Ling to her senses. She looks up and was met with everyone¡¯s attention on her.


    Her eyes blinked and she clears her throat. Was she really that deep in thought?


    Clearing her throat again, she leans back on the couch and cross her arms over her chest. Since the people in this room are those she wholeheartedly trusts, she won¡¯t hide anything from them.


    "This is just my intuition, but if my guess is correct, Ji Chu Hua probably wants me dead."


    Hearing her sudden words, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darkened. Are people not afraid of him anymore or do they see him as someone who had died? Why is there so many people out to get his wife¡¯s life?


    He really needs to give these people a piece of his wrath for crossing a line that shouldn¡¯t be crossed.


    "Boss, are you sure?"


    Sitting next on the couch across from Yue Ling, Lian Ni Shang worriedly asks. She already saw Yue Ling¡¯s life almost taken away, she cannot bare to see it happen again, let alone think about it.


    Looking at the woman whose expression is usually straight now rece with worried, Yue Ling faintly smiles.


    "It¡¯s only an intuition."


    Her bluish green eyes looks at each person in the room. Seeing their expression full of worry for her, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh inside.


    "You all know that Jingxu is still young, so he is not a big threat to Ji Chu Hua¡¯s position a Ji Corps. However, now that I am in her way, there¡¯s a possible chance that her position isn¡¯t so stable anymore."


    Listening to her words, Lin Hui¡¯s eyes slightly shook, "You mean..."


    Yue Ling nods her head once as her voice sounds again, "Only when I¡¯m out of the picture will she be Ji Corps¡¯ next chairman."


    Everyone¡¯s eyes darkened as they understood. They know that Yue Ling is only saying it is her guess, so they won¡¯t be worried. However, they also know that her guess is correct.


    Only the people who attended Grandfather Ji¡¯s birthday knows about Yue Ling¡¯s real identity, so if Ji Chu Hua hires a hitman to kill Yue Ling, it will look like shemitted suicide, or some kind of tragedy befall her.


    In order to keep her (Ji Chu Hua) position, she will go so low as to kill someone.


    Thinking this, Liu Shan sneers murderously before he scoffs in disgust.


    "Ji Chu Hua is as replusive as Ning Mei."

 Chapter 477 She is righ

    Time quickly pass by with the wind as the day of the meeting with the underworld arrives.


    In the early morning of the day, Lu Tian had to make a trip to Lu Corps to take care of some meetings. He had been working from home since his wife was discharged from the hospital. However, he knows he can¡¯t continue to push all the meetings back.


    He was reluctant to leave, but knowing that Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li were at the house with his wife, he felt more at ease.


    The three men along with his assistant had been staying with them as they kept watch for Chu Li Xiang.


    While the man of the house was not inside, thedy of the house was also not inside. Of course, she didn¡¯t leave the property.


    In a steady pace, Yue Ling and Inu jogged around the house. From the back courtyard to the front courtyard, the human and Samoyed kept at a speed equivalent to one another.


    Since she could not leave the house without Lu Tian, she decided to do this to strengthen her body.


    "Boss!!"


    Just as Yue Ling and Inu reached the back courtyard again, Liu Shan¡¯s voice can be heard as his figure runs out from the house.


    He was still in his brown pajamas with white bears and he didn¡¯t care about his appearance since it was still early in the morning.


    Slowing down to a stop, Yue Ling turns to look at her assistant. She takes a step toward his direction, but before she could, the white fluff ball next to her already made his move.


    "Wroof¡ª! Wroof¡ª!"


    Inu runs towards the assistant at full speed. He had kept a slow pace with his favorite human but seeing the person he had not gotten his revenge on, he decides to use this chance to do so.


    Seeing the Samoyed run towards him head on, Liu Shan sighs inside.


    Since Yue Ling could not leave the house and Chu Li Xiang was still out there somewhere, he and the other three men were ordered to stay at the house.


    It was more a slumber party for them thatsts a few days.


    Shaking his head, Liu Shan doesn¡¯t run away from the little guy. He (Inu) had already gotten his revenge on Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li. However, each time when it was his (Liu Shan) turn, he was always able to smoothly dodge the little fluff ball.


    As the two nears one another, Inu¡¯s tail wags wildly and he leaps off the ground like a tiger attacking his prey.


    "Ha¡ª"


    Liu Shan stops in his tracks with his legs slightly spread almost in a horse stance. Both his arms spread out and he doesn¡¯t hesitate to catch the little heavy guy.


    "Wroof¡ª!"


    Trapped within the man¡¯s arms, Inu doesn¡¯t put up a fight like he used to. Instead, his tail continue to wag side to side with his tongue yfully out and he licks the assistant¡¯s face.


    Yue Ling leisurely followed behind. When she saw Inu¡¯s attitude towards Liu Shan, she arch a brow. Liu Shan was carrying Inu like he was baby and to her surprise, Inu was not against it.


    "You and Inu are getting along pretty well now."


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan smiles a smile that reach his eyes. He doesn¡¯t put the Samoyed down but walks over to his boss. Stopping in front of her, he finally puts the Samoyed down.


    "Took us a while, but..."


    He looks down at Inu and he smiles proudly.


    "We¡¯re like buddies now."


    Like he understood the assistant, Inu looks up at the man before turning away. However, taking two steps behind the man, he turns back around, and kicks off the ground.


    "Wahh!!"


    Liu Shan eximed as he stumbles forward. He was caught off guard by Inu¡¯s sudden jump kick on his back. Steadying himself, he looks at the little guy with his mouth widely open in disbelief.


    He was so surprised and shock that every word in his brain somehow disappeared into thin air.


    What happened? Weren¡¯t they buddies?


    Inu flung his head away with attitude and an expression as if saying, ¡¯who said we¡¯re buddies, stupid human.¡¯


    Yue Ling was also in disbelief at what she was seeing, but unable to hold herself back, she burst intoughter without a shred of sympathy for her assistant.


    "Yea, you two are really buddies now."


    She sarcastically tease him and walks towards the house with Inu in the lead. They had been running for two hours and she needed to prepare breakfast.


    Without stopping in her steps, her voice sounds again.


    "What is it that you wanted to speak to me about?"


    Shaking his head at how Inu treated him, Liu Shan felt like he was betrayed by his best friend. However, hearing his boss, he quickly brush it away and runs after her.


    "Uncle Zhi wanted me to inform you that your cars have arrived at Imperial¡¯s port. He and Manager Luo are transporting them here."


    Yue Ling slows down to a stop as she reach the steps to the patio deck. Turning to look at Liu Shan, her expression was as calm as ever, but one can see a sh of excitement in her bluish green eyes.


    "Perfect timing."


    Though it was quick, Liu Shan was able to see the look in her eyes. He couldn¡¯t help but struggle a very hard gulp and feel a shiver crawl down his spine.


    Thest time he was in the same car with her and she was the driver, he swore his soul had left his body and he saw his life sh before his eyes.


    Oblivious to his thoughts, Yue Ling looks at him. She doesn¡¯t know why, but something inside her is telling her that despite his normal behavior, something is deeply bothering the man.


    Maybe it¡¯s because he¡¯s been by her side for so long that she can read him like the back of her hand.


    Thinking this, she decides to ask him.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Huh?"


    Liu Shan was suddenly baffled by her question. He knows that she already saw through him, but he force a smile and chuckles.


    "Heh heh, nothing is wrong."


    Not wanting to talk about the thing that is bothering him, he stride pass Yue Ling and steps onto the patio deck to go inside the house.


    "Shan."


    From behind, Yue Ling calls after him. However, her tone of voice was not that of a superior to her subordinate, but that of a sister to her brother.


    Liu Shan stops in his steps. His fists slowly curl into tight fists. He doesn¡¯t want to talk about how Ling Ni led him on and suddenly threw him in the gutter.


    He had been going around unting his one-sided love for the woman, when the truth was, he was only a fool wearing a green hat.


    Or maybe, she never even liked him.


    His eyes slowly close as he inhales a deep breath that slightly shook his body.


    "I know you of all people can see through me, but please don¡¯t ask me to tell you. I don¡¯t want to talk about it."


    Yue Ling stares at the man¡¯s back for a long second. Before, he was always cheerful, but for the past few days, she noticed that if no one speaks to him, he will immerse deeply in his thoughts.


    Even when he was sitting in front of hisptop, he would often doze off. She and everyone else would have to call his name a few times before they could get his attention.


    Lifting her leg, she takes a step forward then another and another. As she brush pass him, she pause to say something before continuing on inside the house.


    "I won¡¯t ask you to tell me, but whatever it is that is bothering you, you should seek closure."


    She doesn¡¯t know what is bothering Liu Shan so much, but she can already guess what it might be. Even if he doesn¡¯t want to talk about it to others, he should at least know the reason why.


    Watching her slender figure enter the house, Liu Shan stood unmoving from his spot.


    She is right.


    He had been ignoring all of Ling Ni¡¯s phone calls and messages because he didn¡¯t want to think about her or the pain inflicted on him. However, he can¡¯t keep running away.


    Even if what she did was despicable, he should at least listen to her reason.


    Maybe after hearing, he can move on without having his heart broken and the questions he want to ask her can finally be answer.


    Thinking this, he walks towards the house. Once the situation with Chu Li Xiang is dealt with, he will call Ling Ni.


    As a human being, he selfishly thought about his feelings only.


    Everything that happened came from his point of view, the least he can do is listen to her point of view and try to understand why she is doing what she is.

 Chapter 478 Its you

    In the center of Imperial¡¯s busiest area, Lu Corps¡¯ tall dark building stood its ground like a mighty pir. Lu Tian sat in his office as he looks over some documents. He had finished all the meetings that should have taken a total of 7 hours to 3 hours.


    However, despite all the meetings being dealt with, he still needs to look over some matters between Lu Corps and otherpanies.


    *knock knock


    Suddenly, the door to his office sounds, but the person behind does not enter and waits for his approval.


    "Come in."


    He spoke without looking away from the documents in his hand. If it had been Xu Long, the man would have entered as he knock on the door, but this person did not.


    "CEO Lu."


    Entering the room, Secretary Ye nervously spoke as she push the door open. Seeing that her boss did not look at her, she sighed in relief.


    Each time somethinges up, even as the secretary, she would inform the assistant since everyone in Lu Corps knows that their boss doesn¡¯t like random people especially women inside his office. However, Xu Long was not at his desk. He had left to meet a client in Lu Tian¡¯s ce.


    Without looking at the woman, Lu Tian coldly spoke as usual. "Speak."


    Secretary Ye gulp with difficulty and walks towards the desk. She made sure she was not too close and too far.


    "Miss Zhao is here."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian did not look up from the documents, but his brows slightly crease. Why would his cousin be here? From young till now, she has never step foot inside Lu Corps.


    Setting the document in his hand down, he reach for another and his voice sounds.


    "Let her in."


    "Right away sir."


    Secretary Ye politely bows in understanding and leaves the room. Her steps were as if the man sitting behind the desk was the devil and she needed to get out or else she would lose her life.


    A few minutes after Secretary Ye left, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was led into Lu Tian¡¯s office.


    Her short pixi hair cut looked shorter than before, but it matched her facial features. She wore a white turtleneck sweater that tucked inside her ck re skirt that came down to her knees. Wrapping around her calves was a pair of suede knee-length boots in a shade of ck.


    Walking over to one of the dark couches in her cousin¡¯s spacious office, she toss her bag down and sits down. Leaning forward, her palms held under her chin and her elbows rested on her knees.


    Without waiting for the man to ask why she is here, she spoke first.


    "Cousin, can you help me find someone?"


    Hearing her sudden inquiry on his help, Lu Tian finally looks away from the document in his hand. Looking at his cousin, he arch a brow.


    "Who?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes lit up knowing that her cousin was going to help her, but hearing his question, her shoulders slump downward.


    "That¡¯s the hard part. I don¡¯t know anything about him."


    She sighs aloud in defeat before leaning back on the couch. Her posture was nowhere near woman like at all.


    "I don¡¯t even know his name."


    Seeing her suddenly actzy, Lu Tian shook his head. He fold his arms over his chest and part his lip.


    "I can¡¯t help you if you don¡¯t give me a name."


    Hearing his words, Zhao Ya¡¯Er felt like someone had poured cold water on her. She close her eyes and cries with no tears as her body slides to the side and her head rest on the armrest of the couch.


    "You have to help me. I need to find him."


    Lu Tian stares expressionlessly at her. However, seeing something, his eyes sh with danger but it was only for a quick second before it disappeared.


    Remembering the mysterious person¡¯s face, Zhao Ya¡¯Er sat up and stares seriously at her aloof cousin. Her palms sp together in pleading and she gives him a puppy look.


    "Please... Pretty please. Only you can help me."


    ncing at the wall clock in his office, Lu Tian sighs inside. He needed to quickly take care of things here so he can return to his wife. However, now that Zhao Ya¡¯Er is here, he knows that she won¡¯t stop bothering him until he helps her.


    "Fine."


    He lift his hand and pinch the space between his brows.


    "Where did you meet this person?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes lit up more and she stood up from the couch. Walking over to her cousin, she spread her arms and twirl around like she was dancing in a field of roses.


    "I met him at the nightclub Spring."


    Stopping in her spins, she could remember that night so vividly like it was just yesterday.


    "He¡¯s my knight in shining armor. I have never met anyone with so much courage before."


    Thinking about that night at Spring, she covers her mouth and giggles to herself.


    "He is the most handsomest man I have everid my eyes on. Every time I think about him, it sends me to cloud nine."


    "..."


    Lu Tian was at a loss for all words as he stares at the lovestruck woman with heavy eyelids. He only asked where she met this person, not how she feels.


    Shaking his head, he interrupts the woman¡¯s ongoing bbering about her love.


    "I¡¯ll have Xu Long look into it."


    Hearing the name, Zhao Ya¡¯Er slightly tilt her head and furrow her brows. Why does that name sound so familiar? She knows she heard it somewhere but cannot remember when or where.


    *knock knock


    "Boss!"


    Just as Zhao Ya¡¯Er thought this, a knock sounds at the door with a man¡¯s cheerful voice. Guessing it must be Lu Tian¡¯s assistant, she decides it was time to leave.


    "Cousin, I hope you can do this small favor for me."


    Lu Tian nod his head and looks over to Xu Long, "What is it?"


    Seeing Zhao Ya¡¯Er inside his boss¡¯s office, Xu Long felt like digging a hole to hide in. He had entered in such a childish way that no grown man should have. However, hearing his boss, he smiles.


    "The meeting was a sess."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er had just turned around to leave when she was able to take a look at her cousin¡¯s assistant. Her eyes widen, and her jaw dropped to the ground. It took her brain a while to contemte everything before she was able to force out two words.


    "It¡¯s you."


    Walking pass the woman, Xu Long stops in his steps when he heard her sudden words. He looks at her in confusion. She spoke like they have met before, but he¡¯s sure that if they did meet, he would remember a beautiful woman like her.


    Unable to recall ever meeting her, he politely smiles and stretch a hand to her.


    "Miss Zhao, it¡¯s good to finally meet you in person. I am CEO Lu¡¯s assistant, Xu Long."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stares at the man. She felt like cupid had just shot an arrow into her heart letting her meet her savior again but hearing the way he spoke to her in a unfamiliar way, it was like cupid had ruthlessly pulled that arrow out.


    However, remembering where she is, she keeps herself together and nods a smile to him. Lifting her hand, she shakes his hand.


    "No need for the formality, you can call me Ya¡¯Er."


    Setting her hand down, she turns back to look at Lu Tian and smiles in an almost mischievous way.


    "I hope you don¡¯t go back on your words."


    Lu Tian shrug his shoulder and stood up from his chair. Taking a cigarette out, he lights it up.


    "Do I ever?"


    Staring at him, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes narrow before she turns away. Her cousin has never gone back on his words.


    Looking at Xu Long again, she gives him a yful wink before leaving the room.


    Xu Long stood frozen in ce at what just happened. Did he miss something? Why did his boss¡¯s beautiful cousin suddenly send him a flirty wink? Is this some kind of prank? Did he do something wrong?


    "Xu Long."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds as he stood in front of the floor to ceiling window. He stares down to the tiny busy street below and his words continue.


    "Cancel all coboration with Industrial Group."


    Hearing his sudden order, Xu Long furrow his brows in more confusion.


    "Industrial Group? Isn¡¯t that..."


    He wanted to say, ¡¯Isn¡¯t that thepany of Miss Zhao¡¯s boyfriend¡¯s family¡¯ but feeling the sudden drop of temperature in the room, Xu Long could only swallow his words.


    "I¡¯ll get it done right away."


    Lu Tian leisurely smoke his cigarette as he thought to himself. Even though Zhao Ya¡¯Er was wearing a sweater that covered her neck, he was able to see the faint marking of a dark bruise on the side of her neck.


    Since Wei Hongyi wants toy a finger on his cousin, he (Lu Tian) will let him know what the consequence is.

 Chapter 479 it is yours

    The day smoothly pass by with no harm as the sun began to set in the horizon with a zing red sky over Imperial. A ck Maserati Quattroporte drives through the dark metal gate of Lu Tian and Yue Ling¡¯s house.


    In the driver seat, Xu Long parks the car in front of the house. He stares curiously in the direction of the huge custom garage at the side.


    The garage has four all ss doors with anodized frame and frosted ss. However, instead of being closed like all the other days, all four doors were widely rolled up.


    "Boss, did your wife buy more things?"


    He knows that Yue Ling is a fashion designer and as one, she has to keep up with every trend that surface around the world, but their house is so huge with empty rooms. Did she buy more things that needed the space in the garage?


    "Boss¡ª"


    Calling out to his boss again, Xu Long was left speechless. He doesn¡¯t know when, but Lu Tian had already stepped out of the car and was making his way towards the garage.


    Shaking his head in self-pity, he unbuckles his seatbelt and opens to the driver door. Since he is Lu Tian¡¯s assistant, it doesn¡¯t hurt to follow the man to see what hisdy boss is up to.


    Inside the huge garage almost the size of their house, rows of vehicles parked in a neat and orderly fashion with another row on top. Near the back, rows of motorcycles are also disy nicely.


    Liu Shan, Lin Hui, Qi Li, Uncle Zhi and Manager Luo stood in the center as their head move at the same speed in the same direction.


    Yue Ling¡¯s slender figure is seen moving from one vehicle to another. Each time she stops in front of one, she would give it a hug like they were her long-lost children then move on to the next one.


    After she hugged thest one, she takes a step back and sighs with a proud expression.


    Some people buy cars for disy or to unt their wealth, but not for her. She had always had a thing for speed and these cars are to satisfy her time with the wind.


    However, thinking about something, she turns around to look at the people in the garage with her.


    "Pick whichever one you want, and it is yours."


    Hearing her sudden words, all five men were rendered speechless. Did they hear what they think they heard? This is a dream, right?


    Uncle Zhi was the first toe back to his senses. He stares at Yue Ling with slightly narrow eyes.


    "Young Miss, did you say we can pick whichever vehicle we want?"


    The other four men also stares at Yue Ling as they wanted to ask the same question. All these cars and motorcycles in this garage are her most prize possessions and they are highly expensive, how can she just give it to them like giving candy to a child?


    Yue Ling stares back at each person. Seeing that they didn¡¯t believe her, she heaves a sigh and turns away.


    "Don¡¯t want to pick? Fine."


    Walking over to a table set up against one of the four walls, she stares down at her suitcase that house the keys to each of her vehicles.


    "Wait! I¡¯ll pick!"


    From behind, Lin Hui calls out to stop his boss with one arm raised as he runs over to her.


    If she is truly serious about what she said, he is not going to let this opportunity slip. Especially when all her vehicles are not only top notch, but also personally modified by herself.


    However, still feeling doubt inside, his eyes narrow suspiciously at her.


    "No take backs?"


    Yue Ling turns to look at the man and a smile curl on her lip. Without saying a word, she turns away to look at the many keys.


    A glint of greed sh in Lin Hui¡¯s eyes and he makes a turn for the rows of motorcycles.


    He had saved three years¡¯ worth of his pay just to buy his current Ninja zx-11, but since Yue Ling says he can choose any of her vehicles, he already has one in mind.


    Walking over to five Ninja 14r in different colors, he stops in front of the all ck one that had a glossy finish. He couldn¡¯t help but grin ear to ear with his palms rubbing together.


    "Wah, look at this Lin Hui. No shame at all."


    From behind Liu Shan shook his head seeing the man shamelessly walk over to pick out a vehicle like he is at a dealership.


    He knows that Yue Ling was serious about giving them a car, but did he (Lin Hui) have to be so straightforward and thick skinned?


    Uncle Zhi and Manager Luo nce at one other and neither man knew what to say. They were both old and all the vehicles in this garage did not match their age, so how can they pick one?


    Like she knew what they were thinking, a smile curls on her lip. Grabbing two sets of keys inside the suitcase, she walks back to the two older men and ce the keys in their palm.


    "Since you both are unsure, I hope you are alright with my decision."


    Uncle Zhi and Manager Luo stares at her then down to the keys. It was ck with the letter B on it. However, both men knew right away which vehicle the keys were for.


    Nervous to the core, Uncle Zhi unknowing press the unlock button and the sound of a car beeps.


    Turning his head to see, it was a blue Bentley Continental GT. He sucks in a mouthful of air and was rooted to the ground.


    At the same time, Manager Luo also did the same thing. The car Yue Ling chose for him was the same one as Uncle Zhi¡¯s but in a chrome color.


    "Miss Han... this car, it¡¯s too much for me."


    Yue Ling nce at them and she smiles a chuckle. "It is my gift to you for all the help you¡¯ve done."


    Turning to look at Liu Shan and Qi Li, she could see that they wanted to pick a car but were holding themselves out of pride.


    Walking back to the suitcase full of keys, she reach in for three sets of keys. She toss the key to the Ninja 14r to Lin Hui then the other two to Liu Shan and Qi Li.


    "Here."

 Chapter 480 look the par

    Both men were taken by surprise, but quickly caught the keys with one hand.


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes widen, and his jaw dropped to the ground. No way was his boss really giving this car to him. He had driven this car once and fell in love with it, but it was too much for him to afford one.


    He lifts his head to look at her and seeing Yue Ling nod her head, he turns to the car in the distance. It was a red Audi r8 that had been perfectly modify in power and speed.


    Holding the key like it was his most prize possession in the world, his eyes turned moist and he trembles his words.


    "T-Thank you so much..."


    At the same time, Qi Li was also staring down at the key in his hand. It wasn¡¯t for a car but for a motorcycle. A motorcycle that he has always wanted.


    Lin Hui runs over to Qi Li and smiles with curious eyes, "Which one is boss giving you?"


    Without moving his eyes from his hand, Qi Li answers, "H2."


    Hearing the man, Lin Hui gasp in surprise. His and Qi Li¡¯s choice were indeed great. Thinking about something, he elbows the man with a snicker.


    "Want to go for a little ride?"


    While all this was taking ce, Lu Tian and Xu Long entered the garage.


    The boss and assistant were taken back by surprise at the many types of vehicles in the garage, but they were also confused at what the fuss was about. However, seeing each man holding a set of keys, they quickly understood.


    Xu Long stares in envy. He has been Lu Tian¡¯s assistant for so many years and he has never received an extravagant gift such as a car before. How he wish to switch sides and be Yue Ling¡¯s followers.


    "Tian."


    Seeing the two men join them, Yue Ling smiles as she walks over to them. Catching a glimpse of Xu Long¡¯s expression full of envy, her smile widens.


    She stops by the suitcase to grab a set of keys then made her way toward them. Handing it to the assistant, she smiles with her teeth.


    "Here."


    Xu Long stares at her with his brows furrow tightly. He didn¡¯t know what to do, so he nce at his boss. Seeing Lu Tian lightly nod his head in approval, he (Xu Long) did not hesitate to take whatever it was.


    "Ha¡ª"


    He gasp aloud with his mouth open. Shakily lifting his hand, he stares at the key and press the rm to see which car was given to him.


    *beep beep


    A car sounds from the side and he slowly turn his head. However, seeing that Liu Shan was standing next to the red Audi r8, he frowns.


    "Bro, that¡¯s my new car."


    Liu Shan stares at the man then down to the car. He shook his head and points to another car.


    "Are you a fool? That one is yours."


    Turning his head, Xu Long gasps aloud and covers his mouth from drooling. It was an orange Audi r8.


    He has always envied his boss for owning such a magnificent car, but to think hisdy boss would grant him the opportunity to own one, he felt envy for himself.


    Lu Tian stares at the six men observing their own vehicles. He couldn¡¯t help but feel like a customer at a dealership. However, looking at his wife, he couldn¡¯t understand why she would suddenly give them her own cars.


    If they are her ¡¯babies, why get rid of them?


    Thinking about something, he looks at her and smiles a very tiny smile.


    "What about mine?"


    Yue Ling looks up at him and she scoffs a chuckle in disbelief. Is he really asking her when he has just as many cars as her?


    Her eyes slightly narrow and she quickly thought of something. Her hand fist like holding something and hands it to him.


    "Here¡¯s yours."


    Lu Tian arch a brow and felt a tinge of happiness inside his heart. He was indeed a little jealous since she has never gifted him anything but seeing that she did chose a car for him, he ce his palm under her hand.


    Seeing his suddenly happy, Yue Ling chuckles and opens her hand but there was nothing. No key fell onto his palm.


    "..."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes turned heavy and he stares at her as if saying ¡¯really?¡¯


    A soft chuckle escapes her lip, and she ce her palm over his as her fingers slide pass his and intwine their hand.


    "Why need a car when you have me?"


    Hearing her sudden shameless words, Lu Tian did not get mad but faintly chuckles. His head shook and he pulls her towards him to kiss her forehead.


    "Indeed you are the best gift in the world."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks turned as red as a tomato. She could not believe that Lu Tian¡¯s constant shamelessness around her has rubbed off on her. Even she was surprised at what she said to him.


    She moves to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.


    "If you¡¯re wondering why I¡¯m doing this, I just want to."


    She has so many cars and can barely keep up with taking them out for a ride. She decided it was better to give them away to someone who will love it than keep them locked up inside a garage.


    Lu Tian nod his head. He has his own collection of cars, but only drives a few. However seeing her collection of cars, he is even more surprise. She has multiple of the same vehicles but in different colors.


    Putting the topic aside, he looks at her.


    "Shall we go and get ready for tonight?"


    Hearing his sudden question, Yue Ling¡¯s sincere smile disappears. Her eyes sh with a mysterious light and she smiles again.


    "Of course. We have to look the part."


    As the two turn to leave the garage, Liu Shan stares at their departing figure then to the other men. Each person sends a nod to one another and quickly follows after.


    They are truly excited for the sudden cars given to them, but they are more excited about the meeting.


    Especially, Liu Shan. He cannot wait to see the look on Steelhead and Gao Jie¡¯s face when they see him again.

 Chapter 481 A little reminder

    Darkest engulfs Imperial as the underworld turned into silence. Ever since the message Fate sent out had been made, every gang made sure to not cause havoc.


    As this message meant that someone was going to die. Only, they do not know who.


    However, this meeting was not taking ce in the Retro or Glory.


    In the far distance of Retro, a red luxury car pulls up to a dark six-story building that stood at the peak of a mountain near the coastline. The tress if the mountain stood around the ce like a barrier.


    This ce looked like it had been abandoned for years with no one in sight, but despite its vacancy, one can see how well kept it still is. There is no trash in in sight and the windows have not been boarded up.


    Under the dark sky, this building looked very stunning, but at the same time, it gave off a very gloomy feeling that makes one shiver.


    However, this red car is not the only one. Parked in front of the dark building were eight other cars and one can see that the people inside had already entered the building.


    Once the red car parked, the driver and passenger doors opens. Two young women wearing red suits step out. Both women were incredibly pleasing to the eyes and looked to be in theirte twenties.


    One had cat-like eyes with a slightziness to them and her long dark hair tied up in a high ponytail. The other woman had a short a-line haircut and big round eyes.


    The woman with the high ponytail reach for the door to the rear seat and pulls it open.


    Stepping out of the car was a woman in herte forties. However, despite her older age, she looked as young as the other two women.


    Her short wavy hair frames her face perfectly as she wore a ck jumper under a cheetah print coat that ties around her waist.


    She stares up at the dark building with the sound of the ocean meeting thend.


    In the past years, the lights inside this ce had remained off, but tonight, the lights in every floor were turned on.


    Lowering her head to the entrance of the ce, she takes a step forward and gives amand.


    "Remember, no false move unless I give word."


    "Yes, Ma¡¯am."


    The two women gesture a nod in understanding and quickly follows after the woman. Their eyes did not forget to pay close attention to their surrounding as they are in an unfamiliar territory.


    As the three figures reach the giant metal doors, it was slowly open for them.


    An elderly man in his eighties greets the three women with a smile that reach his eyes. He held a cane in one hand and the other ce behind his back.


    "Madam Qin, it is a great honor that you can join us tonight."


    Qin Yi, the middle-aged woman smiles politely to the man. She is quite surprise that after so many years, this old man is still alive.


    "Steward Yang, it is good to see that you are still healthy."


    Steward Yang faintly chuckles, and he takes a step to the side to give way.


    "Ah, pleasee inside. Just walk straight ahead and someone will lead you to the meeting room where everyone is waiting."


    Hearing this, Qin Yi gives the old man onest nce before entering the building with her two subordinates.


    As they walk deeper into the building, Steward Yang close the door and makes his way in another direction.


    The young woman with the short a-line haircut nce behind to the elderly man. She has never been here before, so she is quite confused and curious why an old man like Steward Yang would be here.


    Thinking this, she looks at her boss and couldn¡¯t help but ask in a whisper.


    "Boss, why would Fate keep an old man like him around?"


    "Shh."


    Qin Yi quickly shush her subordinate when she heard the inappropriate question. Without looking back at the young woman, she gives responds in an almost warning tone.


    "Those from Fate are never to be taken lightly. Even if they are old."


    Hearing her words, both young women became even more alert. This building that they havee to is none other the foundation of Fate.


    From what they know, it has been three years since Fate left the underworld, but to suddenly get news that this infamous group has returned, they all have to be on the lookout.


    As the three women reach a set of stairs, Qi Li¡¯s figure stood waiting for them.


    Unlike his usual motor style, he was wearing a ck suit. A ck mask covers his mouth with the print of a sinister smile full of sharp teeth.


    When he saw the three women, he gestures a nod to them without a word as they to him.


    Turning around, he walks up the stairs to lead them to the second floor.


    Behind him, the two young women were really taken back by surprise.


    Their boss is one of the dangerous leaders in the underworld and yet, this man who looked no different from an office worker did not show any signs of fear.


    He didn¡¯t even greet Qin Yi with words upon seeing her.


    Climbing up the steps of stairs, they soon arrived on the second floor. Turning to the right that held a long hallway, Qi Li guided the three women to the end.


    He opens the door for them and gesture for them to enter. Qin Yi did not hesitate to enter the room with her two subordinates.


    The room was spacious with a long table. On one side of the table sat five men and the other side sat three. Standing behind each person were one or two of their own subordinates.


    "Well, well, look who finally showed up. Red Dragon¡¯s Qin Yi."


    A middle-aged man spoke in an almost chuckle when he saw Qin Yi enter the room. He wore a dark red suit and a sinister grin curls on his lip as he stares behind the middle-aged women to the two younger women.


    It is known in the underworld that Red Dragon is a gang consisted of only women and each one being marvelously beautiful too.


    Qin Yi scoffs at the man¡¯s words. Seeing the way he was eyeing her subordinates, she sneers.


    "Hung Woo, I suggest you keep those filthy thoughts to yourself. If it were not for where we are, I would have prodded your eyes out."


    Hearing her words full of taunt, the middle-aged man name Hung Woo did not get scared.


    He howls aughter and ran his fingers through his slightly long hair.


    "So what if we are in Fate, such threat do not fear me."


    He looks at Qin Yi and a mischievous smirk curls on his lip as his words continue.


    "How about it? Lend your people to my Red Militant for one night."


    Sitting one seat away from Hung Woo was none other than Gao Jie. He snorts augh and joins in the conversation with a voice full of confidence.


    "Don¡¯t forget about my Snakehead too. My door is always open when ites to beautiful women as we fear no one."


    Both the young women standing behind Qin Yi held a disgust expression at the two men. Their words clearly meant, they wants them to pleasure their men.


    Their hands reach to take out their weapons in wanting to shut the men up.


    "Anita. Dina."


    Before both women could even move their hands, Qin Yi warningly stops them.


    "Don¡¯t be reckless."


    Without looking at Hung Woo and Gao Jie, she walks over to the second empty chair on the left side and sits down.


    Ignoring the man, she turns to look at the person sitting next to her. It was a young man in his thirties, and he is someone everyone in the underworld recognizes.


    "Mr. Li, it has been a while since we¡¯vest seen each other."


    Li Wei sat near the head seat. He wore a ck beanie that covered his buzz cut hair and a set of Grey loungewear. His entire being looked like he waszily lounging at home infort.


    When he heard Qin Yi¡¯s words of greeting, he turns to look at the older woman and smiles carefreely to her.


    "It has been a while. How do you do?"


    Feeling her mood lifted by the young man¡¯s cheerful personality, Qin Yi parts her lip to answer his question. However, before she could utter a sound, Qi Li¡¯s figure appears to get their attention.


    His cold expression scans the faces of the nine leaders in the room and he spoke.


    "Since everyone is here, my boss will be with you all shortly."


    His word fell and he nce at Hung Woo then to Gao Jie. A glint of light sh in his eyes as he wanted so badly to beat the living out of the fat man for what he did to Liu Shan.


    However, holding himself back, he constantly reminds himself that Liu Shan got this.


    Taking a deep breath inside, he kept his emotionless expression and spoke again, but with a tinge of warning to the people in the room.


    "A little reminder. Be careful what you say."

 Chapter 482 angel of death

    After Qi Li left the meeting room, the remaining nine leaders of the underworld stayed in silence. However, it was only for a quick second before the room rouse into an uproar.


    Gao Jie scoffs in arrogance as his obese figure leans back on the chair.


    "Be with us shortly? When has my Snakehead ever waited on someone?"


    Seated next to the man, Steelhead shook his head at the man''s conceited attitude. However, he kept to himself in silence as he knows what to say and what not to say.


    There are four people in this room that have met the leader of Fate in person. Whereas the rest of them have always been in the dark.


    He was quite surprise when the message arrived at his doorstep. Blue Axe is only a small gang in the underworld, but to have the honor of being here is truly something else.


    Thinking this, this eyes nce to the four people who have met the leader of Fate.


    Chu Qiang, the leader of ck Dragon.


    Li Wei, the leader of White Tiger.


    Qin Yi, the leader of Red Dragon.


    Lastly, Fei Tao, the leader of ck Jade.


    "Pig, can you shut up for one minute. Your self confidence is really getting on my nerves."


    A young man''s voice sounds from the end of the long table as it interrupts Steelhead''s thoughts. The person was not referring to him, but his head turned to look, the same time with Gao Jie.


    It was a very young man who looked like he was only sixteen, but those who know him knows that he is actually in his early twenties.


    Gao Ji snorts at the boy and he lightly m his palms on the table. He does now know who this boy is, but never has anyone called him a pig to his face.


    "Kid, you better go home and drink more of your mother''s milk before you talk to me like that. My Snakehead will devour you in one second."


    Hearing the obese man''s words, Li Wei shook his head with a sigh. When he entered the meeting room, he was really surprised to see that of all people, Gao Ji was invited. However, is Gao Jie blind? How can he say such thing to someone he does not know?


    The young man Gao Jie had disrespected did not get mad. Instead he smiles with upside down crescent eyes.


    "Is that so?"


    He touch his chin and put on a thinking face about the older man''s words. Like he concluded his thoughts, his head nods a few times.


    "I have heard a lot about your Snakehead, but are you sure you can withstand my ck Jade?"


    At the mention of ck Jade''s name, Gao Jie was rooted in his chair. All the colors on his face turned white and he wished so badly to take back what he said. However, a word once let out of a cage cannot be whistled back again.


    His mouth open and closed with no words before he could force out a stutter.


    "Y-You¡­ You are ck Jade''s Fei Tao?"


    The young man with a teenager''s face rolled his eyes at the obese man. His head slightly tilt, and he stares at Gao Jie like the man was an idiot.


    "Who else would I be if not Fei Tao?"


    Gao Jie stares in disbelief. He had heard that Fei Tao is a old man with white hair, but how is it that the old man mentioned in the underworld is actually a young boy more than half his age?


    No wonder he didn''t know who the boy was when he entered the room.


    Steelhead sat next to Gao Jie and he felt like strangling the fat man to death. Snakehead and Blue Axe are not even half the size of ck Jade and yet, he (Gao Jie) is asking for death.


    As the situation took ce, the door to the meeting room opens again and a group of six people enter the room. The sudden intrusion quickly quiets down the room as they stood up to greet the leader of Fate.


    In the lead of the group was a middle-aged man in a ck changshan. He held his hands behind his back as his sharp eyes scans the people in the room.


    Behind him, was Qi Li and four other people. Each person wore different styles in ck.


    However, no one can see their full facial features as they wore a white phantom mask that covered the top half of their face revealing only their lip.


    Only Qi Li''s mask was different as it covered his mouth.


    Gao Jie scans the people and from careful observation, he can already guess that the middle-aged man is the leader of Fate. After all, he stood out the most and was the first to enter.


    He also had sharp facial features that held an aura of authority that makes one shiver.


    Gesturing a polite bow, he smiles like a person showing an obsequious eagerness to please the top dog in the underworld.


    "Leader of Fate, it is my greatest honor to have received your invitation to tonight''s meeting."


    Following the obese man''s lead, the other leaders who have never met the leader of Fate follow in pursuit. However, Chu Qiang, Li Wei, Qin Yi and Fei Tao shook their head.


    Neither person spoke a word but can confirm that Gao Jie''s IQ and EQ is indeed very low.


    The middle-aged man stares at Gao Jie and he lightly shook his head. Walking to the main chair, he does not sit down but stood his stance at the side.


    His scans the people in the room and he part his lip to speak.


    "Leaders of the underworld, it is a privilege to have you all here tonight."


    The nine people in this room were all leaders of different gangs in the underworld.


    On one side of the long table was, Chu Qiang, leader of ck Dragon; Gao Jie, leader of Snakehead; Steelhead, leader of Blue Axe; Hung Woo, leader of Red Militant; and Tao Meng, leader of Red Moon.


    On the other side was, Li Wei, leader of White Tiger; Qin Yi, leader of Red Dragon; Lo Fat, leader of White Eagles; andstly, Fei Tao, leader of ck Jade.


    Despite their high position in the underworld, only Gao Jie and Steelhead were from smaller gangs.


    As the middle-aged man spoke, the other five people positioned in an orderly fashion behind him. Out of the five figures, one was a woman.


    Qin Yi''s subordinates, Anita and Dina stare curiously. Each person looked very stylish despite their attires being in ck. Even the aura around them made the air in the room suddenly feel stiff.


    Thinking that the middle-aged man is the leader of Fate, Gao Jie nonchntly sits back down. However, just as the obese man was about to sit, he notice that none of the other leaders sat down.


    His brows furrow and straightens his posture to stand up again. He didn''t understand why no one is sitting since the leader of Fate is already here.


    The second he thought this, a slender figure enters through the door to the room.


    Her long ck hair curls in natural waves as her body clothe is all white.


    She wore a bishop sleeve blouse that tucked at the waist of her wide leg pants. Her red heels ck in sound with each of her steps.


    At the sight of her, the nine leaders of the underworld sucked in a mouthful of air.


    A silver kunoichi negra mask covers the lower half of her face revealing only her bluish green eyes.


    Although no one was unable to see her full face, each person can see that she is a beauteous angel.


    However, her bluish green eyes sent a chill to every person in the room.


    Those clear as water eyes were like staring into an abyss making one drown in them and never finding their way back.


    It was as if she was the angel of death.

 Chapter 483 leader of Fate

    "Mami!"


    Fei Tao¡¯s young voice sounds as he turns into a child and run over to the angelic woman in white. It¡¯s been so many years since they¡¯vest seen each other, and he misses her so much.


    Yue Ling nce at the boy and the cold aura around her softens. Lifting her hand, she pats his head like an older sister.


    "It¡¯s nice to see you are still as energetic as ever."


    Hearing her words full of praise, Fei Tao¡¯s cheeks flush and he scratch his nose bashfully. He had always had a sharp tongue, but the only person he will act obediently like this to is Mami.


    She is the one person he will never betray because of their past.


    Following the young man, Li Wei nods his head in greeting as Qin Yi and Chu Qiang the same. However, unlike them, the remaining leaders were dumbfounded to the core.


    Especially Gao Jie.


    He was the one who assumed the middle-aged man to be the leader, when the man is none other than Uncle Zhi.


    What kind of mistake did he just made? How can he pick up his face from such shame?


    Not carrying about the obese man and everyone else in the room, Fei Tao wanted to say something, but he suddenly got a chill. He rubs his arms and pout his lip.


    "Why did it suddenly turn cold? Mami, is your heater broken?"


    Behind Yue Ling and Uncle Zhi, the five people standing like statues were struck speechless.


    Lian Ni Shang sighs inside as Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin shook their head. Qi Li quietly clears his throat while the corners of Tang Zhonghui¡¯s lip curls up.


    Each person already knew the reason behind the sudden chill Fei Tao was feeling.


    Yue Ling stares at the boy as she did not know how to answer his question. Her eyes subconsciously nce to a part of the ceiling before looking back at the young man.


    "The heater is eating vinegar."


    Herst word fell, and she walks over to the main seat to sit. Seeing her do so, Fei Tai was confused at her words, but quickly brushing it aside, he turns around to head back to his seat.


    As she took her seat, so did everyone else. However, the five leaders who have not met her before could not help but stare at her curiously with a mixture of doubt.


    Is she really the leader of Fate? None of them would have believed it if it weren¡¯t for the way Fei Tao addressed her. Even Li Wei, Qin Yi and Chu Qiang greeted her with respect.


    Even though Yue Ling knew what they were thinking, she pays no mind to it. Her bluish green eyes looks at one person to another.


    After she left the underworld, the doors to Fate remained closed with her as everyone went on to start their new life. However, she never thought she would be back here.


    To sit at this table and meet with the leaders of the underworld again.


    Her eyes slowly flutter, and she part her lips to speak.


    "I¡¯m sure you are all curious about why I have gathered you all here today."


    She leans back on her chair and cross her leg. Her elbows rested on the armrest as her fingers intwine together.


    "I made it clear when I said Fate was leaving the underworld. I also stated that so long as no one from the underworld crosses my line, Fate won¡¯t return."


    Her eyes slowly shifts to Steelhead, then Gao Jie. She looks at them dead in the eyes like she was the grim reapering to collect their souls.


    "However, someone thought it was a great idea to cross my line, not once, but twice."


    Slightly tilting her head, she looks to the middle-aged man seated to her left. Despite him being older than her, she held no signs of respect.


    "This person left a very intriguing message, ¡¯A life for a life¡¯."


    The corner of lip arc up into a mesmerizing smile that made the entire room drop in temperature.


    "If it is a life he wants, Fate will dly grant him this wish."


    Sitting next to her, Chu Qiang did not dare to look her in the eyes. He struggle a gulp and stares down at the table as he knew exactly who she was referring to.


    In the far seat to the right, Fei Tao ms his fist on the table and stood up. His nostrils re with steam and blood boils in madness inside.


    "Who is this imbecile? How dare he think to cross my Mami¡¯s line! Give me his name, I will make him wish he was never born."


    As the meeting continue, on the sixth floor of Fate, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Xu Long stayed in theputer room as they were to observe the situation in the meeting room.


    However, the three men at this moment were upied with another thing.


    The aloof business king is also in the room, and he is staring murderously at the screen that zoomed in on Fei Tao¡¯s face.


    He doesn¡¯t say a word, but the three men knew that Lu Tian is on the brink of unleashing his wrath of jealousy at the young man.


    "Lu Tian, that kid... that kid is like a little brother to my boss."


    Liu Shan trembles his words to try and calm the man. However, all he got was a cold re that made all the hair on body stand.


    He swallows a gulp and he secretly nudge Lin Hui with his elbow. Getting the man¡¯s attention, he gestures with his head to the door.


    Sitting on a swivel chair with wheels, Lin Hui quickly understood. He stretch his arms out and sounds a yawn. Doing so, he didn¡¯t forget to push himself to slide across the room to block the door.


    Both men knows that Lu Tian is holding himself back from striding out of this room. So they need to do everything they can just in case the unimaginable happens.


    As this took ce, Xu Long sat in his chair at the far end of the room. He face the window with eyes closed. Both his palms sp together, and he prays with his shaking hands.


    ¡¯Buddha, if you can me, I have been good, and I have never done any evil. Today, mydy boss gifted me a very expensive car. Please let me continue to live to drive this new car as I have not driven it yet. I pray to you for me, for my boss, and for all the people here.¡¯


    Lu Tian was oblivious to the other three men in the room. He looks at Fei Tao¡¯s face for another long second before his gaze shifts back to his wife.


    He didn¡¯t like how the young man is toofortable with his wife, but he can¡¯t let something like this get to him. He cannot let his temper get out of control or else his wife¡¯s meeting will be sabotage by him.


    For now, he will ignore this matter until the end of the meeting.


    His eyes subconsciously nce to another screen that showed the pitch-ck outer part of Fate.


    "Xu Long."


    He spoke his word and turn to look at his assistant. However, the second he saw the position the three men were in, he was struck dumbfounded.


    Liu Shan sat a car length away from him, Lin Hui sat blocking the door and Xu Long was praying out the window.


    One look and he could already guess why they were acting this way. He casually clears his throat to get their attention.


    "How is the situation outside?"

 Chapter 484 he still has strength

    Outside in the darkness that surround Fate, trees barricade the ce like a fortress on ground of the mountain¡¯s peak. The sound of the ocean sang a melody in the night.


    Steward Yang slowly checks the surrounding area with a cane in hand to help support his slightly slouch body. His eyes could barely open due to his old age, but it doesn¡¯t bother him.


    "Hey old man, give us some alcohol."


    From behind, a man calls out to the elderly man. He is one of Red Moon¡¯s men that could not enter the building since each leader was only allowed to bring one or two people inside.


    Thus, everyone else that came had to sit outside and wait.


    Steward Yang pause in his steps and turn to look at the person who had spoken. However, there were about twenty figures standing near the parked cars.


    His wrinkle eyes squints more to get a clearer view of the person. However, due to the dark sky, he could not make out the person.


    Though he could not see who had spoken, he still replies an answer.


    "Fate prohibits alcohol on the promises."


    Hearing the elderly man¡¯s words, the man and three other men howl augh.


    "Prohibits alcohol? That can¡¯t be true. Every gang allows alcohol, how can Fate have such a lousy rule."


    Theirugh was sinister and full of taunt, but Steward Yang did not care. He turns away and continue on to monitor the rest of the ce.


    "Old man! You are nothing but a steward, how dare you ignore us! We are the guests of Fate!"


    The same man yells out after the elderly man with a tone full of confidence like he held more authority. He didn¡¯t care if Steward Yang was a member of Fate, they were guests here so they should be treated with entertainment.


    Steward Yang sighs inside and without looking at the group of men, his old voice sounds.


    "Since you are the guests of Fate, remember where you are."


    The man¡¯s face turned red as he lost his face to the old man. However, thinking Steward Yang is old and weak, he strides in big steps to the elderly man. He cannot be humiliated like this.


    "Bro, are looking for death?"


    Another person standing at the side quickly stops the man, but he was a step toote. The man was already making his way towards Steward Yang.


    He made sure his steps were quiet and reach an arm to grab the elderly man¡¯s cane. He wanted to embarrass Steward Yang for humiliating him.


    However, that was his biggest mistake.


    Steward Yang may not have good eyesight, but his ears are still working properly. Each step the man made, he heard every bit of it.


    As the man stretch his arm for the cane, Steward Yang lifts his hand and swiftly motions the tip of the cane back. It stabs the man in the stomach stopping him from further advancing.


    Turning around he held a smile that reach his eyes, but one can see that his smile was very sinister.


    "I warn you boy. You are no longer in your territory."


    He push the man back with his cane and continues on with his way. Without looking at the group, his words fell again.


    "Fields have eyes and woods have ears. Be careful of what you say and do."


    Hearing his words, everyone quickly froze in ce. Their eyes scans the surrounding trees in alert but all were not able to see anything due to the darkness.


    Watching the steward turn a corner, the man scoffs and turns back to join his brothers. There is no one listening in on them. Steward Yang much be trying to scare them only.


    "Bro, why¡¯d you do something so stupid?"


    Arade nervously spoke as the man joins their group of four again. Although he did not see anyone, he can¡¯t help but get a eerie feeling from the trees.


    The man scoffs augh and takes out a cigarette from his pocket. Lighting it up, his voice sounds in arrogance.


    "We are members of Red Moon. He is only bluffing to scare us."


    As the man spoke this, a young man stood in the distance by a car. In his hand was a cigarette as he observe the group. He is not from Red Moon, but a member of ck Jade.


    His head lightly shook, and he continues to smoke his cigarette. He will have to report this matter to his boss once the meeting is over.


    In the darkness around Fate, the members of Wolf Team and Fate hid amongst the trees. Some stayed high in position on the branches while others held their ce on the ground.


    Those near the group of men had heard their entire conversation.


    "What a bunch of idiots."


    Ju Suo¡¯s childlike voice chimes in a whisper as she scoffs at the man disrespecting Steward Yang.


    "Why didn¡¯t you let us help him?"


    Next to the petite woman, Jiangyu¡¯s bulky figure slightly hid behind a tree. They were assigned to keep watch from outside in case someone decides to do something stupid. After all, Steelhead and Gao Jie were involved with Chu Li Xiang.


    When they saw and heard the men from Red Moon bully the old man, all of them wanted to leave their position and give those people a good lesson.


    However, Ju Suo signaled them to stop. She told them that everything was fine.


    Thinking this, Jiangyu frowns and he nce at the petite woman who is now his love interest and girlfriend.


    "How can you sit back and watch an elderly man get bully?"


    Ju Suo stares up at the man and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.


    Steward Yang was being bullied? What bullied? By whom?


    The elderly man may be a steward, but he has been a member of Fate since the very beginning.


    He is old in age, but one should never take him lightly.


    She shook her head with a sigh and exins a little detail to Jiangyu and the other members of Wolf Team who were nearby.


    "Steward Yang is old, but he still has his strength."


    She slightly leans towards the bulky man and her words continue.


    "The cane in his hand is no ordinary cane. It is a very old Victorian cane gun."


    Hearing her sudden words, everyone who heard quietly inhale a mouthful of air. In one swift motion, their heads turn to the direction Steward Yang had gone.


    Although the sky was dark and the only light for them was the moon, each person can vaguely make out the elderly man¡¯s figure slowly moving in the distance.


    He looked like an ordinary grandpa taking a night stroll, but to think he is well concealed.


    No wonder Ju Suo stopped them. The old man had the capability to protect himself, but he decided to turn a blind eye to the stupid man from Red Moon.


    As those keeping watch outside thought to himself, inside Fate¡¯sputer room, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes slightly narrow as he touch his chin in thinking too.


    He had watched everything happen from the monitor screen and he finds Steward Yang to be a very interesting old man.


    Even he can¡¯t help but wonder why he doesn¡¯t have such a person on his side.


    Seated to next to the businessman, Liu Shan sneers at the same monitor. He did not hesitate to press the earpiece he was wearing. He needs to inform his boss about this.


    No one enters Fate and disrespects them.

 Chapter 485 hurt yourself?

    After hours passed by, Yue Lingid out her reason for returning to the underworld. She looks at each person in the room and her lips part to speak.


    "I¡¯m sure everyone here is wondering who this person is, but a warning in advance. Anyone who dares to help with person will be bound with the same fate as his."


    Hearing her words of warning, all nine leaders in the room shiver in cold sweat.


    She looks like a very innocent and fragile women, but they, of all people know what she is capable of.


    Once she has given her words, she will not take it back. Even if the person has a long history with her, she will not give way to them if they help this person she is after.


    From behind her, Qi Li takes a step forward. He leans towards her and whispers in a voice that only she can hear.


    Listening to his words, one corner of her lip curls up into a smile almost identical to a sneer. She nods her head and looks to the leader of Red Moon.


    He is a bulky man in his thirties. His head is shaved spotless as the light in the room shines upon it.


    "Tao Meng, it seems the rules of Fate are too much for your men to handle."


    Hearing her mention his name then his men, Tao Meng furrow his brows. Didn¡¯t he give his men a clear warning beforeing here?


    Looking at Yue Ling, he held an apologetic expression.


    "I am truly sorry for myck in disciplining my men. I hope you forgive them for stepping out of line."


    He doesn¡¯t know what she will do, but what he does know is that the leader of Fate values the life of her people. If anyone dares to touch a strand of their hair, she will kill without mercy if not turn them into a cripple.


    Despite his useless men offending her, he hopes that she will give him face and let this slide.


    Yue Ling stares at the man without a response. Qi Li had informed her that the person Red Moon wronged was Steward Yang.


    The man who had been by her paternal grandfather¡¯s side since the foundation of Fate and the man who had watched her father and her grow up.


    However, thinking about something, she smiles to the man.


    "I won¡¯t ask for much as long as Red Moon apologies to Steward Yang."


    Hearing her words, no leader in the underworld would not want to lose face by apologizing. However, Tao Meng turned pale. Not because of her sudden proposal in an apology, but who his men had offended.


    He has never encounter Yue Ling in person, but he has encountered the former leader. He also knows that Steward Yang is a very important figure in Fate.


    Taking a deep breath, he nods his head in understanding. "You have my word. I will have my men give Steward Yang an apology."


    Yue Ling kept her smile without change. Looking at each person one more time, her voice sounds.


    "The person I am looking for is Chu Li Xiang."


    At the mention of his name, everyone turned to look at Chu Qiang.


    None could believe that it is Chu Li Xiang. However, some of them weren¡¯t surprise that it is the man. He has been causing trouble in the underworld wherever he went.


    Chu Qiang ignores the stares as he did not seem to care about the look the leaders were giving him. He leisurely rise from his seat and bows to Yue Ling.


    "ck Dragon has cut all ties with him. If it is his life you are after, you may have it."


    Steelhead stares at Chu Qiang then to Yue Ling. He felt sweat begin to form on his head as he has been helping Chu Li Xiang in the dark.


    He was quick to realize why a small gang like his was invited to this meeting.


    Fate must have suspected them. Yue Ling wants to make it clear that if he or anyone from Blue Axe continue to help the man, it will be the end of them too.


    He also thought it was strange why Chu Li Xiang would suddenly want to work with him. Now he understands why.


    Blue Axe and ck Dragon have always been enemies. Being cut off from ck Dragon, who else can the man (Chu Li Xiang) go to other than the enemy for help.


    Thinking this, he made a quick decision. He will end all connections with the man. Even if the business between them will seed, he will not put Blue Axe in jeopardy.


    He stood up from his seat and gestures a polite bow to Yue Ling.


    "Blue Axe has been in contact with him the past week. However, you have my word that after tonight, all interactions with him will cease.


    Following the man everyone quickly rouse from their seat to give her their words in not helping Chu Li Xiang.


    Thest to stand was Gao Jie. He sat between Chu Qiang and Steelhead as he stares at everyone. Seeing that everyone was quick to understand the terms, he had no choice but to reluctantly stand up.


    He is afraid of what might happen to him if he didn¡¯t follow, but Chu Li Xiang had promised him a massive amount of money and women as long as the trafficking deal goes through.


    ncing at Yue Ling, his eyes slightly narrow. Even if some people here address her as the leader of Fate, is she really the notorious person the underworld fears? How can he be so sure?


    His head lowers in a bow and he spoke to her like he was a loyal follower.


    "Mami, you have my words. My Snakehead will never help someone who is on your death list."


    His words were full of earnestly, but deep inside he was cursing. Since she is standing in front of him, he has no choice but to kiss up to her. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean he will keep his words.


    After all, she will never know his n.


    Unfortunately for him, Yue Ling and everyone from Fate already saw through the obese man.


    However, pretending to not notice the man¡¯s ill intentions, Yue Ling calmly stood from her seat. Looking at each person, she kept her smile.


    "Since we¡¯ve alle to an understanding, the meeting ends here. I hope you all have a good night."


    Without waiting for their response, she turns for the door to leave. She had said what she needed.


    Those who decide to listen to her warning, she will ignore. As for the one who decide to go against her, she will make sure they suffer the same fate as Chu Li Xiang.


    Just as she reach the door, she pause in her steps and turns back to look at Gao Jie.


    "Mr. Gao, if you are not in a hurry, may I please have a word with you in private."


    Gao Jie¡¯s eyes lit up hearing the word ¡¯private¡¯. His thoughts turned sinister and malicious as he grins ear to ear. Is she inviting him to her bed?


    However, not wanting everyone in the room to envy him, heughs in a heartily tone with his stomach jiggling.


    "No need for privacy, whatever it is you need to say, you can say it here after everyone leaves."


    Yue Ling stares at the man with an expression full of indifference.


    "Indeed we can discuss this matter in this room."


    Her eyes slowly blink and the corners of her lip curls up.


    "But as for what you are thinking, I¡¯m afraid you are going to be disappointed."


    Anotherugh sounds from the obese man as he did not put too much thought to her words. He mistook it as her being shy about letting others know of what she wanted to do with him.


    However, unlike the fat man, everyone else shook their heads. Gao Jie is too full of himself. Did he not realize that Yue Ling¡¯s smile did not reach her eyes?


    Fei Tao ignores the pig and ce his hands behind his head. Walking over to Yue Ling, he sends her a charming smile.


    "I¡¯ll wait for you downstairs since I have a feeling you have something to say to me."


    Qin Yi and Li Wei also follows in pursuit. Both people had something they wanted to discuss with her, but seeing how she has business with Gao Jie, they¡¯ll wait.


    As each leader began to leave the room with their subordinates, the door they had yet to step out from suddenly opens.


    A young man wearing a ck suit enters the room. His hairbed to the side in a mixture of neat and messy paralleled well with his handsome features.


    One can see a white gauze bandage wrap around his neck, but the wound between his forehead and hairline is visible to the naked eye.


    Unlike the five people standing behind Yue Ling, he did not wear a mask. He nonchntly approach Yue Ling and stops at her side.


    Fei Tao stares at the man and a wide grin appears on his face. He takes a few steps towards the person and punch the man¡¯s chest in a brotherly manner.


    "Shan, what happened to you? How did you hurt yourself?"


    Yue Ling did not look at the person who suddenly enter. Her gaze remained on Gao Jie¡¯s figure.


    "Mr. Gao, I heard my subordinates ran into you at Glory."

 Chapter 486 killing you is easy

    Inside the meeting room on the second floor of Fate, the atmosphere inside had turned menacingly dark. Even the temperature had dropped like they were standing in the center of Antarctica.


    However, despite the drastic chance of atmosphere, everyone kept their eyes on Yue Ling then to Gao Jie.


    After staring enough, Fei Tao nce away from the two leaders to the assistant. Glory¡¯s leader, who could not attend the meeting had already told him about the incident, so he didn¡¯t stay to see what will happen.


    All he knows is that Gao Jie reap what he sow.


    Looking away, he leaves the room to wait for Yue Ling outside. As he exit the room, quickly following him were Qin Yi, Chu Qiang, Lo Fat, Hung Woo and Steelhead.


    Everyone knows their ce, as this is a matter between Fate and Snakehead.


    Seeing the leaders leave, Li Wei ponder in thoughts. Since Yue Ling is here, that man should be here too. He looks at Uncle Zhi and smiles politely to the middle-aged man.


    "Zhi Jian Hong, can you bring me to where he is?"


    Uncle Zhi nods his head. Turning to Yue Ling, he gestures a respectful bow. "Leader, I will be back."


    Hearing the way the man addressed her, Yue Ling swore she almost lost her bnce. When has she ever approved of them calling her ¡¯leader¡¯?


    Quickly shaking the thought away, she decides to go along. She didn¡¯t nod or say anything, but Uncle Zhi knew her silence meant he can leave.


    Gao Jie stood about five feet away from her and his obese slightly trembles. At first, he was wondering about who Li Wei meant by ¡¯he¡¯, but now his eyes shifted from Yue Ling to the middle-aged man then it repeats.


    The man he had assumed was the leader is actually the infamous, Gold Fist, Zhi Jian Hong.


    He had thought Yue Ling was an imposter, but now, he knows that she is the real person. Someone well-known as Zhi Jian Hong will never refer just anyone as his leader.


    Being the only other leader beside Gao Jie, Red Moon¡¯s leader, Tao Meng thought to himself in silence. Ignoring the obese man, he walks over to the beautiful leader.


    "Mami, it is my greatest pleasure to finally meet the leader of Fate. You have my words. I will not fail to give Steward Yang an apology."


    Yue Ling gives him a light nod that she hopes he keeps his words. Seeing her approval, Tao Meng heads for the door. However, his eyes subconsciously nce to Liu Shan and his brows slightly furrow.


    Why does the man look so familiar? Where has he seen him before?


    No, that¡¯s not possible. If they did meet somewhere, he would remember as Liu Shan¡¯s face is one that women and men will never forget.


    Brushing his thoughts aside, Tao Meng walks out of the meeting room leaving Gao Jie to be the only leader behind. Of course, he wasn¡¯t the only one as he had two of his men with him.


    At the same time Liu Shan stood to the left of Yue Ling. He had been so focused on Gao Jie that when Tao Meng walked pass them, he by chance met the bulky man¡¯s eyes.


    Their eyes met for a brief second, but it was enough to make his eyes slightly shook. However, he shifts his gaze back to the obese man and his expression returned to its usual appearance.


    "M-Mami, this... he is one of your subordinates?"


    Gao Jie asks in a chuckle, but one can hear the nervousness in his voice. He did not expect that the person he had looked down on at Glory is someone from Fate.


    If he had known this, he would have been careful. He should have listened to Steelhead, yet, his ego got the better of him.


    Thinking about something that will get him out alive, he decides to y stupid. Yue Ling was not there, and he had been drinking. No one will know if he was drunk or sober.


    "If I offended him in anyway, I do apologize. I was drunk and did not know he was your people."


    Yue Ling stares at the man with no change in her expression. She already saw through his intentions as everything is well written on his face.


    A very tiny smile appears on her face behind the silver kunoichi negra mask.


    "I see, so everything was all a misunderstanding."


    Hearing her words, Gao Jie¡¯s eyes lit up and he sighs in relief. Seems like the leader of Fate isn¡¯t as smart as him. He only fabricated some parts of the story and she believed him.


    However, just as he thought this, Yue Ling¡¯s next words struck him like lightning.


    "If only it had been someone else."


    She raise one hand and leisurely flicks her hair behind her back.


    "As a leader from the underworld, you should know already how I treat my people. "


    She takes a few steps towards the man to close their distance. Her bluish green eyes turned into a darker shade and her words continue.


    "Anyone whoys a hand on my people never live to see another day."


    Quickly as her words fell, her left hand reach behind before pointing it directing at Gao Jie¡¯s forehead.


    *Click


    Gao Jie¡¯s eyes widen as his two men retrieve their guns and pointed it at her. However, just when their hands touched the handle of the guns, two people from the five figures in masks already got to them.


    "Tsk tsk."


    Qi Li click his tongue at one man with the tip of his gun press on one man¡¯s back. Next to them, Gui Tian Lan points a three-inch needle on the second man¡¯s neck.


    "Do it and I will turn you into one of my experiments."


    Both men were rooted to the floor. Neither saw when or how the two people made their move.


    Gao Ji stares at the stunning woman in front of him and his face turned paler and paler. However, realizing something, he turned dumbfounded.


    What he thought to be a gun was actually the tip of Yue Ling¡¯s pointer finger pointed at him like a gun.


    He swallow a hard gulp as he almost pissed himself. However, deep inside, he was sneering at how her little trick was able to scare him so much.


    His lips part to say something, but before he could, Yue Ling¡¯s right leg lifts up and tip of her red heel touches the side of the man¡¯s head.


    Without giving any warning, she adds a little strength and ms the man down on the floor.


    Anyone who sees this would be shocked speechless as Gao Jie is three times the size of her. However, she was able to strike him down like she was kicking a ball.


    Being suddenly kicked like this, Gao Jie groan in pain on the floor. The harsh impact of the fall struck his head then body. He swore he was seeing birds fly in a circle.


    Yue Ling stares down at the man like she was Asura from Hell. Not caring about the pain he was feeling, she did not feel sorry for him at all.


    "Killing you is easy."


    She scoffs a sarcastic chuckle and turns around. Walking towards Liu Shan, her words fell without looking back at the obese man.


    "However, I feel like being generous tonight. So, everything will depend on what he sees fit."


    Giving her assistant a silent nod, she strides out of the meeting room.


    As much as she wanted to kill the man for hurting her people, it is up to Liu Shan as he was the one who was harmed.


    If Liu Shan wants Gao Jie¡¯s life, he can have. Even if Snakeheades after him, she will protect him.


    However, if Liu Shan decides to let the man live, that¡¯s fine too. Gao Jie¡¯s life was already decided the moment he thought he can side with Chu Li Xiang and get away with it.

 Chapter 487 keep praying

    As Yue Ling¡¯s figure walks out of the meeting room, the pleading cries of Gao Jie¡¯s voice begs inside. She doesn¡¯t know what Liu Shan ns to do, but it didn¡¯t take long before the sound of punching echoes into the hallway.


    She did not flinch but continue to walk in a certain direction.


    It¡¯s true that Fate had left the underworld years ago, but that didn¡¯t mean she doesn¡¯t know what is still going on.


    Gao Jie and his Snakehead hasmitted all kinds of evil acts in the dark and God¡¯s judgement is inevitable. Like the old saying goes, what goes around,es around.


    Now that Fate is back for this short period of time, they cannot continue to do their evil deeds.


    "Is there a mute button in here? That pig¡¯s crying is getting annoying."


    Fei Tao¡¯s voice sounds from ahead. He had dismissed his men and waited for Yue Ling near the meeting room with Qin Yi and her two subordinates.


    Yue Ling nce at the two people. Hearing the young man¡¯s words, she shook her head with a chuckle.


    "Cover your ears and you won¡¯t have to listen."


    As she walked over to them, both her hands reach behind her and she removes the silver kunoichi negra mask.


    She had only worn the mask because she didn¡¯t want the other people to see her real face. Also, they were people she could not trust.


    However, knowing they had already left, she no longer needed to hide her face. Fei Tai and Qin Yi had already seen her before, and they a few of the leaders she trusts.


    "Sorry to keep you both waiting."


    She didn¡¯t wear any makeup, yet her fair skin was still wless with no blemishes. Her natural plump lips shaded in red like she wore lipstick. Complementing with her dark wavy hair, her bluish green eyes stood out the most.


    Seeing her peerless beauty that can make any man or woman mesmerized, Fei Tao¡¯s cheeks flush red. He is seven years her junior, but she still looks as young as him. Maybe even younger.


    Qin Yi notice the young man¡¯s blushing face and she smacks the back of his head. He is younger than Yue Ling, but is already eyeing her like a predator.


    "Kid, you still have years to go."


    "Yah! Olddy, why did you hit me?"


    Suddenly being hit on the head, Fei Tao cast a side re to the middle-aged woman. All he did was admire Yue Ling, was that so wrong?


    Despite his angry words, one can see that his ears are crimson red in embarrassment.


    Qin Yi snorts a hmmf and looks away. Any woman her age would find it offensive to be called an olddy, but not her. This was and had always been the way Fei Tao acted, so it didn¡¯t bother her.


    However, truthfully, she lost her husband ten years ago and has never remarried, nor did she have any children. So, despite Fei Tao being from ck Jade, she still sees the little boy like her own son.


    Of course, she will never tell him this or else he will take advantage of it.


    Ignoring the boy, she smiles to Yue Ling who was now standing in front of her.


    "It has been a while since west saw each other."


    Yue Ling returns a polite smile. Indeed it has been a while. Thest time she saw Qin Yi was three years ago before she announced Fate¡¯s withdraw from the underworld and four years for Fei Tao.


    It is very nice to see familiar faces again.


    "Let us go to another room to talk."


    She gestures with her hand in a direction as she guides them to another room. They have a lot to catch up on.


    Behind, Qin Yi¡¯s subordinates Anita and Dina were struck in a daze. Both women kept their eyes on Yue Ling¡¯s leading figure. They never expected the famous retired model, Han Yue Ling to be Mami, the leader of Fate.


    However, knowing how much of an uproar this kind of news would be, Anita and Dina also knows they can never reveal this secret to anyone. This secret is one they will take to their grave.


    As Yue Ling directed them to a room on the third floor, she had forgotten about a certain person on the sixth floor. Her loyal Head Eunuch who is also her future husband.


    "Boss calm down. They are only going for a little chat. Okay?"


    Xu Long¡¯s voice sounds with both his palms put up towards his boss. They had been watching everything from theputer room and saw when hisdy boss strike down Gao Jie.


    Even he was surprise to see Yue Ling suddenly turn from the nicest person to the most deadliest person.


    He has never seen her inbat, but judging from her movement, it was swift and as quick as the wind. One look and he tell that if she wanted to kill Gao Jie, she would have done so easily.


    However, everything took a turn when Yue Ling walked out of the room. Instead ofing to theputer room, she forgot about the King of Jealousy.


    Lu Tian sat with his back leaning against the chair. His arms folded over his chest and his gaze shift to each monitor that records his wife¡¯s figure.


    When he saw her take down Gao Jie, it was enough to confirm Grandfather Ji¡¯s words. She is no doubt the person who saved Ji Jingxu and Ting from Ghost Gang.


    He was truly proud that she is someone with capability and wanted to praise her. However, she went back on her words and forgot about him.


    Before the meeting started, she had told him to stay put in theputer room. Once she was done with the meeting, she will return to his side, but where is she? She going to a different room with another man and a younger one too.


    As Xu Long tries to calm his boss, Lin Hui is also in the room, but now, it was his turn to sit by the window and pray to the moon above.


    Both his palms sp together, and his eyes closed as he mumbles quietly to himself.


    "Buddha, if you can hear me, please save us from this vinegar eating man. We have not done any wrong, but his power is too strong for we to handle. If you can hear me, please tell my boss this tyrant thinks he is wearing a green hat as he has ignored the olddy with my boss."


    Oblivious to Lin Hui¡¯s praying mumbles, Lu Tian continues to stare at the monitor until his wife enters a room. His lip slightly purse in thinking before he stood up from his seat.


    Since she won¡¯te to him, it¡¯s only natural that he will go to her.


    However, the moment he stood up, the door to theputer room opens. Both Xu Long and Lin Hui jumped at the sudden intrusion without knowing who came in.


    Xu Long sighs in relief when he heard the door open. His body turned sluggish and he leans back on the chair. He and Lin Hui were now release of the stiff air inside the room.


    "We¡¯re saved... we¡¯re saved..."


    He murmurs to himself and turns his head to thank hisdy boss for remembering his boss. However, what he saw dumbfounded him more than ever.


    His sluggish body slowly melts until he sat on the floor and he sobs without tears.


    "We¡¯re not save... Lin Hui... keep praying..."


    It was not hisdy boss but Uncle Zhi and Li Wei.

 Chapter 488 Make it quick

    Li Wei and Uncle Zhi stood at the door with arch brows. They had just arrived at theputer room and did not expect to see this kind of scene.


    Why did it look like Xu Long and Lin Hui had aged since thest time they saw them?


    However, seeing the many monitor screens, Li Wei could already guess what might have happened. He touch his chin and clears his throat in an almost cough.


    "In here seems more intense than down there."


    A chuckle sounds from his mouth and he walks over to an empty chair to sit. ncing at the aloof man standing, he grins ear to ear.


    "I need to discuss something with you."


    Lu Tian stares down at the man in silence. He wanted to leave this room and find his wife. She had just been discharged from the hospital and despite her constant reassurance that she is fine, he still needs to be cautious.


    ncing to one of the monitor screens, he sees his wife sitting down on a couch with Qin Yi and Fei Tao on the opposite ones.


    Shifting his eyes away, he sits back down. Since Li Wei has something to tell him, it must involve with Chu Li Xiang.


    "Make it quick."


    Li Wei sarcastically scoffs in disbelief. He has known Lu Tian since the man took over Lu Corps, but he does not know this person. When did the infamous business king suddenly turn into someone who likes to eat vinegar?


    Standing by the door, Uncle Zhi did not stay to hear what Li Wei needed to say. He looks at Xu Long then Lin Hui. Seeing how pitiful they looked, his head lightly shook as a small smile curls on his lip before leaving out the door.


    It is so nice to be young and energetic.


    Xu Long stares up at the ceiling and he thought to himself. Since he is alreadyying on the floor, there¡¯s no need to get up. He ce his hands behind his head and close his eyes.


    "Xu Long."


    Suddenly, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds causing him to abruptly sit up. He looks at his boss then to the leader of White Tiger. The corners of his lips tremble upward, and he looks left then right.


    "What? That¡¯s so strange, how did I get on the floor? Hm?"


    Holding onto his chair with one hand, his other hand scratch the back of his head. Moving his hand to cover his mouth, he sounds a few coughs to hide his embarrass face.


    Sitting on the swivel chair, he looks away from the two man to the monitor screens. As he turned, he curse inside for doing such thing. It¡¯s no wonder he doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend.


    Lu Tian stares at his assistant and he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. The same question he always ask himself appears in his mind as he still wonder how Xu Long became his assistant.


    However, brushing it aside, he looks at Li Wei who sat not too far from him.


    "What is it?"


    Li Wei was staring at Xu Long in amusement. He found the man to be very interesting as he is a goofy person at times but can also be serious other times too.


    No wonder Lu Tian keeps such a person at his side. Being a cold and ruthless person, with Xu Long¡¯s personality around, the mood can surely be lifted.


    Hearing the man¡¯s question, Li Wei shifts his gaze to Lu Tian and his expression turned serious.


    "I found information about Chu Li Xiang¡¯s ongoing trafficking business."


    Since Yue Ling and Lu Tian said they didn¡¯t need his help, he really did mind his own business. However, the same day he left the hospital after seeing them, he by chance ran into some of ck Dragon¡¯s men kidnapping a young woman in broad daylight.


    In the process of witnessing this, he and Chun Hua followed the men to save the young woman.


    He knew these men were from ck Dragon because each member is tattooed with the symbol of a ck dragon on the back of their hand. It is always between the thumb and the pointer finger.


    When he saw this, he found it strange that Chu Qiang who is always against trafficking would actually allow his own men tomit such crime.


    However, as they arrived at an abandon warehouse in the outskirts of Imperial, it was then that he realized these men were not Chu Qiang¡¯s but Chu Li Xiang¡¯s.


    He thought Chu Li Xiang would be hiding in the warehouse, but the longer they observed the ce, it revealed that the ce is actually where they were holding the woman captive.


    To his shock, it wasn¡¯t only one woman but approximately twenty or thirty other women that were already captured inside.


    As much as he wanted to burst in and save all the women inside, it was still only him and Chun Hua. If they entered, there¡¯s a possibility that they won¡¯t be able to escape and give this information to Lu Tian and Yue Ling.


    Recapping the entire story, Li Wei heaves a long sigh before he scoffs a sarcastic chuckle at himself.


    "To think I am the leader of White Tiger, but I couldn¡¯t even help them."


    As a notorious figure in the underworld, he never bat an eye when ites to killing someone. Yet, he couldn¡¯t even save some women who were either going to be sold off somewhere or going to be killed.


    Lu Tian listened until the man finished. Ever since he took over Lu Corps and started dealing with those from the underworld, he became friends with Li Wei.


    Despite the difference in their background, they were still like brothers and got along well.


    He knows that Li Wei is someone who will not sit by and watch an innocent person get bullied. He also knows that Li Wei is ming himself for not saving the women.


    "You followed them and found out where their business is."


    Lu Tian turns to the monitor screens and looks at the one that showed his wife in a room.


    "Send your men to keep an eye on the ce. Find out when they are going to transport the women and who their business partner is."


    Hearing his words, Li Wei nods his head in understanding.


    "I¡¯ll have my men secure the ce in secret, but what are you nning to do?"


    Lu Tian kept his eyes on his wife. He couldn¡¯t help but smiles a very unnoticeable smile.


    "Whatever my wife says."


    Li Wei¡¯s brows slightly furrow for a quick second. He stares at the man as he did not understand Lu Tian¡¯s words. However, following his (Lu Tian) gaze, he finally caught on.


    If anyone cane up with a marvelous n, it is only Yue Ling. She is someone who is not afraid of death and has cheated death many times.


    Even some of the notorious gangs in the underworld vanished into thin air because of her.


    "Chu Li Xiang is really asking for death."


    Lin Hui¡¯s voice sounds from the side of both men. He was still sitting but no longer facing the window. His head shook with a sigh.


    "Not only is he kidnapping people now, but he also wants ck Dragon. He really has no idea who he is up against."


    A chuckle escapes his lips as he found Chu Li Xiang¡¯s ns to be hrious. Standing up from his chair, he walks towards the door to leave.


    "If my boss ask for me, tell her I went for a smoke break."


    Li Wei stares at the subordinate walk out of the room and he ponders in thought.


    What Lin Hui said is true. Chu Li Xiang thinks that it is only Lu Tian who he is up against. However, little does he know, he is also up against Fate and no one has ever escaped the moment their fate is to be collected.

 Chapter 489 fate has in store

    Inside a room on the third floor of Fate, the sound ofughter rings as Yue Ling chatted away with Qin Yi and Fei Tao.


    They had so much to tell each other as it has been a long time.


    Yue Ling sat on one couch as she wipes her tears fromughing too hard at Fei Tao¡¯s jokes. She stares at the two people seated across from her and her entire being softens.


    In the past, Qin Yi would often visit her to see how she is doing. The middle-aged woman was and still is like a mother figure to her as she lost her parents at a young age.


    As for Fei Tao, he is like a younger brother to her. Thest time she saw him, he was leaving overseas to settle some family matters. Since he is back in Imperial, it can only mean everything must have been taken care of.


    "Yue Ling, if you do not mind, may I ask why you are looking for Chu Li Xiang?"


    Qin Yi couldn¡¯t help but ask once she had calm down fromughing. When it was said that Fate had returned to the underworld, even she was surprise.


    Especially when Yue Ling mentioned that the person she is after is none other than Chu Li Xiang.


    However, she (Yue Ling) didn¡¯t really say why.


    Hearing the middle-aged woman, Fei Tao looks at Yue Ling and he wore an expression of wanting to know the reason too.


    He had only returned to Imperial not too long ago and was suddenly given the message for this meeting.


    "Something must have happened for you to hold this meeting. No matter what it is, my ck Jade will always be on your side."


    He gives her a stern expression to let her know that he is serious about what he said.


    Yue Ling stares at the two people without answering. However, quickly thinking about something, she decides to tell them. After all, they were two of the few people she trusted in the underworld.


    However, before she part her lips to speak, her bluish green eyes nce to Anita and Dina who were standing behind Qin Yi.


    She didn¡¯t say anything, but Qin Yi knew what the expression on her face meant. Her head slightly turn to the side.


    "Wait for me in the car."


    Both women nce at one another. They wanted to stay to make sure their boss will be alright, but knowing they cannot go against her words, they gesture a bow and turn to walk out the door.


    Even when her two subordinates had left the room, Qin Yi waited until the sound of their footsteps were away in a good distance.


    Turning her attention to Yue Ling, she gives the young woman a nod as if to indicate it was safe to speak.


    Yue Ling sighs a smile thankfully to the woman for giving them some privacy.


    Anita and Dina were individuals Qin Yi trusts wholeheartedly, but that doesn¡¯t mean she trusts them. She cannot be sure they will keep this secret since they are unfamiliar to her.


    For, only a few people knows.


    Taking a deep breath, her right hand slowly moves to the front of her and she ce her palm on her stomach. The tiny bump that was once there had already disappeared.


    Usually when she touch her stomach, she would feel like the happiest person in the world, but now, she felt empty. It was like a part of her had vanished from the world.


    As she thought this, a vaguely remembers the face of little boy in her dream.


    A very small smile curls on her lip, but one can see the pain in her eyes.


    "He took someone very important to me."


    The space between Fei Tao¡¯s brows slightly crease. He couldn¡¯t make out what she meant, but Qin Yi did. She saw the way Yue Ling caress her stomach and it was something any woman will understand.


    "You mean, he... that lowlife actually dare to..."


    Others know that she doesn¡¯t have any children, but truthfully, in the past, she too was pregnant. However, due to misfortune, the day she lost her husband, she also lost their child.


    Like it was not enough, the doctors told her that she could not have children anymore.


    Remembering a small moment of her own past, her eyes shook as they turned moist.


    Men will never understand the pain of losing an unborn child as much as women. For men, they will grief for a short period of time, but for women, that grieving pain stays within no matter how long time passes.


    Yue Ling force a very faint smile and nods her head. If anyone can understand her feelings, then it is Qin Yi.


    "He murdered my unborn child."


    Saying this, she went on to tell them about the night of the incident and the despicable man¡¯s escape.


    She made sure no details were left out and she made sure to express how much she loath the man for what he did.


    As Yue Ling recounts what had happened, the hallway outside turned into silence. Liu Shan walks out from the meeting room as he straighten his sleeves into ce.


    Slightly turning his head to look back inside the room, he scoffs a chuckle.


    "Be thankful I didn¡¯t kill you or allow anyone here to do so."


    Gao Jie¡¯s figure was nowying on the floor on his stomach. One can see he is still alive but nears death¡¯s door.


    Ever since Yue Ling gave her approval, Liu Shan had beaten the living hell out of the obese man.


    The retribution of one hit on the head by a ss bottle turned into one hundred punches and kicks.


    Throughout the entire time he was being treated like a punching bag, his two men couldn¡¯t even help. Each person had to watch since Qi Li and Gui Tian Lan were blocking them.


    Liu Shan takes a step forward but stops and looks down at the obese man who isying on the floor.


    "If something like this happens again, I will not let you off. Even if I have to hunt you down, I will find you and when I do, I will kill you and sell every part of your insides in the ck market."


    His expression sh in disgust before he retrieve his gaze and continues on in the hallway.


    If he wanted to, he wouldn¡¯t have shown mercy on the idiotic man, but they still have use for him. So for now, he will let the man live until the timees.


    Walking down the hallway to find his boss, he walks pass a window and his steps slows down. Turning to look outside, he sees Tao Meng with Steward Yang near the gate entrance.


    From the looks of it, the man must have kept his words, since he and his men are bowing politely to the elderly man.


    As Liu Shan stares down from the window, his mind drifted into the unknown. Since the start of the meeting, he didn¡¯t pay any attention to the bulky man until a while ago.


    He found out not too long ago that Red Moon¡¯s former leader passed away and the position was passed down to the nephew. However, never did he think the new leader would be him (Tao Meng).


    Like the man outside had sense the assistant¡¯s gaze, Tao Meng nce up to the window. Their eyes meet and he politely nods his head in greeting.


    Liu Shan casually returns a nod. Turning away, he continues on through the hallway.


    That man is the same person he saw outside Ling Ni¡¯s apartment and the one she was meeting at Glory.


    He didn¡¯t think the man would be the nephew of Red Moon¡¯s former leader as the man kept a low profile and did not associate himself with the underworld until now.


    However, is this all a coincident or is this part of what fate has in store?

 Chapter 490 capture Yue Ling

    As Yue Ling finished telling Qin Yi and Fei Tao the incident about Chu Li Xiang¡¯s escape and the car ident, neither individual could speak a word.


    Qin Yi was quietly sobbing as her hand often raise to wipe her tears with her handkerchief. She wasn¡¯t crying for anything else other than the misfortune that fell on Yue Ling.


    Just hearing the story was enough to make her heart nearly stop as the pain was too unbearable.


    Seated next to the middle-aged woman, Fei Tao press his lips tightly together. His hands clench into tights fists and his expression turned dark.


    "Chu. Li. Xiang."


    He growls through his clench teeth as it made his body tremble in mass anger.


    "Son of a bitch! Just wait until I catch him! I¡¯m going to mince him and feed him to my pets! No, even my pets won¡¯t want to eat him. Better yet, I¡¯m going to cut him into 100 pieces!"


    He had left Imperial four years ago because he needed to take care of some things. Although he didn¡¯t get to see Yue Ling when she left the underworld, he still paid attention to her as the model.


    When news spread that she finally revealed herself as the designer of De L¡¯amour, he was extremely happy for her. He came back to Imperial to congratte her, but never did he expect that within the short amount of time he hasn¡¯t seen her, so much had happened.


    Shin¡¯s death was already enough, yet, her unborn child was still taken from her.


    His breathing turned heavy like he had turn into a Spanish bull ready to attack.


    "I¡¯ll find him for you. I¡¯ll make sure all his limbs are cut off."


    Yue Ling stares at the young man and she sighs inside. Seeing him energetic as always, it lets her know that he must have been doing great the past four years since she saw him.


    Her slightly shook and spoke, "Thank you, but everything is under control."


    Just as her words fell, the corners of her lip curls up as her teeth shows. She stood up and walks towards the door to the room.


    "Why are you here?"


    Hearing her sudden question that was not directed at them, Qin Yi and Fei Tao turn their head in the same direction to see who it was.


    Standing by the door was none other than the cold and ruthless King of Jealousy.


    Seeing the man whom many fear, Qin Yi¡¯s eyes that were moist quickly dried. Next to her, Fei Tao abruptly stood up and his eyes sh with rm as he became on guard.


    After Lu Tian and Li Wei finished their discussion, both men went their own way. Lu Tian came to find his wife while Li Wei left Fate.


    Lu Tian was eating vinegar how his wife forgot about him. However, the moment he stepped into the room and saw her smile that always makes his heart flutter, all the feelings he had seconds ago disperse.


    It was as if he was never eating vinegar at all.


    Lifting his leg, he walks forward to meet her as she to him.


    "I came to find you."


    Yue Ling¡¯s brows arch at his words, but quickly remembering what she had told him before the meeting, she force a chuckle.


    She wanted to exin why she didn¡¯t go find him, but before she could make a sound, Fei Tao rushes to her and pulls her behind him.


    At the same time, Qin Yi did the same as the boy. Her eyes dimmed dangerously as she will do whatever to protect Yue Ling.


    Fei Tao: "Don¡¯t go near him, he¡¯s a bad man."


    Qin Yi: "With me here, I want to see how he dares to capture you."


    Both individuals turned deadly serious. They have heard all about Lu Tian.


    The man highly known for capturing many from the underworld.


    The man who¡¯s name alone can kill a person.


    How did he get inside Fate? Is he here to capture Yue Ling?


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded when he heard the two people. However, his expressionless face did not show any sighs of change seeing them.


    His dark pupil stares at them like he did with everyone who is not his wife.


    How dare these people keep his wife away from him? Who do they think they are?


    All he wanted was to be near his wife. Is that so hard to ask? Not having her by his side for one second is like one year without her.


    He¡¯s here to capture his wife? Of course. He¡¯s going to capture her and chain her to his side.


    Behind the two people, Yue Ling did not know what to think at all. She heaves a sigh as one hand fist on her hip and the other reach to pinch the space between her brows.


    She is indeed grateful that Qin Yi and Fei Tao are still overly protective of her, but never did she expect them to act this way towards her man.


    Lowering her hand from her face, she squeeze through the two leaders who had suddenly turn into her bodyguards.


    "Alright, that¡¯s enough. Everything is fine. He is not here to capture me."


    She had to make it clear since the only people in the underworld who knows about her rtionship with Lu Tian is Li Wei and Chu Qiang.


    Walking to stand on the left of the tall man, she turns to look at Qin Yi and Fei Tao. Her right-hand reach to hold Lu Tian¡¯s hand and she slightly raise her left hand to show her shiny ring.


    "He¡¯s my man and we¡¯re getting married."


    Qin Yi and Fei Tao were struck speechless hearing her sudden words. Their jaw turned heavy and their mouth slowly open until both people were left with a wide O.


    Her man? Engage? How? When?


    Seeing the young and old¡¯s expression, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. She turns to look at Lu Tian and pulls him toward the couch.


    "Come, let¡¯s sit. They¡¯ll wake up from their shock soon."


    Being pulled by her, Lu Tian looks away from Qin Yi and Fei Tao. The dark aura around him quickly disappears and he obliges to his wife¡¯smand like a loyal puppy.


    However, he couldn¡¯t get her words out of his head. This is the first time she actually announced him as her man. Can he hear it one more time?


    As the couple walk towards the couch, Qin Yi and Fei Tao slowly turn their head to follow like they were robots. Neither could get Yue Ling¡¯s words out of their ears at all.


    Especially the image of her showing the ring on her finger.


    L¡¯amour de ma vie.


    The ring solely meant for one¡¯s true love.


    While Qin Yi and Fei Tao had yet toe to their senses, Yue Ling sat down and pulls her future husband down to sit next to her.


    A wide and captivating smile curls on her lip that reached her eyes. She had forgotten about him, but since he hase to her, she will act like she didn¡¯t forget.


    "Did I make you wait long?"


    Lu Tian had just sat down when he heard her question. If he can, he wanted to roll his eyes at her for thinking he couldn¡¯t see through her. However, since she is the person he loves, he will always go along with her.


    "No, I just wanted to see you, so I came down to find you."


    He leans back on the couch and cross one leg over the other in a four figure.


    "How did it go?"


    Seeing that he is letting her off, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. However, thinking back to the meeting, she sneers.


    "Gao Jie is the only person who will stay in contact with Chu Li Xiang."


    Lu Tian nods his head in understanding. The cameras set up in Fate are also voice recorded, so he was able to hear the entire meeting.


    "What about Steelhead, will he leak this out?"


    Lifting a hand to touch her chin, Yue Ling thought back to the middle-aged man¡¯s reaction during the meeting.


    She shrugs one shoulder and spoke without care.


    "Whether he warns Chu Li Xiang or not doesn¡¯t matter. He has pulled back at thest moment. He knows that if he had stuck with Chu Li Xiang and Gao Jie, he would end up like them."


    Lu Tian listens to his wife until the end. He doesn¡¯t say anything but continue to stare at her.


    When he first met her, he thought she was an innocent and pure woman who needed a man¡¯s protection. However, that was not the case.


    She is as fearless as a tiger.


    Of course, this doesn¡¯t mean that he will sit and watch her get into danger. No matter how strong she is, he will forever protect her.

 Chapter 491 looking for you

    In thete of the night, quietness spread in the outskirts of Imperial in the distance. Blocked by many trees, rows of shipping containers lined in a neatly order.


    Some containers had windows while others didn¡¯t. One can see a group of men guarding the ce with a weapon in hand.


    ce in the far back, the lights to thest shipping container remains on. Inside, there is an office desk and on the other side, a bed is set up with a side table.


    "You could have meet me at a hotel."


    Standing naked on the bedside, Ning Mei¡¯s figure is seen reaching for her undergarments that was tossed on the ground. Putting her bra and panties on, she then reach for her red dress not too far from her.


    "If I was to be seen in a dirty ce like this, do you know what that will do to me?"


    Watching the rookie model¡¯s every move, Chu Li Xiangid on the bed with the nket covering the lower half of his body. A cigarette in hand, he leisurely smokes it as each puff he lets out begin to fog the entire room.


    Finish putting on her dress, Ning Mei turns to look at the man. She had just return to Imperial when he called her through a private number to meet up.


    Never did she think he would be in such a shabby ce like this after escaping prison. Usually, they would discuss matters quickly then part ways, but this is the first time he threatened her to sleep with him.


    She takes a deep breath and reach for her Chanel bag that was set on the side table.


    "Next time, don¡¯t call me to meet for unnecessary matters unless you have finished the job."


    Without waiting for a response, she strides for the door as she wanted to leave to get back to the city.


    Chu Li Xiang stares at the woman leaving. As the door open and quickly closed, he scoffs a sneer.


    To him, Ning Mei is not evenparable to his Julia. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Lu Tian killed his woman, he would never have called Ning Mei.


    In fact, he could get any woman toe to him, but because he is on the run, he can¡¯t even show his face in the underworld, so he had to call her.


    Thinking about their intimacy just now, he scoffs again. She isn¡¯t even good in bed and yet, she¡¯s so full of herself.


    He sits up to kill the cigarette and gets out of bed. Reaching for his pants, he dress himself.


    Right now, he is hiding from Lu Tian, but if by chance he gets captured, he won¡¯t be going down alone.


    He will make sure that Ning Mei goes down with him to hell.


    If he never agreed to help her, he would never have lost his woman and he wouldn¡¯t be cut off from ck Dragon.


    *Knock Knock


    Just as he finished putting on his pants and wore his shirt, a knock sounds at the door. His brows slightly furrow before he answers.


    "Who is it?"


    "Boss, Steelhead is here."


    Hearing one of his men¡¯s words, Chu Li Xiang furrow his brows more. It¡¯s already sote, why would Steelhead look for him?


    "Have him wait for me."


    Putting on his shoes, he strides to the door and exit the room.


    As he stepped out, his eyes didn¡¯t forget to scan the ce like an eagle. Once he confirms that Ning Mei and her car is not in sight, he turns for another direction.


    He loathes the woman for looking down on people from the underworld, but he cannot let others know that he is associated with her.


    Arriving near the front of his hideout ce, he sees the one arm man standing near a ck car. cing both his hands in the pockets of his pants, he smiles.


    "Steelhead, it¡¯s rare of you to suddenly look for me. Is something the matter?"


    Hearing the younger man¡¯s words, Steelhead looks up at him. A cigarette in his mouth, he walks over to meet Chu Li Xiang.


    "Nothing is wrong, I personally came to tell you, our business ends here."


    He did not want to waste any more time and beat the bush instead of around it.


    After leaving Fate, he ordered his men to drive him here as he is the only person who knows where Chu Li Xiang is hiding.


    He is here to let the man know that their deal of business is over. He cannot afford to put the life of his men in jeopardy all for this business.


    Lifting his hand, he moves the cigarette away from his mouth.


    "It was a tough decision, but do you know who is looking for you right now?"


    Chu Li Xiang was struck in a daze. It had only been a few days and now Steelhead is suddenly saying he wants to back out from their business deal. The n hasn¡¯t even started yet. How can he sudden back out?


    However, hearing the man¡¯s next question, everything clicked together or so he thought.


    He scoffs a chuckle in arrogance and takes his hands out of his pockets. Doing so, he also takes out a cigarette.


    "Who is looking for me does not concern you."


    Lighting the end of the cigarette, he takes a deep inhale before exhaling the smoke out.


    "Our business deal is between us only. I will make sure it doesn¡¯t affect our personal lives."


    He brings the cigarette to his mouth and his words continue.


    "Don¡¯t worry. Even if that persones looking for me, I won¡¯t involve you or your Blue Axe."


    Steelhead stares at the man without answering. Anyone who hears Chu Li Xiang¡¯s words full of assurance would definitely agree. Even the n he (Chu Li Xiang) hadid out for the business deal was one no one would be able to refuse.


    However, now was different.


    He can see through Chu Li Xiang¡¯s ill intentions in one nce. If he were to continue on with the business deal, that means he is involve with the man.


    Mami made it clear that anyone who is associated with this man will perish with him (Chu Li Xiang).


    Throwing the cigarette in his hand away, he steps on it to kill it.


    "I¡¯ve made up my mind. I won¡¯t be involved in your n anymore."


    Without waiting to see Chu Li Xiang¡¯s reaction, he turns around to his car waiting in the distance. He only came here to say this.


    "Are you serious? You¡¯re backing out because you are afraid of Lu Tian?"


    Chu Li Xiang raises his voice after the man. His free hand clench tightly at his side and his eyes dimmed dangerously.


    "What about helping me take over ck Dragon? What about all the woman we kidnapped?!"


    A sinister sneer curls on his lip and he scoffs at the one arm man. Tossing his unfinished cigarette away, he sounds a hmmf before speaking.


    "Back out all you want. This clearly shows that Blue Axe¡¯s notorious leader is afraid of some businessman."


    Hearing his taunting questions and words. Steelhead did not get angry.


    "Taking over ck Dragon is something I can no longer assist you with."


    As he spoke, his brows slightly furrow as he did not understand why Chu Li Xiang would suddenly mention Lu Tian.


    However, not thinking much, he brush the thought aside. It is normal for Lu Tian to suddenly look for those in the underworld. Especially since Chu Li Xiang had escaped from prison, it can only mean the man is hunting his prisoner.


    Recalling Chu Li Xiang¡¯s words of saying he is afraid, he won¡¯t lie.


    He is afraid of Lu Tian as much as anyone else from the underworld, but to have that man and Fate after your life all at once, that is even more terrifying.


    Turning to look at Chu Li Xiang, his eyes held no emotions.


    "The person I was referring to isn¡¯t Lu Tian, but Fate."


    Shaking his head in pity for the man, he turns back around and head for his car.


    Whether Chu Li Xiang believes him or not, does not matter. He already said what he needed to say.


    Watching the middle-aged man get inside the ck car, Chu Li Xiang was stuck in a long daze.


    Steelhead¡¯sst words repeats in his head, then Chu Qiang¡¯s.


    ¡¯Fate is alsoing to collect your life.¡¯


    At the time, he didn¡¯t think much as he thought his brother meant fate as in his destiny, but now, everything made sense.


    From Steelhead¡¯s words, he can confirm that Chu Qiang meant that Fate.


    His pupil shook uncontrobly, and his mind turns into a chaotic mess. His eyes subconsciously nce in all directions as a dreadful feeling rouse inside him.


    He force his body to turn around and head towards his hideout.


    The only thing he can think of is, run.


    He needs to run as far from here as possible.

 Chapter 492 a long way to go

    While Chu Li Xiang makes ns to run from Fate, another person is having his own difficulty at this moment.


    Gao Jie stumbles out of Fate with his two subordinates trying their best to carry his heavy body.


    He was in a horrible mess with a swollen face covered in bruises and blood trailing down both corners of his lip and his nose.


    "Fucken bitch..."


    He groans a curse under his breath. Mami¡¯s sudden kick almost knocked him out. Yet, he didn¡¯t think someone who looked as weak as Liu Shan would have such heavy hands and feet that he was beaten until he was almost dead.


    His eyes sh murderously at the humiliation done to him.


    "Fate... Mami..."


    Reaching his car, one of his men opens the back door and he struggles to crawl in. Once he sat, he res in the direction of Fate as the door closes.


    "Just you wait, I will not let this go!"


    He swore inside. He will have his revenge and when that dayes, he will make sure to cut Liu Shan¡¯s limbs and feed him to the sharks. As for Mami, he will slowly torture her and watch her beg for his mercy.


    Breath heavily, he avert his eyes away from the building.


    "Call a doctor to Snakehead."


    As Gao Jie¡¯s car drives away from the gate of Fate, Steward Yang stood not too far as the elderly man watch the back of the car.


    His wrinkle old eyes narrows more than they already are. His thoughts are unknown as he walks to the gate and slowly pulls it close.


    cing one hand behind his back, he turns to head inside with the help of his old Victorian cane.


    As this took ce, Yue Ling remained inside the room on the third floor of Fate. She smiles and chatted away with her future husband as both individual already knew each person¡¯s ns.


    From the meeting, they already knew that once Steelhead leaves, he will no doubt rush to end his part of the deal with Chu Li Xiang.


    As for Gao Jie, he will no doubt try and seek revenge on them with the help of Chu Li Xiang.


    Throughout their conversation, Qin Yi and Fei Tao had long moved to sit on the couch across from them. However, neither person spoke as they were still loss in a daze.


    They still couldn¡¯tprehend with Lu Tian¡¯s sudden appearance and Yue Ling¡¯s words of confirmation on their rtionship.


    Qin Yi saw an article with the model and the businessman on the front cover after the annual Fall Fashion Show, but she thought it was just the media trying to stir up gossip.


    As for Fei Tao, he thought the same thing too. When he saw the article, he did think the two people were a pair, but he was also in doubt too.


    However, to hear they are actually an item...


    ncing at the two people, Lu Tian didn¡¯t give their expressions any thoughts. He nce down at his watch and seeing the time, he sighs inside. It was already close to midnight.


    "It¡¯s gettingte, we should go home."


    His deep voice sounds as he looks expressionlessly at his wife. However, one can see worry in his dark eyes.


    She had just been discharged from the hospital. He cannot let her stay out too long as the weather is still cold, and she needs to rest.


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling smiles a sigh. He is right, since the meeting is over, they should head back home.


    As the two individuals came to a quick understanding, before they could stand up, the young man sitting across from them stops them.


    "Wait."


    Fei Tao almost stumbled out of his seat when he heard Lu Tian¡¯s sudden suggestion for them to leave. He slowly stood up with his legs slightly trembling.


    "Why are you leaving? I still want to spend some time with you..."


    He didn¡¯t care if Lu Tian was present as he stares at Yue Ling with moisten eyes. Almost like he wanted to cry.


    It was as if he was not the young leader of ck Jade, but a child who was going to be separated from his mother for life.


    "I don¡¯t want to be separated from you..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes blinked as she did not know whether tough or cry. Is this really the Fei Tao she knows? Was he always this sensitive?


    Unlike his wife, Lu Tian kept his usual master supreme poker face, but his eyelids had turned extremely heavy. How dare this boy say some flirty words to his wife in front of him.


    His eyes slightly narrows in sending the boy a vicious re, then to his wife.


    Why is it that no matter where his wife goes, there is some kind of bee buzzing around her like he is not here.


    Sensing his re, Yue Ling was even more stupefy. Sometimes she wonders what happened to Lu Tian¡¯s high IQ and EQ.


    How can he be jealous over someone who is almost a decade younger than him?


    Lightly shaking her head, she reach for his hand and stood up from the couch.


    "Fei Tao, what Tian said is right. It is gettingte so we should all catch up another day."


    She gives the young man a smile then looks at Qin Yi who had also came out from her daze.


    "Once the situation with Chu Li Xiang is taken care, we can go for a nice dinner and talk."


    Fei Tao¡¯s expression turned even more sad as he wanted to refute, but the middle-aged woman sitting next to him, lightly nudge him.


    He sighs aloud and nods his head like an obedient boy.


    "Fine. I know you won¡¯t go back on your words."


    A soft sigh escapes Yue Ling¡¯s lip as she walks over to the boy. She lifts her hand and gently pats his head like how she always did to Ji Jingxu.


    "Take care of yourself and don¡¯t get into any trouble."


    She looks at Qin Yi and bids the woman goodbye as she and Lu Tian walks out of the room.


    Once the two people were gone, Qin Yi nce up to the boy and stood up to leave too. However, seeing the sad look still on him, she heaves a long sigh.


    "You¡¯re not a child anymore, why do you still act like one?"


    Hearing her words, Fei Tao snorts a hmmf with his head turning away from her gaze.


    "Only in front of her can I still act like a child."


    Everyone sees him as a very mature boy since he had taken over ck Jade at the age of twelve. However, what others do not know is that, he is still a child who has a lot to learn.


    Of course, this childish side of him is only shown to Yue Ling as she is the most important person to him.


    She was the main person who was by his side throughout his journey of being a very young leader.


    When he learned that Yue Ling had left the underworld, only God knows how much he had cried to himself. He thought he would never see her again.


    Qin Yi stares at the boy with the corner of her lip slightly twitching.


    He had spoken his words in a tone full of arrogant, but she can see that his moist eyes were not a lie. The boy is trying his best not to cry.


    Shaking her head, she reach to pat his head as she pities him.


    "Don¡¯t touch!"


    Just as Qin Yi¡¯s hand was three inches from his head, Fei Tao quickly reacted. Both his hands raise to block his head like he was protecting himself.


    "Yue Ling just patted my head. If you pat my head, you¡¯re going to rub off her touch."


    "..."


    Qin Yi was even more bbergasted than ever. She sarcastically scoffs and rolled her eyes at his words.


    "Kid, you still have a long way to go."


    Without waiting to see his reaction, she walks out of the room.


    Whether Fei Tao¡¯s feelings are that of a brother or a man, all she knows is that with Lu Tian by Yue Ling¡¯s side, the boy is of no match.


    Left alone in the room, it was Fei Tao¡¯s turn to be bbergasted.


    He stares at the door in the direction the old woman left, and he could not believe what he just heard.


    He knows that Yue Ling is out of his league, that¡¯s why he rather be a younger brother to her than no one at all.

 Chapter 493 always be returned

    [VERY SHORT RECAP TO REFRESHEN EVERYONE¡¯S MIND OF THE PAST TWO-THREE CHAPTERS.]


    The meeting between Yue Ling and the underworld finished with Gao Jie turning into a punching bag for Liu Shan.


    Ning Mei and Chu Li Xiang met in private at his hideout. After the rookie model left, Steelhead arrives to end his deal of their business. He (Steelhead) informs Chu Li Xiang that it¡¯s Fate who is also after him (Chu Li Xiang) and not destiny.


    Yue Ling reveals her rtionship with Lu Tian to Fei Tao and Qin Yi before the couple decided to leave for home since it iste into the night.


    --------- End of recap ------


    Driving pass the streets of Imperial under the night sky, Lu Tian¡¯s ck Maserati Levante Trofeo makes a turn into a clean dark road as they enter a small dense forest on either side of the road.


    Seated in the passenger seat, Yue Ling ce one elbow on the center console as she held her chin.


    She didn¡¯t stare out the side window or on the road ahead but staring directly at the man in the driver seat.


    Lu Tian kept his eyes on the dark road ahead, but one can see he held a sulking expression. He was still eating vinegar over the familiarity between his wife and Fei Tao.


    However, at the same time, he couldn¡¯t help but feel small beads of sweat forming on his forehead.


    Is it because the car is too warm or the fact that his wife has been staring at him since they left Fate?


    Deciding to go with the former, he nce at the car temperature. His brows could only furrow. The temperature inside the car was warm, but not enough to make one sweat.


    Seeing his quick nce away from the road, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but lightly shake her head.


    Ever since they left Fate, he had not spoken a word and she knew exactly why. However, the light bulb on her head turns on and she devil side of her snicker evilly.


    ncing at the man, she moves her elbow from the center console to cross her arms over her chest.


    "Mr. Lu, were you always this jealous?"


    Hearing her sudden blunt question, Lu Tian was taken back by surprise that he almost choked on his own saliva. He sounds a few coughs, before forcing himself to keep his straight face.


    "No. Only towards you."


    In the past, he had never eaten vinegar over anything. He never cared for others like how he does now towards her. However, who can me him.


    He is a man in his thirties, and she is his first rtionship. She is also his first physical contact with the opposite gender, besides his mother.


    Sometimes, he can¡¯t help but wonder how he is able to meet such a wonderful person like her.


    Yue Ling stares at the fully grown man turn into a child. She sounds a soft chuckle and nce to the road ahead.


    "I never knew the cold and aloof Mr. Lu can be so cute when he is jealous."


    Hearing her call him cute, Lu Tian purse his lip. He is a grown man, how can he be called cute?


    However, subconsciously seeing her smile, he knew he could not keep up the act. He had nned to stay this way until they reach home, but he is at his limit.


    Heaving a sigh, he looks back to the road again.


    "Tell me honestly, how do you know Fei Tao?"


    He had been wondering ever since he saw the way the young man behaved around her.


    As someone who is often sent to take care of those from the underworld, he knows that ck Jade is not a small gang.


    Excluding Steelhead and Gao Jie, those Yue Ling had invited to the meeting were leaders of the most well-known gangs in Imperial.


    ck Dragon and White Tiger are two of the biggest, then Red Dragon and ck Jade, while the rest falls in line not too far after.


    However, from Fei Tao¡¯s behavior towards her, it shows that they were very familiar with one another.


    Oblivious to the man¡¯s mind, Yue Ling did not know whether tough or cry. She knew he was eating vinegar, but she did not think it to be because of Fei Tao.


    Thinking about something, she nonchntly shrug her shoulders.


    "Aah, its nothing much. I¡¯m just too popr."


    Just as her words fell, Lu Tian cast her a re as if he wanted to strangle her to death. How dare she joke with him when he is asking a serious question.


    Lightly shaking her head, she couldn¡¯t help but smile and decides to tell answer him truthfully since there was nothing to hide.


    "Okay, okay. I¡¯ve known Fei Tao since he was five years old, but we were not close then."


    Averting her gaze from the road ahead, she turns to look out the passenger window. The dense forest looked eerie, but it also gave a sense of peace under the starry sky.


    "At the time, I wasn¡¯t the leader of Fate and he wasn¡¯t the leader of ck Jade."


    Due to them not being leaders and living in different countries, they only met a few times since her paternal grandfather and Fei Tao¡¯s father were friends.


    When she took over Fate after her paternal grandfather¡¯s passing, she met the boy more and more. Of course, it was only because every time the former leader of ck Jade visits her, he would bring the boy along.


    That was how their rtionship grew more, since Fei Tao reminded her of Ji Jingxu.


    Thinking of the past, a very faint smile curls on her lip. However, the look in her bluish green eyes held a dim glimmer of light out of sadness.


    "Many think the former leader of ck Jade passed away due to overdose in drugs, but that was not the case. He was murdered by someone."


    The person made it look like Fei Tao¡¯s father had used a bad batch of drugs and died from it.


    However, only those close him knows that the man is not one to use drugs in any means. Even in the past when he is sick, he would seek out her paternal grandfather for medical herbs.


    After his passing, the leader position for ck Jade became vacant as there were three people fit for the position.


    Fei Tao was too young and didn¡¯t want anything to do with the underworld as he had seen too much, so he was not one of those three people as they were all his uncles.


    As the fight for the leader position continued, Yue Ling did not take any part in it as it had nothing to do with her or Fate.


    But that was until someone out of the three people decided it was a wise choice to try and kill Fei Tao.


    With him being the only child of the former leader, he was a hinderance in their way.


    The boy nearly escaped death and ran from Imperial with his father¡¯s righthand man to City Z in search for her. The two people knew that once they found her, they would be safe, and it was the truth.


    With her and Fate as their shelter, no one dared toy a finger on them.


    When they exined the details to her, only God knew how angry she was.


    Fei Tao was only twelve and those bastards wanted him dead when he didn¡¯t want anything to do with the underworld.


    She told him that if he wanted, he has her support if he bes the leader of ck Jade. However, the young boy back then said he didn¡¯t want to be the leader.


    The only thing he ask is that she helps him find his father¡¯s murderer.


    Which she did and it turned out to be Fei Tao¡¯s eldest uncle who forced the drugs into his father causing the man¡¯s death.


    Once the boy learned of this, it was then that he decided to be the leader. Even if he was young and didn¡¯t know how to be a leader, he will learn.


    And with the backing of Fate, that was how Fei Tao became the young leader of ck Jade.


    He had left four years ago, to settle the debt of the murderer of his father.


    By the time Yue Ling finished exining the past, they finally arrived home.


    Lu Tian drives the car through the dark metal gate and Yue Ling turns away from the window to look at the aloof man.


    "My rtionship with him is that of an older sister to her younger brother. Nothing more and nothing less."


    As the cares to a stop in front of the house, the engine turned off. She reach a hand to him and pinch his chin.


    Turning him to face her, she leans in and gives him a kiss on the lip.


    "So Mr. Lu, you ate vinegar for no reason."


    A soft chuckle escapes her lip and she opens the door to step out. She did not see the look on his face as Lu Tian was more speechless than ever due to her sudden kiss.


    His eyes followed her white figure walk towards the house before he follows after her with a mischievous smile.


    Just as Yue Ling opened the door, her body was swiftly swept from the ground and carried in Lu Tian¡¯s arms.


    "Tian!"


    She yelp in surprise. However, afraid she would fall, her arms quickly wrap around his neck and looks at him.


    "You¡ª"


    Before she could say another word, her lips was captured by the man until he was satisfied and pulls away.


    He gives her a smile and continues inside the house.


    "A kiss should always be returned."

 Chapter 494 brain isnt working

    The dark sky that covered Imperial slowly turned brighter as the sun began to rise from the horizon. Due to its early calling, most of the people in Imperial still slept soundly since their rms had not alert them to start their day.


    However, this time at Imperial Airport, the once empty ce is already crowded with a certain amount of people. Some leaving to go travel out while others are just now entering.


    Amongst a crowd sitting in the waiting area, a man is clothed in a brown trench coat. He wore dark sunsses and a mask that hides his facial appearance.


    He held a newspaper like he was reading thetest news, but he would often nce from behind his sunsses to check his surroundings.


    "Sir, are you alright?"


    Sitting one seat away from the man, a woman asks as she held her daughter in her arms.


    They were waiting for her husband to finish checking them in so they can go through security check. However, she noticed that this man had been here since they arrived at the airport.


    Thinking that something must be wrong since he kept looking up, she couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    The man did not look at the woman nor did he answers her question. He kept his eyes on the passing crowd before rising from his seat and walks away. He did not take the newspaper but leaves it behind.


    Given the cold shoulder, the woman furrow her brows in confusion with a slight feeling of suspicion. However, quickly brushing it off, her attention returns to her daughter.


    As the man walks away in the direction of the security point to board the nes, he made sure that there were people blocking every side of him.


    Confirming that he was not being followed, he sighs in relief.


    There were five people in from of him until it was his turn to go through security check. Once he passes, he will be long gone from Imperial and away from Lu Tian and Fate.


    As one person after another moved forward, his eyes lit up from behind his sunsses.


    It was only a matter of time before it was his turn.


    "Ugh."


    Just as he was about to take a step forward, the person behind suddenly bumps into him.


    Born with a short temper, blood boils inside him. He was already moving in pace with the line, how dare this person push him.


    "What is your problem?"


    He lowly growls as he turns to face the man. It wasn¡¯t just anger but annoyance that rushed inside him. He was in a good mood, but this bastard of a person ruined it for him.


    When his eyes met the person, he snorts a scoff.


    It was a man slightly taller than him by half a head. He was wearing a ck suit and had neatlyb hair slightly brush to the side.


    From his appearance, he looks like a businessman with good looks.


    Eyeing the unknown person from head to toe, the man clicks his tongue. He thought it was someone looking for a fight but turns out it was a good for nothing bastard.


    "Tsk. Watch who you push, or I¡¯ll kill you."


    Spitting out words of threat to scare the person, the man turns around as it was nearing his turn. However, just as he turned, this unknown person spoke.


    "Where are you going, Chu Li Xiang?"


    "..."


    That¡¯s right. This man in such suspicious attire is none other than Chu Li Xiang.


    When he heard his name suddenly called, all the hair on his body stood on ends as he froze in ce. His pupils shook from behind his sunsses before he sounds a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Chu Li Xiang? What Chu Li Xiang?"


    He curse inside but force out his words as naturally as he could. However, once hisst word fell, he turns to the side and push the man as he makes a run for it.


    The man was not affected by the sudden push at all. He doesn¡¯t give chase but stares at the man running for his life.


    ["Wah, Liu Shan, why did you have to scare him?"]


    Xu Long¡¯s faint voice sounds from the earpiece Liu Shan wore. He lifts his hand and he press the button on his earpiece.


    "He¡¯s headed towards the east side."


    ["Got it."]


    This time, it wasn¡¯t Xu Long who spoke, but Lin Hui. However, following his words was a sinisterugh like a evildoer up to no good.


    Liu Shan leisure steps out of the crowded line when he notices the security guard giving him a confused and suspicious look.


    He smiles to the man and points in the direction Chu Li Xiang had run.


    "My uncle¡¯s brain isn¡¯t working well. He forgot that his flight isn¡¯t today."


    Oblivious to the people after him, Chu Li Xiang ran as fast as his legs could go. He ran through the crowd in the airport without a care for the people he had bump into.


    If anyone got in his way, he would shove them and carry on in his attempt to escape.


    He doesn¡¯t know who the man he encountered was, but since he (Liu Shan) knew his name, it can only mean his cover was blown.


    Just as he reach the airport exit, he slows down in his steps. There were many people outside and he could not differentiate who is actually regr passerby and who is foe.


    If he suddenly rushes out there, there is a good chance he will be quickly captured.


    "Fuck..."


    He curse under his breath before thinking of a new n. Turning from the airport exit, he runs for the parking garage. Once he is down there, he can hide between the cars and slowly escape.


    Running towards the esctor, he aims for the one going down to the garage parking.


    He felt relief wash over him as he was one step away from this hell hole.


    Just as he was three steps away from the esctor, a figure in a ck motor jacket steps out from behind a pir.


    This figure¡¯s head was slightly shaking, and he was sping his palms together in a mocking way.


    "Aiya, Chu Li Xiang, ah Chu Li Xiang. Where are you going?"


    Caught off guard, Chu Li Xiang stumbles back and falls onto the ground. His sunsses also fell to reveal his eyes and one can see how shocked and terrified he is.


    "Fuck!"


    His face pale as white as a ghost, but he quickly picks himself up off the ground and makes a run for another esctor.


    Since he can¡¯t go down, his only option left is to go up then make his way down to the parking garage.


    Shoving the people aside, he climbs up the stairs without any intentions of stopping.


    Lin Hui¡¯s eyes follows the man as he runs up the esctor. He touch his earpiece and chuckles.


    "Xu Long, he¡¯s headed your way."


    As Chu Li Xiang reached the second floor, he felt another wave of fear wash over him.


    Xu Long stood near the top of the esctors with his arms folded over his chest. When he saw Chu Li Xiang¡¯s panicky figure appear, he grins at the man and unfolded on arm to wave hi.


    "Well... hello there, Mr. Scaredy Cat."


    Chu Li Xiang sounds a curse inside and without stopping, he pushes Xu Long out of the way.


    He doesn¡¯t know how he offended Fate, but seeing that Xu Long is here, there¡¯s a possibility that Lu Tian is also here somewhere.


    Watching the man run as like his life depended on it, Xu Long shook his head in shame for him. Then again, seeing how terrified he (Chu Li Xiang) is, he (Xu Long) actually doesn¡¯t feel so bad.


    As Chu Li Xiang¡¯s figure continue to make a run for his life, Liu Shan and Lin Hui leisurely rode the esctor up to meet Xu Long.


    "Well, it seems he won¡¯t be going anywhere."


    Lin Hui¡¯s voice sounds as he and Liu Shan joins the assistant. The moment Chu Li Xiang appeared in front of him, he wanted so badly to rip the man into pieces.


    However, he could only hold himself back, since it is his boss and Lu Tian who should be given the honor to do so.


    Standing in the middle, Liu Shan¡¯s eyes did not move away from Chu Li Xiang¡¯s figure running in the distance.


    He lifts his hand to the earpiece and spoke calmly spoke into it.


    "He¡¯s heading towards the parking garage. Remember, do not capture him, but make sure he doesn¡¯t leave Imperial."


    ["Roger."]


    From the three men¡¯s earpieces, multiple voices sounds all in one time.


    Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Xu Long had been keeping eyes on every CCTV in Imperial for the man.


    Surprisingly, he did not make an appearance until now and from the looks of it, Steelhead must have informed him that Fate is also looking for him.


    Luckily for him, they could have easily capture him right now, but Yue Ling and Lu Tian ordered them to only make sure he doesn¡¯t leave Imperial.


    After all, they still have ns for him.


    Returning from his thoughts, Liu Shan slowly looks away when he sees Chu Li Xiang enter the door for the emergency staircases.


    "Let¡¯s go."

 Chapter 495 Yue-yue are you okay?

    As the morning sky turned close to afternoon, Chu Li Xiang finally escaped from the airport. He jumped into a taxi and sighs in relief. His chest heaved up and down as he tries to catch his breath, and his appearance was disheveled.


    "Sir, where to?"


    In the front seat an elderly taxi driver asks as he nce at Chu Li Xiang from the rearview mirror.


    Hearing the man, Chu Li Xiang looks at the man before reaching inside his coat pocket to hand the driver a piece of paper.


    "Drop me off at this location."


    The taxi driver took the piece of paper and punch in the address on his GPS. At the same time, Chu Li Xiang rxed and leans his head back to rest.


    However, as he closed his eyes, he did not see the quick glint of light that shed within the elderly man¡¯s eyes.


    As the car drives away from Imperial Airport, in another part of Imperial, Yue Ling is casually sitting near a window inside a restaurant by herself.


    She wore a long id nnel under a beige knitted sweater. On her bottom was a pair of ck denim and her feet wrapped in warmth by a pair of ck ankle booties.


    Set on the chair next to her is her ck wool coat as the inside of the restaurant is warm.


    "Yue-Yue!"


    From ahead, a woman¡¯s cheerful voice calls out to her and she looks up at the person.


    It was Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    She wore a loose grey turtleneck sweater and a white pencil skirt that reach her knees. ce on top of her short pixi haircut is a pink beret hat as she wore a pair of ck sock boots to finish her outfit.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles happily when she sees her best friend. She waves her hand as she approach the table to sit.


    "Ah, sorry to make you wait. I had to make a quick stop to meet my mother."


    Watching the woman make her way to the table, Yue Ling sighs a smile.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er had suddenly called for them to have lunch together. She almost turned the invitation down due to a certain someone, but coincidently, a pile of work matters dropped on Lu Tian causing him to go to work.


    Seeing that it has been a while since shest saw her new friend in Imperial, Yue Ling sweet talked her way in letting her leave the house.


    As Zhao Ya¡¯Er sits down on the chair across from her, Yue Ling also came back from her thoughts. She gives the woman a smile.


    "I just got here too."


    Seeing her pretty and perfect smile, Zhao Ya¡¯Er sighs inside. She has seen many pretty women, but whenpare to the person sitting in front of her, no one isparable.


    Not only that, as a woman, even she can¡¯t help but fall for Yue Ling¡¯s charms. If she was a man, she would be fighting with her cousin brother for her (Yue Ling) attention.


    Remembering her mother had a gift for Yue Ling, she hands the giftbag across the table to the retired supermodel.


    "My mother said the weather has gotten colder, so she bought this for you."


    Yue Ling was taken by surprise, but she smiles again and takes the giftbag. It was pink and had floral prints all over.


    "Tell her I said thank you and that she didn¡¯t have to."


    Setting the bag on herp, Yue Ling looks inside and was surprise to see a tan coat.


    It was a very simple gift, but her entire being softens. As a designer, she has a room full of clothes, but being gifted a gift from someone, she finds it heartwarming.


    Seated across, Zhao Ya¡¯Er held a curious expression as she did not look inside the giftbag.


    "What did my mother buy you?"


    Yue Ling set the bag on the chair her wool coat was on and she looks at Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    "It is a coat."


    Hearing this, Zhao Ya¡¯Er arch her brows then pout her lip.


    "A coat? Wah, my mother is so sweet to you, but nags to me every day."


    Her words sounded like a person full of jealousy, but one can hear her joking tone of voice.


    Truth was, she is extremely happy. It was like she and Yue Ling are now sisters.


    As she thought this, she suddenly remembers another thing and she looks at Yue Ling with a pain-stricken expression.


    "Yue-Yue... I¡¯m really sorry for your lost."


    She sighs aloud and thought back to when her aunt, Madam Lu informed them of the tragic news.


    "If you need anything, just let me know. My family and I are here for you."


    Yue Ling stares at the woman as she felt a sharp stab in her chest being reminded of her lost. However, she kept herself together and smiles reassuringly.


    "It¡¯s alright. It wasn¡¯t the right time."


    She kept her smile, but Zhao Ya¡¯Er knew just by the sad look in her eyes. She regret bringing the topic up, so she decides to change the topic.


    "Did you order yet?"


    "Not yet. I was waiting for you."


    Yue Ling replied with a thankful expression as she knew Zhao Ya¡¯Er didn¡¯t mean to talk about the tragic subject.


    As the two women decided on what they wanted to have for lunch, a waiter took their order and asked them to wait.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er took a sip from her ss of water and looks at Yue Ling with a serious expression.


    "Can I tell you something?"


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling arch a brow but nods her head. She didn¡¯t know what Zhao Ya¡¯Er wanted to tell her, but from the woman¡¯s expression, it must be serious.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes lit up as she has never been able to tell someone something.


    It was because the group of so-called friends around her are all gossipers and can never keep anything to themselves.


    She didn¡¯t know Yue Ling well, but she knows that Yue Ling is a person who will not go around and gossip to others. After all, Yue Ling is a person who kept to herself and didn¡¯t care for attention from the media.


    However, remembering a certain person, she leans forward and takes a deep breath.


    "You can¡¯t tell my cousin brother what I¡¯m about to tell you."


    The space between Yue Ling¡¯s brows slightly crease into three lines. Since she can¡¯t tell Lu Tian, this must indeed be something serious.


    "I promise not to tell him."


    Herst word fell as she reach for her ss of water as Zhao Ya¡¯Er leans more towards her.


    "I¡¯ve fallen in love with a man name Xu Long."


    "*cough* cough*"


    Yue Ling had just swallowed the water she drank when she started choking from it. She sets the ss down and pats her chest to calm herself.


    "Oh my, Yue-yue are you okay?"


    In a panic state, Zhao Ya¡¯Er quickly asks as she stood up but was gesture to stop by Yue Ling.


    Once Yue Ling finally calmed herself from coughing, she drinks the ss of water again.


    "You said you¡¯ve fallen in love with Xu Long? As in Assistant Xu?"


    Seeing that Yue Ling had returned to normal, Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles a smile that reach her eyes. She sounds a giggle like a little girl who had finallye clean about who her crush is.


    "Mm, that Xu Long. My cousin¡¯s assistant."


    Yue Ling stares in amusement at the woman. She slowly ce one elbow on the table and held her chin for support.


    "How? When?"


    She is surprise about this news as she thought Zhao Ya¡¯Er had something important to tell her. However, she would never have expected the woman to confess who her crush is.


    Oblivious to Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts, Zhao Ya¡¯Er blush shyly with crimson red cheeks. She lifts her hand and removes her beret hat to put it down.


    "We met by chance the other night at the nightclub Spring, but I think he forgot who I was."


    Yue Ling nods her head as she listens. However, quickly as her head nodded, her eyes dimmed dangerously when Zhao Ya¡¯Er removed her hat.


    Seeing the look in her eyes, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was quick to realize the reason behind the sudden look.


    She faintly smiles and lifts her hand to fix her hair. However, because of its shortness, it didn¡¯t hide anything.


    "Pitiful, aren¡¯t I?"


    She had been wearing a hat so it was noticeable, but now that she had taken it off, one can see a dark purple bruise on her hairline and forehead.


    "It¡¯s really nothing. I had an ident the other day."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles to let Yue Ling know that it wasn¡¯t anything serious, but who was Yue Ling again? She is someone who can see through anyone.


    And just like that, Zhao Ya¡¯Er knew that she couldn¡¯t lie to Yue Ling.


    "I was in a bad rtionship. I didn¡¯t know this person would be so abusive and no matter how much I tried to escape from him, he always showed up."

 Chapter 496 She is my friend

    Even when the waiter brought out their food and set it on the table, neither Yue Ling nor Zhao Ya¡¯Er touch the food.


    Until Zhao Ya¡¯Er was done telling her past to Yue Ling, she scoffs sarcastically with a smile like she is okay.


    "Sorry, I didn¡¯t invite you to make you listen to something like this."


    Yue Ling stares at the beautiful woman who had invited her out for lunch. She never would have thought Zhao Ya¡¯Er to be someone who is being abused by a bastard.


    Seeing that her best friend remained in silence, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s smile widens and she picks up her chopsticks.


    "Yue-yue, I am really okay now. After I met Xu Long, I came to realize that there is still someone as sweet as him in the world."


    She told Yue Ling about how she met her ex-boyfriend and how their rtionship went south. She even told her about how he would beat her up when he¡¯s drunk or angry, then how she encounter Xu Long.


    The reason she never told anyone is because she was afraid of how others will judge her and she didn¡¯t want her family to worry about her, so she kept everything to herself.


    She didn¡¯t know why, but after she saw the look in Yue Ling¡¯s eyes, she couldn¡¯t help but vent her feelings out.


    Maybe it¡¯s because she never told anyone, and she had reached her limit.


    However, after letting everything out to Yue Ling, she felt it was stupid of her to keep such painful feelings inside.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slowly blink, and she kept her gaze on the woman.


    She thought back to Madam Zhao¡¯s words the day when she and Lu Tian stopped by Elegancy. The woman said she didn¡¯t know why her daughter always kept her hair short like boy.


    Looking at Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s short hair, everything made sense. She kept her hair short so when her abusive exes after her, he won¡¯t be able to grab her hair.


    However, knowing that Zhao Ya¡¯Er didn¡¯t want to talk about the subject anymore, she decides to not pry on the subject.


    Even though she had lost her appetite due to the anger inside her for Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s misfortune, she still picks up her chopsticks.


    "Ya¡¯Er?"


    Just as her finger touches the chopsticks, a man¡¯s voice calls out from the restaurant entrance.


    Yue Ling nce to the person while Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s shoulder jumped and her expression drain of all colors.


    It was a man wearing a grey suit. His facial features were not too bad, but Yue Ling can see that his appearance is not even close to her male subordinates.


    He wasn¡¯t alone but with a woman in a red dress suit. Her white button shirt inside was open enough to reveal her cleavage so others can see her ratherrge breasts.


    However, from the looks of it, anyone can tell that she must be the man¡¯s secretary.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er did not turn around to see who it was as she already knows who the person is just by his voice.


    Seeing the look on her face, Yue Ling was quick to understand who the man is.


    It was none other than Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s abusive ex-boyfriend.


    Hearing the sound of their footsteps headed towards them, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was in a panic as she quickly reach for her bag and hat.


    "I¡¯m sorry, I have to leave."


    Yue Ling remained calm and reach for her things too. Since Zhao Ya¡¯Er wants to leave, she had no reason to stay too.


    "I¡¯ll go with you."


    Seeing how understanding Yue Ling is, Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles thankfully and apologetically to her future sister-inw. Yue Ling hadn¡¯t even touched her food and yet, here they are already leaving.


    "Why are you leaving so soon?"


    Just when Zhao Ya¡¯Er stood up and waited for Yue Ling, the man had already reached their table with the woman.


    He grabs Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s wrist and smiles to her with a fake smile full of affection.


    "I just got here, let¡¯s eat together."


    Yue Ling put on her ck wool coat when she hears the man. She grabs her bag and turn to look at him then the woman he came in with.


    When the woman saw Yue Ling, her eyes widen in surprise and she gasp aloud.


    "You¡¯re that famous retired supermodel and De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer."


    Hearing the woman¡¯s words, the man finally turn his attention to Yue Ling. He had been so focused on Zhao Ya¡¯Er that he ignored the other person.


    However, seeing how perfect Yue Ling looked, his throat dried up and he licks his lip in a seductive way.


    "Ya¡¯Er, who is your friend here?"


    He knew exactly who Yue Ling is, but he wanted a proper introduction since she is an acquaintance of his girlfriend.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er tried to pull her hand away, but due to the difference in their strength, each time she tried, he would tighten his grip. Even when her wrist turned red, he didn¡¯t care.


    Knowing that he won¡¯t let go until she introduce Yue Ling to him, she could only look at Yue Ling, who gives her a tiny smile to indicate that it was okay.


    "She is my friend, Han Yue Ling. Yue Ling, this is Wei Hongyi."


    She force out her words in an almost growl. From the look in his eyes, she could already see that he has taken an interest in Yue Ling.


    It was the he has when found a new target.


    However, she will never let this bastard near her sister-inw.


    Feeling his grip on her loosen, she takes the opportunity to pull her hand away from him. She reach to grab Yue Ling¡¯s hand and strides away.


    "We¡¯re busy. If you want to eat, you can eat with your secretary."


    "Y-You!"


    Wei Hongyi¡¯s eyes widen and his expression turned sinister. Before Zhao Ya¡¯Er could grab Yue Ling¡¯s hand, he reacted faster and blocks Yue Ling from being reachable.


    His move cause him to bump into Yue Ling and made her stumble back a little.


    If it had been anyone else, they would have tripped and fell, but not Yue Ling. She was able to steady herself from the fall, but her bluish green eyes dimmed darker than the night.


    "Hongyi, move!"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er angrily growls at him with ring eyes. She didn¡¯t care if she didn¡¯t lookdylike at this moment. Once she saw that Yue Ling was about to fall, her heart dropped to her stomach.


    If anything were to happen to her sister-inw, God knows how her ruthless cousin would react.


    Despite the tone of Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s voice and her vicious re, Wei Hongyi was not affected at all. He scoffs a snort and turn to look at Yue Ling.


    "Miss Han, what do you think of joining me for lunch?"


    Yue Ling looks at Zhao Ya¡¯Er then to the man. She held her thoughts to herself before parting her lip to speak.


    "Thank you, but I will have to decline."


    Without waiting for the man to sound another word, she walks around him and grab Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s hand.


    "Let¡¯s go somewhere else."


    If it had been her, she would have ignored the scum and continue on with her lunch. However, she knows that Zhao Ya¡¯Er is still afraid of him and wanted to leave right away.


    Watching the two women leave, Wei Hongyi¡¯s secretary sarcastically scoffs and turn to look at her boss. She approach him closely. She press herrge breasts against him and smiles yfully.


    "Mr. Wei, let¡¯s ignore them and enjoy our lunch."


    Wei Hongyi held a grim expression in the direction Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were heading. Due to his bad temper, the blood inside him boiled intensely.


    He push the woman away and turn to grab the half full ss that was on the two women¡¯s table.


    "Bitch, did I say you could leave?!"


    Without any hesitation, he throws at Zhao Ya¡¯Er. He will never forgive her for humiliating him in public.


    Water stter everywhere as it aims for its target. However, the minute it nears the back of Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s head, she was suddenly pulled forward as Yue Ling¡¯s figure turns around.


    In a calm but swift motion, Yue Ling caught the now empty ss with one hand.


    Her sudden move caught Wei Hongyi by surprise as it did the same to Zhao Ya¡¯Er who is now shield by Yue Ling.


    Wei Hongyi did not think that Yue Ling would catch the cup. She looked so fragile, yet the way she moved looked so natural, like she had eyes behind her head.


    Not caring about the shock on the people¡¯s face, Yue Ling looks at the man then to the ss cup in her hand.


    Her expression held no emotion as she turns to the side and ce the empty ss cup on a table.


    "Mr. Wei, I am a well temper person, so I will give you an advice."


    Looking back at the man, the corners of her lip arcs up in a pleasant smile. However, that smile did not reach her eyes.


    "Fix that temper of yours before you cross the line of someone you shouldn¡¯t have."


    Turning to leave, she pause in her steps and softly chuckles in a mocking tone.


    "Ah, one more thing. The only bitch here is you."

 Chapter 497 being followed

    Wei Hongyi stood inside the restaurant as he res at Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s figures standing outside.


    His expression was fuming with rage. Never in his entire life has anyone dare to call him a bitch.


    He is the heir to his family¡¯s business, Industrial Group. Yet, Yue Ling had the audacity to call him such foul word.


    Not only that, the other day his father had lectured him until his ears bled because Lu Tian suddenly stopped all business with them.


    His face scrunch more with eyes ring daggers on Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s figure. She must have cried to Lu Tian and told him (Lu Tian) that he has been abusing her.


    ncing to Yue Ling, he thought about how she stopped the ss cup from hitting Zhao Ya¡¯Er. His face turned red in more anger and he takes a step forward to charge after the two women.


    "Mr. Wei!"


    Just as he took forward, his secretary grabs his arm and stops him. She knows that he is angry, but from what she heard from her friends, Yue Ling is the granddaughter of General Ji.


    If Wei Hongyi attempts to harm her, who knows what kind of wrath the old man would unleash upon the Wei family.


    Thinking this, her lip arcs up in a seductive smile that can make any man¡¯s heart flutter.


    "She is not worth your attention."


    Moving to stand in front of him, she puts on a dainty look with puppy eyes to get his attention.


    "Let¡¯s enjoy our lunch then go to a hotel. Hm?"


    Hearing her words that sounded like music to his ears, Wei Hongyi¡¯s face returned to usual color as he slowly calms down.


    He scoffs in the direction of Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er, then ce his arm over his secretary¡¯s shoulder.


    "Hmmf, you¡¯re right. Compare to you, those two are nothing. You always know how to please me best."


    As the two people head for their table, the secretary sounds a giggle as she had won the man over.


    She has been his secretary for 4 years now and knows all about his rtionship with Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Even she herself pities the woman for not knowing how to please Wei Hongyi, which leads to her (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) getting abused.


    If she can make him hers, she will please him in any way.


    Oblivious to his secretary¡¯s thoughts, Wei Hongyi swore inside. Later, he will find Zhao Ya¡¯Er and give her a good lesson. How dare she humiliate him in public knowing what the oue is.


    Standing outside the restaurant, Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er waited as the valet worker left to retrieve Yue Ling¡¯s car.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stood in silence as she thought back to what just happened.


    Ever since the incident at Spring, Wei Hongyi has been harassing her more than before.


    Just the other day he had came to her ce uninvited. He was drunk and made a mess out of her home.


    Fed up and not wanting to have anything to do with him, she decided to seek her cousin for help. If anyone can scare Wei Hongyi, it¡¯s Lu Tian.


    However, when she came face to face with her cousin, she couldn¡¯t bring up the topic.


    She was afraid.


    Not because of Wei Hongyi, but she was afraid of how Lu Tian would react.


    Will he see her, his cousin as a weak woman even when he is a strong and ruthless person?


    She couldn¡¯t tell him as she didn¡¯t want him and her family to be disappointed in her.


    Coming back to her senses, she turn her head to look at Yue Ling. All her friends who have witnessed her get beat up by Wei Hongyi never do anything.


    It broke her heart even more when she found out that the bastard had been sleeping with a few of those so-called friends of hers.


    However, Yue Ling, who could have turned a blind eye like everyone else did not. She stood up for her like a true friend.


    Her eyes turned moist, but she force her tears back from falling.


    "Yue-yue, I¡¯m sorry you had to be a part of what happened. My chauffer is waiting for me down the street, so once your car is here, I¡¯ll leave."


    Turning to look at her friend, Yue Ling smiles to her. Zhao Ya¡¯Er must be worry that Wei Hongyi mighte after her if she was alone.


    Thinking about something, shees up with an idea.


    "How about we go do some shopping? I want to buy Tian a gift."


    Since their lunch date was ruined, they can grab something light to eat while shopping.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was taken back by surprise at the sudden suggestion. However, happy that she can still hang out with Yue Ling, she did not hesitate to agree.


    It¡¯s not every day that she gets to meet such a wonderful person like Yue Ling.


    Quickly as the two women came to an agreement to go shopping, the valet worker returns with Yue Ling¡¯s car.


    When the worker parked the car in front of them, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground. Even her eyes fell out of their sockets as she could not believe what she was seeing.


    She opened and closed her mouth a few times before stuttering out her words.


    "T-This.... This is your car?"


    Parked in front of the restaurant was a white Audi r8. Its windows were tinted ck so others cannot see inside as the rims were coated in the same shade.


    Yue Ling nce at the woman then to the car. She couldn¡¯t grasp why Zhao Ya¡¯Er would look so stunned.


    Shouldn¡¯t Zhao Ya¡¯Er be used to seeing this kind of car since Lu Tian has a collection of his own?


    As she thought this, the valet worker hands her the key and smiles to her. The look on his face was one full of happiness and blessing as he was given the opportunity to drive such a magnificent car.


    Not giving it much thought, she slight shrug her shoulder and walks to the driver side.


    Realizing that Zhao Ya¡¯Er was still in a daze, she turns back to the woman and chuckles.


    "Shall we go?"


    Her question brought Zhao Ya¡¯Er back from her daze. She nods her head and proceed towards the passenger seat.


    As the two women enter the car and drives away from the restaurant, two men standing not too far also enter their car.


    Yue Ling kept her eyes on the road as she drives the car in the direction to the closest shopping mall.


    Sitting next to her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was lost in another daze. Her eyes stares in amazement at the details of the car¡¯s interior.


    It should have been a normal thing for someone like her to see such a car since Lu Tian has many. However, one should know that she has never sat inside any of his car.


    After a few minute passes by, she was finally done admiring the car. However her brows slightly furrow.


    Although she had been distracted, she still paid attention to her surroundings.


    Ever since they left the restaurant, it looked like Yue Ling had been driving in a circle.


    She looks out the window only to see a building they had already passed a while ago. Confused, she turns to Yue Ling.


    "The turn for the closest shopping mall was back there."


    Seated in the driver seat, Yue Ling does not take her eyes off the road. Seeing that the light up ahead had turned red, she slows the car to a stop.


    "I¡¯m going to tell you something, but you have to remain calm."


    Hearing these sudden words, anyone would be scared and that is exactly how Zhao Ya¡¯Er felt. However, she swallows a hard gulp and tries to keep her cool.


    "I¡¯ll remain calm. What is it?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s temperament was her usual calmness. ncing away from the red light, she kept one hand on the steering wheel as the other press a button on the dash screen.


    "We¡¯re being followed."


    Hearing those heart stopping words, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet of paper. Her eyes shook and she looks in every direction trying to see who was following them.


    "Oh God... Oh God... Who... Where are they?"


    Panic quickly rush inside her as the only person who had followed her was Wei Hongyi. However, his kind of following was different from their situation now.


    Yue Ling¡¯s finger continues to type on the dash screen and her voice sounds.


    "Two cars behind us."

 Chapter 498 ends here

    At this moment, Zhao Ya¡¯Er who said she would remain calm was not calm at all. She started panicking and mumbling to herself. However, Yue Ling mutes out the woman¡¯s terrified mumbles.


    She nce at the rearview mirror then back to the dash screen.


    When they walked out of the restaurant, she had long noticed two men standing not too far from them.


    She didn¡¯t think much as there were many people out. However, it was when they started following her car that she decided to make a few turns in a square.


    If they follow each turn, then that means they are after her and Zhao Ya¡¯Er. If they don¡¯t then it might just be a coincidence.


    However, like she already suspected, they followed her every move.


    Her finger dance over the screen before multiple codes quickly appear. Quickly scanning each code, she press another button.


    On the screen the words ¡¯Location On¡¯ appears before the screen returns to normal.


    Yue Ling looks at the panic Zhao Ya¡¯Er and sighs inside. If she had known this would happened, she wouldn¡¯t have suggested them to go shopping.


    No. Even if she didn¡¯t suggest the idea, since these people are following them, they would have gone after her or Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    Looking at the woman panicking in her seat, Yue Ling faintly smiles.


    "Everything will be okay. I¡¯ve already turned on the tracker to my car."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er felt her heart was currently running a marathon. All she could think about was the unimaginable things that could possibly happen to her and Yue Ling.


    What if those people catch them? Are they going to get kidnap?


    Will they die and have all their organs sold in the ck market?


    Oh God, will they be sold off as prostitutes to different countries?


    However, hearing Yue Ling¡¯s sudden words that everything will be okay, she looks at her sister-inw.


    Met with Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes, she did know why, but the panic state she was in slowly calms down a little.


    She takes a deep breath that cause her body to tremble. However, she was able to nod her head in understanding.


    "What do we do now?"


    Yue Ling turn her attention back to the red light. She had installed a tracking device in all her vehicles in case of situations like this happen.


    She made sure that all the trackers are connected to each of her subordinate¡¯s phone.


    That way, once they see that she has activated the tracker, they will know where she is at all times.


    Just as she thought this, the red light turns green and her eyes dimmed dangerously.


    "Sit tight."


    Before Zhao Ya¡¯Er could even prepare herself, Yue Ling hits the gas and sped away.


    Her foot press on the elerator more as she ignores the speed limit. The only thing on her mind is to ditch the car following in pursuit.


    She swiftly cuts through each car like a professional. Even when a light turned red, she doesn¡¯t stop, but proceeds forward.


    ncing at the rearview mirror, she notice that the car behind was still following in pursuit.


    Her car is faster, but it stood out, which allows the car to easily follow her even if it was far behind.


    Focusing back on the road, she tries to rack her brain.


    If it had been her alone, she wouldn¡¯t have activated her location and could have led them to a secluded ce to easily take them down. However, Zhao Ya¡¯Er is in the car with her.


    Right now, getting Zhao Ya¡¯Er to safety is her priority.


    As Yue Ling continues in her attempt to shake off their pursuers, in another part of Imperial, Liu Shan


    drove his new red Audi r8 away from Imperial Airport.


    Sitting in his passenger seat was Xu Long as Lin Hui had left to do something, so he left on his motorcycle.


    Liu Shan can already guess that Lin Hui must be meeting Qi Li so the two can have a little race to see whose new motorcycle is faster.


    *Ring ring


    Suddenly, the sound of his phone rings loudly as it is connected to his car. His brows slightly furrow as it was from his boss.


    Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, his other hand reach to press the ept button.


    "Hi boss! We finished the task. Chu Li Xiang won¡¯t be leaving Imperial."


    He spoke cheerfully without looking at the screen. However, it was only silence that answered him.


    Confused, he nce at the dash screen and he swore his heart stopped in that moment.


    Quickly changingnes, he makes a sharp turn at a red light that cause a loud screeching sound. Before the car could fully turn into a straight line, he was already stepping on the elerator more.


    "WAOH! Bro, are you trying to get us killed?"


    Xu Long screamed for his life at the sudden move. He held tightly onto the seatbelt for dear life.


    ncing at the dash screen, he pout his lip. Didn¡¯t the screen say hisdy boss was calling?


    Confused, he looks at the driver with furrow brows.


    "Why did ourdy boss send a map?"


    Liu Shan does not look at the man but kept his eyes on the road. He would often nce at the map to make sure he is going in the right direction.


    "She¡¯s being followed."


    As Xu Long¡¯s eyes widen to the max at what he was hearing, in another part of Imperial, the exhaust of two motorcycles sounds loudly through the streets.


    Keeping a steady and same pace, Qi Li rode his new ck and green Ninja H2, while the Lin Hui rode his new glossy ck Ninja 14r.


    *Ring ring


    At the same time, their phones that were ced on a holder sounds to make them to nce down.


    Seeing the name of the person calling, in the same motion their index finger swipes answers the call. Both men still kept their eyes on the road. However, expecting to hear a voice, the other line was quiet.


    ncing down, both men¡¯s eyes slightly narrow when they saw a map appear on their phone screen.


    Lin Hui slightly turn his head to look at Qi Li as the man the same to him.


    Both men gesture a quick nod before twisting the throttle to their motorcycle more.


    The sound of their motorcycle exhausts resonate louder than it already is like they were racing.


    However, midway through, Lin Hui makes a turn for the left street as Qi Li to the right. Each person going their own direction.


    As each of Yue Ling¡¯s subordinates receive her call, inside the tall and dark building of Lu Corps, Lu Tian is currently in a meeting with his board of directors.


    The aloof businessman sat in the main seat as he scans through a piece of document in his hand.


    "CEO Lu, why did you suddenly stop the business with Industrial Group?"


    An middle-aged man nervously asks. It was when he came in for work that he had only been notified about the termination between Lu Corps and Industrial Group.


    There wasn¡¯t even a meeting as Lu Tian made the decision on his own without discussing such important matters with them.


    Hearing the question, Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes nce to the man. It was a small move, but that small move caused the middle-aged to feel sweat slide down his spine.


    "Are you questioning my decisions?"


    He force a chuckle and tries to calm himself as he knows how Lu Tian is.


    "No, no. Don¡¯t misunderstand my intentions. A meeting did not take ce for the sudden termination."


    He was curious and confused since Lu Tian already terminated the contract with TB Corps. However, never did he think the young man would also do the same with Industrial Group.


    TB Corps is a big shipping corporation that they work with whereas Industrial Group handles all the smaller business they have in Imperial.


    How can Lu Tian make such a big decision without informing them?


    *Ring ring


    Suddenly, the sound of a phone rings inside the conference room that interrupts the meeting.


    Everyone nce at one another to see who forgot to shut their phone off. However, to their surprise, it was none other than Lu Tian¡¯s phone.


    He ignores the dumbfounded stares from his board of directors and reach for his phone set in front of him.


    Seeing the name of the caller, he did not hesitate to answer the call.


    However, the moment he epted the call, instead of the voice he loves to hear, it was the same image of a map like the one sent to Liu Shan and the others.


    His brows slightly furrow until he saw a moving red dot on the map.


    In that moment, his heart dropped to his stomach, but he was able to maintain hisposure. He abruptly stood up causing the chair to make a loud screech.


    "The meeting ends here. We will continue this tomorrow."


    His words fell as he was already striding out of the room, leaving those left behind bewildered.

 Chapter 499 going with them

    As everyone proceed to get to Yue Ling¡¯s location, her white Audi r8 is seen speeding through the streets of Imperial. Even with the cars almost hitting them and horns honking, she does not stop, but dodge every hit.


    Her eyes scans ahead to see a safe turn so she can try to outdistance the car behind.


    Seeing a clear turn, she did not hesitate to sharply turn the car with the help of the handbrake. A loud screeching sound generated from her tires as faint smoke floating in the air.


    Just as the car made the sharp turn, her eyes didn¡¯t forget to check the rearview mirror.


    The turn was so sudden that her pursuers were not able to make the same turn.


    However, she doesn¡¯t slow down, but floors the gas pedal and increases the speed again.


    In the passenger seat, Zhao Ya¡¯Er could barelyprehend with how she is feeling at this moment.


    She wanted to pass out from Yue Ling¡¯s crazy driving, but at the same time, she didn¡¯t know why but she couldn¡¯t.


    Gasping for air, she could only close her eyes to calm herself from wanting to vomit.


    *Ring ring


    Suddenly the dash screen rings inside the car with the words ¡¯Liu Shan, the great¡¯.


    Not wanting to scare Zhao Ya¡¯Er any more than she already is, Yue Ling reach inside the center console and takes out an earpiece.


    Putting it on while keeping her eyes on the road ahead, she connects the call.


    "Did you get my coordinates?"


    ["I did. We¡¯re not too far behind. Where are you heading right now?"]


    From the other line, Liu Shan¡¯s voice can faintly be heard but only enough for Yue Ling to hear.


    Yue Ling nce to their surrounding to see where they are but realize that they had left the busy city and were headed in the direction of the mountains.


    "Mountains."


    "Oh God. They caught up to us."


    Just as she spoke her word, Zhao Ya¡¯Er gasp in horror as she sees the same car suddenly appear behind them again.


    Hearing her words, Yue Ling nce at the rearview mirror before focusing back on the road. She could have given the license te number to Liu Shan, but the car behind didn¡¯t have one.


    "Can you make out who they are?"


    ["Xu Long is working on it."]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounds through as he focused on getting to his boss locations, while in the passenger seat, Xu Long is hacking every CCTV to find a good image of the people inside unknown car.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Xu Long was able to find a good image. He pause the image and zooms in on the image before scanning each person¡¯s face.


    A list of information appears on hisptop screen in full detail of the two men.


    "They¡¯re from ck Dragon."


    He had spoken loud enough that Yue Ling was able to hear his words.


    A faint scoff sound from her. Seems like Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men are out hunting for more victims.


    Thinking of something, she increases the speed as the car zooms up the mountain. Just as she did this, another caller rings through and Xu Long quickly connects the call through.


    "Yue Ling? Are you alright?"


    It was Lu Tian.


    The aloof man is also speeding through the busy streets of Imperial as he rushes to get to his wife¡¯s location.


    After leaving Lu Corps, he did not waste any time. Even the numbers of red lights he ran and car idents he almost caused cannot be counted on two hands.


    However, because Yue Ling was driving further and further away, he was still behind by miles.


    In the distance away from the man, Yue Ling faintly smile when she heard his deep voice.


    How she wish to see him at this moment.


    "I¡¯m alright, but I have Zhao Ya¡¯Er with me."


    From the driver seat, when Zhao Ya¡¯Er heard her cousin¡¯s faint voice, she burst into tears.


    "Cousin! Help us!"


    Her cries of pleading continues as she was truly terrified. She is an innocent person who has never been in a situation like this.


    "I don¡¯t want to die. I haven¡¯t married and I haven¡¯t had the chance to confess my love."


    She wailed her words, but because of her panic state, no one was able to understand her words.


    Yue Ling continues to drive the car, making sharp curves as she drifts up the mountain until they finallye to the top.


    She slows the car down and parks it on the side. ncing at the rearview mirror, she can tell that the car wasn¡¯t able to catch, but it would reach them soon.


    Ignoring the people connected on the phone, she turns to look at Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    "They¡¯ll be here soon, but I need you to remain calm. Don¡¯t scream. Don¡¯t cry."


    Hearing her words, Zhao Ya¡¯Er abruptly stops crying. However, she could not stop her tears from pouring out of the eyes.


    "W-Why? We... Are we going to..."


    She was unable to continue her words when she saw the look in Yue Ling¡¯s eyes. Only nodding her head, she tries to calm herself down.


    Since the incident started, Yue Ling had been calm. Everything will be fine. People already know what is happening and they will be safe soon.


    Seeing the woman finally calming down, Yue Ling faintly smiles. Stretching her arm towards the woman, she held onto her (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) hand.


    "Listen carefully to me. I need you to stay focus and listen to what I¡¯m going to say."


    Taking a deep breath, she smiles reassuringly to her friend.


    "Liu Shan and Xu Long should be near the foot of the mountain. Drive the car down to meet them."


    Reaching for the door handle, she steps out of the car and she pulls thetch to the trunk open. Looking back at Zhao Ya¡¯Er, she smiles again.


    "When I give signal. Go. Do not stop."


    ["Yue Ling, you better not do it."]


    From the earpiece, Lu Tian¡¯s worried voice sounds in with a tinge of rage. He could already guess what she is nning to do, and it is something he doesn¡¯t wish to happen.


    Walking over to the trunk of the car, she lifts it up and stares down inside.


    "Tian, I¡¯m sorry, but I have to do this."


    Reaching inside the trunk, she takes out a harness and strap it to her calve as she attach a knife. Next, she picks up a pistol she had hid on the side and rack the slide before putting it inside her coat pocket.


    Taking out another one, she did the same as the first one.


    Just as she did this, the sound of an engine nears her location.


    Calmly turning her head, it was none other than the same car that had been following them.


    ["Yue Ling."]


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice calls out to her from the earpiece, but she ignores him. Seeing the car slow to a stop, she pretends to not notice them and walks back to the door of the car.


    Inside, Zhao Ya¡¯Er had not moved from the passenger seat to the driver seat. She looks up at Yue Ling with a dreadful expression.


    "I-I can¡¯t leave you. I can¡¯t do this to you."


    Yue Ling gives her a sweet smile like they were not in a dangerous situation at all.


    "Ya¡¯Er, I will be fine. So I need you to do this."


    Her words fell and she could hear the sound of car doors opening before closing. She ignores it and keeps her eyes on Zhao Ya¡¯Er as she calcte the steps of the other people.


    Tears pour down Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s cheeks as she force her trembling body to cross over to the driver seat.


    Once she was sitting on the driver seat, Yue Ling sighs a smile. From the footsteps, she can tell that the two men were halfway near her car.


    Taking two steps back, she closes the door and mouth the word ¡¯go¡¯ without a sound.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er held a reluctant feeling inside her, but she did as she was told and hits the pedal.


    As the white Audi r8 sped away, the two men were taken back by surprise and quickly takes out their guns.


    ["Yue Ling! Don¡¯t!"]


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice raised loudly through the earpiece as Yue Ling takes the two pistols out and points them at the two men.


    She kept a calm expression without showing any signs of fear. Her bluish green eyes looks at one person then to the next.


    "Tian, I¡¯ll be going with them."


    Her words fell before the connection disconnects, letting her know that Zhao Ya¡¯Er was in a good distance away from them.


    "Fuck!!"


    Lu Tian curse in anger as he hits the steering wheel. His eyes burned with rage and he increase the speed.


    If only he had forbidden her from leaving the house, she wouldn¡¯t have to risk her life like this.


    Quickly typing a number on his dash screen, the line quickly connects to someone, or should we say, some people.


    "Wolf Team. Unauthorize ck Operation."

 Chapter 500 Get her!

    Standing in silence on the peak of the mountain, Yue Ling remained in her position.


    Body straight and both arms raise in midair. Her eyes never leaving neither man. She held her guns that gave her angelic figure a menacing feeling.


    Anyone who sees her like this would never believe that someone who looked so innocent like her would be able to look so dangerous.


    The two men standing across from her were both decent in size. However, one had long hair and the other had a long scar on his chin.


    Their jaw nearly dropped to the ground at the sight of her right now, but they kept theirposure.


    They had been out searching for new victims when they saw her and the other woman walk out from the restaurant.


    At first, they didn¡¯t bother with the two women, but remembering the prettier the woman is, the more profit they get from it, so then they decided to pursue the two.


    When Yue Ling started driving in circles, they knew that she had realized they were following her. To which they didn¡¯t mind. It just added more adrenaline to them as they catch their prey.


    However, what they did not expect was her to suddenly speed off like a professional racer.


    Even though they had lost track of their target a few times, thanks to the car standing out so much, they were able to spot it amongst the crowded street.


    Staring at the woman aiming two guns at them, both men couldn¡¯t help but gulp with difficulty. They didn¡¯t know why, but the look in her bluish green eyes and her calm demeanor made them feel a wave of fear.


    The man with long hair slightly narrows his eyes and concluded that Yue Ling is only bluffing.


    She must have a conceal weapon for self defense and not know how to shoot. After all, some of the women they¡¯ve captured were the same. They had guns but could not aim.


    Thinking this way, the slight fear inside him subdued and he lowers his gun with a wide grin on his face.


    "Miss, we¡¯re not bad guys. We work with the police and only wanted to talk. How about you go with us nicely and no one has to get hurt."


    He puts his gun behind his back and spoke to her like he was cop. His tone of voice was calm that anyone would fall for his facade.


    "How about it? Your friend already left you. If you go with you, we¡¯ll escort you home."


    Yue Ling did not lower her arms as she hears the man out. If she wanted to, she could have easily shoot them without giving them a chance to shoot her.


    However, thinking of something, she pretends to put on a thinking face. It was like she was taking the man¡¯s words into consideration.


    Looking like she had thoroughly thought about to herself, she slightly lowers her arms.


    "You guys won¡¯t kill me?"


    Hearing her words, the man with a scar on his chin smiles and he also lowers his gun. Even though she was still pointing her guns at them, they needed to make it look like they were cops and won¡¯t harm her.


    "Of course not. Why would we kill a prettydy like you? We just want to talk."


    Both men thought they were fooling her into believing them like all the other women had believed them, but in truth, Yue Ling saw right through them.


    She was not stupid to fall for such childish trick.


    However, ying along with them, she pretends to act like a gullible woman. Slightly bending down, she lowers her hand, and ce the guns on the ground.


    "Get her!"


    Just as she stood back up, one of the two men shouts to the other and both men dashes towards her.


    The man with long hair takes out a cloth bag he had hid behind his back and ce it over Yue Ling¡¯s head, while the other man held her wrists behind her back.


    "Why are you covering my head?!"


    Into her struggles and screams, the man holding her wrists secures her hands together with zip ties.


    "What? Why are you guys doing this to me?"


    As her body struggle and she screams in fear, underneath the cloth bag, her expression was as calm as ever. She looked so nonchnt and was not afraid at all.


    The long hair man howls a sinisterugh as he takes a step back.


    "You¡¯re such a stupid woman. We tricked you with a few words and you believed us."


    Looking to the other man, he gesture with his head to the car.


    "Let¡¯s go before someone sees us."


    Pushing Yue Ling towards their car, they shove her into the back seat as they enter the front and drives away from the scene. However, what they did not see was the drome hoovering above them in the sky.


    Not too far from what just happened, Lin Hui leaned against his motorcycle with his helmet on and shook his head. He held a controller in his hands that projected a clear image of what just happened to his boss.


    "Wah... These men are really stupid."


    His boss¡¯s acting is so bad and yet, they fell for her trick. Shaking his head again, he sighs aloud.


    He could have snuck an attack behind the two men, but he was met with Yue Ling¡¯s eyes.


    She had saw his drome and although it was quick, that one nce indicated for him not to reveal himself.


    Taking a deep breath, he calls the drome back and gets on his motorcycle.


    When he and Qi Li received Yue Ling¡¯s call, they suspected that the people must be from ck Dragon.


    That was why he and Qi Li split ways. He came here while Qi Li went to the ce that Chu Li Xiang was conducting his business.


    As his drome quickly returned, he ce it inside his backpack. Staring up his motorcycle, he receives a message, but this time, it was from Lu Tian.


    ncing down at it, he lowers the face shield of his helmet down to cover his eyes.


    The loud exhaust of his motorcycle sounds and he leaves his position heading for his next destination.

 Chapter 501 what can she do

    "Yea, we got one. The other escaped, but this one is better than any of the girls we took."


    Sitting inside a moving ck car, the man with a scar on his chin sat in the passenger seat. He spoke with confidence to someone over the phone.


    The faint mumble of the person from the other line can be heard but unclear due to the winding through the open window.


    "Don¡¯t worry, the other girl escaped but what can she do. Once she informs the police, we¡¯ll be long gone."


    As the man continue on with his ramble, Yue Ling sat in the backseat with a cloth bag over her head and hands tied behind her back.


    In most cases, someone in her situation would be wash with fear, but not her. She kept silent as she await the car to reach its destination.


    Although they kept Chu Li Xiang from leaving Imperial, they know that the only ce he will go is the hideout where the women they took are being held.


    That way they will be able to capture him while saving the women too.


    However, after knowing that these men were Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men, she made the decision to go with them.


    Since they came after her, she didn¡¯t have to go to them.


    Behind the bag that covered her head, she closes her eyes and inhales a deep, but quiet breath to steady herself. She must save all her energy for what is toe next.


    When she was standing face to face with the two men, she saw Lin Hui¡¯s drone in the sky. Knowing that he is nearby, she could confirm that Liu Shan and Xu Long were also near, that was why she gave Zhao Ya¡¯Er the signal to leave.


    As she thought this, she could feel the car slow down beforepletely stopping and the engine shuts off.


    "Bring her inside."


    The man from the driver seat orders the other man as they exit the car.


    Yue Ling did not make a sound as the man grabs her arm and pulls her out of the car. Just as her feet touched the ground, he removes the cloth bag and grins menacingly at her.


    "You¡¯re going to make a lot of money for us."


    He spoke his words in chuckles, but seeing her calmposure caused him to frown. All the women they¡¯ve captured had cried and begged them to be let go, but Yue Ling was different.


    She was staring right at him, like she was staring into his soul. Not only that, she did not cry or show any signs of fear. She looked like she was standing outside her own home.


    Finding her reaction a little strange, he quickly brush it aside. He tells himself that Yue Ling must be trying to act strong when inside she is actually really scared.


    Grabbing her by the arm, he pulls her towards the door as the other man had already left inside.


    Yue Ling does not make a sound but scan her surroundings. If her guess is right, this ce must be located at the foot behind the mountains.


    The ce looked like an abandon factory that no one has used in years. One look and she can see why Chu Li Xiang chose this ce.


    It was big but with the trees around, it is difficult to spot on from a distance.


    She can make out a few figures standing by the doors and see some walking around the building.


    Turning her head to look in one direction, her eyes caught sight of something in the distance. However, quickly averting her gaze away, she continues on to look at the ce.


    "Waoh, look at this beauty."


    A voice sounds from a head causing Yue Ling to look at the person. It was a tall man with his long hair tied in a low ponytail.


    Although he was wearing a nice blue suit, she can see that his hair is greasy and looked like he hasn¡¯t showered in days. His teeth were unkept and ck like one punch and all his teeth would fall out.


    However, despite his appearance, he held an expression full of confidence as he walk towards the man and Yue Ling. He was also holding a gun that strapped across his shoulder.


    The man with long hair grins cheerfully to the new man then nce back to Yue Ling.


    "She¡¯s a beauty, isn¡¯t she? Good thing we ran into her while hunting."


    They had already abducted many beautiful women, but none is as pretty and perfect as Yue Ling. Although she is taller inparison to the others, she will still make a good deal.


    As the man in the navy suit nears them, both his brows arch up and takes big steps to stand in front of Yue Ling.


    He pinch her chin and observe her face with attentive eyes of a hungry wolf.


    After looking carefully at her facial features, he howls aughter that echoes into the air.


    "Boss is going to be very happy to see this one! I can¡¯t believe you guys actually kidnapped Lu Tian¡¯s woman!"


    Before Chu Li Xiang was captured, he had given them a photo of the woman and with one look, he knows that the woman standing in front of him is Han Yue Ling.


    Hearing the man, the long hair man¡¯s face did not light up in happiness but was quickly reced with horror. He stares at the man then to Yue Ling then back to the man.


    "She... She is L-Lu Tian¡¯s woman?"


    Just thinking about the man made all the hair on his body stand. Lu Tian is a petrifying man within the underworld.


    How could they make such a mistake by capturing his woman?


    Seeing the horror-struck look on the long hair man, the man wearing the navy suit scoffs a chuckle and pat his shoulder.


    "Don¡¯t worry. By the time Lu Tian finds out his woman is missing, everything will be long taken care of."


    He said this because after today, all the women they¡¯ve captured are going to be sold off around the world.


    His reminding wordsforted the long hair man. He (long hair man) sighs in relief. His confidence returns to him and grabs Yue Ling¡¯s arm.


    "Such a pity that someone like you will never see your man again."


    Leaning closer to her, he grins with his teeth and his words continue.


    "Seems like your wealth cannot buy you out of this."


    Pulling her by the arm, he strides inside the abandon factory as the other man lead the way.


    However, both men did not see the glint of light that sh within Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes.


    Despite her hands being tied behind her back, while the two men were busy conversing, she had already given a signal with her fingers.

 Chapter 502 One hour

    Near the peak of the mountains where Yue Ling had been taken to, Lu Tian¡¯s car pulls up to a stop. He steps out wearing a tailor-fitted suit and a wool coat in his usually prefer choice of ck.


    Closing the door, he walks over to stand near the cliff as he stares down with narrow eyes to the many trees below.


    *Ring ring


    The phone inside his coat pocket chimes in and he takes it out to answer. Bring the phone to his ear, his deep voice sounds.


    "Speak."


    ["One hour."]


    From the other line, Qi Li¡¯s voice sounds through. The man had parked his motorcycle in a remote area and made his way on foot to the abandoned factory.


    If he didn¡¯t do that, the loud exhaust of his motorcycle would give away his position and alert the enemy.


    Just as he arrived close enough to get a clear view of the ce, the car his boss was in also arrived.


    He did not step out from hiding because when Yue Ling spotted him, she gesture a secret hand code that only she and Alpha Team understood.


    Returning from his thoughts, he squats down more as his figure hid behind arge tree. He quietly ce his backpack down in front of him and unzips it.


    As he gears up, he did not forget to continue his words to Lu Tian.


    "She wants us to give her one hour before going in."


    Away from Qi Li¡¯s hiding spot, Lu Tian did not move from his position near the cliff of the mountain.


    He wants so badly to rush in and save his wife, but with her given words, she was right.


    She needs time to secure a safe ce for the hostages inside. That way, once he and the others rush inside, no harm wille to the innocent.


    As he thought this, he kept his gaze on the trees below for a long second before turning away.


    "One hour."


    Just as he ends the call, the sound of multiple engines can be heard as each vehicle pulls up to park next to his car.


    He nce at each car of different style as the doors open and the people inside exit out to meet him.


    "Everyone is here."


    Jiangyu spoke as he close the driver door to his car. Across on the passenger side was Ju Suo as Yiqing and Shaofeng exit from the back.


    In another car was the twins Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin along with Tang Zhonghui.


    Due to Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan taking care of the situation at De L¡¯amour, the couple could not partake in the battle.


    Scattered near and behind were the remaining members of Wolf Team.


    Being the only motorcyclist in sight, Lin Hui removed his helmet and nce at each person getting out of their cars. His brows slightly furrow as he looks at Liu Shan.


    "Where¡¯s Xu Long?"


    Liu Shan had just stepped out of his red Audi r8 when he heard the man¡¯s words. He shrug his shoulder and walks over to the trunk of his car.


    "He took Miss Zhao home."


    When Yue Ling was taken, they came into contact with Zhao Ya¡¯Er on the other side of the mountain. She was in such a terrified state that Xu Long agreed to send her back.


    Once she is safely home, he will meet up with them.


    Standing in front of the people, Lu Tian walks over to where Liu Shan is as his voice sounds.


    "Gear up."


    Hearing his words, everyone quickly nod their head. The trunk of each vehicle opens up and without waiting, everyone proceed to get their equipment ready for action.


    "Were you able to get ayout of the ce?"


    Lu Tian asks as he stood next to Liu Shan. The assistant had taken out hisptop and ced it on top of his trunk hood and was already typing away.


    "I did, but it¡¯s quite heavily guarded."


    His fingers work their magic over the keyboard before he press the ¡¯enter¡¯ button. Just as he did this, a screen pops up and virtual image appears on the screen.


    It was an outline of the abandon factory.


    He points to a part of the image that looked to be in the back.


    "From the information Li Wei gathered, this ce on the upper north side seems to be left unguarded once evening hits."


    He types over the keyboard again as two more images pop up. However, the images looked like they were taken by a phone.


    It showed a clear image of the back space he was talking about.


    "Since this part of the back is near the mountain, there¡¯s no way to enter, which is why there¡¯s little guard."


    Saying this, his fingers work their magic again and within thirty seconds, he was able to hack the cameras inside the abandon factory.


    "I can freeze each camera for 20 seconds to stall time, but no longer than that."


    Lu Tian kept his eyes on theptop screen. The back is left unguarded because it is near the mountain. Due to that advantage, the enemy thinks there is no route for someone to enter from that way.


    As he thought this, he also couldn¡¯t help but praise the assistant. Xu Long is a mad skilled hacker he¡¯s ever known, butpare to Liu Shan, he has to give the title to him (Liu Shan).


    During the incident with Ghost Gang, he remembered Xu Long was having difficulty trying to hack the cameras. He said someone was blocking him with strong codes that would take him a while to decode.


    Then there was the incident with the footage that kept pausing. From Liu Shan¡¯s words, he must have been the hacker Xu Long was up against.


    Even he was surprise to know that the people around his wife are all intelligent people.


    "Stay here and be the eyes for everyone¡¯s blind spot. Once we set out, inform Grandfather Ji."


    He is not asking Liu Shan to call Grandfather Ji for backup. Every time when he is done dealing with the people from underworld, Grandfather Ji is the person who takes them into custody.


    Giving onest nce at the images, he turns away and walks towards Jiangyu¡¯s car.


    "My wife wants us to give her one hour. Within that one hour, we are going to move out and get into position."


    As he spoke his words, he takes off his coat and ce it inside the trunk. Picking up a ck shoulder holster, he puts it over his ck dress shirt.


    "Jiangyu and Ju Suo will take Team A and enter from the east."


    Picking up a gun, he straps it to one side of the holster before doing the same on the other side.


    "Gui Tian Lan, Gui Zhongmin, Tang Zhonghui. Can I count on you guys to cover the West with Team B and Team D?"


    Hearing his order, the members of Wolf Team nod their head as they continue to put their gears on.


    Unlike them, Alpha Team nce at one another as the only person they listened to was Yue Ling. However, staring at the man for a long second, Gui Tian Lan was the first to speak.


    "Got it. We¡¯ll secure the west."


    Following him, everyone else Lu Tian mentioned quickly came to an agreement. Since their boss is a hostage, they will listen to the man who stands by her.


    Lin Hui stood near his motorcycle and he pout his lip. Why was everyone given an order and not him?


    Setting his helmet down, he scratch the back of his head and walks over to the businessman.


    "What about me?"


    Lu Tian turns to look at the man then to a few of his men nearby. Their task is the most important.


    "You and Team C will head for the front on the south side to meet with Qi Li and Li Wei."


    Hearing his order, Lin Hui furrow his brows. The sides and front are covered, so what about the back?


    Just as he thought this, he remembers what Liu Shan said about the ce. His eyes shook and slight widen.


    "You¡¯re going to sneak in through the back by yourself?"


    His voice was slightly loud that it made everyone else dart their head in the direction of Lu Tian.


    He had assigned each person into teams but did not assign any to go with him. Why?


    The back may be unguarded, but one cannot be sure. Even if he was to enter the ce, Chu Li Xiang has his men guarding other areas.


    What if something happens to him? Who will watch his back?


    Lu Tian stares at Lin Hui and did not answer right away. He calmly turns back to face the open trunk and reach inside to grab two magazines as backup ammo for his guns.


    cing them in the magazine holder part of his holster, his voice sounds.


    "My wife went inside by herself, why can¡¯t I?"

 Chapter 503 They took her

    Inside the abandoned factory, Yue Ling is lead to a room near the back of the rundown ce.


    She can see multiple doors leading into rooms but only some had men guarding outside. From the looks of it, these doors must be where the women they¡¯ve captured are held hostages.


    The man with long hair finallyes to a stop in front of the door to the room at the end that also had two bulky men guarding it.


    He turns around to look at her and click his tongue in shame. He eyes her up and down before shaking his head.


    "Such a pity."


    Yue Ling is a peerless beauty and she is standing in front of him. Any man here would want to have a taste of her, but they can¡¯t.


    All the women they¡¯ve captured cannot be touched or else it will sabotage the profit they will get.


    Turning away, he takes out a set of keys and unlocks the door as he opens it. Turning back to grab her by the arm, he grabs a pocketknife and cuts the zip tie securing her wrists.


    Just as the zip tie snaps apart, he shoves her inside the dimly lit room without any care.


    Due to her act of portraying a weak woman, Yue Ling pretends to lose her bnce and stumbles onto the floor.


    Just as shended on the floor, the door ms shut as the man gives order to the other two men keeping watching outside.


    "Keep an eye on her. Don¡¯t try anything stupid."


    He saw the way they looked at Yue Ling and it was the look of a wolf eyeing its prey. However, watching him leave, a malicious glint of light sh in their eyes.


    Yue Ling sat on the floor until she heard the long hair man¡¯s footsteps get further away from the door. She calmly push herself to stand up and observe the room she was brought in.


    As she stretch her wrists, she notice that the room was darker than she had thought.


    The sun was still out, but due to the room having only one small window near the ceiling, not much light entered the ce.


    "A-Are you alright?"


    Suddenly, a young woman¡¯s trembling voice sounds from behind Yue Ling causing her to look in the direction.


    Her eyes had quickly adjusted to the darkness in the room and she could make out two figures in the far corner of the room.


    "I¡¯m alright. Where is this ce?"


    Although she already knew where she is, she still asked. There were two men standing guard outside the door, so it¡¯s most likely that they are also listening to the conversation.


    "I don¡¯t know..."


    The same voice answers as the young woman steps out from the corner to enter the little light in the room. It wasn¡¯t only her, but another woman who stepped out as well.


    Yue Ling was able to see their facial features with the little light and notice that the two women were of different ages.


    The one who spoke had short ck hair and looked to be around eighteen to twenty years old. The other had wavy red hair. She looked to be older, but younger than her (Yue Ling). Probably in her earlier twenties.


    However, her eyes slightly narrows when she saw the minor cuts and bruises on their faces.


    She felt all the blood inside her begin to boil in rage, but she tells herself to remain calm.


    "I¡¯m Han Yue Ling."


    She introduce herself despite the situation they were in. Since she is put in the same room with these two women, she decided it was best to know one another¡¯s name.


    "I¡¯m Shi Yan and this is Qin Xue."


    The young woman named Shi Yan slowly approach Yue Ling. She held a wary expression as she was afraid of what had happened to her, but at the same time, curious about the new woman in the room.


    There is not a single person in Imperial who does not know who Han Yue Ling is. How can a celebrity be kidnapped like them?


    She tries to see if it is the actual person, but due to Yue Ling¡¯s back facing the only window in the room, the front of her was overshadow by the darkness.


    "A-Are you really..."


    Just as she spoke her words, she was close enough to see a clearer image of Yue Ling and unknown to her, tears pour down her cheeks.


    Like her legs had turned weak, she falls to the ground in sobs.


    "You are Han Yue Ling... wuuu...."


    She didn¡¯t know why, but she couldn¡¯t stop her tears from falling. Was she thankful that a celebrity is here? No, it is because Yue Ling is a celebrity. With her missing, the police would definitely search for her whereabouts.


    The red hair woman name Qin Xue tries to calm the younger woman down and looks at Yue Ling.


    "H-How did you get capture?"


    Yue Ling lifts one leg and walks over to the two women. She squats down and begin to calm down the younger woman too.


    "My friend and I were followed."


    Hearing her words, Qin Xue¡¯s eyes shook and her free hand grabs Yue Ling¡¯s arm.


    "Your friend was also captured? Where is she?"


    Feeling the tight grip on her arm, Yue Ling did not push the woman away. She shook her head and answers.


    "My friend was able to escape."


    Relief wash over Qin Xue. She is regretful that Yue Ling is another victim like them, but if this friend was able to escape, it meant another woman is free from this hell hole.


    Thinking of all the unimaginable things that has been happening, she couldn¡¯t help but cry too.


    Yue Ling sat down next to the two women and waited for them to calm down from crying. With what they went through, they must have tried very much to keep their sanity.


    After a few minutes pass, the two women finally calmed down as they could only sound sniffles inside the room.


    "Sorry... I didn¡¯t mean to cry."


    Shi Yan apologizes as she wipes her tears away. Since she was brought in here, she could only hold onto hope.


    Hope that they would all be saved soon.


    Staring at the young woman, Yue Ling sighs inside. She lift her hand and gently pat her on the head.


    "Being here is a scary thing. It¡¯s normal to cry."


    She looks around the room again then to the small window. The light was slowly disappearing as it wasn¡¯t as bright outside anymore.


    "How long have you both been here?"


    Qin Xue sniffles and wipes her tears. Looking at Yue Ling, she wanted to cry again, but could only hold herself back.


    "I¡¯ve been here for three days. Shi Yan has been here for a week now."


    Thinking about something, her shoulders slouch and slumps more to the ground. Her lower lip trembles as she chokes out her next words.


    "There was another girl with us. She was much younger than Shi Yan, but those men... They..."


    She covers her mouth remembering what happened and she sobs again. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to finish her sentence.


    Yue Ling¡¯s heart dropped to her stomach when she heard Qin Xue¡¯s words. Even if she did not finish her sentence, Yue Ling could already guess what might had happened.


    However, taking a deep breath, she ce a hand on Qin Xue¡¯s shoulder and looks the woman deep in the eyes.


    "What did they do to her?"


    Lowering her head, Qin Xue shook her head. She cannot answer the question. Not because she doesn¡¯t want to, but because it was a dreadful moment they had to witness.


    "They took her..."


    From the side, Shi Yan answers in an almost sobbing voice. She looks at Yue Ling and held onto her arms.


    "Those men took her. They said they wouldn¡¯t do anything to us, but they still took her."


    Yue Ling was able to see the pain mix with anger in Shi Yan¡¯s eyes.


    From the information Li Wei gathered, he said Chu Li Xiang ordered his men to not touch any of the women in fear that it might soil his ns. However, why the sudden change?


    Knowing that something is not right, she could only ask.


    "What happened?"


    Qin Xue was able to pull herself together and began to exin the details.


    "Before, they would always us alone, but today, they suddenly started taking one woman after another."


    From the time they were captured, the men did noty a finger on them. Each passing day, they were given food and water like usual. However, today, for some reason, the men woulde and take a woman of their choice.


    They didn¡¯t know where the women were brought to, but they could hear the petrifying screams of those women taken along with theughter of the men who took them.


    Just hearing their voices was enough to tell what is happening.


    The younger girl Qin Xue and Shi Yan mentioned had been captured before them. However, because she was younger, the man who came into the room took interest in her and dragged her out.


    They could hear her screams and cries, but after an hour passed, it suddenly went quiet. She was never brought back to the room nor did the men mention her again.


    It was most likely that they tortured her before killing her.


    Remembering the scary event, Shi Yan wails in tears and wipes her tears away. However, each time she wipe the tear, another would fall then another.


    "T-Those scums... t-they said they¡¯re going toe back for more."

 Chapter 504 Smooth and sof

    Listening to Qin Xue exin what had happened, Yue Ling was able to understand the situation better.


    Since Chu Li Xiang couldn¡¯t leave Imperial, he must have really returned here as it is the only ce he can return to. However, put in a tight spot, he allowed his men to do whatever they want with the hostages.


    Thinking about all the unimaginable things that befall the people she wanted to save, she could only take a quiet deep breath to steady herself.


    Her eyes slowly flutter, and she nce to the tightly shut door. Seems like those men will being back to grab another victim.


    *Click


    Just as she thought this, the sound of the door unlocks, and the doorknob turns as a figure steps inside the room.


    It was the same man with long hair who kidnaped her. He enters the room with a sinister grin across his face. Looking at the three women sitting down in the middle of the room, his grin widens.


    After he tossed Yue Ling inside this room, it was only then when he joined the others that he found out about the news.


    Chu Li Xiang had given order to decrease the women held captive. However, as men in the underworld, they all decided to enjoy the women before silencing them.


    After all, they had put a lot of work in kidnapping these beautiful women.


    Given such a grand opportunity, he licks his slightly dry lips and debate on which woman he should have first.


    Qin Xue, the red hair woman is indeed a sight of pleasantry to see and her body is well proportion, but...


    His eyes slightly narrow and he looks at Shi Yan. The woman was indeed younger, and one can see she has never been touched by a man before.


    Lust erupt in his eyes and he licks his lips again. Slowly approaching the three women, he held a grin that makes any women scrunch in disgust.


    "Today¡¯s your lucky day, little girl."


    Seeing him walk closer towards them, Shi Yan¡¯s face drained of all colors. She quickly scoots closer to Yue Ling and held tightly onto her arm.


    "No. Don¡¯te any closer!!"


    "Get away from her bastard!"


    Qin Xue screams loudly at the man as her figure blocks Shi Yan. She saw the disgusting look on his face and knew what he ns to do.


    She would be lying if she is not scared, but she rather be the one taken as she is older, and Shi Yan is younger than her.


    Seeing the red hair woman block his prey, anger rose inside the long hair man. He clicks his tongue disapprovingly and ps the woman across the face with his fist.


    "Bitch, who said you could talk!"


    The impact of the fist p was so strong that it sent a burning sensation to Qin Xue¡¯s cheek and she stumbles onto the floor as she faints into unconsciousness.


    "Qin Xue!"


    Uncontroble tears ran down Shi Yan¡¯s cheeks. She lets go of Yue Ling¡¯s arm and rush to help the older woman who has been taking car of her since they¡¯ve been here.


    "Ah¡ª!"


    Just as her hand was about to touch the unconscious Qin Xue, Shi Yan shrieks in pain. The long hair man had grabbed her by the hair to stop her from getting close.


    "Let her go and take me instead."


    Before the man could drag Shi Yan away, Yue Ling spoke to catch the man¡¯s attention.


    Her voice was almost in a low growl as she clench her fists tightly at the side. She could easily end his life at this moment, but she cannot.


    All she can do is wait for the right time as she does not want to put Shi Yan and Qin Xue in anymore danger.


    Hearing her sudden angelic voice, the corners of long hair man¡¯s lip arc up and his eyes lit up. How could he have forgotten about her?


    If she had not spoken, he would have taken Shi Yan and miss such an opportunity like this.


    Turning his head to look at her, his smile widens more than it already is.


    "Ah yes, Han Yue Ling."


    He roughly shoves Shi Yan to the side by her hair and steps towards Yue Ling.


    The room is slightly dark, but the little light entering through the window enhances the outline of Yue Ling¡¯s figure even more.


    Even though she is still wearing her ck wool coat, one can already tell how slender her body is.


    Licking his lip for the third time, he touch his chin and pretend to ponder in thoughts about her words.


    Like he was done thinking, he squats down in front of her and grabs the back of her hair. With a slight tug, he pulls her head back to look up at him.


    "Indeed worth of being the almighty Lu Tian¡¯s woman."


    Leaning forward, he stuck his long tongue out and licks the side of her neck up to her cheek.


    "So soft and smooth."


    The stench of his saliva made Yue Ling want to vomit at the man¡¯s face, but she held the urge back. Just a little more. She just needed to wait a little more.


    "Hahah! Let¡¯s see if Lu Tian still wants you after we¡¯re done with you."


    Long hair man howls a sinisterughter as he stood up. He could not wait to undress Yue Ling and ravish every inch of her.


    "Brothers! Come take her!"


    As his words fell, two bulky men enters the room. Each person grabs Yue Ling by the arm and drags her out the door.


    "Yue Ling!"


    Shi Yan wailed after Yue Ling. It was supposed to be her who was taken, but Yue Ling protected her instead. Tears ran down her cheeks and she tries to stop the men from taking her.


    "Stop! Don¡¯t take her! You wanted me!"


    Before the long hair man could walk out of the room, Shi Yan grabs his leg to stop him. She was scared, more scared than anything, but she cannot let Yue Ling be taken because of her.


    "Bitch! Get off me!"


    Long hair man¡¯s face scrunch in irritation at the little girl¡¯s constant nagging cries. He kicks her away and squats down to be at eye level with her.


    Pinching her chin, he turns her to look at him and a malicious grin curl on his lip.


    "Don¡¯t worry. Once I¡¯m done with her, you¡¯ll be next."


    He howls another sinisterugh full of mocking and stood up. Without giving Shi Yan another look, he strides out of the room and ms the door shuts.


    Since he was the other person who captured Yue Ling, it is only fair that he gets to enjoy her first.

 Chapter 505 enjoy her in one time

    The same time the long hair man entered the room to choose his prey, on the mountain behind the abandoned factory, Liu Shan sat on the hood of his red Audi r8.


    He had aptop on hisp and another one at his side. The loud tapping of the keyboard sounds as his fingers get to work.


    ncing to the screen of theptop on his side, he checks the multiple camera angles shown. Zooming in on one footage, he lifts his hand to press the earpiece on his head.


    "Lu Tian, 110 meters until ground level."


    ["Mm."]


    From the other line, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds in his usual short answer.


    The aloof man at this moment wore a pair of ck gloves with a harness wrapped around his waist and thighs. Attached to the harness is a long rope to help secure a safe route as he climbs down the steep mountain.


    Although the back of his shirt was covered in sweat, he swiftly continues down to his target location.


    ["Fucken bastards!"]


    Suddenly, Liu Shan voices sounds through the earpiece again, but this time it was one full of raging anger.


    Knowing that the assistant must have seen something from the camera, Lu Tian spoke as he makes his journey down.


    "Report."


    ["Two men dragged her into a room."]


    "!!!"


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words, uncontroble anger infuriated inside Lu Tian. His dark pupils sh dangerously as he clench the rope tightly.


    *Swoosh¡ª


    Letting go of the rope, he leaps down skipping a huge and dangerous gap before grabbing hold of the rope again. However, he does not stop, but repeats the same steps.


    Each drop he made total in 190 centimeters or more. He did not care anymore as he could only think of decreasing his climb down to get to his wife.


    Those bastards dare to touch his wife. Just wait until he finds them. He¡¯ll make sure they wish they never lived.


    ncing down, he estimates the gap between him and the ground to be at lease 200 centimeters or more. Checking for a clearnding, he lets go of the rope and makes a jump onto the ground below.


    Swiftlynding, he crouch down behind the multiple trees that hid him from those guarding the abandoned factory.


    "How is everyone¡¯s situation?"


    ["Clear."]


    From the other line, Jiangyu¡¯s voice sounds in. The bulky man, Ju Suo and Team A had arrived on the east side of the building and were positioning themselves for further order.


    ["Waiting on your signal."]


    Right after the bulky man spoke, Gui Tian Lan¡¯s voice chimes in as he was the one inmand of his group.


    He, Gui Zhongmin and Tang Zhonghui along with Team B and Team D were already positioned on the west side of the building.


    ["Ready to shoot these bastards at your signal."]


    From the south side of the building, Lin Hui spoke as he and Team C were able to quietly meet up with Qi Li and Li Wei.


    Each person had scattered along the forest in position as they await Lu Tian¡¯s next orders.


    Hearing each person¡¯s affirmative response, Lu Tian slightly raise his left hand to check the time.


    It has been forty minutes since the one hour mark his wife had given.


    ncing back to the abandoned factory, he quietly makes his way forward.


    "Move in 10 meters. Wait for my signal."


    Once he is inside and finds his wife, he will give the signal for the others to rush inside.


    As Lu Tian and the others make their way closer to the building, inside Yue Ling is taken to another room.


    The two bulky men dragging her by the arms kicks the door open and shoves her inside as she crash onto a table before falling down.


    "Shall we all enjoy her in one time?"


    One of the bulky man smirk and stares down at Yue Ling who is now sitting on the floor.


    "Bro, I brought her in, so its only natural that I get my call on her first."


    Long hair man scoffs his words as he enters the room. They may be brothers and have shared countless women together, but this is Han Yue Ling.


    To be able to have a go with Lu Tian¡¯s woman, he cannot share her with the others. He wants to slowly take his time and savor her.


    As the men discuss who gets to go first, Yue Ling rolled her eyes at them. She stood up and observes the new room she was taken into.


    Unlike the other room, this one was brighter due to the light installed. However, despite there being light, it was still dim due to the ce being old and worn down.


    The only furniture in the room is the table she was pushed to and it is ced in the center of the room. On one side of the room is a door possibly leading to a closet space or to the room next door. Across this door is a high ceiling window.


    "Don¡¯t worry, once I¡¯m done with her, you both can do whatever you want with her."


    After convincing the two bulky men to an agreement, long hair man was finally able to make them leave the room.


    He ms the door shut and turn to look at his prey. The look in his eyes were burning red with lust.


    "Don¡¯t waste your time looking. You won¡¯t be able to escape from here."


    He chuckles his words and approach Yue Ling in steady steps. However, halfway near her, he turns and walks to the other door in the room.


    "Thest girl tried to escape too, but..."


    He pause in his words and opens the door as he turns back to look at Yue Ling with a condescending sneer.


    "Such a pity that she didn¡¯t make it. I heard she was fresh and enjoyed every man who took her."


    Yue Ling turn to look at the now opened door and her eyes slightly widen as they shook. Her face turned pale as her lower lip slightly trembles.


    The door led to a closet space and inside was a young girl sitting down.


    She was naked and her body was covered in scars and bruises. There were fresh and dried blood scattered on every part of her.


    Her eyes were slightly open and the look in her eyes held no ounce of life, as one can see that she was already dead.


    The girl looked to be only fourteen or sixteen.


    Staring at the girl, Yue Ling could only ask herself if this young girl was the one Shi Yan and Qin Xue had mentioned.

 Chapter 506 Mistake

    Seeing Yue Ling¡¯s sudden paleplexion, the man with long hair howls a chuckle. Seems like the reveal of the young girl had frighten Yue Ling so much that she can¡¯t even move.


    He looks down at the dead girl in the closet then back to Yue Ling.


    "If you don¡¯t want to end up like her, be obedient."


    Yue Ling stood unmoving and never took her eyes off the girl. Even when the man closed the door, she still stared at the same spot as if she could still see the girl.


    From Li Wei¡¯s report, he found out that Chu Li Xiang has more than one business partners. However, because they kept him from leaving Imperial, he must have given order for this.


    Knowing that his n is going south, he can only keep a certain number of hostages for one business partner as the rest will be of no use to him.


    Lost in her own thoughts, the long hair man eyes her from head to toe. Unable to hold back anymore, he quickly makes his way towards her.


    As he walks pass the table in the middle of the room, the tips of his fingers stroke alongside the edge.


    "It¡¯s alright if you are afraid. I¡¯ll be gentle. I promise."


    If he could, he would m her onto the table and ravish her while she begs for his mercy. However, as much as he wanted to, he also wants to slowly enjoy her like she is a piece of delicious meat in a five-star restaurant.


    He wants her to remember every touch of his even if she wanted to forget.


    Staring at her bluish green eyes, his attention moves to her plump red lips.


    Her alluring lips that belong to every man in Imperial¡¯s dream woman.


    Remembering when he licked her in the other room, he suddenly had the urge to touch her again. He wanted to feel her soft and smooth skin again.


    He slowly raise his hand and reach to touch her wless skin.


    "I¡¯ll make you feel very good."


    "Mistake."


    Just as the tip of his fingers were an inch away from touching her cheek, Yue Ling¡¯s sudden faint word stops him. His brows slightly furrow as he didn¡¯t understand. Maybe he had misheard her.


    Not thinking much, he deeply inhales her scent.


    "You¡¯re so beautiful. I wonder how it feels to be inside you."


    Advancing his hand more, he makes another attempt to touch her. Even when he hasn¡¯t felt her skin, he could already imagine the feel of her.


    "Argh¡ª!"


    Before he could even make another move, he groan in pain as his middle and index fingers were suddenly grabbed.


    The hand now holding his is much smaller, but for some unknown reason, it was enough to send intense pain throughout his entire body.


    It was so painful, he swore his fingers would break at any moment.


    "You made a mistake."


    Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes remained on the closet door as her voice sounds again. The tone she used was very calm, but the long hair man felt a chill run down his spine.


    He could see her eyes slowly blink, but when that small blink reopened her eyes, she was already staring straight into his eyes.


    It was the same look as the one she had when he first brought her to the abandoned building. It was the look of the grim reaper.


    "Y-You..."


    His lips tremble before a weak stutter escapes his mouth. He swore, the more he looked into her eyes, it was like a pair of dark ck holes sucking him into the abyss.


    *Crack¡ª


    "Arhh¡ª"


    A blood curdling cry came from the man as Yue Ling breaks his two fingers with a slight twist. Sweat formed on his forehead as red veins appear in his eyes.


    "Y-You bitch!"


    He res vicious at her with his bloodshot eyes. Humiliated that a weak woman was able to break his fingers, he raise his other hand to grab her.


    However, Yue Ling reacted faster. Her right leg kicks up and she ms the man on the side of his head with force as he drops to the ground.


    Watching his bodynd onto the hard floor, Yue Ling slightly tilt her head to look down at him.


    "You¡¯re first mistake was capturing me."


    Her voice was low, but loud enough for the man to hear. He couldn¡¯t even look up at her due to the sudden kick. It caused his head to m hard on the floor as his vision turned white and he almost cked out.


    He curse inside as he could not understand the sudden change of situation.


    How can Han Yue Ling have such a strong kick for a dainty looking woman? Didn¡¯t his boss say she is nothing but a weak woman?


    "I¡¯m... gonna kill you... bitch."


    He groan as he tries to push himself off the ground. He¡¯s going to make sure that she has a horrible death and wish she never humiliated him like this.


    However, just as he sat up halfway, he was met with a slim fist that ms him back onto the ground.


    "Fucken bitch."


    Now covering his nose, he groans a curse. He could even feel blood flowing out his nostrils, but all he could do was groan in another pain.


    Yue Ling stares down at the man. The look in her eyes looked so dead with no ounce of emotions inside them.


    "Your second mistake is taking me for someone weak."


    She lifts her left foot and sends a strong kick to the man¡¯s head. However, she doesn¡¯t stop there. She lowers herself and grabs him by the cor before sending him numerous punches to his face.


    Punch after punch, she didn¡¯t care to show him any mercy.


    Swiftly lifting her pant leg, she grabs the knife she had strapped onto her calve.


    "Your third mistake was to not check if I was still armed."


    Holding the knife like a ninja ready for battle, she sees the now bloody man part his lip to say something. However, not allowing him to utter a sound, she press the de of the knife against his neck.


    Her eyes stares at him emotionlessly and the corner of lip arcs up.


    Her smile was so captivating, but at the same time, it gave a menacing aura like she had be the grim reaper out to collect souls.


    Pressing the knife more against his neck, she slightly leans closer to him.


    "I am here to collect your fate."

 Chapter 507 in a better place

    The man with long hair was beaten so bad that both his eyes had be bruised and swollen. Blood trailed down his nose and mouth as his body was slowly bing numb.


    He tries to look at Yue Ling, but it was something difficult to do as his mind was also in a chaotic mess.


    Never did he think the well-known supermodel to be so ferocious.


    No... Where did she get the knife from? How could they forget to check her for any weapons?


    However, as his brain was trying to put the pieces together, he could feel the sharp de of the knife press more against his neck then her words.


    Her sudden words that shook him to core.


    ¡¯I am here to collect your fate.¡¯


    That one line that can make even the devil himself shiver in fear.


    "Y¡ª"


    Before he could utter a sound, he felt the knife swiftly slice across his neck. A sharp pain escted throughout his entire body and blood ooze out of the now open wound.


    His body tremble as he tries to catch his breath, but the more he did this, the more blood flow out of him.


    Through his swollen eyes, he could see Yue Ling¡¯s blurry figure stand up and her bluish green eyes staring right back at him before he entered death¡¯s doors.


    Yue Ling watched the man bled to his death then turn to look in the direction of the closet. Her hand holding the knife tightens and she takes a step over the man towards the door.


    Reaching for the doorknob, she pulls the door open as the young woman¡¯s figurees to her view again.


    She sharply inhales a mouthful of air that shook her body.


    Staring down at the lifeless body, the image of Ting¡¯s mother appears in her mind.


    She was another step toote.


    Slowly bending her knees, she squats down and ce the knife on the floor. Lifting her hands, she removes her ck wool coat and gently ce it over the girl¡¯s naked body.


    "I¡¯m so sorry..."


    She doesn¡¯t know who this girl is, but she felt guilt dawn on her. She thought that Chu Li Xiang would bid by his words and not touch the women like the information they were given.


    Hoping that that little information would give them enough time to safely rescue the hostages.


    However, the despicable man suddenly had a change of mind.


    Gazing at the girl¡¯s empty half open eyes, Yue Ling could feel the sharp prickling pain inside her chest.


    This girl is so young and had so much to see of the world. She must have had dreams of her own, yet, she is here.


    Here in this hell hole of a ce when she should be at home with her family.


    Slowly lifting her right hand, she ce her palm over the girl¡¯s eyes and close them.


    "You¡¯re in a better ce now..."


    Taking another deep breath, she grabs the knife and stood up.


    A murderous gleam of light sh in her eyes and she turns for the door leading out of the room.


    Chu Li Xiang murdered her child and the innocent women he had kidnapped. She will make sure every person here pays the price of their corrupted doings.


    Stopping in front of the door, she does leave the room, but knocks on it before taking a step to the side to hide her figure from view.


    As time traveled back to the time Yue Ling was shown the girl¡¯s body in the closet, Lu Tian had just arrived near the back of the abandoned factory.


    He tall dark figure hid behind a tall tree and he carefully scout the area for the enemy.


    It hasn¡¯t reached evening, so there were still a few of Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men guarding the area. He can make out their weapons and identify them as AK-47s.


    Compare to his pistols, the enemy has the upper hand, but he can careless.


    He is always up for a challenge. So long as he can get his hands on that bastard, Chu Li Xiang.


    Reaching for one of the guns attached to his holster, he also takes out a silence and connects it to the muzzle.


    ["Ready?"]


    From the earpiece, Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounds as he was able to guess that the aloof man must have reach a close enough distance to the ce.


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian calmly answers with another short answer. At the same time, his eyes moves like an eagle continuing to scout the ce.


    ["Alright. Two men just turned the corner. Another one is now exiting the building."]


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words, Lu Tian was slightly dumbfounded. He could clearly see what Liu Shan is talking about.


    However, shaking the feeling away, he carefully steps out from the tree and moves forward.


    His steps were in big strides, but extremely quiet. So quiet that it looked like he was walking on clouds.


    Swiftly approaching his target, the man had his back turned to the forest and was twice the size of Lu Tian.


    Instead of sneaking up on the man, Lu Tian purposely steps on a twig as a menacing, yet seductive smirk curls on his lip.


    The sudden sound of twig breaking caught the big man¡¯s attention. His brows slightly furrow, and he turns around to check out the source.


    However, he was met with the sharp gaze of a ferocious tiger.


    "L-Lu Tian..."


    His body froze for a quick second, but he was quickly able to steady hisposure. Grabbing the AK-47 strapped across his body, he positions the gun and shoots at the man.


    *Pu!


    Just as he was able to aim the gun up, Lu Tian fires a silent shot at the man¡¯s gun causing him to lose his grasp on the gun.


    "B¡ª ugh."


    Before the big man could yell out to warn the others about Lu Tian¡¯s presence, a fistes into his view and his body ms down on his back.


    ["Another enemy approaching."]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voicees through the earpiece again and Lu Tian does not waste another second.


    He kicks the man in the face before sending another silent bullet to his head.


    Grabbing one of the man¡¯s arm, he easily drags the body into the forest and his figure disappears from view.

 Chapter 508 here right now

    The enemy Liu Shan mentioned walks out from the side of the building and his figurees into view.


    It was a scrawny man with blonde hair down to his chin. He was also carrying a AK-47 that is strapped across his shoulder.


    However, he held a sulking expression and was mumbling incoherent words to himself.


    He was annoyed that he has to guard the premises while the other men were taking their sweet time enjoying the women they captured.


    Looking around the empty back of the factory, his face scrunch in annoyance.


    With the mountain as their back barrier, there¡¯s no possible way anyone can enter. Why do they still have to keep watch?


    "Tsk."


    Clicking his tongue, he takes a cigarette out from his pocket and decides to have a quick smoke break.


    Lighting the cigarette with a match, he walks toward the trees to stay under the shade. However, his eyes slightly widen when he sees a bloody trail.


    It looked like someone was being dragged into the small dense forest.


    Quickly tossing the unfinished cigarette away, he slowly creeps forward. He made sure his steps were quiet so that he doesn¡¯t give his position away to whoever it was.


    His head looked in every direction as he pass the tall trees. Holding the AK-47 up, he was ready to shoot anyone that he sees.


    As the tip of his gun passed the fourth tree, his figure had yet to pass when a hand appears out of nowhere and grabs hold of his gun.


    "What the fuck!"


    He was taken back by surprise like it was a ghost that appeared, but instead of a ghost, it was a tall dark figure that emerged from the tree and he was able to get a clearer view.


    All the colors on his face drained and he pisses himself.


    "Lu T-Tian..."


    *Pu!


    He shakily stutters the fearsome man¡¯s name, but quickly as everything happened, his head flung back and the sky between the treeses to his view as he falls onto the ground.


    Lu Tian did not care to listen to what the man had to say. He quickly sends a bullet into the man¡¯s head before he (the man) could pull the trigger and alert the other enemies.


    ["Clear. Back door. First right."]


    Without looking at the two men he just took down, Lu Tian sprints for the back door to the factory. Upon entering, he makes a right turn and hides in what looked to be a small dark storage space.


    A few seconds after he did this, the sound of a nearby door opens and two men exits the room.


    "Oh man, I can¡¯t wait until its my turn again. I already have my eyes on the next woman I want."


    "Hahah, I want the feisty red hair. I¡¯ll make sure to teach her a good lesson."


    The two men discussed inughter about the women they¡¯re going to ravish. Neither were away of Lu Tian¡¯s figure hiding in a close distance.


    If they had just turned their head to the left, they would have seen him. However, they continued on and made their way out the back door to proceed in their watch duty.


    The same time this all took ce, the man wearing a navy suit that Yue Ling met on her arrival steps out of a room.


    Behind him, the door was left open and the faint whimpering of a woman can be heard. She was naked andying on her back on top of an old futon mattress.


    He paid no attention to the woman¡¯s cries and held a cheerful expression on his face. He had just finished his business with the woman inside the room.


    Lifting his hand, he dug his nose with his pinky and gesture with his head to his three brothers waiting for their turn.


    "You guys can have your fun with her now."


    As his figure walks away from the door, the three men nce at one another. A sneer curls on their lip and they all enter the room.


    "No... No... Stay away... Stay away from me!!"


    The woman inside screamed at the top of her lungs before the door shuts and her screaming bes incoherent to the ears.


    Not caring at all about the woman he just tossed to his brothers, the man wearing the navy suit walks towards a set of stairs.


    Climbing up the steps, he whistles happily to himself and enters the only room on the second floor.


    "Boss, you won¡¯t believe the good news I have for you."


    Inside this room was none other than the bastard, Chu Li Xiang. He was sitting on a swivel chair behind a desk and smoking a cigarette.


    After escaping Lu Tian and Fate¡¯s men at Imperial Airport, he told the elderly taxi driver to bring him here. He needed to think about his next ns.


    Hearing his subordinate¡¯s words, he looks at the man. Seeing the look on his face, Chu Li Xiang scoffs sarcastically.


    "Well aren¡¯t you in a good mood."


    If he was not being hunted down by two of the most fearsome people in Imperial, he would never have allowed his men to have their way with the goods.


    However, he only has one client scheduled for tomorrow as the rest won¡¯t be here until a weekter.


    Knowing he doesn¡¯t have much time, he could only keep the amount of women needed for tomorrow¡¯s client as the rest were useless for him.


    Thinking about all the bad things that has happened, he click his tongue in anger. Even the veins on his forehead can be seen.


    "What is it that you want to say?"


    Navy suit man stares at his boss with a befuddled look. Chu Li Xiang has been in a bad mood since the death of Julia.


    Thinking this, he brush everything aside and smiles a smile that reached his eyes.


    "We have Lu Tian¡¯s woman."


    Hearing the words that should make him exim in pure joy, Chu Li Xiang¡¯splexion pale as a ghost.


    It was like an invisible hand had suddenly p him hard across the face and then punch him in the stomach.


    "W-What did you say?"


    Navy suit man blinked his eyes in confusion, but assuming his boss is shock out of happiness, his smile widens, and he slightly leans forward.


    "We have captured Lu Tian¡¯s woman. She¡¯s here right now."

 Chapter 509 skin her alive

    "FUCK!!"


    Chu Li Xiang loudly curse when he heard the words for a second time. Now the words sounded like a bomb that suddenly dropped on him and exploded.


    Panic rush inside him and he abruptly stood up causing the swivel chair to fall over in a loud thud. He doesn¡¯t say another word but walks to the safe in the room.


    Punching in the safe code, he unlocks it as stacks of moneyes into view. He grabs a duffle bag from the side and starts shoving the money inside.


    "Boss, what is it? Why are you packing the money?"


    Navy suit man asks with a frown. Hadn¡¯t they been trying to get their hand on Lu Tian¡¯s woman? He thought his boss would be happy to hear that they¡¯ve captures Yue Ling.


    "Shut up! Tell everyone to pack up and leave this ce!"


    Chu Li Xiang angrily roars at his subordinate. These useless men actually kidnapped Yue Ling when he didn¡¯t give order. There¡¯s no doubt that Lu Tian is already on his way here!


    He (Chu Li Xiang) had already escaped prison and was unable to escape Imperial, but since he can¡¯t leave, he¡¯s going to take all his money with him and hide.


    Once things die down a bit, he wille out from hiding.


    From the corners of his eyes, he could still see that his subordinate had yet to move. He grew irritated and yells at the man.


    "Hurry up and scram! Lu Tian is on his way here!!"


    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s name mentioned, the smile on the navy suit man¡¯s face disappears and rece with fear far greater than anything.


    He shakily stumbles up from the chair and dashes out of the room. He doesn¡¯t know what is going on, but Lu Tianing here means one thing.


    Lu Tian is here to kill the people who kidnapped his woman.


    As the man makes his way to inform the others about the situation, Yue Ling stood near the door she knocked on. However, if anyone were to enter, they would not see her unless they turn around.


    The two bulky men stood outside guarding the door. They heard themotion inside the room but mistook it as the long hair man deciding to do some kind of role y.


    However, hearing the sudden knocking from inside the room, the two men nce at one another in confusion.


    The long hair man said he wanted to take his sweet time with Yue Ling. Why did he suddenly knock on the door? Did he finish already or is that he wanted them to join in the fun?


    ncing at each other again, both men shrug their shoulders and one of them opens the door.


    Since the long hair man had given them the invitation, how can they miss such a chance like this. They¡¯ll make sure to give Yue Ling a nightmare she will never be able to forget.


    However, just as the door opened, pure horror sh on their faces.


    They thought Yue Ling would be bounded on the table with her clothes ripped off, but that was not the case.


    The table in the middle of the room was empty and spotless.


    The long hair man, who should be standing in front of them is actuallyying on the floor in a pool of his own blood.


    Both men nce inside the room and did not see Yue Ling in sight. rmed and confused, they rush inside to check where she might have escaped or hiding.


    Upon entering, they were in alert mode and held their guns out. Unlike the ones guarding outside, they only had pistols, but it was enough to take down a weak woman.


    One man makes his way to check the long hair man¡¯s pulse in case he is still breathing as the other slowly follow behind.


    However, the long hair man was dead.


    Anger sh in the bulky man¡¯s eyes as the long hair man is one of their brothers and he was killed by Yue Ling like an ant.


    "Find her! I¡¯m going to skin her alive!"


    He roars in anger and abruptly turns around to inform the others that a whore had escaped. However, just as he turned around, he was met with Yue Ling¡¯s slender figure standing calmly next to the door.


    It was like she was a tiger watching her prey before attacking it.


    The bulky man quickly positions his gun and fires a shot at her as the other man had yet to grasps the situation.


    *BANG¡ª


    Bulky man2 turns his head to see what Bulky man1 was shooting at, but just as the shot fired and his head turned, Yue Ling swiftly dodges the bullet.


    She leaps towards bulky man2 and wrap one arm around his neck. Using all her weigh, she ms the man down onto the floor and slice his neck in an instant kill move.


    Quickly grabbing his gun, she leaps to the other side of the table and fires a shot from under the table.


    *BANG¡ª


    "Argh!"


    Bulky man1 shriek in pain as the bullet prates his leg. He drops to his knees and was able to see Yue Ling from the other side of the table.


    However, she wasn¡¯t afraid but held a smirk that made all the hair on his body stand.


    Quickly brushing the pain away, he aims his gun at her and shoots her for what she did.


    Only, she was uninjured and faster. Before he could pull the trigger, she had already pulled hers.


    *BANG¡ª


    A bullet shoots his way and he dodges it. Only, he was not fast enough that it enters his left eye and he falls back.


    Before his body could even touch the floor, he had already entered death¡¯s doors to meet his already dead brothers for their sins.


    As the room returned to its silence, Yue Ling ejects the magazine to the gun and checks how many bullets is left.


    Standing up, she walks over to bulky man2 and pats his dead body down. Able to find another magazine with a full load of ammo, she ce it in her back pocket.


    "What the hell happened? Who fired the shot?"


    The sounds of doors abruptly opening and voices of the enemy echoes into the room as they all heard the gunshot.


    Knowing that they are making their way to check where the sound came from, Yue Ling leaps to the body of bulky man1. Grabbing his gun too, she makes her way back to her hiding spot near the door.

 Chapter 510 A woman escaped!

    Hearing the sudden sound of gunshots, Lu Tian¡¯s face drained of all colors. Who fired the shot? Did something happen to his wife?


    Lifting his hand, he press the earpiece to connect himself to Liu Shan.


    "Are you able to trace the sound?"


    ["Yea, it came from the room Yue Ling is in."]


    Getting an answer, Lu Tian could hear the sound of multiple footsteps approaching the back door.


    Seems like those guarding outside had heard the gunshot and were now making their way inside.


    Just as he thought this, ten men from outside rushes inside. Each person carried their own weapon and ready to shoot at any time.


    ["Hold on."]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voices sounds in to warn Lu Tian not to move as he could see two more groups advancing from either side of the building.


    As their figures enter abandon factory, he checks to see if there were anymore. After confirming it was clear, he finally gives signal for the aloof man.


    ["Clear."]


    The assistant spoke as thest man of a group runs pass the small closet space. Lu Tian steps out from his hiding spot and follows closely behind the group.


    Due to the suddenmotion of the gunshots, his figure blended in with the enemies without them noticing him.


    Inside the room Yue Ling was in, a man suddenly enters only to see three of his brother dead on the ground. His eyes shook in horror before anger rose inside him.


    He doesn¡¯t check for their pulse as he knows they were already dead just by looking at their wounds.


    Turning around to let the others know, he was suddenly met with the slim fist of a woman.


    "Ugh."


    The punch was enough to make his head fling back but not enough to knock him down. Just as he repositioned his head to see who punched him, he was met with the ck hole of a muzzle.


    *BANG¡ª


    A bullet prates between his eyes and it was enough to force his body to fall onto the ground.


    As the man entered death, he never saw who had shot him.


    Yue Ling stares at the man and sees that his gun had a silencer attached to it. Tossing away the gun she was using, she grabs the one with a silencer and returns to her hiding spot.


    Outside of the room, everyone could hear the loud bang of another gunshot. Quickly scattering into smaller groups, everyone makes their way to find the person.


    A man rushes to the room Yue Ling is in as he had heard the gunshote from inside. However, just as he appeared in the doorway, he saw the four dead bodies inside and Yue Ling was not in sight.


    "A woman escaped!!"


    He roared loudly through the hallway as his voice echoes for the others to hear. He doesn¡¯t enter the room but leaves to search for the woman who had escaped.


    If he had taken another step through the door, he would have been another victim of the escaped woman.


    Outside of the room, Lu Tian followed the group of his enemy inside the ce. There were a total of five people with him being the sixth.


    As they heard the sudden warning that a woman has escaped, he sighed inside in relief. The woman mentioned must be his wife.


    ["She¡¯s still in the room."]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voicees through again to let Lu Tian know. The assistant had been keeping watch through the cameras and saw that Yue Ling has not left the room she was taken into.


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words, Lu Tian does not answer as his voice would alert the enemies he was following behind.


    Just as Liu Shan¡¯sst word fell, the group suddenly stops as the one leading turn to face the others. They cannot let this woman escape or she will inform the authority and they will be doom.


    Right now, it was best to have them split up in search.


    The moment he turned to let the others know, his body froze in ce and his eyes stares to the person standing in the back of the group.


    He was taller by a head and a half. How did no one notice him?


    Dread crawled inside him like tiny spiders eating away all his internal organs. His lower lip began to tremble uncontrobly with his slightly widen eyes.


    "L...L..."


    He tries to say the person¡¯s name, but it was like something was suddenly stuck in his throat and he was unable to say what he wanted. All he could do was stutter and hope that his voice would return.


    Seeing the man suddenly turn into an idiot, the other four men were at a loss for words. This man is the leader of their group due to his capabilities, but why does he look like he¡¯s seen a ghost?


    One of the men standing in the back, frown at the man. His head slightly tilt to the side and he turns to follow the man¡¯s gaze to see what it was.


    And quickly like the man, this man was wash with a seeping wave of unexinable fear.


    "It¡¯s... It¡¯s Lu Tian."


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, everyone in the group became alert but at the same time in doubt. How can Lu Tian enter the ce without them noticing?


    Turning to see if the person mentioned was really there, everyone is met with the cold gaze of the almighty business king.


    Lu Tian stared back at each man with that seductive smirk that can kill a person.


    Seeing each person finallying out of their daze and positioning their guns, he makes his move.


    He shoots the man to his right in the leg, then swiftly sends a bullet to the head of the man standing to his left.


    Walking forward like he was strolling in his house, he sends three more bullets to the other three men.


    As thest man fell to the ground, he turns to the first person he had shot.


    "P-Please don¡¯t kill me..."


    The man watched his brothers get taken down as he tries to crawl away. However, when he saw the man leading the group easily taken down, he knew he was next.


    Staring Lu Tian in the eyes, he tries to plead his way for the man to let him live.


    "Please, I have money... I¡¯ll give you all¡ª"


    *Pu!


    Before the man could finish his words, he was greeted by Lu Tian¡¯s silent bullet that finished the sentence for him.


    "Which room?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds a question like he was talking to the five men he killed. However, they were not the person he was asking.


    ["Six. Left."]


    As the entire ce turn chaotic in search for Yue Ling, she stood nonchntly inside the room. Listening to the footsteps outside, she waited until it was quiet.


    Since they think she had run off, they will probably search inside ce then outside.


    Thest set of footsteps runs pass the room she is in before the silent she was waiting for finally arrives.


    Holding the gun tightly in her hand, she takes a quiet step towards the door. Right now, she can only trust her instincts as she could not see anything beyond the door.


    Just as she took a step, she could hear a faint set of footsteps approach the room. It was very quiet and unnoticeable, but she was able to vaguely make it out.


    Quietly taking a step back, she repositions herself and prepares to shoot whoever it is.


    The footsteps close in before a tall dark figure of man swiftly enters the room.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t look at the person¡¯s face and quickly reacts like how she did with the other people that entered the room.


    She strikes a sneaking kick to the person¡¯s waist as she sends a silent bullet to his head.


    However, the person responded fast and grabs hold of her leg.


    His head tilt to the side as he dodge the unexpected bullet that could have ended his life.


    In that exact moment, it was like time had stopped. Yue Ling froze in ce and she stares with widen eye at the person.


    Her mouth was slightly agape, and her mind turned into a hectic mess.


    After what felt like an entire day had pass, she was finally able to think clearly.


    "Tian?"

 Chapter 511 find the woman

    *Thump thump¡ª thump thump¡ª


    Frozen in ce, Yue Ling swore her heart had stopped beating when she saw Lu Tian¡¯s face. As she began to feel and hear her heart start to beat again, she finally blinks her eyes.


    Worried sh in her eyes and she scolds him.


    "Why didn¡¯t you say anything? I could have killed you."


    Lu Tian stood unmoving as he stares down at his wife. The look on his face was not his usual cold and indifferent expression, but one full of astonishment.


    His eyes were slightly widened as he could not believe he almost died in the hands of his wife.


    In the hands of the woman he loves.


    If it wasn¡¯t because he had quick reflexes, he swore that bullet would have entered his head the moment he stepped inside the room.


    And her kick.


    He stares at her for a brief second before slowly lowering his head to look at her slim left leg. He was still holding it captive with his right arm.


    An unknowingly shiver crawls down the back of his spine as her leg looked so slim like it was the size of his arm.


    He swore one tap and her leg would break. However, the second he blocked her kick, he could tell how strong it was.


    It was enough to hurt him, maybe even cripple him.


    Thinking about this, he couldn¡¯t help but caress the side of her leg with his thumb.


    His head doesn¡¯t look up at her, but his dark eyes does.


    "I don¡¯t mind dying in your arms."


    "..."


    His sudden words made Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks burn in a shade of crimson red. Her eyes slightly widen, and she press her lips tightly together.


    She didn¡¯t know what to feel as she felt embarrass for almost killing him, or embarrassed about his words.


    Without any care of whether he¡¯ll be hurt or not, she hits his arm with her free hand.


    "Don¡¯t say that! I could have really killed you!"


    She raised her voice, but not loud enough to alert the enemy.


    How can he say something like that? She could have really killed him.


    Lu Tian continues to stare at her as her angry expression made his heart flutter. The corners of his lip slowly arc up into a very seductive smirk.


    When he said didn¡¯t mind dying in her arms, he meant in bed.


    However, seeing how angry and fluster she is at this moment, he decides not to tease her. If he does, she might really kill him.


    Just as he thought this, Liu Shan¡¯s voice connects to his earpiece and the assistants voicees in with a cough.


    ["Ahem. I know you are happy to see her, but a group is nearing your way."]


    The assistant couldn¡¯t see what is going on inside the room, but he was still able to hear. As much as he doesn¡¯t want to, he can already guess what is going on between them.


    Not only him, everyone else on standby can hear their conversation too.


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words, Lu Tian already knew that everyone heard what he said, but he doesn¡¯t care.


    Thinking back to Liu Shan¡¯s words, he doesn¡¯t let go of his wife¡¯s leg, but picks her up with his left arm. Taking two big strides, he swiftly, but gently press her against the wall.


    The wall that was her hiding spot from the enemy eyes.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes shook as she was struck dumbfounded. She did not expect Lu Tian to suddenly pick her up and tower over her like this.


    Her mind couldn¡¯t help but turn into a chaotic mess. Is he nning to do something shameless to her?


    No, they can¡¯t. Not right now. Not with their current situation.


    "Tian¡ª"


    Just as she was able to say his name, her agape mouth was quickly captured by the man. Every word she wanted to say was swallowed back by his kiss.


    Her cheeks flush more than they already are, and her eyes widen.


    She wanted to push him away, but it was like her body had a mind of its own. She held his neck with one hand and returned the kiss as her eyes flutter close.


    "Did you guys find the woman?"


    The moment her eyes close, the voices of the enemy can be heard from outside the room.


    She abruptly opens her eyes and tries to push Lu Tian away. She wanted to tell him to stop as their enemy was just feet away from them.


    However, the man was like a firm pir and was unaffected by her. Even he did not oblige to listen to what she has to say. Instead, he deepens the kiss like it was going to be theirst.


    "Everyone move outside and search for her. She must not have gotten far."


    As the footsteps scattered away, Lu Tian finally pulls away from her. He was reluctant, but he had to control himself as this was not the ce for this.


    He gently set her down and smiles satisfying at her like all his energy had been recharged.


    Seeing that her lips were slightly redder and cheeks more fluster, he lowers his head again. Giving her a quick peck on her lips one more time, he changes back to his aloof demeanor.


    "Ready?"


    Yue Ling stares up at the man inpletely utter disbelief. She could not believe he did what he did to silence her.


    All he had to do was just tell her that the enemy was nearby.


    Holding herself back from strangling the man in front of her, she takes a deep breath and nods her head to let him know she is ready.


    Seeing her answer, Lu Tian held back the urge to smile. He raise his hand and his index finger press a button on the earpiece to connect him to the others.


    "Move in."


    [Jiangyu: "Roger Captain."]


    [Lin Hui: "Let¡¯s get the show on the road."]


    [Gui Tian Lan: "These bastards are going to wish they never lived."]


    [Qi Li: "Time to collect their fate."]


    [Li Wei: "Um... White Tiger going into action?"]


    As his words fell, one after another, multiple voices sound through the earpiece from different directions.


    Alpha Team, Wolf Team and Li Wei did not hesitate to do as ordered. They had been waiting for this signal as they could not wait to end the lives of their bastard enemies.


    As everyone outsidemence forward, Lu Tian looks at his wife and like the two could naturally understand one another, both individuals give a silent nod.

 Chapter 512 Indeed she is

    ["Hallway clear."]


    Liu Shan spoke through Lu Tian¡¯s earpiece to let them know that enemy has left the building.


    Getting the clear from the assistant, Lu Tian steps towards the door. His steps were quiet and his eyes in alert.


    They may have been given a clear call, but there were many rooms inside the factory. Not only that, Liu Shan can only keep eyes of the outside as he (Liu Shan) could not see inside the rooms.


    With this disadvantage the enemy can still appear at any moment.


    "Wait."


    Before Lu Tian could take a step out of the room, Yue Ling stops him as she takes two steps to stand next to him.


    "I¡¯ve memorized the ce. I¡¯ll go first."


    Lu Tian¡¯s slightly pout his lip as he didn¡¯t want his wife to go first. What if the enemy shows up and she is put in danger?


    However,pare to him entering the ce blind eye, he has to admit, she was right.


    Left with no choice, he heaves a sigh and nod his head with a faint ¡¯mm¡¯.


    Of course, before she could leave the room, he looks out the door to make sure the coast is clear before giving her a nod in signal to move.


    Yue Ling quickly strides out of the room. Both her arms slightly raised and gun pointing ahead.


    Following after her, Lu Tian kept a good distance to her. His eyes like an eagle were on full alert as he was her eyes from behind.


    The couple quicken their pace as they advance through the hallway towards the section the women were being held.


    Although the factory was big, it was still dim due to the poor electricity. However, the second Yue Ling walked inside the ce, she made sure to carefully memorize the ce.


    Just as they made a left turn into another hallway, the sound of a door opens, and an obese man steps out into view.


    He waspletely oblivious to them as his head was down and he was currently buttoning up his shirt.


    Even when the others were out searching for the escaped woman, he didn¡¯t join them. Instead, he snuck away so that he could use this chance to enjoy the women that were taken to separate rooms.


    Besides, with his weight, he would only slow them down.


    Thinking about the woman in the room he had just exit from, a satisfy smile curls on his lip. She put up a fight, but that only aroused the pleasure for him.


    Deciding to go for his next victim, he was finally able to hear the sound of footsteps. His brows slightly furrow, and he looks up.


    *Pu!


    The quick sh of light from a bullet shoots directly in his way and his eyes widen in horror.


    "What the fuck!"


    He yells a curse and jumps to the side to dodge the bullet.


    To which he slightly did as the bullet scraped his right shoulder and his body hits the wall before bouncing back.


    He turns his head to look at the person who dare to fire a shot at him.


    "Who¡ª"


    The moment he could sound one word, in what looked to be the same speed as the bullet, he sees a slender dark figure sprints in his direction.


    Yue Ling was already sprinting towards the man when she fired the shot to distract him. As she was less than 10 feet away from the man, she could see his hand move to grab his gun.


    Her eyes sh murderously, and she sprints to the side as her figure leaps up and her right foot kicks the wall to push herself in a jump towards the man.


    Rotating her legs in a side flip over the man, she grabs the back of his shirt cor as her feetnds on the ground.


    Despite him being three times the size of her, she pulls him down into a m on the floor.


    *Pu!


    The bullet from her gun pierce through his forehead and into his skull leaving a bloody hole.


    She stares down nkly at him before looking up to Lu Tian.


    As their eyes met, she force a sarcastic smile and shrug her shoulders nonchntly. It was as if she had not just killed the man and was an innocent bystander.


    Averting her gaze from her future husband, she walks over to the door the man hade out from.


    Watching her figure disappear inside the room, Lu Tian was standing not too far from what just happened.


    His arms were up, and he held his gun like he was ready to shoot the man down. However, his wife made a move first.


    Until the end, he could only blink his eyes as he has never seen his wife in action. Being able to witness her every move in person was indeed a sight to see.


    He is definitely proud to have fallen in love with such a strong woman like her.


    ["She¡¯s a strong woman, isn¡¯t she?"]


    "..."


    Like the assistant was able to read his thoughts, Liu Shan spoke in a faint chuckle as he saw everything happened from where he is.


    Lu Tian does not answer right away but stare at the door to the room. He has to admit, she indeed a strong woman and her way of taking down her opponents is clean.


    Even the thought of her being able to take him down cannot be dismissed.


    Walking towards the door, he calmly answers Liu Shan¡¯s question.


    "Indeed she is."


    The door to the room Yue Ling entered suddenly opens again, but like it was kicked open. Her slender figure steps out as the look on her expression was darker than the night.


    She looked so different like she was a whole different person.


    However, even when he is not close to her, Lu Tian was able to guess what she saw inside the room.


    *Pu!


    A silent gunshot resonated from Yue Ling¡¯s gun as the bullet hits the dead man in the crotch.


    If she could rewind time, she would have shot his lowlife crotch then let him bleed to death.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Without looking at Lu Tian, her voice sounds as she continues forward in the direction where the women were held captive.


    She swore, once she gathers all the women and get them to safety, she will go after Chu Li Xiang.


    The despicable man will pay for all the innocent lives he took from the world.


    From behind, Lu Tian had yet to move his spot.


    Seeing her suddenly shoot the dead man in the crotch, not only him, but even Liu Shan could not help but cover their manhood and swallow a gulp.


    Never in a man¡¯s life would he ever want to lose his proof as a man.


    Clearing his throat, Lu Tian maintains hisposure and quickly strides after his wife.


    From now on he will definitely listen to her every word as he does not want to lose his family¡¯s treasure.

 Chapter 513 teach them a lession

    On the east side of the abandoned factory, Jiangyu hid behind a tall tree as an enemy can be seen approaching in his direction.


    His back leans against the tree and he listens attentively for the enemy¡¯s footsteps.


    The enemy was a man with a beard.


    Everyone had scattered to search for the woman who had escaped. For some unknown reason, they all assumed she is probably hurt and is currently hiding within the forest.


    After all, they are far from the city and no one elsees to this ce other than them.


    Also, there was no way such a weak woman would be able to kill three of their skilled shooters.


    From their spection, a fight must have broken out between the three men while deciding who gets the woman first. Which led to a shootout and the woman being able to find a way out without them knowing.


    "Tsk. Where did that whore escape to?"


    The man clicks his tongue and murmur in irritation. They have been searching for a while now and still haven¡¯t found her anywhere.


    He swore, once he finds her, he¡¯s going to make her suffer for wasting their time like this.


    *Click


    Just as he took another step forward, he hears a faint sound and his body froze.


    Did he step on a mine?


    Wait, who set up the mine?


    *Swoosh¡ª


    Quickly as everything happened, something shoots out from the ground and secures around his ankle.


    His body is quickly carried up as the back of his head hits the ground and he hangs upside down.


    "!!"


    Before he could even sound a scream, a tall bulky figure emerge from behind the trees and the sharp de of a knife slice across his neck.


    The man¡¯s eyes widen in terrifying horror as he stares at the unknown person until he enters death¡¯s door.


    As the blood flow out of the man¡¯s neck, Jiangyu tilt his head to the side. He looked like a hunter who had set up a trap for his prey.


    "Too easy."


    He turns away from the hanging man and makes his way in another direction.


    Arriving not too far from where he was, he hears the sound of twigs breaking. His eyes sh in rm and he jumps behind another tree as his figure disappears from view.


    In the distance where the sound came from, three men were making their way as they had heard the sound of leaves rustling. Each person carrying their own AK-47s and eyes looking in all directions.


    "Wuu... wuu..."


    Suddenly, the quiet sound of a woman sobbing can be heard and attracts their attention.


    The man leading in the front (we¡¯ll call him Man1) stops in his steps and signals for Man2 and Man3 to halt. His eyes nce in the direction the sobbing voice wasing from.


    Eyes locked on a bush in the middle of two trees, he points to it and indicate that is where the sound ising from.


    Man2 and Man3 sneers as they have found the escaped woman. However, if they want to have a little fun with her, they cannot frighten her. Slowly positioning their guns behind their back, they creep forward.


    As they near the bush, Man1 gestures for Man2 to go around the tree on the right and Man3 to the one on the left.


    That way, even if the woman wanted to run, she can¡¯t because they will have her trapped.


    Man1 slowly takes four quiet steps towards the bush. Across his face was a malicious sneer that gave a disturbing sight to see.


    His figure towers over the bush with his arms spread out in ready to catch his prey.


    "Little girle out. We know where you are hiding. I promise, we won¡¯t hurt you. We are nice people."


    "You promise?"


    A child like voice replies from behind the bush causing the three men to grin even more. From the sound of this woman¡¯s voice, she must be very young.


    "I promise."


    Man1 answers with a snicker and continues forward as Man2 and Man3 make their way around the trees.


    Hiding behind the bush, the little girl they thought was none other than Ju Suo.


    The petite woman was crouched down in a squatting position. Both her elbows resting on her knees as her palms held her chin.


    Her expression was calm, and she rolled her eyes when she heard Man1¡¯s words. However, despite her calmness, she made faint sobbing sounds to lure her victims in.


    Hearing their steps closer, she abruptly stood up andes face to face with Man1.


    "Hello."


    The same time her voice sounded, she had already reach behind her and points the ck object in her hand at the person.


    *Pu!


    Her height was a lot shorter than the man, but the bullet she sent prated under his jaw and out the back of his head.


    *Thud


    Just as Man1¡¯s body touched the ground, the other two men appeared around the tree and were able to witness what happened.


    "Bitch!"


    Man2 quickly reacts and grabs his gun. Without any confrontation, he pulls the trigger and the sound of gunshots fire.


    *Bang! Bang! Bang!


    He aimed his gun at Ju Suo, but the little woman was faster. She leaps forward and dodge the bullets causing each bullet to be aimed at Man3, who was on the opposite side of Man2.


    "Y-You..."


    Man3 did not expect Man2 to shoot him. Blood gush out from his mouth and he falls to the ground to his death.


    "Brother!"


    Anger rush inside Man2 as he could not believe he just killed his brother. He turns his head in the direction of Ju Suo with murderous eyes.


    *Pu!


    The moment his eyesnded on her petite figure, he was already met with her silent bullet.


    The sound of multiple gunshots made by Man2 echoed throughout the forest. It quickly attracted the attention of those in the distance.


    "Hurry! Follow the sound!"


    "Find the bloody whore!"


    Voices and footsteps echoed in every direction as they make their way towards the gunshots.


    ["Really Ju Suo?"]


    Liu Shan spoke through the earpiece as he was able to hear the gunshots from where he is.


    He couldn¡¯t see them from the cameras of the factory, but he had a radar map that allowed him to differentiate each person¡¯s location.


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words, Ju Suo pout her lips like she was innocent. She looks down at the three people and clicks her tongue.


    "Hey, it wasn¡¯t my fault. That man shot the other man."


    She exins her innocence as she pointed to Man2 then to Man3. Her gesture was as if Liu Shan was standing next to her and could see.


    "Little Monkey."


    From behind, Jiangyu suddenly spoke out to her. He had seen her take down the three men and he couldn¡¯t help but thank Xu Long and Lin Hui for allowing him to meet such a wonderful woman.


    Being called ¡¯Little Monkey¡¯, Ju Suo did not get angry. Her eyes lit up and she turns to look at the person who had given her the nickname.


    "Big Gori!"


    Hearing her call him ¡¯Big Gori¡¯, Jiangyu almost lost his bnce and choked on his own saliva.


    He had given her the nickname because she often acted like one. However, never did he expect her to give him an out of the world nickname too.


    Heaving a sigh, he doesn¡¯t think he will ever get use to this pet name given by her.


    Coming to a stop in front of her, he sees her tiny face full of smiles and he could only sigh again.


    Patting her on the head, he chuckles a smile.


    "Let¡¯s go. More will being."


    Ju Suo nods her head and smiles with her teeth.


    "Mm. Let¡¯s go teach them a lesson!"

 Chapter 514 double kill

    As the little monkey and the big gori continue their way towards the enemy, on the west side of the factory, another shoot out was taking ce.


    Positioned high on a tree, Tang Zhonghui wore a ghillie suit as his figure blended in with the leaves.


    He held a sniper in his hands with eyes staring into the attached scope.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu!


    The moment three men steps into his view of the scope, he sends three bullets and ends their life.


    As he wait for his next target, just a few feet away from his position, two figures moved at the speed of lightning on the ground with a group of seven men surrounding them.


    Gui Tian Lan did not carry a gun with him as he dodges the bullets sent his way.


    He leaps forward and motions two front flips. As his body positioned upside down beforending on his feet, his arms spread out with his middle fingers and thumbs touching.


    *Swoosh¡ª


    Each hand sends a silver needle in the direction of his enemy and pierce into their hand as it stops them from being able to pull the trigger.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu!


    Swiftly following his older brother¡¯s targets, Gui Zhongmin fires multiple bullets to each person¡¯s head, if not their heart.


    One by one, the seven men falls to the ground and Gui Tian Lan rushed towards the abandon factory to reinforce his boss.


    Watching the man¡¯s figure leave the scene, Gui Zhongmin turns to the trees behind. He raise his hand to gesture a signal before turning away and runs in the direction Gui Tian Lan went.


    *Swoosh¡ª Swoosh¡ª Swoosh¡ª


    Multiple ck ropes drop from the trees around. All in one time, Tang Zhonghui descends onto the ground with Team B, the sniper members of Wolf Team.


    Each personnds on the ground and quickly follows in pursuit of the twin brothers.


    On the south side of the factory, Lin Hui and Qi Li had separated from their group and advanced closer to the building.


    As they did not want the enemy to escape, Li Wei and Wolf Team¡¯s Team C stayed behind to guard the only entrance and exit.


    The two men ran at the same speed but kept a good distance of 6 feet away from one another.


    ["North. 45 meters. Five."]


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words through their earpiece, Lin Hui and Qi Li nce at each other. Nodding their head in a nonverbalmunication, both men leap forward.


    Lin Hui stood with his back leaning against a tree. Opposite him to the right, Qi Li crouch down by a tree with his gun in front of him but pointing down.


    ["30 meters... 20 meters..."]


    As Liu Shan continue to let them know the distance between them and the enemy, Lin Hui and Qi Li remained in their position.


    ["10 meters."]


    The moment the assistant¡¯s words fell, the two men rush out from hiding as their figures dash towards their enemy like they were making a suicidal attempt.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu!


    Silent bullets resonated from their guns as they quickly take down four men. However, the fifth man in the back was able to jump behind a tree and hide from them.


    The man held his gun tightly and he could not understand what just happened.


    How did his brothers all of a sudden get taken down like a set of ping pongs?


    As he thought this, he could hear the rustling sound of footsteps running closer to him, then silence.


    The footsteps were no longer there. It was as if he had never heard them at all.


    Struggling a hard gulp, he tries to calm himself down. He was very scared, but tightly gripping onto his gun, he takes a deep breath.


    Whoever it was, was able to take out his brothers because they were snuck up on. However, since he knows that the person is here, he can definitely take this person out.


    Slowly poking his head from the left side of the tree, he tries to check where the person is.


    Only, his eyes widens in horror when he sees a slender figure running straight in his direction then the reflected light of ss.


    The figure was running but why was there no sound?


    Quickly moving his head back, he hides behind the tree again.


    *Pu!


    A silent bullet hits the spot on the tree where the man¡¯s head had poked out from. If he had not move back in time, his head would have suffered the damage.


    "Shit."


    He curse under his breath at the situation he is in. Darting his head left and right, he tries to find a way out.


    Quickly thinking of something, he makes the decision to run back and find help from his other brothers.


    Just as he took two steps away from the tree, a dark figure jumps out from the right side of the tree.


    Like the sh of lightning on a rainy night, a leges into his view and his eyes widens.


    Raising his gun, he uses it to block the attack. However, even with his gun as a barrier, the leg strikes a strong kick and the gun hits him in the face.


    "Ugh."


    The man stumbles back against the tree and groans at the intense pain. He res at the person that suddenly appeared.


    Gripping his gun, he points it at the person and shoots him.


    *Swoosh¡ª


    Before the man could even raise his gun, the figure tornado kicks him in the head and he drops to the ground.


    *Pu! Pu!


    Two silent shots sound as one from the figure that kicked the man down and the other from another direction.


    Qi Li arrives to where the tree is and sees Lin Hui already standing over the now dead man.


    He arch a brow and praise inside at Lin Hui¡¯s quick speed. Of course, he will never tell the man because his (Lin Hui) nose will only keep growing.


    Looking down at the body, he could see the bullet he sent prated through the man¡¯s temple while Lin Hui¡¯s bullet pierced the man¡¯s heart.


    "Double kill."


    Lin Hui suddenly spoke as he does a snake arm dance and points down at the deceased man.


    However, unlike him, Qi Li stares with a dumbfounded expression.


    Blinking his eyes, he stares at Lin Hui like the man was an idiot.


    "Dude, you do know that double kill is when you kill two people at once, right?"


    Turning to look at the sses man, Lin Hui sighs with an expression full of irritation.


    How can Qi Li be so smart at times and so slow the other times?


    cing his left hand on his hip, his right hand points with attitude to himself, then to Qi Li.


    "Me and you equals double," pointing down the dead man, he grins, "kill."


    "..."


    Qi Li did not know how to react at this moment. The only thing he knows is that his eyes felt heavier than ever.


    He swore it felt like someone had tied his eyshes with two bowling balls making it difficult for him to keep his eyes open.


    However, shaking his head, he looks away from the man and starts to sprint in the direction of the abandon factory.


    Next time, he will ask his boss to never pair him up with Lin Hui.


    ["Really Lin Hui?"]


    Liu Shan scoffs his words in disbelief as he had heard what the man said. If he was in Qi Li¡¯s shoes, he too would not want to be paired with such a person like Lin Hui.


    Unlike the two men, Lin Hui didn¡¯t care about what they thought. He nce down at the lifeless body and shrug his shoulders nonchntly.


    "Hey, it¡¯s a double kill for me."


    Turning around, he quickly runs after Qi Li to catch up with the man.

 Chapter 515 connected by soul

    Yue Ling and Lu Tian made their way through the abandoned factory without any disturbance since the enemy had left the building.


    As the couple passed each hallway, Yue Ling made sure to check specific rooms.


    When the long hair man and the two bulky men dragged her to the other room, she had passed the different rooms other women were taken into.


    If a woman is still alive, Yue Ling would help her hide and tell her to stay put until the situation is taken care of.


    However, if she encounters a woman that was no longer in the world, the urge inside to seek revenge intensifies more and more.


    While she entered the rooms, Lu Tian stood on guard outside in case anyone came.


    *Bang¡ª


    Making their way to the room Yue Ling had first been taken to, a shot suddenly fires from ahead as the man wearing a navy suit sees them.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes sh dangerously in the direction of the bullet. However, she doesn¡¯t stop running but continues forward.


    In a swift motion, she bends down to her knees and glides ahead with her upper body leaning back, but not enough to touch the ground.


    As she dodges the bullet, Lu Tian also reacted and leaps to the left. He dodges the bullet and once it passes him, he imitates her move when she took down the obese man.


    His left foot press against the wall giving him enough force to jump forward and leap over his wife¡¯s gliding figure.


    As the two face each other in parallel for a brief second, their eyes met with a smile.


    Their body were different in size, but they were able to match each others move like they were connected by soul.


    "Someone is in here!"


    In that same moment, another enemy shouts as he rushed in from the direction they hade from.


    Lu Tian does a front flip in the air andnds on his feet.


    *Pu!


    He aims his gun and sends a bullet to the man wearing a navy suit.


    Where the voice came from, before the man could grasps the situation further, Yue Ling repositions her legs to allow her body to glide on her side.


    She slightly turns back to meet the man in the eyes, and she aims her gun.


    *Pu!


    A bullet picks off and quickly ends the man¡¯s life as he first appeared.


    As the man falls back onto the ground, with a tap of her feet, Yue Ling swiftly push herself off the ground and stood up again.


    "Argh¡ª! Argh¡ª!"


    The navy suit man rolls on the ground and groan in pain. Lu Tian did not kill him. Instead, the bullet pierced through his right knee and his entire body was wash with intense pain.


    "Where is he?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice calmly spoke in low growl as he approach the groaning man. His eyes help no ounce of emotion. If he wanted to, he could have easily ended the man¡¯s life.


    Navy suit man was covered in his own sweat and blood. He clench his teeth so tight together that his gums began to bleed. Even his breathing had be heavy with bloodshot eyes.


    "Kill me bastard!"


    Stopping in front of the man, Lu Tian slightly tilt his head and stares down. A faint scoff escapes his lips and he ce his foot on the man¡¯s fresh wound.


    The way Lu Tian positioned his foot didn¡¯t look like he had used a lot of pressure, but only the man in pain knew how much pressure is used.


    He (the man) swore the amount of pressure against his wound is enough to end his life.


    "Arrrrhhh¡ª!!"


    "I don¡¯t like having to repeat myself."


    Lu Tian spoke as the man shriek in pain and moves his feet away. Squatting down to be at a closer level to the man, he press the tip of his gun on the wound.


    "Talk."


    "Arrhhhh¡ª!!!"


    Feeling another wave of dreadful pain crawl inside his entire body, the navy suit man could feel his body slowly turn numb from the pain.


    He sucks in a mouthful of hair and gasps in panic.


    "I¡¯ll talk... I¡¯ll talk!"


    As Lu Tian interrogates the man, Yue Ling turns to a tightly shut door.


    Unlike the other doors they had pass, all the doors on this part of the factory were installed with locks attached on the outer part.


    Starring at the door for a quick second, she takes one step towards it, but kept a good distance between her and the door.


    Aiming the gun at the lock, she pulls the trigger.


    *Pu! nk!


    All it took was one bullet to break the lock apart and falls onto the ground.


    Just as her hand grabbed hold of the doorknob, she could hear faint whimperinging from inside the room.


    Turning the knob, she pushes the door open and enters the dimly lit room. Her eyes didn¡¯t forget to scan the ce in search for the two women.


    "Wuu... Wuu..."


    Hearing the sobbing voice, Yue Ling turn to look in the direction and was able to see the outline of two figures under the small window.


    However, one was sitting up while the other isying in the person¡¯s arms.


    "Shi Yan! Qin Xue!"


    From the voice, she could make out that it wasing from the eighteen year old.


    "Shi Yan! What happened?"


    Shi Yan had heard the gunshots from outside the room, but the moment the door pushed opened and the sound of footsteps enter the room, her shoulders jumped in fear.


    She doesn¡¯t look up, but vigorously shakes her head and wails louder.


    "No, no, no, no, no. Please don¡¯t kill me... Please don¡¯t kill us..."


    Hearing the young woman¡¯s words, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes tremble and continues to stride forward. Crouching down to her knees, she ce her palms on Shi Yan¡¯s shoulders.


    "Shi Yan, it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s me, Yue Ling."


    The young woman was still sobbing, but when she heard the soft voice of a woman and not that of a man, she felt her heart stopped beating in that moment.


    She slowly lifts her head to see if it really was Yue Ling like the person said.


    The little bit of light emitting through the window above shone upon the person in front of her.


    Like she was staring at an angel sent down to save them, Shi Yan¡¯s lower lip trembles uncontrobly and she cries even more.


    "Yue Ling... wuuu.... Yue Ling..."


    Seeing the young woman pour her eyes out, Yue Ling felt a stab prates her heart. She moves one hand to pat the girl on the head.


    "Everything is¡ª"


    Before Yue Ling could finish her words, her eyes subconsciously nce down to Qin Xue¡¯s figure and her body froze for quick second.

 Chapter 516 injected something

    The wavy red hair woman wasying in Shi Yan¡¯s arms. Her body was slightly trembling and faint choking sounds came from her mouth. However, as quickly as it came, her movements abruptly stops.


    A dreadful feeling wash inside Yue Ling and she looks at Shi Yan.


    "What happened? How did she end up like this?"


    As she asks the girl, she quickly, but carefully pulls Qin Xue away from Shi Yan¡¯s arms. Gently setting Qin Xue on the ground, she checks for a pulse.


    "A man... A man wearing a suit came in. I don¡¯t know what it was, but he injected something in her arm."


    Shi Yan frantically tries to exin as best as she could about what happened.


    Minutes before Yue Ling had entered the room, the man wearing a navy suit walked into the room.


    He said he had long set his eyes on Qin Xue and wanted to drag her out with him. However, she put up a fight and protested against him.


    Which only angered the man.


    He then reached inside his pocket and took out what looked like a needle. Pressing Qin Xue onto the ground, he injected her arm to subdue her from fighting him.


    However, the sound of gunfire outside the room and the window suddenly stops him.


    She heard him mumble something but was not able to make out his words.


    And quickly as he came in, he ran out of the room and locked the door.


    After the man left, Qin Xue was fine and they hid under the window so they won¡¯t be seen, but all of a sudden, Qin Xue said she couldn¡¯t breathe then suddenly start shaking.


    "I don¡¯t know what the man did. She was fine a second ago, then... then..."


    In a panic state of mind, Shi Yan was unable to finish her sentence and began to cry even more.


    Yue Ling listened to her every word as she continues to try and find out what is wrong with Qin Xue¡¯s condition.


    However, in a quick second, her lips slightly press tightly together.


    If her guess is right, the man must have injected some kind of drug inside Qin Xue.


    Just as she thought this, from the light entering through the door, she could vaguely see that the red hair woman¡¯splexion was turning light blue.


    Even her fingers and lips were darker in color.


    Failing to open Qin Xue¡¯s airways, Yue Ling takes a deep breath as she could only do another thing.


    "Tian!"


    She had no choice but to call for him as Shi Yan was not in the condition to do what she is going to ask.


    Hearing his wife suddenly call his name, Lu Tian knew something must have happened.


    He res down at the injured man and turns away. However, he didn¡¯t forget to give a warning.


    "Make a move and you¡¯re dead."


    As he quickly enters the room, Yue Ling did not waste any time and gives him instructions.


    "In the room two doors down to the left, there¡¯s medical equipment. Grab a clean tube, tape and a bottle of alcohol."


    When she was checking the rooms, she by chance came upon it. One look inside and she could guess that must be where the enemy¡¯s infirmary.


    Although it wasn¡¯t packed with medical things, it had enough to save a person¡¯s life.


    Lu Tian had only appeared in front of the door when he heard her instructions. He doesn¡¯t enter through the door, but heads for the room his wife had mentioned.


    In a sh of lightning, Lu Tian returns with the things she had asked for. He hands them to her and takes a step back to not get in her way.


    Pressing his earpiece, he connects to Liu Shan.


    "How far is the medical team?"


    ["Ten minutes."]


    From the other line, Liu Shan answers as he had called for a paramedic team after calling Grandfather Ji.


    Hearing her assistant¡¯s faint voice, Yue Ling¡¯s brows slightly furrow.


    Ten minutes isn¡¯t long, but in a life threatening situation, anything can happen within that ten minutes.


    Coming to a decision, she twist open the bottle of alcohol.


    In a fast pace, she pours some liquid over her hands to sanitize, then she pours a little over Qin Xue¡¯s neck.


    Taking her knife out, she quickly sanitize away any blood.


    Holding the bottle of alcohol in one hand, she cuts the tube into a smaller length and inserts one end inside the bottle until it meets the remaining liquid inside.


    Securing the tube and ring of the bottle in ce with the tape, she held it between her thighs.


    Leaning forward, her clean fingers reach to find Qin Xue¡¯s cricoid cartge. Pressing the tip of the knife on the area, she steadily makes a half inch horizontal incision.


    Setting the knife down, she pinch the incision with one hand as her other hand cautiously insert the other end of the tube inside the incision.


    Within three seconds of the tube inserted inside, air traveled back inside Qin Xue as the woman gasp a mouthful of air.


    Yue Ling breathes in a sigh of relief.


    When she felt for Qin Xue¡¯s pulse, she notice that the woman was not dead. However, due to whatever drug was given to her, her body fail to function properly and blocked all her airways.


    What she did was extremely risky and life threatening as one small mistake could end Qin Xue¡¯s life, but it was the only other way.


    In her head, she thanked her paternal grandfather for teaching her the steps for this procedure.


    "Boss!"


    Suddenly, Lin Hui¡¯s voices calls out to her as he and Qi Li¡¯s figures appear at the door. Both men did not know what is going on, but one thing they know is, shoot first, ask questionster.


    Turning to look at the two, Yue Ling felt even more relief seeing them.


    The more people there were, the quicker they can rescue the women and Qin Xue can get to a hospital for proper treatment.


    "Lin Hui, hold the bottle up. Keep them safe until the paramedics arrive."


    Hearing her order, Lin Hui did not argue back but oblige. He rushes inside the room and takes the bottle from her grasp.


    Yue Ling stood up and looks down at Qin Xue¡¯s figure. The woman was able to breathe again, but she is still unconscious due to the sudden shock.


    Thinking back to what Shi Yan had told her, her bluish green eyes dimmed darkly, and she strides out of the room.


    Seeing her figure leave the room, Lu Tian quickly follows, but pause in his steps by the door and looks at the sses man.


    "Everyone else should be arriving. Gather the women and get them safety."


    Without waiting to hear a response, the aloof man continues in the direction his wife had gone.


    He was surprise again when he saw her perform the emergency airway puncture.


    It was something that no ordinary person can do without any medical training. However, the way she moved was enough to let him know that she had done this before.

 Chapter 517 teamwork

    Stepping out from the room, Yue Ling walked with long, decisive steps in the direction of the navy suit man. She is going to make sure the man die a slow and painful death for what he did to Qin Xue.


    However, she slightly arch a brow when the man is not where he should have been.


    Staring down at the pool of dark red blood, she scoffs a sarcastic chuckle.


    Due to the wound done by Lu Tian, the man clearly left a bloody trail in his attempts to escape.


    "Want to run? We¡¯ll see."


    She murmur to herself as a captivating smile curls on her lip. However, it held a hint of danger that can send chills down a person¡¯s spine.


    Taking a step forward, she follows the trail of blood to her prey.


    Just as Yue Ling¡¯s figure disappear into another hallway, Lu Tian¡¯s figure stepped out from the room after giving Qi Li an order.


    Also seeing that the navy suit man did not listen and decided to ask for a death wish, he heaves a sigh and strides after his wife.


    Some people just love making things difficult.


    Qi Li stood outside the door as he stares at Lu Tian¡¯s figure.


    When he and Lin Hui arrived, there was no enemy insight, but seeing the blood on the ground, he can already guess that someone must have been there before they appeared.


    Seeing the aloof man turn into the same corner his boss had gone, he couldn¡¯t help but feel it was rather strange.


    They are in enemy territory, but Yue Ling and Lu Tian looked like they were in their own home ying a game of follow the leader.


    Passing two more hallways, Lu Tian could see his wife¡¯s slender figure not too far ahead of him.


    Seeing that she was going to turn around into another corner, he decides to increase his steps to close the gap between them.


    *Shatter¡ª


    Just as he took two big strides, the sound of ss shatters from the right and two men jumps through the now broken windows.


    The two men face Lu Tian as they had saw his figure from outside the window.


    "Well, well, well. What do we have here?"


    Man1 spoke with a tone full of confidence as he stares at the aloof man. Although he was scared, the anger inside him overpowered as many of his brothers have died by Lu Tian¡¯s hands.


    "You¡¯re going to die today Lu Tian."


    Man2 felt exactly the same as man1. He has nevere face to face with the wolf leader, but seeing the man in person now, he can see why many are afraid of him.


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes alone can engulf a person¡¯s soul and end their life.


    However, seeing that Lu Tian is alone and there were two of them, Man2 felt less afraid.


    A sinister sneer curls on his lip and he howls augh.


    "Boy, you¡¯re a long way from home."


    Staring at the two men that suddenly appear, Lu Tian¡¯s expression remained the same. Even with their taunting words, he was not affected at all.


    His eyes shift from one person to the other. Without saying a word, he leisurely raise his hand holding the gun.


    Seeing his gesture, both men howls aughter like they were seeing the funniest thing in the world.


    They can clearly see that Lu Tian has two guns, but he is only hold one. By the time he fires a shot and reach for the other gun, he would be long dead by one of them.


    Man1: "You really think you can kill us at the same time?"


    Man2: "Maybe in your next life."


    Lu Tian¡¯s mouth remained close as he looks pass the two men. That same seductive, yet menacing smirk he has curls on his lip.


    "Talk too much."


    *Pu! Pu!


    Just as the two men finished speaking, the voice of a woman spoke from behind them, then before either person could turn to see, two silent gunshots rang throughout the hallway.


    One from Lu Tian and the other from where the voice came from.


    Man1¡¯s eyes widen, and his body falls backward onto the ground. Next to him, Man2 held the same expression but his body slumps forward.


    Both men hits the ground at the same time with a bullet hole in their forehead.


    They were so busy talking that before they could even pull the trigger of their guns, they were already facing the doors to see King Yama.


    "Sheesh, why do bad guys like to talk so much?"


    Yue Ling spoke in annoyance before pouting her lip at the two men.


    She had always thought it was only in the movies that the bad people like to bber nonstop. However, seeing it in person, she can only ask why.


    Lu Tian stares at his wife¡¯s annoyed expression and a very tiny smile curls on his lip. It was one full of proudness.


    "I like listening to you talk."


    He calmly answers her question with a shrug of his shoulder and makes his way towards her.


    When the two men appeared, he saw she had already turned the corner.


    He was going to quickly kill them and follow after her, but surprisingly she stepped back into his view.


    Which neither man were aware of her presence because the two idiots were busy ranting about their day.


    Of course, he would have preferred to be the one to kill both men and not just one, so it¡¯ll be one less bloodstain on his wife¡¯s hands.


    However, he also liked their teamwork.


    It was like Lin Hui said, ¡¯double kill.¡¯


    Watching the man walk towards her, Yue Ling was baffled by his answer. Her eyes continuously blinks until he was standing in front of her.


    Not giving him a warning, she hits him on the arm.


    "Are you saying I¡¯m a bad girl?"


    Lu Tian heard her question and he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He meant, he liked listening to her voice in general, not that she¡¯s a bad girl.


    However, a thought quickly sh in his mind and he smiles mischievously at her.


    "You¡¯re my bad girl."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground and her eyes fell out of their sockets. She could not believe this man can still be so shameless at a time like this.


    Lifting her hand, she pinch her chin to close her mouth and wipe her baffled expression off her face.


    "Let¡¯s go. This isn¡¯t the time to flirt."


    Turning away from him, she proceeds in the direction she was going.


    "I can shoot and flirt with you at the same time."


    "..."


    Quickly as her back was turned to him, Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but state another shameless response.


    His sudden words almost made Yue Ling trip on her own feet, but she was able to catch herself.


    She doesn¡¯t answer him but decides to ignore him. She can deal with him after they find Chu Li Xiang.


    As she takes the lead again, she did not see the look on the man behind¡¯s face.


    If she had turned around, she would have seen the wide smile on Lu Tian¡¯s lip.

 Chapter 518 fear or anxiety?

    *nk, nk, nk, nk, nk


    The sound of hurried footsteps rush down a set of metal stairs as it echoes inside a certain part of the factory.


    Chu Li Xiang was just now leaving the only room on the second floor of the ce. He held tightly onto two duffel bags as he makes his way down the stairs.


    He had long heard the sound of gunfire from afar and near, but he was still packing what he cannot leave behind.


    The money in his safe was a total of 6 billion yuan. He could not afford to let all the money he had worked so hard on go to waste.


    However, knowing he didn¡¯t have much time left, he could only pack what he can. If he continues to stay in the room any longer, his escape route will be block.


    *Pu! nk!


    Reaching only halfway down the metal stairs, a bullet shot at him. However, it didn¡¯t hit him, but hits the metal rail as small sh of sparks scattered for a second.


    The sound took Chu Li Xiang by surprise and he stumbles back only to sit on one of the stair steps. His hand lost its grip on one of the duffel bags and it rolls down the metal stairs.


    He res in the direction of the person who dare to fire the shot at him. However, his face drained of all colors and he grit his teeth tightly together.


    "Lu Tian."


    The fearsome man that brings havoc upon those in the underworld stood less than 10 meters away from Chu Li Xiang.


    Lu Tian¡¯s hand holding the gun slowly lowers and he stares expressionlessly at the despicable man.


    "This is the end for you."


    The man¡¯s deep voice sounds as he walks towards Chu Li Xiang¡¯s frozen figure.


    "D-Don¡¯te any closer! Your woman... Your woman is here! She¡¯s in my hands. Shoot me and I will have my men kill her!!"


    Chu Li Xiang roared at the top of his lungs in hopes of making the man stop. However, he didn¡¯t realize that anyone can hear the fear in his voice.


    His men said they have Yue Ling. He can use her to threaten the cold-blooded man.


    Or so he thought.


    "You mean me?"


    From the left of the man (Chu Li Xiang), a soft voice asks as a slender figurees into his view from the corner of his eyes.


    Hearing the voice, Chu Li Xiang slowly turn his head to the person, and he was met with the eyes of the ocean that could swallow him.


    Shivers crawled inside him. Those bluish green eyes held an overpowering aura as if it was looking down on him.


    "Y-You... How..."


    He stutters his words as the rest of what he wanted to say remained stuck in his throat. His mouth could only open and close in silence.


    Usually, those who see him would cower in fear, but not her.


    Her expression held no sighs of hesitation or fear.


    The more confusing thing for him is, isn¡¯t she an innocent retired model? How is she able to hold a gun like it is the most natural thing for her?


    He stares at Yue Ling then to Lu Tian. Something inside him was telling him that he is facing the grim reaper and the angel of death.


    His eyes subconsciously nce to the bag he had dropped.


    He contemted whether to grab it or not. However, seeing that it had alreadynded on ground level, he decided to go with thetter.


    At least he still has the other duffel bag. If he can get out of here, the money inside this bag will be enough to keep him alive.


    Deciding on this, he tightens his grip on the remaining bag. His throat bob as he struggle a hard gulp and reach for the gun at his waist.


    "!!"


    There was no gun.


    ¡¯Fuck!¡¯


    He curse inside for his stupidity. He had been so focused on loading his money in the bags, he forgot to grab his only protection when he left the room.


    Seeing the man¡¯s movement, Yue Ling faintly scoffs. She walks towards the man as did Lu Tian.


    Their steps were in a slow pace, like they were taking their sweet time, but at the same time, they were quickly closing the gap between them and the bastard man.


    When they were following the trail of blood left by the man wearing a navy suit, Gui Tian Lan had informed them that he has captured the guy while trying to climb out a window.


    With this giving them one less problem to deal with, they decided to go after Chu Li Xiang.


    And like luck was on their side, Liu Shan found another way to get to where the bastard man is.


    So deciding to y a little game with him (Chu Li Xiang), the couple decided to split up.


    "Are you feeling fear or anxiety?"


    Yue Ling spoke as she slightly tilt her head to the side.


    "It¡¯s funny. I used to be so concerned about what kind of mother I should be for my child."


    cing both her hands behind her back, she never took her eyes off Chu Li Xiang.


    However, it was like she was staring through him and into another world.


    "My child. So small, so innocent. A life that only wanted to see this world."


    She slowly blink her eyes and stares straight into Chu Li Xiang¡¯s soul.


    "But it was a chance taken from me."


    She will never forget the feeling she felt during the crash. A feeling no mother should ever feel.


    The feeling of a massive amount of blood flowing out of her as she lost her unborn child.


    The feeling like she had died alongside her child.


    "A life for a life. That is what you said."


    Her eyes dim darkly and her entire being changed from the angel of death to Asura.


    *Pu!


    Before Chu Li Xiang could gather his thoughts together, she had already shot him in the arm.


    "Arrrrhhh¡ª!!!"


    Chu Li Xiang¡¯s body flung to the left at the sudden impact and his grip on the duffel bag loosens.


    The bag drops onto the metal stairs as his back hits the rail behind and his breathing turned heavy.


    His right-hand press against the wound on his left arm and he res murderously at Yue Ling like he could kill her at this very moment.


    Yue Ling pause in her steps at the foot of the stairs and she looks up at Chu Li Xiang.


    "Tian killed Julia, so you thought it would be wise decision toe after me."


    Lifting one leg, she steps onto the first step of stairs then the second.


    Her expression turned darker and darker with each step she took.


    It was like darkness itself was slowly engulfing the ce despite the sun still being out.


    She stares at Chu Li Xiang dead in the eyes as her words continue.


    "However, it was not my life that you murdered, but my unborn child."


    *Pu!

 Chapter 519 the great is joining

    *nk¡ª


    \"Ahhh¡ª!!\"


    The sound of copper against metal resonated like thunder with a man¡¯s womanly shriek.


    Chu Li Xiang swore his soul had left his body when he saw the bullete his way. If it were not for the cold sweat that slid down his back, he would have thought this to be a nightmare.


    The bullet did not hit him but hits the step right under his feet. One would think Yue Ling did not know how to aim, but he knows that Yue Ling had purposely missed him.


    She was clearly trying to mess with his head now that he is trapped.


    Yue Ling held the gun up as it was still aimed at Chu Li Xiang. Her index finger slowly press the trigger again.


    *Click.


    \"Ahh¡ª!!\"


    Chu Li Xiang shut his eyes and shrieked like a little girl as he waited for the bullet to pierce his skull.


    However, the pain never came.


    He nervously opens his eyes, onto to see Yue Ling still holding the gun at him. The only thing was, no bullet ever shot out.


    Her gun had run out of bullets.


    A shred feeling of relief wash over him and he quickly pulls himself together. Kicking the bag full of money at her, he stumbles his way back up the stairs to the room.


    Yue Ling leisurely dodges the duffel bag like it was a speck of dust in the air. She watched as the man scramble and crawl away before heaving a sigh.


    She shook her head at Chu Li Xiang¡¯s stupidity and nonchntly follows.


    As she climbs the stairs, her thumb wrapped around the gun press a button on the grip and the empty magazine releases.


    At the same time, her other hand reaches inside her back pocket and she takes out the back up magazine that is fully loaded with ammo.


    Just as the empty magazine dropped onto the metal stairs, she inserts the new one in.


    From behind, Lu Tian stood with another expression of proudness at his wife.


    Seeing this side of her really makes his heart flutter into cloud nine. He didn¡¯t even have to make a move and she had everything under control.


    He was sure if Xu Long was here, the assistant would say something like, ¡¯so scary, but so badass.¡¯


    Shaking the thought away, he takes a step forward after her. Even if she had everything under control, what kind of man would sit back and allow his woman to do all the work.


    Just his foot touched the first step of the metal stairs, a beep sounds in his ear as his earpiece connects.


    [\"We havepany.\"]


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words, his brows slightly furrow before continuing up the stairs.


    \"Who?\"


    [\"Snakehead.\"]


    A faint, yet evil chuckle escapes Lu Tian¡¯s lips when he heard who had appeared.


    [\"They¡¯re pulling up from the front.\"]


    Liu Shan spoke again as he remained seated on the hood of his red Audi r8. He could see a clear image of the ck cars through Lin Hui¡¯s drone that had been left behind.


    Snakehead was entering from the south side of the factory as it was the only entrance and exit.


    [\"Five cars. Head count, unknown.\"]


    Listening to Liu Shan¡¯s information, Lu Tian did not once pause in his steps. From the looks of it, it seems like Gao Ji has no idea about what he is walking into.


    Remembering the obese man¡¯s behavior towards his wife during the meeting, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darken.


    \"Take no prisoners.\"


    [\"Jiangyu: \"Roger Captain.\"]


    [Qi Li: \"Just when my gun was craving for more bloodshed.\"]


    [Gui Zhongmin: \"Easy prey equals easy kill.\"]


    [Li Wei: \"Team C and I will advance to block their escape route.\"]


    [\"Lin Hui: \"Umm... I was instructed to stay with the women, so... I¡¯ll have to sit this one out.\"]


    [Everyone: \"....\"]


    Hearing Lin Hui¡¯s sudden words, everyone one on the line went quiet. Some were in doubt whether he is speaking the truth or trying to avoid another blood bath.


    [Lin Hui: \"Ahem... It¡¯s the truth. You can ask my boss. So, Liu Shan, I¡¯ll leave fatso to you.\"]


    Lin Hui breaks the silence as he could already guess what everyone was thinking.


    He was currently sitting inside the same room while holding up the bottle of alcohol to help stabilize Qin Xue¡¯s breathing.


    If it wasn¡¯t for this, he would have long rushed outside and beat the living crap out of Gao Jie for what he did to Liu Shan.


    However, he understood that if anyone were to kill Gao Ji, the perfect person should be Liu Shan himself.


    Listening to their long, but quick conversation, Lu Tian was now three steps away from entering the room on the second floor.


    \"It¡¯s up to you.\"


    His words fell and he takes the finishing three steps.


    He had not mention anyone¡¯s name, but everyone knew he was referring to Liu Shan.


    The assistant had not participated in the action from the start, but now that Gao Jie is here, he can join in on the fun or remain as their watchman.


    The decision is up to him.


    As Lu Tian¡¯s figure disappears into the room, Liu Shan calls back the drone.


    The grudge he holds against Gao Jie is not because he (Gao Jie) smashed the bottle against his (Liu Shan) head.


    It is because of what he (Gao Jie) wanted to do to Yuanyuan. If he (Liu Shan) had not been there, who knows what would have happened to the woman.


    He types a few codes on hisptop and another radar map appears on the screen.


    When Yue Ling and Lu Tian met inside the building, he had already informed Grandfather Ji about the situation. He also sent their location to the old man.


    Staring at the new radar map, he estimates the time until the old man and his team would arrive.


    Confirming that they are near, he close theptop on hisp then the one next to him.


    cing oneptop over the other, he jumps down from the hood of his car and walks over to the driver side door.


    As he pulls open the door and enters, one corner of his lip curls into a grim side smirk.


    \"Liu Shan, the great is joining in on the fun.\"

 Chapter 520 acted without thinking

    Inside the only room in the abandoned factory, Yue Ling never once took her eyes off of Chu Li Xiang.


    Their two figures stood across one another. The only thing in between them was the desk in the center of the room.


    \"You will never be able to kill me.\"


    Chu Li Xiang spat out viciously at her with eyes full of sharp daggers.


    Never in his entire life had he imagine his life to end at the hands of a puny retired model.


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling put on a thinking face. Her lips slightly purse, and she nods her head like she was agreeing to his words.


    \"You are right. Killing you a million times will never justify what you did.\"


    Chu Li Xiang wanted to retort her words, but when he met her eyes again, all he could do was swallow whatever it is he wanted to say.


    He stares at her and didn¡¯t know why he is having this terrified feeling inside.


    Is it because of her calm demeanor? No, maybe it is her eyes that looked like they could engulf him at this moment.


    Or is it because she has Lu Tian as her backing?


    Yes, that must be it.


    Thinking this, his eyes shifts away from Yue Ling to the tall man standing by the door.


    Lu Tian¡¯s figure is on the slimmer side, but the him at this moment looked like he had blocked the entire door.


    Knowing he cannot talk his way out with Lu Tian, he looks back to Yue Ling.


    \"I have money. The money inside the safe in this roombine with the two duffel bags is a total of 6 billion yuan.\"


    He was reluctant to part with his money as money meant the world to him. However, this was the only choice he had left.


    Yue Ling is a retired model and from his interactions with Ning Mei, he is sure Yue Ling is seeking fame and money like the rookie model.


    Plus, she is Lu Tian¡¯s woman. If he wants to escape here alive, he has to convince her.


    That way, if she agrees to take the money, Lu Tian will have no choice but to agree if he really does love her.


    \"If you let me go, all the money is yours. I promise to never show up in front of you and I will live with this guilt my entire life for killing your unborn child.\"


    He spoke his words sincerely like he meant by them. However, deep inside, he was cursing her to death.


    Once he escapes from here, he wille back ten times stronger and kill the both of them. He will make them wish they never crossed his path.


    As he thought this, his eyes subconsciously nce down to the desk and he see a ck object. His eyes lit up and he lunges forward with his arm stretched out.


    *Pu!


    Just as his hand was inches away from grabbing the grip of the gun, a silent bullet collides with it.


    The gun spins across the desk to the opposite end and falls onto the floor.


    ¡¯Fucken shit!¡¯


    Chu Li Xiang¡¯s eyes widen before he res at Yue Ling. He wanted to strangle the woman to death if not then bury her alive.


    However, to his surprise, it was not Yue Ling who had shot the silent bullet.


    His eyes avert to the other person inside the room and it was confirmed that it was Lu Tian who fired the shot.


    The aloof man¡¯s right arm was raised midway and his gun aimed directly at the desk where the gun should have been.


    While Chu Li Xiang was struck in a daze, Lu Tian steadily strides over to his wife. Even when he was standing next to her, his eyes never left the bastard man.


    \"The ce is surrounded. You have nowhere to go.\"


    Chu Li Xiang was brought back to his senses hearing the deep voice of Lu Tian. He looks at Yue Ling then to the man and he felt more dread crawl inside him.


    He didn¡¯t want to admit it, but Lu Tian is right. Even if he hadn¡¯t stepped outside, he can already guess that his men are all dead if not captured.


    Thinking about outside, a quick idea sh inside his head.


    *Crashh¡ª


    Chu Li Xiang grabs under the edge of the desk and flips the table.


    As everything on top scatters onto the floor, the desk crashes against Yue Ling and Lu Tian. However, Lu Tian reacted and blocks his wife from being pinned by the desk.


    *Shatter¡ª


    Quickly as the situation escted, the sound of ss shatters and they could see Chu Li Xiang¡¯s figure jump out the only window in the room.


    Unharmed, Yue Ling dashed after the man. Her eyes caught sight of a firehose attached near the window.


    Grabbing hold of it, she looks out the window and toss the firehose down.


    If anyone saw this, they would think Yue Ling was trying to help save the man, but that was not the case.


    She twists the firehose and a part of it circles around Chu Li Xiang¡¯s neck before his feet could touch the ground below.


    Now he was left hanging down from the window and both hands trying to free himself from choking.


    Without thinking clearly, Yue Ling too jumps out the window as the rest of the firehose follows after.


    She tugs the firehose wrapped around Chu Li Xiang¡¯s neck again. Grabbing hold of the part that is still connected to the room, her other hand grabs the nozzle.


    Her right foot press against the man¡¯s chest as her other leg knees the man¡¯s stomach.


    Quickly as the fall came, both their figures crash on the ground with a loud thud.


    However, Yue Ling was left unscratched as Chu Li Xiang suffered the pain from the harsh impact.


    \"Y-You...\"


    Chu Li Xiang grunts with bloodshot eyes at the woman standing up from the fall.


    Most times, others would have used the stairs and then give chase, but he did not expect her to jump out the window too.


    She even used him as a shield from the fall.


    Now he is really questioning whether she is really just a retired model.


    Into his thoughts, he chokes a cough and a trail of blood slowly slid down the corner of his mouth.


    Yue Ling stares down at the now disheveled man. Seeing that even near death, he still held a look of questioning, her lips slowly curls up.


    \"Your fate ends here.\"


    \"!!\"


    Hearing the sudden words that made him feel like he had been electrocuted by lightning, Chu Li Xiang¡¯s eyes widen to the max as if they were going pop out of their sockets.


    ¡¯Fate...¡¯


    He had been so focused on Lu Tian and her that he forgot all about Fate.


    However, hearing her simple words, everything made sense now. From how she is able to shoot a gun and stare him in the eyes with no fear.


    It was no wonder she gave an overpowering aura that sends shivers down his spine.


    She is...


    His mouth opens to say ¡¯Mami,¡¯ but before he could utter the name, he was met with a hard kick to the face.


    The clear blue sky came to his view before his eyes rolled back, and everything became dark.


    Lu Tian had tossed the desk to the side and was now looking down the window.


    Seeing his wife unharmed, he sighed in relief as he could see Chu Li Xiang is either dead or unconscious.


    When he saw her jumped out the window, only God knew how hard his heart dropped.


    Grabbing hold of the firehose that is still attached to the room, he didn¡¯t hesitate to jump down too,


    Swiftly and carefullynding, he takes two big strides towards her. Stretching his arm, he grabs her and pulls her into a tight embrace.


    His head rest on her shoulder and he inhales her sweet unique scent that he loves so much.


    \"Stop being so reckless. I can¡¯t lose you too.\"


    Being wrapped in his strong arms, Yue Ling was taken by surprise, but she felt herself soften.


    She too inhales his manly scent and wrap her arms around his waist.


    \"I¡¯m sorry... I acted without thinking.\"


    They had already lost their child.


    The pain he is feeling is the same pain as hers.


    Like how he doesn¡¯t want to lose her as she doesn¡¯t want to lose him.

 Chapter 521 a decoy

    The five ck vehicles slow to a stop in front of the abandoned factory. Like a scene that had been practiced, all the doors push open and the figures inside emerge into view.


    Gao Jie stepped out from the backseat of the leading car with two of his men in the front. The other four cars had four men in each one, giving a total of 23 men from Snakehead.


    The man who stepped out from the passenger side of the car Gao Jie was in felt something was amiss.


    He slightly purse his lips and scans around the ce. Normally when theye here, Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men would be guarding the ce.


    However, no one can be seen.


    Thinking this, he turns to look at the obese man in his sixties.


    \"Boss, it¡¯s too quiet.\"


    Hearing his subordinate¡¯s words, Gao Jie also furrow his brows. He did notice that the ce was too quiet making it rather strange.


    Even the usualughter cannot be heard except for the birds chirping in the distance.


    Could everyone have gone to sleep?


    He purse his lip and signals to get his men¡¯s attention.


    \"Weapons ready. Things are too suspicious here.\"


    \"Yes boss.\"


    The 22 men spoke at the same time. Quietly closing the door to the car they came out from, they all spread out to check around.


    With the strange silence, no one dare to put their guard down.


    As a man approach the entrance of the building, he sees that the door was left opened. He doesn¡¯t think much as the door was always open around this time.


    However, he lift his hand and signal for the others to stop while he goes inside to check on the situation.


    Watching the man enter the abandoned factory, Gao Jie leans against the car. He takes a cigarette out from his pocket and lights it.


    He trusts the man will not disappoint him, because he (the man) is his righthand man and one of the strongest he had recruited into Snakehead.


    Besides, if Chu Li Xiang or the men of ck Dragon sees him, they¡¯ll know right away that he (Gao Jie) is here.


    Inhaling a mouthful of his cigarette, he continues to look in the direction of the factory entrance.


    The man (we will call him Righthand man) slowly creeps inside the ce. He grips tightly onto his gun with attentive eyes scouting the ce.


    Just as he took a step inside, to the right of him, he sees a dark figure from the corner of his eyes.


    He turns his head to look at the person and sees a slender man wearing a dark motorcycle jacket.


    The person was facing him. Their eyes met and he slightly furrow his brows.


    It was weird for him as the rimless sses the man was wearing made him look out of ce.


    He does not look like a biker or one of Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men. Instead, this person¡¯s facial features looked more like an office worker.


    However, pushing the thought away, he turns his body to face the person.


    \"Hey, where did everyone go? Why is there no one guarding outside?\"


    Righthand man calls out for an answer, but the sses man does not answer him. It was as if they were in a staring contest to see who will blink first.


    \"Tsk.\"


    Feeling annoyed now, Righthand man click his tongue and walks towards the other person.


    \"Yah, are you deaf? I¡¯m talking to you.\"


    He raise his voice and scratch the back of his head in frustration. They were standing no more than six feet away from each, how can the man not hear him at all.


    \"Sheesh, did ck Dragon start recruiting stupid people?\"


    He growls under his breath with a look of irritation. Stopping two feet away from the figure, he spoke louder.


    \"Are you deaf or are you stupid? Did you not near anything that came out of my mouth?\"


    \"Dead.\" *Swoooosh¡ª


    Righthand man heard a faint word escape the sses man¡¯s lips. However, before he could process his thoughts together, he sees the man stretch his arm out.


    A sh of light blinds his eyes and he feels a sharp pain across his neck.


    His eyes widen and he could feel the painful sting spread inside his body. He open and close his mouth to speak, but no words came out but blood.


    The sses man stares emotionlessly at the man before one corner of his lip slowly curls up into a smirk.


    \"Your fate has been collected.\"


    Hearing the sudden words, Righthand man¡¯s face turned red and blue as he raise his left hand to press the wound like it would save him.


    Like his body had a mind of its own, he stumbles back in the direction he came from.


    *Thud


    Unable to grab hold of anything for support, he loses his bnce and falls onto the ground with a loud thud.


    His head turns to look out the door as he enters death.


    \"What the fuck happened?!\"


    \"He¡¯s head!\"


    Seeing the man¡¯s head poking out from the door, Gao Jie and everyone¡¯s eyes widen in shock and horror.


    *Vrooooooomm¡ª


    The same time Righthand man¡¯s body touched the ground, the sound of a loud exhaust resonated in the air and into everyone¡¯s ears.


    Everyone¡¯s senses returned and their head dart in every direction to see where the sound wasing from.


    *Screeehh¡ª


    Quickly as the sound came, a red sportscar sped through the dirt road they hade from and enters the dirt parking lot of the factory.


    Seeing the car was not nning to slow down, everyone lunges to safety as they did not want to be hit by the lunatic driver.


    The red car slows to an almost stop when it was the center of attention. However, instead of stopping, the tires screech loudly as the car circles in multiple doughnuts.


    Massive amount of dirt flew everywhere as it blinds the eyes of Gao Jie and his men.


    No one was able to see the red car anymore.


    Inside the abandoned factory, Qi Li stood in front of a window after he took down Righthand man.


    The reason why he didn¡¯t kill the man right away was because he was stalling time for a certain person to get down the mountain.


    He was surprise to see how fast it took for the assistant to get here.


    What is more surprising is the fact that Gao Jie and his men were the one who had hearing problems. He could hear the car from a mile away while they couldn¡¯t.


    However....


    He stares with aplex expression at the red sportscar circling the dirt parking lot.


    Heaving a low sigh, his head slowly looks down and he held his forehead.


    His head lightly shook in shame and embarrassment for the driver of the nice looking car.


    As someone who loves the racing life, those were the ugliest doughnuts he has ever seen in his entire life.


    Instead of clean circles, they were crooked with slight jerking to the tired. It was like watching a child learn how to use a stick to draw a big circle on dirt.


    Then again, he has to give Liu Shan some credits for not crashing the car by now.


    As the dust fill the entire front of the building like a tornado, Gao Jie and his men continue to take cover.


    Whoever it is, they couldn¡¯t wait to kill the person for putting them in this position. However, they had to wait until the air is clear.


    Seconds turned to minutes and the dust around finally subdued a little.


    Everyone could see a blurry outline of the red car as it had stopped and was parked nicely in the center.


    One of the men (we¡¯ll call him Man1) standing closer to the car signals to another man for them to sneak up from behind the car.


    Agreeing, the two carefully creep their way towards the vehicle. Their steps were quick, but they were on guard to not make a sound.


    Reaching the car, Man 1 sees that the driver door was open. He increase his steps and jumps in front of the open door with his gun pointing inside to the lunatic driver.


    However, it was empty with no one inside.


    His brows furrow with a confused expression. His eyes met with the other man checking from the passenger side.


    If someone was inside, he shouldn¡¯t be able to get out without them seeing.


    It was as if the car was a remote-control toy car that was directed here.


    Just as the thought came to their mind, both men widen their eyes when they realized something.


    Could this be a decoy?


    Man1 looks over to the others as the other man turned around to face them.


    Both their mouth open in attempt to alert the rest.


    \"It¡¯s a¡ª\"


    *Swoosh¡ª Swoosh¡ª

 Chapter 522 fear no

    As the dust began to slowly clear, the red car remained in ce as Man1 stood on the driver side and the other man the same on the passenger side.


    Both men were turned facing the factory. However, neither were able to move their body. They could feel their mouth hanging wide open, but unable to make a sound.


    ¡¯What the heck is going on?¡¯


    Man1 thought to himself. They were fine just seconds ago, how did...


    Thinking inside, a quick sh of light reflects upon the side of the other man¡¯s neck and it catches his attention.


    It was the tiny end part of a needle. If the sun had not reflected upon it, he would never have notice it as it was as thin as a strand of hair.


    Now he knows why they cannot move. The needle or needles must have struck their acupuncture points to stop them.


    ¡¯Shit!!¡¯


    \"Did you guys find anything?\"


    \"What is it?\"


    Through the little dust that lingered in the air, everyone could indistinctly see Man1 and the other man. However, unsure as to why they¡¯re only standing there without saying a word, everyone couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    \"Did the lunatic driver die? What¡¯s going on?\"


    \"....\"


    Even when everyone from Snakehead continue to throw questions, there was not a response from the other two.


    Growing annoyed, another man decides to walk over to see what is going on.


    *Pu! Pu!


    Just as the man took two steps, the sound of silent gunshots can be heard and both men standing by the red car flung forward.


    Blood spurt out from their head. Man1 ms against the car while the other falls forward onto the ground.


    \"!!!\"


    Everyone¡¯s eyes widen at the horrifying sight as no could believe what just happened.


    The sun was still out, but at this moment it was as if a cold blizzard has swept them and froze their body.


    \"Ahhh¡ª!! Help!!\"


    Suddenly, a shrieking scream sounds and it cause the men from Snakehead to return to their senses. Each person point their gun out for protection and their head turn to where the scream came from.


    To another wave of shock, through the dust that had yet to fully clear, they could see the figure of a man moving at the speed of lightning.


    The man swiftly passes each of their car and makes his way towards Gao Jie.


    Before anyone could blink their eyes, the man had already reached their boss.


    If they had known the situation was going to be like this, they would have shot the car when it first appeared. Unfortunately, time cannot rewind, and they are face with reality.


    Seeing the man¡¯s hand curl into a tight fist and aimed directly for Gao Jie¡¯s head, the men of Snakehead finally make their move.


    \"Save boss!\"


    \"Kill the bastard!!\"


    One after another, everyone aims their gun at the man, and no one hesitated to pull the trigger.


    *Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu! Pu!


    Quickly as the metal sound of gun position at the target, silent gunshots invaded from all directions.


    No one from Snakehead was given a chance to fire a shot as their body shake from left to right in repeat. Blood spurt into the air from each bullet that prated their body.


    The same time as the bullets flew towards the men of Snakehead, Liu Shan¡¯s fist collides against Gao Jie¡¯s face.


    \"Ahh¡ª!!\"


    Gao Jie eximed in petrifying horror. His old wrinkled face wrinkles more and he stumbles to try and dodge the hit.


    However, Liu Shan¡¯s iron fist struck him hard on the cheek and he ms against the side of the car.


    As his (Gao Jie) obese body turn into a bouncing ball, he bounces back towards Liu Shan and was quickly met with another punch.


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t pause to let the old man catch his breath. His left hand grabs the cor of Gao Jie¡¯s shirt and his right hand continuously sends punch after punch to the old man.


    Eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks, forehead, every part of the old man¡¯s face, he made sure his fist did damage.


    Normally, he is respectful towards his elders and never talk back to them, but Gao Jie is not his elder.


    The old man cannot even be considered human for all the disgusting crimes he hasmitted.


    Whether it was illegal drugs, trafficking, scam, rape, every filthy thing one can think of, Gao Jie and his men have done it all.


    For that, a loathsome person like Gao Jie cannot continue to breathe the same air as him (Liu Shan).


    Gao Jie¡¯s face quickly became unrecognizable with blood smeared all over. The him right now was in aplete mess and barely able to breathe.


    \"Arrrrhhh¡ª!!!!\"


    Liu Shan loosens his hold on the shirt and roars angrily. He sends a strong kick to the old man¡¯s chest sending him (Gao Jie) backwards.


    *Crash¡ª!!


    ss shatter from the car¡¯s window the moment Gao Jie¡¯s body ms against the car. His heavy body creating arge dent.


    He coughs out a mouthful of blood and he slowly slid down to the ground. His gasping groans and heavy breathing can be heard as it was the only thing allowing one to know he is still alive, but on the brink of death.


    Liu Shan takes a step forward and stares down at the disheveled old man.


    His usual carefree aura was now reced with a chilling cold that makes him look like apletely different person.


    \"I rather you rot in prison and pay for all your wrong doings, but...\"


    He reach behind his back and takes out his gun that does not have an attached silencer.


    \"Your fate, I shall collect.\" *Bang¡ª!


    Not giving the obese man a chance to say any final words, Liu Shan fires a loud shot through the old man¡¯s forehead.


    Blood slid from the ck hole created by the bullet and Gao Jie¡¯s eyes remained open even in death.


    His fate was already decided the moment he stepped foot inside Glory.


    Not giving the dead man another look, Liu Shan turns to look at the forest behind him. He is quickly met the eyes of Alpha Team and Wolf Team.


    Each person was unharmed as they walk out from behind the tress that once hid them from enemy eyes.


    Looking away from the two teams, he looks in the direction of the factory and sees Qi Li standing in front of the entrance door.


    Both men gesture a light nod before slightly tilting their head back and stares up at the clear blue sky.


    Seeing them do this, everyone else follow in pursuit.


    The sound of helicopter des whirring echoes from above before three helicopter flies over the mountains andes into view.


    From the symbol engraved on the side, it allowed them to know that these aircrafts are friend and not foe.


    *Vrooooomm¡ª


    Quickly as everyone caught sight of the helicopters, multiple engines can be heard entering from the only dirt road.


    Their head turn in the direction to see a white Audi r8 leading in the front as a mixture of multiple military and police vehicles following behind.


    The white sportscar slows to a stop next to Liu Shan¡¯s red car and the driver side door flung open with force.


    Xu Long¡¯s figure leaps out and he motions a forward roll in the direction of the factory.


    He quickly positions himself in a crouch. One knee on the ground and the other bent up.


    He stretch one arm out with a gun as the other held under.


    His head turn in every direction and he has a serious look on his face.


    \"Fear not, Xu Long is here. Where is the enemy?\"


    Everyone: \"...\"

 Chapter 523 see for yourself

    \"Bro, sorry to ruin your energy, but you¡¯re a littlete.\"


    Xu Long held his position in alert, but hearing the familiar voice, he turns his head to the left of him and the two assistant lock eyes.


    Seeing that it was his new family and not the enemy, he slowly rise from his crouch position.


    Liu Shan¡¯s usual carefree aura had return to him like the darkness emitting from him earlier had never been there.


    He walks towards Xu Long as Qi Li did the same from the door entrance of the factory.


    Both men were d to see Lu Tian¡¯s assistant did not meet any trouble and is here with his energetic personality. It would have been nice to see him in action, but he was a few seconds toote.


    However, they can¡¯t help but wonder what happened when he (Xu Long) took Zhao Ya¡¯Er home. What could have possibly taken him such a long time to get here?


    \"Shan! Li! Long! Where is Ah Ling?\"


    Just as Liu Shan and Qi Li stopped next to Xu Long, an even more familiar voice calls out from the side. All three men turns to look at the person.


    It was Grandfather Ji. He wasn¡¯t wearing his usual changshan attire but dressed in a nice military uniform.


    Looking at the old man, Liu Shan gestures a polite bow.


    \"Yue Ling and Lu Tian went after Chu Li Xiang. If my guess is correct, they should have him in custody and are headed this way.\"


    Hearing the young man¡¯s words, Grandfather Ji sighs in relief. He swore, ever since this granddaughter of his arrived in Imperial, she is always trying to give in a heart attack.


    She has yet to fully recover and is already running off to beat the bad guys.


    His daughter is a pure and innocent woman, while his son-inw has a good temper. Both her grandmothers are sweet women who wouldn¡¯ty a finger on a bug.


    Just who does she take after?


    Ah, right. She takes after him and Old Han.


    Shaking his head, he massage his forehead then waves to the soldiers waiting for hismand.


    \"Search the ce top to bottom. Cover all exits. Any enemy still alive, take them in.\"


    \"Yes General.\"


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s domineering voice givesmand and the soldiers answer all together. Each person quickly split into groups of five to search for any enemy still breathing.


    As the soldiersmence, so did the police officers and paramedics. On their way here, Liu Shan had informed them of the situation and the hostages.


    Qi Li walks over to Grandfather Ji and he gestures a polite bow to the old man he respects.


    \"Grandfather Ji, Lin Hui is inside with a woman Yue Ling was able to save. As for the other hostages, a few of them suffer injuries, but...\"


    Before Qi Li could finish his words, Grandfather Ji stuck his palm out to stop the young man.


    He didn¡¯t need to hear the rest as he already know what had happened.


    Chu Li Xiang has been a wanted man within Imperial for many years. Many have been deceived and murdered by him. However,w enforcement were never able to catch him because they could never trace the crime back to the scum.


    Even though they were not able to catch him, he (Grandfather Ji) never let his guard down.


    Fortunately Chu Li Xiang¡¯s attempt to kill Yue Ling and his escape from prison gave them a good reason to punish him byw. Not only this, his attempt at human trafficking is another sentence on his head.


    Just thinking about the despicable man makes the blood boil inside Grandfather Ji.


    Murdering his great grandchild has yet to subdue his anger and now his granddaughter was almost sold off to who knows where.


    \"Shan! Qi Li!\"


    From behind, another voice calls out to the two men catching their attention.


    Turning to see who it is, to their surprise it was none other than Ji Jingxu. Following behind was also Ting.


    The two young men had jumped down from a military helicopter, but neither were in military uniform. Instead, they were clothed in ck tactical gears and fully armed.


    If someone who didn¡¯t know saw them, they would no doubt think Ji Jingxu and Ting had years of experience on the line.


    \"Where is jie? Is she okay? Is that bastard dead? Where is he? I¡¯m going to skin him alive!\"


    Questions burst into Liu Shan¡¯s ears as Ji Jingxu grabs the front of his shirt and vigorously shakes him.


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t stop the boy but allows Ji Jingxu to carry on. Like his neck no longer had any bones, his head tilt back then forward, then side to side.


    After what felt like an entire year had gone by, Ji Jingxu finally let go of the assistant. His breathing was heavy, but he stares at the man with a confused expression.


    \"Did you die? Why are you not answering me?\"


    Liu Shan stood still with his head tilt back and he stares up at the clear blue sky. His eyes were heavy as he blinks them then looks down at the boy.


    \"I would have died if you kept shaking me.\"


    \"...\"


    Hearing his words, Ji Jingxu¡¯s cheeks flush pink. He had been so worried and angry that he was unable to control himself.


    Shy and embarrassed, he scratch the back of his head and sarcastically chuckles.


    \"Heh, heh. Sorry.\"


    Liu Shan lightly shook his head at the boy he sees like a little brother.


    Lifting one hand, he pat Ji Jingxu on the head and slightly messing up his (Ji Jingxu) hair.


    \"Your sister is safe. She is with Lu Tian.\"


    His words fell and he sees something from the corner of his eyes. A faint smile curls on his lip and he gestures with his head in the direction.


    \"Don¡¯t believe me? You can see for yourself.\"


    Not only Ji Jingxu, but Grandfather Ji and Ting turned their head to see what Liu Shan was looking at.


    Three pair of eyes widen and quickly rush in the pointed direction.


    Walking around the corner of the abandoned factory was Yue Ling and Lu Tian. The aloof man held his wife¡¯s hand as they made their way to join everyone else.


    Grandfather Ji: \"Ah Ling! Lu boy!\"


    Jingxu: \"Jie!\"


    Ting: \"Miss Han!\"


    As the two boy and the old man reach Yue Ling and Lu Tian, those nearby couldn¡¯t help but turn to look.


    Liu Shan, Xu Long and Qi Li were part of those people.


    The three men stood at the same height as they watch from a far, yet near distance. With everything that had happened, it was best to let Yue Ling interact with her family.


    \"Ah Ling, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? Why are you moving around when you haven¡¯t recovered? I nearly had a heart attack when I heard you were kidnapped. Are you injured? Tell yeye if you feel pain anywhere. Where is that bastard Chu Li Xiang? I¡¯m going to make him suffer! No, first, lets get you checked up. Come, let¡¯s go.\"


    This time, it was Grandfather Ji¡¯s turn to ask the questions without pausing to take a breather. His strong and influential image waspletely ripped off and rece with one of doting and worry.


    Yue Ling stares at her old man and she sighs inside.


    Many see him as the strict and hostile general, but she knows he is not one bit like that.


    In truth, he is the sweetest and nicest person she knows. A man who never wants any living being in the world to be harmed.


    Looking away from her grandfather, she looks to Ji Jingxu and Ting before directing her attention back to the old man.


    \"Yeye, I am fine.\"


    She stuck out both her arms to show him, but unbeknown to her, there were dirt marks and the sleeves of her shirt had slight torn pieces.


    \"See. I am not harmed anywhere.\"


    Her words continue and points behind with her thumb.


    \"And the bastard is right there.\"


    Appearing behind the couple was Jiangyu. He had rushed to check on his boss anddy boss. However, he wasn¡¯t alone and was carrying Chu Li Xiang over his shoulder like a sack of rice.


    Stopping next to his boss, he drops Chu Li Xiang¡¯s body onto the ground without any care if the man will suffer from more pain.


    Looking down at the unconscious man, Grandfather Ji¡¯s lower lip tremble in full on anger. He grabs his pistol that is strap to his waist and he aims it at Chu Li Xiang¡¯s head.


    \"Old man, I have a request.\"


    Lu Tian who had not said a word finally spoke. His voice made Grandfather Ji look at him, but it did not subdue the anger inside him.


    \"What request?\"


    Turning his head to look down at Chu Li Xiang, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes dimmed dangerously.


    \"Road trip.\"

 Chapter 524 take the call

    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s mention of the word ¡¯roadtrip¡¯, Grandfather Ji was at a loss for words. However, thinking about it, he nods his head agreeingly a few times.


    He stares at Lu Tian for a long minute, then down to Chu Li Xiang. Like he had confirmed with his decision, he exhales a long sigh and put his pistol away.


    \"What will you say to the Chief?\"


    \"I¡¯ll inform him.\"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t need to think and quickly answers the question. Instead of letting Chu Li Xiang rot in prison, he has another n in store for the bastard.


    ncing between Lu Tian and Grandfather Ji were none other than Yue Ling, Ji Jingxu and Ting. They had heard the word but were clueless as to why it would be mention.


    What in the world is this roadtrip? Some kind of vacation?


    Unlike the three people, Jiangyu was the other person who understood the meaning behind the word.


    He couldn¡¯t help but swallow a big gulp and shiver as he looks down at Chu Li Xiang¡¯s unconscious figure.


    His head slightly shook, and he sighs inside in pity for the despicable man.


    Roadtrip.


    A word that makes one think about setting out on a long journey. However, not for those who know the real meaning behind it.


    It is a special code word used only by Lu Tian when he has decided to take someone to a far away ce that can be consider hell.


    The word has been used only twice and now is the third time.


    Thinking about this, Jiangyu thought back to the two people who were honored the word. Another chilling shiver crawled down his spine and his body shook like was having a seizure.


    \"Bring him ¡¯there¡¯.\"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice returned Jiangyu to his five senses. He quickly revert back to normal and stood attentively like a soldier.


    \"Yes Captain!\"


    As Jiangyu ce Chu Li Xiang over his shoulder and leave the small group, Yue Ling looks up at Lu Tian with a questioning look.


    Her eyes slightly narrow and she decides to ask.


    \"Roadtrip?\"


    Her word caused Ji Jingxu and Ting to look attentively at him too. Both young men were still afraid of the legendary coldblooded man, but they held their ground.


    Lu Tian knew the two boys were looking at him, but his eyes only kept on his wife.


    \"Roadtrip.\"


    He nonchntly replies by turning her question into the answer. Even if he didn¡¯t exin, he is sure she will catch on the meaning soon.


    Hearing his answer, Ji Jingxu and Ting were dumbfounded. Their eyes nce at each other then back to Lu Tian.


    Roadtrip means roadtrip? So, does this mean it is actually something bad and not good?


    \"Aiya, there¡¯s a paramedic. Let¡¯s hurry and get Ah Ling checked up.\"


    Grandfather Ji subconsciously intervenes when he caught sight of a few paramedics exiting the abandoned factory. However, he was even more worry for his granddaughter when he saw two of the paramedics carrying a red hair woman on the stretcher.


    Suddenly being disturb by the old man¡¯s words, Ji Jingxu and Ting¡¯s cheeks turned into a light pink color.


    Their curiosity got the better of them, but it was quickly dispersed into thin air.


    \"Jie, grandfather is right. You have to let one of the paramedics see if you were injured anywhere.\"


    Ji Jingxu worriedly spoke as his head turn away in the direction of the medical team. Even if she says she is fine, they won¡¯t feel better unless it has been confirmed.


    Seeing their look of worry, Lu Tian also agreed. He had brought his wife to join the others in the front because he is also worried she might have sustained invisible injuries.


    \"Your grandfather and brother are right. Let¡¯s get a paramedic to check on you.\"


    Yue Ling was quickly tongue tied by the three important men in her life. She looks at Lu Tian, then to Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu.


    When they were still standing in the back under the room on the second floor, she had continuously told Lu Tian she was fine. However, he didn¡¯t listen and told her it was either she obedientlyes to front with him to get checked up or he carries her by force.


    She knows her body better that anyone and knows that she is fine, but just to reassure them, she decides to oblige.


    \"Alright, I¡¯ll see a paramedic.\"


    Her words fell and she proceeds forward. However, taking only two steps, she couldn¡¯t help but squeeze her eyes shut as there was a sudden sharp sensation in her head.


    It was as if hundreds of tiny needles were pricking on her brain.


    She slowly opens her eyes, but everything around became a blurry image of two and she could feel her conscious slipping away.


    \"Tian...\"


    \"Yue Ling!!\"


    Her call for him was a very faint whisper, but Lu Tian heard her. His eyes widen in panic and his indifferent expression changed into one of paleness.


    He quickly caught her in his arms before she could even fall back.


    \"Ah Ling!\"


    \"Jie!\"


    \"Miss Han!\"


    Grandfather Ji, Ji Jingxu and Ting quickly pale inparison. Each person held a worried look as they did not understand what is wrong with Yue Ling.


    She was just talking to them a second ago, how did she...


    Lu Tian held his wife¡¯s back with one arm as his other arm sweeps under the back of her knee and carries her up in princess style.


    \"Medic!\"


    He roars loudly as if his life depended on it. Carrying her in his arms, he rushes pass the three people in big strides before running towards the medical team.


    \"I need a medic!!!\"


    -------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Minutes turn into hours as Yue Ling¡¯s eyes remained shut. The space between her brows crease into three tight lines.


    She could hear the beeping of the monitor set up next to her. From the sound she already knew she was taken to the hospital and was put in a private ward.


    Slowly opening her eyes, what came into her view was not the white ceiling of a hospital, but Lu Tian¡¯s worried face that lingered over her. Not only his, but her grandfather¡¯s too.


    The corners of her lip curls up into a faint smile at the sight of them.


    \"Yeye, Tian.\"


    Grandfather Ji sighs in relief at the sight of his granddaughter. His old body slumps back and he sits down on the chair at the side of the bed.


    He swore his heart had stopped beating when he saw her faint. It was like that night during the car ident was being reyed again.


    Lu Tian did not sit down but continue to lean over his wife. His eyes scanning every inch of her face as if he was in some kind of dream.


    Only God knew how he felt when he saw her lose conscious.


    Knowing that she had worried him again, Yue Ling could see his eyes tremble in fear like he was going to lose her. She reach her hand and ce it over his hand that was rested against the hospital bed.


    She gently caress the back of his hand with her thumb and smiles to him.


    \"I¡¯m really fine.\"


    Like her voice was the only life source to him, Lu Tian was able to breath again. He slowly sat back down and entwine his fingers with hers.


    He ce the back of her hand against his forehead to feel the warmth of her like she is his sun.


    *Ring ring


    Suddenly, a phone rings inside the private ward and Lu Tian reluctantly moves his head away from his wife¡¯s hand.


    Holding her hand with one hand, his other hand reach into his coat pocket and takes out his phone.


    Seeing the name on the phone screen, he doesn¡¯t answer but looks at Yue Ling.


    \"Go ahead and take the call. I¡¯ll be fine.\"


    Yue Ling answers before he could say a word. She already knew what he was going to say.


    Seeing how understanding she is, Lu Tian nod his head once and stood up. He leans down to kiss her forehead.


    \"I¡¯ll be back.\"


    He looks at Grandfather Ji with a meaningful look and walks out of the room.


    As his figure stepped into the hospital corridor, he is met with the eyes of Ji Jingxu, Liu Shan, Qi Li, Xu Long and Lin Hui.


    The five men were trying their best to remain calm and waited outside the room.


    Lu Tian gives the five men a nod in indication that Yue Ling has awoken. Each person does not say a word, but rush inside the room to check for themselves.


    Standing by the door, Lu Tian answers the call and put the phone next to his ear.


    [\"Roadtrip?\"]


    The second the call was answered, an indistinctive voice sounds from the other line as if to confirm something.


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark pupils dimmed with an indescribable sense of petrifying darkness.


    \"Roadtrip.\"

 Chapter 525 be with you

    \"Boss, are you alright?\"


    \"How do you feel? Should I call the doctor?\"


    \"Are you hungry? Thirsty? What do you want to eat and drink? I¡¯ll go buy it.\"


    \"Bossdy, you gave me a fright when I saw you copsed.\"


    This time inside the private ward of Imperial Military Hospital, it was Liu Shan, Qi Li, Lin Hui and Xu Long¡¯s turn to flood the atmosphere with questions.


    As the four men continue to ask Yue Ling, standing behind them, Ji Jingxu was struck in a daze. As Yue Ling¡¯s brother, shouldn¡¯t he be the first out of them to ask her questions?


    How is it that he was the first to rush inside the room but was the first to be shoved behind by these grown acting like wild hyenas?


    Inhaling a deep breath, he stretch his arm out and taps on Qi Li¡¯s shoulder, then Lin Hui¡¯s, then Xu Long and Liu Shan.


    Feeling the light tap, all four men turn to the person and blink their eyes questionably.


    Ji Jingxu res at the four men and stuck out his right arm. Before any of them could ask questions, his hand ps left and right like he was swapping a bunch of flies away.


    Seeing this, four pair of eyes nce at one another and quickly came to an understanding.


    \"Aiya! What a strong and powerful p!\"


    Liu Shan pretends to act like the p had hit him so hard across the face and he jumps to the side.


    \"Oh no! Su Wukong cannot escape buddha¡¯s palm!\"


    Xu Long also puts on an act and he spins away to the side in circles like he was dancing in a field of flowers.


    Watching the two assistants, it was Qi Li¡¯s turn. Not sure of what to do, he clears his throat and turn his head to the left before scooting away like he was riding a horse.


    \"Too strong! This one cannot withstand!\"


    Lin Hui twirls around to jump, but almost crashing into Grandfather Ji, he arch his back like a C.


    His eyes met with the old man¡¯s eyes for a quick second before he sps both his palms together and tip toes away like a ballerina.


    \"May the force be with you.\"


    Seeing the four idiotse to an understanding and made a path for him, Ji Jingxu moves his right hand closer to his face. He pretends to flick back the imaginary long hair he has and approach with sister with his chin high like he was noble son.


    Yue Ling: \"...\"


    Grandfather Ji: \"...\"


    Both the grandfather and granddaughter duo watched the scene unfold with heavy eyelids. Neither were able to intervene because they were sure whether tough or cry at the sight of them.


    \"Ahem.\"


    Grandfather Ji clears his throat with a cough as he tries to maintain hisposure. He wanted tough but could only hold himself back so the five boys could keep their dignity.


    However, unlike the old man, Yue Ling burst intoughter after being unable to hold herugh in. She was no longerying down but had positioned the hospital bed to allow her to sit up.


    No matter how serious a situation gets, she is d to have people like this to break the tense atmosphere. With them around, she can always smile without worry.


    Hearing her singsongughter, everyone in the room also smile with her. She is like the sun that brightens one¡¯s darkened day and gives them life.


    \"Jie, it¡¯s nice to hear youugh.\"


    Ji Jingxu was the first to speak. Ever since her arrival in Imperial, he has seen her smile andugh, but not like this.


    If what he did can make her smile andugh, he doesn¡¯t mind repeating it again.


    Yue Ling was finally able to calm herself down when she heard her brother¡¯s words. She looks at him with a slight frown and pursed her lip.


    \"What are you saying? Don¡¯t I always smile andugh like this?\"


    \"Mm. You always have.\"


    Instead of telling her what was on his mind, Ji Jingxu nods his head and agrees with her. Later when she recovers, if she asks again, he¡¯ll tell her.


    *vr vr vr vr


    Suddenly the sound of a phone vibrating echoes inside the room and each person looks at one another to see who forgot to turn their phone off.


    Liu Shan: \"Not mine.\"


    Lin Hui: \"I thought it was mine, but it¡¯s not.\"


    Qi Li: \"Not mine either.\"


    Xu Long: \"Mine is in my pocket, but it¡¯s not vibrating.\"


    Grandfather Ji: \"Jingxu, isn¡¯t that your rm to study for your finals?\"


    Ji Jingxu: \"...\"


    Hearing his grandfather put him on the spot, Ji Jingxu slowly turn his head and cast the old man a re full of fury.


    Due to his mix schedule between studying and training, he had set different ringtone rms and vibrations to differentiate them. However, never did he think the old man would pay such close attention to each sound.


    \"Jingxu, is what yeye say true?\"


    Yue Ling asks with a serious look. She could see his cheeks turning red, so she didn¡¯t smile because she didn¡¯t want to embarrass her little brother.


    \"Tsk.\"


    Hearing her question, Ji Jingxu click his tongue in annoyance and frustration at the old man. He reach inside his pocket and shows his phone to his sister.


    \"See. What study? Grandfather is getting too old that his hearing has gone bad.\"


    Yue Ling wasn¡¯t bother by his attitude as it was normal between Ji Jingxu and Grandfather Ji.


    She looks at the boy¡¯s face then to the bright screen on his phone.


    Her brows slightly furrow, and she leans in more as if to see better. Pointing her finger at the phone, she points to each word as she read it aloud.


    \"Reminder to self. Study for finals or I will disappoint my cranky old man.\"


    \"...\"


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li arch their brows and eyes widen in shock.


    Grandfather Ji is a highly distinguish figure in Imperial and yet, Ji Jingxu actually consider him as a cranky old man.


    Good thing its them who heard this and not the media.


    Ji Jingxu stood like statue unable to move a muscle. His jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes fell out of their sockets.


    He cannot believe that it was really his reminder rm to study and his older sister actually read it aloud!


    Oh! My! God!


    Without putting his face back in ce, he struggle a hard gulp and slowly turn his head to look at the quiet old man.


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s head was turned towards Yue Ling, but his eyes were ring with dagger at him. The old man¡¯s expression was as if saying, ¡¯So now I¡¯m a cranky old man?¡¯


    How he (Ji Jingxu) wish so badly to cry butck the tears to shed. How he wish a hole would magically appear so he can hide in it.


    However, unable to do either of the two things, he was left with only one choice. Run.


    He quickly shove his phone into his pocket and force a grin at his older sister.


    \"Jie, once I finish studying, I wille back to visit you again if I am still alive.\"


    Turning to face the old man, he sounds a sarcastic chuckle.


    \"Old man, don¡¯t look for me when youe home.\"


    Without waiting for a response, he turns away and rushes out of the private ward like his life depended on it.


    His older sister is fine, so he doesn¡¯t need to worry about her. Right now, his biggest problem is how is he going to deal with the old man at home.


    Should he hide in his room?


    No, that won¡¯t work. The old man knows how to unlock the door.


    Maybe he¡¯ll ask Ting or Liangcai and the others to hide him again.


    Yes, he¡¯ll do just that.

 Chapter 526 Everything was gone

    As Ji Jingxu¡¯s figure dash out of the room at the speed of lightning, Lu Tian walked back inside the room after finishing the phone call.


    The two passed one another and Lu Tian was able to catch a quick glimpse of the look on the boy¡¯s face.


    He didn¡¯t ask why he (Ji Jingxu) was in a rush. He strides over to his wife and sits down on the empty chair near the window.


    Seeing her smiling face, his entire being couldn¡¯t help but soften.


    Ever since the tragic loss of their unborn child, he has not seen her smile like this. How he wish to always see her happy and so full of life again.


    Yue Ling turns to look at Lu Tian and she held her smile in ce.


    \"Is everything alright?\"


    \"Mm.\"


    Lu Tian nods his head with a short answer. He reach a hand and held her smaller hand. Gently squeezing her hand, he sighs.


    \"I¡¯ll have to be away for a day or two.\"


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling did not need to ask why. She already knew it has something to do with the word ¡¯roadtrip¡¯ and Chu Li Xiang.


    With her current condition, even if she wanted to go with him, she will only get in the way.


    Besides, as much as she want to personally kill the bastard, she once heard Liu Shan mention that Lu Tian can be rather ruthless when anger, so she will leave it to him on how to end Chu Li Xiang.


    In return, she gently squeeze his hand on hers and her smile arcs up more until it reach her eyes.


    \"Go ahead. I will be fine here. Yeye and Jingxu will keep mepany.\"


    Lu Tian gaze at his wife in awe of her understanding. However, his eyes did not hide the reluctance and worry for her.


    When they brought her to the hospital, Doctor Dong had lectured all of them, especially him for not taking proper care of her.


    The old man said the reason she copsed was due to excessive exhaustion of her body.


    She may have exercised like a normal person and looked fine on the outside, but it was only because she was forcing her body to stay awake.


    Without a proper recovery, her body could only keep up to a certain limit and her copsing was when she had reached her limit.


    Thinking this, he smiles a very small smile to her in guilt and worry.


    \"Stay here until I finish. When Ie back, we¡¯ll go home together.\"


    Yue Ling does not answer him but nod her head like an obedient child. Due to her selfishness, she has been constantly worrying him.


    If it weren¡¯t for his natural good looks, she is sure he would have aged 5 years, even 10 years, because of her.


    -


    Lu Tian stayed by Yue Ling¡¯s side for another 3 hours. He kissed his wife on the forehead, then gestures a nod to Liu Shan, Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    It was time for them to set out on this ¡¯roadtrip¡¯.


    He had made sure to order members of Wolf Team to stay on guard outside the hospital to keep his wife safe while he is away.


    As the five men leave the room, Grandfather Ji couldn¡¯t help but look at them with a sigh.


    He knows that Lu Tian doesn¡¯t want to leave his granddaughter¡¯s side, but to stay by her side, he needed to finish the matters with Chu Li Xiang.


    The bastard needed to pay for what he did.


    Thinking this, he thought back to his health. Whether it be today, tomorrow, or the following day, he can leave this world in peace.


    He knew that Shin loved his granddaughter, but he can see that same kind of love in Lu Tian too.


    The boy (Lu Tian) always look at his granddaughter with a devoted expression. It is always gentle and full of caring. As if Yue Ling is the most precious diamond in the world and he would do anything in his power to protect her smile.


    His thoughts then shifts to the scene of the five men exiting the room.


    Yue Ling is a good person. Anyone with amon sense wouldn¡¯t hesitate to be friend her, which is why she has so many good and talented people by her side.


    To them, she is like a rose and them the thorns on the stem.


    Like thorns always protecting the rose, they will do whatever to protect her from harm.


    They will not hesitate to sting anyone who dares to hurt her as she is the rose that gives them hope in life.


    As the room came to a silence, Grandfather Ji returned from his thoughts. He turns to look at his granddaughter and smiles a sigh.


    \"You must be hungry. I will inform a nurse to bring you a bowl of warm soup.\"


    Yue Ling wanted to refute, but she nods her head. She had not eaten anything because she and Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s lunch date was interrupted.


    Seeing her agree with him, Grandfather Ji stood up and left them room in search of a nurse. After everything his granddaughter went through, he knows she is in need of something nourishing.


    Watching the old man¡¯s figure walk out of the room, Yue Ling was left alone. She leans back on the hospital bed and turns her head to look out the window.


    From the lighting, she can guess that the sun is beginning to set as the clear blue sky from before was now a mixture of blue and red with purple hues.


    As she stare out in a daze at the beautiful sky, she suddenly hears the faint sound of childrenughing and ying.


    Her eyes slightly tremble, and she moves the nket covering her body. Not bothering to wear the slippers, she walks barefooted to the window.


    Peering out, the view below was the back courtyard of the hospital. It was the area where patients and family members can enjoy their time. There were benches and table on the side of the long walkway.


    It was the same walkway she had used in rece of a track to run.


    However, she could see three little figures no older than 10. They were running and chasing each other on the green grass as their mothers sat on one of the tables and chatted away.


    Her heart softens at the sight of the three children.


    She slowly raise her hand and touch the window like she was greeting them.


    Although her eyes were looking down at the children ying andughing below, her mind was elsewhere.


    Within months, her child would have been born and showered with many loves by her, Lu Tian and everyone.


    Ever since she woke up from the ident, she had not shed a single tear for her loss.


    Some seemed to think she is doing fine while others probably thought she is heartless for not feeling any grief, but only she knows how hard it is for her.


    Only she knows the pain of waking up every morning to know that her child is no longer here.


    However, not only was her child taken from her, her chance to be a mother was also taken.


    Everything was gone.


    \"Ah Ling.\"

 Chapter 527 what aout yourself?

    Grandfather Ji called out to her when he walked back inside the room but paused in his steps.


    He was surprise to see his granddaughter get out of bed but seeing her staring out the window and lost in thoughts, he had an idea of what she was thinking about.


    Yue Ling nce down at the children onest time then turn to face her grandfather with a smile.


    \"Yeye, you don¡¯t have to stay if you are busy. I¡¯ll be fine.\"


    She spoke as she walks back to sit on the hospital bed.


    \"There are nurses and doctors here. If I get bored, I¡¯ll go bother Doctor Dong to kill some time.\"


    Her words were full of jokes, but Grandfather Ji could only feel his heart ache when he saw her smile.


    It was a smile, yet at the same time not a smile.


    \"I am your yeye. No matter how busy my schedule is, I will always have time for you and Jingxu.\"


    He walks over to the chair by the window and sits down. He did this, because he wanted to make sure that when the nursees in with the tray of food, it will be easier to set it up for Yue Ling.


    However, because the chair was near the window, he was able to see what she was looking at before he came back to the room.


    Grandfather Ji stood near the window and stare down to the children ying in the back courtyard of the hospital. It was then that he knew what he thought was correct.


    \"How are the women we rescued? What about Shi Yan and Qin Xue?\"


    Yue Ling asks as she fix the nket over her. Due to this, she did not see that her grandfather had taken a glimpse out the window before sitting down.


    \"The young girl, Shi Yan was not in major harm, so she has been reunited with her family.\"


    Grandfather Ji answers her then he sighs as he thought back to what had happened.


    \"In total of the women rescued, there are 30 alive and 20 deceased. We¡¯ve already informed news to the families of the deceased. As for the ones rescued, 18 of them sustained minor injuries and have been properly treated and returned to their family. As for the other 10, 6 of them had major injuries and need longer treatment.\"


    As his words fell, he couldn¡¯t help but heave another long sigh.


    He is truly sorry for what happened to these women. No parent ever wishes for anything like this to befall their children.


    \"The other 4 women were treated. However, the injury inflicted upon them was not only physically but also mentally that it affected their brain. Due to this, we had to transfer them to a private psychiatric hospital to help them get proper treatment.\"


    Listening to her grandfather¡¯s exnation of the situation, Yue Ling slowly close her eyes to steady herself.


    She cannot imagine the pain and fear these women must have gone through.


    Some people that undergo such trauma are mentally able to go on in life normally with help. However, some cannot because the nightmare will continue to haunt their mind whether their eyes are open or closed.


    If only she had gotten there sooner. Would she have been able to save them from such fate?


    Knowing she cannot rewind time, she takes a deep breath and opens her eyes.


    \"I will speak with Doctor Dong and the other hospitals. All the medical fees of each woman alive and the funeral fee for the deceased, I will personally take care of it.\"


    Hearing her decision, Grandfather Ji was slightly taken by surprise.


    \"Ah Ling, are you sure? It is a huge fee in total.\"


    Yue Ling nods her head and gives her grandfather a reassuring smile.


    \"It is the least I can do for the women and their family.\"


    She sighs inside and faintly smiles with a hint of grief in her eyes.


    \"No matter how much the fee is, it is only money. Money will alwayse back as long you work for it, but not a person¡¯s life. Once a person is gone, the only thing thates back is the memories of them.\"


    She is a woman in control of three big internationalpanies. Helping those in need is what she should do. That was the way her parents and grandfathers taught her.


    Grandfather Ji nod his head in understanding. He had already taken out an amount from his private ount and gave it to each hospital to help cover the fees of the women.


    However, hearing his granddaughter¡¯s decision, he was truly proud of her. Proud of her that she is not greedy like some people who have money.


    Ever since she took over her father¡¯spany and made her own, she is always willing to help those who are need.


    Whether they are in need of money or not, so long as they are good people, she will lend a hand.


    He doesn¡¯t know how many, but he knows that she is one of the very few people he knows that will never hesitate to help with charity around the world.


    Like the saying goes, ¡¯good deeds oftene back to us when we least expect it and offer a source of future happiness.¡¯


    With all the good deeds his granddaughter has done, he hopes that she can live every day in happiness.


    Oblivious to her grandfather¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling looks at him with slightly creased brows. He had mention everyone except for one person.


    \"What about Qin Xue? Is she alright?\"


    When he heard the name, Grandfather Ji heaves a long sigh. He nods his head and answers.


    \"If you hadn¡¯t performed emergency surgery on her in time, the drug injected inside her would have caused her to overdose. Thest I heard, the doctors were able to clear all the drug inside her and she should be waking up soon.\"


    Thinking about the red hair girl name Qin Xue, he sighs again for the fourth time.


    \"Out of all the women that were taken, only five of them were from wealthy families. However, this Qin Xue girl is from a very prominent family. Although her family is not in match with the Han, Ji and Lu family, her family is still one of the greatly respected families in Imperial.\"


    Yue Ling listened attentively. When she heard that Qin Xue will be fine, she sighed in relief.


    Whether Qin Xue is from a wealthy family or not, she didn¡¯t care.


    From their short encounter, she already knew that the red hair woman is a good person. If she wasn¡¯t, she would have protected herself and not Shi Yan.


    Grandfather Ji stares at his granddaughter in silence as his thoughts drifted.


    He was hesitant about the question in his mind but gathered all his courage and asks.


    \"You have asked how everyone else is doing, but what about yourself? How are you feeling?\"

 Chapter 528 What do I do

    ncing at the old man, Yue Ling arch a brow, then smiles to him as she leans her head back against the pillow.


    \"Yeye, I am really fine. You know that I always recover healthy after taking down the bad people.\"


    Although her expression was full of smiles and looked like her usual self, Grandfather Ji did not smile with her. He close his eyes and he shook his head.


    \"I am not asking how you are physically doing. I am asking how you are mentally doing.\"


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slightly shook. She could feel a sudden sharp pain in her chest hearing his words and her smile grew faint.


    Not wanting him to see this look on her, she turns to look elsewhere.


    \"I really am alright. I really am.\"


    Grandfather Ji knew she was stubborn. She had inherent this side from him. However, he was able to see the look in her eyes before she looked away and he sighs.


    \"That answer might work on some people, but not for me. I am your yeye, do you think I can¡¯t read you?\"


    Like a dull pain suddenly came crashing inside Yue Ling, her smilepletely fades, and she thought back to the morning before her meet with Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    Brushing it aside, she looks back at her grandfather.


    She wanted to reassure him that she is fine, but the moment her eyes met his, she knew she could not hide anything from him.


    \"Yeye...\"


    She had never told anyone, but in the past after they put Shin to rest, she knew that he had heard and saw her cry to herself in grief for her loss.


    She knew that her grandfather had sat outside the room and quietly cried for her.


    It was in that moment that she told herself she will never cry again. She never wants to see her grandfather, or anyone cry so painfully for her.


    However...


    As she stares into his eyes full of worry for her, her eyes slowly welled up and her lower began to tremble.


    Like the walls that hold her up and made her strong suddenly copsed, it was as if her life came crumbling down and everything inside her turned into emptiness.


    \"Yeye... They say I can¡¯t have a baby anymore...\"


    Her brows crease tightly as she tries to fight her tears back, but the more she tried to hold in the pain, it escaped her like a throbbing pain in her chest that can never be healed.


    One after another, beads of tears slid down her cheeks as the sadness and sorrow she had been fighting burst inside her like a dam.


    \"I can¡¯t have a baby anymore. I will never have the chance to be a mother.\"


    Her muffled sobs echo inside the private ward and her tears turned into sharp swords that pierce through Grandfather Ji¡¯s heart all at once.


    The moment she opened her eyes from the car ident, he knew she was in pain and wanted to cry for her loss.


    However, being the person she is, she didn¡¯t want to worry everyone, so she put up a wall to hide her pain.


    To hide away her grief so that others will not worry for her, but he is her grandfather.


    How can he not know?


    He, of all people knows better than anyone how she is feeling. For he, has seen and experienced the loss of many loved one.


    Knowing the exact pain inside her and seeing her go through this pain, his lips tremble as tears quickly filled his eyes.


    He stood up from his seat and wrap his arms around his granddaughter.


    \"My poor Ah Ling ah. Do not cry. Do not be sad.\"


    He soothes her head with one hand and cries with her like the pain she is going through had been transferred into him.


    \"Who said you can¡¯t have a baby? Who said you will never be a mother? My Ah Ling is healthy and a good person, you will be fine.\"


    His sobs turned into wails in cross with his frantic gasping.


    \"Tell yeye... Who said you can¡¯t have a baby? Yeye will go and punish them. Yeye will make sure they kowtow and apologize to my Ji family¡¯s Ah Ling. How dare they hurt my child with such lies?!\"


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling¡¯s chest ached more than ever. It was as if the pain inside was ripping her heart into pieces then ruthlessly yank it out of her by force.


    She once heard from Hana that some women be infertile after experiencing miscarriages, so when Zhao Ya¡¯Er invited her to lunch, she left early before the scheduled time to visit a public health clinic.


    Although Hana said the chances are very low, she wanted to know if she can still conceive.


    However, she was told that the car ident she was in put too much impact on her body and cause her to hemorrhage. The doctors at the clinic said the chances for her to get pregnant again is very low and likely to not happen.


    Remembering her results and the doctors¡¯ words, Yue Ling cried even harder like she was going to lose herself.


    \"Yeye, what do I do? How am I going to tell Tian?\"


    She clench tightly onto the sleeve of her grandfather¡¯s shirt as tears continue to pour down her bluish green eye with loud heaving sobs that tear through her throat.


    \"How can I be selfish and make him stay with me if I can¡¯t even give him a child?\"


    Grandfather Ji tightens his arms around her more. He could only cry as he did not understand why she has to go through another heart wrenching pain.


    How can the heavens be so cruel? Her child was just taken from her, why take the chance for her to be a mother too?


    The pain inside Yue Ling came in waves like a storm in the ocean.


    \"Yeye... how do I tell Tian... what do I do...\"


    As her cries echo inside the quiet private ward, she did not realize that at this moment, the one person she did not know how to tell is standing outside the door.


    Lu Tian had returned to give his wife a bag that had a new change of clothes. He thought it would help her be morefortable during her stay in the hospital.


    Just when he was one foot away from entering the door to her room, that was when he heard her words then her cries.


    In that moment, it was like his heart had stopped with time and her cries were the only sound he can hear.


    From the day they met, the first time he saw her cry was when they were standing on the sands of the ocean in City Z.


    The second and what he thought to be thest time was the night he proposed to her under the dark sky that lit up withnterns.


    However, her tears from those two days and now werepletely different. Her sobs were so gut-wrenching that it tore through his chest.


    When he heard them, he wanted so badly to rush inside and pull her into his arms.


    He wanted to tell her that no matter what happens, he will never leave her.


    He wanted to tell her that he will always love her and stand by her side.


    He wanted to tell her that everything will be okay.


    He wanted to tell her that she is not alone.


    However...


    Clenching his fists tightly, he press his lips into a thin line and turns away from the room that separated him from his wife.


    The rims of his eyes redden in pain for his wife and anger for the cause of her pain.


    He is going to make Chu Li Xiang pay piece by piece.


    Once the bastard is gone for good, he wille back to his wife and tell her how he feels.


    He will let her know, children or no children, he will forever love her without change.


    Be it yesterday, today, tomorrow, or the next 50 years, his love for her will always remain solid.


    For she is the only person he will give his heart and soul to.

 Chapter 529 meant the world

    The sky converted from red and blue to purple then into total darkness as Yue Lingid alone on the hospital bed inside the private ward.


    After their heartfelt interaction, Grandfather Ji had left to go home. He needed to change out of his military uniform and told Yue Ling that he will return to stay the night with her, but she told him that she wanted to be alone.


    He had been reluctant in this decision because he doesn¡¯t know what she will do. What if she cries to herself? Who will be here tofort her?


    However, knowing that she needed time to herself, he could only agree and leave.


    From the moment she was left alone, Yue Ling¡¯s red eyes kept up at the white ceiling like she was staring into another world.


    The her at this moment did not look a strong woman, but one of a pale and fragile moment. It was as if she was only holding onto the thin line of hope that still kept her alive.


    Her eyes slowly blink, and she reposition herself toy on her side. Through the window, she stares into the dark abyss of the starry night sky.


    She couldn¡¯t help but recall her dream. The dream she had of her child. She could remember every detail so vividly.


    Her child¡¯s face looked so happy, yet so sad.


    Her child guided her back to life in exchange for his.


    To some, it was only a dream but to her, it meant the world.


    Gently cing her hands on her stomach, she could feel that what was once a small bump was no longer there. She slowly bend her knees up into a fetus position.


    \"My baby... mommy is sorry...\"


    She clench tightly onto her shirt thatid over her stomach and her shoulders tremble as she hugs herself like she was hugging her child.


    Her eyes slowly closed and like a dried-upke given water again, a tear slid down from the corner of her eyes.


    \"Please forgive mommy... My mommy will always love you no matter where you go...\"


    The moment the first tear touched the pillow, another follow then another and another.


    All her tears she thought she had shed came flooding in another wave that shook her empty world.


    \"I¡¯m so sorry...\"


    Yue Ling cried to herself without knowing that four other figures were outside the tightly shut door.


    They had been instructed to keep watch over her in case she needed anything.


    However, wanting to cheer her up, they decided to stay in the room with her, but when they saw herying on the bed, none were able to bring themselves to enter.


    As they listen to her quiet sobs that pierce into one¡¯s soul, Gui Tian Lan stood closest to the door.


    His head hung low as tears slid down his cheeks and onto the floor.


    Seated on the chairs to his left were Gui Zhongmin and Tang Zhonghui.


    The younger twin leaned his head back against the wall, but despite his eyes starring up at the ceiling, unending tears pour down from the corners of his eyes.


    Tang Zhonghui sat with his shoulder slouched and head slightly tilt to the side. He stares nkly at the wall across from him as each of his tearsnded on his hands the to the floor.


    Thest was Ju Suo. The petite woman sat the furthest from the three men. However, she didn¡¯t care and sat on the floor as her head rested on the chair and she quietly sob to herself.


    None of them cared whether the nurses or doctors that pass by saw them crying.


    For them, Yue Ling¡¯s happiness is their happiness. Her pain is their pain. Whatever grief she is going through, so are they.


    Tang Zhonghui stare into the nk space in front of him and he slowly blink his eyes. He stood up from his seat and walks away.


    He takes his phone out from his pocket and dials a number.


    The moment he brought his phone to his ear, the call connects and before the other person could say a word, he spoke first.


    \"Make him suffer...\"


    His fingers clench tightly around the phone and he growls like a mad man.


    \"Make that fucken bastard experience Hell for what he did!!\"


    His shout echoes inside the quiet hospital corridor and he stumbles to lean against the wall. The phone dropped from his hand as he too slumps down to the floor.


    He didn¡¯t care anymore and bawl his eyes out like a child.


    --------------


    Under the starry sky that darkens the night over Imperial, the ocean remained calm as it allows a motorboat to rev across in ease without problem.


    The outline of a small private ind soones into view as Lu Tian helm the boat into the small harbor and parks it.


    He cuts the engine off and jumps down onto the dock that is dimly lit up. Following his steps were Liu Shan, Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li.


    Each person held an emotionless expression. The aura emitting from them was that of soldiers ready to enter a bloody battlefield.


    \"Captain!\"


    From thend that joined with the dock, Jiangyu calls out when he saw that his boss and the others have arrived.


    He waves to them and strides forward to meet them halfway.


    \"Is he here?\"


    Lu Tian nod his head in greeting then asks. He doesn¡¯t pause in his steps but continue forward.


    Hearing the question, Jiangyu quickly follows in the same pace as he walks shoulder to shoulder with his boss.


    \"He arrived 2 hours ago on helicopter.\"


    As the boss and subordinate immerse in their own conversation, Liu Shan, Xu Long, Lin Hui and Qi Li quietly follow behind. However, each man couldn¡¯t help but stare at the back of Lu Tian.


    After they left the hospital, the man had not spoken a word until now.


    They don¡¯t know what happened when he went to give Yue Ling the bag of new clothes, but when he came back, the look on his face was beyond grave.


    Thinking this, Liu Shan thought back to the call he received from Tang Zhonghui.


    He didn¡¯t ask what made the man to call because he already knew the reason.


    Walking further away from the dock and ocean, the men soon climb a set of concrete stairs that trailed up a small hill.


    As they reached the top, what greeted them was arge sshouse the size of a mansion.


    Due to thend being a private ind, there were no gates to keep strays out as the forest already surrounded it like a barrier.


    If it wasn¡¯t for their real purpose in being here, the two assistants and subordinates would have thought this beautiful ce was some kind of vacation resort.


    \"Let¡¯s go.\"


    Lu Tian spoke with a slight pause in his steps when he saw the look on the four men behind.


    He doesn¡¯t wait for their response and advance in the direction of the sshouse.


    Once he is done here, he can return to his wife and stay by her side tofort her. As the thought of her suffering along ached him more than anything.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Lu Tian and the others arrive at the door to the house. Jiangyu held the door open as one figure after another entered inside.


    \"Bro, took you long enough.\"


    A man spoke in a monotonous tone from the spacious living room area.


    He was very charming with sharp facial features. He wore a brown trench coat with a white shirt and blue jeans under.


    Everything about him was easy going, but he satzily on one of the four couches that separated into a square. His foot rested on top of the ck coffee table in the middle.


    Lu Tian nce at the man with no change in his expression. He walks over to one of the three empty couches and sat down.


    \"Zhongwei.\"


    Watching the aloof man sit down, Ye Zhongwei smiles and sits up. It was as if theziness he had seconds ago was never there.


    However, his smile quickly fades, and he sighs inside. His expression turned into one of condolence.


    \"I heard about what happened. I know words cannot undo what happened to you and your wife, but I am truly sorry for your loss.\"


    His words fell and he thought about his encounters with Yue Ling. She was a mother to be and always looked happy, but now...


    \"Did you do what I asked?\"


    Lu Tian¡¯s voice interrupts Ye Zhongwei¡¯s thoughts and he nods his head.


    \"I did it the second I got here. He should be waking up soon.\"


    He was currently with a patient when he suddenly received Lu Tian¡¯s message. When he saw the context of the message, he knew something serious had happened.


    That was why he called Lu Tian to confirm if things were really going down.


    After he got the answer, he told his cousin to keep watch on his patients and quickly got on his private helicopter toe here.


    When he met Jiangyu who was already on the ind and was waiting for him, that was when he learned about the tragic news.


    Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath and looks back at Lu Tian.


    \"What do you have nned?\"

 Chapter 530 He screamed

    The huge ss house glisten brightly under the dark starry night sky. Anyone who sees this ce, whether they are near or far, would be in awe of its magnificent sight.


    However, due to it being on a private ind, only those allowed onnd knows what lurks beyond the door.


    On the outside stood the beautiful sshouse, but underneath this fairytale-like mansion is a dark and eerie dungeon that makes one cringe upon sight.


    At this moment, seven figures climb down the dimly lit stairway made of brick and concrete as they make their way to their purpose for being here.


    Reaching thest step of the stairs, Lu Tian steps onto the concrete pavement that leads into a hallway as the others follow in pursuit.


    Unlike the sshouse that is brightly lit, this part of the house is dark and held little light, but enough for one to see where they are going.


    On both sides of the hallway were metal bar doors leading to what looked like prison cells. Just the sight of it made one think of a scene from a creepy horror movie.


    As Lu Tian led the men, behind him was Jiangyu and Ye Zhongwei, then Qi Li and Lin Hui. In the far back were Liu Shan and Xu Long.


    \"Why are you clinging onto me? Haven¡¯t you been here before?\"


    Liu Shan growls a whisper in annoyance at the grown man holding tightly onto his arm.


    This is his first timeing here and he¡¯s not even scared, so why is Xu Long, who has been here before acting like a frighten little girl?


    The man looked like a ghost is going to jump out from the wall and snatch him.


    Without a care about Liu Shan¡¯s words or thoughts, Xu Long tightens his grip on the man. The more he (Liu Shan) tries to push him away, the tighter he (Xu Long) will hold onto his arm.


    He has been here a handful of times, but only he and the members of Wolf Team know the true reason why this ce even exist.


    This ce that looks so magical on the outside is actually the definition of what Hell is.


    If he or anyone from Wolf Team does something wrong, they are sent here to face the hardship of disciplinary.


    Unable to push the man way, Liu Shan scratch the back of his head with his free hand. He mumbles incoherently to himself like he was going to go crazy.


    He felt like a husband who was forced to enter a haunted house with his terrified wife.


    *nk


    \"Ahh!!!\"


    Suddenly, in the dark and quiet hallway, the sound of something hitting the hard pavement echoes loudly, quickly following was a person¡¯s girly shriek.


    Hearing the scream, the five men in the front stopped in their steps and turn to look at the two assistants.


    Jiangyu had an unlit cigarette in his mouth, but before he look at the two people, his eyes caught sight of something shiny on the ground. He reach down to grab it and realized it was his silver zippo lighter.


    It must have fell from his pocket when he took his box of cigarette out.


    Picking it up, he then looks in the direction his boss and the others were looking at.


    However, his brows arch upwards and his mouth slightly open causing the cigarette to fall down.


    Did they somehow get transmitted into a boy¡¯s romance world that involved the secret love affair between two assistants?


    Standing in the back of the group, the two assistants were hugging each other. Xu Long¡¯s arms wrapped around Liu Shan¡¯s waist, as Liu Shan¡¯s arms wrapped around Xu Long¡¯s neck.


    The corners of Jiangyu¡¯s lip twitch to the maximum.


    What in the world is he looking at? Which one of them screamed? Where is his little monkey? His eyes have been tainted and only she can heal him!


    \"Xu Long.\"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice breaks the silence as he stares indifferently at the two assistants.


    Hearing his name being called, Xu Long blinked his eyes at the five pair of eyes staring at him.


    He quickly push Liu Shan away and points to the man with one hand while his other hand waves no.


    \"I... It wasn¡¯t me. It was him. He screamed.\"


    Lu Tian nce at Liu Shan then back to his assistant. His words fell as he turns away.


    \"We¡¯re not here to waste time.\"


    Xu Long: \"...\"


    Jiangyu shook his head and turns away in pursuit after his boss. Next, Ye Zhongwei sighs in sympathy for the man as he turns away too.


    Both Lin Hui and Qi Li stares at Xu Long then to Liu Shan then back to Xu Long. The corners of their lip arc up, but they force themselves back from smiling.


    Without saying a word, both men turns away. However, once their back were to the two assistants, both menugh inaudibly as one can see their shoulders shaking.


    Xu Long stares in disbelief at what just happened. He felt like he had suddenly turned into the boy who cried wolf.


    Displeased with this, his lower lip tremble and his head slowly turn to look at Liu Shan with a grim expression. He looked like he would strangle the man to death.


    However, his eyes widen sinisterly, and he points to Liu Shan.


    \"You. Owe. Me. Big. Time.\"


    Hearing Xu Long growl under his breath, Liu Shan kept a straight face. However, due to the little light around, no one was able to see his flustered face.


    The reason why Lin Hui and Qi Liughed was because it was actually him who screamed. Both men knew it was him, but neither said anything because Xu Long took the me.


    Clearing his throat, he lightly scratch the lip of his nose to hide his smile and slightly stuck his right elbow out.


    \"Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll let you hold onto my arm.\"


    After the short bromance between the two assistants, Lu Tian and the others arrived at the end of the underground hallway.


    What greeted them was a huge double door made of metal.


    Jiangyu steps forward and push the door open as everyone enters.

 Chapter 531 laugh all you wan

    Upon entering beyond the door, what came into view was a big and spacious room that shaped into a dome.


    The ceiling was high and illuminating around were litnterns that gave off a ghostly vibe to the ce.


    To the right was a long table and two giant shelves on either side. On top of the table and filling the empty spaces on the shelves were different medical equipment.


    To the left was a long row of wooden stands. Hung on it were all types of handheld weapons.


    ils, maces, daggers, hammers, kukris, short swords, long swords, bows, crossbows, axes, spears, pikes, all the different kinds of handheld weapon one can think of is in this room.


    There was even a pair of metal spiked gauntlet that sat like a trophy at the very top of the weapon stand.


    If one did not know, one would have thought this room to be some kind of mad scientist room. However given the weapons that await at the side to be used, it is more like a torture room.


    And the unfortunate person to have the honor of being the guest is none other than the man in the middle of the room.


    Chu Li Xiangid unconscious on a table that looked to be made from brick. Both his arms and legs were spread apart by thick heavy chains that bound his wrists and ankles.


    \"Wake him up.\"


    Lu Tian spoke indifferently to Ye Zhongwei as he takes a cigarette out from his coat pocket.


    Nodding his head, Ye Zhongwei walks towards the medical side to begin the waking process.


    When he first arrived, Chu Li Xiang was just about to wake up. However, to keep him from fully waking up, he (Ye Zhongwei) had used a right amount of chloroform to knock the man out, then Jiangyu brought the man here.


    Reaching the table, Ye Zhongwei didn¡¯t need to look for what he needed. He grabs a metal bucket filled with ice cold water and turns to the table Chu Li Xiang wasying on.


    He held a sinister grin on his charming face and approach Chu Li Xiang.


    As a doctor, they are trained to save lives, but in this situation, Chu Li Xiang is not a human who needs saving. This man deserves everything that is going to happen to him.


    Holding the top edge with one hand, his other hand ce under the bucket to help pour the water on the man.


    *Sasshh¡ª Thunk!


    idently tripping on his own feet, Ye Zhongwei lost his grip on the bucket and it flies forward as he falls to his knees.


    The water that should have sshed onto Chu Li Xiang¡¯s face pours over the man like a rainbow. Not even a drop touched to the unconscious man.


    However, what did not miss its target was the metal bucket.


    It ms hard again Chu Li Xiang¡¯s face before rolling down onto the ground and echoes in a loud thud.


    \"...\"


    Lu Tian and everyone else in the room werepletely dumbfounded by this scene.


    The aloof man slowly turned his head to his friend. He couldn¡¯t help but question of his IQ and EQ are really high. If it is, why is he surrounded by people like this?


    Jiangyu and Qi Li clears their throat and turn to look in another direction so they wouldn¡¯t smile. However, Liu Shan, Xu Long and Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help but snort inughter.


    Walking up to the doctor, Liu Shan shook his head with a sigh and stretch his hand to help the man up.


    \"Are you really a doctor? I mean, is this your trick to help wake up your patients?\"


    \"...\"


    Ye Zhongwei was turned bbergasted by the assistant he only met today. However, gathering himself together, he sighs inside and helped himself up without taking Liu Shan¡¯s hand.


    He clears his throat then straightens his brown trench coat.


    \"No one saw anything, and no one heard anything.\"


    Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t sound threatening enough as Jiangyu and Qi Li could only join the other three men andugh.


    Ye Zhongwei scoffs at them. ncing at the man he was ordered to wake up, his eyes lit up as he smiles proudly and put his hands on his hips.


    \"Laugh all you want. At least my ¡¯trick¡¯ worked.\"


    ---


    In the dead of the night, Retro lit up with lights as usual. People from the underworld went about with their night as they immerse themselves in alcohol, drugs and women.


    However, unlike these people, a lonely figure stood on the rooftop of ck Dragon.


    Chu Qiang held his hands behind his back as he stares down to the bustling street crowded with people.


    After Li Wei came to see him and brought the news that his younger brother had been captured, he needed some fresh air to ease his mind.


    He has always known Chu Li Xiang to be an evil person, but never did he think the man would indulge himself in human trafficking.


    Not only that, he (Chu Qiang) has given him (Chu Li Xiang) hints to not mess with Lu Tian and Fate, yet, the man did not listen.


    If Chu Li Xiang knew how to use his brain, maybe things would have turned out differently.


    When Li Wei told him that Chu Li Xiang also kidnapped Yue Ling, no Mami, he swore his heart had stopped beating.


    Chu Li Xiang did not listen to him and allowed the tiger to roam inside his territory. The moment this happened, his (Chu Li Xiang) fate was bound to fall.


    \"Boss, I¡¯ve been look for you. Why are you up here?\"


    Guan Li spoke from behind as he walks over to stand next to his boss.


    Ever since Li Wei stopped by to inform them the news, he knows that Chu Qiang has been in distressed. One is his brother while the other are two people he cannot cross the line with.


    He hesitated but decides to ask anyways. \"Are we going to just stay here and let them kill him?\"


    Although he never liked Chu Li Xiang or got along with the man, he (Chu Li Xiang) is still his boss¡¯s younger brother and a member of ck Dragon.

 Chapter 532 heavens agree

    Chu Qiang kept his eyes on the street below and he ponder in thoughts about Guan Li¡¯s question.


    If he doesn¡¯t save Chu Li Xiang, would his deceased father and uncle me him for not properly disciplining Chu Li Xiang?


    Would they say it is his fault that Chu Li Xiang met a tragic end because of his selfishness?


    What will he say to them when he meets them in the afterlife?


    Averting his gaze from the street, he looks up to the starry night sky. Even in the pitch darkness above, the sky was as clear as day with no clouds in sight.


    He heaves a long sigh andes to a decision.


    \"This is his retribution for all his wrong doings.\"


    He sighs a very faint smile that was filled with pain and guilt.


    \"Even the heavens agree with this.\"


    Hearing his answer, Guan Li furrow his brows in confusion. What did Chu Qiang mean by ¡¯even the heavens agree with this¡¯?


    He tilt his head back and stares up at the sky. The moment he saw the sky, he finally understood. He has been following Chu Qiang for so many years, how could he not understand.


    The sky was clear, and the stars shone brighter than the any other nights. It was as if the heavens above were giving a sign that they are not angry or sad that Chu Li Xiang is going to die.


    Staring at the sky, Chu Qiang thought about the future and turns his head to look at the young man standing next to him.


    \"Guan Li, listen carefully to what I am going to say.\"


    His words fell and Guan Li turns to look at him.


    \"You have to promise that in the future, if anything ever happens to me or ck Dragon, you will go to Fate.\"


    Guan Li¡¯s eyes shook, and his mind turned chaotic. Why would Chu Qiang suddenly say something like this? Did something happen that he wasn¡¯t informed? And...


    \"Why Fate?\"


    He subconsciously spoke the question aloud as he stares at the man who had raised him since he was young.


    Chu Qiang knew his words had shaken the boy, but he can¡¯t help but feel something is amiss.


    A few days ago, he received a letter from Silver that someone from City Z has entered the underworld in Imperial and no one knows where this person is.


    He couldn¡¯t help but feel that after tonight, something big is going to happen.


    However, not wanting to stress the boy, he smiles reassuringly to Guan Li then down to the street below.


    \"She is the only person I know and trust with good judgement.\"


    It¡¯s true that Lu Tian is also another person he (Chu Qiang) knows that has good judgement, but knowing the man¡¯s temper, if anything were to happen to ck Dragon and Guan Li was to find him, he (Lu Tian) would probably not listen.


    However, Yue Ling is a person who usually kills without asking questions, but if someone goes to her in need of help, she will listen then act.


    Oblivious to Chu Qiang¡¯s thoughts, Guan Li did not know how to answer. The first and thest time he met Mami, he was shocked to know that she is the famous Han Yue Ling.


    She looked nice and calm, but at the same time, she held a menacing aura that truly made her deserving to be Fate¡¯s leader.


    If anything happens to ck Dragon and he goes to her, wouldn¡¯t he be a rabbit entering a tiger¡¯s den?


    No, he will never abandon his boss. He will stay and fight alongside his brothers.


    He looks at Chu Qiang and tells the man his decision, but seeing the look in his eyes, Guan Li could only take a deep breath and nod his head.


    \"I promise to find her if anything were to befall ck Dragon.\"


    Knowing the boy is only reluctantly agreeing to his request, Chu Qiang was still able to rx inside.


    He pat the boy on the head then ce his hands behind his back and looks at up at the sky again.


    At the same time, over Imperial and across the calm ocean, on a private ind, things were only getting started.


    Inside the underground room, Lu Tian and everyone¡¯s gaze stare murderously at the disheveled man chained on the table.


    Chu Li Xiang squeeze his tightly shut eyes and slowly open them. He utters a faint groan as his body ached all over.


    Thest thing he remembered was jumping out the window, then something cold wrapped around his neck before he could touch the ground.


    No... He remembers meeting Fate. He remembers seeing Mami standing over him then everything went dark.


    Did he by chance die? Why does his nose hurt so much?


    *nk nk


    Trying to move his hands to soothe his nose, the sound of metal chains nking together enters his ears and his eyes shot open.


    That¡¯s right! He was captured!


    A wave of fear wash over him, and his head dart left and right to see where is.


    Did he not die and is back in prison?


    Looking in every direction, he could see the outline of seven dark figures standing a distance from his feet.


    However, due to the little light that illuminated inside the room, he could not make out their facial features.


    \"W-Who are you people? Where am I? Why am I chained?!\"


    He knew he was still alive because he could feel pain everywhere when he tries to move his arms and legs. If he was dead, he probably wouldn¡¯t be able to feel anything.


    \"Jiangyu.\"


    A deep, yet menacing voice calmly spoke, and Chu Li Xiang froze like a statue.


    The person did not answer any of his questions but sent a cold shiver down Chu Li Xiang¡¯s spine.


    He knew exactly who¡¯s voice this belongs to even if he was dead.


    As it was one that could even bring the dead back to life.


    *Click


    Just as he thought this, what was once a dimly lit room quickly sh in brightness. It was like the dark sky outside had sudden turn into day.


    Chu Li Xiang quickly squeeze his eyes shut due to the bright light that was now hurting his eyes.


    After what felt like a long minute had passed, but was only a second, he slowly opens his eyes again.


    He looked back to the figures and it was like someone had poured ice cold water on him. He froze as sweat slowly form on his body.


    Staring right back at him were seven pairs of dark and murderous eyes.


    However, he could only stare in bloodshot eye at one person and that is the cold-blooded man standing in the middle.


    \"L-L-Lu L-Lu Tian.\"

 Chapter 533 I dont think so

    Like a pir that stood its ground, Lu Tian looked like a domineering and powerful ruler standing in the midst of a battlefield. His eyes held no trace of mercy or sympathy. All there was is pure coldness.


    To the left of him stood Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Xu Long. To his right stood Qi Li, Jiangyu and Ye Zhongwei.


    Each one of them gave off the image of mighty generals that will not hesitate to kill for their ruler.


    Chu Li Xiang was scared out of his wits. He rather be dead at this moment than face Lu Tian.


    He didn¡¯t dare to utter a word, but seeing something from the corner of his eyes, he nce to his right.


    The second he saw the neat rows of different handheld weapons, all the colors on his face drained like a ghost.


    Fear far scarier than anything he had ever experience crawled inside him and his body shakes uncontrobly like he was having a seizure.


    \"Arrhhh!!! Let me go!! Let me go!! Arrhhh!!!\"


    The sound of metal nks loudly inside the room as Chu Li Xiang struggles to break free from the chains that bound him to the brick table.


    \"Let you go?\"


    Lu Tian calmly spoke as he throws the cigarette he had yet to finish away. He leisurely walks over to the crazy man.


    Stopping at the side, he stares down at Chu Li Xiang with one corner of his lip slowly arcs up into an evil smirk and his head shook.


    \"I don¡¯t think so.\"


    He nce to Jiangyu then turns away in the direction of the weapons that stood await like soldiers.


    At the same time, turns away in the opposite direction of his boss. He walks up to a metal box that looked simr to circuit breaker box, but it has a different purpose.


    He switch a button on and turns back to face everyone without leaving his position.


    The sound of mechanical powering on resonates above everyone and everyone, except for Lu Tian looks up to the ceiling.


    Liu Shan and the others stares in amusement, but only Chu Li Xiang stare in petrifying horror.


    The once closed ceiling was now reced with multiple windows that allows one to see the dark sky outside. However, right above Chu Li Xiang were mirrors that allowed him to see himself and everything beyond his head.


    \"Lu Tian! You coward! Let me go!! Fight me like a man! Arrhhh!! Arrh!!!!\"


    Seeing how pitiful his reflection looked, Chu Li Xiang was no longer in fear but in rage. Never has he ever been treated this way.


    \"Lu Tian!!! Fucken coward!!!\"


    Without giving any care to Chu Li Xiang¡¯s shouts and curses, Lu Tian took his sweet time looking at the weapons in front of him like he was at a dealership looking at cars.


    He grabs the short sword and observe its beauty, yet deadly sharp de. However, like it didn¡¯t satisfy him enough, he set it down and picks up a hammer. Doing the same thing he did to the short sword, he moves on to the next weapon.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, he finally came to a decision.


    Walking towards the end of the weapons, he reach for the hammer, but pause. Moving his hand a little more to the right, he grabs the long axe instead.


    Holding it slightly up with one hand, he turns to look at Chu Li Xiang. Their eyes met for a quick second before Lu Tian looks at the axe in his hand.


    \"I find it quite amusing when someone about to face death tries to talk big.\"


    Hisst word fell as his hand holding the axe drops to his side allowing the head part of the axe to hit the hard floor in a thunderous nk.


    \"A wise man once told me...\"


    He takes a step forward then another. His dark murderous eyes never leaving the man as the axe in his hand drags behind like it was too heavy for him to carry.


    However, anyone can see that he is purposely doing this.


    \"Bad deeds lead to bad karma.\"


    The sound the hard metal scrapping the floor is enough to scare anyone, butbine with Lu Tian¡¯s calm, yet terrifying expression, it was enough to kill someone.


    \"All the blood stained on your hands, I shall avenge.\"


    His (Lu Tian) entire being at this moment no longer resembled a businessman, but one of a lunatic serial killer in a thriller film.


    Seeing Lu Tian was getting closer to him, Chu Li Xiang was face with petrifying dread. His mouth open and close as he chokes the words out.


    \"I-I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m really sorry! I¡¯m sorry for killing your child!!\"


    *annng¡ª


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t care about Chu Li Xiang¡¯s apologies. He raise the heavy axe with one hand and ruthlessly chops the man¡¯s right arm down to the bone.


    His gesture was like a forest man chopping down a block of wood in the middle of the forest.


    \"Arrrrrrhhhhhhh¡ª!!!!!\"


    Following the chop came Chu Li Xiang¡¯s horrendous shriek in intense pain. Blood splutter from his open wound as one can even see his bone.


    The blood poured onto the brick table before it trails down to the floor.


    Lu Tian lightly taps the axe on the table and uses it to flick the bloody, yet clean chopped arm onto the floor with cold eyes on the man.


    \"Do you think your words of sorry will bring my child back?\"


    Without averting his eyes from the man, he gestures a signal with his free hand in indication to Jiangyu.


    Quickly as he saw the signal, Jiangyu switch on another button and the ground began to shake like a mild earthquake had urred on the ind.


    Only, it wasn¡¯t an earthquake.


    Inches near the head of brick table, the ground spread open to reveal a deep hole with the sound of ocean waves pushing through as it hits against the walls.


    In the very center of this hole, one can see a very small concrete space enough of a person to stand. However, it was still at least five inches under the water.


    Chu Li Xiang was on the brink of passing out due to shock, pain and all the blood he was losing.


    In a drowsy state, his eyes wondered in every direction, until he nce up at the mirror above him and his lips began to tremble.


    He could see his blood was falling into the hole and like time had slow down, his eyes widen when his blood drops into the water.


    However, what shook him to the core was, a few seconds after his blood merged with the ocean water, two big and ferocious sharks charge up into view with their mouth widely open and sharp razor de teeth.


    In that moment, he swore the sharks were close enough to devour him in one gulp.


    \"Let... me go... I... I beg you... please.\"


    He pleads with a raspy and dry voice. However, in the next second, his body froze again as he knew no matter how much he begs, he cannot escape.


    Lu Tian positions the axe like a club and hits the bodyless arm as if he was ying a game of golf.


    The arm easily drops into the water and Chu Li Xiang watched as the two sharks wrestle into a fight to eat his arm.


    Seeing the terrified look on the man, Lu Tian scoffs a smirk before his expression returned to one of indifference.


    *aankk-!


    He ms the axe with full force on the brick table only inches away from Chu Li Xiang¡¯s head and slightly tilt his head to the side.


    \"This is only the beginning.\"

 Chapter 534 return to your side

    Chu Li Xiang stare lifelessly at the mirror above and he was unable to take the pain that crawled inside his body. His eyes rolled back, and he slips into unconsciousness.


    Eyes kept on the man, Lu Tian did not feel sorry for him at all. He leans the axe against the brick table.


    \"Make sure he doesn¡¯t die.\"


    He instructs in a low voice that almost sounded like a growl. Without giving Chu Li Xiang another look, he turns and head for the double doors leading out of the room.


    Watching his figure disappears behind the door, Ye Zhongwei quickly got to work. He picks up what ever medical things he needed and walks over to Chu Li Xiang¡¯s body.


    His shook and he sighs aloud, \"Well, aren¡¯t you an ugly sight to see.\"


    As Ye Zhongwei began to perform medical procedures on the man, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li quietly sat at the side. The three men looked like they were sitting at a movie theater. Each person enjoying the good show that will be starting again.


    They had been curious as to why there would be mirrors on the ceiling, but after seeing what just happened, they finally understood.


    Lu Tian wanted Chu Li Xiang to watch himself get tortured then fed to the sharks.


    The need for Ye Zhongwei is so that the doctor can keep Chu Li Xiang alive. Enough for him to die a slow and painful death.


    Outside the room, Lu Tian stood in the middle of the dimly lit hallway. In his hand was the bloodstained ultrasound photo of his and Yue Ling¡¯s unborn child.


    He kept the photo in his wallet because he couldn¡¯t bring himself to throw or put it away. It was the proof of their child and that he or she existed.


    Their little one must have been in so much pain and yet they were unable to do anything. They couldn¡¯t even wrap their arms around him and tell him not to be afraid, and that everything is going to be okay.


    Gazing down at the photo, his thumb gently caress it and he subconsciously steps back. Once he felt the hard wall on his back, he sits down.


    He press the photo against his forehead and close his eyes. His wife¡¯s words came to his thoughts.


    At the time, he looked like he was asleep, but he had heard her words. Every detail of her dream, he had heard it all.


    ¡¯He wanted me to tell you that he is not mad at you.¡¯


    Even if he was always jealous and didn¡¯t look like he would be a good father, the moment he found out his wife was pregnant, he swore inside that he would do whatever it takes to be good father.


    No, to be the best father. He wanted to be the kind of father their child can look up to. He wanted to give their child the world.


    Slowly opening his eyes, he gaze at the photo for another minute then ce it inside his wallet. Taking his phone out, he dials a number then brought the phone to his ear.


    The call rang three times before the line connects and the voice of the person he loves chimes into his ears.


    [\"Tian?\"]


    \"Mm.\"


    He answers shortly with a mm, but hearing her voice that was faintly hoarse, he felt his heart ache in pain.


    If he wasn¡¯t here, he would have stayed with her. He would hold her tightly in his arms and tell her that everything will be okay.


    He is here to shoulder the pain and grief with her. Even if he has to carry the weigh on his shoulders alone, he doesn¡¯t mind.


    [\"Is everything okay? Why are you so quiet?\"]


    Hearing her worried voice, Lu Tian came back from his daze. The cold air that emitted from him quickly disappears and he smiles a faint, yet painful smile.


    Her voice alone was enough for him to know that she is trying her best to sound normal. However, not wanting her to know that he had heard her cry, he decides to keep hisposure.


    \"Everything is fine here. I just wanted to hear your voice.\"


    [\"I... I wanted to hear your voice too.\"]


    Lu Tian¡¯s faint smile curls up more, but only by a little. Lifting his other hand to check the time on his watch, he sighs inside.


    He wanted to listen to her voice some more, but it was almost midnight.


    After Doctor Dong¡¯s full on lecture, he needs to pay more attention to her health. The old man said she may look fine, but at this moment, she is in a more weaken state than before.


    Her strength to move around was because she blocked out the truth in order to capture Chu Li Xiang. However, now that the man has been captured, the reality she¡¯s been trying to avoid ising back to her.


    He struggles a difficult gulp and spoke to her.


    \"Get some sleep. I will return to your side soon.\"


    [\"Mm.\"]


    If it had been anyone else, Lu Tian would have ended the call by now, but at this moment he couldn¡¯t.


    As his wife was waited for him to end the call, he was also waiting for her. He could hear her very faint breathing from the other line as he knew she had been crying to herself.


    When Tang Zhonghui called Liu Shan, the man had informed them that Yue Ling wanted to be alone, so Grandfather Ji was sent home.


    The thought of her all alone in the hospital is killing him. However, fighting between the urge to run back to his wife¡¯s side, Lu Tian takes a deep breath to steady himself.


    \"Yue Ling.\"


    He broke the long silence between them by calling her name as she answered with a faint mm.


    \"I love you desperately.\"


    Though his words were short, he hopes that each word reaches her.


    To let her know that what ever the world has in store for them, his feelings will always remain the same.


    [\"I love you too... I love you always.\"]


    Her words stirred his heart like waves in the ocean. Not in a bad way, but in a good way. He slowly close his eyes and quickly as her words fell, so did the phone call end.


    His eyes slowly reopen and the dangerous look inside his dark pupils returned to its usual coldness.


    Putting his phone back inside his pocket, he walks back in the direction of the metal double doors.


    He could have just ended Chu Li Xiang¡¯s life with a bullet, but that would be letting the man off too easily.


    All the pain his wife is going through right now, Chu Li Xiang must die a slow death.


    So slow that he wish he was already dead.

 Chapter 535 in Hell

    Pushing the huge metal doors opened, Lu Tian enters the brightly lit room again. His entire being bringing in the cold air that wraps around him.


    \"Wake him up.\"


    He spoke in a calm and indifferent tone, but to everyone in the room, he sounded like a fierce dragon roaring into battle.


    Ye Zhongwei stood by the table. He had just changed the blood bag that he had hooked up to Chu Li Xiang. However, hearing his friend¡¯s words, he nce down at his watch on his wrist.


    His brows couldn¡¯t help but arch up in surprise when he realized it has been passed two hours since Lu Tian left the room.


    Thinking this, he looks at the blood bag then the IV bag. From the does of anesthetic he had given Chu Li Xiang, it should be wearing off by now.


    Stepping away from the table, he walks towards the medical side of the room with the empty blood bags.


    \"Any moment now and he¡¯s all yours.\"


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, Lu Tian walks over to the left side of the brick table. He stares down at Chu Li Xiang with no ounce of emotion in his eyes.


    The bastard¡¯s face was as pale as a ghost and lips no different. Anyone who sees him at this moment would feel pity for the man. However, even if someone were to beg on Chu Li Xiang¡¯s behalf, he (Lu Tian) will not hesitate to kill the person too.


    The more he end the lives of people like Chu Li Xiang, the better it is for the world. Lowlifes with ill intentions do not deserve to be given a second chance.


    \"Ugh...\"


    Just like Ye Zhongwei had stated, Chu Li Xiang lowly grunts in pain and was gaining his conscious again. Hisshes twitch then his eyes slowly open.


    However, due to the anesthetic not fully worn off yet, his vision was still unclear.


    \"Is this a dream...?\"


    \"No.\"


    Lu Tian expressionlessly answers with eyes kept on the lifeless man. His eyes slowly flutter, and he reach for the axe he had leaned against the brick table.


    \"Am I in Hell?\"


    A groggy muffle escapes Chu Li Xiang¡¯s very dried and cracked lips. He close his eyes a few times to try and adjust his sight. If this isn¡¯t a dream then be must be in Hell, right?


    \"No.\"


    \"...\"


    Like his conscious was fully returned to him, Chu Li Xiang¡¯s eyes shot open with red veins in the white parts. He is quickly met with the dark pupils of thest person he wanted to see.


    \"L-L... ugh.\"


    Wash with intense pain, he couldn¡¯t finish his words and groan at the pain that shot through his body. It was as if his entire inside was being stabbed by sharp knives, especially from his right arm.


    His right arm that had been chopped off like a piece of meat and fed to the sharks.


    Catching sight of the axe that is already in Lu Tian¡¯s hand, tears welled up in his eyes. His body shook and he tries to struggle free. Even his armless arm was able to move but did little to help him.


    \"P... Please... let me go... Give me a chance to... to redeem myself.\"


    Tears pour down from the corner of his eyes as he starts to cry without care for his dignity. He is terrified and doesn¡¯t want to die. There¡¯s still so many things he has yet to do.


    Lu Tian casually walks around the brick table to the other side. Following his steps, was the echoed sound of the axe head as it drags over the concrete floor making anyone cringe.


    \"You know how to beg for a chance?\"


    He halts in his steps and stares at Chu Li Xiang.


    \"Did you think to give my child a chance?\"


    His and Yue Ling¡¯s child. Their child, so small, so innocent. Had yet to enter the world and was already taken from them. Just the thought of their child being unable to protect himself from the pain angers him to the core.


    Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Qi Li were also fuming with rage. They can¡¯t wait to see the disgusting bastard die.


    Their boss was always a role model to them. She was strong and always knew how to collect herself. No matter what situation, be it good or bad, she was the one who knew how to handle it.


    When they found out the news, every one of them were thrilled for her. They knew she will be a great mother and love the little one unconditionally.


    However...


    That blessing was taken. Chu Li Xiang took their little master from her and them.


    Knowing he had messed up big time, Chu Li Xiang cried even more. If he could go back in time, he would not have epted the deal from Ning Mei.


    It was all because of that wretched woman that he lost his love and now his life. It was all Ning Mei¡¯s fault that he is in this situation.


    \"I¡¯m sorry!! Please!! Please let me live!! I¡¯m begging you!!\"


    He didn¡¯t care anymore and tries to beg for his life. If Lu Tian is really human, he will reconsider and give him (Chu Li Xiang) a chance to live.


    Fortunately, Lu Tian is human, but to Chu Li Xiang¡¯s unfortunate, he (Lu Tian) shows no mercy to those who do not deserve it.


    *Clunk¡ª!


    \"Arrrrhhhh¡ª!!!\"


    Despite all the man¡¯s sorrowful pleading to live, Lu Tian raise his arm with the axe and without any care, he chops off Chu Li Xiang¡¯s left leg from the knee down as the man screamed in pain.


    Chu Li Xiang thought that he would be numb to the pain by now, but he thought wrong. The pain this time added with the pain from earlier intensified more than ever.


    Endless streams of tears pour from his eyes and sweat covered his entire body.


    He wanted to avoid looking up at the mirror, but it was the only thing he can see.


    His pitiful figureid on the brick table as Lu Tian repeats the same steps with his arm. Only, this time, the coldblooded man did not y a game of golf.


    Lu Tian flicks the bodyless leg with the axe and it drops to the ground. He locks eyes with Chu Li Xiang and without averting his gaze, he kicks the legs into the hole like he was ying ser.


    The sound of the leg ssh into the water and Chu Li Xiang watched in petrifying horror. The two ferocious sharks that were swimming in circles merge into view again and devours his bloody leg.


    He palely res at Lu Tian and clench his teeth tightly together.


    \"Just kill me already. Kill me!!\"


    Lu Tian slightly tilt his head to the side and a smirk so sinister curls on his lip.


    \"Not yet.\"

 Chapter 536 time is up

    The night carried on as usual. Before anyone knew it, the sky was already transitioning from darkness to light as the sun slowly began to rise in the distance. A slight breeze from the early morning blew in to soothe one¡¯s soul.


    However, while those in Imperial slept peacefully in slumber, a person rotated between screams and silence on a private ind.


    Chu Li Xiangid in his own blood and was frantically gasping between his sobs and screams. Each time he thought he was already dead, he would open his eyes to meet the person torturing him again.


    It was as if his misery never knew how to end.


    Now he has been awoken for the ninth time. Both his arms and legs had been chopped off and fed to the sharks below.


    The aloof man is definitely worthy of being the most ruthless person. Far worse than those in the underworld that Chu Li Xiang has ever met.


    Lu Tian did not chop his arms and legs in one go. He started with Chu Li Xiang¡¯s right arm up to the elbow, then his left leg to the knee, then the other arm and leg no different.


    When Chu Li Xiang saw this, he thought the torture was done, but to his misfortune, it was not. What came after were his remaining arms up to the shoulder and legs to the thigh.


    Even when he thought he would be immune to the pain, he thought wrong. All the pain he was receiving, is all he could think about. Pain after pain.


    He stares up at his reflection in the mirror with his eyes that were crying blood. He wanted to scream, but his throat had be so hoarse and dry, it hurts just opening his mouth.


    Shifting his gaze to the left, he felt anger and vengeance crawl inside him. If he still had his arms, he would be clenching his fists so tightly right now.


    Lu Tian was leaning against the side of the brick table. His back was turned to Chu Li Xiang as he leisurely smokes a cigarette.


    He blows a gust of smoke out and stares expressionlessly at the space in front of him.


    \"Painful, isn¡¯t it?\"


    His words fell and he inhales another deep breath of the cigarette in his hand.


    \"No matter how much you want to distract your mind, you can¡¯t because pain is the only thing running inside your brain.\"


    He takes hisst puff and toss the cigarette to the ground. His left leg slightly raise, and he steps on it.


    \"All the pain you¡¯re feeling right now is not even equal to the amount of pain you¡¯ve inflicted upon the innocent lives you took.\"


    Slowly turning to look at Chu Li Xiang, he reach for the axe that was waiting patiently to be used again.


    The moment Chu Li Xiang saw this, he knew his end wasing and his entire body shook from inside and out.


    \"Just kill me already!!!\"


    He roared with all the energy he had left. The pain was too much to bear and Lu Tian is right. As of this moment, no matter how angry he wants to be, all he can think about is the pain inside him.


    Hearing the man¡¯s pleading demand, Lu Tian arch a brow then put on a thinking face. However, that expression on his face onlysted for a very quick second.


    He grips the axe tightly with his left hand. Even though Lu Tian is right-handed, his left hand raised the axe steadily without any problems. For him, both arms work at the same strength.


    \"Very well.\"


    Chu Li Xiang squeeze his eyes shut. His end is finallying. All the torturous pain is all going to end.


    \"Arrrrhhhh¡ª!!!!!\"


    *Cluunk¡ª!


    Chu Li Xiang summoned a high-pitch shriek when he felt the gust of wind from the speed of the axe. Quickly as it came, he heard the sharp de ms hard against him.


    However, the pain he was expecting did note.


    He couldn¡¯t understand what is happening. Didn¡¯t the axe hit him? If it did, where is the pain?


    Unless, he is already dead...


    Thinking this, he weakly open his eyes, and it was then he knew he had thought wrong again. What met him in the eyes were the eyes of a ferocious tiger.


    His entire body froze, and he swore he had died in this second only to be revived again.


    Lu Tian was staring right at him with no emotion in his expression as usual. However, his eyes at this moment looked so sinister like two ck holes ready to engulf anything itnds on.


    \"Y-You...\"


    A muffle mumble escapes Chu Li Xiang¡¯s dried lips. What is going on? Wasn¡¯t he meeting his end? Why is he still alive?


    However, as he ask these questions, he was going to find out.


    \"Your time is up.\"


    Lu Tian calmly spoke, but it only sent a cold shiver down Chu Li Xiang¡¯s body causing more blood to gush out from his open wounds. He (Lu Tian) grabs the bastard man by the shirt and lifts him up.


    \"Arrghh¡ª!!!\"


    As Chu Li Xiang¡¯s body suddenly moves from the table, he grunts loudly in pain as he was mmed down on the hard floor. The opened wounds of his legs were pressed down against the ground despite Lu Tian was still holding him by the shirt.


    \"Lu! Tian! You bastard! You¡¯re going to pay for this! There are many people who want you dead!! I pray they kill you brutality!!! Ahh!!! Ahhh!!!!\"


    Like he suddenly had all the energy in the world, Chu Li Xiang roars loudly as he curses Lu Tian. Even if he dies now, there will be someone else to take his ce.


    Be it Lu Tian, Mami or Fate, there is bound to be someone who wille after them!


    Lu Tian looks at the man and he squats down to be at eye level.


    \"When that dayes, I will send them to join you.\"


    Hearing his words full of mockery, Chu Li Xiang gather all his mucus and spits at Lu Tian. However, his gesture only caused him to cough out blood on himself.


    He ended up gasping for air and could only clench his teeth together. He res at his killer and growls through gritted teeth.


    \"What are you waiting for? Kill me already!\"


    Lu Tian heaves a sigh and shook his head. His gesture was as if he was in a conference meeting with his employees and was disapproval of their idea.


    \"You are not worthy to be killed by me.\"


    His words fell and he calmly stood up. He did not let go of his grip on Chu Li Xiang¡¯s shirt, and his eyes never left the man.


    \"However, I will be thest person you see.\"


    Without giving Chu Li Xiang anytime to react, he drags the man towards the deep hole.


    Chu Li Xiang¡¯s eyes widen as he would see his own reflection from the mirrors above. He could also see the sharks as they swim in a circle with only their dorsal fins showing.


    He knows that once he is thrown in there...


    \"Arrrrhhhhhh¡ª!!!\"


    Before he could even finish his thoughts, Lu Tian showed no mercy and toss him into the water. It was as if Chu Li Xiang was some kind of filthy waste being disposed of.


    *Thud!


    Chu Li Xiang doesn¡¯t drop directly into the ocean water. His backnds on the small concrete space that was only enough for a single person to stand.


    His bodyid in intense pain as the salty water sshes against his open wounds causing his body to sting more than ever.


    Unable to see the sharks circling beside him, his eyes could only rotate between Lu Tian¡¯s figure that is looking down at him and his own reflection in the mirrors.


    \"Ahhh¡ª!!!\"


    Suddenly, he howls a shriek at what he saw in the mirror. One of the sharks merge out from the water with its mouth widely open and its shark teeth quickly pierce into his shoulder.


    Quickly as the first one appeared, the second one did not hesitate to tear the side of his stomach and his guts stter out into the water.


    Chu Li Xiang¡¯s screams echoed inside the room in agonizing pain. With his arms and legs gone, he was not given any chance to try and fight for his life.


    All he could do was scream and watch as the sharks make a meal out of him.


    From above, Lu Tian watched as the two sharks devour the man. His eyes never once looked away even when there was nothing left but a pool of bloody ocean water.


    Once the sharks were done, they submerge into the water and make their way through a tunnel leading back to the free ocean they hade from.


    Lu Tian slowly blink his eyes and turns away from the hole as if none of this had happened.


    His tall figure walks pass the other people in the room and towards the double doors made of metal.


    \"Let¡¯s go.\"

 Chapter 537 made up my mind

    Morning finally came as the sun began to shine brightly over Imperial. It beams with warmth to wee a new day for those awake.


    *knock knock


    While the people went on with their usual day, a light knock sounds from behind the door to a private ward inside Imperial Military Hospital.


    Without waiting for an answer, the doorknob turned, and the door is slowly pushed open as if to not make a sound.


    Grandfather Ji quietly enters the room to check on his granddaughter. He was no longer wearing his military uniform, but clothe in a gray loungewear set. In his hand was a blue shopping bag.


    The time was half past eight in the morning, but he wasn¡¯t sure if Yue Ling was already up or still asleep. He made sure everything that follows after the knock was done so quiet, that no sound could be heard.


    However, to his surprise, Yue Ling was already up.


    She wasn¡¯tying down on the hospital bed but was sitting on a chair near the window.


    A faint smile curls on his lip to see her up, but he sighs inside.


    "Ah Ling, why are you up? When did you wake up?"


    Yue Ling slowly turn to look at her grandfather. She cast him a smile as she had heard him enter but pretended to not notice until now.


    "I woke up not too long ago."


    Although she had spoke her words, it wasn¡¯t the entire truth.


    After she cried herself to sleep, she had woke up a little before the sun rose. Not being able to go back to sleep, she got up and sat by the window to watch the sunrise.


    Her insomnia was also because she was worried about Lu Tian and the others. After their short phone call, she had heard nothing from them.


    Grandfather Ji slightly narrow his eyes at her as he knew she did not answer him honestly. However, he brush it aside and walks over to her.


    cing the bag down, he sits down on the chair by the bed. "I figured you would want to feelfortable while you wait for Lu boy, so I bought you a change of clothes."


    As he spoke, a shade of pink flush on his wrinkled face and he massage the back of his neck like a shy boy.


    "My choice may not be like yours, but its morefortable to wear than the hospital attire."


    Yue Ling stares at the old man with one arch brow. Why did he buy her clothes? He could have gone to her and Lu Tian¡¯s house to pack some old clothes for her.


    Shifting her gaze to the blue bag, her eyes slightly narrow in suspicion. Thest time he bought her clothes, it was so small that it could only fit a toddler.


    "I know what you are thinking. Don¡¯t worry, I bought the right size this time."


    Just as Yue Ling¡¯s hand was about to touch the bag, Grandfather Ji spoke with a confident look on his face.


    It¡¯s true that he used to always get Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu¡¯s sizes wrong, but it was intentionally. He bought them toddler sizes, because no matter how old they get, that was the age he would always see them.


    However, ever since he learned of his illness, he knew that this couldn¡¯t continue. So he started buying them the correct size. With the time he has left, he wants to spoil them with many things so when he leaves this world, it won¡¯t just be his memories that remains.


    Quickly as the thought came, Grandfather Ji brush it aside and chuckles heartily to Yue Ling.


    "Alright, go and change. I¡¯ll inform a nurse to bring you your breakfast."


    Yue Ling who was unaware about his thoughts returns the smile. She held the bag and walks toward thevatory inside the private ward.


    As the sound of thevatory door closes, the smile on Grandfather Ji¡¯s face disappears. He cannot show her this devastating side of him. He wants her to remember him as the strong and powerful man she has always known. Not the weak and exhausted him.


    Inhaling a deep breath and stood up from the chair to inform a nurse.


    Inside thevatory, Yue Ling washed her face and brush her teeth the she changed out of the hospital attire and put on the ones her grandfather had bought.


    She stood in front of the mirror hung above the sink and she shook her head. Even if she had makeup right now, it would not be enough to hide her swollen red eyes and the bags under her eyes.


    Turning to the door, she looks at her reflection in the long mirror and she scoffs a chuckle.


    The old man had picked out a white t-shirt with her brand printed on the front in ck. He matched it an oversized cardigan in a tangerine color andfy ck jeggings.


    Fortunately, he did not lie and bought the correct sizes this time.


    The only things left in the bag was a pair of white sneakers and a few scrunchies, but because she was staying in the hospital, she didn¡¯t feel the need to wear the shoes.


    Instead, she took one of the scrunchies and put her hair up in a high ponytail.


    As she walks out of thevatory, she couldn¡¯t help but chuckle when she saw her grandfather sitting back down on the chair.


    "I have to say, not bad."


    She set the bag down on a chair and then walks over to the bed to sit down.


    "But I find this color a little too bright for me."


    Grandfather Ji was in awe when he saw his granddaughter, but hearing her words, he rolled his eyes.


    "Clothes is clothes, color is color. It¡¯s all the same for me. Anyways, how are you feeling?"


    He knows that her wardrobe barely has any bright colors, but he had purposely chosen this tangerine color.


    Yue Ling sat on the bed and crisscross her legs. She held a reassuring smile with a light nod to her head.


    "I¡¯m feeling better now."


    Though she was smiling, Grandfather Ji knew she was still in grief. Anyone who knows her would no doubt agree with him at this moment.


    He nce at the cardigan and he sighs. He had chosen the color because he wanted to add a little more color to her. However, despite her fairplexion a match for the bright color, he couldn¡¯t help but feel she looked a lot paler than usual.


    Noticing his expression, Yue Ling tries her best to keep her smile.


    "Yeye, I am really fine now."


    She must stay strong because she had thought about a lot of things in one night.


    She decided that she will try her best so that everyone else won¡¯t worry about her and continue on with life.


    Even if her child is gone, she will take the memories of him with her.


    Even if she cannot have a child anymore, she still has Inu.


    Thinking this, she looks her grandfather in the eyes and tells him her other decision.


    "Yeye, I¡¯ve made up my mind. I will do as you say and take over Corps."


    "..."

 Chapter 538 young and beautiful girl

    After a heartfelt reunion between Yue Ling, Lu Tian and the others, everyone gathered inside the room Yue Ling was staying in Imperial Military Hospital.


    The sound ofughter echoes out from the room and into the corridor. Nurses and patients who walked by could not help but poke their heads in for a quick second to see what is going on.


    However, to their surprise, the patient who was supposed to beying on the bed was not on the bed. Instead, Yue Ling was currently sitting by the window with Lu Tian and Grandfather Ji.


    Every so often, she would smile andugh to her heart¡¯s content.


    As right now,ying on the bed was Liu Shan. His arms and legs spread like he was chained to the bed. He turns his head to look at Yue Ling and grins a cheesy smile.


    "And then, this is where the good, yet scary part starts."


    "Hai! Ya!!"


    "Ohhhhh¡ª!!!"


    Xu Long jumps in from the side with a fierce samurai expression. Using his right hand, he karate chops Liu Shan¡¯s arm as the man groan in pain. He turns to look at hisdy boss and grins.


    "And that is how Chu Li Xiang lost his arms and legs."


    Lu Tian stares dumbfounded at the recap of what had happened. He did not want to tell his wife as it wasn¡¯t important, but the moment she asked, Liu Shan and Xu Long decided it was perfect chance to y out the event in full detail.


    However, seeing his wife¡¯s smiling face, he could not bring himself to stop the others.


    Oblivious to his thoughts, Yue Ling nods her head as she listened to Liu Shan and Xu Long¡¯s exnation. Her brows slightly furrow, and she points down.


    "So then, why are they there?"


    Sitting on the floor in front of her but near the bed was none other than Qi Li and Lin Hui. Unlike the sses man who was sitting up, Lin Hui wasying on the floor.


    Qi Li held his palms together over his head and Lin Hui the same but on top of his stomach.


    When they heard their boss¡¯s question, Lin Hui grins and raise his eyebrows up and down.


    "Boss, you just don¡¯t know. This is the next best part. Just wait. I swear on my life."


    Quickly as his words feel, he looks up at the ceiling but didn¡¯t forget to gesture his brows again in signal to Xu Long. To which, the assistant reach into his pocket and takes out a small box of breath mints.


    Popping out two in his hand, he nce at Yue Ling and whispers with one hand blocking his mouth as if he were going to tell her a secret.


    "Pretend these are arms and legs. Okay?"


    Without waiting for a response or to see her reaction, he quickly drops the two breath mints.


    The same time this happened, Qi Li and Lin Hui quickly caught the ¡¯arms¡¯ and ¡¯legs¡¯. Both men put it inside their mouth and began to chew until it was gone.


    "Ugh... And that is how the lowlife named Chu Li Xiang vanquished from this world in a slow and painful death."


    Liu Shan groans in intense pain as he narrates the event. Even when he spoke hisst word, he didn¡¯t forget to put on an expression like he had died.


    Taking a step forward from the side, Jiangyu stood like a soldier and ends the story.


    "The end."


    "..."


    Watching until the very end, Yue Ling, Grandfather Ji, and everyone else who were not there were at a loss for all words.


    Never did they expect the four men to y out the scene in such unexinable details. Not only that, Jiangyu who had not spoken a word had stepped in too.


    "Ahem."


    As the live show came to an end, someone suddenly interrupts them with a cough. Turning to look at the person, Grandfather Ji quickly rece his smile with one of seriousness.


    He stood up and looks at Liu Shan like he had not beenughing just a second ago.


    "Aiya, Shan, what are you doing? Do you have no shame?"


    His words fell and he looks at the person with slightly pink cheeks.


    "Doctor Dong ah, why are you here?"


    Doctor Dong stares at the grown men in the room and he did not know how to react at this moment. He had only saw a little to the ending, but it was enough to make him want tough too. However, as he is still working the clock, he could only clear his throat and professionally enters the room.


    "I could hear yourughs all the way from my office, so I came to check what is going on. However, it was livelier than I had expected."


    Walking over to the bed, he looks down at Liu Shan and slightly furrow his brows. Touching his chin, he purse his lips.


    "Hm... If I remember correctly, my patient was a young and beautiful girl."


    Liu Shan stares up at the old man. He slowly pulls the nket over his body. Making sure that it is only his eyes are visible, he bashfully blinks like he was dainty being.


    "I am a young and beautiful girl."


    If it had been anyone else, Doctor Dong would have puked. However, because he knows how Liu Shan is, he decides to y along. He nods his head in understand, then points to the IV stand.


    "Aiya. It seems like your cann connector has been disconnected. Let me reconnect it for you."


    The moment Liu Shan heard those words, his eyes widens in horror. He flung the nket off of him and abruptly stood up.


    "Aiya. How did I get on the bed?"


    He chuckles sarcastically then turns to look at his boss and gasp loudly.


    "Eh! Boss, why are you sitting there?"


    With no intentions of giving her a chance to answer, he looks back at Doctor Dong. He grins innocently and points to Yue Ling.


    "Well what do you know. Your patient is right there."


    As his words fell, he quickly dash to hide at the side. At the same time, Lin Hui and Qi Li did not forget to do the same. The two men abruptly got up from the floor and along with Xu Long, they quickly follow after the assistant like three baby chicks.


    Yue Ling stares at them as she tries to suppress her smile. She is definitely happy to have them back by her side. Only they know how to turn a bad situation into one ofughter.


    Shifting her attention to Doctor Dong, she stood up and walks over to the bed to sit.


    "Is something wrong?"


    Doctor Dong¡¯s attention quickly returns to his patient. He sighs a smile in relief to see her smiling. He hands her a piece paper and shook his head.


    "Nothing is wrong. I came to tell you that you have been discharged. Here is a list of things that you should try to avoid while you are still recovering."


    Yue Ling was baffled by the old man¡¯s words. Usually he was extremely strict with his patients and will not let them leave until they are fully recovered.


    "I can leave?"


    Just as she spoke the words, she came to understand something. Her head slowly turns to the person who must have pulled the strings.


    Meeting her bluish green eyes that can make a person lost in her gaze, Lu Tian¡¯s entire being softens. However, maintaining his calm outer appearance, he shrug his shoulders and nonchntly answers.


    "I did say we will be going home when I return."

 Chapter 539 Push him away

    Morning calmly passes by as Yue Ling and Lu Tian returned to their home in the afternoon to be with Inu.


    Due to the weather being warmer than the past few days, the couple finished their lunch and decided to enjoy their afternoon in the back courtyard.


    Lu Tian had cleaned up and changed intofortable clothes. He was now wearing a ck long sleeve shirt with gray marled shorts. Every so often, Inu, who was running around would run back to him and give the aloof man a ball to y fetch with him.


    Yue Ling sat on an outdoor couch set up on the patio deck as she watched the human and furball. She had also change after washing herself. She was now wearing a simple long sleeve midi dress made of ribbed material in a shade of beige.


    As she continue to gaze at Lu Tian, she could see a smile curl on his lip from time to time because of Inu. She couldn''t help but sigh inside. She can see why so many women are infatuated by him.


    If you were to take away his usual cold and aloof demeanor, everything about him is the perfect image of every woman''s dream man. Of course, he is shameless at times, but can be a romantic person too.


    He has always been the one to tell her that he is the luckiest man to have met her, but in truth, it is the other way around. She is the luckiest woman to have met him.


    However¡­ once he finds out that she cannot get pregnant anymore, will those words still remain?


    How will she break the news to him and how will he react?


    Will he be disappointed and leave her?


    "What''s wrong? Are you not feeling well?"


    His deep voice trails into her ears and she blinked her eyes. She had been so lost in her thoughts that she didn''t even realize when Lu Tian had appeared in front of her.


    Not only him, even Inu was poking out his adorable head from behind the man. The little guy''s expression was as if saying, ''Favorite human, are you okay? What''s wrong?''


    Staring at the big and little figures, a soft smile curls on Yue Ling''s lip. She lightly shook her head and answers.


    "It''s nothing and I''m alright."


    Lu Tian walks over to her and sits down on the space next to her. Despite her answer, he was still worried because he knows that she is really good at hiding her feelings.


    Stretching a hand towards her, he touch her forehead to make sure she is really fine.


    Feeling his slightly cold palm on her head, Yue Ling sighs inside again. She lifts her hand and held his. Lowering it, she ce it on herp without letting go.


    She lowers her head to look at hisrger hand and gently trace the callouses on his palm.


    Although she has not prepared herself to tell him, she knows that she cannot keep this a secret forever. He, more than anyone else has every right to know.


    After hearing, if he decides to leave, she will understand. Even if she is crushed by this decision, it is better to part ways while they are not yet married.


    Coming to a decision, she inhaled sharply and looks up at him with a smile.


    However, the moment their eyes met, she felt a tinge of pain stab her in the heart. A part of her does not want to tell him, but¡­


    "Tian, I have something I need to tell you."


    She stares deeply into his eyes and her smile grew smaller, but it was notpletely gone. Now it was a smile that held so many unexinable feelings.


    "I¡­ I cannot have a baby anymore."


    Lu Tian''s expression did not once change. He only stares down at her as he thought about her words.


    ''I cannot have a baby anymore.''


    He had overheard the conversation between her and Grandfather Ji, but to hear her personally say it to him, he can hear the pain in her voice. Even he felt like her pain was shot into him.


    Any person, be it a woman or man would feel devastated to learn they are infertile. Especially when they just lost a child.


    This time, it was him who slowly lowers his head, and gaze down deeply at her smaller hand within his. He gently gave her a squeeze and looks back to her as his other hand raise and caress her cheek.


    An exceedingly small smile curls on his lip, but one can see the sadness in his eyes. He knows that she must have been debating on how to tell him or whether she should keep it to herself.


    However, he is happy. Not because she cannot get pregnant, but because she decided to tell him instead of holding it in and facing it alone.


    His thumb gently stroke her cheek and he leans towards her. cing a gently kiss on her forehead, he moves back a little to look at her.


    "I heard by chance."


    As he spoke those four words, Yue Ling''s eyes shook with her heart. He already knew? How? When?


    "Who¡­ Did yeye tell you?"


    She couldn''t help but asks. The only people who knew about this was her grandfather and the doctors at the clinic she visited. So how did he know?


    Lu Tian sighs inside when he saw the pain and shock in her eyes. He moves his hand from her cheek and wrap it around her as he pulls her into his chest.


    "Grandfather Ji did not tell me. I overheard when you were telling him. I heard everything."


    Suddenly being his arms, Yue Ling didn''t know what to say, but when she heard his words that traveled inside her life sharp swords, her lower lip began to tremble.


    Knowing that he knows already, she felt a suffocating feeling rise inside her body that made her want to cry.


    However, forcing her tears to not fall, she moves her hands and press her palms against his chest. She tries to push him away. If she continues to stay within his arms, she will not be able to hold herself back.


    "Tian, I am so sorry. I understand if you don''t want to be with me anymore. I''ll have all my belongings out of here as soon as possible."


    Now that it hase to this, she cannot ask him to stay with her out of sympathy. His sympathy is thest thing she would ever want.


    "I really mean it. I won''t ask you to stay. I don''t want you to feel trap with me when I cannot give you a child."


    She choke out her words as she is barely able to contain her tears. However, no matter how much she tries to free herself from his arms, the tighter he held onto her.


    Lu Tian''s heart ached into millions of pieces. He knows how much pain she in, especially from the way she is trying to push him away.


    Hover, his arms tightens around her, and he press his forehead on her shoulder.


    "Why are you apologizing when you haven''t done anything wrong?"


    He slowly loosens his arms and lets her go, only to hold her cheeks with his palms. Once he made sure she was looking right at him, he looks at her sternly. However, the look in his eyes were as if telling her to not push him away.


    "I want to feel trap by you. I don''t care if you can''t give me a child. I just want to be with you. You''re all I want."


    He leans towards her and press his forehead against hers. Both his palms lets go of her cheeks and he holds onto her now trembling hands.


    "Please don''t push me away. I''m not going anywhere. Even if you want me to go, I will alwayse back because..."


    He pause in his sentence and moves back to look at her. He pinch her chin to make her look at him so that she does not look anywhere else but him.


    "Han Yue Ling, you are my fate. Always have and always will be."


    He leans closer to her and ce a small kiss on her lip before wrapping his arms around her again. This time, he made sure to keep her in his embrace.


    Even if she protested against him, he would not let her go.

 Chapter 540 you have to keep i

    Yue Ling quietly remained within Lu Tian''s arms. Even when he had stopped talking, she could not bring herself to say a word. She had only thought about what he might want, that she forgot that the person hugging her is Lu Tian.


    The Lu Tian who is cold and indifferent but at the same time, can be the sweetest and kindest man.


    The Lu Tian who understands her and has never judged her despite knowing her past.


    As she thought about his words, her lower lip pout and her expression turns into one of child going to cry.


    "Tian¡­"


    She wraps her arms around his waist and let her tears escape her eyes.


    "I''m so sorry. I was being selfish, and thought it was best to push you away. I should have considered your feelings."


    Lu Tian close his eyes and hugs her tighter like he wanted to knead her into one with him. He remains quiet and lets her cry her heart out. Even if her tears wanted to stain his shirt, he doesn''t mind. If possible, he would rather her tears and pain transfer into him so he will be the one to carry the weight for her.


    Through Yue Ling''s sobs, she told him everything the doctors had told her. Once she had let everything out, she was able to calm down a bit. However, despite telling him, she still felt empty and sad that she can never be a mother again.


    What about their child in her dream? He said it was not the right time, so what will happen? How is he going toe back to them if she cannot get pregnant anymore?


    As she thought this, she could feel Lu Tian''s hand gently caressing her back, and she tells herself to get herself together. She pulls away from him and wipes her tears. However, before she could even raise her hands, Lu Tian was one step ahead.


    His hands moved like ninjas in the shadows and he gently wipes her tears for her. Once he was done, two other people cross her mind and she held onto his hand.


    "Tian, what about your family? What will your father and mother say when they hear I cannot give them a grandchild?"


    Yue Ling couldn''t help but think about Old Lu and Madam Lu. They have been so good to her like they were her own parents. She could still remember how thrilled they were when they heard the news of bing grandparents.


    Then came the crash. She can still remember the sad and devastating look on their faces when they learned about the miscarriage.


    And now¡­ They are going to find out that she cannot get pregnant anymore.


    What will they say? What will they think about her?


    Lu Tian sighs inside when he heard her question. He raise a hand and gently taps her nose with a faint smile.


    "Do you really think my parents will push you away? Especially my mother?"


    He knows his parents well and he knows that they adore Yue Ling. Even if she cannot give them a grandchild, they will love and protect her just as much as him.


    Thinking this, he held her leftnd and raise it up to his lip. He stares at L''amour de ma vie for a long second, then lightly kiss the back of her ring finger. His eyes stares straight into her bluish green eyes and he reassures her.


    "No matter what anyone says or thinks. Remember that I am the one you are marrying. Not anyone else."


    His words fell and he straightens his posture with his chin slightly raised.


    "And just so you know, the moment I have my heart to you, you have to keep it."


    Yue Ling was suddenly struck speechless by his words. She blinks her eyes like some dust had gotten inside, before finally being able to process her mind again.


    "Why?"


    Lu Tian lowers his head and leans closer to her until there was only a two-inch gap between them. A smile curls on his lip as it reaches his eyes.


    "I don''t do take backs."


    "¡­"


    The moment she heard his answer, Yue Ling went from speechless to dumbfounded. They were having a serious conversation. How can he suddenly find the time to joke like this?


    However, a small smile curls on her and she couldn''t help but chuckle. She knows he is only trying to lift up her mood the best he can.


    As she thought this, she repeats his words in her head. ''I don''t do take backs.'' For some odd reason, she felt that his answer is something Liu Shan and Xu Long would say.


    Her eyes slightly widen, and she gasps inside her head. Could it be that after spending one night away with them, their ''out of this world'' energy has rubbed off on him?


    Lost in her thoughts, Lu Tian stares with love at her beautiful face. However, a part of him was ached inside when he sees the redness in her eyes from crying.


    If she had seeded and pushed him away, there is no doubt she would have cried alone. No, he will never allow her to push him away. If she needs a ce to cry, his chest will be that ce.


    Thinking this, his thoughts shift to the clinic she had visited. How dare they hurt his wife''s heart like this? He is going to find which clinic it is and shut down their business.


    However, remembering what the doctors had told her, he takes a deep breath to calm himself. Reaching a hand to caress her cheek, he decides on something.


    "Even if the chances are low, don''t give up hope."


    His deep voice pulled Yue Ling back from her thoughts and she stares up at him. The space between her eyebrows slightly crease as a confused look manifest on her face.


    "What do you mean?"


    She didn''t understand at first, but once the question escaped her lips, her eyes widen, and everything came to her senses.


    Lu Tian chuckles and leans closer to her. With the same smile that made his eyes turn into upside crescents, he pecks her lip then answers.


    "We can always keep trying."


    Not expecting him to say those words loudly, Yue Ling''s face quickly fluster as red as a tomato. Although she knows that he is trying to cheer her up and as much as she doesn''t want to admit it, he is right.


    Even if the doctors said the percentage of her ever bing pregnant again is one out of one hundred, there is still hope. It might not happen right away, but that one percent is enough.


    "Wroof¡ª!"


    Inu suddenly jumps in front of his favorite human. He ce one paw on her knee with his tongue stuck out like he is smiling and saying, ''Don''t forget. You have me too.''


    ncing down at the little guy, Yue Ling felt the urge to cry again. However, she steadies herself and moves away from Lu Tian to hug her little fur baby.


    "Oh Inu. I love you so much."


    As Yue Ling immerse herself in warmth and love from her nonhuman baby, she did not know that at this moment, Inu and Lu Tian were having a contest.


    A contest to see who can narrow their eyes more at each other.


    Inu: ''Take that you evil peasant!''


    Lu Tian: ''Hmmf. I''ll let this slide for now.''

 Chapter 541 want to talk

    While Yue Ling finished solving her own problem, in another part of Imperial, Liu Shan¡¯s ck car slows to a stop in front of his apartmentplex. He turns the engine off but does not step out right away.


    Ever since the incident with Chu Li Xiang, he had note back here until now. This ce is where he lives, but looking at it now, all it does is give him a painful ache in his chest.


    Exhaling a long sigh, he grabs his things and opens the door. Even if he doesn¡¯t want toe back here, he has no choice but toe fight the feelings inside him.


    Whether he runs into Ling Ni or not, they are still neighbors and Yue Ling was right.


    If he wants to move on, he needs closure.


    Taking another deep breath, he picks himself up and head for the stairs to go home. Maybe there¡¯s a possible chance that he won¡¯t run into Ling Ni.


    Slowly climbing up the stairs to the top, he sighs in relief when there was no one standing in the hallway to his door.


    "Liu Shan?"


    "..."


    Just as he arrived in front of his apartment door, a voice calls out to him and a nervous feeling burst inside him. It was a voice he had once liked listening to, but now, it was like a dagger that stabs him in the heart.


    Closing his eyes, he steadies himself and reopens his eyes. Turning his head in the direction of the stairs, he puts on the best and natural smile he can make.


    "Ling Ni."


    Ling Ni had just returned from visiting her parents. She had not seen Liu Shan since their encounter at Glory. So when she saw his car parked downstairs, she ran as fast as she could in hopes of catching him in time.


    When she saw that he hadn¡¯t entered his apartment, she was relieved, but also sad. However, when she called out him and he forced that smile, her heart ached so much.


    She sighs a faint smile as best as she could and takes a step forward.


    "Can we talk?"


    Liu Shan stares at the woman in front of him. He doesn¡¯t answer her but ponder in thoughts.


    Usually she would wear a pretty dress, but at this moment, she was dressed more casually. A simple ck jumpsuit with a tan trench coat over.


    Even after what happened between them, she was still as pretty as always.


    However, knowing that things cannot go back to how they were, he sighs a smile.


    "Let me put my things away."


    In the past, he would have invited her inside, but now was different. If he lets her in, there¡¯s a chance he won¡¯t be able to move on because the feelings of her will still linger in his home.


    After putting his things away, Liu Shan and Ling Ni walked to the side of the apartment building. There was a man-madeke that held a stunning view,


    It was also the reason why Liu Shan chose to live here. That way, on his days off, he could enjoy the view from inside his house or take a run around theke.


    Sitting down on a bench that faced theke, Liu Shan could see that the sun would be setting behind theke. Just from the thought of it, he could already picture a beautiful scene.


    However, beautiful or not, at this moment, it is only a sad painting for him and Ling Ni.


    The two individuals had not spoken a word since they sat down.


    Liu Shan had always wished that time would slow down for him when he was with Ling Ni, but now... Now he just wish that time would speed up so he can move on.


    Thinking this, he decides to break the silence without looking at her.


    "What is it that you want to talk about?"


    Ling Ning was staring down at the grass in front of her. When she heard his tone full of indifference, she felt another stab to her heart. She couldn¡¯t help but look at him.


    It hurts to see him treat her so coldly, but she cannot me him. It was her who hurt him first.


    Shifting her gaze away from him, she looks back down at the grass.


    "The woman from that night, she is very pretty. Is she the person you are seeing?"


    It was her first time seeing Yuanyuan, and even she finds the woman very pretty and attractive. If she were man, she would also pursue Yuanyuan too.


    "Whether I am seeing her or not, I don¡¯t have to answer to you."


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t care and retorted her words. However, only he knows how hard it is for him to act this way. He is trying his best to notsh out at her and ask her why.


    Why did she give him false hopes? Why couldn¡¯t she just tell him that she was already with someone? Why did she have to go and make him fall for her? Why did she take his heart and smash it to bits of pieces?


    Ling Ni press her lips tightly together at his response. She scoffs a sarcastic chuckle in self-pity.


    "You are right. I am no one to you and you don¡¯t have to tell me anything."


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t respond to her words and the atmosphere became quiet again.


    She sighs a smile full of regret, pain and sadness. When she saw Liu Shan enter the room with the pretty woman, she felt a suffocating feeling inside her. It was a feeling she never felt before until she met him.


    However, she kept telling herself that she cannot have these feelings because these feelings are out of her reach.


    ncing up to the clear blue sky, two birds suddenly soar over theke. The one behind follows the one in the front. Like two lovers chasing after one another.


    "I never told anyone, but the truth is, I envy those who have the opportunity to choose how they want to live and who they want to be with."


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan slightly furrow his brows.


    When he was moving to Imperial, he had done a background check on the families here. From what he can remember, Ling Ni is from a wealthy family. However, as the only daughter and child of her family, what can she possible envy?


    Then again, he didn¡¯t go into further details of her and her family¡¯s life because he thought it wasn¡¯t necessary.


    "Liu Shan, I want to tell you my story."


    Her words fell, but Liu Shan still remains quiet. Taking it as his way of approving her to go on, she proceeds to tell him.

 Chapter 542 become his woman

    Ling Ni smiles up at the sky. She knows that a part of Liu Shan does not want to listen to her story, but she wanted to him to know. Their short time together made her trust him enough to tell him about her life behind closed doors.


    "A lot of people see me as the spoilt daughter of the Ling family, but this is not exactly true. Like every human, I also have a story of my own."


    Her words fell and her smile disappears.


    "The man you saw that day, his name is Tao Meng. If I were to describe him, I would say he is like my savior."


    She had always lived a good life with her parents. Anything she wanted, they would do everything they could to give it to her.


    Others see and think of her as a spoilt princess, but she was never like that. The things she asked for were always reasonable. She never asked for new clothes, shoes, jewelries or any fancy things other daughters ask for.


    What she would ask was for a good education. That way, when the time came, she would know what to do when she takes over her father¡¯spany.


    However, everything changed on the day of her fourteenth birthday.


    She had just returned home from school and was excited to celebrate her birthday with her parents, but that was the day she learned about an underground gang called Red Moon.


    Her father had been scammed by the leader of Red Moon and was tricked into handing all his fortune to them. They told him that they will help better hispany, but it was all a lie to make him fall into debt.


    When they saw her walk through the door, they propose a deal with her father. If he sells her to them, they will support hispany in the dark as promised. They even said they would clear him of his debt and pretended none of this ever happened.


    If he doesn¡¯t ept the deal, they will fabricate her father with fraud and use of illegal drugs. They will also make sure that the Ling family perish from the world.


    Even when he was terrified out of his wits and was beaten near death, he didn¡¯t give in to their words. He was a good man and would rather die than sell his own daughter.


    However, in the end, it was her who gave in.


    She was a scared little girl who had just became a teenager. All she could think about was saving her parents and thepany her father had worked so hard on.


    When the people of Red Moon took her away, she knew her happy days were over and she will never see her parents again, but if it meant saving them, she didn¡¯t care.


    That same day on her birthday, she entered Red Moon. She was supposed to fill their needs in bed, but that was when the 14 years old her met the 22 years old Tao Meng.


    At the time, he was not yet the leader of Red Moon, but as the nephew and next line to be the leader, everyone had to give way to him.


    She said he is like her savior because it was him who took pity on her and saved her from being passed around by the man of Red Moon like an old rag doll.


    He told her that since she has been sold to Red Moon, he will keep the deal and support her father¡¯spany in the dark. He also added that she can stay with her parents, but only under one condition.


    She bes his woman.


    However, due to her being too young, he told her he will wait until she bes an adult to have her.


    So without thinking, she didn¡¯t hesitate to agree. If it meant she can be with her parents again, she didn¡¯t care.


    As the years passed by and she was nearing her adulthood, she came to realize that her life was not hers anymore, nor could she choose who to love.


    Before she knew it, the night she turned 18 arrived. She was gifted the apartment she is currently living in and like their promise deal, Tao Meng came for her.


    From that moment on, whenever he was tired of the women at Red Moon, he woulde find her to fill his needs.


    Not wanting to live like this, she decided to find a way out. She secretly started dating other men to find a way out, but no matter who it was, Tao Meng would order his men to beat the man until he was cripple or near death.


    After years of going through this, she became even more afraid of him (Tao Meng) and knew that she cannot escape him. She then came to ept her fate.


    The night she nned to break up with herst boyfriend, she found out that Tao Meng had been sending women to fool around with her boyfriend. Things escted and it was that very night that Liu Shan saved her from her so-called boyfriend.


    He was only her neighbor and knew nothing about her, but he still stepped in to help her.


    When she saw him do this, she wanted to cry as she came to know that there were still people with a good heart in this corrupted world, she lives in.


    She never nned to have anything to do with him (Liu Shan), but unexpectedly, after that night, they kept running into each other and before she knew it, the wish to fall in love began to develop inside her.


    She knew it was wrong, but she wanted to give love a try.


    All the time they spent together, she would only agree to go when she knew that Tao Meng would be away.


    Even though it wasn¡¯t much, her time with Liu Shan were the best moments in her life. She would always forget about her awful life and pray for time to stop so it would be only her and him.


    However, good things alwayse to an end.


    Tao Meng was smart man and had long known about her rtionship with Liu Shan. Even though he had not met Liu Shan in person, he had sent his men to follow them.


    When Liu Shan suddenly went missing, she thought Tao Meng had done something to him. Out of angry and tired of him controlling her freedom, she wanted to confront him, but he suddenly appeared at her door. She knew he was angry just by looking in his eyes, but he kept a calm expression.


    He told her that if she doesn¡¯t stop this childish love game of hers, he will kill Liu Shan in front of her.


    Knowing what he is capable of, she doesn¡¯t want anything to happen to Liu Shan, so she agreed. He (Liu Shan) was only an innocent person she had dragged into this mess.


    Once he was satisfied and had his way with her like he wanted, he finally left.


    However, that was the same day Liu Shan saw them.


    [[[[[Abeehiltz: And it was at this moment she knew she messed up.]]]]]


    Ling Ni smiles apologetically as she stares at theke view in front of her.


    "I¡¯m sorry for making you listen to my story."


    Even if Liu Shan does not believe her, she was d she can finally tell this to someone. It was something she had always wanted to do, but never knew who to trust enough to tell.

 Chapter 543 make you stronger

    The trees lightly rustle with the small breeze as all turned quiet. Liu Shan remain in silence. Even when she was done talking, he did not say a word.


    If it had been someone else, they would haveughed and tell her that she told a great story. So great it could probably be turned into a film.


    However, not him.


    From the moment he met Yue Ling, he had be familiar with the underworld and knows how things work.


    It¡¯s no wonder Ling Ni¡¯s father fell into Red Moon¡¯s scam. The former leader was just as disgusting as Ti Lung from Ghost Gang. The two bastards find pleasure in other¡¯s misfortune but knows how to y the hero and offer lies of helping.


    "Why didn¡¯t your family go to the police?"


    Hearing his question, Ling Ni sighs and shook her head.


    "Even if my family wanted to report it, Tao Meng¡¯s uncle had many officers secretly working under him."


    Her words fell and she thought back to the past. She learned that after the people of Red Moon took her away, her father had tried to go to the police station despite his life being on the line. However, when he got there, two officers cuffed him and threw him in jail.


    They secretly beat him up more and when nightfall came, they tossed him out in the streets and left him for dead. He only survived because her mother went to search for him after noting home.


    Ling Ni close her eyes and sharply inhales inside.


    "I used to think that where there is police officers, you would feel the safest, but sometimes, they are the one who scares me the most."


    Liu Shan stares out to theke, but his mind was lost in his own thoughts about her words.


    He hated to admit it, but what she said is true. There are good cops and there are also bad cops. You really don¡¯t know which one to trust, because even the most understanding person can be your enemy.


    However, that was all before the new Chief came to Imperial. From what Grandfather Ji told him, the new Chief had done a little spring cleaning, but was still unable to clean all of them.


    Thinking this, he couldn¡¯t help but think back to the tragic incident that happened to Ting. The boy had gone to the police station for help, but ignoring his pleads and cries for help, they justughed at him and told him to go home.


    After they saved Ting, he had done a little research and he found out that the officers who had turned the boy down were working in the dark with Ti Lung.


    Knowing that his boss was busy, he informed the matters to Grandfather Ji. Together with the Chief, the two old men were able to clean those disgusting people out.


    Ling Ni has no idea that Liu Shan thoughts had sidetracked elsewhere. She turns to look at him and pain sh in her eyes. She always thought he was the most handsomest man in her heart. Not only that, he had a great and caring personality that fitted him so well.


    However...


    "Liu Shan, I am terribly sorry for hurting you. I really am. I thought that if I found my own happiness, Tao Meng would understand and let me go. However, it was all my wishful thinking."


    Tears welled in her eyes the more she gaze at him, but she force herself not to cry.


    "I was genuinely happy in those moments I spent with you, but when he threatened to kill you, I couldn¡¯t do that to you. I never want to see you go through what my father had to go through."


    Liu Shan was brought back to his senses by her words. He really didn¡¯t know what to say to her.


    Angry? Of course he physically is. She yed him for a fool. However, his heart no longer felt any anger. Instead, he actually sorry for her.


    Exhaling deeply, he leans against the backrest of the bench and tilt his head back to look up at the clear blue sky. After a long moment of silence, he finally spoke.


    "I¡¯m not as weak as I look."


    Which is the truth. If she had told him from the beginning, he would have understood instead of being led on by false hopes. Not only that, if Tao Meng were toe after him, he really wants to see that man even try.


    However, he will never tell Ling Ni this. There was no point in doing so.


    He tilt his head forward and stares at theke view in front of him.


    "From now on, we¡¯ll go back to how things used to be before we met."


    His words feel and he stood up from the bench. He really has nothing more to say to her.


    "Liu Shan, wait."


    Just as he stood up, Ling Ni reach out to grab the sleeve of his shirt to stop him.


    "I know this is too much to ask, but can... can we still be friends?"


    Her eyes shook with tears forming more and more. She held tighter onto the hem of his sleeve as if she didn¡¯t want him to leave.


    "I-I won¡¯t ask for anything else. I just want to remain friends with you."


    Liu Shan¡¯s hand that was out of her view curls into a tight fist. The word friend, was that even how they started off as?


    Slightly turning his head to look at her in the eyes, he gently pulls his arm away from her grasp.


    Using that hand, he pats her on the head and a sympathetic smile curls on his face.


    "We¡¯re only neighbors."


    He knows that his words now must have crushed Ling Ni¡¯s small bit of hope, but it is better this way. They are better off returning to being neighbors because they never started off as friends.


    Watching Liu Shan¡¯s figure walk away from her, Ling Ni did not stop him, nor did she follow after. She remain seated on the bench as her hand that was once holding onto his sleeve froze in midair.


    As his footstep grew further behind her, his words repeated in her mind. The tears she had tried so hard to hold in finally let loose.


    She curls against her knees and quietly sob as she can never return to how things used to be with Liu Shan.


    "I¡¯m so sorry... I¡¯m so sorry... I¡¯m sorry..."


    Hearing her quiet sobs, Liu Shan slowed down in his steps. He wanted to turn around and run to give her a hug. He wanted to tell her that they can still be friends, but...


    His lower lip trembles and puts on a stern expression to not cry. However, the more he fought back his tears, they fought against him and won.


    He clench his fists tightly and despite the tears sliding down his cheeks, he force his legs to walk away.


    "You got this, Liu Shan. You are a wonderful man. This is not your lost. This is her lost. She let someone as great as you get away."


    More tears slid from his eyes, but he continues to move his legs andfort himself.


    "She is not the only woman out there. The sea is so big, you will meet a better fish. Come on, stop crying. Walk away with your head high and go proudly."


    However, the more he tries tofort himself, the more he felt the pain he thought had disappeared return. It was so painful like someone had shot a bullet inside him.


    Ignoring all the people and cars that pass by him, he continues to let his tears run however they want.


    As he arrives at the parking lot of his apartment building, he sniffles and wipes away his tears, but it was to no avail. The more he did so, the more tears came out.


    Ignoring his tears, he lifts his head and makes his way home. However, his entire being froze and his lower lips trembles even more.


    Unable to hold back anymore, he cries even more and chokes a stutter.


    "G-G-Guys..."


    Sitting on the stairs leading to his ce were none other than Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li. They were thest people he wanted to see him like this, but they are also the people he wanted to see right now.


    All three men were at a loss for words seeing the assistant this way. However, even if they didn¡¯t ask, they already knew that Liu Shan must have had his broken into zillions of pieces.


    Xu Long was unable to contain his tears and he cries with and for Liu Shan. He stood up and run to give the man a big brotherly hug.


    "Our family¡¯s poor Liu Shan! Don¡¯t cry! Your brothers are here for you!"


    Lin Hui and Qi Li quickly follow in pursuit. After they left the hospital, they had all parted ways, but feeling that Liu Shan was little off, they decided toe check on him.


    Good thing they came or else who knows what the man would be like the next time they saw each other.


    Lin Hui wraps his arms around both Liu Shan and Xu Long. He wanted to cry too but decides to try his best to stay strong for his brother.


    "Don¡¯t worry Shan! Cry all you want! Let it all out! Let these tears disappear together with these feelings until there is no more!"


    Qi Li who is always expressionless walks to stand next to Liu Shan. He pats the man on the head then lightly tap the side of their head together.


    "It hurts now, but with time, it¡¯ll make you stronger."

 Chapter 544 Give me back my hear

    The afternoon sun finally set in the horizon bring darkness over Imperial. The stars slowly began to flicker into view as they light the sky alongside the moon.


    Inside the huge house that Yue Ling and Lu Tian shared, the couple did not leave anywhere. Setting up the dining table with the warm food they had just finished cooking, the two prepare to eat.


    *Ding dong!


    Just as they were about to sit, the doorbell suddenly rang. Both individual nce at one another with furrow brows.


    "Eh? Who is it at this time?"


    It was only 6pm, but Yue Ling questionably asks as Lu Tian also asked the same question in his head.


    After they left Imperial Military Hospital, he had dismissed his subordinates to go home. Neither did anyone inform him abouting over.


    It was the same for Yue Ling. Usually if her family or subordinates were going to visit, they would have called to let her know in advance.


    Lu Tian furrow his brows then looks at his wife again.


    "You eat first. I¡¯ll go see who it is."


    Without waiting for an answer from her, walks away from the dining room and heads in the direction of the front door.


    He checks the side window to see who it is and his brows furrow tightly together. Reaching for the door handle, he pulls it open for their guest.


    Sitting at the dining table, Yue Ling did not eat as she was told. She too upied trying to figure out who it was at the door.


    "Boss!!"


    Suddenly hearing a remarkably familiar voice, the space between her brows crease into three right lines and she thought.


    ¡¯Eh? I¡¯m at home, right? But why do I hear Lin Hui?¡¯


    "Boss!! Help!!"


    Just as she thought this, she suddenly hears Lin Hui¡¯s voice clearer as he calls out for her. A dangerous glint of light sh in her eyes and she looks at Inu.


    "P?ij¨ªt"


    Inu¡¯s ears perk upwards when he heard her word. He stood up like a mighty beast as he rushes out of the dining room with his favorite human.


    "What happened?! Who¡ª"


    The moment Yue Ling stepped out from the dining room, her mind went nk. The corner of her lip twitches at the scene in front of her.


    What in the world is going on here?


    Lu Tian who had only left to open the front door for less than one minute was now standing like a statue. However, one can see his expression was as dark as the night.


    Hugging his right leg was her assistant, Liu Shan. His arms and legs secured around Lu Tian¡¯s leg like he was ko.


    Then there were the other three men.


    Xu Long was gripping onto the back of Liu Shan¡¯s shirt, while Qi Li stood behind holding Xu Long¡¯s waist, and Lin Hui the same to Qi Li.


    The three men were trying their best to pull Liu Shan away from Lu Tian. However, they were having the struggle of their life.


    Yue Ling stares at them and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. For some reason, she can¡¯t help but picture them ying a game of tug of war and Liu Shan was the rope. Unfortunately, the three men were losing to Lu Tian, because the aloof man did not show the slightest movement.


    "Why?!! Why did you do this to me?! Why? Answer me!!"


    Liu Shan suddenly wails loudly and press his cheek against Lu Tian¡¯s leg. The leg he thought was a woman in his mind.


    "Give me back my heart...."


    Anyone can tell that he is drunk just from seeing the red flush on his cheeks. However, the question is, just how much did he drink?


    The more Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li tries to pry him away, the tighter he hugs onto Lu Tian¡¯s leg. It was as if his entire being had turn into iron and glued onto the floor.


    At the same time, the three men screamed in frustration inside their mind. Not only that, none of them dare to look up to see Lu Tian¡¯s expression. Even without looking, they can already imagine it in their mind as the entire house had turned into a blizzard storm.


    "Boss! Boss! Help us! We don¡¯t want to die yet!!"


    Lin Hui cries at the top of his lungs. He swore, once Liu Shan is sober, he is going to make the man suffer for doing this to him.


    Hearing her subordinate¡¯s cry for help, Yue Ling preferred to continue and watch the show, but sighing inside, she takes a step forward.


    "Liu Shan."


    She spoke very calmly, but it was like she had suddenly became a mother of four grown men having a fight to see who gets what.


    The moment she called his name, Liu Shan¡¯s shoulder jumped, and he turns into an obedient child. His head turn to look at her and his lower lip trembles.


    "Boss..."


    He quickly let go of Lu Tian¡¯s leg and stumbles up from the floor. His left hand wipes his eyes and nose and he runs to her.


    "Boss!! Wuuuu¡ª!!"


    Seeing the drunk man headed for his wife, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes dim murderously. He strides after the assistant and reach his arm to grab the man.


    How dare this drunkard run to his wife? He¡¯s clearly drunk, what if he hurts her by ident?!


    "Wroof¡ª!!"


    Just as Lu Tian was about to grab the back of Liu Shan¡¯s shirt, a white shadow leap forward. Before anyone had the time to react, Inu pounce off the floor and kicks the assistant away from his favorite human.


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes shot open like all his senses had returned to him. However, that wasn¡¯t the case. He falls back onto the floor and stares nkly at the ceiling then slips into unconsciousness.


    "..."


    "Wroof¡ª!!"


    Inu walks up the man and scoffs a bark. If he could speak the humannguage, he would have said, ¡¯Boy, don¡¯t even think about it!¡¯


    Turning away with attitude, he returns to Yue Ling¡¯s side. He stares at the others like he was their noble ruler and them his crazy peasants.


    "We¡¯re saved..."


    Lin Hui mumbles to himself and his body slumps onto the floor. He swore that if this were to continue, Lu Tian would no doubt kill them without batting an eye.


    As his body touch the floor, Xu Long and Qi Li quickly follow in his steps.


    Ignoring the three men, Lu Tian walks towards his wife. He nce down at Liu Shan then to the Samoyed. Stopping in front of Inu, he crouch down and stuck his palm out.


    "Nice one."


    When Inu saw his palm, the little fluff ball did not hesitate to hit his paw against the man in a high five. However, he held an expression as if saying, ¡¯Well, someone has to protect my favorite human.¡¯


    Seeing Lu Tian and Inu¡¯s short interaction, Yue Ling lightly shook her head. Sometimes she can¡¯t help but feel like the both of them have a great understanding of each other despite them not getting along most of the time.


    Quickly brushing this aside, she pats the little guy on his head. Turning her attention to the other three men, she points in a direction.


    "Bring him to sleep in the guestroom. After dinner, I want a clear exnation of what happened."

 Chapter 545 why does it still hurt?

    Once they were done with dinner, Yue Ling and Lu Tian sat on one couch as the other three sat on the one across. As for Liu Shan, the assistant had been put to sleep in one of the two guestrooms.


    "You see, we figured something was bothering him, so we went to see him. However, the man was worse than what we had thought."


    Lin Hui went into detail as he summarizes what had happened.


    After their brotherly moment, Liu Shan didn¡¯t want to stay at home. It was then that Xu Long came up with the idea for them to go have a little drink despite the sun still being out.


    Lin Hui and Qi Li protested against the idea, but Liu Shan wanted to go. He said as long as he can get away from his ce, he didn¡¯t care where they went.


    So, being the good brothers that they (Lin Hui and Qi Li) are, they decided to go too.


    When they got to the restaurant, Liu Shan, who is a weak drinker, finished three bottles of hard liquor. Lin Hui and Qi Li drank too, but their alcohol tolerance was higher.


    Even Xu Long who is considered to be a weak drinker could hold his alcohol better than Liu Shan.


    However, into their drinking, Liu Shan blurted out everything to them. His feelings and Ling Ni¡¯s story.


    The three of them knew it was something they shouldn¡¯t have heard, but they still listened to him vent his heart break. It was the least they could do for him.


    When Liu Shan finished, that was when the situation took a new turn. He wanted to go find Ling Ni and ask her to give his heart back to him.


    They don¡¯t know the woman, but they know that if they were to let Liu Shan go, he will only have his heart broken again.


    As they tried to stop him, Liu Shan who is great with his fists almost knocked all of them out and escaped. Luckily, Qi Li had fast reflexes and dodged all the punches. He was also able to stop the assistant from reaching the point of no return.


    When they tied the man down, they didn¡¯t know what to do from there on.


    However, knowing that there is only one person who can talk some senses into the assistant, Lin Hui decided.


    "And that is how we ended up here."


    Lin Hui ended the story. He sat between Xu Long and Qi Li. Both his hands sp together and settled on hisp. He looked like a person who was sitting in the middle of an important job interview.


    The reason he suggested for them toe here is because of Yue Ling. She was always the one who could calm the assistant down with words.


    He doesn¡¯t know how she does it, but he thinks it has to do with the calm air that she has. No matter what situation they are in, she can always calm a person down.


    Yue Ling listened until he finished, and she sighs. She had been trying to figure out her own problems that she forgot her own assistant was having his own.


    She had once told him to seek closure, but if she had known this closure would break his heart so much, she wouldn¡¯t have suggested it.


    However, this is for the best. With this closure, even if it hurts at first, he will grow to ept it and move on from it.


    Taking a deep breath, she looks at Qi Li, then Lin Hui and finally Xu Long.


    If they had not gone to see Liu Shan, they would never know that he is going through this heartbreak.


    "You guys did good. If you want to go home you can, but you are also wee to spend the night here."


    Her words fell as she stood up from the couch. Looking back at Lu Tian, she gives him a smile.


    "I¡¯ll go check on how Liu Shan is doing."


    As she walked away, Lu Tian does not say anything, neither did he get jealous. He knows that Liu Shan is a very important person to his wife and if anyone were to talk to him, his wife is the person.


    Standing up from the couch, he nce at Qi Li and Lin Hui then to Inu who wasying down at the side.


    "Outside."


    Hearing the man, Inu quickly got up and follows Lu Tian towards the backdoor. However, unlike the Samoyed, both Qi Li and Lin Hui were at a loss for words.


    Why did Lu Tian look at them with such a menacing look then suddenly say outside?


    Is he nning to kill them for what happened earlier?


    Oh! My! God!


    Seeing their confused look, Xu Long rolled his eyes. How did he be family with these idiots?


    Shaking his head, he waves his arm in front of them and spoke to them like they were really idiots.


    "Hello! My boss is asking if you two want to go have a cigarette outside with him."


    Hearing the assistant, Lin Hui and Qi Li turned dumbfounded. They could not believe they let their thoughts get carried away. Both men nce at one another, then stood up and follows in the direction Lu Tian and Inu had gone.


    Being left alone in the living room, Xu Long sighs and also stood up. He¡¯ll go outside too, but since he doesn¡¯t smoke, he¡¯ll just join Inu in the grass.


    While Lu Tian and the others stayed outside, Yue Ling arrived at the door to the guestroom Liu Shan was staying in. She doesn¡¯t knock on the door as it had been left opened.


    She poke her head in and sees that themp by the bed had been turned on. Even the blinds for the window had not been shut. However, to her surprised, Liu Shan was already awake, but the man did not say anything to her.


    He only stared nkly up at the ceiling as he immerse in his own world.


    Seeing him this way, she sighs inside and lightly knock on the door then enters the room.


    "How are you holding up?"


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes finally blink as he turns to look at his boss. He force a smile and chuckles in self-pity.


    "I guess they told you what happened."


    She didn¡¯t want to admit because she rather it be him who told her, but what else could she do. If Lin Hui and the others did not tell her, he (Liu Shan) never would.


    "They were worried about you."


    Arriving by the bed, she sits down near the edge and looks down at him like a mother who wasforting her son from his first break up.


    "Did you find the closure you wanted?"


    Liu Shan stares at his boss and he smiles a nod to her. However, shifting his gaze back to the ceiling, his eyes turned moist.


    "But why does it still hurt?"


    His brows furrow together, and he press his lips together to keep them from trembling.


    "Why does love even exist?"


    The thought of him hurting inside, Yue Ling thought back to the day they met. His girlfriend at the time left him all because he couldn¡¯t shower her with luxurious things and now, he has to go through this.


    He didn¡¯t show it in front of others, but she knows that deep inside, he must have been suffering alone and there was no one he could talk to.


    Not because he didn¡¯t want to, but because he always appear as the carefree and energetic person, he doesn¡¯t want others to worry about him.


    She avert her gaze from him to the open window and stares at night sky outside.


    "Love... it is nothing but a word that only knows how to hurt us."


    Her soft voice calmly spoke like a soothing sound to one¡¯s heart. She looks back at Liu Shan and faintly smiles.


    "But when you meet the right person, it bes more than just a word."


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan force himself not to cry. He stares up at the ceiling so that his tears will not fall, but they still found their way from the corners of his eyes.


    He is only hurting now because he thought Ling Ni was the one for him. However, she is right.


    His pain right now is only a small part of everyone¡¯s life that they have to experience to move on. It¡¯ll hurt for now, but when he meets the right person, everything will get better.


    Just like his boss.


    If anyone knows pain from the word love, it would be her. All the people she had loved were taken from her and now she only has a few of those she love left.


    Not only that, she even gave up on love when Shin passed away, but within time, she was able to meet Lu Tian.


    He also thought about what Lin Hui, Xu Long, and Qi Li had said to cheer him up. He wipes his tears away and put on a strong face.


    "I¡¯m sorry you had to see like this."


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and shook her head. Reaching a hand to him, she gently pat his head like an older sister to her younger brother.


    "I may be your boss, but I am also your friend and sister. Know that no matter what you go through, you have me and everyone else here. We, of all people will never judge you."

 Chapter 546 a champ

    "How is he doing?"


    Yue Ling had just closed the door to the guestroom when a question was thrown her way. She turn to look at the person and arch both her eyebrows.


    Standing at the end of the hallway that connected the living room and guestroom were three figures.


    Xu Long was bent on all fours with his head poking out into view. Above his head was Qi Li¡¯s then Lin Hui¡¯s. The sight of them reminded her of the three stooges.


    She was stunned to the point of speechlessness but came to her senses. She inhales sharply and walked towards them.


    "Like a champ."


    All three men were nervous and worried for Liu Shan, but hearing her response, a sigh of relief escape their lips at the same time.


    Xu Long slumps onto his stomach while Lin Hui and Qi Li sat on the assistant¡¯s back. Knowing that Liu Shan is doing better, even if it is only by a little, it was better than nothing.


    They were men and could understand the man¡¯s feelings, but truth be told, they were useless when ites to this kind of topic.


    Good thing Yue Ling is here to handle the job.


    After a long minute, Xu Long finally notice the weight on him. His face turns red fromck of oxygen and he taps on the floor with a grunt.


    "Guys... A little help here, you¡¯re both suffocating me."


    "..."


    Both Lin Hui and Qi Li quickly jump off from the man. They were wondering why the floor suddenly became soft. Turned out Xu Long was being used as a couch for their fall.


    "Phew¡ª"


    Xu Long got up from the floor and wipes the imaginary sweat on his forehead.


    "Man, I thought I was going to die. You two need to lose some weight."


    "..."


    Hearing the assistant¡¯s words, Lin Hui and Qi Li were dumfounded. One is 70kg while the other is 72kg. Combing their weight together of course they would be heavy. However, to tell them to lose some weight, wouldn¡¯t they just be sticks and bones?


    How rude of him!


    "So, what do we do now?"


    Oblivious to their thoughts, Xu Long asked and his question brought the other two back to their senses. Their expressions turn into one of pondering and thought hard about the question.


    "I got it!"


    The lightbulb over Lin Hui¡¯s head flickers on and he snaps his fingers. Grabbing the two men by the arm, he turns them to face the living room with him.


    "Boss, we¡¯ve discussed over a nonverbalmunication and havee to an agreement."


    cing his arms around Xu Long and Qi Li¡¯s shoulders, he puts on a very serious look.


    "We are going to have another sleepover here."


    Xu Long and Qi Li were about to cut the man off, but hearing hisst sentence, both men were quick to agree. Their heads nod at the same time and looks at the other three figures in the room.


    Qi Li: "What he said."


    Xu Long: "You won¡¯t even know that we are here."


    Sitting on one of the white couches, Yue Ling and Lu Tian stared at the three men. The couple held a calm expression, but deep inside, they were debating betweenughing or crying.


    Who are these people? What happened to their subordinates?


    Unlike the couple, Inu sat on the side near Lu Tian. He rolled his eyes at the three peasants like he was saying, ¡¯Here I am stuck with these idiots again¡¯.


    Yue Ling nce one by one at the three men. After a long second, she chuckles and stood up from the couch.


    "Well, that settle it then."


    As she walks away from the living room towards the stairs, Lu Tian quickly follows her steps with Inu at his side. However, before leaving the room, he looks indifferently to the three men.


    "Don¡¯t make a mess."


    Lin Hui, Xu Long and Qi Li were at a loss for all words. When they saw Lu Tian stand up, they swore the man had turn into a giant and they three tiny ants ready to be stepped on.


    They even thought Lu Tian was going to tell them to leave. Fortunately, that was not the case. His four simple words were like a magical rainbow into their hearts.


    As the couple, the Samoyed, the three stooges, and the champ fall into slumber, in another part of Imperial, another scene was taking ce.


    Inside a private room in Imperial Hotel, the after stench of intense intimacy lingers inside the room.


    Ning Mei sat at the edge of the bed. She wore only a white robe that loosely wrapped around her body. Although she had just finished the deed, her mind was elsewhere.


    She held her phone and she scrolls through the web. After herst encounter with Chu Li Xiang, he promised toplete their deal. He even said to wait for the good news, but no matter how many times she searched the web, all that came up was Yue Ling¡¯s reveal as De L¡¯amour¡¯s owner and fashion designer.


    There was absolutely nothing that mentions the retired model¡¯s demise.


    "Ning Mei. Babe, what are you doing?"


    A man¡¯s groggy voice spoke from behind the rookie model. She hid her phone and turn to look at the man.


    He was sitting up with his back leaning against the headboard. His facial features could not be considered as the best-looking man, but he was decent to look at. Compare to Chu Li Xiang and the haggard face Gongji, Ning Mei rather be with this man.


    ncing down to his exposed chest, an innocent smile curls on her lip. She stood up and walks over to her side of the bed. cing her phone down on the side table, she climbs onto the bed to join the man.


    "Darling, I was waiting for my friend to call me, but she seems to have forgotten."


    The man watched her every move. She looked like a dainty woman, but her smile and the way she spoke were nothing but flirtatious gestures.


    However, hearing her mention the word ¡¯friend¡¯, his brows crease together and he frowns. Grabbing her arm, he pulls her onto his chest and kiss her lips.


    "This ¡¯friend¡¯ of yours. Is it Zhao Ya¡¯Er?"


    He held a sullen expression, but still kiss Ning Mei as he slowly makes his way down her neck. At the same time, his hands did not forget to loosen her robe.


    Ning Mei scoffs inside when she heard him. Even when he is with her, he still knows how to mention that slut?


    Just as he undid the belt that secured her robe, she grabs his hands and stops him from opening her robe.


    "Hongyi, if you are so worried that your little whore will find out, why are you here? Why don¡¯t you go and find her?"


    Wei Hongyi quickly turned displeased when he was stopped. He res at Ning Mei, but taking a deep breath, he grabs her by the waist and positions her under him.


    "Why should I go find her when I have a beauty like you here?"


    He ce her arms over her head and held her wrists together with one hand. His other hand reach down to open her robe and he grope one of her small breasts.


    Capturing her lips again, he spread her legs with his knees to begin another round of love making.


    Even though he has been with countless women, Zhao Ya¡¯Er is the prettiest and the one with the best body. However, what angers him the most is that throughout their entire rtionship, the woman never once allowed him to have a taste.


    The thought of putting up with her for so long is only so he can have her in bed. If he¡¯s not the one to have her first time, he will never let her go.


    However, because he cannot have her, he could only satisfy his own needs with other women. Even if they are Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s friends, if they¡¯re willing to spread their legs for him, what does he have to lose?


    As he thought back to this, his lips purse and he nce down at Ning Mei¡¯s body. The woman was like a walking stick figure. However, brushing it aside, he continues to kiss down her neck.


    Feeling Wei Hongyi¡¯s lips on her, Ning Mei was pleased with the man. A few soft moans escapes her lips, but it onlysted for a few seconds when she remembers something.


    She free her hands from the man¡¯s grip and gently ce them on his chest to stop him.


    "Hongyi, is that person still working for you?"


    Being interrupted by her again, Wei Hongyi heaves a long sigh in annoyance. He gets off from her and sits on his side of the bed again.


    "Do you really have to mention that person at a time like this?"


    He click his tongue and reach for a cigarette from the side table. All he wanted was a night¡¯s pleasure. If he had known that Ning Mei would be so annoying, he would have called for another woman.


    Seeing that she had anger him, Ning Mei wanted to p herself for being so stupid. She had forgotten that Wei Hongyi has a very bad temper when things don¡¯t go his way.


    "Hongyi."


    She turns to look at him and spoke his name in a coquettish voice, but when she leans on his bare chest, she pretends to fake a sob and put on a very innocent and scared expression.


    "I didn¡¯t mean to anger you. It¡¯s just that... There is this person who keeps bothering me. I only asked if you still knew that person, so I can ask a favor from you."


    Her words fell and she wipes away the tears she was able to force out. Doing so, she sat up and pulls the nket off the man to expose his naked body.


    Watching her crawl to his lower body part and position herself between his leg, a smirk curl on Wei Hongyi¡¯s lip. Such an innocent face, but also a loose woman.


    However, he inhales a mouthful of the tobo and exhales it at her face.


    "If you can satisfy me, I will consider this favor."

 Chapter 547 Only I can have you

    The days passed in ease as a week flew by with the air. Yue Ling awoke at her usual time and prepared herself for the day.


    Although Doctor Dong had not given approval for her return to work, she decided it was time to get out of the house. Of course, she would had just stayed home with Inu, but Madam Lu, Madam Zhao and Zhao Ya¡¯Er invited her for a little outing.


    Finished getting ready, she steps out of her closet room wearing a simple ck midi dress. In her hand was her dark gray wool coat and a pair of ck heels. She also applied a bit of make up to help her look more awake.


    As she made her way down the stairs, she set her coat and heels by the door, then makes her way to the kitchen.


    "Mm. Smells delicious."


    She spoke as she could smell the delicious aroma of the breakfast Lu Tian cooked and a smile curled on her lip. To wake up every morning with such delicious food, the aloof man is indeed too good to her.


    Lu Tian had woken up early as usual and went for a jog with Inu. After washing up, he changed into his usual work attire and came downstairs to cook his wife breakfast.


    He had just finished setting the table when he saw her enter. A chuckle escapes his lips and he takes off the apron with the pink heart before pulling a chair out for her.


    "Good morning, Mrs. Lu. Would you like coffee or tea with your breakfast?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares at the man with an unexinable feeling inside her. She wanted to say she could get it herself, but seeing how much he is into his role, she decides not to ruin it for him.


    "Thank you, Mr. Lu. I would like a cup of coffee please."


    Like her own personal butler, Lu Tian nod his head and kept his cool. However, deep down, he was grinning from ear to ear in happiness. He helps her sit down, then goes back into the kitchen to prepare the coffee.


    However, what he did not see was the white fluffball sitting near the corner of the dining room.


    Inu witnessed the entire scene unfold in front of him. Even if the evil peasant did not show how happy he was, Inu was able to sense it all. He rolled his eyes as if to say, ¡¯What a loser.¡¯


    It didn¡¯t take long before Lu Tian returned with a cup of coffee in hand. He ce it in front of his wife, then takes a seat across from her.


    "It¡¯s hot, so be careful."


    Yue Ling smiles thankfully to him and picks up her chopsticks. As she took her first bite, Lu Tian also picks up his chopsticks. However, just as he was about to eat, he pause and turn his head to look at the Samoyed.


    Lu Tian narrows his eyes, ¡¯What are you looking at? Eat your food.¡¯


    Inu rolls his eyes, ¡¯Yea, yea, loser.¡¯


    Although the morning for Yue Ling, Lu Tian and Inu was blissful, in another part of Imperial, a luxurious bungalow stood its ground. The house was very pretty, but inside, a heated argument was taking ce.


    "Get out of my house! You are not wee here anymore!!"


    *Crassshh¡ª!


    A woman¡¯s voice cried out in anger then a thunderous crash quickly follows after.


    Inside the bungalow, Wei Hongyi stood in the middle of the living room. His handsome face was red in rage and eyes full of fury. Blood trail down his hand as he had just smashed a flower vase when the woman told him to get out.


    He press his lips tightly together and force down his urge to hit the woman. Forcing a crooked smile, he takes a step forward.


    "Ya¡¯Er, sweetheart, listen to me. You¡¯re the only for me. Can¡¯t we just let this all go and start over?"


    Standing against the living room wall, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was scared for her own life. However, the only thing that kept her calm was the baseball bat in her hands. Each time Wei Hongyi tried to get close to her, she would swing it to scare him.


    Staring at him, she wanted to strangle herself. The reason he is able to get inside her house is because of her carelessness.


    She had just finished her makeup when the doorbell rang. She thought it was Yue Ling, so without checking to see who it was, she opened the door.


    If she knew that it was going to be this bastard, she would have never opened the door for him.


    Thinking this, she heard his words and she scoffs a sneer at him. If it had been the past her, she would have believed his words, but now...


    "Don¡¯t speak such disgusting words to me."


    She points at him with her trembling finger and raise her voice louder.


    "You disgust me! If I¡¯m really the only one for you, why do you sleep with other women?! Not only that, out of all the women in the world, why go after those so-called friends of mine too?! Do you know how stupid I look every time I see them?!!"


    Hearing hersh out at him, Wei Hongyi didn¡¯t know how to respond to her questions. He swallow a difficult gulp and takes another step towards her. He puts on a pitiful face full of regret.


    "Ya¡¯Er, I really mean it when I said you are the only one for me. Those women meant nothing to me. I haven¡¯t contact them in months. Right now, I just want to show you that I am a better man."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er chuckles sarcastically at the man. After all these years, does he still think of her as a fool?


    Holding the bat with one hand, her other hand reach for her phone on a nearby table.


    "You said it has been months since youst contacted those women?"


    Her question fell as she unlocks her phone and press on an app icon. Stretching her arm out, she shows her screen to him.


    "Then what is this?! Why would she send this disgusting photo to me?!!"


    Wei Hongyi was even more shocked when he heard the anger and pain in Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s voice. Throughout their entire rtionship, she had always been sweet and listened to him.


    However, he quickly came to understand why she suddenly snapped.


    Disyed on her phone screen at this moment was an image of him and Ning Mei from a few nights ago. He knew Ning Mei must had secretly took the photo, because in the photo, he was sleeping. However his cheek was pressed against the rookie model¡¯s barely covered chest.


    Staring at the photo, he press his lips together. Out of all the women he slept with, Ning Mei is the only woman who would do something like this, but why? What would she achieve by doing this?


    "I-I..."


    Usually he would be quick toe up with someme excuse, but his mind went nk. His mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out except for a stutter.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er inhales a deep breath, but her eyes remained ring. She cannot believe she had once loved this filthy man. If she knew how to fight, she would have beat the living crap out of him and Ning Mei.


    "Get out."


    She spat out a growl and held her tears back. She will never cry in front of this man again. He is not worth her tears.


    "I said get out!! Go find Ning Mei! You both are despicable and are meant for each other! Leave!"


    "Ya¡¯Er..."


    Wei Hongyi wanted to get closer to her, but before he could take a step forward, Zhao Ya¡¯Er started swinging the bat. It was not aimed at him, but he knew that going near her was not an option.


    "Fine, I¡¯ll leave."


    He clench his fists tightly at his side. Even when the wound on his hand opened more, he ignores it.


    "I¡¯ll leave you alone for now, but that doesn¡¯t mean I will stop."


    Looking at her onest time, he turns away and walks to the front door. As he opens the door ajar, he looks back at her.


    "Only I can have you."


    His words fell and he leaves her alone inside the house.


    Its true that he sleeps around with different women, but Zhao Ya¡¯Er is different. When he sees the other women with other men, he doesn¡¯t care at all. However, Zhao Ya¡¯Er is the only one he cannot bear to see happy with someone else.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er watched as the door shut and everything inside her broke like dam. She falls onto the ground and cries her heart out.


    How long will this continue? Why can¡¯t he just leave her alone?


    As Wei Hongyi entered his white Mercedes-Benz and drives away from the bungalow, on the opposite side of the road, a ck Maserati Gran Turismo pulls up in front of Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s house.

 Chapter 548 a small world

    The passenger door opens, and Yue Ling¡¯s slender figure steps out. She nce at the back of the white car and her brows slightly furrow.


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice resonated from inside the car when he saw his wife not moving. He couldn¡¯t help but turn to look in the same direction and sees the white car in the distance. Does that car belong to someone she knows?


    "It¡¯s nothing."


    Yue Ling answers him and reach for her bag she had left near the passenger seat. She looks at the aloof man and smiles.


    "Don¡¯t skip your lunch. I¡¯ll call you when I arrive at the ce."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian looks back at her. His lip slightly pout, and he turns into a child who had been told he cannot go with his mother to the store.


    During the past week, he had been working at home so he could take care of his wife. Due to this, he had been postponing all his meetings, but knowing that he cannot keep doing this, he had no choice but to return to work.


    As for his wife, she was invited to go shopping with his mother, aunt and cousin. The three women also have a surprise for Yue Ling, but he cannot tell her since his mother asked him not to.


    The n is to drop her off with Zhao Ya¡¯Er and the two will meet up with the older women at the surprise ce.


    Thinking this, Lu Tian heaves a long sigh. If he could, he would prefer his wife to go to work with him. Even if it was going to bore her to death, he rather she be where he can see her.


    However, remembering his mother¡¯s words about wanting to spend time with his wife, he could only reluctantly let her go.


    Sighing again, but this time inside, he looks at her.


    "I¡¯ll pick you upter."


    Yue Ling closed the door, but with the window down, she was able to hear his sudden words. She blinks her eyes multiple times then chuckles.


    "Ya¡¯Er can take me home. Besides, we are women, who knows how long we will take."


    A smile curls on Lu Tian¡¯s lip seeing her smile that always captivates his heart. With the car on parked, he steps out from the driver side and walks over to her side.


    "That¡¯s exactly why I will be picking you upter."


    It¡¯s not his wife he is worried about that will be stayingte. It¡¯s his mother, aunt and cousin. Knowing that the three women adore his wife, they might not let her go home at all.


    Stopping in front of her, he ce his palm on her back and pulls her closer to him. Without asking for her approval, he lowers his head and captures her red lips.


    As he pulls away from her, his entire being softens at the sight of her flustered face. He softly chuckles then gently taps her nose and walks back to the driver side of the car.


    Yue Ling stares in utter disbelief as the shameless man enters the car and drives off. Now staring at the back of his car, the corners of her lips arc up and she chuckles to herself.


    Lightly shaking her head, she makes her way towards Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s bungalow.


    Staring at the house, she thought it was very pretty and matched Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s personality a lot. Not too luxurious, but a small simple house that reminds one of a nice cottage in the middle of an enchanted forest.


    She soon arrives in front of the door and rings the doorbell. However, after a few minutes, Zhao Ya¡¯Er did note open the door.


    The space between her brows crease and she turns her head to look at the driveway.


    ¡¯Her car is parked there. Did something happen?¡¯


    Just as she thought this, the sound of the door unlocks from the inside and it opens.


    "Ya¡¯Er, you¡¯re here. Did I arrive too early?"


    Yue Ling spoke with a smile and she turns to look at the woman. However, the moment she saw Zhao Ya¡¯Er, her smile disappears.


    Standing in front of her was Zhao Ya¡¯Er, but not the energetic woman she knows. Instead, her eyes were red and teary like she had just finished crying.


    A dangerous light sh inside Yue Ling¡¯s eyes and she clench tightly onto her bag to suppress her anger for her friend.


    "What happened?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stares at Yue Ling. She wanted to smile, but instead of a smile, her lips tremble and she was unable to hold her tears back. She squats down and burst into tears.


    When Wei Hongyi left, she told herself to go and get ready because Yue Ling was going to be here at any moment. However, the second she stood up, the doorbell rang.


    Knowing that it was Yue Ling, she didn¡¯t go to the bathroom but ran to the kitchen sink to wash her face. She knows that if Yue Ling saw her this way, she would only cause worry for others.


    However, when she opened the door and saw her friend, she couldn¡¯t contain herself anymore.


    Some people around her knows that Wei Hongyi has been abusing her, but Yue Ling is the only person she had personally told.


    Yue Ling sighs inside at the woman. Reaching down to help her up, she walks Zhao Ya¡¯Er inside and close the door. She was shocked to see the broken vase with flowers scattered on the floor but decides not to ask and help her friend sit down on the couch.


    The two women sat in the living room as Zhao Ya¡¯Er continued to cry for a long moment before she finally calm down.


    She wipes away her tears and sniffles. Looking at Yue Ling, she scoffs a sarcastic chuckle in self-pity.


    "You must think I am pitiful right now, huh?"


    Yue Ling slightly shook her head and smiles faintly. She reach a hand to hold Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s and she sighs inside.


    "Tell me what happened."


    Hearing her words, Zhao Ya¡¯Er didn¡¯t want to talk about it, but knowing that it was Yue Ling, she nods her head.


    If it had been anyone else, she would have pushed the topic aside. However, from her short encounter with Yue Ling, she knows that the retired model would never judge her.


    She stood up from the couch and walks over to a part of the living room. She picks up her phone that she had threw at Wei Hongyi. Unlike the smooth screen it used to be, her phone now was cracked everywhere.


    "He left a few seconds after you arrived."


    Yue Ling arch a brow at her words. She couldn¡¯t help but think back to the white car she had saw when Lu Tian dropped her off.


    So it seems her guess was correct. She thought she saw the car backed out from Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s driveway but seeing that there was another driveway close by, she thought it was her eyes ying with her.


    Oblivious to Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts, Zhao Ya¡¯Er nce down at her phone. Even though the screen was cracked, she could still turn it on and scroll through like normal.


    "Remember when I told you that he sleeps around with other women? Well, one of his women sent me a photo."


    She sits down and hands the phone to Yue Ling. Her eyes welled up with tears again due to her anger, but she held it back.


    "Can you believe these two? To think they actually think I am a fool and do not know that they have been sleeping together."


    Yue Ling takes the phone and looks at the screen. Seeing the photo of Wei Hongyi and the woman, both her brows arch in surprise.


    This really is a small world.


    She thought that even though Ning Mei had a disgusting side to her, the woman would at least have a decent side when ites to friends. Then again, as the saying goes, you really cannot never judge a book by its cover.


    Staring at the phone, Yue Ling kept a calm expression, but behind that calmness, a murderous sneer curl inside.


    This photo just gave her the perfect n to destroy Ning Mei. Since she is after fame and men, she (Yue Ling) will give it to her.

 Chapter 549 Harmony

    Lu Tian walks into his office and sighs once he closed the door. Before, he neverined or felt any dreading to work, but now it was all different. He wish time would speed up so he can see his wife again.


    Knowing that a meeting is happening, he doesn¡¯t walk to his desk, but walks to stand in front of the huge floor to ceiling window in his office.


    Staring down at the street below, he sighs again. It has been only thirty minutes since hest saw his wife, but he already misses her so much.


    She said she will call him, but when will that be? He really wants to hear her voice.


    As he thought this, he suddenly remembers something. They had been so busy that they never had the chance to pick out a new ring for her.


    *knock knock


    Just when he was putting a n together, a knock sounds from the door. It interrupted him, but he doesn¡¯t say anything as he already knew who it was.


    "Boss?"


    Like every other time, Xu Long didn¡¯t wait for a response and enters the room. Seeing his boss standing by the huge window, he struggles a hard gulp. Could it be that he came at a wrong time?


    However, quickly brushing the question aside, he takes a step forward.


    "The meeting starts in ten minutes."


    Lu Tian stares out the window for a long minute before turning to look at his assistant. His brows furrow as he thought about his n again. However, what he did not know is that his sudden expression sent a chill down Xu Long¡¯s spine.


    Lifting his leg, he walks towards the door and exits his office as his voice sounds.


    "Find the best jeweler in Imperial."


    "..."


    Xu Long who was going to piss himself was at a loss for all words. However, relief quickly wash inside him. He thought he was going to have to murder whoever it was that angered his boss so early in the morning.


    Thinking about his boss¡¯s sudden order, he pout his lips. Why does he need a jeweler?


    Raising a hand to scratch the back of his head, he then shrug his shoulders and follows out the room. Or, maybe his boss is nning to design a gift for hisdy boss!


    Confirming his own thoughts, he tells himself that he will definitely find the best jeweler in Imperial.


    As Lu Tian makes his way for Lu Corp¡¯s morning meeting, Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were currently in the car on their way to their nned destination.


    Yue Ling sat in the passenger seat as she stares out the window. After Zhao Ya¡¯Er calmed down, she was able to get ready. She (Yue Ling) had insisted on driving them, but Zhao Ya¡¯Er would not let her.


    Having sat in the car for a while now, she noticed that they¡¯ve already passed three shopping malls. Yue Ling slightly furrow her brows more when they passed the fourth one.


    She wanted to ask what is going on but decides to keep to herself. Zhao Ya¡¯Er had mentioned before that they were meeting with Madam Lu and Madam Zhao.


    However, another hour soon pass by, and they were now driving up a small mountain on the outskirts of Imperial.


    Yue Ling did not get scared, but her curiosity grew. As the car makes a slight turn around the mountain, she quietly gasp at the view outside her window.


    "Beautiful isn¡¯t it?"


    From the driver seat, Zhao Ya¡¯Er spoke without taking her eyes off the road ahead. Yue Ling answers with a faint mm and kept her eyes on the view.


    The more they drove up the mountain, one can see a panoramic view of Imperial in the distance. It gave such a peaceful feeling like one can ease their mind away from all the cmity.


    "I like toe here when I want to get away from the city for a day."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er exins as she turns the car into another road going up. She and Yue Ling continued to chat for another ten minutes before they finally arrive at the top of the mountain.


    In front of them now is a luxurious white building with crystal blue windows everywhere and a huge stone with the engraved words Harmony Destination Spa. Just the sight of the ce was enough to let Yue Ling know why Zhao Ya¡¯Er woulde here to find peace.


    "My mother and your mother-inw are already here."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er spoke as she parks the car in front of the spa resort. When she stepped out of the car, she hands her key to the valet worker then walks over to join Yue Ling.


    "Yue-yue, can I ask a favor. If possible, can you not mention about what happened. I don¡¯t want my family to worry about me."


    Yue Ling was flustered when Zhao Ya¡¯Er referred Madam Lu as her mother-inw since she is not yet married to Lu Tian. However, hearing the favor, she sighs inside and nod her head.


    "I won¡¯t bring it up, but you should really tell them soon. They are your family, I¡¯m sure they will understand."


    She might sound like a hypocrite since she keeps things away from her family too, but she and Zhao Ya¡¯Er are different. She can take care of herself, while Zhao Ya¡¯Er, who puts on a strong appearance is actually very delicate and docile on the inside.


    "My precious daughter-inw!!"


    "Yue Ling!!"


    Just as Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er entered through the entrance of the spa resort, two excited voices calls out to them. Well, to Yue Ling.


    She chuckles at the sight of Madam Lu and Madam Zhao rushing towards them. However, unlike her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er put on a sulking expression.


    Once the two middle-aged women were five feet away from them, she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) shifts her position and blocks Yue Ling. However, due to their height difference, she was only able to hide her friend¡¯s body while her (Yue Ling) head was still visible.


    "Yue-yue is here for me. You both didn¡¯t even want toe but decided to tag along."


    "..."


    Both Madam Lu and Madam Zhao almost tripped on their own feet when they heard Zhao Ya¡¯Er. It¡¯s true that when the girl invited them, they had disagreed toe. However, the second she mentioned Yue Ling¡¯s name, both middle-aged women did not hesitate to follow along.


    How can they let such an opportunity to spend time with Yue Ling slide?


    ring at her niece, Madam Lu sounds a snorts and without any care, she walks over to her daughter-inw. Tilting her head to look at her niece, she flicks her hair back.


    "Are you forgetting that without me, do you think that son of mine would have let my precious daughter-inwe out? Hm?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er wanted to retaliate, but she could not find the words. Her aunt is right, when she called to ask Lu Tian, that aloof cousin of hers did not even wait for her to exin and hung up on her after a short no.


    It was thanks to her aunt¡¯s nagging that Lu Tian finally agreed to let Yue Ling leave the house.


    While the three women immerse in a friendly argument, Yue Ling was in awe at the sight of them. She is indeed thankful that they invited her out. With everything that has been happening, a day of rxation is good for her.


    Besides, once she returns to work, who knows when she will be able to enjoy times like this again.

 Chapter 550 best jeweler

    "Good morning, Miss Zhao."


    A woman in herte thirties approach Yue Ling and the women as they stood in front of the entrance. She wore a simple light blue uniform with the words Harmony Destination Spa printed on the front.


    "It is a great pleasure to have you all here."


    She gestures a polite bow to the four women then gestures with her hand to the waiting area.


    "There is wine and water in the waiting area."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles to the woman and locks her arm around Yue Ling¡¯s. Her smile widens until it reaches her eyes and she spoke.


    "Yue-yue, shall we have a ss of wine while we wait?"


    She asked a question, but before Yue Ling could even answer, she was already pulling the retired model away from her mother and aunt.


    Left behind, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao looks at one another then back to Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Yue Ling.


    Neither were able to say a word as they were thinking the same thing. Usually it was them who is treated with politeness, but instead the worker only addressed Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    They¡¯ve been here plenty of times, but why does it feel like Zhao Ya¡¯Eres here more than them?


    As they enter further inside the spa resort, Yue Ling was amazed by the interior design. It was coated in a simple white color with a few touches of bronze. ced against the walls were colorful tulips that brings the ce to life.


    The female worker guides them to the waiting area and turns to look at them. A polite and respectful smile curls on her lips.


    "Your personal spa attendants will be with you soon."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles back to the worker then turns to a waiter who was waiting at the side with a tray of wine. She gestures to him to pour her and Yue Ling a ss of red wine.


    However, before they could even have their wine, their personal spa attendants dressed in white uniforms was already making their way towards them.


    Due to Zhao Ya¡¯Er having booked them all their own private rooms for a facial and body massage, they had to go their separate ways.


    The three women hugged Yue Ling goodbye like they were not going to see each other for a long time before reluctantly leaving with their spa attendant.


    "Good morning Miss Han, I am Zhou Jinglei. I will be your personal spa attendant during your stay here."


    Staring dumbfoundedly as the three women leave, Yue Ling turns to look at the person who spoke. Unlike the other three women who were older, this one was a young woman in her early twenties.


    Seeing her nervousness written all over her face, Yue Ling smiles to reassure her that she is friendly and there was nothing to be afraid of.


    "I will have to trouble you then."


    Zhou Jinglei was taken back in surprise and the nervous feeling inside her grew more. She knew exactly who Yue Ling was. However, this is her first time meeting the retired model in person.


    She heard from the celebrities thate here mention Yue Ling is very nice person, but she (Yue Ling) held an aura that makes it difficult for anyone to approach her.


    However, meeting the model now, she can see why many say Yue Ling is a nice person.


    A smile curls on Zhou Jinglei¡¯s face and she gestures in a certain direction.


    "Miss Han, this way please."


    Yue Ling nods her head and follows her spa attendant. As they made their way up the elevator, she was led to a private room on the highest floor.


    She was not a VIP member, and this was her first timeing to this spa resort. However, due to Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao being VIP members, she was receiving the same treatment as them.


    As Yue Ling began to receive her facial and body massage, Lu Tian had just finished his first meeting.


    He walked out of the conference room with a dark and grim expression. ncing down at his watch, he frown and checks his phone.


    His frown deepens and he strides towards the elevator leading to his office.


    "Did my wife call?"


    Following behind, Xu Long blinked his eyes in confusion. Was thedy boss supposed to call? If so, then she clearly didn¡¯t, because throughout the entire meeting his phone never rang.


    "Um, Lady boss did not call. Would like me to get a hold of her?"


    Lu Tian paused in his steps for a quick second before proceeding forward again. However, despite his now calm expression he was sighing inside.


    "No."


    Even if he is waiting for her call, he cannot me her for forgetting about him. She is with the three women in his family and knowing how they are when they are together, they can cause quite a distraction.


    As Lu Tian and Xu Long enter the elevator, the assistant sneaks a nervous nce at his boss. During the meeting, he had used the small breaks in between to find the best jeweler, but...


    "Umm, boss. About the thing you asked me to do, there¡¯s a little problem."


    Hearing his assistant¡¯s words, Lu Tian doesn¡¯t answer but gives him a side nce.


    Xu Long quickly continues his words as he knows what the silent nce meant.


    "I found the best jeweler in Imperial. However, this person is exceptionally closer to us than we think."


    Listening to the report, Lu Tian turn his head to look at Xu Long. However, he arch one brow with an expression as if saying, ¡¯Well, who is it?¡¯


    Met with his dark eyes that can pierce a person¡¯s soul, Xu Long felt all the hair on his body stand on ends. Times like this, he really wish he could be with Liu Shan and the others.


    For some odd reason, when they are all together, they forget all about Lu Tian¡¯s dark side and can converse with him like normal. However, now that they are at work, everything is back to the way it used to be.


    Lifting his hand, he wipes away the imaginary sweat on his forehead and leans to closer to his boss. It was only the both of them inside the elevator, but he still covers his mouth as if he were going to tell the deepest and darkest secret ever.


    "Zhi Jian Hong."


    Lu Tian arch both his eyebrows in surprise. He looks away from his assistant and ponder in thoughts.


    Indeed this person is close to them. He knew that Uncle Zhi is a mad treasure hunter, but never did he think the middle-aged man to also be Imperial¡¯s best jeweler.


    It was no wonder Xu Long said it was a problem. Although he is quite acquaintance with Uncle Zhi, the man is closer to his wife. So the chances of him asking would be a 50/50.


    As he immerse in thoughts, the elevator bell chimes, and the door slides open.


    He steps out and strides in the direction of his office.


    Since Uncle Zhi is the best jeweler, he will take a chance and give the man a call. After all, he is nning to design a ring specifically for his wife. In which, there is no way the middle-aged man would turn him down.

 Chapter 551 forgetting something

    "Miss Han, your massage is done."


    A massage therapist politely spoke as she takes a step away from the massage table. Yue Ling had already finished her facial massage and was now at the end of her one-hour body massage.


    "Mm. Thank you, I feel a lot better now."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t lift her head or move from her position andid on the massage table. She was naked, but had a warm towel covering her lower body as she only requested for a back and shoulder massage.


    The massage therapist smiles to herself. She is older than Yue Ling by five years but being given the chance to release the tensions from her favorite idol, she cannot be more than happier at this moment.


    Maybe before Yue Ling leaves, she will ask for an autograph.


    However, knowing that Yue Ling needed to get up, she steps out from the private room.


    "Mm..."


    Yue Ling gave a sigh full of bliss and sits up. Her arms stretch out as she felt as light as a feather.


    Her massage therapist looked very mean, but she was a sweet and charmingdy. She (massage therapist) was able to relieve the knots on her shoulders and neck. Not only that, Yue Ling can feel the improve circtions inside her and all the stress put on her body have disappeared making her feel like a whole new person.


    It was no wonder Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao frequente here. The rxation of the massages are indeed good for the body.


    Pulling the warm towel over her body, she steps down from the massage table. Grabbing the soft white robe hung against the wall, she puts it on and set the towel down.


    She a held a peaceful smile and secures the belt around her waist. However, her brows slightly furrow, and she mumbles to herself.


    "Hmm... I feel like I am forgetting something..."


    Touching her chin, she rack her brain and tries to remember what she forgot. However, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t remember at all.


    Maybe it wasn¡¯t important that¡¯s why she couldn¡¯t remember. Shrugging her shoulders, she nce at the wall clock in the room to check the time.


    "Oh, it¡¯s already 11:30am. Tian should be taking his... lunch... now..."


    ¡¯Oh my God!!¡¯


    Her eyes widen and she finally realizes what she had forgotten. She had told Lu Tian she would call him when she gets here.


    Her entire being struck in panic as she could already picture the aloof man¡¯s sulking expression in her mind.


    She frantically searches for her phone. However, remembering that she had left it in her bag inside the spa locker room, she rushes out of the room.


    "Ah, Miss Han. The others are¡ª"


    "I¡¯m sorry. I will be right back. I have to make a phone call."


    Zhou Jinglei was on her way to inform Yue Ling about her next appointment. When she saw the model step out from the room, she smiles happily as she was notte.


    However, before she could finish her words, Yue Ling sped pass her and apologizes.


    She (Zhou Jinglei) spins around and stares in a daze at Yue Ling¡¯s departing figure. She couldn¡¯t help but think to herself, ¡¯Did something happen?¡¯


    Yue Ling increases her steps and began to jog her way to the spa locker room. Others might think she is overexaggerating, but knowing Lu Tian, the man will never let this go.


    He might forgive her for forgetting to call him when she arrives, but if she makes him wait any longer, she will not know how to coax the man¡¯s inner childish side.


    Reaching the spa locker room, Yue Ling enters and heads straight for her locker that was in the back of the room. She punch in the key code and opens it to get her phone from her bag.


    She was relieved when there was no missed calls or voicemail from him. However, she didn¡¯t hesitate to press the man¡¯s number and put the phone near her ear.


    After two rings, the call connects through. However, she did not hear the man¡¯s deep voice. The other line was in aplete silence making her feel like a peasant standing on trial in front of the heavenly emperor.


    She swallow a hard and difficult gulp, before forcing a chuckle.


    "Hello? Tian?"


    ["..."]


    All was quiet for twenty seconds before Lu Tian finally gave up, and answers her with a short mm.


    Hearing him answer her, Yue Ling sighs in more relief. She knows he is partially angry with her but trying to y it cool as always.


    "I¡¯m sorry for not calling you when I arrived. You see, one thing led to another and I sort of... forgot."


    ["Mm.]


    Her shoulders slouch hearing another mm. She sighs inside and walks over to the corner of the room. She sits down on the furthest of the three chaises that was setup for the spa resort¡¯s guests.


    "Are you on your lunch break? Did you buy something to eat?"


    ["Mm."]


    "..."


    Hearing his same answer as the other two, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at this moment. For someone who can be so shameless, Lu Tian can be quite taciturn at times.


    When she sees him at home, she will definitely need to make it up. As she doesn¡¯t know how long his tantrum willst.


    Just as she thought this, a bright idea pops up in her mind. Her eyes slightly narrow and a mischievous smile curls on her lip.


    "Tian, I have something to tell you."


    ["Mm."]


    "I love you."


    ["..."]


    Her sudden words fell, and the call went silent again. However, it onlysted for a quick seconds before Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds from the other line.


    ["I love you more."]


    Yue Ling smiles and covers her mouth. She inaudibly giggles in happiness to herself. Her entire being at this moment looked like a high school girl who was talking on the phone with her crush for the first time.


    She knows that it wasn¡¯t fair for her to do this, but she meant every word. She really does love him.


    "My massage was amazing. How was yours?"


    "I only purchased the facial package, but I feel a lot younger now."


    As Yue Ling was giggling to herself on the phone with Lu Tian, the door to the spa room opens and two women chats loudly to each other.


    Due to her locker being in the far back and she was sitting down, a row of lockers blocked her from view. She could not see who the women were, but her brows slightly furrow. For some reason she found one of the two women¡¯s voice very familiar.


    However, she shrugs it off and continues to talk on the phone with Lu Tian. Neither voices were Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Madam Lu or Madam Zhao, so she didn¡¯t need to pay any attention to the two women.


    Outside the spa locker room, Zhao Ya¡¯Er had just finished her massage. Wearing the same white robe as Yue Ling¡¯s, she heads for the hot spring the spa is known for.


    The n was to get a facial and body massage then meet up so they can rx and soak in the hot springs together.


    As the hot spring is a ce not anyone can enter, she was on her way to meet with her spa attendant since she finished her massage early. Turning into a hallway, she was surprise to see the back figure of Zhou Jinglei.


    Thinking Yue Ling was with the young woman, she walks over to join them. However, Yue Ling was nowhere in sight.


    "Eh, Zhou Jinglei, where is Yue Ling?"


    Zhou Jinglei¡¯s shoulders jumped in fright at the sudden question. She turns around to see who it was and relief wash inside her.


    "Miss Zhao. Miss Han went to the spa locker room. She said she needed to make a quick phone call and will be back, but she hasn¡¯t returned."

 Chapter 552 were not friends

    Zhao Ya¡¯Er rushes in the direction of the spa locker room after hearing Zhou Jinglei exin the situation. She didn¡¯t get a clear exnation of what happened, but it was better to check on her friend and sister-inw first.


    Arriving at the spa locker room, she pushes the door open. Her head pokes out from behind the door and she scans the ce for Yue Ling.


    "Yue-yue, is everything alright?"


    She spoke in a voice not too loud and not too quiet. She did this because Zhou Jinglei said Yue Ling had to make a phone call. So not sure if it might be work rted, she could only speak this way not to disturb the phone call.


    However, no one answered her.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er pout her lips and enters the room. She walks towards their lockers as Yue Ling might not have heard her since it was in the back.


    "Yue¡ª"


    "Ya¡¯Er? Is that you?"


    She calls out to Yue Ling again, but before she could finish the person¡¯s name, her body froze at the sudden voice.


    It wasn¡¯t Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice, but a voice she is very familiar with. She curse inside as she didn¡¯t want to see this person at all.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er didn¡¯t answer the question, so the person peeps out from behind the second row of lockers.


    Seeing that it is her, the woman¡¯s eyes lit up and her entire figure steps into view with a light p of her hands.


    "Ah! Ya¡¯Er it is you!"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stares indifferently at the woman. Her expression at this moment makes one confirm that she is indeed Lu Tian¡¯s cousin.


    She clench her fists tightly and her eyes sh with a murderous glint.


    "Ning Mei."


    The rookie model had just finished changing and was about to leave when she heard Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s voice. She puts on her innocent fa?ade and steps into view despite the hatred that can be seen in Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes.


    She wore a purple id jacket and skirt set with ck stockings and ck heels. Her height was shorter, but with the added inches from her heels and Zhao Ya¡¯Er wearing spa slippers, she stood at the same height. However, she didn¡¯t forget to slightly raise her chin to make her appear taller.


    She smiles a friendly smile and takes a step forward. She went from cunning to a sweet and innocent person within seconds.


    "Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were alsoing here? If I had known, we could havee together."


    The second Ning Mei took a step forward, Zhao Ya¡¯Er took a step back. She watched the woman put on an obvious fa?ade and she scoffs in ridicule. She cannot believe how thick Ning Mei¡¯s skin is.


    "We¡¯re not friends."


    The despicable woman had just sent her a disgusting photo and now she wants to pretend like nothing happened and she is the most innocent person ever?


    Someone should really p the rookie model¡¯s face with an award for being a great actress and a backstabbing friend.


    "Ning Mei, who are you talking to?"


    From behind the row of lockers Ning Mei had stepped out from, another woman¡¯s voice interrupts them. She steps into view wearing a blue dress with white heels.


    When she saw who Ning Mei was talking to, she gasp a smile in surprise. However, one can see the mockery in her eyes.


    "Oh my. I was wondering who you were talking to. I didn¡¯t expect us to run into Ya¡¯Er."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er gave the woman a foul look. They were not close enought for her (woman) to address her (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) by her name. However, unlike Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Ning Mei looks at the woman. She kept an innocent appearance and smiles.


    "Wenli, don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s been a little misunderstanding."


    Looking back at Zhao Ya¡¯Er, she kept her smile and takes another step forward.


    "Ya¡¯Er, don¡¯t say that we are not friends. I cannot bear to be hated by you."


    She reach a hand to hold Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s arm and her words continue.


    "Let¡¯s forget that you said anything. Wenli and I are going to have lunch, do you want to join us?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er scoffs in disgust at the woman. Seeing Ning Mei¡¯s hand reaching out for her, she slightly tilt to the side to dodge it and walks away.


    "I don¡¯t want to be friends with neither of you."


    "Ya¡¯Er, wait!"


    Ning Mei puts on a panic expression and grabs Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s arm. Her lower lip trembles and she lowers her head to make others feel sympathy for her.


    "Are you angry because... because of the photo?"


    She spoke in the softest voice she could make then looks up with tears in her eyes. Any person who did not know her would no doubt take her side.


    "It¡¯s not what you think. Hongyi and I were drunk that night, but nothing happened between us."


    Her words were full of regret like she didn¡¯t want to lose her best friend, but deep down, she was cursing Zhao Ya¡¯Er to death. How can Wei Hongyi be so desperate for someone so stupid like Zhao Ya¡¯Er?


    She (Ning Mei) has been sleeping with the man since he and Zhao Ya¡¯Er broke up. However, no matter how many women he is with, Hongyi can never get over her (Zhao Ya¡¯Er).


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er res at Ning Mei. She inhales sharply and yank her arm away.


    "You¡¯re disgusting Ning Mei."


    However, just as Zhao Ya¡¯Er free her arm from the woman, Ning Mei quickly grabs hold of her arm again. This time she didn¡¯t forget to tighten her grip.


    Knowing that Zhao Ya¡¯Er is angry inside, Ning Mei decides to add more oil to the fuel. She leans closer to the woman and a sinister smile curls on her face making her look like an evil witch.


    She didn¡¯t want Ni Wenli to hear her, so she spoke in a quiet voice that only Zhao Ya¡¯Er could hear.


    "He¡¯s really amazing in bed. Every time we do it, he would always tell me how much he loves me."


    It¡¯s true he is one of her best sex partners, but it was lie when she said he tells her that he loves her. Not only that, there were many times when Hongyi would call Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s name while they were doing it. However, she will never tell Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    A malevolent sneer curls on her lip and her words continue.


    "Thest time we did it, we didn¡¯t leave the room for three days. He even told me he never loved you."


    "Shut up!!"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er had heard enough. She bellows out in anger at the disgusting words she was hearing. Her free hand raise, and she ps Ning Mei hard across the face.


    Not expecting the p, Ning Mei yelp a cry and stumble back before mming against the lockers with a long bang that echoes inside the room.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er clench her fists tightly to the point her nails were digging through her skin. She needed to calm down or else she would really kill Ning Mei.


    Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she growls at Ning Mei.


    "Since you¡¯re so desperate for him, go find him. A slut and a scum are perfect for each other."


    Ni Wenli gasp in shock at what just happened. All she saw was Ning Mei trying to apologize to Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Instead of Zhao Ya¡¯Er epting the apology, how did the situation turn into a fight?


    She quickly rush to Ning Mei and help the pitiful woman up.


    "Ning Mei, are you alright?"


    Being helped up, Ning Mei was fueling with rage inside. However, not wanting her innocent image to be ruined in front of Ni Wengli, she chokes a sob.


    "Ya¡¯Er, I don¡¯t know what I did wrong, but why do you have to nder me? I thought we were friends, why did you have to treat me to so cruelly?"


    *p p p


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er parted her lips to retaliate the disgusting woman¡¯s words, but before she could utter a word, a faint p echoes inside the room, then an angelic voice spoke.


    "Oh my, what an interesting show."


    Hearing the voice that sent a wave of relief inside her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er looks in the direction of the voice. It was as if her knight in shiny amor had arrive to save her.


    "Yue-Yue..."


    Yue Ling was on the phone with Lu Tian as she decided to ignore the two voices. However, when she heard the sudden bang and Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s voice, she quickly ended the call with Lu Tian.


    Seeing that Zhao Ya¡¯Er was fine, she looks at the other two women she had ignored since their arrival.


    One end of her lip curls upward into a smirk. She looked so seductive, yet at the same time, everything about her gave an aura that someone is going to die.


    As the saying goes, enemies are bound to meet on a narrow road. So, today must be one of those days.

 Chapter 553 thats not it either

    Yue Ling shifts her attention away from Ning Mei and Ni Wenli. When her eyesnded on Zhao Ya¡¯Er, the coldness around her quickly turns soft.


    "Are you alright?"


    "I am."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er answers right away with a smile. She ignores the other two women and walks over to stand next to Yue Ling.


    Fuming with boiling rage, Ning Mei clench her fists tightly. How long has Yue Ling been inside the spa locker room? Howe she and Ni Wenli didn¡¯t hear any voices or movements?


    Not only that, Chu Li Xiang promised her that he would take care the slut. Why is she still standing here? Could it be that something went wrong?


    No. Brushing the thought aside, she tells herself to not lose herposure. If she does, Yue Ling will surely see through her act. She must remember that Yue Ling already suspects her for drugging her (Yue Ling) drink during the farewell party.


    As Ning Mei immerse in her own thoughts, Ni Wenli was dumbfounded by Yue Ling¡¯s sudden appearance. Even though she is wearing a simple robe, it is no wonder she is a famous model. She can still make anything look good!


    However, Ni Wenli quickly brush the thought away. She held Ning Mei¡¯s arm and slightly leans closer and whispers something to her.


    "Mei, we should leave."


    She knows that the rookie model is angry and hurt due to the humiliation Zhao Ya¡¯Er did to her, but they cannot afford to offend neither Yue Ling nor Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    One is the cold-blooded Lu Tian¡¯s cousin while the other is General Ji¡¯s granddaughter. If words get out about what happened, she (Ni Wenli) and Ning Mei are as good as dead in Imperial.


    When Ning Mei heard her friend¡¯s words, she came back to her senses. She quickly rips off her grim expression and puts on her innocent appearance again.


    Holding her cheek that was red from Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s p, she sniffles a sob and walks up to Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    "Ya¡¯Er... I¡¯m really sorry. You misunderstood me. I was only trying to look out for you. There is nothing between Hongyi... I mean Wei Hongyi and I."


    Her words fell and she was able to squeeze out a few pearl sizes tears. She sniffles again and looks at Yue Ling.


    "Senior Han, you have to help me. I don¡¯t know what I did wrong to anger Ya¡¯Er this much. For her to p me, you must find justice for me."


    "..."


    Yue Ling looks back at the woman, but there was no sympathy in her eyes. Noticing the woman¡¯s red cheek, she arch a brow. She wanted to give Zhao Ya¡¯Er a big thumbs up for remembering to leave a handprint.


    However, thinking about Ning Mei¡¯s words, Yue Ling¡¯s arch brow returns to its normal ce and her expression darkens a little.


    "I am not your senior and you reap what you sow."


    Her voice was angelic as ever, but each word she spoke were like sharp daggers and another p to Ning Mei¡¯s face.


    Yue Ling felt like her eyes have been tainted just looking at the woman.


    How can Ning Mei sleep with Wei Hongyi and then say she was trying to look out for Zhao Ya¡¯Er?


    Anyone who sees the photo can tell what had happened. Unless, Ning Mei meant she was trying to help Zhao Ya¡¯Er by sleeping with the man.


    However, with all the proof from that one photo, only a fool would believe such a pathetic excuse.


    Ning Mei clench her fists tightly as another wave of anger wash inside her. First it was Zhao Ya¡¯Er who humiliated her and now, the woman she wants dead is also humiliating her.


    In her head, she can already see herself ripping the two women into shred. However, she had to hold herself back fromshing out as Ni Wenli was still here.


    She (Ni Wenli) is a person who likes to gossip. If she saw Ning Mei¡¯s ugly side, her (Ning Mei) image as a dainty woman would be sabotage.


    Thinking this, an idea enters her mind. Since Ni Wenli likes to gossip, she will give the woman something to gossip about with others.


    She cast her ring eyes aside and chokes into a sob that made her look all the more pitiful. Her appearance made Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er looked as if they were bullying the weak.


    "Senior Han... I mean, Yue Ling, why would you say that to me? You were always nice to me and I looked up to you... wuu..."


    Yue Ling stares indifferently at the rookie model. It was true that she used to be nice to Ning Mei, but it was only because they were colleagues. However, instead of trying to maintain that peace between them, Ning Mei decided to drug her and tried to get her taken advantage.


    Although Ning Mei seeded in her intention, she (Yue Ling) must thank the heavens above that the man from that night was Lu Tian and not some other hired bastard.


    And as if that were not enough for Ning Mei to cross her line, she even hired people to kill her.


    Just looking at Ning Mei angers Yue Ling to the core. If she (Ning Mei) never sought help from Chu Li Xiang to kill her, her unborn child would still be here.


    For this, Chu Li Xiang paid the first half with his life, she will make sure that Ning Mei pays the remaining half.


    Brushing these feelings away, Yue Ling steps forward and stood in front of the rookie model. Even with the spa slippers on, no matter how high Ning Mei¡¯s heels are, she will never stand at the same height as Yue Ling.


    Her head slightly tilt to the side and she stares down at Ning Mei.


    "We are not close for you to call me by my name. As for your ¡¯looking out¡¯, are you referring to sleeping with your friends¡¯ boyfriends?"


    She emphasized the words ¡¯looking out¡¯ as the color of her bluish green eyes dim. However, it quickly disappears when a soft chuckle escapes her lips. She looked like someone who wasughing at the funniest joke, but one can see that her smile did not reach her eyes.


    "Or, could it be that that isn¡¯t enough, so you decide to ¡¯look out¡¯ for other women¡¯s husbands too?"


    Folding one arm over her chest, her other elbow rested on top and she held her chin like she was thinking hard about something.


    "No... maybe that¡¯s not it either."


    Her words fell and she moves her hand away from her chin. Like she came up with the greatest n ever, her eyes lit up brightly.


    "Ah yes, I remember now. Your way of ¡¯looking out¡¯ for others is by drugging their drinks. Is that also how you get those men to sleep with you?"


    Ning Mei¡¯s face turned paler and paler at each word that came out from Yue Ling. Everything she mentioned is theplete truth and not some kind of lie.


    She has slept with many of her friends¡¯ boyfriends because she hated that they have a better life than her. However, these friends of hers do not even know that she has been sleeping with their boyfriends.


    As for the married men, they are all wealthy in their own way. Even if they are old and ugly, she didn¡¯t care. As long as they keep their promise to help her be famous, she would do anything.


    In regard to the drugging, she did it because those men would reject her and when they wake up in the same bed as her, they have no choice but to obey her as she would ckmail them.


    However, the thing that angers her so much about this is, no one should know about all of this, so how does Yue Ling know?


    No, so what if Yue Ling knows. She cannot let the humiliation continue as her image is at risk.


    Ning Mei inhales sharply as it made her nostrils re widely. She doesn¡¯t get angry but breaks into tears like had been falsely used.


    "Why... wuu... Why are you and Ya¡¯Er ndering me with such lies? I would never do anything like what you are saying. Wuu..."


    Seeing Ning Mei cry so pitifully, Ni Wenli felt her heart ache for the woman. She knows that Ning Mei is nothing like what Yue Ling is saying. From the moment she and the rookie model became friends, Ning Mei has always been sweet and caring towards others.


    To see Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er bully her (Ning Mei) this way, she (Ni Wenli) will never allow it.


    "Mei don¡¯t cry. You¡¯re too nice that¡¯s why they are jealous."


    She soothes her friend then flung her head and lock her murderous eyes with Yue Ling.


    Her mouth open to say something, but she could only swallow her words as a petrifying chill ran down her spine like she had fallen into a frozenke.


    The person standing in front of her is still Yue Ling, but for some reason she looked like a different person.


    Like she had be the grim reaper, no, more like the angel of death.

 Chapter 554 the next talk

    Ni Wenli was scared by Yue Ling¡¯s sharp gaze. She was unable to look at the woman in the eyes, so she avert her gaze away to look at the wall behind Yue Ling.


    She tells herself to get it together as right now was not the time to be scared. Even if Yue Ling is General Ji¡¯s granddaughter, she and Ning Mei were friends with Ji Chu Hua. From what she knows, Ji Chu Hua is doted and spoiled by the old man. If they get into trouble, they¡¯ll just as Ji Chu Hua to help them.


    Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she looks back at Yue Ling. Her chest stuck out and she raise her chin higher as if she were looking down on Yue Ling, who is still taller than her.


    "Hmmf. Ning Mei has always had a good heart. How dare you nder with your disgusting lies."


    Her left-hand raise, and she points at Yue Ling with eyes full of daggers. She made sure her expression was one that can make anyone who sees tremble with fear.


    "We can sue you for false usation!"


    Yue Ling did not once show any change in her expression. She was as calm and collect as always. She felt Ni Wenli¡¯s posture and attitude at this moment looked like a crazy circus monkey who is on an rampage for bananas.


    However, as she thought this, her expression soon changed when she heard the woman¡¯sst sentence.


    She arch a brow in amusement and held back the urge tough in the woman¡¯s face.


    "You can sue me?"


    Hearing her tone full of mocking, Ni Wenli was dumbfounded. She was trying to threaten Yue Ling, but instead, she (Yue Ling) took her (Ni Wenli) threat as some kind of joke.


    She clench her fists tightly and tells herself to calm down again. Knowing that Ning Mei is alright to stand on her own, Ni Wenli moves her hand and fold her arms over her chest.


    "That¡¯s right. You defamed Ning Mei with your insulting words. Let me tell you, one word from me and your life in Imperial is over."


    Han Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er may be from a more prominent family that her, but she has more resources in Imperial, or so she thinks she does.


    One word from her and she can spread any news throughout Imperial with the people she knows. Besides, Ning Mei is a victim in this, they can surely sue Yue Ling for defamation.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er watched from the side. She was dumbfounded and the corner of her lip twitched uncontrobly. Did Ni Wenli really say she can ruin their life in Imperial? What kind of joke is this?


    Yue Ling was also dumbfounded by the woman¡¯s words. Now, she couldn¡¯t help but decide if she should feel sorry for the woman for having such a small brain. How can they sue her for defamation if everything she said is all true?


    If Ning Mei were to take a polygraph right now, she would clearly fail. Unless, she decides to ¡¯look out¡¯ for the polygrapher.


    However, knowing that words were useless at this moment, Yue Ling smiles a smile that did reach her eyes.


    "If you can sue me, by all means, go ahead. However, don¡¯t be surprise when the truth is revealed."


    Her words fell and she turns to look at Zhao Ya¡¯Er. The smile on her face turns soft and she spoke.


    "Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ve kept them waiting for too long."


    They have wasted too much time here with Ning Mei and Ni Wenli. Any longer and she was sure Madam Lu and Madam Zhao would get worried ande find them. She also doesn¡¯t want to drag the two middle-aged women into this childish quarrel.


    "Mm."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er answers and doesn¡¯t spare Ning Mei and Ni Wenli another look. She knows how her mother and aunt can be and it was best to not keep them waiting.


    As Zhao Ya¡¯Er walked pass behind Yue Ling¡¯s figure, the retired model turns to leave too. She doesn¡¯t feel like talking to two idiots. Besides, Ning Mei is going to get what she is asking for.


    "W-Who said you can leave?!"


    Ni Wenli could not believe that Yue Ling had disregarded them like they were not here at all. She grit her teeth and stretch her arm to grab Yue Ling¡¯s hair.


    "Slut! Come back here!!"


    She roared like a ferocious lioness ready to cause havoc upon her prey. However, when she thought she had the upper hand, Yue Ling¡¯s next move shook her to the core.


    *Bang¡ª!


    Yue Ling swiftly dodge the hand and she grabs hold of Ni Wenli¡¯s arm by the wrist. With a slight twist, she bends the woman¡¯s arm behind her back.


    Within seconds of doing so, her other hand grabs the back of Ni Wenli¡¯s head and she ms the woman against a row of lockers without letting go.


    Ni Wenli grunts at the sudden pain. Anger at this humiliation, she struggles to free herself as she yells like a crazydy.


    "Slut! Let me go!! I can press charges against you!!"


    The more she struggled and yelled, she could feel her head being pressed more against the hard lockers. Even though her other arm was free, she could not grab onto anything.


    Yue Ling did not move an inch from the woman¡¯s struggles. She scoffs a sneer as her demeanor turned into one like a police officer capturing a suspect.


    She adds more strength onto her hand against Ni Wenli¡¯s head and she leans closer to the woman¡¯s ear.


    "Try to touch me again and I promise, YOU will be the next talk of Imperial."


    Her angelic voice spoke menacingly as she releases Ni Wenli with a light shove and takes a step back. Her eyes cast a re at Ning Mei then she turns away and leaves the locker room.


    Even when Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were no longer in the room, Ning Mei stood unmoving from her spot. She could feel her legs trembling in fear at what she had witnessed.


    Just like the rookie model, Ni Wenli was scared out of her wits. She swore she most urinated on herself from hearing Yue Ling¡¯s words.


    She felt the retired model¡¯s meaning of ¡¯the next talk¡¯ is not about fame, but more like her death will be the talk of Imperial.


    Both Ning Mei and Ni Wenli had thought Yue Ling was self-center because she is the designer and owner of De L¡¯amour and An Qing. Not only that, as the granddaughter of General Ji, anyone in her shoes would think highly of themselves because others¡¯ fear of the old man.


    However, never did they think she would react so quickly and defend herself against Ni Wenli.


    Her movement was like a sh of lightning. If they had blinked their eyes, they would have missed it. Even they thought they were witnessing some kind of stunt from an action movie.


    Finally able to blink her eyes again, Ning Mei turns to look at the other woman. She bit her lower lip to keep herself from going ballistic. Ni Wenli thought she could take down Yue Ling, but she is an useless woman who couldn¡¯t even defend herself.


    Inhaling sharply, Ning Mei suppress her anger. She force her eyes to glisten with tears and she takes a step closer to her friend.


    "Wenli... I¡¯m so sorry. Are you alright?"


    She reach a hand to help the woman gain herposure.


    "It¡¯s all my fault. If you hadn¡¯t stood up for me, you wouldn¡¯t have suffered like this."


    Oblivious to Ning Mei¡¯s true persona, Ni Wenli was boiling with anger. It¡¯s true that if she had never helped Ning Mei, she wouldn¡¯t be humiliated like this.


    However, seeing the rookie model sob so pitifully, she sighs aloud.


    Ning Mei has been a good friend of hers and one the few closest to her. It was only natural that she stands up for her friend.


    "It¡¯s not your fault. Those two sluts think they are better than anyone because of their family."


    She scoffs a sneer thinking back to what had happened.


    "Karma will bite them for what they did."


    Ning Mei doesn¡¯t say anything but continues to sob like a weak and fragile girl. However, deep down she was cursing Yue Ling to death.


    By now, she has concluded that since Chu Li Xiang has not contacted her, Yue Ling must have escaped from the man¡¯s ws, but that won¡¯t be for long.


    Thest time she saw Wei Hongyi, he promised to set up a meeting for her with ¡¯that person¡¯. Once she reveals her deal to that person, Yue Ling is as good as dead as no one can ever escape from ¡¯that person¡¯.

 Chapter 555 Ill take i

    "Oh! My! God!"


    Outside the spa locker room, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was unable to contain her shock and thrill at what had happened. She held Yue Ling¡¯s arm and grins from ear to ear.


    "You were so awesome back there! I should have taken a photo of Ning Mei and Ni Wenli¡¯s faces!"


    Reying the scene of Yue Ling taking down Ni Wenli like a professional police officer, she quickly came to an understanding. Her sister-inw is no ordinary fashion designer and retired model.


    Seeing that the woman had return to her usual self again, Yue Ling sighs inside. Zhao Ya¡¯Er is her first friend since she moved to Imperial. If anyone dares to cause trouble for her (Zhao Ya¡¯Er), she (Yue Ling) will not stand on the side and watch.


    Thinking this, she suddenly recalls their conversation during their lunch date. Since Wei Hongyi has eyes but fail to see what a wonderful woman Zhao Ya¡¯Er is, she (Yue Ling) will help a new rtionship blossom for her friend.


    As Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er made their way towards the hot springs to join Madam Lu and Madam Zhao, a ck Maserati Levante Trofeo is spotted in the streets of Imperial.


    After Lu Tian ended the phone call with his wife, he got into his car and left Lu Corps. Since he still had time until his next meeting, he decided to meet up with Uncle Zhi in person.


    It didn¡¯t take long before his ck car soon slows to a stop. Lu Tian turns the engine off and steps out. He stares at the rundown building then turn to look at the street opposite from the direction he came.


    There were people walking to and from like every other day as cars drive pass by. However, never would they imagine that a tragic incident had urred not too long ago. The reason for no one¡¯s knowing is because he and Grandfather Ji had made sure that no news of the incident reaches the media.


    As this was the very street that his wife and Liu Shan were hit by the garbage truck.


    If he could, he would have destroyed this entire part of Imperial into dust. That way, no one can enter this area and his wife would not have to drive here by chance.


    The thought of her having to remember that tragic night is thest thing he wants her to think about.


    However, it is only his wishful thinking as he cannot be selfish. There are a lot of businesses here as it is a section in the heart of Imperial.


    If he destroys this area, a lot of people will be out of business and knowing his wife, she will be disappointed in him if he did do it.


    "Mr. Lu."


    Into his thoughts, a man¡¯s voice calls out to Lu Tian. He looks away from the street and his dark pupils met with the person.


    It was a man in histe twenties. He wore a dark color security uniform and was holding the door open to Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop. A smile curled on his face as he had already been informed about the businessman¡¯s visit.


    Lu Tian gestures a nod in greeting and walks towards the building. As he enters through the door, his voice sounds.


    "Is he still here?"


    The young security guard was walking at the same pace as Lu Tian. When he heard the man, he was slightly surprised. Never did he think Lu Tian would actually speak to someone like him. After all, everyone in Imperial knows that the aloof man is cold and very unsociable.


    However, given this good fortune, he smiles happily and nods his head.


    "Master Zhi is still here. Knowing that you are visiting, he has not stepped out of his shop."


    Lu Tian chatted normally with the young security guard until they reached the newly rece metal door to Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop. The two parted ways as Lu Tian enters the door and the security guard return to guarding his post.


    Upon entering, this is Lu Tian¡¯s first time being back to the shop. He is quite impressed at the sight in front of him.


    The once empty shop from a few weeks ago was almost back to the way it was before. However, the only differences is, there were less artifacts and the wooden shelves had been reced with ck metal shelves.


    "Ah, Lu Tian. You are here."


    From behind a shelf setup in the back of the shop, Uncle Zhi spoke out cheerfully. He had just stepped into view when he caught sight of Lu Tian.


    "Do excuse me for not greeting you upon arrival. I was putting up some new artifacts."


    Lu Tian held his usual indifferent expression as he walks towards the middle-aged man.


    "No need to apologize. I came here unexpectedly."


    His words fell as he looks at the minimal items on the metal shelves that he passes. Seeing something, he couldn¡¯t help but stop in his steps and carefully stares at it.


    What had caught his attention was a very simple goldb with floral details and a phoenix.


    A very faint smile curls on his lip as it reminded him of his wife and their short phone call. Most of the time, it was him who tells her that he loves her, but this time it was her who said it first.


    He knows that she only said it because she knew he was sulking over the fact that she forgot to call him. However, it was all worth it.


    "Oh, I was wondering what had caught your attention. It turns out to be this."


    Uncle Zhi chuckles heartily as he stops to stand next to Lu Tian. Never did he think the aloof man would be attracted to this goldb.


    "I just received this item today. Are you interest in it?"


    "I¡¯ll take it."


    Lu Tian did not hesitate to answer as he shook Uncle Zhi by surprise. He (Uncle Zhi) nce between the item and Lu Tian then he smiles.


    He knows that Lu Tian is buying this goldb as a gift for Yue Ling, but as someone who had watched the girl grow from young until now, one should know that Yue Ling is not one who fancies expensive and extravagant things. However, seeing Lu Tian¡¯s expression, he didn¡¯t feel like ruining the mood.


    "Alright. I¡¯ll have it wrapped up for you and have someone send it to your ce."


    Lu Tian answers with mm then looks away from the item and stares at the middle-aged man.


    "How is your subordinate?"


    Hearing the question, Uncle Zhi¡¯s heart shook then he heaves a long sigh. Lu Tian must have noticed his new security guard that¡¯s why he asked.


    After all, one of his old security guard died on the spot during the vandalization. Although the other one was in critical condition and transported to the hospital...


    "He is paralyzed from waist down. The bullet struck his spine while he was trying to save the other. He was discharged two days ago, but the doctor said he will never walk again."


    Uncle Zhi¡¯s words fell with guilt and grief written on his face. His two security guards may have had a past, but they were good people with remarkable talent. It is a tragedy for what befell them.


    Listening to the man, Lu Tian sighs inside. Without looking at Uncle Zhi, he spoke with a serious expression.


    "I will have the best doctor treat him."


    Uncle Zhi lightly chuckles when he saw the determination on Lu Tian¡¯s face. He ce one hand behind his back and his other hand pat the boy¡¯s shoulder.


    "Thank you, but your wife already beat you to it."


    Although he is not close with Lu Tian, he can see that Lu Tian is a good man. He is also thankful for Lu Tian¡¯s generosity, but what he said is true. The night of the incident, Yue Ling had already helped with more than she should have.


    Even when he didn¡¯t ask, she offered to help. He wanted to tell her that it was okay, but once she says something, she will not take it back.


    Shaking the thought away, he looks at Lu Tian for a quick second before turning away. His words fell as he walks in the direction of what used to be the secret room in the back of the shop.


    "Let us enjoy a cup of tea and discuss over your purpose for being here."

 Chapter 556 I want these

    The once secret room at the back of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop had been converted into an office space for the middle-aged man. He felt that there was no need to make it a secret anymore as others know about it.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Lu Tian and Uncle Zhi finished their cup of tea and were now getting to business.


    Lu Tian stood in front of table. He held his chin with a profoundly serious expression on his face. Anyone who sees him would mistake him for a mighty general thinking of a battle n for war.


    However, that was not the case.


    Scattered on top of the table, Uncle Zhi had selected all the top-quality blueprints and details of different rings and diamonds. Although the ring blueprints were like every other design out there, the diamonds were not. Each one is from a different country and the most exquisite one ever to be found.


    "Any of these catches your eyes?"


    Uncle Zhi couldn¡¯t help but question as he stood on the other side of the table. It has been almost an hour since heid out the blueprints. However, even until now, Lu Tian has not picked up a single piece of paper.


    After a few seconds of not answering, Lu Tian finally made a move. His hand holding his chin lowers and he reach for a ring blueprint.


    It was simple halo style ring with a square diamond.


    "Yue Ling would like this more than the others."


    He hands the blueprint to Uncle Zhi then reaches for two more blueprints. However, this time they were of diamonds.


    "As for the diamonds, I want these two."


    Uncle Zhi held the three blueprints in his hands and carefully observe them. As a professional jeweler, he has to admit, Lu Tian has good eyesight.


    Although the two diamonds picked were the smallest from the rest, they were the only two worth more. As for the ring style, he also agrees that Yue Ling would prefer this choice over the others.


    Lu Tian waited until Uncle Zhi had taken a good look at the three blueprints. His hand reaches for another and he gives it to the middle-aged man.


    "Have the two diamonds craft into this style."


    Surprised that there was a fourth blueprint, Uncle Zhi was dumbfounded. However, reminding himself that this is for Yue Ling, he casually takes the paper to take a look. When he saw the style, he arch a brow in amusement.


    "Are you sure about this one?"


    Lu Tian kept a calm expression and answers with an affirmative mm. He made sure to check each blueprint thoroughly as this is a ring for his wife. He wants her to have the best of best.


    Staring at the young man across from him, Uncle Zhi ponder in thoughts. However, it was a quick thought as he smiles and nod his head.


    "Alright, that settles it then. I will make sure to have this ring done exactly as you instructed."


    A very faint smile curls on Lu Tian¡¯s lip. He found Uncle Zhi to be a very interesting person. A part of him can¡¯t help but wonder why he has never met the man in the past. If he did, he would not hesitate to convince the man to be on his side.


    However, if he did that, he would probably end up as an enemy of his wife and Fate.


    As he thought this, he checks the time on his watch. To his surprise, he had stayed here longer than he had nned.


    "How soon can you have it made?"


    Hearing the question, Uncle Zhi looks down at the four blueprints in his hands. He held them like they were poker cards and carefully estimate the procedures of crafting a ring.


    "Usually, it would take about 4 to 6 weeks, but I can have it done within 2 weeks."


    Lu Tian had maintained hisposure, but when he saw Uncle Zhi¡¯s thinking face, he didn¡¯t even realize that he was holding in his breath. However, when he heard the man¡¯s answer, he found himself being able to breathe again.


    He wanted to have the ring crafted as soon as possible. It¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t like seeing his wife wear L¡¯amour de ma vie. He wanted to design a ring specifically for her.


    Just like Shin, he hopes that this ring will symbolize his love for her. That way, every time she looks at it, she will think about him and know that he loves her every second of the day.


    Lu Tian reach into his coat pocket and retrieves his wallet. Opening it, he takes out two ck bankcards and hands them across the table to Uncle Zhi.


    "There is 900 million yuan in each of these two cards. If you need more, I will transfer it to one of the two cards."


    Staring at the cards, Uncle Zhi¡¯s eyes widen in surprise. His jaw slowly drops leaving his mouth opened agape. Was this luck or fate that he is given this opportunity?


    It was not the amount that was in the card, but the card itself. As a gold card member, he has never seen a ck card in person before.


    However, his eyes blinked confusingly when he thought about Lu Tian¡¯s words.


    "Why are you giving me two cards?"


    Oblivious to the man¡¯s inner thoughts, Lu Tian close his wallet and put it away.


    "One is for purchasing the diamonds and materials needed for the ring. The other is yours for your hardbor."


    His words fell and he walks around the table to leave the shop. Once he gets back to Lu Corps, he will be stuck in more meetings. However, if he can finish them early, he can go steal his wife back from his mother, aunt and cousin.


    Holding the two cards in his hands, Uncle Zhi could not believe his eyes at all. He slowly turns to look at Lu Tian¡¯s departing figure.


    After a long minute, he sighs inside and shook his head. He knew that Lu Tian is a businessman, but if he had known that Lu Tian was such a great business partner, he would have worked with the boy from the very start.


    While Lu Tian drove back to Lu Corps, Yue Ling, Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao were also leaving Harmony Destination Spa.


    The four women had enjoyed a rxing time in the hot spring and were now full of energy to go on a shopping spree for themselves.


    Madam Lu and Madam Zhao arrived together with Lu family¡¯s chauffer. However, wanting to spend some extra quality time with the two younger women, Madam Lu dismissed the chauffer home. She and Madam Zhao can carpool in Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s car as there was enough room.


    As the four women made their way back to the busy part of Imperial, Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er sat in the front while the two older women sat in the backseat. However, the car ride was not in silence.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er yed music loudly as they all karaoke like they were performing on stage.


    Between each chorus, the sound of their heartfeltughter would collide together as this was a moment worth remembering for them.

 Chapter 557 It was fate

    The afternoon sun shone brightly over Imperial with a constant cool breeze. Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s car finally parks in front of a shopping mall and the doors push open.


    A valet worker walks over to the car, but he slightly tilt his head at the four women. Each woman wasughing at one another like no one else in the world mattered. However, what he does not know it that, they had just had a heartfelt moment.


    On the way to the shopping mall, they were quiet and decided to enjoy the scenery, but Zhao Ya¡¯Er decided to brighten the quiet mood. She yed famous songs from the olden days that her mother and aunt often listened to.


    When the first song yed, Zhao Ya¡¯Er went into singer mode and pour her heart out into singing. After the first two chorus, Yue Ling shrugs her shoulder and joins in with her friend.


    Seeing that Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er did not care, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao nce at one another. Both middle-aged women were speechless at first, but in the next second they were the ones singing like there was no tomorrow in the backseat.


    Remembering what happened during the long drive, Zhao Ya¡¯Erughs as she hands her car keys to the valet worker. She then joins Yue Ling, her mother, and aunt near the curbside.


    The four women finally calm themselves down. If they continue tough, those passing by and sees them will only think they had be crazy.


    Yue Ling wipes her tearful eyes and turn to face the shopping mall. She quietly gasp when she saw the abstract structure with windows of all sizes.


    This is the same shopping mall she hade with Lu Tian when they encountered Bnce. If she remembers correctly, this out of the world building is owned by one of Lu Tian¡¯s close friend.


    What was his name again? Ah, that¡¯s right, Zhi Yifan.


    "Ladies, shall we go spoil ourselves?"


    Interrupting Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts, Zhao Ya¡¯Er spoke cheerfully as she locks one arm with Yue Ling¡¯s. Even before the retired model could answer, she was already pulling Yue Ling towards the mall entrance.


    Like time had rewind to their moment at Harmony Destination Spa, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao were struck dumbfounded being left behind again.


    No matter how many times they tried to get close to Yue Ling, Zhao Ya¡¯Er would suddenly appear and keep Yue Ling all to herself.


    "Ya! Wait for us too!"


    Madam Lu calls after and sped walk to catch up to the two younger women. Without any care, she strongly but at the same time gently pushes her niece to the side and lock her arm with her daughter-inw.


    She smiles and looked as if nothing had happened. Her other hand lightly pat Yue Ling¡¯s arm and she spoke sweetly.


    "Ah Ling, no need to worry. Anything you like, I, your mother-inw will buy it for you."


    Yue Ling parted her lips to say something, but before she could, she felt another arm lock with her other arm. She turns to see who it is, and she is met with Madam Zhao¡¯s cheesy grin that was the same as her daughter¡¯s.


    "Your mother-inw is right. Today, we are going to spoil you even if you don¡¯t want us to."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was left baffled by the two women. She wanted to tell them it was okay, and she could pay for herself as she is not short on money, but... Seeing their happy and serious expressions, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to ruin their good mood.


    Unable to tell them, she could only nod her head agreeingly. If she were to really tell them no, she knows that she will never hear the end of it.


    Once they are actually shopping, she will sneak in and pay for their things as they have been too good to her.


    As Madam Lu and Madam Zhao held Yue Ling arm in arm, it was Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s turn to be dumbfounded.


    She could not believe that her aunt and mother actually snatched Yue Ling away from her. How can they do this to her? All she wanted to do was spend time with her best friend and sister-inw, is that too much to ask?


    However, knowing that she cannot fend off the two women, she heaves a sigh. She will wait until they are distracted and then squeeze her way and steal Yue Ling back.


    Upon entering the shopping mall, the ce was not as crowded as it was a workday. It didn¡¯t take long before the four women arrived in front of a store. This store had two huge floor-to-ceiling windows and a ss double door in the center.


    When Yue Ling saw this store, a faint and soft smile curls on her lip. It was her store. Her brand De L¡¯amour was carved in bold white letters at the top and really stood out.


    Looking at the disy windows, she notice that it was different from thest time she hade here.


    Inside both of the disy windows, there were two mannequins on either side of arge portrait. However, these two portraits were not of anyone else, but herself.


    One was of her during her photoshoot for Beauty¡¯s magazine cover as the other was of her wearing her closing design for the Fall Fashion Show.


    She was grateful that the visual merchandiser took the time to even put up her portraits.


    However, what Yue Ling did not know is that it was done by Liu Shan.


    The assistant had been waiting for the day she revealed herself as the owner and designer of De L¡¯amour. He wanted to hang her photo in all of her stores to let the world know what a capable woman and gem she is.


    "Ah Ling, there is something I need to tell you."


    Madam Lu spoke as she looks at her daughter-inw. Her hand lowers and she holds onto the girl¡¯s hand.


    "I have been a huge fan of De L¡¯amour since it first started. Even when it was only at its starting point."


    She softly chuckles and her other hand pats over the back of Yue Ling¡¯s hand.


    "I am Z."


    "..."


    Hearing her sudden words, Yue Ling¡¯s eyebrows arch up and shock sh on her face. She stares at Madam Lu before her eyes turned moist and she chokes out her words.


    "You are Z?"


    She could not believe what she is hearing at all.


    When she first started De L¡¯amour, it was only a small boutique, but she always had a mysterious buyer by the name Z. Even though her skills from back then were not as great as now, this mysterious person was always the first to support her.


    Even when her brand became a big hit, Z never stopped supporting her designs. She told herself that one day she will meet this mysterious person and pay him or her back for all the faith they had in her.


    If she told Liu Shan to look for Z, maybe she would have met Madam Lu a long time ago.


    Seeing Yue Ling¡¯s tearful eyes, Madam Lu lightly pat the girl¡¯s hand again. She sighs a smile and softly spoke.


    "Everything is fine now. It was fate that brought us together and be a family. Even if you know that I am Z, I will continue to support your dreams."


    She never knew who De L¡¯amour¡¯s designer was, but when she first saw the designs, she knew that this person had great potential and will be a big figure in the fashion industry. This was why she started supporting De L¡¯amour.


    However, if she had known that this designer was her deceased best friend¡¯s daughter, she would not have remained anonymous. She would have gone to find Yue Ling sooner to meet the life her friend left behind in the world.

 Chapter 558 three villianesses

    In another part of Imperial, a silver Mercedes-Benz C-ss amg coupe drives through the busy streets. Sitting in the driver seat, Ning Mei held a sulking expression as she was still angry about what happened at the spa resort.


    After she and Ni Wenli left the resort, she had left countless messages on Chu Li Xiang¡¯s phone. However, the man never once read them or bother to reply back. She could only tell herself that her only choice now is to wait for Wei Hongyi to see if he was able to set a meet for her with ¡¯that person¡¯.


    "Mei, where are we going for lunch?"


    In the passenger seat, Ni Wenli couldn¡¯t help but ask. She had skipped breakfast and as it was gettingter in the afternoon, she was starting to feel hungry. However, Ning Mei had stopped mentioning anything about grabbing lunch.


    Hearing the woman¡¯s words, Ning Mei sneers inside. She is dealing with her own problems and yet, all Ni Wenli can think about is food. What a useless woman.


    Not wanting to be in the same car as Ni Wenli, she turn her car into a public parking lot and parks it. She turns to face her friend and smiles apologetically.


    "Wenli, I¡¯m sorry, but my manager just messaged me. I have to meet her for an audition. Can you go eat by yourself?"


    Ni Wenli was confused as to why they had stopped in a public parking lot, but when she heard Ning Mei¡¯s words, she finally understood. However, how was she supposed to go eat by herself when she didn¡¯t drive herself or even asked her driver to pick her up?


    She wanted to ask if Ning Mei could drop her off at a restaurant, but seeing the woman¡¯s apologetic face, she held her words back. Ning Mei¡¯s manager does have a temper, so it was best to not stall the rookie model any longer.


    "Fine. You leave first. I¡¯ll call my driver to pick me up here."


    A pitiful and guilty look appears on Ning Mei¡¯s face as she looks at her friend.


    "I¡¯m really sorry. I promise, next time, it will be my treat."


    The moment Ni Wenli stepped out of the car and the passenger door closed, Ning Mei did not hesitate to turn the car around. She drove away without a care that she just left her friend stranded in a parking lot.


    As for her so called audition, it was only an excuse. She needed a drink and a man to help take away her annoyance and anger. If she were to bring Ni Wenli with her, she would not be able to be herself.


    *Ring Ring


    Just when her cares to stop at a red light and was going to call for a man, her phone suddenly rings. She checks who the caller is and her eyes lit up when she saw the name.


    Connecting her phone to her car, she press the talk button on the steering wheel and adjust her voice.


    "Hongyi, what took you so long to call me? I thought you forgot about me, so I was going to find a new man."


    She knows that even if she mentioned finding a new man, Wei Hongyi would not care because they were only seeing each other for pleasure.


    ["I was busy. Can we meet?"]


    Wei Hongyi¡¯s voice spoke from the other line making Ning Mei giggle in her softest voice.


    "Of course. When and where do you want to meet?"


    ["Now. I¡¯ll be waiting in the usual room at Imperial Hotel."]


    Before Ning Mei could answer the man, he had already hung up on her. However, she scoffs a sneer and press the elerator as the red light turned green.


    So what if she sent the photo to Zhao Ya¡¯Er, since Wei Hongyi called her to meet him, it can only mean that he is not angry with her and still wants her.


    However, what Ning Mei did not know is that Wei Hongyi at this moment is fuming with rage because of what she did.


    Time soon psed and it was now 7pm by the time Lu Tian finished hisst meeting. The door to Lu Corps¡¯ conference room opens and the board members tiredly walks out.


    Each person were exhausted. The entire day, they had all been in meeting after meeting. They could not wait to go home and get some sleep.


    As the board members made their way towards the elevators, Lu Tian and Xu Long were thest to walk out from the conference room. However, neither man went the same way as the others.


    Due to Lu Tian not liking crowded ce, he had a private elevator built inside Lu Corps. He hardly ever uses it, but whenever any of the employee elevators had more than three people inside, he will use the private elevator.


    "You can leave."


    He calmly spoke as he and Xu Long entered the elevator. The meetings for the day were done, so it was only likely that he dismisses his assistant. After all, once he grabs his car keys from his office, he will be leaving too.


    Hopefully, his wife is already home since it was gettingte.


    "Um, boss. I have something to report."


    From the side, Xu Long nervously spoke like he was mumbling to himself. He is thankful that he can finally leave since he is meeting up with Liu Shan and the others, but there is still something he needed to tell his boss.


    Lu Tian slightly furrow his brows. If Xu Long had something to report, why didn¡¯t he say something earlier but waited until now?


    "Speak."


    Hearing that one word, Xu Long wanted to cry butck the tears to shed. He could only swallow a difficult gulp and brace himself as he straightens his spine to look like a soldier.


    "Your father called to say that your mother is still out. Since your mother is not home, there is a possibility that bossdy is still out too as they are together."


    "..."


    *Ding


    Xu Long spoke his words without pausing to catch his breath. It was almost as if he was rapping. However, the moment hisst word fell, the elevator came to a stop and the bell chimes to let them know.


    The door slides open as Lu Tian¡¯s hope that his wife was already waiting for him at home shattered like a broken mirror.


    His left hand raise, and he pinch the space between his brows. Good thing his father called or else he would have gone home to an empty house with only his enemy (Inu).


    He was being sarcastic when he said he will have to steal his wife back, but it seems like he really does have to do it.


    Xu Long stares at his boss as his index finger press a button to keep the elevator doors from closing. As much as he wanted to leave, he cannot leave Lu Corps until his boss leaves.


    "Inform my father and Uncle Zhao. Tell them their wife will be home soon."


    Without waiting for a response from his assistant, Lu Tian strides in big steps in the direction of his office. Since his mother, aunt, and cousin do not know when to go home, he will force them by taking back his wife.


    Left inside the elevator, Xu Long tilt his head and stares in amazement at his boss¡¯s departing figure.


    He swore it was like a magical cape had sudden flutter from behind his boss and the man turned into a mighty General.


    Like a scene for ancient times of a General going into battle to save his one and only wife from the hands of three viinesses.

 Chapter 559 marrying my son

    With the sun set in the horizon, Imperial became a total darkness. Spending the entire afternoon shopping, Yue Ling was exhausted. She may be a fashion designer, but she hardly goes shopping. If she did, she never spent a long time because she knew what to buy. The longest she would shop for is no longer than two hours.


    However, being with Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao, she felt an entire day of shopping was not enough for the three women.


    Good thing it was finally over, and they were now sitting inside a luxurious restaurant not too far from the shopping mall.


    The restaurant was unbelievably beautiful withvish decorations. The lightly inside was dimly lit, but enough for one to see what is in front of them. However, as it was gettingte into the night, the entire ce was only amodated with a few customers.


    Wanting to enjoy dinner with a nice view, the four women requested for a table on the roof. To their surprise, they were the only customers on the roof and were able to enjoy the stunning night view of Imperial.


    Sitting on a table enough for six people, Madam Lu sat on a chair to Yue Ling¡¯s left, but in the middle. She slightly turns to look at her daughter-inw and held her (Yue Ling) hand.


    "Ah Ling, are you sure you don¡¯t want us to pay you back? There¡¯s not anything we can do for do?"


    Having her hand suddenly held, Yue Ling looks at Madam Lu. When she heard the woman¡¯s words, her entire being softens. From the corner of her eyes, she could also see that Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Madam Zhao held the same question in their mind.


    "I¡¯m sure. I wanted to pay, so you don¡¯t need to worry."


    She softly chuckles her words and ce one hand over the middle-aged woman¡¯s.


    "And you don¡¯t need to worry about Tian."


    Even if they didn¡¯t mention Lu Tian¡¯s name, Yue Ling knew that they were also worried about what the man will do when he finds out she had paid for the women¡¯s things. However, it wasn¡¯t like they forced or used her. It was her who wanted to pay.


    Madam Lu was at a loss for all words. Across from her, Madam Zhao opened and closed her mouth, but nothing came out. She stares at Yue Ling then to her daughter.


    Just like the two older women, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s expression at this moment was no different from them. What can they possible say to make Yue Ling agree in letting them paying her back?


    They had invited Yue Ling out so they could spoil her, but in the end, it was she who spoiled them. Well, more like, every time they were not looking, she would squeeze her way pass them and tells the cashier employee to put it on her card.


    Madam Zhao thought back to the events and she heaves a long sigh. She felt extremely ashamed for having Yue Ling pay for her things. If she knew the oue was going to be like this, she wouldn¡¯t have bought so many things.


    After Yue Ling paid at the first store, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao would continue on with their shopping, but they would stop by the cashier and tell them not to let Yue Ling pay. However, when the time came to pay, it ended up being Yue Ling again.


    "You are too good to us. If only you were marrying my son."


    The first time she saw Yue Ling entered through the doors at Elegancy, she knew the young woman was a keeper. Her heart is just as good as her appearance, which is something you don¡¯t often see.


    Hearing her mother¡¯s words, Zhao Ya¡¯Er choked on her own saliva. She quickly drinks a ss of water to help herself from coughing and stares dumbfoundedly at the woman.


    "Ma, what are you saying? I thought I was your only child."


    Her eyes slightly narrows, and she leans closer to her mother as if she was interrogating a suspect.


    "Unless, you have a ¡¯son¡¯ I do not know about."


    At the same time, Madam Lu quickly wraps her arms around Yue Ling as if protecting her beloved child from a predator. She res with vicious snake eyes at her sister-inw.


    "Over my dead body that you will get my daughter-inw!"


    Hearing her daughter and sister-inw, Madam Zhao was shocked speechless. A heartily chuckle escapes her lips and she waves her hands.


    "Aiya, I was only being sarcastic. No need to take my words so seriously. Look at both your faces."


    Of course, she was only being sarcastic because she only has one child. If she did have a son, she would not hesitate to match him with Yue Ling.


    Watching quietly at the side, Yue Ling was tongue tied. She didn¡¯t understand how things escted from one thing to another so fast.


    Just as she thought this, she felt a small grumblee from her stomach. She smiles to herself and decides to change the topic for the three women.


    "Shall we call for a waiter?"


    "No need."


    Two words quickly answer Yue Ling and she looks confusingly at the three women. To her surprise, each of them held the same confused expression as hers as it was man¡¯s voice that answered Yue Ling.


    A very deep and cold voice.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er slightly tilt her head and her eyes began to wonder around. However, doing a double take in one direction, her jaw drops, and she gasp loudly.


    "I-I-It¡¯s.... It¡¯s..."


    Hearing her trembling words like she was looking at a ghost, Madam Zhao wanted to ask, but she suddenly felt apprehensive. It was as if a strong gust of freezing wind had blown pass her making her have goosebumps.


    At the same time, Madam Lu felt all the hair on her body stand on ends. She and Madam Zhao nce at one other with slightly furrow brows, then turn their head in the direction Zhao Ya¡¯Er is looking at.


    Both their jaw quickly drop and eyes slowly falling out of their sockets.


    Madam Lu: "H-How... Why are you here?"


    Madam Zhao: "Doom... We¡¯re doom."


    Not quite understanding why the three women suddenly went from lively to lifeless, Yue Ling decides to look at what they were looking at.


    However, seeing what everyone was seeing, she held a different expression from the three women.


    Her eyebrows arch up and she a held a surprise smile on her face.


    "Tian?"


    She doesn¡¯t stand up but stares at the aloof man with her same smile that always knows how to melt a person¡¯s heart.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Standing approximately five feet away from the table, Lu Tian stood like a mighty statue. His expression at this moment was so dark as if he were a ck hole ready to engulf anything his eyesnds on.


    He had Xu Long check almost every restaurant in Imperial just to find these women. Not only that, the moment he walked through the door to the roof, he heard his aunt¡¯s words of wanting to steal his wife.


    Luckily his mother is very fond of his wife and retaliated, if not, he would have stepped in.


    His dark eyes scans the three women in his family then without sparing them another nce he looks at his wife and his entire being softens at her smile.


    He couldn¡¯t help but sigh inside as he strides over to their table.


    "I¡¯m here to pick you up."

 Chapter 560 smooth talker

    Yue Ling remained glued to her chair as she watched Lu Tian approach their table. She couldn¡¯t help but struggle a gulp. It was like the man was the grim reaper and each step he took made her entire figure shrink smaller and smaller.


    Just when he took the final step and was standing behind the gap between her and Madam Lu, she (Yue Ling) returned to her senses. She force a smile and chuckles sarcastically.


    "Tian, we just arrived and haven¡¯t ordered our food yet."


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian almost stumbled in his own standing. The space between his brows crease into three tight lines and he looks at the table that only had 4 menus and 4 sses of water.


    It was already past 7pm. He thought that by now, they were already done with dinner and were nning to leave home.


    As he thought this, his lip slightly purse with displeased written on his face. How dare his mother, aunt, and cousin invite his wife out and not feed her dinner on time.


    Without saying a word, he grabs his wife by the arm. His other hand pulls her chair back and he gently yank her up.


    "We can eat somewhere else."


    He hasn¡¯t eaten dinner too, so on the way home, they can grab something to eat together.


    "..."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded more than ever by the aloof man. He was treating her like a person who hadn¡¯t eaten in days and he was the heroing to save her.


    However, knowing that words will not get pass him, she turns to look at the other three women for help.


    "Tian! What do you think you are doing?!"


    Madam Lu read the plead for help in Yue Ling¡¯s eyes. She abruptly stood up and intervenes.


    Luckily, there were no one else on the roof with them to see such a scene unfold. If they did, who knows what kind of news would surface the next day.


    Her nostrils re angrily, and she yanks her daughter-inw out of her son¡¯s grasp. Of course, she made sure not to pull too hard as she didn¡¯t want to hurt Yue Ling.


    "Are you really not going to give, I, your mother any face at all?"


    Once Yue Ling was standing behind her, Madam Lu stuck out her chest and res with dangerous eyes at her son.


    "I am your mother and I know what you are thinking."


    Both her hands curl into fists and she ce them on the sides of her hips.


    "After paying for all of our things today, at least let uspensate Ah Ling with dinner."


    "..."


    Each time Madam Lu spoke her words, Madam Zhao, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er nodded their head like the woman was a righteous figure making a point. However, when they heard the woman¡¯sst sentence, both mother and daughter choked on their own saliva.


    Their eyelids turned extremely heavy as they stare at Madam Lu. It¡¯s not that they were using Yue Ling for money, they didn¡¯t want Lu Tian to know because they know how protective he is towards the girl.


    And just like the cousin and aunt had thought, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes dimmed ten shades darker than it already is. He stares at his mother and spoke in an almost growl.


    "What did you say?"


    His words were petrifying that anyone who heard would cower in fear. However, Madam Lu was not the least bit affected by it all. She heaves a sigh then rolled her eyes.


    "I said¡ª"


    "Let¡¯s eat here."


    Before Madam Lu was able to continue her words, Yue Ling quickly steps in. She knows that it was a disrespectful thing to cut off an elder while they are speaking, but if she didn¡¯t, who knows what will be of the mother and son.


    One look and anyone can see that Lu Tian¡¯s face at this moment is as ck as the bottom of a burnt pot.


    She swiftly steps in between the pair of mother and son. Turning to look at Madam Lu¡¯s whose face is turning red due to anger, she (Yue Ling) smiles and helps the woman sit down.


    "Mother-inw have a seat. We can discuss about this after dinner."


    Madam Lu was fuming with rage at her son but hearing Yue Ling call her ¡¯mother-inw¡¯ for the very first time, her eyes widen in surprise. She quickly ignores her son with a bashful chuckle and sits down.


    "Aiya, my daughter-inw is such a smooth talker. Look at this old me, I¡¯m blushing."


    As Madam Lu¡¯s demeanor quickly turns into one full of happiness, Yue Ling smiles a chuckle. Turning to look at Lu Tian, she could only sigh inside and reach out to hold his hand.


    Doing the same thing as how she did to Madam Lu, she smiles with her teeth.


    "Darling, you sit down too. Let¡¯s have dinner first then go home.


    Lu Tian was angry at his mother, aunt, and cousin. He knows that with the three of them together, they can spend money like its nothing. However, to have his wife pay for their things, he cannot help but be bother by it.


    He wanted to take his wife home and tell her not to hang out with them anymore, but when he heard her call him ¡¯darling¡¯, everything changed. That one word was the only thing he heard and all the negative energy around him quickly disperse into thin air.


    Staring at her for a long minute, he raise his hand and pinch the space between his brows. He puts on a contemting expression to hide his happiness from the other three women. If they know that he is happy, they will continue to use his wife to scare him.


    As he lower his hand, his straight face returns, and he nods his head.


    "Alright."


    Yue Ling sighed in relief knowing that she had calmed the beast. However, when she turned to sit down, she was astounded by the mother and son, whom she had just coaxed.


    Madam Lu was now sitting in her (Yue Ling) chair on the right end while Lu Tian sat on the left end side.


    She sighs inside and decides to sit in the middle. It was better to do this, so she can stop the mother and son if they have another childish dispute.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er remained glued to her seat as she stares at Yue Ling with awe and amazement. A cheerful smile curls on her lip and she chuckles.


    "Wow Yue-yue. You are amazing! I have never seen my aunt and cousin listen to anyone."


    In her entire life, no matter where they are and what ever the reason is, no one has been able to break the controversy between the mother and son. However, one word from Yue Ling and two obeyed like little obedient children.


    Especially her aloof cousin who never listens to anyone. The moment Yue Ling called him ¡¯darling¡¯, she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) knew that all the words that followed after only went in one ear and out the other.


    Not wanting the good mood to be spoiled, both Lu Tian and his mother cast a sharp re at Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Neither spoke a word, but their dark eyes were enough to silence the woman.


    At the same time, Yue Ling kept her own silence, but she smiles with her teeth at her friend. She leisurely picks up the menu and lowers her head to see what she wants to eat for dinner.

 Chapter 561 miserable life

    With Imperial submerge in total darkness, the lights inside Imperial Hotel remains glistening for its guests that are spending the night.


    On the highest floor, Inside one of the many rooms for VIP members, the sound of intense carnal knowledge fills the brightly lit room.


    "S-Stop... ah... It hurts!"


    Positioned on all fours on top of the bed, Ning Mei screamed between pleasure and pain as Wei Hongyi took her from behind. Unable to withstand his pouncing anymore, her upper body falls t onto the bed and she tightly clench the bedsheets.


    Wei Hongyi sneers at her words. He knew he was hurting her, but did he care? No. He grabs hold of her waist to make sure it remains up for his reach. His hips continue to work its strength at full force.


    He raises one hand and smacks her bottom as he leaves a red handprint.


    "You say it hurts, but I don¡¯t think you mean it."


    Holding her hip with one hand, his other hand grabs her hair and roughly pulls her back up. Like her hair had turn into reins, he leans towards her and his words continue.


    "Your back hole is squeezing me just as much as your other loose hole."


    His words were full of tease, but his tone of voice was so cold it caused fear to crawl inside Ning Mei. Without any care for her, he pushes her forward back onto the bed and with a few more thrusts, he groans lowly and releases his load inside her.


    "Ahh~!"


    Ning Mei let out a cry of moan as she too had reached her own limit. When she felt him pull out of her, her trembling legs gave up and falls onto the bed to join the rest of her body.


    She gasp for air and tries to recollect herself. Usually she would be in pure happiness after doing it, but tonight, only anger filled her entire inside. She res with tearful eyes at the man getting up from the bed.


    The moment she entered the door, they had been doing it with little rest. However, unlike the other times, Wei Hongyi was not once gentle with her. Each time he took her, it was rough and felt like torture. Not only that, he went straight for her virgin back hole that no one has ever touched.


    When he first took her from that side, it was the most painful feeling she had ever felt. Even when it was just the tip of him, she thought her entire inside was going to be ripped apart.


    She had begged him not to go any further, but he didn¡¯t care and ignored her pleading. If she knew seeing him tonight was going to be like this, she would have never agreed and just went to meet someone else.


    "After tonight, you and I have nothing to do with each other."


    Oblivious to her thoughts, Wei Hongyi calmly spoke as he puts on a robe. Securing the belt around his waist, he walks over to a chair he had set his coat on.


    "I didn¡¯t want things to end like this as you are one of the few women, I enjoy spending time with. However, I¡¯m trying to start over with Ya¡¯Er."


    He picks up his coat and reach into the pocket to grab his wallet. Opening it, he takes out a bankcard and a small piece of paper that had been folded.


    "When I marry Ya¡¯Er, I even considered making you my mistress, but you crossed the line when you sent that unnecessary photo."


    Setting his wallet and coat down, he walks back to the bed and sits near the edge. He stretch one hand to touch the rookie model.


    Ning Mei looked so pitiful as sheid on her stomach. Her appearance at this moment made one want to love and care for her more.


    However, Wei Hongyi held no emotions in his eyes. The tips of his fingers gently trace over the bruises and love marks he had left on her body, before stopping at her cheek.


    Their eyes met and a sneer curls on his lip.


    "You would have been good mistress, but I need a mistress who will quietly wait on me to call her. Not one who finds trouble for me over useless things."


    He lightly pat her cheeks and his sneer turns into a soft smile. cing the bankcard and piece of paper on the bed near her, he stands up.


    "The card has 500 million yuan for your service. As for my part of the promise, I¡¯ve set a meeting for you with ¡¯that person¡¯."


    He doesn¡¯t give Ning Mei another nce and walks towards the bathroom. His hand touch the door handle and he pause in his steps.


    "If you think ckmailing me again will work, I suggest you think again. I can have you disappear from this world."


    His words fell in a calm tone, but to Ning Mei it sent another cold shiver down her spine. The sound of the bathroom door opens and closed then the sound of the shower water runninges through.


    Ning Mei bit her lower lip as she could not believe what was happening. When he called her to meet up, she was sure he wasn¡¯t angry. However, he only did so because he wanted to spend onest time with her.


    Staring at the bankcard and the piece of paper, she press her lips tightly together. His words were full of disdain and he treated her like she was a prostitute he can dispose of whenever he is done.


    It¡¯s true that her rtionship with Wei Hongyi started because she ckmailed him after getting him drunk and they slept together.


    However, from his words, she can confirm that he was not afraid of her ckmail. If he wanted her dead, she would have been long dead, but he continued to y her little game.


    If she knew she was going to lose one of strongest backing, she would have never sent that stupid photo to Zhao Ya¡¯Er. She should have just remained quiet and be Wei Hongyi¡¯s mistress.


    Thinking of all the wealth she could have had, Ning Mei inhales sharply. She cannot undo what she did, so she will wait a few days. She knows Wei Hongyi and knows that once he is in a good mood again, that is her chance to get his attention again.


    "Ugh..."


    Ning Mei grunts in pain as she force herself to sit up. Her entire body was so sore that sitting was unbearable. However, she knows that Wei Hongyi is in a bad mood, so if he saw that she is still here when he is done showering, he will drag her out of the room.


    Biting her lower lip, she grabs the bankcard and piece of paper. Forcing her trembling legs to move to where her scattered clothes are, she painfully dress herself.


    "Bastard. I hope karma bites you back."


    She growls a curse under her breath with eyes ring daggers at the shut bathroom door. Once she was dressed, she grabs her handbag and slowly makes her way for the door.


    When she meets ¡¯that person¡¯, she will give a huge amount of money to not only put an end to Yue Ling, but also Zhao Ya¡¯Er. If it weren¡¯t for those two sluts, she wouldn¡¯t have stooped so low to this level.


    It¡¯s all their fault for her miserable life.

 Chapter 562 with his wife

    Dinner finished with ease as Yue Ling said goodnight to Madam Lu, Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Madam Zhao. The mother and daughter left together as Lu Tian had informed the Lu family¡¯s chauffer toe pick up his mother.


    Watching the two cars drive away from the restaurant, Yue Ling and Lu Tian waited as a valet worker left to retrieve Lu Tian¡¯s car.


    A soft sigh escapes her lips as she was exhausted from shopping. She couldn¡¯t wait to go home and jump onto her cozy bed after washing up.


    Standing next to her, Lu Tian heard her sigh as nothing about her escapes his ears. He looks down at her and reach a hand to hold her hand. A faint smile curls on his lip before it changes into full of mischief.


    "Darling, hm?"


    Yue Ling was imagining herself already at home with Inu, but hearing his sudden words, she returned to her senses. She doesn¡¯t look at him right away but continue to stare at the street in front of her. She couldn¡¯t help but wish to have Zhao Ya¡¯Er turn around toe pick her up.


    She had only dare to call Lu Tian ¡¯darling¡¯ because she didn¡¯t want to see him, and his mother argue over unnecessary things. However, how can she tell him this?


    Struggling a very hard gulp like a big lump was stuck in her throat, she slowly turn her head to look up at him. A big and crooked smile on her lip as she chuckles.


    "Do you want me to call you ¡¯darling¡¯ from now on?"


    ¡¯Please say no.¡¯


    She spoke the remaining words in her head. It¡¯s not that she didn¡¯t want to call him darling, she is still getting used to calling him by his name. To call him ¡¯darling¡¯ now, is even harder as she has never called anyone by a pet name.


    Lu Tian stares down at his wife and he wanted so badly tough at the sight of her pleading face. However, maintain his master supreme poker face, he pretends to put on a thinking face.


    "Hm... Calling me darling doesn¡¯t sound so bad, but..."


    Yue Ling felt her entire being shrink at his words. When she heard him say ¡¯but¡¯, it was like she had returned to her usual size and her eyes lit up with fireworks exploding in the background.


    "But?"


    Seeing her glistering eyes, a soft chuckle escapes Lu Tian¡¯s lips. His other hand gently pinch the tip of her nose and he pulls her into a hug.


    "I prefer to hear you say my name."


    Which is the truth. As much as he liked hearing her call him darling, he loves it more when she says his name.


    Besides, darling isn¡¯t such a bad pet name, but he doesn¡¯t want to call a name that many other people are being called. He wants her to pick a name that is only meant for him.


    He lowers his head and ce a kiss on her forehead then pulls away from her. His attention returns to the street as if he had not shamelessly kissed her in public.


    "Once we¡¯re officially married, you can call me anything you want."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush red before it spread across her entire face. It was not his words that took her by surprise, but what he did as there was a valet worker standing two feet away from them. Even she can see that the young man¡¯s cheeks are just as red as hers.


    Lu Tian was able to see her expression from the corner of his eyes. He knew what he did had made her flush from embarrassment, but he felt happier than ever. He told her before that he didn¡¯t care if anyone saw them. Be it in public or not, only she matters to him.


    As he thought this, his ck Maserati Levante Trofeo slows to a park in front of them. A valet worker steps out from the driver seat and hand the key to Lu Tian.


    "Mr. Lu, your car."


    He gestures a polite bow before taking a step back and returns to join his coworker at the side.


    "Ready to go home?"


    Lu Tian asks as his wife, but he was already pulling her towards the passenger side of the car. Opening it, he doesn¡¯t wait for her answer and helps her get inside.


    As he entered the driver seat and drives away from the restaurant, the two valet workers stare at the back of his car. Each person were finally able to breathe again before they let out a sigh.


    "Can you believe it? Our idol is really in a rtionship with him."


    "I know.... Wuuu... I didn¡¯t even get to ask for her autograph..."


    While the night carried on as Yue Ling and Lu Tian return home to be with Inu, in another part of Imperial, four men had met up at the nightclub Spring.


    Lin Hui sat facing the bar with a grim expression. He had been so excited when he was invited toe out, but no one said anything abouting to Spring again.


    If he knew, he would have made up someme excuse and stayed home.


    However, he had to constantly tell himself that he is doing all this for Liu Shan. When a brother needs help, the other brothers have to be supportive.


    Inhaling a deep breath to calm his mind, he raise the ss in his hand and downs the liquor in one gulp.


    Unaware of Lin Hui¡¯s feelings, Liu Shan and Qi Li were enjoying a show as they press their lips tightly together fromughing. Standing next to them was Xu Long, who is giving them a show.


    The assistant of the aloof businessman is currently bopping his head to match the loud music. Each time a beauty walks by, he would pretend to put on a bad boy demeanor. As a group of four beauties walk pass him, his eyes follows them but is soon met with two pairs of dumbfounded eyes.


    He blinks his eyes and clears his throat as if he had not just done what he did.


    "What? Can¡¯t a lonely brother check out the beauties?"


    Hearing his words, Lin Hui turns to face the man. He res with darken eyes at Xu Long and scoffs a sneer.


    "Dude, every time you ¡¯check out¡¯ a beauty, it is nothing but trouble."


    Xu Long refute the man with a snort. He folds his arms over his chest and stares at Qi Li and Liu Shan then stopping at Lin Hui.


    "It was only one time."


    His words fell and this time it was the three men who cross their arms over their chest. Each person held a doubtful expression at the assistant.


    Met with the look they were giving him, Xu Long was baffled. He clears his throat again and avert his gaze from them like the air had suddenly turned hot.


    "Alright, alright. It happened like two times.... Or more."


    Lin Hui rolled his eyes and spin around to face the bar again. He waves to a bartender and orders another drink. If he is going to survive the night, he will need more than two drinks.


    Qi Li shakes his head and takes out a cigarette to smoke. As he lit the cigarette, Liu Shan sighs inside and looks down at his wristwatch.


    "Xu Long, you told Yiqing that we were here right?"


    Hearing the question, Xu Long nods his head, but suddenly remembering something, he taps his forehead with his palm.


    "I did, but he already has ns with his wife."


    "...."

 Chapter 563 move in together

    Liu Shan and Qi Li were rooted to the floor with their mouth hung open. Lin Hui, who was the only one sitting down had forgotten to swallow his liquor and it slides out from his mouth. All three men were unable to think properly when they heard Xu Long¡¯s words.


    "W-What did you say?"


    Coming to his senses first, Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but ask. The nightclub was crowded, and the music was very loud, maybe they had heard it wrong.


    Not only him, even Lin Hui and Qi Li could not believe their ears. The two men joined Liu Shan as they stare at Xu Long to hear the man repeat himself again.


    Oblivious to their thoughts, Xu Long sighs in annoyance. He takes a sip from the ss cup in his hand then slightly tilt his head to stare back the them.


    "I said, Yiqing already has ns with his wife so he cannot join us."


    "..."


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes fell out of their sockets as Lin Hui and Qi Li inhales a sharp gasp. The three single men were in utter disbelief as they stare at the other single man.


    "Yiqing is married?"


    Xu Long exhales at Liu Shan¡¯s question. He raise a hand and massage his temples before staring back at the three men like they were a bunch of idiots.


    "Well yea. I just said he had ns with his WIFE, that¡¯s why he couldn¡¯t join us."


    "..."


    Hearing his confirming words and how emphasized the word wife, the men robotically took turns looking at one another.


    Asrades fighting along side each other a few times, they had thought Yiqing was single like them. The man had visit nightclubs with them too and the thought of starting a single men¡¯s club was in discussion.


    Never did they think that someone like Yiqing is already married. The man never once mentioned it too.


    Thinking the same thing as they understood one another, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Qi Li nod their heads. Looking at each other, they sound an ¡¯ah¡¯ and continue on with their nonverbalmunication.


    Now everything made sense. The other times when they all get together for a drink, Yiqing never once looked at any women. Even when he is sitting at the bar and a pretty woman is standing right next to him, he doesn¡¯t even bother to spare her a nce. There were also times when a woman asks him a question and he would just turn a blind eye like no one was there.


    At one point they even thought he liked men, but now that they know why he turned down all those women, they are sure he likes women. Well, his woman who is his wife.


    However, why is it that they¡¯ve never seen a wedding ring on his finger?


    Thinking this, the three men decided that next time they see Yiqing they will ask him.


    Out of the three men, Qi Li was the first to return to his senses. He brush the subject away and downs the remaining liquor in his ss.


    "Well, that¡¯s it for me. I have to go."


    "What?! Where are you going?"


    Hearing his words, Liu Shan and Lin Hui dart their head in the man¡¯s direction. Weren¡¯t they supposed to have a men¡¯s night out? Why is Qi Li leaving so early?


    Qi Li had ced his ss cup on the bar counter and taken two steps away from the group. When he heard the questions thrown his way, he inhales a deep breath that shook his body and slowly turns around to look at the three men.


    However, his usual poker face at this moment was extremely grim and terrifying to look at.


    If Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Xu Long did now know, they would have thought Qi Li is Lu Tian¡¯s younger brother or close rtive. The sses man¡¯s expression at this moment is not much inferior to the ruthless man at all.


    "Where am I going?"


    Qi Li growls and his eyes slightly widen with a murderous aura emitting from him. He takes a calm step like a loud thunder to the three men¡¯s hearts.


    "I am going on the ¡¯date¡¯ you three forced me into."


    "...."


    Without waiting to hear what they have to say, Qi Li turns around and strides away. Even though he doesn¡¯t like Chun Hua, his boss taught them to always be a gentleman, unless otherwise.


    Of course, he didn¡¯t want to go on the date with Chun Hua, but he already said yes. Besides, the girl said she only wanted to go on a helicopter date to see the view of Imperial at night.


    Watching the man walk away through the crowd and disappear from their view, it was Xu Long¡¯s turn to be dumbfounded with Liu Shan and Lin Hui. However, maintaining hisposure, he stomp one foot out and stuck his fist out in the air.


    "You know you wanted this date!"


    His nostrils re and turns to look at the other two. He scoffs in disbelief and points with his thumb in the direction Qi Li had gone.


    "Can you believe it? He is so ungrateful."


    Liu Shan set his ss cup down and leans against the bar counter. He fold his arms over his chest as he sighs aloud.


    "I know..."


    His lower lip pout sadly and he looks at Xu Long then to Lin Hui. Unfolding his arms, he ce them over the two men¡¯s shoulders and brings the circle closer.


    "Looks like it¡¯s only us now."


    "..."


    Both Lin Hui and Xu Long¡¯s eyelids turned heavy at his words. However, ncing in the direction their fourth singlerade had gone, the two men choke a sob without tears. Hugging Liu Shan back, they wipe their eyes and continue to sob.


    Lin Hui: "Forever single."


    Xu Long: "Let¡¯s just move in together and grow old together."


    Hearing Xu Long¡¯s words, Liu Shan sobs even more. He push the two men away and gs down a bartender.


    "Bartender! Can we get three shots of your strongest liquor?"


    Just when the bartender was about to give an okay signal that he heard, Lin Hui and Xu Long quickly corrects Liu Shan.


    Lin Hui: "Double the shots!"


    Xu Long: "No, give us the whole bottle!"


    Bartender: "..."


    The bartender was dumbfounded by his customers. It was a busy night for a weekday and these three men could not make up their mind. However, seeing how heartbroken they looked, he sighs inside.


    As someone who is also single, he can rte to their feelings.

 Chapter 564 putting this on hold

    A week passed by as Yue Ling stayed home while Lu Tian went to work. Although she hasn¡¯t been given approval to return to her regr schedule, she made sure to keep an update with work.


    Everyday after working hours, Liu Shan or Lian Ni Shang would stop by to give her paperwork that needed to be signed. The two also informed her about work rted and personal situations including the process of uniting De L¡¯amour and An Qing together.


    However, given that her subordinates have been doing so well, she decided to give them a day off to rx.


    In the quietness of the house, Yue Ling and Inu sat on one of the white couches. The human and Samoyed stares at the other couch as if they were thinking very hard about something.


    Like mother like son, a sigh escapes their lips at the same time.


    "Alright, I can¡¯t keep putting this on hold."


    Yue Ling was the first to speak and she stood up. Walking over to the other couch, she reach for the stack of unfolded boxes she had asked Liu Shan to buy.


    Watching her every move, Inu quickly jumps down from the couch. The two then walks towards the stairs and proceed their way to the second floor.


    Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts traveled into the abyss and before she realized it, she took herst step onto the hard floor on the second level of the house. However, for some reason, she felt as if she was stepping onto quicksand.


    "Wroof..."


    Sensing something is wrong, Inu sounds a faint bark as he stares up at his favorite human with a worried expression. He gently nudge the side of her leg with his head as if to bring her back to consciousness.


    "Wroof..."


    Hearing his second bark, Yue Ling finally blinked her eyes. She looks down at the little guy and a faint smile curls on her lip.


    "Thank you for being here with me."


    Holding the boxes in one hand, her other hand reach down to pat Inu on the head. She takes a deep breath and takes a step forward in the direction of her and Lu Tian¡¯s room. However, just as she was nearing, she makes a left turn into a short hallway about 3 feet in distance.


    She pause in her steps and stares at the closed door. Like time had slow down with her, she didn¡¯t realize she had stopped breathing.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, she slowly close her eyes as she takes another deep breath. When her eyes opened again, she whispers to herself.


    "Okay Yue Ling, you can do this."


    She steadies her heart and soul as she reach for the door handle. Slowly turning the handle, she push the door open.


    What greeted her was a dark room and the only room they had installed carpet inside. There were two windows, but neither had been opened. If she didn¡¯t know that the sun was already out, she would have thought it was still nighttime.


    Knowing where everything is, she puts down the boxes in her hands and walks to the left side of the room where the biggest window is.


    Pulling the curtains aside, she undrew the blinds allowing the natural light from outside to enter the room. She slowly turn around to look at the room that now looked like it had been revived.


    The room wasn¡¯t as big as the other rooms in the house, but it gave a very settle andfortable feeling. There was the big window she had opened and one to the left of where she stood.


    ced on the corner between the two windows was a light grey recliner and a soft cream throw nket folded on top.


    To the right of her where the door is positioned in the middle, there was a white dresser on the right side. On top of it was a stuffed teddy bear she had made to look like Inu, a picture frame without a picture and reading books that have not been read. To the left of the door, was a matching color changing table and aundry basket.


    She stares silently at the dresser for a long minute, then she slowly shift her gaze to the changing table.


    An unexinable sensation crawled from every part of her body and joined together in her heart. As she felt this feeling, she looks to another part in the room.


    Right across from where she stood was a crib that matched in color with the recliner. It was the bed she and Lu Tian had picked out for their child.


    Although they did not know the gender of their baby, they wanted to prepare the room in advance, so it would be cozy and ready to wee their baby.


    Her lower lip slightly trembles and she force her heavy legs to take a step forward. As she came to a stop in front of the crib, she ce her hand on the side panel and stares at the nursery mobile that hung over the crib.


    It was very simple with a moon, clouds, trees and mountains dangling down.


    However, it was not the nursery mobile that she was looking at, but whatid behind it.


    Hung up on the wall in a horizontal line were five pictures frames. Each one held a photo of their baby¡¯s ultrasound photo.


    As this very room was the nursery room for their child.


    After the loss of their child, neither she nor Lu Tian have stepped foot inside this room. She made the decision to put away everything inside this room, but now that she is inside, it was harder than when said.


    "Not a day goes by that I do not think about you..."


    She whispers her words and slowly stretch her hand to touch the picture frames. However, due to the size of the crib, her arm was not able to touch the pictures. Instead, her fingers touches the moon and she slowly flutter her eyes.


    A very faint smile that held pain and heartache appears on her face as she shift her gaze to the moon. Her child was like the moon in her life. So bright that it would appear at any time of the day for her. To let her know that she is not alone. However...


    "Because of mommy¡¯s selfishness, you had to leave..."


    Her lower lip trembles more like a matching rhythm with her heart. She tightens her hold on the side panel of the crib and gasp a sob.


    "I promise I will be a good mother."


    With the passing days, she thought everything will be okay, but that sorrow only grew more painfully. People say that time will heal, but for how long will that hollow feeling inside her bes whole again?


    When she is with others, she felt a part of her had returned to normal, but at the same time, it was like she can¡¯t feel anything anymore. Like an empty shell that floats in the ocean without a life inside.


    As she stares nkly at the picture frames hung against the wall, she then looks down to the empty crib. All the sadness she thought she had ovee found their way back inside her. It traveled through her veins and her entire inside like a poison that had no antidote.


    "I¡¯m so sorry..."


    She sobs her words as her legs turned weak and she drops to her knees. Holding onto the side panel of the crib, she gasp for air and never-ending tears rolled down her cheeks.


    "If my words reaches you, pleasee back to me. I promise, no harm will evere to you. I will protect you and let no one take you away from me again."


    As she pour her pain and sorrow out like her life depended on it, Inu slowly walks over to her. He may not be human, but he also has a heart and feelings. He sits down next to his favorite human as seeing her sad makes him sad too.


    He gently caress the side of her thigh with his head as if to tell her not to be sad and that he is here for her. If she needs a shoulder to lean on, she can lean on his.

 Chapter 565 finish the res

    The sky soon turned to early evening as the door to Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s house opened. Upon entering, Lu Tian slightly furrow his brows as he was greeted with silence.


    He doesn¡¯t think much as he knows his wife is home and she is probably distracted doing something. Not only that, he hade home early as it was usually 5pm when he gets home. Changing into his house slippers, he takes off his coat and strides towards the living room where he thought this wife would be.


    "Yue Ling?"


    He calls out to her as he enters the room, but it was empty, and her figure was nowhere in sight. The space between his brows crease more and he turns for the kitchen. However, just as he was to turn away, his eyes caught of some boxes on one of the couches.


    His entire being sh with worry and without another thought, he dashes for the stairs. Even if she didn¡¯t answer him, just the sight of the boxes were enough to let him know where she is.


    Climbing up the stairs, he didn¡¯t care and skips one or two steps to reach the top. His wife never mentioned anything to him, but he knows what she is doing, and he can¡¯t help but worry about her.


    He takes big strides towards the room she is in. Seeing that the door was left opened, he felt his heart drop to his stomach, and quickly rush inside.


    "Yue Ling?"


    Just as he entered the room, his heart that had dropped seconds ago every so lightly lifted.


    In the corner, Yue Ling sat on the light grey recliner. She had not answered him or heard hime in as she was asleep. The lighting from outside lightly hits against her making everything about her look so peaceful. Like a painting one only wishes to see and not touch as they would be afraid to ruin it.


    Lu Tian sighs in relief and takes a step inside the room. However, seeing the room, that small lift of his heart quickly drops again.


    There were boxes scattered around. Some had been taped closed while others still remained open, but one can see the items inside.


    His eyes shifts back to his wife and he felt a sharp stab to his heart. He can¡¯t imagine what she must have felt while putting these things away by herself. As this is the room closest to there¡¯s and the one they had turned into their child¡¯s nursery room.


    He inhales a deep breath and looks down to Inu, who wasying on the floor near Yue Ling¡¯s feet. Only, the Samoyed had long heard him (Lu Tian) enter the room and was staring right back at the man.


    Looking away from the little guy, Lu Tian strides to where his wife is sleeping. He bends down to pat Inu on the head and held an expression full of gratitude for being by his wife¡¯s side when she was facing this heartache moment.


    Straightening his posture, he takes a step to the side of the recliner and slowly bends down to his wife. cing one hand under her knees, his other hand slid behind her back. Not wanting to wake her up, he carefully picks her up.


    He knew she must had exhausted herself as the room was almost packed. The only things left were the big furniture and a few smaller items.


    "Mm... Tian?"


    Suddenly feeling her body lifted into the air, Yue Ling did not open her eyes, but mumble in her sleep. She whispers his name and nestles more within his arms like a tired child being put to sleep.


    "Sleep some more. I¡¯ll finish the rest."


    Lu Tian ce a soft kiss on her head and calmly spoke to her like he was coaxing her. He carried her out of the nursery room and head in the direction of their bedroom as Inu quietly follows behind.


    Entering their shared bedroom, Lu Tian gently set his wife on her side of the king size bed. Reaching for the nket, he pulls it over her and lower himself to kiss her forehead.


    As he moves back, he squat down beside the bed as he gaze at her sleeping face. His hand slowly stretch out to her and he caress the side of her smooth face.


    Ever since the loss of their child, they had not stepped foot inside the nursery room. It was not because they didn¡¯t want to go inside, but because it would only ache their hearts even more.


    He had been contemting whether to ask if she wanted to keep everything as it is or to put everything away. However, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to as. He didn¡¯t want to bring up the subject only to have her grieve more, so he decided to wait a little longer.


    However, if he knew that she was going to put everything away by herself and go through the pain, he would have hired someone else to do it.


    His heart ached just thinking of how she must have felt while cing each item inside a box.


    Gently caressing her cheek with his thumb, he moves away and stood up. Turning his head to look down Inu who had alreadyid on the bed, his voice sounds.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Inuid next to his favorite human like a protective magical beast ready to strike anyone who intends to do harm. When he heard Lu Tian¡¯s words, he nce at his sleeping human then slowly rise. He jumps down from the bed and follows after the evil peasant.


    His entire demeanor changes into one of determination as if he wanted to help clean the room. He didn¡¯t want to see his favorite person sad again.


    Time gradually moved with the sun as day turned into night. Yue Ling slowly opens her eyes and was greeted with a dimly lit room.


    She blinked her eyes as she remembered she was cleaning the nursery room. However, after a while, she grew tired and decided to sit on the recliner to rest, but she ended up falling asleep.


    Turning her head in the direction of the door, the hallway light was turned off, but the light emitting from a room was enough to partially light the way for anyone.


    She sits up and moves the nket away from her. Stepping onto the hard floor, she makes her way to the light. She remembered feeling Lu Tian¡¯s warmth in her sleep, but everything was a blur as she quickly fell back into slumber.


    "Tian?"


    Entering the nursery room, she calls out to him as she was not sure if her being in his arms had been a dream or reality.


    Lu Tian had already disassembled the big furniture and ced everything else inside boxes. The only thing left was the recliner.


    He even stacked all the boxes together against the wall where the crib had once been. Holding thest box in his hand, he was going to put it away with the rest, but hearing his wife¡¯s voice, he turns to the door and a faint smile curls on his lip.


    "You¡¯re awake. Are you hungry?"


    cing the box down, he walks over to her as Inu¡¯s head pokes out from the side of the pile of stacked boxes.


    "I made dinner, but seeing that you must had exhausted yourself, I didn¡¯t want to disturb your sleep."


    Yue Ling stares at him as he stops in front of her. She is sad that their child is no longer with them and she cannot bear anymore children, but is it wrong for her to feel happy and thankful that she has Lu Tian here with her?


    No, without him here with her, she swore she would have turned into an insane person.


    Taking a step forward, she closes the gap between them and wrap her arms around his waist. Her eyes slowly close as she rest the side of her head on his chest.


    Lu Tian was slightly surprised by her sudden gesture. However, he felt his entire being soften like he knew what she was thinking about.


    Wrapping his arms around her, he pulls her closer into his embrace, and kiss the top of her head then rest his chin on it.


    "We¡¯ll get through this together."

 Chapter 566 wake you up

    The next day came as Lu Tian woke up before the sun rose in the sky. He adjusts his vision to the darkness as the room was still dark due to the earliness of the morning.


    Like every other morning, he slowly sits up and move the nket. Not wanting to wake up his wife, he steadily walks towards the bathroom to get himself ready for his early morning run.


    Once he finishes and changed into a set of running clothes, he walks back to the bed. Before he leaves, he would always kiss his wife good morning.


    However, just as he took a step out from the bathroom, the light he had yet to turn off lit up half of the room and he finally noticed that his wife was not in bed. He heaves a sigh and fold his arms over his chest as he turns to face the bed.


    "Where is my wife?"


    The figureying on Yue Ling¡¯s side of the bed was not her but Inu. The Samoyed had a nket covering him and made it look like there was a figure underneath the nket.


    Inu remained unmoving as his head was the only thing visible to view. He stares directly back at his enemy like he wanted to have another round of staring contest. However, hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words, he jumps down from the bed as his cover has been blown.


    Like a Samoyed with a fierce attitude, he held his head high and walks pass the man with a majestic demeanor. Everything about him said ¡¯Like I would tell you.¡¯


    Lu Tian watched dumbfoundedly as the little fluffball walk pass him. He purse his lip in question before he quickly thought of something. Turning to look at Inu, he sighs aloud.


    "Well... Since you don¡¯t want to tell me, I guess I can only go run by myself today."


    Like a little beast who understood the humannguage, Inu falters in his steps. His head slowly lowers, and he groans a whimper in frustration.


    "Wroof... wroof." ¡¯Fine... You win.¡¯


    He leaves the room with a sad expression. He loves his favorite human, but he also loves going on run with the evil peasant.


    The corners of Lu Tian¡¯s lip curls up into a smile like someone who had won an argument. He leisurely follows after Inu to where his wife is.


    As the big and little figures nears the stairs, a delicious aroma enters Lu Tian¡¯s nose. His brows slightly furrow, and he looks down at Inu, who had also stopped walking.


    "She¡¯s..."


    He (Inu) looks up at the evil peasant for a quick second before continuing for the stairs. The look on his face was as if saying ¡¯Well, there goes your morning surprise.¡¯


    Like he could understand the little white fluffball, Lu Tian lift his hand and pinch the space between his brows. Instead of showing frustration, he lets out a low chuckle before carrying on with his steps to the stairs.


    The two arch nemesis soon reach the first floor and headed straight for the kitchen like they were having a race. However, Inu being faster, he beat Lu Tian to the kitchen.


    As Lu Tian arrives not long after the little guy, he found himself slowing in his steps. He couldn¡¯t help but lean against the open wall that separated the kitchen and living room. Without saying a word, he only stares at the scene in front of him.


    Yue Ling stood in front of the sink with her back turned to Lu Tian. She had woken up early to prepare breakfast for the man as he has been doing all the cooking. Not wanting him to exhaust himself, she decided she will do the cooking since she is not going back to work yet.


    She even nned with Inu to sleep on her side, so when Lu Tian wakes up, he will think she is still sleeping. Of course, unbeknown to her, her n had already failed.


    Finished washing the vegetables, she set them aside on a te and walks over to the stove. She had already started cooking the congee as the rice needed time to soften before serving.


    "Ah!"


    Just as she took two steps away from the sink, she jumped in surprise as a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist.


    She wanted to turn around and face the person, but she felt the arms tighten more and the top of the person¡¯s heades to view as Lu Tian rest his forehead on her shoulder.


    Left with no room to escape, Yue Ling faintly smiles and tilt her head to lean against the man.


    "Did I wake you up? Was I too loud?"


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian doesn¡¯t move an inch. He inhales her sweet scent that he loves so much then slowly lift his head. However, he doesn¡¯t let go of her. He ce a kiss on her temple then leans closer to her ear.


    "I like it when you¡¯re loud."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flustered until it was as red as a tomato. She could not believe that it is so early in the morning and Lu Tian is already acting so shameless.


    She clears her throat to calm herself and wiggle within his arms to turn herself to look at him. She tilt her head back to look up at him and brows furrow together.


    "Tian, why are you¡ªah!"


    Before she could finish her words, Lu Tian suddenly picks her up and sat her on top of the empty counter space. She was caught by surprise and wanted to say more, but when her eyes met his, he was already leaning towards her.


    His lips brush against her, but not like the usual pecks he did during the past few weeks. This time, his kiss was like tease filled with hot, fiery, passionate, and demanding as if he was longing for her.


    "Yue Ling..."


    His raspy voice whispers her name through the gaps of their kiss making Yue Ling¡¯s heart flutter into cloud nine.


    No matter how long they¡¯ve been together, she always love the way he spoke her name. A tone so dangerous that it sends a chill down her spine, but at the same time, it held sweetness and made her feel safe.


    She ce her palms on his broad chest. Not to push him away, but as if he to feel he is really here with her.


    Subconsciously moving her hands up, she wraps her arms around his neck and returns the kiss. This time, she initiated the move as her tongue search for his.


    Lu Tian does not open his eyes, but his brows arch up in surprise. A low groan escapes his lips and he deepens their kiss more like a hungry wolf. He ce one palm on her back as his other moves to hold the back of her head.


    *Ssssss¡ª!

 Chapter 567 quite a run

    Into their passionate kiss, the sound of overflowing congee boils over the pot and meets fire causing a sizzling sound. Lu Tian reluctantly pulls away from his wife and res murderously at the pot on the stove.


    "Oh no!"


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen in panic and she pushes Lu Tian away. Jumping down from the counter, she rushes over to the stove and lowers the fire.


    After making sure that the congee was not burnt, she sighs in relief. With her cheeks still red from their kiss, she turns to look at Lu Tian and chuckles.


    "You almost had to eat burnt congee for breakfast."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remained ring at the pot like it had be one of his greatest enemy. If it had not interrupt them, his wife would still be in his arms.


    However, seeing her smiling face that always makes his heart at ease, he could only sigh inside. He should also thank the pot for interrupting them or else he would have taken her right there on the counter.


    Taking three big steps to stand in front of her, a faint smile curls on his lip. His right hand raise to hold her chin and he lowers his head to ce a quick kiss on her red swollen lips from their previous kiss.


    "I¡¯ll eat anything you cook."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheek reddens more, and she puff out her cheeks. She quickly ushers him away from the stove.


    "Go on your run. Breakfast will be ready when you return."


    Being forced out of the kitchen, Lu Tian doesn¡¯t say anything but lets out a blissfulugh. Turning his head to see his wife enter the kitchen again, he kept a subtle smile then looks in the direction of the living room to where Inu was.


    The little white fluffballid on one of the couches. He had left the kitchen because he was courteous enough to give the two human¡¯s their space.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Lu Tian signals for the little guy as the two make their way out the front door. He also reminds himself to give Doctor Dong a callter about his wife¡¯s health.


    Left alone in the kitchen, Yue Ling stares down at the te of washed vegetables. Her mind had zoned away to the passionate kiss she just shared with Lu Tian.


    Remembering how she made the first move to use her tongue, she blush shyly and lightly p her palms on her cheeks.


    "Aiya... Yue Ling ah, you idiot. Why did you do something so shameless like that?"


    She mumbles to herself and wish so badly to turn back time and not do what she did. How could she forget that during the past few weeks of her recovery, Lu Tian had been restraining himself from doing anything beyond a quick peck on the lips.


    They were told by Doctor Dong that she needed time away from any physical activities as it would prolong her recovery.


    However, she remember reading something online that it was not healthy for a man to hold back for too long.


    Thinking this, her eyes lit up when she thought about something. Once she finish cooking, she will search the web to see when they can exercise in bed or if she can do something for Lu Tian.


    As she reach for a knife, her entire being froze like Articuno had used frozen beam on her. With widen eyes and mouth slowly opening agape, she screams in her head.


    ¡¯Oh God! Han Yue Ling! Search the web? When did you be this lewd?!!¡¯


    --


    Two hourster, Lu Tian and Inu returned from their morning run. Yue Ling had already finished cooking breakfast as it was the only thing to help distract her mind. However, seeing that they had not returned after an hour, she decided to watch a drama.


    When she heard the front door open, she stood up to greet them.


    "Wow. That was quite a run you both had."


    "Wroof!!"


    Entering the house, Inu pounce in the direction of his favorite human. His expression was full of pure happiness. He loves running every morning with the evil peasant, but unlike the usual short one hour run, this time it was longer.


    Lu Tian closed the door and changed out from his running shoes into house slippers. He nce at the energetic Inu then looks at his wife.


    Usually he would only spend one hour on his run, but after his short moment of passion with his wife, he needed to distract his mind. Only God knew how much he wanted to take his wife every day. Especially when theyy in bed.


    "Are you alright? Did something happen?"


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but ask when she noticed that Lu Tian had not moved since he wore his house slippers. Her cheeks flustered red again as he just kept his eyes on her like he could see through her.


    Hearing her angelic voice full of worried, Lu Tian came back to his senses. He faintly smiles and shook his head before walking over to her.


    "It¡¯s nothing. What are you watching?"


    Knowing that something was bothering him, Yue Ling wanted to ask. However, deciding not to push the topic, she smiles and walks over to meet him.


    "A drama. I overheard your mother, aunt and cousin talk about it when we were shopping."


    As she nears him, she finally notice that the man was covered in sweat from the run. Both her arms stretch out and she pushes him towards the stairs.


    "Your clothes are drenched like you had ran in the rain. Go take a shower. I¡¯ll warm up the food."


    Lu Tian pout his lips at her words. It¡¯s true that he is sweaty from his run, but he wanted to spend some time with her since he still has time before work.


    Lowering his gaze to her hands, he sees that she was only touching him with the tips of her fingers. She made it seem like he was some kind of pest and didn¡¯t want to touch him.


    However, thinking this, one corner of his arcs up into a devilish smirk.


    The moment Yue Ling saw that smirk full of mischief behind it, her heart stopped for a quick second. She couldn¡¯t help but struggle a hard gulp as she can sense the man is going to do something shameless again.


    "Tian?"


    Her head slightly tilt back to look up at him, and she spoke his name with a sarcastic chuckle. She part her lips to speak again, but before she could, Lu Tian finally makes his move.


    "Tian!!"


    She yelps in surprise as he suddenly wrap his arms around her. She could feel the coldness of his sweaty body slightly soaking through hers and her cheeks turned even more red.


    "Stop! You¡¯re going to get me ah¡ª!"


    Within her struggles to push him away, she let out another yelp. Lu Tian didn¡¯t even let her finish her words and quickly picks her up in princess style.


    He held her firmly like he never wants to let her go and turn for the stairs.


    "Since you¡¯re also covered in my sweat, we should wash up together."


    "..."


    Yue Ling abruptly stops her struggling. She swore Lu Tian¡¯s shamelessness is getting more and more out of control.


    Thinking this, she thought of an idea. Instead of wrapping her arms around his neck, she lets them fall loose and her head tilts back with eyes closed like she had fainted.


    Being the one to witness her first-ss poor acting, Lu Tian press his lips tightly together. He wanted tough but not wanting to embarrass her, he could only try to keep a straight face.


    However, since she wants to act this way, it is only fair that he ys along with her. Continuing up the stairs, his deep voices trials into her ears.


    "Since my wife has fainted, I suppose it is only given that I wash her myself."


    "You dare?!!"


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes quickly flutter up and she res at the man. However, met with his dark pupils, even if she wanted to say more, she knows that she cannot win against him. So, folding her arms over her chest, she inhales sharply and lean her against his chest.


    It¡¯s only a shower. It¡¯s not like they¡¯ve never done it before.


    Seeing that she had given up, Lu Tian¡¯s lip curls into a wide grin. cing a small kiss on her head, his deep voice sounds in an almost whisper.


    "Or you can wash me. I don¡¯t mind at all."


    "..."


    As the two peasants make their way to the second floor, Inu stared at them until they were no longer in view. He quickly dashes in the kitchen to where his water bowl is and drank as if he had spent an entire day in a hot zing desert.


    All that running made him parched, but as the noble ruler that he is, he can never let the evil peasant see him so weak.

 Chapter 568 I prepared breakfas

    The morning sun finally peeks out in the horizon to wee those in Imperial. Yue Ling and Lu Tian finished their shower and both individuals went on to prepare themselves for their day.


    At this time, Yue Ling wore a white bathrobe and she sat in front of the vanity in her closet room. She held ab and brush through her already dried hair. However, her expression was one of nkness as she immersed herself in deep thoughts. Every so often she would heave a sigh to herself.


    She was a little disappointed that during their shower together, Lu Tian didn¡¯t do anything but shower with her. However, at the same time, she was thankful that he thought about her as to not harm her recovering body.


    Thinking this, she chuckles under her breath and mumbles to herself.


    "Yue Ling ah Yue Ling. Why are you so hopeless?"


    She sets theb down and stood up from the vanity. Walking over to where her wardrobe is, she decides to change into clothes. Right now is not the time to think about this matter.


    Taking her robe off, she puts on a matching set of nude color bra and panties. Reaching for a simple white turtleneck long sleeve, she puts it on thenyers over it with a khaki casual jumpsuit made of linen. Its leg design was wide and gave her better leg room to move around.


    Walking back to the vanity, she grabs a hair tie and puts up her natural wavy hair into a high ponytail. She still needs to heat up the food before Lu Tian finishes getting ready for work.


    Just as she took a step towards the door, she suddenly remembers something. Walking to one of the shelves in the room, she reaches for a small shopping bag.


    A satisfying smile curls on her lip as she looks down at it, then walks out of the closet room in the direction of the kitchen.


    However, when she nears the staircase to go down, the delicious aroma of the food she had prepared enters her nose.


    Her brows slightly furrow, and she quickly goes down the stairs. She set the bag down on a table next to the stairs and strides in hurry to the kitchen.


    Just as she had suspected, Lu Tian was already dressed and had heated up the food. The man even finished setting up the table for them.


    She held the side of her head with her palms and exim like the scene in front of her was the most dreadful thing ever.


    "Tian! What are you doing?"


    Hearing her voice, Lu Tian ce down a bowl on the table and looks up at her. His expression was as calm and collect as ever, but Yue Ling could see the smile in his eyes.


    He stares at her then down to her choice of attire. For some reason, he couldn¡¯t help but feel that she looked like a little girl. So cute and adorable that he wants to pinch her cheeks until it turns red.


    He quickly brush the thought away and smiles to her with his teeth.


    "I prepared breakfast. Come eat."


    "...."


    Both Yue Ling¡¯s hand drop to her side and she was struck dumbfounded by his words. She was the one who cooked the food. How dare he make it seem like he had done all the cooking and she justzed around in wait.


    She rolled her eyes at him and walks over to the table to sit. Since he looks like he is enjoying this, she won¡¯t spoil the moment for him.


    Looking down at the food she had made, she sigh inside and wanted to pat herself on the back in proudness.


    The breakfast consisted of the congee she almost burnt, steamed dumplings, pancakes with eggs and fried dough sticks to dip in soybean milk.


    Just when Lu Tian sat down in the seat across from her, Yue Ling picks up her chopsticks and goes right into eating. However, her eyes subconsciously meets his and her hand reaching for a piece of pancake with eggs froze in midair.


    Her eyes blink as he was looking at her like she had be some kind of pig who can eat anything.


    She gestures a sarcastic smile at him and slowly moves her chopsticks to the te with the fried dough sticks. She picks up a piece and ce it on Lu Tian¡¯s bowl.


    "Eat this first. I made it as sweet as you and your love for me."


    "..."


    This time it was Lu Tian¡¯s turn to be dumbfounded. Never in his entire thirty years of living has anyone called him sweet or even dare to. Maybe cute and adorable when he was a child, but never sweet.


    However, thinking back to the way she said it, he wasn¡¯t one bit bothered by it. As a matter of fact, he actually likes it. After all, she is the only person in the entire world he will ever show this ¡¯sweet¡¯ side of him.


    He looks down at the fried dough stick then to the warm congee. Thinking of something, he picks up the wooden serving spoon and scoops a spoon full.


    Carefully pouring it into his wife¡¯s empty bowl, his words fell with a calm expression.


    "Eat the congee first. I warmed it up for you like how you warm up my life."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush red as it quickly travels to her ears. She opened and closed her mouth in wanting to say something, but like someone had pressed the mute button, she was unable to say anything.


    Her cheeks puff out like a chipmunk before she nods her head like an obedient child.


    She set her chopsticks down and reach for her spoon. Her head lowers and she eats the congee that was not too hot and not too cold. It was at the perfect temperature to eat and warmed up her entire inside.


    Even if she wanted to say something, she decided it was best to keep quiet.


    Not because she didn¡¯t want to talk to Lu Tian, but because she knows that anything she says, he will respond with something even cheesier and only make her blush even more.

 Chapter 569 Paisley

    As Yue Ling and Lu Tian enjoyed their breakfast together, it soon came to an end. Lu Tian didn¡¯t forget to help his wife clean up before leaving for work.


    He puts thest cleaned and dried te inside the kitchen cab then looks at his wife, who was wiping the table. Being able to spend time with her in their own home is the best feeling ever. He is truly blessed to have met her out of all the people in the world.


    Thinking this, he reminds himself to not only call Doctor Dong, but also Uncle Zhi. He wanted to know how the ring ising along as he wants to marry Yue Ling right away, but only after the ring is finished.


    He slowly approach his wife from behind and slides his arms between her arms to hold her waist.


    "I¡¯m leaving for work now."


    Yue Ling had just finished wiping down the dining table. When she heard his words, she breaks out from his grasp and set the cleaning towel in the sink.


    "Wait. I have something for you."


    She spoke as she speed walks out of the kitchen like it was something important. Left in the kitchen, Lu Tian arch a brow as his curiosity can¡¯t help but grow and he leisurely follows after her.


    Stepping out from the kitchen, Yue Ling walks over to the table she had ced the bag. She grabs it and turns around to go back to Lu Tian.


    "Ah!"


    She lets out a cry in surprise when she almost bump into the man¡¯s broad chest. Her head tilt back to look up at him and she can see the curious look in his eyes. Her entire being softens and she hands the bag to Lu Tian.


    "I bought this for you when I went shopping with your mother, aunt and cousin."


    Seeing that he looked down at the bag in her hand but did not reach out for it, Yue Ling heaves a long sigh. She turns back to the table and set the bag down. Reaching her hand inside, she takes out a silky ck item and turns back to face the man.


    "It¡¯s not much, but I hope you like it."


    Lu Tian stares at his wife then down to the gift in her hand. It was a simple ck tie with paisley details all over. He arch a brow and looks back at her.


    "You bought this for me?"


    Seeing his calm reaction with a small raised eyebrow, Yue Ling¡¯s smiles a chuckle. She holds the tie out to him and nod her head.


    "Mm. I know you prefer ck, but I thought this design would look good on you."


    Lu Tian lower his head to the tie, then he lifts his hand. However, he doesn¡¯t reach for the tie. Instead, he undoes the simple ck tie he had on and removes.


    "Help me put it on?"


    Yue Ling was baffled by his words, but she sounds another chuckle and ce the paisley tie around his neck. Fixing the tie for him, her entire being softens more than ever.


    It was like they were really a married couple and she was helping her husband fix his tie for work.


    As she proceeds to fix his tie into ce, Lu Tian¡¯s head stared ahead, but his eyes focused down on his wife. No matter how many times he sees her, whether it is near or far, he is always falling more and more in love with her. It like each day his love for her only knows how to grow.


    He decides that from now on, he will ask her to fix his tie for him. That way when he does to work, he can bring her touch with him.


    "Done."


    Yue Ling interrupts his thoughts with a tone full of proudness. The tips of her fingers trace over the tie and she held a small smile. Her decision to buy this tie did not go to waste as it match Lu Tian perfectly.


    Being brought out from his thoughts, Lu Tian lowers his head and like every other day before leaving for work, he ce a gentle kiss on her forehead. His hand gently caress her cheek and his voice sounds.


    "I¡¯m going to work now. Don¡¯t miss me too much."


    Yue Ling¡¯s turned heavy at hisst sentence. She wanted to refute him but decides to nod her head and doesn¡¯t stop him from leaving.


    She walked Lu Tian to the door and watches as he gets into his car and drives away from their house. Until his car was longer in view, did she return inside.


    However, when she closed the door, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh to herself.


    Being a housewife isn¡¯t so bad, but at the same time, she misses work. She miss the busy days that kept her mind upied with things to do instead of staying home and trying to find something to do.


    -


    As the sun began to rise high in the sky, Yue Ling cleaned up the house then prepared lunch to surprise Lu Tian at work. However, by the time she finished, she realized that she had cooked more than what she was supposed to.


    The amount of food thatid in front of her can fit an entire party of guests.


    "Aiya. What should I do now?"


    She mumbles to herself as she stares bbergasted at the food then looks to Inu like the Samoyed can help her. He stares back at her then to the table. Without making a sound, he walks away from the kitchen.


    Yue Ling stares nkly at the little guy. She swore if Inu could speak humannguage, he would be calling her an idiot for making so much food for one person.


    Shaking her head, she looks back down at the food. An idea quickly came to her mind. Since there is still time until Lu Tian takes his lunch, she will drop off some of the food to the other hard-working people in her life.


    As she packs the food into containers, she then ce each one in bags to divide them for the people she is going to give the lunch to.


    After loading them into her white BMW x5m, she puts on her ck wool coat and gets into the car with Inu in the passenger seat.

 Chapter 570 reject my proposal

    Bringing Inu along for the ride, their first stop was the Ji Mansion as it was far, but the closest to their house. Yue Ling stayed for a short while, but when she was going to leave, the young soldiers asked if Inu could stay to train with them.


    For them, the little guy was like their mascot and gave them more motivation to train harder.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t want to leave the little guy but seeing how happy he was with all the attention he received, she decided to let him stay for a few days.


    After she left the Ji Mansion, she made her second stop at the Lu family house, then to De L¡¯amour and Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop.


    As she exited the rundown building, she pause in her steps and turn back to look at it. She couldn¡¯t help but frown as she found the middle-aged man to be acting strange around her.


    It was as if he was hiding something from her.


    However, thinking she might have over thought it, she brush it aside. If something were to really happen, Uncle Zhi would have informed her right away. She trust the man is not doing anything bad.


    She enters her car and drives off in the direction of herst stop before going to Lu Corps. As she drove for another ten minutes, she turns the car into a street that led away from the busy area of Imperial.


    Her white BMW x5m soon enters a smallmunity of bungalows until she finally arrives at Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s house.


    Slowing the car to a stop, she shuts of the engine and steps out from the driver side. Doing the same as how she did when she arrived at the other ces, she walks to the back door.


    Pulling the door open, she reaches for the bag of food she had prepared for her friend. She did not call Zhao Ya¡¯Er to inform of her arrival, but she thinks her friend would not mind her suddenlying.


    As she takes a step back and closed the door, she turns around only to stop in her steps. Her brows slightly crease together when she saw that a white Mercedes was parked in Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s driveway.


    Quickly remember who the car belonged to, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes slightly widen in panic and she strides for the front door.


    *CRASH¡ª!!


    Just as she was three feet away from the door, a loud crash sounds from inside the house like thunder in the sky. Her eyes widens more, and she dashes forward.


    "Ya¡¯Er?!"


    When she reached for the door hand, the door was not closed all the way, so she abruptly ms it open and rush inside. Her eyes darts in every direction in search for Zhao Ya¡¯Er. However, the living room upon entrance was in aplete mess with no one in sight.


    "Bitch! Who said you can reject my proposal?!!!"


    A man¡¯s raging voice yells from another direction inside the house then the sound of fist hitting skin echoes after. Quickly following after was the whimpering of a woman¡¯s voice.


    Without showing any politeness as a guest, Yue Ling runs in the direction of the voices. Through the hallway, she checks each room as all the door were closed.


    "I¡¯ve waited long enough for you! Stay still like a good whore and let me have a taste! Do you want me to beat you up in front your family?!"


    "Wei Hongyi! Stop! Stop!"


    Yue Ling had just opened the door to the second room when she heard Wei Hongyi¡¯s threatening voice again. She takes a step forward and her entire being froze when she heard the sound that came after Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s pleading voice.


    It was the sound of clothes forcefully being ripped apart.


    Striding towards the voices, Yue Ling reach for the door handle, but unlike the other rooms, this one was locked.


    "Please... Stop... I beg you, stop. Don¡¯t do this to me..."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s agonizing voice cries in begging from behind the door. However, as the sound of clothes being rip continue to sound, there was no longer any sound from her.


    Yue Ling takes a big step back from the door. Her bluish green eyes dimmed dangerously and her right foot raises. Using all her strength, she kicks the door open.


    *Bang¡ª!


    The door ms open with full force and hits against the bedroom wall. It was like the sound of a raging dragon ready to unleash its wrath upon the world.


    "What the fuck!!"


    Wei Hongyi had pressed his body on top of Zhao Ya¡¯Er to hold her in ce from escaping. However, when he heard the door suddenly open like police officers forcing their way inside, he quickly jumps in fear and moves away from the woman.


    "Can¡¯t you fucken see that we¡¯re busy¡ª"


    He growls in rage and annoyance and turns to see the person. When he saw who it was, his grim expression was reced with surprise and a malicious smirk curls on his face.


    "Well, if it isn¡¯t Imperial¡¯s infamous beauty, Han Yue Ling."


    How could he forget that Zhao Ya¡¯Er is well acquainted with this fairylike woman?


    Standing in front of the door that is half hanging for its life, Yue Ling muted out the man¡¯s voice. She didn¡¯t even spare him a nce but kept her eyes on her friend.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Erid unmoving on the bed. Her shirt had beenpletely torn to pieces as they scattered next to her and on the ground. All she had left was a bra and her jeans.


    Even when Wei Hongyi had gotten off of her, she only stared nkly at the ceiling. She looked as if she had lost all hope and was ready to give up on her life.


    "Ya¡¯Er..."


    Yue Ling whispers her name as she stares at Zhao Ya¡¯Er then she notices the dark bruise on her (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) cheek and all over her exposed body. Her (Yue Ling) lower lip trembles and all the blood running inside her veins boils crazily.


    Her hands curls into extremely tight fists that made both her arms tremble.

 Chapter 571 Mark my words

    "I didn¡¯t know that the worldly known Miss Han is so impolite to not even knock first."


    Wei Hongyi moved to sit at the edge of the bed as his eyes locked on Yue Ling. His white dress shirt had been unbuttoned to the middle revealing his muscr chest. Everything about him can make many women blush shyly. However, Yue Ling was not fazed by the man.


    Oblivious to the sudden murderous cold chill the room had be, Wei Hongyi¡¯s smile widens.


    He looks down at the dazed Zhao Ya¡¯Er and scoffs. He preferred his women to at least struggle a little, but since the person is Zhao Ya¡¯Er, he will let it go. Besides, there was another beauty here.


    He looks back at Yue Ling and he licks his lips trying to look all the more seductive.


    "Since you are here, why don¡¯t you join us? I¡¯m always down for a threesome."


    If Yue Ling had not entered the room, he could have had his way with Zhao Ya¡¯Er since the woman had stopped struggling against him. However, since the woman of many men¡¯s dream is here, why not enjoy her too.


    Completely forgetting that Yue Ling is Lu Tian¡¯s woman, Wei Hongyi was ovee by lust. To him, Yue Ling is nothing but a weak and fragile woman like Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    With his strength, if the two women decide to struggle, he can just tie them to the bed. Even after he is done, if they want to report him, he can always get away unscratched as he has connections.


    He stood up from the bed and slowly walks towards Yue Ling. His appearance at this moment looked like a gentleman, but his eyes and the smile on his mouth held nothing but malicious intentions.


    "I nned to make Ya¡¯Er my legal wife, but I can always switch it. How about you be my legal wife and Ya¡¯Er my mistress? What do you say?"


    Yue Ling finally moves her attention from Zhao Ya¡¯Er to Wei Hongyi. She stares expressionlessly at the man as he nears her.


    Until he was three feet away from her, the corners of her lip arc up into a beautiful and mesmerizing smile.


    Seeing her smile that can take any man¡¯s breath away, Wei Hongyi froze in his steps. He swore, at this moment he has never wanted any woman so badly like how he wants Yue Ling.


    However, as the lust inside him grew more andpletely blinds him, be became even more oblivious to the glowing murderous light in Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes.


    She calmly takes a step closer to the man like she had epted his proposal. She stood an inch taller than him and with her smile kept on her face, she slightly tilt her head.


    "God, you¡¯re so beaut¡ª Ugh!!!"


    Like Yue Ling was an enchantress and put a spell on him, Wei Hongyi spoke without thinking. However, before he could finish the word beautiful, his eyes widen in horror and he groans in intense pain as his body leans forward.


    Yue Ling had showed no mercy and ruthless kick him in the groan. Watching him fall towards her then onto his knees, she raise her left arm. She viciously swings the bag of food in her hand and hits the man on the side of his head.


    A loud bang resonated inside the room then following came a loud thud as Wei Hongyi falls sideways onto the floor. He wanted to grab Yue Ling and beat the living crap out of her, but at this moment, all he could feel and think about was the pain inflicted upon his family¡¯s treasure.


    The bag in Yue Ling¡¯s handnds beside the man with all the food poured out and scattered. Some even stuck on the man¡¯s head, but she doesn¡¯t care.


    As Wei Hongyi groan in pain, she looks away from him and leaps for the bed.


    "Ya¡¯Er... It¡¯s me, Yue Ling."


    She calmly spoke in a soft and soothing tone as if to not scare her friend even more. However, Zhao Ya¡¯Er did not answer or look at her. She (Zhao Ya¡¯Er)id still on the bed like an emotionless doll as tears continue slid down her eyes ruining her makeup.


    "Ya¡¯Er..."


    Like a volcano that had been resting in calmness for many years, Yue Ling¡¯s anger burst like burningva. She looks back at Wei Hongyi and strides over to him again.


    "Bastard!!!"


    She roar in rage and grabs him by the cor. Without waiting for the man to return from his pain, she swung her fist right at his face.


    One punch, two punch, three. She doesn¡¯t stop but continues to beat him up like he had be a punching bag for her anger.


    As seconds turned to minutes, the cold liquid of Wei Hongyi¡¯s blood stained Yue Ling¡¯s fist. She finally came to a stop and her breathing turned rapid. She shoves him onto the floor with a m.


    Whether he was unconscious or dead, she could care less about him.


    She stood over him like the grim reapering to collect a debt. Her bluish green eyes stare coldly down at him as her lip slowly part.


    "Mark my words, your fate has been decided."


    If Zhao Ya¡¯Er was not here in this room, she would have killed Wei Hongyi on the spot. However, she cannot scare the woman anymore than she already is.


    Yue Ling looks away from him and stares at Zhao Ya¡¯Er. The burning rage inside her quickly disperse into heartache and she walks back to the bed.


    "Ya¡¯Er, it¡¯s going to be alright. I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here now."


    She helps Zhao Ya¡¯Er sit up, then takes off her wool coat. Gently cing it over her friend, she buttons the coat to cover Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s exposed body.


    If she had not cooked so much food for Lu Tian, she wouldn¡¯t havee here. If she hadn¡¯te here, who knows what would have happened to her friend.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stared nkly at whatever was in front of her like she was waiting for death to wee her. When she felt something warm wrap around her shoulders, she finally came to her senses.


    Her head slowly turn to look at the person and seeing who it is, her lower lips trembles like never before. She frantically sobs between her gasps as her heart wrenching tears fell more from her eyes.


    "Yue-Yue... I... I was... wuuu...."


    Yue Ling felt her chest tighten at the sight of her friend this way. She carefully ce a hand around Zhao Ya¡¯Er and helps her stand up from the bed.


    "I¡¯m sorry for noting sooner. Let us leave here. I¡¯ll take you away from here."


    Hearing her words, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was able to nod her head through her sobs. Due to the traumatic incident, her body was trembling uncontrobly, but she force herself to move from the bed.


    Yue Ling kept her arm around Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s shoulder and walks out from the room.


    However, when they were nearing the door, she press her friend¡¯s head closer to her chest. She did this so that Zhao Ya¡¯Er would not see Wei Hongyi¡¯s blood covered body lying on the floor.


    Getting inside Yue Ling¡¯s car, the two women drove away from Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s bungalow. Neither cared to call an ambnce for the bastard inside.

 Chapter 572 thinking of a place

    Through the busy streets of Imperial, Yue Ling¡¯s white BMW x5m can be spotted driving along side other cars. She had nned to bring Zhao Ya¡¯Er to her and Lu Tian¡¯s house as it was the safest ce.


    However, remembering her promise not to tell Lu Tian, she could only change her course of direction.


    Even if she doesn¡¯t tell Lu Tian about what happened, the moment he or anyone sees the swollen bruise on Zhao Ya¡¯Er, they will know what the woman had gone through.


    Thinking this, she thought of where to bring her friend. Quickly thinking of a ce, she heads in another direction, but she will have to make a few phone calls.


    After driving a few distances away, Yue Ling¡¯s car soon slows to a stop. In front of them now was a tall white building that glisten like it had been coated with clear gloss.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was able to calm herself down a little. Both her hands clutch tightly onto the sleeves of Yue Ling¡¯s coat as she was only wearing a bra under. When she saw the building, she quickly turn her head to look at Yue Ling.


    "Yue-Yue, this is..."


    "Jade Condos."


    Yue Ling answers with a faint smile. She turns the engine off and nce at the tall beautiful structure that she once lived in when she first moved to Imperial.


    "I can assure you that even if he knows you are here, he will not be able to get inside."


    Which is the truth. After the incident of the break-in of her penthouse, Manager Luo had increased the security around Jade Condos. Not only are their security guards inside the building, there are even some positioned outside the building in undercover.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was at a loss for words as she stares at her sister-inw. Even when Yue Ling had stepped out from the driver side and made her way around the front of car, not once did she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) take her eyes off of the woman.


    She didn¡¯t know why, but the same feelings from that day when they were followed came back to her. Even after her near rape incident, being with Yue Ling, she was able to calm down.


    It was like the retired model was a natural at taking away all the pain in one¡¯s heart and give them a sense of security.


    Her eyes couldn¡¯t help but tear up again. However, she sounds a sniffle and force herself not to cry. When Yue Ling opened the passenger door and gestures her hand like a true gentleman, she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) trembles a smile and ce her hand on top of the slender palm that held millions of warmth.


    She swore, if Yue Ling were to be a man, how good would that be for women. Especially for her. To have someone who will always keep her safe and never hurt her in the smallest way.


    "Thank you.... Thank you so much..."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t answer but nod her head as a faint smile appears on her face. She helps Zhao Ya¡¯Er get out from the passenger side before the two of them walks towards the entrance of Jade Condos.


    Since she already called to let Manager Luo know of her arrival, the old man had also informed the front desk to not ask questions or make any trouble. The receptionist¡¯s tasks is to give Yue Ling the things she had requested and go back to work.


    "Good morning, Miss Han."


    A young man in his twenties greets the two women when he saw them enter the door. He stood up from his chair and walks around the desk to meet them.


    He gestures a polite bow and both his arms stretch out towards Yue Ling.


    "Here are the things you requested."


    Yue Ling nod her head in greeting, then she looks at Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Good thing her wool coat was on therger side and had buttons up to the cor. It was able to hide away the bruised on her body so that others would not be able to see.


    Looking back at the young receptionist, she takes the items in his hands that contained a simple gold key and a shopping bag.


    "Thank you. If I need anything else, I will have to trouble you again."


    Unaware of the situation, the young man smiles and waves his hands out. "Don¡¯t worry. If Miss Han needs anything, I will be happy to help as much as I can."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t say anymore and turns for the elevator with Zhao Ya¡¯Er. At the same time, the young man watched them leave and returns to his chair.


    When Manager Luo informed him about Yue Ling¡¯s sudden arrival, he was excited to finally meet the highly well-known model in person. However, at the same time he was also in shock.


    If he remembers correctly, the woman with the short Pixi cut hairstyle that came in with Yue Ling is none other than Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Even though he is from a normal family, everyone in Imperial knows who she is as she is the only cousin of the cold and ruthless Lu Tian.


    However, the reason for his shock was Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s appearance. Every time he saw her from a distance, she was always in smiles and full of happiness, but at this moment, she was theplete opposite.


    Even if she was looking down, he was able to see the dark bruise on her cheek. It looked like someone had hit her with something hard.


    *Ding


    The elevator bell chimes, and door slides open. As Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er enter, the door closes again and the young man sighs inside.


    He is only a worker here, so whatever it was that had happened, he should mind his own business.


    Thinking this, he continues on with his work. However, one thing he knows is that, who ever dared to harm Zhao Ya¡¯Er is going to pay the price soon.

 Chapter 573 she goes by the name

    Inside the elevator, the ride up was as quiet as no one else existed in the world. The only sound was the low volume of music ying. The only other sound aside from the music was the faint beep of the passing floor levels as the elevator continues upward.


    It didn¡¯t take long before the elevator soones to a stop. Zhao Ya¡¯Er did not ask who¡¯s ce they were going to, but when she subconsciously nce at the floor level they had arrived, she inhales a gasp.


    "This... Why did we stop at the 15th floor? Are we going to my cousin¡¯s penthouse?"


    Hearing her trembling words, Yue Ling sighs inside. How could she have forgotten that Lu Tian also lived here before moving in with her.


    "We¡¯re not going there."


    She smiles reassuringly to Zhao Ya¡¯Er and held the woman¡¯s hand as she walks out of the elevator. She could see her friend turn pale as they near the door of Lu Tian¡¯s penthouse, but once they walked past it, colors returned to Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    "I made some arrangements for you to stay here."


    Yue Ling spoke as both individuals stop in front of the second door to the left. She unlocks the door with the gold key and turn the handle to push open the door.


    Just as she did this, the motion sensor lights inside quickly switches on and brightens up the entire ce. All the blinds had not been drawn so before their arrival, the penthouse was engulfed in total darkness.


    The scene in front of Yue Ling made many memories flood back to her. However, she turns to look at Zhao Ya¡¯Er and she sighs a smile.


    "I promise, you will be safe here."


    Hearing her words, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes tremble as an unexinable feeling rises inside her. It is true that when she thought she was going to stay her cousin¡¯s penthouse, she was scared. However, seeing Yue Ling¡¯s smile full of reassurance like a ce of safe haven, she didn¡¯t care where she will be staying.


    Anywhere was better than seeing Wei Hongyi again.


    Inhaling a deep breath, she nods her head and takes a step forward as she enters the penthouse.


    Yue Ling was relieved that Zhao Ya¡¯Er was a little better now, she enters after the woman and closed the door.


    "Take this. I asked Manager Luo to prepare a change of clothes for you."


    When they left Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s house, they didn¡¯t grab any extra clothes, so she also requested for the old man to prepare a change of clothes. She was thankful that he didn¡¯t ask for further questions and just said okay.


    Staring at the bag, Zhao Ya¡¯Er turned into an obedient child and reach her hand to take it. Holding it with both her hands, she turns for the bathroom to change.


    -


    In another part of Imperial, Lu Tian had finished his second meeting and was now in his office. He stood like a mighty figure in front of the floor to ceiling window. His arms folded in from of his chest as his dark eyes stare down at the busy street below.


    His thoughts at this moment are unreadable as a knock suddenly sounds and like every other time, the door opens.


    "Boss."


    Xu Long spoke as he enters the room. His eyes search for the aloof man and he couldn¡¯t help but swallow a hard gulp. At the same time, his hands tightly curls around the stack of documents he was holding.


    "Report."


    Hearing the man¡¯s deep and cold voice, Xu Long takes two steps inside the room. He closes the door then walks over to the coffee table in room and ce the documents in his hands down.


    "This is everything I was able to find about ¡¯that¡¯ person."


    Lu Tian turns away from the window and stares at the stack of documents on the table. His expression did not once change from its usual indifference as he walks over to the table.


    He sits down on one of the dark color couches and picks up the first document. His eyes scans through the report printed in detail then moves on to the next one.


    When he flips to thest page of the second set of documents, what came to his view was an attached photo.


    His brows slightly furrow together, and he purse his lips.


    It was a photo of a man with long blonde hair that cover half of his face. However, he wasn¡¯t alone. His right arm was ced over a woman¡¯s shoulder with brown hair.


    The only thing was, only the man¡¯s face can be seen while the woman¡¯s back was turned to the camera.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t bother with the woman as his eyes remained on the man. He faintly scoffs a sarcastic chuckle and his voice sounds.


    "Choi Li Sun."


    Even though he has been preupied with other matters, he didn¡¯t forget to have his men keep eyes on Choi Li Sun. After all, the man is the reason for the yearly meeting between Imperial and City Z.


    One should know that Choi Li Sun is a notorious leader in the underworld, who is wanted not only in Imperial and City Z, but also around the world.


    Setting the documents down, he reach for the only folder his assistant had brought in. Opening it, he arch a brow as everything inside consisted of only photos captured from a distance.


    He scans through the pictures like how he did with the documents. In each photo captured, it was of Choi Li Sun and others, but most of the photos contained the man with the brown hair woman. However, not a single photo captured the woman¡¯s face.


    "The only information I found about the woman is that she goes by the name Hua."


    Standing at the side, Xu Long finally spoke as he waited for his boss to finish looking at the report. He stood with both his hands behind his back like a soldier, but his expression held slight look of confusion.


    "From what our resources is able to gather, Choi Li Sun often meets with this woman. However, not a single person was able to capture her face. It was like they are aware of us and knew to hide her."


    His words fell and he thought back to when he hacked the CCTVs in Imperial to look for Choi Li Sun. He was able to find the man and the woman name Hua exit a nightclub, but no matter how many cameras he hacked, none of them picked up the woman¡¯s face.


    It was like Choi Li Sun didn¡¯t want anyone to know who the woman is.


    Thinking this, he looks at the documents then to his boss.


    "Could this be the person Chief Kim mentioned during the meeting? The person who is helping Choi Li Sun hide in Imperial."

 Chapter 574 How is the situation

    Lu Tian listens as he set the folder down. He stares at the documents slightly scattered on the table and ponder in thoughts. Leaning back against the couch, he cross his arms over his chest.


    From the report gathered, there is no doubt this woman name Hua is the person hiding Choi Li Sun. However, who could she be?


    He stroke his clean chin and nce at his assistant.


    "How is the situation on Chief Kim¡¯s side?"


    Hearing the question, Xu Long rack his brain for a quick moment to remember what he was informed. Without waiting for approval, he walks over to the couch across from his boss and plops down to sit.


    "Chief Kim sent word that three of his men have entered Imperial. Byw, this is against their jurisdiction and ours, but he request if we can turn a blind eye and cooperate if back up is needed."


    He lift his hand to scratch the back of his head and pout his lip.


    "He also said his men will not interfere with our side while we search for Choi Li Sun."


    The space between Lu Tian¡¯s brows crease into three tight lines. He thought about his assistant¡¯s report and his frown deepens more.


    After a long moment, he finallyes to a decision and spoke.


    "Inform Chief Kim. I approve of his request. However, I will need current photos and information of his men."


    Xu Long blinked his eyes with an even more confused look on his face. He didn¡¯t understand why his boss would approve of such circumstances.


    It¡¯s a clear confirmation that Choi Li Sun is in now their jurisdiction and byw, it should be them who handles the case. However...


    Never able to read his boss¡¯s thoughts most of the time, he decides to gather his courage and asks.


    "Why the approval? What if¡ª"


    "I¡¯ll deal with it."


    Before Xu Long could finish his words, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice cuts him off. He knows that Xu Long is worried because the approval ising directly from him. If anything were to go wrong, he would have to take the me.


    However, when has he ever been scared of anything or anyone other than his wife.


    ncing at the wall clock, he decides to end the conversation as there was another meeting before lunch. He stood up from the couch and makes his way to his desk.


    "Once the information is in, locate his men. I will personally go and meet them."


    His words fell and Xu Long was even more at a loss for all words. However, being Lu Tian¡¯s assistants for many years, there are times he is able to understand the man¡¯s way of thinking like now.


    "Roger that boss."


    He gestures a salute and quickly gathers the documents together. Without waiting for a response from the aloof man, he leaves the room as he needed to prepare for the next meeting.


    As silence return to the room, Lu Tian sat in his swivel chair. He slightly turns it around to face the window behind his desk that held a panoramic view of Imperial.


    The reason he ordered Xu Long to get the information of Chief Kim¡¯s men is because he doesn¡¯t want to shoot the wrong the person when searching for Choi Li Sun. Plus, it was better they meet as they are after the same person.


    His thoughts travel for a long moment before he stood up from the chair. Until the informationes in, he will have to busy himself with the meetings that he has been putting on hold.


    While Lu Tian proceed to his next meeting, he was unaware of where his wife is and the situation his cousin had to face.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er had finished cleaning up and changed into the new clothes Yue Ling gave her. She stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom and she felt pity for herself.


    The bruise Wei Hongyi had left her was so dark that even if she applied makeup over it, it would do little to hide. Her trembling hand slowly raise, and she gently touches it.


    She closes her eyes and her mind couldn¡¯t help but think back to the traumatic incident


    Wei Hongyi hade to her house and suddenly asked for her hand in marriage. He said he would change and love her better than before, but she knew him better than that. He had said those words to her too many times and failed to keep them.


    When she rejected him, he didn¡¯t even consider her feelings and hit her right across the face. She had grabbed the closest thing to her which was a vase and she threw it at him.


    One thing led to another and before she could even defend herself some more, he had found the baseball bat. It was the same one she had used to defend herself from hisst visit.


    She remembered him swinging it at her then everything went dark. However, when she opened her eyes again, she was alreadyying on her bed and he was pinning her from above to keep her from running away.


    No matter how much she tried to fight him off, she was weaker than him. She begged him over and over to stop, but he never once listened to her.


    It was at that moment when ripped her shirt that she gave up. When she stared at the ceiling of her house, all she thought about was her family and how her love life went so wrong.


    When she first met Wei Hongyi, he was the perfect boyfriend and the sweetest person she had ever met. Every day with him was nothing but wonder. However, if she knew that happiness would soone to an end, she would have never said yes to be his girlfriend.


    As he tore thest bit of her shirt off, she prayed to God, to Buddha, to the heavens, she even prayed to the devil for someone toe and help her. She didn¡¯t care if it meant exchanging her life, all she wanted was to be saved from this hell hole.


    However, no matter how much she prayed, the door that remained shut did not once open.


    She finally came to an understanding that she will never escape from Wei Hongyi. The only thing she regretted not doing was telling her family. If she did, she wouldn¡¯t be in this situation.


    Deciding to let Wei Hongyi have what he had always wanted, she didn¡¯t care to fight him off anymore. She justid there and let him remove her other clothes.


    Through her daze, she heard the door open and she thought it was an angel sent down from the heavens above toe take her away from all this pain. She was ready to give up her life and go, but the person sent to save her was breathing the same air as her.


    However, when she saw who it was, she could only thank the ones she had prayed to because the angel was none other than Yue Ling.

 Chapter 575 this place is yours

    Opening her eyes again, Zhao Ya¡¯Er realized that she had been crying. She wipes away her tears and takes a deep breath to calm herself.


    "Ya¡¯Er, everything will be alright now. He cannot hurt you anymore."


    Even though she told herself this, a part of her can¡¯t help but deny the truth. No matter where she goes, as long as they are breathing the same air, she will never get away from him.


    No... if she wants to get away from him, she needs help. She will have to gather all her courage and tell her family about all the things he has done to her. Even if she doesn¡¯t want them to worry, they are the only people who can help her.


    As she told herself this, she did not know that Wei Hongyi¡¯s fate had already been decided by the angel who saved her.


    Outside in the living room, Yue Ling had pulled open the blinds and was now standing in front of the floor to ceiling window.


    Although everything inside the penthouse had been reced with new furniture in the color of light grey, she can still remember all the happy moments.


    Just when the memories came flooding back to her, she hears the sound of footsteps from behind. She slowly turns around to look at the person and a gentle smile curls on her lip.


    "How are you feeling?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er had barely entered the living room when she heard Yue Ling. She was slightly taken back by surprise as she had made sure her steps were incredibly quiet.


    She did so because the view of Yue Ling standing in front of the window was too beautiful. With the sun rays beaming inside and outlining her figure, she looked like a real angel. So peaceful that she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) did not want to disturb the moment.


    However, being caught in action, she continues on towards the living room and nods her head.


    "Thank you for everything. I feel a lot better now."


    Yue Ling stares at her friend in silence. She doesn¡¯t pry Zhao Ya¡¯Er about what had happened because she doesn¡¯t want to remind the woman of that traumatic event. If Zhao Ya¡¯Er decides to tell her, then she will listen.


    As the two women move to sit on the grey couches, Yue Ling did not need to see a clock to know the time. From looking at the sun, she knew it was nearing afternoon.


    She looks at Zhao Ya¡¯Er and confirming that the woman is doing better than before, she was at ease.


    "I¡¯ll inform Manager Luo to send someone to get your things."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er nods her head agreeingly. With what happened, she cannot go back to her bungalow alone. She can¡¯t be sure as she doesn¡¯t know whether Wei Hongyi is still there or had left.


    As she thought this, she looks around the penthouse then her eyesnd on Yue Ling. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder how Yue Ling knows the old man. From Yue Ling¡¯s tone, it was like the two of them are well acquainted. Not only that, to be able to stay in a penthouse in Jade Condos is another surprise.


    Other than Peony Vi, everyone in Imperial knows that Jade Condos is the next best ce to live. One should also know that only the wealthiest people can afford to live here.


    She remembers that despite the 15th floor having four penthouses, only her cousin lived on this floor. So how did Yue Ling get ess to one of the other penthouses?


    Curious, she stares at Yue Ling like she was trying to read the woman. However, her curiosity grew more when she realized that the woman in front of her is just like cousin.


    No matter how much one tries to read Lu Tian, one can never read what he is thinking and this moment, Yue Ling is just like that.


    Thinking this, she slightly leans towards Yue Ling and decides to ask.


    "Yue-Yue if you don¡¯t mind me asking. How did you manage to get ess to this penthouse?"


    Quickly realizing that her question may have came out as an insult, her cheeks flush red and she waves both her hands out.


    "Don¡¯t misunderstand me. I mean, from what I know about Jade Condos, it¡¯s a very expensive ce. Even those who put in an application to live here have been denied, so...."


    As she tries to exin herself, she abruptly shuts her mouth from saying anymore. She wanted so badly to strangle herself for saying what she said.


    She made it sound like Yue Ling was some poor person who couldn¡¯t afford to live in Jade Condos but was lucky because she won the lottery.


    Seeing that Zhao Ya¡¯Er had put herself in a tough spot, Yue Ling faintly chuckles. She knows that the woman doesn¡¯t mean any ill harm and she understands what she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) is trying to say.


    "When I first moved to Imperial, I lived here."


    "..."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was cursing at herself when she heard Yue Ling¡¯s sudden words. Her mouth slightly opens, and she stares at her sister-inw with a dumbfounded look.


    How can she forget that Yue Ling is not an ordinary person? The woman was clearly born with a silver spoon. She doesn¡¯t own two, but three highly internationalpanies and is the heiress to the fourth one.


    Oblivious to her friend¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling reaches for the gold key she had set on the coffee table and held it out to Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    "From now on, this ce is yours. That is, if you don¡¯t mind living here."


    Truth be told, when she moved out to the new house, she didn¡¯t know what to do with this ce as she wasn¡¯t renting it but had bought it. She even thought about selling it, but when she learned of her assistant¡¯s broken heart, she had nned to gift this penthouse to him.


    However, after witnessing Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s situation in person, she felt it was best to give this ce to her friend.


    Besides, she isn¡¯t 100 percent sure if Liu Shan is nning to move, but if he is looking for a new ce, she will not hesitate to buy him a ce just as nice as this penthouse.

 Chapter 576 like it is my las

    Time soon came as lunch arrived for the employees at Lu Corps. Everyone quickly set their work aside and left to fill their empty stomachs.


    As each floor began to clear of any life, the tightly shut door to the conference room opens. Those who were attending the meeting soon walks out. Some still immerse in the discussion of the meeting while others decide on where to have their lunch.


    Lu Tian was the second tost to leave the room as Xu Long follows behind him. He doesn¡¯t bother with his employees and head in the direction of the private elevator.


    While the other elevators descended to the first floor, the one Lu Tian is in ascends to the highest floor.


    *Ding


    Quicklying to a stop, the door slides open as the boss and assistant exit. Seeing that the entire floor is now empty, Lu Tian pause in his steps. He slightly turns his head to look at Xu Long and his voice sounds.


    "One hour."


    When those two words enter Xu Long¡¯s ears, the assistant¡¯s eyes lit up with pure happiness. He had wanted to leave when everyone else was leaving, but as Lu Tian¡¯s assistant, he had to wait until he was dismissed.


    He straightens his posture and raise his right hand to give a salute.


    "I, Xu Long, will use this one-hour lunch like it is myst."


    Slightly afraid his boss will take back the long lunch break, he quickly spins around and runs straight for the elevator. Seeing that the door were closing, he didn¡¯t hesitate to leap forward and slide between the small gap just to get inside.


    During the meeting Liu Shan had sent him a message with a photo. The man said hisdy boss had prepared some delicious home cooked meals for them all and as the good brother Liu Shan is, he had saved him (Xu Long) some.


    However, the deal is to not tell Lu Tian because they all know the aloof man is a vinegar eating machine.


    Oblivious to what his subordinate is up to, Lu Tian continues towards his office. He reach for the door handle and push the door open to enter.


    Just when he was about to take a step forward, his entire being froze at the unexpected scene in front of him. His eyes blinks a few times to make sure he was not imagining things.


    However, no matter how many times he blinked, the image did not disappear. Instead, it only made his eyesight clearer than before.


    He doesn¡¯t move but stares at the huge floor to ceiling window. It was the spot in his office that he would stand in front of when he needed to think. Only, at this moment, someone else was standing there.


    A tall slender figure of a woman stood with her back to him. The scene right now was so breathtaking added with the hues of sunlight that gently touches her body.


    Unknowing to him, he couldn¡¯t help but hold in his breath as he did not want any sound to disturb this moment. All he wants to do is engrave this scene into his heart as the woman is his wife.


    Like two separate minds connected to one another, Yue Ling turns away from the window. Her bluish green eyes meets the dark pupils of the man she loves and a smile curls on her lips.


    "Tian, you¡¯re done with your meeting?"


    Hearing her soft and sweet voice that sounds like music to his ears, Lu Tian nods his head in response. He takes a step inside his office and closes the door behind.


    "When did you arrive? If I knew you wereing, I would have ended the meeting early."


    Yue Ling smiles augh at his words and walks over to the two couches in the room. She sits down on one then lightly pat the cushion to the seat next to her in gesture for him to sit down too.


    "I just got here. Come sit, I made lunch for you."


    Learning her reason foring here, Lu Tian¡¯s heartbeat turned rapid. It was beating as if he had been running a marathon at this moment. However, able to keep a straight face, he walks over to the couch to sit down.


    Never once did he move his eyes away from her as the sight of her caused many feelings of blissfulness to stir in his chest.


    The many feelings he has never felt before until he met her.


    Yue Ling was unaware of the man¡¯s inner feelings towards her. She breaks eye contact from him and looks down at the coffee table. Reaching for the lunch she had prepared for him, she takes each container out and opens the lids.


    Due to her making a few stops beforeing here, she had packed the food for him in stainless steel containers to keep each dish warm.


    Once she separated the dishes on the table, she picks up the chopsticks and turn to look at Lu Tian. She held the chopsticks out to him and smiles.


    "Eat it while it¡¯s still warm."


    Just when her eyes met his again, her cheeks gradually turns pink then red. She had finallye to realize that throughout the entire time she was setting up the food, he had been staring at her.


    His expression may be full of his usual indifference, but his eyes as dark as the night said elsewise. They were full of loving and warmth directed only at her.


    However, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that something was also bothering him.


    Her head slightly tilt to the side and she furrows her brows at him.


    "Is everything okay? Did something happen during the meeting?"


    Her soft voice filled with worry for him broke Lu Tian from his daze. It¡¯s true that something did happen, but it was not because of the meeting. He had been thinking about Chief Kim¡¯s people who are in Imperial.


    However, it is a matter that involves him. He should not get her involved in this small matter too.


    Thinking this, he calmly shook his head and takes the chopsticks from her hand.


    "It¡¯s nothing. I am happy that you came to see me at work."

 Chapter 577 Who is everyone else?

    Yue Ling watched as Lu Tian ate the food she had made. She wasn¡¯t hungry since she had eaten while cooking, so letting the man finish his lunch, her eyes wonder to his office.


    They¡¯ve been together for a while now, but this is only her second timeing here. Surprisingly, everything is still the same. So dark and gloomy, it was theplete opposite of her office at De L¡¯amour.


    Just as she thought this, her eyes locked with one of the walls in the room. She swallow a dry gulp and her cheeks flush redder than ever before.


    If this had been first time here, she would have thought it to be a simple wall like any other office. However, since this is her second time here, she knows that hidden on the other side of that wall is an adjacent room.


    It was the very room he had taken her into and devour her like a hungry beast.


    Lu Tian took a bite of a piece of fried tofu when his eyes subconsciously nce at his wife. Without needing to look in the direction she was looking at, the corners of his lip curls up.


    "Do you want to take a nap with me after I finish eating?"


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling choked on her own saliva. She felt as if she was the one eating and had a piece of meat stuck in her throat.


    Unable to say a word, she could only cough while one hand pats her chest. Between her coughs, she would signal the man a ¡¯no¡¯ with her hand.


    Lu Tian¡¯s smile widens, and he set the chopsticks down. Reaching for a bottle of water she had brought, he opens it and hands it to her. As he held it out to her, his other hand didn¡¯t forget to lightly pat her on the back.


    "I only asked if you wanted to nap since you must be tired from cooking. However, seeing you like this, I think you somehow misinterpreted my words with dirty thoughts."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded by his words. She cast him a re before taking the bottle of water. She quickly drinks it like it was an antidote to save her life. Once she was able to calm down, she set the half full bottle of water down. Her ring eyes remains in ce, but this time like she wanted to strangle the man to death.


    "How can you even think about taking a nap at a time like this? You are a CEO, what if your employees walk in and saw you? Aren¡¯t you worried about what they will say?"


    Like her words had made a point, Lu Tian¡¯s happy expression turned into one of pondering. He held his chin and slightly frowns, then nce back at her.


    "That is true, but no one will dare to enter my office other than my assistant. However, Xu Long knows better when to enter and when not too. Also, neither will my workers dare to say anything."


    "...."


    Yue Ling stares baffled at the man. She couldn¡¯t help but think to herself. She had heard many say Lu Tian is cold and ruthless, but in her eyes, he is none other than an overly egocentric and shameless man.


    Even if he is right about his employees, he should at least consider the fact that he is their superior and must maintain a good image.


    However, even if she thought this, she could never say it to him because he will always have some kind of response to back himself up.


    Pushing the thought aside, she smiles a smile that reaches her eyes.


    "Alright, alright, Mr. Almighty Lu. Hurry and finish your lunch before it gets cold."


    She reach for the chopsticks he had set down, but when her eyes caught sight of the food, her smile quickly disappears.


    "Tian, do you not like my cooking? Why did you eat so little?"


    The dishes she had prepared were fried tofu, braised chicken, seasoned vegetables with prawns, chicken skewers, mixed vegetables, sweet sour pork, and a side of chicken soup. However, he only ate the fried tofu and at least one or two prawns.


    Her frown deepens and she slight purse her lip. Could it be that her cooking skills had gone bad? No, that can¡¯t be. He ate the breakfast she had made this morning.


    Without giving him a chance to answer, she reach for another set of chopsticks in the bag. Picking a piece from each dish, she give them all a taste.


    However, everything tasted fine.


    She set the chopsticks down and taps her chin into thinking.


    "Unless my taste bud is off.... Should I call everyone else and ask how the food is?"


    Deep in her thoughts she had forgotten about the man sitting next to her and spoke her thoughts aloud.


    Lu Tian stares at his wife and he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He had been contemting on which dish to eat next and only ate a little because he wanted to try all the food she had prepared.


    However, when he heard her sudden thoughts, his eyelids grew heavy like he was going to fall asleep.


    He calmly set the chopsticks in his hand down and turns his head to look back at her.


    "Who is everyone else?"


    "Yeye, your mother, your father, Uncle Zhi, Liu Shan, and... and..."


    Yue Ling was too deeply immersed in her own thoughts that when Lu Tian asked her, she answers him without thinking. However, realizing that the entire room had turned cold, she finally caught herself, but it was already toote.


    Her head slowly turns to him and she force a pausing chuckle full of sarcasm.


    "Heh... heh... It¡¯s... It¡¯s not what you think."


    Lu Tian stares with a straight face at her. He leans back against the couch and cross his arms over his chest. He doesn¡¯t say a word, but his expression was as if he was saying, ¡¯Oh, please do enlighten me¡¯.


    Met with such a gaze, Yue Ling knew she could not utter some kind of excuse to get out from this. She had already answered him when he asked, so changing her exnation would be pointless now.


    Also, this person is Lu Tian. If it had been someone else, maybe she could get away, but unfortunately, Lu Tian is always able to read her like the back of his hand.


    "Fine."


    She inhales sharply then looks him straight in the eyes.


    "I had nned to only prepare this delicious meal for you, but I got sidetracked and made a little too much."


    Her index finger points to the food on the table. It was exactly as she said, instead of lunch, the meal she prepared was more fitting for a dinner party.


    "I didn¡¯t want any of the food to go to waste, so I decided to share is with everyone else. Even if you disapprove, it¡¯s already toote because I already gave it to them beforeing here."

 Chapter 578 Dont worry. I got this.

    Listening to her exin the situation, Lu Tian¡¯s heart ate more and more vinegar. The food that was cooked only for him had been shared with others and not only that, those people even got to eat it before he did.


    As he thought this, his expression grew darker when he came to realize something. His assistant had been in such a rush to leave for lunch, it must be because of the food.


    His wife said she brought some to Liu Shan, so knowing that the two assistants are closer now, there¡¯s no doubt Liu Shan must have saved some for Xu Long.


    Without turning his head to his wife, only his eyes nce to her. He doesn¡¯t say a word but opens his mouth.


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares at the almighty man with a face full of bewilderment. Even without him saying anything, just his movement was enough to let her know what he wanted.


    "Waaa...."


    She lightly shakes her head and reach for his chopsticks. However, before she could even make a move, Lu Tian moves one foot and taps the table leg.


    The chopsticks he had ced down quietly rolls off the table and falls onto the floor.


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s entire being was dumbstruck at this moment. Did he think she would not see his crystal-clear move?


    Her head robotically turns to look at him. However, not letting her say anything, Lu Tian shrugs his shoulders nonchntly. With eyes kept on her, he then gestures with his chin towards the chopsticks she had used.


    Left with no other choice, she sighs inside and her mind could not help but wonder where Lu Tian¡¯s cold and ruthlessness had gone.


    She reach a hand for the chopsticks she had used and picks up a piece of sweet-sour pork. Turning to face the man, she puts on a smile.


    "Here you go, your majesty."


    Lu Tian takes a bite of the meat. However, when he heard what she called him, he almost choked on the piece of meat. He caught himself in time and quickly chew then swallow.


    "I am not ¡¯Your Majesty¡¯. I am your ¡¯Head Eunuch¡¯."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turned heavy like she was fighting her own sleep. The moment she came into contact with this man when he entered the room, she had long lost count of how many times she had been struck dumbfounded.


    However, not wanting to continue the conversation, she picks up another piece of meat.


    "Mm, mm. I, your Emperor will feel you, my Head Eunuch."


    Lightly shaking her head, she decides to ignore his words and continue to feed him. She will just pretend he is a child who needs his mother to feel him.


    As Yue Ling continued to feed Lu Tian, she was oblivious to the reason why. He had done this because she shared all the food she made with everyone else.


    He is unsatisfied that others ate the delicious food before he did, so to make him feel better, she has to feed him with the chopsticks she used.


    That way, only he can enjoy the blissful moment of eating from her hand and it is only him who can share an indirect kiss with her.


    As he quickly grew happier with each bite, he soon finishes his lunch. Remembering what she had said, he grabs a napkin to wipe his mouth then turn to look at her.


    "What about my cousin? Did you bring her any food?"


    Yue Ling was now putting the containers back inside the bag. When she heard his questions, her movements paused for a quick second before she continues with what she was doing.


    "I did, but..."


    She answers truthfully but was unable to finish the rest. She wanted so badly to tell him about what happened, but a promise is a promise.


    If Zhao Ya¡¯Er doesn¡¯t want her to tell anyone, then the woman must have her own reasons.


    Hearing her response and reaction, Lu Tian was able to guess what must had happened. He looks away from her and the softness in his pupils turned murderous.


    "It¡¯s alright, I already know."


    Yue Ling abruptly stops what she is doing and turns to look at Lu Tian. Her eyes widens a little before the space between her brows crease together.


    "You knew? Did she tell you? Why haven¡¯t you done anything?"


    From what she remembers, Zhao Ya¡¯Er said she hasn¡¯t told anyone other than her (Yue Ling). So how does Lu Tian know? Not only that, if he knows, then why hasn¡¯t he put an end to all the misery inflicted upon his cousin?


    Unless, he is referring to something else.


    Seeing the mixed feelings in her eyes, Lu Tian sighs inside. His wife is very smart, but sometimes she make him feel so untrustworthy.


    "I only found out not too long ago. Was ¡¯he¡¯ the reason why your answer ended with ¡¯but¡¯?"


    He calmly asks and she nod her head once. Since he really does know then there¡¯s no reason to keep it from him.


    She had given him a simple answer with a nod, but Lu Tian was quick to understand. He didn¡¯t need to ask for further details as he can already presume what had happened when she dropped off the food to his cousin.


    When he saw the bruise on his cousin, he wanted to end the man¡¯s life for daring toy a finger on his cousin. However, she never asked for his help, so he didn¡¯t want to intervene. He could have, but he knows it was because of her (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) pride as his cousin.


    She must have thought that if she asked for his help, he would find her too weak to be a part of his family, but if she had said one word, he would not hesitate to do harm on the man.


    However, that day when she came to Lu Corps, instead of asking for help, she asked him to help find another person.


    So, waiting for the day when she will ask for his help, he decided to end the contract between Lu Corps and Industrial Group as a warning. As one should know that since the contract ended, Industrial Group has been going out of business. Only, it seems like Wei Hongyi is asking for more than just a warning.


    "Tian, that bastard must pay for his wrong doings."


    Unaware of his thoughts, Yue Ling spoke angrily. Her voice brought Lu Tian back to his senses and he reach a hand to hold hers.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I got this."


    She looks him in the eyes and nod her head in understanding. She warned Wei Hongyi that his fate has been decided. However, since Lu Tian is Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s cousin, he is the best person to decide the bastard man¡¯s fate.


    "Do you need my help?"


    Her question caught Lu Tian by surprise, but only for a quick second. A faint chuckle escapes his lips and he gently squeeze her hand.


    "I¡¯ll take care of it myself."


    He is happy that she wants to help, but he can handle this on his own. As many say, he is cold and ruthless for a reason. However, due to him being quiet as ofte, many seem to forget who he is and what he can do.


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t try to convince him to let her help. She knows that Lu Tian is a very capable man of many things and has been letting others off a little too easy. Maybe this time, he can put others in their ce.


    "Fine, you can deal with him, but you have to let me deal with Ning Mei."


    Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts are quick interrupted by her words. He frowns and stares at her without saying a word.


    He knows that his wife is a very strong woman, but she is still recovering. How can he let her deal with a devious person like Ning Mei?


    What if something goes wrong?


    Like his thoughts were written on his face, Yue Ling heaves a sigh. This time, she gently squeeze his hand and her other hand pats her chest like a proud woman.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I got this."

 Chapter 579 it will cost you

    Afternoon soon passes by as dust began to take ce over Imperial. Far away from the busy city and over the high mountains, a silver Mercedeses to a stop in a dirt parking lot. Inside the car, Ning Mei sat in the driver seat as she stares out to the scene in front of her.


    She had been driving for five hours to reach the ocean side of Imperial. However, to her surprise, there was not a single person in sight.


    "Did Hongyi give me the wrong address?"


    She mumbles under her breath and reaches for her handbag that was on the passenger seat. Taking out the piece of paper Wei Hongyi had given her, she looks at her car navigator.


    "Hm... The address seems to be correct, but why isn¡¯t there any cars or people around?"


    When she searched the address on the web, she found out that this location is exceptionally popr for fishermen. It is known for having a long dock that was half a mile into the ocean. From her search, she also learned that it is supposed to be busy and crowded with fishermen any time of the day.


    However, unlike the information she had found, her car is the only one in the dirt parking lot.


    "Could it be that I was tricked?"


    She murmurs angrily to herself and search for her phone inside her handbag. At the same time, her eyes did not forget to look at her surroundings. She has to stay alert in case this is a set up and someone tries to attack or rob her.


    Just when the tips of her fingers felt the coldness of her phone, she sees someone stand up from the far end of the dock.


    She forgets about her phone and grabs the handle to her handbag as she opens the door. As she stepped out, she straightens her clothes then walks in the direction of the dock.


    When she grew closer to the person, the ocean breeze began to pick up. Her short a-line hair flutter in the direction the wind was going and she parts her lip to speak.


    "Excuse me are you¡ª"


    "Wei Hongyi sent you?"


    Before she could finish her words, the person cuts her off without a care of politeness.


    It was a man¡¯s voice that wasn¡¯t too soft, nor was it too deep. His voice was one that made one think of kind gentleman who had a good upbringing.


    However, his appearance did not match his voice at all.


    He had dark long hair that was very messy and looked almost identical to a bird¡¯s nest. His clothes were shaded in ck, but very baggy and had some torn parts. It was hard to tell how he looked like because his face was covered with dirt stains. In his hands was a fishing pole and set down next to him was a tackle box.


    Ning Mei had almost mistaken him for a homeless man if it weren¡¯t for his words.


    She clears her throat and walks over to stand by the dock rail. She made sure to make it look like she was only out for some sightseeing.


    "I am Ning Mei. I was the one who asked Wei Hongyi to set this meeting with you."


    The man never once looked at Ning Mei but held his fishing pole as he calmly waits for a fish to bite the bait. From a far, he looked like he was minding his own business.


    "State your purpose."


    He spoke in a tone full of superior over Ning Mei. Without a care about his disheveled appearance, his eyes slowly blinks, and he continues to stare out to the ocean.


    Ning Mei quietly scoffs a sneer at the man. He is only a ve that follows Wei Hongyi¡¯s orders, how dare he speak to her like she is below him?


    Her hands curls into tight fists as she tells herself to calm down. She cannot make any mistake because this man is ¡¯that person¡¯. He is not like Chu Li Xiang or Gongi.


    "I have a job for you."


    Due to her being one of Wei Hongyi¡¯s women and one he trusted the most, he would often tell her his darkest and deepest secrets. She had heard from Wei Hongyi that anyone he (Wei Hongyi) wants dead, all he had to do was give a name and this man would get the job done.


    From her understanding, this man was a former police officer turned mercenary but is now living his as a hitman. It is said that he is like a ghost. One can only see him when he wants them to. However, given that Wei Hongyi saved his life, he now works for him (Wei Hongyi) in the dark.


    This dangerous man is also the reason why Zhao Ya¡¯Er is so afraid to tell her family about Wei Hongyi¡¯s abuse towards her. He (Wei Hongyi) would always threaten Zhao Ya¡¯Er that if she says a word, he will order this man to kill her family.


    As Ning Mei thought of all the evil things this man has done for Wei Hongyi, the sneer on her face widens and her eyes sh with malicious intentions. If she can have this man work for her too, how good would life be for her.


    Anyone who gets in her way of being the top model in Imperial will have their life taken by this man.


    Since Zhao Ya¡¯Er is afraid of this man, she (Ning Mei) will help her (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) ovee that fear by ending her life. As for Han Yue Ling, there can only be one top model in Imperial and that is her, Ning Mei.


    Turning her head to look at the man, she ignores his crappy appearance and puts on the softest and sweetest smile she can muster.


    "I would like you to make two people disappear from this world."


    Hearing her words, the man arch a brow like he is now interested in this meeting. He slightly turns his head to finally look at her and he purse his lip like he was eyeing the woman.


    Even though this is their first time meeting, he knows all about her. Anyone he is meeting for a job, he always run a background check on them.


    From the information he gathered, she is a rookie model and supposed to be innocent and has a dainty appearance. Well, at least that is what those around her says.


    However, he is never one to believe in what others says. He will only judge a person when he meets them as everyone has their own motives behind closed doors.


    Turning away from her, he looks back to the ocean. He reels in the fishing line hooked onto his fishing pole and his words fell.


    "Making someone disappear is easy, but it will cost you."


    The fishing line returns with the bait still attached on the hook. He calmly takes a step back and cast the bait into the ocean again.


    "However, if it is two people¡¯s life that you want, I charge double the price."

 Chapter 580 Anything else?

    The ocean breeze picks up again as Ning Mei stood in silence on the dock. She stares at the man and she couldn¡¯t help but scans him from head to toe and back up.


    She found is strange that someone like this man would dress so shabby. With all the money he had collected, she was sure he would be living a life full of wealth. However, instead, he looked like he hasn¡¯t taken a shower in over a year.


    Thinking this, she remembers something Wei Hongyi once said her. She clearly brush her thoughts away and turn her entire body to face him.


    "Money isn¡¯t a problem. If you can get the job done as soon as possible, I will have the money prepared for you."


    The man¡¯s brows furrow together, and he taps his fingers on the metal dock rail. His eyes slowly flutter, and hees to a decision.


    "I can assure you that I will get the job done, even if it is tonight."


    Ning Mei¡¯s entire being froze at his words. She did say as soon as possible, but she did not expect him to say tonight. However, if he can really kill Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er with no evidence leading back to her then she can¡¯t miss such a grand opportunity.


    She reaches inside her handbag and retrieves that bank card Wei Hongyi had given her.


    "In here is 500 million yuan. Once you havepleted the job, I will give you the other half."


    If she remembers correctly, this man charges 500 million yuan for a job. Since she is asking him to kill two people, then it will be a total of 1 billion yuan.


    Right now, she only has the 500 million yuan Wei Hongyi had given her. As for the other 500, she will use her cheques from herst two modeling sessions and make a few calls.


    The man licks the front of his teeth as he makes a suckling sound. Setting the fishing pole down, he turns to look at Ning Mei.


    "Usually my clients pay me in full in advance, but because I am in a good mood today, I will give you until tomorrow to pay the remaining money."


    His words fell as he takes the card from Ning Mei. He looks down at it and slightly leans sideways against the metal rail.


    "If you can¡¯t, I will take your life in exchange."


    He didn¡¯t care if his spiteful words scared the woman in ce. He leisurely puts the bankcard in his pocket and kept his eyes on her in a nonchnt way.


    "Anything else?"


    Ning Mei was rooted to the ground in fear of what he said. Even the hairs on her body that stood on ends have not return to their original position. She could not believe that this person did not give her time and even dare to threaten her.


    Slowly biting her lower lips, she tells herself to remain calm. This is an once in a lifetime chance since Chu Li Xiang could not finish the job. As of right now, she can only depend on this man. One small mistake from her and she knows that he will not hesitate to end her life.


    She takes a deep breath and reach inside her handbag again. Taking out a yellow envelope, she hands it over to the man.


    "I ept your conditions. As long as you can kill the two people in this envelope, I will bring you the remaining money tomorrow."


    The man shrugs one shoulder and takes the envelope. He opens the seal to see who his targets are, but Ning Mei¡¯s next words made his movements stop.


    "Nie Chen, I hope you don¡¯t fail me like that bastard, Chu Li Xiang."


    The homeless looking man name Nie Chen shifts his gaze from the envelope to Ning Mei. His dark pupils seemed to have darken and the aura around him turned colder than the ocean breeze.


    "Don¡¯t you ever dare say my name again or I will make you disappear from their world."


    Hearing his tone full of danger, Ning Mei felt like someone had scooped up a bucket of the cold ocean water and poured it over her. She could see it in Nie Chen¡¯s eyes that he would really kill her if he wanted to.


    Even if he did, no one would suspect him because there isn¡¯t a single person around besides the two of them.


    Not wanting to die, she swallows a hard gulp and force out one of her famous yful chuckles.


    "I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t know. I will keep your words in mind to not make the same mistake again."


    Nie Chen scoffs at her then lowers his head back to the envelope. As he does this, he couldn¡¯t help but think about Ning Mei¡¯s words.


    He had heard many from the underworld say that Chu Li Xiang had crossed the line with Fate and the coldblooded Lu Tian. The man lost his life all because of a woman. However, no one other than Chu Li Xiang and his men knows who the woman is.


    Surprisingly, like the saying goes that the world is small, it really is because that woman is standing right in front of him.


    "Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Han Yue Ling."


    As Nie Chen immerse in his own thoughts and was just about to slide the photos out from the envelope, Ning Mei¡¯s sudden words caused him to pause. However, it was only for a quick second as he continues to slide the photos out.


    What he thought to be multiple photos was only one photo. It was of two women. One tall and one shorter, but both women were beyond pretty and looked almost like fairies lost in this world. Both individuals were walking side by side and seemed to be immerse in shopping.


    He stares at one face at a time with an arched brow. His thoughts at this moment are unreadable before the puts the photo away.


    "So, you want me to kill these two women? One, who was the famous model who just recently retired and the other one, the only cousin of the most ruthless man in Imperial?"


    He may be a killer, but that does not mean he doesn¡¯t pay attention to the media.


    Hearing how he described Yue Ling, the anger inside Ning Mei intensifies. This is the reason why she wanted Yue Ling dead. Even when the model has already retired from the industry, many still see her as their idol and brag about her like she is a goddess.


    Ignoring the fact that Nie Chen can kill her for speaking wrong, she clicks her tongue and cross her arms over her chest.


    "Anyone who is in my way from reaching the top cannot breathe the same air as me. So what? Can you do the job or not?"


    Her tone full of irritation and superior was one Nie Chen didn¡¯t like. Anyone who dares to speak to him in this way is no longer alive to tell what he did to them.


    However, he nce down at the envelope in his hand then looks back at her.


    "Once I say something, I don¡¯t go back on my words."


    Ning Mei felt relief wash inside her when she heard his words. The corners of her lip curls up until it reaches her eyes.


    "Then I hope to hear the good news soon."


    She gives the man a final nce then walks back in the direction she hade from. She needs to make a few calls because once she returns to the busy city, she will have to collect the rest of the money.


    Nie Chen stood unmoving as he watched Ning Mei walk away. He turns back to face the ocean and stares down at the envelope in his hands.


    His thoughts wonder as deep as the ocean beneath him and a smirk curls on his lip.


    "Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Han Yue Ling. This will be interesting."


    These two women are not easy targets, but never has he ever failed a job. However, before he goes after his targets, he needs to make a quick stop somewhere.


    He rips the envelope into small pieces and toss it into the ocean as the wind carries it away further into the horizon.


    Reeling in his fishing pole, he puts his equipment away and ce his fishing bag over his shoulder. Holding the fishing pole in one hand, he prepares to leave.


    However, he doesn¡¯t leave in the direction Ning Mei had left, but walks to the far corner of the dock.


    His free hand grips onto the dock rail and he swiftly hops over and jumps down into the ocean.


    If Ning Mei had looked more carefully from where she parked her car, she would have seen the luxurious looking motorboat that was parked right below the dock.


    Nie Chen starts the boat engine and sails away from the dock in the direction of the deep ocean.

 Chapter 581 Bring me the man

    After Yue Ling left Lu Corps, Lu Tian continued on with the meetings. As the shorthand on the clock points to 5 and the long hand on 12, it was time for the employees at Lu Corps to leave home.


    Inside the office of Lu Corp¡¯s CEO, the almighty businessman sat behind his desk. He doesn¡¯t leave, but types away on the keyboard as the clicking turns into the sound of music in the room.


    "Boss?"


    A knock sounds at the door then Xu Long¡¯s voice follows after. He was feeling quite nervous because he learned that his boss knows where he had gone for lunch.


    The man didn¡¯t say anything, but only asked if he enjoyed his lunch. It didn¡¯t sound so scary for others, but for him, it was the thing that scared him the most.


    His boss¡¯s calm demeanor is the most terrifying thing in the entire world.


    Thinking this, he struggles a hard gulp and poke his head inside the room. Seeing the aloof man sitting behind his desk, Xu Long could only cry inside. He takes a deep breath then enters the room.


    "Um, boss, everyone has gone home."


    His words fell and he stops three feet in front of the desk. Usually when its time to leave, Lu Tian is the first to leave as the man could not wait to see his wife, but today was different.


    Theirst meeting had finished earlier than expected, but ever since his boss returned to his office, he has not left the room at all. He (Lu Tian) said he was going to look into someone. However, as his assistant, if he (Lu Tian) needed to find someone, he could have asked him (Xu Long).


    Xu Long slightly furrow his brows and pout his lip at his busy boss.


    "Boss, if you need information on someone, I can help assist you."


    The moment hisst word fell, Lu Tian¡¯s fingers typing over the keyboardes to a stop. His eyes that had been glued to the screen finally shifts to his assistant.


    Without saying a word, he leans back on his chair and fold his arms over his chest. His expression turns into one of deep pondering like it was over something profoundly serious.


    After thinking thoroughly, he unfolds his arms and reach for a folder nearby. He slides it across the desk to his assistant then leans back on the chair.


    "Bring me the man in here."


    Xu Long was sweating like crazy under his work suit. He swore, when his boss didn¡¯t say anything but kept a silence, it was like a cold gust of wind has entered the room.


    When he finally heard his boss¡¯s words, he was rooted to the floor with superglue. He doesn¡¯t know who the person his boss is looking for, but he can only pity the man.


    He has mad hacking skills and Liu Shan is even better than him, but one should know that the real hacking master is none other than his boss. However, Lu Tian lets him do all the hacking so he can improve his skills more.


    From his time working under the businessman, only a few people have been given the honor to be personally tracked down by the man himself.


    Staring without blinking his eyes, Xu Long lowers his head down to the folder. He takes two steps closer to the desk and picks up the folder. He is also curious to know who his honorable person is.


    "Boss, how do you want me to bring him in?"


    He doesn¡¯t look down at the folder but holds it open with his righthand as he looks at his boss. Lifting his left hand, he makes a slice gesture to his neck.


    "Do you want to slice his throat?"


    His words fell before he quickly change his gesture. This time he grabs the front his neck and makes choking sounds.


    "Or should I strangle him like this?"


    Lu Tian stares at his oddly weird assistant. Whether tough or cry at this moment, he doesn¡¯t know if the two options will even help him. He lifts one hand to massage his temples before pinching the space between his eyebrows.


    "Bring him in alive."


    Hearing his words, Xu Long was quite disappointed. When he finds this person, he wanted to teach the man a lesson for crossing his boss¡¯s line, but an order is an order.


    He nods his head in understanding and lowers his head to look down at the opened folder. Inside was a list of the person¡¯s information, but as he read each detail of the person, his brows furrow more and more.


    "Uh, boss, why..."


    His head tilts slightly from side to side as he was now confused. Everything he was reading did not make any sense at all.


    His left hand continues to flip each page inside the folder until he came to thest page.


    Unlike the other pages with words, this one was a printed photo from a CCTV video. In the photo there were three people, two men and a woman. However, one can see that one of the men is trying to save the woman.


    He nce down at the bottom right corner where the date and time is shown and his jaw drops. Everything in his hand falls onto the floor except for the photo.


    "B-B-Boss... What... What is the meaning of this?"


    He holds the photo up for Lu Tian to see and his other hand points to a figure in the photo.


    "Why do you have a CCTV image of me when I first went to Spring?"


    In the photo, his back was turned to the camera, but from one look, he knows himself when he sees himself. Not only that, there was a red circle on him in the photo.


    "I... you... this is... we.... Me... I..."


    The person his boss wants him to bring in is himself?


    He tries to ask, but it was like his brain had suddenly malfunction and he was only able to utter incoherent words that did not make any sense. Even he wanted to faint at this very moment but is unable to.


    His mouth opened and closed for a few seconds before he abruptlyes to a stop. Every feeling inside him disappears into nothing and he stares into a nk space. His entire being now resembles a robot.


    "I will bring you the person."


    Without looking at his boss, he turns around and takes a big step away. His head turns to the left and he points with a serious face to the empty space to his left.


    "Hey, you, my boss wants to meet you!"


    He takes a big to the left and turn his head to look at space he was just standing. He points his index figure to himself with a confused expression.


    "Who me? What did I do?"


    Taking a step to the right where he was standing seconds ago, he returns into position with his left arm pointing out.


    "No questions. Do as I say, or I will kill you."


    In repeat of the previous step to the left again, he folds his arms and rolls his eyes with an arrogant demeanor.


    "Kill me? Do you know who I am?"


    Another step to the right and his nostrils re with widen eyes in rage.


    "I¡¯m going to strangle you to death!"


    He stretches his left arm out as if to grab the air on the right side of him. However, he quickly jumps back to the right side and his raging appearance reces with shock.


    "No!!"


    His right hand grabs his own neck and he strangles himself like someone was really attacking him.


    "Kkkkkk..."


    Choking sounds escapes his mouth and his double chin appears. His eyes rolls back and his head tilts slightly to the side like he had lost all consciousness.


    After a quick second of this, his eyes open and he jumps back to the right. His left arm is kept in midair like he was holding onto someone¡¯s neck and he turns around to walks back to his boss.


    "Boss, I havepleted my mission."


    He grabs the back of his neck and throws himself onto the desk with eyes closed.


    "Here he is."


    "..."

 Chapter 582 I am my bosss assistan

    Lu Tian sat behind his desk with a very calm face, but deep inside, only God knew how dumbfounded he is at this very moment. Never in his entire life will he believe that he actually sat in his chair and watched what just happened.


    It was like his eyes have been tainted.


    He stares nkly at the space where his assistant had put on a live performance then down to his desk where the man is at now.


    The reason why he did not leave for home was because he already called his wife to let her know that he will be homete. There were things he had to take care of. However, due to him having some time, he decided to put his hacking skills to work.


    As he gathered the dark information about Wei Hongyi, he remembered his cousin¡¯s purpose for visiting him at Lu Corps.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er asked for his help in finding a person, so as her cousin and older brother, he decided to find the person himself. He could have asked Xu Long to do it, but he thought it wasn¡¯t necessary.


    Not only that, he was also curious to know who the new lucky bastard is.


    He wanted to see is if this person is worthy of his cousin. He cannot let his cousin be in another rtionship identical to the one she was with Wei Hongyi.


    She had only given him little information on the man, but that was nothing for him.


    It also didn¡¯t take long before he was able to pull up the surveince videos at Spring. Not only that, it was easy to find the video where it showed the man who tried to save his cousin. However, the video didn¡¯t show his face, but the moment he saw the man¡¯s back, he knew right away who it was.


    Never did he think it was someone exceptionally close to him.


    Coming back from his thoughts, Lu Tian slowly blinks his eyes and stares at the man still halfying on top of his desk. Despite Xu Long¡¯s eyes being closed like he was dead, he (Lu Tian) knows that his assistant is only pretending.


    "Xu Long."


    Although he was pretending, Xu Long doesn¡¯t move a muscle when his name was called. He prays inside for himself to really faint because he cannot look at his boss right now.


    "Xu Long."


    Hearing his name called for the second time, he could only cry inside. His boss is someone who hates having to repeat himself. His shoulders tremble uncontrobly as he cries without tears. Opening his eyes, he force himself to straighten up.


    Maybe there¡¯s a reason why his boss is looking for him.


    Inhaling a deep breath, he goes into soldier mode and looks pass his boss to the outside world from the window.


    "Assistant Xu Long here. If I havemitted any wrong doings, I am ready to ept my punishment."


    Lu Tian stares at his confident, yet terrified assistant. With his arms folded over his chest, he moves one hand to cover his lip as he kept stern eyes on the man. However, behind the hand covering his mouth, he was trying hard to keep himself fromughing or even show a smile.


    When he learned that his very own assistant is the person his cousin had taken a liking to, he was indeed shocked. However, he has to admit, the man is not bad. If they meet and decide to be in a rtionship, he will not stop them.


    Thinking this, he turns off theputer and stands up from his seat. He had already scared the man enough, so there was no more need to keep scaring him. Walking around the desk, he ce a palm Xu Long on the shoulder then leaves his office.


    "You¡¯re good."


    He spoke only two words, but as his figure disappears out the door, he did not know that those two words rooted Xu Long to the floor.


    The assistant lifts up his right hand and stares down at the almost crumbled photo.


    Why did his boss suddenly look into him then suddenly say that he is good? What is the meaning behind this?


    Outside his office, Lu Tian walks in the direction of the elevators.


    It was a good thing that he decided to look into the person Zhao Ya¡¯Er wanted his help with. If he had assigned the job to Xu Long and the man found out that it was himself (Xu Long), he would no doubt hide this matter to him (Lu Tian).


    As he enters the elevator, Xu Long never once moved from his spot in the office. He felt like an entire day, no, more like an entire year had gone by before he finally remembers to blink his eyes.


    He looks at the photo onest time and when he finally noticed something, he gasps aloud.


    Raising the photo closer to see clearer, his legs turn weak and he falls backwards onto the floor like he had fainted. However, he doesn¡¯t faint but stares with his mouth agape at the ceiling.


    "The beauty I tried to save is... my boss¡¯s only cousin..."


    He lifts his hand and looks at the photo. Eyes on the image of the beauty, he couldn¡¯t help but think about the beautiful Zhao Ya¡¯Er, whom he has only met twice, well, three if he counts the first time they met too.


    Although he has been Lu Tian¡¯s assistant for many years, the reason why he and Zhao Ya¡¯Er never met is because their paths never crossed. Every time he went to the Lu family house, he was always waiting inside the car as he had to think of an excuse to get his boss to leave.


    As for knowing who Zhao Ya¡¯Er is, he knows that she is Lu Tian¡¯s cousin, but only say her in a picture. However, that picture was when she was still in high school and had long hair. The beauty he saved had very short hair and lookedpletely different from the person in the picture he saw.


    Thinking this, he nce at the photo again and heaves a sigh. He lowers his hand and stares back up at the ceiling.


    "Beauty is my boss¡¯s cousin... I am my boss¡¯s assistant.... Our family statuses are also different..."


    As he thought this, he heaves another sigh and gets up from the floor. Setting the photo on his boss¡¯s desk, he turns to leave with a heavy heart.


    Just when he thought he found a beauty who will like him, in the end she is a person far from his reach.


    However, what Xu Long did not know is that Zhao Ya¡¯Er has already fallen for him. Not only that, if he wanted to woo Zhao Ya¡¯Er, not only will he receive help from Lu Tian but also Yue Ling.

 Chapter 583 what happened to your face?

    Night came to Imperial as the nightclub Spring wees its guest to enjoy a good time. Music yed loudly and like every other night, outside the door, a crowded of people lined up to enter.


    Inside one of the private rooms on the second floor, a group of men no older than thirty immerse in alcohol and women.


    There were five in total and each man were from wealthy family. They were dressed in high end brands from top to bottom. Amongst the five men, one of them was none other than Wei Hongyi himself.


    He sat on a chair with a ss of alcohol in hand. Sitting on hisp was a woman with long brown hair wearing a revealing green dress. Standing behind him is another woman, she had short blonde hair and was giving the man a shoulder massage.


    "Hongyi, what happened to your face?"


    Sitting on the right of Wei Hongyi was one of his good friends, Xu You. He couldn¡¯t help but ask as Wei Hongyi¡¯s face was covered with blue and purple bruises. Even one of the man???s eye was swollen ck. It was like Wei Hongyi had survived a fall from a mountain cliff.


    Wei Hongyi had been quiet ever since he entered Spring. Unlike his usual good mood, he held a sulking expression and was fuming with rage inside.


    When he heard his friend¡¯s question, his expression darkens even more. He raise the ss cup in his hand and downs the drink in one gulp.


    How can he tell his friends that he was beaten up? Not only that, it was by a woman.


    Thinking about how Yue Ling easily beat the crap out of him, all the blood inside him began to boil and he viciously throws the ss cup to wall causing ss to shatter everywhere.


    "Bring me another drink."


    He growls in amanding tone to the woman sitting on hisp. To which, she quickly stands up from him and walks over to the bar stand in the private room. No woman wants to be beaten ck and blue like Zhao Ya¡¯Er, so all they can do is follow Wei Hongyi¡¯s instructions to stay on his good side.


    "Bro, did something happen? Why are you in such a bad mood tonight?"


    Another man calmly spoke from the left of Wei Hongyi. He had blonde hair down to his shoulder and wore a white suit.


    Wei Hongyi res at the man then to the others. He knows that if he doesn¡¯t exin, they will keep pestering him for an answer.


    "It¡¯s that bitch, Ya¡¯Er. I went to her ce to ask for her hand in marriage, but she rejected me and ran off to who knows where. I tried chasing after her, but some jerk crashed into my car."


    He could only tell his friends half the truth and lie about the rest. If he told them Yue Ling was the one who gave him the bruises, they will no doubtugh at him.


    Hearing his words, all four men in the room were rendered speechless. They were a group of friends who never stick with one woman. However, out of them, Wei Hongyi was the only one who couldn¡¯t let a woman go and that was Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    However, the thing that surprised them more than ever was that none of them thought the man would actually propose to her.


    Wei Hongyi ignores the look they were giving him. He also forgets about Yue Ling¡¯s warning as his mind was now filled with rage from how Zhao Ya¡¯Er coldly rejected him.


    "I swear, when I find her, I¡¯m going to kill her."


    *Bang¡ª


    Just as Wei Hongyi spat out his words in a low sinister growl, the tightly shut door to the private room is kicked open by force.


    Everyone inside the room jumped at the sound and the five abruptly stood up from their seats. Their eyes re murderously at the uninvited guest that dare to ruin their good mood.


    "Who the fuck dares to kick the door?!"


    Xu You roars out angrily as he turn his head to look at the person. However, when he saw who it was, his entire being froze.


    The ss cup in his hand drops onto the floor and shatters.


    "L-L-Lu Tian..."


    Standing behind the now opened door was Lu Tian. His tall figure resembles that of a noble ruler who has caught the people trying to scheme against him. Behind him were Zhi Yifan and Ye Zhongwei.


    The man wearing a white suit whose name is Gao Lan was in utter disbelief. He stares at the three men and a cold chill ran down his spine.


    "Lu... Mr. Lu, w-why are you here?"


    Like Gao Lan, the other men in the room thought the same question as fear spread inside them.


    Everyone in Imperial knows that the cold businessman is mysophobia. He will never enter a nightclub for pleasure unless he is after someone¡¯s life. However, here he is, standing in front of them inside Spring.


    Could it be that someone is going to die tonight, but who?


    Not only that, with him were Ye Zhongwei and Zhi Yifan. Like the coldblooded man, neither men ever enters a nightclub because they found it unnecessary.


    Xu You, Gao Lan and the other two men nced at one another, then turn to look Wei Hongyi.


    Everything finally made sense. Lu Tian is here because of he knows.


    "W-We will leave you guys to chat in private."


    Gao Lan finally muster his courage and spoke in a stammer voice. He kept a crooked smile and quickly gestures with his eyes for everyone to leave.


    All the woman inside the room were in awe at the sudden appearance of Lu Tian, Zhi Yifan and Ye Zhongwei.


    They¡¯ve only seen the three men from a distance, but to finally see them up close, the rumors were not a lie. All three of them were beyond handsome as one was not inferior to the other. Compare to the five men in the room, they were life dirt to be stepped on by the three men.


    However, even if they wanted to stay and admire the three men, they could only force their legs to leave the room.


    As the room clear of women, Wei Hongyi¡¯s four friends also prepare to leave. All four men knows about how he (Wei Hongyi) often abuse Zhao Ya¡¯Er like she was stress reliever for his anger, but none of them did anything to stop him as he was their friend.


    If they were to stay in this room too, there is no doubt that Lu Tian will not hesitate to unleash his wrath upon them.


    Xu You nce at Wei Hongyi and force out a chuckle.


    "Hongyi, we¡¯re going now. Take care."


    "Who said any of you could leave?"


    Out of the three men, it was Zhi Yifan who spoke. The man¡¯s cold expression was not inferior to Lu Tian¡¯s as his eyes scans the remaining people inside the room.


    At the same time, Ye Zhongwei smiles a very friendly smile at them and he enters the room. Walking over to the chairs, he sits down on the chair between Xu You and another man.


    However, seeing that none of them sat with him, he slightly purse his lips.


    "Why do you guys look like you¡¯ve all seen a ghost? Sit down. We¡¯re only here to enjoy ourselves too."


    As Ye Zhongwei¡¯s cheerful voice sounds, Wei Hongyi and his friends didn¡¯t not dare to make a move.


    Unlike Ye Zhongwei, none of them were not acquainted with Lu Tian. This is their first time standing in the same room with the aloof man.


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t care about the fear he had inflicted on the five men. He leisurely takes a step inside the room as Zhi Yifan follows after him before closing the door.


    Unlike their doctor friend, who has a very easygoing personality, the two men were theplete opposite. They were never ones anyone can easily talk to or get near.


    "Sit."


    Lu Tian calmly spoke as he takes a seat on the chair directly across from Wei Hongyi. However, his deep voice was like thunder to those who heard. His eyes never once moved away from the bastard man.


    As he sat down, so did everyone else.


    Wei Hongyi sat down in the same chai he was sitting. Ye Zhongwei sat between Xu You and another man. Across from them, Zhi Yifan sat between Gao Lan and the other man.


    With Lu Tian¡¯s sudden appearance and now in the same room as them, the five younger men didn¡¯t dare to make a sound and held in their breath as they pray inside for someone to save them.

 Chapter 584 Why I am here.

    While the guests of the nightclub Spring continue on with their night inughter and enjoying a good time, no one was aware of the situation inside one of the private rooms on the second floor.


    "I¡¯m quite shaken to see that the infamous Lu Tian is actually here in Spring. It seems the rumors of you being germ freak is false."


    Although he was terrified out of his wits, Wei Hongyi found the courage to speak like he was fine. However, he only found this courage because he believes that Lu Tian will not kill him. Maybe leave him with a few broken bones, but that should be all.


    Once Lu Tian leaves, he will have Nie Chen seek out revenge.


    Lu Tian calmly sat in the seat across from Wei Hongyi. His eyes slowly flutter and one corner of his lip curls up.


    "You know should know why I am here."


    He could see fear written all over Wei Hongyi¡¯s face, but he finds this interesting. It¡¯s been a long while since someone, excluding his wife, dares to speak this way to him.


    All the colors on Wei Hongyi¡¯s face pale as white as a sheet of paper. Lu Tian had only spoke a few simple words, but it was enough to make him feel like he was being suffocated.


    "I... I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. I haven¡¯t done anything and don¡¯t know why you are here."


    His words fell like he was speaking the truth, but Lu Tian, Ye Zhongwei and Zhi Yifan saw the cowardly side of him.


    Since he wants to y dumb then Ye Zhongwei decides to help him. He gasps and covers his mouth as he stare with wide eyes at Wei Hongyi.


    "Mr. Wei, what happened to you? Why does your face look like that?"


    Wei Hongyi froze in the chair at the sudden questions thrown his way. His mouth opens and closes to speak, but nothing seem toe out. How could he have forgot about his current appearance?


    "He was in a car ident."


    From the side, Xu You answers with a crooked smile. He didn¡¯t want to be rude, but as a good friend of Wei Hongyi¡¯s, he could only do his best to help the man out. If they see him as no threat, they will let him go.


    "Ah, I see. So that is what happened."


    Ye Zhongwei nods his head a few times like he understood. However, his hand raises, and he stroke his chin like he had a long white beard.


    "But from a doctor¡¯s perspective, those bruises seem to have been done by a person."


    He leans forward and both his elbow rest near his knees as he entwine his fingers together. Eyes on the man with a bruised face, he smiles with his straight white teeth.


    "Or could it be that I am wrong?"


    Hearing his words, not only was Wei Hongyi struck dumbfounded, but so were Xu You, Gao Lan and other two men.


    Wei Hongyi had said he got the bruises from a car ident. However, Ye Zhongwei is a famous doctor in Imperial. He wouldn¡¯t just lie about anything. So could it be that he (Wei Hongyi) was beaten up?


    "I... I..."


    Staring at the doctor, Wei Hongyi was only able to stammer out one word as everything stuck at his throat. How can he possibly answer the questions?


    If he answers yes, he will lose face as everyone will know he was beaten up by a woman. However, if he answers no, that means he is lying to three of Imperial¡¯s highly respectable people.


    Feeling his face turn red, he clench his fists tightly. The first time he was humiliated in front of his friends was when Zhao Ya¡¯Er broke up with him and now, he is being looked down by her cousin.


    "I have my rights not to answer. What is it that you guys want? If it is within my powers, I will do what I can to help."


    Lu Tian arch a brow and his head tilts slightly to the side like Wei Hongyi¡¯s words had interested him.


    "You want to help?"


    He leans back on the chair and cross one leg over the other in a four figure.


    "Then answer this, do you like to abuse those weaker than you?"


    His eyes slowly blink, but never once did he take his eyes off of the man.


    "Per se, my cousin."


    Everyone else in the room fell into a cold silence except for Ye Zhongwei and Zhi Yifan. The two men turn their head to look at Wei Hongyi. However, one can see the murderous look in their eyes.


    They were not notified of the reason until they were on the way to Spring. For them, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was like a little sister as they all grew up together. Anyone who dares to hurt her not only has to deal with Lu Tian and Lu Han, but also them.


    Wei Hongyi stares in silence at Lu Tian then to the other two men. What he had hoped not to be the reason for Lu Tian¡¯s sudden appearance was now reality.


    However, since he (Lu Tian) already knows, there was no need for him (Wei Hongyi) to hide anymore.


    He leans back on his chairzily and a sneer curls on his lip.


    "I thought the cold and ruthless Lu Tian is not one to beat around the bush. Why don¡¯t we just get to the point since you already know?"


    Gao Lan, Xu You and the other two men were stupefied by their friend¡¯s words. They could not believe that Wei Hongyi would actually dare to speak in such a manner to Lu Tian.


    "Hongyi, what are you¡ª"


    Before Gao Lan could finish the words ¡¯nning to do¡¯, Wei Hongyi sends him a re to shut his mouth. He (Wei Hongyi) scoffs and looks back at Lu Tian.


    He thought back to how Zhao Ya¡¯Er coldly rejected him. Him, who has so many women lined up just to get in his bed. However, after so many years of wooing her, she never spread her legs for him.


    "Your cousin, she is nothing but a¡ª ugh."


    Wei Hongyi growls his words, but before he could finish hisst word, something flew across the room and enters his mouth that caused him to choke on his words.


    He coughs and coughs until he was able to spit out whatever it was. His head lowers down and when he saw what was in his hand, his face turned red from anger and humiliation.


    His hand trembles and he looks up at Lu Tian who was sitting calmly across from him.


    "You..."


    Zhi Yifan kept a straight face, but one can see that he was holding back himself fromughing. However, unlike him, Ye Zhongwei did not care andughs as his voice echoes inside the room.


    "Wow, this is the first time I¡¯ve seen this. Yifan,e on,ugh with me!"


    Usually when ites to silencing a person, Lu Tian will use a bullet, but this time, it was an artificial cherry from a mix drink on the table. The man had actually picked up the cherry and flicked it like he was flicking away a speck of dust.


    "You are right. I am not one who likes to beat around the bush."


    Lu Tian spoke calmly as his eyes slowly blink. However, when that one blink opened his eyes again, only darkness can be seen in his pupils. Like two ck holes ready to engulf the entire universe.


    His head tilts slightly to the side and one corner of his lip arcs into a dangerous smirk.


    "Did you really think you can escape once I found out?"

 Chapter 585 climb in my bed

    Hearing Lu Tian¡¯s words, Wei Hongyi felt like someone had poured superglue on the chair and now he couldn¡¯t move an inch.


    From the moment he firstid a finger on Zhao Ya¡¯Er, he had long prepared for this day toe. He knows that once Lu Tian finds out, he will never be able to escape. However, the thing that made him get so full of himself is the dangerous person working for him in the dark.


    "You... You..."


    He stutters his words but reminding himself of the person he can send to kill Lu Tian, he raise his chin up in confidence.


    "You can¡¯t harm me. I have a dangerous man working for me. One word from me and he won¡¯t hesitate to kill you and your family."


    He had used every ounce of courage in him to sound as threatening as possible, but his words only made the smirk on Lu Tian¡¯s face widen more.


    "Nie Chen."


    "..."


    Wei Hongyi was rooted to his seat once again when he heard the name. The confidence in him quickly disperse and his face turned transparent.


    He had threatened Zhao Ya¡¯Er so many times with the man, but he never told her his name. So, how does Lu Tian know about Nie Chen?


    "This can¡¯t be... how..."


    Seeing his reaction when he heard the name, Lu Tian chuckles faintly like this was all some kind of joke just to scare Wei Hongyi.


    "From the look on your face, it seems he is the man you¡¯ve been threatening my cousin with."


    When he searched the information about Wei Hongyi, he hade across the man name Nie Chen.


    Wei Hongyi¡¯s fault that gave him away was the fact that he didn¡¯t pay the man in cash. Instead, he would transfer the money to prepaid bankcards under his ount and give them the man.


    However, the funny thing is, he (Lu Tian) has already met Nie Chen a few times while working cases in the underworld, but that story is for another time.


    Without taking his eyes off of Wei Hongyi, he takes a cigarette out and lights it up. He inhales a puff then exhales the smoke out to fill the room and his words fell.


    "Are you certain that he is working for you?"


    Wei Hongyi¡¯s eyes trembled as he could fell the rest of his body follow in pursuit.


    It¡¯s true that he had saved Nie Chen, but it was only by ident. When he learned that the man was a coldblooded killer and loves money, he decided to take a chance and offer a deal.


    In exchange for money, Nie Chen has to work for him in the dark. Anyone he wants dead, Nie Chen must deal with the person. However, even after all these years, a part of him knows that he was never in control of Nie Chen.


    It was like the man was only around to kill time and not in it for the money. There were even times when he couldn¡¯t get a hold of Nie Chen at all.


    Thinking this, he looks at Lu Tian and he felt a cold shiver down his spine. He thought he had everything under his control.


    The reason why he tried so hard to pursue Zhao Ya¡¯Er was because if he marries her, that will make the man whom many fears be his brother-inw. However, everything is screwed up now.


    As he thought this, he suddenly remembers a person.


    With all the threats he¡¯s made, he knows that Zhao Ya¡¯Er will not tell on him. The stupid woman is beyond terrified and believes that he will kill her family.


    However, there is another person who witnessed everything.


    "Was it that bitch?"


    His expression darken and he spat his words like he was disgusted about something.


    "Han Yue Ling, that bitch. Was she the one who told you?"


    He doesn¡¯t care anymore and tries to shift the me onto someone else. Since he is already in a tight spot, if he¡¯s going down, he will make sure to bring someone with him.


    "She is a lying whore. Yea, I may have beaten up Ya¡¯Er, but I still love her. I¡¯m willing to give up the whole world for her."


    His nonsense words fell like he was speaking nothing but the truth.


    "Han Yue Ling is just all those desperate women. When she saw me with Ya¡¯Er, she tried to climb in my bed, but I pushed her away. She probably got angry and bbered a bunch of bullshit to you."


    Hearing his words, Zhi Yifan and Ye Zhongwei lower their head and shook it. Wei Hongyi is really asking for death. How can he spit out such foul words about Yue Ling in front for Lu Tian?


    Everyone who knows Lu Tian knows that the aloof man is a henpecked husband who will never contradict his wife. Not only that, Yue Ling is with Lu Tian, why would she lower her standards for someone like Wei Hongyi?


    Both men nce at their aloof friend and shakes their head again.


    The moment they entered the nightclub, the man¡¯s expression had been calm and collect. However, only the two of them knows that he (Lu Tian) is on the verge of unleashing his wrath.


    "My wife¡¯s name is not for someone like you to easily speak of."


    Lu Tian spoke in his usual tone full of indifference, but his eyes were burning with murderous intent. He looks at the dark bruises on Wei Hongyi¡¯s face and he sneers.


    "You should be thankful she did not kill you but left you with a messed-up face and a warning."


    Hearing his words, Wei Hongyi was struck dumbfounded as so was his friends. The four men looks at Wei Hongyi and their mind turned into a chaotic mess.


    However, putting together Lu Tian¡¯s words and what Ye Zhongwei had said, they were quick to understand.


    Their friend was never in a car ident. It was Han Yue Ling who beat him up, but what warning did she give him?


    As they thought this, another thoughtes to their mind. There was a rumor going around that Lu Tian and Han Yue Ling are a pair, but they all thought it was false information.


    However, to hear Lu Tian refer Yue Ling as his wife, they can now confirm that the rumors were true.


    Only, when did they get marry?


    "Leave."


    Ignoring the fear he had created inside the private room, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds in a cold and grave tone.


    Ye Zhongwei and Zhi Yifan nce at one another and quickly stood up from their seats.


    "Alright boys. Looks like we¡¯re going out for a little night stroll."


    As the two men stood up, neither forgot to grab the men sitting next to them.


    Xu You couldn¡¯t help but sigh in relief when he heard Ye Zhongwei¡¯s words. He nce at Wei Hongyi and felt pity for the man as he (Wei Hongyi) could not leave with them.


    However, what he (Xu You) and the other three men did know was that hell was waiting for them behind the door.


    Guarding outside in the hallway, the members of Wolf Team were lying in wait for their preys. The moment the four men walk out that door, their lives in Imperial is over.


    They knew about Wei Hongyi¡¯s mistreatment towards Zhao Ya¡¯Er, but none of them did anything to stop the man.


    In return for them turning a blind eye on a weak and innocent woman, they (Wolf Team) will show these bastards what real mistreatment is like.

 Chapter 586 break this leg

    The door to the private room inside Spring closes and silence returns to the ce. Lu Tian stood his ground like a mountain blocking the sun. His eyes stares down at the other person still in the room.


    Wei Hongyi was not like Lu Tian. He was still sitting in his chair with his head lower down. He did not dare to look up and swallows a hard gulp.


    After a long moment of silence and his body soaked in his own sweat, he finally raise his head. However, as he did this, his shoulders raise, and he looked like a turtle going back inside its shell.


    "W-What are you nning to do?"


    "Afraid?"


    Lu Tian answers with a question, but one can hear the taunting tone behind that one word. He walks over to the bar stand in the room and grabs a ss cup that had not been used.


    "It¡¯s just you and me in this room. Let¡¯s see what you can do."


    His words fell as he picks up a napkin and cleans the cup before pouring himself a drink. His gesture was like the cup was not clean enough for him.


    "It¡¯s either me or my men waiting outside that door."


    Wei Hongyi felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand. He had heard many say that Lu Tian is a natural at inflicting fear and pain onto those who cross his line. However, isn¡¯t that only because he has skilled people working for him?


    Thinking this, he decides to believe in thetter. He rather face Lu Tian than the men of Wolf Team as he has a chance at survival against one person than many.


    *Swoosh¡ª


    Before Wei Hongyi could even gather his thoughts together, he was suddenly lifted from his seat.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t feel like drinking the alcohol he poured for himself as it didn¡¯t look sanitary enough. He took three big strides over to Wei Hongyi and grabs the man by the shirt.


    Without giving the man a chance to process the situation, he ms Wei Hongyi on the table in the center of the room.


    *Crash¡ª


    The table breaks and Wei Hongyi grunt a cough as his head and back hits hard on the tabletop. He tries to sit up, but his body ached all over like he had been ran multiple times by a car.


    "Hitting my cousin then try to me my wife, seems like you have forgotten what I can do to you."


    Lu Tian spoke his words as he looks down at the man. His eyes darkens like the night and the aura around him turned cold like the freezing blizzard.


    He reach down to grab Wei Hongyi by the cor of his shirt. Pulling the man up to be at eye level with him, he sneers a sarcastic chuckle.


    "What¡¯s wrong? You can fight a woman but not a man? Weren¡¯t you so full of yourself? What happened?"


    Wei Hongyi res at Lu Tian like his eyes could kill the man at this second. He lifts one hand and grabs Lu Tian¡¯s wrist. He has been training karate since he was a kid. There¡¯s no way he can lose to Lu Tian at all.


    However, the moment his palm touched Lu Tian¡¯s wrist, his head flung back, and pain traveled from his nose to his brain.


    Lu Tian punches Wei Hongyi in the face, but he made sure not to let go of the man. Not giving the man any chance to steady himself, he (Lu Tian) swings another punch at the man¡¯s nose again.


    Even when blood covered Wei Hongyi¡¯s face, he still continues to give the man a piece of his mind.


    His grip loosens on the shirt and he gives Wei Hongyi one strong punch causing him (Wei Hongyi) to m back down on the table. It breaks even more and a muffled grunt escapes the man¡¯s lip as blood ran down his nose and mouth.


    "Tsk. You¡¯re nothing but a useless punk who preys on the weak."


    Lu Tian clicks his tongue in disappointment, but the murderous look in his eyes said another. He thought that since Wei Hongyi is so full of himself, he would put up a fight, but the man was nothing but a coward.


    "Don¡¯t show your face in front of me or my family again."


    He squats down near Wei Hongyi and wipes off the blood on his hand with the man¡¯s shirt.


    "If you do, I will make your life a living hell."


    Not wanting to waste anymore time on the man, Lu Tian stood up and walks away. Killing Wei Hongyi is easy and he even though he wanted to, he had to stop himself.


    He will let Wei Hongyi live for now. That is, until he meets his cousin. He will ask Zhao Ya¡¯Er if she wants the man to die or spare his life.


    "Son of a bitch! You¡¯re going to pay for this!!"


    Just when Lu Tian was in front of the door and his hand touched the door handle, Wei Hongyi¡¯s raging voice roars from behind.


    He (Wei Hongyi) grabs a leg piece from the broken table and dashes after Lu Tian. His goal is to strike Lu Tian in the head for humiliating him like this.


    "Go to hell!!!"


    However, Lu Tian was quick to react as he had heard the man¡¯s loud footsteps. He swiftly dodges his head to the left as he turns around to face Wei Hongyi.


    His left hand grabs the broken leg wood and he swiftly snatches it away. However, he doesn¡¯t stop there. He swings it the man like he was holding a long sword.


    "Ugh!"


    Wei Hongyi was in disbelief and shocked at what is happened. He didn¡¯t think Lu Tian would react so fast and yank the piece of wood from his hand.


    He dodge to the right in avoidance of having his head hit, but Lu Tian did not do what he had thought. The hard object ms against the side of his left leg and he stumbles onto the floor.


    "Arghh!! Argghh!!"


    A piercing shriek escapes Wei Hongyi¡¯s mouth as he toss and turn on the floor. Lu Tian¡¯s movement was light like it was only a small tap, but only he (Wei Hongyi) knew the amount of strength that had used in that one swing.


    It was so strong that he felt a bone in his left leg break then intensifying pain quickly shot through his body.


    He clutch tightly onto his broken leg as tears covered his face. Everything inside his mind turned nk except for the knowing of pain.


    Lu Tian looks down at the man and he slightly shakes his head. He takes squats down and tilt his head to the side.


    "Painful, isn¡¯t it?"


    He raise his hand holding the piece of wood and press the tip on Wei Hongyi¡¯s right leg to stop the man from moving.


    "Should I break this leg too?"


    Wei Hongyi¡¯s bloodshot eyes re viciously at Lu Tian. However, with the pain running inside him, he could only press his lips tightly together.


    Seeing the man trying so hard, Lu Tian chuckles like this was something amusing. He adds a little strength and press the piece of wood down more onto the leg as he stood up.


    "For now, I will let you keep this leg."


    He toss the wood to the side and turns away to leave the room. Right now, he just want to go home and be with his wife.


    Taking a step out of the room, he arch a brow at the scene in front of him.


    Xu You, Gao Lan and the other two men were still here, but unlike when they left the room, the four men were on their stomach and lying on the ground. Like Wei Hongyi, each person¡¯s face was covered in bruises and blood.


    "Bro, what should we do with them?"


    From the side, Ye Zhongwei asks when he saw his friend walk out from the room. He had a wide grin on his face like he was innocent and no crime had been done at all. However, the look in his eyes was as if waiting for Lu Tian to give him approval to turn these men into test subjects.


    Lu Tian nce at his friend then down to the four men who looked like they were dead but had only fainted. He turns to look at the members of Wolf Team and gives order.


    "Send a warning to their family. If they cross my line again, it will be their life I take."

 Chapter 587 Who sent you?

    The same time Lu Tian entered the doors of Spring, back at his and Yue Ling¡¯s home, the retired model sat alone in the living room.


    She had eaten dinner and taken a shower as she waited for Lu Tian toe home. Sleeping was another option, but without the male human and Samoyed in the house, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to sleep.


    Wearing afortable set of loungewear, she decides to watch a drama since Inu was staying at the Ji Mansion. Not only that, Liu Shan and Lin Hui had called to let her know that they wereing over to report something they found.


    *Ding Dong


    As Yue Ling was immerse in the drama, the doorbell suddenly rings. Her head turns in the direction of the front door and she stood up from the couch.


    It was only 8pm, so Lu Tian shouldn¡¯t be home yet since she already knows what he is doing right now. So it could only be her two subordinates.


    Reaching the door, she doesn¡¯t check the window but opens it for Liu Shan and Lin Hui.


    "Liu Shan, Lin Hui, what is¡ª"


    Just when she pulled open the door, all the lights inside flickers off and darkness engulfs the house.


    Her eyes quickly adjusts to the pitch-ck darkness that was not only inside but also outside.


    She could make out a dark slender figure standing on the porch. However, she knew that whoever it was, was staring right back at her.


    In seconds of realizing this, she knew right away that this person is neither Liu Shan nor Lin Hui.


    *Swoosh¡ª


    The dark figure leaps forward and raises one of their arm as a punch is thrown her way. However, as a fighter herself, Yue Ling quickly raises both her arms out in front her and blocks the attack.


    Only, due to the punch being a surprise attack, Yue Ling was pushed back inside the house.


    Her feet stumbles back, but quickly steadying herself, her arms lower and she stares at the widely opened front door.


    The figure had long hair that fluttered with the night breeze. One would think this person is a woman, but she could tell that it was a man due to his body structure and strength.


    "Who sent you?"


    Like her question had aroused interest in the unknown man, his head tilt slightly to the side.


    "You¡¯re quick to understand. Do I need to answer?"


    Yue Ling brows slightly furrow in the darkness when she heard the man. However, it wasn¡¯t because of his words, but his voice.


    As she thought to herself, the man enters inside and closes the door. Seeing this, her eyes sh dangerously. She parts her lips to say something, but before she could utter a sound, the man leaps towards her.


    His left arm raise, and he swings another fist in aim for her head.


    Yue Ling¡¯s demeanor quickly changes, and her eyes lock on the man. She doesn¡¯t run away but dashes forward to meet him head on.


    When his fist nears her head, her right arm lifts up to block the attack. Raising her left leg, she strikes a kick at his head.


    However, unlike her past opponents, this man was quick to react. He swiftly stops her kick with his right hand.


    "Interesting."


    The man held her slender ankle and chuckles in a flirtatious tone. His voice was not too soft and not too deep. It was one that can make any woman blush shyly, but for Yue Ling, it made all the hair on body stand.


    Not in a fearful way, but the kind of feeling one gets when they are disgusted by someone.


    With her ankle captured, she doesn¡¯t try to move it away. Instead, using the chance of him holding firmly onto her ankle, she jumps off from the floor. Her right leg bends forward, and she knees the man in the chin.


    "Ugh."


    Taken by surprise, the man grunts and frees her left ankle. He stumbles back as Yue Ling swings her body back. Both her palms touch the floor as she does a back flip and positions her feet on the floor.


    Not giving the man a chance to catch his breath, she lunges forward to strike another attack.


    Her left feet steps onto the front of the man¡¯s right thigh and with her palm on his right shoulder, she jumps up. Raising her right arm, she bends it and strikes down on his head with her elbow.


    Just when she was inches away from striking the top of his head, the man dodges the hit. Hit head tilts to the right and her elbow strikes down on his shoulder.


    Not giving the man any more chances, she strikes him again with a shing elbow to the side of his head.


    The man did not expect her to do this and his head turns even more to the right as he falls onto the ground.


    Yue Ling swiftly jumps down from him. Quickly as her feet touches the ground again, she knees the right side of his face with her left knee.


    Although he was in pain, the man strikes a kick at Yue Ling that caused her to jump back. His palms touches the floor and he quickly gets up.


    However, just when the man stood up, Yue Ling strikes again.


    Her right arm encircles around the man¡¯s neck and she swings herself to get behind him. At the same time, her righthand grabs hold of her left bicep and both her legs wrap around his waist.


    Using all her strength, she ms backwards onto the floor and hold the man in a rear naked choke.


    She may look weak and fragile, but her strength is notcking to any man¡¯s. Especially, if the person dares to enter her own home and attack her.


    Tightening her arms and legs more, she doesn¡¯t care if the man was unable to breathe.


    "Who sent you?!"


    She growls dangerously as one twist from her can end the man¡¯s life.


    "Who?!!"


    "I... ugh..."


    The man could feel all the blood inside him rush to his head from the choke. His tries to grab Yue Ling¡¯s arms to free himself, but her slender arms were like snakes wrapped tightly around its prey.


    "I...I..."


    He tries to answer her again, but no matter how much he tries to speak, her grip tightens more, and he was gradually losing his conscious.


    Knowing he was going to either faint or die, he doesn¡¯t hesistate to m his right palm onto the floor. His movement was like he is tapping out from a wrestling match.


    "I asked you a question!!"


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t care about his plead for mercy. If she shows the slightly bit of sympathy for this man, it will be her who dies.


    "Answer me! Is it Ning Mei?!!"


    The man could not answer her but continue to tap his palm on the floor. He doesn¡¯t care about anything at this moment and only wish to be free from her arms. If she lets him go, he will definitely answer her.


    As he did this, hurried footsteps sound from outside the porch then the front door forced open.


    "Boss!!"

 Chapter 588 boss is talking to you

    The lights inside the house that was once off flickers back on as Liu Shan and Lin Hui rush inside. Two pairs of eyes search in panic for their boss.


    When they arrived at the gate, they were surprised to see the entire ce engulf in darkness. Being Yue Ling¡¯s subordinates, they were given a keycard to open the gate. However, no matter how many times they scanned it, the gate would not open.


    The two men did not need to think any further as they knew something was not right. Quickly getting out of the car, they climbed over the fence and rushed inside.


    Surprisingly, the moment they barged through the door the lights came back on. It was like who ever it was that turned them off in the first ce had set a time sensor.


    "Boss!"


    Both men calls out to Yue Ling, but when they saw the scene in front of them, their jaw drops to the floor. Neither men expected to see their boss holding a man in a rear choke hold.


    Liu Shan quickly returns to his senses and darts over to help.


    "Boss!!"


    His expression was full of worry and alert. He quickly drops to his knees and both his arms reach down.


    "Boss! Stop! You¡¯re going to kill him!"


    It wasn¡¯t his boss who he was worried about, but the man in her arms. He tries to free the man from Yue Ling¡¯s arms but no matter how much he tried, she would not let go. Even the look in her eyes had changed like she had turn into a killing machine.


    As Liu Shan sweat from head to toe for the man, Lin Hui finally woke up from his mini shock. His eyes blinks a few times and he looks at the three people on the floor.


    "Uh... His face is turning purple."


    At the same time, Yue Ling kept her arms and legs around the man. She did not n to let him go until he answers her. Even when the lights came back on and her subordinates entered the house, she does not lessen her strength.


    However, hearing their words full of worry, her brows slightly crease together.


    This man trespassed her home and attacked her. Why do they care so much if he dies?


    Unless... He is not an enemy.


    Feeling the man in her arms starting to lose his consciousness, she quickly loosen her grip around him.


    "Cough! Cough!"


    Just when she moved her arms away from the man¡¯s neck, he frantically coughs and gasp for any air around him. He rolls away from Yue Ling and felt as if he had been drowning in the ocean but was suddenly able to swim back to the surface to catch his breath.


    Seeing the man still alive, Liu Shan slumps down to sit on the floor as Yue Ling pulls herself up from the floor to sit.


    She stares at the unknown man as he continues to catch his breath. Heid on his back with his chest heaving rapidly and his long straight hair in aplete mess that it covered his face.


    However, seeing something shiny around his neck, her brows slight crease. It was a ne with a tiny pendant, but she felt it looked remarkably familiar. Like she had seen it before.


    Suddenly recalling his voice, her eyes widen and this time it was her who gasped loudly.


    "Nie Chen?"


    The disheveled looking man was still coughing, but he was able to lift his trembling hand and gives her thumbs up in response.


    He quickly caught his breath and turn his head to look at Yue Ling. Seeing her look of shock and surprised, heughs so hard that his shoulders trembles. Moving his hair out of his face, his smile is kept on his face revealing his pearl white teeth.


    "Damn Mami. You¡¯re still as deadly as you were in the past."


    If Ning Mei were here, she would faint from shock as this man name Nie Chen is the same homeless looking Nie Chen she had met at the fishing dock. However, unlike his bird nest hair and shabby clothes, the him at this moment looked like apletely different person.


    His hair was now straight and silky. The torn-up clothes he had on earlier has been reced with a light grey id suit and a ck turtleneck underneath.


    Even the dirt on his face had been cleaned off allowing one to see the real him.


    The him who is as charming like a son from a wealthy family who was raised with good manners. His appearance at this moment could break many women¡¯s hearts.


    Yue Ling stares at the man¡¯s smiling face and she was at a loss for all words. Her eyes couldn¡¯t help but tremble before she steadied her heart.


    However, anger intensifies insider her.


    She stood up from the floor and strides in big steps towards Nie Chen. Grabbing him the cor, she shakes him up and down on the floor.


    "You idiot! Why didn¡¯t you say anything?! I could have killed you!!"


    Nie Chen was taken back by surprise to see her suddenly grab him. However, not wanting to fight her, he lets his body fall lose and his head swings in every direction like he had no bones in his neck.


    "I did try. But you were choking me so hard, you didn¡¯t even let me talk. I was trying to tell you, ¡¯It¡¯s me¡¯, but all I was able to say way, ¡¯I... kkk.... I....¡¯."


    Seeing the sudden change of events, Liu Shan and Lin Hui nce at one another then back to the two people in another dispute. Both men shrug their shoulders at the same time and walks towards the living room.


    Liu Shan: "Always the same when they meet."


    Lin Hui: "I¡¯m hungry. Do you think boss have any leftovers?"


    After a long minute of shaking the man like a worried mother, Yue Ling finally calms down. She drops the man on the floor and takes a big step back. Her eyes res viciously at the man with her chest heaving up and down.


    "Living room. Now."


    Watching her walk away, Nie Chen thanked the heavens for sparing his life by sending Liu Shan and Lin Hui. He gets up from the floor to follow her, but seeing her familiar figure, a faint smile curls on his lips. cing hands at the sides of his mouth, he raises his voice cheerfully after her.


    "I miss you too!!"


    Not wanting to be strangle to death again, he quickly follows after Yue Ling to join Liu Shan and Lin Hui.


    Inside the living room, Yue Ling sat on one of the white couches as the three men sat together on the one across from her.


    Liu Shan and Lin Hui sat on the side and Nie Chen sat in the center. However, the three men looked like good students listening to their teacher.


    "Why are you here?"


    Although he looked like was paying attention, Nie Chen¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help but get distracted by Yue Ling¡¯s marvelous house. Thest time he heard about her, she was living at Jade Condos. He went to look for her there, but Manager Luo said she had moved.


    If it weren¡¯t for the old man, he would have never been able to find her new house.


    "Bro, boss is talking you."


    Hearing Liu Shan¡¯s words, Nie Chen blinked his eyes and looks at Yue Ling. Met with her bluish green eyes that can drown one into a deep abyss, he chuckles sarcastically.


    "Oh yea, I came here because Ning Mei paid me to kill you."


    His smile widens and his eyes turns into upside down crescents.


    "But she didn¡¯t know that I know you."

 Chapter 589 I rather die

    Lin Hui turns his head to look at the man. His eyes sh with a dangerous light as everything about him turn into alertness.


    "You¡¯re working for that loose woman?"


    If Nie Chen dares toy a hand on his boss, he will not hesitate to retaliate.


    Hearing the question, Nie Chen scoffs like it was biggest joke he had heard. He folds his arms over his chest and gives Lin Hui a side stare.


    "Really? You really think I would work for someone like her? I rather die than work for someone like her."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t say a word but stares at Nie Chen like she was reading him. She has known him way longer than any of her other subordinates, including Liu Shan.


    He lost his mother to cancer when he was young and lived with his father in Fate. However, the same day she lost her parents, he too lost his father, who was the chauffer.


    From young until now, he was one of the most loyal members of Fate. When she withdrew Fate from the underworld, like Uncle Zhi, he decided to leave to start his own journey. He told her that no matter where he goes, if she ever needed his help, all she had to do was ask.


    However, ever since they parted ways, she only heard a few things about him, and never bothered to check up on him. It wasn¡¯t that she did care about those who left, she just didn¡¯t want to put their new lives in danger.


    Oblivious to Yue Ling¡¯s inner thoughts about him, Nie Chen did not hide anything from her or the others.


    He goes on to tell them about the deal Ning Mei had to offer him. From start to end, he did not leave anything out at all. He even went so far as to tell about what he¡¯s been doing ever since he left Fate and the things Wei Hongyi asked him to do.


    "And then, she left after giving me the names of my targets. I mean, how can such a stupid woman exist. How can she want something that is out of her reach?"


    Yue Ling listened until he was done. She looks at him for a long second, then her brows crease.


    "So, this entire time you¡¯ve been working for that scumbag, Wei Hongyi too?"


    It wasn¡¯t Yue Ling who spoke, but Liu Shan. The assistant stares at Nie Chen with a perplex expression and spat his words in a low growl.


    "Did he ever order you to hit Zhao Ya¡¯Er?"


    This time, it was Yue Ling who spoke before the assistant could. Her soft angelic voice was extremely dangerous like it could kill at this moment.


    Not only Nie Chen, but even Liu Shan and Lin Hui were shocked by her question. Neither Liu Shan nor Lin Hui has heard anything about Zhao Ya¡¯Er being abused. If Nie Chen used to work under Wei Hongyi for money, then could it be that...


    "Hey, I may kill for a little cash on the side, but I swear on my life, I never once hit an innocent woman."


    Nie Chen did not hesitate to answer. His spine straightens and his righthand raise with three fingers pointing to the heavens above.


    "I, Nie Chen, swore to the heavens, if I ever hit an innocent woman, I will be strike by lightning and die a slow painful death."


    Seeing his expression and words full of seriousness, both Liu Shan and Lin Hui were dumbfounded. The assistant lowers his head and slowly shakes it.


    "Nie Chen, you¡¯re going to be strike by lightning."


    Struck bbergasted by the man, Nie Chen was in disbelief. His head turns to look at Liu Shan and his nostril res.


    "After three years and that is what you have to say to me? How rude!"


    "But it¡¯s true."


    From the other side of Nie Chen, Lin Hui cuts in with a serious look.


    "You swore on your life that you never hit an innocent woman, but you just attacked boss who is an innocent woman."


    "..."


    Now it was Nie Chen¡¯s turn to be dumbfounded at what he was hearing. His head turns from side to side at the two men then he points in the direction of Yue Ling.


    "What innocent woman? She is as strong as any man out there in the world. I should be the innocent woman."


    "..."


    Yue Ling never once intervene in the conversation. However, she had to admit, Nie Chen is right.


    She was born a woman, but after her parents left this world, she was raised no different from a life of the opposite gender. However, she had it much harder because she is a woman.


    Which was the reason why she trained and studied hard every day. She made sure that even though she looked weak and fragile in the eyes of others, her strength and knowledge were never inferior to anyone else¡¯s.


    Oblivious to her thoughts about his words, Nie Chen moves his hand pointing at her. He scratches the back of his head and chuckles.


    "Boss, do you have any food? This subordinate is hungry."


    Yue Ling returned to her senses and nce at the man. Thinking about something, she shrugs her shoulder and leans back on the couch.


    "There¡¯s food here, but you should probably go ask your ¡¯boss¡¯."


    Nie Chen was at a loss for words. He stares at her with heavy eyes. However, only for a quick second as he stood up and puts both his fist on his hip.


    "I only do it for the money in order to survive this corrupted world we call Earth. No matter where I go or who pays me, I will forever be a loyal member of Fate and you, Han Yue Ling will always be my boss."


    His words fell and he quickly walks away to the kitchen. He was afraid Yue Ling might stop him from eating as he was really hungry. However, everything he said was the truth.


    He may have left Fate to seek his own path, but no matter where he went and who he worked for, his home is where Fate is.


    There were even times when he would be captured by those from the underworld who holds a grudge against Fate. They would threaten him for information about Fate and Yue Ling¡¯s identity, but he never once gave in and escaped.


    He had cheated death too many times, but he would rather die than betray his only family and home.


    Yue Ling watched the man disappear into the kitchen. A faint smile curls on her lip as she felt it was nice to see him again. Out of all her subordinates, Nie Chen was the most shameless and careless one. Not only that, he was never afraid to pick a fight with her.


    If he wanted toe back to Fate, she would wee him with open arms as the door was never closed for him.


    She sighs inside then looks back at the couch across from her. Seeing that Liu Shan and Lin Hui were still stuck in a daze, she clears her throat.


    "Ahem."


    Both Liu Shan and Lin Hui jumped up in surprise. It was as if their lost souls had suddenly returned to their body. Two pairs of eyes blink at the same time. However, it was not Nie Chen, who they were looking at but at each other.


    Liu Shan¡¯s cheeks flush red in embarrassment and he looks away to his boss. At the same time, Lin Hui¡¯s ears turned red and he too looks in the same direction.


    Shaking her head, Yue Ling fold her arms over her chest as her right leg cross over her left.


    "Why wasn¡¯t I informed of Nie Chen??s arrival?"


    Lin Hui part his lip to answer, but not knowing what to say, he gives Liu Shan a side nce. He sends a look as if saying, ¡¯You¡¯re her assistant. You tell her.¡¯


    Left with no other choice, Liu Shan res at the man before heaving a long sigh. He quickly puts on a stern expression and straighten his shoulders.


    However, met with Yue Ling¡¯s eyes that can see straight into a person¡¯s soul, a crooked smile appears on his face then a chuckle.


    "Heh. Heh. You see, we said we had something to report, but we didn¡¯t think the report would get here before us."


    From the side, Lin Hui kept his mouth shut, but his head nod in agreeing to the answer.

 Chapter 590 Number one

    Staring at her assistant and subordinate, Yue Ling wanted tough at the terrified look on their face. Both men looked like they had done something bad in ss and were caught in the act. However, not wanting to embarrass them, she tries her best to keep a straight and serious face.


    "What else did you find?"


    Liu Shan sighed in relief when he heard the question. By her words, she won¡¯t be pushing the topic as to why they did not report earlier about Nie Chen¡¯s sudden arrival.


    Reaching inside his inner coat pocket, he takes out his phone. Unlocking the screen, he slides it across the ss coffee table towards her.


    "I traced her phone since nightfall. This is a list of all the people she contacted and the ones in red are the people she is meeting with tonight."


    Yue Ling arch a brow at her assistant. Everything he does always makes her feel like a proud mother. She only asked him to keep an eye on Ning Mei, but he did more than what she asked.


    Moving her attention to the phone, she reach down to pick it up. She scans through the list that had at least fifty names. However, seeing a familiar name, her eyes slightly narrows.


    "Yeun Biao."


    Hearing the name, Lin Hui furrow and nce at his boss then to Liu Shan. He tilt his head in thoughts and touch his chin.


    "Yeun Biao... Why does that name sound so familiar?"


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes at the man before folding his arms over his chest.


    "Idiot, that¡¯s boss¡¯s old boss at CNJ Entertainment."


    Yue Ling nce at Liu Shan then looks back down at the name of the person. Yeun Biao is the CEO of CNJ Entertainment. The modeling agency that she used to work for before retiring.


    He is also a well-known figure in the entertainment and modeling industry. However, as someone who was once associated in the industry, she knows how disgusting the man is.


    Any women who sighed a contract with him wanted to move up the pyramid, all they had to do was climb onto his bed. Not only that, if he takes interest in a woman, he will go into any means just to have them.


    When she was a model under CNJ Entertainment, he took interest in her. He even threatened her career, but who is he to tell her what to do. She made sure to send him a warning as to not cross her line or even think about touching a hair on her.


    As a result, Yeun Biao who didn¡¯t want the press to know about his filthy doings in the dark, he never intervene in anything Yue Ling was associated with.


    The only reason why she stayed for so long at CNJ Entertainment was to keep an eye on those who would fall into the man¡¯s little trap. Not only that, being a model was also part of her cover so no one would suspect her to be the leader of Fate.


    Her final reason for leaving the modeling industry was because she decided to reveal herself as the designer and owner of De L¡¯amour.


    Thinking back to her decision, she can¡¯t help but wonder how her old colleagues are all doing. She told them to let her know if they were being treated badly or needed help, but ever since she left, she has not heard from them. Maybe, they were all being treated well.


    Ending her thoughts, she nce at the wall clock and sets Liu Shan¡¯s phone down. She stands up as her voice sounds.


    "Move out in thirty."


    Without saying another word, she walks out of the living room and head for the stairs. Since Ning Mei is so hungry for fame that she would kill an innocent life, she (Yue Ling) will help the woman get what she wants.


    As her right foot touches the first step of stairs, she pause and gives a order to her subordinates.


    "Inform our ¡¯friends¡¯. We will be sending them a present tonight."


    "Roger boss!"


    Liu Shan and Lin Hui did not see her figure, but both men answers at the same time when they heard her. Until her footsteps disappear on the second floor, it wasn¡¯t long before the sound of a door opens and closes.


    Like a race had been set, Liu Shan and Lin Hui nce at one another before quickly dashing in the direction of the kitchen. The smell of delicious food had long entered the living room and both men were hungry. Right now, they could eat anything.


    Reaching the kitchen at the same time, Lin Hui strides to the pot of cooked food that was on the stove. Behind him, Liu Shan didn¡¯t take another step but stares at the pot.


    Lin Hui removes the lid, but the space between his brows crease into three tight lines.


    "Uhh... What in the world is this?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask when he saw the food inside. He picks up the serving spoon at the side and scoops up the food. His face contorted into one of repugnance and gagging sounds escapes his mouth.


    The smell was beyond delicious, but whatever it was that is inside the pot looked like gooey slime.


    "Is this even edible?"


    He slightly tilts the serving spoon in his hand and instead of the food falling down like a smooth waterfall, it plops back into the pot like a big blob.


    "..."


    "Of course it is."


    Nie Chen spoke proudly from the side and walks up to the stove. He flicks Lin Hui on the back of his head and cross his arms over his chest. Looking inside the pot, he grins with a satisfying smile.


    "Don¡¯t forget, I used to be Fate¡¯s number one chef."


    Hearing his words and seeing his confident face, both Liu Shan and Lin Hui we¡¯re dumbfounded beyond ever.


    Liu Shan was the first to recover and he snorts loudly at the man.


    "Yea, you were the number one WORST chef."


    Nie Chen¡¯s confident demeanor quickly rips away and his mouth open in a O shape, but no words came out. Before he could even find the words to retort the assistant, Lin Hui¡¯s following words made his jaw drop to the floor.


    "Every time we ate your food, we¡¯d suffer food poisoning for an entire week."


    Before Fate withdrew from the underworld, Nie Chen was indeed their chef, but so was everyone else. Every week, the members of Fate would take turn with cooking. However, every time it was Nie Chen¡¯s turn, they would cry and suffer at his sloppy food.


    Even they can¡¯t help but wonder how the man is able to survive eating his own food.


    As the three men conversate in an argument of two against one, Yue Ling finished changing and enters the kitchen.


    She wore ck jeans with a ck long sleeve turtleneck under. Layered over her attire for warmth was an long utility jacket in the same shade of ck but printed on the back in bold white character was the word ¡¯Fate¡¯.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    She interrupts the three men and puts a stop to their childish argument. To which, all three mean close their mouth and turn to look at her.


    Seeing that she was already leaving the kitchen, Nie Chen turns off the stove and quickly follows after her as Liu Shan and Lin Hui follow behind.


    Yue Ling had changed out of her house slipper into a pair of ck faux fur boots that covered up to her thighs. She walks out of the house and proceed down the small step of stairs.


    Following a few steps behind her, Nie Chen¡¯s lip curls up with an exciting adrenaline rushing inside him. It¡¯s been so long since hest worked alongside his boss andrades. To be able to do this again, how can he not be happy?


    Liu Shan had parked his car at the gate because of the power outage. He was going to tell Yue Ling to wait while he goes and drive it over, but seeing her suddenly make a right, he furrow his brows.


    "Boss, where are you going? My car is by the gate."


    At the same time, Lin Hui also thought the same. He had carpool with Liu Shan and Nie Chen¡¯s drives a two-seater sportscar. However, when he realizes where she was heading, his entire body shiver with goosebumps.


    It was the kind of goosebumps that gave an exciting rush of chill inside him.


    "Oh hell yea!!"


    He exims and grin from ear to ear. Increasing his steps, he quickly follows after her. However, unlike him, both Liu Shan and Nie Chen nce at one other in confusion. They didn¡¯t know why Lin Hui was suddenly excited for no reason.


    Their boss is only going towards the garage, so was there really a need to...


    Quickly as both men thought this, realization dawn on them and both their eyes widen. A sh of glistening lights lit up in their eyes and a wide grin curls on their lip.


    "Oh hell to the yea!!"


    Both men howl excitedly together and chase after Yue Ling and Lin Hui.

 Chapter 591 You still los

    Entering the garage that house all of Yue Ling¡¯s auto babies, the sensor lights automatically turns on and illuminates a bright light inside the ce.


    All her vehicles parked nicely in neat rows. However, before going over to them, she walks towards one of the walls that had multiple rows of shelves.


    She picks up a ck backpack and puts it on before picking up a ck full-face helmet that had a matte finishing touch.


    Holding the helmet in one arm, she turns back to look at the other three men. Her other hand slightly raise in gesture to the shelves now behind her.


    "Grab a backpack and pick whichever one you want."


    Not needing to be told a second time, Lin Hui sps his palms together and rubs them together as he snickers like an evil mastermind. He stares at the many rows of motorcycle helmets like a greedy old man who had finally found gold.


    "Don¡¯t mind if I do."


    He picks up a backpack then a red and ck helmet. Seconds after him, Liu Shan did the same, but his helmet of choice was white.


    Unlike the two men, Nie Chen thought hard about which helmet he wanted as it needed to look good with his outfit. After a long minute, hees to a decision and grabs a white helmet with a few touches of pink.


    Yue Ling stood next to a ck Ninja H2R and ce the helmet over her head. She swings her right leg over the motorcycle and sits down on the seat.


    At the same time, the other three men did not hesitate to do the same. Liu Shan sits on a white Ninja H2R as Lin Hui and Nie Chen decides on the Suzuki Hayabusa, but one in red and the other white.


    Like a practiced scene, the four motorcycles start up and the headlights turn on. The loud sound of engines revving echoes inside as the garage door opens and one by one, they ride out under the starry night sky.


    Yue Ling: "See you boys at the target location."


    Liu Shan: "Don¡¯t cry when you guys lose to this great one."


    Lin Hui: "Hah! Keep dreaming!"


    Nie Chen: "Just like old times."


    The night sky continued to clear of any clouds and glistens over Imperial with stars. Underneath the sky, on the street of Imperial, four motorcycles rev in motion.


    Quickly as the race started, it soon came to end as they reach their destination. In a neat order, all four motorcycles enters an empty 3-story parking lot that is still under construction.


    The engines shuts off with the headlights. It was dark, but with the moon shining down to them, it gave enough light for them to see where to step.


    Each person removes their helmet and gets down from the motorcycle.


    "I didn¡¯t win, but I still got here second."


    Lin Hui spoke as he ce his helmet on the seat part of his motorcycle. His chest stuck out like a mighty man. He thought he was going to arrive first, but he had forgotten that he was racing Yue Ling.


    Although he and Qi Li are the only two in the team who prefers to ride motorcycles, neither can beat Yue Ling. That is because, she is the person who taught them the tricks to be a good driver.


    He turns his head to the left and looks at his boss. A faint smile curls on his lip as he thought about the short race. Even though she had not driven a motorcycle in a while, she is still as badass as ever.


    From the other side, Liu Shan rolled his eyes at the man. Deciding not to say anything, he ce his helmet down and walks over to his boss.


    Parked next to the assistant, Nie Chen didn¡¯t want to, but unable to hold himself back, heughs loudly at Lin Hui¡¯s confident words.


    "Bro, second or not, you still lost. Just ept it."


    Lin Hui scoffs in disbelief. He ignores the man with silky long hair and stomps his foot to join Yue Ling and Liu Shan.


    "So, what¡¯s the n?"


    While Lin Hui and Nie Chen were having a very short interaction, Liu Shan had already set up hisputer equipment. Everything he needed was inside the backpack Yue Ling had them grab.


    He wasn¡¯t surprised by this as she is always prepared in case of unexpected missions like the one they are currently doing.


    "I¡¯m hacking into the surveinces."


    He answers without turning to look at hisrade. His eyes lock on the screen filled with codes and his fingers continue to dance over each key.


    Positioned not too far from the assistant, Yue Ling was on one knee with her backpack opened in front of her. She ce a small earpiece in her ear then takes out a weapon case. Opening it, she takes out the Glock 26. Attaching the silencer onto the muzzle, she rack the slide and aims it at the wall like she was going shoot her target.


    "Get ready. Once Shan is done, we¡¯re moving in."


    Hearing her words, both Lin Hui and Nie Chen nods their head in understanding. Each person quickly removes their backpack and set it on the ground.


    Doing the same thing as Yue Ling, they put on the earpiece then retrieves the same pistol as the one she has.


    "We¡¯re in."


    Liu Shan pronounce as he presses the enter key on the keyboard. The ck screen that once had hundreds of codes quickly changes to multiple surveince footages.


    Yue Ling secures a holster around one of her thighs and ce her gun on the holder. She walks over to her assistant and her eyes scans each ongoing footage.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    As her words fell, she walks away in the direction of the stairwell to exit the parking lot. Lin Hui and Nie Chen puts their guns away and leisurely follows in pursuit leaving behind Liu Shan alone in the dark parking lot.


    It didn¡¯t take long before they reached the first floor. All three figures stood at the same level as the rest of Imperial, but no one could see them as the darkness hid them well.


    Yue Ling tilt her head back and stares up at the building that was next to them. It was a luxurious high-rise apartment tower. The ce glistened like diamonds under the night sky. However,pare to Jade Condos, this building was by far inferior.


    "Move to your positions."


    She calmly spoke as she reach inside her coat pocket. Taking out a ck cloth mask, she puts it on to cover the lower half of her face.


    As she walks towards the tall luxurious building, Lin Hui and Nie Chen also puts on their mask. However, neither follows after her but splits in opposite direction.

 Chapter 592 tonights allowance

    [WARNING: Parental Advisory.]


    ------------


    Under the starry night sky, a high-rise apartment tower stood its ground in Imperial. Unlike other neighboring buildings, this one was the tallest and most luxurious one.


    On the highest floor, there are only two penthouses, but inside one of them, the sound of a woman¡¯s moaning voice and a man¡¯s low groan can be heard.


    Like two people with no ounce of shame, the lights are brightly kept on and neither bother to cover the windows that surround the living room. It was as if they were the only two people in the world and lost themselves in lust.


    Sitting on the long sofa, the woman was stark naked with her back turned to the man sitting under her. Her body bounced in an up and down motion as she rides him.


    The man had long remove is bottom clothes and kept only his white button up shirt. However, unlike the woman¡¯s young and wless figure, the man was twice her age inparison. Both his hands held onto the young woman¡¯s waist and his head tilts back on the sofa as he lets the woman do all the work.


    "Ning Mei, ah, you really know how to satisfy your man."


    He growls a groan and sits up. Despite there being ayer of sweat over her body, he still ces a kiss on the back of her neck.


    "If you hadn¡¯t called me, I would have gone with my stupid wife and children to visit my inws."


    Ning Mei continues to move her body to fill her and the man¡¯s lustful desires. When she heard his words, a smirk curls on her lip.


    "Of course. It¡¯s not every day that I can be with Director Yeun."


    Her coquettish words trail into Director Yeun¡¯s ears. However, due to him only able to see her back, he was oblivious to the look on Ning Mei¡¯s face.


    Although her body was responding to him, her heart and mind was disgusted by the man. If he had been a little younger, maybe she wouldn¡¯t feel this way, but he is old enough to be her father.


    However, she can only put up with this fa?ade as she needed the money to pay Nie Chen. Not only that, Wei Hongyi who was one of her biggest support is no longer in the picture, so she can only depend on this old man.


    "Ah, Ning Mei."


    Director Yeun growls her name in a low moan when he felt he was reaching his limit. He grabs her waist tighter and thrust deeply into her.


    "Wait."


    Just when he felt himself reaching the seven heavens, Ning Mei doesn¡¯t let him. She moves his grip on her and stood up.


    "Not yet."


    She spoke in a teasingly voice and turns to face him.


    Feeling her suddenly leave him, Director Yeun frowns up at her. His arms stretch out and grabs hold of her again, but she easily dodges him.


    "What are you doing? Hurry, I almost came."


    Ning Mei doesn¡¯t answer but blink her eyes innocently at the man. She makes a seductive smile and shifts her gaze down to his bulging manhood that is as hard as a rock. Compare to her other men, Director Yeun¡¯s is indeed small, but who is she to judge the man.


    Looking back up at him, her smile widens, and she giggles.


    "I¡¯ll help you finish, if you promise me something."


    Oblivious to her inner intentions, Director Yeun nods his head without thinking. Right now, he just wanted to be inside her again.


    "Anything. Anything you want. I promise to give it to you."


    Seeing how easily fooled he is, Ning Mei sneers inside at his eager and amorous figure. If she knew it was this easy, she wouldn¡¯t have gone to see the other men beforeing here.


    Brushing the thought aside, she takes a step towards him and bends down to part his legs. She squats down in front of him and decides to use her mouth to finish the man as she didn¡¯t feel like having him invade her lower region.


    "You better keep your promise or Ning Mei will be sad."


    Her voice was unlike its usual soft and alluring tone, instead, it was more of a cold and threatening tone. However, before Director Yeun could have the time to even notice the difference in her voice, he felt the warmth inside of her mouth wrap around him.


    His head tilts back and he felt alive again. It was like he was floating in outer space.


    Ning Mei continues to use her mouth to satisfy the middle-aged man, but her eyes sh dangerously as her thoughts wondered elsewhere.


    Before she met up with Director Yeun, she had already met four other men. Each man gave her a cheque of 100 million yuan, thus leaving her with another 100 million yuan left to reach her goal.


    Compare to her horrible life of always having to sleep with men for wealth, why is Yue Ling¡¯s life so much better than hers? They are both models, but everything for her is always going to horrible.


    She swore, once Nie Chen kills Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er, no one can stop her from being the top model in Imperial and making the almighty Lu Tian fall for her.


    As her thoughts drifted, the middle-aged man grabs her head and plunge deeply inside her mouth. He releases his load in her soft mouth and held her from moving away.


    "Mmm!"


    Ning Mei was taken back by surprise. Her eyes widen with tears as she was unable to breath. However, not wanting to disappoint the man, she tries her best to wait for him to finish.


    Feeling his hands around her head loosen, she pulls away from him and quickly reach for a tissue on the coffee table to wipe her mouth.


    Watching her do this, Director Yeun waited until she was done before grabbing her by the arm and ce her down on hisp.


    "My wife and kids won¡¯t be back until the end of the week. Why don¡¯t you stay here and keep mepany?"


    If it weren¡¯t for this reason, he would have never changed their usual meeting ce to his own home. Not only that, he is the wealthiest man living in this building, so no one will dare to say anything.


    "Is that so..."


    Ning Mei spoke softly as she cares the side of the man¡¯s face. She then wrap her arms around his neck and stares into his eyes.


    "I can spend the night with you, but you will have to triple the amount of tonight¡¯s ¡¯allowance¡¯."

 Chapter 593 Just think of it as

    Director Yeun frown when he heard Ning Mei¡¯s sudden words. He is the CEO of CNJ Entertainment and as her boss, not only does he pay her for being a contract model, but also gives her money like she is his mistress.


    With all the money he¡¯s been giving her, why does he feel like it is never enough?


    "Is it too much?"


    Seeing his frown, Ning Mei was slightly afraid that her n would fail. She press her small naked breasts against his chest and gently rubs them on him.


    "You promised you would give me anything I wanted."


    Director Yeun heaves a long sigh. He had only promised her because at the time, he was blinded by his own selfish desires.


    For him, money isn¡¯t the problem, the problem is trying to find an excuse to say when his useless wife asks him where the huge amount of money went.


    He leans back on the sofa and massage his temples.


    "Fine, a promise is a promise."


    He doesn¡¯t want to, but he can only agree with her request. As her boss, he has to keep her happy. Not because he is having an affair with her, but because he sees a lot of potential in her.


    Ning Mei may be a rookie model under hispany, but with her own strength, she is already working with a lot of famous brands in the industry.


    However, what Director Yeun did not know is that Ning Mei only got her modeling contracts with the help of all the men she sleeps with.


    Thinking this, he thought back to Yue Ling. She was his top model and the star at CNJ Entertainment. It¡¯s a pity that she suddenly decided to retire from the industry.


    He even once tried to woo her, but in the end, not only did she threaten to reveal all his wrong doings, he was even beaten up by the lead singer of Faith.


    At the time, he wanted to sue the man name Shin for injuring him, but the man was protected by City Z¡¯s government and Chief.


    And like that was not enough, General Ji even paid him a visit. He didn¡¯t know the reason, but he knew not to cross the line with the old man.


    He looks at the rookie model on hisp and he sighs inside. If he can help Ning Mei be a top model like Yue Ling, how good would that be for hispany again.


    His eyes lowers down to her body and he slight purse his lip. Ning Mei¡¯s body wasn¡¯t as appealing like other women he¡¯s been in contact with, but it was better to look at than his wife¡¯s.


    Moving his hand to caress the side of her thigh, his other hand reach to hold her cheek and he leans closer to her.


    "You¡¯re so beautiful."


    Feeling his lip brush against her neck, Ning Mei cringed inside, but was able to make a soft moan. She yfully push him away as her cheeks flush red.


    "Let¡¯s move to the bedroom."


    She stood up and held onto his hand. Since she is in his home, she will definitely leave her scent everywhere. That way, even when his wife and kids are him, he will always think about her.


    Be it the living room, kitchen, bathroom or even the bed he shares with his wife, whatever he does, he will only continue to want her.


    As the two people head in the direction of the bedrooms, neither were aware of the drone that hoovered outside the living room window.


    "Boss!! You owe me big time for this!"


    Far down below on ground level, Lin Hui spoke in disgust as he squats behind some bushes.


    He was assigned to position at the side entrance because it was the emergency exit and the side Director Yeun¡¯s penthouse was on. One of his tasks was to control his drone to spy on the two people and record what he could. However, never did he expect to witness such a disgusting scene.


    "My poor eyes! My even poorer drone¡¯s camera! We are now tainted and traumatize for life!"


    He shivers from head to toe as another wave of disgust wash inside him. He swore, every time he blinks now, he cannot get that horrifying image out of his head.


    ["Bro, just think of it as watching a free erotica film."]


    From the other line, Nie Chen¡¯s voice sounds in with augh. He and Liu Shan were lucky they did not have to witness such a scene.


    Hearing the man¡¯s words, Lin Hui¡¯s nostrils re and his face scrunch like he had smelt something extremely foul.


    "You shameless bastard. That was scarier than watching a horror film!"


    ["You can keep the Hayabusa."]


    Yue Ling¡¯s voice calmly sounds from the other line of the earpiece and interrupts the two men. However, the moment her words fell, Lin Hui¡¯s eyes lit up with fireworks. It was like everything he had just felt never existed.


    "Heh heh, since you said that, I will ept yourpensation."


    Listening from different areas, Liu Shan and Nie Chen shook their head. At first, they felt bad for theirrade as he had to see such a scene, but seeing that that didn¡¯tst long, both men felt Lin Hui was the more shameless one here.


    Liu Shan sat on the ground in the dark parking lot. He was about to voice his thoughts on Lin Hui¡¯s shamelessness, but seeing something on theputer screen, he press the earpiece.


    "Boss, get ready to move."


    One of the surveince cameras shows the security guard on duty heading for the bathroom. Once the man disappears inside the bathroom, he (Liu Shan) types away on the keyboard and all the other camera angles quickly freezes.


    "Clear."


    Standing not too far from the high-rise tower, Yue Ling calmly walks towards the building. However, even though others could see her from the streets below, no camera was able to capture her figure. It was as if she was a ghost.


    She enters through the front entrance like a resident and turn for the elevators. Once she was inside and doors closed, all the cameras on the first floor returns to normal as this time, it was the camera inside the elevator that froze.


    As she waits for the elevator to reach the top floor, she puts up her hair in a high ponytail, then removes her backpack.


    Opening it, she retrieves another mask but in red. She ce the backpack on the corner and put the mask on. However, unlike the half-covered mask she first had on, this one was a red hannya mask that covered her entire face.


    *Ding


    The elevator bell chimes in arrival. As the door slides open, she pulls the hood of her coat over her head and steps out.


    "Wait for my signal."


    ["Got it."]


    Like apletely different person, her aura grew colder with the night. Her appearance looked as deadly as a demon warrior out to kill anyone in her path.

 Chapter 594 get in your way

    Unaware of what fate has in store for them, Ning Mei and Director Yeun continued their intimate and passionate act in the bedroom.


    Ning Meiid on the huge bed. She had purposely taken the spot where Director Yeun¡¯s wife slept on as the middle-aged man on top of her mustered all his strength to press into her.


    He was older, but he made sure not to disappoint the young woman beneath him.


    "Ah~! Director Yeun! Don¡¯t stop! Ah~!"


    Ning Mei lets out a lustful cry, but deep inside she was only pretending to act like she was enjoying herself. If she wants the man to keep his promise, she needs to do her part of the deal.


    Less than three minutes after her cry, Director Yeun was at his limit. He unleash his load again to drain himself, but this time inside of the young woman.


    "Ah~!"


    Another cry escapes Ning Mei¡¯s lips as Director Yeun moves away from her. He slumps back onto the side of the bed he slept on every night. Lifting one arm, he ce his hand behind the back of his head and turn to look at Ning Mei.


    "I have to say, from now on, every time I look at this spot, I will always think of you."


    He chuckles at his own words as it made his stomach jiggle in rhythm.


    "Maybe sleeping with my stupid wife won¡¯t be so bad anymore."


    His wife has been a good housewife since he married her, but she is boring andcking in skills when ites to being passionate in bed. Most nights, she would tell him to go to sleep because she is too tired from all the housework and taking care of their children. However, he is a man and all men have their desires too.


    Good thing he has Ning Mei to help satisfy his selfish needs.


    Ning Mei stares back at the man. Seeing him so full of himself, she held a soft smile but her eyes sh in disgust. Leaning over to him, she ce a kiss on his lips.


    "We can do it all night if you want."


    Hearing her seductive words, Director Yeun¡¯s eyes lit up. However, due to his old age and health conditions, he knew his body was its limit. If he wants to continue with her, he needs to rest for a bit.


    "Ning Mei, give me thirty minutes. I still have some work to go over."


    His heart and mind wants her so badly, but his body was like a deted balloon. He cannot let her know because if she knew, it would ruin his pride. Not only that, if he told her that his family¡¯s treasure is too weak right now, she will no doubt leave him to find another man.


    For now, he can only use work as an excuse to restore his stamina.


    However, despise him not wanting her to know, she already knew.


    "Work is the most important."


    Ning Mei pretends to be understanding and giggles at him. Moving away from him, she gets up from the bed.


    "I¡¯ll go take a shower so that I do not get in your way."


    Without looking at the middle-aged man, her naked figure walks in the direction of the bathroom. However, the second her back was turned to him, she didn¡¯t hesitate to roll her eyes.


    She enters the bathroom and closes the door. Seconds into this, the shower turns on and her soft humming voice echoes into the room.


    When the door closed, Director Yeun was about to head to his study room. However, hearing Ning Mei¡¯s sing-song humming, he decides not to leave.


    Pulling the nket to cover the lower half of his body, he closes his eyes and restfortably on the huge bed.


    Since Ning Mei is showering, he¡¯ll just rx for a bit until she is done.


    Just when he felt himself falling into deep slumber, the space between his brows crease together. He could sense a cold chilling breeze next to him before a dark shadow blocks the only light in the room.


    "Yeun Biao."


    His eyes shot wide open when he heard his name. Standing next to him was a tall slender figure cloth is all ck.


    Fear quickly shot throughout his entire body when he realize it was not a human face but a red sinister looking face that stared down at him.


    "W-Who are you?"


    He froze on the bed and he could feel himself shivering like he was suddenly tossed outside in the cold wind. His mind told him to scream for Ning Mei to call the police, but before he could even open his mouth, the cold tip of a gun slowly press on his temple.


    "What... What do you want? W-Why did you break into my home?"


    Hearing his question, the dark figure¡¯s head slightly tilts to the side.


    "Shh..."


    A deep voice sounds again from behind the mask. The person¡¯s other hand covered by a glove calmly raise and ce a index finger over the mouth part of the mask and gestures a hush at the man.


    "P... P.... P-Please d-don¡¯t kill m-m-m-me..."


    Tears swelled up in Director Yeun¡¯s eyes and he didn¡¯t care about his pride anymore. He quietly sobs as his face scrunch with wrinkles.


    He doesn¡¯t know how this ¡¯man¡¯ was able to get pass the security guard, but he can tell that one small wrong move and he will die.


    "P-Price. Name a price, any. I will give you whatever you want. Please just don¡¯t kill me."


    "Any price?"


    The man¡¯s deep voice sounds again. Not hearing an answer, his thumb slowly cock the gun in his hand and his head tilt slightly to the other side. The sound of the gun echoes inside the room, but with the shower water running, Ning Mei did not hear a single thing.


    "Yes... Yes. Anything you want."


    "Honey~ Do you want to join me? We can make more memories in here."


    Director Yeun vigorously nod his head in response to the man, but seconds after his words fell, Ning Mei¡¯s seductive voice calls out to him from inside the bathroom.


    His face quickly pale as a ghost and he swallows a hard gulp.


    "D-Do we have a deal? I-I won¡¯t report this to the police."


    "Her."


    The same deep voice sounds and before Director Yeun could agree or disagree, his eyes widens in horror. The man hits the middle-aged man on the head and quickly knocks him out cold.


    "Honey~, did you hear me?"


    The shower running turns off and Ning Mei calls out again as she opens the bathroom door. Without covering her body, she walks out with only a towel in hand to dry her hair.


    "Babe, I asked if¡ª"


    She had only taken a step and her legs stiffened in ce when she saw the tall dark figure standing at the bedside. Noticing Director Yeun¡¯s unconscious body and the gun pointed at his head, her face turned white.


    "Ahh¡ª!!!"


    Panic quickly rush inside her and she screams loudly. Spinning around, she runs back inside the bathroom and closed the door.


    *Pu!


    Just when her hand was about to touch the door, the dark figure turns around to her. A bullet fires out from the gun and into the silencer as it aims straight at Ning Mei.

 Chapter 595 weighs like a hippo

    "Ahhh!!!"


    A blood curdling cry escapes Ning Mei¡¯s mouth and she falls t onto the bathroom floor.


    The bullet was indeed aimed at her, but it did not prate through her skull, instead it grazed her right arm. It wasn¡¯t deep, but for someone who has never shot at, the pain was too much for her to take in.


    She bites down on her bottom lip and crawls to the bathtub. Forcing herself to sit up from the floor, she leans against the wall and held her arm that had little blood. Her chest heaves heavily as she stares with teary eyes at the still opened door.


    Seeing that the mask man had not followed her in, she sighs in relief. Maybe he is only after Director Yeun and is giving her a chance to live.


    "Phone... Where is my phone?"


    She whispers under her breath and frantically search for her phone with her eyes.


    "It¡¯s here."


    The same deep voice sounds as light footsteps approach the bathroom. The man¡¯s dark figure towers at the door and held a phone out to the rookie model.


    Ning Mei¡¯s eyes widen in horror when she saw that it was her phone. She had forgotten that she left it in the living room.


    "W-What do you w-w-want?"


    Terrified out of her wits, she cries loudly, and her face distorted into pure ugliness.


    "I haven¡¯t done anything. P-Please let me live. Wuuu!"


    Seeing the naked woman cry so pitifully, there was no reaction from the mask man. He drops the phone onto the floor, then steps on it and breaks the screen. Taking another step inside, he reaches for a bathrobe.


    "Put it on."


    He toss the robe at Ning Mei and it covers her trembling body.


    Afraid of being killed, she quickly oblige and puts it on. However, despite her doing as told, she still continues to cry.


    "Get up."


    Her shoulders jump at the words and she secures the belt around her waist. Not wanting to make any mistake, she force her trembling body to stand up.


    "P-Please, don¡¯t kill me. I have money. I can give it all to you."


    "Renounce."


    The man interrupts her with one word that caused Ning Mei¡¯s eyes to widen. Endless streams of tears fell down her cheeks as she could not believe what she just heard.


    She was testing her luck in trying to bribe the man as people love money. However, that one word was enough for her to understand the situation.


    Director Yeun had abandoned her and sold her off.


    She press her lips tightly together and her fingers curl into tight fists. Even when her nails dug deeply into her skin, she did not care.


    Her path to bing Imperial¡¯s number one model hasn¡¯t even been reach and now, she¡¯s going to die like this?


    No, she cannot die. Until she hears that Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er have been taken care of, she will never be able to die peacefully.


    Staring at the eyes of the mask man, she takes a deep breath. Ignoring her red swollen eyes from crying, she slowly undo the belt that she had just tied.


    "Since I have been sold to you, I... I can show you a good time. Y-You don¡¯t have t-to do anything and leave it to me."


    Her voice cracked in between her sentences, but she made sure to sound as soft and seductive as possible. Slowly taking a step towards the man, she tries her best to not waver.


    With her appearance and voice, any man who saw her would fall for her and agree with her deal. However, the mask man was the total opposite.


    When she was about three feet away, he slowly raise one arm and the gun in his hand points at her.


    "D¨§vka." [means ¡¯whore¡¯ in Czech]


    Ning Mei froze in her steps when she heard the foreign word. She didn¡¯t know what it meant, but from the way the man said it, she knew it meant something insulting.


    *Pu!


    The trigger pulls and another silent bullet is fired directly at Ning Mei. Her eyes shot open and she saw her life sh before her eyes.


    However, like the first one, this bullet did not kill her. It swiftly flew pass the side of her head and hits the wall behind.


    Shocked and afraid beyond anything she¡¯s ever felt, her mind went nk. Even she didn¡¯t feel the warm liquid that slid down between her shaking legs.


    Her eyes rolled back and she falls onto the bathroom floor.


    The mask man stares down at the womanying on top of her own urine. His head slightly shakes and his hand holding the gun lowers down to his side.


    "Take her away."


    Just as his words fell, another man¡¯s figure with silky long hair appears from behind. Clothe in a grey id suit, he poke his head inside. Like the dark figure wearing a red hannya mask, this new person wore a ck gas mask.


    "Ew! Did she piss herself? Disgusting!"


    The red hannya mask man doesn¡¯t say anything but turns to leave the bathroom. Passing the huge bed, he looks at the unconscious Director Yeun then a picture frame on one of the side tables.


    "Send it to the media."


    ["Roger."]


    Without giving the unconscious man another nce, he walks out of the bedroom. At the same time, the gas mask man also steps out from the bathroom and follows in pursuit.


    As a person, he has his own standards too. So, he made sure to put a new robe on the rookie model before cing her over his shoulder like a sack of rice.


    Both figures walked out of the penthouse like they were leaving their own home. Entering the elevator thatid wait for them, the man wearing a gas mask puts down the unconscious Ning Mei.


    He didn¡¯t do it in gentle way but toss her on the elevator floor like she was a bag of dirty waste.


    "Man, for someone this small, she weighs like a hippo."


    Pressing the button to go down, he takes off the gas mask. Keeping only the cloth mask that covers the bottom half of his face, Nie Chen flicks his long hair away from his face and leans back on the wall. He cross his arms over his chest and nce at the other person.


    "What¡¯s the n now?"


    Like the man, the other figure removes the red hannya mask. A pair of bluish green eyeses into view as a cloth mask covers the bottom half of her face.


    Yue Ling stares down at Ning Mei¡¯s pitiful figure, then nce to the shut elevator door.


    "Bring her to our ¡¯friends¡¯."

 Chapter 596 First time meeting

    Late into the night as the people of Imperial prepare for bed, the sound of four motorcycles rev loudly in melody. As the vehicles pass the usual busy city, they soon enter a residential area with substandard buildings in poor structure.


    Even in the night, one can see how unhealthy and undesirable this area is. However, unlike its usual appearance that crowded of people, due to darkness, the ce was almost deserted with only a handful of people in sight.


    Amongst the many buildings that look like they can fall a part at any moment, the four motorcycleses to a stop in front of an old Victorian hotel. Some windows were boarded up with wood, while some were broken.


    The engines to each motorbike shuts off. In a matching motion, each person takes off their helmet and steps down from their seat. As the darkness engulf them, one by one they ce full-face masks on.


    "Who said you can park your motorcycles here?"


    Standing in front of the old hotel, a man¡¯s angry voice growls from a distance and walks up to the group that just appeared.


    He was clothed in raggedy attire that looked like it hadn¡¯t been washed in years. Even in the dark, one can see his haggard face covered with scars and the oil stains on his clothes. Although he was at good distance away from the group, they could smell a foul odor emitting from the man.


    Anyone whoes into contact with this homeless man would run away out of fear, but no one from the group moved an inch.


    Staring at the group, he was slightly taken back surprise. However, judging from their appearance, he guess they were all men except for the small figure still sitting on one of the motorcycles.


    "Just because you guys are rich that doesn¡¯t mean you can park wherever you like. If you know what is best for you, I suggest you all to scram!"


    He roars angrily at the group again. Just because this area is the slums of Imperial, that does not mean anyone can just park their cars. If these people know what is best for them, they should just hurry and leave while he is still being nice.


    However, before he could take another step or yell out another word, the figure wearing a red hannya mask takes a step forward.


    "Tell your boss, Fate is here."


    The figure then retrieves a small item from inside the coat pocket and hands it to the man.


    Seeing this, the man frowns when he heard the words. However, his eyes slightly narrows in suspicion before he walks over to take the item.


    He looks down at it and realized it was a small gold token. When he felt the engraving on it, he did not need a closer look. His eyes tremble and he looks back at the group that suddenly appear before gesturing a bow.


    "My apologies. I have been impolite to our guests."


    His words quickly fell apologetically, and he straightens himself. His left hand then gestures to the entrance of the old Victorian hotel.


    "Please. We have been waiting for your arrival."


    Hearing his words and how his demeanor quickly changed, the red mask man doesn¡¯t say anything but nod his head and walks in the direction directed. Behind him, two figures wearing phantom masks follow while the one wearing a gas mask turns back to his motorbike.


    He picks up the still unconscious Ning Mei and ce her over his shoulder then turns around to follow the other three.


    As the four figure enters through the door, the homeless man doesn¡¯t follow after them. He remains outside and calmly sounds a whistle into the quiet night.


    Quickly as the whistle sound, from a near and far distance, the sound of guns clicking can be heard as a group of beggars scattered in wait. Each person was ready to shoot the new group, but hearing the whistle, they quickly put aside their guns and return to their usual positions.


    Inside the old Victorian hotel, the four figures and the unconscious Ning Mei were greeted by another beggar looking man. Only, he was older and had disheveled white hair. He held a cane to help support his hunched posture.


    "Good evening, Leader of Fate. Please follow me this way."


    Silently nodding their head, the group wearing masks proceeds after the old man. He led them to the only elevator in the building to go up. Despite the ce being empty and in a horrible condition, the elevator, and the electricity inside were still running like normal.


    As the group ascend up, the old man stood behind the red mask man. His head remained looking ahead, but his eyes couldn¡¯t help but scans the figure standing next to him.


    Reading the white bold character on the back of the man¡¯s coat, his eyes narrows slightly, and he thought to himself.


    ¡¯So this is the notorious leader of Fate.¡¯


    This is his first time meeting the person face to face.


    Other times, it was always with another person as no one knows the real identity of the person. Some say Fate¡¯s leader is a man, but there are some that says it is a woman. However, now he knows.


    Like he had thought his thoughts aloud, the red mask man slightly turns his head to look at the old man.


    He doesn¡¯t say anything but nod his head. Whether it was to send a warning or a polite gesture, one could not tell.


    However, the old man was rooted to the floor when he saw this.


    He was sure he was careful as to not give himself away, but when he met the man¡¯s face, despite it being covered by a sinister looking mask, he quickly avert his eyes.


    *Ding


    There were a total of ten floors inside the hotel, but the elevator soones to a stop on the fifth floor and the elevator bell chimes. The old man smiles with upside down crescent eyes and spoke.


    "The room you requested for is straight ahead."


    His smile widens and it reveals his ck and decayed teeth. At the same time, the elevator door slides open and he gestures one hand out.


    However, just when the door open, what greeted the masked group was a crowd of twenty beggars in wait for them.


    Despite their raggedy appearance, each person held their guns like professionals and the look in their eyes resembles that of a soldier who had seen death far too many times.


    "After you."


    The old man spoke politely again. His reaction was as if there weren¡¯t twenty other people with guns positioned outside the elevator.

 Chapter 597 big shot to wake up

    Despite the drop of temperature inside the old Victorian hotel, the mask group did not feel any threat at all. Calmly taking a step forward, the figure wearing the red mask exits the elevator as so did the other three.


    Each person looked like they were on vacation at a resort and heading in the direction of their hotel room.


    Thest to get off the elevator, the old man kept his eyes on the red mask man. He wanted to see if the rumors were true about Fate¡¯s leader.


    It was said that even when face with such crisis, the leader of Fate and is always calm. Even when a gun is pointed at her, neither she nor her subordinates are afraid.


    As the old man thought this, the elevator door slides close from behind and the sound of multiple guns cock loudly inside the hallway.


    All twenty men points their guns at the mask group and were ready to fire when given word.


    However, just like the rumors, the mask group did not tremble or cower away in fear.


    Each person stood as calm as ever before the red mask man calmly reach inside his coat and pulls out a Glock 26 with an attached silencer.


    He lifts his arm up and aims the gun in the direction of the twenty men. However, he doesn¡¯t stop there, but moves his aim to the old man standing to his right.


    "You..."


    Seeing this, one of the twenty men stammer as he and the others were taken back by surprise. The calm and confident expression they once had waspletely ripped away with traces of panic.


    "Is this how Dark Clouds wee their guests?"


    A deep voice sounds from the man wearing a red hannya mask. He looks away from the group of 20 beggars and turn his head to the old man that rode the elevator with them.


    "Hu Ma."


    The old man was taken back by surprise when he heard his name called. However, heughs heartily and wave one of his hand to tell the twenty men to lower their weapons.


    His back that was once in a hunched posture gradually straightens and he ce one hand behind his back as the other held onto the cane.


    "Indeed you are quick-witted as the rumor says."


    Hu Ma chuckles again and takes a step forward. He looks up at the tall man and kept his smile.


    "Do forgive me for the ill-manner wee. It is not every day that we receive such an important guest as yourself. We just needed to make sure that you were not an imposter."


    When he was first informed that Fate wasing and had a deal to offer, he was shocked and surprise. However, he and his men had to be cautious because in the past they met a few imposters pretending to be Fate¡¯s leader.


    He looks at the tall figure and smiles a light nod.


    "Let me lead you to the room you requested."


    "No need."


    The red mask man casually responds to Hu Ma and lowers the gun in his hand. His body turns to face the old man and his words continue.


    "I am only here to deliver what I promised."


    Hearing this, Hu Ma heaves a long sigh in disappointment. He thought that Fate would be staying the night. He even went so far as to have his men clean the ce up.


    Of course, the hotel was still in a horrible condition like a tornado had just visited them, but it was still cleaner than before.


    However, knowing that anything he says will not persuade his honorable guest, he nods his head agreeingly.


    "I will not keep you here then. As promised, I have done my part of the deal. My men are at your disposal."


    As someone who has been in the underworld for a long time, he knows not to push his luck.


    Once the two leaderse to a quick understanding, Hu Ma signals his men to move aside and let their guests through.


    As the mask men proceed forward in the direction of their requested room, Hu Ma and the members of Dark Clouds stare after the four figures.


    "Boss, why did you agree to let them through? Wasn¡¯t that an imposter? I thought Fate¡¯s leader is a woman. The person just now was a man."


    Hearing one of his men suddenly speak, Hu Ma cast a sharp re at the person before answering.


    "Are you an idiot? What man? She was using a voice changer under that mask."


    "..."


    Hu Ma heaves a long sigh and press the elevator button to leave the fifth floor.


    He may be old, but he is not stupid to not be able to tell the difference between a normal voice and a fake one. Not only that, when his men pointed their weapon at his guests, he was scared not only for his life but also his subordinates.


    Luckily, a fight did not break out as he knew that despite it looked like he had the upper hand, he could see that the other three men were highly skilled people.


    One out of three of them could definitely take out all his men.


    As Hu Ma enter the elevator, Yue Ling, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Nie Chen arrived at the room requested. However, it wasn¡¯t one room but two that had been asked for.


    Nie Chen carries the unconscious Ning Mei into one room, while Yue Ling and the other two enter the room next door.


    Walking over to a chair, Yue Ling sat down while Liu Shan ce his backpack on the table and Lin Hui jumps onto the old bed.


    "Dude, how can you use so much force on that bed, it¡¯s going to break."


    Liu Shan frown when he saw what Lin Hui did. Can¡¯t the man see that the bed it about to fall apart?


    Hearing the assistant, Lin Hui turns to his side and ce one hand to support his head as he stares at the man.


    "What are you talking about? I¡¯m as light as a feather. This bed will not break."


    In response, Liu Shan doesn¡¯t say anything but rolls his eyes and turns to his backpack. He already warned Lin Hui, so if the bed does break, it has nothing to do with him.


    He ignores the subordinate and unzips his backpack. Taking out theptop, he sets it up and proceeds to hack into Dark Clouds¡¯ surveinces.


    The ce is old and looked like it could be destroyed by a single rock, but it was only for show.


    When they first entered, he had located all the cameras they passed and noticed that wherever they went, the camera would follow. Even if he didn¡¯t say anything, he knows that his boss and the others had already noticed them too.


    "We¡¯re in."


    The screen that once showed a mass number of codes quickly changes into the live footages inside and outside of Dark Clouds.


    He was surprised at how many cameras had been set up, but that surprise onlysted for a quick second.


    "Wow, they really have this ce tightly watched."


    Lin Hui spoke as he jumps down from the bed. Walking over to the table where Liu Shan is, he leans closer to see a better view as theptop was smaller than the one Liu Shan usually works with.


    "Man, you really cannot pick your nose without anyone seeing."


    Just as his words fell, the door to their room creaks open and Nie Chen¡¯s figure enters. Without looking at the two men, he looks at Yue Ling.


    "Everything in the other room is set up."


    Hearing his word, Yue Ling arch a brow at how fast he was. However, knowing how he is, she leans back on the chair and cross one leg over the other.


    "Good job everyone."


    One corner of her lip arcs up into a side smirk and her eyes darken.


    "Now, we just have to wait for Imperial¡¯s next big shot to wake up."

 Chapter 598 Youre not worthy

    Inside one of the many rooms in the old and rundown Victorian hotel, Ning Meiid on top of a bed not too far from the window.


    "Mm."


    She muffles a soft moan as her eyes flutter open. She stares up at the unfamiliar ceiling and she frowns. However, it didn¡¯t take long before realization dawn on her and her body trembles.


    Before she fainted, she remember the red mask man in the bathroom, then the news that Director Yeun had sold her off.


    The scene of the bullet that shot pass her floats in her head. Her eyes widen and he quickly sits up to pat herself down. She didn¡¯t care that she was only wearing a bathrobe and continues to search for any wounds other than the small scratch she had on the arm.


    She sighs in relief when there were no other injuries. Lifting her head up, she scans the room as best as she could. However, due to the poor lighting in the room, she was unable to make out anything.


    "Where is this ce?"


    The bed she had been ced on was a full-sized bed. She moves her feet to the left as it was the direction the door was at. However, just when she tried to move her right leg, the sound of metals nking enters her ears.


    "..."


    Like the cold breeze during a winter night suddenly blew in, Ning Mei felt herself frozen to the bed. Without moving her body, she turns her head in slow motion to look where the sound hade from.


    "W-What... is this?"


    Her lower lip began to tremble uncontrobly with the rest of her body following after. She stretch her arm to where her right foot is, and the tips of her fingers touches the cold chain that had been cuffed around her ankle.


    "Ahh!!"


    She shrieks loudly like a ghost had appear in front of her. At first, she thought it might have been her mind messing with her. However, being able to touch the chain cuff, she knew this was all real.


    "No..."


    Her head slowly shakes from side to side before gradually shaking it faster in denial. Dread and panic rush inside her and she frantically search for something in the room to remove the chain.


    However, there was not a single tool for her to use or at least her eyes could not make out.


    Seeing the only window that was only 3 feet away from the bed, she crawls down from the bed. She didn¡¯t care if her right ankle was still chained, the space between the bed and window was enough for her to get near.


    Pulling the curtains apart, broken pieces of shattered ss fell onto her and the floor as the window was already broken. She ignores it and poke her head out to scream as loud as she could.


    "Help! Somebody help me!!"


    She has no idea where she had been taken to, but she believes that if anyone heard her plead for help, they will help her.


    "Please! Help me! I have been kidnap! Someone call the police!"


    Streams of tears pour down from her eyes as her sobs turn into wails. She screams every word at the top of her lungs, but it was as if the entire ce had been deserted.


    "Wuu... Somebody help me... Wuuu..."


    After screaming for a while, her voice turned hoarse and she could only wail to herself. No matter how much she screamed, it was all pointless.


    She realized that even the lights to the neighboring buildings were off and not a single shadow or car can be seen from the street below.


    However, what Ning Mei did not know is that, the building she is in is in the middle of the slums. It is an area that society had long forgot about and even if someone were to hear her, they were not going to help her.


    *Click


    Just when she was about to call for help again, the sound of the door unlocks, and the creepy creak of the old door slowly opens.


    Ning Mei¡¯s tears quickly stops and she turns around to see who it was. She doesn¡¯t know who it is and what is going to happen to her, but if this person has a good heart, he or she will help her escape from here.


    She promises that she will give this person a big reward for helping.


    "Please help me. I was brought here without consent. Please let me go."


    She cries for help and her tears that had stopped quickly fell down from her eyes again. Her entire being looked so innocent like a young maiden who had been captured by a group of bandits.


    However, the second she saw the person, her entire being froze in ce. Her legs turned weak and unable to stand up anymore, she slumps down onto the floor.


    Standing in front of the opened door was a man wearing an expensive gray id suit. One can see how well kept he maintains his body structure, but the gas mask that covered his face gave off an eerie and sinister feeling.


    "Noo!! Ahh!!!"


    Ning Mei screamed in fear and her head shakes vigorously like she had turned into an insane person.


    She didn¡¯t care if her right leg was now hanging up in midair due to the chain. All she wanted is to wake up from this horrible nightmare.


    "W-Who are you? What... What do you want?"


    Her words fell and the man wearing a gas mask takes two steps inside the room. However, he was not along as two more figures follow in after. Only, they were not wearing a gas mask but a white phantom mask.


    Seeing the three men blocking the door, her eyes tremble as another wave of intense fear crawled inside her like tiny spiders.


    "W-Why did you kidnap me? I haven¡¯t done anything wrong!"


    She stutters in her words, but as she finished herst word, the lights inside the room flickers and the entire ce brightens up.


    Realizing the set up in the room, she abruptly shuts her mouth and her eyes widen in horror.


    When she first woke up, she was in a panic state of mind that she didn¡¯t look at the room carefully. Now that she can see better, she could not believe her eyes at all.


    The room was extremely old that the walls were covered with mold. Not only that, the bed she had awoken from was so old, she could see the disgusting stains that have been there for who knows how long now.


    However, what made her unable to think the most were the cameras set up in the room.


    There were three cameras in different parts of the room, but all of them were angled at the bed.


    Her head moves from the cameras to the bed then after a long minute, her eyes widen more than ever. Her head darts at the three sinister looking figures and her face drained of any colors.


    "No... No... No!!!"


    A piercing cry escapes her lips and the chain that trapped her right leg nks loudly.


    She frantically shakes her head again as more tears stream down her cheeks like a waterfall. Since she is chained to the bed with no where to escape, it can only mean that these three men are going do whatever they want with her and record everything.


    "Please, I beg of you. Let me go. I¡¯ll pay whatever amount of money you want. Just let me go. I am innocent."


    Her face distorted and she gasps between her sobs. At the same time, her hands reach for the chain and she tries to break free. However, despite the bed frame being old, it remained in ce like someone had nailed it to the floor.


    "Please, I am innocent. I haven¡¯t done anything to offend you."


    "Tsk. Oh, shut up already."


    One of the men wearing the white phantom mask spoke in irritation and he strides over to a chair in the room to sit down.


    He looks at Ning Mei who had stopped screaming and he scoffs at her. Even though the front of her robe was loosened and showed her cleavage, he did not once find her appealing.


    However, seeing her expression, he quickly knew what she was thinking about and he scoffs a sarcastic chuckle.


    "You must really think too highly of yourself."


    He leans forward and ce both his elbows on his knees. His head slightly tilts to the side as a murderous glint of light sh in his eyes.


    "You¡¯re not worthy to be touch by us."

 Chapter 599 Not so innocen

    Ning Mei¡¯s eyes welled with tears, but she force herself not to cry. She did this not because she was trying to stay strong, but because she is afraid of what will happen to her.


    She bit her lower lip and quietly stares at the man sitting down.


    If she were to cry again, she knows that he will not hesitate to kill her. Even though he had on a phantom mask, she can see the look of pure hatred in his eyes that were visible to view.


    "Hui, look at what you did. Your words terrified our guest."


    From the door, the man wearing a gas mask spoke in a sarcastic tone. He leisurely strides to where Ning Mei is and squats down to be at eye level with her.


    His head wearing the mask lowers to look at her and he stuck out a hand to her.


    "Don¡¯t be afraid. We aren¡¯t going to hurt you. We just want to talk. Here, let me help you up."


    Hearing the man¡¯s calm voice, Ning Mei unknowingly ce her hand over his palm and with his help, she sits on the bed.


    She would be lying if she isn¡¯t afraid, but for someone reason, this man...


    Before her thoughts could advance any further, her teary eyes widen, and a streak of tear slid down her cheeks. Her lower lip trembles and she stares at the mask where the man¡¯s eyes should be.


    "N-Nie Chen?"


    Although she could not see his face and his body appearance ispletely different from when she first met him, she recognizes his voice.


    His voice was one that could make any woman lose their breath and never forget even if they wanted to.


    Staring down at the woman, the gas mask man did not show any change in his posture. He looked rather calm before a long sigh sounds from him and his shoulders shrug like he had been caught.


    "Well, seems like I¡¯ve been found out."


    Nie Chen lifts both his hands to his head and removes the gas mask. He reveals his devilishly charming face and smiles down to the woman.


    "Hello pretty."


    Unlike Liu Shan and Lin Hui, he is always nice to women. It¡¯s just who he is. Just like right now, Ning Mei isn¡¯t as pretty as the other women he¡¯s encounter, and she is his enemy, but she is still a woman.


    When his father was still alive, he (Nie Chen) was raised to always respect women. Of course, that doesn¡¯t mean he will let his enemy off that easily.


    Ning Mei stares at the man standing in front of her and she swore her heart dropped to her stomach. She is still scared, but at this moment, she was more in shock than ever.


    She could not believe that the disheveled and homeless looking man she had met hours ago and the man standing in front of her are the same person.


    However, knowing that it was Nie Chen, the fear inside her lightly subdues and relief gradually wash inside her.


    Maybe he is here to save her since she owes him money.


    "Nie..."


    Before she could finish saying Nie Chen¡¯s name, Lin Hui stood up from the chair and walks over to the bed.


    "Nie Chen, is she really that pretty?"


    He bends forward to get a closer look at Ning Mei. Even with the phantom mask on, one can see that he was eyeing the woman¡¯s appearance.


    "Hmm... Pretty indeed."


    However, he only did this for one split second before he raise one hand and his palm covers the mouth part of the mask.


    Ning Mei thought he was going to remove his mask too, but unfortunately, to her dismay, he made gagging noises like he had saw a decaying body.


    "Hurr... Pretty... Hurr... Pretty ugly."


    "..."


    Hearing his words, Ning Mei was struck dumbfounded. Her entire being tremble with anger and she res at the man with tightly curled fists.


    She knows that there are many people who talk about her behind her back, but never has anyone dare to call her ugly to her face.


    "Hui, that¡¯s enough."


    From the door, the other man wearing a phantom mask interrupts the atmosphere. He casually ce his hands inside the pockets of his pants and stares in the direction of Nie Chen.


    "Stop wasting time. We all know she is as repulsive as her sins."


    Ning Mei¡¯s shoulder jumped at the man¡¯s voice.


    Unlike the other two, this one sounded colder and full of loath towards her. He frightened her so much, that the anger inside her disperse into thin air. Even the feeling of relief that was slowly surfacing inside her was ovee with fear again.


    She didn¡¯t dare to turn around to look at the man and stares with trembling eyes at Nie Chen.


    "P-Please help me. I haven¡¯t done anything wrong. I¡¯m innocent in all this. Please."


    Hearing her words, Lin Hui scoffs in disgust. He doesn¡¯t say anything to her and walks back to sit on the chair. However, unlike the man, Nie Chen crouch down in front of the woman.


    A soft smile curls on his lip and he reach a hand towards Ning Mei to caress her cheek.


    "Aiya, indeed you didn¡¯t do anything."


    His voice was very calm and that of a true gentleman. He wipes away her tears with his thumb and his smile widens more.


    "It¡¯s just that, you are the one who set the deals. So that makes you not so innocent."


    Ning Mei had been in a panic state about being kidnapped that she had forgotten all about the deals she had made to kill Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er. However, when she heard Nie Chen¡¯s words, everything came flooding back inside her like grey clouds engulfing the clear blue sky.


    "W... Why..."


    She was confused as to why Nie Chen would say such thing to her. Wasn¡¯t he supposed to help her?


    Seeing the look of pure terror and confusion in her eyes, Nie Chen softly chuckles and he lightly pats the side of her cheek with his palm.


    "You see, you shouldn¡¯t have asked for something you cannot have."


    He retracts his hand and stood up.


    "The person you want me to kill is someone I can never kill."


    As his words fell, he looks in the direction of the door and he kept his smile. It was a smile that held genuine warmth and respect for someone he looks up to and holds dearly in his heart.


    Ning Mei was left speechless with her mouth open agape. She didn¡¯t need to ask any questions as she understood very well what his words meant.


    She had asked him to kill Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er, but he is now telling her that one of them is someone he knows and cannot do as she had asked. Even if someone were to give him the world, he would never do it.


    However, the only question she can ask herself is, who?


    Afraid, but more curious, she slowly turns her head to look in the same direction as Nie Chen.


    When she saw the person, all the hair on the back of her neck stood up and her eyes shook.


    "Y-You..."

 Chapter 600 touches ones hear

    Standing tall by the door, Liu Shan frowns from under the phantom mask. He stares back at Ning Mei like she was an idiot as she was staring with wide eyes at him.


    However, it didn¡¯t take long before realization dawn in him and he smiles under the mask.


    "Oh, my bad."


    Taking a big step to the side, his body frame that once blocked the door reveals another tall figure. They stood almost at the same height, but he is taller by two inches.


    He pays no more attention to Ning Mei and turns to the person before slightly bowing his head in greeting.


    "Boss."


    Ning Mei stares at the new figure and she felt every ounce of dread crawl inside her. It was like tiny ants had storm from her feet and made their way to her head but decided to stop at her heart to feast on it.


    The person standing at the door was tall and slenderpare to the other three men, but the thing that frightened her the most was the red hannya mask that looked like the devil himself.


    From the figure¡¯s appearance, she could only assume that this fourth person is also a man.


    "W-Who are y-you?"


    Her quavering voice echoes inside the old and rundown room, but it was as if the man did not hear her and leisurely enters the room.


    He calmly walks towards her and stops at the foot of the bed. Even with the mask on, one can see that he is looking straight at Ning Mei.


    "Boss, you didn¡¯t have toe here. We were just about to leave."


    Nie Chen suddenly spoke from the side. His entire demeanor was full of respect and hepletely ignores Ning Mei who was still shivering in fear on the bed.


    He was surprised to see his bosse in the room because he, along with Liu Shan and Lin Hui were only here as nned. They were assigned to scare the rookie model a little then leave.


    However, never did he think his boss would suddenly show herself as they needed to make sure her identity is not reveal.


    Hearing Nie Chen address the red mask man as ¡¯boss¡¯, Ning Mei¡¯s eyes widen and due to the close distance, her arms stretch forward, and she grabs the red mask man¡¯s arms.


    "Hongyi? It¡¯s you right?"


    Tears quickly welled up in her eyes again and she wails like a sad and pitiful little girl who was lost at a theme park.


    She quickly assumed this man is Wei Hongyi because Nie Chen is here. From what she knows, he (Nie Chen) is someone who works for Wei Hongyi.


    "Wuu... Why are you doing this to me? Is it because I asked Nie Chen to kill Zhao Ya¡¯Er?"


    Her face distorted into an unpleasant sight with her cries and she tightens her grip on the person she thought to be Wei Hongyi.


    "It¡¯s all a misunderstanding. I only wanted to scare her for not returning your love. Wuu... The person I only want dead is that slut Han¡ª"


    Ning Mei¡¯s words had yet to finish when a fist suddenly appears from the side and struck her on the cheeks causing her head to turn to the right. Her grip on "Wei Hongyi¡¯s" arms loosens, and she stumbles down onto the floor.


    The loud nking from the chain on her ankle echoes inside the room. However, she ignores it and res with tearful eyes at the person who had dare to struck her.


    "Y-You..."


    Lin Hui who had been sitting down was now standing next to "Wei Hongyi". He stood on the right side as Nie Chen on the left. However, both his arms folded over his chest and even with the phantom mask on, Ning Mei could see the chilling and murderous look in his eyes.


    "Hui, I thought you don¡¯t hit women."


    Nie Chen couldn¡¯t help but ask with an expression full of bewilderment. He did not even see the man make a move, let alone even heard a sound.


    Hearing the long hair man¡¯s words, Lin Hui clicks his tongue with a scoff then points to Ning Mei.


    "You call THAT a woman? That¡¯s pure evil. I was only trying to help smack all her sins back inside her."


    He spoke his words like a righteous man, but both Liu Shan and Nie Chen knew the real reason why he had struck Ning Mei.


    As one should know that every one of Yue Ling¡¯s subordinates are loyal to her and hates it when someone bad mouths her. Especially Lin Hui, he is always the first to lose his temper and strike first.


    They are this way not because she is their boss, but because she is a person with a pure and good heart. A person who will go against heaven and earth for the ones she loves and cares about.


    Unlike Ning Mei, who acts like an innocent being on the outside but has a wicked and despicable heart.


    Oblivious to the real reason why she was hit, Ning Mei kept her eyes on Lin Hui. She was at a loss for words. All she could do was let her tears fall as the pain still lingered on her cheeks.


    "Your first mistake was crossing the line you shouldn¡¯t have."


    A voice, far deeper than the three men suddenly resonated from the man wearing the red hannya mask. His voice wasn¡¯t only deep but sounded so sinister that Ning Mei felt all the hair on her body stand on ends.


    Ning Mei shifts her attention to the man and without letting her say a word, the man¡¯s deep voice sounds continues.


    "Your second mistake was murdering an innocent life that wanted no part in your selfish greed."


    His words fell and Ning Mei felt another wave of fear crawl inside her, but this time, the feeling was as if she had been struck by lightning.


    However, when she thought about his words, the space between her brows slightly crease into three lines.


    He said she had murder someone, but from what she remembers, she only asked Chu Li Xiang to kill Yue Ling. How did it lead to her killing someone?


    Not only that, Chu Li Xiang hasn¡¯t been in contact with her and neither did he mention anything about someone dying when shest saw him.


    "Your third mistake is not knowing when to stop your selfish greed."


    As Ning Mei thought to herself, "Wei Hongyi" continue his words. He spoke in calm voice, but one can hear the hostility behind it.


    It was as if the man was the Jade Emperor and Ning Mei was a servant who hadmitted a huge crime in the heavens above.


    Her thoughts suddenly stop, and she looks up at the man as she bit her lower lip from trembling.


    "I... I..."


    She wanted to say that she is innocent and that she hadn¡¯t kill anyone, but the moment she opened her mouth, she couldn¡¯t find the words the say anything.


    The golden eyes on the mask that stares back at her were like the eyes of a ferocious tiger staring straight into her soul.


    It wasn¡¯t until a long minuteter that she was able to find her voice again.


    "H-Hongyi, why are treating me like this? I didn¡¯t kill anyone. I¡¯m really innocent."


    She knows that Wei Hongyi is a man with a bad temper, and he is angry with her for ruining his rtionship with Zhao Ya¡¯Er, but does he have to go so far as to kidnap her. Couldn¡¯t he just have called her to meet up and talk about it?


    Not wanting to die by the hands of either men, she crawls over to "Wei Hongyi" and hugs his legs. Her head tilts back as she stares up at him with tearful eyes.


    "I promise, I¡¯ll never do it again. If you let me go, I won¡¯t tell anyone about this. I will never appear in front of you or Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Please, let me go."


    She is afraid but she has to try and persuade him. Her days as a model has yet to rise, how can she die already?


    However, no matter how much she begged, luck was not on her side.


    "Wei Hongyi" lowers his head to look down at her, but he showed no signs of mercy at all.


    "Seeing you beg like this really touches one¡¯s heart."


    He removes her arms around his leg and squats down to be at eye level with her.


    "If it had been Wei Hongyi standing here, he would have believed you."


    Both his arms raise, and he pulls back the hood covering his head as it reveals long wavy hair that had been put up in a high ponytail.


    "But not me."


    He removes the red hannya mask and his words continue. However, the deep voice that once came from the man soon changes into the angelic voice of a woman.


    "You see, your fate has already been decided."

 Chapter 601 Selfish greed

    Ning Mei¡¯s eyes widen as her jaw slowly drop to the ground. She stares at the person in front of her and she could not believe what she is seeing.


    The entire time, she had been so sure that the man wearing the red hannya mask was none other than Wei Hongyi.


    When she told herself that it was him, she believed that her being kidnapped was only a small to prank to scare her for what she did. However, the moment the man removed that mask, the small hope inside her quickly disperse into thin air.


    Her eyes tremble with tears before burning rage rush to her brain. She didn¡¯t care anymore and grabs the person in front of her with her righthand.


    "Han Yue Ling! You slut!"


    Never in her entire life did she think the person who dare to kidnap her would be Yue Ling. Out of all the people in the world, why did it have to be the one person she loath and wants dead.


    As her smaller figure lunges forward with her hand in a w like gesture, she was sure she can ruin the retired model¡¯s face.


    However, Yue Ling was faster and stops her.


    Holding Ning Mei¡¯s wrist, Yue Ling stares indifferently at the woman before one corner of her lip arcs up into a devilish smirk.


    "Your parents need to discipline you better. Didn¡¯t they tell you to never call someone a slut if you are the definition of what a slut is."


    Her words fell and the other corner of her lip curls up as a soft and satisfying smile appears on her face.


    "But then again, who can me you as you don¡¯t get along with your own family."


    Not everyone in Imperial knows about this but the truth is that Ning Mei and her family are not on good terms. They put on an act in public, but behind closed doors, they don¡¯t even speak to one another.


    Standing on the sideline, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Nie Chen all held a surprise look. None of the three men expected Yue Ling to not only appear in the room, but even reveal herself.


    "Boss."


    Liu Shan was the first to return from his short daze. He takes a step forward and interrupts her, but before he could take another step, Yue Ling¡¯s next move stops him.


    Her free hand raise midair and signals to him that she is fine. She didn¡¯t need to say anything as her gesture was enough to let the three men know that she can handle the situation from here.


    She never once moved her eyes from Ning Mei, but the smile on her face had already disappear and all that was left is only the coldness that emitted from her eyes.


    "You should have stopped after you thought it was wise to drug me during my farewell party."


    Ning Mei¡¯s shoulder jumps at her words. She recalls Yue Ling once telling her that she (Yue Ling) knew about the whole drugging scheme. However, at the time, she (Ning Mei) thought it was all a bluff and coincident to scare her.


    Seeing the sudden terrified and paleplexion on Ning Mei¡¯s face, Yue Ling scoffs a faint chuckle and she shoves the rookie model¡¯s hand away.


    "For your little scheme against me, I could have ended your life right there and then."


    Her bluish green eyes slowly flutter before they stare directly into Ning Mei¡¯s eyes like she could see right into the woman¡¯s soul.


    "However, I should thank you, because it was all thanks to you that I was able to meet the one man that many women in Imperial dream to have look their way."


    Yue Ling spoke in a nonchnt way like she was a viiness and sarcastically mocking Ning Mei. However, when Ning Mei heard her words, her (Ning Mei) face turned paler than it already is.


    She had been so upied with her ns to get rid of Yue Ling and her path to be the number one model that she forgot all about that night.


    After she drugged Yue Ling¡¯s drink and witnessed her drink it, she was sure that Yue Ling would enter the room she had booked. She (Ning Mei) even went so far as to pay Robert to help in her ns and sleep with the retired model.


    Their n was to have him sneak in and do whatever he wanted, so long as he was able to take nude pictures of Yue Ling. Once it was done, they were going to release the pictures to the media and ruin her (Yue Ling) days in Imperial.


    She (Ning Mei) thought everything was going ording to her n, but the next day Robert came to her ce and told her that he ended up spending the entire night with a random woman.


    When she was informed about the matter, she flew into rage and even went to check Imperial Hotel¡¯s surveince footages to see what went wrong. However, she wasn¡¯t able to find anything except for one footage that showed Yue Ling entering one of the elevators.


    At that moment, she could only tell herself that Yue Ling got away lucky. She didn¡¯t further look into it and decided to shift her attention onto another n.


    However, listening to Yue Ling¡¯s words now, it can only mean one thing.


    She (Ning Mei) actually helped her (Yue Ling) climb onto Lu Tian¡¯s bed.


    Lu Tian, who is the man of many women in Imperial¡¯s dream. The one man known for his great looks and his wealth.


    There are many women, including herself, who tries their hardest to get him see them, yet, she actually gave such a grand opportunity away to Han Yue Ling. Now she understands why Lu Tian, who is known to be cold towards others was so nice to Yue Ling during General Ji¡¯s birthday.


    Thinking about how luck seems to be on Yue Ling¡¯s side again, intense anger rage into Ning Mei as the fear she once had disappears. She res viciously at Yue Ling and clench her fists tightly together.


    "I¡¯ve always tried my best to be a great model, but why is it always you? Why do you always get everything?"


    Blinded by her greed and anger, she lunges forward again, but this time like a crazy woman.


    If she knew that Lu Tian was going to be at Imperial Hotel the night of the farewell party, she would have never given Yue Ling the chance.


    "Slut! It was supposed to be me! I¡¯m supposed to be Mrs. Lu! Not you!!"


    Just as Ning Mei¡¯s words fell, she was struck hard on the face by a p. It was on the same cheek that she had been hit by Lin Hui.


    However, this time, it wasn¡¯t from Lin Hui but Yue Ling herself. She stares at Ning Mei and her head slightly tilt to the side.


    "I¡¯ve never had a grudge against you, but you just keep scheming against me."


    She heard what Ning Mei said, but she doesn¡¯t need to exin herself. Even if she wished that night hadn¡¯t happened, it already did. She was only lucky that the man was Lu Tian and not someone else.


    Not wanting to dwell on the subject of that night, she decides to shift the topic to the reason for her entering the room and revealing herself.


    "For your selfish greed, you didn¡¯t care about anyone else¡¯s feelings. You even stooped so low as to kill an innocent life."


    Her eyes turned colder as the color of her eyes seem to darken with the night sky.


    "You should have stopped when it was still early for you. However, nothing was ever enough for you, so you made arrangements to have more people kill just so you could achieve that greed of yours."

 Chapter 602 will never have

    Hearing those words again that she killed an innocent person, Ning Mei abruptly looks at Yue Ling. She covers her ears with her hands and shakes her head.


    "I didn¡¯t kill anyone! The only person I wanted dead more than anything is you!!"


    Her screaming voice echoes inside the room and she kicks her feet like an angry child who didn¡¯t get what she wanted. The sound of the chain around her ankle nks with her, but she didn¡¯t care.


    She points at Yue Ling with her trembling hand and her screams continues.


    "It¡¯s always about you! Even when you are no longer in the modeling industry, everything is still about you! Everywhere I go, it¡¯s always Han Yue Ling, Han Yue Ling, Han Yue Ling! What about me?! What about all the hard work I put in as a model?!"


    She screams every word at the top of her lungs as it caused her breathing to turn heavy. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, but she made sure her anger was written on her face for Yue Ling to see.


    "Everything you have should have been mine! You don¡¯t deserve any of it!!"


    Listening to her rant about nonsense, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Nie Chen were more dumbfounded than ever.


    Ning Mei wants their boss dead all because she (Yue Ling) had worked hard to be where she is today. It¡¯s understanding as to why she would be jealous, but the woman is clearly not seeing the bigger picture.


    Just like every model in the world, Yue Ling was also once a rookie model when she first entered the modeling industry. She strived every day just to make her name known to the world.


    Everything Yue Ling did to be the model that she was before retiring was with her own two hands and feet. She did her best just like any other human being. If someone did better than her, she would fix her own mistakes and use it as motivation to do better the next time.


    She wasn¡¯t like Ning Mei, who would scheme against those who were better than her. Not only that, she (Yue Ling) never went around and climb into any person¡¯s bed just so they could help her.


    As the three men thought about the same thing, Yue Ling was oblivious to their mind. She kept her eyes on Ning Mei with an emotionless expression.


    "I never once begged or conspire with anyone just to get to where I stand today. Everything I achieved were because of my own hard work and those who supported me along the way."


    She knows that the modeling industry is tough, but that is the life you choose when you decide to be a model. You have to work hard every day just to let others know who you are. You cannot just be a model and expect the whole world to already know who you are.


    There were even times when she wanted to give up being a model, but she told herself to be strong as she had her family, friends, and subordinates with her. Without them, she would have never be the person she is right now.


    Her thoughts end and she slowly blinks her eyes that were locked on Ning Mei.


    "You said I don¡¯t deserve any of the things I achieved, but if I don¡¯t, then that means someone like you definitely doesn¡¯t."


    As her words fell, she sighs a smile and shakes her head lightly.


    "However, that is the difference between us. Everything I have is not yours. What I have is something a murderer like yourself will never have."


    Yue Ling¡¯s words dropped like one mountain after another as Ning Mei could only bite her lower lip.


    It¡¯s true that she is nothingpare to Yue Ling and everything Yue Ling has, she (Ning Mei) will never have. Yes, she is part of the Ning family, but her parents and brother don¡¯t support her choice in bing a model. They barely even speak to her now.


    However, she has tried so many times to make name known in the modeling industry, but everything always fail.


    Just like during the Fall Fashion Show. She thought that since she secured the position as An Qing¡¯s opening model, she would finally get everyone¡¯s attention, but in the end, all the media talked about was Yue Ling, who had already retired from the modeling industry.


    As she thought these things to herself, she suddenly remembers something Yue Ling had said.


    She looks up at the tall woman and her entire being tremble with coldness in her eyes.


    "So what if I don¡¯t have anything that you have. You, Han Yue Ling cannot nder me for being a murderer. I¡¯ve said it many times that I have not killed anyone!"


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression remained the same calmness even when Ning Mei raised her voice. She stares at Ning Mei and her thoughts became unreadable before her lips part to speak.


    "Your hands did not kill an innocent life, but that filthy mouth of yours did."


    She slowly reach an arm towards Ning Mei and gently stroke the side of her (Ning Mei) face with the back of her fingers.


    "You are a woman who depends on men to get what you want and take contraceptive pills to keep yourself from having a bastard child. However, that wasn¡¯t enough. Your greed to reach the top blinded you so much that it caused you to make a deal with Chu Li Xiang."


    She spoke in a soft and soothing tone like a mother trying to ease her child¡¯s mind from a nightmare.


    "The deal you made was to have me killed, but that deal that came out from your mouth did not kill me."


    Her fingers slowly trail down Ning Mei¡¯s face until they stop at the woman¡¯s chin. Holding it in ce to make their eyes meet, Yue Ling¡¯s words continue.


    "The one you killed was an innocent baby. An innocent unborn baby whose parents only met through a sonography."


    Her words fell and Ning Mei finally came to an understanding of how she is murderer. She didn¡¯t do it with her own two hands, but she was the one who made the deal to Chu Li Xiang.


    She stares at Yue Ling in silence as she was too frozen to utter a sound let alone move. Even when Yue Ling¡¯s hold on her chin tightened so much that she could feel her (Yue Ling) nails digging her skin, she didn¡¯t was too scare to care.


    Yue Ling pinch tighter on Ning Mei¡¯s chin and a murderous light sh in her bluish green eyes.


    "It was MY unborn child, who was only 10 weeks."


    From the side, the eyes of Liu Shan and Lin Hui darkens as they thought back to the tragic incident of that night. Never will they forget what happened as they were there and experienced that heart wrenching moment.


    However, unlike the two men, Nie Chen was at a loss for words.


    His eyes slightly widens when he heard what happened and his head slowly turns to look at Yue Ling.


    He knew that Chu Li Xiang had crossed the line with Fate and Lu Tian because of a woman, but he never learned the reason. Now that he heard Yue Ling¡¯s words, he could only feel an unexinable feeling rise inside him.


    Even he, who has been her subordinate way longer than Liu Shan and Lin Hui did not know that she was pregnant.


    Thinking about all those she had already lost along the way, his fingers curl into tight fists. A sharp sting stabs his heart and he stares at her before shifting his gaze to Ning Mei.


    However, unlike the grief look in his eyes when he looked at Yue Ling, his eyes were grim and full of loath towards Ning Mei.


    He had swore to the heavens above that he will never hit a woman, but Ning Mei has gone too far.


    Even if he were to be struck by lightning for beating her to death, he doesn¡¯t care.

 Chapter 603 a gift in advance

    In full rage for his boss and the loss of her child, Nie Chen takes a step forward to grab Ning Mei from the floor. However, before he could make a move, Yue Ling moves her hand away from Ning Mei¡¯s cheek and calmly stood up.


    "Chen, she isn¡¯t worth it."


    Even if she didn¡¯t see his expression, she knows what Nie Chen is thinking about, but she does not want any of her subordinates to waste their time dealing with someone as despicable as Ning Mei.


    Taking onest look at the woman still sitting on the floor, Yue Ling turns away and walk towards the door.


    "Han Yue Ling! You won¡¯t get away with this!"


    Ning Mei quickly came to her senses when she saw Yue Ling leaving. She doesn¡¯t know what is going to happen, but she can confirm that the person who shot the bullets at her in the bathroom was definitely Yue Ling.


    She now knows what it feels like to be afraid. However, all she cares about if her life after tonight. She hasn¡¯t even finished her dream and now she¡¯s already a murderer. What will people say about her?


    Scared out of her wits, she attempts to crawl after Yue Ling to stop her, but due to the chain around her ankle, she wasn¡¯t able to get far from the bed.


    "Yue Ling! Please, I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to kill your baby."


    Ning Mei cries pitifully once again like she had finally realized her mistake. She is too afraid to go to jail. How will someone like her be able to survive in the world now?


    Hearing her pleading words, Yue Ling stops in her steps before leaving out the door. She slowly turns around and stares back at the woman crying for her life.


    "I forgive you, but I will never forget what you did."


    She can understand why Ning Mei is the way she is, but even if a person wanted to reach the highest peak in the world, they shouldn¡¯t kill just to achieve that dream.


    Even though her hands are stained with the blood of many, they were all evil beings that caused havoc upon innocent beings. Never once did she used her knowledge of killing someone to help with reaching her career.


    Ning Mei stares at Yue Ling with eyes cover with tears. Her fists curls tightly at her side as she knew this was the end for her. She spits onto the floor and yells at Yue Ling.


    "I don¡¯t care if you forgive me! Just let me go! If you don¡¯t let me go, I swear you¡¯re going to regret it for the rest of your life!"


    She spat each word like someone who will kept their words, but only God knows that she is still evil on the inside. She swore inside that once Yue Ling lets her go, she will do everything she can to steal what Yue Ling has. Never will she let the retired model look down on her again.


    However, to her unfortunate, Yue Ling was able to see through her little fa?ade. Just one look at her eyes and once will see her true intentions.


    She lightly shakes her head and walks back over to Ning Mei.


    "Truthfully, I did n to let you go, but you don¡¯t seem to know what is good for you."


    Her righthand reach inside her coat pocket and she takes out a small clear bottle and a syringe. Turning for the only table in the room, she set the two items down before she opens the lid to the small bottle.


    "You might not want a child, but I did. I thought I would be able to finally start a family of my own, but you took that chance from me."


    She pokes the needle part of the syringe into the clear bottle and fills up the barrel.


    "I may have forgiven you, but you are a person who has eyes but fail to recognize Mount Tai."


    Turning around to face Ning Mei, she calmly walks over to her. She squats down again and smiles a very soft and angelic smile that can brighten ones dark night.


    "This won¡¯t hurt one bit."


    Holding the syringe in her hand, she didn¡¯t give the rookie model any time to react and stabs it right into Ning Mei¡¯s thigh.


    "Ahhh!!!!"


    Ning Mei shrieks at the pain of the needle piercing through her skin and inside her. Veins pop on her forehead and she gasp for air like she was going to drown.


    Her chest heave heavily before she cast Yue Ling a murderous re that could kill a person.


    "How dare you do this to me! What did you inject inside me?!"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t bother to move the syringe and stood up. Her eyes remains looking down at Ning Mei¡¯s pale face and she chuckles softly.


    "It is a substance that helps stimtes all your desires. The kind of substance that will make all your dreame true."


    Her smile widens and her pearl white teethes into view.


    "Since you love men so much and is always hungry for fame, I will help you achieve that goal."


    Yue Ling spoke her words as she stood up and Ning Mei didn¡¯t know what to think anymore. Her lower lip began to tremble uncontrobly before she felt a change inside her body.


    It as if she had been thrown inside a burning furnace. She pulls the syringe out of her thigh and wrap her arms around herself as she quickly knew what kind of drug Yue Ling had injected inside her.


    Her red and swollen eyes re up at Yue Ling and she growls through her gritted teeth.


    "You¡¯re courting death! You dare to drug me with aphrodisiac?!"


    The smile on Yue Ling¡¯s face slowly disappears and there was no longer any kind of emotion on her but indifference.


    "I am only returing what you did to me. Don¡¯t worry, I have prepared a gift in advance for you."


    Her words fell and she walks away as she had no more business with Ning Mei. Quickly following after her, Lin Hui and Nie Chen did not once spare the rookie model a look nor did they felt any sympathy for her.


    As the three people reach the door, Liu Shan joins them. Each person puts on their mask and leaves the room like they were stepping out the door of their own home.


    "Han! Yue! Ling! You¡¯re going to pay for this!! I hope you die a slow and painful death!!"


    Watching the four people leave her without any care, Ning Mei screams from inside the room. Her voice echoes out the door and into the dim hallway.


    When she heard their footsteps grow fainter and fainter, her tears pour down her cheeks due to her anger and fear.


    However, just when she was about to scream again, she hears multiple footsteps approaching the door.


    She looks over the bed in the direction of the door, but to her horror, it was not Yue Ling or any of the three men.


    "Wow. I didn¡¯t think we would be promised such a beauty for 24 hours."


    Instead, what greeted her were a group of men. Their faces were covered in dirt and their clothes were unwashed and torn. One look and she could already tell that these men were beggars in the street.


    "No!!!!"


    She screams at them in attempt to stop them froming near her. More tears ran down her cheeks and she vigorously shakes her head as she tries to scoot back from them, but she didn¡¯t get far as the chain kept her from going anywhere.


    "Get away from me!! Don¡¯te any closer! Ahh!!! Ahh!! Get away!!"


    However, no matter how much she screamed and tried to sound threatening, the group of men did not stop.


    "Who ever can grab her can have her first."


    One man spoke and each person quickly held a malicious and hungry grin as they near her. Some walked around the bed, while some climbed onto the bed.


    "Don¡¯t worry, we will take very good care of you."


    Another man spoke with a wide grin that reveals no teeth. He licks his dried lips and being the closest to her, he grabs her by the arms.


    "Noooo!!!!"


    A pierce shrieking cry escapes Ning Mei¡¯s lip before she was picked up and thrown onto the old and creaking bed.


    She grabs the front of her bathrobe to keep it from being opened and she clench her legs together. However, everything she did was to no avail.


    The aphrodisiac was already taking over and she could feel herself losing control over her body.


    "Get away from me! Don¡¯t touch me..."


    Her wails soon turned into sobs as a man grabs hold of her wrists and held them in ce over her head. From the side, another man pulls open her robe and reveals her smooth naked body for everyone in the room to see.


    She tries her best to kick the men away, but her kicks were so weak that it did no harm to the group of beggars that surrounded her like a pack of wolves.


    As the group of men focus their attention on Ning Mei, three men decided to wait until their turn.


    Each person walks over to the cameras that had been set up in the room and turns it on to start recording.


    "Don¡¯t worry, after 24 hours, you will be the most famous person in all of Imperial."

 Chapter 604 Its too loud

    Under the night sky, all was quiet in the slums of Imperial. The old Victorian hotel stood like a mighty pir despite its horrible condition that looked like a rock can destroy it. The once tightly shut doors to its entrance slowly opens and four figures wearing masks leisurely steps out.


    "I can¡¯t believe Ning Mei would have such a vicious heart! If I knew she was this evil, I wouldn¡¯t have agreed to meet her by the docks."


    Walking in front of the group, Nie Chen was fuming with rage at the loss of his boss¡¯s baby. Both his arms waves in every direction as he hits the air and legs didn¡¯t forget to kick the ground below.


    If he could turn back time, he would havee find Yue Ling sooner. Maybe then, he would have been able to help protect her from danger.


    He stops in his steps in front of his motorcycle and his breathing turned rapid with his nostrils ring.


    "Ning Mei and Chu Li Xiang are too evil. Both evildoers deserve what is happening and happened to them."


    He stomps one foot angrily on the ground and he ruffles his hair like a mad man.


    "Arg! If Chu Li Xiang isn¡¯t dead, I would have tied him up and cement him onto the street so I can run him over with my car millions of times!"


    After they bid their goodbyes to Hu Ma and were taking the elevator down, Liu Shan and Lin Hui told him everything that happened while he was not here. The two men also went into detail of how Lu Tian took care of Chu Li Xiang.


    However, despite the despicable man dying so pitifully, he (Nie Chen) still felt it wasn¡¯t enough. He wants Chu Li Xiang to die then be revived only to die again and again.


    As Nie Chen immerse in his own anger, Yue Ling, Liu Shan and Lin Hui quietly followed behind. The boss, assistant and subordinate did not bother to try and calm him down because they know how he is when angry.


    "Boss, what do we do now?"


    Liu Shan stops in front of his motorcycle and asks as he turns to look at Yue Ling. Since they have sent Ning Mei here ording to the n, his boss hasn¡¯t said anything about what they should do until the 24 hours is up.


    Hearing his question, Yue Ling had also stop in front of her motorcycle. She removes the red hannya mask and a dangerous light sh in her eyes, but only for a quick second before the look in her eyes return to normal.


    "Carry on with your regr schedule for 24 hours."


    Grabbing her helmet, she puts it on then gets on her motorcycle as her words continue.


    "Once 24 hours is up, it will be showtime."


    The engine to her motorcycle revs as it turns on and without saying another word, she drives away in the direction of home.


    Liu Shan stares at her departing figure in silence. The expression on his face held no emotions, but only God knows how much he has been wanting to ask. To ask her how she is really doing as she is a person who is very good at hiding her pain.


    Thinking this, he turns back to look at the old Victorian hotel.


    Never in his entire years of follow Yue Ling have they done what they did to Ning Mei to anyone else. Not because they couldn¡¯t, but because they were not the type of people to do something like this.


    As a matter of face, everyone from Fate hates anything that involves rape.


    However, this is an exception.


    Ning Mei may act like an innocent person on the outside, but she is full of evilness. If she can go far as to sleep with married men and ckmail other men to get what she wants, she can consider those beggars from Dark Clouds as men who will help her reach her ¡¯dream¡¯.


    His eyes slowly blinks and he ends his thoughts. Holding his helmet with his hands, he ce one leg over his motorcycle to sit down then puts on the helmet. Turning the engine on, he drives in the direction Yue Ling had gone.


    Behind, Lin Hui had just put on his helmet when he saw his boss leave then Liu Shan. He gasps inside at how they ignored him and quickly follows after them.


    Oblivious to the other people, Nie Chen continues to mumble incoherently to himself. He puts his helmet on and finally turns to look at the three people.


    "Yue Ling, how can you be so calm at¡ª"


    His words fell and he could only swallow his remaining words. His eyelids grew heavy by the second and he could not believe that while he was venting his anger, Yue Ling, Liu Shan and Lin Hui had dare to leave him behind.


    Not only that, he didn¡¯t even notice when they left, let alone even hear the sound of their engines turned on.


    His chest heaves heavily and he revs his engine like an angry beast ready to unleash his wrath upon the world.


    "You¡¯re all dead meat!!"


    He roars an angrily growl into the night sky and drives after the three people to catch up to them.


    As Yue Ling and her three subordinates leave the slums of Imperial, no one bother to care about the situation Ning Mei is in. It was as if they had never been to Dark Clouds but were a group of friends enjoying a night cruise under the starry sky.


    Back at the house, the dark metal gates open as Lu Tian¡¯s ck Maserati Levante Trofeo pulls up. Sitting on the driver seat, the aloof man held a frowning expression when he saw Liu Shan¡¯s car parked outside.


    However, instead of it being parked in the driveway, it was parked right outside the gate.


    He found it rather strange since the assistant has the gate code to get inside.


    Just when the thought came to him, he quickly press on the elerator and sped towards the house.


    He had been out dealing with Wei Hongyi. Could it be that something happened to his wife while he was away?


    Parking his car right in front of the house, he swung the door open. He didn¡¯t bother to turn the engine off and sprints for the front door.


    "Yue Ling?!"


    He calls out for his wife the second he pushed open the door. At the same time, he didn¡¯t forget to frantically search for her with his eyes.


    Taking a step inside he checks the entire first floor including the back courtyard, then the second floor.


    "Yue Ling?! Inu?!"


    His voice sounds again, but this time he also searches for the Samoyed as he knows the little guy will never leave his wife¡¯s side.


    However, the only thing that greeted him was an empty house in the silence of the night.


    He stood in the middle of the upstairs hallway and his brows crease tightly together.


    Reaching inside his coat pocket, he takes out his phone and call his wife, but right after one ring, the call went straight to voicemail.


    His eyes sh dangerously and calls another person on speed dial.


    ["Assistant Xu Long here."]


    "Locate my wife."


    Lu Tian quickly gives a short order the second Xu Long answered the call. He doesn¡¯t say anymore and ends the call to try and call his wife again.


    This time, the call rang three times before the line connects and the sound of passing wind can be heard from the background.


    ["Hello? Tian?"]


    Hearing the sweet angelic voice of the woman he loves dearly, Lu Tian finally remembers to breath again. The knot in his chest from worrying was also loosening, but not all the way.


    "Where are you?"


    ["I¡¯m sorry for not letting you know. I had some things to take care of with my subordinates, but we¡¯re heading back now."]


    Lu Tian sighs inside in relief at her words. For a second there, he though he was going to have to turn Imperial upside down to search for her.


    ["Tian, it¡¯s too loud, I¡¯ll see you at home."]


    Yue Ling¡¯s words fell from the other line and she quickly ends the call as the passing wind and the sound of motorcycle engines were too loud to talk over the phone.


    Even though the call ended, Lu Tian still held to phone near his ear. He is curious to know where she went, but he¡¯ll wait for her to get home and ask.


    For now, he can be at ease knowing that she is fine and with her subordinates.


    Turning for their bedroom, it didn¡¯t take long for him to enter the room. He puts his phone down on the bedside table and grabs a set of sleeping clothes in the closet.


    He then heads for the bathroom as he decides to take a quick shower before his wife gets home.


    Seconds after he closed the door, the sound of running water can be heard from inside the bathroom. However, at the same time, the ck screen on his phone brightens up and the sound of his ringtone ys inside the bedroom.

 Chapter 605 Make her proud

    Clothe in a set of loungewear, Lu Tian sat in the living room as he waits for his wife. He couldn¡¯t help but asionally nce at the wall clock.


    It has been close to an hour since his phone call with his wife. Where did she go that would take her a long time to get home?


    He has to admit, although he has been living on his own since he became an adult and never felt any sense of being lonely, now it was different. The feeling of loneliness when entering an empty house is really suffocating.


    Not only is his wife not home, even his annoying enemy isn¡¯t home to annoy him.


    As he thought these feelings, he nce at the wall clock for onest time. Since he skipped dinner, he¡¯ll cook a meal to eat and wait for his wife.


    Walking out from the living room, he enters the kitchen and sees a pot on the stove. He arch a brow and a faint smile curls on his lip.


    His wife must have already cooked dinner, but since he was out for too long and she had to leave the house, she must have left it on the stove for him to see.


    He walks towards the stove and turn the fire on without looking at what is inside. He didn¡¯t need to because he knows that every meal his wife makes is always good. While the food starts to warm up, he sets the table. He made sure to grab an extra te set for his wife too. It was in case she came home and did not eat dinner too.


    Once he ce thest bowl down on the table, the sizzling sound from inside the pot enters his ears. He leisurely walks over to the stove and turns the fire off.


    Just as he did this, the delicious aroma from the food enters his smell senses as he removes the lid. In one hand, he held adle ready to scoop up the food into a bowl.


    However, the second he removed the lid and the steam clears, he could only blink his eyes in astonishment.


    His brows slightly crease together, and he slowly use thedle to scoop up the contents. His head slightly tilts to the side as he lets the food drop back into the pot.


    After a long moment of silence, he couldn¡¯t help but scoff a chuckle at what he is seeing.


    "Did her cooking skills disappear in thest few hours?"


    The color of the food was in a shade of dark green. It looked like porridge and oatmealbined together, but in different color and looked less appetizing. He could even see small specks of white dots that looked like they were once rice, but now it was very soggy.


    "Is this even edible?"


    He scoops up another spoonful and drop it back inside the pot. Instead of falling from thedle like a smooth waterfall, it was a big blob that plops back down.


    "..."


    A million mix emotions rush inside him as he didn¡¯t know whether to eat the food or just stay hungry until morning.


    From one nce, he could already tell that if he were to consume such meal, he would no doubt have to spend an entire week in the hospital.


    However, if he doesn¡¯t eat it, he knows he would be making his wife sad.


    What should he do now?


    He continues to stare at the pot of slimy green food and contemte whether to eat it or not. Suddenly, a bubble rises from inside the pot and pops causing him to take a step back.


    His gesture was in full alert as if he were standing near a burning volcano andva sttered out.


    He frowns in thoughts then looks at thedle in his hand. Seeing the green residue that was left, he couldn¡¯t help but bite his lower lip.


    He is quite the picky eater, but never in his thirty years of living had he ever been in such a difficult situation like this. There were times in the past when he and Wolf Team are sent on missions and had to eat very nd food, but none of those food looked anything like the food in front of him.


    Feeling like an entire day had gone by, he close his eyes and inhales a deep and long breath. When his eyes reopened, all the mixing feelings he had vanishes and only determination can be seen on his face.


    "Remember Lu Tian. Happy wife leads to happy life."


    His deep voice sounded hoarse like his throat had dried up like a desert. He could only remind himself of what his old man used to tell him and Han.


    No matter how bad one¡¯s wife¡¯s cooking is, always eat it. Doing this will make her happy and lets her know that you appreciate and respect her.


    He takes another deep breath to swallow his saliva and takes a step closer to the pot of death. Quickly scooping three spoonsful of the food, he pours it inside a bowl and turn for the dining table.


    Taking a seat, he stares down at the table. He felt like he had turn into a small child who got lost in a scary forest and was lure by an evil witch to her cottage to eat the food that contained her poisons.


    "Lu Tian. You are a grown man. You got this."


    He murmurs to himself with motivation words and picks up the spoon.


    "Your wife made this. Make her proud."


    His words of self-motivation fell and he picks up a chunk of the green food with his spoon. Slowly opening his mouth, he moves the spoon closer to his mouth.


    As he did this, he waspletely unaware that his own lips were trembling with hesitation.


    Just when the spoon was one centimeter away from touch his mouth, he gives up and set the spoon down. He sighs aloud and leans back on the chair like he had ran a marathon.


    "This is easier said than done."


    He stares down at the table again and now he didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Lifting his hand, he massages his temple them pinch the space between his brows.


    With his hand blocking his face from view, his shoulders lightly trembles. However, one cannot tell if he was actuallyughing or crying.


    He lowers his hand and the second he did this, his entire demeanor changed back to its usual indifference. He stares at the food one more time and quickly gathering all his courage, he picks up the spoon to eat.


    "Lu Tian, if your wife knows that you were the slightest hesitant to eat the food, she had prepared for you, she will be sad and never cook for you again."


    He inhales sharply and this time, he found the motivation to eat the food. So what if it looks life threatening, his wife made it.


    *Vrooom¡ª


    Just when the tips of his fingers touched the spoon handle, the sound of multiple engines revving outside interrupts him. He retrieves his hand and sighs in relief like an angel had saved him.


    "Phew. Saved by my wife."


    He knew that it was his wife and the others since she said they wereing home. Although he is thankful that he didn¡¯t have to eat the food, he hopes that she won¡¯t mind.


    Not only that, he will have to ask if he somehow anger her for her to cook a meal like this.


    "Lu Tian!!"


    "Stop!!"


    Lu Tian had already walked out from the kitchen and was heading for the front door. When he was halfway to the door, it was suddenly swung open and two voices cries out at the same time.


    He looks at the two people and his brows crease together.


    Why are Liu Shan and Lin Hui screaming for him to stop?

 Chapter 606 May buddha have mercy

    Outside before Lu Tian was saved from having to eat the meal on the table, Yue Ling, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Nie Chen drove on separate motorcycles through the dark gate.


    In a neatly order, each person drives towards the huge garage thatid in wait on the left side of the house. However, as they enter the driveway, Lin Hui was the only one who broke out from formation and drives towards the house.


    He didn¡¯t need to go to the garage because his boss had already given the motorcycle to him.


    As the others enter the garage, he parks the motorbike and turns the engine off. Removing his helmet, he gets down and stares with a confused expression at Lu Tian¡¯s ck Maserati Levante Trofeo that is parked one car length away from him.


    His brows crease together, and he scratches the back of his head as he ponder in thoughts. He didn¡¯t understand why the aloof man didn¡¯t turn off the car engine. Even the door wasn¡¯t closed.


    "Well... I suppose when you have so much money, you wouldn¡¯t need to worry about your car battery dying."


    He heaves a long sigh and set his helmet down. Even if the man is rich, he should at least consider taking care of his cars since maintenance fee is pretty high.


    Lightly shaking his head, he walks over to the driver side. Seeing they car remote sitting on the seat, he shakes his head even more and reach inside to press the keyless ignition system button to turn the car off.


    "Eh?"


    His hand that was reaching for the ignition button suddenly pause when he sees a figure dashes pass the front of the car. He pokes his head out and calls out to the person.


    "Shan, what is it?"


    The assistant looked like he was running for his life from a scary monster. However, despite his call, Liu Shan did not answer and continues to run for the front door.


    Not thinking much, Lin Hui shrugs his shoulder and proceed to the turn the car off. Seeing Liu Shan run that fast, the man must have to use the bathroom. However, he had only switched the headlights off when a sudden wave of memory came shing in his mind like meteors shooting in the sky.


    His eyes widen and his jaw drops to the ground.


    "Oh shit! Oh shit!"


    He swore aloud and jumps back out from the car. He hops around in a few times before running in the same direction as Liu Shan. He forgets about Lu Tian¡¯s car as what he came to realize is a matter of life and death.


    "Uh... What¡¯s wrong with them?"


    Nie Chen couldn¡¯t help but ask upon the sight of Liu Shan and Lin Hui. He knows that two men had weird personalities, but seeing them in such a rush, what could it possibly be? They made it seem like the sky was falling and the world was going to end.


    Walking shoulder to shoulder with the long hair man, Yue Ling wasn¡¯t surprised to see the two men¡¯s behavior. She has long gotten used to it.


    As the assistant and subordinate reach the front door to the house, Liu Shan ms the door open while Lin Hui was one step behind him.


    Both men sprint for the kitchen with a look of horror written on their faces.


    Liu Shan: "Lu Tian!"


    Lin Hui: "Stop!!"


    Their voices ovep at the same time as they pray the worse did not happen. However, the second they entered through the door, they were met with the aloof man¡¯s dark eyes.


    Liu Shan stares at Lu Tian in the eye before striding in big steps towards him.


    "Did you eat the food?"


    He asks the question but doesn¡¯t stop in front of the man and strides pass him. He didn¡¯t even wait for an answer and advances in the direction of the kitchen.


    His steps abruptly stops when he saw the dining table and the green food in a bowl. His eyes widen more than ever, and his jaw drops to the floor. In the next second, his legs did not forget to lose their strength and his entire body slumps down to his knees.


    "W-We... We were toote..."


    He swore he could feel his soul leave his body when he saw the spoon inside the bowl of food. It can only mean that Lu Tian must have taken a bite of the food.


    Lin Hui enters the kitchen and seeing the same thing Liu Shan did, he gasp in shock. He doesn¡¯t bother to close his mouth that hung open and turn his head to look back at Lu Tian.


    "Y-You... really ate it..."


    He spoke with a shaking voice, but in the end, he was so speechless that he could only open and close his mouth. His eyes roll back like he was going to faint, and he stumbles backwards.


    "This lord needs to rest."


    Turning away, he decides it was best to go andy down on the couch so he can straighten out his feelings. However, before leaving the kitchen, he turns to face Lu Tian.


    He gives the man a nk stare before sping his palms together. His eyes slowly shut and he bends forward.


    "Amituofo. May buddha have mercy on your stomach for the next week."


    "..."


    Lu Tian stares at the man with an indifferent expression. Watching him make his way towards the living room, he then looks at Liu Shan who is still on his knees.


    Although he was able to maintain a straight face, deep inside, he was more dumbfounded than anything.


    He didn¡¯t even eat the food yet, and these two men are already assuming that he did. Not only that, they are uttering rubbish like he was going to die from eating the food.


    Thinking about how over exaggerating Liu Shan and Lin Hui are being, he part his lip to tell them the truth.


    "Tian, is everything alright?"


    However, before he could even say a word, a sweet and angelic voice calls out to him from behind.


    He turns around to look at the person he could not wait to see. The corners of his lip curls up upon seeing his wife¡¯s face that is the light to his world.


    "Wee home."


    His words fell and he doesn¡¯t bother to exin the situation to Liu Shan and Lin Hui. He walks towards the door to close the gap between him and his wife, but seconds into this, his eyes sh dangerously when he saw another person walking behind his wife.


    He strides in big steps towards her and grabs her by the arm to move her behind him.


    His pupils darkens with the night and his entire being went from indifference to soft and now murderous.


    He stares at the man with long hair and spoke in a deep and low growl.


    "Why are you here?"

 Chapter 607 Call your soul back

    As the night grew darker by the second, inside the beautiful structure home belonging to Lu Tian and Yue Ling, the businessman stood in full alert mode. He made sure to tower in front of his wife like a bodyguard as his dark pupil stare dangerously at the man standing in front of the door.


    "Why are you here?"


    He is someone the government sends when they want a dangerous person capture. Throughout some of his missions, he had run into Nie Chen a handful of times to know that the man is not an ordinary person.


    There were even times when he and Nie Chen are after the same person from the underworld. However, instead of working together likerades, each time they meet, it always led to an enemy dispute.


    If possible, he would have thrown the man in prison for all his crimes, but he could never do it because of the Chiefs in Imperial and City Z.


    However, his question now is, why is Nie Chen here, standing in his home?


    Face with Lu Tian¡¯s eyes full of burning wrath, Nie Chen sighs inside. He can understand why the man is acting this way. After all, they never got along in the first ce. So it was only natural for him (Lu Tian) to feel vignt.


    He shifts his gaze from the man to his shoulder. Seeing the top of Yue Ling¡¯s head as she stood behind Lu Tian, he (Nie Chen) heaves another sigh, but this time aloud.


    Knowing he could only do one thing, he ce both his hands up like a criminal caught in the act.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Ie in peace. I¡¯m not here to pick a fight with you."


    His words fell with a nonchnt look. However, he can see that Lu Tian will never believe him, so he gestures with his chin to the only person who can help him.


    "If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask my boss."


    He meant every word. Even if they didn¡¯t along and were always bumping heads, he will never cause any trouble for Yue Ling. Especially when he is standing under her roof.


    Lu Tian stares at the man with silky long hair and his eyes narrow like he was trying to read the man.


    There are only a few people in the world who would dare to be impertinent in front of him and Nie Chen is definitely one of them.


    However, when he heard who the man was referring to as his boss, he (Lu Tian) furrow his brows even more.


    Standing behind the tall and aloof man, Yue Ling was dumbfounded at first when he suddenly pulled her behind him. She didn¡¯t understand until she heard the short conversation between the two men.


    "Tian, it¡¯s okay."


    She poke her head from behind Lu Tian and looks at Nie Chen. The man was still holding both his arms up like a criminal standing in front of a police officer.


    Her head lightly shook, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder to what Nie Chen did to get on Lu Tian¡¯s bad side.


    However, even if she is curious to know, right now, it was best to calm the vinegar eating man.


    "He¡¯s an old friend of mine."


    Lu Tian remained cold towards Nie Chen, but hearing his wife¡¯s reassuring words, he calms down even more. Of course, he is only doing this for his wife. If Nie Chen makes the slightest wrong move, he won¡¯t hesitate to intervene.


    Like she was able to read his mind, Yue Ling sighs inside. She takes a step out into view and looks back at Nie Chen.


    No words escaped her lips, but the look in her eyes told Nie Chen to go to the living room or else she won¡¯t be able to help him when Lu Tian decides to change his mind.


    Quick to understand, Nie Chen lowers his hands and sh a wide grin at the couple. He didn¡¯t hesitate to skip his way to the living room.


    Although he was acting as cool as a cucumber, deep inside he was sighing in relief and wiping all his sweat away.


    It¡¯s true that he is always on bad terms with Lu Tian, but he only did so in order to survive. Without a doubt Lu Tian is way stronger than him, but he (Nie Chen) is someone who will never go down without a fight.


    Also, as someone from Fate, he cannot bring shame to his family. If they heard he turned into a coward, they will look at him differently and not as the same Nie Chen they know.


    As Nie Chen makes his way pass the couple, Lu Tian¡¯s head did not move, but his ring eyes made sure to follow the man¡¯s figure. Even when Nie Chen had walked pass him, his eyes remained looking at the side as if he could still see Nie Chen.


    "Aiya, why does no one care to close the door."


    Yue Ling for out a sarcastic chuckle and walks over to close the front door. She didn¡¯t need to look at Lu Tian because she could still feel the cold aura that was emitting from him.


    Quickly thinking of something, she decides to shift his attention elsewhere.


    "Are you hungry? Did you eat?"


    She closes the door and walks back to him. For now, she will try her best to brighten his mood. Even if he doesn¡¯t ask her, she knows that he has a lot of questions he wants to ask herter.


    "I was going to, but your subordinates interrupted me."


    Knowing what she is doing, Lu Tian shrug his shoulder and turns away from her. He also brush the coldness around him away because he will never direct such a side of him to her.


    He arch a brow when he sees Liu Shan, who is still on his knees in front of the kitchen. The assistant looked like he had turn into an empty shell without a soul and had given up all hope on mankind.


    "What¡¯s wrong with him?"


    Yue Ling was only one step behind Lu Tian. She looks at her assistant and seeing how lost he looked, the corners of her lip curls up.


    "He and Lin Hui were attempting to stop you from eating, but it seems like you already ate."


    She spoke her words and walks pass Lu Tian who was staring strangely at Liu Shan. However, just as she took two steps pass him, his deep voice sounds.


    "I haven¡¯t eaten yet, but why would they try to stop me from eating the food you made?"


    Lu Tian held a deep frown as he ponder in thoughts. He nce at Liu Shan then in the direction of the living room where Lin Hui was. He recalls the two men¡¯s words and he thought about the food on the table.


    Why did they make it seem like he was stealing their food?


    Yue Ling pause in her steps when she heard what he said. She turns around to look at him and chuckles with one hand pointing at the kitchen.


    "I didn¡¯t make that. Nie Chen did."


    "..."


    Lu Tian was rendered speechless. Her words enter one of his ears and instead of exiting out his other ear, the words swirl like a magic inside his head.


    His eyes glued in the direction of the living room for a long minute before his head slowly turns to look at his wife.


    "You didn¡¯t make that pot of death?"


    This time, it was Yue Ling¡¯s turn to be speechless. Never did she think Lu Tian would have such a sense of humor. He even thought of a name for Nie Chen¡¯s dish.


    Her smile widens and shook her head.


    "Of course not. My cooking can never downgrade to such an extent."


    Lu Tian nods his head, but his cheeks slowly turn pink before stopping at red. He was so shocked by her words that he didn¡¯t think before speaking. He even dare to refer the food as the pot of death. What if it was not Nie Chen who made it but his wife?


    Seeing the slight change in his expression, Yue Ling smiles with her teeth and turns for the kitchen. From his words, he must not have eaten dinner, so she¡¯ll make something quick for him.


    She will also use this time to tell him about what happened while she was out.


    Just as she was about to enter the kitchen, she stops and looks down at Liu Shan. She heaves a long sigh and shakes her head at him.


    "Alright, call your soul back. Tian didn¡¯t eat the food. You and Lin Hui stopped him in time."

 Chapter 608 not good for your health

    Lu Tian sat in the dining room that was connected to the living room. He calmly listens from the start to end as his wife and Liu Shan exin in detail of what happened. His brows would furrow from here and there. Even when they were done, he still held a frowning expression.


    He looks at his wife as she was not sitting down with him and Liu Shan, but had gone into the kitchen to finish cooking dinner.


    However, due to the close distance of the two rooms, he part his lips to ask her.


    "You went to Dark Clouds?"


    Though he has never had any involvements with Dark Clouds, he has gathered all the information he needed about the gang.


    From what he knows, every member of the gang are have no families and no homes. The leader, Hu Ma initiated them into his gang out of sympathy for those who are in the same situation as him.


    They may put on the appearance of beggars but only a very few people know that they are knowledgeable and good at fooling others.


    Dark Clouds also purposely hid themselves in the slums of Imperial as a cover up so other gangs will not have to worry about them. If anything, Dark Clouds can be consider on the same level of strength as ck Dragon and White Tiger.


    Thinking this after his question, he purse his lip when he pictures the scene of his wife entering the filthy ce.


    "If you were dealing with them, you could have told me. I would have gone instead of you."


    He knows that his wife is the leader of Fate, but never did he think her n for Ning Mei would involve Dark Clouds. It is said in the underworld that Hu Ma is a very stubborn old man and would never listen to anyone. Those who have sought out a deal with him would end up falling into his trap.


    Oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s inner thoughts, Yue Ling stops cooking and turns to look at him. Seeing his creased brows and pursed lip, she smiles faintly at how he looked like a little disapproving boy.


    "We agreed that you will handle Wei Hongyi and I with Ning Mei. Besides, Hu Ma is not like how others put him to be."


    She set the spat in her hand down and walks over to the table. Stopping in front of him, she slightly bends forward and press her thumb between the space on his brows.


    "He is an old acquaintance of my hal-abeoji. Even if this was our first-time meeting in person, he will not harm me out of respect for my hal-abeoji."


    Her words fell as her thumb gently soothes the crease between Lu Tian¡¯s brows. However, she could feel that every time she had sooth it, the three lines would return the second she stops.


    "Why are you always frowning? It¡¯s not good for your health."


    Feeling her soft hand on his head, Lu Tian brush all thoughts aside. He looks at her face and smiles a very tiny smile.


    "It¡¯s natural to frown when I¡¯m worrying about you."


    He raise his right hand and held onto her hand. Lowering it to his lip, he ce a soft kiss on the back of her hand.


    "Next time, let me know in advance or else I will be frowning forever with worry for you."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush red at his sudden sweet gesture and sugary words. She turns into a shy little girl and avert her gaze from him.


    While the couple immerse in their own little world, they had long forgotten about the other person sitting at the table.


    Liu Shan stares at the couple with heavy eyelids. Being the third wheel, his eyes slowly blinks, and he thought to himself.


    Why is he here? Where are Lin Hui and Nie Chen? Howe he is the only being fed dog food?


    Seeing how Yue Ling, who is always calm and strong suddenly turns into a bashful woman, he rolls his eyes and gets up from his seat.


    "Boss, call me when the food is ready."


    He doesn¡¯t wait for her response and walks out of the kitchen. If he stays here any longer, his stomach will be fed with so much dog foods that he won¡¯t be able to eat a proper meal.


    Hearing Liu Shan¡¯s words, Yue Ling was brought back to her senses. The shyness that once overcame her quickly reces with her usual self and she looks at her assistant¡¯s departing figure.


    She wanted to say something to him but feeling Lu Tian¡¯s hand still holding onto her hand, her entire face turns crimson red and she pulls away from his grasp.


    "I should finish cooking."


    This time, it was her who didn¡¯t wait for the aloof man to answer and strides back into the kitchen. However, unlike the boss and assistant, Lu Tian was calmer and rx.


    He remains seated alone at the dining table and stares at his wife¡¯s figure. Without realizing it, one corner of his lip was curled up as a seductive smirk ce on his face. He calmly leans back on the chair and watch her start to cook again.


    No matter how long time passes, he will never get tired of looking at her.


    If possible, he doesn¡¯t mind her being the only person he sees. Even if she were to block his view from the world, he doesn¡¯t mind.


    As he thought this, his brows furrow again. He was able to meet with Uncle Zhi before taking care of Wei Hongyi. The ring ising along as nned, but he wasn¡¯t able to get a hold of Doctor Dong.


    He sighs inside at self-pity for himself and stood up from the chair. Guess it will be another painful night of holding himself back. After all, even if he wanted to do the deed with his wife, he cannot be selfish and ruin her recovery process.


    Entering the kitchen, he stops next to his wife and smiles to her.


    "I¡¯ll help you cook."


    While the couple finish cooking ate-night dinner, Liu Shan had long entered the living room, but he stopped in his steps and stares with heavier eyelids at the other two people.


    He swore, it was like someone had glued bowling balls onto his eyshes, so he won¡¯t be able to open them.


    After a long minute, he takes a deep breath and ce both his fists on his hip.


    "Really? This is what you two were doing while I was being fed dog food?"


    On one of the couches, Nie Chen satzily in the middle. His head was tilt to the side as his stares down on hisp where his phone is. Even with his double chin showing, he didn¡¯t care and continue to scroll through the web.


    When he heard Liu Shan¡¯s words, he doesn¡¯t move a muscle, but his eyes did not forget to nce up at the man.


    "Who told you to go sit in the kitchen?"


    Across on the other couch, Lin Hui wasying on his stomach. His legs would swing back and forth in the air, but the second Nie Chen was done speaking, he turns toy on his side and lock eyes with Liu Shan.


    "Yea, no one told you to go eat dog food. You should have been smart like us and stayed here until dinner was done."


    He spoke like a quick-witted person and someone who had never been wrong. Before looking away from Liu Shan, he stuck his tongue out and his eyes rolled up until they were white.


    Liu Shan: "..."


    Liu Shan stares back and forth at the two people with a dumbfounded expression. He finally stares ahead to who knows where and thought to himself.


    Why does it feel like Lin Hui and Nie Chen are two spoiled brats and he is their easy to pick on butler, while Yue Ling and Lu Tian became the house chefs?


    Thinking this, he sighs inside and shakes his head. If only Xu Long and Qi Li were here.

 Chapter 609 Pot of gold

    Dinner was set on the table as Yue Ling and Lu Tian were joined by Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Nie Chen. The couple had prepared arge dinner due to the number of guests they have.


    On one side of the table were the tes of food Yue Ling prepared. Fried tofu with stir-fry vegetables, fried mashi, steamed dumplings and congee. On the other side were Lu Tian¡¯s dishes, stir-fry noodles and eggnt with garlic sauce.


    "Eat as much as you want."


    Yue Ling¡¯s voice sound in a cheerful tone. She scoops up a spoonful of the warm congee into each person¡¯s bowl then herself. When she finished, she picks up her chopsticks and grab a piece of each dish for Lu Tian then some for herself.


    However, just when she was about to take a bite on a piece of fried tofu, her brows slightly furrow, and she looks up at the three men sitting across from her and Lu Tian.


    "What is it? I thought you three were hungry, why aren¡¯t any of you eating?"


    None of them had picked up their chopsticks or move their hands.


    She looks at each person one by one then back to the first person. Setting her chopsticks down, she leans back on the chair.


    "Well?"


    Liu Shan sat right across from Yue Ling. He didn¡¯t dare to lift his head to look at her. His eyes remain on the many food on the table, but he would often nce to his left to look at the other two men.


    However, each time his eyes met Lin Hui and Nie Chen¡¯s eyes, both men were giving him a look as if telling him to answer their boss¡¯s question in their stead too.


    "..."


    Left with no other choice, Liu Shan could only cry on the inside like a winner. Even if he wanted to cry on the outside, he can¡¯t find it in him to shed any tears.


    "Boss, it¡¯s not that we aren¡¯t hungry and that the food you spent so hard to cook is not appealing. Its..."


    He swallow his saliva with great difficulty and nce at each dish on the table again.


    "Well, the thing is..."


    His lips purse out and he looks up at Yue Ling. Lifting his left hand, he points at the food.


    "Are you monk? There¡¯s no meat."


    Yue Ling was struck bbergasted by his sense of humor. She rolls her eyes at him and points with one hand to the steamed dumplings.


    "There is enough meat in here to fill up your stomach."


    Picking up her chopsticks again, she starts to eat.


    "If you don¡¯t want to be a ¡¯monk¡¯ with Tian and I, you three can eat the delicious meal Nie Chen made. There¡¯s still plenty in the pot."


    Lu Tian hadn¡¯t even taken a bite of the food. A smile curl on his face as he was too busy observing his wife¡¯s sudden motherly demeanor. She looked like a mother who was teaching her three children not to be picky when ites to eating.


    Just as he thought this, he was quickly dumbfounded. He looks away from his wife and turn to look at the three men sitting across the table.


    His face scrunch in disbelief as he could not believe that he actually imagine Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Nie Chen as their children in his head.


    Quickly shaking the crazy and hrious thought away, he picks up his chopsticks and distracts himself with the food.


    Unaware of the man¡¯s extremely enthusiastic thought, the three men stare in utter disbelief at the only woman sitting at the table.


    In one smooth motion, all three men stares down at the ¡¯monk¡¯ food on the table then to the pot of death on the stove.


    Liu Shan and Lin Hui didn¡¯t need to think twice and grab their chopsticks.


    Liu Shan: "What meat? Unlike Nie Chen¡¯s pot of death, these vegetables are healthier for my body."


    Lin Hui: "I¡¯m already a monk. I don¡¯t need to always eat meat."


    Nie Chen: "..."


    Seated on the far left of the two men, Nie Chen stare at them with his mouth hung open. He swore his cooking isn¡¯t that bad. Why are they making it seem like they would die from eating it?


    Thinking this, he lightly ms his palms on the table and scoots his chair back to stand up.


    "What pot of death? My cooking is just as good as boss¡¯s."


    He gives the two men a deadly re then walks away towards the stove.


    "Since you two idiots don¡¯t want to eat my cooking, I¡¯ll eat it by myself."


    His words fell and he nce back at Liu Shan and Lin Hui. He honestly thought that since they¡¯ve eaten his food in the past, once they hear his words, they would feel bad and eat with him.


    However, the moment hisnded on them, neither cared about anything he had said. It had only been less than a minute and both men were already stuffing their mouth with the food on the table.


    "..."


    Nie Chen scoffs with a womanly attitude and flicks his long silky hair to his back. Without giving them another nce, he picks up his bowl and walks over to the stove.


    "How dare they call my food a pot of death? My cooking is a pot of gold."


    He mumbles annoyingly to himself then stops in front of the stove and set his bowl down on the kitchen counter. Opening the lid, he reach for thedle to scoop up a spoonful of the food. However, ncing at the green food identical to slime, he couldn¡¯t help but struggle a hard gulp.


    He could even feel sweat starting to form on his forehead from just looking at it.


    Hesitation quickly dawn on him and he thinks back to the food on the table. Despite it being mostly vegetables, it was still more pleasing to the eyes than the green slimy food he made.


    A n came to his mind and he picks up the pot.


    "Aiya, look at how delicious this meal looks. I can eat all this by myself."


    He turns away from the stove and carries it back to the table. However, like something had suddenly tripped him, he stumbles in his steps.


    "Who dares to trip this noble lord?"


    Each step he took, he would wobble from side to side like a drunk person, but anyone can see how steady he is as the pot in his hand did not move with his body.


    "Aiya! Aiya! Aiya!"


    He falls down onto one knee and tilts the pot. He didn¡¯t throw it anywhere, but carefully pour the food into the sink.


    "Oh no! My precious pot of gold!"


    He made sure nothing was left inside before cing the pot inside the sink. Grabbing his bowl on the counter, he walks back to the table and sits down.


    "Well, seems like I¡¯ll have to be a monk too."


    "..."


    Yue Ling, Liu Shan, and Lin Hui stares at Nie Chen like he was the most shameless person in the world, while Lu Tian continues to eat without a care for the man.


    As the shameless person at the table, Nie Chen didn¡¯t care about the look the three people were giving him. He starts to eat and act as if he were the only person at the table.


    *Ding Dong! Ding Dong!!


    Suddenly, the doorbell rings as if someone were frantically pressing the bell in panic.


    All five people stop what they were doing and turn to look at the open wall space as if they were looking directly at the front door.

 Chapter 610 can still save her

    *Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong!


    The doorbell continue to ring, but this time more vigorously like the person behind the door was about to lose his or her life.


    Yue Ling furrow her brows into a frown as she ponder in thought. It was already nearing midnight, who could it possibly be at the door?


    She calmly rise from her seat and decides to go check, but a hand reach towards her and ce on her shoulder.


    "I¡¯ll get it."


    Lu Tian gently squeeze her shoulder to make her sit and stood up. He is the man of the house, how can he let his wife open the door at the wee hour of the night?


    He walks out from the kitchen and proceed in the direction of the front door. Back at the table, Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Nie Chen nce at one another before all three men stood up too.


    "Boss stay here. We¡¯ll go check out who it is too."


    They know that Lu Tian is a capable man and is able to take care of himself, but for the safety of their boss, they dare not make the same mistake of not protecting her well.


    Walking a few steps being Lu Tian, Liu Shan was in full alert mode. He stops in front of the stairs and crouch down to hide himself.


    Lin Hui remained the closest to Yue Ling. He stood behind the open wall space of the kitchen and living room but made sure he was able to get a clear view of the front door.


    As the front door was not the only entrance into the house, Nie Chen walks over to the door leading to the back courtyard. Even if their attention is on the front door, they have to be cautious. Whoever it is ringing the doorbell might only be a decoy to distract them while someone else breaks in from the back door.


    Yue Ling was the only one left sitting at the dining table. She stares with aplex expression as she watched each person get into their own position.


    She knows that they are protective of her, but is she really that weak that she cannot take care of herself?


    Lu Tian carefully looked out from the side window. When he saw the person, he reach for the door handle.


    "It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s only Xu Long."


    Hearing the man¡¯s deep voice sound in reassurance, the other three men rxed and move away from their current position. At the same time, Lu Tian unlocks the door and opens it for his assistant.


    "Boss!!"


    The door had only opened halfway when Xu Long¡¯s panic voice cries for his boss. He pushes the door open but made sure not to hit the person who had opened the door for him.


    "Boss! Are you alright?!"


    He calls out again as he enters the house. His eyes frantically scans the quiet house. Even with Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Nie Chen¡¯s figures visible in view, his panic mind scans pass them like they weren¡¯t there.


    His head finally turns to the left of him and he is met with the dark eyes of the person he is looking for.


    "Boss¡ª"


    "Report."


    Before Xu Long could finish his words, Lu Tian cuts him off. He doesn¡¯t know why his assistant is here, but judging from his panic state of mind, it must be serious.


    Hearing that one word, Xu Long straightens his spine and change into a soldier who is reporting to duty.


    "I tracked bossdy¡¯s location as you ordered. I tried calling you, but you didn¡¯t answer so I came to tell you. However, when I arrived, I saw that your car door was left open."


    He thought back to when he saw his boss¡¯s car door open and another wave of panic shot inside him.


    "I was so worried, I thought something had happened to you."


    His words fell and he finally realized that Liu Shan, Lin Hui and Nie Chen were already inside the house. However, only Yue Ling was not there.


    Thinking about where herst location was, his eyes widen intensely, and he looks back at his boss.


    "Boss! We have to go save bossdy. She is in the slums of Imperial where Dark Clouds is."


    Lu Tian stares silently at his subordinate. He thought that something else had happened, but it turns out to be this. He heaves a long sigh aloud and shakes his head.


    "It¡¯s¡ª"


    "Nooo!!!"


    Before the aloof man could even say his second word, Xu Long howls an agonizing cry. From Lu Tian¡¯s expression, he (Xu Long) could only imagine the unimaginable. Could it be that they are toote? Did something bad already befall his bossdy?


    His legs turn weak and he falls down his knees. He ms his fist onto the floor and sobs.


    "No... No..."


    He shakes his head in denial. As the person who is always gathering information for Lu Tian, he knows how Dark Clouds like to handle their victims. Anyone who is captured by them never walks back out alive.


    No, he cannot think like this. With teary eyes, he lifts his head and looks up at his boss again.


    "If we go now, we can still save her."


    "Save who?"


    From ahead, Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice sounds as she steps out from the kitchen. She was curious as to why Lin Hui and Nie Chen were so dumbstruck.


    Never did she expect to see such a scene like this.


    "Save bossdy. We have to save her."


    Hearing her voice, Xu Long sobs even more. He cannot believe that at a time like this, he would be hearing her voice. If anything happens to her, who will save him and Wolf Team from Lu Tian¡¯s wrath?


    Just as he thought this, his teary eyes dried up in seconds and he looks away from Lu Tian to the person he thought was in trouble. His mouth slowly opens until his jaw dropped to the floor.


    "B-b-boss l-ldy ..."


    He thought that she had been kidnapped by the beggars of Dark Clouds. However, here she is, standing tall and healthy with no harm done to her.


    His face distorted and he wails like a little child. Getting up on his two feet, he runs over to her to make sure this wasn¡¯t some kind of dream.


    "Ack¡ª!"


    He had only stood up when the back of his shirt is yanked with force by Lu Tian. He sounds a choke and stumbles back until he fell on his bottom.


    At the same time, Liu Shan jumps in front of Xu Long and blocks him from getting near Yue Ling, while Lin Hui and Nie Chen move to stand in front of her.


    Their behavior were like warriors protecting their princess from a dangerous predator.


    Liu Shan: "Bro, that wasn¡¯t cool."


    Lin Hui: "How can you attempt such a move when your boss is standing right there?"


    Nie Chen: "Don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯ve always been protective of Yue Ling."


    Xu Long: "..."


    Lu Tian ignores his assistant and walks over to his wife. He knows that Xu Long meant no harm, but the thought of any other man trying to get near his wife is uneptable.


    "Are you alright? Did he scare you?"


    He asks as he stops in front of his wife. He wasn¡¯t sure if his assistant¡¯s sudden dramatic arrival scared her or not.


    Yue Ling was left speechless at what is happening. She looks up at Lu Tian then to the other four men then back to Lu Tian. A smile curls on her lip and she nods her head.


    "I¡¯m fine, but..."


    She pause in her words and looks over to Xu Long. Seeing how pitiful the assistant looked, she could only sigh inside.


    "It¡¯s gettingte, lets hurry and finish dinner."

 Chapter 611 UNEDITED Nothing happened

    An entire day pass as another day came to Imperial. However, unlike the calm day before, everyone was in amotion at the sudden news that surface.


    It wasn¡¯t only one news, but two.


    The first one was the sudden reveal about CNJ Entertainment¡¯s CEO, Yeun Biao. Someone had sent the man¡¯s secret affairs to not only one mediapany, but to all the mediapanies in Imperial.


    While everyone was in shock about the affair Yeun Biao was having with his models, his wife of 30 years return home and file for divorce with full custody over their children.


    However, before the news could even calm down, another news was released that shocked everyone in Imperial more than ever.


    "I can¡¯t believe this at all. Ning Mei is such a shameless woman. She looked so innocent, but to think she would do anything to climb thedder."


    "Who is Ning Mei? What happened to her?"


    "What? How can you know who she is? She¡¯s the rookie model who opened the show for An Qing during the Fall Fashion Show."


    "I read in the news article that she is the main mistress of Yeun Biao. Their affair triggered his wife to file for divorce, but that wasn¡¯t all of it. The media released photos of Ning Mei spending an entire night with some beggars."


    "Even if her manager tries to cover up this mess, her modeling career is over."


    A group of young women gossip to one another as they made their way to work. Never did any of them think that someone who looked so innocent like Ning Mei would turn out to be such a disgusting woman.


    While Imperial submerge into an uproar over the two shocking news that connected together, there was anothermotion taking ce at Peony Vi.


    However, it wasn¡¯t at the Lu family house but at the Ning family house.


    Inside the living room of the luxurious house, a loud and thunderous p echoes as the palm of a person hits against the skin of another person.


    "Ah!"


    Ning Mei shrieks in pain as she falls down from the sofa and sits on the floor. She lifts her hand to cover her cheek that had been pped by her mother and cries loudly.


    "You unfilial child! How can you bring such disgrace to your family?!"


    Standing over Ning Mei was a middle-aged woman. She looked elegant and wore a bright red dress, but her expression at this moment was in outrage and one can see the disgust in her eyes.


    Her nostrils re with her heavy breathing and she raise her hand to give her daughter another p on the face.


    "I didn¡¯t give birth to you for you to bring shame upon this family!"


    "Mother, calm down."


    From the side, Ning Xingyu spoke in a soft voice to calm his mother down. He approach her and ce a hand on her back with gentle soothing strokes.


    He lowers his head and looks down at Ning Mei. His expression was calm, but his eyes held the same disgusting aura as his mother.


    "Why did you do something so shameful? When you insisted on bing a model, mother and father were against it, but you were so persistent that you even ignored their words and ran off to live on your own. Now that you are in this mess, you expect us to clean up after you?"


    His words fell and he could feel all the blood inside him boil. He and Ning Mei may share the same blood and parents, but their life choices are by far different. He may have done a lot of bad things in the dark, but he isn¡¯t so stupid to get caught.


    However, as she is his only sibling, he could only sigh aloud and helps his mother sit down.


    "Even if I were to help you, it¡¯s already toote since the media released the photos with your face in view."


    Hearing her older brother¡¯s words, Ning Mei abruptly looks up at him. Her eyes were read from crying since early in the morning and she clench her fists tightly.


    "Those pictures are fake! Nothing happened like it shows!"


    Madam Ning had only sat for less than a minute when she scoffs in disbelief at her daughter. She stood up from her seat and yank Ning Mei up by the arm.


    "Fake? Then what about all these bruises marks on your body? Anyone who sees them can already tell what had happened to you!"


    She shoves Ning Mei down onto the sofa and her tears fell down her cheeks out of intense anger.


    "How can you still say that nothing happened to you? When you were sent homest night, you were in aplete mess. You didn¡¯t even have any clothes on but an envelope containing those filthy photos."


    Ning Mei¡¯s lower lip trembles with her entire body at her mother¡¯s words. She was unable to hold her tears back and let them fall down as she looks up at her mother.


    "Ma, nothing happened. Why won¡¯t you believe me?"


    *p¡ª!


    Just when she finished herst word, Ning Xingyu was unable to hold back anymore and ps a stack of photos at her face.


    The photos scatters onto the floor and Ning Mei¡¯s eyes widen in horror. The photos were mostly of her with different beggars as they toy with her all night long.


    However, what shook her the most was the only photo thatnded on herp.


    It wasn¡¯t of her with a beggar but of her with Director Yeun. A photo that had been captured from outside the window on the night she was kidnapped.


    Her lower lip trembles uncontrobly before she frantically shakes her head.


    "No... No! No! No!!"


    She grabs the side of her head and pulls her hair like she was trying to rip them out of her scalp.


    "This is all a lie!!"


    She knew what wasing her way, but she did not think that her affair with Director Yeun would be revealed as well. How is she supposed to live her life now?

 Chapter 612 UNEDITED Boy who cried wolf

    Ning Xingyu stares down at his sister and the anger that was boiling inside him exploded. However, quickly forcing himself to calm down, all he was left with was more frustration.


    An anonymous person was able to get pass security and dropped Ning Mei off at the doorsteps of the Ning family house. When he and his parents saw her naked and cruised body, they were all in shock and carried her inside the house.


    However, seeing the envelope, it was his mother who opened it and showed them the horrifying photos.


    His mother and father didn¡¯t dare to bring Ning Mei to the hospital as they were afraid of being seen by unwanted people. There only choice was to call a doctor toe check on her.


    When Ning Mei awoke, she was in shock, but cried that nothing happened to her with the beggars. However, they couldn¡¯t believe her because the doctor checked her and said she had engaged in intercourse with the opposite sex.


    They tried to get her to tell who did this to her, but all she did was shake her head and continue to say that nothing happened.


    Left with no other choice, he spent the entire night trying to track down who had done this to her, but he was always led to a dead end.


    When morning came, he was still unable to find a single clue as to who the person is.


    However, little did he know, it was only the beginning.


    He had thought that it was only them who knew about the photos and what happened to Ning Ming, but his secretary called him.


    It was then that he was informed about the photos being leaked to all the media in Imperial.


    Instead of feeling sorry for his sister, theizen didn¡¯t even feel any sympathy for her. They all med and condemn her as a homewrecker for ruining Director Yeun¡¯s happy marriage.


    Taking a deep breath, Ning Xingyu ends his thoughts and turn to look at his father. The middle-aged man had not said a word since the news surface and remained in silence.


    "Father, what should we do now???


    Old Ning sat on one of the sofas in the living room. His mind at this moment was in a total mess. He had huge dark circles under his eyes as he didn¡¯t get a good night sleep due to the sudden stress that was thrown at him.


    What kind of father can think straight when they find their own daughterying naked in front of their house and covered in bruises?


    However, hearing his son¡¯s question, he looks at Ning Xingyu then down to Ning Mei.


    "Send her to another country until the news settles down."


    Ning Mei¡¯s heart dropped to her stomach when she heard her father¡¯s words. She knows that she and her family never got along like other families, but never did she think they would throw her away.


    Especially when she needed them the most like now.


    Tears quickly welled in her eyes again. She stood up from the sofa and runs to her father as she got down on her knees.


    "Father, please don¡¯t send me away. I don¡¯t want to leave Imperial."


    Her crying face turned uglier by the second and she cries even louder.


    "Those pictures are all fake! Nothing happened to me!"


    Old Ning press his lips tightly together at her words. He push her away and his eyes re murderously down at her.


    "You keep saying nothing happened, but the doctor already confirmed that something happened. Should I listen to you or the doctor who had examined you?!"


    His tone was domineering and firm. He sounds a hmmf and strides out of the room. Right now he needs some fresh air to think.


    "Whether you like it or not, you are leaving Imperial tomorrow night. We cannot let a disgrace like you stay in this family any longer."


    As Old Ning exit the room, Ning Xingyu didn¡¯t feel like staying anymore too. He looks at Ning Mei onest time before striding after his father.


    Left alone with Ning Mei in the now quiet living room, Madam Ning walks over to her daughter. Even if she is angry, Ning Mei is still her daughter.


    "Mei, listen to your father for once. Live overseas for a few years until the situation here settles down. By then, no one will remember what happened and you cane back."


    Seeing her daughter look so pitiful, her heart of course knew how to ache. After all, she was the one who gave birth to Ning Mei.


    "However, if you tell mother who did this to you, we can help you."


    Ning Mei stares with a nk expression at the empty spot her father was sitting. She looked like a lost soul who didn¡¯t know what to do anymore.


    Her head slowly turns to look at her mother and more tears fell down her cheeks.


    "Ma... nothing happened to me. Why won¡¯t you guys believe me?"


    Madam Ning¡¯s eyes tremble at her words. She slowly close her eyes as she wanted to believe Ning Mei, but after all the lies from the past, she doesn¡¯t know how to believe her own daughter anymore.


    She and her husband knew all about the things Ning Mei has been doing, but since she was their daughter and never listens, they decided to turn a blind eye.


    The only thing was, they didn¡¯t think that she would end up doing such a shameful thing with some beggars.


    She opens her eyes and looks at her daughter. She wanted to stroke Ning Mei¡¯s head and say that everything will be alright, but she couldn¡¯t do such a thing. No matter what she says, nothing will be alright.


    Shaking her head, she turns away and leaves the living room. She cannot bear to stay in the room for another second.


    Ning Mei stares at mother¡¯s departing figure. Her tears did not once stop as she could only wail to herself with no one to listen to her. It was like she had turn into the boy who cried wolf.


    "Nothing happened..."


    The thing that her parents are sure happened to her actually didn¡¯t happen at all.


    After she was injected with the drug by Yue Ling, she felt her body turn numb, but she was still conscious the entire time. The beggars did rip off her robe, no one did anything to her besides pinch her body to create the bruises. They even took turnying down next to her to fake all the pictures like they were being intimate with her.


    Never once did any of the beggars insert their manhood inside her. Some even said she was too dirty for them to want while the other men¡¯s manhood didn¡¯t even stand at the sight of her naked body.


    Recalling that night, Ning Mei hugs her knees and cries even more.


    The reason why the doctor confirmed that she had engaged in intercourse was because she had done it with Director Yeun before she was kidnapped. However, how can she tell her parents this? If she did, it would only mean she is confirming the rumors of her being a homewrecker.


    Not only that, she could have also told her parents who did this to her, but she can¡¯t. Those beggars threatened that if she were to say a word, they woulde after her and really rape her.

 Chapter 613 UNEDITED What to do

    Unlike the chaotic mess that unfold over Imperial, in another part of the city, the air that surrounds Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home was rather calm and as peaceful as ever.


    The couple had already finish breakfast and were getting ready for their day. Lu Tian steps out from the bedroom in his dark business suit. He held a tie in his hand as he was going to find his wife to help him put it on.


    However, just when he was about to pass the study room, he saw that the door was opened.


    "Yue Ling?"


    He calls out to her and looks inside the room. Seeing her sitting down on her side of the desk, he enters the room.


    "It¡¯s still early in the morning, what has interest you?"


    Yue Ling had one elbow on top of her desk as her palm held her chin. She was looking at herputer screen, but when she heard his voice, she turns back to look at him.


    "I¡¯m catching up on thetest news."


    Lu Tian stops in his steps behind her seat. He takes a quick nce at theputer screen and was able to read the headlines. He didn¡¯t need to see anything below that and looks down at his wife.


    "Is it that amusing to you?"


    She spins the chair around so her entire body can face him. The corners of her lip curls up into a wide grin and she nods her head.


    "It¡¯s quite amusing since I said I will help her be famous. Plus, if you knew the truth, you would be amused too."


    One of Lu Tian¡¯s eyebrow arch at her words. Seeing her smile, he couldn¡¯t help but smile with her and stretch his arm to show her the tie in his hand.


    "I¡¯m all ears."


    Yue Ling scoffs a faint chuckle and stood up from the chair. Taking the die from him, she helps him put it on.


    "The n Liu Shan and I told you about is all a hoax."


    Her eyes remain on his chest as she pulls the wide end of the tie through the center and her words continue.


    "The drug I used on Ning Mei wasn¡¯t aphrodisiac It was a substance that makes her feel weak, but still aware of her surroundings."


    Tightening the tie into a knot, she smooths out the front of the tie with the tips of her fingers.


    "The actual n was for Dark Clouds to not touch her but put on an act to mess with her mind. Of course, they had to make sure it looked real in the photos."


    She tilt her head back and looks up at Lu Tian.


    "Sadly, Hu Ma said Ning Mei caught on to the n."


    Listening to her word, Lu Tian purse his lips. He thought it was strange that his wife would send Ning Mei to Dark Clouds. If she needed someone to ¡¯discipline¡¯ the woman, she could have found anyone, but hearing her words now, everything made sense.


    She chose Dark Clouds because all the members were the kind of people women find as a nightmare. They were the perfect choice to give Ning Mei a life lesson.


    As he thought this, he lowers his head and stares straight into her bluish green eyes.


    "Isn¡¯t it said that Hu Ma is a stubborn person who doesn¡¯t follow orders from others? How do you know that he actually went through with the deal?"


    Yue Ling smiles a smile that reach her eyes. She turns away from him and switch herputer into sleep mode.


    "There may have been only three camera that were set up in the room, but that didn¡¯t mean there weren¡¯t any other cameras hiding in the room."


    When Nie Chen took Ning Mei into the room to set up the three cameras, he also hid other cameras inside the room. He made sure they were hidden very well so that no one from Dark Clouds can find it.


    They did this to reinsure that no one from Dark Clouds stepped out of line.


    Lu Tian watched her every move until she turns back around to face him. He sighs inside and felt that his wife is a better nner than him.


    She is the type to n ahead in advance, while he is the type to n as he go.


    "What about Ning Mei? Liu Shan mentioned that you revealed yourself to her."


    He asked because he wanted to know what she is going to do, but inside, he swore that if Ning Mei tries anything, he will do whatever to protect his wife.


    Seeing the tiniest change in his expression, Yue Ling smiles a sweet, yet dangerous smile. Her eyes slowly blink as she thinks back to Ning Mei¡¯s pale facial expression when she (Yue Ling) revealed herself.


    "Even if she did, no one will believe her."


    Lu Tian was unable to utter a word in response. He swore, if his wife were a man, she would be the biggest threat in his life. Good thing she is a woman and the better thing is, she is his woman, his wife.


    ---


    Lu Tian soon left to workter than usual while Yue Ling was left alone at home again. She had tried to persuade Doctor Dong to let her return to work, but he was so persistent that she needed another week to recover.


    So, like every other day since she couldn¡¯t go to work, she sat in the living room and ponder in thought of what to do for the rest of the day.


    She sighs again and again as she leans back on the couch. Inu isn¡¯t here to keep herpany and she misses him dearly. However, her grandfather sent her a message and asked for the Samoyed to stay at the Ji Mansion longer.


    Her head tilts back and she stares up at the ceiling.


    "What to do... What to do..."


    As she murmur to herself, her eyes lit up and she sits up. A mischievous grin curls on her lip and she stood up. Walking up the stairs, she makes her way for her closet room.


    Doctor Dong said she can¡¯t go back to work yet, but he didn¡¯t say she couldn¡¯t visit work.


    She quickly change into a ck turtleneck that was tucked inside her high-waited jeans. Keeping her warm was her tan wool coat and covering her feet were a pair of ck ankle booties.


    Grabbing a set of car keys, she doesn¡¯t get inside her BMW x5m or Audi r8. Instead, she opt for her white Maserati Granturismo sport and drives away from the house in the direction of work.

 Chapter 614 UNEDITED Liu Shan, wai

    In another part of Imperial, a red Audi r8 pulls into the parking lot at the back of De L¡¯amour. The cars parks and the driver side door opens as Liu Shan steps out into view.


    He was dressed in his usual fashionable attire and carrying his work bag, he proceed for the entrance to enter De L¡¯amour.


    "Good morning Liu Shan."


    Inside the fashionpany, Sophia stood up from her seat when she saw the assistant enter.


    Usually it was Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan, but today was Liu Shan¡¯s turn toe in to work early since their boss was still on leave.


    "Good morning Sophia."


    Liu Shan returns the greeting with his usual polite smile. He doesn¡¯t stop at her desk and makes his way towards the elevators.


    Watching the man walk pass her, Sophia felt Liu Shan was in a rather good mood. She could even hear the man whistling to himself.


    Did something good happen that she isn¡¯t aware of?


    She tries to think about what could have brighten Liu Shan¡¯s mood so much but was unable to think of anything. She lightly shakes her head and returns to her seat. However, quickly remembering something, she calls out to him.


    "Liu Shan, wait!"


    Liu Shan had only reached the elevators when he heard the receptionist call out to him. He turns around and sees her running towards him.


    "What is it and are you alright?"


    From the receptionist¡¯s desk to the elevator was only a few steps, but Sophia looked like she had run an entire marathon. She steadies herself to catch her breath and stretch both her arms out to Liu Shan.


    "I¡¯m alright, but this came in today for boss."


    Liu Shan lowers his head to look at the package in Sophia¡¯s hands. He reach out a hand and takes it from her.


    "Did the delivery man say who sent it?"


    He asked because there was only one man who delivers all the mail to De L¡¯amour. The delivery man will also notify them of who the sender is before leaving.


    However, to Liu Shan¡¯s surprise, Sophia shook her head in response.


    The young woman held her hands in front of her and nce down at the package then back to Liu Shan.


    "He didn¡¯t say, but I checked the address. It¡¯s from City Z."


    Hearing her words, the space between Liu Shan¡¯s brows slightly crease into three lines. He looks back down at the package and his frown deepens.


    It was a small box packaged with only an addressbel on the top. There wasn¡¯t even the sender¡¯s name, but when he saw the address, he knew exactly who had sent it.


    "I got it from here. I¡¯ll pass it to boss."


    He gives Sophia a polite nod and press the button for the elevator. The door slides open, due to no one havinge to work yet, so all the elevators were still on the first floor.


    Sophia was left alone on the first floor. Even when Liu Shan was no longer standing in front of her, she stares at the elevator with a worried expression.


    She doesn¡¯t know what is inside the package but judging from Liu Shan¡¯s expression, she knows that it is something very important. However, she knows better than to ask what is inside.


    Turning away, she walks back to her seat and continue with her own work.


    *Ding


    The elevator bell chimes as it arrives on the highest floor of De L¡¯amour. Liu Shan steps out like any other person, but he didn¡¯t bother to look at where he is going.


    He kept his head down and his eyes were glued down at the package in his hand. His thoughts are kept hidden and after a few steps, he finally arrives at his office.


    He unlocks the door with his keys, but before entering, he couldn¡¯t help but nce at the shut door that led to Yue Ling¡¯s office.


    A sigh escapes his lips and decides that once he is off the clock, he¡¯ll deliver the package to her.


    *Ring Ring


    Thirty minutes had only pass by before the phone inside Liu Shan¡¯s office rings. He was currently coordinating a blueprint of the creative designs for his boss.


    He wanted to make sure that when Yue Ling returns to work, she will have less work to worry about. However, being distracted by the phone, he could only stop and answers the call.


    "Assistant Liu speaking."


    ["Ah, Liu Shan. You have a guest."]


    From the other line, Sophia¡¯s voice can be heard, but Liu Shan furrow his brows as the young woman sounded more cheerful than when she greeted him upon arrival.


    "Who is it?"


    ["Um... A very important guest."]


    "..."


    Hearing her answer, Liu Shan was dumbfounded as she had made sure to emphasize the words ¡¯very important¡¯. He heaves a sigh as his head shook lightly.


    "Send them up."


    He tells her over the phone and stood up from his seat. As he walks out from his office, he scratch the side of his head and ponder in thoughts. There was hardly ever any guests thates here other than Lu Tian and Xu Long, so who could this guest be.


    *Ding


    Due to De L¡¯amour being the smallestpany building in the area, it didn¡¯t take long before the elevator arrives at the top floor.


    Liu Shan had been waiting patiently since there was no secretary to greet the guest.


    The door slides open and a polite smile appears on his lip. He doesn¡¯t show it on his face, but deep inside he was eager to know who the person is. Especially when this person the audacity to not give a name at the front desk.


    His mouth opens to greet the person, but the second he saw the figure inside the elevator, his jaw drops to the floor and he gasp in shock.


    "Boss?"


    Stepping out of the elevator, Yue Ling held back herugh with a smile. She could already tell that she had shocked her assistant to the core with her sudden arrival.


    "Good morning Assistant Liu."

 Chapter 615 UNEDITED Will you be my star?

    Liu Shan stares at Yue Ling and he didn¡¯t know what to think at this moment. It was like everything he had learned in life was thrown out and his brain no longer knew anything.


    Isn¡¯t she supposed to be on leave to recover until Doctor Dong says it is okay for her toe to work?


    "W-Why are you here?"


    He swore it was like an entire day had gone by before he finally found the correct brain to put inside his head.


    "How are you here? Can you even be here? Does Doctor Dong know that you are here? What about Lu Tian? Does HE know that you are here?"


    Seeing Liu Shan act like an overly dramatic grandfather, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She shakes her head and chuckles softly at him.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I drove myself here and I¡¯m only here as a guest. As for Tian and Doctor Dong, I already informed them while I was on my way here."


    Liu Shan was able to calm down at her words, but his eyes didn¡¯t forget to narrow at her like he didn¡¯t believe a word she said. He has always trusted her, but right now, he was hesitant.


    Should he believe her words or secretly give Lu Tian and Doctor Dong a call to confirm?


    "Fine, I¡¯ll take your word for it."


    He decides to believe her words since she is his boss. However, that doesn¡¯t mean he will treat her like a guest. It is something that he can never do when they are inside De L¡¯amour.


    "Wait in your office. A package came in for you."


    His words fell as he turns away from her and was already walking towards his office.


    Yue Ling held her smile and stares at his departing figure. She lifts her leg and walks to her office. When she reached the door to her office, she was frozen in ce and stares nkly at the door handle.


    She slowly opens the door like she was hesitant about seeing the inside, but the second her eyes met the familiar ce, she hurriedly enters.


    "Oh... my second home."


    She was only entering her office, but for some reason, she felt like she had opened the door into fairytale.


    Quickly striding over to her desk, she didn¡¯t hesitate to sit down and spin in a circle with her swivel chair.


    Most people want to be away from work, but not her. If possible, she wanted to be at work without missing a single day. After all, she loves her career as a fashion designer and despite all the hard work, she has noint about it.


    Her palms trace over desk carefully like it was the most prize possession to her. She leans forward and gently press the side of her face against the smooth top of her desk as she closed her eyes.


    "Oh, how I miss you so much."


    She looked like a mother who had finally been reunited with long lost child after so many years.


    While Yue Ling immerse herself in her own world, Liu Shan stood at the door with a perplex expression. He was going to knock on the door to let her know of his arrival, but seeing her this way, he didn¡¯t know if it was right for him to interrupt her little moment.


    "Ahem."


    However, reminding himself that there is a package for her, he clears his throat and steps inside the room.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes flutter open and she sits up. Despite her quick change in behavior, one can see how red her cheeks are due to being caught in the act.


    "Ahem. Where is the package?"


    She clears her throat and stood up to walk towards the couches in her office.


    Liu Shan watched her every move with a straight face. However, unable to hold himself back, heughs out loud as he held his stomach with one hand.


    "Here."


    He spoke through hisughs and meets her at the couches.


    Yue Ling cast him a re before taking the package. She was about to ask him who sent the package, but seeing the address, she swallowed back her question.


    "Boss, are you alright?"


    Seeing her quick change in demeanor, Liu Shan stopsughing and couldn¡¯t help but ask. She was acting fine a few seconds ago, but now, she in silence.


    Yue Ling thought to herself for the short second as Liu Shan¡¯s voice brought her back to her senses. She gives him a reassuring smile and set the package on the coffee table that separated the two couches.


    Removing the tape, she pulls open the ps then the packing papers that kept whatever was inside from moving around.


    She picks up the note card that was inside the package and as she read the message, a soft smile curls on her lip with her body.


    "What is it?"


    Liu Shan asks as he tries to stretch his head to see was inside. He didn¡¯t understand what could be inside that made her smile like that. However, all he could see was the packing papers.


    Hearing his question, Yue Ling ce the note card on the table. She didn¡¯t need to look at him because she can already see his curious expression from the corner of her eyes.


    "It¡¯s from Hana and Shin."


    She doesn¡¯t bother with the card anymore and moves the packing papers. Her hand reach inside the box to take out the item.


    In her hand was a small suede ne box. She slowly opens the lid and inside was a white gold ne with diamond pendant in the shape of a star.


    She stares down at the ne and an even softer smile curls on her lip. As her fingertips gently trace over the ne, her eyes moisten. It was like the ne was the most valuable item in the world and she was afraid of destroying it.


    Liu Shan was taken back by surprise. A second ago she was in smiles, then in the next second she was in silence. However, now, she looked like wanted to cry but holding back her tears.


    He looks at the box in her hand, but unable to see what the gift looked like, he walks overs to the couch across from her.


    As he sat down, he reach for the note card she had ce on the table.


    Note: ¡¯Godmother, I really really miss you. My mommy is my moon. Will you be my star?¡¯ -Little Shin Shin


    Liu Shan read the message in his head and like his boss, he also felt his entire being soften to the maximum like jello.


    His eyes welled up with tears and he sounds a sniffle then a chuckle to hide his urge to cry.


    "That little brat is only three but he¡¯s already a sweet talker."

 Chapter 616 Contemptible person

    Inside De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling sat inside her office with Liu Shan seated on the couch across from her. She stares at the assistant with heavy eyelids due to how dumfounded she is.


    She slightly got up from her seat and reaching an arm out to him, she snatch the note card out from him hands.


    "The ¡¯brat¡¯ you are referring to is my godson."


    She sits back down and looks at the card. However, her expression softens the second her eyes read the message. The message was printed from aputer, but from each word, she knew that it wasn¡¯t from Hana but little Shin.


    Shifting her attention to the ne in her hand, her entire being softens even more.


    Hana is a diamond expert in City Z and owns a jewelrypany that often coborates with De L¡¯amour. Before she (Yue Ling) moved to Imperial, little Shin was drawing a ne he said he is going to make for her. However, due to personal matters, she had to move to Imperial before the ne was even finished.


    Her eyes remain on the ne for a long minute before she close the lid and ce it inside her bag. Since she is given a gift, it is only natural that she returns the favor.


    Thinking this, she tells herself that when everything in Imperial is settled, she will visit City Z again. Only, this time, she is going to invite Lu Tian with her so she can introduce him to her family over there.


    Coming to this decision, she push the subject aside and looks at Liu Shan.


    "Did you happen to see the news today?"


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t mind how quick she was to change to subject and sounds a snort. cing both his hands behind his head, he leans back on the couch like he was sitting inside his own office.


    "See? I didn¡¯t need to. I was the one who sent the news to the media."


    Which was the truth. After Dark Clouds confirmed that they had sent Ning Mei to the Ning family house, he couldn¡¯t wait to carry on with the n again.


    He made sure that the photos were sent to the press and everyone was to know about Ning Mei and Director Yeun¡¯s evilness in Imperial.


    He also made sure to type a few words listing the details and a good headline for each media.


    Yue Ling listened to him and she could hear faint chuckles from him, but those chuckles were full of mischief and that of an evil witch.


    She swore, if life was a movie, Liu Shan will definitely be the role of an undercover evil mastermind.


    However, she can also understand why he doesn¡¯t care about themotion of the news.


    He had the same reaction with all the other people they took down in the past.


    "Well, it seems like we¡¯ve helped her be famous."


    Yue Ling chuckles her words then cross her arms over her chest as she ce one leg over the other.


    "What about Ming Yue? Have you heard anything about her?"


    Hearing her questions, Liu Shan lowers his hands from behind his head and fold them over his chest like he was imitating her.


    "After we took care of Chen Limei, I kept a close watch on her. She hasn¡¯t made a public appearance anywhere, but I¡¯ve been tracking her every move and turns out, she is currently living in one of Ning Xingyu¡¯s private houses."


    Yue Ling listens to his word in silence. She calmly unfold one arm and tap her chin as she ponder about the information.


    She had been wondering why Ming Yue suddenly disappeared without a trace. She even thought the woman had fled the country, but it seems like she (Ming Yue) was only hiding behind Ning Xingyu.


    "Continue to monitor her moves and inform Detective Zhi about this, she will know what to do."


    While Yue Ling discuss matters with Liu Shan, in the far distance away from the busy area of Imperial, the Ji Mansion stood like a castle in a fairytale.


    Inside the study room, Grandfather Ji sat behind his desk and held a news article in his hand. His eyes widen by each second as he read what the media had released.


    "This is preposterous!"


    He ms the paper on his desk and his chest heave up and down like a mad man.


    "Chairman, what is it?"


    Standing not too far from the old man, Zhong Yang jumped at the loud thunderous sound that resonated inside the study room.


    He was the one who delivered the news article to the old man like every other morning. However, he didn¡¯t bother to look at it since it was usually about unnecessary scandals involving celebrities.


    However, judging from Grandfather Ji¡¯s expression just now, he knows that something beyond these scandals has happened in Imperial.


    "Chairman?"


    "Read it yourself."


    Zhong Yang had only utter one word when Grandfather Ji¡¯s voice oveps his. He (Grandfather Ji) didn¡¯t want to look at the paper anymore and slides it across the desk to his assistant.


    Confused, but curious at the same time, Zhong Yang takes a few steps forward to pick up the news article. He had only read the headline and his mouth opens into the shape of an O.


    "H-How..."


    Grandfather Ji leans back on his chair and massage his forehead in attempt to calm himself down.


    "Never did I think that despicable Yeun Biao would do such a thing with those models in hispany. He even made that Ning Mei girl his mistress."


    He lowers his hand and hits the bottom of his fist on the top of his desk.


    "To think my family¡¯s Ah Ling was working under such a rogue person all these years."


    Zhong Yang¡¯s attention was immersed in the article that he didn¡¯t listen to any of Grandfather Ji¡¯s words. His eyes scans over each word like an eagle without missing a single detail.


    However, the more he read, the redder his face became, and his breathing turned heavy like he was hyperventting.


    "How dare this contemptible person exit in Imperial?!"


    He hadn¡¯t even gotten to thest word and crumples up the news article with his teeth clenching together. However, feeling it wasn¡¯t enough, he uncrumples the paper and tears it to shred like he was shredding machine.


    "Where is this scoundrel now? Let me rip him to pieces like this article!"

 Chapter 617 All the information

    Grandfather Ji held a calm face, but deep inside, he was more bewilder than ever at his assistant and friend of many years.


    However, seeing how enrage Zhong Yang had be after reading the news, he didn¡¯t know if he was Yue Ling¡¯s grandfather or he (Zhong Yang) was.


    ¡¯No, no, no, no, no, no.¡¯


    Grandfather Ji shook his head and spoke those words to himself. He is Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu¡¯s grandfather, not Zhong Yang. It is only natural why the old man is in rage.


    When Yue Ling first told them about her decision in bing a model, the both of them were against it as they know how dirty the entertainment industry can be. However, Yue Ling reasoned with them that she wanted to do this to hide her identity as the leader of Fate and the designer of De L¡¯amour.


    It did take a long while, but eventually, he and Zhong Yang agreed with her decision and supported her.


    However, if they knew that the owner of the entertainment agency, she was signing with was such a lowlife scum, they would have never agreed to let her sign the contract.


    After a long while, Zhong Yang was finally able to calm himself down, but his breathing was still heavy. He subconsciously looks down and sees the shredded paper that scattered into pieces at his foot. Another wave of anger wash inside him and he stomps on them like they were tiny ants.


    "Die! Die! Die!"


    He takes a deep breath and pulls his shirt to straighten it then looks at Grandfather Ji. However, he purse his lip and a frown appears on his face.


    "Chairman, how can you be so calm at a time like this? What about young miss? Have you called to ask her if she knows about this? Hm?"


    "..."


    Grandfather Ji remained seated behind his desk and he stares at Zhong Yang with heavy blinking eyes. He doesn¡¯t say anything right away but reach to the left of him and pulls open the drawer.


    He calmly retrieves a stack of paper and ms it on his desk that caused a loud thud.


    "I haven¡¯t called Ah Ling, but I am already ten steps ahead of you."


    Zhong Yang¡¯s anger over the news quickly disperse into thin air. He looks at Grandfather Ji then down to the stack of papers sitting on the table. The height of it was like five thick textbooks stacked on top of each other.


    "You... Chairman, what is this?"


    Grandfather Ji rolled his eyes seeing how speechless the other old man in the room had be. He grabs the first piece of paper and calmly ce it down next to the stack of papers then slides it across the desk.


    "See for yourself."


    "..."


    Zhong Yang slightly turn his head to look at the piece paper in front of him now. He didn¡¯t know what to think, but quick to understand what is going on, his eyes lit up with fireworks shooting in the background.


    He picks up the paper and starts to read. He needed to confirm if what he came to understand is true.


    His eyes scans over the words, then setting it down, he picks up another paper then another as the cycle repeats.


    He stops reading and looks up at Grandfather Ji. He thought that it was going to be a master n on how to destroy Yeun Biao, but it was nothing as close to it.


    "T-This..."


    Grandfather Ji fold his arms over his chest and leans back on his chair. He close his eyes as his head nods with a proud and satisfying smile curl on his face.


    "All the information about Yeun Biao."


    He spoke the first few words like an evil minister but when it came to the man¡¯s name, he spat it out like it was the most bitter word ever.


    However, as the strong-willed person that he is, he ps the foul taste in his mouth away like a boss and his eyes narrow murderously withser beam at the stack of papers.


    "Nothing can escape me."


    He had long learned the news before Zhong Yang arrived with the news articles.


    When he awoke from bed, he decided to browse through the web before getting ready. It was then that he learned about themotion that has ovee Imperial.


    He swore, at the time when he read the news, he was in more rage than now. There were even steam blowing out from his nose and ears. He even had the urge to throw his phone and pick it up, only to throw it again.


    However, he was able to calm down as Doctor Dong said it was bad for his health.


    Thinking back to how his morning went, Grandfather Ji snorts to himself. He stretch his left arm out and sends a smack to the space in front of him.


    "I was so angry when I learned about the news, I even pped the air in front of me."


    His p quickly turns into a snap then he points down to the stack of papers.


    "All morning, I dug up every information about that monstrous man. Nothing is left out."


    Zhong Yang was bbergasted by the old man. Times like this, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder where the strong and respectable General had gone.


    Shaking this thought away, he looks down at the papers.


    The old man was indeed right. Every piece of paper he read was about Yeun Biao and what he has been doing in public and in the dark. Nothing was amiss, not even the man¡¯sst dentist appointment.


    However, his brows furrow and looks back at Grandfather Ji.


    "Uh, Chairman, how did you gather all this information so soon?"


    Usually when they have to look into a person, it was him who did the investigating. If he couldn¡¯t find the person, he would sneak a call to Liu Shan or Xu Long. So, how did Grandfather Ji all of a sudden learn how to be top notch detective?


    Seeing the look of doubt on Zhong Yang¡¯s face, Grandfather Ji was not one bit bothered by it. A mischievous grin curls on his face as a glimmer of light sh in his eyes.


    "Ho, ho, ho. You are truly underestimating my skills here."


    He leans forward and ce his left palm over the stack of papers Zhong Yang had finished reading. With a few light pats, he raise his chin proudly.


    "I learned all this from my grandson-inw."


    Zhong Yang was baffled by his words. His old face wrinkles more into a frown as he tries to recall if Lu Tian really did teach Grandfather Ji how to track down a person.


    Met with the assistant¡¯s expression, Grandfather Ji scoffs in utter disbelief.


    "Zhong Yang why are you being so suspicious of my new skills. Lu boy did teach me. If you don¡¯t believe me, call and ask him."


    During the times when he and Lu Tian worked the same missions, he would stick around and observe from the side as the young men gather information. He didn¡¯t think he needed to learn, but it was Lu Tian who suggested he learn the basics in case a day like thises.


    Which he must thank the youngd. If it weren¡¯t for those ¡¯basic¡¯ teachings, he would have had to wait a long time before knowing what that disgusting Yeun Biao has been doing.


    As he thought this, he lets out a long sigh and looks at the pictures of his deceased wife then the one of his daughter and son-inw.


    "When Ah Ling first brought up her decision on bing a model, I should have looked into Yeun Biao and CNJ Entertainment. If I did, I would have known how filthy that agency is and stopped her from signing the contract with such a predatorial person."


    Zhong Yang returned to his senses when he heard Grandfather Ji. He also heaves a sigh as he thought the man was right, but it was toote to have regrets.


    "Chairman, I know you are worry, but young miss is an astute and clever youngdy. She must have had her reasons when she chose CNJ Entertainment."


    Grandfather Ji doesn¡¯t say a word but shift his gaze to the photo of Yue Ling that decorated his desk.


    His assistant was right. Yue Ling is a smart girl and she has many outstanding friends at her side. He is sure that before she signed with CNJ Entertainment, she must have investigated the ce first.


    "Alright, lets end the discussion here. There¡¯s a lot do at Ji Corps before Ah Ling takes over."


    He spoke after ending his line of thoughts. Scooting the chair back he stood up to leave the room. However, just as he stood up, he felt a burning sensation shot inside his entire body then makes it way up to his throat.


    "Cough! Cough!"


    Two coughs escapes his mouth and he covers his mouth.


    "Chairman!"


    Zhong Yang¡¯s face pale as white as a ghost. He quickly runs around the desk to Grandfather Ji and supports him by the arm.


    "Chairman?!"


    Grandfather Ji felt like the room was spinning in circles. He sits back down with the help of Zhong Yang and raise one hand to let the other person know that he is fine.


    "Tell Housekeeper Xu to prepare my medicine."

 Chapter 618 Be in my thoughts

    As the people of Imperial carried on with their morning, inside the quiet office of Lu Corps¡¯ CEO, Lu Tian sat behind his desk. His fingers never once stopped as they type over the keyboard and his eyes glued to theputer screen.


    "Boss!"


    The quietness that only had the sound of clicking was quickly disturbed by the door that was abruptly push open.


    "Boooossssss¡ª!!"


    Xu Long¡¯s voice echoes inside the room like was performing a soap opera. However, despite his voice, his expression said otherwise. He looked like he had heard the outrageous news ever.


    Being interrupted, Lu Tian sighs inside and stops what he was doing. He looks at his assistant and seeing the man¡¯s face like he was in the shock of his life, he (Lu Tian) couldn¡¯t help but sigh again.


    "If it¡¯s the news that¡¯s going around, I already know. No need to make it a big deal."


    From the moment he entered Lu Corps, his employees were whispering about Yeun Biao and Ning Mei. He doesn¡¯t understand why everyone was in an uproar over the news. Anyone with a good sense of judgement can already tell that they are people with malicious intentions. Only a fool will believe them.


    Unaware of Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts, Xu Long walks over to the desk until he stops. He held a folder in one hand and his other hand raise to scratch the back of his head.


    "Uh... I wasn¡¯t actually singing about THAT news."


    His head tilts slightly to the side and he puts on a thinking face thatsted for one quick second.


    "I mean, neither of them deserves to be in my thoughts."


    He hade to find his boss because he found something more important than the news surfacing about Yeun Biao and Ning Mei. Not only that, he and Lin Hui were also there when Liu Shan forward the information to the press. They even added a few words with Liu Shan on the side to help the media think of what to write.


    Lu Tian stares at his assistant with his usual master supreme poker face. However, deep inside he was more dumbfounded than ever.


    He shakes his head lightly and nce down to the folder in Xu Long¡¯s hand.


    "What is it?"


    Hearing those three words, Xu Long¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help but moisten and he sounds a faint dry sniffle. Usually it was always ¡¯speak¡¯ or ¡¯report¡¯, but now that his boss is in love, he (Xu Long) gets a full sentence of ¡¯what is it¡¯. Good heavens, he hopes that conversations like thisst forever.


    He doesn¡¯t want his boss to return to the coldblooded man who says no more than one or two words to everyone.


    Quickly straightening his spine, he takes a few more steps forward until he was one foot away from the desk. He sets the folder in his hand down and takes a small step back as if to give his boss some space.


    "I found¡ª"


    *Ring ring


    Xu Long had yet to finish speaking when the phone suddenly rang inside Lu Tian¡¯s office.


    Both men nce down at the office phone that was on the right side of Lu Tian¡¯s desk. However, the light that indicated an iing call was not blinking.


    *Ring ring


    The ringing sound continues to echo inside the room before Lu Tian felt a faint vibration on his arm. It wasing from the pocket of his suit jacket that was hung behind his chair.


    His brows slightly crease together, and he reach to take his phone out. Who could it be?


    Holding his phone in hand, the ringing did not subdue. He nce down at the screen, but the second he saw who was calling him, his brows crease tighter together.


    He is currently at work and this person never calls him until he is off the clock. However, as quickly as the thought came to him, his thumb slides over the screen to answer the call.


    Since this person is calling him on his personal phone, it must be something important.


    As he put the phone near his ear, he gives Xu Long a nce in indication to hold off on the report.


    "This is Lu Tian."


    Standing on the other side of the desk, Xu Long felt an inexplicable feeling rise inside him. He didn¡¯t see the name of the caller, but seeing that his boss is taking the call, it can only mean something urgent has happened.


    He picks up the folder again and waits quietly for further instructions.


    Seconds had already passed since Lu Tian answered the call. His frown deepens as all he could hear from the other line were incoherent words and the sound of muffled movements.


    "Grandfather Ji? Can you hear me?"


    ["Hurry! Get the car. The ambnce won¡¯t get here in time!"]


    His words fell and he was able to hear a better response from the person on the other line. However, despite the voice sounding muffled and far from the phone, he could tell that it didn¡¯t belong to Grandfather Ji.


    "Assistant Zhong?"


    ["We have to get him to the hospital now!"]


    The more Lu Tian listened to the call, the heavier his heart dropped to his stomach. He came to understand that the call wasn¡¯t done intentionally, but by ident.


    He abruptly stood up from his seat and ends the call. There was no need to further listen on the conversation or wait for an answer. From what he head, he knows that something bad has happened to Grandfather Ji.


    "Push all my remaining schedule up."


    Grabbing his suit jacket, he puts it on then ce his phone in his pocket.


    "Locate Grandfather Ji and Zhong Yang¡¯s whereabout."


    He gives Xu Long two orders as he grabs his car key and strides out of the room with increasing fast pace.


    Xu Long was confused about what is happening, but he doesn¡¯t ask and rush out of the room. He doesn¡¯t follow Lu Tian but head for his own office as he needed to do what he was told.


    The report in his hand can wait as whatever happened on Grandfather Ji¡¯s side is more important.


    Lu Tian reached his car within minutes. As he was about to drive out of the parking garage, his phone rings again and he connects it to his car audio.


    "Speak."


    ["Grandfather Ji¡¯s phone is still at the Ji Mansion, but Uncle Zhong is on the move. He¡¯s heading in the direction of Imperial Military Hospital."]


    Listening to Xu Long¡¯s words, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes dimmed dangerously. It was a good thing he picked up the call or else he would have regretted itter.


    He swore, if someone harmed the old man, he will do everything to track this person down and make them wish they were alive.


    ["Boss, should I inform bossdy about this?"]


    Lu Tian had just driven out of Lu Corps¡¯ parking garage when Xu Long¡¯s voice chimes in again. If anyone deserves to know, it is his wife, but...


    "No. I¡¯ll check on the situation first."


    He gives his assistant a firm answer and ends the call as he speeds through the streets of Imperial.


    His wife is still recuperating, so he will go to where Grandfather Ji is and find out what happened. Once he gets an answer, he will decide whether to tell her or not.

 Chapter 619 Take you to him

    Lu Tian¡¯s car sped through the bustling streets of Imperial. He had run a few red lights without any intentions of slowly down until he arrives at Imperial Military Hospital.


    He parks his car in front of the hospital entrance and shuts the engine off before stepping out. As he close the driver side door, his head did not forget to look left and right in search for Grandfather Ji or Zhong Yang.


    He hade here due to his assistant¡¯s words, but neither of them knows if the two old men had already entered the hospital or were also arriving.


    However, not seeing either men, he takes out his phone and press the speed dial number for Xu Long.


    The tracking device on Zhong Yang¡¯s phone indicated that they were headed this way, but what if it was all a coincidence? What if they drove to a different hospital or another ce?


    ["Boss, how is everything?"]


    "Where is their location now?"


    Xu Long¡¯s voice chimes in from the other line as Lu Tian answers with a question. At the same time, his eyes subconsciously nce in the direction of the drop-off area. He sees a taxicab but doesn¡¯t think much as it was normal for patients to take a cab to the hospital.


    ["I just confirmed Uncle Zhong¡¯s phone. They are inside."


    From the other line, Xu Long answers the question right away as Lu Tian proceeds towards the entrance.


    "Got it."


    He ends the call and put his phone inside the pocket of his suit jacket. Just as he was a few feet away from the door entrance, he caught a glimpse of a very familiar figure and calls out.


    "Ji Jingxu."


    Ji Jingxu had only taken two steps away from the taxicab he had gotten off of. When he suddenly heard his name called by a deep voice, he stops and nce to look at his surroundings. It took a short minute before he finally turns around and sees the tall figure of a man.


    "Brother-inw... I mean, Mr. Lu, why are you also here?"


    He was surprise to see Lu Tian at the hospital. However, a dreadful feeling rise inside him and his eyes search the areas near the man. Could it be that something happened to his sister too?


    Seeing Ji Jingxu¡¯s reaction upon seeing him, Lu Tian kept a calm expression, but he knew what the boy is looking for.


    "Your sister is fine. I¡¯m here for your grandfather."


    Ji Jingxu felt himself rx a little when he heard that is sister is fine. However, his eyes shook as he looks at Lu Tian when he thought about what the man said.


    "Y-You know about grandfather?"


    He thought that it was only him, Zhong Yang and Housekeeper Hu who knew. Lu Tian said he is here for his (Ji Jingxu) grandfather then does that mean he (Lu Tian) knows about the old man¡¯s illness? What about Yue Ling? Does she know too?


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t give an answer right away but stares at Ji Jingxu. He is someone who can easily read a person, so he was quick to understand the situation.


    "I received a call from your grandfather. He didn??t say anything, so I came to check."


    Ji Jingxu nods his head in response. He thought he had done so in a calm way, but in the eyes of others, he was nodding his head vigorously.


    How could he forget that this man is Lu Tian? If he wanted to find person, all he needed to do was press a number.


    Brushing the thought away, Ji Jingxu turns away as he felt he had spent too much time speaking with Lu Tian. Right now, he needs to go and find the old man to check how he is doing.


    "Grandfather is inside. I can take you to him."


    As he enters through the sliding ss doors of the hospital, he couldn¡¯t help but think back to the incident that led to himing to the hospital.


    When he was about to leave for school, he went to find his grandfather to tell the old man he was leaving.


    He knew the old man wouldn¡¯t be in his study room as it was time, he (Grandfather Ji) took his medicine, so he (Ji Jingxu) went straight for the kitchen.


    After he informed the old man that he was leaving, Grandfather Ji offered to drive him to school. However, before he (Grandfather Ji) could even finish his medicine, everything that happened next was like a sh of lightning.


    One minute, he was smiling andughing, then in the next minute, it was like the wind had blew inside the house and swept him away.


    He (Ji Jingxu) watched as his body froze in ce. He saw the old man¡¯s eyes slowly close as the cup in his hand falls and his (Grandfather Ji) body seems to lose its strength.


    It was like in that very moment, the entire world turned dark and his (Ji Jingxu) heart was stuck in his throat.


    He didn¡¯t know how, but as he blink of the eyes again, he was already standing next to Grandfather Ji and caught the old man before his head hit the floor.


    In a panic state of mind, Housekeeper Hu suggested they call an ambnce, but Zhong Yang was against it. The assistant said it would take the ambnce at least an hour to get to the Ji Mansion then the same amount of time to the hospital.


    Instead of waiting, he decided it would be faster to drive to the hospital. They couldn¡¯t afford to prolong the wait as anything could happened to Grandfather Ji.


    Ji Jingxu returns from his memories of the tragic incident that urred almost an hour ago. He ran through the corridors of Imperial Military Hospital as he already knew which room his grandfather had been taken to.


    The reason why he arrived in a taxicab was because Zhong Yang and Housekeeper Hu told him to not worry and go to school. He knows that they only said it because of his grandfather, but how can he not worry when one of the most important people in his life is in the hospital?


    As Ji Jingxu¡¯s figure disappears through the doors, Lu Tian remained unmoving from his current position. He ponders in thoughts for a quick second before striding after the boy.


    He wasn¡¯t bother by the fact that Ji Jingxu left without further exining the situation. He didn¡¯t need to know because he could already see everything written on his (Ji Jingxu) face.


    He only hopes that Grandfather Ji is alright.

 Chapter 620 School can wai

    "Old man!"


    Ji Jingxu¡¯s voice echoes throughout the hospital corridors and enters through the cracks of the door leading to a private ward. He burst open the door as he knew he had entered the right room.


    He stood at the door and stares at the scene in front of him. However, unlike the strong tone of his voice, his lower lip trembles and his eyes turn moist as if the tears in his eyes were holding for their dear life in order to not fall.


    "Grandfather..."


    Inside the private ward that is furthest to the back of the hospital, Zhong Yang stood at the side while Doctor Dong sets up the IV on Grandfather Ji, whoid awake on the bed.


    When they heard the young man¡¯s voice, all three men turn to look in the direction of the door.


    "Jingxu, what are you doing here? Shouldn¡¯t you be at school?"


    Grandfather Ji was surprised to see Ji Jingxu at the hospital. He doesn¡¯t sit up as his body was too exhausted but tries to keep a calm and strong appearance in front of the boy. However, anyone can hear how hoarse his voice had be and see the rims of his eyes redder than usual.


    He wanted to tell Zhong Yang to take Ji Jingxu home, but seeing the boy on the verge of crying, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do such a thing. He sighs a very faint smile and wave to the boy.


    "You don¡¯t have to worry about me. I am alright now."


    He spoke with a smile, but inside, he was torn into pieces. He never wanted Yue Ling or Ji Jingxu to see him in such a weak state like this.


    Zhong Yang had told him about what happened. He (Grandfather Ji) doesn¡¯t remember everything, but he can remember he was going to finish his medicine. However, before he knew it, his vision blurred with shes of white then everything went dark.


    By the time he regained conscious again, he was already in the hospital. Luckily, he woke up minutes before Ji Jingxu arrived. Who knows what the boy will do if he didn¡¯t wake up?


    Ji Jingxu stares at the old man. He press his lips tightly together to keep it from trembling as his fists clench at his sides.


    He inhales a deep breath and strides inside the room. Stopping in front of an empty chair, he plops down.


    "Old man, I¡¯m going to stay here with you. School can wait."


    He spoke in a tone full of arrogance, but he didn¡¯t forget to use both his hands to wipe away the tears in his eyes.


    He knows that school is very important, but no matter how important it is, his grandfather means more. If he doesn¡¯t spend time with the old man, he will no doubt regret itter.


    Grandfather Ji wanted to refute Ji Jingxu¡¯s words, but he hold himself back again. He is always the one telling Ji Jingxu to go to school and do good, but now that he knows he doesn¡¯t have much time left, he wants to spend time with Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu as much as possible.


    "Fine, you can stay here today, but tomorrow, you have to¡ª"


    Before he could finish his words, his eyes shook when theynded on another figure at the door. However, unlike Ji Jingxu¡¯s figure, this person was taller and carried an aloof aura.


    "Lu... Lu boy..."


    Lu Tian had long been standing at the door. He could have made a sound but decided to keep quiet. When he heard Grandfather Ji call him, he nods his head in greeting.


    The look on his face was expressionless like he had known about the old man¡¯s health. However, only God knows what he is really feeling at this moment.


    Every time they met, Grandfather Ji always held a strong and healthy appearance. It was like nothing in the world can bring the old man down. However, the him right now, isying on the hospital bed and looked so weak and fragile.


    Is this really the same old man who trained and watched over him from a young boy until now?


    Met with Lu Tian¡¯s faint unsettled look, Grandfather Ji was put in a tough situation. He heaves a long sigh and looks at Doctor Dong then Zhong Yang.


    "Everyone wait outside. Let me speak with Tian alone."


    Doctor Dong nod his head in understanding. He moves to help position the bed so that Grandfather Ji was sitting up, then leaves the room.


    Standing not too far behind Ji Jingxu, Zhong Yang force out a heart aching smile. He looks at Lu Tian then back to the old man.


    "I will be outside. If you need anything, just call for me."


    Grandfather Ji didn¡¯t need to answer as his assistant already knew his answer. He looks to Ji Jingxu and he sighs a smile that reach his eyes.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going anywhere."


    Hearing those words, Ji Jingxu¡¯s eyes turned moist again, but he force back the urge to cry. He abruptly stood up and looks up at the ceiling to keep himself from crying.


    "If you dare to go anywhere, I will not forgive you."


    Without waiting for the man to reply, he turns away and strides out of the room with Zhong Yang following behind.


    Grandfather Ji stares at Ji Jingxu¡¯s back and he sighs inside. Even though they do not have the same blood running inside each other, Ji Jingxu¡¯s personality was no different from his when he was younger.


    Both of them were stubborn and often hid their pain through tough words.


    As the room cleared up, Lu Tian calmly close the door. He walks over to the chair Ji Jingxu had been sitting and takes a seat.


    "When?"


    Grandfather Ji parted his lip to speak, but before a sound could escape him, Lu Tian spoke first. He doesn¡¯t find the boy rude as this was something normal between them.


    He chuckles in response then heaves a deep sigh. He doesn¡¯t know how Lu Tian found out about his illness, but since he is here, he (Grandfather Ji) knows that he cannote up with some excuse. After all, this is the boy he trained himself and one of the few people he has difficulty reading.


    "Five years ago."


    His word fell and he looks away from Lu Tian. His gaze locks with the foot of the bed where the nket covered his feet.


    "But it was only recently that my health started to take a turn for the worst."


    When he first learned about his illness, he thought everything will be fine as long as he kept a healthy lifestyle. However, within the passing years, he could feel himself bing weaker and weaker.


    It was then that he realized his time was shortening each day


    He smiles a smile that did not reach his eyes. It was a smile full of heartache and guilt. One that showed he wasn¡¯t ready to leave behind Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu.


    "I don¡¯t have much time left."

 Chapter 621 You have my word

    In the past, Grandfather Ji was always supportive of whatever Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu wanted to do. However, ever since he found out he didn¡¯t have much time left, he started to be persistent with them.


    It was also the reason why he kept pushing Yue Ling to take over Ji Corps. At first, he wanted to pass thepany down to Ji Jingxu, but with the limited time he has now, he knows that he couldn¡¯t.


    Ji Jingxu is still young and does not have enough strength to defend against Ji Chu Hua or any of the other people trying to take over thepany. With this thought, he decided to pass the position down to Yue Ling. Even though she already has three otherpanies to take care of, he knows that she is the only person Ji Chu Hua and her father will never be able to take down.


    When she agreed to take over the chairman position, he was indeed happy and at ease. However, despite feeling this way, a part of him could see through her true reason for epting.


    She is going to take over Ji Corps for the mean time until Ji Jingxu is old enough then pass the position over to him.


    Thinking these thoughts, he brush them aside and looks back at Lu Tian.


    He wanted Yue Ling to marry a good man, so that those snakes from the second Ji family cannot touch her and Ji Jingxu after he is gone. As for the second Han family, it¡¯s been a few years now and those people have not made another move.


    As their only elder left, he hopes to do everything within his power to pave the way for them. So that when he leaves, he will leave knowing that he does not have to worry about neither child.


    Grandfather Ji ends his thoughts with a sigh and nce down at the young man¡¯s left hand that did not have a ring.


    Ever since he learned that Yue Ling and Lu Tian are together, he felt even more at ease. No one will dare to try anything malicious towards his granddaughter.


    The corner of his lip curls up into a faint smile. He will try to live until the two young people get marry.


    "Does Ah Ling know that you are here?"


    Lu Tian, who was unaware of the old man¡¯s inner thoughts lightly shook his head. He only knew about what happened because of the phone call. As for his wife, he told Xu Long to not say anything as of yet.


    "She doesn¡¯t, but does she know about your condition?"


    Judging from the people that were in the room, he could already guess that only a minimum amount of people knows. However, he wasn¡¯t sure if his wife knew.


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s heart shook at the sudden question. He hasn¡¯t told anyone other than Zhong Yang and Housekeeper Hu. As for Ji Jingxu, they boy identally saw his diagnosis paper in his study room.


    In regard to Yue Ling, the timing was always wrong.


    He heaves a long sigh and this time, it was his turn to shake his head.


    "I haven¡¯t told her."


    The space between Lu Tian¡¯s eyebrows crease into three lines. He looks at Grandfather Ji as he thought to himself before asking.


    "Why?"


    Grandfather Ji held a very tiny smile. His head turn to look in the opposite direction of Lu Tian to the window.


    "The timing was never right."


    His eyes search through the clear blue sky that hoover outside the window as his words continue.


    "I¡¯m sure you already know this, but for someone as young as Ah Ling, she shouldn¡¯t have experience such grief over those dear to her. Especially not over her child."


    The sky was so clear and beautiful like a calm ocean, but his heart ached like it had been crushed into a million pieces.


    "Be a child a year old or thirty, nothing is more devastating than when a parent loses a child."


    He knew this feeling better than anyone as he had once walked that path. As a father, he wished for his daughter to enter the world and live a life of promising to the world. However, never did he expect that one phone call would shatter his entire life.


    "Your child¡¯s death robs you of your role as their protector. It makes you feel an overwhelming sense of failure for not being able to protect them well."


    His eyes slightly lower as he looks away from the window.


    "To continue living every day takes a lot of dedication. For this, I could not bring myself to add another heartache into Ah Ling¡¯s heart."


    He looks back at Lu Tian and the very tiny smile on his face reced with a smile that did not look like a smile.


    To him, Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu means the world to him. When he first learned of his illness, it broke his heart so much at the thought of leaving the two children alone without someone to protect them.


    The smile on his face fades as his eyes locked with Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes.


    "Please keep this a secret from her. I want her to hear about it from me."


    He knows that Lu Tian loves his granddaughter and doesn¡¯t intend to keep anything from her, but he is not asking the boy to keep this secret forever. He wants to give Yue Ling time to recover from her own grief, then tell her himself.


    He rather she hear from him than someone else.


    Lu Tian stares at the old man and he was put in difficult situation. He wanted to tell Grandfather Ji that it is not good to hide his illness for too long as it will cause more pain for his wife. However, understanding his (Grandfather Ji) feelings too, he could only nod his head.


    "You have my word."


    He can understand why Grandfather Ji wanted to wait before telling his wife. After the incident, she appears to have return to her usual self, but he can see the change in her clear eyes. She can smile andugh with everyone, but deep inside, she is like him.


    It was like a small part of them left this world with their child.


    Even if he wanted to tell her, it was best that she hears it from the old man.


    Grandfather Ji does not say any more. He looks down at his hand and gaze at the IV that was injected into the back of his hand.


    Just a little more. He hopes that God will give him more time to watch over Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu.

 Chapter 622 Happy to hear

    The sun gradually position itself high in the sky as Imperial Military Hospital stood its ground. While patients enter the building, Lu Tian slowly exits.


    The cold aura that usually surrounds him was no longer there making him look like an immortal who was lost in the mundane world. His steps were small as he walks in the direction of his car.


    However, when he was only 3 steps away from the door to the driver side, he stops.


    He doesn¡¯t remember how he left the private ward Grandfather Ji was in, nor does he even try. His mind at this moment was filled with millions of thoughts before he tilt his head back to look up at the clear the sky.


    Five years...


    Grandfather Ji has been keeping his health condition hidden from everyone for that long. The same Grandfather Ji who isn¡¯t a stranger but the elder he (Lu Tian) respects and sees as his own blood rted grandfather.


    Even he (Lu Tian) could not believe it when he saw the old man in the hospital. If it weren¡¯t for that one phone call, he would have thought the old man was still in good health.


    The image of Grandfather Ji sitting on the hospital bed floated inside his mind and a faint smile full of affliction curls on his lip.


    His eyes stares up at the sky like he was searching for an answer.


    He knows that the old man is growing older by day, but he came to realize how much Grandfather Ji has aged.


    His eyes slowly close and he inhales the air that lingered in front of him. Ever since he became the CEO of Lu Corps, he has dealt with many difficult situations, but never one like this.


    He doesn¡¯t want to hide anything from his wife, but he already gave his word to Grandfather Ji. What should he do now?


    "Mr. Lu!"


    A voice calls out from behind and interrupts Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts. He opens his eyes and lower his head away from the sky. As he turns around to the person, the coldness that disappeared quickly returns like a cape covering his body.


    His entire demeanor changed back to his usual self like he was never lost in his own thoughts.


    "You don¡¯t have to address me in a formal way."


    His words fell as he looks at Ji Jingxu, who was now standing no more than five feet away from him.


    "Lu Tian is fine."


    Ji Jingxu had only stopped walking when he heard the aloof man¡¯s words. He swore it felt like someone had pulled an invisible rope and he happened to be the unlucky person who fell for the trap. He quickly steadies himself from stumbling forward and looks at Lu Tian.


    His eyes were unblinking like was trying to read the man. He has met Lu Tian a few times, but each time he saw the man, he could never tell if he (Lu Tian) was being serious or just messing around.


    However, the longer he tries to read Lu Tian, he couldn¡¯t help but feel his own cheeks burn.


    Now he can see why so many women are infatuated with the man. Lu Tian is known to be a coldblooded man, but he still has an appearance that can make both men and woman blush.


    He clears his throat and quickly raise his hand to brush the tip of his nose to rid of his fluster face.


    "Ahem. I¡¯m sorry for stopping you so suddenly. I wanted to ask how jie is doing."


    Lu Tian showed no reaction, but he found the boy interesting. Everyone in Imperial knows that Ji Jingxu is adopted with no bloood tied to the Ji family, but if one did not know, they would clearly think he (Ji Jingxu) is the splitting image of Grandfather Ji.


    However, thinking back to Ji Jingxu¡¯s words, he couldn¡¯t help but miss his wife.


    "She is recuperating at home."


    A faint ¡¯ah¡¯ escapes Ji Jingxu¡¯s mouth. He had wanted to visit his older sister, but Grandfather Ji wouldn¡¯t let him. The old man kept nagging him to not bother Yue Ling and focus studying for his final exams.


    Lu Tian was able to see that Ji Jingxu was a little disappointed with his response. He nce to the hospital building then looks back at the boy.


    "Once Grandfather Ji recovers, I¡¯ll bring Yue Ling to visit Ji Mansion."


    His words fell as he thought about the old man inside the hospital. He may have agreed to not tell his wife, but he thinks it bests to let her see Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu as much as time allows.


    Not only that, there was still the outdoorsy Inu who is staying at the Ji Mansion and doesn¡¯t know when toe home.


    Ji Jingxu didn¡¯t know what to say as his entire being was shot with happiness. He nods his head vigorously before putting on a determine expression.


    "Thank you, I will let grandfather know. I¡¯m sure he will be happy to hear this."


    Lu Tian gives a light nod as a very tiny smile curl on his lip. Seeing that there must not be anything else, he decides it was time to leave.


    "Lu Tian, please take care of jie."


    Just when Lu Tian was about to turn around towards his car, Ji Jingxu quickly came to his senses and spoke. He takes a deep breath and leans forward to give the man a polite bow.


    "I hope you will continue to make her happy."


    Like his grandfather, he wants Yue Ling to find a good man who will love and never mistreat her. She is a good and caring person, who deserves more than a life of tears.


    Even if Lu Tian is a ruthless person who shows no mercy upon his enemies, if he truly loves Yue Ling, then that is all that matters.


    Unaware of the boy¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian nce down at him. He knows that those words were normal for a brother to say in regard to their sister, buting from Ji Jingxu, it held a deeper meaning.


    His wife has gone through many painful events in her life. Even after learning of who she is, his feelings for her never once falter. He promise to give her a lifetime of his love. For that reason, he will never let his carelessness cause pain to her again.


    Thinking this, a glint of determination and promising sh in Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes. He part his lip and gives Ji Jingxu an answer.


    "With my life."


    Ji Jingxu sighs in relief at those words. He straightens his posture and gives Lu Tian a smile with ease before watching the man enter his car and drives away from the hospital.


    When he (Ji Jingxu) asked Lu Tian to take care of Yue Ling, he meant every word. Not just now, but also in the future.


    As the back of Lu Tian¡¯s car further into the distance, Ji Jingxu looks up to the clear blue sky.


    Grandfather Ji didn¡¯t want them to find out about his illness, but by chance he found out.


    Both of them are afraid of hurting Yue Ling as she has already lost so many people she loves.


    However, he hopes that when the timees and Yue Ling finds out, Lu Tian will be there by her side tofort her. As for him, he is a man, so he will be able to handle the situation on his own.


    Or at least, he hopes he will be able to...

 Chapter 623 I saw him

    The same time Lu Tian entered his car and drove away from Imperial Military Hospital, Yue Ling and Liu Shan had also left De L¡¯amour.


    For the boss and assistant, the season was changing, so it was time for all designers to further preparations for the next fashion trend.


    In the backseat of Liu Shan¡¯s car, Yue Ling sat with one leg crossed over the other. She held a tablet with her right-hand as her left-hand swipe over the screen to review the drafts.


    There were designs sketches she had done during her spare time and a few from her workers. As a designer, it should have been her ideas only, but she liked to see the contributes her employees have in mind.


    Usually, everything would be added into her ck design book, but that book is very important to her and De L¡¯amour so it can only be left behind in her office.


    "Seems like everyone has been busy since I¡¯ve been on leave."


    Liu Shan sat quietly in the driver seat with attentive eyes on the street ahead. When he heard her words, he nce at the rearview mirror for a quick second then back to the front.


    "Don¡¯t worry, we were only busy because we wanted you to have less work when you return."


    He chuckles his words like a good Samaritan. However, inside he was crying like a baby.


    Everyone at De L¡¯amour has been working hard like their life depended on it. Especially him since he doesn¡¯t want her to exhaust herself after recovering.


    However, he isn¡¯t crying on the inside because he had overworked himself, but because she appeared out of the blue without letting anyone know.


    The moment he saw her walk out of the elevator, he knew that she wasn¡¯t there to visit. It was only an excuse so that she can work since she is a workaholic.


    Just like the days in the past. Even when she was so sick and could barely stand, she would stille in for work.


    As the caring and loving boss she is, no one wanted to see her force herself to such extent. They would try to convince her to go home and rest, but she would always smile and say she is fine.


    However, after countless fail attempts, they could only listen to her and give up. At the time, even Shin couldn¡¯t stop her from working so hard.


    Shaking these thoughts away, he heaves a long sigh and scratch the side of his head with one hand.


    "Boss, you said you were only visiting. I think I should drop you off at home so you can recover." Or else Lu Tian will strangle me to death when he finds out.


    He spoke the remaining words in his head as it was the truth. Judging from the aloof man¡¯s demeanor, he might have given her approval to visit work, but he never said anything about letting her do the work.


    If he (Lu Tian) finds out about this, he (Liu Shan) is sure he will not see another day again.


    "What do you say hm?"


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t look up from the tablet, but a faint smile curls on her lip as she could guess her assistant¡¯s thoughts. She is indeed grateful that everyone wants her to recover well. However, as their boss, she cannot sit idly at home while they do all the work for her.


    "I say Tian doesn¡¯t mind if I were to go with you."


    Her fingers continue to scroll through the page on the tablet. If she recalls correctly, from the schedule Lian Ni Shang sent her, De L¡¯amour is meeting with a fabricpany today to discuss partnership.


    She trusts that Liu Shan alone is capable of handling this task, but the owner of this fabricpany is a brusque man. Never will she allow her subordinates to handle a situation like this on their own.


    Thinking this, her voice sounds again with a smile.


    "Of course, that is if we don¡¯t tell him."


    Her words fell and Liu Shan rolled his eyes.


    Don¡¯t tell Lu Tian? Bless his soul, if he doesn¡¯t tell Lu Tian, he won¡¯t be strangled to death but end up in pieces like Chu Li Xiang. He might even be another meal for those sharks!


    Oblivious to her assistant¡¯s tearful thoughts, Yue Ling¡¯s hand on the screen pauses.


    She stares down at the page she had stopped on and an unnoticeable smile appears on her face. Only, this smile held thousands of mix emotions.


    The tips of her fingers carefully caress the screen. She made sure her touch was soft and gentle so that the page would not scroll away.


    It was a page of clothing designs for children of different ages.


    During her spare time, she had sketched out designs in hopes that her and Lu Tian¡¯s child would be able to wear them. Each stroke she made, her thoughts were always with her child.


    "Shan, will you say I am crazy if I said I met mine and Tian¡¯s child in a dream?"


    Liu Shan who was thinking about all the ways Lu Tian might kill himes back to his senses. He avert his thoughts to her question before he makes a faint chuckle that held little pain in his chest.


    "Crazy? What is so crazy about dreaming about a loved one?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes moves away from the tablet screen to L¡¯amour de ma vie. Her mind wonder to endless thoughts before she raise her head and turn to look out the window.


    Despite the season still cold, the sky was clear and blue like a warm sunny day in summer.


    Just like the sky in her vivid dream.


    "When I still unconscious, I dreamt I was standing in a vast field. It felt so real like I was actually there."


    Her eyes remain unmoving from the sky, but it was like she was trying to paint the image of her dream in the horizon.


    "The ce, it was so beautiful and peaceful that a part of me did not want to leave. It was like something was drawing me to the field and telling me that if I were to stay, I would see my loved ones again."


    Liu Shan¡¯s brows furrow as he listens to her. He was a little confused and nce to look at her in the rearview mirror.


    "Then I saw him..."


    Before he could say what was on his mind, Yue Ling¡¯s voice continues. However, when she spoke those words, her voice was soft and soothing like that of a mother who longs for her child.

 Chapter 624 Caught one fish

    Liu Shan sat quietly in the driver seat. He didn¡¯t forget to look at Yue Ling through the rearview mirror before looking back to the road ahead. He felt she looked like a lost soul, but at the same time she also looked alright.


    However, thinking about her words, he furrow his brows.


    Who is this ¡¯him¡¯ in her dream that could make her feel this way?


    "He was older in my dream, but I knew..."


    Before Liu Shan¡¯s thoughts could deepen, Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounds from the back again.


    There was a faint smile on her face as she recalls the little boy in her dream. Even now, she could still remember his features as he carried an equal image of her and Lu Tian together.


    "Even though I was only 11 weeks pregnant, the moment I saw his eyes that looked like the Mediterranean Sea, I knew who he was."


    Listening to her words, Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly. She didn¡¯t say much about how the boy in her dreams looked like, but in his mind, he could paint an image.


    A little boy, probably around the age of four or five. He has Lu Tian¡¯s dark hair and cold demeanor but has Yue Ling¡¯s soft and mesmerizing eyes that makes one feel a sense of warmth.


    Oblivious to her assistant¡¯s painted image that was exactly like the child in her dream, Yue Ling kept her smile as she continues to stare out the window. She sighs softly before continuing her words.


    "We stood in the middle of a field with a long path leading in two different directions. At first, I was drawn to a path, but he stood at the opposite path and held out his hand to me."


    The smile on her face gradually lowers as her eyes turn moist in remembrance of that vivid dream. She swore, if she were to close her eyes, she could visualize that scene in her mind forever.


    "I took his hand and he led me away from the path I wanted to take. As we walked through the field, he told me that he was not mad and that I shouldn¡¯t be sad because it was not his time."


    Her lower lip trembles but she suppress the urge to cry.


    "In that dream, I also saw Shin. He reached out his hand to the little boy and the two of them walked away. Then... when I opened my eyes, I realized I was led back to Tian."


    Her words fell and the inside of the car goes into a long silence. The only sound that could be heard were the faint noise from outside as they pass through Imperial.


    Liu Shan couldn¡¯t bring himself to say anything to her. He controls the steering wheel with one hand while his other hand raise up to his face.


    He made sure to also turn his head towards the side window so that his boss wouldn¡¯t see him wipe away the tears that gathered at the rim of his eyes.


    At first, he thought he was only listening to a normal dream, but never did he think it would be such a sad dream. So sad and touching that it made him unable to contain his own tears.


    Even in death, his boss¡¯s child still came to her dreams. He must have wanted to see her for thest time before going to heaven and knew that the path she wanted to take was not the right one for her.


    Not only her child, but even Shin appeared in her dream to stop her.


    If she never took her child¡¯s hand, he was sure that she would have never opened her eyes again.


    "Boss... You¡¯re not crazy."


    He sounds a loud sniffle and focus his eyes on the road in front of him.


    "If you¡¯re crazy then I must be crazy with you."


    He inhales a deep breath that shook his body as he brace himself for what he has to tell her.


    "I can also remember my dream before waking up in the hospital."


    He smiles painfully after his words and thought back to the dream he had before he awoke in the hospital to see Lin Hui and Xu Long at his side.


    "I dreamt I was fishing on a dock near the ocean, but I wasn¡¯t alone. Chen Yifeng was there with me. It felt so real like I had gone back to the past when we used to go fishing together."


    Just like Yue Ling who remembered her dream so vividly, he too remember his.


    "The sun was still up when we were fishing, but after all the endless words we had to say, we finally realized that the sun was beginning to set."


    He chuckles softly and his eyes that were about to dry up gradually turn moist again.


    "It was a dream, but we only caught one fish."


    His chuckles turn faint as he press his lips together to keep them from trembling.


    "Yifeng looked at the setting sun and said it was time for him to leave. I asked him to stay, but he shook his head and said he only came to see how I was doing..."


    He nce out to the clear blue sky that Yue Ling had been looking at then his words continue.


    "Before he left, he told me that I should leave too, but for me to take the path opposite from him as it would lead me home."


    He furrow his brows and tries to blink his eyes free from any tears, but a streak of tear still found its way and slid down his cheek. He quickly wipes it away and force a smile.


    "I had only turned around to look at the path he told me to take before everything around me engulf in darkness. It was then that I opened my eyes and I was staring at the hospital ceiling."


    He choked out his words in a quiet sob. If his boss had a dream about her child and he about Chen Yifeng, then that meant they were both saved.


    The both of them were already standing in front of death¡¯s door, but because it wasn¡¯t their time to go, those who were dear them that have left the world came to stop them. It felt like a short encounter in a dream, but it was their way of stopping them (Yue Ling and Liu Shan) from entering the door of no return.


    Yue Ling sat in silence as she listened to her assistant tell his dream. She never turn to look at him, but she knew that he was secretly crying.


    She decided to feign ignorance to him as she knows how much that dream meant to Liu Shan.

 Chapter 625 Get back on my fee

    The rest of the car ride to the fabricpany was inplete silence. Neither Yue Ling nor Liu Shan made a sound as the boss and assistant kept to themselves. Not because they didn¡¯t want to say anything, but because they were immersed in their own thoughts.


    They had kept their dream to themselves as they thought others would think they sound crazy. However, after letting it all out, a part of them felt a sense of peace inside.


    To some, it may have only been a dream, but to be able to see your loved ones again, it was the greatest thing ever.


    After another moment of silence, Yue Ling looks at the sky onest time. What she did not know was that, in that same day, the three men in her life had also looked up at the sky as her.


    She turns her head away from the window and looks down at the tablet in her hand. She calmly turns it off and set it aside.


    "Shan, don¡¯t me yourself for what happened."


    She wasn¡¯t referring to the incident that took her child away but was referring to what happened to Chen Yifeng.


    "He will not want to see you live in regret and guilt."


    Ever since his passing, she knows that Liu Shan has been ming himself for their friend¡¯s death. She knows because despite them in City Z at the time, the assistant would asionally ask for a day or two off so that he could visit Chen Yifeng¡¯s grave in Imperial.


    She believes that in Liu Shan¡¯s most crucial moment in life, Chen Yifeng came to his dream to loosen that knot of regret and guilt that had been umted over the passing years.


    It was their deceased friend¡¯s way of telling Liu Shan to let go and stop ming himself.


    Liu Shan had only freed his eyes of any tears when he heard his boss¡¯s words. However, his heart still felt like it was shattered into millions of pieces. The pain he grieved over his good friend¡¯s death is by far the most painful feeling he carries on his shoulders.


    Even when he had his heart broken from Ling Ni, that aching pain was notparable to the loss of his friend who he will never see again but in a dream.


    As he thought this, he ponders about Yue Ling¡¯s words. She was right. He must have dreamt about Chen Yifeng because his friend wants him to move on from the past.


    He takes a deep and long breath as the corners of his lip curl ups into a small smile.


    "Thanks boss. I really needed this talk."


    A faint chuckle escapes his lips as he felt relief letting all these feelings out. He was d that the person who listened to his dream was his boss as she is the only person who will never judge him and understood him the most.


    "You¡¯re always the one to help me get back on my feet."


    Yue Ling smiles at his words. She nce at him in the rearview mirror then turn to look at the empty seat next to her. No one was sitting there, but there was a bag that had been put there before they left De L¡¯amour.


    "If you ever need someone to talk to again, I am here. Not as your boss, but as your friend."


    She knows that he often confines in Yuanyuan, but she also knows that there are some things he cannot talk to her (Yuanyuan) about. So for that, she is willing to lend him her ears as he to her.


    "Thanks. I¡¯m d to have met you in my life."


    Liu Shan nods his head as he spoke. Everything they spoke about on this car rise will remain inside the car.


    He rubs his eyes again and his demeanor quickly changes from her friend to her assistant. It was as if their heart felt conversation never happened.


    "We¡¯ll be arriving in five minutes."


    It was only five minutes, but it was enough to let him clear his thoughts of anything and return back to his usual self like a professional.


    In the back seat, Yue Ling also brush everything aside. She grabs the bag on the seat next to her and ce it on herp. She unzips it open and reach inside to get two items.


    She gathers her long wavy hair together and ties it into ce with a hair tie before putting on a wig cap to secure any loose strands of hair.


    Reaching inside the bag again, she takes out a straight bob-cut wig with bangs. Unlike her dark hair color, the wig was in an ash blonde shade with a touch of silver.


    She puts the wig on like a professional hairstylist who had done this many time. Her entire appearance quickly changes into a different person.


    As this was something she would often do when ites to meeting a businessperson for the first time. She wanted to see to how the person would treat her workers if they did not know that she is not there.


    "Wow."


    Liu Shan took a nce at her from the rearview mirror and he gasp in shock. He has seen her change her appearance many times, but she surprises him every time.


    He swore, if he didn¡¯t know that it was her, he would have thought that the person sitting in the backseat was someone else.


    "If I was someone else, I would not know that you are Han Yue Ling but a model from a foreign country."


    Which was the truth. The light-colored wig contrasted with her bluish green eyes made her look like a foreigner. However, he cannot me her because this side of her is taken after her father and paternal grandmother.


    After a few more turns through Imperial, they finally arrive in front of a tall building. It glistened under the sun like it had been constructed with diamonds.


    "Well, looks like we are here."


    He sees the guest valet parking and drives the car towards it while Yue Ling fixes the wig in ce.


    Next, she takes out apact mirror and a lipstick. Tracing over her lips, a touch of redness enhances her lips brightly and made her look more attractive to the eyes, but at the same time giving her a powerful look.


    Standing outside in front of the tall building, a man in his thirties works as the valet workers. He notices the ck car pulling up and turns to look at it. However, despite him trying to see who it was, the car windows were darkly tinted that he couldn¡¯t see inside.


    As the cares to a stop in front of him, he takes a step forward to open the door as it was his job when guests arrive.


    However, he had only taken one step when the door to the driver side opens and blocks his path.


    He slightly stumbles back and watch as a man in the driver seat steps out into his view.


    Liu Shan looks up at the tall building in front of him as he straightens his clothes. Even with his eyes still red, he pretends to y it cool and turn his head to look at the valet worker.


    His lip curls up into a smile and he raise his hand. Touching his temple with his index and middle fingers, he gestures a friendly salute.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I got it."


    Reaching that same hand for the back of the car, he opens the door for his boss.


    As Yue Ling¡¯s figure steps into view, she goes into acting mode and raise her left hand. Touching her short hair, she flicks it away from her face. However, she did so in a way that didn¡¯t reveal she is wearing a wig.

 Chapter 626 Newly appointed secretary

    Yue Ling went from a heart-warming woman to a cold and arrogant woman. If this was one¡¯s first time meeting her, one would think of her as a self-centered brat from a prominent family.


    Liu Shan stood next to the valet worker and kept a smile like the perfect assistant that he is. However, inside, he was rolling his eyes like there was no tomorrow.


    He swore, Yue Ling is usually a bad actress, but when ites to her career, she can change into any person she wanted to be.


    Waiting until she had taken a step away from the car, he closes the door and turns to look at the valet worker.


    "We have an appointment with President Fang."


    The valet worker was still struck in a daze at the sight of the two people. Even as a man, when he saw Liu Shan, he thought the man was very pleasing to the eyes and had an outstanding sense of fashion.


    However, when the back door opened and his eyesnded on the woman with silver-like hair, he was in more of a shock.


    How can there exist a deity in Imperial and no media has ever mention anything about her?


    "Ahem."


    Seeing that the valet worker had been struck in a daze for long enough, Liu Shan clears his throat. He knows that the man is in awe at the sight of his stunning boss, but they are not here to stand as statues so that others can admire.


    "We¡¯re from De L¡¯amour. We have an appointment with President Fang."


    The valet worker quickly came back to his senses. Now he understands why the man and woman looked so perfect. They were actually employees under De L¡¯amour.


    He once heard a group of women gossip that every employee in that fashionpany have outstanding looks. Even if they were only workers, each person looked like they were a top model.


    Now he can believe those women were not lying.


    He blinks his eyes a few times, but the redness on his face did not hide the fact that he was embarrassed from being caught.


    "Ah, my apologies. I will inform the front desk of your arrival."


    Turning away from the two attractive guests, he reach for thepany phone on the valet podium. He press a number and ce the phone near his ear.


    "Secretary Jiang? Yes, the representatives from De L¡¯amour are here to meet President Fang."


    Yue Ling and Liu Shan stood unmoving as they wait for further instructions of their arrival. However, from where they stood, the boss and assistant could hear a woman¡¯s voice speaking incoherently from the other line then worker.


    "Yes. I will send them in."


    The valet worker spoke politely and ends the call. He looks back at the two guests and smiles a smile that reach his eyes.


    "Ah, sorry for making you wait. I have informed Secretary Jiang. She will show you to where President Fang is."


    He tries to speak as politely as he could as he wasn¡¯t sure if Yue Ling and Liu Shan are angry at the fact that he had them wait. From his time working at this fabricpany, he has only encounter wealthy guests with bad tempers. Some would evensh out at him for taking too long when it was only 10 seconds.


    However, to his surprise, neither Yue Ling nor Liu Shan showed any signs of annoyance at him.


    Yue Ling who held an intimidating aura lightly nods her head in understanding while Liu Shan hands his car keys to the man with a friendly smile.


    "Thank you. Please do take care of my first baby. I will have Secretary Jiang notify you when we are leaving."


    Liu Shan¡¯s smile that shed across his face widens and reveals his pearl white teeth. The car keys in his grasp falls onto the valet worker¡¯s palm and he turns to look at his undercover boss. He stuck his arm at the elbow out to her and spoke in a polite and soft voice.


    "Shall we then, Miss An Ling."


    He called her by a different name because it was the name she uses when she is portraying a different person. However, this name is not a random name as it belongs to her deceased mother, Ji An Ling.


    Yue Ling kept her heard towards the tall building. When she heard the familiar name, her entire being softens and she nce to the side at her assistant. A soft chuckle escapes her lips and held onto his arm.


    "Lead the way, Assistant Liu."


    As the boss and assistant make their way towards the front entrance of the tall building, the ss doors slide opens and a young woman with a slender figure step out.


    She wore a silky ck dress that flowed down to her knees. Covering her arms was a bright neon pink zer and on her feet were a pair of white heels.


    Her long brown hair curls at the ends as it bounce behind her back with each step she took. The makeup on her face was very light and fitted her facial features well. Shaded on her lips was a pink lipstick in the same color as her bold zer.


    Shees to a stop in front of the guests, but she did not once look at Yue Ling. Instead, her attention focused on Liu Shan as she stuck her hand out to him.


    "Wee to Fang Fabrics. I am Secretary Jiang. You must be our esteemed guest from De L¡¯amour."


    Liu Shan reacted quick and shakes her hand. He gives her a polite but bright smile.


    "It is an honor to be wee by such a beautiful woman such as you. I am De L¡¯amour¡¯s assistant, Liu Shan."


    Hearing his voice that can melt a woman¡¯s heart, Secretary Jiang¡¯s cheeks flush red. She has worked in the textile industry for six years now and has never encounter a good-looking guest like the man in front of her.


    Now she can see that the rumor about De L¡¯amour¡¯s employees is not some fabrication.


    However, as the secretary of Fang Fabrics, she has to maintain her image.


    She returns a polite smile at Liu Shan then finally shifts her attention to the woman with straight short hair.


    The second her eyesnded on the woman, she inhales a mouthful of air.


    She thought that she has seen enough beautiful women in the world butpare to this woman with silver-like hair, all the other women fail inparison.


    As she exhales, she quickly steadies herself back to normal.


    "And... this is?"


    "An Ling."


    Yue Ling waited until Liu Shan retrieved his hand from the woman. She then shakes the woman¡¯s hand and smiles a smile that held a sense of intimidation.


    "I am De L¡¯amour¡¯s newly appointed secretary."


    She could see that Secretary Jiang is a well-mannered woman and didnt need to act this coldly towards the woman. Also, Secretary Jiang¡¯s cheeks are visibly fluster, but she still knows how to differentiate pleasure from business. However, to keep her (Yue Ling) role as De L¡¯amour¡¯s secretary from being exposed, she needed to act like a cold and stiff woman, who is not easy to read.


    Secretary Jiang¡¯s hand was left alone in midair. She stares at Yue Ling then Liu Shan. From the schedule she received, she was sure that it was only De L¡¯amour¡¯s assistant who woulde as the representative. However, if the secretary is also here, that means they definitely cannot mess up this meeting.


    She takes a deep breath to gather herself together and turn to face Fang Fabrics.


    "President Fang is thrilled to have you here. He is waiting in the conference room."


    Taking the lead, Secretary Jiang walks in front while Yue Ling and Liu Shan follow behind. However, due to her back turned to them, she did not see the boss and assistant having a nonverbalmunication.


    Liu Shan ce both his hands in his pocket and nce sideways to Yue Ling with heavy eyes.


    ¡¯Really? The newly appointed secretary? Only a blind person would fall for that.¡¯


    Yue Ling smiles mischievously at him and raise her left hand to flick her short hair back as part of her role.


    ¡¯And you say my acting is bad.¡¯


    Seeing her do this, Liu Shan shakes his head and smiles a chuckle that could not be heard. He looks back at Secretary Jiang and decides to ignore his boss¡¯s new role.

 Chapter 627 Fang Fabrics

    Upon entering Fang Fabrics, the entire ce was stocked with all kinds of fabric materials. These weren¡¯t just any fabrics, but the best and greatest quality in the world.


    However, in all of Imperial, everyone knows that Fang Fabrics is a ce that only sells their products to wealthy families and high-end fashionpanies.


    Employees walk to and from as they proceed with their work. When they saw Secretary Jiang enter through the ss doors with two unfamiliar figures, everyone stops to observe.


    "Eh, who are they? They¡¯re being personally escorted in by Secretary Jiang."


    "Are they really from Imperial? Why have I never seen them in the media before?"


    "Shh, I heard someone from the upper floor mention President Fang is meeting with De L¡¯amour today."


    "De L¡¯amour? Are you sure? Will we have a chance to see Han Yue Ling then?"


    Whispers quickly surface between a group of workers. However, before it could advance any more, another worker joins in.


    "What chance? Can¡¯t you see that neither of those two people are Han Yue Ling."


    Hearing these words, the group pout their lips with a disappointed look. Now that they could get a better look at the two people, they realized that they were indeed model like figures, but neither person was the person they were eager to meet.


    "Aiya, what a disappointment."


    Turning their head away, each person quickly goes back to what they were working on. However, they still couldn¡¯t help but steal a few more nces at the guests.


    Since De L¡¯amour is here to sign a contract with Fang Fabrics, will this mean they have more chances to see the retired model in person?


    However, what they did not realize is that the person they wanted to see is actually right in front of them.


    Yue Ling and Liu Shan heard the whispers, but neither person paid any mind to it. The boss and assistant continues to follow Secretary Jiang into an elevator and three figures ascend up the floor levels.


    A short minute goes by before the elevator bell chimes and stops at the second highest floor.


    "Please follow me this way."


    Secretary Jiang spoke softly with a smile. She steps out of the elevator first and leads the two guests towards a room in the far back.


    Following a few steps behind her, Liu Shan held a calm expression, but his eyes did not forget to scan around the ce. If it had been only him, he wouldn¡¯t be on alert, but his boss is also here.


    Yue Ling was thest to leave the elevator. When she saw Liu Shan¡¯s head ever so lightly turn from side to side in cautious, she couldn¡¯t help but shake her head.


    This is a business meeting. Why is he making it seem like they were entering the underworld?


    Time didn¡¯t take long before Secretary Jianges to a stop in front a huge double door in the shade of red. She turns around to look at Yue Ling and Liu Shan.


    "President Fang is inside. Please wait while I will inform him of your arrival."


    Her words fell as she turns back to face the door and push it open.


    "President Fang, Assistant Liu and Secretary An from De L¡¯amour are here."


    "Ah great, let them in."


    A man¡¯s voice sounds from inside the room and Secretary Jiang steps back out. She gestures a bow and her hand motions towards the room.


    "Please do go in."


    Liu Shan enters the room first then Yue Ling. It was a normal conference room with a long dark table in the center and empty chairs at the sides. The only difference were the walls that had been decorated with small pieces of fabrics in ce of samples.


    Once the two guests were inside the room, Secretary Jiang was no longer needed. She steps out and closes the door as she stood on wait outside.


    President Fang was a middle-aged man with an obese figure. He wore a burgundy suit with a white dress shirt under and a bright gold tie around his neck.


    When he saw Liu Shan enter the room, he kept a straight face that held a bit of sulking. However, the second he saw Yue Ling enter from behind, the corners of his lips curls up until they reach his eyes.


    "Oh my. What a beautiful woman... Ah, I mean, you must be Assistant Liu and Secretary An."


    Yue Ling nods her head to confirm the man and sits down on a chair across from him. Liu Shan slightly dims his eyes before taking the seat next to his boss. He was able to see the man¡¯s eyes that sh with malicious intentions.


    However, he quickly adjust back to normal and smiles to the man.


    "It is a pleasure to finally meet you President Fang. We are here in ce of CEO Han to discuss the supply contract between De L¡¯amour and Fang Fabrics."


    Hearing these words, President Fang¡¯s happy face that held a glint of malicious quickly disappears and he shows a frown. He looks away from Yue Ling¡¯s beautiful face to Liu Shan¡¯s handsome face.


    "Supply contract?"


    He snorts in arrogance and leans back on his chair with his chin slightly raised.


    "You must have been misinformed. I was told that this meeting is to discuss the partnership between the twopanies."


    He spoke with a confident tone and stares Liu Shan in the eyes like they were having a staring contest. He knows already that this meeting is about the supply contract, but since the CEO of the other party isn¡¯t here and sent her subordinates, he decided to take a chance.


    From his judgment, Liu Shan and "An Ling" may be the assistant and secretary, but if he can bribe them, maybe there is a chance of changing the contract into a partnership one. Once his n falls into ce, he will own half of the world famous De L¡¯amour.


    After all, he believes there is no possible way for them to disagree as his Fang Fabrics is the onlypany in Imperial with all the top-quality materials a designer need.


    Yue Ling was struck baffled by his words, but she kept herselfposed. However, unlike her, Liu Shan didn¡¯t hide anything on his face.


    His brows scrunch together tightly, and he gives President Fang a displeased look. The corners of his mouth turns down before he sp his palms together to apud the man.


    "President Fang, I never thought that you would have such a great sense of humor."

 Chapter 628 Have a good day sir

    A soft chuckle then escapes Liu Shan¡¯s mouth and he stops pping. Reaching into his inner coat pocket, he takes out his phone. Throughout the process, he never once avert his sharp gaze from the obese man as his thumb moves over the phone screen like they had eyes of their own.


    "President Fang, I am well aware that I am only an assistant you are meeting with for the first time, but..."


    His thumb stops moving and he ce the phone on the table. With a light push, the phone swiftly slides across the table and stops in front of President Fang.


    "De L¡¯amour isn¡¯t apany you or anyone can belittle."


    Since President Fang went so far as to try and change the purpose of this meeting, it can only mean the man thinks De L¡¯amour is apany easy to be stepped on. This is clearly why he dares to look down on them.


    He points to the phone and his voice sounds again, but this time in a domineering tone.


    "Right there is a virtual copy of the supply contract and everything that should be discussed in this meeting between De L¡¯amour and Fang Fabrics."


    He leans forward and ce his forearms on the table as his fingers slide through the gaps and entwine.


    "I¡¯ll get straight to the point. As the assistant..."


    He points to himself then gesture with his head to Yue Ling, who sat next to him.


    "And the secretary of De L¡¯amour, we are not here for amusement. However, if you still want to be simpleminded, De L¡¯amour will dly take its business proposal somewhere else."


    His words fell in a nonchnt tone, but for President Fang, each word were like huge boulders dropping down onto him one by one.


    Sweat slowly form on his forehead and back. His hand fidget under the table as he stares in disbelief at Liu Shan. He could see that the assistant was serious and not joking.


    "I...I..."


    He stammers one word before inhaling a mouthful of air and ms his palm on the table.


    "Y-You are only an assistant. How dare youe into mypany and disrespect me?!"


    Anger quickly boil inside him and overpowers the nervous feeling he had seconds ago.


    "If De L¡¯amour wants to take its business somewhere else, so be it. There are plenty of fashionpanies in Imperial that are waiting for me to sign a contract with them."


    Even if he had outspoken a little, he is still the president of Fang Fabrics. Since De L¡¯amour was the one who suggested the supply contract, shouldn¡¯t the other party show him some respect.


    Not only that, even if this meeting did not go through, he can always sign a contract with anotherpany.


    "President Fang."


    Just when the obese man finished hisst word, Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voices enters the two men¡¯s ears.


    However, it wasn¡¯t in her usual soft and warming tone. There was a trace of coldness that can be heard behind it.


    Even her bluish green eyes seemed to have darken a shade darker as she stares ringly at the man across from her.


    "You seem to be forgetting that it is De L¡¯amour you are criticizing first."


    She had nned to stay quiet and let Liu Shan handle the meeting. However, since President Fang thought it was a wise choice to disrespect not only her subordinate, but also herpany, she will not sit idly on the side and listen.


    Her head slightly tilt to the side and her chin raise up like she was the Heavenly Emperor looking down upon the mundane world.


    "Could it be that you are able to speak so highly of yourself because you still think An Qing will offer a contract to you?"


    Liu Shan arch a brow when he heard her words. A glint of light sh in his eyes and he decides to go with the flow. He trace his tongue over the front of his teeth before making a smacking sound.


    "Thank you Secretary An for refreshing my memories."


    He stares at President Fang and raise his hand to stroke his chin like he had a long beard.


    "Since things have turned out this way, it seems bothpanies under the same ownership will have to find another fabricpany to work with."


    "..."


    President Fang was rooted to his seat. He looks at Yue Ling then Liu Shan then the cycle repeats until he started seeing birds fly in circles around his head.


    He had been so confident with himself because he knows that An Qing will always be the first to reach out to him. However, how could be have forgotten that An Qing, the biggest support he has is actually own by Han Yue Ling.


    Cursing at himself inside, he smacks the invisible birds away and force a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Aiya, I sincerely apologize. We seemed to have gotten off at a wrong start here. How about we forget everything that just happened and discuss about the supply contract?"


    Liu Shan stares with heavy eyelids at President Fang. His expression was as if saying, ¡¯really?¡¯. He (President Fang) was the one who decided to disrespect and fabricate the meeting for his own selfishness. Now that they put some senses into him, he thinks everything will go back to normal. Oh please.


    Seated next to Liu Shan, Yue Ling thought the same as her assistant. However, the only difference between them was that she didn¡¯t let her emotions show on her face.


    "President Fang, it is as you said. We indeed got off at a wrong start, but your words have revealed your true intentions in this business meeting."


    Her eyes slowly flutter and she scoots the chair back to stand up.


    "De L¡¯amour will not be working with Fang Fabrics and neither is An Qing."


    She gives a polite bow and walks away without sparing the man another look.


    "I hope you have a good day."


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t need to say anything as his boss already said everything that needed to be said. He quickly stood up and follows after her. Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to reach across the table to retrieve his phone first.


    "Wait!"


    Watching them leave, President Fang felt another wave of cold sweat slide down his back. He abruptly stood up and tries to stop them from leaving.


    "We can discuss this matter like civilized people. I¡¯m willing to sign the contract without further questions."


    Feeling more anxious and nervous, he strides around the long table and meets them at the red double doors.


    "Any fabric De L¡¯amour wants, I am willing to give."


    He force out a sarcasticugh and gestures as politely as he could towards the empty chairs in the room.


    "What do you say, eh?"


    Yue Ling and Liu Shan stopped in their steps as President Fang had blocked the exit. However, due to their height difference, the boss and assistant could only look down at the obese man who stood a head and a half shorter than them.


    "President Fang, De L¡¯amour is a fashionpany that does not run around in circles."


    Standing closest to the man, Liu Shan spoke in tranquil voice that held a touch of dangerousness.


    Remembering the way President Fang had eyed his boss when they first arrived, he slightly takes a step forward and blocks her from view.


    "Our policy is strict. Once we¡¯vee to a decision, we will not take it back."


    Despite the man¡¯s rude behavior towards them, Liu Shan still leans forward and gestures a polite bow.


    "Have a good day sir."

 Chapter 629 First on my Spring-cleaning lis

    Exiting Fang Fabrics, Secretary Jiang walked Yue Ling and Liu Shan to their car. When she saw how fast the meeting was, she knew right away that President Fang had screw everything up.


    However, she doesn¡¯t me De L¡¯amour for withdrawing the contract.


    As the man¡¯s secretary, she knows that President Fang is a selfish and stubborn man. He only wants everything to be done his way and does let anyone put in their two cents.


    Stopping in front of Liu Shan¡¯s car that was already waiting for them, the assistant opens the back door for Yue Ling. However, before getting inside, she turns around to look at Secretary Jiang.


    "Thank you for sending us out."


    She reach inside her coat pocket and takes out a ck business card. Her hand stretch to Secretary Jiang and a faint smile curls on her lip.


    "If the dayes and you decide to leave Fang Fabrics, take this card to De L¡¯amour."


    Secretary Jiang was confused, but she still took the business card. She wanted to ask for more details, but before a word could slip her mouth, Yue Ling had already entered the car. The assistant gave her a goodbye nod then gets inside the driver seat.


    As the car drove away from the building, Secretary Fang was still stuck in a daze. Feeling a slight touch of breeze brush against her body, she finally lowers her head to look at the business card.


    It was coated in ck, with the words De L¡¯amour written in metallic gold script.


    Her brows slightly furrow as she didn¡¯t quite understand the meaning behind Yue Ling¡¯s words. Why would a secretary from anotherpany suddenly give her a business card?


    However, when her hand subconsciously turn the card around, her jaw slowly drop to the ground. The name on the back was printed in white letters, but it was not the name she was told...


    She looks back up in the direction Liu Shan¡¯s car had gone and stares with widen eyes.


    What newly appointed secretary of De L¡¯amour? That was actually Han Yue Ling, the CEO of De L¡¯amour and An Qing!


    Leaving the parking lot belonging to Fang Fabrics, Liu Shan clicks his tongue disapprovingly inside the car.


    "That man is too much. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that he has good materials in his hands, we wouldn¡¯t even consider working with him."


    His nostrils re like a Spanish bull ready to attack its opponent holding the red g.


    "And the way he was looking at you too! Arggh! I wanted so badly to prod his filthy eyes out. If Lu Tian were to know about this, Fang Fabrics will be wipe out clean!"


    Annoyed and frustrated at his own words, he scratch his head then nce at the rearview mirror. However, the second he did this, all the feelings he felt disperse into thin air.


    "Boss, how can you be so calm at a time like this? Could it be that you have a n you did not tell me?"


    In the back seat, Yue Ling wasn¡¯t bothered by her assistant¡¯s raging outburst. She casually removes the silver-like wig and wig cap to free her dark long hair that had been tied up.


    When she heard his questions, her hand doesn¡¯t stop, but ce the wig and wig cap back inside the bag she had taken them from.


    "President Fang is not worth the trouble. You should waste your time on him."


    Her head tilts back and she closes her eyes to rest on the seat.


    She can understand why Chen Limei kept proposing deals with Fang Fabrics. As someone in the fashion industry, one would only want the best materials. However, she is not Chen Limei.


    Her eyes slowly open again and she looks out the window to the passing buildings.


    "Fang Fabrics is the first on my spring-cleaning list."


    President Fang may have his connections in getting his hands on those materials, but so does she. Even without him, she can still get the materials she needs.


    Not only that, she had purposely set up this meeting to end all involvement with Fang Fabrics. Even if thosepanies will benefit her ownpany, as the CEO of both De L¡¯amour and An Qing, she cannot let her employees and work be associated with ill-manner people.


    "Boss, if that is your n, who is next on your list?"


    Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but ask. He was surprise to see how fast the meeting went. When they were leaving, he thought it was unnecessary to even arrive at Fang Fabrics if his boss was going to turn it down. However, now everything made perfect sense.


    There was never a meeting to begin with.


    Thinking this, he thought back to when they first arrived in Imperial. She had said she was going to clean out the people Chen Limei had involved. However, he is sure she never once mentioned who were on the list.


    Yue Ling sits up and takes out her phone from inside her coat pocket. She scrolls through the web as her voice sounds in a calm and casual tone.


    "An Qing."


    Setting her elbow on the window, she uses it support the side of her head like a pillow.


    "There are still too many of Chen Limei¡¯s people working inside. I cannot let them sabotage thepany WE spent so much time building."


    As the owner of An Qing, she should have used the word ¡¯I¡¯, but she chose ¡¯we¡¯ because it wasn¡¯t her alone who worked hard on stabilizing An Qing. There were Liu Shan, Chen Yifeng and the rest of her team.


    Chen Limei may have sat in the CEO seat, but that was only in name. She was more like the messenger because at the end of the day, everything still has to go through Yue Ling for approval.


    Even though she entered An Qing as a fashion designer, she has her own people working inside and would report back to her.


    She could have removed Chen Limei a long time ago, but in Chen Yifeng¡¯s final letter, he asked forgiveness for his younger sister.


    Some said she should have just gone on with the n as Chen Yifeng was dead, but for her, she couldn¡¯t. She believes that even the dead can still see.


    After years of letting Chen Limei do whatever she wanted, she (Yue Ling) decided that she had kept her words for long enough which led her to reveal herself.


    Yue Ling looks up from her phone and move her hand to support her chin as she looks out the window again.


    If only she had seen Chen Limei¡¯s evilness from the beginning. Maybe then, she would have been able to save Chen Yifeng and he would still be here with them. However, she knows that it is toote for regret as she can only do one thing for him now.


    "I must get rid of the remaining people that harmed Chen Yifeng."


    Liu Shan was immersed in his own thoughts when he heard her words. He nce at her through the mirror with a determine sh of light in his eyes.


    "For Chen Yifeng."


    His words fell and he furrow his brows when he remembers something.


    "Boss, why did you give Secretary Jiang your business card?"


    Thinking back to it, his boss never gives out her business card to just anyone. When he saw her do so, he was surprised but decided to wait for a right time to ask.


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t answer right away but thought to herself before answering him.


    "De L¡¯amour and An Qing will soon merge into one. Since the secretary position is open, I¡¯m offering her the position if she wants to join us."


    Secretary Jiang works for Fang Fabrics, but she can tell that the woman¡¯s potential is not being used to the max. She finds it meaningless to let a person like Secretary Jiang work for someone like President Fang. So with that being the case, why not offer her a position she actually signed up for.


    *vr vr vr


    The phone in her hand vibrates and she lowers her head to look down. At first, she thought it might be Lu Tian, Grandfather Ji or Ji Jingxu calling her, but unexpectedly it was a massage from an unknown number.


    "Shan, once we return to De L¡¯amour, I will be leaving. Can you handle the rest by yourself?"


    One corner of Liu Shan¡¯s lip curls up into a seductive, yet mischievous smirk.


    "My name is not Liu Shan if I cannot handle anything."

 Chapter 630 Little information is enough

    Time rewind back to the moment Yue Ling and Liu Shan step foot inside Fang Fabrics. In the distance away, Lu Tian had returned to Lu Corps after learning the news about Grandfather Ji.


    *Ding


    The private elevator door slides open at the highest floor level of Lu Corps. Lu Tian¡¯s almighty figures exits and head in the direction of his office.


    "Boss! Wait for me!"


    His hand had only touched the door handle when Xu Long¡¯s voice calls out to him from behind. He doesn¡¯t turn to look at the man but opens the door and enters.


    However, despite doing this, he didn¡¯t close the door and left it ajar for his assistant.


    "Speak."


    His deep and domineering voice sounds when he heard Xu Long¡¯s footsteps enter the room. He strides to his desk and removes his coat and suit jacket before sitting down.


    Xu Long had only closed the door to the room before hearing his boss¡¯s words. In one hand was a file folder as he raise his other hand to scratch the side of his head.


    "How did it go with Grandfather Ji? Is everything alright on his side?"


    He had been curious and worried about the old man. Even he was surprised to see his boss rush out of thepany. After waiting long enough, he wanted to call and ask. However, he was also hesitant. A part of him wanted to know, but the other part him was afraid of knowing.


    Lu Tian sat behind his desk and tilt his head back to rest his mind. When he drove from Imperial Military Hospital to Lu Corps, his mind was flooded with millions of thoughts. Especially towards his wife.


    He inhales sharply and looks at his assistant. Able to read the man¡¯s expression, he sits up and shakes his head.


    "It¡¯s nothing. Grandfather Ji wasn¡¯t feeling well, so Uncle Zhong took him to the hospital."


    He could only partially lie to his assistant. He had already given his word to the old man, so he cannot tell anyone. Even if the person is his most trusty subordinate. As it is not his ce to do so.


    Xu Long narrow his eyes trying to read his boss. As Lu Tian¡¯s assistant of many years, he could sense that the aloof man was acting a little suspicious.


    However, he quickly shakes the thought away as he knows the man will never lie about anything. Or so he thought.


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t want to speak of the topic anymore and nce down at the file folder in Xu Long¡¯s hand.


    It was the same folder the assistant had brought in before he left to find Grandfather Ji.


    "Report."


    Hearing that one word, Xu Longes to his senses again and looks down at the folder. He takes a few big steps forward until he stood in front of the desk that separated him and his boss.


    "I did what you asked me to do and gathered the information on Chief Kim¡¯s people."


    He held the folder out with both hands and ce it down on the desk. Taking a small step back, he purse his lip then looks at Lu Tian.


    "However, it¡¯s quite abnormal. There was only a small amount of details I was able to find."


    His brows scrunch together, and he looks down at the folder again. His boss had ordered him to look into Chief Kim¡¯s three men from City Z, but everything he dug up was like trying to solve a mystery puzzle that had a missing piece.


    "It¡¯s like, whoever they are, Chief Kim doesn¡¯t want anyone to know about them and has all their files locked away."


    He spoke his thoughts and looks up back Lu Tian.


    "I was still able to get my hands on a few things."


    Listening to Xu Long¡¯s report, Lu Tian also furrow his brows. He stares down at the file folder on his desk for a long second then reach for it.


    If its to the point that even Xu Long could not find much information, it can only mean these three men are part of Chief Kim¡¯s special unit. As his own information working for the government has been locked away leaving only a minimal detail of his business career.


    Holding the folder in his hands, he opens it and looks at the information gathered. However, to his astonishment, there were only a total of three pages with a few words.


    "This is all?"


    He asks as his eyes scans the pages one by one. Each page wasn¡¯t of much, but it did contain a little detail about the people. However, the section that should have been where a person¡¯s photo is, is left nk.


    Liu Shan force a sarcastic chuckle and scratch the side of his head with his index finger.


    "Yea... I had to do some massive illegal hacking to find that information."


    Moving his hand to the front of his face, he then scratch the tip of his nose.


    "Before I could find more, the page I was on was wiped clean by a bug."


    When he was looking into the three men, he had called to ask Chief Kim, since his boss is the one taking the fall if anything goes wrong. However, the middle-aged man only told him that the names were confidential.


    Thus, this led him to a dead end on that part.


    Thinking that it isn¡¯t fair to his boss, he decided to do something very bad.


    And that was hacking into City Z¡¯sw enforcement data system.


    It was a difficult task, but he managed to sneak in without being notice. Of course, that wasn¡¯t until he entered the confidential area. From what he could tell, there was a list of files locked away about specific people.


    However, before the other side was able to notice him, he quickly tries his best to gather the small amount of information on the three men. When the data system suddenly self-deleted itself, he knew right away that they had detected him.


    Of course, being the smart man that he is, he quickly left the data system and made sure to erase all his steps, so that nothing leads back to him.


    Indifferent to his assistant, Lu Tian continues to read the information. When he came to the third andst page, his brows furrow when he saw something. He doesn¡¯t read any more and close the folder.


    "This is enough information."


    His suddenness brought Xu Long out from his own shback. The assistant looks at him and pout his lip.


    "Boss, that little information is enough? How?"


    Xu Long was sure that the information didn¡¯t even have any of the men¡¯s photo let alone their name. So how can his boss say that it was enough?


    Lu Tian set the folder down and stood up from the chair. Taking a cigarette out from the box on his desk, he walk over to the stand in front of the floor to ceiling window.


    He lights the end of the cigarette and inhales a mouthful of the tobo.


    "I need you to find a person."


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes and body follows Lu Tian¡¯s every move. He was puzzled about what is going on and decides to ask.


    "Who?"


    Lu Tian inhales another mouthful of tobo then smoothly blows it out. He stood facing the window with eyes gazing down onto the busy street below.


    His eyes slowly flutter like time had slow down before his lips part and his deep voice resonated in the room.


    "Qin Jun."

 Chapter 631 Truly and sincerely

    Yue Ling¡¯s white Maserati Granturismo sports car slows to a stop as she parks her car in the parking lot of a luxurious restaurant. Due to it being the afternoon, the ce was crowded with customers as people meet for lunch.


    This restaurant was the same one she hade to when she first encountered Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Xie Na and Ling Ni.


    Only this time, she was meeting someone else.


    Turning the engine off, she steps out of her car. She didn¡¯t change but wore the same outfit when she left the house.


    Lifting one leg, she steps forward and head in the direction of the restaurant entrance. As she walked, she didn¡¯t forget to put on a ck mask as she did not want to attract any unwanted attention. Nor does she ever like to draw attention to herself.


    However, unbeknown to her, the moment her car pulled up to the restaurant, multiple heads were already turning her way as it wasn¡¯tmon to see a car that cost an arm and leg.


    "Good afternoon miss. Do you have a reservation with us?"


    Upon her entrance through the door, a young waitress greets Yue Ling with a cheerful smile. She does her job and gestures a polite bow before waiting for a response.


    Hearing the young woman, Yue Ling removes the mask and returns a smile.


    "I have a reservation with Miss Qin."


    "Great. I can... Oh my God. Y-You¡¯re..."


    A surprise gasp escapes the waitress¡¯s mouth as she inhales a mouthful of air. She thought that Yue Ling was just another wealthy customer, but when she saw the woman remove the mask, she was rooted to the floor.


    Yue Ling¡¯s smile curls more into a pleasant one. She raise one hand and gestures a hush for the girl to not reveal her identity.


    Getting a confirmed response that her eyes were not ying with her, the waitress squeal inside in pure happiness. She felt like she wasn¡¯t at work but standing in line at a meet and greet. However, quickly remembering Yue Ling¡¯s silent gesture, she tries to calm herself and nods her head.


    "Miss Qin arrived not too long ago. Please follow me."


    Usually, she would page for another worker to escort the customer as they were busy, but since it is Han Yue Ling, how can she not serve her idol.


    Yue Ling follows the young waitress as they pass through the crowded restaurant. Unlike the emptiness of herst encounter here, the ce was packed with customers. Even the outdoor seating area that gave view to the beautifulke was full.


    Making a turn near the back of the restaurant, Yue Ling was led through a hallway with doors on either side. After a few seconds, they stopped in front of a door, but she was able to heart a woman¡¯s faintughtering from inside the room, then another woman¡¯sughter.


    "Miss Han, this is the private room Miss Qin booked with us. Please call the front desk if you need anything."


    Yue Ling gives the waitress her thanks and reach for the door handle. Sounding a polite knock she turns the door handle and push the door open.


    "Yue Ling? Is that you?"


    The door had only opened about two inches wide when Qin Xue¡¯s voice spoke from inside. As the door opens more, Qin Xue and the other woman stare curiously to see who it could be.


    Upon seeing Yue Ling¡¯s slender figure, Qin Xue¡¯s expression lit up with firework and she stood up from her seat.


    "It is¡ª"


    "Yue Ling! It¡¯s really you!"


    Before Qin Xue could say anymore, the woman next to her abruptly stood up and cuts her off.


    The corners of Yue Ling¡¯s lip curls up to reveal her teeth. She enters the room and walks over to the table.


    "Qin Xue. Shi Yan."


    Shi Yan wore a simple white knitted sweater with a light denim skirt. Covering her slim legs were a pair of tan thigh-high boots as her ck coat was hung on the coat rack attached to the wall.


    When she saw Yue Ling smile at her and Qin Xue, she couldn¡¯t help but exim in a shrillugh.


    Disregarding Qin Xue, she runs over to the retired model and lock her arm with Yue Ling¡¯s arm like they have known each other for a long time.


    "I¡¯m so happy you could make it. We were afraid you might have been too busy toe."


    Yue Ling nce down at the eighteen-year-old girl. Her entire being softens and her free hand reach over to pat the girl on the head.


    "I¡¯m not busy. I¡¯m still on leave since my doctor won¡¯t let me go back to work."


    Qin Xue stood on the other side of the table as she watch Yue Ling and Shi Yan interact with one another.


    Unlike Shi Yan¡¯s innocent and cute appearance, she had more of a seductive viiness look. Only, she has a good heart.


    Her long red hair was tied in a low ponytail with a few loose strands to frame her face in the front. She wore all ck with a white coat. However, due to the restaurant being warm, she also hung her coat on the rack next to Shi Yan¡¯s.


    When she heard Yue Ling¡¯s reassuring words, she sighs in relief.


    She and Shi Yan have been hanging out since she was discharged from the hospital. Once they heard that Yue Ling was discharged from the hospital, they decided to find time to have lunch together. However, they weren¡¯t sure if the retired model would be able to since they know she is a busy person.


    Luckily, Yue Ling was able to join them.


    Since Shi Yan was sitting on her left, she pulls out the chair to her right like she was a gentleman.


    "Yue Ling, I¡¯m also happy you could join us. Come, sit down next to me. We haven¡¯t ordered any food yet, so we can look at the menu together."


    However, to her surprise, Shi Yan ignores her words and does the opposite.


    "Sit next to me."


    Shi Yan pretends to not have heard Qin Xue and pulls Yue Ling by their locked arms to sit down with her.


    As they sat down, her smile widens until her eyes turned into upside down crescents. Both her palms sp together and her body sway from side to side.


    "Aiya! This is the best day ever. I¡¯m so happy to have two beautiful women as my friends. If a man were to see me sitting in the middle of you two, how jealous would they be."


    Yue Ling and Qin Xue were dumbstruck by the girl who is almost ten years their junior. Giving each other a quick silence nce, neither didn¡¯t know what to say before a chuckle escape from them.


    Qin Xue could not believe Shi Yan would act like a little girl despite her age. She gently taps the girl on the nose with her index finger.


    "Silly girl. You¡¯re also beautiful."


    Shaking her head lightly, she looks over to Yue Ling and her smile turns into a subtle apologetic smile.


    "Yue Ling, I invited you for lunch to apologize for my parent¡¯s rude behavior the other day."


    Her cheeks flush in embarrassment in remembrance of that day in the hospital. She lowers her head and sighs to herself.


    She had been trying to find a way to apologize, but at the time, Yue Ling was still in the hospital. So she didn¡¯t want to bother the retired model.


    Now that they are together, she can finally apologize.


    "I¡¯m truly and sincerely sorry. My parents were irreverent for acting that way."

 Chapter 632 I must be James

    Inside one of the luxurious restaurant¡¯s private room, Yue Ling was as quiet as the night. She stares at Qin Xue who sat at the other end of the table. Her expression didn¡¯t show any nervousness, nor did it hold any anger.


    Truthfully, she had forgotten all about the incident that day at Imperial Military Hospital. She just didn¡¯t think it was necessary to remember since she knows that Qin Xue is a good person and nothing like her parents.


    The ends of her mouth slowly curls up as she sighs a smile.


    "You don¡¯t have to apologize. It¡¯s natural for any parent to worry about their own child after experiencing what you had to go through."


    Averting her gaze to the table in front of her, she picks up the menu and starts to see what she wants to eat.


    "Let¡¯s order some food and drinks. It¡¯ll be on me since I was thest to arrive."


    Hearing her suddenly dismiss the topic, Qin Xue didn¡¯t know what else to say as there was so much that had gathered in her mind. However, as she continues to stare at Yue Ling looking at the menu, she could only sigh a smile and pick up her own menu.


    If Yue Ling doesn¡¯t want to talk about it, it means that she still sees her (Qin Xue) as a friend.


    Thinking this, Qin Xue felt herself at ease. Yue Ling had said she¡¯ll pay for their meal, but how can she let her guest pay when she was the one who suggested this lunch date.


    Lightly shaking her head, she decides that once they are close to finishing their meal, she will say she has to use the restroom but sneak away to pay for the food.


    Shi Yan sat quietly between the two older women. She was confused about what is going on and couldn¡¯t help but look at Yue Ling then to Qin Xue.


    However, seeing them looking at the menu, she shrugs her shoulders and picks up her menu. For now, she¡¯ll just enjoy her time with them as she doesn¡¯t know when she¡¯ll see them again.


    While Yue Ling enjoyed lunch with Qin Xue and Shi Yan, back at Lu Corps, Lu Tian remained inside his office with eyes glued on theputer screen.


    His fingers tap over the keyboard like a pianist performing in a live concert. However, like he had found enough of what he needed, his fingers suddenly stops, and he leans back on his chair as he exhale sharply.


    Lifting his right hand, he pinch the space between his brows to free his mind from all thoughts.


    However, no matter how much he massages his head, his mind kept wondering to the report from his assistant.


    Calmly lowering his hand, he reach over his desk and press a number on the office phone. The line rang only once, before Xu Long¡¯s voicees through the speaker.


    ["Can I assist you with anything boss?"]


    "My office."


    Without saying another word, he ends the call and rise from his seat. Walking over to the floor to ceiling window, he could only sigh again as this spot is the main spot in his office for him to think.


    He ce both his hands inside the pockets of his pants and gaze down to the bustling street below. Unlike before, it was crowded with more people and cars traveling to and from.


    As he stares down at the cars, his mind starts to wonder into the abyss.


    Ever since he started working the case with Chief Kim on capturing Choi Li Sun, he has run into the middle-aged man¡¯s special force only a handful of time in the underworld.


    Mostly with the man name Qin Jun.


    However, in that small amount of times, he can conclude that the man is highly trained and one of the best in City Z.


    It¡¯s no wonder Chief Kim won¡¯t give any intel when Xu Long asked. The middle-aged man already guessed that even without telling, he (Lu Tian) will be able to find out.


    His eyes slowly blink, and his thoughts continue. Though he has met Qin Jun in person in the past, the two of them never got to hold a real conversation. As for the other two, he is sure he has never crossed path with them before.


    *Knock knock


    A sudden knock sounds at the door and interrupts Lu Tian¡¯s line of thoughts. He doesn¡¯t turn to see who it is but could hear the door open follow by quiet footsteps.


    "Boss?"


    Xu Long, being the only employee allow to enter his boss¡¯s office, calls out like he was walking into a death trap. He had been sitting in his office trying to locate the man his boss wanted him to find.


    However, when he was just about to get a clue, the phone in his office rang and scared the living crap out of him. Hearing his boss on the other line, he was sure his soul had left his body and is now trying to find his body.


    Returning from his thoughts, he notices that his boss was not sitting at the desk. Turning his head a little, he finds the aloof man standing like a pir in front of the floor to ceiling window.


    He swallows a hard gulp and raise his hand to wipe away the sweat that had yet to form on his forehead.


    "Boss, is there anything I can get for you?" Food, water? Maybe call the bossdy to help ease your mind.


    He spoke the remaining words in his head to enlighten himself a little. He doesn¡¯t know why his boss called him, but he can tell that something is bothering the man.


    Maybe informing his bossdy isn¡¯t a bad idea after all.


    Lu Tian remained in ce with his back turn to his assistant. Taking out one hand from inside his pocket, he points in the direction of his desk.


    "Intel."


    Hearing the word, Xu Long crease his brows. He was muddle head at first, but following his boss¡¯s pointed finger, his eyes shook uncontroble.


    Without waiting for further instructions, he strides over to the desk and does what no assistant dares to do.


    He doesn¡¯t stop in front of the desk, but strides around it and sits down on his boss¡¯s almighty chair.


    Eyes glued on theputer screen, he ce his palm over the mouse and scans over the information his boss had found.


    There was a minimal of information about three men and attached to each page was a photo of them. Even though this is his first time seeing their faces, he is sure that these men are the ones from Chief Kim¡¯s side.


    The first photo was of a man in his early thirties. His short hair was parted to one side. In the photo, he wasn¡¯t smiling, but he was very handsome to the eyes, yet at the same time looked dangerous.


    Xu Long came to agree that the man¡¯s looks were not inferior to Lu Tian¡¯s.


    In the second photo was a man with long silky dark hair. Unlike the first man, this man¡¯s appearance was more on the tempting side. If it wasn¡¯t for the mention of his gender, Xu Long swore he was looking at an enchantress.


    Lastly, the third photo was also of a man. However, he looked younger than the first two. His facial features gave off an innocent look like that of a boy who has never experience any hardship.


    Xu Long continues to scroll through the information found by his boss.


    He could not believe that in this short amount of time, the aloof man was able to find better information than himself. If this continues, what kind of work will he have left to do in the future?


    ncing at the names of the three men, his head slightly tilts to the left.


    "Qin Jun. Yamato Kira. Song Jing Li."


    He murmurs the names to himself as the space between his eyebrows crease into three tight lines. His head then tilts to the opposite side and he leans back on the chair.


    "Hmm..."


    Stroking his chin with one hand, he stares intensely at the man with long silky hair.


    "Yamato Kira."


    Thinking about something, his shoulder trembles ever so lightly as he chuckles with his mouth closed.


    "Does this man think he is in some kind of anime?"


    He strokes his chin again as his eyes slightly narrow and his smile curls up into one simr to a viin.


    "If he¡¯s Yamato Kira, I must be James Long Bond."

 Chapter 633 Are you done?

    Lu Tian stood facing the window. He never once looked at his assistant, but with exceptionally good hearing, he was dumbfounded by the man. Even his urge to keep aposed posture was at a fail as he almost lost his standing.


    Raising his left hand, he massage his head like he was smoothing away any unnecessary thoughts.


    When he was sure he can keep a straight face again, he turn his head from the window to look at his assistant and spoke in a t voice.


    "Are you done?"


    Xu Long was still sizing the man with long hair in theputer screen. Due to him sitting in his boss¡¯s chair, his entire demeanor went from assistant to badass tycoon mode.


    However, being pulled back to reality by the actual boss of the ce, he blinks his eyes like a spec of dust had flew inside his eyes.


    "Heh heh."


    He chuckles sarcastically and stood up from the chair that didn¡¯t belong to him. Sounding a cough to clear his behavior, he skips over to sit down on one of the couches in the room.


    "I¡¯m done, for now. What do you need this assistant to do?"


    Lu Tian looks back at the window. This time, he doesn¡¯t look down at the bustling street, but at the clear blue sky that was beginning to be cover by gray clouds.


    "Upload the photos into our database. Have theputer cross-check with the satellites. They can be hiding anywhere in Imperial, but with all the CCTV in the city, their faces are bound to appear somewhere."


    Hearing these instructions, Xu Long¡¯s body slumps into the couch. He cries without any tears and tilt his head back to lean on the back rest. His eyes gaze up at the ceiling and he sighs before closing his eyes.


    These men are no doubt simr to his boss. Cautious and knows how to keep a low profile. However, they are more like ghosts that disappear without leaving any trace of them ever existing.


    He had been so focused on checking all the nes, trains, boats, and buses, he forgot to check the CCTVs around Imperial. Good thing his boss reminded him or else it would have taken another few hour to remember.


    Thinking back to the information he read about the three men, he sighs again.


    "This is like trying to chase after the wind. You can¡¯t see it, but you can feel it."


    Taking a deep breath, he opens his eyes and stood up. Turning to face his boss, his eyes now sh with determination like never before.


    "Don¡¯t worry boss. No matter how good they are, I will do everything I can to locate them. If I can¡¯t, my name is not James Long Bond."


    He raise one hand and gives a strong salute. He doesn¡¯t wait for Lu Tian to give further order and quickly dismiss himself.


    And for the second time in that day, Lu Tian was once again dumbfounded by his assistant. The second the door closed, and silence returns to the room, a smile curls on his straight face.


    He sounds a quiet chuckle to himself and shakes his head.


    ¡¯Your name was never "James Long Bond".¡¯


    Times like this, he really wants to cut open Xu Long¡¯s head and see how the man can always find the funny in something serious.


    However, thinking about the man¡¯s determination, Lu Tian decides to let the assistant enlighten himself on the job.


    Brushing all thoughts aside, he looks away from the sky to the many neighboring buildings near his own. He scans through each one until he finally stops at a specific one.


    From where he stood, he doesn¡¯t have a good viewpoint of the building, but he could confirm that it was the right building.


    He lowers his head and looks down at the watch on his left-hand wrist.


    Seeing that it was half past one in the afternoon, he walks away from the window to his desk.


    However, he doesn¡¯t sit down, but grabs his suit jacket and puts it on. Next, he grabs his coat then walks out of his office. Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to bring an umbre with him since it was going to rain.


    When lunch came, he had wanted to pick up his wife since she was visiting De L¡¯amour, but she sent a message saying she was going to meet her friends for lunch.


    He wanted to say no but decided to let her go. Of course, he only agreed because the restaurant she is going to is near hispany and he ns to pick her up when she is done.


    As Lu Tian leaves Lu Corps, Yue Ling, Qin Xue and Shi Yan also finished their meals.


    The three women walked out of the luxurious restaurant unaware of the attention they had drawn to themselves.


    Yue Ling, being tall and slender is a peerless beauty that makes one want to keep in a cage to admire every day. To her left was Qin Xue, who has a voluptuous figure and simr to cunning fox from ancient times. Standing on Yue Ling¡¯s right was Shi Yan, who has a very innocent and cute appearance. She was the kind of girl any person who meets can¡¯t help but want to protect.


    "Aiya. I can¡¯t believe I let this happen."


    Qin Xue spoke with frustration as she pinch the space between her brows. Ever since they left the private room, she had been sighing over and over without stopping.


    On the other side, Shi Yan press her lips together to keep herself fromughing and smiling. However, unable to hold herself back, she chuckles and poke her head forward to look at the woman.


    "Why are you still feeling down about what happened? It¡¯s ready done. Next time I will let you pay."


    Hearing the girl, Qin Xue gives Shi Yan a frustrated re. However, the second her eyesnded on the girl¡¯s cute and adorable face, she (Qin Xue) could only throw in the towel.


    "Shi Yan, this is already the third time you¡¯ve done this. How can you sneak away and pay for our meal? Do you know how expensive it was?"


    Shi Yan grins from ear to ear with her teeth. She shrugs her shoulders and looks away from her friend. She knew that Yue Ling and Qin Xue were nning to pay for their meal, but she was a step faster than them.


    She also knows that she doesn¡¯t live a luxurious life like the two women, but that didn¡¯t mean she was going to let them pay for her all the time.


    Thinking this way, her head tilts left and right as her body sway in motion. Everything about her was the exact definition of happiness like she was taking a stroll through a vast field of sunflowers.


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless by the two women¡¯s conversation. She was sure that if Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Lee Hana were here, all four women would no doubt get along without being introduced to one another.


    Oblivious to Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts, Qin Xue slows down in her steps and looks at the retired model.


    "Is your chauffer already waiting for you?"


    Knowing that Yue Ling is from the Ji family, she must have been dropped off by her personal driver. However, Yue Ling¡¯s answer took her by surprise.


    "No, I drove myself here."

 Chapter 634 Why is he here?

    Qin Xue¡¯s mouth opened into an ¡¯O¡¯ shape. She thought that Yue Ling was like other daughters from prestige families, who never likes to drive anywhere by themselves. Of course, this wasn¡¯t the only reason as Yue Ling was also a celebrity. Wasn¡¯t it dangerous for her to go around without any bodyguards?


    However, quickly remembering their encounter with Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men, she chuckles inside at her stupidity.


    How can she forget that Yue Ling isn¡¯t an ordinary person? She (Yue Ling) can defend herself against anyone who dares to try and harm her. Nor does she like the attention. If she did, she wouldn¡¯t have kept her personal and work life away from the media.


    Even she (Qin Xue) never brings any guards with her, let alone allow the Qin family¡¯s chauffer to drive her anywhere.


    She looks at Yue Ling and smiles faintly. Now, she can finally say that she has met someone who is not self-center and only cares about herself.


    "I also drove here, but I picked up Shi Yan. I guess this where we part ways."


    Yue Ling slows to a stop and turn to look at Qin Xue. She also smiles and nod her head.


    "When there¡¯s time again, we can meet up to have another meal. We can even go shopping together."


    Hearing that they were parting ways, Shi Yan was reluctant to go home. However, when she heard what Yue Ling said, she couldn¡¯t help but smile brightly and hug the woman around the waist.


    "Yay! I can see Yue Ling again!"


    Yue Ling was surprise at her sudden gesture, but she didn¡¯t find it offensive. She felt Shi Yan was like Ji Jingxu but in the girl version. She gently pat the girl on the head and her smile bes soft.


    On the opposite side, Qin Xue rolled her eyes at the young girl¡¯s childlike behavior. If she were also ten years younger, she would definitely hug Yue Ling too. However, she is older, so she has to keep a mature attitude.


    Putting on the demeanor of an older sister, she pulls Shi Yan away from Yue Ling to help give the retired model some space. Of course, she did it in a polite and gentle way.


    "Alright, that¡¯s enough Shi Yan. Yue Ling has to leave, and I promised your parents I would have you home before 3pm."


    Shi Yan was dumbstruck by Qin Xue¡¯s sudden change of attitude. Her mouth opened and close, but she was unable to make a sound.


    Isn¡¯t Qin Xue supposed to be her friend? Why is the woman acting like her bodyguard... no, more like her babysitter?


    She quickly shakes the thought away and looks back at Yue Ling. Her lips pout in disappointment for a second before deciding she should listen to Qin Xue.


    Ever since she was rescued from almost being sold off to another country, her parents have been stricter with her. Especially since she is the oldest and only have one younger sister who is four.


    "Okay, okay. I will listen to you."


    Shi Yan and Qin Xue said their goodbyes as Yue Ling waited the two women entered the car and leave the restaurant. She did this to make sure that they weren¡¯t being followed by anyone suspicious.


    As their friend, she cannot allow them to experience the same thing twice.


    Once Qin Xue¡¯s car was no longer in view, she makes her way to her car that was parked not too far from Qin Xue¡¯s. Pressing the key rm, she unlocks the door and reach for the driver side door handle.


    However, the second the tips of her fingers touched the cold metal, she stops.


    For some unusual reason, she couldn¡¯t help but feel the sensation one gets when someone is looking at them from a far.


    Moving in a calm and natural way, she continues to open the door. However, her eyes didn¡¯t forget to scan her surroundings.


    Through the crowded street with people and cars, her eyes caught sight of a figure standing directly across the street from where she was.


    Even with the many people walking around him, he did not move an inch. He wore all ck with a dark gray wool coat and stood like the calm before a storm. He was far from her, but it was like he was standing on the same side of the street as her. She could also see that his dark eyes were staring straight into her own.


    Her entire being froze and she forgets to open the door. Everything around seemed to turn inaudible, but the only thing she can hear is her own heart that shook like a beating drum.


    Losing her grip on the door handle, her hand falls to her side as her lower lip began to tremble.


    "Qin Jun..."


    She whispers the familiar name and turn her body to face to street. Her steps were small and felt like heavy stones, but she still force her legs to move towards the street.


    "Jun."


    Her eyes never moved away from his figure, but the second she blinked her eyes, a bus drives pass and blocks the man from her view.


    And like a ghost standing in the crowd, he disappears without a trace left behind. It was like the wind had swept him away with it.


    "Jun!"


    Yue Ling raise her voice as she increase her steps and runs towards the street to search for the man. She didn¡¯t know if it were her eyes ying some kind of trick with her, but she was sure it was him.


    She stops in front of the street and looks in every direction. There were people who walked pass and stares at her like she had gone crazy, but she didn¡¯t care and continue to look for the familiar figure.


    Even with the many people around, she can and will always recognize him right away.


    However, no matter which direction she looked, Qin Jun was nowhere in sight.


    *pitter-patter


    One drop, two drop, gray clouds cover the entire sky and rain begin to fall as it trickles onto the cemented street. A petrichor smell soon fills the air as the crowd quickly scatter to find shelter from the rain.


    Unlike the people, it was like time had slow down and Yue Ling didn¡¯t care about the rain or getting wet. She stood in the same ce and let the raindrops fall onto her.


    She looks back in the direction she had saw Qin Jun and her eyes turn moist. The only question repeating in her mind is, how is he here... no, why is he here?


    "Yue Ling."


    A dark shadow slowly covers over her head to keep the rain from touching her, then a deep voice softly calls her name from behind.


    She quickly swung around to look at the person and like time had resume its pace again, her bluish green eyes that held millions of mix emotions is suddenly met with the dark pupils of an even more familiar person.


    Her eyes shook uncontrobly before she tries to calm herself and a faint smile curls on her lip.


    "Tian..."

 Chapter 635 Did you walk here?

    Lu Tian decided not to drive his car and walked to the restaurant since it was only down the street from hispany. Plus, his wife had driven her own car, so there was no need for him to drive.


    After all, his n is to ¡¯bump¡¯ into her as she leaves. Once she realizes that he didn¡¯t drive, she¡¯ll offer him a ride and with the weather, there¡¯s no way she will let him walk in the rain.


    Holding onto the ck umbre in one hand, a satisfy smile curls on cold and straight face. However, immerse in his own world, he didn¡¯t realize that the look on his face was scaring away the people that walks pass him.


    To them, he looked like an immortal, but at the same time, the kind of immortal that only smiles when he ns to cause havoc upon the world.


    Not caring for those around him, he continues towards the restaurant until he finally reach his destination.


    He was slightly worried that he might have missed her, but to his relief, he spot her right away standing by her car.


    He quickly picks up his pace and strides over to her as it was going to rain. He also didn¡¯t want to be left alone and have his n fail.


    However, from where he was, he was able to see that something about her was amiss.


    The space between his brows crease together. Why does she look cautious of her surroundings?


    Feeling a tinge of tightness in his chest, he calls out to her. However, before he could even sound his voice, she suddenly walks away from her car.


    He could see an unexinable look in her expression as she search for something or someone. It was an expression he has never seen her make before.


    The kind of expression that made him doubt himself as her man.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but instead of continuing towards her like always, his steps slows to a stop. All he could do was stare at her through the crowd that separated them.


    It felt like an entire day had gone by but must have been only a few seconds when she turn to look his way. He was relief that she saw him, but in a split second, she looked away like he wasn¡¯t there.


    He swore in that moment, he saw his entire world crumble and panic began to rise inside him.


    To point of her disregarding him, who is it that she is looking for?


    His eyes couldn¡¯t help but look at his surroundings. He didn¡¯t know what or who is looking for, but something inside told him he had to.


    However, when he was about to look across the street, he felt the first drop of rain trickle onto his cheek then another and another.


    People quickly scatter to take cover. Some even bumped into him but ignores them and opens the umbre. He even brush off the urging feeling inside to look for the unknown person.


    His mind was only focused on his wife.


    Through his steps towards her, he could see how lost and sad she looked causing his heart to ache for her. She didn¡¯t even think to hide from the rain, let alone bring an umbre with her.


    How can she be so foolish and not consider her health?


    Stopping at arm¡¯s length from her, he stretch his arm holding the umbre and blocks the rain from damping her any more than it already has.


    He is the type of person who likes cleanliness and doesn¡¯t like to feel wet under the rain, but the him now didn¡¯t care.


    "Yue Ling."


    He spoke her name as natural as he could, but when he saw her turn around to look at him, he felt like someone had pulled the trigger of a gun and shot a bullet through his heart.


    Her eyes weren¡¯t only moist like she was going to cry, but they held a tiny amount of disappointment as he was not the person she was looking for.


    She was quick to notice that it was him and smile, but she wasn¡¯t quick enough to hide the look in her eyes.


    "Tian."


    She spoke his name with her soft and angelic voice that he loves so much. However, at this moment, the way she said it was like tiny needles pricking the bullet wound in his heart.


    Yue Ling stares up at the man in front her. She waspletely oblivious to his inner thoughts and stretch her hand to grab the sleeve of his coat.


    Pulling him forward, she made sure to get him under the umbre too. Loosening her grip on his coat, she raise her hand and flicks away the water droplets on his shoulders as they have yet to absorb through his coat.


    "It¡¯s raining, what are you doing here? Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you were nearby?"


    Lu Tian never once avert his gaze from her face. His mind was filled with millions of questions, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask. All he could do was inhale a deep breath and answer her.


    "I wanted to surprise you."


    Hearing his answer, Yue Ling sighs a chuckle. She continues to wipe away the water droplets until she was sure there was no more.


    "You should have told me. If I had known, I would have waited for you."


    She looks up at him and her smile widens.


    "Have you eaten yet? What about your car?"


    As her words fell, she looks around for his car, but to her surprise, his usual eye-catching car was nowhere in sight. Her brows slightly furrow, and she looks back at him.


    "Did you walk here?"


    Eyes still glued on her, Lu Tian doesn¡¯t sound a word but lightly nod his head once.


    Yue Ling was astounded by his answer. She knew that the restaurant was near hispany, but she never expected that he would walk here.


    Staring at him, she came to realize that he never once looked away from her. A strange feeling came over her and she lifts her hand to touch his forehead.


    "Tian, what¡¯s wrong? Are you not feeling¡ª mf."


    Halfway through her words, Lu Tian was no longer able to hold himself back. His free hand slides under her arm to hold her smooth back. He pulls her towards him to close the gap between them and lowers his head.


    He seals her soft lips with his and stops her from saying another word. As he close his eyes, he didn¡¯t forget to inhale her scent as if to reassure himself of something.


    Yue Ling was caught by surprise at his sudden move. The street was less crowded with people due to the rain, but they were still in public.


    Both her palms was press against his chest, but she doesn¡¯t push him away. Instead, she close her eyes and a smile curls on her lips.


    Her arms slides up and wraps around his neck as the feelings she felt seconds ago quickly disappear and all she could think about was the man in front of her.


    The man she wholeheartedly loves.


    Lu Tian was slightly taken back by surprise when he felt her return the kiss. Her response was able to ease the doubt inside him and he rxed a little.


    This meant that she still loves him, and he doesn¡¯t have to worry about what he just saw.


    However, he partially opens his eyes and nce to the left then to the right.


    He sends a look of warning to whoever it was that his wife was looking for as if he was telling this person to back off because his wife can only belong to him.

 Chapter 636 Why did you stop me?

    In the distance from where Yue Ling and Lu Tian stood, the person she was searching for watched from a hidden spot as the couple indulge in a romantic kiss under the rain.


    As the rain pour harder and water covers the grounds of Imperial, he raises both his hands and pulls the hood under his dark gray coat to cover his head.


    His well-defined face was quickly hidden away from view leaving only the bottom half of his face for one to see.


    "Hyun, why are you just standing there? Did you get rejected by someone?"


    From behind, the sound of footsteps approaching enters Qin Jun¡¯s ear follow by a young man¡¯s chuckling voice full of jokes.


    Song Jing Li stops at the side and looks at Qin Jun. However, seeing the man was paying no attention to him, he turns his head and looks in the direction he (Qin Jun) was looking at.


    He didn¡¯t have to search as his eyesnded on a figure that froze his entire body like he had been struck by lightning.


    "T-That¡¯s..."


    Unlike the scene Qin Jun had witness, Yue Ling and Lu Tian were now walking hand in hand towards her car. Lu Tian then helps Yue Ling get inside the passenger seat before walking to the driver side.


    As the white car drives away, Song Jing Li takes a step forward like he was going tomit suicide by stepping in front of the many passing vehicles.


    "Noona... Noona!"


    He chokes a whisper before yelling out after her like a child who had been abandoned by his mother. However, before he could take another step further, Qin Jun reach an arm to stop him by the shoulder.


    "Don¡¯t."


    Song Jing Li stares in disbelief at the back of Yue Ling¡¯s car. His lower lip trembles and he turn his head to look at the person who had stopped him.


    "Why? Why did you stop me?!"


    He didn¡¯t understand. If they could see her, shouldn¡¯t she be able to see them? Does she not miss them?


    Qin Jun looks at Song Jing Li with pain in his eyes. He knows that the boy misses Yue Ling every day and has been contemting whether to see her or not. However, his hand on Song Jing Li¡¯s shoulder gently squeeze and he shook his head.


    "We can¡¯t let her know that we are here."


    Hearing these words again, Song Jing Li press his lips together to keep them from trembling. He inhales a deep breath through his nose and shrugs away Qin Jun¡¯s hand like he had some kind of disease.


    "Why?"


    His eyes turn red with tears and he res at the older man. Raising his hand, he point in the direction Yue Ling had gone.


    "You keep saying we can¡¯t tell her, but out of all of us, she¡¯s the one who deserves to know!"


    He stares at Qin Jun with his chest breathing heavily. However, not able to understand the man¡¯s reason and not wanting to look at him (Qin Jun) anymore, he storms away in the opposite direction of Yue Ling.


    As Song Jing Li walks away, Kira stood behind the two without saying a word. He held a red umbre to keep the rain away from him and nce at Qin Jun.


    "He¡¯s right, you know."


    He takes a calm step forward and stares out to the street across from them. It was the exact spot Yue Ling and Lu Tian were standing before leaving.


    "How long do you n to hide this from her?"


    His head slightly turn to look in the direction the couple had driven off.


    "She has every right to know that Shin¡¯s death was not an ident."


    Qin Jun remained in silence as the rain pour over his body soaking him from head to toe. He stares in the same direction as his friend before he finally found his voice again.


    "I know... I know that she deserves to know about what happened to Shin."


    He close his eyes and the image of Shin before his death appears in his mind. He gently squeeze his eyes before opening them again.


    "But I made a promise to take care of her. Even if it¡¯s eating me on the inside, I can¡¯t let her know. If she knows, what about the happiness she has finally found?"


    He turns around and face the direction Song Jing Li had walked off.


    "We all know that out of all of us, she¡¯s the one who has suffered the most. Even if it isn¡¯t much, by taking this secret to our grave, we can help lift another weight off her heart."


    His words fell and a trace of guilt cross his face.


    "I can¡¯t stay by her side and take care of her, but I will do it from the shadows after we find him."


    Without looking back, he takes a step forward, but was stopped by Kira¡¯s next words.


    "Then why did you let her see you?"


    Kira stares at Qin Jun¡¯s figure from behind. He understands why the man is so fixated on keeping Shin¡¯s death a secret from Yue Ling, as he felt the same. However, what he didn¡¯t understand is, why didn¡¯t he (Qin Jun) hide but let her see him?


    Qin Jun swallows a hard and difficult gulp as he was unable to answer the question.


    The only reason why they are at this part of Imperial was because they had to collect information on Choi Li Sun. However, before they could reach the source, Chief Kim informed them that someone had hacked into the database in City Z and was able to gather a minimal of their information.


    Knowing that it was too risky for them to meet the source, they had to turn back.


    When they were blending in with the crowd to pass through the street, it was then that he saw her across the street.


    He didn¡¯t know what overcame him, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to move at all. He felt relief to see that she is doing fine in person, but another part of him was in guilt that she has no idea about what happened to Shin.


    In that moment when their eyes locked, he had the sudden urge to walk across the street and go to her.


    He wanted to get on his knees and beg her forgiveness for keeping her in the dark. He wanted to beg her to help them find the man who murdered Shin.


    However, when he saw Lu Tian approaching her, he could only suppress the urge to cross over and hide from her as he remembered why he didn¡¯t want her to know.


    He can¡¯t bring her back to the life she wanted to escape from, nor does he want to see her sad expression again.


    Coming back from his shback, he takes a deep breath to calm his mind, and brush every feeling aside.


    The look in his eyes that once held guilt and agony is quickly rece with indifference.


    "I won¡¯t make the same mistake twice."


    His words fell in assurance and he walks away without saying another word. He swore inside that he will be more careful from now on and never let Yue Ling find any trace of them.


    He only hopes that when tomorrowes, she will forget about seeing him and go on with her life.


    Kira watched as Qin Jun walks further away like nothing had happened. He heaves a long sigh and takes out his phone from inside his coat pocket.


    Unlocking his phone, he looks back in the direction Yue Ling had gone. Even though her car was no longer in view, he continues to stare into the unknown like it was still there.


    He press a button his phone and a CCTV footage appears on the screen. In the footage, it captures him standing alone as he stares out to the street.


    "I really hope this is the best choice."


    He murmurs the words to himself before pressing another button on his phone. The footage of him self-deletes and he walks away to catch up with Qin Jun and Song Jing Li.


    It was as if they were never there in that part of Imperial and had vanished with the wind.

 Chapter 637 Crazy thoughts in his mind

    As rain serenade on the metal roof of Yue Ling¡¯s white Maserati Granturismo sports car, she sat in the passenger seat with eyes wondering out the window.


    Like her, Lu Tian who had offered to drive kept his eyes on the slippery road in front.


    When they left the restaurant, Lu Tian suggested they go to a clothing store to buy new clothes since their house was far. However, Yue Ling protested and said for them to go to herpany.


    However, throughout the car ride, neither person spoke a word.


    The sound of the heater and trickling rain can be heard like music singing one to sleep as every few second, the windshield wipers would move to clear off any rain.


    Unable to take the silence anymore, Lu Tian lifts his hand to massage his forehead to get rid of his frustration. He made sure to not cover his eyes so he can still see the road.


    Even without looking at her, from the corner of his eyes, he can tell that her mind was preupied with something.


    He wanted to ask her who was the person she was looking for, but he was also afraid to ask. What if she gives him the cold shoulder for wanting to know too much? What if the person is someone who is more important to her than he is?


    The space between his brows crease together and he frowns with slightly pout lips. He couldn¡¯t believe that someone as cold and aloof as him could have this kind of foolish thoughts.


    Chuckling at himself, he shakes his head to rid of any unnecessary feelings.


    ¡¯I am important to her. If I weren¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t have kissed me back despite knowing that the person she is looking for could still be around.¡¯


    As he spoke these words to himself, he began to feel better, but within the next second, another thought sneaks its way inside his head.


    ¡¯But what if... no... but then again... no...¡¯


    After a long minute of talking to himself, he finally muster all the courage inside and asks.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    He asked in his usual indifferent tone that Yue Ling was oblivious to the fact that his mind was in a chaotic mess. She looks away from the passenger window to the devilishly handsome man in the driver seat.


    Slightly leaning towards him, her expression was one of solemn. Her bluish green eyes stare directly at him making him grow agitated beyond imaginable.


    "Would you prefer Shredded Ginger Chicken Congee or Spicy Pork Shoulder Congee?"


    "..."


    Lu Tian was wash with disbelief at her question. He swore it was like someone had sliced open the roof of the car and allowed the cold rain to pour onto him.


    He close his eyes for a quick second to steady his mind and turn to look at her.


    "That is what you¡¯ve been thinking about?"


    Seeing him suddenly turn to look at her, Yue Ling was taken back by surprise. Both her hands reach out to him as one lightly hit his arm for being careless while her other hand turn his head back to the road.


    "Tian, you¡¯re driving! It¡¯s raining so don¡¯t take your eyes off the road."


    As his head turn away from her, she did not see the tiny smile of relief that curled on his lip.


    He had been going back and forth from crazy thoughts in his mind and it turned out she was thinking about what he wanted to eat.


    "Chicken is fine with me."


    Hearing his answer, Yue Ling looks at him with a small squint of her eyes. She couldn¡¯t help but feel that he was expecting a different response from her.


    However, seeing him as indifferent as always, she shrugs the thought away and takes out her phone.


    When they were walking to her car, she had asked if he had eaten lunch and he answered no. Since they were heading to De L¡¯amour and there were a few local restaurants nearby, she¡¯ll have Liu Shan pick up some congee for Lu Tian.


    After she sent the message to her assistant, she looks out the window again. Only, this time, she didn¡¯t look at the passing buildings but at the water drops on the ss.


    She would be lying if her mind weren¡¯t filled with many things. However, above all else, Lu Tian is the first on her mind as she cannot let the man starve from hunger.


    As they drove under the rain for a few more minutes, they soon arrive at De L¡¯amour.


    "CEO Han, what happened to you? Why are you all wet?"


    Upon their entrance inside herpany, Sophia gasp in shock at the sight of them. Didn¡¯t Yue Ling leave home? Why is she returning drenched by rain? And who is the man next to her?


    She wasn¡¯t able to see Lu Tian clearly due to the umbre that blocked his face. However, when he closed the umbre and set it down, her jaw dropped to the floor.


    Oh my God! The rumor is true! Her boss and Imperial¡¯s number one bachelor are a pair!


    Yue Ling stares at her receptionist with a perplex look on her face. She didn¡¯t understand why Sophia was making it seem like she had purposely jumped into ake.


    "Where is Liu Shan?"


    Hearing the question, Sophia returns to reality. She picks up the only towel on her desk and rush over to give it to her boss.


    "Assistant Liu left about five minutes ago. He instructed me to get a towel ready for you and inform you that he will be back shortly."


    There was only one towel because she thought it was only her boss. Never did she think someone else would arrive with the woman.


    She nce at Lu Tian and her cheeks flush red. Not in a bashful way, but out of embarrassment at herck of doing her job correctly.


    "I¡¯ll get another towel for Mr. Lu."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t hold any resentment towards the young woman for blushing. She takes the towel and turn to face Lu Tian.


    "It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m not that wet so he can use this one."


    She doesn¡¯t ask for his opinion and wraps the towel around his shoulder as if to keep him warm.


    He had been sheltering her with the umbre that he was more drenched by the rainpare to her. As it was only her shoulder and the leg of her high-waisted jeans that were wet due to their short walk in the rain that had suddenly turn heavy.


    "We¡¯ll be in my office. Once Liu Shan returns, tell him toe up."


    As her words fell, Sophia¡¯s eyes widen in shock and horror at what her boss was doing. She was scared for the woman as she has heard many say that Lu Tian hated when women touch him.


    However, seeing that the man wasn¡¯t bothered by Yue Ling¡¯s sudden move, she (Sophia) rx her shoulders.


    It had only been a few seconds and she already forgot that the two people in front of her are a couple.


    She leans forward and gives a polite bow.


    "I will let Assistant Liu know of your arrival."


    Yue Ling smiles a nod at Sophia before pulling Lu Tian towards the elevator. She needed to get him out of his wet clothes or else he¡¯ll catch a coldter.


    Watching the couple enter the elevator, Sophia was at a loss for all words. Lu Tian did not even resist to Yue Ling for pulling him away like a child who had been ying out in the rain all day.


    What cold and ruthless man in Imperial?


    Lu Tian is none other than a henpecked husband who never dares to contradict against his wife!

 Chapter 638 Sleeves are a little too shor

    After giving Lu Tian a new change of clothes, Yue Ling also stepped out to change since the areas on her clothes that were caught by the rain was damper than she had thought.


    The door to the adjoiningvatory in her office opens and Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure steps out. In one hand was his ck suit and in the other was his coat in the same color.


    He couldn¡¯t help but frown and nce down at the outfit his wife had picked out for him.


    A slightly loose knitted cardigan in a tan color worn over a in white t-shirt with ck trousers that showed his ankles. As for the shoes, she had given him a pair of oxfords simr to his own and some no-show socks.


    The outfit together was remarkably simple, yet stylish, but the reason for his frown is because this is something he wouldn¡¯t usually wear on his own. Even the thought of buying something like this never urred to him.


    Then again, remembering that his wife had personally chose the clothes for him, he couldn¡¯tin.


    "Oh, you¡¯re done."


    The door to the room opens and Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounds in surprise as she enters. She inspects his figure from head to toe and walks over to him.


    She was now wearing a loose knitted dress that reach down to above her slender ankles. Her hair that was tied up before was not put into a low bun at the back of her nape.


    "Wow, I was skeptical at first, but you actually look good in these clothes."


    Her lit up seeing him look like a different person. He still gave off a cold aura, but to her, he looked moreid back andfortable.


    Taking his old clothes and coat from him, she walks over to one of the couches as she had ced a bag there to pack his clothes.


    "I¡¯ll have these washed here, then bring them hometer."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes followed her every move. However, thinking back to her words, he frowns deeply and raise both his arms as he held them out in front of him.


    "Don¡¯t you think the sleeves are a little too short?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling was about to set his old clothes inside the bag when she heard his question. She was bbergasted and almost stumbled in her stance, but quickly steadies herself in time.


    Carefully shoving his clothes in the bag, she turns her head to look at him then to his arms that were out. When she saw what he was referring to, blood rush to her head and she blush like a tomato.


    ¡¯That¡¯s..."


    She didn¡¯t know what to say and clears her throat awkwardly. No professional designer ever wants to hear someone say they messed up on their measurements.


    Walking back to stand in front of him, she ce her palms on one of his arms where the cardigan¡¯s sleeve is. She was surprise as the cardigan fitted his body structure fine, but the sleeves were on shorter side.


    However, she is sure that her measurements were correct as she has never miscalcted. Also, this cardigan is one she designed for her men¡¯s line. Unless...


    Her cheeks puff out like a chipmunk and she mumbles to herself.


    "Who told you to have such long arms?"


    She carefully push the sleeve back to reveal a small amount of his forearm. By doing this, no one will know that the sleeves were about two inches too short for his arms.


    Lu Tian gaze down at her with lips pressed tightly together from smiling. However, hearing her words that should have been incoherent to his ears, he couldn¡¯t hold himself back and smiles with his teeth.


    But as quickly as the smile appeared, he changes back to his indifferent demeanor and nod his head.


    "Mm, mm. I¡¯m sorry for being born with long arms."


    Yue Ling¡¯s head doesn¡¯t look up at him, but her eyes didn¡¯t forget to nce up at him. When she saw his expression full of sarcasm and teasing, she hits the side of his arm.


    "Shameless."


    Just when her fist was about to touch him, Lu Tian gives a slight grimace in pain and stumbles an inch to the side.


    "Ugh, my arm."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was struck stupefied by his sudden move. Her head looks up at him then down to her fist and finally at him again.


    How shameless!


    She didn¡¯t even hit him, let alone even touch him.


    And like the shameless man that he is, Lu Tian uses this chance of her upied mind to wraps his arms around her and pulls her into his embrace.


    He gently strokes the top of her head. His gesture made it seem like he was soothing an angry child, but he was grinning from ear to ear with an understanding expression.


    "Mm, mm. It¡¯s okay. I shamelessly forgive you. If you want, I will let you hit me every day."


    Returning to her senses by his hug, Yue Ling¡¯s entire being shook at her inability toprehend with the situation.


    She inhales sharply and pinch the side of his toned waist, but unfortunately, the pinch from her was like a small tickle that sent more love to his heart.


    His arms around her tightens and he lower his head to ce a soft kiss on her forehead.


    "Mm, mm. Pinching is fine too. So long as my Emperor is happy."


    "..."


    *Knock knock


    Yue Ling wanted to retaliate the man for being thick-skinned, but before she could, a knock at the door interrupts them.


    She quickly tries to free herself by struggling in his grasp, but the door abruptly opens, and Liu Shan enters the room. He had one arm out with his hand holding onto a takeout bag.


    "Boss~! I¡¯m back~ and I brought the food you asked for-or..."


    He sang each word in a sing-song voice like he was the star of the century, but when he saw the scene in front of him, his eyes widen like he had been scared witless.


    Stunned to the point of no return, but able to force himself to react quickly, he covers his eyes with one hand.


    Knowing theyout of Yue Ling¡¯s office like the back of his hand, he pace towards the coffee table that separated the two couches and set the takeout bag down.


    "Aiya, what a beautiful day it is. The sky is clouded with rain and the birds are singing as they take shelter."


    He turns around to leave, but as he was about to pass the couple hugging each other romantically, a gap opens between his middle and ring finger.


    One eye quickly locks on the two people before he scoffs and rolled his eyes with attitude.


    "Do carry on. This great one has no intentions of being fed dog food AGAIN."


    Pretending that Yue Ling and Lu Tian were not there, and he was only talking to himself, he strides out of the room after flicking his imaginary long hair to his back.


    "Hmmf."


    He doesn¡¯t forget to close the door and allow a thick air of silence to return to the room.


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Lu Tian: "..."

 Chapter 639 Cant help but think about her

    As Lu Tian went ahead and ate the Shredded Ginger Chicken Congee, Yue Ling stepped out of her office. She had already eaten with Qin Xue and Shi Yan so there was no need for her to eat again.


    She quietly close the door like the man inside the room was sleeping. Taking a step away, she heads in the direction of Liu Shan¡¯s office that was next to her.


    "Oh, you¡¯re finally done feeding dog food to us single people?"


    Liu Shan sat behind his desk. He didn¡¯t need to turn around as he could hear her footsteps. However, when he was sure that she was inside the room, he spins around on his swivel chair and locks gaze with her.


    "Eh? You¡¯re alone? Where¡¯s Lu Tian?"


    "He¡¯s eating in my office."


    Yue Ling answers without the need to think. She walks over to stand near his desk and her eyes subconsciously nce at her assistant¡¯sputer screen.


    There was a listing of vacant housings and apartments. Some looked extravagant while others looked decent.


    "You¡¯re looking for a new ce?"


    Liu Shan¡¯s face blush red at her words. He wanted to p himself across the face for forgetting to close out the website. He didn¡¯t want her knowing about this because she will not hesitate to help him.


    However, knowing that she already saw, he slumps down into his chair and nods his head.


    "Mm. I don¡¯t want to, but I¡¯ve been feeling like shit these past few days."


    He turns away from her and looks back at theputer screen. His eyes skim over the many listings as his usual carefree expression rece with one full of pain.


    "They say time will heal, but every day when I go back home, I can¡¯t help but think about her..."


    One corner of his mouth curls up faintly and he sighs in self-pity.


    "Did she have a good night¡¯s rest? Has she eaten yet? How is she doing? What is she doing?"


    He sounds a chuckle that held sarcasm behind it, but one can still hear the heartache behind it.


    "I¡¯m pathetic, aren¡¯t I? She stepped on my heart out and yet, I still think about her."


    The back of his chair stood facing Yue Ling, but she could see the top back of his head. Even without seeing the expression on his face, she could guess what kind of face he was making.


    She sighs inside and walks over to him. With to his desk being in a L shape, she leans against the side where there was nothing on top.


    "Love is patient, love is kind, it holds an amount of pain, but it is nothing but a word."


    She stares at the side of his face and slowly reach an arm out to him. Her hand looked like she¡¯s going to caress his head, but instead, she flick his head with a small amount of strength.


    "No assistant of mine is pathetic, let alone a friend."


    Suddenly being flicked on the side of his head, Liu Shan, as dramatic as he is, flung his head in the direction she had hit him. He kept his head hanging at the side for a long second before giving her a side re.


    However, thinking about her words, he sits up and massage his forehead.


    "You¡¯re right. Love is just a word full of different meanings."


    Slightly lowering his hand, he pinch the space between his brows and sighs depressingly.


    "I really need to get over Ling Ni. I¡¯m sure she has already moved on."


    Yue Ling was going to respond to his previous words, but when she heard the name, she couldn¡¯t help but frown.


    Ling Ni? Could Liu Shan be talking about the same Ling Ni she came across?


    She thinks to herself for a second before shaking the ridiculous thought away. Imperial is so big, there¡¯s no way it could be the same woman. Not only that, from what she remembers, Ling Ni doesn¡¯t look like the type of person who would be involved with someone like Tao Meng.


    Brushing these thoughts aside, she lowers her hand that had flicked the man.


    "Moving on is the hardest thing a person has to go through in life."


    Her words fell in a motherly tone and she stretch her hand to him again. However, unlike her previous move, she ce her palm on the top of his head and gently stroke.


    "But to be able to move on, you have to be the one to take the first step."


    Liu Shan ponder about her words. If it were someone else speaking, he would probablyugh at them for giving him such advice. However, she is different. She is the person who has lost those she loves and as hard as it was for her, she found the courage to move on with life.


    Of course, that didn¡¯t mean she forgot about them.


    He inhales a deep breath and tells himself, if he could get over his past rtionship, he can do the same with Ling Ni. Plus, they were never official.


    "You¡¯re right. I can¡¯t stay sad forever."


    He takes another deep breath like he was meditating and sits up. The sadness that once filled the air around him quickly disappears and he turn his head to look at her.


    "Thanks again for putting me back on my feet."


    Yue Ling gives him a faint smile and moves her hand away from his head. She nce at theputer screen and sighs.


    "If you need help looking for a new ce, let me know. I¡¯m always here to help."


    Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but smile when he saw her smile. Every time he¡¯s feeling down, one nce at her and every negative energy around him vanishes like the feelings never existed.


    However, thinking about her words, he chuckles inside. He swore, she is the greatest person ever. She had already given him one of her overly expensive cars and now she¡¯s offering a hand to help him again.


    "Alright, enough with this depressing show of emotions. Why are you here? What will Lu Tian think if he were to know that you¡¯ve been gone for so long because you¡¯re cheering up your assistant¡¯s broken heart?"


    A faint chuckle escapes Yue Ling¡¯s lip when she saw her assistant¡¯s sudden change of demeanor. One second ago, he was depressed and looked like the light to his world had turned off. Yet, now he¡¯s back to his usual carefree self.


    However, she rather see him this way than see him turn back into the man he was in the past.


    As she thought this, the smile on her face gradually lowers until it was no longer there. Her lips part and she answers him with one word.


    "Faith."


    It was a very simple word to the ears of those who heard, but for Liu Shan, that one word sounded like thunder to his heart.


    His eyes shook and he stares at her with slightly widen eyes. He tries to read her expression to see if she was bluffing, but unable to get a confirm answer, he decides to ask.


    "Faith, as in THAT Faith?"


    Yue Ling could see why Liu Shan would suddenly turn into a muddle person. She nod her head as she needed to confirm if who she saw earlier was really who she thought it was.


    "Check if they¡¯re in Imperial. If they are, find out why."

 Chapter 640 I have to leave

    While Yue Ling and Liu Shan discuss their own matters, back in Yue Ling¡¯s office, Lu Tian calmly ce the empty bowl of congee on the coffee table.


    He had long finished the food since his wife left the room. However, he had purposely held onto the empty bowl in case she returns and question why he ate so fast. He even tried to eat as slow as possible, but the thing was... why hasn¡¯t shee back yet?


    ncing down at the empty bowl, frustration dawn on him and he abruptly stood up. Taking a few big strides, he quickly reach the door, but stops when he was about to grab the door handle.


    "Tsk."


    He clicks his tongue and raise his hand to run it through his hair that had been free of gel due to the rain.


    If he doesn¡¯t go out, what if his wife forgets that he is here? However, if he goes out, she will think that he is ill-manner since this is herpany and not his.


    Contemting to himself for a long minute, he lowers his hand decides to go with thetter.


    Turning away from the door, he walks back to sit down. The best thing he should do now is sit tight and wait for her return. By doing this, he won¡¯t be causing any problem in his wife¡¯s territory.


    He had only reach halfway to the two couches when he caught sight of something from the corners of his eyes. His head turn to one of the walls in the room and he walks over to it.


    Stopping near her desk, he doesn¡¯t stand facing it but at the wall next to it.


    His arms raise up and he folds them over his chest as the windows behind him beam in the natural lighting from outside into the room.


    A very tiny smile curls on the ends of his lip as his eyes gaze at the almost empty wall.


    In the center hung a huge portrait of his wife.


    She wore a flowy white dress that revealed her fair and wless back. She stood like an enchanting immortal facing the huge floor to ceiling window. The rays of light in the portrait added a glow to her slender figure.


    Like an angel in an oil painting, one can only admire from afar in fear of ruining such masterpiece.


    He stares at the portrait with soft and loving eyes before the space between his brows crease into three extremely tight lines.


    Judging from the angle this portrait was taken, the cameraman must has sneaked a shot without his wife knowing.


    His lip purse and a scowl appears on his face. He can¡¯t help but want to strangle the cameraman. How dare this person sneak a perfectly good photo of his wife?


    However, thinking about her portrait that was hung in his office, an idea pops in his mind. He¡¯ll ask her to see if he can keep this photo too. That way, only he can look at it when he misses her while working.


    *Ring ring


    In the middle of his partially vinegar eating thoughts, the sound of his ringtone suddenly echoes inside the room. He was brought back to his senses and turn to look at his phone that had been ced on the coffee table.


    Deciding to put his former thoughts aside, he strides back to the table and picks up his phone. When he saw the name of the caller, his frown deepens more before answering.


    "Speak."


    ["Boss, I found them."]


    From the other line, Xu Long¡¯s voice chimes in with a serious tone. He doesn¡¯t wait for the aloof man to say anymore and goes into further details.


    ["I checked the CCTVs in Imperial. They¡¯ve been meeting different sources to gather information on Choi Li Sun¡¯s location. The reason they¡¯ve been disappearing like ghosts is because the Kira guy is their hacker. He would delete the footages to wipe out any trace of them, but I was able to trace them."]


    Lu Tian listens without uttering a sound. It was no wonder Xu Long was having difficulty tracking these three men. It appears they have a highly skilled hacker on their side.


    ["Theirst location was near Lu Corps. However, due to my hacking into City Z¡¯s database, Chief Kim had alerted them, this causing them to be unable to meet their source. It seems like they¡¯ve gone back to their hideout."]


    Hearing this, Lu Tian nce down at the empty bowl he had set down. He was hoping to spend a little more time with his wife, but...


    "Location."


    ["I just forward it to you."]


    Xu Long quickly replies from the other line as Lu Tian doesn¡¯t say anymore and ends the call. He doesn¡¯t put his phone away but nce down at it and opens the message.


    A map appears with a pinpoint of the location the assistant had mentioned.


    Lu Tian arch a brow, but he wasn¡¯t surprised to see where the location was. He is curious as the location was in the underworld, but in a secluded area that had long been abandoned.


    Out of all the ces in location, why would they choose that ce?


    "Tian?"


    From the door, Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounds as she enters the room. Even though it was her own office, she didn¡¯t forget to knock like she was entering someone else¡¯s room.


    Lu Tian turns his head to look at her and he puts his phone in his pocket. He did it in a very casual way so that she wouldn¡¯t find it suspicious at all.


    "I finished the food. Thank you."


    He informs her like a child who had ate all the food on his te including the vegetables he didn¡¯t like.


    Yue Ling was baffled by his childlike figure, but she shakes the thought away and walks over to him.


    "Sorry for leaving you alone for so long. There was some things I had to discuss with Liu Shan. Are you heading back to work?"


    Being reminded of work, Lu Tian sighs inside. It wasn¡¯t only work that he has to finish, but also the overseeing of Chief Kim¡¯s men. He could wait on meeting the men, but if he were to wait it out, they might catch on that he is catching up to them and move to a different location.


    Thinking this, he nods his head to answer his wife and reach a hand to grab her hand.


    "I have to leave, but I¡¯ll see you at home."


    His eyes locks with her bluish green eyes and his entire being couldn¡¯t help but soften to the max.


    "I¡¯ll be homete, so don¡¯t wait up for me. Okay?"


    He raise her hand to his lip and ce a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. He doesn¡¯t let go, but lean closer to her and also kiss her forehead.


    As he puts on his coat that was dried by now, he leaves the room.


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t stop him from leaving as she knows he has work to finish. However, she felt something was bothering the man.


    She had wanted to ask when she saw him put his phone away. He looked so focus and serious, but she decided not to be a nuisance to him. If he wanted her to know, he would have told her about it.

 Chapter 641 Going alone

    The sky soon wrap itself in a dark nket, not a single speck of light can be seen as gray clouds still lingered with a shower of heavy rain.


    Yue Ling turns off the lights in her office and steps out the door. The same time she closed the door, her assistant did the same with the door to his office. They were the only ones left in building, thus they had to lock up.


    Also, due to Lu Tian returning to work, Yue Ling had suggested he take her car and she will catch a ride with Liu Shan.


    *Ding


    The boss and assistant walked shoulder to shoulder towards the elevator when the bell chimes in arrival. A figure wearing sses steps out as the door slides open and seeing who it was, Liu Shan arch a brow and scoffs a chuckle.


    "Well, don¡¯t you look like shit."


    Qi Li was drenched by the sudden heavy rain outside. His hair was disheveled, and one can see the dark circles under his eyes like he had not slept at all.


    When he heard the assistant¡¯s words full of ridicule, his eyes that could barely open res at the man from behind his sses.


    "Well, I do feel like shit."


    Yue Ling ignores their immoral conversation as it was a normal thing between her subordinates. Not only that, she could tell from a nce that Qi Li was not only tired but had also caught a cold since the man was quick to get sick.


    "Why are you here? You should have gone home to rest and report whatever it was when you¡¯re well."


    Qi Li was touched by her words full of worry for him. However, unlike him, Liu Shan rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    He (Liu Shan) stares at the man from head to toe and walks over to a storage closet. Opening it, he grabs a towel and toss it to hisrade before heading for the elevator.


    "Dry yourself or else you¡¯ll be the new human mop."


    Qi Li was dumbstrucked by his words, but doesn¡¯t argue back. He use the towel to dry himself as he follows Yue Ling and Liu Shan to the elevator. Yue Ling press the button for the first floor and stares ahead.


    "What is it?"


    She asks since Qi Li hade to De L¡¯amour. In the condition he is in, he could have waited, but if he is here, it can only mean it is something serious.


    Qi Li stood a little behind Yue Ling on the right. He felt like he could faint at any second but takes a deep breath to steady his body and mind before telling her what happened.


    After Dark Clouds dropped Ning Mei at the Ning family house, he and Nie Chen were task to keep a close watch from afar. They needed to see what the Ning family ns to do and whether Ning Mei was going to tell someone that she saw Yue Ling.


    Surprisingly, the rookie model didn¡¯t tell anyone. However, due to what happened to her, the Ning family had disowned the woman and were sending her away to another country.


    As they were nning to leave due to the rain, they witnessed something that was beyond their imagination.


    Qi Li finish giving a recap of what happened. He heaves a long sigh and massage his forehead before continuing his words.


    "Ning Xingyu gave poison to Ning Mei to end her own life."


    Yue Ling and Liu Shan were slightly shock by the news, but not as much. The boss and assistant had long known that Ning Xingyu is a evil man. Judging by his personality, it¡¯s not surprising that he would steep so low and take his own sister¡¯s life.


    Sending Ning Mei to another country was only an excuse to get rid of her for tarnishing the Ning family¡¯s name.


    "Disgusting scumbag."


    Liu Shan spat out in a low growl. He loathes Ning Mei to the core, but the thought of a family member ending the life of their own is the lowest thing. The thought of it shouldn¡¯t evene to mind.


    "What about her body?"


    Hearing the question, Qi Li scoffs a side sneer when he recalls what the Ning family did with their own daughter¡¯s body.


    "They informed the authority that she hadmitted suicide due to her own shame."


    Yue Ling remained in silence as she listens to her subordinate. She didn¡¯t like Ning Mei for what the woman did, but she pities her (Ning Mei).


    She knows that Ning Mei¡¯s determination to be a famous model is due to her family¡¯s ill-treatment, but that shouldn¡¯t be an excuse to scheme against others.


    Yes, it was wrong for her (Yue Ling) to toss the girl in the hands of Dark Clouds, but she threatened them not to rape the woman. Only scare her a little.


    Her eyes slowly close to ease her mind. As she reopens them, the elevator arrives on the first floor and the doors open.


    "Keep a close eye on Ning Xingyu."


    Liu Shan and Qi Li nce at one another then to their boss who had already stepped out of the elevator.


    Neither men understood why she would order them to watch the man, but not prying for more details, they decide to trust her judgement.


    After all, Ning Xingyu is an obnoxious man and thinking about how he has his eyes on Yue Ling, both Liu Shan and Qi Li¡¯s eyes sh dangerously.


    Never in his (Ning Xingyu) dream will they allow the scumbag near their boss again.


    As Yue Ling and Liu Shan enter the same car, Qi Li was going to ride his motorcycle home, but due to the heavy rain and his condition, Yue Ling was against it. She cannot let a friend of her drive in the rain, especially when they can barely stand up.


    However, unbeknownst to them, in another part of Imperial, Yue Ling¡¯s white Maserati Granturismo enters an underground parking lot near the entrance to the underworld.


    "Boss."


    Lu Tian had only stepped out of the driver side when he heard a man¡¯s voice. He looks at the person as it was Jiangyu, but standing next to him were also Xu Long, Yiqing and Huan Min.


    When Xu Long told them that the aloof man was going to enter the underworld alone, they couldn¡¯t help but try to persuade him in letting one of them go too. However, he order them to wait.


    But what if something goes wrong? How will they exin the situation to their bossdy?


    Xu Long press his lips tightly together before taking a step forward.


    "Boss let me go with you. I¡¯ll make sure that you won¡¯t even know I¡¯m there."


    "..."


    Jiangyu snorts at the assistant¡¯s words while Yiqing and Huan Min¡¯s eyes turned heavy. They know that Xu Long is a goofball with great reflexes, but did he have to disregard them?


    It wasn¡¯t like he¡¯s the only one who wants to go with their boss.


    "I¡¯m going alone."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds in indifference. He hands the key to his wife¡¯s car to his assistant then walks over to the car Jiangyu had driven to the ce.


    "Wait here."


    Knowing that he will never take back a word he has spoken, the four men could only reluctantly oblige.


    They watched in silence as their aloof boss enters the less attracting car and drives out of the underground parking lot.

 Chapter 642 Cant blow our cover

    Near the bustling nightlife of the underworld in Imperial, all the delinquents from different gangs gathered together as each person indulge themselves with women, alcohol, and drugs. No one bothered to pay any attention to a certain area near the mountains as it had long been forgotten.


    However, if they had, they would have realized that the small abandoned area was upied by three men.


    In that area, all that stood in ce was a shabby and rundown factory. Half of it had been destroyed to the ground due to itsck of structure since it has been out of business.


    Inside the factory, it was dimly lit thanks to the propanenterns that had been set up on the tables and a few that hung on the wall.


    Sitting near an open window, a young man held his chin and stares out to the rain as he would sigh every few seconds.


    "Still feeling resentful about earlier?"


    From behind Song Jing Li, Kira walks up to the where the boy was. He sits down on the empty chair to the left and looks out the window too.


    "You can¡¯t stay angry forever. Jun has his reasons and we both understand that reason."


    Song Jing Li remained unfazed like the long hair man was not there. He kept his eyes on the rain like he was counting each raindrop.


    However, he couldn¡¯t help but think back to the scene when he saw Yue Ling entering the car with Lu Tian.


    His eyes turned moist and his entire being turns into that of a child whose mother had remarried and forgot all about him.


    "But why him..."


    Hearing his incoherent mumble, Kira turn his head to look at his young friend. He wasn¡¯t sure if he had heard correctly, so he decides to ask.


    "Why what?"


    Song Jing Li curls his fingers and clench his hands. His eyes were still moist, as the rims of his eyes turn red. He turns his head and locks eyes with Kira.


    "Why Lu Tian? Out of all the men in the world, why did she have to choose him?"


    Kira was a little stunned to see the young mansh out at him like this. However, considering his (Song Jing Li) feelings, he (Kira) can only sigh inside because he understands where to the boy ising from.


    They might have never met Lu Tian in the past, but they¡¯ve heard plenty of stories about the man. He is a very dangerous man. Far dangerous than any person they¡¯ve ever encountered.


    However, who are they to decide who Yue Ling should and shouldn¡¯t be with.


    "It¡¯s her decision to decide who she wants to be with."


    Hearing these words, Song Jing Li clench his teeth together. When he first heard the news about Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s rtionship, he tried to cope with it, but no matter how much he tried, he just couldn¡¯t.


    Not wanting to listen to Kira¡¯s excuses anymore, he abruptly stood up and his eyes sh with a murderous light.


    "Then what about Shin? It¡¯s only been three years since hyun left this world. How can she move on already?"


    Kira stares up at Song Jing Li and he sighs inside again. He part his lips to answer the boy, but before he could make a sound, Song Jing Li had already stormed away with anger written on his face.


    He sighs heavily and shakes his head. Reaching for a cigarette in his pocket, he decides to calm his mind. As he lit the end, he turns back to look at the rain outside.


    As the youngest member in the team, Song Jing Li was the one who took Shin¡¯s death the hardest. Him (Kira), Qin Jun and Park Min Lee (Hana¡¯s husband) were able to control their emotions, while Song Jing Li couldn¡¯t.


    He (Song Jing Li) used to be a carefree and energetic boy, but after Shin¡¯s death, everything about the boy changed. He was still able to smile and joke, but they can all see the sadness in his eyes.


    Then, out of the blue, Yue Ling suddenly tells them that she was moving to Imperial and wanted nothing to do with the underworld anymore.


    With Shin gone and Yue Ling leaving, it took an even bigger toll on Song Jing Li.


    Yue Ling was not only an older sister to him, but also a motherly figure.


    *du du du


    Before his thoughts could trail any deeper, the cigarette in his hand burn his fingers as the sound of hisputer system beeps in warning.


    He toss the cigarette out the window and stood up from the chair. Walking over to where he had set up hisputer station, the many screens disying different camera footages sh in red.


    However, he didn¡¯t have to search for long as each camera set up around the ce captures the headlights of an unidentified vehicle headed their way.


    "Who is it?"


    Entering the room, Qin Jun askes as he stops to observe the screen with the samurai looking man. At the same time, Song Jing Li also returns to the room when he heard the rm sound.


    He (Song Jing Li) is still angry over the conversation he had with Kira, but their current situation is more important.


    "No license te recognition."


    Kira answers the question Qin Jun had ask. A dangerous glint of light sh across his eyes as he pays closes attention to the moving car in the screen.


    He had set up a radar system that will scan any vehicle¡¯s license te, but this unknown car heading their way had no te number to scan.


    "Get in position. We can¡¯t blow our cover."


    Standing in between both men, Qin Jun gives a quick order after seeing the car slow to a stop in front of the factory.


    Without any intentions of waiting to see who it is, each person turn in their own direction and walks away from theputer station.


    In one swift motion all together, they take out their guns and attach a silencer on it.


    Qin Jun positions himself against the wall right next to the door entrance while Kira and Song Jing Li hid separately behind some old metal shelves that were piled together.


    No one dare to make a sound, let alone even breathe.

 Chapter 643 Only the three of us

    In the quietness of the old factory, three pair of dangerous eyes lock on the door as they wait for their uninvited guest to enter the building.


    Seconds into their wait, the door that was on the brink of falling apart slowly creaks open as the footsteps outsidees to a halt.


    Qin Jun slightly narrows his eyes as if he were trying to see the person¡¯s face. However, due to the pitch darkness outside, it was hard for him to make out any features.


    He cautiously raise his hand holding the pistol with an attached silencer and aims it at the door. His n is to wait for the person to enter and catch them off guard from behind.


    However, his hand had only raised a little more than an inch when his eyes slightly widen in surprise.


    What followed after the slightly opened door was not a person¡¯s body, but a person¡¯s hand holding a gun. The dark round muzzle of the gun was aimed directly at his forehead like the person had long known where he was positioned.


    Sensing the person won¡¯t hesitate to shoot him, he motions a hand gesture in signal for Kira and Song Jing Li to not make any careless move, yet, shoot if necessary.


    "Still the same."


    A deep voice mix with the heavy rain outside sounds from behind the slightly opened door. The person casually push the door open all the way and emerge out from the darkness as he enters the dimly lit factory.


    Qin Jun was washed with a surprise and confused expression on his face. He swore the voice sounded very familiar, but he couldn¡¯t remember when or where he had heard it.


    However, the second he thought this, his eyes widen, and he stares at the person who revealed himself.


    "Y-You..."


    Lu Tian stood like an immortal who had descended to the mundane world. His head slightly tilt to the side with his right arm raised and the Jericho 941 pistol in his hand aimed at the man¡¯s forehead.


    "It¡¯s been a while."


    When he drove through the dense forest that surrounded the mountain, he didn¡¯t bother to hide his approach. He knows that Qin Jun was not the type of person to shoot without knowing who he is dealing with.


    He was also well aware that there was a hacker amongst the three men inside the factory.


    And as a hacker himself, he had long spotted the cameras they had set up around the ce.


    To make things easier, he could have instructed Xu Long to use a body heat detector to locate where each person is hiding inside the building, but he decided to take a gamble.


    If Qin Jun is still the same man as their past encounters, the man will no doubt position himself near the door to face the enemy head on. Which was how he knew where to aim upon entering.


    Coming back from his thoughts, Lu Tian nce at the man standing by the door.


    "You should really change the way you want to sneak up on your enemies."


    Qin Jun was rooted to the floor with eyes unmoving at the tall figure standing in front of him. His expression rotated between a frown and disbelief before he could finally find his voice.


    "How are you here?"


    Hearing his words of familiarity, Kira and Song Jing Li were unable to process the sudden change of situation. Not only that, they were unable to get a clear view of the person¡¯s face as they were quite far from the door.


    However, judging by Qin Jun¡¯s tone of voice, both men were able to conclude that this uninvited guest is a friend and not foe.


    Song Jing Li steps out from his hiding spot and locks eyes with the person. As he proceed towards them, his eyes shook when he realized who the man is.


    "Lu Tian."


    An unexinable feeling boils inside him and he curse inside. Tsk. Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao will appear.


    Lu Tian was unfazed by the way the young man spoke his name. He nce at Song Jing Li then in the direction Kira was still hiding before looking back at Qin Jun.


    "It wasn¡¯t hard finding your location."


    His words fell and he lower his hand holding the pistol. Doing so, he didn¡¯t forget to scan the ce with eyes like an eagle as if to make sure there were no more people hiding somewhere.


    "It¡¯s only the three us here."


    Qin Jun never took his eyes off Lu Tian, so he was able to see what the man did and assures him. However, thinking about his words, he wasn¡¯t at all surprised that Lu Tian was able to find them.


    In the past, when they ran into each other in the underworld, the aloof man was always quick to read a person¡¯s move. Even his (Lu Tian) hearing was good that he can calcte any enemy¡¯s next move from behind the walls.


    However...


    "Why are you here?"


    Lu Tian had only ced his gun back in the holder of his gun holster vest when he heard the question. He nce at Qin Jun with a slightly arched brow.


    "Why are YOU here?"


    Being answered with his own question, Qin Jun was dumbfounded, but kept hisposure. He sighs inside and walks away from the door.


    "I¡¯m sure Chief Kim already informed you about our purpose here."


    He stops in front of an old table and set his gun down.


    "However, since you asked, we¡¯re here to work the case on Choi Li Sun since he is no longer in City Z."


    Turning slightly to the left, he pulls out a chair for their guest before pulling another chair to sit down.


    "We were kind of hoping not to run into you."


    Lu Tian casually walks over to the chair and sits down. He takes a pack of cigarette out and offers the man one before taking one for himself.


    "But you still did."


    "He murdered our brother."


    A voice sounds right after Lu Tian¡¯s words. However, it wasn¡¯t Qin Jun who spoke but Song Jing Li. He didn¡¯t hesitate to inform the man of their real purpose foring to Imperial.


    Lu Tian looks pass Qin Jun to the young man. He could hear the anger behind those words, but what he didn¡¯t understand is, why does Song Jing Li look at him like he (Lu Tian) was the one who murdered his (Song Jing Li) brother.


    However, brushing the boy¡¯s sharp re aside, he ce the cigarette between his lips and lower his eyes as he lit the end.


    "He murdered other people too."

 Chapter 644 was a good man

    Song Jing Li was rendered speechless by Lu Tian¡¯s response. One corner of his mouth twitch uncontrobly and he stares with a perplex feeling at the man. Why would Yue Ling fall for a man this cold and indifferent?


    His hyun was a man with a frail heart, but his heart was still strong and carried a sense of warmth. He was someone easy to get along with and anyone who meets him would want to be his friend.


    However, Lu Tian on the other hand, is a man known for his ruthlessness. Even when he is standing face to face with his enemies, he doesn¡¯t show the slightest change in his expression. Just like now.


    Does the man even know how to smile? Better yet, does he even know how to love?


    As he thought these things in his head, something came to his mind. Could it be that his noona was forced into a rtionship by Lu Tian? Is that why she¡¯s with him?


    "Ahem."


    From behind Lu Tian¡¯s sitting figure, Kira clears his throat as he finally shows himself.


    When he found out that their guest was none other Lu Tian, he left his position to make some tea since it would be inappropriate if they didn¡¯t give the man anything to drink.


    He returned to the room holding a tray with four cups of warm tea and was about to set it down on the table, but he saw Song Jing Li¡¯s grim expression.


    Right away, he knew that the young man¡¯s brain had wonder off too far and he had to intervene or else all hell will break loose.


    He sends a quick warning look to Song Jing Li before offering a cup to Lu Tian.


    "Mr. Lu, you must be cold from travelling here in the heavy rain. Please have some warm tea."


    He held the cup out to Lu Tian, but around it was a handkerchief. If he remembers correctly, Chief Kim was always specifying that the aloof man has a huge tendency for cleanliness.


    Lu Tian nce at the cup then to the man with long hair. He puts out the cigarette in his hand on the ashtray on top of the table. He doesn¡¯t take the cup but reach inside his coat pocket to retrieve his own handkerchief first, then takes the cup from Kira.


    "..."


    Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li kept a straight face, but deep inside, each person was struck dumbfounded at what they were witnessing.


    How can there exist such a man like Lu Tian?


    He is someone who¡¯s hands are stained with the blood of his many enemies, yet, he is a clean freak.


    Quickly shaking this thought aside, Qin Jun¡¯s expression turns serious and he stares right into Lu Tian¡¯s eyes.


    "We didn¡¯te to Imperial to cause any trouble for you. We only want to find Choi Li Sun and avenge our brother."


    His words fell and he thought back to the camera footage that revealed the scheme against Shin. Intense anger rush inside not only him, but also in Kira and Song Jing Li.


    "We won¡¯t stop until we find him."


    Lu Tian listens to the man and leans back on the chair. He cross one leg over the other and makes a four figure as he takes a sip of the warm tea.


    His entire demeanor didn¡¯t look like he was sitting inside an abandoned factory, but like he was in his own office at Lu Corps.


    "This is out of your jurisdiction."


    Hearing these words, Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li didn¡¯t know what to say. Each person tries to think of something in order to persuade Lu Tian.


    The reason why they had tried to keep themselves unknown was because they know that Lu Tian wouldn¡¯t let them, who are foreigners cause any kind of problems in his country.


    However, what else were they supposed to do when the man who murdered their brother is here?


    Song Jing Li clench his fists tightly at his side. He takes a step forward and res viciously at Lu Tian.


    "He¡¯s a citizen of City Z. It¡¯s within out rights to capture him for his crime."


    Lowering the cup of tea in his hand, Lu Tian looks at Song Jing Li with a nonchnt expression.


    "But he¡¯s in Imperial now."


    Both Qin Jun and Kira sighed inside while Song Jing Li felt like pulling all his hair out. Was Lu Tian always this frustrating to convince? Why does it feel like he¡¯s ying a game with them?


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, Qin Jun was the first to break the short silence that was engulfing the ce.


    "Hyun was a good man."


    His voice changed and sounded like he was having difficulty speaking. All the emotions that could be seen in his eyes before were now reced with a dejected light.


    "He was an older brother, an uncle to his nephew and he was supposed to be a husband."


    Kira and Song Jing Li cast their eyes down as Qin Jun choked each word out in an almost sob.


    "On the day of his wedding, he was in a car ident. We thought it was really an ident until we yed the footage again."


    Qin Jun slowly close his eyes and takes a deep breath.


    "It was then that we learned his car had been tampered with and his death was no ident but nned out carefully."


    He opens his eyes and the look of dejecting was no longer there. Only the murderous aura of a man determine to seek vengeance.


    "All because hyun was one step away from capturing him."


    Lu Tian felt the sudden change of temperature in the building cause by the three men. However, he was not bother by it and crease his brows at Qin Jun¡¯s words.


    For some odd reason, he found the story simr to his wife¡¯s past, yet, at the same time, quite different.


    As he thought this, his mind suddenly drifted to younger brother, Lu Han.


    Maybe it is because he has grown to understand the word love from his wife that a thought came to him.


    If someone, be it whoever were to murder to his younger brother, he will leave no stones unturned to find the killer.


    Of course, this will never happen, because he will make sure that his family is safe and never will he allow another person to harm his wife again.


    His eyes slowly blink, and he looks at Qin Jun then the other two men.


    "I already gave my word to Chief Kim."

 Chapter 645 Deal

    Inside the abandoned factory, the three men from City Z stare in disbelief at the only person in the room from Imperial. No one sound a word as the rain pouring outside was the only noise entering their ears.


    They are already so close to finding where Choi Li Sun is hiding. However, from Lu Tian¡¯s words, does this mean all their hard work was done for nothing?


    No. They can¡¯t give up like this and return to City Z empty handed. Not until they kill Choi Sun.


    They have already sold their souls to the devil so there was no turning back.


    "I¡¯ll deal with the situation if anything goes wrong."


    Despite being men of their own beliefs, Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li were prepared to go against all odds if persuading Lu Tian didn¡¯t work.


    However, while they were trying to rack their brains together, never did they expect the cold and ruthless man to actually have a heart when they heard his words.


    Song Jing Li struggles a hard and difficult gulp like he was starting to hear things. He stares a Lu Tian with trembling eyes before he spoke stammering words.


    "W-Why would y-you help us?"


    Even Qin Jun and Kira were in disbelief. Both men stare straight at Lu Tian without any intentions of blinking their eyes as if to see if the man was lying to them.


    Except, no one was able to read the man¡¯s indifferent expression. He was like Pandora¡¯s box, yet, the hope of all mankind.


    Lu Tian raise the cup in his hand and takes another sip of the tea.


    "We¡¯re after the same person. It¡¯s a win-win for both countries."


    His one sip turned into one gulp and he finishes the tea before setting the cup down on the table.


    "However, you and my men will be cooperating together on this case together."


    Song Jing Li frowns at this sudden change of situation they were in. He is relieved that Lu Tian is not forcing them to return to City Z, but how can they work with his team?


    He part his lips to refute the man, but before he could, Qin Jun was a step ahead of him.


    "Deal."


    He (Song Jing Li) stares at Qin Jun with wide eyes. Why would Qin Jun ept the proposal? The three of them are enough to find Choi Li Sun. Why do they need to team up with some random people they¡¯ve never worked with before?


    Kira knew exactly what the boy was thinking at the arrangements with Lu Tian. They have always worked alone without the need of teaming up with anyone else, but he can also understand why Qin Jun agreed.


    He walks over to Song Jing Li and ce one arm over the boy¡¯s shoulder. Without any warning, he pulls the young man away like he was dragging a person away.


    "Alright, its time for you to go to bed."


    "..."


    Lu Tian nce at the two men¡¯s departing figure from behind. He couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of Xu Long and Liu Shan when the two assistants are together.


    As quickly as the thought came to his mind, he smacks it away and was dumbfounded inside. How can he even think about them at a time like this?


    However, being able to control his expressions, Qin Jun who sat across from him was not able to detect the quick change in him.


    "I¡¯ll have my assistant meet with you guys first to exchange intel then my team will jointer."


    He stood up from his seat and decided that he has spent enough time here. They have alreadye to an agreement and he wanted to go home. His wife must be worried sick about him at this moment.


    Qin Jun was oblivious to Lu Tian¡¯s inner thoughts. He sees the man out and as he watched the ck car drive away from the building. He thought about something and a very faint smile curls on his lip.


    He doesn¡¯t know what Lu Tian is thinking about, but from what he can tell, his (Lu Tian) eager to leave must have something to do with Yue Ling.


    At least he can confirm that Yue Ling has found someone who cherishes her just as much as Shin did.


    No, maybe even more.


    "Why did you agree with him?"


    He had only closed the door when he heard Song Jing Li¡¯s angry voice from behind. The smile on his face disappears and he sighs inside as he turn to face the boy.


    "Because we can¡¯t involve her, we need all the help we can get from someone else."


    Song Jing Li res at Qin Jun like he wanted to strangle the man to death. He knows that Lu Tian is someone with a lot of connections around the world, but that wasn¡¯t enough for them to work with him.


    "The three of us is enough to find that bastard, Choi Li Sun. We don¡¯t need his help."


    Staring at the boy for a long second, Qin Jun raise his hand and pinch the space between his brows. He knows that Song Jing Li¡¯s anger isn¡¯t because they are now working with someone else.


    He (Song Jing Li) is angry because that someone is Lu Tian.


    When Yue Ling left City Z and moved to Imperial, Song Jing Li kept a smile in front of her like he was fine, but deep inside he felt like she was betraying Shin.


    She had calmly epted his death and left like Shin never existed in her heart.


    And now that he (Song Jing Li) has to work along side with Lu Tian, he feels that he is the one betraying Shin.


    However, what Song Jing Li has note to understand is the meaning of moving on.


    Just because Yue Ling epted Shin¡¯s death and moved on, that didn¡¯t mean she forgot about him.


    Kira stood at the side and stares at the two men having a face off. Seeing that Qin Jun was put in difficult situation, he walks over to them and decides to put in his two cents too.


    "Jing Li, if the three of us were enough, we would have already found Choi Li Sun by now."


    He stops next to the boy and ce his palm on Song Jing Li¡¯s head and gives a light pat.


    "We were able to hide our whereabouts from Chief Kim and the others back in City Z, but Lu Tian was still able to find us. Think about it, with his help, the sooner we can find Choi Li Sun."


    After they came to Imperial, no one in City Z has known or found their hideout. However, in a short amount of time, Lu Tian was able to fine them. Even when he (Kira) deleted all traces of them in Imperial, they were still caught.


    Their best bet right now is work with Lu Tian. By doing this, they will be able to find out who this ¡¯Hua¡¯ woman is and locate Choi Li Sun.


    Song Jing Li scoffs at Kira¡¯s words. He smacks the man¡¯s hand away from his head and strides away.


    "Fine, but if he does anything wrong, neither of you better stop me from killing him."


    Qin Jun and Kira were dumbfounded at their young friend. They nced at one another then back to Song Jing Li¡¯s departing figure.


    Did he really just threatened to kill Lu Tian?


    Lu Tian, the same man whose enemies swore to kill him, but all died by his own hands.


    One shook his head while the other heaves a long sigh.


    Song Jing Li¡¯s meaning of ¡¯wrong¡¯ meant if Lu Tian were to hurt Yue Ling¡¯s heart in anyway, the boy will not hesitate to step in. However, he isn¡¯t the only one as neither of them (Qin Jun and Kira) will not let Lu Tian get away too.

 Chapter 646 I dont get i

    Lu Tian sped through the heavy pouring rain and the slippery roads to get back to the underground parking lot. He drifts around the corners like he was a racecar driver.


    Waiting for his return like four concubines who had to see their husband enter the battlefield, Xu Long, Jiangyu, Yiqing and Huan Min were worried sick about the man.


    When they heard the loud screeching sound of tires on wet ground, all four men quickly discard their dresses and skirts. Each person couldn¡¯t help but sigh in relief at the sight of Jiangyu¡¯s familiar car.


    "Boss! You¡¯re alive and in one piece!"


    Lu Tian had only taken a step out from the car when he felt a sudden wave of deja-vu rush inside him.


    He kept hisposure and close the door to the car. Walking over to his subordinates, he didn¡¯t need to try and find who had spoken those overexaggerating words as there was only person out of the four men who would.


    "Xu Long."


    Hearing his name first to be called, Xu Long¡¯s eyes lit up with fireworks sparking in the background. He takes a big step forward and straighten his arms at his side along with his spine.


    "Xu Long at your disposal."


    Standing in an almost straight line behind the assistant, Jiangyu, Yiqing and Huan Min snorts with womanly attitudes as they rolled their eyes.


    Each individual had put on their skirts and dresses again and looked like jealous concubines whose name was not called on to spend the night with their Emperor.


    Not concerned about what is bothering his subordinates, Lu Tian hands the key to Jiangyu as he takes back the keys to his wife¡¯s car from Xu Long.


    "Wolf Team will be cooperating with Chief Kim¡¯s men. Xu Long will meet with them in person to discuss any intel both teams have found."


    Xu Long and the other three men were incredulous by the man¡¯s sudden words. They had been worried sick about the man¡¯s safety. Even the thought of going against his order was in discussion.


    Yet, while they were troubled over the thought that Lu Tian mighte across any kind of danger, he was actually discussing ns with the other team like he was in a business meeting.


    "Boss, I heard you wrong. You said ¡¯I¡¯ will go meet them. As in I, alone?"


    Lu Tian was about to turn for the white car when he heard his assistant. He looks back at the man, then to the other three before looking back at Xu Long. Thinking about something, his words fell again before entering the car.


    "If you do your job correctly, I¡¯ll give you the penthouse at Jade Condos."


    He doesn¡¯t say anymore and enters the while Maserati Granturismo.


    "That¡¯s all. Everyone go home and get some rest."


    The four subordinates were left in utter disbelief. Their eyes remain in the direction Lu Tian had driven off. Even when the car was no longer in view, each person had note back from their daze.


    Who are they? Where are they? What happened to their ruthless boss? When has the man, who shows no mercy to his enemies and over works them suddenly cares about whether they get any rest?


    "I don¡¯t get it..."


    Like always, Xu Long was the first to return to his senses and breaks the silence. He scratch the back of his head as his other hand curl into a fist at his hip.


    "What kind of order was that and why is he in such a rush?"


    As the assistant spoke his thoughts aloud, being the second toe out from his daze, Jiangyu tilt his head and looks at the assistant. He held a nk expression and sighs.


    "Well, I¡¯m just as clueless as you are, but to answer your second question, when you have someone waiting at home for you, it¡¯s only natural to want to go home."


    Yiqing was the third to regain his consciousness. He nods his head in agreement to the bulky man. He is married and loves his wife dearly. Like any man with a heart, he can¡¯t wait to go home to her.


    As he thought this, he nce at Xu Long and pat the man on the back.


    "Of course, it¡¯s hard for you to understand because you are still single."


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes re sideways at Yiqing with a contemptuous expression. His cheeks gradually puffs out like a puffer fish as steams blew out from his ears like a running train.


    He stomps one foot on the ground and ce both his fists on his hips. He turns to face the man and wanted to retaliate that he isn¡¯t the only one single here. However, being face to face with the three men, he could only sob without any tears to shed.


    Jiangyu has a girlfriend, Huan Min is engaged while Yiqing is married. He is the only one here who doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend, fianc¨¦, or wife.


    It was like a p in the face for someone single and lonely like him.


    Taking another look at the three men, he sobs again and covers his mouth. Times like this, he really wish his new family were here with him.


    "You all have no shame at all."


    He lowers his hand and res with teary eyes at each person. Seeing that they were not bothered by his words, he takes a deep breath and stuck his chest out.


    "So what if I am single."


    His entire being changes from a little boy who had been bullied to a grown man with mad confidence.


    "All I need, is me, myself, and I."


    His right hand brush his left shoulder, then his left hand brush his right shoulder. He snorts at them onest time before turning away.


    "No one can tie, I, James Long Bond, down."


    Jiangyu, Yiqing and Huan Min were rendered speechless by the assistant. Ever since they met the man again, he has been self-proiming himself as James Long Bond. However, the real question now is, how did them having a girlfriend, fianc¨¦, and wife suddenly categorize them as shameless men?


    Xu Long strides to the car and stops at the door for the driver side. He reach into his pocket and gets his keys as he didn¡¯t want to spend another second with these three men.


    However, his brows furrow together. Why are his pockets empty?


    Where are his keys?


    Like he had suddenly been struck by lightning, he swallows a hard gulp and turns to look at the people behind him.


    How could he forget that he didn¡¯t drive here, but had carpool with one of them? To make things even worse, he even called his ride home a man with no shame.


    Thinking this, his gazend on the tall and bulky man as he force a crooked smile.


    "Heh heh."


    He sp both his palms together like he was inside a temple and paying his respect to Buddha.


    "Jiangyu ah... Mr. Muscle, oh Mr. Honorable Muscles with such great looks, can I get a ride home?"


    He made sure to give the bulky man some puppy eyes and acts like their previous conversation never happened. However, deep inside, he was sweating like crazy and praying that Buddha be with him to guide him home safely.

 Chapter 647 What is this feeling?

    Leaving the underground parking lot near the underworld, Lu Tian stepped on the elerator and sped home like he was racing to the finish line.


    By the time he arrived home, it was alreadyte into the night, but what should have taken a little more than an hour was done no more than thirty minutes.


    If it had been his car, he would have just parked it out in the front driveway, but because he was in his wife¡¯s car, he made sure to park it inside the garage before striding close to a jog home.


    Upon entering Yue Ling and his house, all was quiet like his wife was not even home yet. However, he knew that she was home thanks to the lights above the stairs.


    He sighs in relief and change out of his shoes into a pair of house slippers. As he did so, he didn¡¯t forget to check the time.


    It was already 11pm.


    No wonder the house was quiet. His wife must have gone to bed since he was out and Inu was not home to bother her. Not only that, before he left herpany, he had told her not to wait up for him.


    Thinking about it now, he was regretting the idea. He should have told her to wait up for him. That way, when he enters the house, he would be greeted by her.


    However, knowing that what is said had already been said, he makes his way up the stairs.


    As he walked through the upstairs hallway to their bedroom, he removes his coat and suit jacket. Eyes glued to the door to their bedroom, he could see that it was left open ajar and little light can be seen inside.


    Reaching the door, he carefully push it open and enters the room. He didn¡¯t have to search as his eyes had alreadynded on the slender outline of his wife under the nket.


    A very faint smile curls on Lu Tian¡¯s lip as he saw her sleeping peacefully.


    She was sleeping on her back with both her hands on her abdomen. The nket covered only the lower half of her body as her head was slightly turned to side of the bed he slept on.


    Catching a glimpse of her phone under her hands, he chuckles quietly. She must have tried to stay up and wait for him but fell asleep.


    Taking a very quiet step then another, he walks over to the bed. He made sure to not make a sound so that he would not wake her up.


    As he nears her sleeping figure, his entire being softens like melted butter. He carefully removes her phone and set on the side table before reaching for the nket. He gently pulls it up to cover her body, but the more he stared at her beautiful face, he couldn¡¯t help but sit down on the edge of the bed.


    She looked so breath taking and at peace. It was as if the corrupted world outside can never get the worse of her at all.


    Mesmerized by her sleeping face, he couldn¡¯t help but reach a hand to hold her cheek and gently caress her soft skin with his thumb.


    Realizing what he was doing, he quickly moves his cold hand away as he was now afraid that she would wake up.


    However, before he could retrieve his hand, Yue Ling doesn¡¯t wake up, but tilt her head closer to his palm as if to feel if he were really there.


    Like she had confirmed that it was him, he could see a smile curl on her face.


    Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but smile with her. This time, his smile was not faint as anyone who were to enter the room would be able to see it.


    He decides not to move his hand and watch her continue to nestle against his palm like a sleeping kitten.


    He swore, every time he is with her, she is like the warm sun that brightens his dark world. If he never met her, there is no doubt that he would ever learn how to love someone so much.


    So much that just the thought of losing her scares him more than anything.


    He slowly leans down to her and decides to steal a kiss before changing out of his clothes.


    However, the second he felt her soft lips against his, he sighs inside and couldn¡¯t bring himself to move away.


    She is definitely his weakness and a drug that gives him the will to continue living.


    Unaware of the man, Yue Ling slightly furrow her brows in her sleep. The faint cold air that was brushing against her as she slept was suddenly gone follow by pressure on her lips.


    ¡¯What is this feeling? It¡¯s so soft and sweet.¡¯


    Thinking in her sleep, she inhales a deep breath and the corners of her lip curls up. The air that entered her nose brought along the fragrance of the man she loves.


    "Mmm..."


    A soft moan sounds from her and her smile curls up more. Maybe is was because she misses Lu Tian while waiting for him that the shameless side of her decided to let her dream about him.


    However, in her groggy sleepy daze, the corners of her lip lowers and her brows crease together.


    ¡¯Hm? Why does this feel so real? Eh, why did the kiss suddenly turn rough?¡¯


    As she thought in her sleep, she was suddenly wash with confusion. Why are her lips gently being forced open?


    ¡¯Why...¡¯


    Before her tired mind could further her dream more, she feels something wet and soft enter her mouth.


    Her eyes shot open and inside the dimly lit bedroom, shees into contact with Lu Tian¡¯s face up close.


    "..."


    She blinks her eyes a couple of times to clear her vision, but still in a daze, she subconsciously looks at his eyes that were closed.


    ¡¯Wow, what long eyshes he has.¡¯


    Just as she thought this, blood rush up to her face and she turns into a tomato in bed.


    "Mmf!"


    Finallying to her senses, she struggles under the man to free herself. However, her gesture was like an invitation that alerted Lu Tian of her awareness.


    He held her cheek with one hand as his other hand reach down to hold the side of her waist and he deepens the kiss even more.


    What started as a soft and gentle kiss quickly escted into that of a predator devouring his prey.


    After a long minute passes by, only their heavy breathing through their kiss could be heard inside the room. It was then that Lu Tian reluctantly lets her go.


    His hand holding her cheek slightly moves, but only enough so that he can trace her swollen red lips with his thumb.


    A soft, yet devilish smile curls on his lip as he gaze lovingly into her bluish green eyes. He leans closer to her again and pecks a kiss on her lip then her forehead before meeting her eyes again.


    "I¡¯m sorry. Did I wake you up?"

 Chapter 648 Would you be angry...

    Yue Ling was unable to move herself as sheid on the bed. She felt like someone had glued her to the bed and all she could do was stare up with unblinking eyes at the man in front of her.


    With her extremely flustered face from the kiss, she blinks a few times as numerous emotions flooded her mind until she was able to regain control of herself.


    He is sorry? Did he wake her up?


    Of course!


    She is usually a light sleeper, but she didn¡¯t even hear hime home or enter the room. Even when he sat on the bed, she still didn¡¯t hear him at all.


    "W-When did you get home?"


    She clears her throat with a slight stutter of her words as she moves the nket and sits up.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes that did not move from her followed her every move.


    When he saw that she was going to sit up, he grabs the nket and wraps it around her gently before pushing her back down onto the bed.


    "I just got home. Go back to sleep. I didn¡¯t think kissing you would wake you up."


    Yue Ling was back on the bed with the nket covering her mouth down. Her eyes stares up at the man with a calm expression, but deep inside she was more dumbfounded than ever.


    He said he didn¡¯t think his kiss would wake her up. Who in the world would be able to sleep through such a kiss like the one he gave her?


    As she argue her response in her mind, the passionate kiss slowly creeps its way into her head. Her face that was slowing returning to normal quickly shot up red like a thermometer.


    "Y-You..."


    She stammers a word and yank the nket off of her. Making a move before he could, she pulls herself together and sits up.


    "You go take a shower. I cooked dinner for you, but it¡¯s cold now. I¡¯ll go heat it up for you."


    Her words fell as she stood up. However, her feet had yet to touch the hard floor when she felt Lu Tian¡¯s arms wrap around her.


    "T-Tian, what are you¡ªah!"


    She lets out a yelp as he pulls her into his embrace. He held her back with one arm while the other on the back of her head.


    "Let me hold you for a bit."


    Yue Ling was going to push him away, but when she heard his words, she frown in confusion. Why is he doing this to her when he just got home? Did something happen while he was out?


    "Tian?"


    She questionably calls his name and tilt her head back to look up at him, but he doesn¡¯t answer her right away. Instead, his arm around her waist tightens more and he lower his head to rest his forehead against her.


    "Thirty more seconds. Just thirty more seconds and I¡¯ll let go."


    His words fell in his usual indifferent tone, but Yue Ling was able to hear the gentleness and longing behind his voice.


    She decides toply and lets him hug her. She doesn¡¯t know what is causing him to suddenly act like this, but if hugging her makes him feel better, she¡¯ll stay still for him.


    However, what she did not know was that, while he was gazing at her sleeping face, he unknowingly thought about what Qin Jun had said to him.


    It made him think about his wife and her past.


    What if the man Choi Li Sun murdered was her deceased fianc¨¦? Knowing how much she had loved the man, would she leave him and put herself in danger to find the man?


    Even when thirty seconds had pass, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t bring herself to push him away.


    In his strong arms, she also couldn¡¯t help but think to herself.


    They haven¡¯t been together for long, but so many things have already happened to them. However, despite all the bad things, she is sure about one thing and that is, she wants to be with him.


    Whenever she is in his arms, all the pain and worried feelings inside her disappears.


    It is safe for her to say that he is her safe haven in every possible way.


    After seconds turned into minutes, Lu Tian finally loosen his arm around his wife. He was reluctant but tells himself that he will be able to hold her again when they go to sleep.


    "I¡¯ll shower thene down to eat."


    Yue Ling was starting to feel warm in his arms, but to suddenly feel that sense of warmth disappear, she had the urge to pull him back. However, hearing his words, she reminds herself that he hasn¡¯t eaten dinner yet and must be hungry.


    She also reminds herself not to be selfish. The rain outside had not calmed down since the afternoon, so he is in need of a warm shower before bed.


    Her eyes stares into his dark ones for a long second, then for some reason, she couldn¡¯t help but stare at his seductive lips. A thought came to her and she struggles a hard gulp before realizing something.


    "I¡¯ll have the food ready when youe down."


    Her words escaped her mouth without a pause and she abruptly stood up from the bed. Without giving him another look, she sped out the bed like her life depended on it.


    She doesn¡¯t dare to stay another second with him or else she will be the one shamelessly pouncing onto him.


    Lu Tian watch her departing figure and a smile curls on his lip. As her man, how can he not know what she was thinking about just now.


    However, not wanting to embarrass her, he shakes his head lightly and stood up from the bed too.


    He grabs a set of sleepwear from the closet then makes his way to the adjoiningvatory in the bedroom.


    As the shower water turns on, Yue Ling reached the kitchen within seconds. With a crimson red face from her own shameless thoughts, she strides over to the stove and turn it on to heat up the congee and soup.


    She had prepared something simple because Lu Tian wasing homete, and it would be easier on the stomach before bed.


    As the food quickly finished heating up, she sees that Lu Tian was not done with his shower yet. So, while she waits for him to finish, she prepares to set up the table.


    Grabbing two small bowls from the cab, she scoops up adle full of the congee into one bowl then fill the other bowl with soup.


    However, what she did not know was that Lu Tian had just finished his shower. He was the type of person who didn¡¯t need to spend long minutes showering.


    Wearing a simple white t-shirt and gray lounge pants, he enters the kitchen, but stops in his steps.


    He couldn¡¯t help but focused on her figure from behind with a soft expression written on his face.


    As he gaze at her warmly, he soon arch a brow seeing that she was wearing a simple nightgown. His brows then crease together, and he questions inside, why she was wearing something so thin when it was cold outside.


    Yue Ling was unaware of the man observing her and proceeds with the food. She moves the two bowls onto a tray and picks it up.


    However, before she could even make another move, she was suddenly pulled into another embrace.


    Her back hits her hugger¡¯s chest the same time his arms slid under her arms and wraps around her waist.


    Yue Ling was caught by surprise at his sudden move, but she calms herself. Lu Tian was the kind of person who tends to throw surprises at her.


    "What is it?"


    Her soft voice sounds as Lu Tian lowers his head and rest his forehead on her shoulder. He inhales sharply as if to imprint her scent in his mind then his words sound in a low voice.


    "Would you be angry if I said I wasn¡¯t hungry anymore?"


    Yue Ling was baffled by his question. She smiles a chuckle and flicks his hand with one hand.


    "Of course I would be. If my guess is correct, you must have forgotten to eat dinner while out. What will your mother think of me if she were to know that I didn¡¯t feed her precious oldest son?"


    Lu Tian smiles from behind at her words. He lifts his head and ce a soft kiss on the side of her head.


    He moves his head away, but only to lower it until his lip was an inch away from her ear.


    "Then, how about I eat you instead?"

 Chapter 649 I can stop

    [WARNING: This chapter contains scenes inappropriate for younger readers!!]


    --------------------------------------------------


    Standing in the kitchen, Lu Tian¡¯s voice was deep and low as he whispered in a seductive tone into her ear. Yue Ling was unable to move as she felt all the hair on her body be erect. Not by fear, but in a way that sent a nice chill down her spine caused by Lu Tian¡¯s shameless words.


    However, despite feeling this way, her mind waspletely nk before he suddenly move his head away from her ear.


    He gently moves her hair to the side to reveal her neck and he lowers his head to ce a small kiss on her skin, then he moves on to her shoulder. As his kissesnd on her, his hands began to slowly wonder over her body.


    Slowly caressing the sides of her arms, he moves up to her shoulders and slowly slides the shoulder straps to her nightgown down.


    "If you don¡¯t want me to, I can stop."


    His words fell in a low voice that sent another wave of chills inside Yue Ling. He doesn¡¯t stop in his movements but continue to nt small kisses on her.


    "Tian..."


    Yue Ling calls his name in a soft whisper as the top half of her nightgown slips down to her waist, she then felt a slight chill brush against her bare skin as she didn¡¯t wear a bra. Then Lu Tian¡¯s hands slides to the front of her and grabs her two mounds. He give each one a gentle squeeze and a smile curls on his lip. Each one fitted perfectly in hisrge palms like they were made just for his hands.


    "Mm~..."


    She wanted to tell him to stop, but at his gentle squeeze all she could sound was a soft moan.


    Her eyes slowly closes, and her head subconsciously tilts back to lean on him. She raise her left hand to his touch his head as her other hand ce over one of his hands on her mounds and she tries to stop him from furthering any more.


    "Wait... Tian..."


    Hearing her gasping for him to wait, Lu Tian force down his urge to take her right away. He stops and moves his hands away from her breasts and lowers them to her waist again.


    "Do you want me to stop?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes flutter open and she covers her exposed breasts with one arm before struggling in his embrace to turn and face him. When she locked gaze with him, she could feel her heart suddenly beat faster and faster.


    His expression was its usual calm and indifferent look, but she could see the longing for her in the darkness of his eyes.


    It was in that moment that she knew he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. However, she sighs aloud and fix her nightgown in ce.


    "Y-You... You eat first, then we can..."


    Her stumbles frantically in her words, but was unable to finish the rest as her face shot red.


    Lu Tian saw what she was doing, and a small frown cross his face. He pulls her closer to him and locks her in ce to not let her fix her nightgown.


    He trace the tips of his fingers on her bare back and another chill was sent into her.


    "I¡¯ll eat."


    He whispers over her head as a mischievous smirk curls on his lips. However, his words fell and his head lowers to captures her mouth with a needy groan.


    One hand on her back, his other hand ce behind her head. He angles his head with her so that he could get her lips in a more deeper and passionate kiss.


    Parting her lips with his tongue, he quickly found her tongue and entangle his with her as if he were escting not only his, but also her desire.


    Yue Ling was taken by surprise at what he was doing. She thought he was going to go through with his words, but to suddenly kiss her like this, she hadn¡¯t had time to prepare her heart.


    However, despite her thoughts of his wanting him to stop, her heart and body said otherwise.


    She ce both her palms on his chest and her eyes close to kiss him back.


    Without separating from her mouth, Lu Tian picks her up and turns away from the stove counter. He takes a few big strides and sat her down on the edge of the dining table.


    Yue Ling winced a gasp when he picked her up, but she soon sighs in relief when she was ced down. She indeed wanted him, but she still needed to prepare herself as it has been a while.


    However, realizing she was not sitting on a chair, she stares up at him in another surprise despite their lips still intact.


    Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure blocks her from thinking of escaping. He supported her back with one hand as his other hand lowers to caress the side of her thigh. Sliding it under her nightgown, in one swift move, he slides her panties down without struggle.


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush redder and her eyes widen at what he had done. She struggles to get down, but he pinned her on the table without letting her go.


    "W-Wait, I thought you said¡ª ah~"


    She had yet to finish her words when his hand that removed her panties caress between her legs and found her sweet spot. His thumb gently rubs on her small nub and she gasp a moan as he tease her into moisture.


    "Tian..."


    Between his teasing and kiss, she could barely keep her mind together. She moans his name and grabs hold of his shoulder as her back arch forward as if wanting to feel his magical fingers more.


    "Not... here..."


    She gasp her words through the gaps of their heated kiss. However, Lu Tian continues to kiss her without stopping. He finally moves from her lips and press his forehead against her as it left only their heavy breathing to echo in the room.


    "Yes, here."


    He spoke in a low raspy voice almost in a growl and quickly captures her lip again like a hungry wolf who had not eaten in days.

 Chapter 650 Theyve become one

    [WARNING: This chapter contains scenes inappropriate for younger readers!!]


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Yue Ling''s gasps and moan became heavier and louder as Lu Tian''s hand turned into a beast let loose into the world. She moves one hand down to the table to help support herself as Lu Tian parts from her lips and work his way on her neck.


    He didn''t stay there for long before he lowers himself and found one of bare breasts.


    "Ha~"


    She inhales a mouthful of air when she felt his tongue y with her aroused stud. Before she could even steady herself more, his hand teasing her sweet spot slowly inserts one finger in.


    "Mn~"


    She bit her lower lip and muffles a small moan at the sudden intrusion. He starts a slow and careful motion of pulling in and out until she was moist enough for a second finger.


    Yue Ling''s mind was now in a chaotic mess. Her moans did not cease as her hand on his shoulder quickly joins the other on the table. In a sitting position on the table, she didn''t forget to search for something to support herself from falling backwards.


    However, unable to find anything to hold onto, she settles her palms firmly on the table at her sides and her head tilts back as the man in front of her continue to prate her inside with his fingers.


    "Tian¡­ wait¡­ you have¡­ to¡­ eat¡­"


    Despite her moans escaping her lips, she was able to squeeze out each word with slight difficulty. Her mind continues to run wild at his touches and she stares down at the man who still had his mouth over her bare chest.


    Lu Tian finally moves away from her twin peaks after doing enough damage to both of them. He gaze up at her flushed face without stopping his hand from moving in herher region.


    He raise himself to kiss her swollen red lips, but it was only for a quick second before he pulls away.


    A devilish, yet seductive smirk curls on his lip at her alluring figure.


    "I am eating."


    His words fell mischievously and it made Yue Ling confused. She wanted to ask, but before she could sound a word, he lowers himself.


    Another moan escapes from her when she felt him kiss her stomach, then he soon found his way between her legs. Without giving her any kind of warning, he pulls his finger out of her sweet spot and spread her legs more.


    He ce her slender legs over his shoulders and held onto her thighs in ce to keep her from closing them. Leaning forward, he buries his head as his mouth takes over the ce his fingers were.


    His tongue engage with her small nub as if to work the magic inside her.


    Yue Ling was barely able to contain her moans in ce. Her chest heavy heavily and her head tilts back. She supported herself with one arm as her other hand reach to gently clutch his hair.


    "Tian¡­ ah~¡­ s-stop¡­ah~"


    Soft mewling moans continue to fill the dining room as Lu Tian settle between her legs.


    He finally gave a satisfying groan when he felt she was ready for him and stood up. He towers in front of her like a pir and frees his throbbing beast from his lounge pants.


    His doesn''t enter her right away but press his forehead against her and whispers in a low raspy voice.


    "Can I?"


    Despite his question for approval, the tip of his dragon still rubbed against the entrance to her cave. If she doesn''t allow him, he will stop right away, but if she allows him, he won''t hold back.


    Yue Ling was even more flustered by his question. He had already ''eaten'' her tofu, was there really the need to ask for her approval in their current situation.


    However, seeing him hold back his desires for her, she bashfully nods her head once in approval.


    Just like how he wanted her, she also wanted him.


    Getting her consent, the side of Lu Tian that was holding back was overtaken by the devil inside him. He held her closer to him and plunge himself deep inside her in a single thrust.


    A satisfying groan escapes from him as Yue Ling''s body shudder at hisrgeness.


    She grabs hold of his shoulder and her nails dug into his skin through the thinyer of his shirt.


    Lu Tian groans softly at the sudden stinging pain on his skin, but it aroused the beast in him and buries himself deep inside her. However, through his strokes against her, he did so in a gentle way because he didn''t want to hurt her.


    After all, it''s been a while since they''ve be one.


    Yue Ling felt his slowness a bother to her own needs for him and wraps her arms around him. If he was shameless, she must be more shameless.


    She pulls him down and close the small gap between their bodies. She captures his lips and this time, it is she, who turns into the hungry wolf.


    Her legs that were wrapped around his waist pulls him more inside of her like she couldn''t bare the thought of him being away from her for a second.


    At her gesture, Lu Tian was slightly taken back by surprise. However, his eyes dim and he wraps one arm around her waist as his other hand settle on the table to support them.


    He deepens their kiss as he thrust deeper and deeper inside her. It was as if he was trying to nail her sweet and tightly onto the table.


    Minutes soon turn into hours and the end finally neared for the couple.


    Lu Tian motions his hips with roughness that drove Yue Ling in waves of pleasure. Her arms clutched around his neck tighter as a tide of unbelievable pleasure shot inside her.


    Her body stiffened and she slightly shuddered along with her breathy moans and gasps. She slowly caress his body with her own and encourage his pace to fasten until he too, fell in the same abyss as her.


    With a single, yet, strong thrust, Lu Tian releases his seminal fluid inside her.


    He didn''t have to pull out of her because she is going to be his Mrs. Lu and the only woman in his heart.


    Even when the two were worn out from their shameless intimacy, Lu Tian doesn''t pull out of her. He held onto her exhausted body and lets her lean on his chest.


    They stayed intact as one for several more minutes leaving only their heavy breathings and rasps to sound in the room.


    Yue Ling''s eyes were heavy, and she was unable to move her body. However, she force herself and moves away from Lu Tian.


    Remembering where they were, her cheeks that were still red reddens more.


    "I¡­ I can''t believe we did it here¡­"


    She chuckles her words and avert her eyes from even thinking of looking at Lu Tian.


    How can they have no shame and do such a shameful thing on the dining table. The same dining table they and their guest eat meals on.


    As she thought this, she chuckles again and looks up at Lu Tian.


    "We''ll need to buy a new table. It''s too shameless of us if we were to let this table stay here."


    Her words fell, but the moment she locked eyes with Lu Tian, she notice that his gaze at her was dark.


    He doesn''t answer her, and she was confused for a second before her body stiffens in ce.


    The second Lu Tian saw her smiling face, he was already hardening inside her. It was like the dragon below was only taking a quick nap as it still didn''t get enough of her taste.


    "Tian¡­"


    Yue Ling''s eyes rounded in surprise at him. She gave a little moan in protest as she could feel the beast below stretch her walls.


    "Wait, we need to rest¡­"


    However, Lu Tian ignores her words.


    He secures on arm around her back tightly and his other hand lowers to hold her bottom. In a swift scoop, he picks her up and strides out of the dining room.


    "Tian, wait ah~!"


    Yue Ling protested, but all the words that came out from her was like a moan. Her arms and legs quickly wraps around him in fear of falling.


    He carried her with his beast still buried inside and he kiss the temple of her head.


    "We can rest in the bedroom."

 Chapter 651 We can try

    [WARNING: This chapter contains scenes inappropriate for younger readers!!]


    -


    "I don¡¯t believe you. You say that but you¡¯re..."


    Yue Ling protested against Lu Tian, but when it came to herst few words, she hid her face on the crook of his neck and murmur.


    "You¡¯re still inside..."


    Lu Tian smiles from ear to ear at her shyness. He continues up the stairs and stride to their bedroom as his words fell.


    "We¡¯re buying a new table, so a few more rounds have to be worth it."


    "..."


    He spoke righteously, but Yue Ling was dumbfounded by him. She wanted to refute his words, but each time she opened her mouth, only a moan came out as he would thrust inside her with each of his steps.


    Entering their shared bedroom, he gently set her down on therge bed. He doesn¡¯t give her time to rx as his hip was already starting the swift motions of loving her again.


    "Tian..."


    Yue Ling gasp his name at each thrust he made inside her. However, she didn¡¯t not know that the way she said his name intensified the desire in him and turns him into a mad man in love.


    "I love you, Yue Ling."


    He groans in a low growl and held one of her leg up as he press it against the side of his body.


    "I love you so much, its driving me crazy."


    Yue Ling was swept with waves of emotions at his words and movements. She held his face with her hands and gaze into his deep eyes as best as she could.


    "I... love... you too..."


    Hearing her moan each word, Lu Tian¡¯s heart soften to the core, but his eyes darken with burning passion for her. He lowers his head and captures her lips while the lower part of his body full on thrust into her like their passionate act at this moment was going to be theirst.


    As their intimate act continue into the night, the moon that was hid behind the gray clouds was in disbelief. Its view of the couple was already blocked, yet because it could hear the two, it could only blush shyly and try to move the clouds to cover its eyes some more.


    Morning soon came to those in Imperial as Yue Ling, who had a fatigue night furrow her brows then open her eyes. She could feel intense pain throughout her body, but blush when she remember the reason behind the pain.


    She had continuously pleaded with Lu Tian to let her rest, but he was like a wild beast and wouldn¡¯t let her.


    Now that they¡¯ve rested, she can¡¯t help but worry that the man¡¯s stamina will be restore and he will want to go another round.


    She curse inside at her aching body and tries to sit up, but realizing she was in Lu Tian¡¯s arms, she stops moving. A faint smile curls on her lip and all the negative energy inside her quickly vanished.


    Leaning her head on his chest, she nestle closer to him and decides to admire the sleeping man.


    Usually, he would be the first to get up so even if she wanted to look at him, she couldn¡¯t. However, seeing that he is still asleep, he must be tired from doing most of the workst night... and this morning.


    She quietly gasp when she remembers he didn¡¯t eat the congee and soup and force her aching body to sit up.


    She¡¯ll wash up first then prepare him a big breakfast since he has to go to work soon.


    "Where are you going?"


    She had only sat up when Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice mix with hoarseness sounds next to her. He doesn¡¯t wait for her respond and pulls her back into his arms.


    "Stay in bed and rest."


    Yue Ling was at a utter loss for words as her head rested on his exposed chest. She stares up at him and sees that his eyes were still closed. It was like he was talking in his sleep.


    "You... How long have you been awake?"


    Even at her surprised question, Lu Tian kept his eyes shut with a straight face. However, despite being this way, he shrugs his shoulder nonchntly and answers.


    "About an hour ago."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded and her eyes blinked uncontroble. If it weren¡¯t for her aching body, she would have jumped out of bed and dig a hole to hide herself in.


    He has been up this entire time, yet, he didn¡¯t make a single sound but pretended to be asleep. Does that mean he was well aware of her admiring his sleeping face?


    As she frantically thought to herself, she soon realize something and force herself to sit up right away.


    "Why are you still in bed? Shouldn¡¯t be getting ready for work?"


    Feeling her abrupt movement, Lu Tian frowns with his eyes still closed. His hand reach to her again and pulls her back into his arms to fill the empty space.


    The only difference was, this time, he turned to his side to face her. He also ce one leg over her to secure her from moving and his eyes opened like they were never closed.


    "Be good and rest."


    He nestle his chin on the top of her head and close his eyes again.


    "I¡¯m not going to work today."


    "???"


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes turned heavy and she looks up at him. However, with their current situation, she was unable to move out of his grasp.


    So, left with no other choice, she remains still in his arms and thought about his words.


    "Why are you not going to work? What about your meetings?"


    "I can do them from home."


    Lu Tian answers her second question without the need to think. His eyes calmly open and he moves his chin away from her head.


    He gently pulls up to be at eye level with him on the bed and gives her a side smirk.


    "Ah!"


    Yue Ling was caught in another surprise and yelps. She had only met his eyes and was trying to reason his smile, but she was quickly pinned down on the bed with Lu Tian positioned above her.


    She swallow a hard gulp and she swore her heart was increasing its speed like it was running a marathon.


    "W-What are you doing?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes gaze down at her morning face and the other corner of his mouth arcs up with the other until his eyes turned into upside down crescents.


    "What am I doing? Of course I¡¯m doing why I¡¯m not going to work today."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s mouth slightly open into the shape of a lowercase ¡¯o¡¯. However, she suddenly flinched when she felt the tip of his already aroused dragon at the entrance to her cave.


    "I... Can I¡ªmmf!"


    She couldn¡¯t even finish her words as everything was sealed away by Lu Tian¡¯s sudden capture of her lips.


    Yue Ling knows that he can go around after around, but couldn¡¯t he let her prepare herself this time?


    It was early in the morning, what if she looked haggard? What about her breath? She hasn¡¯t even brushed her teeth, let alone wash her face.


    "Tian, wait!"


    Her scream came out as a whimper when he release her lips. However, his hands continue to caress every inch of her body under the nket before spreading her legs more.


    "W-Wait! I need to shower and brush my teeth."


    Her head shook in protest and she didn¡¯t forget to struggle free from him. Just as he was centimeters from entering her, she was able to free herself.


    However, to her misfortune, her position now caused her to be at a disadvantage.


    She was on her stomach and t on the bed with Lu Tian still towering over her.


    "..."


    Lu Tian stares down her slender figure and he arch a brow in amusement. He held her waist to turn her over, but a thought cross his mind.


    He press himself over her until their skin touched, but he made sure not to put all his weight on her.


    Moving her long hair to one side, he leans closer to one of her flustered ears and a smile curls on his face.


    "We can try this position too."


    His words had only fell halfway when he ce a kiss on her nape before trailing down her back. Both his hands held her waist and with one small lift, her bottom settle against his awaken beast.


    "Nn??"


    Yue Ling gasp a moan when she felt her cave suddenly invaded by the foreign object of the man behind her.


    Her wanting to protest was quickly rece with desire for him and her moans became the only sound she could make.


    However, deep inside she could not believe at what is happening.


    Not at the fact that he¡¯s been eating her tofu over and over again, but at the fact that she shameless and easily weed him.

 Chapter 652 A complete failure

    As their intimate act of bing one continue in the morning, afternoon soon came to Imperial with another shower of rain. The sound of moans from Yue Ling and groans from Lu Tian finally subdued inside the bedroom.


    Yue Ling was more exhausted by Lu Tian¡¯s intense stamina and fell asleep on the bed again.


    When she tirelessly open her eyes, she furrow her brows. She couldn¡¯t remember how many times, they did it. All she remembers having fallen asleep on her side. However, for some reason she was on her stomach.


    Adjusting her eyes sight, what greeted her was Lu Tian¡¯s wide-awake eyes gazing deeply back at her.


    However, the longer his gaze remained on her without moving away, her shoulders shrugs up as if to try and hide her blushing face.


    "Bastard..."


    She mumbles with a shy mixed with angry expression, but Lu Tian did not angry. Of course, if it had been someone else, that person would be long dead. However, he chuckles at her cuteness and reach a hand to caress the side of her face.


    "But I¡¯m the bastard you love."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s heavy eyes turned heavier at his shamelessness. She sounds a faint scoff and rolled her eyes at him before turning her head to look in the other direction.


    Seeing her turn the other way, Lu Tian¡¯s smile increase more and his entire being did not look at all like the cold and indifferent man that he is. His arm that was used as a pillow by her gently wraps around her and he pulls her closer to his body.


    "Let¡¯s go take a shower."


    His words fell and he sits up bringing her with him. He slides one arm under her knees and swiftly picks her up in princess style.


    As he carried her tired body towards the bedroomvatory, Yue Ling didn¡¯t bother to struggle. She allows him to carry her and decides that maybe if she pretends to be as stiff a log, maybe, just maybe he will leave her alone as they shower.


    However, that maybe was aplete failure.


    Even in the shower, Lu Tian did not let her escape. He didn¡¯t wake her up because he wanted her to rest so that he can have another taste of her delicious tofu.


    It was like his stamina never knew when to cease and all Yue Ling could do was cry inside and wish Inu was home. If the little guy were here, he (Inu) would never let Lu Tian bully her like this.


    Before Yue Ling knew it, she had fallen asleep yet again. By the time she opened her eyes this time, the sky outside was beginning to darken, but the rain did not stop.


    She stares up at the ceiling and wanted to sleep some more, but because of Lu Tian¡¯s great stamina, the both of them had skipped breakfast and lunch.


    Forcing her body to turn to her side, she sighs in relief when she felt the thinyers of clothes on her body.


    Lu Tian must have put clothes on her when she fell asleep.


    "You¡¯re awake."


    A deep voice sounds from the bedroom door and Yue Ling looks with slightly ring eyes at the perpetrator of her exhausted body. It was all his fault that she could barely move her body let alone even feel her legs.


    Lu Tian stood at the door fully clothed in a set of loungewear. He looked fully energized and refreshed. It was like the man never lost any strength but gained more.


    Seeing how brightly lit the air around him was, Yue Ling curse inside as her cheeks flush a shade of red and she pulls the nket to cover the lower half of face.


    "How long did I sleep this time?"


    The corners of Lu Tian¡¯s mouth arcs up and he walks towards the bed.


    "Long enough. I was going to wake you up, but you already woke up."


    He sits down on the edge of the bed and gently tug the nket from covering her face.


    "Come, I prepared some food for you."


    His words fell in a chuckle at the sight of his wife¡¯s sudden shy and childlike appearance. He gently held her by the arms and pulls her up to sit.


    However, the second Yue Ling sat up, she felt even more tired and couldn¡¯t feel any strength left inside her.


    Her body turns soft and she falls back onto the bed. She stares at him with a puff out cheeks and slightly raise her arms up.


    "See what you did. I can¡¯t even sit up."


    Lu Tian smiles augh and gaze down at her. He nods his head agreeing to her words and reach down to hold her arms to help her sit up.


    "It¡¯s all my fault. Next time, I¡¯ll be gentler and use less strength."


    He picks her up in the princess-style carry and strides away from the bed to the door.


    Being carried by him again for who knows how many times, Yue Ling doesn¡¯t argue with him. She wraps one arm around his neck and stretch her other arm forward with her finger pointing to the door.


    "Let us go. This Emperor is hungry. Head Eunuch, you must feed zhen until zhen is full and can no longer eat."


    Lu Tian lets out another chuckle at hermand. He shakes his head lightly before cing a soft kiss on the temple of her head and carries her in the direction of the kitchen.


    "Mm, Your Majesty must eat everything this Head Eunuch cooked."


    As the couple enjoy their first meal for the day, in another part of Imperial, the Ji Mansion stood its ground like a fairytale painting.


    A white Mercedes pulls up through the dark metal gates and drove through the driveway until ites to a stop in front of the house.


    The driver side door opens then a bright red umbre. A pair of slender legs wearing red heels soon follow as the person inside steps out into view.


    It was Ji Chu Hua. She wore a red coat matching her heels with her ck jeans peeking out at the bottom.


    She stares up at the sight of the beautiful Ji Mansion and her eyes dimmed dangerously. She didn¡¯t want toe here, but she needed to try and convince Grandfather Ji in letting her take over Ji Corps.


    Knowing that Yue Ling was now herpetitor, she needs to do everything she can to get the Chairman position. If thepany were to fall in Yue Ling¡¯s hands, who knows what will be of her (Ji Chu Hua) and her father.


    Thinking this, she closes the door to her car and walks over to the front door.


    She needed to get this done with as she has other things to do when night falls.


    *Ding ding ding ding ding dong


    Like a woman with no patience, she rang the doorbell frantically without a care about being ill-manner.


    "Aiya, who is it at the door? How can they be so rude? Ringing the doorbell once is already enough."


    A begrudgingly voice can be heard from behind the door and Ji Chu Hua scoffs annoyingly. However, when she heard the door unlocking from inside, she wipes off her irritation and an elegant smile curls on her face.

 Chapter 653 Forgot to lock the door

    The front door to the Ji Mansion opens, but unlike usual times, it wasn¡¯t Housekeeper Hu. The person who had opened the door was a young maid. When she saw the person at the door, her eyes tremble but her expression quickly change into a frown.


    "Second Young Miss, why are you here?"


    Ji Chu Hua¡¯s blood shot up to her head when she heard how the maid addressed her. Before, she was always addressed as the Young Miss, but ever since Yue Ling¡¯s identity was revealed, she now the second. If anything, she should be the First Young Miss since she is older.


    However, staring at the young maid, she came to realize that she has never seen this girl before.


    With this in mind, she can conclude that this maid is new and smiles politely.


    "You must be new here. I came to visit my grandfather. Is he home?"


    The young maid was bbergasted at Ji Chu Hua¡¯s sudden change of attitude. One second ago, she was on the verge going ballistic, yet, now, she was like a pure and innocent woman with such a big heart.


    She quickly brush the thoughts aside and lower her head in polite bow.


    "General Ji is not home at the moment. If you like, when he returns, I will inform him of your visit."


    Hearing this, Ji Chu Hua clench her fist on her handbag. Her nails dug into her skin, but she force out a delicate smile. However, her eyes were ominous like she wanted to stab the maid to death.


    "I only stopped by to give my grandfather a gift."


    She raise her hand and takes out a small wrapped box. Her smile widens, but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    "Let me put this in his study room. I¡¯ll be quick."


    The young maid was hesitant, but seeing the gift, she could only nod her head slowly and open the door more.


    She is new and has heard the other employees say to never let Ji Chu Hua inside the house when General Ji or Ji Jingxu isn¡¯t home. However, wouldn¡¯t she get in trouble if she doesn¡¯t let the woman drop off a gift that is specifically for the old man?


    After all, its only a gift. What harm will it do.


    Closing the red umbre in her hand, Ji Chu Hua shoves into the maid¡¯s hand and strides toward the stairs. She didn¡¯t even care to change out of her wet heels and makes her way up the stairs to the second floor.


    Watching her from behind, the young maid was at a loss for all words. She closes the front door and quickly takes her phone out from inside her pocket.


    She thought Ji Chu Hua was a woman with well behave manners, but seeing the woman now, she knows that those rumors are all lies.


    Looking down at her phone, she instantly sends a message to inform Housekeeper Hu. The old man had gone out to buy some grocery, so its best to alert him in advance.


    Ji Chu Hua made her way to the second floor and doesn¡¯t stop. She strides in the direction of Grandfather Ji¡¯s study room, but her eyes did not forget to look around the entire interior of the huge house.


    A malicious sneer curls on her lip as she thought to herself.


    Once she bes the Chairman at Ji Corps, she¡¯s going to drive away Grandfather Ji for always looking down on her and her father. Next, she will get rid of Ji Jingxu and remove him from the Ji family registry, then the useless soldiers freeloading behind the house and the servants.


    She would keep them as they have some use, but they are loyal to Grandfather Ji. With such loyalty like that, she has no need for them.


    Coming to a stop in front the door leading into the old man¡¯s study room, she doesn¡¯t hesitate and reach for the door handle.


    Her brows arch up and she scoffs a sinister chuckle.


    "The old man must be getting old. He even forgot to lock the door."


    She turns the doorknob and opens the door. Taking a step forward, she enters the room. However, seeing how simple and boring the room was, she frowns in displeasure.


    "Seems like I¡¯ll need to make some arrangements in here when I be the new owner."


    Without closing the door, she walks over to the desk and set her handbag down. She doesn¡¯t do what she had told the maid and walks around the desk to sit down on the chair that belongs to Grandfather Ji.


    She made it seem like she was the soul owner for the entire ce.


    The sneer on her face curls up more, but when she saw the neat rows of photos on the desk, her sneer turned into one of disgust.


    She ce her forearms on the desk and leans forward to take a closer look.


    There was not a single photo of her or her father. Nor was a single person in any of the photos from her side of the Ji family.


    Her eyes soonnd on the photo of Yue Ling and she scoff in annoyance. She is known for her beauty in Imperial, but whenever she sees Yue Ling, she can¡¯t help but feel jealous and want to disfigure the woman¡¯s face.


    "Slut."


    She curse as a thought quickly came to her and she raise her right hand. Stretching it out to the photo of Yue Ling, she gestures her hand into a gun.


    "On second thoughts, I won¡¯t start with the old man, but with you."


    She sounds a faint bang like she had shot Yue Ling.


    "Then I will take everything that is yours, including your man."


    Lowering her hand, she leans back on the chair with a small push to cross her legs on top of the desk.


    Her eyes scans around the room carefully as this was her only chance.


    Grandfather Ji, Ji Jingxu, Zhong Yang and Housekeeper Hu were not here to stop her, so she needed to use this time to find something that will help her attain the position at Ji Corps.


    Her eyes swept across the walls of shelves then down at the desk in front of her.


    Seeing nothing, she lowers her feet and decides to go through the drawers connected to the desk. She didn¡¯t even have to search for long when her eyesnded on a piece of paper.


    Quickly picking it up, her eyes lit up as she reads over each word carefully.


    ¡¯Imperial Military Hospital Diagnose Report¡¯


    ¡¯Patient Name: Ji Huan¡¯


    ¡¯Positive Diagnose: Cardiovascr Disease¡¯


    The more she read each line, the higher the corners of her lip curls up with a dangerous glint of light in her eyes.


    "My, oh my. What do we have here?"


    She leans back on the chair with the diagnose paper in her hand. She licks one corner of her lip and sounds a chuckle as she bit her lower lip.


    "Grandfather Ji is indeed getting too old."

 Chapter 654 Zhen is hungry again

    Setting the paper down in front of her, Ji Chu Hua reach for her handbag and takes out her phone. She snaps a photo of it then ce the paper back inside the drawer where she had found it.


    She stares at her phone andughs evilly at how fast she found what she needed. Standing up from the chair, she was about to leave but nce down at the photo of Ji Jingxu, then to the one of Yue Ling again.


    Bending forward, she gently caress the photo like she was actually caressing Yue Ling.


    "Let¡¯s see what you will do."


    She moves her hand and with a light flick, the photo falls back and drops onto the hard floor as the frame shatters.


    She walks around the desk with only the sound of her cking heels inside the room. Until she stood on the same side as the broken photo, she lets out another sinister chuckle and flicks her hair to her back.


    "Han Yue Ling, I wonder what kind of face you will make when you know that your precious grandfather is dying."


    Herst had only fell when the sound of hurried footsteps reach the door to the room.


    "Grrr...."


    "Ji Chu Hua!"


    Housekeeper Hu¡¯s angry voice shouted when he saw the vicious woman in the room. Standing in a defensive stance at his side was the almighty Inu.


    "Who gave you permission to enter Master Ji¡¯s study room?!"


    Hearing the way he was speaking to her, Ji Chu Hua scoff inside. However, when she turn to look at Housekeeper Hu, a refine anddylike smile cross her face. Of course, that smile slightly faltered when she saw Inu.


    The Samoyed was beyond adorable and anyone who sees him would want to hug him. However, his entire being at this moment was ready to attack Ji Chu Hua if she made one small mistake.


    She quickly steadies herself and stares right into Housekeeper Hu¡¯s eyes.


    "Housekeeper Hu, I am a member of the Ji family. It¡¯s normal for me, Grandather Ji¡¯s granddaughter toe here and bring my grandfather a gift."


    Her words fell and she turns to her handbag on the desk. Picking it up, she takes out the small box that had been wrapped and set it down on the corner of the desk.


    "Since MY grandfather is not home, I have no need to be here."


    Putting on an innocent fa?ade, she turns into a victim daughter who was being bullied by her family¡¯s servants.


    Without saying another word, she strides out of the room but cautiously pass Housekeeper Hu and Inu.


    "Wroof! Wroof!" ¡¯Evil being! You stink!¡¯


    Inu barks defensively at the woman. He could smell all kinds of evil from Ji Chu Hua, but he stood guarding Housekeep Hu in case the woman tries to harm the old man.


    Housekeeper Hu scans the room quickly before closing the door. He locks it then follows in the direction Ji Chu Hua had gone. He had only left for thirty minutes to buy some nourishing food to bring to Grandfather Ji at the hospital.


    Never did he think the evil woman from the second Ji family would suddenly show up.


    He swore, he¡¯s going to lecture all the employees in the house. Who was it that cleaned the old man¡¯s study room and forgot to lock it?! He¡¯s also going to make sure they are fire on the spot.


    As Ji Chu Hua exit the Ji Mansion, she quickly enters her car and drives away from the ce. She has already found what she needed, so now, she can go have a little fun on her own.


    Back at Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s house, the couple was unaware of the situation that had taken ce.


    Yue Ling had fell back to sleep after eating the delicious food Lu Tian had cooked for her.


    Next to her in bed was Lu Tian, but he was not sleeping. He sat up with eyes wide awake. He held a few work documents in one hand as his other hand wrap around his sleeping wife.


    "Hmm..."


    Like she had felt a slight chill, Yue Ling sighs softly and nestles closer to Lu Tian. When she found afortable position against his warm body, her soft and quiet breathing sounds again.


    Lu Tian lowers his hand holding the documents when he felt her small movement. He set the papers down on hisp and reach to grab the nket.


    Seeing the red love marks on her body, his entire being soften with guilt before covering her with the nket.


    Next time, he will definitely be gentler and try to give her less love marks.


    Thinking about their intimate exercise and her captivating expressions in response to him, he struggles a hard gulp at her sleeping face.


    However, seeing her tired face, he could only suppress his desire for her.


    The reason he had the courage to take her was because on his way homest night, Doctor Dong finally called him back to say it was safe.


    If it weren¡¯t because of the old doctor¡¯s words, he would have continued to hold back and not turn into a wild beast.


    As he thought this, he picks up the documents and set it down on the side table. He carefully moves his arm wrapped around her and gets up from the bed.


    He made sure to be a light as a feather and quieter than mouse so that he would not disturb his wife¡¯s sleep.


    After making sure she was warm under the nket, he bends down to kiss her forehead then leaves the room.


    He enters their shared study room and reach for his phone on his desk. Unlocking the screen, he dials a number and ce the phone next to his ear.


    The line rang twice before it connects, and a man¡¯s voice sounds from the other line.


    ["Ah, Lu boy. I was just about to call you."]


    Lu Tian responds with a simple mm with his mouth closed before parting them to speak.


    "Is it ready?"


    ["Haha, you really do have good senses. It finished today. Whenever you are done with the preparations, I will have it personally deliver to you."]


    "Mm. I appreciate your help."


    Lu Tian ends the call and looks out the window. Seeing that the rain had not once stopped, he frowns a sigh.


    Why is it still raining? Should he just take his wife to the civil bureau and register their marriage license right away?


    "Tian?"


    Lost in his own thoughts, Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice mix with tiredness sounds from behind and interrupts him.


    Lu Tian turns around to see his wife at the door. However, she was rubbing her eyes with one hand and leaning against the door frame to support her weak body for falling.


    She looked like a child who had awoke in the middle of night.


    A smile curls on his lip and stride over to her. Even if he wants to take her to civil bureau, he knows that he cannot do that. Not yet.


    She deserves avish and grand wedding with those she deeply cares about to witness their oath in front of God.


    He stops in front of her and pulls her into his arms to be her support.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Why did you get out of bed instead of resting some more?"


    Feeling his arms wrap around her, Yue Ling felt a sense of warmth from him transfer to her. She leans the side of her head on his chest and inhales his manly scent.


    "I¡¯m hungry..."


    Lu Tian blinked his eyes before letting out a chuckle at her reason for waking up. He leans back a little to look down at her.


    "But Your Majesty, earlier you ate until you were full and couldn¡¯t eat anymore."


    "Mm..."


    Yue Ling groans softly with her tired eyes closed. She tilts her head from side to side as her body sway in follow.


    "But zhen is hungry again."


    Her small movements caused Lu Tian¡¯s body to follow her every move. He sighs at her adorableness and gently picks up her up. However, unlike the usual princess style carry, he lifts her enough so that when he set her down, her feet was ced on top of his.


    He held her tightly in his embrace and walks their two bodies back to the bedroom.


    "Do you want to eat in or out?"


    Yue Ling smiles at how good he treats her. She wraps her arms around his waist and tilts her head back to look up at him.


    "Food stall. I want to eat steamed buns."


    Lu Tian nce down at her and seeing her eyes still closed, he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle again. He lowers his head and gives her a small peck on the lip.


    "Mm. Anything my Mrs. Lu want."

 Chapter 655 First time here

    The sky above Imperial dimmed as the sun behind the gray clouds descend to allow the moon to take its ce. However, despite the sky¡¯s transition, the quenching rain did not subdue.


    Underneath the rain, an orange Audi r8 rev in view as it pulls up to a stop in front of a small restaurant. Stepping out into view after opening the door was Xu Long.


    He stares up at the restaurant as it was the same restaurant, they brought one of Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men after the tragic loss of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s baby. [Refer to Ch. 444: His head]


    Shutting the door to his extravagant car gifted by his bossdy, he strides to the front door to the ce.


    He wore an all-ck tailored suit with a white dress shirt under and a ck-tie at his neck. His hair was neatlybed to one side making him lookpletely different from his usual assistant look.


    To those who saw him, he looked cool and collected, but inside he was full of tears. How can he forget to bring an umbre? Now his hard work on his appearance has gone to waste.


    He quickly enters the restaurant and motions a quick Harlem shake to rid of any water residue that was on his body.


    "Uh... Xu Long, are you dog?"


    An elderly man with white hair asked from behind the front counter when he saw what the assistant was doing.


    Xu Long¡¯s cheeks burned red at the fact that someone saw him. He clears his throat and straightens his tie.


    "Are they here?"


    The elderly man sighs and shakes his head at Xu Long¡¯s unusual behavior. He is old but never has he met anyone with a personality like the assistant.


    However, he doesn¡¯t say this to Xu Long as he did not want to hurt the boy¡¯s feelings.


    Picking up a newspaper on the counter, he nudges with his chin in a direction.


    "Only one came."


    Without saying any more, he blocks himself from the assistant¡¯s view like he had be invisible.


    Xu Long rolled his eyes at the old man. He stuck his tongue out and turn to look in the direction he was pointed to.


    Seated in the far back corner of the ce, a man with long hair tied up in a ponytail. He wore white jeans with a matching white denim jacket. On the side of the sleeves was a blue line along with the side of the jacket that wrapped around his waist.


    The man was oblivious of Xu Long¡¯s arrival as his head was lowered down and eyes on his phone.


    Xu Long¡¯s mouth turned upside down and his face scrunch in aversion at how cool the man looked.


    He wipes off his expression and strides over to the table. When he reached the empty chair across from the man, he ces his briefcase down with a light thud.


    "Are you Kira Yamato?"


    Kira was focused on his phone since he arrived at the restaurant. Qin Jun told him toe and meet Lu Tian¡¯s assistant because he (Qin Jun) and Song Jing Li were going to meet another source who had information on Choi Li Sun¡¯s whereabouts.n


    When he heard the assistant, he looks up and arches a brow in amusement.


    "You¡¯re Xu Long?"


    Hearing the man say his name like they were close friends, Xu Long scoffs a chuckle. He pulls the empty out and lifts his left leg. He ms his foot on the seat and his left elbow lowers to rest on his knee with his index finger pointing at him.


    "I am James Long Bong."


    "..."


    Kira was stupefied by the assistant. He doesn¡¯t hold himself back and snort augh in Xu Long¡¯s face.


    "I see."


    His head nods in understanding and he tilts his head to observe the man¡¯s appearance.


    "So that¡¯s why you¡¯re dressed like an intelligence agent in the Secret Intelligence Service."


    When his eyes look back at Xu Long¡¯s face, the space between his brows crease and he touched his chin.


    "But I thought, James Bond, is British."


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief. His mouth opens and closes as he scoffs before fanning himself with his hand. He lowers his foot on the chair and ms one palm on the table.


    "If I¡¯m not mistaken, Kira Yamato is the main protagonist of an anime series."


    He stares with wide protruding eyes at Kira without blinking.


    "Are you here in Imperial because your girlfriend, Lacus left you?"


    His words fell and he raises his hand on the table. He gestures to the left with his palm facing up and his head following then does the same to the right.


    "What about your fraternal twin sister, where is she? Hm? Do you even have a twin sister?"


    "..."


    For the first and second time in his life, Kira was dumbstruck by his encounter with Xu Long. He could only blink his heavy eyes and question his entire existence in the world.


    However, the main question in his head is, how in the world did the fearsome Lu Tiannd himself an assistant like this?


    The two men stare at each other without batting an eye. If one were to see them, they would think the two were in the middle of a staring contest.


    Even sparks of lightning can be seen as the two battle like two enemies meeting for a final throw down.


    However, just when the situation was about to go down, both men¡¯s stern expression changed, and a loud hystericalugh sound from them.


    Xu Long: "You¡¯re so cool, bro. I want to have your name."


    Kira: "No you¡¯re cooler. I want to be James Bond too."


    The elderly man behind the front counter lowers the newspaper blocking him and he stares at the only two customers in his restaurant. Seeing themugh like maniacs who had escaped from the psychiatric hospital, he shakes his head and raises the newspaper again.


    "An imbecile can always spot another imbecile."


    Xu Long: "Old man! We can hear you!"


    Kira: *Sob "This is my first time here. How can you be so mean to me?"


    Elderly man: "I¡¯m too old for this..."

 Chapter 656 Is your name really...

    Inside the restaurant, Xu Long and Kira finished discussing the important information each team had gathered on Choi Li Sun and the woman name Hua. However, the two did not leave the table as they were still finishing their meals.


    "So, you suspect this Hua woman¡¯s real name is Ji Chu Hua?"


    Kira asks after taking a sip of his warm tea. He was surprised when he heard the name. He has never met Ji Chu Hua, but he knows that she is Yue Ling¡¯s cousin.


    He set the cup of tea down and stares unblinking at the piece of paper Xu Long had shown him of Ji Chu Hua¡¯s information with an attached photo.


    "Are you sure?"


    Unlike Kira¡¯s calm appearance, Xu Long was the total opposite. He held his chopsticks in one hand while in his other hand was a piece of drumstick from the roasted chicken he ordered.


    He had only taken a bit on the drumstick when he heard the questions. His brows furrow and he tilted his head to the side.


    "I¡¯m not 100% sure, but she was in the underworld to meet a suspicious person."


    He was referring to the night he, Liu Shan, and the other went to Glory to find Steelhead. However, it wasn¡¯t him, but Qi Li who saw Ji Chu Hua. After they learned about this news, they¡¯ve been keeping a close eye on her and it was then that they learned the person she¡¯s meeting in secret has the same appearance as Choi Li Sun.


    However, despite him telling Kira this, he can¡¯t tell the whole truth because his new family is part of the underworld. He will never stab them in the back and allow them to get caught.


    He nces down at the paper Kira was still looking at that had the information of Ji Chu Hua and he stops eating.


    "Of course, that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re iming she¡¯s the woman name Hua, but we can¡¯t be too careless."


    Some of Wolf Team thinks Ji Chu Hua is the woman, but he doesn¡¯t. He hadpared the photos millions of times and the photos of Ji Chu Hua from behind did not match the one of Hua.


    The woman in the photos with Choi Li Sun was slimmer, whereas Ji Chu Hua was also slim, but she had more curves.


    Kira nces up at the assistant. He purses his lip with a slight frown. If Ji Chu Hua is a suspect and involved with Choi Li Sun, are they not going to tell Yue Ling?


    No, they can¡¯t. They are working with Lu Tian and his team. They can¡¯t give away any clues that they know Yue Ling.


    Oblivious to the samurai¡¯s true thoughts, Xu Long leans forward and whispers with a serious expression.


    "Bro, I¡¯ve been doing some serious thinking. Is your name really Yamato Kira?"


    Kira was still in a daze when he heard the question. He chokes on his saliva and pats his chest to calm himself.


    "It¡¯s my code name."


    He answers without the need to think. He found Xu Long to be a trustworthy man despite their first-time meeting. However, seeing the assistant¡¯s eyes lit up, he (Kira) sighs as he could already guess when Xu Long wants to ask.


    "My real name is confidential."


    "..."


    The lights in Xu Long¡¯s eyes disperse like a lit candle suddenly blown out. He sighs in disappointment and starts to gather his things together.


    "Alright, but since we¡¯ve discussed what is needed, I¡¯m leaving. Our side will continue to monitor Ji Chu Hua¡¯s moves, while you guys continue to collect intel on Choi Li Sun."


    His words fell calmly, and he looks at Kira in the eyes.


    "I¡¯m not leaving because you don¡¯t want to tell me your name. I am leaving because I am a very busy man with things to do at night."


    Kira was baffled by his sudden words. However, he forces himself to notugh and nods his head in agreement. He watched as Xu Long close his briefcase and he suddenly remembers something.


    "Oh, I forgot to ask. Do you think you can help cover our tracks?"


    He is a hacker for Faith, but with Qin Jun¡¯s mistake, there¡¯s no doubt Yue Ling must have already informed Liu Shan to look into them. As one should know, Liu Shan¡¯s skills when ites to technology is beyond better than his (Kira). However, if Xu Long agrees, maybe Liu Shan won¡¯t be able to find them.


    Xu Long was already standing when he was asked for help. He narrows his eyes at Kira as he found the man¡¯s words to be very questionable. However, he shakes it away and shrugs his shoulders.


    "I¡¯ll do what I can, but don¡¯t cause any trouble for my boss."


    He doesn¡¯t say anymore and walks away from the table like a cool and man protagonist in a novel.


    Kira watched him leave out the restaurant and he chuckles lightly. He found Xu Long to be a very interesting man. His head turns to the window and he stares at the pouring rain and he thought back to one of Xu Long¡¯s question.


    When he first moved to City Z, he was only a teenage boy and a foreigner in a foreign country. Others would often bully him for being different since he didn¡¯t socialize much, but one day while he was cornered, God sent him two saviors.


    Shin and Qin Jun. To meet them was the best thing that ever happened to him.


    After meeting them it was then that he started to stand up for himself as he didn¡¯t want to weak and depend on them all the time.


    Shin wouldugh and joke saying he was like Yamato Kira. Someone who dislikes fights and conflicts but is willing to fight in order to protect his friends and loved ones.


    It was because of this reason that no one called him by his real name anymore.


    Even if his real name is forgotten, he does not care. He will continue to live with this nickname in memories of his deceased brother.


    The trickling sound of rain brings him back from memoryne and he looks away from the window. He gathers all the remaining papers on the table and puts them in his bag before standing up to leave too.


    As he exits the restaurant, he sighs at the rain does not seem to stop anytime soon. Reaching for a baseball cap he had put in his pocket he puts it on and lowers his head.


    He makes his way to his car that was parked around the corner, but just when he was about to make the turn, a figure steps out and their two bodies collide.


    "Woah, my bad."


    He apologizes and looks up at the person he had bumped into. However, when he saw the person¡¯s face, his eyes tremble as they widen.


    "Y-You... How..."


    His words fell in a stammer and he was unable to finish the rest. The figure in front of him was the second person he did not want to run into.


    "W-Why are you here?"


    The person stares back at him as they stood at the same height. There was no smile on the person¡¯s face, but only indifference.


    "I should be asking you that question."

 Chapter 657 Dont want her to know

    In the far distance away from the heart of Imperial, Glory was as crowded as every night. Inside one of the many private rooms in the back, Kira sat inplete silence. He would often steal a few nces at the person he had bumped into outside the restaurant.


    Seeing that this person was sitting across from him without uttering a sound, he struggles a gulp. This person was usually carefree and talkative, but one should know how serious the situation is when he is quiet.


    Unable to withstand the silence anymore, Kira straightens his sitting posture and force a chuckle.


    "How... How have you been, Shan?"


    Liu Shan held a ss filled with liquor in his hand. His eyes blinked at a slow pace until he heard the question. He nces at the man with long hair and he scoffs a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Is that really the question you should be asking right now?"


    When he left De L¡¯amour, he spent the entire night trying to find what his boss had asked him to do. He had to admit, Kira did a good job of erasing their tracks, but it wasn¡¯t advance enough as he was still able to find them.


    What surprised him was that the three men had just recentlye into contact with Lu Tian and the two groups were meeting in secret.


    The only thing he couldn¡¯t find out was why they were here in Imperial.


    He swirls the liquor in his ss like he was drinking wine and nonchntly tilt his head.


    "Did the band Faith disband only toe to Imperial?"


    Kira felt his throat tighten like something hard was stuck inside. If it had been someone else in front of him, excluding Yue Ling, he would have uttered some excuse, but in the eyes of Liu Shan, he knows that he can¡¯t.


    "Well?"


    Seeing that the man was not nning to answer him, Liu Shan questions again. His entire being was like a detective interrogating a suspect in a crime.


    Met with this side of the assistant, Kira could only sigh deeply. He leans forward and pours himself a shot of hard liquor and drinks it in one gulp.


    If he is going to answer Liu Shan, he¡¯s going to need a few drinks to calm his nerves down.


    "Faith did disband from the music industry, but we didn¡¯t disband from our real career."


    Just like Yue Ling being a model to hide her identity as the designer of De L¡¯amour and the leader of Fate, they also have their own identities.


    He (Kira), Lee Shin, Qin Jun, Song Jing Li, and Park Min Lee were members of the band Faith, but only a handful of people know that it was only a cover-up.


    Music is an interest they have inmon, so they started the band. However, the real truth was, they are undercover agents from Chief Kim¡¯s special unit to track down criminals in the underworld.


    It was also because of this that Shin lost his life.


    Ending his thoughts, he pours himself another drink. He doesn¡¯t down it in one gulp, but casually drinks it.


    "We¡¯re here in Imperial to work the case on Choi Li Sun."


    He didn¡¯t answer with the whole truth, but it was part of the truth.


    Hearing his answer, Liu Shan frowns and stares at the man with long hair. He could see that Kira wasn¡¯t lying, but he still felt something was off. However, not digging further, he averts his eyes away.


    "Choi Li Sun... Are you sure he is here?"


    Before moving to Imperial, he remembers Shin was working undercover in City Z¡¯s underworld. His task was to gain Choi Li Sun¡¯s trust and then capture the man.


    However, didn¡¯t they capture him? Why would he be here in Imperial?


    "I thought Shin closed the case?"


    Kira felt his throat loosen, but when he heard Liu Shan¡¯s questions, that tightness moves to wrap around his chest. He slowly closes his eyes to inhale a deep breath and opens them again.


    "He did. Sort of. Before the wedding, he gave all the intel to Chief Kim on the location to detain Choi Li Sun, but someone inside leaked out the information causing the bastard to escape and he fled to Imperial."


    He raises one hand and massages the back of his neck.


    "Don¡¯t tell her why we are here. If she knows, she will no doubt lend a hand and that¡¯s thest thing we want her to do. Especially when she already left that world."


    Liu Shan chuckles sarcastically when he heard those words. He slightly leans forward and ces the ss cup in his hand down before leaning back on the chair.


    "You guys don¡¯t want her to know or help, but you guys are working with the man closest to her."


    Even when a name was not mentioned, Kira understood right away who Liu Shan was talking about. He lowers his hand massaging his neck and reach for a cigarette inside his jacket pocket.


    "That¡¯s exactly why we don¡¯t want her to know."


    He settles the cigarette between his lips and lights the end with a lighter.


    "Lu Tian is a man of many expertise. If he were to know that her past involved us, do you really think he will let it go?"


    For this reason, they couldn¡¯t tell anyone they don¡¯t truly know about their connection to Yue Ling. They don¡¯t want any harm toe to her, especially when Lu Tian is a government official while Yue Ling is involved with the underworld.


    He inhales a mouthful of the tobo and smoothly blows the smoke out.


    "Like everyone else who cares about her, we also want her to find happiness. Now that she has, we don¡¯t want any misfortune to happen to her."


    Liu Shan kept quiet and listened. He wasn¡¯t sure if the members of Faith me Yue Ling for moving on, but to hear that they still care about her, he was relieved.


    He can also understand why they (Faith) don¡¯t want Lu Tian to know, but they have misunderstood the man.


    "Lu Tian is not the type of man who will harm her. If you thought Shin loved her, you should see how that cold and ruthless man shows his love for her. So not cold and ruthless."


    He sighs aloud and looks straight at Kira in the eyes.


    "You guys are really going to be ghosts without seeing her while here in Imperial?"


    He spoke calmly but when he saw Kira nod his head in response, he (Liu Shan) could only sigh a faint chuckle in disbelief.


    "Then Qin Jun shouldn¡¯t have let her see him. Did he think she will act like she never saw him?"


    Seeing Kira remain in silence, he leans forward a little and grabs his drink to take a sip of it.


    "As one of your old friends, I won¡¯t tell her your reason for being here, but if you guys still consider her as family, you should all see her while you are here."


    He smiles a smile that did not reach his eyes as the look on his face did not hide the pain he was feeling inside.


    "Everyone thinks she is happy because she indeed found her happiness, but in the short time we¡¯ve been here, none of you will be able to imagine the pain that just befell her."


    Kira was nodding his head lightly in understanding to Liu Shan. However, when he heard the man¡¯sst few words, his eyes shook with worries, and his fingers tighten around the ss cup as if he wanted to break it.


    "What do you mean pain? Did something happen to her?"


    Liu Shan wanted to tell Kira about Yue Ling¡¯s car incident that led her to lose her child, but he held himself back.


    He finishes the remaining drink in his hand and pours himself another ss.


    "That¡¯s something you should personally ask her when you see her."

 Chapter 658 Indeed the stronges

    Under the gray sky that engulfed Imperial into darkness, the streets were less crowded as people didn¡¯t want to be out in the pouring rain.


    However, despite the rain and wet grounds, a ck umbre can be seen gliding as it shelters its owners from the rain.


    As they were oblivious to what their assistants were doing, Lu Tian¡¯s long legs stride at a steady pace as he carries his wife on his back. Yue Ling nestles her chin on his shoulder with one arm wrap securely around him and her other hand holding the handle to the umbre.


    "Tired? Am I too heavy?"


    She asks in a shy voice as she felt her weight was too heavy and from the distance, they¡¯ve walked, there is no doubt the man is tired by now. However, Lu Tian shook his head and continues to walk towards the food stall she wanted to go to.


    "If you¡¯re heavy, I wouldn¡¯t even carry you."


    Hearing his words that were full of honesty, Yue Ling chuckles and tilt her head to lean against him.


    "My head Eunuch is indeed the strongest."


    The moment they parked the car, she told him she could walk despite her still not able to feel her legs. However, he was against it and crouched in front of the passenger door with a demanding tone saying either she lets him carry her or they go back home.


    She was left speechless by him and said they could just go back home, but he pulled her out of the passenger seat, and piggyback carried her. He didn¡¯t even leave her any room to say more and started walking.


    Coming back from her thoughts, Yue Ling sighs and pouts her lip. She couldn¡¯t help but feel that her weight is still too heavy for him to carry.


    "Tian, I think you should put me down. I can still walk on my own. Besides, what if others were to see you carrying me like this? What will they say about you? Wouldn¡¯t your almighty image be ruined and everyone in Imperial will think that you are a henpecked husband?"


    If her memory serves her right, Lu Tian is said to be a well-known bachelor with a cold personality that makes one unable to get close to.


    With their current situation, wouldn¡¯t letting him continue to carry her like this sabotage the image he worked so hard on? Not only that, wouldn¡¯t this make others question his ruthlessness?


    Lu Tian couldn¡¯t see her face, but he was well aware of why she wants him to set her down. However, when ites to her, he can care less about his image.


    He tightens his grip on her legs around him and continues forward without pause.


    "I don¡¯t care about what others have to say about me. If they see me like this, good."


    He gently bumps his head with her head and his words continue.


    "Let the world know that I am only Han Yue Ling¡¯s henpecked husband."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flushed and she turned into an even shyer little girl. She is so worried about his image and yet, here he is, unfazed without a care in the world.


    "You¡¯re always spoiling me."


    He is always letting her act like a spoilt brat. He doesn¡¯t even seem to be bothered by it, but seem to like it when she acts this way.


    Lu Tian sighs a faint smile at her words. He indeed likes to spoil her, but...


    "Not enough."


    He spoke his remaining thoughts aloud and continue in his steps.


    Others may see him as a coldblooded man with no heart but for her, he is willing to be anything.


    As long as he can make her happy and see her smile, nothing else matters to him. Even if she wants him to pluck the stars in the sky for her, he is willing to because she deserves to be happy like everyone else in the world.


    "Ah! It¡¯s right there!"


    While Lu Tian was in the middle of his thoughts, Yue Ling suddenly exims and her arm wrapped around him points to a specific food stall in the distance.


    Lu Tian was brought back to his consciousness and looks in the direction she had pointed. He chuckles at her excited tone of voice and increases his speed.


    How can he forget that food is his wife¡¯s best friend.


    The area they arrived was not as crowded as the first time they came here, but there were still a few stalls in business. Within seconds, the couple soon came to a stop in front of a small food stall. It wasn¡¯t big like the others, but the aromaing from this food stall was delicious and captivating.


    As one should know, this was the same food stall the couple hade with Inu.


    "Put me down. I can manage on my own. Your legs must be tired by now too."


    Yue Ling cheerfullymands, but unable to see Lu Tian¡¯s facial expression, she did not see the reluctant pout on his face.


    He still wanted to carry her, but like the good husband that he is, he carefully sat her down on a chair in front of the food stall then on the empty seat across from her.


    "Hi!"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t wait and calls out to get the owner¡¯s attention. She held a delighted smile with one hand waving like someone was in front of her.


    Seeing her excited and bright expression, Lu Tian sighs inside. If only this expression of her is directed at him only.


    However, knowing he cannot be too selfish, he takes the umbre from her and closes it as they were already under a popup gazebo.


    "Yue Ling? Oh my God, it is you!"


    An even more cheerful voice calls out from behind the food stall. It was Nuo Hui Ying. She grinned from ear to ear at the sight of Yue Ling.


    Due to the rain, their business had been slow all day, so she decided to finish some of her school assignments. When she heard a woman¡¯s voice, she didn¡¯t need to think as she could recognize it from a mile away.


    Seeing the retired model and Lu Tian sitting down, her cheeks flush in embarrassment.


    "After your visit here, my father purchased some tables and chairs. He said they were for you in case you stopped by again."


    Hearing these words, Yue Ling felt her heart soften. She looks around the newyout of the ce then looks back at Nuo Hui Ying.


    "Grandmother Nuo is not here today?"


    Nuo Hui Ying shakes her head no and puts on a pair of disposable gloves.


    "Grandma is at home with my mother. It¡¯s only my father and I are here, but he went to buy some food down the street to bring home."


    She looks at Yue Ling and her eyes beamed with a bright light and she grins with her teeth.


    "What can I get you?"


    "Two steamed buns."


    Before Yue Ling could answer, Lu Tian took the initiative to answer. He stood up from his seat and walks over to the food stall.


    He knows his wife and if she had answered, she would have pushed her tired body to get up and get the food. So, not wanting her to do that, he decides to do it for her.


    "Uh..."


    Nuo Hui Ying was at a loss. However, aware of Lu Tian¡¯s wrath, she quickly nods her head and wraps up two steamed buns.


    "Two steamed bunsing right up."


    She may be younger, but that didn¡¯t mean she hasn¡¯t heard about the man fear by many in Imperial.


    Yue Ling stares at Nuo Hui Ying busying herself then at Lu Tian. Her eyelids quickly turn heavy and she slowly raises her hand to hold her forehead.


    Towards her, he is her henpecked husband with a soft heart, but towards others, he¡¯s back to a stone and heartless man.


    Does this man not realize the cold aura emitting from him? Does Nuo Hui Ying look like a bee he should be chasing away?

 Chapter 659 I am talking to you

    Hours pass by as the two men inside one of Glory¡¯s private rooms catch up with life. Kira lowers his head to look at the time on his phone and seeing howte it had gotten, he tells Liu Shan he is leaving.


    As he stood up and walks over to the door, his head turns to look at the assistant.


    "You¡¯re not leaving?"


    The assistant did not move from his seat. He was already pouring himself another ss of hard liquor. When he heard the samurai looking man¡¯s question, he looks at the person and grin from ear to ear.


    "Uh... No, you go ahead. I still have some things to do here."


    Kira stares at Liu Shan with one arched brow. They were currently in Glory. An underworld hangout spot for dark meetings. What could he (Liu Shan) possibly have to do here?


    However, the longer he stares at Liu Shan, he could only see the calmness in the man¡¯s eyes. He wasn¡¯t able to see what Liu Shan is thinking about at all.


    He shrugs his shoulders without another thought and opens the door to leave the private room.


    "Guess I¡¯ll be seeing you then."


    Liu Shan answers back with an ¡¯mm¡¯ and goes back to pouring himself a drink. He couldn¡¯t leave even if he wanted to because he needed to confirm something first.


    When he and Kira first arrived inside Glory, he had spotted someone very familiar to enter one of the private rooms in the back. He needed to stay and make sure that his eyes did not y a trick on him.


    As Kira exit the room and closed the door, he abruptly stops in his steps. If it weren¡¯t for his fast reflexes, he would have bumped into the person who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.


    "S-Sorry. I wasn¡¯t paying attention to where I was going."


    He apologizes as his sightnded on a woman with long ck hair. From a nce, he could tell that she is one of the service girls under Glory, but there was something different about her.


    Instead of a revealing dress like the other women, this woman wore a simple soft pink bodycon dress that had anotheryer wrapped around her waist. Her makeup was applied lightly and gave her an innocent appearance.


    He stares at the woman with a straight face, but he was quite taken back by surprise inside. Why is a woman like this working at Glory?


    The woman noticed Kira¡¯s handsome being and how his eyes were glued on her. She almost mistook him for a model, but despite his good looks, since he is here in Glory, it can only mean his hands tainted like everyone else.


    She stares up at him for another second then nce to the door he was blocking. A faint, yet polite smile curls on her lip and she looks back at the man.


    "Did Mr. Liu leave already?"


    Kira arched a brow at her words. He was a member of Faith and has a long line of fans, but to see a beautiful woman like this show no reaction upon seeing him, he is even more amused by her.


    He stares at the woman like he is observing her. However, it was only for a quick second. He takes a step away from the door and smiles.


    "He¡¯s still inside."


    Without giving her another nce, he strides away. She may have caught his interest, but not in a romantic way. It was more like the interest one gets when they learned something intriguing.


    He ces both his hands in his pockets and a faint smile curls on his straight face.


    "So that why Shan isn¡¯t leaving. Interesting."


    Just when he was about to take his fifth step, he stops and turns back to look at the woman.


    "Oh right, he¡¯s a little flustered, so do take care of him."


    The door to the private room Liu Shan is in opens and he lifts his head to look at the person. He thought it was Kira, but when he saw who it is, he grins a wide and bright smile.


    "Yuanyuan, you¡¯re here."


    Yuanyuan returns a smile as she closes the door. She was confused at first about the long hair man¡¯s words, but now she understood.


    She nces down at the many empty bottles of hard liquor on the table and she sighs a frown. Walking over to Liu Shan, she ces both her hands on her hip.


    "That¡¯s more than enough for you."


    Before Liu Shan could take another sip of his drink, she snatches the ss cup from him and strides around the table to sit in the seat Kira was sitting on.


    "You said you¡¯re here for business, but judging from all the alcohol you¡¯ve drunk, it looks like you¡¯re here to have some fun."


    Liu Shan hung his head low and stares at his empty hands. He held a nk expression for a long minute before he heaves a long sigh.


    "You¡¯re the second person in the world I can never fool..."


    He murmurs incoherently before he looks up at Yuanyuan. However, the second he lifted his head, his neck turned weak and caused his head to flung back as he stares up at the ceiling.


    The light above shines down onto his face and allows one to see how red he is due to the alcohol. Even his eyes could barely stay open at this moment.


    Yuanyuan was struck dumbfounded by the man across from her. She scoffs in disbelief and massages her forehead like a frustrated mother.


    "Aish..."


    She gestures a distraught hissing sound and ms the ss cup on the table that separated her and Liu Shan.


    "How in the world does Yue Ling deal with you?"


    Standing up, she walks over to him with her arms folded in front of her chest. Her entire being changes from a refined woman with manner into that of a gangster¡¯s boss.


    "Liu Shan, I am talking to you. Are you listening?"


    The assistant did not make another sound. He remained seated with his head tilted back like he was admiring the ceiling.


    However, the moment Yuanyuan stopped at his side, she was more dumbfounded than ever.


    "Waaa...."


    She scoffs a sarcastic chuckle and rolls her eyes at the sight of him. She swore this man is always throwing surprises her way.


    Slightly leaning closer to him, she ces one hand on her hip and her other reach to poke his forehead.


    "Shan? Liu Shan? Are you still alive? Hello?"


    Despite her constant poking, Liu Shan did not answer. His head leans forward before falling back and all that could be heard from him was his snoring.


    "..."


    Yuanyuan sighs aloud and shook her head at the sight of him.


    "Really, how can you drink so much when you know you can¡¯t even hold your liquor?"


    She ces both her palms on one of the chair¡¯s arms and she leans closer to him. Her head slightly tilts to the side and she stares at him with a tint of softness in her eyes.


    After so many years, she still finds him as handsome as ever.


    Subconsciously, she raises one hand and wanted to stroke his hair away from his face, but he stops herself.


    The image of Liu Shan¡¯s hurt expression from thest time they met floated inside her. He looked so heartbroken and hurt like he didn¡¯t care if the world were to end.


    She sighs inside and straightens her posture. Her eyes never left him, and she sounds a faint chuckle.


    "Yuanyuan ah Yuanyuan. What are you expecting?"


    Her hand near his face lowers, but unexpectedly, Liu Shan grabs hold of her wrist. Her eyes tremble as they widen and before she could gather herself together, she was pulled onto hisp.


    "Why...?"


    Liu Shan mumbles incoherently with his eyes closed as Yuanyuan who was now sitting on hisp was frozen stiff.

 Chapter 660 In my claws

    Yuanyuan¡¯s eyshes flutter and her cheeks burn in a shade of pink. She finally gathers her strength together and moves Liu Shan¡¯s arms that were wrapped around her.


    Her movements were natural like this was a normal urrence between them. Each time he gets drunk in front of her, he would always hug her like she was a teddy bear.


    However, no matter how much strength she used to pry the man¡¯s arms away, the more Liu Shan tightens his hold on her and would not let go.


    "Why do you have to break my heart?"


    In his consciousness, he leans his forehead onto her shoulder and his shoulders tremble.


    "All I wanted was for someone to love me for who I am. If you don¡¯t, please give me my heart back..."


    Yuanyuan didn¡¯t dare to move anymore. She allows him to hug her, but when she heard his heartbroken words, her eyes turned moist. She faintly smiles as her head leans against his and she gently pats his arm.


    "Shan... You are a good man with a good heart. This girl is you are mistaking me for, she is blink to not return your love."


    Drown with alcohol, Liu Shan inhales a deep breath and a very faint sob escapes his lips.


    "Why can¡¯t you love me..."


    The faint smile on Yuanyuan¡¯s face disappears and turns upside down. She sharply sighs and stares into the space in front of her.


    "She doesn¡¯t, but I do... I have loved you since the first day we met..."


    Silence soon engulfed the room as neither person moved. However, down the hall from them, in another private room located in the back, two tall and muscr men stood guarding the door. Each person looked intimidating, but there was redness on their cheeks.


    Behind the door, a woman¡¯s loud and alluring moan can be heard in a matching rhythm to a man¡¯s low groan. It was as if they were the only two people in the world and had finally reached the seventh heavens.


    "Ji Chu Hua. You¡¯re very cunning to have disappeared these past few days."


    The man inside the room spoke in a t tone, but close to a growl. He stood in front of the table and starts to fix his disheveled clothes.


    His blonde hair was long as it covers half of his face. However, one can see that he is appealing to the eyes of anyone.


    Laying on the table in front of the man, Ji Chu Hua was in a mess. Her shirt was lifted up and revealed her bare chest that was heaving heavily. Her ck pants hung on one of her ankles as if holding for dear life.


    From their rough intimate session that just ended, she was covered in red marks mixed with blue bruises and sweat.


    When she heard the man¡¯s question, she nces at him then helps herself sit up.


    "Did you miss me that much?"


    She pulls her shirt down to cover her exposed twin peaks and steps down from the table. The second her feet touched the ground, she winced in pain that shot throughout her entire body.


    However, she quickly brushes is aside and bends down to fix her pants in ce.


    "But you should know, I also have a life."


    The man stares at her with no ounce of emotions in his eyes. He turns away from her and strides to the minibar inside the private room. His movements were like the two of them had never engaged in any intimacy but were in the middle of a business meeting.


    "Is that so?"


    He calmly spoke and stops in front of the table filled with different types of imported liquors. He reaches for a bottle and pours himself a ss.


    "Then again, who is to me when thepany that should be yours is falling into another person¡¯s hands."


    Downing the drink, he turns back to look at her, and a smirk curls on his side of the face that is visible in the view.


    "Isn¡¯t that right?"


    Ji Chu Hua had just finished straightening her clothes. She turns her head to the man and scoffs an arrogant chuckle but tries to maintain a refined appearance.


    "I didn¡¯t know that someone like you would spy on a small pawn like me."


    The man???s eyes sh with a dangerous light. He refills his ss then walks over to stand in front of Ji Chu Hua.


    His free hand raises to pinches her chin and forces her to look up at him.


    "Of course. You are one of my women. It¡¯s natural for me to keep an eye on you in case you decide to cross the line."


    His hand on her chin moves and he caressed the side of her face with the tips of his fingers.


    "If you do, I don¡¯t mind sharing you with my men."


    Ji Chu Hua flinched and was frozen in fear by the man. She didn¡¯t dare open her mouth again as she was afraid of saying the wrong thing.


    How could she forget that he is a very dangerous man with ominous motives? Even if the person were to be one of his closest kin, one mistake and he will kill without batting an eye.


    *Knock knock


    A sudden knock sounds at the door and interrupts the cold air that filled the room. The man kept his eyes on Ji Chu Hua before he howls augh and leans forward to kiss her lips.


    When he pulled away from her, the dangerous light in his eyes was no longer there as it was reced with a soft and caring smile.


    "You can leave now. I don¡¯t need you for the night."


    Ji Chu Hua had only recovered from her fear of him and she was already struck speechless. She stares up at the man and wanted to ask him why he didn¡¯t need her, but before she could, he had already grabbed her red coat and handbag.


    He shoves the two items into her arms and walks to sit down on one of the many chairs in the room.


    "Scram before I make you."


    Ji Chu Hua scoffs a sneer inside. She knows he doesn¡¯t like it when others ask too much so all she could do was force a sweet smile. She reaches inside her bag and takes out a yellow envelope.


    "This is what I promised you. Don¡¯t forget to keep your promise."


    Setting it down on the table they had just shared hours of memories on, she turns for the door.


    She threw open the door and takes a step out. However, what greeted her in the hallway was the back of a very slender woman wearing a white dress with brown hair like her. Even the length of their hair is almost the same.


    Staring at the woman, she scoffs a sarcastic chuckle and turns for the exiting side of the hallway.


    No wonder he didn¡¯t need her. He already called for another slut to warm his bed.


    As Ji Chu Hua walked away, the woman in white slowly turns her head to look at her (Ji Chu Hua). One corner of her red lip rises into a side smirk and she enters the private room.


    "It seems like I came at the wrong time."


    The woman¡¯s voice was very soft and pleasing to the ears. When the man inside saw her, he chuckles and lightly shook his head.


    "Hua, you know you are always wee toe and go as you please around me."


    His tone of voice was different from the one he uses with other women. It was softer and held a trace of warmth like this woman meant the world to him.


    When the woman name Hua was at a close enough distance, he grabs her wrist and gently pulls her down to sit on hisp.


    "Were you able to get anything out from him?"


    His words fell as he caresses the side of her thigh with small kisses on her shoulder.


    "Not yet. He is quite difficult to pry information from."


    Hua spoke in a coquettish tone as she wraps one arm around his neck and the other reach to stop his hand on her thigh.


    "But Sun, I do have something useful to tell you."


    That¡¯s right, this man is Choi Li Sun. The same man Lu Tian and Faith are currently looking for.


    When he heard the woman¡¯s words, a sinister smirk curls on his lip. He brushes her hand away from stopping him and begins to touch every curve on her like he was longing to devour her.


    "Tell me then."


    Hua tilts her head back as soft moans escape her agape mouth.


    Even though Choi Li Sun had just slept with another woman, she doesn¡¯t care. Out of all the women visiting him, only she can satisfy his needs as he to her.


    Her eyes rolled back and she gradually closes them to feel the man¡¯s touch on her body.


    She sighs a moan when he suddenly pinches one of the studs on her twin peaks and a smile curls on her lip.


    "I have him in my ws."

 Chapter 661 Company needs me

    The rain that came over Imperial finally calms down and the gray clouds scatter to make room for the sun that is slowly rising in the east.


    Yue Ling and Lu Tian slept peacefully as the couple had another long night. After their return from the Nuo family¡¯s food stall, another round of passion took ce once again.


    Lu Tian wanted to continue a few more rounds, but knowing that his wife was tired, he decides to let her sleep.


    In the center of the king-size bed, Yue Ling slept on her side and sighs softly as she awoke from her slumber. She wanted to stretch her stiff arms but was unable to because the man behind her had his arms wrapped around her like a snake.


    Feeling her slight movement, Lu Tian doesn¡¯t open his eyes but tightens his hold on her. He rests his chin on top of her head and the space between his brows crease a little.


    "It¡¯s still early. Sleep some more."


    His voice was deeper than usual and held a mixture of husk that made Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush red. It is so early in the morning and his voice alone was enough to make her pregnant.


    As the thought crosses her mind, she couldn¡¯t help but think about how close they¡¯ve been the past two nights. However, as quickly as she blushed over the thought, it gradually fades, and she became downhearted.


    Ever since her miscarriage, she was told she couldn¡¯t get pregnant anymore, but Lu Tian had whispered to her over and over that if they keep trying, a miracle can happen.


    She softly sighs and reaches a hand to hold his hand that was ced over her waist. Bringing it up to her lips, she ces a soft kiss on the back of his hand.


    "Tian, we have to get up."


    Her words fell as she repositions herself to turn and face the man. She gently nudges him by the shoulder and her words continue.


    "Come on. We have to get ready for work."


    Lu Tian held a smile like he was on cloud nine when he felt her kiss his hand. However, when she turned to face him, he wipes the smile away and pretends like he didn¡¯t hear anything. He waited a few seconds before pulling her closer to his chest.


    "I don¡¯t want to..."


    With their sudden closeness, Yue Ling was baffled at his childlike behavior. He was like a child who didn¡¯t want to wake up for school. However, her body stiffened, and she didn¡¯t dare to move, let alone breathe. How could she forget that they had slept without any clothes on?


    She curses, punches, and kicks with all her strength inside her head.


    Taking a deep breath to calm her hectic mind, she looks up at the handsome sleeping beast in front of her.


    "You don¡¯t want to get up, but I have to. Remember, I can go back to work now."


    Lu Tian frowns at her words and opens his eyes to gaze into her own. He heaves a long sigh in displeasure and leans back toy on his back. His arm holding his wife¡¯s waist moves and he pinches the space between his brows.


    "Damn that old man."


    He swore a mumble and lowers his hand to stare up at the ceiling.


    When they were on their way home from eating out, his wife had checked her e-mail and coincidentally, Doctor Dong had sent her an e-mail giving her permission to return to work.


    And knowing his wife, she will not want to rest a few more days and jump right back to work.


    He even tried to tire her body out so that she would forget in the morning.


    However, here she is, early in the morning reminding him.


    He sighs again, but this time inside. His head turns to the right and he looks down at his wife.


    "Why can¡¯t you just stay home and be a housewife? I can provide for both of us."


    Yue Ling felt her heart melt like a popsicle on a warm day. She ces her palms on his chest and rests her chin on the back of her hand.


    "Why can¡¯t YOU stay home and be a househusband? I can provide for both of us."


    "..."


    Lu Tian was left speechless by her throwing his question back at him. She even emphasized the ¡¯you¡¯ part as if she was trying to make a point.


    He stares at her with indifference before he chuckles and lightly tap her nose.


    "Do you really have to go? You don¡¯t want to take a few more days of rest?"


    Yue Ling smiles at his attempt to make her stay home. She is happy that he cares about her wellbeing, but she has rested long enough.


    She stretched her neck and kiss his smooth chin.


    "I¡¯ve rested enough. Mypany needs me just like how yours needs you."


    She quickly gets out from bed and forces her trembling legs to carry her body towards thevatory. If she didn¡¯t act fast enough, she knows that Lu Tian will try to make her stay in bed.


    Lu Tian chuckles watching her figure scurry away as fast as a lightning sh. He sits up and moves the nket off of him before standing up.


    His eyes lock with the shut door leading to thevatory and one corner of his mouth arcs up into a devilish smirk.


    She can lock the door all she wants and say she doesn¡¯t need to rest, but that won¡¯t stop him. Once he opens that door, he wants to see if she¡¯ll still say she¡¯s rested enough.


    However, time sped up and Yue Ling¡¯s white Maserati GranTurismo sports car pulls up to a stop in front of De L¡¯amour. As the owner of the car, Yue Ling was seated in the passenger seat and she turns her head to look at the man in the driver seat.


    She held herself back from smiling and ce a hand on his shoulder to pacify him.


    "Tian, it¡¯s okay."


    When she went to freshen up for the day, he had turned into a ninja and snuck his way inside thevatory to devour her. However, despite her unable to feel her legs, she still forced herself to get ready for work. She even put on a smile and said she was fine.


    Thus, everything she did lead Lu Tian¡¯s n of making her stay home to fail.


    Thinking about how wrong his n went, Yue Ling was unable to hold herself back and grin from ear to ear. She leans towards his dazed figure and kisses him on the cheeks before grabbing her work bag.


    "I know you tried, but work is work."


    She gives him a smile with her teeth and opens the door to leave.


    "I¡¯ll see youter. Have a good day at work."


    With a wave goodbye, she closes the door and doesn¡¯t look back as she proceeds towards De L¡¯amour.


    Inside the car, Lu Tian remained in utter disbelief at everything that happened. He slowly turns his head to look at his wife¡¯s departing figure and he sighs in self-pity.


    However, the longer he stares at her, the softer his heart grew, and he thought back to her kiss on his cheek.


    A mischievous smile curls on his face and he looks away from his wife to the road ahead.


    "I did try, but practice makes perfect."


    He may have failed in keeping her home today, but next time, he¡¯ll make sure she can¡¯t get out of bed for an entire week.

 Chapter 662 Where is her assistant?

    Yue Ling entered De L¡¯amour wearing a gray princess coat. Underneath her coat, she wore a ck turtleneck dress to hide all the red kiss marks Lu Tian had put on her neck and body. On her feet were a pair of ck heels that were not too high andfortable enough for her to walk in.


    "Good morning, CEO Han."


    Seeing her figure, Sophia greets happily and stood up from her seat behind the receptionist¡¯s desk. She was excited to see her boss at work again.


    Every day without her has been dreadful and gloomy. However, the moment she appeared, it was like the gray clouds inside the entire ce disappeared and everything brightened up.


    She was about to sit back down but thinking about something, her expression turns confused.


    "Ah... CEO Han, are you here to visit or...?"


    Yue Ling smiles at her receptionist and looks around the front lobby. Her gazend on the young woman again before striding for the elevators after her words.


    "I¡¯m back from leave. Once the design team is here, have them meet me in my office."


    Due to the earliness in the morning, only a few employees had arrived for work. Yue Ling greeted them along the way before she steps into the elevator to go up the floor.


    She quickly arrives on the highest floor and steps out from the elevator. She heads for her office and unlocks the door to enter.


    As she was taking her coat off, her brows slightly crease, and she tilts her head. ncing at the door to her office, she arches a brow.


    Normally Liu Shan would already be here and the first to bother her, but she didn¡¯t see him on her way up nor was he in his office.


    So, where is her assistant?


    As she proceeds to indulge herself with the work she had missed, in another part of Imperial, a manor house coated with dark bricks stood its ground under the clear sky.


    "Nn..."


    Inside one of the many rooms in the house, sunlight enters through the windows, and the man lying in bed groans in pain. His head was pounding with intense pain and he swore the world felt like it was spinning like crazy.


    From a nce, one can see that he isying on his stomach and both his tones arms stretch out as he sat on his knees.


    The nket that covered his body slid down to his waist and reveals his muscr back.


    However, his back was not bare as it was tattooed with a roaring dragon that wrapped above his shoulder des. In the middle of his spine, the Yin and Yang symbol in the form of the Tree of Life could be seen as a fierce tiger roams at his lower back.


    His arms stretch in front of him as he arches his back out again. He sounds another groan and his head tilts back as he stretches his neck from side to side causing crackling sounds to echo inside the quiet room.


    If one were to see him, one would definitely mistake him as a notorious boss in the underworld.


    "Oh, you¡¯re awake."


    The door to the room suddenly opens at a steady pace and a woman¡¯s soft voice follows after. Her long ck hair was tied in a messy low bun and she wore a silky ck robe that was not revealing. In her hands was a tray with a cup that had steamed floating out.


    "That was a wild night, Shan."


    Liu Shan straightens his head in ce and hezily turns his head to look at the door. His eyes were heavy like he did get enough sleep, but the moment he saw the woman, his eyes shot open and he was wide awake.


    "Oh, shit!"


    He curses aloud and turns as stiff as a rock. His eyes soon blinked at the woman before he slowly lowers his head. Seeing his shirtless body, he grabs the nket from behind and quickly covers himself, including his head.


    ¡¯Shit! Shit! Shit! What in the world happenedst night? Why am I not at home? How did I end up here? Where is here?¡¯


    He swore over and over again as he tries to rack his brain. He thought he had woken up in his own bed. Was he embarrassed that someone saw his body? Of course, not. He works out and has a nice body. The question is, how did he end up half-naked in someone else¡¯s home?


    Slowly lowering the nket to reveal only his eyes, he looks back at the woman. Seeing her in a robe, he wanted to cry butcked the tears to shed.


    He swallows a hard gulp and forces a chuckle with the ends of his mouth twitching.


    "Y-Yuanyuan, we... w-we didn¡¯t... y-you know, right?"


    Trying to recall everything that happenedst night, Liu Shan¡¯s brain was quickly in a chaotic mess. All he could remember was chatting with Kira. Everything that followed after was nk.


    How much did he drink? When did Kira leave? When did Yuanyuan enter the room? How did he get here? Why is he shirtless? What about the woman he saw entering the private room?


    The more he asked his brain, the more pain he felt. He massages his head one hand and mumbles cursing words to himself.


    Yuanyuan stares speechlessly at the assistant. She tries to keep herposure, but seeing how distraught he was, she smiles a chuckle and walks over to the bedside.


    "You were too drunk to drive and I don¡¯t know where you live, so I brought you to my ce."


    She ces the tray down on the side table and grabs the cup. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she stretches her hand out with the cup to the man still hiding under the nket.


    "Drink this. It¡¯s ginger tea and will help with your hangover."


    However, despite her coaxing tone, Liu Shan does not move at all.


    Seeing him act like a child early in the morning, Yuanyuan sighs inside. Even she didn¡¯t understand why out of all the men the world, she had to fall in love with this man.


    Then again, it is because of this side of him that she loves.


    She sets the cup of tea back down on the tray and stands up. She doesn¡¯t leave but inhales a deep breath as if to ready herself.


    Bending down, she grabs the nket and yanks it away from Liu Shan.


    "Shan, why are hiding like a child? Are you a child and not a man? Hurry up and get up."


    However, like two people ying tug-a-war, the more Yuanyuan pulls on her end, the more Liu Shan held onto the nket for dear life.


    Frustration quickly dawns on Yuanyuan and she lets go of the nket. She fist one hand at her hip and her other hand raise to massage her forehead.


    "Nothing happened between us. You were drunk and vomited all over your shirt, so I took it off, but you wouldn¡¯t let me put a new shirt on you."


    When Liu Shan heard her tone that could be mistaken for a mother lecturing her son, he loosens his grip on the nket and lowers it to reveal his full head.


    He stares with doubtful eyes but a bit a relief can be seen in them.


    "Really? Nothing happened?"


    Yuanyuan felt her chest tighten at his relieved expression. She wanted to lie and have him be responsible, but she knows she couldn¡¯t.


    She forces a smile and shook her head to confirm that nothing happened. Everything she said is true. She could have used this to take advantage of him, but she can never force him to be with her.


    Even if she loves him, she rather be his good friend than be someone he loathes.


    Liu Shan¡¯s body rxes at her reassurance. He scoots over to her side and takes the drink she had prepared.


    He drinks it in one gulp as it wasn¡¯t too hot but at the perfect temperature. He set the cup down and wipe his mouth with the back of his hand and looks up at her with shame.


    "Thanks for taking care of me, but... did you find out who the woman was?"


    Yuanyuan waited until he was done drinking the tea. Once he was done, she picks up the tray and looks down at him to answer his question.


    "It¡¯s her. I¡¯m sure of it."


    Hearing her response, Liu Shan furrows his brows in thoughts. Since it¡¯s ¡¯her¡¯ then that means his suspicion was correct. However, who was she meeting?


    Should he try to find more information or tell his boss right away?


    The second he thought about his boss, his eyes widen, and his jaw drops to the floor. He tosses the remaining nket on him aside and jumps out of bed.


    "Oh shit! I¡¯m so dead!!"


    How could he forget about work?!

 Chapter 663 Divine award

    *Ding


    The private elevator inside Lu Corps chimes in arrival on the highest floor level. The doors slide open and Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure strides. He doesn¡¯t stop but makes his way towards his office.


    "Morning Boss!"


    Xu Long was already waiting for his arrival and greets him like usual. However, when he saw Lu Tian¡¯s expression and the air, he brought along with him, he (Xu Long) was in a daze.


    Usually, Lu Tian¡¯s mood is gloomy and indifferent, like there were always dark clouds lingering above him. However, something was different today. There was a very minor feeling of warmth around him and he (Xu Long) can see a very tiny smile.


    Staring at the smile that is barely noticeable, Xu Long felt a shiver crawl down his spine. Both his hands raise to his lip and he starts biting his nails as he trembles.


    ¡¯Who in God¡¯s name anger his boss?¡¯


    He nervously follows after the ruthless man and contemtes in his head. He tries to recall everything that has happened, but no matter how much he tried, there was nothing that could possibly anger the man.


    Just as Lu Tian opens the door to his office, Xu Long¡¯s jaw drops to the floor and he stares with wide eyes at the man.


    The air around his boss isn¡¯t the usual murderous air, but a happy one.


    His fingers still being bitten uncurls and he covers his mouth as a creepy grin curls on his lip.


    ¡¯Could it be that boss and the bossdy finally...¡¯


    "Xu Long."


    Before his thoughts could travel too far, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice brings him back to reality. Xu Long wanted to answer yes, but the man in front of him spoke first.


    "Did you buy the mop?"


    Xu Long was confused at first, but quick to understand, he nods his head and dashes towards his office. He returns at the speed of lightning with a mop and shows his boss.


    He held it out in one hand, and he wore a proud expression.


    "I purchased the best one in the market. I even had it express shipped overnight."


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded beyond anything. However, thanking his aloofness, he was able to keep hisposure under control.


    He stares at his assistant, then down at the mop. He gives an order then turns away to enter his office.


    "Mop the entire floor. Once you¡¯re done, return that mop to the custodian then report back in my office."


    "..."


    This time, it was Xu Long¡¯s turn to be dumbfounded. His jaw that had yet to close drops more like it had reached the first floor. He could not believe what he had just heard.


    Secretary Ye sat behind her seat nearby the two men. She had heard the entire conversation andughs loudly at the poor assistant.


    "See, I told you that wouldn¡¯t fool boss at all."


    Hearing the woman who had been quiet for a while now, Xu Long robotically turns his head to look at her. He wanted to retort her words, but think about what she said, he could only sigh in disappointment. She was right.


    His boss had been ordering him to buy a mop, so he finally did. Well, he didn¡¯t actually buy it but borrowed it from the custodian. When he said he had express shipped overnight, he meant the custodian delivered it.


    However, he never thought his boss would be so attentive and saw through his lie.


    He heaves a long sigh in sympathy for his poor self but sighs harder again when he remembers his boss¡¯s words.


    "Well, it¡¯s all or nothing."


    Shaking off all the feelings inside him, he inhales a deep breath that causes him to draw in his stomach. As he exhales deeply, he frees his mind and firmly grabs hold of the mop handle with both hands.


    He doesn¡¯t waste any time and begins mopping the floor in swift forward and backward motions.


    As he did this, he takes on the role of a Shaolin monk in training and the mop became his wooden staff.


    "Hai-yah!"


    He roars fiercely like a tiger in battle and poses in a rooster stance with the mop in one hand.


    Taking another deep breath to meditate his free mind, his head turns to look at the dumbstruck Secretary Ye.


    "I have fulfilled my training."


    He lowers his leg that was bent up and walks over to Secretary Ye¡¯s desk. In a t tone, he hands the mop to her.


    "I hope you can send this divine mop to Lord Custodian as I must seek my Master for my next training."


    Secretary Ye didn¡¯t know why but she could not take her eyes away from the man. She subconsciously takes the mop from him and nods her head in understanding.


    Her expression and feelings were visible to the eyes, but Xu Long wasn¡¯t bothered by it. He sps his palms together and gestures a bow.


    "Amituofo."


    "..."


    Secretary Ye was at a loss. Her head follows the man¡¯s every move and seeing him steps away from entering their boss¡¯s office, she broke free from her trance.


    "Ah, Assistant Xu, you didn¡¯t mop the entire floor."


    Hearing her words, Xu Long stops in his tracks and turns back to look at her. He kept a straight face while pondering over her words.


    He shrugs his shoulders and ces one hand near his chest as the other stuck out at his side. His thumb held his middle and ring fingers and his eyes rolled back.


    "Boss didn¡¯t say which part of the entire floor."


    He shes a quick grin at her and darts at the speed of lightning inside Lu Tian¡¯s office. He also made sure to shut the door so that Secretary Ye doesn¡¯t try to get him in trouble.


    Inside the office, Lu Tian had only removed his coat when he saw his assistant enter the room. He nces at Xu Long for a quick second before hanging his coat up and walks over to sit down behind his desk.


    "Report."


    Xu Long smiles with flowers floating around him. He skips over to his boss and stops in front of the man¡¯s desk with both his hands held in front of him.


    "This pupil has mopped the entire floor as Master had ordered. It is now spotless, and no dust can be seen."


    "..."


    Lu Tian stares with slightly heavy eyes at the person standing in front of him. He wanted to smack his forehead at his assistant¡¯s out of this world personality. He had long heard the conversation that took ce outside his office but decided to ignore it.


    Now, he can¡¯t help but wonder if he should rece Xu Long with a member of Wolf Team. However, knowing he can¡¯t since Xu Long has the expertise of being an assistant, he raises one hand to massage his temple.


    "How did the meeting with Chief Kim¡¯s men go?"


    Xu Long was baffled by the question. He lifts one hand to scratch his head and chuckles sarcastically. When his boss said ¡¯report¡¯, he thought the man was referring to him mopping the floor.


    He lowers his hand and clears his throat before giving the correct report.


    "Kira was the only one who showed up since Qin Jun and Song Jing Li were meeting a source, but the meeting went well. They will continue to keep tabs on locating Choi Li Sun¡¯s whereabouts and will not cause any trouble."


    Listening to the report, Lu Tian didn¡¯t need to ask for further details. He trusts his assistant and knows that Xu Long won¡¯t do or say anything unnecessary.


    He reaches to the right of him and opens one of the drawers connected to his desk. Grabbing something inside, he set it down on his desk and turn to switch hisputer on.


    "It¡¯s yours now."


    Xu Long was deranged by the aloof man. He looks down at what was given to him and both his brows arch up in realization.


    "T-This... is really...."


    His remaining words caught in his throat and Lu Tian leans back on his chair.


    "The keys to my old penthouse at Jade Condos."


    Xu Long doesn¡¯t pick up the keys right away but covers his mouth. He thought his boss was only bluffing about giving him the ce.


    After a long minute passes by, he finally lowers his hands and picks up the keys. He held in both hands and stares at it like it was his most prized possession in the world.


    "My precious..."


    Seeing his assistant turn into Gollum, Lu Tian staggered a little in his chair. He clears his throat and averts his gaze to hisputer screen.


    "That is all, you can go now."


    Xu Long nods his head and leaves the room as Lu Tian turns to nce out the window.


    Since the rain has stopped, he should use any free time he has between his meetings to start his preparations.


    As Lu Tian begins his work, outside his office, Xu Long skips in the direction of his office. He held the key out in front of him and a trail of rainbow follows behind him.


    Secretary Ye saw the man and grew carious about what is making him so happy.


    "Assistant Xu, what is that?"


    Xu Longes to a screeching stop and flung his head to look at the woman. He shows her the key and proudly raises his chin up.


    "You see this? This is when you fulfill your duty in training and Master grants you a divine award."

 Chapter 664 About my choice

    Yue Ling¡¯s design team also known as Alpha Team arrived for work and was currently sitting in the conference room. Seated in the main chair, Yue Ling held the ck fashion book in one hand as her other hand flips through the pages.


    "We¡¯ve gone ahead and cleared most of the people on your Spring-cleaning list. The majority left are those who have remained loyal to you. As for the ones we haven¡¯t gotten rid of, they¡¯re still in An Qing."


    Sitting at the back on her right, Qi Li spoke as his index finger touch the center of his prescribed sses to fix them in ce.


    Every one of them knew that Yue Ling was nning to get rid of those faithless to herpany. However, after the dreadful experience, she went through, he and everyone else in Alpha Team didn¡¯t want her to stress over the subject.


    They know she is capable of handling the situation on her own, but none of them wanted her to fly around the world without getting any proper rest.


    It was also Liu Shan who suggested they finish the task before Yue Ling returns to work. However, they didn¡¯t know when she woulde back to work, so using a short amount of time, they all split up to speed up the process.


    Yue Ling nces up from the book and looks at Qi Li. Closing the ck book, she calmly set it down in front of her.


    This is the first time she¡¯s hearing such a report, but she isn¡¯t angry that her team did this.


    To be more precise, she is rather grateful that they did this for her.


    She had been eager toe back to work not because she is a workaholic, but because she wanted to speed up her n of uniting De L¡¯amour and An Qin into one. That way, she can focus her attention on the situation with Ji Corps.


    However, knowing that the people left are the snakes in An Qing, she could not wait to make her appearance in front of them.


    After all, they are the ones who have been the most arrogant.


    She looks at each of her subordinates and smiles with gratitude at them.


    "Thank you all for your hard work. It must have been a difficult task while I was on leave."


    She meant every word. To travel to any ces in one time is not an easy task, especially with all the jetg.


    Ju Suo sat closest to Yue Ling on her left. The petite woman presses her lips together and stares with tears in her eyes.


    "Boss, you don¡¯t need to thank us. After everything you¡¯ve done and given us, this small task is nothing."


    She spoke with a smile and leans towards Yue Ling as she whispers bashfully.


    "Also, if it weren¡¯t for you, I would have never met my gori."


    Yue Ling stares at the woman identical to a Lolita. She bbergasted, but a part of her couldn¡¯t help but be suspicious. Did her subordinates professionally get rid of those faithless workers or did they threaten the workers?


    However, not wanting to drag the topic on for too long, she decides to change the subject.


    She looks at the textile designer in her team and asks.


    "Did you get the list for thepanies?"


    Shan Sinan nods his head in response. He opens the ck folder in front of him and passes a piece of paper to her.


    "Fang Fabrics has some of the top-quality materials in the world, but I was able to umte all the other best textilepanies in Imperial."


    Yue Ling held the paper in front of her and scans over the list given. She arches a brow as there were only a total of twentypanies listed.


    "Is there a specific one you would rmend?"


    She asks for his opinion as he is the textile designer and the person with more experience when ites to the quality of all the supplies they need.


    However, the man shook his head.


    "There are twenty listed and I¡¯ve highlighted the top five that I find most suitable. As for the one to coborate with, I will leave it for you to decide."


    Yue Ling lightly nods her head and stares down at the list of textilepanies. She ponders in thought for a quick second and decides to test her luck.


    "Cloth Co."


    She confirms her choice and the room fell into quietude. Each individual in the room stares at her before the carefree Tang Zhonghui spoke first.


    "Cloth Co.? Boss, are you sure about your decision?"


    Yue Ling was astonished by her team¡¯s expressions. She could see the look of surprise in their eyes, but it was like they were also hesitant about her choice.


    Could it be that Cloth Co. is a bad choice to go with?


    She ponders again over her decision. As she thoroughlyes to a decision, she nods her head.


    "I¡¯m sure about my choice. Contact Cloth Co. and set a meeting about our proposal in a supply contract with them."


    Shan Sinan was washed with disbelief. However, knowing she will not take back her words, he nods his head in understanding. As he did this, he subconsciously nces at the others and to his surprise, six pairs of eyes were looking right at him.


    No one said a word, but he was able to conclude that they all agree with Yue Ling¡¯s decision. Right?


    He takes a deep breath inside and turns his attention to his boss.


    "I will set the meeting as soon as possible."


    Yue Ling nods her head even though she was aware of how tense the air in the room had be. She reaches for the ck book in front of her and stands up from her seat.


    "Meeting ends here. Everyone return to their assigned work."


    As she exits the room, all was quiet until the sound of her footsteps could no longer be heard. Everyone ms their head on the table and face in the direction of Shan Sinan.


    Gui Tian Lan pouts his lips in displeasure at the man before exhaling a deep sigh. His ring eyes didn¡¯t forget to shoot out poison at the man.


    "Are you stupid? Why didn¡¯t you exclude Cloth Co. but added them to the list?"


    The tailor¡¯s words fell and his twin, Gui Zhongmin quickly adds in his two cents.


    "You, like all of us here knows that we weren¡¯t able to find any information on Cloth Co.¡¯s owner. What if he or she is someone who will give boss a hard time? Hm?"


    His words fell and amotion quickly takes ce between each person. They know Cloth Co. is the best choice to go with and even better than Fang Fabrics. However, after a thorough investigation, no one was able to find anything about the owner.


    The person is like a mystery. Even the workers at Cloth Co. don¡¯t ever get to see the owner. As for those who did, they would not spill any beans.


    Just who is this anonymous owner?

 Chapter 665 Mad Reaper

    Outside in the hallway, Yue Ling walks away from the conference room and head for the elevators. She wasn¡¯t worried about her design team still being inside the room as she knows they will not neglect their work.


    As she nears the metal box, the door slides open and a very familiar figure rushes out.


    It was her assistant.


    "Am I toote? Did I miss the meeting?"


    Liu Shan darts out from the elevator butes to a screeching stop when he realizes someone was in front of him and of all people, that someone just has to be his boss.


    His breathing was in a mess, but he stares at her and wipes away the sweat that had gather on his forehead.


    "Boss, why are you here and not in the conference room?"


    Yue Ling stares back at the disheveled man. She nces down at his outfit and the corners of her lips curls up.


    "Well, aren¡¯t you feeling bright today?"


    He was wearing an oversized green sweater with baggy gray id pants that looked like pajama pants. On his feet were a pair of bright yellow sneakers and he even had on a white beanie to hide his hair.


    However, brushing his outfit aside, she shrugs her shoulder at his question and enters the elevator behind him.


    "The meeting just ended."


    Liu Shan was struck speechless at her answer. His feet were rooted to the floor but seeing that the elevator doors were closing, he jumps in before they closed.


    "Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to bete. I was stuck in traffic."


    His excuse sounded reasonable, but Yue Ling already knew why he waste. Before she attended the meeting, she had received a message from Yuanyuan exining the situation.


    She doesn¡¯t what made Liu Shan suddenly get so drunk, but she trusts he must have his reason.


    Slightly turning her head to look at him, she couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at his clothes.


    "I¡¯m guessing what you have on is another new trend?"


    Liu Shan was relieved that she didn¡¯t further question his tardiness. However, seeing herugh at his outfit, he pursed his lip with flush cheeks.


    "Just so you know, it is a new trend. It¡¯s called shining as bright as Liu Shan can possibly be."


    He spoke these words with a face full of confidence, but deep down, he was crying with never-ending tears.


    After he ran out of Yuanyuan¡¯s house, he had wanted to go home and change. However, when he checked his location on his phone map, he found out that his ce was on the opposite side.


    Not only that, but De L¡¯amour was also right in the middle of his and Yuanyuan¡¯s house. If he were to go home, he would be even morete to work.


    So left with no other choice, he could only grab whatever he had in his trunk. Luckily, everything he had wasn¡¯t as bad as that time when he had to watch Inu. The only sad part was, what he has on is what he usually wears to sleep.


    As for the beanie, he needed to wear it because his hair is in a mess and he didn¡¯t have any hair products in his car.


    Arriving on the highest floor, the boss and assistant exit the elevator. Yue Ling walks ahead and summarizes the meeting to Liu Shan.


    "The list has been sorted out. As for the textilepany we are going to work with, I decided on Cloth Co."


    Liu Shan arches a brow at herst words. He watches her enter the room on the right where some of their designs are hung on ck fixtures and follows in.


    "Why Cloth Co.? Can we trust their mysterious owner?"


    Yue Ling shrugs a shoulder and walks over to a fixture. She picks a white button-up shirt with blue strips and passes it to Liu Shan.


    "The more mysterious the owner is, the more interesting the coboration will be."


    Her answer fell in a carefree tone and she grabs a ck pant and a pair of tan oxfords. She hands them to Liu Shan and walks out of the room.


    "Change into that then meet me in my office."


    Liu Shan held heaviness on his eyelids. He sighs inside and holding the clothes she had picked out, he drags his feet to his office to change.


    Yue Ling had only taken a step inside her office when she suddenly remembers something. Walking back out, she enters the same room she was in seconds ago and grabs a shirt.


    She heads to Liu Shan office but stops outside the door and knocks.


    "Liu Shan, I forgot to give you another item."


    "Ah, okay. Come in."


    Getting the approval, Yue Ling doesn¡¯t think much and opens the door. However, she was frozen in ce when she saw that Liu Shan was shirtless.


    His physique was not on par with Lu Tian¡¯s, but it was mature and has the right amount of muscles from daily exercise.


    Her face held a dumbfounded expression and she throws the shirt in her hand at him.


    "Wear this under."


    She doesn¡¯t say anymore and leaves the room before mming it shut.


    "..."


    Liu Shan stood with his back to the door and head turned to the side. His eyes were heavier than ever as the shirt, she threw at him just had tond on his head.


    He lifts his hand and moves it as he scoffs a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Sheesh, how rude."


    He didn¡¯t see her reaction, but hearing her tone, she didn¡¯t have to exaggerate. It¡¯s not like this is the first time she¡¯s seen him shirtless. In the past, he would often get injure and she was the one who applied medicine for him.


    Yue Ling frantically crosses the threshold of her office and closes the door. She strides over to her desk and plops down in her chair.


    "Han Yue Ling, you havemitted a sin."


    Even if Liu Shan is her assistant, Lu Tian will never forgive her if he were to know that she saw a man half-naked.


    She massages her head and brushes all thoughts of what just happened aside. Taking a deep breath, she focuses her attention on her work.


    However, as she tries to distract her mind, the image of Liu Shan¡¯s back cross her mind again.


    To be more meticulous, the tattoo on his back.


    Her entire being couldn¡¯t help but turn soft as a heart-rendering wave washes inside her. She leans back on her chair with a sigh.


    Every time she sees that tattoo, she is always reminded of the old Liu Shan.


    As one should know, out of all her subordinates, Liu Shan is the only one who has trouble when ites to marksmanship. However, when ites to hand-to-handbat, he overshadows everyone.


    That is because when he joined her in Fate, he would often participate in underground fights with those of the underworld. Each fight would be brutal and life-threatening, but he said it was his way of curing his broken heart and any stress on his mind.


    After winning his third fight, he decided to get a tattoo. He chose the dragon and tiger as each beast represents yin and yang. It also demonstrates the need for bnce and it is a reminder for him to not be overpowered by the side of him that thirst for blood during fights.


    As once he was in the cage, he would turn into a bloodthirsty monster and that was also how he obtained the nickname Mad Reaper.


    A name that many in the underworld fear, but also a name that is hardly heard. Not because no one knows of it, but because he made sure all traces of Mad Reaper disappeared when Fate left the underworld.


    *Knock knock


    A knock sounds at the door and interrupts Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts. She looks at the person entering and a very faint smile curls on her lip.


    She is d that Liu Shan, who just had his heartbroken, did not go back to his old ways.

 Chapter 666 Fearsome boss

    <h4>Chapter 666 Fearsome boss</h4>


    Inside Yue Ling¡¯s office, she moved from her desk to sit on one of the two couches in the room. Across from her was Liu Shan. He was currently flipping through the pages of the designs inside the ck book. Since he waste and could not attend the meeting, he could only listen to his boss recall the meeting.


    As he reaches thest page, he closes the book and sets it down on the coffee table.


    He pout his lip for a short second with eyes glued on the book. His head slightly tilts to the side and he finally looks up at his boss.


    "With the designs we have, will Cloth Co. be able to provide us the materials needed?"


    His words fell and he lifts his left hand to touch his chin. He gestures soft stroking motions like he had a long beard.


    "Why don¡¯t we discuss with Uncle Zhi about this matter too? We can ask him to help find the materials we need as a backup n."


    Yue Ling understood why Liu Shan would suggest they ask Uncle Zhi. When ites to importing goods, the middle-aged man is the foremost person to go to as he has connections all over the world.


    However, thinking about something, she calmly reaches for the cup of coffee that had been brought in by Sophia after Liu Shan entered the room.


    She leans back on the couch and crosses one leg over the other. Gently blowing the coffee to cool it down, she then takes a sip before voicing her thought.


    "I don¡¯t want to trouble him."


    Taking another sip, she lowers her hand and holds the cup of coffee above herp. Her eyes slowly flutter as they look at Liu Shan.


    "Uncle Zhi is still in the middle of restoring his shop from the vandalism. If we were to ask him for help, it will only add-on to his busy schedule."


    She voices her reason and continues to drink her coffee. Once she finished it, she leisurely sets it down on the table and reaches for a piece of paper that was closer to her.


    Her bluish green eyes scan over the paper very quickly before she slides across the table to her assistant.


    "These are the names of the remaining individuals still inside An Qing that have not been dealt with."


    She spoke as she leans forward and reaches for the ck book. She held onto it with one hand and stands up from her seat.


    "Memorize the names and gather every detail you can about them. We set out for An Qing in two hours."


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t move from his seat but watch her walk to her desk. His head tilts to the right and he purses his lip to one side as he ponders about her instruction.


    "Do you want to send word to An Qing of your visit?"


    Yue Ling had yet to reach her desk when he asked the question. She doesn¡¯t look back at him but walks around her desk to sit down.


    "No need."


    Getting this answer, the corners of Liu Shan¡¯s mouth curls up into an evil smirk and his eyes sh dangerously. Now that there is no Ming Yue to inform those faithless fools at An Qing, he can already see the shock and surprise looks on their faces.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure to dig every information I can."


    As Yue Ling begins her work and Liu Shan exits the room, back at Lu Corps, Lu Tian was currently in the middle of a meeting.


    However, the atmosphere inside the conference room was very grim.


    They had discussed over the matters of current objectives and operations regarding Lu Corps had just ended. However, one member of the board of directors thought it was a wise decision to bring up a topic that had been long dismissed.


    Other than Lu Tian and Xu Long, everyone in the room, including the person who brought up the topic, was covered in beads of sweat. Multiple pair of eyes nce nervously at one another as no one dare to raise their head.


    The meeting had been perfect with no issues and their boss¡¯s mood was good. How did the situation suddenly turn so spine-chilling?


    A man in histe fifties nces at the person on his right. He gestures a nudge as this person was the one who spoke out of line. He didn¡¯t forget to indicate the person to exin himself or else all of them will lose their jobs.


    Met with the man¡¯s eyes, Qian Chi Xue was put in a difficult position. Even if he didn¡¯t look up, he was well aware that everyone¡¯s eyes were ring at him with daggers.


    He inhales a deep breath to calm his hectic beating heart and raise his head to look at his young, but fearsome boss.


    However, the second he looked at the young man, he was frozen in his chair.


    Lu Tian kept a straight face, but his dark eyes were staring right into Qian Chi Xue like he was able to see through the man.


    The corners of his (Qian Chi Xue) mouth twitch up and he forces a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Heh heh. CEO Lu, about what I brought up..."


    He spoke trembling words as he held his hands tightly together under the table to keep himself from shaking.


    "I... I didn¡¯t mean to upset you by bringing up old matters."


    Seeing that Lu Tian¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t going to avert from him, he slightly lowers his head and looks elsewhere.


    "Y-You see, I brought up this matter because I have taken a look into other shippingpanies in Imperial. However, none of them can bring good enough profit to Lu Corps like how TB Corps does."


    Listening to the man speak, Xu Long stood behind Lu Tian, and never spoke a word. However, the more he listened to Qian Chi Xue exin, he would snort and roll his eyes without any care.


    No other shippingpany can bring profit to Lu Corps?


    Oh please! Qian Chi Xue is just as disgusting and greedy as his daughter, Qian Li Li. He is only trying so hard to convince Lu Tian to reconsider the contract between bothpanies because Ning Xingyu has bribed him with many goods in the dark.


    The reason why Ning Xingyu cannot afford to lose the contract with Lu Corps is that without Lu Corps¡¯ business, TB Corps will no doubt copse before it even goes bankrupt.


    As he thought about this, Xu Long held both his hands behind his back and his eyes begin to twitch like he was suddenly being possessed.


    Qian Chi Xue¡¯s face turned red at the sight of the annoying assistant. He was embarrassed but angry that such a lowly assistant would not give him any face.


    His nostrils re and he looks at Lu Tian with a serious face.


    "CEO Lu, I have calcted the shipment time and with all the products Lu Corps has on the market, only TB Corps is able to carry them out at the fastest speed."


    Lu Tian remained indifferent and never once spoke a word as the middle-aged man continue to rant his excuses. However, the cold air around him did not only get colder, but it also grew darker like the bright conference room was suddenly engulfed by gray clouds.


    Like he was finally getting bored with the meeting, he interrupts the man.


    "Director Qian, turn in your resignation letter to HR."


    "..."

 Chapter 667 That nigh

    <h4>Chapter 667 ¡°That¡° nigh</h4>


    The conference room inside Lu Corps was wash with silence as no one dares to make a sound. All the board members held a pale expression, but Xu Long was the only one who held a satisfying smile as his head nods in agreeing to his boss.


    "T-This..."


    Qian Chi Xue was at a loss. His eyes wide with his mouth and his facial expression did not hide how shock he was. Lu Tian had been a good mood during the meeting, so he thought it was the perfect opportunity to try and convince the man.


    However, he never expected Lu Tian to not listen to him but also order him to turn in his resignation letter.


    Isn¡¯t Lu Tian worried that he will get angry and sell the ten percent shares he has of Lu Corps?


    *VR VR VR


    As the silence continues, the phone inside Xu Long¡¯s pocket vibrates. He looks away from Qian Chi Xue and takes out his phone. At first, he thought it was a phone call, but to his surprise, it was a message.


    Quickly unlocking the screen, he reads the contents inside. His expression started with a frown, before his lip purse in confusion, then it finally ends with shock.


    Closing the message, he shoves his phone inside his pocket again and takes a big step towards his boss.


    "Boss, I¡¯m sorry to interrupt, but..."


    He pauses in his words and nces at the people inside the room. He didn¡¯t dare to say any more until Lu Tian gives him the cue. When he saw the small nod from the aloof man, he proceeds to exin.


    However, aware of his surrounding, he leans closer to Lu Tian and spoke in a voice that only he (Lu Tian) can hear.


    "There¡¯s an important matter regarding..."


    Lu Tian calmly listens to his assistant, but despite his ears being distracted, his dark gaze never moved from Qian Chi Xue.


    Until the assistant was done and takes a step back into position, Lu Tian rose from his seat.


    "Director Qian, no, Qian Chi Xue. I said before that I have no use for those who oppose my decisions. I expect a report from HR of your resignation letter."


    He grabs the front of his suit jacket and with a small tug, he straightens it in ce.


    "The meeting will end here today."


    Lu Tian walks out of the conference room with Xu Long following behind. All the board of directors was frozen in ce as no one could find the strength to stand up.


    They had all tried to listen to what Xu Long had to say but was unable to hear anything. What could be so important that Lu Tian would end the meeting like this?


    Unlike the others in the room, Qian Chi Xue was as pale as a ghost. His daughter had just been fired and now, Lu Tian didn¡¯t care to give him any face and fired him. How is he supposed to support his family?


    Entering his office, Lu Tian strides to his desk to sit. Behind him, Xu Long was beaming with joy on the inside and outside.


    The assistant couldn¡¯t help but be thrilled that they did not only get rid of the evil vixen, Qian Li Li, but also her wicked father.


    Hees to a stop in front of Lu Tian¡¯s desk and rubs the tip of his nose like he was trying to get rid of his joy.


    "Boss, regarding the matter with¡ª"


    "Approve."


    Before Xu Long could finish his words, Lu Tian cuts him off. Lowering his head, he sees pieces of paper scattered on his desk and he gathers them together into a file folder.


    "Notify them. I will personally be there."


    His words feel and he holds the folder out to Xu Long.


    "Your new assignment."


    Xu Long was still rendered speechless by the man¡¯s previous words. He could not believe that his boss has yet again, approve of another matter and will be there in person instead of sending someone.


    Taking a deep breath, he decides not to question his boss and looks down at the folder. He takes it from the man and opens it to see what his new assignment is.


    "Uh, boss this... I mean, everything here is easy to acquire, but..."


    His brows furrow together, and he closes the folder. Holding it behind his back with one hand, his other hand raised to scratch the side of his head.


    "Why do you need to invest in ake?"


    He had only spoken thest word to his question when his head put the pieces together.


    He recollects the implementation of the list and his mouth opens to a capitalize ¡¯O¡¯ shape.


    "Y-You¡¯re going to... again? A second time? Is it necessary?"


    Lu Tian felt please that his assistant was quick to understand. However, the more the man spoke, the heavier his eyes couldn¡¯t help but feel.


    He sighs inside and stares Xu Long dead in the eyes with his finger pointing at the folder behind.


    "If you finish early, you can have the remaining week off. If you get it done by tonight, you can have the remaining week off plus double pay."


    "..."


    Hearing this, Xu Long¡¯s eyes lit up like the sun in the sky. He thought having the remaining week off was already good enough since he wanted to move into his new ce. However, to get double pay if he finishes his task by tonight, how can he not be tempted?


    Earlier, he was already rewarded with a luxurious penthouse. Now, he is rewarded with time off. Has luck finallye to him?


    All those endless nights of crying, could it be that Buddha has finally heard his prayers?


    He straightens his posture and gestures a salute with one hand.


    "Don¡¯t worry, boss. I will not let you down andplete this mission with my life."


    Not waiting to be dismissed, he turns around and darts out the room. He snickers evilly and can¡¯t wait to find out if there are any more rewardsing his way.


    He exits his boss¡¯s office and closes the door. However, as he was walking to his own office, he looks down at the folder and heaves a long sigh as he thought back to ¡¯that¡¯ night.


    The very night his boss first propose to his bossdy.


    As one should know that night was very daunting and exhausting.


    Wolf Team and he were scattered into position around the couple¡¯s house. Each person was assigned with at least twenty skynterns. They were instructed with one very important task and that was, once they see the only skyntern ascend the night sky, they are to light all the othernterns in their possession.


    Everyone thought the proposal was a fail since they waited for such a long time and there was nontern in the sky.


    To their surprise, they were able to spot the skyntern and that was their cue that their bossdy said yes.


    However, because they were shivering from the cold night, they were having difficulty lighting theirnterns.


    Luckily, they improvised and seeded. If they had failed, they would have ruined their boss¡¯s romantic proposal.


    Xu Long sniffles dryly and rub his eyes that had no tears. Good thing that night went smoothly for their boss and they were given the chance to witness such a magical night full of skynterns.


    As he enters his office, Lu Tian remained in his office.


    The aloof man was now standing in front of the floor to ceiling window. Both his hands ced inside his pockets, and he stares at the clear sky.


    He hopes the sky remains this way and not ruin his preparations.

 Chapter 668 Not a worker here

    <h4>Chapter 668 Not a worker here</h4>


    De L¡¯amour¡¯s thirty-story building stood in the heart of Imperial like a tiny chest piece around the bigger buildings. It was dark with tinted windows and gave an air of gloominess as it was not eye-catching.


    However, despite its outer appearance, the inside was bright and luxurious.


    It was like stepping out from the dark and entering the light.


    As the 24 employees inside continue with their work, on the 30th floor, Yue Ling sat idly inside her office. She leans toward her desk and her left elbow rest on top as her chin rest on her palm.


    Her head was looking ahead, but her eyes were lower and she stares at the opened ck folder in front of her.


    Liu Shan had gathered all the information needed on the specific people still in An Qing.


    When she reached thest page, she flips the papers back to the front and closes it. She scoots her chair back enough for her stand up and she puts on her gray princess coat. Picking up the folder, she didn¡¯t hesitate to leave her office.


    The moment she opened the door, Liu Shan was already waiting for her outside. He was about to knock on her door, but seeing her, he gives her a small nod in greeting. However, one can see the eagerness in his eyes of wanting to destroy someone¡¯s life.


    Coming to a silent agreement, both individuals head for the elevator.


    "Is everything ready?"


    Yue Ling asks as Liu Shan presses the button to go down. She doesn¡¯t look at him but stares at the blurry image of her reflection on the elevator door.


    "Mm. Everything is done ordingly to your instructions."


    With a smile that held all sorts of emotions, Liu Shan answers her and stares at the screen showing the floor levels. He is ready to make those disgusting people at An Qing pay for all their disloyalty.


    *Ding


    In a short time, the elevator chimes in arrival as the door slide open.


    Yue Ling steps out first then Liu Shan. As the two walks into the front lobby, all the 24 employees who had been busy with their work were now standing in wait for their boss. Every one of them ranged from age twenty to forty.


    They stood in a neat row of two like they were creating a path for her in the center. Upon seeing her, everyone gestures a polite bow as they know what was going to happen.


    "Boss."


    Yue Ling stops in her steps and she stares at her employees with a faint smile.


    Unlike H-International in City Z, De L¡¯amour in Imperial has fewer people. However, she doesn¡¯t mind as each person here has been with her for a long time and is loyal to her. Especially, her design team.


    As she thought these thoughts, her eyesnded on thest person. The corners of her mouth curl up more until she was smiling with her teeth.


    "You¡¯re not a worker here."


    Hearing her words, everyone knew exactly who she was referring to. They turn their heads to look at the person and couldn¡¯t help but snicker.


    Standing closest to the entrance and exit door of De L¡¯amour, a young man stood like he was an employee. However, his appearance was not like that of an employee.


    He wore a long nnel with checker print that was not buttoned all the way as it gave view to the ck turtleneck he was wearing under. Keeping him warm was a ck motor jacket and on his legs was ck denim as ck oxford covered his feet.


    When he heard Yue Ling¡¯s words, his head turns to look at her, and he gives her a look like someone who had been caught. He chuckles sarcastically and points to himself


    "Oh, you¡¯re referring to me."


    He folds his arms over his chest and shrugs his shoulders with his chest slightly stuck out.


    "Of course I¡¯m not a worker here, but I am still one of your subordinates. It¡¯s only fair that I partake in this show we are going to put on."


    Yue Ling arches a brow at the man, but not finding any fault in his response. She shifts her gaze away from him and looks at her employees again.


    A dangerous glint of light sh in her eyes and a side smirk curls on her lip.


    "It¡¯s time we take back what we worked so hard on."


    Her words were formidable, and she lifts her right foot to take a step and walk through the path that had been made for her.


    "We¡¯re going to let them know what happens when they step out of line."


    She was one foot away from stepping out the door but paused in her steps. Her head turns to look at the man who isn¡¯t one of her employees.


    "Lin Hui, you will go with Qi Li."


    Her instruction enters Lin Hui¡¯s ears and he watches her exits the building. He may not be one of her employees at De L¡¯amour, but he is one of her most loyalist subordinates.


    And like everyone here, he has been waiting for this day toe. How can he miss it?


    After Yue Ling disappears out the door, Liu Shan follows then Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang. Behind the two women were Tang Zhonghui and Shan Sinan along with the twins, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin.


    Thest to leave were Qi Li and Lin Hui. However, Lin Hui leans closer to the illustrator and gestures a nudge with his elbow.


    "Bro, since we¡¯re going together, are we going to ride our motorcycles? Boss just gifted me a Hayabusa and I¡¯m dying to test it out."


    A frown appears on Qi Li¡¯s cold expression. He gives a side nce to the man next to him then looks ahead again.


    "I¡¯m driving."


    Hearing this, Lin Hui¡¯s eyes lit up. He couldn¡¯t wait to race with Qi Li as they were the only two subordinates who own motorcycles. However, the happiness that bloomed inside him was destroyed in the next second.


    "A car."


    Qi Li¡¯s voice continues in a t tone and causes Lin Hui to stumble on air. He (Lin Hui) stares in disbelief at Qi Li before his shoulders slouch and he nods his head in understanding but was crying on the inside.


    "A car... We are going to make a grand entrance in a car..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s remaining employees did not follow but remain inside the building. To outsiders, every one of them appears as normal employees, but what outsiders do not know is, they are all former members of Fate.


    When Yue Ling left the underworld, so did they. However, unlike the others who have moved on to live a normal life with no connection to Fate, it is only them and those still in H-International who stayed behind.


    As those still inside De L¡¯amour stare out the ss window that gave the view to the outside, they could see their boss and the others getting inside the cars. A smile curl on their faces and a dangerous light sh in their eyes.


    They were like soldiers in ancient times who were in the middle of a battlefield rooting for their almighty Emperor and Generals to face the enemy head-on.


    It is time those snakes inside An Qing pay.

 Chapter 669 Its really her

    <h4>Chapter 669 It¡°s really her</h4>


    Under the clear blue sky, three ck cars pull up to a stop in front of An Qing¡¯s grand and luxurious building. Seeing the cars that were luxury in both name and appearance, the people going to and from An Qing were curious and stops to observe.


    "Eh, who is it?"


    "Why did these cars suddenly stop? Could it be a very important guest visiting An Qing?"


    A whisper ofmotion esctes from workers and bystanders. Ever since the news of Chen Limei¡¯s removal as CEO of An Qing, there hasn¡¯t been anything circting about the fashionpany.


    The crowd slowly gathers to get a closer look at who is inside the three cars. They were also cautious and stayed at a good distance as they were afraid to offend someone they shouldn¡¯t have.


    However, due to the dark windows of each car, no one could see inside.


    As everyone¡¯s curiosity grew, the doors to the first and third car flung open at a steady pace.


    Lin Hui, Qi Li, and Tang Zhonghui step out into view as Gui Tian Lan, Gui Zhongmin, Shan Sinan, and Lian Ni Shang in thetter.


    All seven figures could be mistaken for models as they carried their own charm that makes one unable to look away. However, the air around them was hostile as it makes others afraid of them.


    Closing the door to the cars, seven figures walks to the middle car and stood in two rows.


    The second they stopped to stand like bodyguards, the driver and passenger doors to the car open. Liu Shan¡¯s carefree figure steps out with a smile on his face as Ju Suo¡¯s Lolita figure alsoes to view.


    Ju Suo joins the others while Liu Shan opens the door to the backseat for his boss.


    "Boss."


    Yue Ling¡¯s slim legs emerge first as her feet wearing ck heels touch the hard and cold ground. She steps out from the car with eyes never leaving An Qing.


    She knew a crowd had gathered and never was the type of person who liked to attract attention. However, for her purpose ofing here, the scene in front of her was an exception.


    Her red lips parts as she walks towards the front entrance of An Qing.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Hearing her words, Lin Hui and Qi Li give each other a nod in understanding. The two men strides pass their boss with Gui Tian Lan, Gui Zhongmin, Tang Zhonghui, and Shan Sinan following behind.


    Yue Ling did not get angry that the men were ahead of her. Instead, a smile curls on her face. Unlike the pace of the six men in front of her, her steps were calm as she leisurely follows with her remaining subordinates.


    The crowd was struck by surprise when they came to realize who had appeared. It wasn¡¯t until the group entered An Qing that everyone regained their consciousness again.


    "Isn¡¯t that..."


    "It is. It¡¯s really her, the person behind An Qing."


    Inside An Qing, the employees were all unaware of the situation that had taken ce outside and busy themselves with their work.


    On the second-highest floor, a middle-aged man was spending a sweet and rxing time in his office. He is Guo Rong, the Chief Operations Officer of An Qing. However, due to the CEO seat being vacant, he didn¡¯t need to report to anyone as those inferior to his position can only report to him.


    He sat behind his desk in azy posture with both his feet crossed on top of his desk. Both his arms cross in front of his chest and he stares at the other person in his office.


    "Miss Lin, I have proposed my offer to you for 2 months now. Are you willing to ept?"


    Sitting on one of the chairs inside Guo Rong¡¯s office was a young woman in her mid-twenties. She has an innocent appearance and her head was down with both her hands clutched together. However, one can see how scared and nervous she is.


    "COO Guo, I..."


    She was unable to finish her words due to the trembling of her lower lip. However, she swallows hard gulp and mustered her courage together.


    "I am sincerely sorry, but I will have to decline to your offer."


    "Imprudent!"


    A loud m echoes with Guo Rong¡¯s raging voice. He abruptly stands up from his chair and walks over to the woman.


    "Do you know how much I am offering here? For a lowly worker like yourself, how dare you turn down my offer?"


    Miss Lin jumped in fright and squeeze her eyes shut. She is a worker from the ount Team. She has been working for An Qing for 2 years now and have kept to herself. She doesn¡¯t know when or what she did, but COO Guo started to take an interest in her and has been constantly trying to woo her.


    She knows that her position is low, and some workers will try to get on their superior¡¯s good side, but she was never one to cheat her way up. So, she would always turn down his gifts and offers.


    However, despite her doing this, he just wouldn¡¯t leave her alone.


    She even informed her team leader and HR, but no one did anything because COO Guo held a higher position than them.


    Guo Rong stares at the young woman and he licks his lower lip. He stops behind her chair and ces his palms on the backrest. With a slight bend, he was able to take a sniff of the woman¡¯s fragrance.


    "Miss Lin, as your superior, you have to listen to everything I say."


    He lifts one hand and gently touches her head. He caresses her hair like a good father and smiles.


    "If you be my side mistress, I will give you anything you want. I can even help you pay off the medical bill for your fianc¨¦¡¯s treatment."


    Miss Lin shiver with goosebumps when she felt his hand on her head. It¡¯s true that she needs money because her fianc¨¦ broke his leg from a car ident. However, never will she sell herself.


    She takes a deep breath to brace herself and slightly leans away from him like he was a gue.


    "COO Guo, thank you, but I will still have to decline."


    Guo Rong¡¯s nostrils re and his breathing turned heavy. He has been trying to get this woman in bed for 2 months now, but she was always ying hard to get. He can see that she is like all the other women he hase across and will do anything so long as he pays them.


    His hand caressing her hair grabs hold of her head and he yanks her back by the hair to look up him. Red veins can be seen in the white of his sinister eyes and he res down at her.


    "Y-You dare to refuse me. Do you know that one word from me and your career is over?!"


    He roars ragingly at her as his other hand grabs hold of her blouse. He tried to rip it open but the young woman grabs his hand to stop him.


    "No! Let me go!"


    Miss Lin screams at the top of her lungs. She didn¡¯t care anymore and hits the middle-aged man on the head. So what if her career is over after this. She doesn¡¯t care, she rather loses her job than be rape.


    "Shut up!!"


    Being hit on the head, Guo Rong was even more furious. His hand on her head loosens but only to hit the side of her head.


    *m¡ª


    Just as his fist was about to touch Miss Lin, the door to his office burst open as someone had forcefully kicked it down.


    Guo Rong and Miss Lin both jumped at the sudden intrusion, but it was only the man who was staring at the opened door. Miss Lin pulls away from the man¡¯s grasp and she falls down from the chair. She hugs herself and sobs in relief that someone was here to stop the man.


    "Who dares to enter my office without knocking?! Are you tired of living?!"


    His words fell in anger and distressed as veins pop on his forehead. He was so close to getting a taste of Miss Lin, yet someone dares to disturb him.


    However, when he saw who was standing at the door, he was at a loss.


    His mouth opens and closes for a few times before he could find his voice again.


    "W-Who are you?"


    Standing at the door is a young man. He was pretty and had wless skin that can make women envy him. However, with the ck motor jacket on, it gave him the look of a delinquent.


    Both his hands were in the pockets of his jacket and he enters the room like he was stepping inside his own home.


    His eyes never left the middle-aged man as he smiles a smile that did not reach his eyes. He then clicks his tongue with his head shaking in disappointment.


    "Tsk, tsk. Guo Rong ah Guo Rong. You¡¯re the one tired of living."

 Chapter 670 Are you done, old man?

    <h4>Chapter 670 Are you done, old man?</h4>


    Inside An Qing, Guo Rong stares at the young man who had barged into his office. He was unable toprehend the words that he was hearing. This is his office, so how is he the one who is tired of living?


    Lin Hui stares back at the middle-aged man. The smile on his face disappear and his expression was reced with a nonchnt look. He walks toward the two people in the room, butes to a stop in the middle of the room and shift his gaze away to look around.


    Everything inside the room was decorated with high-quality products and he could tell from a nce they were authentic and not replicas. Even the namete was made from the best quality.


    His head nods a few times like he was interested in what he was seeing. However, it onlysted for a quick second as he looks back at the man with seriousness.


    "Guo Rong, age 48. Chief Operations Officer of An Qing. Married to Su Yian. Two children, Guo Ying, age 26 and Guo Mo, age 15."


    Hearing each word, Guo Rong was frozen in ce. He could only stare with widening eyes as he could no longer think clearly. He has never seen Lin Hui before, but every word that came from the young man was like he (Lin Hui) was reading it from a book.


    Like he was able to read the man¡¯s inner thoughts, Lin Hui smiles a smile that reaches his eyes.


    "You¡¯ve been with An Qing for six years and climbed your way to be the Chief Operations Officer in 2 years. Is that correct?"


    He takes both his hands out of his pockets and held them behind his back.


    "For those six years, does your wife and children know that you are a bastard who enjoys bullying the weak? Or... Should I say, assault, bribery, child abuse, and sexual harassment? What about your affairs with your fellow female employees you fancy? Have you ever thought about what your wife and children will think about you?"


    "..."


    Hearing these words, Guo Rong felt a chill crawl up his spine and his forehead began to sweat. However, thinking about something, anger quickly boils inside him.


    He raises his hand and points his pointer finger directly at Lin Hui like it was right in front of the young man¡¯s face.


    "Imbecile! How dare you barge into my office and nder me?! I have nevermitted any child abuse in my life."


    Lin Hui kept hisposure but inside he was rolling his eyes like he was on a roller coaster ride. He raises one hand to the side of his head and he uses his pinky finger to dig his ear.


    "Are you done, old man?"


    Even though Guo Rong is older, he didn¡¯t care to show any courtesy and points down to Miss Lin who was still sobbing quietly on the floor.


    "She is half your age. So distinguishing the age gap, she is still a child and what you were doing to her before I walked in, is what you call child abuse."


    His words fell like boulders on Guo Rong. He looks down at the sobbing woman and he sighs inside. If he had been a secondte, who knows what would have happened to her.


    "Miss Lin, you¡¯re safe now. Please leave the room, I have some things to discuss with this old man."


    He knew her name because it was something Yue Ling had instructed them to remember. It wasn¡¯t only Miss Lin¡¯s name, but also every employee inside An Qing. Even their face was something he and the others had to memorize.


    Miss Lin was unable to look up at her savior, but she nods her head thankfully. Clutching onto her clothes that were almost ripped open, she stood up and runs out of the room.


    Watching his prey get away, Guo Rong was nervous and angry. He wanted to run after Miss Lin, not to woo her, but to quiet her from saying anything about what happened.


    However, looking at Lin Hui, he knew he couldn¡¯t.


    His hand clenches into tight fists and he growls at the young man.


    "Get out of my office. If you don¡¯t, I will have security escort you out."


    He spoke like someone who had been wrong and without waiting, he strides in big steps to his desk. He picks up the work phone and dials the button for security.


    cing the phone near his ear, he murmurs angrily as he waits for the call to go through.


    "This is outrageous. Who does he think he is?"


    ["This is security, COO Guo is everything alright?"]


    The line connects as the person from the other line answer and Guo Rong part his lips to inform them of the situation. However, before he could say anything, his eyes widen in horror as he sees Lin Hui stop in front of him. A palm then reaches forward to him and covers his mouth.


    "Mmmf!!"


    ["Hello? COO Guo?"]


    Every word Guo Rong wanted to say turned muffled and the phone drops on top of the desk.


    Lin Hui grabs the man by the lower half of his (Guo Rong) face and ruthlessly ms him against the wall behind the desk. He still held a smile on his face as he shakes his head at Guo Rong.


    "Wrong move."


    Pressing the middle-aged man¡¯s head harder against the wall, his other hand reaches for the phone and he puts it near his ear.


    "Security, report to the conference room, we have a situation here."


    He doesn¡¯t wait for a response from the other line and ends the call. He doesn¡¯t hang up the phone, but forcefully tugs the entire phone and disconnects the cord.


    Dropping it onto the floor, his smiles widen, and his eyes turned into upside-down crescents.


    "You¡¯re curious about who I am, aren¡¯t you?"


    Guo Rong was frozen stiff in fear. He has always been the one who held control, but now, he was more terrified than anything. Compare to all the other people who were superior to him, Lin Hui is by far the scariest person he has ever encountered.


    However, when he heard the question, he could only nod his head as his mouth was still held by the young man.


    Lin Hui scoff inside at how scared the man has be.


    His smile never faltered, but his eyes were no longer smiling as they held a murderous look.


    "I am here to collect your fate."


    Please go to https://ReadRead/Unexpected-Second-Chance-at-Love/ to read thetest chapters for free

 Chapter 671 I know who you are

    <h4>Chapter 671 I know who you are</h4>


    "What¡¯s going on here?! Why are you dragging me?!"


    "This is outrageous! Do you know who I am?!"


    "Let me go! I can have you arrested for false usations!"


    "Scram! I have a business meeting with a very important client! Are you trying to make me lose face?!"


    "Why are you doing this to me? Who sent you here?"


    "This is nder! I haven¡¯t done anything wrong!"


    A loudmotion resonated throughout An Qing as six middle-aged people were escorted to a room. Each person had been inside their office when someone suddenly burst through the door and dragged them out.


    They were all being held at the arm by a younger man they¡¯ve never seen or encountered before. However, as they try to free themselves from this embarrassment, they soone to a stop in front of the conference room.


    "Ah!"


    Guo Rong groans in pain as he was shoved forward by Lin Hui. He stumbles in his steps before he was able to steady himself.


    "Y-You! This is preposterous!"


    He flips around and res viciously at the young man. If eyes could kill, Lin Hui would have been stabbed to death by his ring eyes.


    However, that all changed and all the colors on his face pale like he was staring at a ghost.


    "This.... How... Why are you guys also here?"


    Standing near him were four middle-aged men and a woman around the same age. They were his colleagues and the very few he is closest to at An Qing.


    "What is going on here?"


    Just like him, they had been brought to the conference room with someone. He stares at each person and could not process the situation at all.


    "Inside."


    Guo Rong¡¯s question had only escaped his mouth when Qi Li gives a low growl to them.


    Despite his docile appearance like a goodpany worker, the air around him was as cold as his facial expression. He takes a few steps towards the conference room and opens the door.


    "Now."


    Seeing this, Guo Rong and the other five people were rendered speechless. Each person held a high position in An Qing. How dare someone treat them with ill-manners?


    However, the longer they didn¡¯t move, they felt a nervous chill crawl inside them.


    There were millions of questions in their mind but seeing the six young men that surrounded them like police officers, they could only do as they were told.


    One by one they enter the room and felt a wave of fear crawl inside them.


    It was only the conference room that they frequently enter, but why do they feel like a group of children entering a scary haunted house?


    The moment all six people were inside the room, they were even more speechless than ever. Compare to the atmosphere outside the room, inside was even more dreadful.


    Guo Rong stares with his mouth open before his lower lip starts to tremble.


    "H-Han Yue Ling."


    Yue Ling sat calmly in the main seat inside the conference room. Both her hands rested on top of the table with her fingers entwined together.


    She was never one to wear too much makeup unless she was working a photo shoot. However, her appearance at this moment looked virtuous with a noble aura.


    Standing behind her was Liu Shan, who looked easy-going and someone who is not reasonable. To his left stood Ju Suo, who could be mistaken as a teenager. To her left stood Lian Ni Shang, who looked as cold as the night.


    Yue Ling stares at the six people her subordinates had brought in and she smiles politely at them.


    "I¡¯m sure you are all aware of who I am. I can also see it on your faces that you are confused by my sudden visit."


    Her smile widens, but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes and she gestures with a hand to empty seats around her.


    "Have a seat and I will exin."


    Guo Rong swore he thought he was looking at an immortal fairy. However, the more he felt her sharp gaze on him, he was beyond terrified.


    As the COO of An Qing, he has never once felt this scared. Even when he was standing in front of Chen Limei, he was able to keep hisposure together.


    However, Yue Ling was different.


    Compare to his encounter with Lin Hui earlier, right now, he swore his soul had left his body and was now kneeling in front of the Heavenly Emperor.


    Like an entire day had gone by before he was able to return to normal. He struggles a hard gulp and forces a chuckle.


    "You... I mean, Miss Han, why are you suddenly here?"


    He stutters his words and quickly walks over to the empty chairs to sit down.


    "I-If I had known that Miss Han was v-visiting, I would have informed the employees to straighten the ce."


    Seeing Guo Rong sit down, the other five people didn¡¯t hesitate to follow in his steps. Their positions in An Qing was high, butpare to Guo Rong, he is their superior when the CEO is not present.


    Liu Shan watch the group scatter to sit like a bunch of ants. He scoffs incredulously at them before holding both his hands behind his back.


    "Insolent humans with no morals. How dare you address your boss in an informal manner?"


    His easygoing appearance turns domineering like that of a warrior. He stares at each person with sharp eyes like a tiger ready to tear off his enemies.


    "Could it be that every one of you is getting too old that your brain is slow to uptake who An Qing¡¯s real CEO is?"


    Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang held a bewilderment expression as both women stare at the assistant. The tips of their palms lightly tap together, and they apud his sudden aggressive behavior.


    It wasn¡¯t every day that they get to witness this manly side of him.


    However, unlike the two women, those sitting at the table with Yue Ling were sweating in fear.


    They had been so full of themselves since the CEO seat was vacant. How could they forget that even with Chen Limei gone, there was still Han Yue Ling?


    Being the only woman out of the six people, the middle-aged woman nces nervously at Yue Ling. Her brain concludes that since Yue Ling is also a woman, she cannot be a saint as she appears to be.


    She inhales a deep breath and raises her head stares back at Yue Ling with a polite smile.


    "Miss... I mean, CEO Han, it is my greatest pleasure to finally meet you in person. I am¡ª"


    "Liu Xiaoqing."


    Before the middle-aged woman could finish her words, she was cut off by Yue Ling.


    The room quickly turns silent as Yue Ling¡¯s bluish green eyes stare directly at the woman name Liu Xiaoqing. It was like she was staring straight into the woman¡¯s soul and could see all the evil within.


    Her eyes slowly flutter but her expression was that of an arrogant princess who didn¡¯t care about what others have to say. She reaches for a ck folder that had been ced in front of her and looks down.


    "No need for the introduction. I know who you are."


    She opens the folder and a stack of documents can be seen inside as she picks up three sheets of paper that had been pin together.


    "You are An Qing¡¯s ount Manager, Liu Xiaoqing."


    Her words fell as she averts her gaze to the two men sitting on the right of the middle-aged woman. Doing the same with two more stacks of pinned documents, sheid them side by side with the first one.


    "Textile designer, Xu Zhengyi and Art Designer, Tang Yimou."


    She then looks to the other three men and her words continue as she does the same with the remaining documents in the folder.


    "Chief Operations Officer, Guo Rong. Production Manager, Yang Chao, and Retail Buyer, Ge You."


    She spoke each person¡¯s name with a mischievous smile, and she leans closer to the table.


    Her elbows gently touch the top of the table as her fingers entwine together and she rests her chin on top of her hands.


    "I know exactly who all of you are."


    Please go to https://ReadRead/Unexpected-Second-Chance-at-Love/ to read thetest chapters for free

 Chapter 672 Impressed with you all

    <h4>Chapter 672 Impressed with you all</h4>


    Although the heater inside An Qing was turned on, the temperature inside the conference room seemed to have dropped drastically.


    Guo Rong, Xu Zhengyi, Tang Yimou, Yang Chao, and Liu Xiaoqing sat in their seats with a chill like they were stranded in the middle of a freezing blizzard. However, at the same time, it was like they were standing near a burning volcano that caused their bodies to sweat uncontrobly.


    No one dares to look at the younger woman sitting at the main seat as their head lower and they could only stare at the table. Each person looked like they were at the police station and were currently being questioned on their crimes.


    Compare to them, Yue Ling was as calm and collect as ever. It was as if she was not sitting in a conference room but was at home and enjoying her day off work.


    Her bluish-green eyes swept across each individual until she stops at Guo Rong. A faint smile appears on her face and she softly chuckles.


    "I have to admit, I am quite impressed with you all."


    Hearing her sudden words, a small wave of relief wash over the six people. The tense air that lingered around them began to disperse and their stiffed shoulders rxed a little.


    However, that feeling didn¡¯tst for long when Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice sounds again.


    "Impressed how you all have breached the contract you signed."


    "...."


    She kept a very subtle smile and lifts her right hand. Gesturing a small signal to her three subordinates standing behind her, she didn¡¯t need to voice her instruction as they knew what to do.


    Liu Shan picks up three ck folders on the table and walks towards the individuals on his side. He ces one folder in front of Liu Xiaoqing then does the same to Xu Zhengyi and Tang Yimou.


    On the opposite side of him, Lian Ni Shang¡¯s movements were no different. She started with Guo Rong then Yang Chao and ended at Ge You.


    The assistant and subordinate then return to stand behind Yue Ling with a cold gaze staring at each person.


    Seeing the confused look on everyone¡¯s faces, Yue Ling chuckles a smile. She leans back on her chair and crosses her arms over her chest.


    "The folder in front of you is the proof of your failure to perform and cross the line of your part of the contract."


    Hearing these words from her, all six people were struck speechless as their body froze again like the Pok¨¦mon Articuno had flown inside the room andunches an attack on them. One by one, their trembling hands reach for the folder and slowly opens it.


    Inside the was not only the contract they sighed when they first joined An Qing, but there were also other details of what they had been doing. From what they failed to do to how they abused their power. There were even photos of them taken from either up-close or at a distance.


    "T-This...."


    Xu Zhengyi was the first out of the six to regain his consciousness again. He is a 46-year-old man with slightly gray streaks of hair that can be seen on his head. He and frantically flips through each page inside his folder like he could not believe what he was reading.


    "This is insane! Everything in here is a lie!"


    He ms his fist on the table causing a loud bang and lifts his hand to point at Yue Ling. His entire being trembles with rage and he res at her.


    "You may be the CEO of De L¡¯amour, but that does not give you authority to waltz into An Qing and im the CEO position. How dare you nder us with these ridiculous fabrications to remove us from our positions?!"


    He roars each word like he was a victim who had been wrong in court. However, deep inside, he was angry because everything inside the folder was true. Not only him, but the others felt the same.


    "Textile Designer Xu is correct. Who do you think you are? How can you photoshop our faces into these photos? I have never met this woman nor have I ever stepped foot inside this restaurant!"


    Yang Chao howls as he ms a photo onto the table. It was a photo of him hugging a woman half his age inside a restaurant. Even if it was him, he cannot admit it.


    "All the information here is part of your evil n to remove us like how you got rid of CEO Chen."


    Each person suddenly flew into outrage when they found their courage to retaliate against Yue Ling. They cannot admit to this information because if they do, they will lose their high paying jobs and bes theugh of Imperial.


    Tang Yimou loses the folder in front of him and ms his palm on top of it. His head flung to look at Yue Ling and he scoffs a sneer.


    "CEO Han, I have been An Qing¡¯s Art Designer for many years now. I take pride in my work and only wish for the best for An Qing. Don¡¯t you think you are stepping out of line by doing this to us?"


    Yue Ling was unfazed by the shouting voices thrown her way. She nces at each person like she was taking in their words, but in truth, every word that came out of their mouth only entered one ear and out the other.


    She stares Tang Yimou for a long second as he was thest to speak. However, her gaze gradually shifts to the person who had first spoken.


    "Xu Zhengyi."


    Her sudden voice was not too loud, but it quickly quiets down themotion that had taken ce.


    Usually, when it came to work, she would have formally addressed the other, but the people sitting at the table with her do not deserve her respect. Even if they were older and she has respect for her elders, she can care less about these people.


    "As a textile designer, you are a very experienced person in the industry and one of the very few I had found very capable. However, I¡¯m disappointed that the capability you have now was only reached when you constantly take someone else¡¯s credit for your advantage."


    She slowly flutters her eyes and faintly smiles at the middle-aged man.


    "Like how the materials De L¡¯amour was supposed to obtain in Mn suddenly became acquired by An Qing."


    The colors on Xu Zhengyi¡¯s face turned as white as a sheet of paper. His mouth opened agape like he wanted to say something, but it was like all the words he hade to known had been toss out of his brain.


    He is indeed knowledgeable in the textile industry and others often seek him for advice. However, as he grew older, he was beginning to have difficulty keeping up with the changes in trends.


    Due to this, he started to steal ideas from others who were not well known as him.


    Just like the designs for the Fall Fashion Show. As De L¡¯amour was always able to keep up with the trends, he sought out information from Ming Yue. He then came up with the idea for Chen Limei to snatch the materials in Mn before De L¡¯amour could.


    However, other than Chen Limei, he didn¡¯t tell this n to anyone, so how did Yue Ling find out?

 Chapter 673 Something I need you to do

    <h4>Chapter 673 Something I need you to do</h4>


    As Yue Ling stares at the other six people sitting at the table with her, she was oblivious to the disdain expression on her assistant and two subordinates standing behind her. Liu Shan, Ju Suo, and Lian Ni Shang did not hide their hatred for the people and made sure that their expression gave away their feelings.


    Yue Ling unfolds her arms that were crossed over her chest and she rests her forearm on the table. A refine and soft smile curls on her lips and her gaze shifts to the man sitting next to Xu Zhengyi.


    "Tang Yimou. As the Art Director, your tasks as a fashion coordinator is to supervise every content creation within An Qing. However, you breached the contract by failing to train, assign, and provide work directions to your peers."


    The corners of her lip gradually lower until her expression was left with only coldness.


    "You too, infringe the copyrights of other fashionpanies and professed them as your own."


    Tang Yimou felt like someone had poured ice-cold water onto his body. His face lost all colors and he looks at Yue Ling. He wanted to give an excuse for his faults, but before he could, Yue Ling didn¡¯t bother with him anymore and looks away.


    Her bluish green eyesnded on Liu Xiaoqing and her head slightly tilts to the side.


    "ount Manager, Liu Xiaoqing. You are the second person I am most disappointed in."


    She picks up a piece of document inside the ck folder and slides it on top of the table like she was giving it to the middle-aged woman.


    "For everypany in the world, one of their main priority is to maintain their rtionship with their clients. Like De L¡¯amour, I hoped that An Qing would value each client that enters through the door. However, you did not exceed my expectations and only approved business with the wealthy for your own selfish needs."


    Her expression was calm, but one could see the danger that was hidden within those eyes that looked like the Mediterranean Sea.


    She had a purpose for splitting De L¡¯amour and An Qing. As she wanted onepany to focus on high-end products while the other provided reasonable prices.


    However, as An Qing started to be well-known thanks to De L¡¯amour, Chen Limei and the six people in this room decided to cross the line of the contract they signed.


    Paying no more attention to Liu Xiaoqing, she shifts her attention to Yang Chao and Ge You.


    "Production Manager, Yang Chao, and Retail Buyer, Ge You. Both of you are truly two hoaxes in a pod."


    Due to their rtionship as inws, they thought it was a great idea to team up together andmit false inventory. Everything that entered the doors of An Qing, if it is something they wanted, they would purpose miscount the product and steal it.


    Yue Ling scoffs a sneer at the two men. She knew that Chen Limei was well aware of what each person was doing, but she (Chen Limei) feign ignorance.


    However, what they did not know is that, everything that on inside and outside of An Qing, she had full knowledge of it all.


    Not only that, she could have easily deposed them for neglecting their job, but she didn¡¯t. There was still a need for them.


    Ending her thoughts, Yue Ling smiles and slightly turns her head to look at the person she has yet to mention.


    "Chief Operations Officer, Guo Rong."


    Hearing her call him, Guo Rong jumped at her voice. He nces nervously at her, but seeing her angelic smile, the fear that was crawling inside him began to ease.


    Judging from her smile and the tone of her voice, it seems like he is the only one who might have a chance at keeping his job.


    Thinking this way, he forces a chuckle and tries to maintain a crooked smile.


    "Miss Han... No, I mean, CEO Han, is there anything I can do for you?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s smile arcs up more until her eyes turned into upside-down crescents. Her expression looked like she was truly pleased with Guo Rong.


    "There is something I need you to do."


    Her smile remained the same, but for some reason, Guo Rong felt something was off. To which, his inner feeling was quickly answered.


    "Turn in your resignation letter."


    Seeing how her words had confused the middle-aged man, Yue Ling slightly leans to the left, and her elbow rests on the arm of her chair.


    "Out of everyone sitting at this table, you are by far the one I am most disappointed in."


    She chuckles softly and her hand raises to casually flick her hair to her back.


    "You are An Qing¡¯s COO, but given your high position, you have done nothing but abuse your power."


    Her voice was calm, but to those who heard, each word was like a thundering rumble in the sky.


    She reaches for the ck folder in front of her and picks up the stack of documents inside.


    "Assault and sexual harassment against your female peers."


    She moves the first page and set it on the table. However, she doesn¡¯t stop there and continues toy down each piece of document in her hands.


    "Theft, bribery, public intoxication, conspiracy with outsiders, ckmail, embezzlement, moneyundering."


    Her eyes never once blinked, nor did she look away from Guo Rong. She stops her movements as herst word fell, but everyone can see there were still more documents in her hands.


    "Should I continue with the list?"


    Guo Rong was rooted to his chair and could not say a word. Everything she had mentioned was true. Compare to the others, he was the one who outdid himself the most.


    Seeing how dumbfounded he was, Yue Ling shifts her gaze from him. She didn¡¯t care if they saw her as the devil and set the remaining papers in her hands down. She scoots her chair back and stood up.


    "I look forward to seeing all six resignation letters by the end of the day."


    She looks at the group of middle-aged people and smiles sweetly to them like she had not justid out their deepest secrets.


    "Unless you want to be escorted out, then be my guest."


    Without giving them another nce, she walks around the long table and exits the conference room. Behind her, Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang quickly follow without a care for the others.


    However, Liu Shan didn¡¯t follow.


    He sneers at the six people and folds his arms over his chest with an arrogant expression.


    "Choose wisely because walls have ears."

 Chapter 674 We have a mission

    <h4>Chapter 674 We have a mission</h4>


    Yue Ling had long left the conference, but inside the six remaining people were left in silence. The look on their faces was indescribable as no one knew what to feel at this moment.


    "H-How did ite to this..."


    Liu Xiaoqing, being the only woman, spoke first. She couldn¡¯t lift her head up as her teary eyes were glued on the folder in front of her.


    *m¡ª


    From across the table, Yang Chao ms his palm on the table with anger written all over his face. He viscously turns to look at the door Yue Ling had walked out, and he scowls.


    "That Han Yue Ling is seeking death. Who does she think she is forcing us to resign?"


    He inhales a deep breath that causes his body to tremble and abruptly stands up.


    "I will never do as she says. I am An Qing¡¯s Production Manager. No one can take this position from me."


    Watching him stride to the door, Yang Yimou and Ge You nod their heads in agreement to the man. Both men quickly rose from their seats and follow in pursuit.


    Tang Yimou: "She wants me to give up my seat? Keep dreaming!"


    Ge You: "I have invested so much in An Qing. It will take more than some lousy papers to depose me."


    "Shut up!"


    Guo Rong ms his fist on the table and roars after the three men. He flung his head to look at them and res with murderous eyes like he wanted to strangle each person to death.


    "Are you all done or are you going to keep acting like a bunch of idiots?"


    Hearing his sudden cursing at them, Yang Chao, Yang Yimou, and Ge You could only stop in their steps and turn to look at him.


    "COO Guo, what is the matter with you? We haven¡¯t done anything to you. It was Han Yue Ling. If you want to take your anger out on someone, go with us to find her."


    Guo Rong res at the three men before looking away. His head lowers down to look at the folder in front of him then the documents Yue Ling hadid out.


    He can clearly understand why everyone is angry with Yue Ling because he is also angry. Even if she is the CEO, he is not afraid of her. However, what he is afraid of is...


    "Lu Tian and General Ji."


    The two names that make everyone in Imperial tremble in fear enter the ears of the other five people.


    Each person nces confusingly at one another before looking at Guo Rong. They are well aware of who Lu Tian and General Ji are, but why would Guo Rong suddenly mention their names?


    Liu Xiaoqing furrows her brows as she tries to read the man sitting across from her.


    "COO Guo, what are you implying? What does our situation have to do with Lu Tian and General Ji?"


    Guo Rong heaves a long sigh and raises his hand to massage his forehead like he was trying to soothe away any stress.


    "Han Yue Ling is Lu Tian¡¯s woman and she is also the granddaughter of General Ji."


    "..."


    Everyone was at a loss by his words. They had thought Yue Ling was only a puny retired model and fashion designer. However, other than her reveal as the designer and CEO of De L¡¯amour, there was no media release about her being involved with Lu Tian and General Ji.


    "Are you sure? Why haven¡¯t we heard about this?"


    Xu Zhengyi asked with a confused expression. Could it be that Guo Rong was given false information?


    Seeing how each person was doubting him, Guo Rong was given a headache. He cast a re to each person and exins.


    "I was invited to General Ji¡¯s birthday. During the old man¡¯s speech, it was then when he announced Han Yue Ling was his real granddaughter. Later I saw Han Yue Ling and Lu Tian together."


    At the time, he didn¡¯t understand why he was suddenly invited to the birthday banquet. Especially when neither Chen Limei not the others here were invited.


    Not only that, but he also wasn¡¯t close to the old man or ever held a conversation together.


    However, after Yue Ling¡¯s sudden visit today, he finally understood.


    General Ji¡¯s invitation was a warning to his face. If he or anyone dares to go against Yue Ling, they will be going against him (Grandfather Ji) too.


    Thinking this, Guo Rong heaves another long sigh and moves his hand to massage his temples.


    "As for why the information was not released to the media is because General Ji made sure that no one from the banquet said a word."


    The room quickly fell into silence again as no one knew what else to say. Now that they know who is backing Yue Ling, there is no way they can try to find trouble for her.


    Xu Zhengyi stares at the space in front of him as his body turns sluggish and he slumps more into his chair.


    "Going against her means going against two of Imperial¡¯s most respectable and fearsome men..."


    Outside of An Qing, Yue Ling stood in front of the opened backseat door to one of the three ck cars.


    She looks at Liu Shan with furrow brows before slightly narrowing her eyes suspiciously. Normally, he is her driver, but the moment they stepped out of An Qing, he suggested Qi Li drive her back to De L¡¯amour and asked for the remaining day off.


    "Liu Shan, what are you up to?"


    Hearing her question, Liu Shan shes a wide grin at her and ce an arm over Lin Hui¡¯s shoulder.


    "I have something to do and need Lin Hui¡¯s help."


    He cast a quick nce at Qi Li and sends the man a look full of secrecy. However, as the person that she is, Yue Ling saw everything.


    She shakes her head and decides not to question his reason for suddenly asking to leave work.


    "Alright, I get it. You have something more important to do than work."


    Liu Shan wanted to retort and say that work is his number one priority but thinking about why he needed to take the day off, he could only press his lips tightly together. He forcefully nods his head at her while his soul was crying on the inside.


    "Boss, I promise, only for today."


    Yue Ling stares at the two men for a long minute before turning away and enters the car. She swore, she is too lenient with her subordinates. If it had been someone else, she was sure Liu Shan would have been fired on the spot.


    Watching the two ck cars drive away, Lin Hui shoves away Liu Shan¡¯s arm that was still wrapped over his shoulder.


    "Dude, are you courting death? What¡¯s so important that you have to take the day off?"


    Hisst word fell, and a thought came to him. His eyes lit up and he leans closer to the assistant.


    "Are we sneaking back inside to end the lives of those faithless beings?"


    "..."


    Liu Shan was struck dumbfounded by the man. He stares back at Lin Hui and couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he had chosen the wrong person for the job. Maybe he should have asked Qi Li or someone else.


    However, knowing he is already stuck with Lin Hui, he sighs and turns for the remaining ck car.


    "Get in. We have a mission."


    Lin Hui purse his lip as he frowns. He sees Liu Shan already entering the driver seat and quickly jogs over to the passenger side of the car.


    "What mission? I don¡¯t recall boss mentioning anything about a mission."


    Seated inside the car, Liu Shan turns on the engine, and his eyes shing with a beaming light as a mischievous smile curl on his lip.


    "It¡¯s not from boss. This is our first mission from our boss man."

 Chapter 675 Would you like to have the honor

    <h4>Chapter 675 Would you like to have the honor</h4>


    Yue Ling returned to De L¡¯amour like she had never left to pay An Qing a visit. She steps out of the car and makes her way towards the front entrance.


    As for the six people she had left behind in An Qing, she didn¡¯t need to worry about them.


    When she and her team left, the security guards had arrived to the scene and she exined the situation to them. Some would find it strange that she would ce her trust on An Qing¡¯s security guard, but one should know that they are her own people. The few that she had ordered to be her eyes inside An Qing.


    "Um, boss wait."


    Yue Ling had only entered through the doors when she was stopped by Gui Zhongmin. She pauses in her steps and turns around to look at her stylist.


    "What is it?"


    Her voice sounded in a calm tone, but the moment she fully turned around, she was astonished at the scene in front of her.


    It wasn¡¯t only Gui Zhongmin who was looking at her, but also the six other members of her design team.


    Her eyes blink a few times before she takes note of each person¡¯s expression. For some odd reason, she felt they looked nervous.


    "Is everything alright? Why do you all look like that?"


    She slightly pouts her lips and crosses her arms over her chest. Her pouting lips return to normal and a nonchnt look appears on her like she was saying, ¡¯well?¡¯.


    Gui Zhongmin couldn¡¯t help but struggle a hard and difficult gulp when he saw the look on her face. He swore, he should have been used to this side of her now, but even after so many years, he felt like she is still the same person from the underworld.


    He opens and closes his mouth wanting to exin, but unable to voice anything, he takes two big steps back and slowly moves to hide behind his older twin brother.


    "Bro, you¡¯re older. You tell her."


    Gui Tian Lan was dumbstruck by his twin. He may be older, but how can his brother not know that as twins they can feel what the other person is feeling.


    Like Gui Zhongmin, he was also nervous and didn¡¯t know how to ask Yue Ling.


    He chuckles sarcastically at his boss then slowly turns his head to the left.


    "Psss, you tell¡ª"


    He wanted to give the honor to the person on his left, but when he saw who was standing next to him, he was even more dumbfounded.


    Out of all the people here, why did it have to be the man with no emotions?


    Qi Li was as cold as ever. His eyes remained on his boss, but he could see Gui Tian Lan from the corner of his eyes. He heaves a sigh and the look on his face t out says, ¡¯Don¡¯t look at me. You guys were the one who dragged me into this.¡¯


    Knowing that pleading will not work on the cold face man, Gui Tian Lan stuck his tongue out like a child. He then flung his head around to his right and seeing who it was, his eyes lit up.


    He sps both his palms together like he was begging and his glistening eyes flutter.


    "Lian Ni Shang, would you like to have the honor to say it?"


    Hearing him, Lian Ni Shang nce at the tailor. She usually maintains a straight face without a care, but the moment she saw Gui Tian Lan¡¯s face, it was like the ss shielding her face suddenly shattered and her brows crease in aversion.


    She swore, if she were not careful, she would have gone blind from Gui Tian Lan. Did he actually think he looked cute right now? Instead of cute, he looked more like he was constipated.


    However, understanding why the two idiotic twins were so nervous, she decides to help. If she doesn¡¯t, their boss will see through their ns.


    "Boss, we were wondering if we could also have the remaining day off."


    Her words fell as the others, excluding Qi Li, nods their head in agreement. As much as they love their job, only for today, will they have the courage to ask to leave early.


    Yue Ling stares at each person from her design team. She didn¡¯t need to think much and shrug one shoulder as she turns away from them.


    "I¡¯ll see you all tomorrow."


    She walks over to the receptionist¡¯s desk and smiles at Sophia.


    "Let everyone know, if they are finished for the day, they can go home early."


    Without staying to chat, she heads for the elevators. There are still 2 hours left before everyone clocks out, but she didn¡¯t find it wrong to let her workers off early. After all, before she left for An Qing, she had taken a look at the schedule and there wasn¡¯t much to do.


    As she enters the elevator, Sophia stood up from her desk and runs after Yue Ling.


    "Boss, wait! I forgot to tell you¡ª"


    "No, no, no."


    Before Sophia could finish her words, she was interrupted by Ju Suo¡¯s petite figure. She (Ju Suo) lifts one hand and presses her pointer finger on her lips in a gesture for the receptionist to quiet.


    However, her eyes were wide and ring viciously at the young woman like she wanted to stranger her (Sophia).


    "Shh. Are you trying to ruin everything?"


    Sophia quickly covers her mouth with both of her hands. She stares at all seven members of the design team and she wanted to cry. How could she be so brainless? Good thing Ju Suo was quick and stopped her from spilling the beans.


    Arriving at the highest floor of the building, Yue Ling was oblivious to the situation that unfolded on the first floor. She heads in the direction of her office but thought back to her design team.


    One nce was all it took. However, like how they trust her, she also trusts them and decided to pretend like she doesn¡¯t know that they were up to something.


    Brushing this thought away, she ns out what to do when she leaves work. Inu has been staying with Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu for a while now, so she should go pick up the little guy.


    As she nears her office, a frown appears on her face, and her pace slows down. She stares at the door leading to her office and alertness fills the air around her.


    Before she left for An Qing, she clearly made sure her office was locked. Why would it be ajar?


    She creeps closer to the door with exceptionally light footsteps. Like a detective investigating a crime, she slowly, but carefully reach out her hand to gently push the door open.


    The moment the door opened enough to see inside, her cautious expression was reced with surprise.


    "What are you doing here?"

 Chapter 676 Eat out for dinner

    <h4>Chapter 676 Eat out for dinner</h4>


    Standing in front of the floor to ceiling window inside his wife¡¯s office, Lu Tian stares out to the outside world. When he heard her voice, he turns around to look at her and a smile curls on his lip.


    He could see the look of surprise on her face, but he brushes it aside.


    "Are you finished for the day?"


    Yue Ling slightly creases her eyebrows together before narrowing her eyes at the man. Is it a coincidence that Lu Tian is here the same time her subordinates asked for the remaining day off?


    Unless... No, that¡¯s not possible.


    She brushes the thought aside and walks over to him. She also tells herself that there is no way Lu Tian and her subordinates would n this all out.


    "There isn¡¯t anything left to do, so I dismissed my employees early. What are you doing here? What about yourpany?"


    Watching her approach him, Lu Tian takes a big step forward to close the gap between them. He doesn¡¯t ask for approval and pulls her into his embrace. They had only parted in the morning, but he felt like it had been an entire year that he could have her in his arms again.


    He lowers his head and ces a soft kiss on her forehead.


    "Work finished early, so I came to pick you up."


    His words were full of honesty, but the truth was, he had a pile work stacked in his office. He was about to finish them, but his assistant called to inform him that everything is ready, so he pushed work aside and came to find his wife.


    When he arrived at De L¡¯amour, he was surprised that she wasn¡¯t in her office. He sent Liu Shan a message to know of his arrival and decides to wait inside her office until she returns.


    Luckily, she returned before the sun started to set, or else, he will have to improvise his n.


    "Are you hungry?"


    He asks as he lowers his arms around her, but only so that he can hold her hands. His right-hand raises her left hand to his lip, but he couldn¡¯t help but pause when his eyes subconsciously nce at L¡¯amour de ma vie.


    Millions of feelings wash inside him like he was suddenly thrown into the ocean. He doesn¡¯t continue with what he was going to do but stares at the ring with a nk expression.


    "Tian? What¡¯s wrong?"


    Yue Ling was going to answer him that she was hungry but asks in a slightly worried tone when she saw his solemn expression. She didn¡¯t know why, but he looked so lost like what he is thinking about was serious, yet, hurting him.


    "Tian?"


    Hearing her call his name, Lu Tian was brought back to his senses. He looks at her and shook his head with a smile. He raises her left hand and ces a kiss on her hand.


    "It¡¯s nothing. Should we eat out for dinner?"


    Yue Ling gazes into his deep eyes like she was able to see through him. However, it was like he had put on a mask to barricade his feelings.


    She brushes this thought away and smiles at him as she nods her head in response.


    "Let me get my things then we can leave."


    She pulls her hands away from his grasp and turns for her desk where her handbag was. She also needed to shut off herputer since she won¡¯t be staying.


    Lu Tian¡¯s sharp eyes followed her every move. The faint smile on his lip curls up more, but it soon gradually fades when he by a chance nce at the portrait that hung in her office.


    It was the same portrait he saw that was taken of his wife from behind.


    The space between his brows creases into three lines and he purse his lip. He will definitely need to have this portrait in his office at Lu Corps. However, unlike his vinegar eating feelings when he first saw the portrait, he felt her view from behind to be very familiar.


    Like he has seen it somewhere before.


    He looks away from the portrait and shifts his gaze to his wife. With her back turned to him, it was then that he put everything he had learned about her together.


    In that split second, the image of a little girl from his past memories enters his mind and the smile that had disappeared gradually reappears.


    He walks over to her and his entire being softened more than ever.


    Yue Ling finished putting away her work and had only grabbed her handbag. When she turned around, she was taken back by surprise to see Lu Tian standing no more than one foot away from her.


    She kept a calm expression with a smile, but deep inside, her heart was beating like it had run a full marathon. She pats her chest with her free hand to calm herself and chuckles.


    "How can you move so quietly? If I didn¡¯t know you were here, I would have mistaken you for a ghost."


    Lu Tian¡¯s entire being softened even more at her smiling face. He reaches one hand to take her handbag while his other hand entwines his fingers with the gaps of hers.


    "If I am a ghost, let me be your ghost and scare away anyone who wants to hurt you."


    He doesn¡¯t wait for her response and guides her to the door. The sun will be setting soon, so he needs to make sure everything goes ording to his n.


    Being led out of her own office, Yue Ling was at a loss for all words. There was plenty of time before dinner, but why is he making it seem like they were going to bete for an appointment?


    Both individuals soon reach the parked white car in front of De L¡¯amour. Yue Ling was helped into the passenger seat and she watches as Lu Tian strides around the hood of the car then enters the driver seat.


    She waits until he had started the car and was driving away from herpany. Folding her arms over her chest, she stares at the side view of his perfect face.


    "Tian, is there something you¡¯re not telling me?"


    At first, she didn¡¯t think much, but the more she saw his behavior andpared it with her subordinates, she can¡¯t help but be wary of why they are acting so strangely.


    Lu Tian kept his eyes on the road ahead, but he could feel himself sweating as he has never deceit anyone in his entire thirty years of living.


    However, the person he is deceiving right now is his wife. He even swore an oath to never lie or keep anything from her.


    Quickly thinking of something, he nces at her from the corners of his eyes and smiles with his teeth.


    "I¡¯m not hiding anything from you. I made reservations for dinner tonight."


    He looks back at the road and pats himself on the back in his head. He isn¡¯t lying to her because he did make a reservation for them.


    Yue Ling narrows her eyes even more at him. She swore inside, for a second there she saw him looking nervous, but she couldn¡¯t be sure as he is a master at keeping a straight face.


    She tries to rack her brain for a long minute before looking away from him. Maybe she was overthinking the situation.


    After all, it was only dinner. Right?

 Chapter 677 Six idiots

    <h4>Chapter 677 Six idiots</h4>


    A white Ashton Martin pulls up to Elegancy¡¯s parking lot. Lu Tian turns the engine off and steps out of the car. He closes the door and strides over to the passenger side to help his wife.


    "Yue Ling! Child, you¡¯re here!"


    The moment Yue Ling took a step out of the car, a woman¡¯s cheerful voice calls out to her. She didn¡¯t need to think and knew right away who it was. She looks at the woman and softly chuckles, while Lu Tian held a look of pure disdain.


    "Aunt Zhao."


    Madam Zhao was thrilled to see Yue Ling. She didn¡¯t care and push her nephew aside as she quickly locks her arm with Yue Ling¡¯s arm. However, feeling the size of Yue Ling¡¯s arms, she frowns with pouting lips.


    "My goodness child. You¡¯re too skinny!"


    She eyes Yue Ling¡¯s slender figure from head to toe and her frown deepens more. She already considers Zhao Ya¡¯Er skinny, butpared to her daughter, Yue Ling is not only taller but even skinnier.


    "Child tell your aunt here. Is my nephew not feeding you properly? Hm? If he is, how can you be this skinny?"


    Her words fell like a worried mother, but she didn¡¯t forget to cast a re at Lu Tian. She made sure that the daggers within her pupils were not hidden too.


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded by his aunt. He swore, if eyes could kill a person, he would have been stabbed to death by her re.


    Seeing her ring eyes, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but chuckle with a softened heart. She lightly tugs the woman¡¯s arms and tries to avert the deadly attention away from Lu Tian.


    "Aunt Zhao, I¡¯m eating well thanks to Tian. He feeds me every day, even if I don¡¯t want to eat."


    Lu Tian¡¯s disdained expression quickly disappears and was reced with a look full of pride and confidence. As her man, he can never let her go hungry. Not only that, one should know that food isn¡¯t the only thing he feeds her.


    Feeling better by his wife¡¯s words, he reaches down to hold her free hand. However, just when he was an inch away from touching her warm hand, Madam Zhao was one step faster.


    She purposely increases her steps and pulls Yue Ling along towards the entrance of Elegancy.


    "Aiya, that¡¯s good then. However, I feel you are still too skinny. Come, your aunt here has prepared a delicious meal for you inside."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She wanted to wait for Lu Tian, but seeing the way Madam Zhao was acting, she could only turn her head to the man and give him an apologetic look.


    Behind the two women, Lu Tian was more dumbfounded than ever. He stops in his steps and pinches the space between his brows as he tries to process the situation.


    He had nned the perfect dinner for only him and his wife. He even informed his aunt and uncle in advance. Could it be that his aunt is getting too old that she has short-term memory loss?


    Not only that, how dare she steals all of his wife¡¯s attention.


    Lowering his hand, he could only pick up his legs and follow after. However, inside, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if bringing his wife to Elegancy was the wrong choice.


    Upon entrance, Yue Ling gasps in surprise at the sight of the restaurant. Elegancy¡¯s interior was already luxurious and one of the few restaurants she has entered that could take her breath away.


    However, unlike the other times, she has been here, she has to say, its sudden change is by far as that of a fairytale.


    Even Lu Tian¡¯s rose petal dinner when he gifted her the ne Bnce could notpare.


    As it was not the floor that was covered, but the ceiling. Branches of plum blossom branches hung like vines and one can see the fully bloomed flowers. Between the little gaps of the branches, decorative lights help light up the entire restaurant.


    Yue Ling sighs and looks around, but she was in for another surprise. All the tables that were once disyed were cleared out leaving only one table.


    It was positioned in the center of the restaurant with a red tableclothid over. The centerpiece held two lit candles insidenterns and a bouquet of white, red, and pink roses.


    Madam Zhao steals a nce at Yue Ling, and she smiles a giggle that can be mistaken for a quiet snicker. She wanted to tell Yue Ling that it was she who decorated the ce but stops herself.


    "Have a seat. I¡¯ll have the workers bring out the prepared meals."


    She lets go of Yue Ling¡¯s arm and nce at her nephew. She gives him a look with twitched up brows then walks in the direction of the restaurant kitchen.


    "Do you like it?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds from behind Yue Ling. Unlike its usual indifference, it was soft and full of doting.


    He stops next to her and reaches down to hold her hand. He gazes down at her with the look of a child waiting to be praised for doing a good job.


    Yue Ling was too fascinated by the decorations that she didn¡¯t turn to look at him. However, her head slowly nods once in response and she raises her free hand to touch her beating heart.


    "It¡¯s like something out of a fairytale."


    Smiling at her words, Lu Tian tightens his grip on her hand and guides her to the table. He helps her with the chair then walks over to the empty chair across from her.


    Just as he sat down, his eyes caught a glimpse of the kitchen entrance that was across from him and behind his wife.


    He was beyond dumbfounded as it was not only Madam Zhao poking her head out, but also Uncle Zhao, Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Xu Long, Liu Shan, and Lin Hui.


    Six pairs of eyes stare straight at him with the same expression as if asking him, ¡¯Well, does she like it?¡¯


    He casually raises his left hand to his mouth and clears his throat like he was trying to rid himself of any unnecessary feelings showing on his face. However, his right-hand slides down to the side of the table and he gives them a quick, yet secretive thumbs up.


    Getting a response, all six people exim without a sound.


    Just as they were about to start dancing in joy, Yue Ling turns around to look in their direction.


    Lu Tian was rooted to his chair and inhales a mouthful of air. Luckily those six people had good reflexes and quickly hid from view.


    Unaware that she had scared the wits out of Lu Tian, Yue Ling stares at the empty door entrance to the kitchen. She held a frown and question whether her instincts were messing with her.


    She swore it felt like someone was looking from behind her. Not only that, but Lu Tian was also looking in this direction. However, when she turned around to see, there was no one.


    Shaking these feelings away, she turns back to look at Lu Tian. When she saw his expression, she stretches her left arm out to him and waves her palm in front of him.


    "Tian? Tian? Are you okay? Hello?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s widen eyes had now turned heavy like they were going at any minute. He stares at the kitchen door and couldn¡¯t believe that his n was almost ruined.


    Good thing those six idiots back there were quick and didn¡¯t get caught in the act.

 Chapter 678 Didnt even let me join

    <h4>Chapter 678 Didn¡°t even let me join</h4>


    "Aiya, this old me has kept you both waiting for too long."


    Madam Zhaoughs heartily as she enters back out to the dining area. She heads straight for Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s table with two workers following behind. Each person pushing a stainless serving cart.


    She stops in front of their table and waves a signal for the two workers to set the food down. She takes a few steps to Yue Ling¡¯s side and smiles warmly.


    "Child, I personally prepared each dish for you. I hope they are to your liking."


    Yue Ling stares at the table and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. It¡¯s true that she is hungry, but judging from the food, will she able to finish a meal that is usually prepared for six people?


    There was hotpot with its side dished, along with Sichuan pork, steamed vermicelli rolls, wonton soup, and Ma Po tofu.


    She contemted on what to say and looks up at Madam Zhao. However, seeing the middle-aged woman¡¯s happy and proud expression, she could only sigh inside.


    "Thank you for the lovely dinner. I will try my best to finish it all."


    Seeing her smile that can warm any person¡¯s heart, both Lu Tian and Madam Zhao were touched to the core.


    Lu Tian quickly clears his throat to distract himself from going over to kiss his wife. However, unlike her nephew, Madam Zhao ces the back of her head on her forehead like she was going to faint.


    "Oh dear, you are truly a true beauty. If I was a man and younger, I would have snatched you away from my nephew."


    "..."


    She giggles without a care like a little girl speaking to her long-time crush for the first time. Even when she felt the cold and murderous aura emitting from Lu Tian, she smacks it away like it was a flea.


    "Alright, alright. You must be hungry, so I won¡¯t take up your time anymore. Eat as much as you want, everything is on the house."


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes continued to re at his aunt until she disappeared into the kitchen. He thought his mother was worse, butpared to his aunt, his mother¡¯s greed for his wife is by far inferior.


    However, even if the two old women want to steal his wife, he will never let that happen. Even if the person is their future child.


    He sounds a faint hmmf and looks at his wife. The cold air that surrounded him quickly disperse, but he was stupefied when his eyes met her bluish green eyes.


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know what to think at this very moment. The man sitting across from her is an adult, right? But why is it that, he looked more like a child?


    "Your aunt was only joking. Why are you being so serious?"


    Hearing her words, Lu Tian furrows his brows with pouting lips. He picks up his chopsticks and reaches for the food as he ces them inside her bowl.


    "Joking or not, everything is serious for me when it involves you."


    Yue Ling was struck by disbelief. She wanted to argue his words but stops herself. Knowing Lu Tian, he¡¯ll always have something to respond back.


    She decides to put her attention on the interior of Elegancy again and gradually takes in its beauty.


    A sudden thoughtes to her mind and she shifts her attention back to Lu Tian. Her eyes slightly narrow and observes his every move.


    "Were you the one who nned all this?"


    Lu Tian continues to carefully pick out each dish for his wife. However, despite him being busy, he didn¡¯t forget to answer with a nod.


    Yue Ling ponders to herself then pouts her lip.


    "Why?"


    It wasn¡¯t her birthday nor was it his. So why go so far as to decorate the ce?


    Lu Tian ces a piece of Ma Po tofu inside her bowl and nce in her direction. He knew what she was thinking, and he sighs inside. Good thing, he nned ahead or else he would be in trouble.


    He ces the bowl in front of her then proceeds to fill his own bowl.


    "After everything that has happened, I just feel like surprising you with a romantic dinner."


    Giving her a smile after his words, he pours warm tea into two cups then passes one to her.


    "Eat before everything gets cold."


    Yue Ling sat in silence without taking her eyes off of him. She watches as he picks up his chopsticks to eat.


    She found it strange that he would go over the moon to prepare something like this for her. She nces at the restaurant windows and furrows her brows.


    He said this is a ¡¯romantic dinner¡¯, but can it really be considered dinner if the sun is still out?


    However, quickly as the thought came to her, she decides not to push it further and picks up her chopsticks to eat too.


    After all, Madam Zhao and Uncle Zhao must have spent a long time preparing this delicious meal.


    While Yue Ling and Lu Tian proceed to eat, at the back of the restaurant, Liu Shan, Xu Long and Lin Hui sat on the floor with their backs leaned against the wall.


    "Man, I didn¡¯t think they would get here so fast."


    Lin Hui heaves a long sigh and fans himself with his hand. On either side of him, both assistants nod their heads in agreement. Xu Long nce at the wall clock and force himself off the floor.


    "Come on guys. No time to rest, we have to get going. With the way my boss drives, they might get to the next ce before we do."


    Hearing his words, Liu Shan and Lin Hui could only cry on the inside like winners.


    When they arrived at Elegancy, they were sure they would ahead of time and helped with the decorations. However, who would have thought that Lu Tian was some race car driver and arrived only ten minutes after them.


    Even they were barely able to finish putting up the decorations. Left with no other choice, they had to force Madam Zhao to go outside and stall a little bit of time for them.


    Luckily for them, luck was on their side and they finished in time.


    Standing up from the floor, Liu Shan and Lin Hui stretch out their arms at the same time. With their palms facing upwards, both men slowly raise their arms and inhale a mouthful of air.


    As their hands reach above their heads, they slowly brought their arms down with palms facing downwards in front of them.


    Once their hands pass their whole head, both men exhale like they were meditating.


    Liu Shan felt all his energy return to him, and he looks over to Xu Long.


    "Alright, let¡¯s get going."


    Watching the assistant and subordinate leave, Xu Long was baffled by what happened. He stares in disbelief at the two figures then looks at Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    "How rude. They didn¡¯t even let me join in."


    His words fell as he cries with no tears and sadly follows out the back door of the restaurant. However, if he had turned around, he would have seen the look of admiration in Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s glistening eyes.

 Chapter 679 Profession undercover agents

    <h4>Chapter 679 Profession undercover agents</h4>


    By the time Yue Ling and Lu Tian finished their dinner, the sun was already beginning to set in the horizon. As they prepare to leave the restaurant, Madam Zhao waltz back into the dining room to walk them out.


    However, she by a chance nce at the table, and she gasped in horror.


    "Oh my. Child, why did you eat so little? Are you not feeling well?"


    She reaches a hand to Yue Ling and ces the back of her hand on Yue Ling¡¯s forehead. Her brows crease together, and she tilts her head in question.


    Yue Ling¡¯s temperature was fine, so what could it be?


    "Was the food not to your liking?"


    Yue Ling wanted to tell Madam Zhao that she was fine, but hearing the woman¡¯sst question, she sighs a smile and shook her head.


    "The meal was delicious."


    She raises one hand to hold the woman¡¯s hand and gently lowers it. Her other hand ce over the older hand and her smile widen.


    "I ate until I was full and could not eat anymore."


    Madam Zhao was rooted to the floor in a daze by Yue Ling¡¯s bedazzling smile. Now she is sure she understands how her cold and aloof nephew fell in love at first sight.


    Be it, man or woman, anyone whoes face to face with Yue Ling¡¯s smile will no doubt feel the same.


    Why couldn¡¯t she have a son too? If she did, Yue Ling would have been her Zhao family¡¯s daughter-inw.


    Lu Tian was once again cast off like a third wheel. His expression grew sour and he gently pulls his wife away from his attention-stealing aunt.


    "Come, let¡¯s go."


    Did she (Madam Zhao) think that he was blind and could not read what she was thinking?


    Yue Ling stares at the two people and she was once again dumbfounded by their behavior. She sounds a soft giggle and nods her head to Lu Tian¡¯s words.


    "Mm, but I was thinking we can stop by my yeye¡¯s ce to pick up¡ª"


    *Ssh¡ª


    Before she could mention Inu¡¯s name, Madam Zhao picks up a cup of unfinished tea and spills it onto Yue Ling¡¯s grey princess coat.


    She (Madam Zhao) gasp in shock and covers her mouth with eyes opening wide.


    "Oh my, how clumsy of me."


    She grabs a napkin from the table and wipes away the pilled tea. However, the more she tried to clean it, the more the watermark spread.


    "Aiya, this will not do. No, no, no."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know what to feel at this moment. She presses her lips together to keep herself fromughing, let alone smile. She knew Madam Zhao had done it intentionally and not on ident.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t done in a malicious way, but in the kind of way that you can¡¯t think of what to do to stop someone from leaving.


    However, unable to hold herself back, she lets a chuckle escape her lips and she stops Madam Zhao.


    "It¡¯s alright, it¡¯s only a small stain. Once I wash it at home, it¡¯ll disappear."


    Madam Zhao sighs at herself for being clumsy and shakes her head.


    "No, no, no. This will not do. I cannot let you leave like this."


    She waves to a worker standing in wait at the side and gestures a snap.


    "Go bring a change of clothes for Yue Ling."


    "..."


    Yue Ling wanted to decline the offer but within seconds, the same worker Madam Zhao had instructed returns with a ck garment bag.


    "Um... this is..."


    She was at a loss seeing this unfold in front of her. She is currently standing inside a restaurant, right? If so, then how is it that Madam Zhao just so happens to have a change of clothes for her?


    Madam Zhao kept a calm demeanor, but inside she wanted to p herself for her stupidity. Out of all the ways to get Yue Ling to change her clothes, she just had toe up with this obvious n.


    However, she knows that it was toote to regret what she did.


    She only hopes that Yue Ling doesn¡¯t think she is evil and mes her for ruining a good coat.


    Taking the garment bag for the worker, she gently shoves it into Yue Ling¡¯s arms and grins.


    "This is a change of clothes prepared for you."


    Her words fell and she pushes Yue Ling in the direction of thedy¡¯s restroom with one hand. Her other hand then waves in the direction of the kitchen.


    "Ya¡¯Er! Hurry ande help Yue Ling change."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s head turns to look at the kitchen after hearing the woman¡¯s words. She was even more baffled when she saw Zhao Ya¡¯Er skip towards her.


    "Oh my. Yue-Yue, you¡¯re also here. Come, let¡¯s go get you changed."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er chuckles each of her words and pulls Yue Ling towards thedy¡¯s restroom. Her eyes beamed with joy as she was also carrying a makeup bag.


    Staring at the woman with a Pixi haircut, Yue Ling more confused now. She looks down at the garment bag then back to her friend.


    "Should I be curious or scared as to why you are here?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er chuckles a wide grin and puts on a bashful expression.


    "What¡¯s there to curious or scared about. I just happened to be here to help my parents with the restaurant."


    Watching his wife being dragged away by his cousin, Lu Tian was even more dumbfounded than his wife.


    His right arm cross over his chest as his left elbow rest on top and his left hand raised to massage his forehead.


    This is what they call being secretive?


    Madam Zhao held a wide grin as she was pleased with how the situation turned out. She scoots over to stand next to her nephew and nudge him with her elbow.


    Her chin slightly raises and she giggles quietly.


    "See, I told you, didn¡¯t I? Ya¡¯Er and I got this. We were like professional undercover agents. Yue Ling will never be suspicious of us."


    "..."


    Lu Tian lowers his hand a little to reveal his eyes. He stares down at his aunt for a long minute before raising his hand to massage his forehead again.


    Maybe it was a wrong decision to ask his family for help on his n.


    His wife is a smart woman and she tends to catch on to situations quickly. He only hopes that his aunt is right and she (Yue Ling) doesn¡¯t suspect their obvious moves.

 Chapter 680 Where are we going?

    <h4>Chapter 680 Where are we going?</h4>


    The only table inside Elegancy had long been cleared and Lu Tian sat in wait for his wife. He looked calm with his hands were sped together in front of him, but both his thumbs would not stop fidgeting together.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but unlike the first time, he was more nervous than ever. After experiencing this feeling once, shouldn¡¯t he be used to it and more confident now?


    *Click


    Before his inner thoughts could trail too far, the door to thedy¡¯s restroom clicks open and he could hear two sets of footsteps approaching his way.


    He looks up and swallows a hard gulp with eyes glued to the hallway that led to the restrooms.


    "Ya¡¯Er, it was only my coat that got wet, why did I have to change my entire outfit?"


    Yue Ling asks as she and Zhao Ya¡¯Er stepped out of the restroom. Her other clothes were not wet, but when she entered the restroom, Zhao Ya¡¯Er demanded that she changed into the new clothes.


    She looks down at her body and slightly purses her lip in question.


    Before, she was wearing a simple ck dress, but now, she was wearing a long-sleeve powder blue dress. The skirt part of the dress was flowy, and it wrapped nicely around her lower body part before tying into a bow at the waist.


    However, the dress wasn¡¯t the only thing that confused her. Why did Zhao Ya¡¯Er touch up her makeup?


    She¡¯s only going home after this, right?


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er nce at her best friend and she sighs in admiration. When she saw that Yue Ling was about to touch the makeup, she had worked so hard on, she suddenly stops the retired model.


    "Ah! You can¡¯t! I worked really hard to perfect your already gorgeous face."


    "..."


    Dumbstruck by her friend, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. She lightly shakes her head and decides to listen to the woman.


    She doesn¡¯t know why everyone is acting strange around her, but for now, she¡¯ll y along with them.


    As their two figures enter the dining area again, Lu Tian did not take his eyes off of his wife. Even he didn¡¯t know that he was holding in his breath.


    It was like time had slowed down and he was only awe of her angelic figure. He stares at her with soft eyes and faintly smiles.


    In his entire thirty years of living, he has never felt such strong feelings like this towards anyone or anything.


    However, the moment he saw her from a distance inside the airne departing from City Z to Imperial, he knew that he was developing a feeling he has never felt before.


    "So this is love..."


    He murmurs a whisper that only he could hear and his eyes slowly flutter. His gaze was soft and there was nothing but love for his wife.


    The more he gazed at her, he couldn¡¯t help but wish to ce her in a cage. That way, in her eyes, the only person she can see is him.


    "Tian, what are you thinking about?"


    Yue Ling askes when she stops in front of him and realized that he was deep in thoughts. However, his eyes never once left her own.


    "Oh..."


    Lu Tian finally came to his senses and remembered to breathe again. He stood up from his seat and takes her hands. He nces down at her body and a satisfying smile curls on his lip.


    "I knew you would look great in this dress."


    His voice was quiet, but it did not escape Yue Ling¡¯s ears. She creases her brows and looks down at the dress.


    "You picked out this dress? When?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s cheeks flush a shade of pink when he realized his mistake. He had been so mesmerized by her that he slipped.


    He clears his throat and brushes aside any trace of feelings on his face. He gestures with his chin to Madam Zhao who was walking towards them.


    "It was my aunt. She picked it up."


    He self corrects himself and felt proud of himself for being quick to think on words. That is because he wasn¡¯t lying to her. During his passing breaks between meetings, he had browsed through an online dress shop to buy a nice dress for his wife.


    When stumbled upon on this powder blue dress, he knew that it was meant to be worn by his wife.


    He paid for it, but due to his work schedule, he had to ask his aunt to ¡¯pick¡¯ it up from the store.


    Yue Ling looks up at him without a word. She knew she had not heard wrong. However, seeing how quick he was to correct himself, she decides to do what she is doing with everyone else.


    She smiles sweetly at him with her teeth then turns to look at Madam Zhao with the same smile.


    "Thank you, it¡¯s a very lovely dress you picked out."


    Madam Zhao was touched by her words, but Lu Tian felt like he had been stabbed in the heart and could not breathe. Those words were supposed to be for him, how can she say it to his aunt?


    However, seeing her smile that can always melt his heart, he pulls her into his arms. He lowers his head and without any care about his aunt and cousin being present, he lowers his head and kisses his wife.


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes shot open and blood rush to her cheeks. At the same time, Zhao Ya¡¯Er squeals and covers her eyes while Madam Zhao covers her mouth with one hand. However, she didn¡¯t forget to raise her other hand and gives her nephew a thumbs up.


    Knowing that she was going to push him away, Lu Tian beat her to it and pulls away from her. He lowers one hand to hold her hand tightly and pulls her towards the door.


    "Let¡¯s go. There a ce I want to take you."


    Yue Ling obediently follows his every move with a shy expression. Before she exits out of the restaurant, she didn¡¯t forget to wave goodbye to Madam Zhao and Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    ncing at her from the corner of his eyes, Lu Tian smiles at her expression. It¡¯s true that he wants to lock her in a cage, but deep down, he knows that be can never do that to her.


    If he did, he will never be able to see her captivating smile and her heart full of warmth will disappear forever.


    And having her turn a cold shoulder to him is thest thing he ever wants.


    "Where are we going?"


    Yue Ling asks as she sat in the passenger seat. She looks at Lu Tian who was already sitting in the driver seat and wonder at her own question.


    She thought they were only having a nice dinner then go home. However, he said he wanted to take her somewhere.


    Lu Tian starts the car and gives her a side nce. His foot presses on the elerator and drive away from Elegancy as he reaches to hold her hand closest to him.


    He slightly leans to her and brings her hand up to his lip. He ces a soft kiss on the back of her hand and smiles with a beam of light flickering in his eyes.


    "You¡¯ll see when we get there."

 Chapter 681 I bought it for this momen

    <h4>Chapter 681 I bought it for this momen</h4>


    Inside Elegancy, Zhao Ya¡¯Er stood by the many windows as she watched the white Aston Martin drove away from view. She held a smile and was genuinely happy for her cousin.


    As Lu Tian and Lu Han¡¯s only cousin, she knows that there have been countless women chasing after the two brothers, but none have seeded. That is until now that Yue Ling has captured Lu Tian¡¯s heart leaving only Lu Han on the market.


    "What are you looking at?"


    From behind, Madam Zhao asks as she walks over to stand next to her daughter. She stuck her head forward to see out the window but didn¡¯t know where to look.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er looks at her mother andughs at the woman. She locks her arm with the woman¡¯s and turns both their body away from the window.


    "We should get going too or else we¡¯ll miss it."


    Her words fell naturally but deep inside she couldn¡¯t wait to see Xu Long again. Their encounter was too short and she wanted to talk to him some more.


    Madam Zhao smiles at her daughter but doesn¡¯t say anything. How can she not know what her daughter is thinking?


    Through the streets of Imperial, Yue Ling stares out the passenger window in silence. It has been almost an hour since they left the restaurant and the sun was disappearing. Where is Lu Tian taking her?


    She watched as the car pass the tall buildings, then the scenery changed to vast fields. Not long after, they soon entered a mountain with trees on both sides.


    Yue Ling was in awe at the beautiful change in scenery she got to see. However, she was also relieved that the road they were on was cemented.


    If it had been a dirt road, she would have cried as her Aston Martin was not made for off-roading.


    Staring out to the trees, she grew tired of looking at the same thing and turn her head to look at Lu Tian.


    "Where are we going?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remained on the road as he switches the headlights on to see the road better. When he heard her question, he gently squeezes her hand that he never let go.


    He knows that her curiosity is getting the better of her, but he cannot tell her.


    "We¡¯re almost there."


    Yue Ling scrunches her eyebrows and puffs out her cheeks like an angry chipmunk. She returns the squeeze on his hand and looks away back to the window.


    She was sure that she asked him where they were going. Not how much longer they had left.


    Another thirty minutes pass by and they soon reached their destination. Lu Tian turns the car into a cemented parking lot and parks the car.


    "We¡¯re here."


    Yue Ling looks out the passenger window, then to the front window before looking at the driver¡¯s side window. She was at a loss as their car was the only insight.


    "Where is this?"


    "You¡¯ll see."


    Her question had yet to escape her mouth when Lu Tian answers right away. He unbuckles his seatbelt and opens the door to get out.


    He also presses the button for the trunk and walks to the back of the car. Grabbing a nket-like item, he closes the trunk then proceeds to the passenger side door.


    However, Yue Ling had already helped herself out of the car.


    Due to the setting sun, the wind was starting to pick up and it brought in a cold breeze. She held her arms and gently stroke each arm with her palm for warmth.


    "Here, wear this."


    Lu Tian opens the item in his hands and ces it over her shoulders to keep her away from the cold.


    It was tan-colored nket wrap simr to a shawl but bigger and the material was thicker for cold weather.


    Seeing the dressed being covered, Lu Tian was slightly disappointed that his view was blocked. However, he quickly cast this thought aside as his wife feeling warmth is more important.


    He reaches to hold her hand and guides her to the front of the car. The trees that stood their ground separated into a path and Lu Tian takes the lead.


    Yue Ling stares at his back figure and she couldn¡¯t help but frown. Judging from where he is going, he must have been here before.


    The path they were walking on soon changes to a set of stairs leading down.


    Yue Ling could not see in front of her, so she was starting to grow impatient. Her temperament was usually long, but she felt she has yed along with him and everyone else for long enough.


    "Tian, where is¡ª"


    Her words had yet to finish when Lu Tian takes three steps down the stairs. Her eyes widen and she inhales a mouthful of air.


    From the short distance that they hade from, what greeted her at this moment was not trees but a massiveke.


    The rich hues of orange, red, and purple from the setting sky blended over theke as it cast a magical reflection in the water. Surrounding theke were the many trees she had seen before. Each one stood unfaltering like a soldier protecting its homnd.


    "Oh my goodness..."


    She gasps a whisper and Lu Tian smiles as he turns around to look at her. He held onto her hand and carefully led her down the stairs until they reached a wooden deck.


    "Come, I have a surprise for you."


    Like a person who had been hypnotized, Yue Ling followed his every step. Even if she wanted to, she couldn¡¯t take her eyes off of the scenery in front of her. It was so magical like she had stepped into another world.


    Once they were at the edge of the deck, she finally snaps back to her senses. She looks up at Lu Tian and her expression held a look of surprise mixed with confusion.


    "What are we doing here? Can we even be here?"


    She raises one hand and points back in the direction they hade from.


    "I thought I saw a sign that said Private Property. Won¡¯t we get in trouble if the owners find us trespassing?"


    Her words fell and she felt like she was having Deja-vu. Why does this feeling make her think back to when Lu Tian took her to see their house?


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t answer her right away but carefully takes a step down from the deck. His feet touched the bottom of a wooden paddle boat and he stretches his hand out to her.


    "This is ourke. I bought it for this moment."

 Chapter 682 Your smile means everything to me

    <h4>Chapter 682 Your smile means everything to me</h4>


    Yue Ling stood under the setting sky of different colors and she felt like she had been transmitted into ancient times as she stares down at Lu Tian.


    He held his hand out to her like a schr asking a noble¡¯s daughter to go on a boat ride.


    However, like time itself had slowed down for them, her eyes soften with her heart and she ces her palm over his.


    She carefully steps down from the deck and joins him on the wooden paddle boat. She sat at the rear seat while Lu Tian took the center seat.


    "When did you buy thiske? Howe I didn¡¯t know?"


    They were always together unless they were at work. However, other than that, he hasn¡¯t mentioned anything about buying or owning ake.


    Lu Tian saw that she was perfectly seat and unties the rope securing the wooden boat to the deck. He grabs the grip part of the paddles attached to the side and rows gently away from the deck towards the center.


    "I bought it today while I was at work."


    Hearing his answer to her question, Yue Ling¡¯s eyebrows arched up with her eyes slightly widening. She is surprised, yet at the same time, she isn¡¯t.


    With the amount of money that he makes, she isn¡¯t surprised that he had only purchased theke today. Better yet, if he were to buy the entire mountain, she wouldn¡¯t be surprised.


    She looks away from him and down to the water that now surrounded them. Her right arm reaches out and she runs the tips of her fingers through the cold freshwater.


    "You shouldn¡¯t have spent your money so carelessly. Thiske must have cost you a fortune."


    Lu Tian continues to row the wooden boat with gentle strokes. However, he never once took his eyes off his wife.


    "Even if it were to cost me a fortune, it was worth every penny."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t dare to look at him. She kept her eyes down at the water and pout her lips.


    "Still, you shouldn¡¯t have spent your money so carelessly like this."


    Knowing that was trying to make a point, Lu Tian¡¯s smiles a smile that reached his eyes.


    "My money is yours."


    He finally stops rowing and the wooden boates to a full halt in the center of theke.


    "Everything I have is yours. You can decide for me how I should spend it."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know what to say. Up until now, everything she has had been because of her own hard work. Never did she think to share someone¡¯s wealth.


    "I didn¡¯t mean it like that. What I meant is¡ª"


    She looks up from the water and turns her head to look at him. However, the moment she lifted her head, she froze in ce with time.


    From where Lu Tian had stopped the wooden boat, they had the perfect view of the setting sun. She could see the line that touched between heaven and earth. On both sides of the setting sun, the dark outlines of the trees resemble that of shadows in a painting.


    The view of the sky reflected perfectly into the water like she was seeing two different worlds.


    The more she gazed at this breath-taking view, the corners of her lip curls up into a subtle smile.


    Everything about this moment was the definition of life¡¯s beauty and mother nature¡¯s warmth.


    Lu Tian gazes at his wife without moving away. When he saw the smile on her face, she couldn¡¯t help but smile with her.


    "Compare to my fortune, your smile means everything to me."


    He spoke in his usual deep voice, but there were traces of tenderness andpassion. For him, money is something that can always be gained again if one were to work hard but to see the smile on the person one loves, one must make sure to never lose it.


    Because once that smile is gone, one will never see it again.


    Due to her being distracted at the moment by the view, Yue Ling did not hear his words. However, Lu Tian didn¡¯t mind, he sat unmovingly and admires her as she admires the setting sun.


    Once the night is over, if his wife wishes toe back here, he is willing to bring her here again. As long as he can see her smile, he is willing to do anything for her.


    After minutes passes by, he finally turns his head to the left and stares in the same direction as her.


    They sat in silence and admire the scene together, but unlike the time when they first arrived, the sun was beginning to sink faster in the horizon. The sky that held three different hues of colors soon engulfed in redness before it transits into purple.


    The first star flickers in the sky then another appears and another until the dark sky was covered with millions of stars like diamonds in the sky.


    High above with the stars, the bright and full moon lights up theke with its soft glow.


    "That was such a beautiful scene."


    Yue Ling sighs as she felt a wave of warmth enter her heart from the unforgettable scene she had just witnessed. She looks at Lu Tian and parts her lips to speak.


    "Eh?"


    However, before she could utter a proper word, the back of her left foot lightly kicked something inside the wooden boat.


    She carefully reaches down and despite the darkness, she didn¡¯t need to search for long as she felt what she had kicked. Carefully picking it up, she held it in front of her.


    Lifting it to be at eye level, she leans closer to observe it. After confirming its outline in the dark, she slightly tilts her head and furrows her brows.


    She has a hunch of what it is from its touch and outline, but she wasn¡¯t one hundred percent sure since she couldn¡¯t see it perfectly.


    Lowering her hand holding the item, she looks at the man sitting across from her.


    "Tian, why do you have this on the boat?"

 Chapter 683 Its for our child

    <h4>Chapter 683 It¡°s for our child</h4>


    As the sky engulfed in darkness over theke, Lu Tian knew then that even with the moon ying a part to light the way, it was still not enough.


    He calmly reaches under his seat and takes out a battery-operatedntern that had been put there before they arrived. He switches it on and hands it on the hook at the front of the wooden boat.


    Turning back to face his wife, he stretches his arms out to her and ces both his palms over the back of her hands as she held onto the item she had found.


    He looks down at the item and a trace of unexinable emotion stirred in his eyes.


    "They say the root of a Lotus grows in the most stained waters in the world, but despite the water being tainted, it can conquer all and produce the most beautiful flower."


    Thanks to the light from thentern, Yue Ling could make out the details of what was in her hand.


    It was indeed a lotus flower made from paper. However, it wasn¡¯t made for decoration as the center where the petals open, she could see a small candle.


    She was mesmerized by how beautiful the lotusntern as it could be mistaken for a real one. She stares at it for another second before the space between her brows creases into three lines.


    "Tian, are you nning to light thisntern?"


    She looks up at him, but with the light illuminating from behind him, she could not see his expression. However, he nods his head and reaches inside the pocket of his coat for a lighter.


    "Wait."


    Yue Ling stops him when she saw the lighter. She tightens her grip on the paper lotusntern. She did so in a way that was also slight so that she would not crush it.


    "There¡¯s no festival around this time, so why would you want to light this pretty flower?"


    A soft chuckle sounds from Lu Tian and he looks down at the paper lotus flower again.


    "It¡¯s not for a festival."


    He tilts his head back and looks up at the clear night sky that glistened with stars for a long minute then down to theke in the direction the sun had set.


    "It¡¯s for our child."


    He sighs an exceedingly small smile that held pain and guilt. His eyes slowly close as he inhales a deep breath and once, he opened his eyes again, he looks at his wife.


    "With thisntern, let us hope that it will help guide our child to a better ce."


    Yue Ling listens to his reason and her eyes turned moist the more she heard. Others say that Lu Tian is a coldblooded man with no heart, but how can a man with no heart be able to think this way?


    If he didn¡¯t have a heart, he would have brushed the loss of their child aside and forget about it like it never happened.


    Seeing her eyes glisten with tears in the night, Lu Tian felt a sharp tightness in his chest. He held her cheek with one hand and leans closer to kiss her.


    He didn¡¯t kiss her for long and gently pulls away. However, only enough so that his forehead can still touch her own and he whispers in a slightly hoarse voice.


    "Like a lotus flower that can grow into a perfect flower despite the corrupted water it lives in, we can ovee the pain of our loss with the future."


    Yue Ling slowly closes her eyes and inhales a deep breath to steady herself. She lightly nods her head to his words and looks down at the paper lotusntern.


    "As this is not goodbye forever."


    Her words fell in almost whisper. She thought back to her dream and she trembles a smile.


    Their child guided her back to Lu Tian, so if thisntern will light the way for their child, she is willing to light it. Even if she has to light a thousand, she is willing to do so.


    Lu Tian ces a kiss on her forehead and moves back from her. He ces the tip of the lighter on the candle and with one flick of the lighter, the glow of the fire brightens for a brief second as it transfers onto the candle¡¯s wick.


    He stares at the now illuminatedntern and he faintly whispers.


    "Because we will meet again."


    His words were as if he was finishing his wife¡¯s sentence. Together, they held the lotusntern over the wooden boat.


    Carefully cing it in the water, the light flowing of the water slowly carries its way in the direction the sun had disappeared.


    Yue Ling stares at the departing lotusntern and her lower lip every so lightly trembles. She furrows her brows to keep her tears from escaping and force a faint, yet trembling smile.


    "If love truly has no bounds, then I pray that in the next life, you will be our child again."


    Just as her words fell, from the corners of her eyes, she could see other small lights slowly float from different directions around theke.


    At first, she thought these lights were fireflies that havee out for the night. However, noticing that they all were floating in the same direction as theirntern, she finally turned her head to see.


    To her surprise, these lights were brighter. She looks in every direction to find where these glowing lights wereing from, but she quickly covers her trembling lip with one hand.


    They weren¡¯t just any glowing lights, but also paper lotusnterns. Some were of the same size as the one she and Lu Tian had, while others were twice the size.


    It was as if whoever had lit thesenterns were also helping to guide their child on the right path.


    Everything that entered her eyes was like a fairytalee to life.


    She looks back at the man who had not said a word since they ce thentern in the water.


    "Oh Tian, look¡ª"


    Before she could finish her words, she was taken back by another surprise. Her eyes slightly widen, and she didn¡¯t know what to think anymore.


    Lu Tian was no longer sitting down on the boat seat but had gotten down on one knee in front of her. His eyes stare deeply into hers and he faintly smiles.


    "Yue Ling."

 Chapter 684 Ask you again

    <h4>Chapter 684 Ask you again</h4>


    In the middle of theke, the glowing papernterns that took the shape of a lotus flower floated around the wooden boat.


    Yue Ling sat in the seat she had first sat when she got on the boat. However, Lu Tian remained positioned on one knee in front of her.


    She stares at him with trembling eyes and didn¡¯t know how to make out the situation. She had been so focused on the many glowingnterns that had suddenly appeared that she didn¡¯t even hear him move. Even the boat didn¡¯t rock at his movements.


    Her eyes glisten more as she was barely able to hold back her tears.


    "Tian, what are you doing?


    Knowing he had surprised her, Lu Tian reaches to take her left hand without moving his eyes away from her.


    "Yue Ling, I cannot promise you heaven and earth, but I am willing to go against heaven and earth for you."


    He gently caresses the back of her hand with his thumb and he sighs a faint smile.


    "They say our past makes us who we are, but the moment I met you, I¡¯vee to realize that it is you who makes me who I am."


    He trembles a deep breath to calm his trembling heart and he tries to widen his smile.


    "When I first asked you to spend the rest of your life with me, you said yes."


    His eyes search into her bluish green eyes like he was trying to find an answer.


    "However, after everything that we have gone through, I want... no, I need to ask you again."


    He inhales another deep breath and swallows a hard gulp before he could continue his words.


    "Will you look forward to theing day with me as we grow old together?"


    His words fell and he reaches inside his coat pocket with his right hand. Taking a small box out, he opens it and faces it towards her.


    Yue Ling¡¯s mind was filled with endless streams of emotions. She didn¡¯t understand why he was proposing to her a second time. However, the more she listened, she came to understand his reason.


    Without doubt with everything that has happened, a part of him must have felt insecure that she may not want to be him anymore. After all, he is known to be a powerful man, but despite his fearsome figure, he wasn¡¯t able to prevent the incident that led to their loss.


    However, no matter how many days have passed, she never once mes him, nor did she deem him for his inability of protecting her and their child.


    Because in life, you have to let things be and never try to fight what will be.


    It¡¯s true that their loss was despairing, but it was something neither of them could have prevented from happening.


    As her thoughts drifted further, a tear slid down her cheeks, then another quickly follows. Her chest felt like it was being suffocated and she presses her lips together tightly to keep it from trembling anymore.


    How can she not want to be with him? Even after knowing that she cannot get pregnant anymore, he still told her that he will never let his love drift away from her.


    Lu Tian¡¯s heart dropped to his stomach when he saw her first tear broke free. He wanted to pull her into his arms, but before just as he moved, he was stopped by her hand lightly squeezing on his hand.


    "Yue Ling..."


    He could only stay where he is and stare at her teary face. Each time he saw a tear fall from her eyes, he swore, it felt like his heart had been ripped out from his chest and thrown into the coldke as it sinks deeper into the depts of the grounds.


    Is she crying out of happiness like the first time proposed? Or could it be that she is crying because she doesn¡¯t know how to reject him?


    He subconsciously lowers his head and he stares at her soft hand that was within his. He nces at L¡¯amour de ma vie then slightly turns to the right and he stares at the ring he had personally designed for her.


    Or could it be that no matter how much time passes, her heart will always be elsewhere?


    "Tian..."


    Yue Ling finally calms herself and looks at Lu Tian. Even in the dark, with the little light from behind him, she could see how dejected he looked.


    "Why do you look like you¡¯ve given up all hope?"


    Her right-hand reaches to touch his cheek and she makes him look up at her. Seeing his expression clearly, she sighs a smile and knew exactly what was going on in his mind.


    "Fate brought us together. Do you really need to ask me a second time?"


    Seeing her smile that fills the empty hole in his chest, Lu Tian didn¡¯t know what to think anymore. He averts his gaze from her and pouts his lip like a sad child.


    "T-Then why are you crying?"


    Hearing his mumbled words, Yue Ling chuckles and moves her hand holding his cheek. She flicks his forehead with little strength and maintains a smile.


    "Silly. My tears are tears of joy."


    Lu Tian abruptly looks at her and he felt his heart that had sunk into theke shot back inside him. His eyes tremble and he hesitantly asks.


    "You¡¯re... You¡¯re willing to continue life with me?"


    Yue Ling nods her head and her hand ce against his cheek again. She looks straight into his eyes and her smile widens softly.


    "I yearn not for wealth nor for riches but to grow old with you for eternity."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes tremble at her words. His heart shot up to the sky and danced on the full moon beforeing back down to its original ce.


    He takes the ring he had designed for her out of the box and didn¡¯t hesitate to put it on her ring finger.


    However, he stops when he sees that his ring and Shin¡¯s ring collided together like two generals having a standoff in the middle of a battlefield.


    Yue Ling notices this and chuckles at the look on his face. She moves her hand away from his grasp and removes his ring. She then removes L¡¯amour de ma vie and ce it inside his coat pocket.


    She isn¡¯t keeping the ring but has another n in store for it.


    Once her fingers were free of anything, she held it back out to him.


    "Shall we try again?"


    Lu Tian was confused as to why she would toss the ring in his pocket, but he chuckles with her and takes her hand.


    "Third time is always a charm."


    He puts the ring on her and pulls into his embrace. Right now, he just wants to kiss her and take her home.


    "Wah! Tian!"


    Just as he eagerly moved, Yue Ling lets out a sudden yelp when the wooden boat rocks with gravitational force.


    Both their arms stretch out apart and quickly grabs hold of the boat¡¯s side frame. Neither dared to breathe or move and could only try to bnce the weight of the boat.


    "..."


    The romantic air that once wrapped itself around them disappears into thin air. Yue Ling res at Lu Tian with murderous eyes.


    "If the boat tips over, I know who to me."


    Lu Tians quickly close his mouth and his face flush red out of embarrassment. His shoulders move up and his neck shrunk in. Even the thought of looking at her eyes was out of the question.


    He purses his lower lip and puts on a sad puppy expression. All he wanted to do was hug her and kiss her.


    "I should have bought a yacht instead of this tiny boat."


    Met with this adorable side to him, Yue Ling was baffled and in amusement. However, despite her murderous eyes, in the next second, she burst intoughter when she thought about how they could have fallen into the cold water.


    Lu Tian heard herugh and he looks at her. Seeing herughing like this was the funniest thing ever, the corners of his lip arcs up and he couldn¡¯t help but join her inughter.

 Chapter 685 No one saw us

    <h4>Chapter 685 No one saw us</h4>


    Yue Ling raises one hand to wipe away the tears that had yet to fall from her eyes. Just like her, each tear was also holding onto dear life.


    "This will make a good story for our kids in the future."


    Feeling that the boat has finally steadied enough, she lets go of the side frame and held her stomach as she could stopughing.


    "Good thing no one saw us."


    Lu Tian smiles at her and wanted to agree. However, before he could move or utter a word, cheerful cries and whistles echoed around them.


    "Woah! She said yes!!"


    "Woo-hoo!!!"


    "Boss!! Happy wife equals happy life!!"


    "It¡¯s a yes, but not a yes to fall into theke!"


    "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"


    "What kiss-kiss? Didn¡¯t you see that they were going to fall into the water!"


    Multiple voices resonate from around the woods in all directions and Yue Ling abruptly stopsughing. She looks around to see where the voices wereing from, but due to the darkness, she could only look back at Lu Tian.


    "Tian, I think thiske is haunted."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He blinks his heavy eyes a few times before he exhales sharply. Carefully moving up to sit on his seat, he grabs the grip of both paddles.


    "It¡¯s not haunted. Those voices are our family and subordinates."


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen like they were going to pop out of their sockets. Her cheeks flush crimson red and she wishes so badly that she had fallen into theke and hide.


    And it was exactly as Lu Tian had said. Surrounding the ground part of theke, their family and subordinates scattered to see the proposal.


    They were also the ones who had lit the many lotusnterns that Yue Ling saw earlier.


    When they saw that the wooden boat was going back to the deck, each person quickly makes their way back to their cars to meet the couple at the parking lot.


    However, unlike those who were just now moving, Grandfather Ji, Ji Jingxu, Inu, Madam Lu, and Old Lu were already standing at the deck. After they lit theirnterns, the group decided toe to the deck to be the first ones to greet the couple.


    "Old man, never would I have imagined that our son would be such a romantic man."


    Madam Lu pats her chest with one hand as her older hand hugs her husband¡¯s waist. She always saw her oldest son as an aloof being, but to see his n fall into ce tonight, she was in awe for his romantic ways.


    She looks away from the wooden boat and stares with a sigh at the glowingnterns floating in the distance.


    Both her palms sped together, and she closes her eyes.


    "I pray that only happinesses to Tian and Yue Ling. Please let the two children suffer no more."


    Ji Jingxu was also staring out at theke. He puts his palms together and looks at the wooden boat heading their way, then at his grandfather.


    He closes his eyes and faces the glowingnterns again as he quietly whispers to himself.


    "I know I am asking for too much because I lit threenterns, but please hear me out. The firstntern, I pray it will help guide the little one in the afterlife. The secondntern, I pray for Jie¡¯s endless happiness and thest one, I pray for my grandfather¡¯s health to better."


    Oblivious to his grandson¡¯s prayers, Grandfather Ji stood near the end of the deck with both his hands ced behind his back. Sitting down next to him was Inu¡¯s fluffy figure.


    Hearing Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯sughter in the distance, a faint smile curls on Grandfather Ji¡¯s lip. He slightly looks to the left and stares at the glowingnterns floating away.


    "Inu, when my timees, I hope that will continue to protect her and make herugh in my stead."


    Like he understood the old man, Inu tilts his head to the side and gently rubs his head against Grandfather Ji¡¯s leg.


    ¡¯Are they back yet?"


    "Are we toote? Did we miss them?"


    Suddenly, another wave of voices calls out from behind and Grandfather Ji turns to look at them. Not only him but so did Ji Jingxu, Madam Lu and Old Lu. The only one who did care was Inu.


    As it was Liu Shan, Lu Han, Xu Long, and Lin Hui. They were the second to arrive, but just as they climbed down the stairs, more figures appeared from the parking lot.


    "We¡¯re here too!"


    This time, it was Yue Ling¡¯s design team, Lu Tian¡¯s Wolf Team, the Zhao family, Zhong Yang, and Housekeeper Hu, along with Nie Chen, Ting, Liangcai, Ye Fei, and Xue Yi.


    However, due to there being too many of them, all the subordinates decided to wait in the parking lot as they can still see down to theke.


    "Ah! I see them! I see them!"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stood next to Xu Long and exims when she spotted the wooden boating closer to the deck. She waves both her arms out in the air and grins from ear to ear.


    "Yue-Yue! Yue-Yue! Over here!"


    Her voice fell and like everyone felt her energy, each person couldn¡¯t help but howl in cheers again at the two people in the boat.


    Lu Tian calmly rows the boat as Yue Ling watched the glowingnterns float further and further away. She will engrave this moment deep inside her heart and never forget as every year, she will light antern for her child.


    When she heard the joyful cheers again, she turns to look at the deck. She inhales a mouthful of air in surprise as themp posts were turns on and she could see everyone.


    Lu Tian had said it to their family and subordinates, but she didn¡¯t expect it to everyone.


    However, she sighs a soft smile and wanted to cry but held herself back.


    The first time Lu Tian proposed, it was only the two of them, but tonight, they were able to share this moment with their loved and cherished ones.


    "Yue Ling."


    Lu Tian calmly calls her name and a look of hesitation dawned on him.


    "About out engagement... Do you... What I mean to say is, do you want..."


    He pauses in his words and frowns. For someone who always knows what to say, why is he having such a hard time now?


    "I was wondering, do you..."


    He pauses again and his frown deepens. He tries to think of how to say what is on his mind.


    Yue Ling watched his struggles with his words. She chuckles and decides to help him out.


    "I don¡¯t mind if the world knows."


    Lu Tian¡¯s entire being went stiff before it gradually turns soft. He smiles subtly at her and couldn¡¯t thank the heavens enough for letting him meet her.


    She is the only person who knows what is on his mind. However...


    "Are you sure? Once the news is released, there¡¯s no going back. Even if you want to call it off, I will be stubborn and never let you go."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t expect this kind of response from him. It wasical in one way, yet serious in another.


    She chuckles with her shoulders trembling and looks back at the floatingnterns.


    "I am sure. As long as you have me in your heart, it is good enough for me."


    Lu Tian¡¯s ears turned crimson red out of happiness, but due to the darkness, she or no one else was able to see. He smiles bashfully and continues to row the boat with a satisfied smile.


    "And my heart belongs to you, along with my body and soul."

 Chapter 686 Like there is no tomorrow

    <h4>Chapter 686 Like there is no tomorrow</h4>


    "Wroof! Wroof!"


    Inu barks and jumps in pure happiness with his tail wagging when he sees the wooden boat touch the deck. He was eager to see his favorite human again.


    However, the person who got off the boat first was his arch-nemesis.


    Lu Tian ignores the little fluff ball¡¯s aura full of hate that was thrown at him. He turns to theke and reaches down to help his wife.


    cing her palm on top of his, Yue Ling steps onto the wooden deck. She was quickly greeted with the eyes of everyone and her entire being turned shy. Not because they saw the proposal, but because they bear witness to the scene of her and Lu Tian almost falling off the boat.


    "Wroof! Wroof!"


    Ignoring all the people around, Inu pounce at his favorite human. It has been a week since hest saw her, but for some reason, not seeing her for a day feels like ten years.


    "Inu! My baby!"


    Yue Ling squats down and wees her fur baby with open arms. She hugs his small, yet chubby and fluffy figure and sighs a smile.


    "Mommy misses you so much!"


    Lu Tian felt the taste of vinegar in his mouth. He wanted to separate the Samoyed from his wife, but seeing how happy she is, he decides to wash the taste in his mouth away.


    He looks at everyone standing in wait and he gives them a meaningful look.


    "Thank you all for helping with the preparations."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling looks up at him then to everyone. Now she understood why everyone was acting so strangely around her. It was all because of this.


    Madam Lu¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground and she quickly covers her mouth revealing only her eyes.


    In front, next, and behind her, everyone else was no different.


    Each person stares at Lu Tian and was in disbelief at what they heard. Did the man known for his ruthless ways actually thank them?


    Even as his parents, Madam Lu and Old Lu nce at one another then back to their oldest son.


    Is this man really their Lu Tian? Wait a minute, is he smiling?


    It was a very small and unnoticeable smile, but it was not small enough to escape their eyes.


    "Ho, ho. What is there to thank? We were more than happy to help."


    Unlike everyone else, Grandfather Ji was the only one who didn¡¯t find Lu Tian¡¯s behavior strange. He walks up to the young man and nods his head approvingly as he ces one hand on Lu Tian¡¯s shoulder.


    "I am d that you included us to witness this unforgettable moment."


    At first, he was reluctant toe as he was still in the hospital and didn¡¯t know the reason. However, the second Lu Tian exined his ce, he (Grandfather Ji) jumped out of the hospital bed and demanded to be discharged. Well, more like a free pass to go out then return to the hospital.


    He cannot let a moment like this pass or else he will regret it even in the afterlife.


    Ji Jingxu rolled his eyes at the old man. He was there when everything happened at Imperial Military Hospital.


    To be more precise, the old man didn¡¯t demand anything. It was more like he threatened to turn the hospital upside down if Doctor Dong didn¡¯t let him leave.


    Shaking his head, he looks at Lu Tian and gestures a polite nod. After they encountered each other at the hospital the other day, he has gotten a little use to man¡¯s coldness.


    "Grandfather is right. Thank you for letting us be a part of this moment."


    His words fell and he walks over to hat with his older sister. Like Inu, he too misses her.


    After Ji Jingxu, everyone else congratted and thanked Lu Tian for allowing them to witness the proposal. It was a night not meant for them, but one they will never forget.


    Now, they can¡¯t wait for the big wedding day toe.


    "Aiya, I cannot wait to tell everyone that my daughter-inw is Yue Ling. I can already imagine the envious look on those old women¡¯s faces."


    Madam Lu exims excitedly as she and Madam Zhao walks side by side to the cars.


    "Same here. I will spread this news like there is no tomorrow. I finally have such a beautiful and talented daughter-inw."


    Madam Zhao giggles in response and Madam Lu was dumbfounded. She (Madam Lu) scoffs in disbelief and pinch her sister-inw¡¯s arm.


    "Yah! Who is your daughter-inw? Yue Ling can only be my Lu family¡¯s daughter-inw. When did you have a son? Hm? Isn¡¯t Ya¡¯Er your only daughter and child? Hm?"


    Being yelled at, Madam Zhao didn¡¯t fell anything. She continuously rolls her eyes and waits for the woman to finish speaking.


    "Aiya, why are you being so loud? I am walking right next to you."


    She heaves a sigh and leans towards Madam Lu to whisper secretly.


    "I only said ¡¯daughter-inw¡¯ as a cover-up."


    A giggle escapes her, and she covers her mouth as if to hide her words.


    "My Zhao family¡¯s Ya¡¯Er has finally found someone worth keeping. He is one hundred, no, he is one thousand times better than that cheating Wei brat."


    Hearing this, Madam Lu¡¯s eyes widen, and she searches through the group until her eyesnded on Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s figure that was near the front.


    Seeing that her niece was not along, her eyes lit up and she snickers at Madam Zhao with excitement.


    "You are right. Assistant Xu is sometimes weird, but he has a pure heart. He is definitely a keeper."


    Both middle-aged women giggle like two high school girls gossiping over irrelevant news. Neither was aware of the attention they were getting from those nearby.


    Old Lu and Uncle Zhao shook their heads and decide to ignore their wives. The two middle-aged men follow closely behind but discussed in their own matters.


    Yue Ling smiles as she watches the two women chat away like no one else in the world matters. She held onto her grandfather¡¯s arm while Ji Jingxu held the old man¡¯s other arm.


    Next to his wife, Lu Tian and Inu follows at the same speed, but when he heard his mother and aunt, he shook his head with a sigh.


    "Don¡¯t mind their words. Those two likes to chat about everything."


    Yue Ling smiles at him and shook her head.


    "It¡¯s alright. I said I didn¡¯t mind."


    Another sigh escapes Lu Tian and he looks ahead. Good thing he had asked his wife in advance. If he hadn¡¯t, who knows how much trouble he will be if words got out about their rtionship.


    An knowing his mother and aunt, the two women can never wait to brag to the entire world.


    As everyone reached the parking lot, Yue Ling and Lu Tian said their goodbyes and walked towards their car. However, realizing something, Yue Ling turns around.


    "Inu,e. Let¡¯s go home."


    Instead of following the couple, the little guy had followed Grandfather Ji. When he heard the very familiar voice, he turns to look at his favorite human.


    However, he couldn¡¯t help but look back at his second favorite human, who was already sitting in the car.


    He held a reluctant look and nce between Yue Ling and Grandfather Ji as he sounds a sad whimper of not knowing what to do now.


    Yue Ling chuckles and walks over to him. She squats down and gives him a big hug.


    "Alright, you can stay a few more days with yeye and Jingxu."


    Her words fell and the Samoyed jumps into the backseat of the old man¡¯s car. He positioned himself between Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu, but once he found afortable spot, his head snuggles on the old man¡¯sp.


    "Ah Ling don¡¯t worry about him. Jingxu and I will take care of him."


    Grandfather Ji chuckles each word, but deep inside he felt nothing but heartache when he saw Inu¡¯s behavior.


    He was sure that Inu¡¯s reluctance to leave his side is because the little guy can sense his illness and knows that death is not too far away from him (Grandfather Ji).


    Oblivious to her grandfather¡¯s thoughts, Yue Ling waves goodbye to them and enters her and Lu Tian¡¯s car.


    Lu Tian closes the passenger door and walks over to the driver¡¯s side. Before entering the car, he looks at Grandfather Ji and both men nod their heads in a silent understanding. He then enters the car and starts the car.


    One by one, a long line of cars exit the parking lot and heads in the direction of their homes.

 Chapter 687 And she said YES!

    <h4>Chapter 687 And she said YES!</h4>


    Morning came as the news spread throughout Imperial about De L¡¯amour and An Qing uniting as one under the same ownership.


    However, that was not the only news that surfaced.


    Everyone was more in shock about the engagement between the retired supermodel, Han Yue Ling, and Lu Corps¡¯ CEO, Lu Tian. Even those in different countries did not miss this big news.


    Both De L¡¯amour and Lu Corps¡¯ phones rang without pause as the media tries to pry for information. However, the only information they received was that the engagement party will be held in one month, follow by the wedding.


    Some people supported the couple¡¯s rtionship and nicknamed them ¡¯Imperial¡¯s Power Couple¡¯, while others found Yue Ling unworthy of Lu Tian and Lu Tian unworthy of Yue Ling. Of course, this was only due to jealousy as they didn¡¯t want to believe that their idol as no longer single.


    "Arrhhh¡ª!!!"


    In the far distance from the heart of Imperial, a woman¡¯s loud shrieking cry can be heard from inside a white two-story Mediterranean style house.


    "Babe, what¡¯s wrong?"


    Inside the main bedroom, a healthy-looking man jolted awake at the woman¡¯s pierce shrieking cry. He abruptly sat up and runs his hand through his slightly disheveled hair.


    The nket that covered his body slowly falls to his waist as it reveals his toned and muscr upper body.


    "Chu Hua darling, it¡¯s so early in the morning. Why are you screaming like you¡¯ve seen a ghost?"


    Gu Ting Fei nce with an annoyed look at the naked woman sitting on the bed with him. The sun hasn¡¯t even fully rose in the sky and here he is, awoken by her.


    "Argh! I can¡¯t believe this! No! I don¡¯t believe this!"


    Ji Chu Hua ignores her so-called boyfriend and frantically shakes her head in denial. Her bloodshot eyes glued to the screen of her phone and she continues to scroll through the web.


    "This isn¡¯t true. No, this is impossible."


    Gu Ting Fei stares at her and his irritation intensifies. He yanks the nket off of him and gets out of bed. Hispletely exposed figure walks to thevatory and decides to shower.


    However, deep inside, he was cursing at Ji Chu Hua for being so annoying in the morning.


    If he knew that she was going to disturb his beauty sleep, he would have left home after their intimate exercise. Better yet, he should have gone to find another woman.


    *knock knock


    "Hua-Er, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you screaming so loud? You woke you the entire house."


    Just when the door to thevatory closed, a frantic knock sounds at the bedroom door followed by Ji Shao An¡¯s worried voice.


    Hearing her father, Ji Chu Hua snaps back to reality. She looks down at her body and realizing that she was still naked and covered in love marks, she quickly stood up to put on a robe.


    She strides to the door and sighs in relief that it was locked. She would have been embarrassed if her father had walked in on her and Gu Ting Fei.


    "Hua-Er, do you hear me?"


    She stops in front of the door at the same time her father asks again. She opens the door and pokes her head out with a smile.


    "Sorry, father. I was just surprised and screamed. Once I finish dressing, I will meet you in the living room and exin."


    Ji Shao An stares at his daughter with a slight frown. However, he doesn¡¯t say anything and turns around to leave.


    Watching his figure walk towards the stairs, she shuts the door and locks it. Turning around, she looks at the bed and pouts her lips when she realizes that Gu Ting Fei was not in bed.


    However, just as she thought this, she hears the toilet flush then the shower water running.


    A smirk curls on her lip and she walks to thevatory. She slowly pushes the door open and removes her robe to join the man.


    Outside the bedroom, Ji Shao An enters the living room and sat down on the sofa. He stares up at the huge portrait hung on the wall of his deceased wife.


    ???Dear, if only you were still here."


    He had to admit, its practically his fault that Ji Chu Hua grew up spoiled and stubborn.


    After his wife died, he did everything he could to give his daughter what she wanted as she is his only child. He wanted her to have a nice heart and grow up caring, but knowing that the other Ji families are cruel and selfish, he had to push her into fighting for the chairman seat at Ji Corps.


    She was the perfect person for the position, but now that Yue Ling has entered the picture, what will be of them?


    Thinking this, he heaves a long sigh. Even he is ashamed with himself that his daughter brings home a man without the intention of marriage.


    Two hours soon passes by and Ji Chu Hua still did note downstairs.


    Ji Shao An felt blood rush to his head and he ps his knee with a loud thud.


    "Call Hua-Er toe downstairs this instant."


    He yells at a maid standing nearby with his nostrils ring. He may have let her have it her way, but he is still her father. How dare she make him lose face?


    "Father, who has angered you so much?"


    Ji Chu Hua¡¯s soft voice sounds worried as she walks down the stairs. She looked refined and well-manner in a pink floral dress with a white cardigan over.


    She had one arm locked around Gu Ting Fei¡¯s arm as he wore a navy tailored suit and one can see a satisfied smile stered on his face.


    Ji Shao An saw the young man¡¯s face and his expression grew sour. He knew right away the reason for that smile. He snorts disapprovingly and looks away from the two people.


    He has lived long enough to know that Gu Ting Fei¡¯s smile is one a man makes when he has filled his desires with a woman.


    However, despite him feeling this way about their shameless rtionship, he cannot get on the Gu family¡¯s bad side. Right now, he and Ji Chu Hua need their every support.


    Ji Chu Hua sees Gu Ting Fei out the door then returns to the living room. She sits down on the sofa across from her father and the refine appearance she had on disappeared into that of a haughty woman.


    "Dad, why are sulking like a child? What if Brother Ting Fei misread your intentions?"


    Seeing her this way, Ji Shao An kept a calm expression but rolled his eyes on the inside. He heaves a long sigh and looks at her with seriousness.


    "Hua-Er, you and Ting Fei have been together for a long time now. Even outsides are well aware of your close rtionship. When are you both going to stop this game of yours and get married?"


    Ji Chu Hua scoffs a sarcastic chuckle with attitude. She reaches inside the pocket of her cardigan and takes out her phone. She unlocks the screen and ces it down on the coffee table.


    "Instead of worrying about my rtionship, we have something more important to worry about now."


    Ji Shao An reaches over the table and picks up her phone. He looks down at what she had to show him, but he widens when he read the first line.


    ¡¯Lu Corp¡¯s CEO, Lu Tian finally proposed.¡¯


    He scrolls the page up and sees the two photos released by the media.


    The first one was Yue Ling and Lu Tian during the Fall Fashion Show. It was the same photo a photographer captured when Yue Ling wore De L¡¯amour¡¯s closing design and her eyes met with Lu Tian who was in the audience.


    Unlike the first photo that was bright, the second photo was captured in the dark at theke. There was little light, but anyone can see who the two people in the photo were.


    It was Lu Tian and he was on one knee in a wooden boat proposing to Yue Ling with many glowing lights around them.


    Ji Shao An held in his breath as he scrolls through the news. At the end of the webpage, what was written in big bold words was: ¡¯And she said YES!¡¯


    Veins pop on his forehead and his expression distorted into ugliness.


    "This... How is this possible?"

 Chapter 688 Ask to confirm this news

    <h4>Chapter 688 Ask to confirm this news</h4>


    Ji Shao An couldn¡¯t stand the news he was reading on his daughter¡¯s phone. He angrily tosses the phone on the coffee table and massages his forehead.


    "Hua-Er, are you sure this news is urate? There has never been any scandal about Lu Tian with any women, what if someone purposely photoshopped all these pictures and sent them to the media?"


    Seated across from her father, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s mind was also in a chaotic mess with the news. She raises her hand and bit her nails as she ponders.


    She had woken up because her phone was ringing non-stop but knowing how Gu Ting Fei¡¯s temper if his beauty sleep is disturbed, she forces herself awake to turn her phone off. However, just when she was about to turn her phone off, she was the notifications and messages on her screen.


    Even she was in denial about everything she was reading.


    As she thought back to this event, she bit her lower lip then looks at her father.


    "I have a friend who words at Beauty. I will call her and ask to confirm this news.


    Her friend is Beauty¡¯s publicist. From what she knows, Beauty was the first to release the news about Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s rtionship.


    Ji Shao An nods his head when he heard her words. He rxes a little and inhales a deep breath.


    "That¡¯d good to hear. The Lu family may have a close rtionship with Grandfather Ji, but I doubt the rtionship between Lu Tian and Han Yue Ling is true."


    Although Yue Ling is Grandfather Ji¡¯s real granddaughter and the owner of both De L¡¯amour and An Qing, she does not know anything outside of the fashion industry.


    Compare to Ji Chu Hua¡¯s long years of understanding the situations that go on within Ji Corps, Yue Ling by far inferior.


    Not only that, but many people in Ji Corps support his daughter and find her more appropriate for the chairman position.


    However, that was before this sudden news surfaced.


    If it¡¯s true about Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s rtionship, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s chance at bing chairman will drop drastically. Yue Ling not only has the backing of Grandfather Ji, but she also has Lu Tian and the Lu family on her side.


    Once Ji Corps¡¯ board members get a hold of this knowledge, they will not hesitate to switch sides and try to curry favor towards Yue Ling.


    Thinking these haywire thoughts, he heaves a long sigh and looks at his daughter. Seeing her lost in her own thoughts too, he sighs again. However, remembering someone, his eyes lit up with hope.


    "What about Ning Xingyu? Is he still on our side? Wasn¡¯t it said that he didn¡¯t get along with Lu Tian? If we can keep him our side, there is a chance that you can take over Ji Corps."


    Ji Chu Hua awoke from her thoughts and scoffs at her father¡¯s words. She sneers in annoyance and raises her hand to flick her hair back.


    "Don¡¯t even mention his name again. Since his sistermitted suicide, he¡¯s been nothing but a nuisance now."


    She spoke as he had wronged her, but in truth, she had been calling him nonstop. However, he never once picked up any of her calls or replied to her e-mails. She thought he was depressed and grieving over Ning Mei¡¯s death, but she saw him the other day when she went to meet Gu Ting Fei at Imperial Hotel.


    It was then that she learned, the man had been going around fooling with different women and hispany was slowly falling apart.


    Whether it was because Lu Corps terminated their contract with TB Corps or some kind of guilt inside Ning Xingyu, she can¡¯t get involved with him anymore.


    Taking a deep breath, Ji Chu Hua erases all her memories with Ning Xingyu. She looks at her father and smiles softly.


    "Don¡¯t worry, father. Even without Ning Xingyu on our side, I have another way of making sure Han Yue Ling doesn¡¯t take one step inside Ji Corps."


    Ji Shao An was washed with a wave of panic when he heard that Ning Xingyu wasn¡¯t on their side anymore. However, when he heard her words to not worry, he looks at her with lit eyes.


    "You have a n? Tell me, what is it?"


    Seeing the eagerness in his eyes, Ji Chu Hua¡¯s smile curls up until it reached her eyes. She calmly raises on hand and looks at her manicure.


    "The other day, I stopped by the Ji Mansion to talk to the old man, but he was not at home. I didn¡¯t get to speak with him, but I was able to find something that will help us."


    She looks up at her father again and one nce was all it took for her to read his mind. Her smile widens with a malicious light in her eyes.


    "I would tell you, but if I did, it wouldn¡¯t be a surprise anymore."


    She leans forward to pick up her phone and stood up from the sofa.


    "Don¡¯t worry about what I have nned. I¡¯ll make sure that Yue Ling doesn¡¯t get a chance at bing the chairman. I¡¯ll also make sure that she knows her ce and know what it is like topete with a Ji."


    Her words fell with confidence and she walks in the direction of the stairs to go up.


    Yue Ling may have blood connections to the Ji family, but at the end of the day, her surname is Han and not Ji.


    Unlike her (Yue Ling), she (Ji Chu Hua) has the surname Ji and not another surname.


    As she walks up the stairs, she unlocks her phone and presses a number she saved on speed dial. Putting the phone near her ear, she listens as the phone rings and continues to walk to her bedroom.


    After the third ring, the line connects, and a man¡¯s lethargic voice can be heard from the other line.


    ["What do you want?"]


    Ji Chu Hua was baffled by the man¡¯s way of answering, but she enters her bedroom and shut the door. She walks to the balcony connected in her room and sits down on a lounge chair.


    "Let¡¯s meet at the usual ce."


    Her words fell and the call goes silent. However, it was only for a few seconds when the man on the other line spoke again.


    ["1 pm. Don¡¯t bete."]


    The call ends before Ji Chu Hua could even respond. She lowers her hand and scoffs at the phone like the man was standing in front of her.


    She ces the phone down on a ss table nearby then reaches for a cigarette. She lights the end tip and inhales a mouthful of tobo before casually blowing the smoke out.


    "Han Yue Ling, ah, Han Yue Ling."


    She leans back on the lounge chair and crosses her right leg over the left leg. She stares out at the view of Imperial¡¯s heart in the distance and one corner of her lip arcs up.


    "I will never let you take what is rightfully mine."

 Chapter 689 Good choice

    <h4>Chapter 689 Good choice</h4>


    On one side of Imperial, an abandoned factory remained as still as the sea. Inside the rundown ce, the three men taking shelter were wide awake.


    The second to finish getting ready, Kira sat in front of hisputer station. He had only turned on theputer for not long, but when he saw the daily news in Imperial, his jaw dropped to the ground.


    "Jun!"


    He calls out with his right arm waving in direction, but he never looked away from the monitor screen.


    "Come take a look at this."


    Qin Jun was standing not too far from the long-haired man. He was the first to get ready and decided to cook them breakfast before they head out. However, due to the ce barely able to stand, they had to cook their food on a portable grill.


    When he heard Kira¡¯s words, he pauses in his movements and turns to look at the man.


    "What is it?"


    He ces the grilling tongs down on a table nearby. He walks over to theputer station and heaves a sigh.


    "Why are you making such a ruckus in the morning? Are you trying to alert those from Retro that we are here?"


    He didn¡¯t understand why Kira was so loud. Didn¡¯t the man just turn on hisputer?


    Kira rolled his eyes with his back turned to the man. When he heard Qin Jun¡¯s footsteps stopped at his side, he spun around in his chair and points to the monitor screen.


    "This! This is why I am making a loud ruckus. See for yourself."


    Stopping in his steps, Qin Jun was dumbfounded by the man who looked simr to a samurai. However, shaking his head, he looks at the screen.


    When he saw what Kira had seen, he wasn¡¯t taken back by surprise. Instead, he arches a brow in amusement.


    "This¡ª"


    "Jun! Kira!!"


    Before Qin Jun could finish his words, from behind their two figures, a younger man¡¯s roar for them back be heard. Both Qin Jun and Kira turn to look in the direction the voice wasing from.


    "Well, looks like he saw it."


    Kira mutter in a nonchnt voice. His left arm raises, and he picks his ear with his pinky like the roaring voice had caused an itch in his ear.


    "You want to handle this, or should I go exin to our Little Princess?"


    Qin Jun kept his usual calm expression, but inside, he was more dumbfounded by his friend. He blinks his eyes a few times before walking away from theputer station.


    "I¡¯ll deal with Little... I mean, Song Jing Li."


    He clears his throat awkwardly. He couldn¡¯t believe he almost called Song Jing Li as Little Princess. No, the question is, when did the kid gain such a womanly nickname?


    Entering the room next door, it was small like it used to be a storage room. However, since they were staying here, Song Jing Li had turned this room into his sleeping ce.


    Qin Jun didn¡¯t have to search for the young man as he (Song Jing Li) was pacing back and forth in the room like a panicked old man. He was also mumbling incoherent words to himself.


    "What is it this time?"


    Ever since they came to Imperial, he (Qin Jun) felt the boy has been acting up over everything.


    Song Jing Li stops pacing when he heard Qin Jun, he flung his head at the man and his nostrils re like he was a wild beast ready to unleash his wrath.


    "You!"


    His expression distorted with anger and he shows Qin Jun his phone.


    "She said YES!"


    Qin Jun nce at the phone screen and arch a brow. He wasn¡¯t surprised by what was on the phone, but at the boy¡¯s expression.


    Most people when angry tend to have a very unpleasing face, he no exception. However, Song Jing Li¡¯s face at this moment was more on the cute side.


    It¡¯s no wonder Kira started calling him ¡¯Little Princess¡¯.


    He chuckles at this thought and shakes his head. Looking back at the phone screen, he heaves a long sigh and walks over to sit down on a chair.


    "She said yes. What¡¯s so surprising about it?"


    Song Jing Li was in disbelief. His expression scrunch in frustration at how calm Qin Jun was being. He snorts a hmmf and strides to the futon mattress he sleeps on. Plopping down to sit, he crisscrosses his legs like he was going to meditate.


    "How are you not panicking over this? Are you fine with this?"


    Qin Jun leans back on the chair and crosses his arms over his chest.


    "What¡¯s there to panic? This is her decision. She can be with whoever she wants."


    Hearing his response, Song Jing Li was put at a loss. He stares with slightly wide eyes at the man for what felt like an entire day when it was only a few seconds.


    "Hyun, so you¡¯re saying Lu Tian is a good choice for noona?"


    Qin Jun doesn¡¯t answer right away but stares back at Song Jing Li. He sighs again and raises his hand to pinch the space between his eyebrows.


    "He¡¯s coldblooded and has killed many, but he¡¯s not that bad of a person."


    He lowers his hand enough so that his eyes can meet with Song Jing Li¡¯s again.


    "Or..."


    He moves his hand down to his chin and his eyes narrow as he slowly stroke his chin like had a long beard.


    "Are you trying to put in the picture that you¡¯re the ¡¯good choice¡¯ for her?"


    "..."


    Song Jing Li was dumbfounded by his words. However, his entire face did not forget to flush a shade of crimson red and he chokes on his saliva.


    "*Cough *Cough! Hyun, are you crazy?!"


    He pats his chest to calm himself down and tried to catch his breath. He also doesn¡¯t forget to send a deadly re at the man.


    In honesty, he has never met another woman more beautiful than Yue Ling. She not only has the looks, but her heart is also pure and good.


    To him, if Shin is the sun the warms his days then Yue Ling is the moon that lights the way for him.


    He tends to act up when it involves Yue Ling because he already lost his sun, he doesn¡¯t want to lose his moon too.


    However??


    "I cannot be selfish..."


    He murmurs his thoughts in a very whisper, but Qin Jun heard him loud and clear. He (Qin Jun) arch both his eyebrows and stroke his imaginary beard again.


    "Ah... So you are implying that you are a better choice for her."


    "..."


    Song Jing Li was even more dumbfounded. His eyelids turned heavy and the expression on his face was as if saying, ¡¯when did I ever say I was the better choice?¡¯


    His love for Yue Ling is only that of siblings. Nothing more and nothing less.


    His ring eyes intensify at Qin Jun. However, seeing the man¡¯s expression full of teasing and trying no tough, his nostrils re more than they already are.


    He quickly steadies himself and stuck his chest out with his chin slightly raised.


    "I am a good choice, but noona is too good for me. I can only admire her like the moon."


    This time, it was Qin Jun¡¯s turn to be dumbfounded. His eyelids grew heavy and he stares at Song Jing Li with an expression saying, ¡¯What?¡¯


    "Pfffftttt¡ª"

 Chapter 690 Buzzkill

    <h4>Chapter 690 Buzzkill</h4>


    From the door, Kira couldn¡¯t hold himself back and snorts aughter. He had heard the conversation between the two men and couldn¡¯t believe that their Little Princess was such a shameless person.


    He leans against the door frame and folds his arms in front of his chest.


    "So, what do we do now?"


    His words fell as he looks at Qin Jun. The man wanted them to keep their acquaintance with Yue Ling a secret from Lu Tian. However, now that Yue Ling and Lu Tian have announced their rtionship, it¡¯s only a matter of time before they receive the wedding invitation.


    Being like brothers to Yue Ling, they will definitely attend the wedding, but what then?


    How are they supposed to exin themselves to Lu Tian? Not only that, what if Yue Ling asks how they know Lu Tian?


    Song Jing Li was also looking at Qin Jun. He contemted on whether to say what is on his mind, but deciding on something, he takes a deep breath.


    "I¡¯ve been thinking, and I think we should visit her."


    His expression turns serious and he doesn¡¯t look away from the man like was standing his ground.


    "We don¡¯t have to tell her about Shin¡¯s death, but we should at least see how she is doing. Not by a distance but ask her in person."


    After Kira met with Xu Long, he told them that he was caught by Liu Shan. Knowing the assistant¡¯s skills, they weren¡¯t surprised that he found Kira.


    However, when they listened to what Kira had to say, he and Qin Jun were put at a loss.


    How can Yue Ling who hasn¡¯t been in Imperial for long already experience another loss?


    Qin Jun and Kira were thinking the same as Song Jing Li. Liu Shan didn¡¯t say specifically what Yue Ling went through, but it was enough to make them worry for her.


    Seeing how Qin Jun was still hesitant, Song Jing Li sits up to straighten his spine.


    "What is there to still think about it? The world already knows about their rtionship. It wouldn¡¯t be weird if we were to pop in to congratte her."


    Qin Jun was indeed hesitant. As much as Song Jing Li and Kira wants to see Yue Ling, he also wants to see her.


    The only thing was, she is a very quick-witted person. Even if they don¡¯t give away any clues about their purpose being in Imperial, he was still afraid she might see through them.


    He inhales a deep breath and stood up from the chair.


    "I¡¯ll think it over."


    Without waiting for the two to respond, he strides out of the room in silence.


    Kira shakes his head with an unreadable thought. He nces at Song Jing Li and turns around to follow Qin Jun.


    "Come one. We have work to do."


    ---


    On the other side of Imperial, Lu Tian had to leave for work earlier than usual, so Yue Ling drove herself to De L¡¯amour.


    Upon her arrival inside the building, she weed by confetti and a huge banner that said, ¡¯Congrattions!¡¯


    She stood in the middle of the lobby with specs of confetti still glued to her tan wool coat.


    "Boss! I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re getting married! I¡¯m so happy for you!"


    Sophia exims cheerfully and approaches Yue Ling. She couldn¡¯t witness the proposal, but from the picture the media had released, she could already tell that the proposal was romantic and something out of a fairytale.


    "Congrattions boss!"


    "How should we prepare? Are you designing your own dress? Where will the location be?"


    One by one, the employees of De L¡¯amour congrattes Yue Ling and asks about the wedding. Each person held a happy expression as they know that if anyone deserves to be happy, it is her.


    Yue Ling thanks each person with a smile. She looks up at the huge banner and she felt a mixture of happiness and agitation crawl inside her heart.


    Taking a deep and quiet breath, she brushes her emotions away and looks back at everyone.


    "Alright, I know is everyone is happy for me, but we still have work to do."


    She walks away towards the elevator without asking their curious questions. However, she pauses in her steps and her voice sounds again.


    "We can go out for dinner and drinks after work."


    It has been a while since shest treated her employees out. She was also supposed to take them out to celebrate their hard work during the Fall Fashion Show, but she was caught up with other things. That was also why she decided to give them extra time off work.


    Watching her enter the elevator, everyone was stuck in a daze by her sudden words. Were they hearing correctly? Did she really say they were going to eat and drink after work?


    Behind the group of employees, Liu Shan had entered the building not too long after his boss. He heard everything, but he saw something and it bothered him.


    Most women would be thrilled and excited about their engagement and can¡¯t wait to prepare for their wedding. Especially when it¡¯s with the person they love.


    However, why did his boss look a bit off?


    His eyebrows twitch in a slight frown before he walks through the group of cheering people. He clears his throat to get their attention.


    "Hurry up and get back to work. If none of you finish in time, there will be no dinner and drinking."


    Everyone was rendered speechless by the assistant. Their heads follow his figure until he enters an elevator and disappears from view.


    Amongst the group, Yue Ling¡¯s design team was also there.


    Gui Zhongmin scoffs a chuckle sarcastically and he looks at Qi Li. He lowers his head and slightly shook it.


    "And I thought you were the buzzkill amongst us all."


    Qi Li cast a side nce at the stylist. He maintains a straight and cold face, but he shrugs his shoulders without any care in the world. He walks towards the direction his boss and Liu Shan had gone.


    "Buzzkill or not, it¡¯s the truth."

 Chapter 691 Im a free spiri

    <h4>Chapter 691 I¡°m a free spiri</h4>


    Yue Ling entered her office and ce her handbag on one of the white couches. She removes her coat as she walks over to the coat rack to hang it up.


    She then walks to her desk to sit and stares expressionlessly at theputer screen without turning it on.


    Her mind was distracted with thoughts about her engagement to Lu Tian.


    She is genuinely happy to be with him as he is a blessing in disguise in her world. However, at the same time, she can¡¯t help but worry.


    After everything that has happened in her life, what if happiness is not a word she is supposed to know?


    Every time when she¡¯s happy, something always happens and takes away that happiness.


    What if life decides to y another cruel joke on her and take away Lu Tian?


    *Knock knock


    As she immerses in her own thoughts, a knock sounds at the door and brings her back from traveling too deep.


    She looks away from theputer screen to the door and sees Liu Shan standing there with a worried look on his face. She smiles a nod to him indicating for him to enter.


    "Why do you look like that? I¡¯m fine."


    Liu Shan stares at her with eyes that could see through her. He walks to stand in front of her desk with a folder in one hand.


    "If you are then don¡¯t make that expression. Some of us will worry."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was stunned by her assistant. Was her expression really that noticeable? No, not possible. She chuckles and reaches her arm out to turn on herputer.


    "What expression? You must need to get your eyes checked. I¡¯m clearly fine."


    Knowing that she was trying to change the topic, Liu Shan sighs inside.


    ¡¯What expression? The expression you make when you question your own happiness.¡¯


    He spoke these words in his head and decides not to push the topic. He takes a step forward and ces the folder in his hand on her desk.


    "This is the information on An Qing¡¯s situation. It was a mess at first, but during your recovery, I went ahead with Alpha Team to sort it out for you."


    He takes a small step back and held both his hands behind his back.


    "The only thing you need to do now is present yourself as CEO to the employees of An Qing."


    Yue Ling picks up the folder and opens it. She flips through the documents inside as her eyes scan each page. She soones to a stop at a page and she pouts her lip in thoughts.


    Seeing that she had stopped, Liu Shan knew right away which page it was.


    "That¡¯s another thing too. Do you want to keep An Qing¡¯s original name or convert it De L¡¯amour?"


    Yue Ling stares at the two names on the paper in front of her. A million emotions erupt inside her, but she made sure not to let a single emotion appear on her face.


    The purpose of the two names was important to her and well-known. However, now she has to choose which one she wanted as the name of her ownpany.


    An Qing, the name she created in remembrance of her father and mother, or De L¡¯amour, the fashion brand she spent so much hard work on creating.


    "What do you think?"


    Hearing her question, Liu Shan blinked his eyes in confusion. However, quickly understanding the meaning, he thought it over for a quick second before answering.


    "Well, if you¡¯re asking for my opinion, I think you should stick with your original n."


    Yue Ling sighs a smile. She reaches for a pen and circles one of the names then close the folder.


    "Thanks for your reminder."


    She hands the folder over to Liu Shan as he didn¡¯t hesitate to take it.


    "Neither names will be removed. An Qing will continue to be the main source in support of De L¡¯amour."


    Liu Shan gives her a look asking if she was sure and she shrugs both her shoulders.


    "It was my original n. Nothing will be changed. I¡¯ll move my office to An Qing but pay a few visits here."


    Holding the folder in one hand, Liu Shan nods his head in understanding. Seeing that there was no other reason for him to stay, he gestures a polite bow.


    "Then I¡¯ll take my leave."


    "Shan."


    Just when he was about to turn around, Yue Ling stops him. He looks back at her and gives her a strange look.


    "Yes?"


    Yue Ling stares back at him for a long minute. She sighs a smile and decides to ask him.


    "Not as my assistant, but as my friend, how do you feel about bing An Qing¡¯s COO?"


    She is going to be busy with her grandfather¡¯s request. So, if she has to trust someone in keeping both De L¡¯amour and An Qing in ce, it would be Liu Shan.


    It¡¯s not that her other subordinates are not fit for the job. Each person in her team is skilled and capable, but Liu Shan is the only one who has more knowledge.


    However...


    "I¡¯m a free spirit."


    Liu Shan responds without the need to think about her question. He smiles a chuckle when he saw her dumbfounded expression.


    "I¡¯m happy for the promotion upgrade, but I prefer to be your assistant. That way I can follow you to many ces and help you out."


    His smile grew wider until it reached his eyes.


    "Plus, I am not fit for the position. I want to be free like the wind and spread my wings as much as I can."


    Yue Ling had difficulty trying to blink her eyes. She stares at him and didn¡¯t know what to think anymore. How does being a COO take away his freedom? Not only that, he doesn¡¯t want to be COO but wants to continue being her assistant.


    What was she expecting? She knew he would turn down the offer. She only thought she should ask in case he decides to ept.


    Staring at his smile, she could only sigh inside. Good thing she said COO. If she had told him she wanted him to be CEO, he would have fainted and maybe threaten to kill himself if she gives the position to him.


    However, deep inside, she knows that she can never force him to do anything he doesn¡¯t want to do. Not just him, but the same with all of her subordinates.


    For now, she will have to continue to be the CEO of De L¡¯amour, An Qing, and H-International. Then when everything is settled with Ji Corps, she will try to think of another n to handle all fourpanies together.


    Thinking about all the weight on her shoulders, she heaves a sigh and gestures a small wave at Liu Shan.


    "Alright, you can leave."


    Liu Shan wanted to ask her why she asked him to be COO. However, being dismissed, he could only tell himself to ask herter.


    He turns away and walks out of the room. However, reaching the door, he turns his head to look at her again.


    "Secretary Jiang from Fang Fabrics called the other day. She wants to meet you for lunch today."

 Chapter 692 Forward to seeing you

    <h4>Chapter 692 Forward to seeing you</h4>


    Lunch arrived as the sun rose high above the sky. Yue Ling left De L¡¯amour as her white BMW x5m slows to a stop in front of the address Secretary Jiang had sent her to meet up.


    She stepped out of her car and stares at the building in front of her. It was all white with a name Moonlight disyed in a purple shade that resembled the night sky.


    Covering the lower half of her face was a ck mask. With the news of her engagement to Lu Tian and the conversion of De L¡¯amour and An Qing, she didn¡¯t want to attract any attention.


    She didn¡¯t really care about what others have to ask or say. Even she hasn¡¯t opened her phone to see what theizen has to write about her.


    As she knows that there will always be her fans who support her and her anti-fans who oppose everything she does even if it was drinking coffee in public.


    Closing the door to the driver seat, she hands her car key to the valet worker and walks towards Moonlight. She enters through the doors and arches a brow.


    Instead of being greeted right away by the restaurant, she walked through a small hallway then down a set of stairs until she came to another hallway leading straight to ss double doors.


    There were no windows but the lights on the ceiling were bright enough to help one see where they were going.


    She walks up to the doors and as they were sensors, they automatically slide open for her. She didn¡¯t hesitate to enter, and a small gasp escapes her lips when she saw the inside.


    The ce was rather dimpared to the hallway, but not to the point a person could not see. That was because the restaurant was set up with an astronomy interior design.


    Each table was simr to that of a luxury restaurant, but the ceiling was coated with an outer space image. It made one think they were gazing out to the gxy just beyond earth.


    "Good afternoon Miss. Do you have a reservation with us?"


    A waiter greets Yue Ling when he saw her entered through the doors. She looks at him and removes the mask then gives him a polite smile.


    "I have a reservation with Miss Jiang."


    The waiter¡¯s eyes widen when he saw who she was. As one of Imperial¡¯s well-known figures, how can he not recognize her the moment she removed her mask. Not only that, but the headlines of every media was also about her.


    However, quickly able to pull himself together, he gestures with his right hand in a direction.


    "Yes, Miss Jiang has already arrived. Please follow me this way."


    Yue Ling nods her head and follows after the man. As he led her through the path between the tables, she noticed that Moonlight did not have any private rooms. Instead, the tables were in full view but once a person sat down, the dividers separating the tables allowed one to have some privacy.


    The restaurant was also not packed with customers, but just as they were about to reach the table Secretary Jiang was sitting, her eyes caught sight of a person. A very familiar person sitting at one of the tables in the far corner.


    However, she doesn¡¯t say anything to get the person¡¯s attention and continues to follow the waiter.


    "Miss Han, you¡¯re here."


    Just as they reached the table, Secretary Jiang stood up from her seat and greets Yue Ling. She was clothed in a green dress and looked fresheningpare to her work attire.


    Yue Ling smiles politely at her and takes the seat across from the woman. She waited until the waiter ce a menu in front of her then looks at Secretary Jiang.


    "Secretary Jiang, thank you for inviting me for lunch."


    Hearing her tone full of formality, Secretary Jiang slightly purse her lips. She thought about something and smiles a chuckle.


    "Miss Han, no need to be formal with me. You can just call me Jiang Shengyi."


    When Yue Ling first came to visit Fang Fabrics, she saw how the retired model treated her assistant. She also noticed that Yue Ling didn¡¯t treat Liu Shan like how a boss would treat their employee. It was more in a friendly, yet polite way like despite his position inferior to her, she still held respect towards him.


    If possible, she (Jiang Shengyi) would like to have a boss like Yue Ling. Unlike President Fang who tends to step on every and thinks highly of himself.


    Yue Ling stares at Jiang Shengyi and she could read what was on the woman¡¯s mind. From the moment she met this woman, she knew that Jiang Shengyi held no malicious intentions towards her and was a woman who does her job well.


    "In that case, no need for the normality with me. Han Yue Ling is fine."


    She lowers her head to look at the menu and a faint smile curls on her lip.


    "Let¡¯s order lunch then discuss business after."


    Seeing that Yue Ling had changed her attitude from professional to friendliness, Jiang Shengyi was touched inside. She picks up her menu and quickly decides on what to order as she wanted to chat with Yue Ling.


    As time passed by, so did the sky outside of Moonlight. Yue Ling and Jiang Shengyi had finished their lunch and discussed what needed to be said between the two women.


    Yue Ling stood up first then Jiang Shengyi. She (Yue Ling) reaches for her handbag then turns to look at the other woman. She stuck her hand out and smiles lightly.


    "Thank you for lunch. I look forward to seeing you next week."


    Just having put on her coat, Jiang Shengyi was in a dazed by Yue Ling¡¯s smile. However, she returns a smile and shakes the retired model¡¯s hand.


    "No, I should be thanking you for epting me. I won¡¯t disappoint you."


    Both women then walk away from the table. Jiang Shengyi walked ahead as Yue Ling was a few steps behind. Just as they reached the ss double doors, a woman and man were also leaving.


    The group came to a stop as the door was only wide enough for two people to enter or exit.


    "Oh, I¡¯m so sorry. I wasn¡¯t watching where I was going."


    The woman smiles an apology when she almost bumped into Jiang Shengyi. She looks at Jiang Shengyi then nces at Yue Ling.


    However, the moment she saw Yue Ling, her eyes trembled ever so lightly as she gasps.


    "Han Yue Ling."

 Chapter 693 Have to get going

    <h4>Chapter 693 Have to get going</h4>


    Inside Moonlight, Yue Ling stares at the woman who had uttered her name. She (the woman) wore a simple white dress and her brown hair was put in a low ponytail.


    Yue Ling maintained a calm and collected demeanor, but her mind was elsewhere. However, she didn¡¯t let her thoughts trail too far as a faint smile that did not reach her eyes curls on her lip.


    "Ling Ni."


    That¡¯s right, the person Yue Ling saw when sitting at the corner of the restaurant was none other than Ling Ni. The same Ling Ni who crushed Liu Shan¡¯s heart into pieces. However, Yue Ling doesn¡¯t know that they¡¯re the same person.


    Ling Ni was surprised to run into Yue Ling. The first time they met was also thest. She smiles a chuckle and nce at Jiang Shengyi then back to Yue Ling.


    "Are you also leaving?"


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and nods her head. She must have over thought the idea that this Ling Ni is the same as the Ling Ni that Liu Shan mentioned. After all, there were many women with the name.


    She parts her lip answers the question but notices the man standing next to Ling Ni. Even without looking at him, she could tell from the corners of her eyes that he was bulky and bald-headed.


    However, it wasn¡¯t his body appearance that made her notice him. It was the way he was fidgeting like someone who was getting impatient and wanted to leave.


    Her eyes subconsciously nce at the man and the moment she saw his face, a dangerous flicker of light sh inside her eyes.


    She quickly concealed her feelings and looks back at Ling Ni. Everything she did was so natural that neither Ling Ni nor the man noticed her movements.


    "We were just leaving. I didn¡¯t think to see you here."


    Her words fell and she looks at Jiang Shengyi then at Ling Ni.


    "I would love to stay and chat, but we have to get going. I hope you don¡¯t mind."


    Ling Ni wanted to talk to Yue Ling some more, but knowing that the retired model is busy, she could only nod her head in understanding.


    "I see, then I hope you have a good day. When there¡¯s time, maybe, you, Zhao Ya¡¯Er, and I can meet to go shopping."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t answer with words but smiles a nod. It made one unable to understand if she was agreeing to the idea or disagreeing.


    She looks away from Ling Ni and walks out of the restaurant with Jiang Shengyi.


    As the two women disappeared out the door, the man standing next to Ling Ni ce one arm around her waist.


    "Babe, are they your friends?"


    Ling Ni slightly jumped when she remembers who she was with. She didn¡¯t dare to move his hand away and nods her head.


    "Mm, but I only know the one I spoke with. As for the other woman, this is my first time seeing her."


    The man sounded an ¡¯ah¡¯ sound and pulls her closer to him before striding out the door. He touches his chin and thought about how pretty the two women were, mostly Yue Ling.


    He has been with countless beauties but after seeing Yue Ling, he has to admit, none canpare to her. Not even Ling Ni.


    The more he thought about Yue Ling, the corners of his mouth curls up into a malicious sneer. He wanted her. Not as a ything but to be his woman. Even making her his wife is in mind.


    Thinking this, he lowers his head and pulls Ling Ni in for a kiss. He pulls away and grins widely.


    "Why don¡¯t you bring her to Red Moon? If you do, I¡¯ll reward you with anything you want. I might even consider giving you back your freedom."


    Ling Ni felt like someone had poured ice-cold water onto her body and made her froze. However, when she heard him mention her freedom, she felt a wave of hesitation wash inside her.


    If she came to trick Yue Ling into entering Red Moon, she won¡¯t have to deal with this man anymore. Not only that, but she¡¯ll also have her life back and maybe rekindle her rtionship with Liu Shan.


    The idea was truly one that she cannot decline. However, she closes her eyes and inhales a deep breath that caused her body to tremble.


    "I can¡¯t... She is Lu Tian¡¯s woman."


    Hearing the mention of Lu Tian¡¯s name, the man arches a brow in bewilderment. Before he picked up Ling Ni, he had heard his subordinates mention that news was flooding Imperial about Lu Tian taking interest in a woman.


    However, he would never have imagined that the woman would be the one he just met.


    He weighs out the pros and cons in his mind and decided. It would be the end of him, and Red Moon is he tries to make Yue Ling his woman. Especially when Lu Tian is the man many in the underworld fear.


    Quickly brushing the thought aside, he tightens his hold on Ling Ni. He inhales her sweet fragrance and smiles satisfyingly.


    "Let¡¯s go to Red Moon. Since I cannot have that woman, you¡¯ll have to continue warming my bed."


    Ling Ni trembles with goosebumps but she doesn¡¯t push the man away. Even if she cannot get her freedom back, she rather deals with this man than deal with Lu Tian¡¯s wrath.


    As one should know, be it man or woman, anyone who crosses the line of the coldblooded man never lives to see tomorrow.


    Outside of Moonlight, Jiang Shengyi¡¯s car was the first to arrive. She was about to enter her car but turns back to look at Yue Ling.


    "Ah, I almost forgot to say this. Congrattions on your engagement. If you need help with anything, let me know. I will what I can to help."


    Yue Ling chuckles at the woman and nods her head. She thanked Jiang Shengyi and sends her on her way.


    A few secondster, her car arrived, and she entered the driver seat when the valet worker stepped out. She reached for her seatbelt but sees Ling Ni and the man exit Moonlight.


    She doesn¡¯t look at them for long and buckles her seatbelt in. Her head turns to look ahead and drives away from the restaurant.


    However, despite her expression not caring, she found it strange that someone like Ling Ni would be with a man like that.


    She was never one to judge other???s rtionships, but she curious, why Red Moon¡¯s leader Tao Meng?


    Driving in the direction of De L¡¯amour, she also thought about her assistant and what he told her about his rtionship with the woman name Ling Ni.


    Should she be noisy and ask him if the Ling Ni she knows and the one he knows is the same person?


    If they are, she will have to talk some more sense into him and tell him to move on. Not because she found Ling Ni with Tao Meng disgusting, but because her assistant and friend deserve so much more.


    As her white car drives away, she did not notice that Ling Ni and Tao Meng were also getting inside their car. However, the man was looking in the direction of her car. He memorized her license te number and enters the car after Ling Ni.


    He decided to not pursue Yue Ling, but seeing her again, he couldn¡¯t help but want her. Even if she is Lu Tian¡¯s woman, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have a little taste, right?


    After all, many people say Lu Tian is germophobic. If he learns that the woman has been dirtied, he won¡¯t want anything to do with her anymore.


    Once that happens, he (Tao Meng) will appear in front of her like a God and take responsibility for her.


    His selfish desire quickly got the better of him and blinded him.


    What he did not know is that the woman he has his eyes on is someone beyond his reach. Not only is she out of his reach, but she is the only person other than Lu Tian whom he fears.


    As she is the person who collects the fate of those who cross her line.

 Chapter 694 Should I just go back?

    <h4>Chapter 694 Should I just go back?</h4>


    As Yue Ling drove back to De L¡¯amour, not too far from where she had met Jiang Shengyi for lunch, Lu Tian had just finished a meeting with one of his businesses.


    He steps out from a dark building with Jiangyu and Shaofeng. He pauses in his steps and turns to face the person behind him.


    It was a middle-aged man wearing a light grey suit. He had a thin line of mustache that made his appearance seemingly older with sharp eyebrows. If one were to see him, one would think him simr to Jafar.


    However, despite his evil and sinister appearance, Lu Tian kept a calmposure as he looks at the man.


    "Manager He, I hope you will keep this meeting confidential until the next meeting day."


    Manager He looks up at the tall young man. He had a natural frown that made him look like he disliked everything in the entire world. However, when he heard Lu Tian¡¯s words, his eyes closed, and a heartfelt chuckle sounds from him.


    "CEO Lu need not worry about this. My lips are sealed like how my mustache is glued to my face."


    "..."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at the middle-aged man. He slightly creases his brows and decides to stare at the man for a long second. He swore Manager He¡¯s smile was one that can give a child nightmare for many years.


    However, what can he say? Despite Manager He¡¯s facial expression being one that can scare a ghost away, it was natural, and he was not evil.


    After all, if he was, his (Manager He) four-year-old daughter would be afraid of her father.


    Brushing these thoughts aside, Lu Tian smiles an unnoticeable smile.


    "Due to Assistant Xu¡¯s absence, I pushed the meeting date to today. I hope you do not mind."


    Hearing his words that held no emotion, Manager Heughs again. He gestures a wave of his palms and shakes his head.


    "Aiya, no need to apologize. Coming here is truly thispany¡¯s good fortune. After all, our CEO Lu has a busy schedule now that he is finally engaged."


    The other day, he received a phone call from Xu Long stating that Lu Tian was going to personally visit thepany he manages. Although there were still a few days, he did not mind that Lu Tian would push the date.


    Thinking this, he remembers something and leans forward as if to tell Lu Tian a secret.


    "What about your mother? Will we be keeping this matter from her?"


    Lu Tian knew this question was going to be brought up sooner orter. Especially when Manager He is one of his mother¡¯s people and someone she trusts without every questioning.


    He nces at the middle-aged man then back at the dark building. He ponders in his thoughts for a quick second then turns away.


    "Keep this from her."


    Manager He stares at Lu Tian¡¯s departing figure and he exhales sharply. He turns around and walks towards the building again.


    He is one of the few people who watched Lu Tian and Lu Han grow up. He can be considered their manny.


    Even though Lu Tian is an adult now, he is still the same as when he was young. Never wanting to trouble his parents with anything.


    However, thinking about how Lu Tian is keeping this matter from Madam Lu, he (Manager He) can only heave a long sigh again.


    "Madam Lu will be furious if she ever finds out about this."


    Lu Tian enters the backseat of a ck car as Jiangyu and Shaofeng enter the driver and passenger seats. As the car drives away from the building, he nces out the window and couldn¡¯t help but let his thoughts drift to his wife.


    Has she eaten? How is she doing? Do her legs hurt?


    After they returned from theke, he didn¡¯t hold back and used his stamina on her again. However, he knew not to get too carried away as she had to work in the morning.


    When morning came and he kissed her before leaving for work, he saw her exhausted face and he felt a wave of guilt wash inside him.


    Wanting to make it up to her, he wanted to take her somewhere for a nice lunch. However, she called to tell him that she was meeting someone for lunch to discuss work matters.


    He heaves a deep sigh and looks away from the window. ncing at Jiangyu who was driving, he lightly shakes his head.


    Due to Xu Long being off from work, Jiangyu has to be his driver until the man returns to work. However, he (Lu Tian) is curious. What does Xu Long do on his time off?


    While Lu Tian remembered to think about his assistant, on the highest floor of Jade Condos, Xu Long was also thinking about his boss.


    "Haa¡ª I wonder if anyone is looking after boss... Did anyone remind him to eat? Who¡¯s mopping the floor now?"


    Xu Longid on the dark couch in the living room and stares up at the ceiling of his new ce. Another sigh escapes his lips then another and another.


    "I miss work... Should I just go back?"


    Turning his head to look at the huge floor to ceiling windows surrounding the living room, he sighs again.


    "Why did I ever think living here was so great? It¡¯s so sad, lonely, and most of all boring."


    In the past, he never understood why his boss would opt to stay at Lu Corps instead ofing home. He thought the ce was so wonderful. He even set a goal to live here one day.


    Now that he has been given this penthouse, he now understands why his boss hardly everes home.


    He sits up and looks at the dark interior design of the penthouse. He exhales sharply and cries without any tears to shed. Compare to this dark penthouse, his bossdy¡¯s penthouse next door was bright and felt more like home.


    "It¡¯s also dark and gloomy. It¡¯s like living in a dungeon."


    Sighing for the hundredth time, he ps his palms on his knees and stood up from the couch.


    "Enough with the crying. Let¡¯s go back to my old ce and start packing."


    After helping his boss prepare for the proposal and witnessing the event, he drove to Jade Condos to make himself feel at home. However, never did he think the ce to be so cold and somber like his boss.


    He shivers from a small chill and turns to look at the other dark couch. He heaves another sigh, but this time in distraught then kicks the couch.


    "Lin Hui! Wake up! It¡¯s already noon, how long are you nning to sleep?"


    "Nn..."


    Laying on the couch, Lin Hui groans in pain as his head felt like it was a drum and someone beating it nonstop.


    He was the only person who left with Xu Long to check the man¡¯s new ce. However, as they didn¡¯t have to work the next day, they decided to drink until they were too drunk.


    Feeling the light thump of the couch from Xu Long¡¯s kick, he groggily force himself to sit up with eyes still closed.


    "It¡¯s only noon. Why are you being so noisy?"


    Xu Long scoffs in disbelief at what he was hearing. Unlike him who was fully dressed, Lin Hui was shirtless, and his perfectly toned body was one that could make any women drool. Even he is envious of that six-pack that is so tempting to touch.


    Even both of Lin Hui¡¯s upper arms were tattooed with roses giving him an even more attractive look.


    He (Xu Long) was quite taken by surprise at this discovery of his friend. It¡¯s no wonder he never noticed it in the past. Lin Hui was always clothes and even with a t-shirt on, the sleeves always hid the tattoo well.


    He clicks his tongue in envy and grabs the man¡¯s clothes that had been taken off. Tossing it to Lin Hui, he strides to the front door.


    "Hurry up and get dress. You¡¯re helping me move my things from my old ce to here."


    As much as he misses his old ce, he already canceled the lease. Now, he has no choice but to live here or to be a bum in the streets.


    He stops in front of the door and pulls it open. He pauses in his steps and looks back at Lin Hui with a re.


    "You have five minutes to get out."


    His words fell with dominance and he strides out the door. However, before he could even take a step out, he was rooted to the floor and his cheeks flush a shade of red.


    "Ah... Heh... Miss Zhao, good afternoon."

 Chapter 695 Back is broken

    <h4>Chapter 695 Back is broken</h4>


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er had just walked out of her new penthouse to meet her mother and aunt. She by chance heard Xu Long¡¯s voice and pause in her steps as the man sounded angry.


    She knew it was him because she had met him and another man in Jade Condos¡¯ parking lot. They chatted for a bit and that was how she learned that her cousin had given the penthouse to Xu Long.


    She was excited knowing that the man of her dreams was going to be her new neighbor.


    "Miss Zhao?"


    Xu Long¡¯s worried question of her name brought Zhao Ya¡¯Er back to her senses. She focuses her eyes back on him but there was no smile on her face.


    Normally, a person would be screaming inside out of pure joy. However, she stood in the empty hallway and could only stare with a nk expression. She didn¡¯t even know what to think or how to greet him.


    The door to Xu Long¡¯s penthouse was wide open and she could see inside the living room. The only thing was the man she metst night was standing shirtless and was slowly putting his clothes on. That wasn¡¯t all, she could see faint marks on the man.


    Whether they were bruises or kiss marks, she could not tell.


    She looks away from the man then back to Xu Long. Her throat bob as she swallows and her mind froze with one question.


    Could it be that Xu Long and this man are in ¡¯that¡¯ kind of rtionship?


    She remembers the man was there at theke and judging from their rtionship at the time, the two men were pretty close.


    Her mind draws out a scene of Xu Long and Lin Hui together all night and her expression turns into one of horror. However, she quickly steadies herself and forces a chuckle.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Assistant Xu. Your secret is safe with me. I won¡¯t tell anyone about this. Not even my cousin."


    She doesn¡¯t wait for a response and strides away in an almost jog towards the elevators. Now that she knows Xu Long swings that way, she can only cry.


    Xu Long watcher her disappear inside the elevator. He was confused and didn¡¯t understand the meaning of her words. Not only that, why did she make such a sad expression?


    He nces back inside the living room and sees Lin Hui slowly getting dresses.


    As Lu Tian¡¯s assistant for many years, he was quick to put the pieces together. He gasps in pure horror and pokes his head out of the door.


    "Miss Zhao! It¡¯s not what you think!"


    He calls out after her, but the elevator doors were already closing. He looks back at Lin Hui and wanted to dig a hole to hide. Zhao Ya¡¯Er didn¡¯t even give him time to exin the situation.


    His head turns to look at the elevator again and his shoulders tremble as he sobs with small tears.


    "I¡¯m not gay... wuuu... I like women... wuuu... So does Lin Hui..."


    "So does Lin Hui, what?"


    From behind, Lin Hui ask when he heard his name. He had just finished dressing and was now putting on his shoes.


    After a long second, he looks up at Xu Long who wasn¡¯t answering him.


    Seeing how the assistant is distracted, he straightens up and takes a few steps out the front door to the hallway. He looks left, then right. Not seeing anything, he looks up and down.


    However, not seeing anything, he looks back at Xu Long with a frown.


    "Bro, what¡¯s wrong with you?"


    Xu Long returned to his senses and his wide eyes re with vicious daggers at Lin Hui. However, thinking back to what Zhao Ya¡¯Er must have thought, he pulls the daggers back and sobs even more.


    "Brokeback..."


    He spoke his word clearly, but Lin Hui furrow his brows. He nces at the assistant from head to toe then back to the head.


    "Brokeback? If your back is broken, go see a doctor."


    His shoulders shrug without any care and he strides in the direction of the elevator.


    From behind him, Xu Long was even more dumbfounded. He stares with heavy eyelids then closes the door and follows after with faint sobs.


    "Maybe I should go see a doctor..."


    He mumbles incoherently to himself but thought about something. Instead of seeing a doctor, he needs to find a way to clear this misunderstanding with the beautiful, Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    Thinking this n, he sends another re at Lin Hui who was walking ahead of him. However, instead of daggers shooting out from his eyes, he made sure he was shooting outser beams and at full power mode.


    "You darn rascal. I¡¯ll make sure that you help me clear up this misunderstanding or I¡¯m going to beat you to a pulp."


    "Achoo¡ª"


    Just as the elevator door opens in arrival, Lin Hui sneezed as he was about to take a step forward. He pauses and frowns in question if someone was cursing him behind his back.


    He rubs the tip of his nose and turns around to see why Xu Long was taking so long. However, when he saw the murderous and grave look on the man, his frown deepens with confusion.


    "Dude, what¡¯s with your expression? Why are you looking at me like I killed your family?"


    Xu Long snorts and rolled his eyes. He stares with raging eyes at Lin Hui. Even when he entered the elevator, he never moved his gaze away.


    "Hmmf. It¡¯s not my family you killed, but my dignity as a man."


    "..."


    Lin Hui slowly enters the elevator and he was as cautious as to when he was facing an enemy. He didn¡¯t understand why Xu Long looked like he (Xu Long) wanted to strangle him to death.


    What did he do?


    All he did was wake upte because he had drunk so muchst night. Plus, he already said he was going to help the assistant move.


    Was it really necessary for the assistant to be this angry with him?

 Chapter 696 Please listen to me

    <h4>Chapter 696 Please listen to me</h4>


    Unaware of the situation that took ce at Jade Condos, Yue Ling returns to De L¡¯amour and enters her office. A few seconds after her, Liu Shan greets her by poking his head in and smiles at her.


    "How did it go?"


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t pause in her steps and walks to sit down on one of the two white couches. She looks at Liu Shan and slightly signals with her chin to the couch across from her.


    "Sit."


    Hearing her, Liu Shan pout his lip. Her tone was normal but why does he get a feeling that something was bothering her? Actually, if he really thinks about it, it was like he had been turned into a cute little bunny and was being tricked by the big bad wolf.


    However, seeing howposed she is, he brushes this thought away and enters the room.


    "Was the meeting with Secretary Jiang that bad?"


    He takes a seat and asks curiously with a trembling smile. He didn¡¯t go with her because he had to run some errands for her. Could it be that there was a disagreement between the two parties?


    Yue Ling stares at her assistant without interrupting his movements or question. She waited until he had settled down and finally spoke.


    "I personally interviewed her and decided that she will start next week."


    Giving her a small nod in understanding, Liu Shan sounds an ¡¯ah¡¯. However, thinking about something, he purses his lip with a frown.


    "Is this a good choice? How do we know that she won¡¯t be another Ming Yue?"


    He had to ask as he was worried. Unlike him and everyone else, Ming Yue was the only person hired who had no connections to Fate.


    Actually, Sophia could be considered the same since she hasn¡¯t worked here for long. Despite her having not having any personal connections to Fate, her deceased father was a close friend of Old Han.


    However, the point is, what if Secretary Jiang turns out to be another Ming Yue?


    Especially now that the world knows De L¡¯amour and An Qing are under the same person, who wouldn¡¯t wish to get on Yue Ling¡¯s good side?


    "I know why you¡¯re worried, but don¡¯t think too much."


    Yue Ling interrupts his thoughts and leans back on the couch. She casually crosses on leg over the other and sighs a faint smile.


    "We won¡¯t know until we give her a chance."


    Her eyes calmly flutter, and she looks straight at Liu Shan with a slight tilt to her head.


    "Instead of worrying about Secretary Jiang, I have a question for you."


    Liu Shan was now at a loss by her words. He wanted to discuss the matters with Secretary Jiang, but seeing how her expression, he could only let it go. She was always someone with good judgment, so there was no need to question her decision.


    However, when he heard herst question, he was struck at another loss.


    Yue Ling was quick to read his thoughts. She decided to use this time as there was still ten minutes until their lunch break ended.


    "Who is Ling Ni?"


    Liu Shan¡¯s eye trembled at the name as he was not expecting this question from her. His brows ever so lightly scrunch together as he tries to recall if he ever mentioned the name. However, remembering their talk fromst time, he heaves a sigh.


    "She¡¯s no one important to me."


    He looks away to the window and stares out to the sky.


    "I don¡¯t want to hear that name again."


    Yue Ling arch a brow at the man across from her. She knows that bringing up the name would hurt him, but she needed to know.


    "I only asked because I saw someone I knew at the restaurant. Her name is also Ling Ni."


    She stood up like their conversation meant nothing to her and Liu Shan looks back at her.


    He doesn¡¯t know why she is nning by doing this, but one thing he knows is that she is trying to get information from him.


    "Does she have brown hair that is a little below her shoulder des?"


    Yue Ling shrugs her shoulders and walks to her desk.


    "The Ling Ni I know does have brown hair. She is also acquainted with Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Xie Na."


    Liu Shan¡¯s gaze followed her every move without missing anything. He clenches his fists tightly and inhales a deep breath before looking back at the windows.


    "That¡¯s her."


    He has never seen Ling Ni around Zhao Ya¡¯Er or Xie Na. However, from the information he gathered before moving to Imperial, it mentioned that she knew the two women.


    "The Ling Ni I know and the one you know is the same person."


    Yue Ling pause in her steps and stares ahead with her back turned to Liu Shan. She closes her eyes and inhales a deep breath.


    She wanted to know but after hearing his answer, why does she feel regretful?


    "Shan, as your friend, I hope that you will promise me one thing."


    Her eyes opened not too slow and not too fast. An unexinable feeling shes inside her bluish green eyes as she turns back to look at him.


    "No matter how difficult it is for you. Don¡¯t be clouded by a love that is not meant to be."


    She walks back to him without her gaze ever moving from him.


    "Erase her from your memories."


    She knows that what she saw at Moonlight is not wrong. No matter what reason Ling Ni has to be with Tao Meng, she does not care. She only hopes that Liu Shan never knows about it because it will crush the man.


    Then again, he must have known since his heart was already broken. However, even if he knew, she would do everything she can to stop him from going back to Ling Ni.


    Not because she is jealous, but because Ling Ni¡¯s reason for being with Tao Meng has to be more than what it is. As Tao Meng is a man who appears decent, but his ways are by far one of the cruelest methods.


    If she lets Liu Shan fall back for Ling Ni, it will only be a world of pain for Liu Shan and that is thest thing she wishes for him.


    She can never let Liu Shan be dragged into that kind of mess that Ling Ni is in.


    Oblivious to her thoughts, Liu Shan stares at her as she walks over to him. He couldn¡¯t help but question her words, then decides to ask.


    "Why would say that?"


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t walk to the couch she was sitting on but stops in front of the one Liu Shan was sitting on. She held a mncholy expression and sits down on the empty space next to him.


    "Shan, you are someone I trust wholeheartedly. Please listen to me."


    Her right hand slowly raises, and she pinches his chin. Turning his head slightly to the left, a sharp pain stabs her chest.


    Even though his hair was blocking it from view, she could see the small bruise on his temple.


    She looks back at him and her expression was not one of a lover¡¯s but that of a worried sister.


    A very faint smile curls on her face and she parted her lips.


    "I don¡¯t want to see you go back to that life."

 Chapter 697 Meet her predestined man

    <h4>Chapter 697 Meet her predestined man</h4>


    Lunch came to an end as Liu Shan steps out from Yue Ling¡¯s office. He slowly closed the door but stares back at the door like he could see the person inside.


    He doesn¡¯t know what made her tell him to forget about Ling Ni, but he knows that something must have happened during the meeting with Secretary Jiang. However, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask.


    After a long minute, he finally looks away from the door and walks back to his office.


    He enters the space that he works and thought back to when she took a look at his face. A frown appears on his face and he strides to the full-body mirror hung in the room.


    With a slight lean, he stares at his own reflection without missing a spot. However, the more he stares, the more he could only frown.


    "Was it that noticeable? I¡¯m sure I hid it pretty well."


    Not seeing what Yue Ling had seen, he brushes his thoughts away and walks around his desk to sit down. His head turns to look at the windows and he couldn¡¯t help but sigh depressingly.


    "I wonder what Xu Long and Lin Hui are doing..."


    After theke, Xu Long had mentioned that he was given time off work and was going to move into his new ce.


    He (Liu Shan) wanted to go see the man¡¯s new ce, but he had work to do. Maybe when he gets off, he¡¯ll go pay his friend a visit and maybe, just maybe, see if the ce has any avable space for him too.


    As he began to work, what he did not know is, not too far from De L¡¯amour, the two people he was thinking about were walking out from a convenience store.


    Lin Hui held a sulking expression as he carries two bags of pre-made food in one hand and a cup of warm coffee in the other. His eyes re murderously at the person in front of him.


    "This is how you treat the person who is willingly willing to help you move? Couldn¡¯t we go to a restaurant and eat a proper lunch?"


    Walking a few steps ahead of the subordinate, Xu Long stops in his tracks and turns to look at theining person. His face held no expression and he turns away to continue walking.


    "For someone who destroyed my dignity, this is all you deserve."


    "..."


    Lin Hui was struck bbergasted by this. He stares at Xu Long¡¯s departing figure and raises his hand holding the bag to scratch his head in confusion.


    What did he do? When did he ever destroy Xu Long¡¯s precious dignity?


    Thinking this, he stuck his tongue out at Xu Long¡¯s back and force his legs to follow. He had already said he was going to help with the move, so all he can do is cry and wish that Liu Shan were here to help him.


    As the two men walk away from the convenience store, neither were aware of the two women sitting by the window inside the caf¨¦ shop next door.


    Shi Yan was casually ncing at the people passing by when she spotted Lin Hui in the crowd. Her eyes widen and she points out the window.


    "Qin Xue, that¡¯s him."


    Sitting across from the young woman, Qin Xue was calmly drinking her coffee. When she heard Shi Yan¡¯s frantic voice, she furrows her brows for a quick second.


    "Shi Yan, why are you yelling?"


    Seeing that Shi Yan was pointing somewhere, she turns her head and looks out the window. However, she didn¡¯t know where she was supposed to look.


    Shi Yan took notice of this and sighs in frustration. She points in the direction Lin Hui is and looks at the red hair woman.


    "That¡¯s him. He¡¯s the one who helped save you."


    Qin Xue almost choked from her drink that she had yet to swallow. She tries to search through the crowd, but there were too many people walking back and forth.


    She nces back at Shi Yan and forces a chuckle full of sarcasm.


    "Um... which one is he?"


    Shi Yan was even more distraught by the woman. She raises one hand and smacks her forehead before she turns to face the window again.


    "He¡¯s right there... Eh, where did he go?"


    She had only looked away for a few seconds. How could Lin Hui have disappeared?


    "I swore he was standing there. Is he a ghost?"


    Qin Xue shook her head like she didn¡¯t care, but deep inside, she wanted to meet Lin Hui. She could have asked Yue Ling for his information, but the retired model was a busy woman, so she (Qin Xue) couldn¡¯t bring herself to ask.


    Maybe the next time they meet up, she¡¯ll ask.


    Thinking this, she takes a sip of her coffee. However, just as her lip touched the cup, her phone ced on the table vibrates in a notification.


    She nces down at the screen and she could see the first few words of the message. It was from her mother. She sighs inside and looks at Shi Yan with an apologetic smile.


    "Shi Yan, I have to go. Get home safely, okay?"


    She sets her unfinished cup of coffee down and reaches for her coat.


    Shi Yan watched as the red hair woman wore her coat then reach for her bag. She pouts with a sad expression and eyes slightly moist for the woman.


    "Another blind date?"


    Hearing the question, Qin Xue smiles bitterly, and one can see the reluctance in her eyes. She doesn¡¯t answer with words but nods her head once.


    cing her handbag over her shoulder, she could see the sympathy in Shi Yan¡¯s eyes, but she wasn¡¯t bothered by it. Turning away from the table, she walks in the direction of the caf¨¦ shop¡¯s exit.


    Shi Yan could only watch Qin Xue walk away as she didn¡¯t know what to say. Until the red hair woman was no longer in view, she turns back to look out the window.


    She didn¡¯t understand why some prominent families were still traditional when it came to marriage. What was the point of setting their children on blind dates?


    So what if the person is filthy rich, if there¡¯s no love, the oue will only end in one person cheating or divorce. Is that more important than a child¡¯s happiness?


    She looks away from the window and decides to leave too. However, when she saw Qin Xue¡¯s unfinished cup, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh again.


    Qin Xue had told her that she (Qin Xue) never liked going on blind dates as she has already gone on more than ten dates. No matter how good looking or rich the man is, if she (Qin Xue) found his personality displeasing, she will end the date.


    She (Qin Xue) only went to these blind dates because of her mother. However, she purposely stalled time as she wanted to meet her predestined man.


    This was also the reason why she wanted to meet Lin Hui. Not because he saved her, but because she wanted to see if he is the man she is destined to be with.


    Even if he isn¡¯t from a prominent family, she doesn¡¯t care. She only wants to with the man she can freely love.


    Thinking about what Qin Xue had told her, Shi Yan sighs deeply and grabs her handbag. She swore she is not in Qin Xue¡¯s shoes but thinking about the life of her friend has to go through, she feels like she has aged ten years.


    Just as she took a step away from the table, the light bulb above her head lit up with a n.


    She takes out her phone from inside her coat pocket and sends a message to the only person who could help Qin Xue meet Lin Hui.

 Chapter 698 Eat and drink by myself

    <h4>Chapter 698 Eat and drink by myself</h4>


    "Haa¡ª"


    Yue Ling sighed as she leans back on her chair. She had finished sketching new designs for their nextunched and discussed each design with her design team for their opinions.


    She tilts her head back and stares up at the white ceiling like she was thinking about something. However, there was nothing on her mind but nkness. Her left thumb gently ys with the ring on her finger and she sits up.


    Raising her left hand, she nces down at the ring.


    L¡¯amour de ma vie was a beautiful and perfectly define diamond ring designed in a princess halo style. It had diamonds that shone brightly as if wanting to blind a person¡¯s eyes.


    It was a one-of-a-kind ring. The ring Shin had designed for her.


    However, that ring no longer belongs to her as the ring on her finger now is the one Lu Tian designed.


    Unlike the princess halo style of L¡¯amour de ma vie, this ring was crafted into a ballerina halo style.


    The center diamond was big and bright. Outside the halo, the round diamonds cascaded at different levels allowing the arrays of each diamond to glisten from every angle.


    The corners of her mouth curl up and her entire being softens to the core.


    "Always and forever."


    She murmurs softly as this was the name of this ring.


    The name, the cold and aloof Lu Tian had personally given.


    He told her that, the name is a reminder for her. So that every time she looks at the ring, she will ¡¯always¡¯ think about him ¡¯and¡¯ know that his love for her is ¡¯forever¡¯.


    Thinking this, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh a chuckle. He was right as the more she stares at the ring, she was starting to miss him.


    "What a smooth talker..."


    She mumbles another chucker and lowers her hand. She wanted to call him, but noticing something from the corners of her eyes, she does a quick double-take.


    "Oh my..."


    The sky that was once brightly lit was slowly turning dark and she could see the first star in the distance.


    She looks at the time on herpute and gasp in surprise when the time read 6:37 pm.


    Logging out of herputer, she scoots her chair back and gathers her things to leave. As she puts on her tan wool coat, she thought about something and smiles a soft chuckle that held a tint of mischievousness.


    She walks to the door and turns off the lights before stepping out.


    To the right of her, she was met with her assistant who was also leaving his office.


    Liu Shan looks at her with a pleasant smile but doesn¡¯t say anything. He wanted to see if she remembers her words from the morning.


    Yue Ling stares at him with a straight face. However, inside she was sneering like an evil witch in the dark forest. She knows that he is purposely keeping quiet to test her.


    Deciding on something, she looks away from him and leisurely walks in the direction of the elevator.


    "I¡¯ll see you tomorrow."


    "..."


    Liu Shan was dumbstruck by her. His jaw wanted to drop but he forces his mouth the stay closed. He quickly follows after her like they were racing to the finish line.


    The elevator ride down to the first floor was in silence as neither person spoke a word.


    *Ding


    The elevator soon chimes in arrival and the door slides open. All was quiet until the boss and assistant arrived at the front lobby.


    "Boss, are you leaving?"


    A woman wearing a blue suit asks with a polite smile when she saw Yue Ling. She wasn¡¯t the only one standing in the lobby as there were 16 other employees and the 7 members in the design team.


    Yue Ling stops in her steps and arches a brow at the many bright eyes glued on her. She could see that were waiting for her.


    However, wanting to mess with them some more, she clears her throat to keep herself from smiling.


    "Good job today. I will see everyone tomorrow."


    Without waiting to see their reactions, she walks in the direction of the front door. She could see their brightly lit eyes were suddenly clouded with grayness as each person¡¯s face was reced with disappointment.


    However, despite feeling a little regretful about this, she kept herselfposed without faltering.


    As she walks past each person, one by one, they lower their head and sigh inside. Some opened their mouth to ask her a question but could only stop themselves.


    She is a very busy person, so it was only natural for her to forget.


    They weren¡¯t angry or disappointed that she didn¡¯t remember, but they were hoping to spend a little time with her outside of work like the times they did in City Z.


    As she was the one who told them that, once everyone clocks out and stepped out of De L¡¯amour, they must leave work at work. She may be their boss, but once she steps out the doors, she is their friend andrade.


    Feeling the atmosphere inside De L¡¯amour turn into one of dejected, Yue Ling stops in front of the ss doors. Her figure looked indifferent, but if one were to walk up to her, they would see that she was grinning from ear to ear.


    She looks at the ss windows in front of her and her grin widens.


    Each person behind her looked dispirited like they had turned into lost souls wandering cluelessly in theherworld.


    Unable to contain herughter anymore, she quietly clears her throat and spun around to face her employees.


    "Are you all nning to stay here overnight?"


    Her question fell, but no one answers, nor did anyone wanted to look at her. She had gotten their hopes up then dropped them like a hot tamale.


    Liu Shan being the only person daring to go against her snorts with an attitude. He strides towards her and stops at her side with a small angry stomp.


    He cast her with a side nce then looks away. However, he doesn¡¯t walk out the door. His entire being was as if saying, ¡¯how dare you feed us with hope up then forget."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless by his sudden behavior. As fifty percent of the time, she can¡¯t help but question if Liu Shan¡¯s sexual orientation is really towards the opposite gender.


    If one day, he were toe out of the closet, she wouldn¡¯t be surprised.


    Brushing this ridiculous thought away, she shakes her head lightly and looks back at her employees. Her shoulders shrug and she sighs in pity.


    "Well, since no one seems to be in the mood, I guess I¡¯ll just eat and drink by myself."


    "..."


    The gloomy air around everyone quickly vanished and they were all turned dumbfounded. In one swift move, their heads look up at her, but no one dares to utter a sound. They were not sure if she was serious or ying a joke on them.


    The first to return to his senses, Qi Li held his motorcycle helmet and use his shoulders to shove away the hands that were keeping him from moving.


    When he freed himself, he sends a sharp re at the twins, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin. Striding to his boss, he stops on her side opposite from Liu Shan.


    "These idiots didn¡¯t believe me when I said you wouldn¡¯t forget."


    Yue Ling smiles a heartwarming chuckle at Qi Li. Out of all her subordinates, he is the one who never doubts her. Even if she were to lie, he would still believe her.


    She looks away from him and back to the other people staring back at her. She knows they thought she had forgotten because she hasn¡¯t mentioned eating and drinking since morning.


    "Pick a ce and send me the address. I¡¯ll meet you all there."


    Her words fell as she turns away and walks out of the building. Behind her, Qi Li and Liu Shan quietly follow. One kept his usual cold expression while the other held a guilty expression for doubting her memories.


    Yue Ling enters her car and sends a message to let Lu Tian know that she would be homete.


    As her car makes a turn, she did not notice a ck car with tinted windows parked not too far from the De L¡¯amour¡¯s parking lot.


    Inside the car, two men with the appearance of hooligans wereying in wait. Anyone who sees them would shiver in fear and run the opposite way as neither looked like they belonged in this part of Imperial.


    When the muscr man in the passenger seat saw Yue Ling¡¯s car pull out from the parking lot, he focuses his vision on the license te.


    Confirming that it is the one they were task to follow, he takes out his phone and presses a number. He puts the phone near his ear and the call instantly connects.


    "Boss, she just left work."

 Chapter 699 We are all family

    <h4>Chapter 699 We are all family</h4>


    Imperial quickly smothered in darkness as Yue Ling¡¯s white BMW x5m sedate to a stop in a public parking lot. Just as she shut the engine off, multiple cars near her along with a motorcycle does the same.


    She opens the door and steps out of the car to meet her assistant and subordinates.


    "Out of all the restaurants, this is the ce everyone decided on?"


    Her question fell and every nod their head together in answer.


    Tang Zhonghui walks over to Yue Ling with his carefree persona and held one hand behind his back as his other hand gently ce in front of his stomach.


    "It was a very hard decision for everyone, but since I am regarded as a first-rate master in this field, no other restaurants can pass my good judgment like this one."


    He spun around with his back turned to her and raise his hand on his stomach. He points in a specific direction with a serious expression.


    "And my judgment tells me that Uncle Nuo¡¯s food stall is the best ce to eat and drink."


    "..."


    Yue Ling blinked her eyes before lowering her head and lightly shook it. Surrounding her, everyone scoff in sarcasm at the young man.


    What the first-rate master? They didn¡¯t even have to think and decided oning to Uncle Nuo¡¯s food stall.


    Gui Tian Lan walks up to Tang Zhonghui and without any warning, smacks the back of the boy¡¯s head.


    "Idiot."


    After him, Gui Zhongmin joins in and does the same. He doesn¡¯t say anything but heads in the direction of Uncle Nuo¡¯s food stall with his older twin brother.


    A pout appears on Tang Zhonghui¡¯s faze and he res at the two brothers. He gently rubs the back of his head then flinch when he saw Liu Shan walking towards him.


    He quietly but quickly tiptoes to hide behind his boss, and this made the assistant almost stagger in his (Liu Shan) steps.


    However, one should know why Tang Zhonghui turned into a coward at the sight of the assistant.


    Out of everyone here, Liu Shan is the number one person known for his fists. One small flick from him was all he needed to kill a fly.


    If Tang Zhonghui was to be hit on the back of his head by Liu Shan, he will surely end up in the hospital with a concussion or even worse, dead.


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes and disregards the idiot behind his boss. He really doesn¡¯t understand why the young man is overexaggerating things so much.


    He looks at his boss and stops in front of her. His figure then slightly shift to the side as if to make way for her.


    "I informed Uncle Nuo on the way here. He has set up enough tables and chairs for everyone."


    However, when they arrived at the food stall, only a little had been done to amodate therge group.


    "Aiya, I didn¡¯t think everyone would be here so soon."


    Uncle Nuo¡¯s heartilyughter sounds when he saw therge group of familiar faces. He had already set up tables and chair, but die to Liu Shan¡¯s sudden call, he had to rush home to grab more chairs.


    When he returned, he wasn¡¯t able to set everything up in time because it was only him. His wife had to stay home and look after his mother, while his daughter needed to study for her exams.


    "Give me one minute and I will have everything ready."


    His words fell as he turns away from them, but just as he was about to grab the chairs he had set on the side, everyone quickly intervenes.


    "Uncle don¡¯t worry. We can get the chairs ourselves."


    "Take a rest uncle. I can fry food."


    "Uncle it¡¯s been a while. Have a drink with us tonight."


    Each person took over one of the jobs Uncle Nuo had to do. Their movements were natural like the food stall was home for them and had worked here for a long time.


    Gui Tian Lan helps Uncle Nuo sit down on a chair and pats the middle-aged man¡¯s shoulder.


    "Uncle you¡¯ve worked hard. Tonight, you can enjoy yourself and rx. Let us youngsters watch the food stall for you."


    Uncle Nuo was put at a loss by the sudden change of events. This is his food stall but now he was being treated like a customer.


    He couldn¡¯t even retaliate as no one gave him any room to speak. Now he can¡¯t help but wonder what the other sellers are thinking.


    They must be thinking he is getting robbed.


    However, as he watched each person busy themselves, he felt touched and his eyes turned moist.


    Others may not understand, but the scene in front of him was like he had gone back in time to when Fate was still around.


    He could remember each person like the young teenager or adult they once were. Only now, they were all mature adults and dressed properly.


    If he didn¡¯t know, he would never think that they were once the stubborn and hardheaded delinquents he used to lecture for getting in trouble.


    He inhales a sniffle and wipes his eyes to free himself of any tears. Quickly steadying himself, he turns to look at Yue Ling.


    "Young Miss, this..."


    Yue Ling sighs a smile and takes a seat next to him. Her head turns to look at the scene that touched Uncle Nuo¡¯s heart and her entire being softens.


    "We all needed a breather. I hope you don¡¯t mind the big group."


    Hearing her words, Uncle Nuo shook his head and looks at the group of people putting themselves to work.


    "What is there to mind? We are all family."


    He would often see everyone stop by his food stall before going home, but it wasn¡¯t often that he got to see them together like this.


    As the night carried on for Yue Ling and her subordinates, in another part of Imperial, Lu Tian did not go home. His white Aston Martin pulls up to a dark building of 50-story and he steps out from the driver seat.

 Chapter 700 Know him longer

    <h4>Chapter 700 Know him longer</h4>


    Two bulky men clothe in a dark suit stood on guard of the front entrance. When they saw Lu Tian, both men approach his ostentatious car and greets him politely.


    "Good evening, Mr. Lu."


    Lu Tian gestures an indifferent nod and walks towards the dark building that looked like it could blend in with the night sky if not for the light illuminating inside.


    Near the entrance, Ye Zhongwei and Zhi Yifan were waiting for his arrival. When they saw their aloof friend approaching, each person not in greeting.


    However, Ye Zhongwei caught sight of something and eyes widen as his jaw dropped to the ground beneath him.


    He stares at Lu Tian then to the two bulky men before looking back at the man in disbelief.


    "Wah, I have been wondering why the infamous Lu Tian gave me his Aston Martin without any care. It was because you already have another one."


    Lu Tian looks at his doctor friend and shrugs one shoulder as he ces both his hands inside his coat pockets.


    "The one I gave you is stock. This one is customed."


    "..."


    Hearing this, Ye Zhongwei was even more dumbfounded. No wonder Lu Tian didn¡¯t hesitate to give him the expensive car. It was one of his favorites, but not the one he spent time personally working on.


    Zhi Yifan nce between the two men as they conversate. He hasn¡¯t seen these two in a while due to work, but now that he has made an appearance, he didn¡¯t understand what was going on.


    However, being a smart man, he was quick to put two and two together.


    He takes a step forward and stood between the two men. His hand raises and he faces his palm in front of Ye Zhongwei as his head turns to look at Lu Tian.


    "I¡¯ve known you longer than this imbecile and you didn¡¯t give the car to me but him?"


    Ye Zhongwei¡¯s eyes turned heavy. He swore each time he blinked his eyes would only want to shut more and more.


    He straightens his spine and smacks Zhi Yifan¡¯s hand away from blocking his view.


    "What do you mean you¡¯ve known him longer? We were still kids in diapers. Your father just happened to get you to the Lu house before mine did."


    Zhi Yifan rolled his eyes and turn his head to look at the doctor. He slightly raises his chin and puts on a proud demeanor.


    "So, I still knew him longer since I met him first."


    An argument soon broke out between the two men. Lu Tian¡¯s expression remained calm and collect as usual, but deep inside, he was questioning his entire existence.


    If he is known as someone who is cold and ruthless, why are the people around him theplete opposite?


    He sighs inside and walks away from the two men to enter the dark building.


    When he was on his way home from work, he had received a message from his wife informing him that she was going out with her workers.


    He didn¡¯t mind this and continued on with his way home. However, Ye Zhongwei and Zhi Yifan suddenly flooded his phone with messages and phone calls. The two men stated that he had toe here because of an emergency.


    Home was where he wanted to be, but thinking that something might have happened, he decides to turn his car around ande here.


    As one should know, this dark building in front of him belongs to the three of them.


    It was a ce for them to rx and get away from their family and reality.


    However...


    Upon entering through the doors, the sound ofughter can be heard from men and women. Even the music was yed loudly but could only be heard from inside as the entire ce was soundproof.


    Seeing the crowd of people inside the building, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darkened dangerously and the temperature around him drops drastically.


    "Why did you guys call me here?"


    Ye Zhongwei and Zhi Yifan abruptly stop arguing and neither men dare to open their mouth again. Instead of arguing again, each person threw nces at one another in indication for the other to answer.


    Ye Zhongwei: ¡¯You know him longer, you tell him.¡¯


    Zhi Yifan: ¡¯You don¡¯t know him longer, so you tell him. He might spare your life.¡¯


    Both men argue with their eyes in a nonverbal conversation. They had told Lu Tian toe here because it was important, but now that he is asking why, how are they supposed to tell him the truth?


    Seeing that neither wanted to answer him, Lu Tian grew more impatient. What is his wife gets home early and he isn¡¯t home to greet her? Wouldn¡¯t that mean he is neglecting his duty as her man and husband?


    "Do I have to repeat myself?"


    Zhi Yifan flinched a little at his deep voice that was no different from a tiger¡¯s growl. He sighs inside and decides to take two steps to stand on Lu Tian¡¯s right. His left arm raises, and he ces his palm on his friend¡¯s shoulder.


    "We thought, since you¡¯re getting married, we can have a little night out before you tied the knot."


    Lu Tian nce at Zhi Yifan then at Ye Zhongwei who had walked up to stand on his left. He never expected that would be deceived by these two men.


    Once changes women like how he changes his shirts while the other only focus on medicine.


    However, that is not important right now.


    He stares at the inside of the building and remains unmoving from standing in front of the door.


    This building was once a ce only the three of them and sometimes his brother would frequent to find a bit of peace. However, due to Zhi Yifan¡¯s flirtatious and provocative behavior, the ce soon turned into a hang out spot for those from prominent families.


    Even he and Ye Zhongwei stoppeding here since they didn¡¯t like the crowd.


    Thinking these thoughts, he looks at the men and women enjoying their time like this was the best night of their life. A wave of disgust cascade inside him and his brows furrow as he felt like vomiting at the scene.


    Not wanting to look at the unsanitary and unpleasant scene, he turns around and strides out of the door.


    "I¡¯m going home."


    "CEO Lu? Is that you?"

 Chapter 701 Dont ever call me again

    <h4>Chapter 701 Don¡°t ever call me again</h4>


    Inside the dark building that crowded with young adults from prestigious families, Lu Tian as just about to turn away when a woman¡¯s sweet and silvery voice spoke from the side.


    She had blonde curl hair and wore a bright red dress that was revealing and enhanced the curves of her body perfectly.


    She walks up to the three men with a ss of red wine and her red lip held a refine smile. When she saw that it was really Lu Tian, her eyes lit up and her cheeks flushed a shade of pink.


    "Ah, it is Lu Tian. I didn¡¯t think I would see you here."


    Lu Tian pauses in his steps but didn¡¯t look at the person. On one side of him, Ye Zhongwei stares at the unknown woman with slightly pursed lips. He had to admit, she was very pretty and attractive. One that could charm and bewitch many men.


    However, as a doctor, he could tell at a nce that everything about this woman is not natural.


    Her entire face down to her body has undergone the knife too many times.


    Unlike the aloof man and doctor, Zhi Yifan looks at the woman with an arched brow. He recognized the woman right away as she was the one who tried to titite him in the elevator when he was leaving Lu Corps.


    However, as a gentleman and one who can attract a woman with a blink of his eyes, he smiles politely at her.


    "Miss Qian, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here tonight. d you were able to make it."


    Qian Li Li was surprised that Zhi Yifan knew who she was. She thought that the man was uninterested in her. After all, she had tried to seduce him in the elevator, but he did not show any sign of interest at all.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t spare Qian Li Li a nce, not even for a split second. He turns around and without any respect for her, he strides out the door.


    "Don¡¯t ever call me again for unnecessary things like this."


    He could not believe that he had wasted timeing here. All the time that he wasted here could have been spent on waiting for his wife at home.


    Zhi Yifan and Ye Zhongwei staggered in bewilderment at their friend. Both men turn their heads to follow Lu Tian¡¯s movements.


    They had thought that since he was already here, he would reconsider and stay. However, who would have thought that he doesn¡¯t care and leaves the second he entered.


    Seeing that Lu Tian was nearing his car, Ye Zhongwei heaves a sigh and ce one arm over Zhi Yifan¡¯s shoulder.


    "Well, on the bright side, we finally got him toe out."


    He pulls Zhi Yifan away like he was giving the man a headlock and their figures walk out the door in a chase after Lu Tian.


    "Let¡¯s go. Maybe we can convince him to drink somewhere else."


    Zhi Yifan was at a loss when he heard these words. He doesn¡¯t push the doctor away but sobs without any tears. There were so many beauties here, why does he have to leave and spend time with two men?


    As the two men exit the building, neither regarded the woman who had walked up to them.


    Qian Li Li stood frozen in ce at what just happened in front of her. Most time when she is in front of men, none would dare to ignore her. Some would only admire her from afar as they were too nervous to approach her.


    However, these three men acted like she didn¡¯t even exist.


    She scoffs in disbelief and res out the ss doors. She could see Lu Tian, Ye Zhongwei, and Zhi Yifan discussing something then enter their cars.


    Her lips pressed tightly together, and her hand ced at her side clench tightly. Even when her nails dug through her skin, she didn¡¯t care.


    She had one purpose foring here and that was for Lu Tian.


    When she opened her Weibo, she was fuming with anger to see the media announce Lu Tian and Han Yue Ling¡¯s engagement. It should have been her who was proposed to, not that slut.


    Just when she thought all hope was lost, Zhi Yifan sent an invitation to everyone in their WeChat group. He stated that they were going to celebrate for Lu Tian¡¯s single daysing to an end.


    An idea quickly popped in her mind and she didn¡¯t hesitate to spend a massive amount of money on her appearance. She wanted to look her best and better than every woman here. That way, she could use her looks to attract Lu Tian¡¯s attention.


    After all, there are many men who would want to sleep with other women before getting married.


    With this thought, she nned to lure him into one of the guestrooms upstairs and make sure that he impregnates her. Once she has his child, he¡¯ll have no choice but to call off the engagement and make her his wife instead of Yue Ling.


    And when her n falls into ce, she¡¯ll persuade Lu Tian to give her father his position back at Lu Corps.


    She had confidence that her n would go ordingly, but before she could even make a move, everything was already sabotaged.


    Her eyes re viciously out the ss door and she whispers sinisterly.


    "Just wait and see. I will make you mine."


    "Qian Li Li?"


    Just as the words fell, a man walks up from behind her and interrupts her thoughts. He stops at her side and smiles at her.


    "Why are you standing here all alone? Come join everyone."


    He nces in the direction she was looking, but only sees the guards keeping watch over the ce. However, when he understood why she was standing here, he chuckles and looks at her.


    "If you¡¯re waiting for Lu Tian, we received a notification that he isn¡¯ting. However, Zhi Yifan said everyone can stay and enjoy themselves for the night."


    Qian Li Li scoffs a sneer inside before forcing all her anger down. She turns to look at the man and puts on her sweetest smile.


    "I wasn¡¯t waiting for anyone. I only wanted to gaze at the night."


    The man nods his head in understanding. He thought she was waiting for someone but turns out he was wrong.


    "Shall we go to the roof to see the stars?"


    Qian Li Li smiles her word like a good daughter from a prominent family. However, despite her innocent smile, she didn¡¯t wait for the man to answer and takes his hand.


    She pulls him towards the elevators but did not forget to re out the window where the three men had been not too long ago.

 Chapter 702 Too drunk, go home

    <h4>Chapter 702 Too drunk, go home</h4>


    As the night carried on, so did the color of the sky. The time was nearing midnight and other food stalls had already left for the night, but Yue Ling and her subordinates continued to enjoy their time in front of Uncle Nuo¡¯s food stall.


    Heartfeltughter echoed into the night sky as each person drank to celebrate the memorable night and catch up with personal life.


    Yue Ling had a little too much to drink, but she was one who always knew when to stop herself from drinking too much. She would smile andugh with everyone but did not forget to keep watch over everyone.


    Sitting to her left, Uncle Nuo was as red as a baboon¡¯s bottom. However, with his old age, he could out drink all the young adults that were trying to get him drunk.


    He remembers something and turns his head to look at Yue Ling. He was hesitant at first but decides to tell her.


    "Young Miss, the other day I ran into Qin¡ª"


    *Crash¡ª


    Before he could say any more words, a young man falls t on the ground. He had wanted to get more food but in a drunken state, he ended up tripping on his own feet.


    Everyone turned to look at the man and another wave ofughter sounds into the sky. However, some didn¡¯t forget to go over and help him up to see if he was injured or not.


    "Uh... Boss, he¡¯spletely out of it. I¡¯ll take him now."


    Another man spoke in a chuckle as he held the drunk man up.


    Yue Ling smiles a nod in approval and watched as the two men leave in the direction of their parked cars. Once they were no longer in view, she looks back at Uncle Nuo.


    "What was it that you were saying?"


    Uncle Nuo opened his mouth to speak, but his eyes subconsciously nce at Liu Shan who was sitting across from him.


    It was like the assistant knew what he was going to say and secretly shook his head.


    Uncle Nuo sighs inside before looking at Yue Ling with a smile. He waves one hand in front of her and decides not to say what he wanted.


    "It¡¯s nothing. This old me just wanted to congratte you."


    Yue Ling stares at Uncle Nuo for a long second. She wasn¡¯t able to hear him clearly the first time, so not thinking much, she smiles thankfully at him before turning to look at the others.


    A few were drunk and could barely stand while some were immersed in their own conversations.


    She wanted to stay as it has been a while but knowing that it was alreadyte into the night, it was best to have everyone leave home. Uncle Nuo also needed to go home but was probably waiting for them to leave so he could close his food stall.


    "Uncle Nuo, I truly apologize for the trouble tonight. It¡¯s gettingte, we will leave after helping you close up."


    Her words fell and like a group of zombies being controlled, everyone stood up from their seat to help clean. Even those who could barely open their eyes suddenly turned normal and began perfectly clearing the tables.


    Their movements were once again natural like they had done this too many times.


    Uncle Nuo wanted to tell Yue Ling and everyone that it was alright, but seeing that everyone had already started cleaning up, he could only sigh inside.


    Even if he wanted to decline the generous help, knowing Yue Ling, she is quite stubborn when she drinks and will not take no for an answer.


    *Crash¡ª


    Just as two tables had been cleared of any food and drinks, the sound of metal rattling sounds from the table at the end.


    Tang Zhonghui, who had cleared off the second table to end frowns at the noise. He turns his head to the source and chuckles at the person.


    "Ya, if you¡¯re too drunk, go home."


    However, the moment he turned around, what he was met with was not one person, but a group of ten men.


    Each person looked robust and carried a malicious aura around them.


    Tang Zhonghui was quickly put on alert as the group didn¡¯t look like people who belonged in this part of Imperial.


    However, despite their taunting appearance, he did not lose hisposure.


    Not hearing Tang Zhonghui¡¯s voice anymore, Yue Ling and the others turn to see what happened.


    When they saw the group behind theirrade, each person kept their calm but alertness sh in their eyes.


    Uncle Nuo knew right away that this new group is up to no good, but as the owner here, he smiles politely and walks over to greet them.


    "Gentlemen, my food stall is closing for the night. I will have to trouble you all toe back tomorrow."


    Hearing his words, none of the ten men moved. A man standing in the middle (We¡¯ll call him Man 1) nce at the crowd then down to Uncle Nuo.


    His appearance was the scariestpare to the others. His right eye was white as he was blind on that side. One corner of his lip arcs up and he snickers evilly.


    "Old man, there are so many people here and you dare say your food stall is closing?"


    He nces at Tang Zhonghui. Sizing the young man up, he scoffs a sneer as he (Tang Zhonghui) is only half his size then looks back at Uncle Nuo.


    "My boss wants to eat here. So, as long as he is here, your food stall will remain in business."


    His words full in a frightening tone that could bring a shiver down anyone who hears. However, it made all the blood inside Tang Zhonghui boiled like a volcano on the verge of erupting.


    "You¡ª"


    He (Tang Zhonghui) takes a step forward to confront the man¡¯s rude behavior but was stopped.


    Uncle Nuo takes a small step to stand in front of the young man. He looks at Man 1 then to the others before looking back at Man 1.


    "If your boss finds the food here appetizing then I will keep the stall open for service."


    He slightly turns to the side and gestures to the table at the end.


    "Please have a seat."


    Man 1 nce smirk arrogantly, he nces at each person like he was searching for someone. When he saw Yue Ling amongst the group, he sneers maliciously before gesturing a wave with one hand.


    He takes a step to the side as the other nine men follow and each person made a path.


    As the path opened, from behind, a tall and bulky manes into view. His left arm was ced over a woman with brown hair.


    Anyone who saw them would question their rtionship as they looked like they were from two different worlds. However, their closeness was enough to let others know the kind of rtionship they were in.


    Yue Ling saw the man and her bluish-green eyes dimmed dangerously, but when she saw the woman, a tremble quickly rece.


    She looks at her assistant and could see all the colors on his face drained away.


    However, like she could read his mind, her right-hand reach to grab his left wrist and she whispers in a voice that only he could hear.


    "Don¡¯t."

 Chapter 703 Whatever you have

    <h4>Chapter 703 Whatever you have</h4>


    Liu Shan stood to the right of Yue Ling but a little more than half a foot in front of her. When he saw the ten robust men, he wanted to tell his boss and Uncle Nuo to leave first. He and everyone else can stay behind as one could see that these people were up to no good.


    However, before he could say anything, the middle-aged man had already walked towards the group.


    He was about to walk over to help Uncle Nuo, but in that second, the group made way for a man and woman.


    When he saw the man, like his boss, his eyes dimmed cautiously, and he takes a small step to block his boss. As the man walked up to the table Uncle Nuo had suggested, he was able to see the woman clearer.


    His tremble and all the colors drained from his face. He was sure he only had one drink because his alcohol tolerance is low, but he is sure that the woman is...


    "Ling Ni..."


    He murmurs her name and like something was pulling him forward, he takes a small step towards her.


    "Don¡¯t."


    Just as he was about to take another step, he heard Yue Ling¡¯s soft voice from next to him as she grabs hold of his wrist. Her voice was quiet but enough to bring him back to reality.


    He slowly turns his head to look at her and sees her slightly shake her head. His lips press tightly together, and he clenches his fists to the point his arms trembled angrily.


    Yue Ling looks away from her assistant and back to the group. Her gaze didn¡¯t stay on them for long as she looks at Tao Meng then to Ling Ni.


    As they at down, she sends a nce to Tang Zhonghui then to her subordinates.


    It was a quick nce, but everyone saw and quickly came to an understanding.


    Yue Ling looks away from Tao Meng and Ling Ni. She held his wrist and pulls him down to sit on the chair next to her. Seconds after her, all her subordinates sat back down.


    From the moment Tao Meng and his group arrived, it was as if no one had drunk any liquor no were anyone drunk.


    They had nned to go home after cleaning up, but since this group decided to force Uncle Nuo to keep his food stall open, they will stay too.


    If anyone dares to cause any trouble, don¡¯t me fate for their misfortune.


    Unaware of who he is messing with, Tao Meng never took his eyes off of Yue Ling. He was worried that she might leave, but seeing her sit down, the corners of his mouth curl up into a malicious sneer.


    He looks at Uncle Nuo and the maliciousness he portrayed disappears.


    "Bring us whatever you have on the menu."


    Uncle Nuo showed no fear in his expression. He wanted to refute the man, but not wanting any trouble to ur, he could only agree. If he allowed trouble to happen, it means he¡¯ll only be troubling Yue Ling and that¡¯s thest thing he wants to do.


    He smiles a chuckle and gestures a polite bow.


    "Please wait then, I will be back in a minute."


    As he turns around, he sees that everyone else had seated except for Tang Zhonghui. He sends the boy a nce as he knows that although he (Tang Zhonghui) appears carefree, once he is angered, his temper is no different from Asura from Hell.


    Tang Zhonghui knew exactly what the middle-aged man was thinking. However, he didn¡¯t lose his cool and was as calm as the night itself.


    The table he had just cleaned up was now upied by Tao Meng¡¯s men, so he walks to the table next to them and sat down. He made sure the chair he sat on allowed him a clear view of the group.


    "Uncle, give me two steamed buns when you can."


    *m¡ª


    Hisst word had only fallen when a loud m sounds from in front of him. He nces at the person but his entire being held nothing but indifference.


    Man 1 stares at Tang Zhonghui without batting an eye. The boy looked very stylish but more like a spoilt brat from a wealthy family.


    However, he has to give the boy props for not flinching when he mmed his fist on the table.


    "Kid, my boss hasn¡¯t even received his food. Wait your turn or get lost."


    Hearing him, another man (we¡¯ll call him Man 2) chimes in from the right with a burst ofughter. He was the skinniest one out of the group and hiszy eyes enhanced his haggard expression.


    "Wait his turn? From what everyone can see, he was about to leave. Could it be that he is trying to show off in front of all these people?"


    Another wave ofughter sounds from all ten men. However, Tang Zhonghui didn¡¯t care at all. It was as if every word they said entered one ear and out the other.


    He kept calm and sat alone at the table without any care on his face.


    Not too long after, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin stood up from the table they had sat and joined their friend.


    The two brothers didn¡¯t forget to nce at the group of rogues before taking their seats.


    Man 2 scoffs sarcastically at the sight of them. Each person was well dressed and looked handsome, but to him, they only looked like women in a men¡¯s body. One flick from him was probably all he needed to take their lives.


    As he thought this while sizing them, his eyes met Gui Tian Lan¡¯s eyes and he sneers.


    "Look at this prick. How dare you re at me?"


    He spat each word and ms his palm on the table then points at the older twin with sinister eyes.


    "You must be courting death, kid."


    "Xiao."


    Man 2, who¡¯s name is Xiao, is suddenly stopped by Tao Meng and abruptly shuts his mouth. However, he made sure to stare at Gui Tian Lan with eyes full of killing intent.

 Chapter 704 Do as I say

    <h4>Chapter 704 Do as I say</h4>


    Tao Meng looks at hisckey. He knew they were stirring trouble, but he didn¡¯t care. This wasn¡¯t the first time and he didn¡¯t feel like telling them to stop.


    He looks in the direction of Yue Ling, and despite three tables separating them, his eyes still met hers.


    Seeing how stunningly beautiful she looked, he smiles to her like he was greeting her. He swore his smile was nice and attractive, but to others, it was a smile that could give one a lifetime of a nightmare.


    "My men are only bluffing. I hope everyone here doesn¡¯t mind. To make things better, order whatever you want, it¡¯s on me tonight."


    His words fell and hisckeys cheered joyfully. Unlike them, Yue Ling and her subordinates were indifferent without care.


    She (Yue Ling) kept her gaze on Tao Meng. No emotion can be seen on her face and it made one unable to read her mind.


    The longer Tao Men stared at her, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a shiver crawl down his spine. For some reason, she looked very familiar, like their first encounter was not only at Moonlight. However, he just couldn¡¯t put his hand on it as he knows he¡¯s only seen photos of her.


    Feeling another chill down his spine, he looks away from her and takes a cigarette out from his pocket.


    Yue Ling watched his every move. She doesn¡¯t why he would suddenly appear in this part of Imperial, but she knows that something is amiss.


    Her eyes shift from the bulky leader to the other ten men. She has never met them in person but being the leader of Fate, she knows very well who they are.


    So long as they do not cross the line, she will not retaliate. However, if they do, do not me her for collecting their fate.


    "Apologies for the long wait. Here are your food and drinks."


    Uncle Nuo returns with a tray of food and drinks. It took him a while because he had to fry everything on the menu as there was none left that was already cooked.


    He carefully set them down on the tables for Tao Meng, then sped back to grab another tray for the ten men.


    "If you need anything, just call for me. I will be at my food stall preparing more food."


    Tao Meng lowers his head down to the food then steals a nce at Yue Ling. Seeing that she was no longer looking his way, a wave of displeasure grew inside him.


    "You can go away now."


    He sends off Uncle Nuo with a wave and looks down at the food and alcohol. An idea came to his mind and reach to grab Ling¡¯s wrist. With a slight tug, he pulls her from her chair and forces her to sit on hisp.


    "Pour me a drink."


    Ling Ni had kept her head lowered the entire time since they arrived. She didn¡¯t dare to raise her head as Tao Meng never liked when she looks at others, especially when there are men around.


    "Ah."


    However, to suddenly be grabbed by him then pulled to sit on hisp, she was startled and yelped a small cry.


    His hold on her wrist was so tight, she swore if he were to use a little more strength, her arm would break.


    Tao Meng saw her blushed expression andughs loudly. His hand on her wrist loosens and he ces his arm around her waist. He gently caresses the side of her thigh and ignores everyone else.


    "Why are you acting sky? It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t held you in my arms before."


    He nces at everyone and notices that some were looking their way. It aroused a burning sensation inside him, and heughs again as he pulls her closer to his chest.


    "I see, it¡¯s because many eyes are looking this way."


    His words fell in teasing and ridicule. Casting a side nce at those looking at them, he scoffs arrogantly.


    "Ignore their curious eyes. They probably have never seen a man and woman this intimate in public."


    He looks back at Ling Ni and his hand on her back slowly moves up. He traces her back with the tips of his hands and put on the appearance of a man dotting his woman.


    However, seeing how stiffed she looked, he furrowed his brows.


    Why isn¡¯t she reacting to him?


    He leans closer to her ear and whispers in a voice that sounded like a low growl.


    "If you don¡¯t do as I say, I don¡¯t mind ripping off your clothes and having my way with you in front of all these people. Is that what you want? Hm?"


    Ling Ni flinches in fear at his warning. She clenches her fists tightly on herp but only for a quick second. She has been with Tao Meng long enough to know how he is.


    Anything he says, he will do it. Even if there are many people, he will still take her as he¡¯s done it before.


    She inhales a deep breath to suppress herself and finally lifts her head. She reaches for the bottle of liquor and picks it up.


    However, just as she was about to pour it into an empty cup, her eyes trembles uncontrobly when she saw a person.


    The distance was far, but she was sure as this person was someone with a very familiar face.


    "Liu..."


    She unknowingly whispers his name but suddenly stops herself. She hasn¡¯t seen him around their apartmentplex since they met for a talk.


    Seeing him again, she felt a suffocating tightness in her chest. However, she was afraid Tao Meng might hear her and cause trouble for him.


    Her eyes quaver for a long second before she looks away from Liu Shan and pours the liquor into the empty cup.


    Why is it that, ever since they stopped seeing each other, each time he sees her, she is always in a pitiful position?


    If she knew he was going to be here, she would have pleaded with Tao Meng to drop her off at her ce.


    However, she knows that it was toote for her to regret anything.


    She finishes filling the cup and set the bottle of liquor down. Picking up the cup, she held it out to Tao Meng.


    "Here you go."

 Chapter 705 Youre free to go

    <h4>Chapter 705 You¡°re free to go</h4>


    Not too far away from Tao Meng and Ling Ni¡¯s table, Yue Ling maintained her usual calmposure. She saw the way Ling Ni froze when she saw Liu Shan. However, did she care? No.


    She looks away from the woman and nces at her assistant. Her hand was still holding onto his wrist but under the table.


    One look was all it took for her to read his mind. She knew that he was fuming with rage on the inside at the way Tao Meng was treating Ling Ni with no respect.


    She sighs inside and loosens her grip as her voice fell quietly.


    "Don¡¯t be reckless. Remember, you have nothing to do with her anymore."


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes were red due to him trying to suppress his anger. He did say he doesn¡¯t have anything to do with Ling Ni anymore, but how can he just ignore the way she is being treated?


    Now, he can¡¯t help but wonder what kind of life she has been living under Tao Meng.


    However, his boss was also right.


    He can¡¯t do anything reckless. If he does, it means he¡¯ll just end up going to Ling Ni and be left with an even more broken heart.


    Not only that, but he also cannot put everyone else in danger. Especially, Uncle Nuo.


    He gritted his teeth before inhaling a deep breath and force himself to look away from Ling Ni.


    Tao Meng kept his eyes on Yue Ling as she was the reason why he is even here. He leans closer to Ling Ni and whispers to her ear.


    "Get your friend toe over."


    Ling Ni stiffened at his order. The night was already cold, but she swore it was like someone had sshed ice-cold water on her.


    She nces at Liu Shan then search for Yue Ling. However, when she realized that they were sitting at the same table, her brows slightly furrowed in question.


    Why are they sitting at the same table?


    "I..."


    She trembles a stutter in answer to the man as she stares at Yue Ling and Liu Shan. She bit her lower lip and ponder in thoughts.


    Didn¡¯t the media say Yue Ling is engaged to Lu Tian? If she is, why is she here with Liu Shan?


    Could it be that they are secretly seeing each other?


    As her mind began to get the better of her, a wave of jealousy wash over her.


    With her current situation, she knows that Liu Shan is beyond her reach. However, she cannot watch as someone like Yue Ling, fool around with someone as sweet as the assistant.


    Thinking back to the deal Tao Meng had offered when they were leaving Moonlight, she bites her lower lip more.


    She looks away from the retired model and lowers her head like a shy little girl.


    "If I can convince her toe over here, will you keep your promise from earlier?"


    Tao Meng was confused by her words. However, remembering the deal, he chuckles and caress the side of her thigh before his hand slowly moves up and her cheek.


    "Sweetheart, you have been with me for so many years. When have I ever gone back on my words?"


    His movements were gentle and careful like she was his most prized possession. He steals a quick nce at Yue Ling then looks away.


    "If you can get her toe over, you¡¯re free to go."


    He leans a little closer to her and his words continued, but this time, in a more threatening tone.


    "However, if you fail, you know what will happen."


    Ling Ni felt a tightness in her chest. However, thinking about getting away from Tao Meng, that tightness loosens a little.


    It was like she could finally see a crack in the darkness of her world and a glowing light was shining down to her.


    She inhales a deep breath then stood up from Tao Meng¡¯sp. She nces at the people around and seeing how no one was looking at her, she makes her way in the direction of Yue Ling¡¯s table.


    Even if she has to sell her soul to the devil again, she doesn¡¯t mind doing it. So long as she gets her life back and stands by Liu Shan¡¯s side.


    However, what she did not know is that, even if she were to seed, Tao Meng will never let her go.


    Not because he wants to keep her, but because she knows too much about him and Red Moon.


    Once he has Yue Ling in his hands, he¡¯s going to toss her to his men as their new toy. Whatever they want to do to her, he doesn¡¯t care.


    Yue Ling and Liu Shan sat at their table while enjoying the food Uncle Nuo had brought to their table.


    Catching a glimpse of Ling Ni walking over to them, Yue Ling looks up while Liu Shan was rooted to his chair.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Ling Ni arrives at their table and smiles a greeting. Her entire being was like she had not been sitting on Tao Meng¡¯sp.


    She doesn¡¯t look at Liu Shan but kept her eyes locked on the retired model.


    "Yue Ling, I didn¡¯t think I would run into you again."


    Yue Ling slightly tilts her head in a nonchnt way and looks up at the woman. She returns a small smile before shrugging her shoulder.


    "I never knew Imperial was so small that I would run into you too."


    Ling Ni¡¯s brows furrow together at Yue Ling¡¯s words. However, looking clearly at Yue Ling¡¯s expression, she felt afraid.


    The retired model had gestured a soft and friendly smile, but her bluish-green eyes held a look of danger within them.


    She (Ling Ni) quickly brush her thoughts away and tells herself that it was only her nervousness that is causing her to feel this way.


    Her smile widens until it reached her eyes and she takes a small step to get closer to Yue Ling.


    "I don¡¯t mean to disturb your night, but can I ask for a small favor?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s smiles gradually disappear as she could read what the woman and Tao Meng were up to. Her smile that had yet to disappear quickly widens again.


    "Sure. If it¡¯s something I can help with, I will."


    Ling Ni¡¯s eyes lit up brightly and she grins with teeth. She held her hands together in front of her and sway from side to side in small movements as a pitiful expression appears on her face.


    "You see..."


    She was nervous at first but ncing at Liu Shan, she inhales a deep breath. Not beating around the bush, she gets straight to the point.


    "My friend over there is interested in you. He asked me toe and ask you if you¡¯ll join him to have a drink."


    *m¡ª!

 Chapter 706 Everyone here

    <h4>Chapter 706 Everyone here</h4>


    Ling Ni¡¯s words had only fallen when a loud m resonates from next to her. She jumped in surprise and takes a step back as Liu Shan stood up.


    When he turned to look at her, horror sh on her face as his expression was one, she had never seen before.


    Unlike his usual cheerful and carefree expression, his expression now was dark and dim.


    Liu Shan res at Ling Ni with slightly widen red eyes. He stretches one arm in front of his boss like he was protecting her.


    "She¡¯s not going anywhere with you. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever."


    He had thought she (Ling Ni) hade to their table to greet his boss. However, instead of having good intentions, she came with ill intentions.


    Yes, she is the woman he is still hung up on, but that doesn¡¯t mean he will ce her before his boss.


    Did she think they were stupid people who didn¡¯t understand Tao Meng¡¯s intentions?


    "Liu Shan..."


    Ling Ni sobbed his name and bit her lower lip. She couldn¡¯t understand why he was being protective of Yue Ling. Is he like this because she (Yue Ling) is the person he is seeing now?


    As she thought this, she grew envious of Yue Ling and clench her fists tightly.


    "Liu Shan, why are you angry? I¡¯m only inviting Yue Ling to have a drink."


    Hearing those words that sounded so innocent and like she was a victim, Yue Ling chuckles and stood up from her chair.


    Due to her tall height, she lowers her head and looks down at the woman who was a head shorter than her.


    "Since Shan is rejecting the favor, I must decline."


    Ling Ni¡¯s eyes widen at the way Yue Ling addressed Liu Shan. Even when she was seeing the assistant, she didn¡¯t dare to call him in such a familiar way.


    She opened her mouth to ask what their rtionship is, but before she could a loud crashing noise sound from behind them.


    "What the fuck is this?!"


    *crash¡ª


    Xiao (Man 2) roars angrily with a mouthful of food as he abruptly stood up. He knocks his chair back with a loud thud and he grabs the steamed bun he had just taken a bite.


    "Old man! Do you call this food? It¡¯s dry and tasteless, I can barely eat it!"


    He throws the steamed bun in aim for the food stall. When hisst word fell, he spat out the food in the direction of Tang Zhonghui and the twins¡¯ table.


    "..."


    The three handsome men did not flinch at the rude and foul gesture done to their table.


    Under situations like this, Tang Zhonghui would have lost his cool. He is a foodie and likes to enjoy his meals in peace. If someone were to ruin the mood, he would turn into a crazy manic.


    However, he remained calm and without any care.


    Instead, it was Gui Tian Lan who lost his temper. He was just about to take a sip of his drink when a piece of stuffing Xiao had spat outnded in his cup.


    His lower lip tremble and his hand holding the cup trembles like he was going to break it.


    "Brothers, look. The prick is trembling."


    Xiao saw his trembling lips andughs sarcastically. He was sure that Gui Tian Lan was going to piss himself.


    "Kid, if you¡¯re this scared, scram. It¡¯s already past your bedtime."


    He spoke provocatively but Gui Tian Lan didn¡¯t turn to look his way. His (Gui Tian Lan) hand holding the cup calmly lowers and he set the cup down.


    Xiao¡¯s arrogant demeanor abruptly stops when he saw that his words did not scare the good-looking man. He furiously grabs another steamed bun and throws it at Gui Tian Lan.


    "Damn prick. You dare ignore me!"


    However, the steamed bun did not hit his target. It ended up hitting someone else at the table.


    "Aish..."


    Tang Zhonghui grunts like a grumpy old man who is irritated. He held on arm out in front of him and the steamed bun in his palm.


    "Damn scums. All I wanted to do was eat in peace. Is that so hard to ask nowadays?"


    He ms the steamed bun on the table and stood up from his chair. His eyes lock on Xiao and he points at the man.


    "You. You¡¯re going to regret this."


    Xiao and everyone from Red Moon was slightly taken back by surprise. Each person stared at the stylish young man, then in a split second, a burst of hystericalughter burst from them.


    "You¡¯re going to make us regret?"


    Man 1 snorts a peal ofughter full of mockery and stood up to stand next to Xiao. He looks up and down at Tang Zhonghui then to the twins.


    Seeing how weak they looked, he burst into anotherughter but one full of ridicule.


    "Go, home kid. You don¡¯t want to be enemies with Red Moon."


    The same time this took ce, Ling Ni watched from Yue Ling¡¯s table. Her eyes subconsciously nce to her surroundings and a wave of petrifying horror wash over her.


    Everyone that didn¡¯t belong to Red Moon was not looking at the scene she was but were staring at her.


    Their stares thrown at her was not one curious bystander would give, but the kind of stare simr to re as if they wanted to kill her.


    Her brain froze and she no longer knew what to do anymore. She could only turn her head to look at Tao Meng with glistening eyes of unshed tears.


    Tao Meng had long heard the argument that broke out between his men and the three younger men. However, he ignores it and calmly stood up to help Ling Ni.


    If he doesn¡¯t help her, there is a possibility that she will only ruin his good n.


    *Crash¡ª


    Just as he stood up, so did the rest of his men. Multiple chairs stumble back onto the hard floor causing a loud noise.


    Tao Meng pauses in his movement and turns his head to the source. He frowns and takes a step forward. However, he didn¡¯t walk in the direction of Yue Ling, but to his men.


    "Jia Lin."


    Man 1, who¡¯s name is Jia Lin heard his name and turn around to look at his boss.


    "Boss."


    Tao Meng stood in front of his men as his attention shifted from Yue Ling to the three weak looking men in front of him. He only did this because he wanted to impress Yue Ling and have her see him as a righteous man.


    "What¡¯s going on here? Why did you guys cause a scene?"


    Hearing his words, Jia Lin frown in confusion. This is the first time his boss has ever question their reason for causing trouble. However, not thinking too much over it, he slightly lowers his head and exins.


    "These three men were belittling us."


    Hearing this, Tao Meng arch a brow. One by one, he looks at the three men and scoffs a sarcastic chuckle.


    "These three weaklings?"


    He gives them another look and howls augh loudly like this was the funniest thing he has evere across. However, thatugh onlysted for a second before his expression is reced with daunting.


    "I suggest the three of you scram. Do you know who you are messing with?"


    Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin nce at one another then stood up to stand on either side of Tang Zhonghui.


    One ce his hands inside his pocket while the other cross his arms over his chest. Both their chin raise arrogantly and spoke at the same time.


    "We do, but do you know who you are messing with?"


    Xiao snorts at Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin¡¯s words. He licks the front of his teeth and nods his head like he was impressed by their courage.


    "What, the three of you?"


    Standing between the two brothers, Tang Zhonghui stuck his left palm out in front of Xiao. His expression held no emotion as fingers curl leaving only his pointer finger and he moves it side to side.


    "No, no, no. Not us three."


    His words fell and everyone from De L¡¯amour stood from their seats. The murderous re that had been directed at Ling Ni was quickly shifted to Tao Meng and his men.


    Tang Zhonghui moves both his arms and kept them slightly raised at his side. His head lowers a little and his eyes locked on Tao Meng with a smug on his face.


    "Everyone here."

 Chapter 707 Warning you now

    <h4>Chapter 707 Warning you now</h4>


    Under the clear night sky, Tao Meng and his men came face to face with therge group. Each person looked like your ordinarypany worker and didn¡¯t seem to know one another.


    It was like they were out enjoying ate-night snack and some drinks after a long day at work.


    Which was exactly what Tao Meng and his men had thought when they arrived.


    They had thought that it was only Tang Zhonghui, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin. Never did they expect the three men had other friends here and to make matters more difficult, it was everyone here.


    Looking away from the three men, his eyes scan across each person that was now standing up. His brows slightly furrow together as he couldn¡¯t help but feel something was amiss about this sudden change of events.


    Quickly brushing this feeling aside, he looks past the crowd until he saw Yue Ling.


    He sighs inside in relief when he saw that she was sitting down. This meant she doesn¡¯t know these people. However, due to the many people standing up, his view of Liu Shan was blocked.


    If he had seen the assistant¡¯s face, he would have screamed in fear and wish so badly that he had nevere here. As Liu Shan is the only person here, he would be able to recognize right away as a member of Fate.


    He looks back at Tang Zhonghui, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin. He had wanted to put on a good impression in front of Yue Ling, but since things havee to this, he¡¯ll have toe up with another n.


    His eyes scan each of the three men and seeing how confident they looked, he scoffs a sarcastic chuckle. He slightly raises his chin and gives them an intimidating look.


    "Even if we are outnumbered here, the lot of you don¡¯t scare us."


    He tilts his head to the side and an arrogant look appears on his face.


    "We, from Red Moon never run from a fight."


    His words fell in a nonchntly but there was a tint of minacious behind it. He reaches inside his jacket pocket to take out a cigarette.


    *Click


    However, instead of a cigarette, he reveals the pistol he was keeping inside his pocket.


    His movement was like it was done unintentionally, but everyone else knew he had done it on purpose. He wanted everyone to see that he had a gun and wasn¡¯t afraid to shoot anyone.


    He puts it back in his pocket and this time, he retrieves a cigarette.


    "Unless you guys back off. If you do, I¡¯ll pretend this never happened and let you all live."


    Putting the cigarette in his mouth, he lights the end and inhales a mouthful of tobo. As he exhales a slow puff of smoke, he blows it straight at the three men.


    "What do you say?"


    "You should ask your men that question."


    A response sounded but the voice did note from the three men. Tao Meng slightly frowns then turns his head to the left and arch a brow in amusement.


    A man walks up to stand with Tang Zhonghui, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin. He was clothed in all ck and despite him wearing a dress shirt, he still wore a ck turtleneck underneath.


    The prescribed sses that bnce above his nose made him look like the perfect example of apany worker while the other three men resembled fashion enthusiasts.


    His facial expression was cold and full of indifference but could be on pair with a model.


    As Qi Li stood in front of his threerades, Tao Meng stares wordlessly as he sizes the new man. He exhales another cloud of smoke and chuckles in ridicule.


    "Four eyes, you have guts. However, my men don¡¯t need to be questioned."


    His (Tao Meng) scans the four men then at everyone else. He and his men are indeed outnumbered, but was he scared? No.


    Compare to these weakpany workers, his men are more terrifying and can intimidate anyone. One punch is all it takes to knock this group out.


    Seeing how each person was either apathetic or indifferent to his good words, he shrugs one shoulder and turns around.


    "Don¡¯t me me for your medical bills."


    His words fell as he tosses the unfinished cigarette on the ground. He crushes it with the bottom of his shoes then looks at Jia Yin.


    "Crush them all."


    He doesn¡¯t look back and walks to his table. Before he sat down, he waves a gesture for Ling Ni to return to his side.


    Jia Yin and the other nine men sneer maliciously at Qi Li, Tang Zhonghui, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin.


    He (Jia Yin) licked his lower lip and stares at his target, Tang Zhonghui. He turned into a predator who had cornered his prey from escaping.


    Next to him, Xiao directed his thirst for blood at Gui Tian Lan. When he saw how arrogant the man was when he spat food, he wanted to rip Gui Tian Lan to shreds.


    No one has ever dared to ignore him like this.


    Seeing how the ten men were marking them like target practices, Qi Li gestures a quick signal with his hand to everyone else.


    It wasn¡¯t a signal to alert them, but a secret signal to tell them not to intervene as the four of them were enough to handle the men from Red Moon.


    "Kid, you¡¯re going to regret having guts."


    Jia Yin¡¯s bulky and tall structure positioned himself in a fighting stance. He could have taken his gun out and killed Tang Zhonghui on the spot but decides to use his fists.


    Besides, there was no need to waste his bullets when he can knock the boy out cold.


    Normally, anyone whoes across Jia Yin¡¯s fearsome figure would run in fear, but Tang Zhonghui did not waver.


    Even when the bulky man threw taunting words at him, he kept hisposure. Jia Yin stood a head taller and weigh more than him, but to him, height and weight mean nothing.


    He raises his chin and slightly tilts his head he side. As he did this, he raises his right hand. He brushes the tip of his nose with his thumb and a side smirk curls on his face.


    "Come at me then."


    Jia Yin bellows a sinisterugh at Tang Zhonghui¡¯s confident words. However, it won¡¯t be long before he (Tang Zhonghui) runs away in tears.


    "You have guts, kids. Don¡¯t regret meeting my fists."


    Hearing this, Tang Zhonghui¡¯s shoulder trembles as he chuckles with the man. He raises one hand to show his fist.


    "I¡¯m warning you now, you see my fist? This fist right here is going to beat you to a pulp."


    His other hand raised and he points at his fist that was clenched, but not tightly.


    "Even I¡¯m afraid of my own fist when I fight."


    "..."


    Jia Yin and everyone who heard Tang Zhonghui were struck dumbfounded. Even Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin couldn¡¯t help but feel embarrassed that he was theirrade.


    "Enough with the chit chat. We¡¯ll see how terrifying that fist is after I¡¯m done with you."


    Dumbfounded but more irritated, Jia Yin makes his move. The young man¡¯s words were full of joking but to him, it was more like a remark to provoke him.


    He charges at Tang Zhonghui and strikes a punch with popped veins on his arm. He also made sure that his bigger fist was directed right at the man¡¯s face as his raging voice roars into the night.


    "Eat shit, kid!"

 Chapter 708 He wouldnt listen

    <h4>Chapter 708 He wouldn¡°t listen</h4>


    A breeze brush passes Tang Zhonghui like it was a force sent from the man rushing at him. The corners of his lip arc up as a dangerous glint of light sh in his dimmed eyes.


    He doesn¡¯t make a move until Jia Yin¡¯s fist was a foot away from him. He takes a step to the right and swiftly dodges the punch with a 180-degree turn like he was able to slow everything down.


    When he faces Jia Yin again, his right arm stretches forward, and he strikes a punch at the man with strength.


    His aim was the bulky man¡¯s face, but due to their height difference, his fist ended up striking the man¡¯s throat.


    At the same time, Jia Yin threw a punch at Tang Zhonghui, next to him, Xiao and the other men from Red Moon proceed towards their target.


    "I¡¯m going to kill you, kid!"


    Xiao roars in a demonic growl. His words were full of confidence like he had already taken down Gui Tian Lan. However, as he rushed upon the tailor, he didn¡¯t forget to grab a vacant chair.


    His opponent had been decided, but he was still shorter and skinnier. If he wants to overpower the stylish man, he needs something to help him.


    *ang!


    The chair ms hard against the side of Gui Tian Lan¡¯s arm as he blocked it. His brows furrow a little at the small sharp pain, but he doesn¡¯t let it stop him. His free hand stretches forward, and he grabs Xiao¡¯s throat before mming the man hard on the cold cemented ground.


    "Ugh¡ª!"


    "Ugh¡ª!"


    The second Xiao was dropped, Jia Yin and the other men followed in pursuit. Each personid consciousness on the ground but couldn¡¯t get back up as they could only clutch the ce that had been hit.


    Tang Zhonghui scoffs a sneer at how easy it was to take down these men. From how arrogant they talked, he thought they would at least put up a fight. However, one punch was all it took.


    He slightly shakes his head in disappointment then takes a small step back with a straightened spine. As he did this, Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin stood on either side of him.


    All four men looked rx and calm as they had never been involved in a fight.


    "Tsk, tsk. People from Red Moon sure are arrogant. Truly a disappointment that it is just all talk."


    Gui Zhongmin clicked his tongue with his words as he looks at the ten men groaning on the ground. Each one looked sturdy and full of muscles but couldn¡¯t even manage a kick from him.


    Hearing his words, Tang Zhonghui nods his head agreeing. He heaves a sigh and looks down at Jia Yin¡¯s pitiful figure.


    "I told you my fearsome fist was going to beat you to a pulp, but you didn¡¯t want to listen to me."


    Not too far them, Tao Meng had just taken a seat. He took out another cigarette and put it on his mouth as Ling Ni returned to his side.


    However, before he could even flick the lighter on, his mouth slowly opened agape and the cigarette falls onto the hard ground.


    His eyes widen as his confidence in his men shattered like a broken vase.


    One by one, he watched as the ten men he brought with him fall onto the ground like bowling pins.


    "W-What in the world happened?!"


    He abruptly stood back up and his chair falls back in a loud crash.


    "Jia Yin! Xiao!"


    He roars angrily at his subordinates, but none were able to answer him. They were still rolling on the ground and groaning with intense pain. Their palms never left the parts on their body that had punched or kicked. It was like adding pressing on their parts would ease the pain faster.


    "Get up! Why the hell is you all on the ground?!"


    Anger burst inside him and blood rush to his face turning it crimson red. He doesn¡¯t walk around the table, but grabs hold of the table and flip it to the side like it was a pest blocking his path.


    "Get the fuck up! People from Red Moon are not weak!!"


    As he strides over to his men, Ling Ni who was returning to his side was frozen stiff. He had signaled her toe back, but from his sudden movement, if she had not stopped in time, she was sure that table would have knocked her out cold.


    Watching Tao Meng approach them, Qi Li¡¯s usual cold expression darkened more than ever. To his left, Tang Zhonghui and Gui Zhongmin were no different from him. To his right, Gui Tian Lan was the only calm one.


    However, his left thumb and middle figures were every so lightly rubbing together.


    If one were to look closely, one would be able to see the tiny needle that reflected a shine between his figures.


    Tao Meng stomps to a stop and another wave of anger burst inside him as he looks down at his men. It was always the enemy on the ground, not his men.


    He res with vicious burning red eyes at the four men standing until he stopped at Tang Zhonghui.


    "You!"


    He grows between his gritted teeth and points without any care.


    "What kind of trick did you use?!"


    Jia Yin is his righthand man and is one of his strongest men in Red Moon. To be beaten by a nobody like this is an insult to his gang.


    Being pointed at, Tang Zhonghui tilts his head to the side. His lips press slightly together but he puts on an innocent expression and raises his left hand to point at himself.


    "Who, me?"


    His eyes blinked a few times like he was thinking of what to do. However, slowly raising his other hand and shows his fist that was used to punch his enemy.


    "Ah, it is me. Well, what had happened was, I told him about my fist, but he wouldn¡¯t listen."


    He lowers his head and looks at Jia Yin, who was clutching to his throat and trying to gasp for air.


    The corners of his mouth arc up to smile, but when he looked back at Tao Meng, he clears his throat and continues to exin.


    "You see, he is way too tallpared to me. My fist couldn¡¯t reach his face even if I were to tiptoe, so I could only punch him on the throat."


    He shrugs both his shoulders and put on the appearance of a bystander who had been dragged into a mess.


    "I said I was going to beat him to a pulp, and I did. Which is why he looks like that now."


    As he spoke each word, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhong¡¯s eyelids turned heavy. Unlike the two brothers, Qi Li lowers his head and raises one hand to cover his face like he was trying to hide.


    All three men couldn¡¯t help but be stupefied by their youngerrades. They¡¯re standing in front of the enemy and instead of holding his ground, Tang Zhonghui is adding more fuel to the fire.


    Tao Meng was in utter disbelief by the man. His nostrils re open with his eyes and he reaches inside the pocket of his jacket.


    "No one looks down on Red Moon and gets away with it."


    He roars each word thunderously and pulls out his pistol. Without any care about all the witnesses around, he points the round muzzle in the direction of Tang Zhonghui.


    Seeing the smile one the young man¡¯s face disappears, he sneers a chuckle.


    "What, afraid now?"


    His words fell threatening, but Tang Zhonghui, Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin stared expressionless at him. It was like each person had put up a barrier that shielded all their thoughts from the world.


    Tao Meng grew agitated by this, but he kept his emotions concealed. He raises his chin as if to look down at the four men and smirk.


    "You better beg¡ª"


    "Tao Meng."


    However, before he could finish his words, a voice calls his name and stops him.

 Chapter 709 A long way

    <h4>Chapter 709 A long way</h4>


    Tao Meng froze when he heard his name called. His eyebrows scrunch together, and he stares at Tang Zhonghui, Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin.


    He was confused as it should have been only his men and Ling Ni who knew his name. So who was it that knew his identity?


    "Who was it?"


    His eyes scan the four men then the crowd behind. A dangerously glint of light sh across his eyes and his entire being emitted a cold aura.


    "Which one of you knows me?"


    He swore he had heard a woman¡¯s voice, but in a fit of rage, his brain told him that it was one of the four men. They were the closest to him and from their appearance, one of them must have a womanly voice.


    Just as he was about to ask again, his eyes caught sight of the woman he came here for.


    Yue Ling steadily approaches her four subordinates from behind. As she nears them, it was like they had eyes on the back of their head and takes a step to the side to make way.


    Her angelic figure stops in the middle of them and her eyes locked with Tao Meng¡¯s. The gun in his hand was now pointing directly at her, but she didn¡¯t show any signs of fear.


    She nces away from him and down to his men still groaning in pain on the ground.


    "Pathetic."


    Her bluish-green eyes look back at Tao Meng as a faint sneer curl on her lip.


    "You¡¯re a long way from Red Moon."


    Tao Meng couldn¡¯t help but feel a cold chill brush through his body and made all the hair on his body stand. His n on giving a good impression was quickly overtaken by confusion. How does she know that he is from Red Moon?


    "How do you¡ª"


    He was going to ask her, but before he could finish his question, he sees a very familiar figure appear behind Yue Ling.


    His eyes widen and shook as a wave of petrifying horror wash over him. Without realizing it, he takes a small step back and lowers his hand holding the gun.


    "Y-You... why are you here?"


    This is his third time seeing Liu Shan. The assistant looked like an average person, but he knows that Liu Shan is not someone he can easily cross.


    When he met Liu Shan at Fate, he made sure to remember the man¡¯s face. He told himself to always be on the lookout so that they didn¡¯t cross paths as he didn¡¯t want to be an enemy of Fate.


    However...


    As he thought this, he couldn¡¯t help but nce at Yue Ling again. She was a peerless beauty that can make heads turn. After their encounter at Moonlight, he paid more attention to her background.


    She is every man¡¯s dream woman and he can understand why Lu Tian was head over heels for her. However, what made him more curious about her was her background.


    His men had tried to find everything about her, but the information they were able to find only involved her work life. Nothing about her personal life was known.


    He stares at her for a long second then looks at Liu Shan. However, he quickly looks back at her and all the colors on his face drained away.


    Her eyes... Her bluish-green eyes.


    ¡¯Shit!¡¯


    He curses inside for not realizing sooner. Those bluish-green eyes that resembled the ocean that surrounds the inds should have told him. The same eyes that he had met during the meeting with Fate.


    He shoves the gun inside the pocket of his jacket and chuckles at her.


    "Ma... I mean, Han Yue Ling."


    He was about to call her Mami but stops himself. From what he remembers, 90 percent of the people who have seen her face is no longer breathing the same air as her. If he wants to live, he has to pretend that he doesn¡¯t know who she is.


    Stumbling a step forward, he puts his hands up and shows his palms to her. He wanted her to see that he had no weapon.


    "It¡¯s not what it looks like."


    Yue Ling kept her calmposure as she stares at Tao Meng who changed from an arrogant man to someone who was showing respect to his elders.


    "It seems like Red Moon wants to follow in Ghost Gang¡¯s steps."


    She was never one to reveal herself to others, but once someone dares to point a gun at her people, she will not hesitate to intervene.


    "No, no. This is all a misunderstanding."


    Tao Meng takes two steps forward and tries to exin. However, with each of his steps, Liu Shan and Qi Li took a step to block her from the man while Gui Tian Lan, Gui Zhongmin, and Tang Zhonghui moved to protect her sides.


    Each person emitted their own dangerously aura that made Tao Meng stop in his steps.


    Yue Ling stood in the middle as her subordinates surround her. She was still able to see Tao Meng, but one can see that there was not a shred of emotion in her eyes.


    "Did you think I wouldn¡¯t be able to see through your n?"


    She noticed Jia Yin and the other men from Red Moon slowly standing up but nce to Ling Ni who was standing alone.


    "Sending her to do your dirty work was a cowardly thing to do."


    From their short conversation, she was able to figure out the reason why Tao Meng showed up in this part of Imperial.


    If she had been someone else and not the leader of Fate, she would have trusted Ling Ni and fell for the trap. Once that happens, she would no doubt end up living a life like Ling Ni.


    As she looks away from Ling Ni, the woman she thought was her friend was frozen stiff.


    Ling Ni didn¡¯t know what to think anymore. She thought Yue Ling was only a retired model who turned out to be a fashion designer. However, when their eyes locked just now, she swore it was like everything turned dark and she was being pulled into a ck hole.


    Even the envy she had over Yue Ling and Liu Shan¡¯s rtionship had long disappeared. Now, all she could think of was the sudden change in Tao Meng.


    He is the leader of the Red Moon and very full of himself. Never has she seen him waver like this. Yet, it was like Yue Ling was the monster that had been haunting his nightmares.


    Yue Ling no longer paid any attention to the woman she thought could be a friend. She nces at the ten men standing on Tao Meng¡¯s side.


    "You and your men should have kept your mouths shut and enjoy the food here."


    Her words fell as she scans the faces of each person before her eyesnd on Tao Meng.


    "As the leader of Red Moon, you should be aware of what happens to those who dare cross the line with me and my people."


    Tao Meng was known for being merciless in the underworld. However, his expression at this moment was like a dog begging to run away with his tail between his legs.


    All he could do was stare at Yue Ling, but that didn¡¯tst long before he averts his eyes from her.


    Looking at her was like staring into a dark abyss draining his life force away.


    "Damn bastard! You¡¯re going to die for punching my throat!"


    Unaware of his boss¡¯s sudden change in demeanor, Jia Yin threatens Tang Zhonghui. He turns into a raging beast in the wild and rushes at the young man.


    However, before he could sneak a punch, his arm that was already stretched out a pause in midair and he turned as pale as a ghost.


    He stares at the person in front of him and his lower lip trembles uncontrobly.


    "M-M-M... Ma..."


    Like a person suddenly losing his sanity, he could only stutter his words before finally able to force it all out.


    "Ma-Mad R-R-Reaper."

 Chapter 710 Step foot in this par

    <h4>Chapter 710 Step foot in this par</h4>


    Hearing the name that he had gained during his fights in the underworld, Liu Shan looks at the person with a nonchnt expression. He stares at Jia Yin with a nk expression and furrows his brows.


    "Do I know you?"


    "Jia Yin!"


    The moment he asked his question, Tao Meng shouts at his righthand man before being careless. He cast a sidelong re at the man but seeing the man¡¯s pale expression, he turned confused.


    Like a key opening his locked memories, Liu Shan finally remembers. One corner of his lip arc up into a side smirk as mischief sh across his eyes.


    "Ah, I remember now."


    He sounds a faint chuckle, but the smile did not reach his eyes.


    "You are Jia Yin. Myst opponent before I left."


    Being looked at by the assistant, Jia Yin felt more afraid than when he is facing his boss. It was like millions of tiny spiders were crawling on him and making him unable to move.


    He had met Mad Reaper once during a fight, but it was also thest time. The reason why he recognized Liu Shan is the Mad Reaper was when the fight ended. He (Jia Yin) had been knocked out and before he lost his consciousness, Mad Reaper revealed his face to him.


    It was only for a split second, but he will never forget the face of the man who showed mercy upon him.


    As one should know, the fights that take ce in the underworld are deadly and can cause one of their life.


    When he awoke from the fight, he was surprised to still be alive. Many said he got away by luck because the opponents of Mad Reaper never survived. However, only he knows the truth that took ce during the fight.


    That dreadful feeling of wanting to throw in the towel and surrender. Mad Reaper¡¯sst punch was aimed at his head, but at thest minute, the course of direction changed to his ribcage. If that punched had struck his head, he would have suffered brain damage and turn into a vegetable.


    As the memory of that horrifying fight return to him, Jia Yin stumbles a step back. He didn¡¯t hide the fear that can be seen on his face.


    Tao Meng stares dumbfoundedly at his subordinate. When he thought back to the name Mad Reaper, his eyes widen, and he looks at Liu Shan.


    "Jia Yin, you mean he is..."


    He couldn¡¯t finish his words but from the corner of his eyes, he could see his subordinate nod his head in response.


    Everyone from Red Moon was rendered speechless by this sudden information. They have never met Mad Reaper but have heard about all his deadly and notorious fights.


    Tao Meng was the one who was more shocked than everyone. He thought Liu Shan was a regr member of Fate that happened to live next door to Ling Ni.


    However, to know his true identity, even he can¡¯t help but fear the assistant.


    He looks at Yue Ling and forces a chuckle with a crooked smile then leans forward in a bow.


    "I am terribly sorry for the trouble my men have caused. We were blind and failed to see Mount Tai."


    Seeing Tao Meng bow, his men were confused but follow in his steps. Each person thought the same thing, could it be that their boss was afraid of Mad Reaper?


    Only, they did not know that it was the woman in front of them terrified Tao Meng more than Mad Reaper did.


    Yue Ling stares emotionlessly at the group of men. She shrugs one shoulder in a nonchnt manner and tilts her head to the side.


    "It¡¯s not me who you should be apologizing to but my subordinates."


    She kept her eyes on Tao Meng then turns away.


    "It¡¯s also them who will decide whether to ept your apology."


    Just as her back was turned to them, blood boiled inside Xiao and his face turned red. He straightens his spine and res at Yue Ling.


    He had only bowed because his boss did it. From what he can conclude his boss was showing politeness to Mad Reaper. How dare this woman thinks highly of herself?


    His right-hand reaches behind his back and he grabs the gun he had hid.


    "My boss wasn¡¯t apologizing to a woman like you."


    The only woman who can make his boss lower his head is Mami. However, Yue Ling isn¡¯t her.


    He points the gun at Yue Ling and sneers. No one has ever humiliated Red Moon like this. How dare she think this kindness was directed at her.


    Yue Ling was unfazed by the man¡¯s words and walks away. However, unlike her, Tao Meng trembled in anger. He straightens his posture and res at his useless subordinate.


    "Xiao!"


    *Swoosh¡ª


    At the same time Tao Meng¡¯s roar fell, a silver light shed from out of the blue and hits Xiao¡¯s hand holding the gun.


    "Arrgh¡ª!!"


    Xiao shrieks in a shrill cry and drops the gun onto the ground before he could even pull the trigger. He covers his hand and raises it up to see what had stabbed him.


    His eyes tremble with red veins when he sees a silver needle. It had pierced into the skin between his thumb and index finger.


    He plucks the needle out like it was splinter and holding it out in front of him, he res at Yue Ling¡¯s departing figure than to the five men still facing him.


    "Who was it?! Who threw this piece of shit?!"


    As Yue Ling returned to her table, Liu Shan takes a step to fill the ce she was standing. He nces at Xiao then to Tao Meng. His expression no longer held his usual carefreeness as all there was a coldness that will give one horrifying nightmare.


    "Tao Meng, I suggest you put your people in their ce. She left you off easy this time. If you or your men keep crossing the line, don¡¯t me the merciless of fate."


    Hearing his words, Xiao grew more furious. He takes a step forward to stand his ground and toss the needle on the ground then stomps on it.


    "What, just because you are known as Mad Reaper, you think you are so good? Don¡¯t think that you all will get away with this. I will catch you all, one by one, and skin you all alive."


    "Xiao!!!"


    Tao Meng was dumbfounded and roars thunderously into the sky. He did not hide his fury and grabs Xiao by the shirt and shoves the skinny man to Jia Yin.


    "Take him away."


    Out of all hisckeys in Red Moon, Xiao was the worse. He is hardheaded and has a bad temper. Anything that doesn¡¯t go his way, he will cause havoc until he is satisfied.


    If the people they were dealing with right now was another group, he wouldn¡¯t care. However...


    He looks at Liu Shan and the other four men. Now he understands why they didn¡¯t show any fear when he and his men arrived. They were people many fears in the underworld.


    "I will make sure that none of my people ever step foot in this part of Imperial."


    He gestures a nod and turns away. Without saying another word, he strides over to Ling Ni and grabs her wrist.


    Ling Ni doesn¡¯t fight the man off but allows him to drag her away. She didn¡¯t forget to turn back and look at Liu Shan onest time.

 Chapter 711 Dont want to go home

    <h4>Chapter 711 Don¡°t want to go home</h4>


    Watching the people from Red Moon scurry away with their tails between their legs, Gui Zhongmin heaves a sigh and shook his head.


    "And I thought they I would be able to use my fists again."


    He sighs again and thinking about something, he turns his head to look at Liu Shan.


    "Does this mean Mad Reaper is back?"


    His question made Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan, and Tang Zhonghui turn to look at the assistant. No one said a word, but their expression held curiosity.


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes stared in the direction Tao Meng and his men had gone. He heard the question, but his mind was reying the look Ling Ni had shown him. It was full of guilt and regret.


    However, he brushes her face away from his mind and turns around.


    He doesn¡¯t answer the question and strides to the table his boss was sitting in.


    "Boss."


    Coming to a stop at the side of her table, he doesn¡¯t sit down but remains standing.


    "Tao Meng and his men have left."


    Yue Ling nods her head lightly in understanding. She reaches for the bottle of liquor and pours herself another drink.


    "Boss."


    Before she could even take a sip, Liu Shan snatch the cup out of her hand. He set the cup down and moves the bottle of liquor to the opposite end of the table.


    "Stop drinking. You are drunk."


    He sighs his words in his usual tone, but everyone heard him loud and clear. The incident that had just taken ce was thrown aside and everyone turns to look at Yue Ling.


    Seeing the redness on her cheeks, the look of fear appears on each person¡¯s face.


    It was as if they tough and strong appearance they had seconds ago was never there.


    "Boss, I have to get up early tomorrow. I¡¯ll be on my way now."


    "Me too. I have to meet a client tomorrow."


    "Boss, my dog called me. I must go home and feed him."


    Quickly as the fear appeared on their faces, all the alcohol everyone had consumed into their system disappears. In one swift motion, each person grabs their belongings and scattered away as their life depended on it.


    The only ones left were Yue Ling, Liu Shan, Uncle Nuo, and the Alpha Team.


    Ju Suo was dumbfounded by the scene that had unfolded. She ms her palms on her the table and stood up from her seat.


    "Ya!! How dare you jerks leave!!"


    She stumbles to stand on her chair and points with her trembling finger in the direction everyone had gone.


    "Don¡¯t let me see you tomorrow! If I see any of you, you will see my fist!!"


    *Click *Crash¡ª


    Just as her threatening words fell, the chair she was standing on breaks, and her tiny figure falls onto the ground with her bottom being her cushion.


    She was baffled by this and blinked her eyes in silence. However, in the next second, her head drops down and she passes out while sitting.


    Lian Ni Shang stares at the woman and chuckles as she walks over. Shaking Ju Suo by the shoulder, she sighs and shook her head.


    "Ju Suo ah Ju Suo. If your Jiangyu was here, how will he react?"


    Seeing this, Liu Shan frowns in frustration. He massages his forehead then looks at Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan.


    "She¡¯s too drunk to drive. Send her home."


    He looks away from the couple to Qi Li, Tang Zhonghui, Gui Tian Lan, and Gui Zhongmin. The four men had been drinking, but he knows that they were not drunk as their tolerance for alcohol was high.


    "Help Uncle Nuo close up. I¡¯ll send boss home."


    Given an order from the assistant, no one objected and proceed with their task. Liu Shan sighs again and looks at his boss.


    "Let¡¯s go. If I don¡¯t get you home soon, I will end up as a missing person."


    His hand reaches to help Yue Ling stand up, but she dodges him and shook her head with a pouting face.


    "I don¡¯t want to go home."


    "..."


    Liu Shan stares down at her in disbelief. Wasn¡¯t she fine a minute ago? Why does she look like an angry child who didn¡¯t get to buy her favorite toy now?


    However, when realization kicked his brain, he scratches the side of his head.


    "Aish... If I knew you were going to end up like this, I should have stopped you from drinking so much."


    She was never the type to drink, but once she does, she turns into a stubborn child. This was also the reason why everyone didn¡¯t hesitate to sober up and leave.


    No one dares to stay behind because she will force everyone to do something that keeps them all night.


    He grabs hold of her hand and pulls her up from the chair, but she the second she stood up, she moves away from him.


    "I want to count the stars."


    "..."


    Liu Shan scoffs a sarcastic chuckle and didn¡¯t know what to do anymore. Every time she drinks, this was the only thing she wants to do. It drove everyone including him crazy because she would make them stay up all night until sunrise just to count the stars.


    He never understood this side of her but as her assistant, he put up with it because he knew this was something important for her.


    "How about I take you home and you count the stars there?"


    Yue Ling stares doubtfully at him and shook her head no. Her cheeks puff out like a chipmunk with her arms swaying at her side.


    "I want to count the stars here."


    Liu Shan creases his brows together. He could only cry inside and question where his perfect boss went to. How did thingse to this?


    Who can help him?


    Just as he thought the question, a certain persones to his mind. His eyes lit up brightly and he smiles at Yue Ling like a sweet father trying to calm his precious daughter.


    "Yue Ling, how about I take you somewhere to count the stars?"


    Staring at him, Yue Ling presses her lips together with doubt. Thinking about his words, she purses her lower lip.


    "I can count all the stars there?"


    Liu Shan grins with his eyes closed and nodded his head.


    "It is a beautiful castle, just like the ones in a fairytale. When we get there, you can count all the stars you want."


    Hearing his exaggerating words, Yue Ling gasps with brightly lit eyes.


    "A beautiful castle?"


    Liu Shan nods his head and the light in her eyes shone brighter.


    "And I can count all the stars I want?"


    Seeing this childish side of her, Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but sigh inside. She always put on a strong appearance but deep inside she was still a child. After all, she never got to live the life of a normal child.


    He stretches his palm out to her and smiles softly to her.


    "Do you want to go to the castle?"


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t doubt him anymore and takes his hand. In her drunken state of mind, all she could think about was the castle Liu Shan had mention.


    As he guides her away in the direction of his parked car, Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but pray inside.


    ¡¯Dear Buddha, please watch over me. Please don¡¯t let the King of Jealousy break my neck. I am only holding my boss¡¯s hand because she is drunk, and I am trying to get her home to him.¡¯

 Chapter 712 A little too much

    <h4>Chapter 712 A little too much</h4>


    In the distance not too far from Uncle Nuo¡¯s food stall, Tao Meng, and his men along with Ling Ni arrived at their parked cars. Xiao¡¯s anger did not subdue at all. He stops next to the passenger side of the first car and turns to look at his boss.


    "I don¡¯t understand. Why did we have to run away like cowards? We were all carrying guns. We could have just put a bullet inside their head."


    Tao Meng was helping Ling Ni inside the back seat of the first car. When he heard his subordinate¡¯s words, he closes the door and stretches his hand to grabs the skinny man.


    His palm locks around Xiao¡¯s throat and he ms the man against the car.


    "You dare to call me a coward?!"


    His bloodshot eyes re viciously at Xiao and he leans closer until the space between their faces were only inches apart.


    "You should be thanking those men back there for not blowing your head."


    He growls each word with a graveness that sent a shiver down Xiao¡¯s spine. He (Xiao) was so afraid but inhales a deep breath and stares straight at his boss.


    "T-They¡¯re nobodies. They were only acting that way because the Mad Reaper was there. We could have easily taken him out and clean up the mess without anyone knowing."


    Tao Meng chuckles when he heard this. It was like Xiao¡¯s words had hit the jackpot of correctness. However, seconds into hisugh, his grip on the man¡¯s neck tightens.


    "They¡¯re nobodies?"


    He leans an inch closer with sinister in his eyes.


    "Those ¡¯nobodies¡¯ were able to knock you down with one punch. Don¡¯t forget, those ¡¯nobodies¡¯ also made you drop your gun with a tiny needle."


    Another chuckle escapes after his words, but this time, it was one full of sarcasm.


    "If I didn¡¯t stop you from making a mistake, those ¡¯nobodies¡¯ would have collected your fate before you could even remember to blink."


    He ruthlessly let¡¯s go of Xiao¡¯s neck and pulls the back door open. He doesn¡¯t care about his cold attitude towards the man and gets inside the car.


    "Make another mistake and you won¡¯t be breathing the air in this world."


    Xiao stood still outside the car. His breathing turned rapid as legs grew weak and were barely able to hold him up. He swore, it felt like his boss was not going to hesitate to strangle him to death.


    However, it wasn¡¯t his boss that shook him this way. It was the one word the man had said.


    Fate.


    The one word that sends fear upon those in the underworld. It was the word that is only used when involving the notorious devil gang that left the underworld.


    He inhales a deep breath that caused his body to tremble. He opens the door and enters, but the moment he sat down, his eyes sh murderously.


    He has never witnessed anyone from Fate act in public, so it must be a rumor only.


    With this thought, a n surface in his mind.


    When he went with Tao Meng to the meetingst time, he remembers that the foundation of Fate was practically abandoned with an old man watching over the ce.


    He will burn that ce to the ground and return the shame Fate had inflicted upon him.


    -


    Unaware of the situation that had fallen on his wife, Lu Tian¡¯s white Ashton Martin pulls up to the driveway of the beautiful house he shares with his wife. He parks the car and shut the engine off then steps out.


    With the help of the little light from the moon above, he scans for his wife¡¯s car. However, he purses his lip when he didn¡¯t any other car but his own.


    "Is she not home yet?"


    After he left the ce his friends had called him to go to, the three of them decided to go to the rooftop restaurant at the Rosewood Hotel for a few drinks.


    He thought that by the time he returns home, she would be home too.


    However...


    "Where could she be?"


    His words fell in a low mutter and he looks at the house. All the lights were off making the house look gloomy and unweing.


    "I sent her messages, but she didn¡¯t respond back."


    He spoke to himself and close the car door before walking to the front door.


    "Does she not miss me like how I miss her?"


    As he unlocks the door and turned the doorknob, he hears the metal gates behind him creak open.


    The door opened ajar, but he stops in his movements. Turning to look at the car, a sense of happiness wash inside him.


    However, upon seeing that it was not his wife¡¯s car, that happiness deted like a balloon.


    It was a very familiar car as he knew who it belongs to.


    Watching the car park near his, he walks over to meet the person. The temperature around him dropped drastically but he doesn¡¯t care.


    "Ah, Lu Tian."


    Liu Shan steps out from the driver¡¯s side and sees Lu Tian. He was taken back by surprise but chuckles to the man.


    "Where is my wife?"


    Seeing the assistant¡¯s figure, Lu Tian didn¡¯t waste any time and asks for his wife. She had left to drink with her employees and drover her own car, so why is her assistant here?


    Liu Shan was baffled by the man¡¯s aloofness. He chuckles again and takes a few steps to the backseat door.


    "Um, about her..."


    Opening the door, he reaches inside to help his boss out. As he did this, Lu Tian stops in his steps in front of the car.


    Liu Shan ces an arm behind Yue Ling¡¯s back to help her steady properly and looks at Lu Tian.


    "You see, she kind of had a little too much to drink tonight."


    Each word fell he spoke fell with a chuckle but the more he spoke, he felt it was getting difficult. When he saw a better view of Lu Tian¡¯s expression with the help of his car headlights, his feet were rooted to the ground.


    He swore the aloof man was giving him that look from the time they first met outside the hallway of Jade Condos.


    His throat bobs with difficulty and he sobs inside.


    ¡¯Buddha, I asked you to be with me. Why did you abandon me like his? Look at the King of Jealousy¡¯s face. He is ring at me like a fierce tiger ready to rip me into pieces.¡¯

 Chapter 713 You can leave

    <h4>Chapter 713 You can leave</h4>


    Unlike her assistant, Yue Ling slowly raises her head up. She looked sleep and barely able to open her eyes, but one can tell from a nce that she was drunk.


    When she saw the outline of the house, she gasps in surprise and smiles widely.


    "Wow, what a beautiful castle!"


    Seeing Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure, she blinks her eyes a few times like a child who had been awoken in the middle of her sleep. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness and got a clearer look of Lu Tian, her smile widens until her eyes turned into upside-down crescents.


    "Ah, the handsome owner of this castle!"


    She points at him but her entire being changed into that of a shy little girl. She pats Liu Shan¡¯s chest in a friendly way and giggles.


    "Shan, will I get to count the stars with him?"


    Each time her words fell, Liu Shan would sway at her pats. Even his head sway in motion like he had lost all the bones in his neck.


    His eyes stare up at the sky and could only cry on the inside like he had no will to live anymore.


    He wanted to tell his boss to stop, but knowing that she is drunk, it was pointless. All he could do now was talk to himself in his head.


    ¡¯Boss, please sober up. If you keep doing this, your husband will bury me alive. No, even worse, he might just take me to his private ind and chop off my limbs.¡¯


    Lu Tian stood with a deadly aura that intensified the cold breeze that came with the night. The moment he saw his wife, he knew she was drunk and didn¡¯t take his eyes off of her.


    However, his head slightly lowers, and his eyes dimmed at the hand peeking from the side of his wife¡¯s waist.


    Like he had gone out for the night to drink vinegar, he strides with big steps towards the boss and assistant.


    "I got it from here."


    He snatches his wife from Liu Shan but made not use too much force as he was afraid of hurting her. At the same time, he didn¡¯t forget to smack the assistant¡¯s hand away from touching his wife.


    "You can leave."


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t care about the cold treatment he was given. He nods his head vigorously with relief and hops right back inside his car.


    If he were to stay any longer, the was sure the first thing he would lose is his hand.


    "W-Why is Shan leaving?"


    Seeing her assistant¡¯s car drive out the dark metal gates, Yue Ling murmurs with sadness. Her eyes turned moist and she flung her head to look at the person next to her.


    "Y-You..."


    Her word fell but she gasps loudly. Even though she was drunk, she was still able to recognized faces.


    "The handsome owner of this castle is my Head Eunuch."


    She chuckles her words, but her smile disappears, and push him away with all her strength. She pouts her lips at him with a displeased look.


    "Tian, why did you let him leave?"


    However, unbeknownst to her, her push was like a small tap against Lu Tian¡¯s chest.


    "Who will count the stars with me now?"


    Lu Tian maintained his usual indifference despite his insides absorbing more vinegar. She is with him and yet, here she is asking him why he let another man leave.


    However, when he looked down at her, he arches a brow in amusement.


    All the vinegar he had been eating disappears and he sighs inside. His wife was ring murderously at him, but he can¡¯t help but feel she looked like a little kitten.


    Remember her words, both his brows arch up together.


    "Count the stars?"


    Hearing his question, Yue Ling heaves a long sigh full of frustration. She stumbles a little with her standing but steadies herself.


    "That¡¯s what I said."


    She sounded annoyed by him and looks up at him. With the moonlight brightening the night, Yue Ling squints her eyes at him then leans closer to him.


    "Now you have to count the stars with me."


    Putting on an aggressive appearance, she grabs hold of Lu Tian¡¯s hand and pulls him toward their house.


    Lu Tian was rendered speechless by this side of her. Thinking about how adorable she can be when drunk, he smiles, but that smile quickly changes into a frown.


    This adorable side of her, does this mean her male subordinates have all seen her this way?


    Looking at her back, he takes a big stride to close the gap between them, and in one swift scoop, he picks her up in princess style.


    "Ah¡ª!"


    Yue Ling yelps at the suddenly being carried. She wraps her arms around Lu Tian and gazes at him.


    "I-I can walk by myself."


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t oblige to her words and continues for the house. He pushes the door open with one foot as he had left it ajar.


    "If you walk, you won¡¯t have enough time to count the stars."


    As they entered the house, he strides for the door leading to the back courtyard. He gently ces her down on the outdoor lounge chair and pats her head.


    "Wait here. When Ie back, we can count the stars together."


    Yue Ling smiles at him with closed eyes and like an obedient child, she nods her head.


    Her adorable reaction took Lu Tian by another surprise. Now that there was brighter light, he could see that her cheeks were crimson red, and her beauty was one that could always take his breath away.


    As he turned away to head back inside the house, Yue Ling¡¯s eyes glued on his figure. Her eyes slowly flutter, and a vague image of a young boy enters her vision.


    "So simr..."


    She murmurs to herself, but when her eyes blinked again, the person in her eyes returned to Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure.


    After a minute passes by, Lu Tian steps out from the house with a nket. He looks at the lounge chair, but it was empty with no sign of his wife.


    His eyes trembled every so lightly and he searches for her.


    "Yue Ling?"


    He didn¡¯t have to search for long because he found her silhouette in the distance. She was sitting alone on the grass.


    Relief came over him and he quietly walks to her until he stopped by her side.


    "Why are you sitting on the grass?"

 Chapter 714 Never told them

    <h4>Chapter 714 Never told them</h4>


    Yue Ling¡¯s head was tilted back as she stares silently into the night sky. When she heard his voice, her eyes shifts to look at him, and smiles.


    "It was too bright over there."


    Lu Tian looks back at the house. The light inside and outside were both on and illuminated a bright light. It was indeed too bright for stargazing.


    His attention returns to his wife and he unfolds the nket in his hand. cing it over her shoulders, he sits down on the right side of her.


    "It¡¯s getting cold, wear this to keep you warm."


    He made sure the nket covered every inch of her body leaving only her head in view. He then ces his left around her shoulder to give more warmth to her.


    Feeling the warmth from his arm, Yue Ling¡¯s entire being softens. Every time she is in his arms, she always felt a sense of safety.


    She looks up at the sky and a faint smile gradually grew on her lip.


    "Tian, have you ever counted the stars?"


    Hearing her question, Lu Tian looks up at the sky with her. He had watched the night sky before, but never did he think to count the stars.


    "I haven¡¯t."


    Yue Ling sighs a smile at his response. She continues to star up the sky like she was admiring its breath-taking view. However, if one were to look closely, it looked more like she was trying to search for something that was beyond her grasp.


    "I used to make my subordinates stay with me to watch the stars. Sometimes it would be until sunrise. They would make fun of this habit and run away every time I drank too much."


    The smile on her face slowly disappears and her words continue.


    "They said it was meaningless because no one can count all the stars because one would lose track counting."


    Memories of the past yed in her mind of the times she would force her subordinates to count the stars with her. She knew they didn¡¯t want to as it made them tired. It was like counting sheep until one fall asleep.


    "But I never told them the reason why I did this."


    Lu Tian lowers his head to look at her. Unlike her childlike behavior from earlier, she looked more like her usual self. However, he knew that she was still under the influence of alcohol.


    He tried to read her thoughts, but unable to figure her out, he asks.


    "Will you tell me the reason?"


    Yue Ling nces at him without moving her head away from the sky. She looks back at the sky and a trace of sorrow painted inside her eyes.


    "When I was a child, my parents would take me to watch the night sky. If the nights weren¡¯t too cold, we would stay until sunrise and watch as the stars disappear to wee the sun."


    She scans the many glistening stars until she found the brightest one.


    "My parents would often workte or go on business meetings, so when they were too busy, my father would tell me to count the stars before I go to sleep."


    Her eyes turned moist as her lower lip trembles at the thought of her parents.


    "He said, ¡¯Ah Ling, be a good girl and stay home. After you count 100 stars in the sky, close your eyes. When you open your eyes, you will see us again¡¯."


    Thinking about her happy childhood, she sighs a smile.


    "As a child, counting to 100 was so difficult, but I made sure to never miscount. If I did, I would start all over. My father probably knew this, because, by the time I counted 100 stars, my parents would have returned from their business trip."


    She had always hoped that every time she closed her eyes, she would wake up to see her parents. However, after her parents left the world, she came to understand that no matter how many times she counted the stars, she will never see them again.


    As she grew older, she learned how to hide her feelings away.


    No matter how much she wanted to cry because she missed them, she had to tell herself to be strong. Her mother and father would not want to see her sad. If they knew she was sad, they would be sad too.


    So, she decided to only count the stars when she drinks. She hoped that if she counted to 100, she will be able to go to sleep and dream about her happy childhood with her parents.


    Lu Tian listened silently to her. He thought about her words and thinks back to the things Grandfather Ji had said to him.


    His wife was a woman who puts on a strong appearance, but inside she was like a very fragile porcin vase.


    Just like the time they lost their child.


    Even when she was in so much pain, she kept a smile so that no one would be sad for her.


    He couldn¡¯t help but think about her childhood. While he grew up cold and aloof so that others would not take advantage of him, he still had his parents. However, for his wife, she must have been alone and afraid.


    His eyes slowly closed as he inhales a deep breath. Before his thoughts could trail away, he didn¡¯t hear her voice anymore.


    He opens his eyes and nces down at his wife. A faint smile curls on his lip as she was leaning against him and looked like she had fallen asleep.


    "Yue Ling."


    He whispers her name quietly, but the only response he got was her soft breathing. His entire being turned soft and kiss the top of her head.


    "If you need someone to count the stars with you, let that someone be me."


    His head tilts to the side to lean against her and he pulls her closer to him.


    "Let me be your forever shield and carry the weight on your shoulders for you."


    As seconds turned into minutes, Lu Tian finally carries his sleeping wife inside the house. He made sure to be incredibly careful and when entering their shared bedroom, he gently ces her down on the bed.


    He sits down at the edge of the bed and gazes down at her sleeping face before cing a soft kiss on her forehead.


    "I will never let you suffer alone again."

 Chapter 715 Doing a favor

    <h4>Chapter 715 Doing a favor</h4>


    The grew darker as the wind picked up. As Yue Ling fell into a peaceful sleep with Lu Tian by her side, the couple were unaware of a specific event taking ce far from their home.


    "Arrrrgh¡ª Arrgghhh¡ª!!"


    In the pitch darkness at the top of a secluded mountain, the moonlight shines down onto a man. His pierce shrieking cry echoes into the night sky. His voice was loud but each sound he made was quickly ovepped by the vast ocean that sends its waves to hit against the mountain.


    His skinny figure crawls on the dirt ground with beads of sweat covering his forehead. With each pull of his crawl, a dark trail of blood follows behind.


    If Tao Meng were here, he would have felt sympathy for the man as he is Xiao.


    "I¡¯m sorry..."


    Xiao cries in suffering as tears ran down his cheeks and liquid substance stream down his nose. The arrogant demeanor he had earlier was no longer there as only fear wash inside him.


    His movements soone to a stop when he realizes that he had reached the mountain cliff. Another step and he would fall down the cliff andnd in the ocean water.


    All the colors on his face pale as he had already died. However, knowing that he might be able to talk his way out, he forces his body to turn around. Even with the pain that prated both his knees, he had to try.


    As he turns around, he props himself up with his arms while his legsid loosely on the ground as he could no longer feel them.


    In the darkness with the moon now facing him, he could see the outline of four figures. He couldn¡¯t see their faces, so it was hard for him to distinguish who he had wronged.


    "P-Please... Let me go. I d-don¡¯t know what I did, but I¡¯ll never cross the line again. Please, I beg of you."


    After he returned to Red Moon with Tao Meng and the others, he decided to go to Glory for some drinks. That wasn¡¯t the only reason he hired some hooligans to go with him to destroy Fate. However, on his way to Glory, he was suddenly attacked and taken to this unfamiliar mountain with a bag over his head.


    The moment he was dragged out of the car, a bullet was sent straight into his right knee. As he tumbles down to his knee, the bag over his leg was yanked off and another bullet pierced his left knee.


    Watching the pitiful man cry incoherently, the four silhouettes did not falter in their posture. One of the four men then slowly walks towards Xiao.


    "Now you know how to beg for your life?"


    Xiao¡¯s eyes widen in horror when he saw the man approaching him. He felt a wave of fear far beyond anything he has ever felt wash inside him and he screams.


    "Ahhh!! Please, don¡¯t kill me! Please! I beg of you!"


    "Tsk tsk."


    His scream that echoes into the night again made one feel sorry for him, but the man only clicks his tongue as hees to a stop near Xiao¡¯s dead legs.


    "For someone who had so full of himself earlier, you sure are a coward now."


    Hearing the voice clearer, Xiao¡¯s eyes widen intensely. It was dark and the moonlight was behind the man, but he recognized the voice.


    "Y-You..."


    He stutters the one word before swallow a hard gulp. His eyes shift to scans the other three men and he felt a chill crawl down his spine.


    "Bingo."


    The man chuckles the foreign word with a snap of his fingers. He reaches inside his pocket and takes out a small square object. He presses a button and a car rm sounds as the headlights turned on.


    Xiao squints his eyes as the light was too bright and it shone right in his eyes. He adjusted to the brightness and sees two cars parked behind the other three men. However, he didn¡¯t pay too much attention to that as he then looks at the man in front of him.


    Seeing the person¡¯s face more clearly now, all the colors on his face drained away until he was as transparent as a ghost.


    However, the fear that swept over him was quickly reced with burning rage. He points at the person with his trembling hand and gritted his teeth.


    "You... You!! You¡¯re the prick I fought with!!"


    Gui Tian Lan stares down at Xiao with a calm expression. He nces away to the man¡¯s bloody legs and smiles a smile that did not reach his eyes.


    "I¡¯m a prick, you say."


    His head nods lightly like Xiao¡¯s words were correct. He takes a step closer to the skinny man and squats down to be at eye level.


    "Don¡¯t forget, this ¡¯prick¡¯ was the one who knocked you down with one punch."


    He leans closer with a smile and his left-hand raise as a silver light glistens at the tip of his thumb and pointer finger.


    "This ¡¯prick¡¯ was also the one who made you drop your gun."


    His smile widens to reveal his pearl white teeth and he gives Xiao a better view of the needle in his hand.


    "Should I ¡¯prick¡¯ you again with this needle?"


    Like someone had sshed ice-cold water onto him, Xiao felt the fear he had moments ago crawl back inside him.


    He stares the tiny needle in Gui Tian Lan¡¯s hand and he robotically shakes his head. The needle was as thin as a strand of hair, but he knows that it was enough to kill him.


    However, remembering something, he looks at Gui Tian Lan.


    "Wait, wait, wait. Mad Reaper agreed to let us go. Why are you guys doing this to me?"


    Gui Tian Lan¡¯s hand froze in midair as Qi Li, Gui Zhongmin, and Tang Zhonghui nce at one another in silence then back at Xiao.


    "That is true."


    The tailor lower his hand and stood up calmly as he takes half a step away from Xiao. It was like Xiao¡¯s words had made a point and they were slightly afraid of going against Mad Reaper.


    "But that was his decision."


    Both his hands reach inside the pockets of his coat and he takes out two ck objects.


    "Not ours."


    When Yue Ling said it was up to them, she didn¡¯t mean just one person. Liu Shan may have gone easy on Red Moon, but that didn¡¯t mean his decision was applied to the rest of them.


    They had only let Red Moon leave because they didn¡¯t want to cause another scene in front of Uncle Nuo¡¯s food stall.


    After helping Uncle Nuo close up his food stall, all four of them headed straight for Red Moon. It was then that they saw Xiao leaving the ce and decided to follow him.


    "No... No... That can¡¯t be..."


    Xiao was in disbelief by Gui Tian Lan¡¯s words. His entire being trembles and he shakes his head vigorously. When he saw the two objects in the tailor¡¯s hands, he knew that this was the end for him.


    "I-I am Tao Meng¡¯s, left-hand man. If you kill me, you will be starting a war with Red Moon."


    His words fell like he had made another point, but a sarcastic chuckle escapes from each person.


    "Do you think we are scared of Red Moon?"


    Tang Zhonghuiughs his words and crosses both his arms over his chest. His head slightly tilts to the side, and he arches a brow at Xiao.


    "If we were someone else, maybe, but sadly we aren¡¯t. We also know that you aren¡¯t close with Tao Meng anymore."


    His right-hand raises and he nonchntly touched his chin like he was thinking hard about something.


    "Tao Meng should be the one owing us for this as we are doing a favor for Red Moon."


    Xiao was struck speechless by the man¡¯s words. He used to be Tao Meng¡¯s left-hand man and one of the trusty subordinates. Due to his arrogant nature, he forced himself onto Ling Ni. He thought that since Tao Meng would share women with them, it was the same with Ling Ni.


    However, he didn¡¯t think that Tao Meng would not only remove him from his position but even had him beaten up for touching his (Tao Meng) woman.


    Thinking about the humiliation he was already receiving from Red Moon, Xiao¡¯s anger shot up again. He thought he could make a good impression by defeating one of these four men and get his position back.


    After failing, he wanted to find some men looking to get paid and destroy Fate. However, he hadn¡¯t even started his n when fate caught up to him.


    "You should learn how to keep your thoughts to yourself."


    Standing closest to the skinny man, Gui Tian Lan was able to read Xiao¡¯s thoughts like the back of his hand. He held a gun in one hand as in his other hand was a silencer.


    He calmly attached the two and held the finished product in his left hand.


    His cold and emotionless eyes stare at Xiao like the grim reaper.


    "We left the underworld when she left. However, it is people like you who never know when to stop. Just because we don¡¯te here anymore, doesn¡¯t mean it is a ce people like you can target."


    He raises his left arm slightly and points the tip of the gun at the man who thought he was an easy target.


    "For that reason, your fate, I shall collect."


    *Pu!


    Xiao¡¯s eyes widen in horror at each word thrown on him. This mountain that he had been taken to, could it be that it is the same mountain the foundation of Fate stood on? The very ce that he wanted to destroy.


    His mouth opens as he wanted to beg for mercy, but before he could make a sound, a silent bullet enters his mouth and prated out the back of his head.


    Blood spurt out from behind him and his cold body falls backward onto the dirt ground.

 Chapter 716 Birds nes

    <h4>Chapter 716 Bird¡°s nes</h4>


    Morning came to Imperial as rays of sunlight entered the windows of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s bedroom. Laid asleep on the king-size bed, Yue Ling doesn¡¯t open her eyes right away but stretch her arms and legs as she sounds a soft moan.


    A satisfied smile curls on her lips as she felt she had a good night¡¯s sleep.


    Forgetting that she was no longer living alone, she kicks off her nket with one leg like a child.


    "That was the best sleep ever."


    She sighs with a smile and slowly opens her eyes. However, realization dawn on her, and she abruptly flung open her eyes.


    How could she forget about Lu Tian?


    Her left arm stretches outward and she pats the space next to her. Unable to feel anything, she turns her head only to see that the aloof man was nowhere in sight.


    She furrows her brows then nces down at herself. Seeing that she was wearing her sleeping clothes, she sighs in relief.


    In the past when she drinks beyond her limits, she woulde home and go straight to bed. Her body is too tired, and she is toozy to change out of her clothes.


    Not only that, since she is wearing clothes, this means she didn¡¯t turn into a drunk and wild kitten who had taken advantage of Lu Tian.


    However, thinking about this, her frown deepens, and she murmurs to herself.


    "Did I change myself?"


    Her words fell as she casually sat up. She subconsciously nces in the direction of the foot of the bed and her jaw slowly drops as she raises one hand to cover her opened mouth.


    Across the foot of the bed, the almighty Lu Tian sat in a light grey ent chair with one leg crossed over the other in a four-figure. In his right hand was a piece of his work document while a tablet settled on hisp.


    His dark eyes were not focused on either item but glued to her. It was as if he was calmly observing her movements.


    "Good morning."


    The deepness of his voice was seductive and one that can melt a woman¡¯s heart, but it made Yue Ling¡¯s widen like she was hearing something horrifying.


    She robotically nods her head in a silent greeting. She didn¡¯t dare to say a word because she knew that he had seen all of her movements.


    Lu Tia gazes straight at her with his usual stern expression. He calmly ces the document and tablet down on a side table that was set up next to the chair he sat.


    He rises from his seat and walks over to sit on the edge of the bed near her figure.


    "Seems like you had a good night¡¯s sleep."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know how to respond at all. She had woken up and forgot about his existence for a quick second. What kind of fianc¨¦ is she?


    Seeing how much of a daze she is still in, Lu Tian wanted to smile, but force himself back. His right-hand reach to her and caress the side of her head.


    "I already made breakfast. Go freshen up thene downstairs."


    He leans forward and softly kiss her forehead then stood up from the bed to leave.


    Yue Ling felt like an android who was powered on for the very first time. Her head turns as it follows his every move until he disappears out the door.


    After a long moment of silence, her body goes soft and she slumps back onto the bed.


    "Why did he look at me like that?"


    She turns her head to look at the door with pouting lips. Something inside was telling her that he was trying so hard not tough or tease her, but why?


    However, unable to think of an answer, she nces at the window.


    The bright light that was entering inside the room shot a faint pounding sensation inside her head and cause her to groan in pain. The feeling was like hundred of tiny needles prickling her brain.


    "Why am having a hangover? Just how much did I drinkst night?"


    She sounds a faint groan again. She had woken up feeling rxed, so she assumed she would be fine.


    However, who would have thought that after sitting up and falling back onto the bed, she would feel a wave of severe headache.


    Forcing herself to climb out of bed, she groggily makes her way to thevatory. She didn¡¯t forget to hold onto the wall for support as she continuously massages her forehead.


    "I¡¯m never drinking again. Never."


    She pushes thevatory door open and walks inside to freshen up as she needed to go to work.


    Upon entering, she makes her way to the shower to turn the water on. As she passes the sink, she nces at the mirror and seeing her reflection, her entire being stiffened in ce.


    "Oh my God..."


    Her jaw drops to the floor and she brings her trembling hands up. Holding her cheeks, her expression turns into one of pure horror.


    "How could he kiss me like this? Is this why he was trying not tough?"


    Her once wavy and long hair was so disheveled it was identical to a bird¡¯s nest. Even she wouldn¡¯t be surprised if a bird were to suddenly fly out from her hair.


    And like that was not enough, her face...


    She had ck smudges under her eyes due to the mascara and eyeliner she was too drunk to remove. The lipstick she wore yesterday was also smeared all around her lip making her look like a clown.


    As she stares in disbelief at her reflection, she thought back to how she woke up and met Lu Tian¡¯s eyes.


    "Ahh... Ahhh¡ª!!"


    Her hands move to cover her face and she screams at the top of her lungs. At times like this, she wishes so badly for a hole to magically appear so she can hide in it.


    She pokes her eyes out through the gaps of her fingers and seeing her horrible reflection again, her shoulders tremble uncontrobly.


    ¡¯Why? Why? Why?¡¯


    Her eyes close and she sobs without tears as she wishes she could just faint like in the dramas she has seen.


    While Yue Ling tries to question her embarrassment, Lu Tian was in the kitchen heating the light breakfast he had prepared for her.


    He scoops the congee into a bowl and carries it to the dining table. When he heard her scream that echoed inside the house, he didn¡¯t panic and rush to check on her.


    Instead, he pauses in his movements for a quick second then continues to the table. He didn¡¯t need to go to her because he already knew why she was screaming.


    The corners of his lip arc up and reveals his teeth as he chuckles. He ces the bowl of congee down and walks back to the kitchen counter.


    After their star gazing moment, he had carried her back inside since she fell asleep. He had hanged her clothes and wanted to get a warm towel to clean her a bit, but before he could make a move, she had wrapped her arms around him and pulled him in bed.


    She hugged him with so tightly that even he was surprised by her strength. He was sure that if she wanted to, she could easily knock him out cold with one punch.


    However, knowing that she is drunk and not wanting to die himself, he decides to let her do whatever she wanted.


    There were even a few times when he was jolted awake in the middle of the night because she was constantly tossing and turning. He had been hit a few times too, but it wasn¡¯t too painful, so he just waited until she had found afortable sleeping position then tucked her back in bed.


    The only thing was, he didn¡¯t expect her to wake up looking like a circus clown with a bird¡¯s nest on top of her head.


    Of course, this didn¡¯t make his feelings for her waver. It was more like a surprise for him to see this side of his wife.


    Thinking about what happenedst night and her reaction when she woke up, Lu Tian finished setting the table.


    He looks in the direction of the stairs and a soft smile curls on his lips.


    "Should I keep pretending that I didn¡¯t see anything, or should I tease her a little?"

 Chapter 717 Everything is fine

    <h4>Chapter 717 Everything is fine</h4>


    Yue Ling finished freshening up and headed downstairs. She changed into a ck turtleneck top that she tucked inside a pair of ck wide-leg cks. Securing at her waist was a ck belt with a finishing gold buckle.


    As she walks to the kitchen to meet Lu Tian, she held her work bag in one hand and a tan wool coat on the other hand.


    However, before entering the kitchen, she tops in front of the mirror hung at the front entryway. She looks at her reflection and does a quick double-check to see if anything was wrong with her light makeup and hair.


    "Good, everything is fine."


    She inhales a deep breath and calms herself as she turns away from the mirror.


    Although she is the type of person who never cares about how others judge her, she still didn¡¯t want Lu Tian to see any more of her embarrassing side.


    Walking into the kitchen, she stops at the open wall space that separated the kitchen and living room. She kept her usual calm expression like she had never been nervous or woken up in a hot mess.


    "I won¡¯t be having breakfast."


    Her tone was like a master informing her servant and it made the man in the kitchen stop what he was doing.


    Lu Tian was holding a cup of warm ginger tea in his hand and taking it to the table. Just as he reached the table, he pauses in his steps at her words.


    He looks at her for a quick second, then nces at her hair. It was no longer the bird¡¯s nest he had saw when she first woke up. Instead, she had nicely straightened it and let it flow down her shoulders to her back.


    Thinking about her appearance again, the corners of his mouth twitch every so lightly, but he quickly brushes it aside and forces himself not to tease her.


    He looks away from her and continues with what he was doing.


    "I made congee with chicken. Eat a little then drink some ginger tea."


    Like he had not heard her words at all, he pulls a chair out and gestures for her to sit down.


    "It¡¯ll help with your hangover."


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded by his calm behavior. She could only blink her eyes at him as she knew he wanted to smile but was trying very hard not to.


    She nces down at the food and could smell the delicious aroma from the congee. At that moment, her stomach faintly growls but she ignores it and puts on a stern expression.


    "It¡¯s fine. I need to get to work. I have to meet a textilepany today."


    She spoke in a matter of fact tone and despite hearing her stomach growl again, she turns away from the kitchen and walks towards the front door.


    Lu Tian was at a loss for words by her. He watches her disappear from his view leaving only the living room for him to see.


    He heaves a long sigh and walks away from the table. He doesn¡¯t follow her right away but grabs a bag from the kitchen counter then follows after her. He had a hunch that she might bail on breakfast, so he packed some congee and ginger tea in advance.


    Yue Ling stepped out of the house only to see that her white BMW x5m was not parked in front of the house. She sighs inside and heads in the direction of the garage to see if it was there.


    However, like outside, the car was also not parked in the garage.


    This allowed her to conclude that she didn¡¯t get home by herself.


    She walks over to one part of the garage that disyed her motorcycle helmets and set her work bag on the counter. As she puts on her coat, she looks at the ss safe that house her keys.


    "Which car should I drive today?"


    Compare to all her vehicles here, the x5m was the least attention-grabbing one, so she prefers to drive it to work. However, now that it isn¡¯t here, she needs to carefully choose the right car to drive.


    "Yue Ling."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice suddenly sounds from behind her and made her jump in surprise. Without turning around to him, she opens the ss safe and quickly grabs a set of car keys.


    In a panic state of mind, she grabs her work bag and stride to the car. She didn¡¯t forget to look at him and gives him a smile like nothing was wrong.


    "Have to go. I don¡¯t want to bete for work."


    Her words fell as fast as her pace. However, Lu Tian could only arch a brow at her.


    Not because of her suspicious behavior but because the first car she went to ended up being the wrong car, then the same for the second car.


    He sighs inside and walks over to her, but seeing something from his peripheral vision, his head turns to the many motorcycle helmets.


    A faint chuckle escapes his lips and he walks over to the area. He picks up the item he saw and shakes his head at his wife¡¯s clumsiness.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t bother to pay any attention to the aloof man. She was too frustrated about her current situation. All the cars in this garage belong to her, but why is it so difficult to get to the right one.


    *beep beep


    She presses the car rm and finally finding the car she had picked, she was even more dumbfounded.


    It was her white Ashton Martin DB11.


    She couldn¡¯t help but sound a faint sob without any tears and drag her feet towards the car. She opens the driverside door and sat inside as she ces her work bag on the passenger seat.


    *knock knock


    The moment she turned the car on, a light tap sounds at the dark tinted window next to her. She didn¡¯t have to look to see who it was and reach for the window button.


    As the window automatically rolls down, Lu Tian bends a little to be at eye level with his wife. She shes him a wide grin and chuckles sarcastically.


    "C-Can I help you with something?"


    Seeing her smile that was not good for his heart, Lu Tian wanted to pull her in for a kiss. However, he held himself back and nce at her passenger seat then back to her.


    "I think this one will be more useful for you."


    He raises his left hand and shows her a bag as he smiles a chuckle full of teasing.


    "..."


    Yue Ling was confused but when she saw the bag in his hand, her eyes widen more than they could, and her mouth slightly opened in shock.


    "That¡¯s... how?"


    She flung her head to look at the passenger seat and what she saw made her widen eyes turn heavy. Sitting up like a majestic object was not her work bag but one of her helmets.


    "Should we swap?"


    Lu Tian asked like this incident was a natural urrence. However, Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush a shade of crimson red and without looking at him, she embarrassingly reaches for the helmet and switches it for her actual work bag.


    Another chuckle sounds from Lu Tian as he takes the helmet away from her. He also hands her bag of congee and she dazedly takes it without looking at it.


    He leans inside the car and ces a kiss on the side of her head.


    "Drive safely. Don¡¯t forget to eat congee I packed for you when you get to work."

 Chapter 718 Still on vacation

    <h4>Chapter 718 Still on vacation</h4>


    As Yue Ling¡¯s car drives away from the house, Lu Tian returns inside. It was already 7:30 in the morning, but he wasn¡¯t going to work until after lunch as he needed to be somewhere else.


    *Ring ring


    He had had only taken a seat at the dining table when his phone rings from his pocket. He held his phone and seeing the name of the caller, he answers the call.


    "Speak."


    ["Boss, it¡¯s me."]


    From the other line, Xu Long¡¯s jolly voice sounds like he was having a great morning.


    ["I called to remind you about today¡¯s important meeting with Manager He."]


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t answer right away but puts the call on the speaker then set the phone down.


    "Xu Long, are you calling because you don¡¯t want to be on vacation anymore?"


    ["..."]


    The line goes quiet for a long minute, but it was still connected.


    ["Heh... heh... what call? This is James Long Bond. Xu Long is still on vacation. Bye."]


    The call ends leaving Lu Tian to shake his head. He doesn¡¯t bother with his assistant weird behavior and continues to eat breakfast alone in the kitchen.


    In the distance where Jade Condos stood, Xu Long who is oblivious to the situation his boss anddy boss had gone through sat on his bed. He tosses his phone aside and falls back toy down as he stares up at the ceiling.


    "Sheesh, how can he be so cold? All I wanted to do was to remind you about the important meeting."


    He turns toy on his side and stare at the huge window in his new bedroom.


    "I want to enjoy my vacation, but I also want to go to work..."


    Heaving a long and depressing sigh, he stares at the sky outside.


    He couldn¡¯t go back to sleep because he is too used to waking up early for work. However, what is supposed to do now?


    Sighing again, he moves the nket off of him and gets outs of bed. His exposed figure wearing only a ck briefes into view and he puts on a peach-colored robe but doesn¡¯t secure it in ce.


    "What to do, what to do..."


    He mumbles to himself then looks at the balcony door. Realizing he has never stepped out to the balcony since he moved in, he decides to go check it out.


    "Oh my, what a beautiful view."


    As he stepped outside, he yawns his words without any care about the world and stretches his arms far apart with his chest stuck out. In a great mood, he slightly bends forward to exercise and touches his toes with his left hand as his right-hand kept in midair.


    His eyes nce to the right of him then he switches arms. However, realizing something, he froze in ce.


    He struggles a hard gulp that made his Adam¡¯s apple bob and he slowly turns his head back to look at his right.


    Sitting on a chair in the balcony next door to his, Zhao Ya¡¯Er held a cup in one hand as her other hand was near her mouth. She was brushing her teeth but had stopped when she suddenly saw Xu Long.


    Her expression was one of astonishment at the assistant???s yawning manners, yet, at the time she was amused. However, when her eyes lower a bit, she choked on her saliva at the sight of his partially exposed body.


    "Ahhh--!"


    A shrieking scream of a little girl¡¯s voice sounds, but it was not from Zhao Ya¡¯Er. It came from Xu Long. He quickly straightens his posture but covers his chest with one arm as the other covers his legs.


    His scream carried on like he was hitting every high note in a song until he ran out of air and coughs. Without making another sound, he spins around and darts back inside his penthouse.


    "..."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was struck speechless by what just happened. She spat into the cup she was holding and stares with a perplex expression at Xu Long¡¯s balcony.


    Why did he scream like that? Did she do something wrong?


    Her eyes blinked a few times then she shrugs her shoulders and walks back to her penthouse. She had onlye out here to brush her teeth and didn¡¯t think she would see him.


    However, the image of Xu Long¡¯s body enters her mind again and she shakes her head.


    "He has a very nice and toned figure. Too bad he swings the other way."


    Oblivious to the woman who had seen him, Xu Long was in a frantic mess. He leaned against the door with his back and both his arms slightly spread at his side. It was like he was trying to keep an intruder from entering.


    "Why... why... why..."


    His chest heaved heavily at the shock and embarrassing situation that fell upon him. He squeezes his eyes shut and sobs without any tears.


    "Why did she have to see me like this?"


    He raises one hand to p his forehead a few times and continues to cry. It is always him who encounters such bad luck with women.


    "I haven¡¯t even gotten the chance to exin the misunderstanding of my rtionship with Lin Hui."


    His eyes open with moisture and he stares up at the ceiling like he was looking at the heavens above.


    "Why am I the only one who faces such embarrassment?"


    He is the kind of person who likes to lounge around in his briefs on his days off. Of course, it wasn¡¯t all the time.


    However, if he could see into the future, he would have worn some clothes before stepping out onto the balcony or at least secured his robe in ce.


    It was already embarrassing enough that Zhao Ya¡¯Er, who is way out of his league thinks he likes men. Now, she even got to see this unmanly side of him. What will she think?


    He sobs again in sympathy for himself and tilts his head forward. Looking at his exposed upper body, he sighs again and ps his toned abs.


    "Well, on the bright side, my body didn¡¯t embarrass me."


    Taking a deep breath, he drags his legs to thevatory to get ready for his day. He also didn¡¯t forget to think of a way to exin all the misunderstandings to his pretty neighbor.

 Chapter 719 See that other side of you

    <h4>Chapter 719 See that other side of you</h4>


    Yue Ling¡¯s white Ashton Martin DB11 slows to a stop in De L¡¯amour¡¯s parking lot. The driverside door calmly pushes open and she steps out into view.


    She ces her work bag over her shoulder and held the bad of congee in one hand.


    "Good morning, CEO Han."


    Sophia stood up from her chair and greets her boss upon arrival with a polite bow. She parted her lips and wanted to ask if she (Yue Ling) got home safelyst night, but remembering something, she stops herself.


    "Assistant Liu arrived an hour ago. He¡¯s in his office."


    Yue Ling kept aposed demeanor, but she was surprised to hear that Liu Shan came in early for work. Usually, he would arrive at least 15 minutes before her or a little after her. However, not thinking much of his decision, she walks in the direction of the elevators.


    As she enters the metal rectangle box and ascends to the highest floor, her eyes closed like she was trying to free her mind.


    *Ding


    The elevator bell chimes in arrival and she slowly opens her eyes again. As she steps out of the elevator, a very familiar voice calls out to her.


    "Boss?"


    Walking past her office and heading to his own, Liu Shan held two hangers with theirtest designs on it. When he saw her exit the elevator, he was surprised to see her at work. He thought that would be staying home oring inter.


    This was also the reason why he hade in for work early as he was preparing for today¡¯s schedule.


    "Why are you here?"


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t answer him but heads straight for her office. Without looking at him, she gestures with one hand for him to follow.


    Confused by this, Liu Shan goes inside his office to drop off the designs in his hand then makes his way to her office.


    "Boss, about today¡¯s schedule, I can take care of¡ª"


    He spoke as he enters the room, but before he could finish his words, he abruptly stops himself. His eyelids turned heavy and he shakes his head with a sigh.


    "Why did youe in for work? You could have just stayed home."


    Yue Ling did not go to her desk. She sat on the far right of one of the two white couches with her elbow propped on the armrest and right palm covering her eyes.


    She had been so embarrassed by her encounter with Lu Tian that she forgot all about her handover. She even thought she was fine since she was able to drive to work.


    However, the second she stepped inside the elevator that was when she felt everything around her began to spin in circles.


    Hearing the slight worry in her assistant¡¯s voice, she points with her left hand to the bag of congee Lu Tian had packed for her.


    "It¡¯s fine. Heat the congee inside that bag for me."


    Liu Shan stood by the couch she sat on and nce down at the bag then back to her. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh inside as he knows that she was having a hangover.


    Brushing this thought aside, he reaches forward and picks up the bag.


    "I¡¯ll be right back then."


    As he leaves the room, Yue Ling lowers her hand. The bright light from the roombine with the sun rays entering from the outside intensified her headache even more.


    She groans a little and quickly ces her palm over her eyes again. She massages her temple with soft strokes and curses inside at the feeling she was receiving.


    The reason why she only drinks asionally was that she didn¡¯t like the feeling one gets the next day. Not only that, but she also knew her limits, so how much did she drinkst night?


    After a few minutes, Liu Shan returns to her office carrying a tray with a bowl of congee and a cup of ginger tea. He quietly ces it down on the coffee table and takes a seat on the couch across from her.


    "Here you go. I also warmed up the ginger tea that was packed inside."


    Yue Ling lowers her hand and inhales a deep breath. The aroma of the congee and ginger tea enters her nostrils making her feel rxed. Even the pounding sensation in her head was faintly subdued.


    "Thanks."


    She sits up to reach for the bowl and a spoon. As she takes the first bite, her entire being softens even more.


    The congee was heated up to the perfect temperature and the taste was asparable as any food from a five-star restaurant.


    Liu Shan watches her eat and he lightly shakes his head at her. He leans back on the couch and crosses his arms over his chest.


    "You should thank your soon-to-be-husband. He¡¯s the one who prepared the congee and tea."


    Having only taken her second bite, Yue Ling slightly furrows her brows at his words. She thought back to her treatment towards Lu Tian and wanted to p herself for being so mean to him.


    She had left in such a hurry because of her embarrassment that she left him alone to eat breakfast.


    Taking another bite of the congee, she decides that she will treat him to lunch and make it up to him.


    As he could already guess what had happened, Liu Shan felt pity for Lu Tian. In the past, it was either Shin or him who had to take care of Yue Ling and he has to admit, she was a handful to handle.


    Even he can¡¯t help but wonder how the aloof man looked like. He (Lu Tian) is known as a coldblooded man, but having to face this side of Yue Ling, what was his reaction?


    Yue Ling finished the congee and set the bowl down. She then picks up the warm ginger tea and takes a sip.


    "What¡¯s my schedule for today?"


    Knowing why she was asking, Liu Shan reach for the empty bowl and ce it on the tray.


    "You have a meeting with Cloth Co., but it isn¡¯t until 10."


    He picks up the tray and stood up from the couch as his words continue.


    "Get some rest. I¡¯ll take care of things until then."


    Yue Ling would have declined his offer, but knowing her body better than anyone, she will only be a nuisance to everyone¡¯s work. She nods her head once and takes another sip of the ginger tea.


    "Thirty-minutes is enough."


    Hearing her words, a sigh sounds from Liu Shan. He wanted to tell her to just rest and not worry about anything else, but as someone who has worked alongside her for many years, he knows that anything he says will not change her mind.


    "Alright, call me if you need anything."


    He had told her to rest because it was only 8 am. The others weren¡¯ting in for work until 9 am as she had let theme inte.


    Looking at her onest time, he walks towards the door to leave.


    "Wait."


    Yue Ling stops him the moment he reached the door. She lowers her hand holding the cup and turn her head to look at him.


    A wave of hesitation wash over her, but she swallows a gulp and asks.


    "How much did I drinkst night?"


    Liu Shan was taken back by her sudden question. He turns around to look at her then puts on his serious thinking face like he was trying hard to remember.


    "Hmm... I don¡¯t think you drank that much..."


    He stares at her for a long second before revealing a wide grin.


    "However, it was enough to make you want to count the stars."


    His words fell and he didn¡¯t hesitate to leave the room. However, he pauses outside the door and pokes his head back inside.


    "If you want to know, ask Lu Tian. He was in the front row to see that other side of you."


    "..."

 Chapter 720 Did you even rest?

    <h4>Chapter 720 Did you even rest?</h4>


    The time soon reach 9 am as the quietness inside De L¡¯amour was reced with the voices of the workers. Like their boss, a handful of people were still hungover from drinking too muchst night, while others felt the same as every other day.


    As each person began their usual assignment, on the highest floor, Liu Shan steps out from his office and makes his way for Yue Ling¡¯s office.


    *Knock knock


    "Boss, it¡¯s me."


    He sounds a soft knock to alert her of his arrival but hears no response. Thinking she might still be asleep he slowly pushes open the door and enters the room.


    "Boss, are you¡ª"


    His right foot had only stepped inside the room when he saw that both the couches were empty. He quickly enters and searches for her, but to his surprise, he finds her up and sitting behind her desk.


    "Did you even rest?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask as he walks over to her with a frown.


    Yue Ling was currently going over the supply contract that is going to be discussed with Cloth Co. She wanted to make sure that everything was perfect.


    After all, if the meeting goes well, De L¡¯amour and Cloth Co. will be working together for a while.


    When she heard Liu Shan¡¯s voice, she looks up at him. Only, this time, it was she who was taken back by surprise to see him standing in front of her desk.


    Had she been so focused on the contract that she didn¡¯t hear him enter the room?


    However, not thinking much about it, she ces the contract inside a ck file folder.


    "I rested enough."


    She spoke her words and stood up from her seat. Holding the holding in one arm, she grabs her work bag and walks out of the room.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Liu Shan was left in a dumbfounded state inside her office. He finally returned to his senses and turns around to stare in the direction she had gone.


    He can¡¯t remember how many times he already did this, but he sighs again and shakes his head before following after her.


    "Why do I have a feeling that¡¯s a lie?"


    As the boss and assistant exit the building, Yue Ling entered the backseat of Liu Shan¡¯s car as he takes the driver seat.


    Yue Ling tilts her head back and leans against the seat as her eyes close to rest her mind. After Liu Shan left her office, she did rest. However, it was only for ten minutes.


    Although it was short, it was enough for her to clear the pounding sensation in her head.


    Liu Shan starts the car and drives it out of the parking lot. Once they were on the road, he takes a nce at the rearview mirror to his boss.


    He was curious and wanted to ask if she was able to count the stars, but seeing that her eyes were closed, he decides to keep quiet.


    Cloth Co. is located on the other side of Imperial and will take a while until they arrive. He knows that she didn¡¯t rest properly, so as her assistant, he should let her use this drive to get some rest.


    As Yue Ling and Liu Shan head to their meeting with the textilepany, neither were aware of themotion taking ce within Imperial Military Hospital.


    "How much longer do I have to stay here?"


    Inside a private ward, Grandfather Ji sat on the hospital bed with a fury expression. His powerful voice thundered into the hearts of the nurses standing in the room.


    However, to Doctor Dong, he felt the old man¡¯s voice was like an annoying flea that was asking to be swat.


    He stares at his old friend and casually ces both hands behind his back. His expression was calm, and he waited for Grandfather Ji to finish nagging.


    Grandfather Ji was distraught and fuming with rage. He is doing better and wants to leave the hospital. He didn¡¯t want to stay here anymore as there were many things, he needed to take care of.


    He looks at Doctor Dong with cold ring eyes like he wanted to strangle the old man to death.


    "Old fart, why are you keeping hostage in this hell hole ce?"


    Doctor Dong was struck bbergasted by the almighty General. Sometimes he can¡¯t help but wonder what others will think when they find out the respectable man, they look up to is nothing but a fussy child in an old man¡¯s body.


    He shakes his head with a sigh and moves both his hands inside the pockets of his white doctor coat.


    "General, your diagnose test report has not been finalized. Once ites back, I will determine whether it is safe for you to be discharged or not."


    Hearing the doctor, Grandfather Ji¡¯s nostrils re with invisible steam protruding. He growls a ¡¯hmmf¡¯ and crosses his arms over his chest as he looks away from the doctor and nurses.


    "Why is the report taking so long? Shouldn¡¯t it be done already?"


    Doctor Dong sighs inside and waves to the nurses for them to leave. Once it was only him and Grandfather Ji inside the private ward, he walks over to the bed and takes a seat on a nearby chair.


    "We¡¯ve been friends for many years, couldn¡¯t you give me a little face in front of my workers?"


    Grandfather Ji wanted to retort back but abruptly shut his mouth. He couldn¡¯t help but feel embarrassed when he thought back to his behavior. Especially at how he called Doctor Dong an old fart.


    He had only said it out offort since it was a name, they often called one another. He clears his throat and looks at his good and close friend of many years.


    "Fine, I admit my behavior was out of line. However, it¡¯s only natural for me to be furious. I¡¯ve been doing better now, why haven¡¯t I been discharged yet?"


    His eyes narrow as his words fell and he stares at Doctor Dong with a look full of suspicion.


    "Why do I have a gut feeling that you are purposely trying to keep me here?"


    Like he had been caught red-handed trying to steal a valuable item, Doctor Dong heaves another sigh. However, this time it was longer than thest one.


    "I can never keep anything from your sharp eagle eyes."


    He raises his hand to massage his temple then looks at Grandfather Ji.


    "You had another mild heart attack. It isn¡¯t fatal, but I cannot guarantee if you have another one."


    The anger that stormed inside Grandfather Ji slowly disappears and he smiles bitterly. He turns his head to look out the window and a wave of mixed emotions crawled inside him.


    "I see, so it was another attack..."


    His voice was soft and full of guilt. He slowly closes his eyes to take a deep breath and he spoke again.


    "Speed up the process of the diagnosis report. I want to be discharged from here as soon as possible."


    He pauses after his words, but in a split second, he continues again.


    "No, I need to be discharged from here."


    Even if others think he is crazy for wanting to leave the hospital than care for his health, he needs to prepare everything for his granddaughter and grandson. He needs to make sure that Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu will be able to live a life offort without him.


    It is like Doctor Dong said. He may have had another mild heart attack this time, but no one knows how the next one will be as it might be the one to take his life.


    His eyes slowly open and as he stares at the early sky outside the window, a determined look sh on his face.


    "Once I¡¯m discharged from here, I will tell her about my illness."

 Chapter 721 Beautiful beas

    <h4>Chapter 721 Beautiful beas</h4>


    At exactly 9:45 am, Liu Shan¡¯s ck car enters the parking lot of apany with huge windows. Compare to Fang Fabric¡¯s exterior design, this building can be considered at the top of the line. If one did not know, they would have mistaken this ce for a luxurious hotel.


    Liu Shan parked the car and he stepped out of the driver seat, but his eyes still remained glued to the building in front of him. It was like a painting that makes one want to admire it from afar.


    "Boss, could this be the reason why you chose Cloth Co.?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask as he opens the backseat door and held it open for his boss to step out.


    "No, it is because of Cloth Co.¡¯s potentials."


    Stepping out of the car, Yue Ling answers as she nces up at the building. It is indeed beyond anything she has ever seen, but its outer appearance does not matter to her.


    In her perspective, even if the building were to hold its stunning shape and consider the best in all of Imperial if the inside is tarnish with the slightest w, it has no use for De L¡¯amour.


    She would rather take her business proposal to a less attractive ce that will actually benefit herpany.


    "Let¡¯s go, it¡¯s almost 10."


    Liu Shan was still distracted by the building¡¯s outstanding details, but he quicklyes back to his senses. He closes the door and strides in a small jog to catch up to his boss.


    "Wait for me. How can you, eh?"


    Just as he caught up to Yue Ling, hees to a screeching stop. She had suddenly stopped out of nowhere, if he didn¡¯t stop himself in time, he would have knocked into her and sent her flying across the parking lot.


    "What is it? Why did you stop?"


    He asks with a frown and pouting lips. Seeing her head turned to look at the left side of her, he follows her gaze. When he saw what she was looking at, he gasps loudly.


    "Oh! My! God! Is that a..."


    "Lotus Evora."


    Yue Ling finishes the sentence as she could not take her eyes off of the car. Its outer appearance was coated in a metallic silver color and had dark tinted windows making one unable to see inside. It also had ck trims that enhanced the beauty of the car.


    She slightly turns her body to face the direction she was looking at and smile curls on her lip.


    "GT430. Whoever owns this car has done a great custom on it."


    Her words entered Liu Shan¡¯s ears and he turns his head to look at her. Seeing the smile on her face with a glistening look in her eyes, he scoffs a chuckle.


    "Wow, you really do know your cars."


    He looks back at the car, then pouts his lip. He tries to remember if Yue Ling owns any Lotus Evora GT430 in her garage, but unable to recall it, he touches his chin and deepens his thoughts.


    "Wait a minute."


    Remembering something, he abruptly looks back at her with one hand pointing to the car.


    "Isn¡¯t this the car model you were nning to buy before moving to Imperial?"


    Yue Ling answers with a faint ¡¯mm¡¯. She was never one to stop and stare at anything. However, when ites to cars, no matter what its price is, if she thinks it is a beauty, she will stop to admire it.


    Staring at the beautiful beast in front of her, she was now determined to get herself one.


    "Let¡¯s go, we¡¯re going to bete."


    Like she had never stopped to check out the car, she continues in the direction of Cloth Co.


    Liu Shan looks at the car onest time then turns his attention back to their purpose ofing here. He steadily follows after his boss and ponders in thought.


    He looks up at the majestic building they were approaching and couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the owner of the car. His eyes slightly narrow when he remembers the mysterious owner of the ce and he smirks mischievously.


    "This will be interesting."


    As they entered Cloth Co., Yue Ling and Liu Shan were greeted by silence as the entire first floor was practically empty with only a few security guards standing in position against the walls.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes scan the premises without turning her head as Liu Shan does the same.


    "Boss, are we at the right ce?"


    Liu Shan whispers confusingly as he didn¡¯t understand. They had settled on a date and time with Cloth Co., so why isn¡¯t there anyone here to greet them?


    *Ding


    Just as he thought this, an elevator in front of them chimes like the music inside the ce. Liu Shan looks at the elevator and watches as the doors slide open.


    A middle-aged man wearing a burgundy suit steps out into view. The mustache above his mouth was as thin as a strand of yarn and curled ever so lightly at the ends. His eyebrows were as sharp as his eyes and gave him a sinister look.


    Liu Shan stares at the man and he struggles a hard gulp. He couldn¡¯t help but take a small step to stand behind his boss and whispers to her.


    "Boss, are we really at the right ce?"


    He felt a small chill crawl down the back of his spine and all the hair on his body stood on ends.


    "Why is Jafar from ddin here and walking towards us?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling kept her cool but inside she was dumbfounded by her assistant. She looks at the middle-aged man and was almost unable to contain herself fromughing at the mention of the cartoon character.


    She slightly turns her head to Liu Shan with eyes focusing on the man and whispers back.


    "He¡¯s not Jafar, he doesn¡¯t have the beard."


    "..."


    Her quiet voice fell jokingly and Liu Shan was turned dumbfounded. She ignores him and clears her throat before walking over to meet the middle-aged man.


    "Oh my, I apologize for not greeting you on time. I was on my way to wee you, but you already came inside."


    The middle-aged man spoke with a wide smile on his face when he saw Yue Ling and Liu Shan. He also throws in a chuckle and yfully pats his chest as he slightly bows his head.


    Yue Ling was struck speechless by his smile but knowing how to stay calm, she smiles politely to him.


    "We arrived not too long ago since the scheduled meeting with Cloth Co. is at 10."


    Her words fell with a soft chuckle and she introduces herself.


    "We are from De L¡¯amour. I am Han Yue Ling, and this is my assistant, Liu Shan."


    The middle-aged man nods his head in understanding and kept his eyes on Yue Ling like he was looking at her with interest. However, that look in his eyes onlysted for a quick second.


    "Miss Han, I am Manager He. Please follow me to the meeting room."


    He turns around and walks back towards the elevator as Yue Ling casually follows.


    Behind the two people, Liu Shan kept pace with them, but he was stuck in his own world. The image of Manager He¡¯s smiling face was reying in his mind as the man looked so evil and sinister.


    He shivers at the thought of the middle-aged man¡¯s face and rubs the side of his arms like a cold breeze had brushed past him.


    "If I have a nightmare tonight, I know who to me."

 Chapter 722 Mysterious owner

    <h4>Chapter 722 Mysterious owner</h4>


    The elevator inside Cloth Co. soon arrives on the fourth floor. As the elevator bell chimes, the door slides open and Manager He steps out.


    "Miss Han, Assistant Liu, please follow me this way."


    Yue Ling and Liu Shan oblige and followed after the middle-aged man. However, both individuals were astonished by the interior details of this floor level.


    Outside, the building looked tall and massive like it contained many floor levels, but once inside, there were only a total of five levels. Each building was as tall as a three-story building.


    They were able to conclude this because of the elevator buttons. There were only five buttons and Manager He happened to press button number four.


    As they walk through a long and quiet corridor, Yue Ling and Liu Shan were led to the end where a dark double door awaited them.


    Manager He stops in front of the door and turns around to look at the two people who had not spoken a word since their small introduction on the first floor.


    "My boss is waiting inside for your arrival."


    His words made Yue Ling and Liu Shan ce their attention back on him. When they saw his evil-looking smile again, Yue Ling presses her lips together while the corners of Liu Shan¡¯s mouth twitched.


    Both boss and assistant felt a waving urge tough but held themselves back. Every time Manager He looked at them, they were constantly reminded of a beardless Jafar.


    However, Yue Ling brushes all thoughts aside and smiles politely at him.


    From their short encounter, she can differentiate that despite Manager He has the appearance of an evil viin, he is nothing more than a sweet middle-aged man.


    "Thank you. Will you be joining the meeting as well?"


    She asked and Manager He shook his head in response. He turns to face the door again and reach for the handle.


    Liu Shan did not once take his eyes off of Manager He. However, when he nced at the door, he furrows his brows in thoughts. He was now curious about why Manager He wasn¡¯t going to partake in the meeting and who the mysterious owner of this ce is.


    Having lived long enough to understand, Manager He was well aware of Liu Shan¡¯s thoughts. He doesn¡¯t say anything but calmly pushes the door open then takes a few steps aside to make way for them.


    He gestures a polite bow and motions with one hand inside the room.


    "Please enter. If you need anything, please ask my boss to inform me."


    Yue Ling had gotten used to Manager He¡¯s expressions. She thanked him politely and enters the room as Liu Shan remained unmoving.


    He was once again struck in a daze by the middle-aged man¡¯s smiling face. He felt that no matter how many times he sees it he will never be able to get over it.


    However, despite feeling this way, he brushes everything aside and changes back to the professional assistant that he is.


    Since Manager He won¡¯t be joining them in the meeting, he can focus better on his job instead of getting distracted every second.


    He thanked the middle-aged man and enters the room after his boss.


    Standing alone outside the door, Manager He blinked his eyes a few times at Liu Shan¡¯s departing figure. He closes the door and walks away but pauses in his steps as he turns back to look at the door.


    "Why did that young man keep looking at me? Is it because I have something on my face?"


    He raises one hand to touch his face, but feeling nothing, he frowns and continues with his way.


    "Hmm, I must be too good looking. Yes, that must be it."


    Inside the room, Yue Ling and Liu Shan were oblivious to Manager He¡¯s selfpliment of himself. The boss and assistant were once again struck by surprise by the room. Especially the side of the room that had multiple huge floor-to-ceiling windows allowing one to see the back courtyard of the building.


    There were trees on all sides but ced in the center was ake that had a streaming fountain in the middle. From a nce, one can tell that it was a very popr ce for employees to take a stroll during their breaks or have lunch on the side tables.


    Looking away from the huge ss windows, Liu Shan looks at his boss and notice that she had not taken a seat. She stood in front of the long dark marble table in the room with a straight face.


    "Boss, what is it?"


    He whispers to her from behind as he found it unlike her. However, seeing that her expression held a slight look of shock, he turns his head to look in the same direction as her.


    "Why are you acting¡ª"


    He had only spoken a few words when he gasps in shock at what Yue Ling was looking for. His mouth opened and closes a few times before he could finally find the right words.


    "W-w-w-why are you.... H-How are you also here?"


    Unable to think clearly, he quickly looks at Yue Ling for an answer.


    "Did you know about this?"


    Yue Ling remained still but her eyes did not move away from the figure sitting on the other end of the long table. The person¡¯s dark eyes locked onto her own bluish-green eyes and never once looked at Liu Shan.


    She shook her head once to answer her assistant, then walks up to the table to sit down. She made sure the chair she chose was directly parallel to the person.


    "Did you ept the meeting because it was from me?"


    Her words fell and she ces the ck folder in her hand on the table. She then looks at the person, but this time, the small ounce of shock in her eyes had disappeared leaving nothing but indifference.


    "I would like to hear your answer, Mr. Lu."


    Liu Shan stood behind his boss with his feet glued to the floor. When he heard her tone of voice, he could only sigh inside and take his head in pity for the man across the table.


    However, at the same time, he wanted to p himself for not seeing this.


    What mysterious owner of Cloth Co.? It was none other than Imperial¡¯s youngest multi-millionaire. Not only that, he should have guessed that other than his boss, who else in Imperial could own such a beautiful beast parked outside.


    That¡¯s right, the mysterious person Yue Ling and Liu Shan have a meeting with is none other than the infamous Lu Tian himself.


    Wearing a ck tailored suit, he sat like a majestic figure on the opposite end of the table. His postured leaned back on the chair with both his arms resting on the armrest.


    The important meeting Xu Long had called to remind him was none other than this one.


    A few days ago during one of his meetings, Xu Long had interrupted him saying De L¡¯amour had chosen to work with Cloth Co., one of his businesses. Knowing that it was his wife¡¯spany, he did not hesitate to agree and set a meeting. He even kept it a secret from her and yed it off cool.


    He stares at his beautiful wife and his entire being softens at the warm sight of her. However, thinking about her question, he casually leans forward and ces his forearms on top of the dark marble table as his fingers entwined together.


    One corner of his lip arcs up into a seductive side smile and he answers.


    "I epted it because it is you."

 Chapter 723 Prolonged a new time frame

    <h4>Chapter 723 Prolonged a new time frame</h4>


    Inside the conference room of Cloth Co., Liu Shan remained rooted to the floor as he stares between Yue Ling and Lu Tian. After a long minute, he heaves a long sigh and walks over to sit on the chair next to his boss.


    He pulls the chair back but shivers when he felt a cold breeze brush past him. He pushes the chair back inside and reaches for another chair to sit. He made sure that he wasn¡¯t too close to Yue Ling or else his head will be cut off by the King of Jealousy.


    Yue Ling was dumbfounded by what he did. Whenever they attend a meeting, he was always sat on the chair next to her. She didn¡¯t understand why he would suddenly take a seat two chairs away from her.


    Unlike her, Lu Tian felt rather pleased by Liu Shan¡¯s decision. Of course, Yue Ling wouldn¡¯t think that her assistant did this because of the aloof man.


    Not thinking much about the weird behavior of her assistant, she looks back at Lu Tian.


    Her entire being turned aloof like the man seated across from her. It was as if they were not lovers nor acquaintances.


    "Mr. Lu, should we start the meeting?"


    Lu Tian was baffled by the way she addressed him and the change in her demeanor. He thought she would be happy to see him and know that the person she is working with is him. However, staring at her cold expression, he couldn¡¯t help but swallow a hard gulp.


    ¡¯What should I do? Why does she look so mad at me?¡¯


    He thought the two questions then nce at Liu Shan who was sitting on the right side of him.


    Meeting the aloof man¡¯s eyes, Liu Shan knew exactly what was on his (Lu Tian) mind. He shrugs both his shoulders in secret and sends back a nonverbal answer.


    ¡¯Don¡¯t look at me. This is how she is at all meetings.¡¯


    ¡¯...¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts turned chaotic by the assistant. No words were said verbally, but he understood the assistant¡¯s eyes.


    He heaves a long sigh and looks at his wife in the eyes.


    "Yue Ling, you don¡¯t have to speak formally here. Everyone here knows that you are my fianc¨¦."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling¡¯s expression did not waver, nor did she change her expression. She ces her hands over the ck folder and kept a straight face.


    "Mr. Lu, I may be your fianc¨¦, but this is a professional meeting between two businesses."


    She would be lying if she isn¡¯t happy that the owner of Cloth Co. is none other than Lu Tian. However, that doesn¡¯t change anything.


    Even if the person in front of her was her grandfather, she will still act ordingly to all the other businesses she has conducted. As one should know, she is never one to take advantage of the other party just because they are close.


    Lu Tian was even more baffled by her attitude towards him. He could only sigh inside and let her have it her way.


    "Fine. Have it your way then."


    His words fell and the soft expression on his face turned colder than the winter breeze. It was his usual expression that he has on when he attends meetings.


    Seeing this quick change in him, Yue Ling felt more at ease. She didn¡¯t want Lu Tian to agree to her proposal because they are in a rtionship.


    She lowers her head to the ck folder and opens it. Taking out the contract she had created for this meeting, she ces it on top of the closed folder.


    "De L¡¯amour would like to propose a partnership with Cloth Co. for 3 years. Within that time frame, De L¡¯amour will not conduct any outside businesses with other textilepanies."


    She passes the contract to Liu Shan then looks at Lu Tian again.


    "Cloth Co. will supply all fabrics and materials De L¡¯amour needs. As the buyer, De L¡¯amour is willing to purchase everything mentioned in the contract as long as Cloth Co. settles on a fixed price."


    Her words fell in a professional and formal tone. She did not beat around the bush but went straight to the point of her purpose ining here.


    Liu Shan was scared out of his wits. The tension inside the room made him want to step outside. However, he picks up the contract document and stood up. He walks over to Lu Tian and set the contract in front of him.


    "As the CEO of De L¡¯amour, I have signed the contract in advance. If there is anything in the contract that you find dissatisfying, you may change it or add on."


    Lu Tian remained in silence as he listens to his wife. He looked like he was pondering hard about her offer, but deep inside, he was thinking about how attractive she looked at this moment.


    Calm, efficient, straightforward, and knew exactly what she wanted.


    As he thought this, his brows slightly furrow together. If he is thinking this way, does this mean other men think this way too?


    His frown deepens and he slightly purses his lips in displeasure. How can he stop other men from having thoughts about his women?


    "Mr. Lu."


    Yue Ling¡¯s voice suddenly brought Lu Tian back to his senses. He nces at her then down to the contract in front of his.


    Not wanting to anger his wife, he picks it up and scans over the document. Reading a certain line, he looks up at his wife.


    "De L¡¯amour is proposing for three years?"


    Yue Ling nods her head and entwined her fingers on top of the table.


    "That is correct. If De L¡¯amour breaches the contract in any way, Cloth Co. may ask for marypensation or see what is fit for action."


    Looking back at the contract in his hands, Lu Tian¡¯s frown remained the same.


    He set the contract down on the table and leans back on his chair. He crosses one arm over his chest as he touches his chin with the other.


    "Three years is not a problem, but..."


    His words fell in a low murmur only he could hear. His wife is asking for three years, but he wants to make it a lifetime. So long as theirpanies are tied together in this contract, whatever she needs, he will supply for her.


    Remembering her words of allowing him the change or add on to the contract, a very tiny smile appears on his face.


    He lowers his hand on his chin and leans forward in his seat. He reaches for a pen inside the inner pocket of his suit jacket and looks at his wife.


    Just as the pen in his hand was about to touch the contract, he stops and looks at his wife.


    "May I?"


    Yue Ling was unaware of his intentions. Thinking that he has agreed to everything De L¡¯amour is offering, she nods her head.


    Haven¡¯t returned to his seat, Liu Shan stood near Lu Tian as he was waiting for the aloof man to sign the contract. However, he was curious about what Lu Tian is thinking.


    As someone who is particrly good at reading lips, he had read what Lu Tian was murmuring about the contract being proposed for three years.


    Lu Tian took the opportunity to do a few changes to the contract. After all, his wife had already signed it, so she cannot say anything.


    Once he was done, he signs his signature and passes the contract to Liu Shan.


    "Three years is the time frame De L¡¯amour proposed but I find that a problem, so I have prolonged a new time frame."


    His words fell the same time Liu Shan handed the contract back to Yue Ling.


    Both the boss and assistant were struck speechless by the aloof man. How did they not see thising?


    Yue Ling nces down at the contract and flips the page to see what he had changed. However, two things had been changed by him.


    One, all fixed price Cloth Co. has to offer will be cut down to half price, and two, the three-year contract suggested has been changed to ten years.


    Yue Ling¡¯s hands tremble ever so slightly as she held onto the contract. She could not believe that Lu Tian would make such a ridiculous change. Ten years of partnership is not a problem, but having cut down the fixed prices to half price, what will he gain from this?


    She set the contract down and looks at him. Seeing how calm and collected he is, she couldn¡¯t help but try to read what he is thinking.


    The coldness that was once on Lu Tian¡¯s face had long disappeared. He smiles a small smile at his wife and part his lips.


    "Is there a problem?"


    Yue Ling wanted to ask him why he would cut the prices, but before she opens her mouth, the shut door to the room ms open.


    "Ahh! It¡¯s Jafar!"


    Like a little girl inside a haunted house, Liu Shan screamed at the sight of Manager He. However, he quickly covers his mouth. He could not believe that he had screamed aloud. His eyes scan the room and sigh in relief when he saw that no one heard him.


    "Whew, I¡¯m safe."


    He whispers to himself and ps his mouth for speaking carelessly.


    Manager He rushes over to Lu Tian and bends down to whisper near the man¡¯s ear.


    "Boss, it¡¯s not good. She is here and she knows."


    Lu Tian heaves a sigh at the middle-aged man. He pinches the space between his brows.


    "Where is she right now?"


    "LU TIAN!!!"


    Just as his question fell, a woman¡¯s raging voice thunders from behind the door before she enters the room like an angry beast ready to unleash her wrath.


    Lu Tian moves his hand to massage his forehead while Manager He jumps in fear at the voice. On the opposite side of them, Yue Ling and Liu Shan turn to look at the owner of the voice.


    When they who it was, Liu Shan furrow his brows in confusion while Yue Ling arches her brows in surprise and thought.


    Why is she here?

 Chapter 724 Must have been so scary

    <h4>Chapter 724 Must have been so scary</h4>


    Standing in front of the door to the conference room was a middle-aged woman. She wore a green cheongsam coat with a pleated white skirt peeking from below. Her hair was put in a low bun, and she held her handbag at her side.


    The moment she entered the room, she did not check to see who was inside as her eyes were already glued to the figure belonging to the aloof man.


    "You."


    Her eyes dimmed dangerously and without any care in the world, she strides towards him.


    "You unfilial child!"


    Lu Tian nce at the woman storming towards him and he sighs aloud. Raising one hand, he pinches the space between his brows and leans back on the chair.


    "Mother, why are you here?"


    Madam Lu stops in front of her oldest son and her nostrils re with steam blowing out. She ms her bag down on the table and res at Lu Tian.


    "Did I not give birth to you? How dare you do this to me?!"


    Her words fell in questions despite her fit of rage. She looks at Lu Tian and waits for him to answer, but the second she saw him part his lip to speak, she stuck out her palm and stops him.


    Not giving him the chance to answer, she massage her forehead and tries to calm herself. However, instead of calming down, her anger intensifies, and she goes into another rampage.


    This time, both her arms wave in every direction.


    "I don¡¯t want to hear your exnation. I can¡¯t believe this at all. I am your mother and yet, you dare to keep such important news away from me. If I had not stopped by thepany, I would have never found out. Were you nning to keep this from me forever? Hm?"


    She looks back at Lu Tian and her expression was as if asking, ¡¯care to exin?¡¯


    However, in the next second, she flung her head away from him.


    "No, don¡¯t answer. Whatever excuse you have to say, I will not listen. You already lied to me the first time, you might lie again the second time."


    As Madam Lu continues her rampage, she spoke incoherent words, and sometimes, she would throw in a few foreign words.


    Lu Tian sat unmoving in his seat. Watching and listening to his mother¡¯s outburst, he sighs inside. He raises his left hand and pinches the space between his eyebrows again.


    This was one of the reasons why he had asked Manager He to keep this meeting a secret from his mother. He was nning to tell her after the meeting is done, but who would have known his mother would find out first.


    Lowering his hand, he nces at Manager He. No words were spoken but the look on his face said it all.


    ¡¯How did my mother find out?¡¯


    Manager He did not need to think twice. One nce was all it took for him to understand. He nces at Madam Lu pacing back and forth then looks back at Lu Tian. He shrugs his shoulders and answers.


    ¡¯I don¡¯t know. I swear I haven¡¯t said a word. I even made sure all the employees kept quiet.¡¯


    The two men immerse in nonverbalmunication with only their eyes. Lu Tian heaves another sigh and looks at his mother. He slowly closes his eyes and couldn¡¯t help but sigh again.


    "Ma."


    His deep voice sounds in a calm, yet indifferent tone. It abruptly halted Madam Lu as her raging and frantic voice hushed like a child making a ruckus in ss.


    She turns to look at her oldest son, but despite her quieting down, she did not forget to make sure he was well aware of her ring eyes full ofser beam ready to shoot out.


    However, seeing how calm andposed he is, she scoffs in utter disbelief.


    "Hah. You dare keep this away from me and still know that I am your ¡¯ma¡¯? Hm?"


    Lu Tian rolled his eyes with another sigh. He could not believe how childish his mother was being. His arms cross over his chest and he looks at her with a serious expression.


    "Can you step out? I¡¯m in the middle of an important meeting."


    Madam Lu¡¯s nostrils re with her eyes. As his mother, how dare he try to kick her out. The way he was treating her was as if they were strangers.


    She inhales a deep breath that caused her body to slightly tremble.


    "You are asking me to leave?"


    Her eyes widen with each of her words. She takes a step towards him and sneers.


    "Do you think I will leave just because you asked me to?"


    She points to herself and chuckles sarcastically.


    "I am the real owner of Cloth Co. I can do and go as I please."


    cing both her palms on her hips, she stuck out her chest.


    "Just because mypany is under Lu Corps, doesn¡¯t mean you can walk in here and act like you are the king of this ce."


    Remembering something he had said, she sounds an arrogant hmmf and turns to the people Lu Tian was supposedly in a meeting with.


    "I don¡¯t care who you are meeting with. I am not leaving until I see my precious daughter-inw. You have kept her hostage for far too long. Don¡¯t you know that I miss her more than I miss you? Hm?"


    Herst words fell, and she finally takes a look at the other people in the room. Due to her anger, she did not get to take a good look. However, when her eyesnded on the familiar figure sitting calmly on the chair opposite her son, she gasps in horror.


    "M-m-m-my...."


    It was like the cold winter breeze had suddenly blown into the room and froze everything. Like an entire day had gone by before Madam Lu could find her voice again.


    "My precious daughter-inw..."


    Her left-hand reaches out to Lu Tian and shakes his shoulder as she whispers to him.


    "Why didn¡¯t you tell me that Ah Ling was already here?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyelids turned heavy at her words. He doesn¡¯t say anything but sighs for who knows how many times and massage his forehead.


    Maybe if his mother had not decided to barge into the room, she would have taken a good look and realized that his wife was already here.


    On the opposite side of the room, Yue Ling sat in her seat with Liu Shan standing behind her. They were still going over the supply contract when Madam Lu stormed into the room and dumbfounded them.


    Both boss and assistant stare speechlessly at the scene that unfolded in front of them. Neither could decide whether tough or cry.


    Seeing Madam Lu¡¯s frozen state of mind, a soft smile curls on Yue Ling¡¯s lip. Despite witnessing the woman¡¯s raging side, she (Yue Ling) found Madam Lu to be a very warm person. It was a scene that made her miss her mother.


    She brushes the sad feeling away and smiles a chuckle.


    "It¡¯s nice to see you again, Madam Lu."


    Her angelic voice enters Madam Lu¡¯s ears and made her cheeks blush red. Her (Madam Lu) covers her mouth with one hand as she yfully gestures a wave with her other hand.


    "Goodness child, why are speaking so formally with me."


    She quickly ignores her son and walks over to Yue Ling. Her entire being changed into a loving and caring mother as she takes a seat next to Yue Ling.


    "If I had known you wereing here, I would have prepared a warm wee for you."


    She reaches over and takes hold of Yue Ling¡¯s hand, but the second she felt her daughter-inw¡¯s hand, she gasps with a worried look.


    "Aiya, your hands are freezing cold. What will we do if you catch a cold?"


    Not giving Yue Ling a chance to respond, she flung her head to look at Lu Tian. Unlike the soft look she was showing Yue Ling, one can see the murderous intent in her ring eyes at her son.


    "Tian look at what you did. It¡¯s because of the cold air you carry that my Lu family¡¯s Ah Ling¡¯s hands are as cold as ice."


    She looks back at Yue Ling and she sighs with sympathy and worried.


    "Child, being in a meeting with my son must have been so scary. Don¡¯t worry, I am here now. He cannot scare you anymore."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Liu Shan: "..."


    Manager He: ¡¯May buddha be with us all.¡¯

 Chapter 725 I am the rightful owner

    <h4>Chapter 725 I am the rightful owner</h4>


    The atmosphere inside Cloth Co.¡¯s conference room was divided into two different moods. On one side, the air around Yue Ling and Madam Lu was full of brightness like the sun was hovering above them. On the opposite side of them, Lu Tian sat with his usual indifference, but the air was grim and dark. It was like grey clouds had floated above him.


    However, if one were to look closely, one can see a vexed expression on his face.


    Lu Tian was in utter disbelief at the scene that unfolded in front of him. A few seconds ago, his mother was throwing a huge fit and now, she¡¯s suddenly turned into the world¡¯s sweetest and kindest mother.


    He closes his eyes and massages his forehead in frustration. This was another reason why he didn¡¯t want to inform his mother about the meeting. Knowing how much she (Madam Lu) adores his wife, his mother will no doubt turn this meeting into one of those meetings women like to drink tea and chitchat for hours.


    However, remembering his mother¡¯s words about his wife¡¯s hands, he opens his eyes and stares straight at her.


    "Manager He, is the heater in here not working?"


    Standing by Lu Tian¡¯s side, Manage He was as stiff as a board. He is used to Lu Tian¡¯s aloofness but at this moment he wishes he were standing on the other side where there are light and warmth. Instead, here he is standing on the dark side where there is only pure coldness.


    When he heard Lu Tian¡¯s question, he felt a cold sweat slip down his forehead, and it awoke his senses. He quickly wipes it away with the back of his sleeve and looks down at the young man.


    "Young Master, the heater is on. I made sure the staff set it to the highest temperature so the entirepany will be warm."


    He spoke each word in his usual tone, but deep inside he was crying with all his heart. He is a person who likes the cold, so being inside thepany right now was making him sweat more than usual.


    To be more precise, the reason for him sweating isn¡¯t because he is afraid, it was because it is too hot.


    Hearing this, Lu Tian furrows his brows in a frown. He found the room to be warmer than usual too, so why would his mother say that his wife¡¯s hands are cold?


    Madam Lu rolled her eyes at her son¡¯s frowning expression. She ignores him and looks at Yue Ling with a soft smile as she gently squeezes her (Yue Ling) hand.


    "Ah Ling, do you have any ns for lunch? If you don¡¯t, should we go out and eat?"


    Yue Ling was at a loss for words for the mother and son. She could only blink her eyes a few times and ponder about the change of situation. However, the thing that confused her most was, why is Madam Lu here?


    She parts her lip to ask, but before she could utter a sound, her hand that was in Madam Lu¡¯s grasp was suddenly grabbed by another hand.


    Unlike Madam Lu¡¯s fair and soft hand, this hand wasrger, and she could feel the light brushed of the callouses on the palm.


    She turns her head to look at the owner and her eyes ever so lightly trembles.


    "Tian, what¡¯s the matter?"


    He was so quiet that she didn¡¯t even see or hear him get up from his seat, let alone walk over to her.


    Lu Tian stares down at her and the corners of his lip arcs up a little. The tone of voice was like a small whimper and he felt the urge to tease her. However, remembering that she had asked for a professional meeting, he could only hold himself back.


    He sighs inside and smiles softly to her.


    "Miss Han, I apologize for the disturbance of our meeting. If you will follow me, we can continue this meeting in a more appropriate ce without any interference."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares up at him speechlessly. Why is he apologizing? And what appropriate ce? Isn¡¯t this the conference room inside Cloth Co.? What other ce is better to have a meeting than here?


    While Yue Ling ponders to herself, she was unaware of the thoughts of Madam Lu, Liu Shan, and Manager He. All three individuals had the same look on their faces, and it was one of horror.


    Who is this man in front of them? When was it known that the almighty tyrant of Imperial ever apologizes to anyone? Could it be that they are in a dream?


    Manager He kept his eyes on Lu Tian. Unable to grasp the smile on Lu Tian that he has never seen before, he slowly pinches his arm. Feeling a sharp pain, he swallows a hard gulp.


    ¡¯Oh, God! This isn¡¯t a dream!¡¯


    Oblivious to the other people in the room, Yue Ling was the first toe to her senses. She inhales a deep breath to help maintain herposure.


    "Mr. Lu, we can continue the meeting here. Now, if you don¡¯t mind, please let go of my hand. It is inappropriate."


    Her words fell calmly as she returns to the demeanor she has when in a meeting. At the same time, she didn¡¯t forget to try and pry her hand free from Lu Tian¡¯s hand.


    However, the more she tried to pull away, the more Lu Tian tightened his grip with a hint of gentleness.


    The corners of his lips curl up more as it reaches his eyes, and a devilish smile appears on his face. He then leans forward to be at eye level with his wife.


    "But I do mind. I want to hold your hand and I want to discuss the matters regarding the supply contract with you in private."


    Without any sort of warning, he gently pulls her up from the chair and swiftly adjusting his hold on her hand, he strides out of the conference room with her.


    "W-w-wait a minute. What is the meaning of this? Why are we leaving?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s protesting words echo inside the room before it can be heard outside of the room. It wasn¡¯t until minutes pass that the three people still in the room finally came back to reality.


    "This is preposterous."


    Madam Lu ms her palm on the table and abruptly stood up. She storms after Yue Ling like a knight in shining armor out to save the princess from a dragon.


    The second she stepped out of the room, she sees Yue Ling ushered inside the elevator by her son and her face turned fiery red.


    "Tian! You unfilial child! Where are you taking my daughter-inw? This is supposed to be my meeting! I am the rightful owner of Cloth Co.! How dare you snatch this chance away from me?!"


    Just when she was a few feet away from the elevator, the door slides closed, and she flew into frantic disbelief.


    "How dare he!"


    She angrily stomps one foot and reaches inside her coat pocket for her phone. Pressing a number on speed dial, she ces the phone next to her ear.


    "Has he forgotten that I am his mother? My capability is just as strong as his."


    Her words fell in a mumble as the call rang once then the line connects. The person she had called had yet to answer when she spoke first.


    "Honey¡ª!"


    Everything about her changes into a grieving mother who had been wronged in life. She covers her mouth with one hand and sobs pitifully.


    "Wuuu.... How can Tian do this to me? Wuu...."

 Chapter 726 To put less worry

    <h4>Chapter 726 To put less worry</h4>


    As Madam Lu¡¯s sobbing voice echoes inside the corridor of Cloth Co.¡¯s fourth floor, the person on the other line did not say a word.


    She quickly realizes this and stops crying. ncing at her phone screen, she frowns when she saw that the line was still connected.


    "Honey? Are you listening? Did you hear anything I said?"


    The call kept silent for a long second before a long sigh can be vaguely heard and Old Lu¡¯s voice can faintly be heard.


    ["Dear, why are you crying? You know it breaks my heart to hear you cry like this."]


    Hearing this, Madam Lu¡¯s moistened eyes dry without tears and her cheek flush red. She turns into a shy and bashful little girl.


    "It¡¯s all Tian¡¯s fault. He kept the meeting with our daughter-inw a secret. If I had not stopped by thepany, I wouldn¡¯t have to suffer the loss of this meeting with Ah Ling."


    She sounds a faint sob and wipes away any tears that still lingered at the end of her eyes.


    "If I knew she wanted to coborate with Cloth Co., I would have agreed without any need to meet."


    As the person who can endure this side of his wife, Old Lu heaves another sigh, and his voice sounds again.


    ["Dear, you know how Tian is. He must have his reason for doing what he did. Don¡¯t cry anymore. Come home, I bought your favorite egg custard tarts."]


    Hearing the name of her favorite dessert, Madam Lu decides not to push after Lu Tian for answers. She should know that between her two sons, Lu Tian is cold and aloof, but he is also stubborn. Especially now that Yue Ling has entered his life.


    As Madam Lu leaves thepany, back inside the conference room, Liu Shan and Manager He was left alone in a daze.


    "Um... What just happened?"


    Liu Shan subconsciously spoke his mind and his words brought Manager He back to his senses.


    Even he (Manager He) was unable to process the situation that just happened. As someone who has worked alongside Madam Lu for many years, he has never seen her show so much favor towards anyone other than her niece, Zhao Ya¡¯Er."


    It was the same for Lu Tian. He heard that the boy has fallen for a girl, but he (Manager He) did not think it was this serious.


    Then again, from his short time of meeting Yue Ling, he can now rx in ease knowing that Lu Tian has finally found a girl.


    However, brushing these thoughts aside, he thought back to Liu Shan¡¯s question. The image of Lu Tian and Madam Lu¡¯s behavior towards Yue Ling enters his mind and shakes his head.


    "Jealousy is unhealthy for the human body."


    He walks over to Liu Shan and pat the young man on the shoulder with a smile.


    "Since our bosses are discussing the meeting elsewhere, should I give you a tour of thepany?"


    Still in a daze, Liu Shan obligingly nods his head without thinking. He looks at Manager He but flinches in fear when he saw the middle-aged man¡¯s smiling face.


    He swallows a hard a difficult gulp before gesture to the door and trembles a crooked smile.


    "P-Please lead the way."


    Manager He¡¯s smile widens and without any intention of staying in the room, he walks out to lead the way. Behind him, Liu Shan pats his chest and was able to breathe again.


    He inhales a deep breath then nces at Manager He¡¯s departing figure. It was at that moment, that he couldn¡¯t help but sob inside.


    ¡¯Boss, how can you leave me here, alone, with Jafar? Why? Why?¡¯


    Outside of Cloth Co., a metallic silver Lotus Evora drives out from the parking lot and enters the streets of Imperial. Inside the car, Yue Ling sat in the passenger seat in a daze as her head turn to look at the driver.


    "Where are we going? Why are we leaving Cloth Co.?"


    She thought they were only going to a different room, but he had led her out of the building. Not only that, but he also led her to the beautiful beast she was admiring upon arrival,


    It was also then that she felt like an idiot for not realizing sooner.


    Who else in all of Imperial can afford to buy so many luxurious cars?


    Lu Tian continues to drive the car, but he didn¡¯t forget to answer her question.


    "We¡¯re going somewhere to finish out meeting."


    Yue Ling wanted to ask about this ¡¯ce¡¯ but remembering Madam Lu¡¯s words before the elevator door closed, her eyes on Lu Tian slightly narrows.


    "What did your mother mean when she said she is the rightful owner?"


    Lu Tian never once looked at his wife but focused on the road ahead. When he heard her question, he felt a small nervous feeling crawl inside him.


    It was a feeling he has never experienced before, but only in front of his wife.


    He nces sideways at her but only for a quick second as he looks back ahead.


    A small shrill of guilt can be seen on his face and he swallows nervously. When he nned everything for the meeting, he didn¡¯t think about what will happen if his mother were to show up.


    He presses his lip into a straight line and tries to think of what to say.


    Yue Ling arch an eyebrow at his expression. She felt deceived by him, yet, at the same time, amused. Casually crossing her arms over her chest, she looks at him like a mother looking at her child for an exnation.


    "Tian."


    Lu Tian felt his heart tremble at her voice. He sighs deeply and without looking at her, he answers truthfully.


    "Cloth Co. is a textilepany owned by my mother but is under Lu Corps. She built thepany with her own hands while Lu Corps does the funding."


    A small gasp of surprise escapes Yue Ling¡¯s mouth. She leans closer to him and asks like a curious child.


    "So, you¡¯re telling me, your mother is actually the mysterious owner of Cloth Co.?"


    Lu Tian responded with an ¡¯mm¡¯ as Yue Ling leans back in her seat. She touches her chin like she was pondering hard about something.


    "Then that means, you deceived me and posed as Cloth Co.¡¯s owner?"


    "Mm. Something like that."


    Lu Tian answers without thinking. However, catching his own mistake, he frows with pouting lips.


    "No, it¡¯s not something like that."


    Unable to contain her smile at how she had tricked him, her left hand raised to cover her mouth. Behind her hand, she was grinning from ear to ear while trying not tough loudly.


    "Oh, so it was like that."


    Although her tone was t, Lu Tian could hear her faint giggles behind each word. He sighs inside and could not believe that he had fallen for her trap.


    Since the situation hase to this, he minds as well exin clearly to her why he posed as the owner.


    "My mother is indeed the owner, but she never attends the meetings. She is quite gullible when ites to business deals, so my father is afraid she might be fooled by others and asked that I go in her stead."


    His words fell as he returns to his usual self. Of course, there was still gentleness in his demeanor as he is in the presence of his wife.


    He reaches a hand to hold her hand and pulls it up to his lip. As he ces a soft kiss on the back of her hand, his voice sounds again.


    "So, to put less worry on my mother, I took the liberty to handle this meeting."


    Yue Ling nods her head in understanding. When he held her hand, she didn¡¯t think much as it was something, she had gotten used to. However, feeling his lip brush against the back of her hand, a burning sensation filled her cheeks.


    She quickly clears her throat as if to clear her blushing cheeks.


    "Should I praise you for being a filial son then?"


    Lu Tian nce at her and knew she was being sarcastic to hide her shyness. He changes the position he was holding her hand so that his fingers could fill in the space between her fingers.


    "It would be nice if you did praise me."


    He slows the car to a stop at a red light and turns his head to look at her as she to him.


    "Not as a filial son."


    His hand on the steering wheel loosens its grip and he reaches over to her. He ces his palm on the back of her head and pulls her in towards

 Chapter 727 coincidence to see you

    <h4>Chapter 727 coincidence to see you</h4>


    As Lu Tian¡¯s silver metallic car sped through the streets of Imperial at the designated speed limit, back at Jade Condos, Xu Long was in a chaotic mess.


    His entire penthouse was turned upside down with clothes everywhere. The bed that he sleeps on could no longer be seen while the floor barely had any room to walk.


    He stood in front of a full-body mirror in the bedroom and pout his lip in pondering. He was wearing a white-cor shirt with thin ck strips and a simple ck trouser.


    "Why am I so horrible at this?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but mumble to himself as he stares at his reflection.


    After his short encounter with Zhao Ya¡¯Er on the balcony, he decided to take a shower to freshen up then leave for lunch. However, he suddenly had a thought. What if he runs into Zhao Ya¡¯Er while leaving his penthouse?


    With this in mind, he had to second think about his choice of clothes before leaving.


    He nces at his outfit in the mirror again and sighs deeply. His left-hand raise and he runs his fingers through his hair in frustration.


    "Ahh... I look so unstylish..."


    Every piece of clothing he has is mainly rted to work. It was normal because, he barely has any days off and on the days that he is off, he is often called back to work.


    Looking at his outfit again, he clicks his tongue and turns around to look at all the clothes he had taken out of the closet.


    "Hm... I need something that says, ¡¯I have a sense of fashion, but I like women and not men.¡¯"


    He purses his lip in thoughts and fists his right hand on his hip as his left-hand touches his chin.


    "Something that is also simple, yet, stylish."


    He thought deeply, but like his brain had been shut down, his mind was aplete nk in pitch darkness.


    A long sigh escapes from him and he scratches the back of his head.


    "Should I call and ask the experts?"


    By experts, he meant Liu Shan and the others. Compare to him, those men are in the fashion industry and whenever he is with them, he can tell that they have a better sense of fashion than he does. Even Qi Li who is always wearing a simple turtleneck under everything can look as elegant as an immortal.


    Thinking this, he blows another sigh and felt even more depressed. His boss who is always wearing ck has more style than he does.


    "No. This won¡¯t do. I can¡¯t bother them with this. They¡¯re all working."


    Deciding on this, he makes his way to the pile of clothes on the bed.


    "What to wear, what to wear."


    He nces down with both hands on his hips, but unable to think of anything, he plops down onto the bed on his stomach.


    His head turns to the right of him and he stares into the nk space in front of him. Doing so, he would pick up a piece of clothes to look at then toss it aside.


    "So many clothes, but nothing to wear."


    Just as his words fell, his eyes caught sight of something, and an outfit quicklyes to mind. He jolted up at the speed of lightning and rummage through the pile of clothes for the pieces he needed.


    After a long minute passes by, he stood back in front of the mirror with a smile. He had changed out of his previous shirt and was now wearing a in ck turtleneck with a ck wool coat over. He kept the ck trousers but folded the bottom to reveal his ankles to let others see his cute panda socks.


    "Fabulous! This should do it."


    A satisfied smile curls on his lip and he reaches for the finishing touch. A simple ck baseball cap. He smoothly brushes his unfixed hair to the back and puts on the cap.


    He had remembered seeing one of the Gui twin brothers wearing a baseball cap, so it gave him the perfect idea. Why not put the styles of those stylish men into one?


    ncing at his reflection one more time, he sends himself a flirty wink.


    "James Long Bond, you are looking more handsome than ever."


    As he walks out of the bedroom, he grabs his wallet on the kitchen counter and ces it inside his coat pocket. He was full of confidence until he opened the front door.


    His head slowly and cautiously pokes out to look left then right.


    After his two previous misunderstandings with Zhao Ya¡¯Er, he isn¡¯t sure if he is ready to run into her.


    Seeing that no one was outside, he takes a deep breath to calm himself.


    "The coast is clear. If you can make a run for the elevator, you¡¯re in the safe zone."


    He spoke to himself as he wasn¡¯t sure if Zhao Ya¡¯Er was home. Thest thing he wants to do is attract her attention.


    He quietly tiptoes out the door and closes it like a burr sneaking out of a house after stealing enough goods. He locks the door and makes a run for the elevator.


    "Assistant Xu?"


    He had only taken three steps when a familiar voice sounds from behind him. His entire being froze like he was in the middle of a blizzard, but he robotically turns his head to look at the person.


    The corners of his lip twitch up before he forces out a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Hah... Hah... Miss Zhao. What a coincidence to see you again."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stood outside her front door in a tan trench coat with a ck jumpsuit underneath. Covering her short Pixi-cut hair was a ck beanie.


    She looked stunning, but at the same time,fortable. However, her expression was full of bewilderment.


    She was surprised to see Xu Long as she had only stepped out because she felt like going out to have lunch. Never did she expect to see him leaving his ce at the same time as her.


    In a daze, her eyes subconsciously eye the man from head to toe. Compare to the other times she had met him, today he looked more casual.


    Not only that, she found him even more attractive.


    However, reminding herself that he likes men, she sighs with disappointment before casting a polite smile.


    "Good afternoon, Assistant Xu."


    She greets him as she did not want him to feel awkward around her. Especially since she knows his sexual preference and the encounter they had on the balcony.


    Without thinking much, she locks her front door and head in the direction of the elevator.


    "Ah, Miss Zhao, please wait."


    Seeing her enter the elevator, Xu Long finally came to his senses. He runs after her and waves his arms for her to hold the elevator for him.


    "I¡¯m going down too!"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er had only taken a step inside the small metal box when she heard him. She thought that he was just now returning home, but brushing this thought aside, she presses the button to keep the elevator doors from closing.


    Xu Long sighs in relief when he saw that the door was not closing. He increases his pace and dashes inside the elevator like Superman.


    "Ahh¡ª!!"


    However, in his manly act of trying to impress the beauty, he trips on his own feet and his eyes widen.


    "I¡¯m so sorry¡ª"


    A look of horror sh on his face and he apologies as he stumbles forward. Not knowing what to cling onto for support, he grabs onto whatever was in front of him.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes widen in worried and shock for the man. Like it was the naturalist thing to do, she takes a step forward and helps support the assistant.


    As this took ce, the elevator door slides closed like the curtains at the end of a stage performance.

 Chapter 728 Heart of a woman

    <h4>Chapter 728 Heart of a woman</h4>


    The elevator inside Jade Condos leisurely descends to the first floor. However, the two people inside were in an awkward situation.


    Xu Long was as quiet as the night. He couldn¡¯t add up how things turned out this way.


    He had only tripped, right?


    Then why is he starring up at the elevator ceiling and its bright lights?


    And why is Zhao Ya¡¯Er staring down at him?


    No, the real question is, from the way he fell, why can¡¯t he feel the hard and cold floor?


    His mind grew chaotic and he continues to stare up at Zhao Ya¡¯Er. He felt like he had died and gone to heaven to meet an angel.


    He couldn¡¯t help but smile a soft sigh and wish that time would stop so that he could enjoy this moment longer.


    *Ding


    And like time was against him, the elevator bell chimes upon their arrival. The door slides open and Zhao Ya¡¯Er looks away from him to the opened door.


    Not knowing why Xu Long was not moving but staring at her with a weird smile, she clears her throat.


    "Um, Assistant Xu, we¡¯ve arrived."


    Hearing her sweet voice, his heart fluttered with magical wings. However, thinking about her words, he slowly looks in the direction as her.


    It was at that moment that all the questions in his head were answered.


    Across from the elevator was a huge mirror Manager Luo had put up. It allowed all residents to see themselves when they exit the elevator.


    However, what he came to realize was not the mirror, but the position they were currently in.


    It¡¯s no wonder he was staring up at her and her down to him.


    He doesn¡¯t know how things got to this, but his left arm was ced over her shoulder while her right arm was under his back to help support him from falling. Both their figures were leaned to the side like they had performed the final dip to Salsa dance.


    Like an eternity had gone by, he slowly turns his head to look up at her. He swallows a hard gulp, but instead of standing up, he raises his right arm that had been dangling at the side.


    He curls his fingers into a fist and covers his mouth with brightly lit eyes that glisten with sparkles.


    "My hero..."


    His voice didn¡¯t sound in its usual manliness but like that of a shy princess who had been saved from falling.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at this moment. All she could do was blink her eyes and stares down at the man in her arms.


    When she saw Xu Long stumbled forward, she reacted without thinking. The elevator wasn¡¯t that big so she was afraid he might hit his head on the wall.


    So like any normal person, she attempted to support him, but for some unknown reason, they ended up in this situation.


    Throughout the elevator ride down, she wanted to tell him because her arm was starting to hurt due to his weight, but seeing he was in a daze, she couldn¡¯t find it in her to speak.


    "Well, this is something you don¡¯t see every day."


    A jolly voice sounds from outside the elevator and both individuals look at the person.


    Manager Luo held one hand behind his back as he presses the elevator button to keep it from closing. However, one can see the wide smile on his face.


    "It seems like young people nowadays have an interesting way of showing their affections."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s flustered cheeks burned to her ears. Without any warning, she lets go of Xu Long and covers her mouth. Like a man who wants nothing to do with a woman he had deflowered, she carefully steps over him then darts out of the elevator in embarrassment.


    "No¡ª!"


    An exaggerating slow cry escapes from Xu Long as he falls onto the floor. He watches Zhao Ya¡¯Er flee away from the scene and he swore it was like his heart had been shattered into pieces.


    "Ah!"


    A small yelp sounds from him when his back touches the hard elevator floor. He groans softly at the slight pain, then sits up and res at Manager Luo.


    "Why did you let my hero get away?"


    He knows that having Zhao Ya¡¯Er hold him was wrong, but he rather stays in her warm arms than be on the cold floor.


    Manager Luo was rendered speechless by the assistant. Even now, he cannot understand the young man¡¯s way in life and how he (Xu Long) thinks.


    He heaves a long sigh in pity for Xu Long and takes a step inside the elevator.


    "Xu Long, I know that you are still young, and you see life differently, but to be with a woman, you must act like a man. Not a little princess."


    Hearing this, Xu Long finally came to his right mind. He smacks his forehead for being lost in his fantasy world thinking he is a princess and Zhao Ya¡¯Er as his knight in shining armor.


    No woman would ever want to be seen as a man.


    He quickly gets up from the floor and rushes out the elevator. However, he stops in his tracks and turns to face Manager Luo with a polite bow.


    "Thank you for your generous reminder. If you ever need any help in the future, I will do what I can to help."


    His entire being changes back to the assistant that he is, but it was only for a quick second as he spun around and race out of Jade Condos.


    Manager Luoughs heartily at the sight of Xu Long. As the elevator door slides closed, he shakes his head with a smile.


    "Seems like Spring has finally bloomed for our young Xu Long."


    Outside of Jade Condos, Xu Long¡¯s head darts left and right for the familiar silhouette. It hadn¡¯t been long since Zhao Ya¡¯Er ran out the door, so she shouldn¡¯t have gotten too far.


    However, not seeing her anywhere, he felt his heart drop to his stomach.


    He runs to the garage parking lot with a desperate expression to search for her. Just then, his eyes lit up and he picks up his pace.


    "Miss Zhao! Wait for me!"


    Like his heart had grown another pair of wings, it leaps up to the clear blue sky and dances around the bright sun.


    "Miss Zhao! Please hear me out!"


    By this time, Zhao Ya¡¯Er had already calmed herself from the embarrassing situation. She told herself that there was nothing to worry about because Xu Long¡¯s inner heart is a woman like her. So it was only natural that he would want to be held in a position like a woman.


    As the thought crosses her mind, she slows in her steps and furrows her brows.


    Or is it Lin Hui who has the heart of a woman?


    "Miss Zhao!"


    Suddenly hearing someone call for her from behind, she stops and turns to face the person. Seeing that it was Xu Long, her eyebrows furrow tightly together in confusion.


    "Assistant Xu?"


    She watched as he runs to her then stops in front of her to catch his breath. He looked like he ran an entire marathon when they were only a little more than 20 feet away from Jade Condos¡¯ front entrance.


    However, curious as to why he stopped her, she asks.


    "Is something wrong? If you are troubled by what happened in the elevator, don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t tell anyone."


    Hearing her words that were like knives to his heart, he stuck a palm out to her and replies through his gasping breaths.


    "Xu Long."


    "Eh?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er turned muddled as she didn¡¯t understand why he would suddenly tell her his name. Was it necessary since she already knows?


    Knowing what she was thinking, Xu Long inhales a deep breath and straightens his posture. His entire demeanor no longer looked like an assistant, nor did he look like a little princess.


    An attractive smile curls on his lip, and he stood tall like the man a woman can depend on. He wants her to know that he is attracted to her and wants to get to know her better.


    "Please call me Xu Long. If you don¡¯t mind, I would like to take you out for lunch."

 Chapter 729 Eat lunch only

    <h4>Chapter 729 Eat lunch only</h4>


    As the early afternoon sky arrives over Imperial, Lu Tian parks his car in front of a stunning building. He steps out from the driver¡¯s side and walks over to the passenger side to help his wife out.


    Yue Ling stepped out as he closes the door behind her then hands the key to the valet worker. She stares up at the building in a daze before looking at Lu Tian.


    "Why are we here?"


    The ce she had been taken to was none other than the Rosewood Hotel. The very hotel own by Lu Tian and one of the top three in Imperial.


    Her question had yet to fall when she quietly gasp. She locks one arm with his and leans closer to him to not attract any attention.


    "Tian, don¡¯t tell me you brought me here to..."


    Unable to finish her words, she swallows a hard gulp as her heart starts to beat rapidly like it was going to burst out from her.


    How did she not put the pieces together?


    He said they were going somewhere to have some privacy. To be taken to this ce, it can only mean ¡¯that¡¯, right?


    Lu Tian nces down at her. Seeing her flustered face, he chuckles softly. Even without asking, he knew exactly what she was thinking about.


    His free hand raises, and he gently pinches her nose with another chuckle.


    "You always say I am shameless, but with the way you¡¯re thinking, I think you¡¯re more shameless than me."


    He looks at the hotel building and walks her to the door.


    "I brought you here for lunch and finish our discussion about the meeting."


    Yue Ling felt like she was standing on top of a volcano. The burning sensation on her cheeks was beginning to spread to her ears.


    Knowing she was embarrassed, Lu Tian smile and leans closer to her to tease her.


    "Unless you want me to be shameless with you. We can relocate our meeting to home."


    He nces back at Rosewood Hotel and his smile turns into a devilish one with mischief.


    "Then again, we are already here. Should I just book an executive suite for us?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s entire face turned as red as a baboon¡¯s bottom. She couldn¡¯t think of anything to refute him and hits his arm. Her cheeks puff like a chipmunk and she lets go of his arm.


    "Lunch. Let¡¯s eat lunch only."


    She strides away leaving Lu Tian alone. A faint smile curls on his face, but feeling the emptiness on his arm, he takes big long steps to catch up to her.


    Behind the couple, the valet worker had yet to drive the car away. He stares at the couple¡¯s departing figure and could not believe that he was seeing the two infamous people in Imperial together.


    As one should know, despite Yue Ling and Lu Tian being famous people, it is notmon to see them in public.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Lu and Miss Han."


    Upon their entrance, a hostess greets them with a smile. She wore a ck uniform and gestures a slight bow.


    "Everything at your request has been prepared in advanced."


    Lu Tian did not look at the woman but stares ahead. His entire demeanor changed from a loving husband to the cold and ruthless man that he is.


    He nods his head in indication for the hostess to lead the way.


    Yue Ling followed his steps, but she didn¡¯t forget to look around the ce. She has been here a few times, but it was still as beautiful as ever. It made one feel like they were on vacation and had all the time in the world to rx.


    As her eyes wander around, Lu Tian¡¯s figure soon came to her view. She felt a wave of guilt wash inside her for what happened in the morning. He had taken care of her drunken state all night and even took the time to prepare breakfast for her.


    Instead of thanking him, she left him to eat alone in their big house.


    She even thought about calling him after the meeting and treat him out for lunch. However, who would have known that he was the person she was meeting with.


    Lost in her thoughts, they soon enter the elevator, and shees to a decision. Since Lu Tian prepared lunch for her, she will pay the cost.


    However, what she did not know is, Lu Tian had already paid for everything in advance. He knows that she is the kind of person who does not like to owe anyone anything. So with her personality, she will no doubt offer to pay for their meal.


    The elevator ride did not take long since they were the only ones inside with the hostess. Within minutes, the elevator bell chimes and the door slides open.


    Yue Ling inhales a smile and steps out of the metal box. From every angle she stood, she could see a panoramic view of Imperial.


    She ignores the man next to her and walks over to the edge of the rooftop. She ces her palm on the ck metal rail and sighs at the view.


    No matter how many ces she has been to, she has to admit, the best ce to see Imperial with always be here.


    Lu Tian stares at her back figure with softened eyes. He motions a gesture to the hostess to bring out the food prepared.


    The hostess nods her head and leaves the couple to instruct the servers.


    Lifting one leg, Lu Tian takes a step forward then another as he slowly approaches his wife. The view of her from behind was like a mysterious abyss that always drew him to her.


    However, the longer he gazed at her, he thought about the time they were at the beach in City Z.


    No matter how many times the ocean wave washed away her footprints, he was there to rece her steps with his.


    The corners of his lip arcs up into a faint smile and his steps slow down so that he can continue to admire her.


    He will take her around the world and show her all the beautiful views life has to offer. As long as she remains in front of him and be his beautiful view.


    Always in front of him, so that he can be her eyes in the ces she cannot see.


    Hees to a stop behind her and gently wraps his arms around her waist. He nestles his chin on her shoulder and stares out to the same view as her.


    "How is your headache?"


    Yue Ling slightly jumps at his sudden hug. However, feeling his touch, she rxed and tilts her head to leans against his.


    "Better now."


    She had woken up with a hangover, but with everything that happened, she seemed to have disregarded the pounding sensation she had.


    Thinking this, she remembers something and turns around to face him.


    "About the contract, instead of 10 years, can we settle on 3 years?"


    Lu Tian frowned at her words. One second ago, they were being lovey-dovey and now, they¡¯re back to discussing business. He sighs inside and takes hold of her hand.


    "We can discuss it after eating."


    He suggested ten years because they are going to be husband and wife. As her husband, it is only natural for him to give her the best of the best and most people would be happy to get help from family members, right?


    However, why does it seem like his wife is not happy knowing that Cloth Co. belongs to the Lu family?

 Chapter 730 The perfect place

    <h4>Chapter 730 The perfect ce</h4>


    Not too far from Rosewood Hotel, an orange Audi r8 cruise through the streets of Imperial. Inside the car, Xu Long sat like a cool boss, who had nothing to worry about. However, deep inside, he was sweating like crazy out of nervousness.


    Every few seconds, he would steal a nce at the passenger seat. Compare to other days, that seat was not empty and lonely. Instead, Zhao Ya¡¯Er, who is way out of his league, is calmly sitting there and they were going to have lunch together.


    Despite his nervousness and the happy feeling inside him, he had been driving around Imperial for who knows how long. He wasn¡¯t purposely doing this it was because he doesn¡¯t know where to take her for a nice lunch.


    At first, he thought about Elegancy. However, he had to stop himself because the restaurant is run by the Zhao family.


    He awkwardly clears his throat to get rid of the silence in the car and focus his eyes on the road ahead.


    "Miss Zhao, is there anything, in particr, you want to eat?"


    Hearing his voice, Zhao Ya¡¯Er nce at him then thinks to herself. She had been nervous when she sat but telling herself that Xu Long is only a friend, she was able to rx.


    She nce out the window and seeing a building they had passed twice, she couldn¡¯t help but smile a soft chuckle.


    "Hot pot. It¡¯s a little cold today, so hot pot sounds nice."


    Her words fell and she looks at Xu Long. She will think of them having lunch together as friends since she doesn¡¯t want Lin Hui to think wrong of her if he were to find out.


    "Also, you don¡¯t have to be so polite to me."


    Making up her mind to be friends with the assistant, she chuckles softly in remembrance of when he chased after to tell her his name.


    "You can call me Zhao Ya¡¯Er."


    As she looks away to the front, she did not see Xu Long¡¯s cheeks flush a shade of pink. He had been polite towards her because he was raised to be courteous towards women.


    However, being given this chance to call her by name, he was beyond happy and quietly mouth her name to himself.


    He grins from ear to ear, but remembering what she wants to eat, he lightly presses on the gas pedal and increases the speed.


    "I know the perfect ce for hot pot."


    Within a few minutes into the drive, Xu Long¡¯s orange car soon slows to a spot in front of a very simple looking restaurant. Compare to the other surrounding restaurants that were grand and luxurious, this one looked old-fashion and out of ce.


    It was the same restaurant Lu Tian conduct his businesses and the ce Xu Long met Kira for a meeting.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er turned her head to look at the building they had stopped in front of. Her eyes blinked with an unexinable expression and she looks back at Xu Long.


    "This ce..."


    Not thinking much of her words, Xu Long smiles and reaches for the driver¡¯s side door. As he pushes it open and steps out, he answers her.


    "The best hot pot ce in Imperial."


    He closes the door and walks around the car to the passenger door. When he opened the door and saw a better view of her expression, it was then that realization hit him in the face.


    How could he forget?


    Their social background is far different from one another. She is from a prominent family while hees from a normal family.


    What if she thought he was going to bring her to a fancy restaurant? What if she finds this ce too poor for her liking? What if she already has a bad impression of him?


    Millions of ¡¯what if¡¯ circted inside Xu Long¡¯s head as he stood holding the car door open.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er nce at him and seeing his expression, she knew exactly what was going on in his mind. She chuckles softly and steps out of the car.


    Lightly shaking her head, she ignores him and walks towards the restaurant. As she passed him, she didn¡¯t forget to lightly tap the side of his arm.


    "Are we going inside or are you nning to stand there all day?"


    Xu Long follows her figure. Seeing her smiling face, he blinks his eyes in confusion.


    "Y-You¡¯re okay with eating here?"


    He swallows a hard gulp before continuing his words.


    "I¡¯m sorry for taking you here. You said you wanted to eat hot pot, so this is the only ce I could think of that serves the best hot pot."


    Without closing the door, he looks at her with a bitter smile he was able to force out.


    "If you don¡¯t want to eat here, we can go somewhere else."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stares quietly at him. She knew the meaning behind his words but throwing a surprise at him, she turns away from him and continues towards the restaurant entrance.


    "Here is fine. Besides, if I don¡¯t try the hot pot here, how will I know that it is the best in Imperial."


    She may have been born into a prominent family, but that does not mean like to be surrounded by wealth. Her parents raised her to see life from different views and never judge anything or anyone without getting to know it.


    Stopping in front of the restaurant door, she opens it but pauses when she notices that Xu Long was still by the car. She turns around to look at him and furrow her brows.


    "Are youing, or will I be eating by myself?"


    Xu Long stares at her and he felt his heartbeat at a slow steady pace to a hectic pace. This was the first time they hung out like this, but it was enough to make him understand the term, ¡¯love at first sight¡¯.


    However, thinking about the things Zhao Ya¡¯Er had to experience because of Wei Hongyi, he clenches his fists tightly to suppress his anger.


    He inhales a deep breath and closes the door before walking towards Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Holding the door in ce for her, he smiles.


    "After you."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er enters the restaurant without another word. However, she didn¡¯t know that Xu Long was swearing a promise inside.


    If he ever sees Wei Hongyi near Zhao Ya¡¯Er again, he¡¯s going to teach the bastard a lesson. Make him (Wei Hongyi) know his ce for daring toy a figure on a woman as precious as Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    Upon their entrance, the elderly man, who is always seated behind the counter, lowers the newspaper to see who had walked in.


    When he saw Zhao Ya¡¯Er, the straight thin line of his face twitch. It curls up into a wide and pleasant smile.


    "Good afternoon youngdy. Are you here alone?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er smiles with the old man. She parts her lips to answer, but before she could make a sound, Xu Long answers from behind.


    "Ya, old man, who said she is alone? Can¡¯t you see that I am here too?"


    The elderly man nces at Xu Long and he rolled his eyes with arrogant scoff.


    "Oh, it¡¯s only you."


    He grabs two menus from the side and slides over the counter to Xu Long then raise the newspaper to cover his face.


    "Sit anywhere you want."


    Xu Long rolled his eyes back at the elderly man. He didn¡¯t care about politeness because he has long gotten used to the elderly man¡¯s attitude.


    He looks at Zhao Ya¡¯Er and smiles at her as he gestures with his hand to the dining area.


    "Don¡¯t mind is rudeness. He acts like that because of his old age but once you get to know him, he a sweet old man."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was struck speechless by their conversation. She doesn¡¯t know what to say but nods her head and walks in the direction Xu Long had directed.


    As Xu Long takes one step to follow behind, he pauses and darts his head to look at the elderly man. Seeing how the newspaper was blocking them, he stuck his tongue out like a child then goes on with his way.


    The elderly man waited for a few seconds then lowers the newspaper. Only enough so that his eyes were in view. He nces in the direction of the two young individuals and an unnoticeable smile curls on his face.


    "Well, there is the answer to our doubts about his preference."


    His words fell enough for him to hear only. However, as he spoke thest word, the smile on his face disappears and he raises the newspaper again.


    "Seems like Spring is starting to fall upon our young, Xu Long."


    He murmurs like he was reading the newspaper then casually taps the bell nearby before calling out to the kitchen.


    "Two customers."

 Chapter 731 You werent there!

    <h4>Chapter 731 You weren¡°t there!</h4>


    After having lunch without any other disturbances, Lu Tian tried to persuade his wife to go home and rest. However, she protested against him without any ns to agree.


    As the CEO, she cannot take any more days off. After all, she had already been away for too long during her recovery.


    So, left with no other choice, Lu Tian could only agree with a heavy heart and drive her back to De L¡¯amour.


    Minutes after their drive from Rosewood Hotel, his metallic silver Lotus Evora pulls up in front of the fashionpany.


    Knowing that Lu Tian was sulking over her protests, Yue Ling leans over to him and gives him a quick on the cheeks before pushing the door open and jumps out. She doesn¡¯t want to think or n to see what he will do if he was one step faster than her.


    She ces the handle of her workbag over her shoulder then spun around the face to the car and waves bye to him. However, instead of walking away, she gestures for him to leave first.


    Lu Tian stares at her with slightly heavy eyelids. His face held no expression, but that was only for a split second before heughs and listens to her like a good child.


    As his car drove away from De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling watched until it was no longer in sight. She turns around and makes her way to the fashionpany.


    Remembering something, she nces up at the sky and murmurs her thoughts aloud.


    "Hm, I wonder if Liu Shan made it back safely."


    As her figure disappears inside De L¡¯amour, the people passing by through the street carried on with their way. Not too far from where she had been dropped off, a woman had been watching the entire scene unfold.


    She was a slender woman with brown hair, and she wore a red coat with ck heels. She held her handbag at her side and her features were very bewitching.


    However, despite her attractive looks, all the passerby couldn¡¯t help but shiver at the sight of her.


    Everyone also didn¡¯t forget to walk around her as if to keep a safe distance.


    That is because of her expression. She doesn¡¯t hesitate to hide anything and allows her emotions to be seen on her face. Anyone could see that she was a woman with malicious intentions.


    She stares with ring eyes in the direction Yue Ling had gone then tilts her head back to look at the dark building of De L¡¯amour.


    "Just you wait. I will make sure that everything you care about belongs to me."


    Her head then turns in the direction Lu Tian¡¯s car had driven off and a menacing glimmer sh in her eyes.


    "Including your man."


    She raises her free hand and flicks her hair behind her back before walking away. Her coat was bright and one that stood out, but the second she left the spot she had been standing, her figure blended right into the crowd.


    It was as if she was never there on the scene and was only walking by.


    Inside De L¡¯amour, Yue Ling did not enter the elevator but had walked to the back of the first floor. She stood in the security room with eyes staring onto one of the many monitor screens.


    "Should I inform the police?"


    The security guard asks without looking at her. There were threerge monitors set up in the room. Disyed on each screen were multiple smaller camera images as each one captured the surrounding premises of De L¡¯amour.


    However, Yue Ling and the security guard had their attention on one screen only.


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t answer right away but stares at the screen. Like the other screens, this one was only showing a live scene of people passing by. However, that is because she already saw what she needed.


    Her bluish-green eyes then look away to another screen. Unlike the one she had been looking at, this one captures the back figure of a woman in a bright red coat walking away.


    The moment Lu Tian parked the car in front of De L¡¯amour, she was already aware of the woman¡¯s presence. However, knowing Lu Tian would worry too much, she decided to y ignorance.


    She stares at the person on the screen for a long second before turning away and walks out of the security room.


    "Leave her be. If she shows up again, notify me."


    Minutes after leaving the room, Yue Ling arrived on the highest floor of De L¡¯amour. She enters her office and ces her work bag on top of her desk, then removes her coat.


    *Bam¡ª!


    She had only hung her coat when the door to her office flew open with great force. It was as if the person behind the door had kicked it open to find a burr.


    Anyone who was in the room would have jumped in fright, but Yue Ling remainedposed. Her reaction was one like she had be ustomed to this situation too many times.


    She nces at the widely opened door, then walks over to her desk to take a seat.


    "It¡¯s good to see you back in one piece."


    "You!"


    The second her words fell, Liu Shan did not hesitate to unleash his wrath upon her. Despite her being his superior, he res viciously at her and stomps towards her.


    However, he stops in his tracks in the center of the room where the two white couches were.


    "You left me behind!"


    Like an angry child, he stomps on foot angrily then makes a turn to sit on one of the couches. He made sure to sit on the one that allowed him to face her.


    "How could you do that to me? I thought we were a team! Two peas in a pod!"


    He folds his arms over his chest and sounds a ¡¯hmmf¡¯ as he darts his head to the windows. His lower lip trembles and unlike his angry expression when he entered the room, his eyes turned moist.


    "How could you leave me alone back there? Do you know how scared I was?"


    Yue Ling stares silently at the assistant¡¯s behavior. She leans back on the chair and crosses one arm over her chest as her other hand raised to cover her mouth.


    For some reason, she felt the urge tough at this side of him. So not wanting him to know, she could only hide her smile behind her hand.


    However, there was one thing she is curious about.


    He is one of her strongest and bravest subordinates. When ites to facing the enemy head-on, he never shows the slightest bit of hesitation, but what did Manager He do to make this man on the brink of tears?


    Curious, she clears her throat to rid of her smile and sits up in the chair.


    "Was it that scary?"


    Liu Shan trembles a breath at her question. He nces at her without turning his head and seeing the unnoticeable smile on her face, intense steam blew from his ears.


    He parts his lip to say something, but not wanting to see her mocking expression full of amusement, he looks back at the windows.


    "It¡¯s easy for you to say. You didn¡¯t have to walk around with Jafar breathing down your neck. Do you know how many times I have to keep my guard up?"


    Yue Ling arched a brow at his amusing response. She couldn¡¯t help but think back to Manager He¡¯s appearance and nods her head like she was agreeing with her assistant.


    "That¡¯s true, but Manager He seems like a nice man. Why do you have to keep your guard up?"


    Liu Shan grew even angrier at her teasing. He sits up and with an exaggerating attitude, he hits the couch with both palms.


    "How would you know? You weren¡¯t there!"


    His lower lips tremble uncontrobly and like every bone in his body had disappeared, he slumps onto the couch like slime.


    cing both hands on his stomach like he was having a conversation with a therapist, he stares up at the white ceiling and cries without any tears.


    "You see, I am a very strong man, but today, everywhere I went, I thought Iago was going to fly out of nowhere and attack me."


    Like he was having the most difficult time to express himself, he chokes a despairing sob and wipes his dried eyes with one hand.


    "That bright crimson red parrot. So small yet, so terrifying."


    "..."

 Chapter 732 Standing your ground

    <h4>Chapter 732 Standing your ground</h4>


    Yue Ling stares dumbfoundedly at her assistant. Seeing him act this way, she couldn¡¯t decide whether tough or cry.


    He had been so serious about being scared that she thought Manager He had done something frightening. However, it turned out to be his own imagination running wild.


    She sighs a deep breath to calm herself from his unusual way of thinking. Reaching a hand for her work bag, she takes out the ck folder containing the supply contract between De L¡¯amour and Cloth Co.


    Scooting the chair back, she stood up and walks over to sit on the couch across from him. She ignores his unprofessional appearance and set the folder on the table between them.


    "Starting tomorrow, we will be working with Cloth Co."


    Liu Shan turns his head to look at her then down at the folder. His childish behavior takes a 306 turn and he abruptly returns to the assistant that he is.


    However, he doesn¡¯t sit up but looks back up at the ceiling.


    "So that means we¡¯ll be buying from them for ten years?"


    Understanding his words, Yue Ling shakes her head and opens the folder. cing the tips on her fingers on top, she turns it to face him and leans back on the couch.


    "I convinced Lu Tian to agree to five years. If things progress well for bothpanies, I will propose another contractter."


    Liu Shan wanted to ask why she didn¡¯t just keep the ten-year contract since she and Lu Tian were getting married but stop himself.


    Out of all her subordinates, he is the closest to her and knows better than anyone why she declined the offer. Especially knowing that the other party is apany that belongs to someone she knows.


    Not because she doesn¡¯t trust or want to work with the otherpany, but because she doesn¡¯t want to mix her personal life and work together.


    The other party this time is Cloth Co., and it belongs to the Lu family. Once the coboration begins,bined with Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s engagement, others will start to specte that his boss is able to seed because of the Lu family¡¯s help.


    Of course, this means little to Yue Ling, but as the person she is, she doesn¡¯t want others to speak ill of the other party without knowing anything.


    Liu Shan sighs aloud and sits up. He grabs the folder and flips through the contract.


    Five years. They will be working with Cloth Co. for five years, but will his boss be okay?


    In the past, when she was still a model, some people criticized her for being a model for Beauty. Rumors spread that she got to where she is today because of how popr Beauty is in the industry.


    However, only a few know that she got to where she is because of her own hard work.


    She was able to be a renowned model because of how naturally good she is. Whereas Fate and H-International were indeed passed down to her, but it was also because of the outstanding capability that made each one formidable to this day.


    The same goes for De L¡¯amour and An Qing. Both fashionpanies started off as small boutiques before reaching their highest peak.


    And all these things were done solely by Yue Ling and her hard work.


    As the memories of the past flooded his mind, Liu Shan looks at his boss. An unexinable wave of emotion sh in his heart that sent a sharp stab to him.


    A bittersweet smile curls on his lip and he sighs inside for her.


    She is only one person but has to carry so much weight on her shoulders.


    Averting his gaze from her, he lowers his head and looks down at the folder in his hands. Thinking to himself, he closes it and sets it down on the table.


    "For someone who has many responsibilities, I apud you for always standing your ground and never faltering."


    He leans back on the couch and looks her in the eyes.


    "For this, I have followed you for many years. And be it in the next five years or ten, I will continue to trust your decisions."


    Yue Ling stares back at him and she felt like the luckiest boss in the world to have an understanding assistant like him. Never once has he ever questioned any of her decisions.


    Of course, there were times when he tells her his opinions, but if he finds her reason reasonable, he will agree without another thought.


    As Yue Ling and Liu Shan discuss over the matters between De L¡¯amour and Cloth Co., inside a small restaurant in the distance, Xu Long and Zhao Ya¡¯Er had just finished lunch.


    Xu Long held the door open for Zhao Ya¡¯Er as she walks out after thanking him for paying. She couldn¡¯t help but think about the delicious meal she had just eaten and ce both her palms on her cheeks.


    "You were right about this ce. The broth was so delicious and vorful, if I weren¡¯t too full, I would have drunk it all."


    Hearing how satisfied she was, Xu Long stuck out his chest and his nose grew proudly. He has beening to this restaurant since he was young and has never encountered another restaurant that can beat the hot pot here.


    "Next time, if you want toe here again, just let me know."


    He leans a little closer to her and giggles a whisper.


    "I know all their discount days."


    His words fell with confidence, but remembering something, he stops in his steps.


    "Ah, can you wait here for me? I forgot something inside."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stops with him and smiles a nod. She doesn¡¯t walk to the car but takes a step to the side and waits while Xu Long runs back inside the restaurant.


    He needed to ask the elderly man if Qin Jun, Kira, or Song Jing Li stopped by to give information on Choi Li Sun. After all, this ce is where they settle to exchange intel.


    Oblivious to his true reason, Zhao Ya¡¯Er didn¡¯t think much and looks around the area. At the same time, she was happy about having lunch with Xu Long.


    Never once did he make her feel ufortable. He spoke to her like they had known each other for many years.


    However, thinking about how good he is, she sighs inside.


    "If only he wasn¡¯t bent."


    "Ya¡¯Er."


    The second she murmurs to herself, she hears her name being called from behind. Thinking Xu Long hade back, she turns around to look at him with a smile.


    "You¡¯re back already?"


    However, when she faced the person, she thought to be Xu Long, the smile on her face disappears.


    Her face turned as pale as a ghost and her body slightly trembles in fear.


    "W-Why are you here?"

 Chapter 733 How about mine?

    <h4>Chapter 733 How about mine?</h4>


    The person standing in front of Zhao Ya¡¯Er was none other than Wei Hongyi. He wore a light blue dress shirt with khaki pants and a navy coat over. His handsome features are one that often mistakes him for a model, but behind that mask of his is a monster in hiding.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er stares at him with trembling eyes and clenches her fist tightly. She has been hiding from and thest person she ever wanted to see again.


    She regrets ever falling for his disgusting sweet words.


    Wei Hongyi was surprised to see Zhao Ya¡¯Er. He had joined his friend for lunch at the restaurant next to the one she hade out of.


    Seeing how pretty she looked, she sneers maliciously at her. Ever since she took off with Yue Ling, he has been unable to find her whereabouts.


    And just when he thought about giving up, she suddenly appears in front of him.


    Thinking she must still want to be with him, he eyes her figure like a predator. Compare to the women he has been withtely she is still the best when ites to appearances.


    He licks his lip and doesn¡¯t hesitate to approach her. Since she is standing in front of him, he will never let her go again.


    "Since you are here, you must miss me a lot. Come, let me take you home."


    As his hand reaches out to grab her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er wakes a big step back to avoid his touch. She res at him with disgust and scoffs sarcastically.


    "Are you crazy? Who misses you? What nonsense are you spitting?"


    She takes a few more steps back to make sure there was a good distance between them.


    After her conversation with Yue Ling, she came to understand that if she wants to get away from this ma, she cannot be weak like before.


    Only by showing him that isn¡¯t afraid of him will he leave her alone.


    She inhales a deep breath to steady herself and looks like Wei Hongyi like he was a thorn in her flesh.


    "There is nothing between us anymore. So leave me alone while I am being nice to you."


    Seeing her suddenly standing up for herself, Wei Hongyi¡¯s eyes dimmed dangerously. She used to be so obedient and listened to him. How dare she tries to act all high and mighty.


    He clenches his fists tightly to push back the urge to yank her by the hair and drag her away. With a forced and crooked smile, he steps forward to close the gap between them.


    "Ya¡¯Er, baby. Why are you saying that? Don¡¯t cause a scene and go home with me. I¡¯ll buy anything you want. Okay?"


    His words fell like a good husband trying to coax his angry wife.


    "Remember, you love me and can¡¯t live without me."


    Each step he took forward, Zhao Ya¡¯Er would take a step back. She made sure that the gap between them remained the same without getting smaller.


    "Loved."


    She corrected his sentence and emphasized the ¡¯D¡¯ in her word. To which, he looks at her with a slight frown in confusion.


    "I loved you, but not anymore."


    Her stepse to a stop like she was standing her ground in front of her enemy.


    "Apparently, I can live without you. As a matter of fact, my life is so much better without you in it."


    Wei Hongyi was at a loss by her. Any person in his shoes would have gotten the meaning behind her words. However, because he has too much pride, he strides towards her.


    "I don¡¯t care about how you feel. You¡¯re mine and that¡¯s that."


    Before Zhao Ya¡¯Er could avoid him, he already grabbed her by the wrist and drags her away.


    "Stop! You crazy bastard! Let me go!"


    She doesn¡¯t hesitate to protest and struggles within his hold. However, due to the difference in their strength, everything she did had little effect on him.


    "Help! Someone help me please!"


    Her head looks in every direction for any help. Unfortunately, there were only a few people out at this time as everyone had gone back to work.


    Even when she pleaded with those nearby, they turned a blind eye as they did not want to get in trouble.


    Her eyes turned moist with tears and she starts to punch Wei Hongyi¡¯s arms with all her strength.


    "Let go of me, you sadistic bastard!"


    A tear ran down her cheek when she remembers someone. She turns her head to look back at the small restaurant and cries loudly.


    "Xu Long! Xu Long!"


    However, every punch from her was like a soft tap on Wei Hongyi¡¯s arm. He ignores her cries and punches.


    "Punch me all you want. Your fists don¡¯t hurt me."


    "Then how about mine?"


    A man¡¯s calm voice sounds right after Wei Hongyi¡¯s words. He pauses in his steps and turns to see who it is, but the second he turned his head, a fistes into his view.


    "Ugh!"


    The fist struck him right on the nose and he stumbles. His grip on Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s wrist loosens as he tries to steady himself from falling.


    Intense pain shot through him and he quickly covers his nose to stop the bleeding.


    "Who the fuck¡ª!"


    He bellows angrily and spun around to face the person. Zhao Ya¡¯Er, who was supposed to be on his side, was now standing behind a very familiar person.


    He scoffs a sneer and wipes the blood from his nose before spitting onto the ground.


    "Assistant Xu, this is a personal matter between her and me. If you don¡¯t want any trouble, I suggest you get on with your way."


    Xu Long stood in front of Zhao Ya¡¯Er like a shield. He stares at Wei Hongyi with a straight face. The very same face he had learned to imitate from observing his cold and ruthless boss.


    However, his attention did not stay on the man for too long.


    He turns his head slightly to the side so that he could see Zhao Ya¡¯Er from the corner of his eyes.


    "Sorry I made you wait for too long."

 Chapter 734 Her own person

    <h4>Chapter 734 Her own person</h4>


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er felt like God had finally heard her plead for help and sent an angel to help her. However, due to her shaken state, she could not answer him and nods her head.


    Seeing how frightened she is, Xu Long felt a sharp stab in his chest. He looks back at Wei Hongyi with dark eyes.


    He had gone back inside the restaurant for no longer than five minutes. He didn¡¯t bring her because the things he had to ask and hear from the elderly man were confidential.


    While he was listening, the elderly man suddenly changed the topic and said to him.


    "Xu Long, someone snatched your girlfriend."


    It was then that he turned around and saw Zhao Ya¡¯Er being dragged away by Wei Hongyi.


    If it weren¡¯t for the restaurant designed with soundproof windows, he would have long heard her first scream for help.


    When he noticed how pale she looked, he dropped everything and rush out to help her.


    At first, he nned to talk things out like civilized people. However, hearing the way Wei Hongyi mocking Zhao Ya¡¯Er, an amount of anger he never had before arose inside him.


    He may note from a prominent family like Wei Hongyi, but that didn¡¯t mean he will just turn a blind eye and let the man belittle a woman.


    With eyes on the man with a bloody nose due to his punch, Xu Long sighs inside. If the old man did not alert him, Zhao Ya¡¯Er would have been taken away right under his nose.


    Thinking about all the suffering she had to go through, he clenches his fists to suppress his anger.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er couldn¡¯t see his expression, but she could sense that he was angry for her. However, she was afraid of him getting into trouble due to her.


    She gently tugs him by the sleeve of his coat and leans forward to whisper.


    "Liu Shan, I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s leave."


    Seeing her be so close to the assistant, Wei Hongyi scoffs a sneer in jealousy. He straightens his spine and raises his chin like he was a noble ruler looking down on Xu Long.


    "Assistant Xu, I see that my woman is quite fond of you. However, I will ignore this since I have high respect for your boss. So scram while I am still giving you a chance."


    Xu Long was unfazed by the man¡¯s words. He pouts his lip as if thinking hard about what to do before shrugging his shoulders.


    "But I don¡¯t need that chance."


    The space between his eyebrows creases into three lines when he sees that Wei Hongyi¡¯s eyes were glued to Zhao Ya¡¯Er. He takes a small step to the side and blocks her from view.


    "Mr. Wei, from my understanding, Zhao Ya¡¯Er, is a woman. However, she isn¡¯t your woman."


    Wei Hongyi burst into sarcasticughter at Xu Long. They are both men, aren¡¯t they? From how he was raised, men are born to be more dominant than women.


    However, to hear Xu Long say that Zhao Ya¡¯Er is not his woman, what kind of joke is this?


    He eyes the assistant from head to toe before scoffing at the way Xu Long is dressed.


    "I don¡¯t think you understand anything. Women exist to serve us, men, in any way we want. They are born to satisfy our personal desires and we can do whatever we want with them."


    He nces behind Xu Long and could see the top of Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s head. He sneers and looks back at the assistant.


    "Since you¡¯re saying that she isn¡¯t my woman, then is she yours?"


    His tone was full of sarcasm, but it stabbed Zhao Ya¡¯Er in the heart. The moment she came to know the real Wei Hongyi, she realized that in his eyes, women will always be beneath men.


    No matter how strong a woman is, he (Wei Hongyi) will consider them as a ything to fill his lust.


    Xu Long sighs in pity at the man in front of him. He couldn¡¯t help but want to cut open the man¡¯s head to see what he (Wei Hongyi) has learned in life.


    Not only that, at times like this, he wishes so badly that hisdy boss was here. If she heard this nonsense from Wei Hongyi, without a doubt she would have crushed the man¡¯s skull open.


    However, knowing that these two things were only his wishful thinking, he shakes his head.


    "She is not my woman, but her own person."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s eyes tremble with her heart. She looks up at Xu Long and could feel the warmth he was giving off. It was a warm feeling that made one feel secured and protected. The same kind of feeling simr to Yue Ling.


    Oblivious to her inner feelings towards him, Xu Long¡¯s words continue.


    "An anonymous person once said, ¡¯A real man never hurts a woman. Be very careful when you make a woman cry because God counts her tears. The woman came out of a man¡¯s rib. Not from his feet to be walked on and not from his head to be superior, but from his side to be equal. Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved¡¯."


    His words fell as he pats his heart like he was showing Wei Hongyi where a person¡¯s heart is. He lowers his hand and slightly tilts his head to the side.


    "With the way you think, all I see is a coward. A coward who only knows how to bully the weak."


    He raises his left hand and points with his index finger at Wei Hongyi.


    "And with the way you see women, you should be ashamed of yourself. No, praise to buddha I weren¡¯t your mother because if I were your mother, I would be ashamed of you."


    Wei Hongyi was stupefied at the fact that Xu Long had quoted the longest quote he has ever heard. However, hearing the assistant¡¯sst words, his face turned red in fury.


    "Shut up¡ª!!!"


    He doesn¡¯t waste any more time and lunges forward with his fist in aim for Xu Long¡¯s face.


    However, seeing his move from a thousand miles away, Xu Long sighs inside.


    He remained in ce and once Wei Hongyi¡¯s fist was inches from him, his left-hand grabs the man¡¯s wrist. With a slight tug, he twists Wei Hongyi¡¯s arms but not to the point of breaking it.


    "Tsk, tsk."


    He clicks his tongue and tightens his hold.


    "No wonder you pry on the weak. Your wrist is as slim as a woman¡¯s. Are you sure you¡¯re not a transgender?"


    "Ahh! Fucken bastard, let go of my hand!"


    Wei Hongyi shrill in pain. He swore, if Xu Long were to twist his arm just a little more, his bones would break within seconds.


    However, angry and being humiliated, he swung his other arm to punch Xu Long.


    Unfortunately, to his disappointment, the person he is facing may have a soft heart, but he is someone easy to defeat.


    Xu Long blocks the punch by grabbing hold of Wei Hongyi¡¯s wrist. He looks down at the man with pity and sighs.


    "You leave me no other choice."


    His head tilts back then using enough strength, he leans forward again.


    "Meet my iron forehead!"


    *Clunk--!


    Both their foreheads m hard against one another. However, while Xu Long remained unfazed by the hit, Wei Hongyi was the opposite.


    Stars start to circle around him until they turned into birds. His eyes rolled back until they were white and his head tilts back as he loses consciousness.


    Xu Long let¡¯s go of Wei Hongyi¡¯s wrists and watch as his (Wei Hongyi) body slumps onto the ground. He sneers at how weak this man is and clicks his tongue.


    "Weak."

 Chapter 735 Fat slap across the face

    <h4>Chapter 735 Fat p across the face</h4>


    Xu Long stares down at Wei Hongyi then scratch the back of his head. He did m his forehead against the man¡¯s, but he didn¡¯t even use that much force. Could it be that Wei Hongyi is really that weak?


    However, he doesn¡¯t dwell too much on the thought and shrugs it off.


    He raises his right leg and gently kicks the unconscious man with light taps.


    "Wow, for someone who talks high and mighty, you sure are weak."


    His words fell in mocking that could taunt anyone who heard. However, none of his words entered the target¡¯s ears as Wei Hongyi remained sprawled on the ground like a lifeless doll.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er pokes her head out from behind Xu Long. When she saw Wei Hongyi, she gasps and covers her mouth.


    "Is... Is he dead?"


    Her voice brought Xu Long back to his usual self. He smoothly spun around to face her and blocks her view of Wei Hongyi.


    "He¡¯s not dead, just sleeping."


    "Hey! What¡¯s going on here?!"


    Just when Xu Long¡¯s words fell, a raging voice roars from behind him. He turns his head to the person while Zhao Ya¡¯Er looks ahead.


    They were greeted by a group consisting of five men.


    Each person was clothed in extravagant attire and held their own charm. The air they carried was enough to let others know that they are spoilt brats from prominent families.


    Xu Long slightly furrow his brows and recognized all five men. Especially two of them as they were none other than Xu You and Gao Lan. The two men, who were there the night his boss paid Wei Hongyi a little visit.


    Unlike the assistant, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯splexion turned white. These men were ill-tempered just like Wei Hongyi. It was also the reason why they all got along.


    A man wearing a white suit walks over to Wei Hongyi¡¯s unconscious body and crouch down. His eyes sh dangerously, and he res up at Xu Long.


    "Did you do this to our friend?"


    When he got a better look at Xu Long, a realization came to him. Xu Long is one of the men they have been looking for since the incident at the nightclub, Spring.


    After knocking Wei Hongyi out that night, their men had chased after the two anonymous men, but they returned to report that another man saved the two bastards and escaped.


    Xu Long meets the man¡¯s eyes without any intention of backing down. He was also unaware of the man¡¯s thoughts on him because that night at Spring, he was too drunk to remember much.


    However, noticing the man¡¯s intense gaze on him, he looks left then right.


    He frowns then looks up then down. His frown deepens and he turns to look behind him.


    Maybe there¡¯s someone else here.


    No, it¡¯s only Zhao Ya¡¯Er standing behind him.


    His frown deepens and he looks back at the man. Seeing all five pairs of eyes on him, he smiles awkwardly at them.


    "Um, don¡¯t worry, I only put him to sleep."


    Putting on a weak and pathetic appearance, he ushers Zhao Ya¡¯Er towards the direction of his parked car. As he did this, he doesn¡¯t forget to take hold of her hand and whispers.


    "We should leave before something bad happens."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was struck speechless by him. Not at his sudden change in behavior or words, but by the fact that he had suddenly held her hand.


    She stares nkly up at him and felt like time had slowed down and left them to be the only two people still alive.


    Ever since her rtionship with Wei Hongyi, no man has ever stood up for her. Even she was beaten near death, none of his friends thought to step in. Every one of them turned a blind eye and pretended that she didn¡¯t exist.


    Of course, she could have told her family and easily have the problem dealt with. However, she was born into a strong family. She didn¡¯t want them to see her as a weak person, who always had to depend on their help.


    "Stop! Who said you can leave?!"


    Another man shouts after Xu Long and Zhao Ya¡¯Er when he saw them leaving. He was the youngest amongst the group and the second most arrogant one behind Wei Hongyi.


    He doesn¡¯t know who Xu Long is, but he won¡¯t let the bastard get away after beating up his friend.


    His attention shifts from Xu Long to Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Seeing the two holding hands like lovebirds strolling in the park, he scoffs a sneer.


    "Hongyi was right. You are a whore. After using being his woman for so many years, you shamelessly jumped onto the next man you see."


    He nces back at Xu Long and sizes the man up and down. Seeing how poorly dressed the assistant was, heughs in ridicule.


    "And here I thought it was some big shot. He turned out to be nobody from a low-born family."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er felt a wave of anger burst inside her. Xu Long had been nothing but good to her. He even stepped in to help her when none of these men did and yet, he is being looked down upon.


    She flung her head around to argue back, but Xu Long suddenly stops her by her pulling away. He looks back at the man who had spoken ill of him.


    Those harsh words would have angered a person to death, but it had little effect on him.


    "Instead of worrying about us, how about you worry about your friend."


    Without saying another word, he unlocks the passenger door to his car and helps Zhao Ya¡¯Er inside. ncing at the men onest time, he smirks tauntingly at them and walks over to the driver¡¯s side.


    "We¡¯ll be on with our way then."


    Each person at this moment held an expression of shock upon seeing his orange Audi r8.


    When his back turned to them, he didn¡¯t forget to thank hisdy boss for gifting him this car. He may not have bought the car with his own money, but letting these men see him drive in it was like a fat p across the face.


    As this very car is one that none of them can ever afford, let alone know anyone who will gift it to them.


    The young man who had badmouthed Xu Long was quick on his feet again. He rushes after Xu Long without any care that the assistant drove a fancy car.


    "Bastard! Get back here and fight us like a man!"


    "Stop!!"


    Before the young man could take another step, Xu You and Gao Lan stops him. Both men were just as angry as their friends from the humiliation. However, after that dreadful night of being beaten ck and blue by Wolf Team, neither wants to experience the pain again.


    "Let them go. We need to get Hongyi to the hospital."


    Gao Lan squats down to help their unconscious friend up but catching a glimpse of the young man¡¯s grim expression, he could guess what he (the young man) was thinking.


    "Don¡¯t even think about it. That man may be from a low-born family, but he is Lu Tian¡¯s assistant. If you still want to live, I suggest you leave him alone."


    As many in Imperial know how ruthless Lu Tian can be when ites to his people. The man will make sure the person who dares toy a hand on his people leave this world.


    The only thing that confuses him (Gao Lan) is how Wei Hongyi can still be alive to this day.


    However, what he doesn¡¯t know is that Lu Tian is secretly keeping tabs on Wei Hongyi¡¯s every move. If he wanted Wei Hongyi dead, one word was all he needed.


    The only thing stopping him is his cousin. He is waiting for her to tell him about what the man has done to her.

 Chapter 736 Friend-zoned

    <h4>Chapter 736 Friend-zoned</h4>


    The car ride back to Jade Condos was in total silence as Zhao Ya¡¯Er was immersed in her own thoughts. When she finally came to her senses again, she was already standing in front of the door to her penthouse.


    She blinks her eyes a few times with a frown. When did she get here? How did she get here?


    Wasn¡¯t she sitting inside Xu Long¡¯s car?


    Remembering that she was with Xu Long, she looks in the direction of his ce. He had saved her, but because she was so lost in her own world, she forgot to thank him.


    Just as her head turned, she was taken back by surprise seeing that Xu Long had not entered his home.


    He was standing in front of his door with his right hand on his hip and left elbow propped against the wall. He even had his left leg crossed over the other and was staring back at her like he was trying to read her.


    "Uh..."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was struck speechless by his gaze. She found it strange that for someone interested in men, he was looking at her with such soft eyes.


    The kind of eyes one has when they are in front of the person they like.


    Her cheeks flush pink and she averts his gaze. She quickly tells herself to not overthink the situation. He is only looking at her like that because he has the heart of a woman and probably worried about her like a friend.


    Thinking this way, she sighs a smile and takes a step towards him before gesturing a polite bow.


    "Thank you for helping me back there. If there¡¯s anything I can help you with in the future, please don¡¯t hesitate to ask. I will help with what I can."


    Xu Long was staring at her, but he was also lost in Lland. He had only spent a short amount of time with Zhao Ya¡¯Er, but it was enough to make him find her interesting.


    Most women experience what she had gone through would have burst into tears. However, she didn¡¯t. She kept her head high and held everything in.


    Thinking this way, he was able to conclude one thing. Maybe she can remain strong because she has been putting up with this for too long.


    Like it¡¯s to the point, she is doesn¡¯t care anymore about what Wei Hongyi does to her.


    Imagining all the pain and suffering she had to go through alone, Xu Long felt another wave of anger wash inside him. It was the kind of anger that made him want to kill Wei Hongyi, only to revive him to kill him again and again.


    Before his thoughts could trail further, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s voice brought him back to reality. He inhales a deep breath to calm his mind and looks at her with a soft smile.


    "You don¡¯t have to thank me. Any man with a good heart would have done the same to help, but if you really want to thank me, you should have dinner with me tomorrow night."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was in awe of his smile that could make any woman feel like they are on cloud nine. Her cheeks flush red at his words and she slightly purse her lip.


    "If you say that, I will think that you like women and not men."


    She chuckles her words then looks down at her handbag to get her house key.


    "Anyways, thank you again for being my friend and sticking up for me. I am truly indebted to you."


    As she retrieves her house keys, she looks back at him and gives him a sweet but friendly smile.


    "I¡¯ll go inside now. I don¡¯t want your boyfriend to have any misunderstanding if he identally sees us and hears you."


    Watching her unlock the door, Xu Long was dumbfounded. To be more precise, she had him at, ¡¯like women and not men.¡¯


    It was a small sentence that most men would agree with, but the way she said it was like he is bent the other way.


    His right hand slowly raises up and he clutches tightly onto his chest like he was in pain.


    "Gay and friend-zoned at the same time."


    And that was when he smacked himself on the forehead in his head. Throughout their lunch date, he forgot to clear any misunderstanding with her.


    "I like women."


    He quickly blurts out without thinking and straightens his posture.


    "I like women and not men."


    Thinking about his words for a quick second, he shakes his head before correcting himself.


    "Not just any woman, I am interested in you and would like to get to know you better."


    He spoke with confidence, but seeing her shocked expression, the air around them turned awkward. He shes her a crooked grin and chuckles.


    "If I came off as rude, I¡¯m very sorry. I hope you think about what I said and let me know if I am worthy enough to be a part of your heart."


    He quickly spun to face the door and unlocks it. Embarrassed at himself, he pushes the door open and jumps inside. However, before closing the door, he pokes his head back out to look at her.


    Only think time, with a more serious expression.


    "Please remember, I might act feminine, but I am a man who only has an interest in women."


    Like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders, he grins from ear to ear at her then returns inside.


    "..."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was left standing alone in the hallway. She stares at the spot Xu Long had been standing without batting an eye.


    Feeling like an entire day had gone by, she finally came to her senses, and her mouth slowly opens agape.


    "Oh. My. God."


    Her eyes widen with each of her words and doing the same thing as Xu Long, she abruptly pushes open her front door and frantically darts inside.


    She ms the door shut and presses her back against it as if she were trying to keep out the devil.


    "H-h-h-he..."


    She stutters one word before cing her palm on her chest to calm herself. The image of Xu Long¡¯s serious expression floated inside her mind and she swallows a hard gulp.


    "He likes women..."


    Her legs grew weak and she slowly slid down to sit on the floor.


    "How... This... Oh, God..."


    She raises both her hands and held her head as she squeezes her eyes shut. She is happy to know that Xu Long likes women and he specifically said her. However, thinking about something, she screams inside her head.


    "Ya¡¯Er ah, how are you supposed to face him now?"

 Chapter 737 Quite a week

    <h4>Chapter 737 Quite a week</h4>


    The days pass with no trouble and before anyone knew it, it was already the evening before the weekend. Some in Imperial had already gone home to rx, while others were just not preparing to leave work.


    "Hmm..."


    Inside Yue Ling¡¯s office, she exhales deeply and leans back on her chair. She tilts her head back before her eyes gradually close as she takes a rest.


    Ever since the coboration with Cloth Co., her days were super busy. Not because of the work that goes on in herpany, but because Madam Lu paid a visit every day.


    She didn¡¯t mind the middle-aged visiting, but the hard part was having to work with someone constantly over your shoulder. It was a situation she has never been in before and didn¡¯t want to hurt Madam Lu¡¯s feelings by telling the woman to leave.


    Luckily, Lu Tian found out and took the liberty to ban his mother from De L¡¯amour. He told her (Madam Lu) she cannot go to De L¡¯amour for unnecessary measures. If she does, Yue Ling and he are going to move to another country after the wedding.


    "Seems like you had quite a week."


    To her thoughts, Liu Shan enters the room without knocking. He doesn¡¯t care if his sudden appearance interrupts her and walks over to sit on the couch facing her.


    Seeing how she did not react to his intrusion, he slightly arch both his eyebrows.


    "Was it that bad?"


    He had been busy all week checking the new drafts for their designs and working between De L¡¯amour and An Qing that he wasn¡¯t around much. He had only heard from the other workers about Madam Lu¡¯s visit but didn¡¯t think it was that bad.


    However, judging from her appearance now, he can¡¯t help but wonder what happened.


    Yue Ling had long heard his entrance into the room. She doesn¡¯t tilt her head forward to look at him but slowly opens her eyes. She stares up the white ceiling then down to him.


    Like she was thinking hard about his question, she exhales again. However, only to close her eyes again.


    "Worse than yeye."


    Liu Shan arches his eyebrows more as his eyes widen along. His expression held amusement as he stares at her then he slightly nods his head a few times.


    "Really? Worse than your old man... How so?"


    Despite his curious question, Yue Ling could hear the humor in his tone. She takes another deep breath and opens her eyes.


    She tilts her head forward and straightens up in her chair. Seeing the visible smile smeared on Liu Shan¡¯s face, she scoffs a chuckle and massage her forehead.


    "Every three hours."


    Liu Shan gasp with widening eyes at her answer. It was as if he was hearing the most horrifying thing in his entire life. He slightly leans forward and stares at her like he heard wrong.


    "Like, exactly at three hours?"


    Even though no name was mentioned, Yue Ling knew exactly who he was referring to. She doesn¡¯t answer with words but nods her head and leans back in the chair.


    After Lu Tian¡¯s warning words of moving out of the country, Madam Lu was scared because Lu Tian is the type to stick to his words. So, afraid of not seeing Yue Ling anymore, she ceased her visits.


    However, despite her not visiting every day anymore, she changed her tactics to phone calls.


    At first, it was every hour, but then not wanting anger Lu Tian, she changed it to three hours.


    And by three hours, it was exactly at three hours without calling too early or toote from the previous phone call.


    Liu Shan stares speechlessly at her. In the past, Grandfather Ji did call his boss at work, but it was reasonable because Yue Ling was in City Z and they didn¡¯t see each other much. Also, the old man had reasons to call and check up on her.


    As for Madam Lu, the middle-aged woman called as if it was a life and death situation.


    He leans back on the couch and tilts his head back. This time, he stares up at the white ceiling above. He wasn¡¯t the one receiving the phone calls, but everything about him now was like he was in her shoes.


    Yue Ling opened one eye to see why he had be quiet but was struck baffled. She lightly shakes her head and sits up in her seat.


    She turns off herputer, then stood up from the chair and walks over to the coat rack.


    "Everyone must have gone home already. We should get going too."


    She puts on her coat then reaches for her handbag. After doing so, she walks out of her office as their conversation had never happened.


    However, just when she was about to exit the room, she stops in her steps and turns to look at Liu Shan, who had just stood up from the couch.


    "Enjoy your weekend. I already looked over next week¡¯s schedule."


    Her words fell with a reassuring smile. She knows that if she doesn¡¯t let him know, he will no doubt spend his entire weekend trying to settle her schedule.


    Watching her leave the room, Liu Shan was put at a loss. He could only blink his eyes before sighing with slump shoulders. She told him to enjoy his weekend but, how can he?


    He only busies himself on his days off because he doesn¡¯t want her to be the only one busy. Also, with himself indulge in work, he can distract himself from thinking about Ling Ni.


    As the boss and assistant were the only ones left inside De L¡¯amour, Liu Shan set up the rm for the building before joining his boss to the parking lot.


    He had yet to enter his car when he turns to look at his boss. Seeing her about to enter the driver¡¯s seat, he informs her.


    "I won¡¯t be doing anything, so if you need any help, any at all, just ring for me."


    Yue Ling nce over to her assistant. She smiles gratefully at him then reassures him again.


    "Enjoy your weekend. I mean it."


    She doesn¡¯t say anymore and enters her car. As her car drives away, Liu Shan remained in ce with eyes staring in the direction she had gone.


    He heaves a long and despairing sigh before entering his own car.


    *Ring ring


    The moment he sat down and was about to buckle his seatbelt, his phone rings. He reaches inside his coat pocket and takes out the phone. He looks down at the screen, his brows crease tightly at the name of the caller.


    However, he doesn¡¯t let the call ring for long and answers.


    "Liu Shan speaking."


    ["It¡¯s me. Can you meet?"]


    From the other line, a man¡¯s voice can be heard. It was the voice of a very familiar person and Liu Shan know right away who it was.


    He steals a nce back at the direction Yue Ling had gone and ponder in thoughts. Coming to a quick decision, he starts up his car and gives an answer to the person on the phone.


    "Send me the location."

 Chapter 738 After you change

    <h4>Chapter 738 After you change</h4>


    Before the sunset on the horizon, Yue Ling arrived home in time to change then head to the Lu family house. Lu Tian had informed her in advance that Madam Lu wanted to discuss the wedding dress over dinner.


    She drives the car through the gates and headed to the house. However, seeing the aloof man¡¯s car, she was taken back by surprise. They had driven separate cars due to her having toe homete from work. They also agreed to meet at the Lu family house.


    Parking the car, she steps out from the driver seat and looks at Lu Tian¡¯s car.


    "He¡¯s still here?"


    She murmurs to herself with a small frown then reaches for her bag inside the car. Not dwelling too much on her thoughts, she walks to the front door.


    The second she stepped onto the porch, the front door opens, and Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure greets her at the door.


    "Wee home."


    He had been waiting for her inside the house. As he wasing downstairs, he saw her call enter the gate and decided to open the door for her.


    A small gasp escapes Yue Ling when she was met by him. She quickly braces herself and smiles at him with a nod.


    "Mm. I¡¯m home."


    She walks past him to enter the house then stops in front of the small coat closet. She changes out of her shoes into house slippers then turns to look at him as she removes her coat.


    "I thought we settle on meeting at your parents¡¯ house for dinner?"


    Lu Tian closes the door and casually walks over to her. He takes her coat from her and turns to face the coat closet.


    "We did agree to meet with them, but that didn¡¯t mean I will let you drive alone there."


    He ces the coat on a hanger then hung it on the rack. Everything about him did not look like a CEO but that of a butler.


    "We¡¯ll leave after you change."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at him. Deciding to do neither, she answers with a faint ¡¯mm¡¯ and headed up the stairs.


    Left alone downstairs, Lu Tian watches her from behind until she was longer in sight. He doesn¡¯t follow after her but head in the direction of the living room.


    He takes out his phone from his pocket and sits down on one of the couches. He had wanted to bring his wife to the Ji Mansion to visit Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu, along with bringing Inu home. However, his mother called him to bring his wife over for dinner and that his father had something to discuss with him.


    Not only that, he found out that Grandfather Ji was still hospitalized.


    Thus, he could only agree with his mother¡¯s request.


    Lowering his head, he unlocks his phone screen and press on a message he had received in the morning.


    It was from Grandfather Ji and the contents of the messaged said he (Grandfather Ji) ns to tell his wife about his illness.


    He stares at his phone and reads the message over and over in his head. He couldn¡¯t help but feel an unexinable feeling in his chest. It was the same feeling he felt when he left for City Z to meet with Chief Kim and the night, they lost their unborn child.


    A feeling that made him feel unease like someone was slowly trying to dig his heart out.


    Upstairs, Yue Ling waspletely oblivious about the knot inside Lu Tian. She finished taking a quick shower to rinse away any sweat and dirt on her body and was now in her closet room.


    She had changed into a white knitted sweater and paired it with a simple cream satin skirt at midi length. Her slightly damp hair had been put up into a high ponytail. As for her makeup, she decided not to wear any but put on moisturizer to hydrate her skin.


    Grabbing a ck coat from a rack nearby, she drapes it over her arm and walks out of the room.


    Just as she stepped out the door, her head lowers to check her clothes and her eyes subconsciously notice her engagement ring on her finger.


    She pauses in her steps and looks down at the ring. Its beauty and design were beyond anything she has ever seen before making her can???t help but smile.


    "Always and forever."


    The words escape her mouth quietly as she remembers Lu Tian¡¯s words when he proposed to her a second time. However, before her thoughts could travel too far, she hears light footsteps approaching.


    She looks up at the person and her entire being softens at the sight of Lu Tian.


    ¡¯Always and forever.¡¯


    This time, she repeated the words in her head and sighs. Raising one foot, she takes a step forward then another as she walks to meet him.


    "Did I take too long?"


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t answer but continues to gaze at her. He couldn¡¯t help it as he arrived in time to see her looking at the ring. Even though he wasn¡¯t at a close distance, he could see the loving feeling in her eyes.


    He walks up to her and slightly shakes his head to answer her question.


    "No, I just miss you too much while waiting."


    Hearing his response, Yue Ling chuckles softly. She had only left to change, and they were currently under the same rood. How can he miss her already?


    Reaching an arm out to him, she slid it around one of his and smiles widely up at him.


    "Come, let¡¯s go before we¡¯re actuallyte."


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t refute her words and allows her to take the lead. However, seeing how easy it is for her to capture his heart, he was now feeling reluctant to leave.


    Maybe he should just call his mother and tell her that they weren¡¯t going. Especially since it won¡¯t be a bunch of bees, he has to worry about but his own mother.


    After all, she (Madam Lu) is the main person in his life who will not hesitate to fight with him for his wife¡¯s attention.


    As they make their way to their car parked in front of the house, he sighs inside.


    "I¡¯ll drive."


    He helps her into the passenger seat then walks around the car to the driver¡¯s side. After taking his sweet time to start the car, the couple finally leaves their house and head in the direction of Peony Vi.

 Chapter 739 She wouldnt give you

    <h4>Chapter 739 She wouldn¡°t give you</h4>


    While Yue Ling and Lu Tian head to the Lu family house, in another part of Imperial, Liu Shan¡¯s red Audi r8 pulls up to an abandoned factory. The exquisite car parks in front of the building and the engines shut off.


    As Liu Shan steps out into view, he didn¡¯t forget to look at the details of the ce. He slightly frowns at how shabby and broken down the building was. He swore it was like if he were to throw a rock inside, the entire ce would crumble into dust.


    "Then again, this is a pretty good hideout."


    When Qin Jun called him, he decided toe here since he was off work. However, seeing the location now, he isn¡¯t too surprised. It was one he would never expect the three men to hide in as this ce had long been forgotten.


    "Well look who it is."


    A man¡¯s voice sounds from the left of the assistant. He (Liu Shan) turns his head to the person and see who it is, he scoffs a chuckle then close the driver¡¯s door.


    "It¡¯s good to see you too, kid."


    Song Jing Li stood at the front entrance of the ce and stares at Liu Shan. His expression was indifferent with no ounce of happiness one should make when seeing a friend after so long.


    His eyes glued onto the assistant without saying another word. Even when Liu Shan walked past him, his eyes followed his every move until he was ncing to the right of him as if he could still see the man.


    Finally blinking, he sees something red from the corners of his eyes to the left. He doesn¡¯t think much and turns his head to see what it is.


    Seeing the assistant¡¯s red Audi r8, he snorts arrogantly and spun around. He picks up his pace to catch up to Liu Shan until they were walking shoulder to shoulder.


    He ces his hands in the front pockets of his pants and nce at the assistant then scoffs a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Seems like you¡¯re living well off, now that you¡¯vee to Imperial."


    Liu Shan remained unfazed by the young man. He nces back at Song Jing Li then continues on with his wait. He didn¡¯t need to question the attitude the man was giving because he already knows why.


    Clearly, Song Jing Li is still angry with him because he (Liu Shan) did not try to stop Yue Ling from moving to Imperial. However, what can he do? She is his boss and benefactor. Anything she decides on, he will follow her willingly.


    In the past, this was a serious matter, but now that they were in the present time, Liu Shan doesn¡¯t dwell too much on it and shrugs one shoulder.


    "I am living quite well these days here. In fact, so well that my boss gifted me one of her babies."


    He spoke arrogantly and smirks after the word babies. However, like they were on good terms, he nudges Song Jing Li with his elbow and leans closer to the young man.


    "And it¡¯s the same one you always wanted too."


    Feeling the nudge on his arm, Song Jing Lu swore it felt like a huge p to his face. His feet glued to the floor and he was frozen in ce. All he could do was stare as Liu Shan continues to walk forward.


    It was like an invisible force field maintaining his straight face finally shatters. His jaw drops to the ground and his eyes fell from their sockets.


    After what felt like an eternity had gone by, the corners of his mouth twitch uncontrobly before he was able to find the courage to speak.


    "Y-You m-mean that¡¯s... t-that¡¯s the..."


    He stutters his words but was unable to finish his sentence. He could only continue to stare at Liu Shan as his thoughts turned chaotic.


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t have to turn around to see the young man¡¯s face. He grins to himself as he could already guess it and was sure it was the expression he was hoping for.


    However, he quickly wipes away the grin and stops in his steps to face Song Jing Li.


    He held a straight face simr to the one the young man had been giving him, then one corner of his lip curls up into a side smirk.


    "That¡¯s right. The car she wouldn¡¯t give you."


    "..."


    Song Jing Li¡¯s jaw dropped further into the ground. He could not believe what he is hearing. How could Yue Ling gift the red Audi r8 to someone else?


    She knows how much he¡¯s wanted the car and how much time he spent helping her customize it.


    And to make things even worse, the new owner of such a devilish beast is none other than Liu Shan, who knows nothing about cars.


    Despite his cursing inside, what he did not know is that it was Liu Shan who specifically chose the car himself.


    Paying not more attention to Song Jing Li¡¯s dazed state of mind, Liu Shan carried on with his way until he was standing in the middle of the abandoned factory. He ces one hand on his hip and touches his chin with the other.


    His eyes scan the premises and nod every few seconds. The ce was indeed on the brinks of ruins, but from he can see, the three men living here, for the time being, have kept it up to date.


    "Shan."


    Just as Liu Shan turned to face the many monitor screens set up on one wall of the ce, a man¡¯s voice calls his name from the side. Unlike Song Jing Li¡¯s voice, this person had a deeper voice.


    However, it was a very familiar voice.


    He turns to the person and when their eyes locked on one another, he doesn¡¯t smile but gives a small nod.


    "Jun."


    Giving a simple greeting, he walks to the chair ced in front of the many monitors, and sits down.


    "Don¡¯t worry, she doesn¡¯t know that I am here. She is also too busy that she hasn¡¯t asked me whether it was really you, who she saw the other day."


    He looks up at the screens disyed in front of him then spun the chair around to face his old friend.


    "So, why the sudden need for my help?"


    Qin Jun remained still in the ce he had entered from. From his side, Song Jing Li enters the room the same with Kira. All three men stare at the assistant and each person held their own thoughts.


    It was as if they had gone back to the past when they were able to work alongside Fate.


    However, thinking about Liu Shan¡¯s words, they could only brush these thoughts aside.


    Ever since Shin¡¯s death, everyone has changed.


    Yue Ling forgot about them and moved on with her life. Meanwhile, they too have moved on. Moved on from their music career to search for the murderer of their brother.


    Taking a deep a quiet breath, Qin Jun was the first to return to himself. He didn¡¯t want to bother Liu Shan with their trivial matters, but they have encountered something that even Kira couldn¡¯t unsolved.


    He reaches inside the inner pocket of his coat and takes out a small piece of paper. He lowers his head and looks at it for a split second before walking over to Liu Shan.


    "We need your help finding someone."

 Chapter 740 If you already knew

    <h4>Chapter 740 If you already knew</h4>


    As the sun settles on the horizon, Imperial engulfed in a hue of red and orange. The gates to the most expensive and highly guarded homes in Imperial creaks open. A ck Maserati Levante Trofeo drove through and headed in the direction of the Lu family house.


    The car stops in front of the neo-eclectic house. It was crafted of limestone exterior that stood in ce on top of a small hill. Its stunning features outshone all the other homes and braced itself like a king on a chessboard.


    Lu Tian steps out of the car and walks around the hood of the car to the passenger side. He opens the door to help his wife. Each movement of his was fast and swift as he knows any second slower and his wife would beat him to it.


    However, what he did not know is that, inside the car, Yue Ling was purposely taking her sweet time.


    They were at the Lu family house and if Madam Lu were to see her helping herself out of the car, the woman would give Lu Tian an earful about not being a gentleman.


    "Ah Ling! Ah Ling!"


    Yue Ling had only taken a step out of the car when she heard Madam Lu¡¯s voice. Her palm that was about tond on Lu Tian¡¯s palm froze in midair.


    Both individuals turn to the middle-aged woman and could see how thrilled she (Madam Lu) is.


    Madam Lu runs to the car and without any care for her son, she shoves him to the side and hugs Yue Ling. If one did not know, one would think that Yue Ling is her daughter and Lu Tian is a stranger.


    "Finally, you are here."


    She had been waiting eagerly by the window for their arrival. For a split second, she even thought that they were not going toe.


    However, seeing her daughter-inw¡¯s face, she inhales a deep breath.


    Locking her arm with Yue Ling¡¯s, she pulls the retired model towards the house.


    "Aiya, I am so d you made it for dinner. I was terrified that you might have to work overnight and can¡¯t make it."


    Yue Ling stares at Madam Lu with a smile, but inside she was baffled beyond anything. She swore, no matter how many times they meet, Madam Lu would always make it seem like they were friends who have not seen each other in many years.


    Then again, she is happy for being treated with such kindness. Their time together has not been long, but Madam Lu allowed her to know the feeling of having a mother again.


    She doesn¡¯t pull her arm away but allows Madam Lu to lead her to the house.


    "Thank you for inviting me over for dinner."


    Madam Lu lets out a heartfeltugh and her other hand lightly pats Yue Ling¡¯s arm.


    "Aiya, you are too polite. We are already a family. Come,e inside, it is too cold out here. Let¡¯s get you warmed then have dinner."


    As the two women near the house, Lu Tian was left alone again. He could only sigh and watch his wife from behind before lightly shaking his head. Every time his wife is around his family, it¡¯s as if he no longer exists in the world.


    Closing the passenger door, he follows after his wife and mother like a servant.


    "Ah Ling, this way. We can chat in the living room while the table is being prepared."


    Upon entering the neo-eclectic home, Madam Lu pulls Yue Ling towards the living room. There was still time, so they didn¡¯t need to rush with dinner as she had a lot to discuss with her daughter-inw.


    Yue Ling was given no room to speak. She could only look behind her shoulder and seeing Lu Tian¡¯s pitiful expression, she smiles a chuckle at him and reassures him that everything will be fine.


    "Tian."


    Lu Tian had only taken a step towards the living room when he hears his father¡¯s voice. He turns to look at his old man and nods his head in greeting.


    "Can I speak with you in private?"


    Old Lu asked but like his wife, he gave no room for Lu Tian to answer and headed in the opposite direction of the living room.


    Left with no other option, Lu Tian nce at the living room. He wanted to stay with his wife because he was afraid his mother will try to push her luck again. However, thinking about his father¡¯s words, he looks away from his wife.


    His father could have called him, but to the point he wanted to speak in person, something serious must have happened.


    Through a long hallway, Lu Tian arrives at the end of the Lu family house. In this part of the house was a spare room his father had turned into a library as the old man like to spend his free time reading. On three walls of the room were tall bookshelves leaving only one wall to be a huge floor-to-ceiling window.


    This window gave the perfect view of the hugeke that was built in the back of the homes of Peony Vi.


    Old Lu walked toward a recliner ced in the room and gestures to the seat across from him.


    "Sit."


    Hearing his father¡¯s word, Lu Tian obliges and takes a seat. He doesn¡¯t know what his old man wants to talk to him about, but he has a feeling it has something to do with his wife.


    As he thought this way, he purses his lip with a frown. Looking at his father, he decides to speak first.


    "Whatever it is that you found out, my mind is already set. Yue Ling is the only woman I will marry."


    "..."


    Old Lu had kept hisposure, but to suddenly hear his oldest son¡¯s words, he was struck dumbfounded. He stares at Lu Tian with slightly heavy eyes before massaging his forehead.


    He knows that his son is in love with Yue Ling and he already epts Yue Ling as his daughter-inw. Why does his son suddenly think that he will be opposed to their marriage?


    "That¡¯s not what I wanted to speak with you about."


    Heaving a long sigh after his reassuring words, he lowers his hand and steadies himself again.


    "I asked to speak to you in private because I want to know if you already knew."


    His words were confusing and misleading, but Lu Tian understood its meaning right away. After all, he is his father¡¯s son and between his father and mother, he takes more after his old man.


    "I found out by ident."


    He answers truthfully but furrow his brows and looks at his father.


    "Did Grandfather Ji tell you?"


    Old Lu wishes that were the case, but unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t. Lu Tian¡¯s answer was also something he had already expected. His son was quick to learn things, so he isn¡¯t surprised that he (Lu Tian) found out before them.


    However, since Lu Tian already knows, there was no need to beat around the bush.


    "After your mother found out about how you hid the coboration between Cloth Co. and De L¡¯amour, she immerses herself with anger and skipped meals. She started to have migraines, so I took her to the hospital to have Doctor Dong prescribe her some medicine."


    Remembering how his wife came home crying after the meeting, he wanted to give his son a piece of his mind for being mean to his wife. She cried to herself to sleep and looked so pitiful that his heart ached for her.


    However, he had to consider the fact that Lu Tian made the right choice. With his wife¡¯s behavior, she will no doubt be a bother to Yue Ling only.


    Heaving another sigh but longer, he thought back to the day they went to the hospital.


    "By chance, we bumped into Old Ji at Imperial Military Hospital. I¡¯m sure he didn¡¯t want us to find out like this, but he still exined his illness to us."


    He looks away from Lu Tian to the door as if he could see his wife sitting in the living room. The distance between the two rooms was far apart, but he could vaguely hear herughter.


    "This is also the reason why your mother kept visiting Yue Ling. She was afraid Yue Ling might be smiling but inside, terribly sad about the terrible news."


    Listening to his father¡¯s words, Lu Tian felt his chest tighten. This means another person knows about Grandfather Ji¡¯s illness before his wife.


    He slowly closes his eyes and takes a deep breath then his deep voice sounds like he was forcing the words out.


    "She doesn¡¯t know."

 Chapter 741 How did you get this?

    <h4>Chapter 741 How did you get this?</h4>


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes slowly flutter open and he looks directly at his old man. In the next second, he leans back on the chair and raises his left hand to massage his forehead as he stares at the carpet under his feet.


    "She doesn¡¯t know that we know. I haven¡¯t told her because Grandfather Ji said he will tell her."


    Hearing that Yue Ling doesn¡¯t know anything, Old Lu felt a suffocating sensation inside him. He trembles a deep and despairing breath as he closes his eyes.


    Out of every person in Grandfather Ji¡¯s life, Yue Ling should have been the first to know, but is she really going to best?


    He opens his eyes and turns his head to the window. He stares out to theke that glistened under the setting sky.


    "It¡¯s going to be hard for her when she learns of this news. Be sure to stay by her side as she will need you more than you think."


    Lu Tian answers with an ¡¯mm¡¯. Even if his father did not tell him to, he will remain by his wife¡¯s side. He swore a promise to Grandfather Ji to take care of his wife and it is a promise he will not break again.


    After the loss of their child, he made sure to always stay close to her. If he wasn¡¯t, he made sure to have those around his wife pay close attention. Whenever she is going somewhere, he cannot go, he would sneakily hack into Imperial¡¯s surveinces and see if she safe.


    He turns his head and stares at the same scene as his father.


    "I swear on my life to be there for her. Even if I have to follow her until the end of time."


    The room turned into silence as the father and son gaze out at theke. However, both men could hear the heartfeltughter in the distance from their wives.


    In the living room, Yue Ling and Madam Lu were oblivious to the deep conversation that had taken ce in the other room.


    Both women sat on one sofa with Madam Lu exceptionally closed to Yue Ling. Her arm that had locked onto the retired model since arrival had not once moved away.


    "What do you think? I¡¯ve gathered a list of all the famous designers in the world for you to see which one is to your liking."


    Madam Lu eximed excitedly as she gestures with her free hand to the coffee table in front of them. Her eyes beamed with glistening lights that could be mistaken for stars in a night sky.


    "So, do you see one you would like to work with?"


    Being asked the question, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know how to respond. She looks at Madam Lu then down to the coffee table.


    Scattered on top were stacks of paper with its own design of different wedding dresses. However, it was exactly as Madam Lu had said.


    Each design is specially designed by famous designers from around the world. Amongst the many designs, there were even a few pieces from De L¡¯amour.


    "I..."


    Yue Ling was only able to say one word as she was not informed that they would be discussing the wedding dress. She thought this was a simple dinner get together.


    She stares at the many designs in front of her until she caught sight of one and her eyes trembled. Only a small part of the paper could be seen but she knew the design from a mile away.


    Her heart shakes as her slightly trembling hand reaches to pick it up.


    "This..."


    The model in the portrait was none other than herself. She wore a dazzling wedding dress that began with an encrusted bodice embroiled with white pearl beads borated withces. It extends effortlessly from the bodice onto the skirt as itsyers in tulle run the length like a whisper-soft, yet extravagant train on the floor.


    The dress ispleted with anotheryer ofce appliques at the hen for a final touch of luxury.


    "This dress, how..."


    Seeing the change in her expression, Madam Lu felt a wave of unsettlement inside her, but ncing at the wedding dress Yue Ling had picked up, she understood.


    Or so she thought she did.


    A smile curls on her lip and she ce a hand on Yue Ling¡¯s cheek then looks down at the piece of paper.


    "It¡¯s the first wedding dress you ever designed."


    She chuckles softly before lowering her hand and ce her palm over Yue Ling¡¯s hand holding the paper.


    "It¡¯s been three years, but even now, I still find this dress that you designed to be one of the best wedding dresses I have ever seen."


    Although Madam Lu¡¯s words held no harm, Yue Ling felt each word were like sharp daggers that stabbed her in the heart. Even the air around her became harder to breathe.


    However, despite feeling this way, she couldn¡¯t move her eyes away from the dress.


    Like everything around her seemed to have slowed down, she could hear the slow beating of her heart.


    Her other hand slowly raises, and she gently caresses the paper as if she could touch the dress.


    This dress was indeed the first wedding dress she designed. It was made to define any woman¡¯s body and turn them into the happiest person in the world.


    It was also the dress she designed for herself. The dress she wore on her and Shin¡¯s wedding, and the dress she locked away.


    As the memories of that dreadful day slowly began to float in her mind, she closes her eyes. She did this not to remember but to rid of the memories from deepening.


    She pulls herself together and opens her eyes to look at Madam Lu.


    "This... How did you get this?"


    Although this wedding dress was the first, she ever designed, it was also the only one made during that time. After Shin¡¯s death, she stopped all the processes from having this dress made and released in her fashion line.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to be reminded of that day, it was because she didn¡¯t want any other women to wear the dress and fall into the same misfortune as her.


    She did not want her curse to be spread onto another person.


    But the question now is, how did Madam Lu get her hands on this design?


    "It was your assistant."


    Madam Lu answers without knowing Yue Ling¡¯s inner feelings. She smiles at the dress then looks at the retired model.


    "I asked him to send me all the wedding dresses you have designed. When I saw this dress, I was in awe at how beautifully stunning it was."


    She looks back at the dress and sighs a smile full of pride and proudness.


    "I can tell at a nce that you put your entire heart into designing this dress to be perfect."


    When she clicked her e-mail and saw the attachments Liu Shan had sent, she knew at a nce that this is the dress any woman would want to wear when marrying the love of their life.


    However, when she questioned the assistant for more details about the dress, it was then that she learned there had been a mixed up.


    The dress was actually sent by ident due to his busy schedule.


    She sighs regretfully and gently caress the dress like she could feel the textures. As she did this, a thought came to mind and she looks back at Yue Ling.


    "I don¡¯t know the full details why your assistant said there was mixed up in the e-mail. However, since the design is here, I can assume that you won¡¯t mind?"


    She believes that since this dress was sent to her, it is meant to be worn by Yue Ling. Right?


    Yue Ling stares into Madam Lu¡¯s deep brown eyes with mixed emotions. She felt angry that Liu Shan didn¡¯t tell her about this matter. However, at the same time, she can¡¯t help but feel a sense of relief.


    It was like a part of her past had been lifted from her shoulders. Like the past she had been trying to lock away was slowly turning from grief to happiness.


    She looks back down at the dress and a small smile curls on her lip. It was one that made one unable to read what she is thinking about.


    "This dress... I am profoundly grateful that you also like it, but I do mind."


    Normally, whenever she sees this dress, she will think about Shin, but at this moment, her mind could only be filled with Lu Tian.


    Like the time he proposed to her with L???amour de ma vie, she knows that although he epted the fact that the ring was designed by Shin, a part of him felt like thetter.


    And for that, she doesn¡¯t want Lu Tian to ever think he is second in her life again.


    Turning her head to face Madam Lu, her smile turns into one of bittersweetness.


    "If possible, I would like to ask that we exclude this dress?"

 Chapter 742 Is it done?

    <h4>Chapter 742 Is it done?</h4>


    Madam Lu sat on the sofa next to Yue Ling in silence. Her excited expression from earlier was now reced with one of unresponsive. Her brain couldn¡¯t seem to process the words that the retired model had said about excluding the wedding dress.


    Feeling like an eternity had gone by, she finally remembers to blink her eyes and breathe. She stares at Yue Ling for a quick second then shifts her attention to the piece of paper in the girl¡¯s hand.


    She furrows her brows at the beautiful wedding dress and didn¡¯t understand.


    The design of the dress was beyond anything she has ever seen. Any woman who sees it would no doubt want to wear it at their wedding. Even she wished that this dress was the one she wore when she married her husband.


    Unable toprehend Yue Ling¡¯s reason, she looks back at the girl and parts her lips to ask. However, when she saw the faint look of despair in Yue Ling¡¯s eyes, she stops herself.


    She takes the design paper from Yue Ling¡¯s hand and set it down on the table. She held her daughter-inw¡¯s hand with both hands and smiles.


    "I am curious about your reason, but no matter how curious I am, I am sure you have your reasons. Since you say that you do mind, then I understand."


    Even if she doesn¡¯t ask the reason, she can guess that this dress held a happy, yet painful memory for Yue Ling.


    Her words fell and she gently squeezes the slender hand she was holding. Her smile also widens, and she looks back down at the many designs scattered on the table.


    "There are plenty of wedding dresses to choose from. I will have this dress removed from the list."


    Yue Ling felt relief knowing how understanding Madam Lu is. If Madam Lu had asked her for the reason, she would have told the middle-aged woman the truth, but since she (Madam Lu) did not pry into the subject, she (Yue Ling) will leave it at that.


    She wanted to thank Madam Lu for being understanding, but the second she parted her lips, a maid enters the living room to inform them.


    "Madam, Miss Han, dinner is ready."


    Being interrupted, Madam Lu and Yue Ling turned their head to look at the maid. Both women decide to leave the discussion about the wedding dress forter.


    "Let¡¯s go. I have prepared many dishes for you."


    Madam Lu spoke her words naturally with a smile. It was like Yue Ling was her flesh and blood daughter. She stood up from the sofa and takes Yue Ling¡¯s hand as she leads both of them to the kitchen.


    However, before they could move, she caught sight of Yue Ling looking back at the table scattered with designs.


    She sighs with a smile that reaches her eyes and gently tugs the retired model away.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I have asked my stylist to gather all the wedding dresses for you to try on tomorrow."


    Yue Ling calmly nods her head, but inside, she was struck speechless. All the designs that had been disyed in front of her were more than 100. Does that mean she will have to try on all the dresses to pick right now?


    Thinking this, she realizes something. Instead of trying all the dresses, she can try a few since Madam Lu had taken the time to prepare them. Afterward, she can just tell the middle-aged woman that she would like to design her own wedding dress.


    As she returns from her thoughts, she had already entered the dining room with Madam Lu. To her surprise, Lu Tian and Old Lu were already seated at the table waiting for them.


    "Ah Ling, how about sitting next to me?"


    Madam Lu asked her question, but she gave no room for Yue Ling to answer as she was already leading her (Yue Ling) to one side of the table. Even Lu Tian who was going to ask his wife to sit next to him was ignored.


    Left with no other choice, Yue Ling could only agree again. As she sat down, she didn¡¯t forget to look across the table to Lu Tian and gives him a reassuring smile.


    While Yue Ling proceeds to have dinner with the Lu family, in another part of Imperial, Liu Shan had not left the abandoned factory.


    The sound of keyboard clicks throughout the entire ce as Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li stand behind him. All four men had their eyes glued onto one monitor with multiple codes that floated across.


    With a final click on the keyboard, Liu Shan stares at the screen and his eyes scan the codes like he was reading a book. Once he reached the end, he leans back on the chair and crosses his arms over his chest with a ¡¯hm.¡¯


    "Is it done? Were you able to find out who it is?"


    Song Jing Li asked as he stares at the same screen. He looked like he understood what was going on, but truthfully, he was at aplete loss.


    He never cares to pay any attention to anything that involved hacking because it was Kira¡¯s job. Of course, he would stand by and watch with everyone, but all he could see were a bunch of numbers and letters.


    His reason for even standing here is because Qin Jun and Kira were here.


    Like their young friend, the two older men held the same question. Qin Jun and Kira look away from the screen to the assistant.


    "So, were you able to?"


    Although Liu Shan could feel the faint tension from the three men¡¯s stare, he remained unfazed. He ponders in thoughts to himself before sighing another ¡¯hm¡¯.


    "Well, anything?"


    Unable to take the silence, Kira blurts out in frustration. Ever since they ran into this problem, he had been doing his best to hack without rest. However, no matter what he did, he was always led to a dead end.


    Since they¡¯ve asked Liu Shan for help, he could, right? Compare to his (Kira) hacking skills, the assistant is like a master while he is a student.


    However, to another disappointment, Liu Shan heaves another long sigh and frowns without a word.


    Frustrated beyond anything, Kira smacks his forehead and rubs it before reaching into his coat to take a cigarette. He lit the end and inhales a mouthful of tobo to calm himself down.


    "Bro, your silence is killing us. Do you or do you not know who it is?"


    Oblivious that his silence is making the three men behind him anticipated, Liu Shan slowly raises one hand. He stroked his chin like he had a long beard and his eyes narrow at the monitor screen.


    "This person is good."


    He held his chin and lightly taps his lip with the index finger.


    "Like really good."


    "..."


    Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li stare at the assistant with heavy eyes. All three men felt like someone had taped their eyes close making it hard to keep them open.


    "Who?"


    Three voices sound all together causing Liu Shan to break free from his own world. He finally remembers where he was and nce right to left like he could see the three men behind him.


    Feeling a small chill creep up his spine by their intense gaze, he presses his lips tightly together as his shoulders glide up and his neck shrunk in like a turtle.


    He sounds a sarcastic chuckle and answers.


    "Heh, I also don¡¯t know."

 Chapter 743 This person is good

    <h4>Chapter 743 This person is good</h4>


    Staring at Liu Shan with a dumbfounded expression, Qin Jun didn¡¯t know what to think. He closes his eyes and lifts his left hand to pinch the space between his eyebrows. He doesn¡¯t hold it but motions a few pinches until his skin was slightly red.


    Out of all the hackers in the world, Liu Shan is one of the best. Even Kira, who is also a hacker is inferior. However, how is it that one of the best hackers in the world is unable to track a person or even find a clue?


    He lowers his hand with another sigh and takes a step to the side to sit down on an empty chair nearby.


    "So, let me get this straight. This entire time that you¡¯ve been sitting here and hacking everywork in the world, you were still unable to find out who this person is?"


    Liu Shan turned his head to the left where the man is. He stares at the man like he (Qin Jun) was the biggest idiot in the world.


    "Hey, I did say this person is good, didn¡¯t I?"


    He raises his right arm and points to Kira who was standing behind him to the right.


    "Even Kira couldn¡¯t find anything about this person."


    Being dragged into the conversation, Kira choked on his saliva. He pats himself on the chest and res at Liu Shan for throwing him under the bus.


    However, thinking about how the assistant also couldn¡¯t anything, he inhales a few more puffs of the cigarette in his hand.


    "What are we going to do now? We¡¯ve reached another dead end."


    Hearing this, Qin Jun and Song Jing Li could only agree with him. Each person then thinks to themselves what to do next.


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes wander around the space in front of him then back at the monitor screen. He spun the chair around and turned his back to the screen. His right leg raises and folds over his left leg in a four-figure.


    "Just who exactly is this person? Does he have anything to do with Choi Li Sun?"


    He is aware that these men are here in Imperial to find Choi Li Sun, but could the person they needed help this time be an acquaintance of the despicable man?


    However, if he or she is, why haven¡¯t no one told him.


    From the moment he arrived here until now, he had been hacking without stopping. No one said anything and left him to try and find this unknown person.


    It was like trying to fill up a cup that had a hole at the bottom.


    Qin Jun could only sigh again at Liu Shan¡¯s question. He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair.


    "We don¡¯t know, but what we can conclude is that this person is not someone on Choi Li Sun¡¯s side."


    He thought about the past week that they¡¯ve been gather information and his words continue.


    "As Kira informed you, we¡¯re here to find Choi Li Sun. Since we¡¯ve been here, we just recently learned that every source we have encountered, someone else has also met with for the same information."


    His eyes nce at the monitor screen Liu Shan had been using then sighs in disappointment.


    "At first, we thought it was Lu Tian, but after working with him, we can cross out that it wasn¡¯t him or his people. Whoever this person is, he is like the wind. Appearing every once in a while, but when he disappears, there¡¯s no trace of him at all."


    After Qin Jun¡¯s words, Song Jing Li walks over to stand in front of a window. He turns his back to it and leans against the ss.


    "That¡¯s why we had no choice but to contact you for help."


    His head turned to the right and he stares out the window.


    "The only thing clue we have is, this person is also searching for Choi Li Sun. However, is he a friend or foe?"


    Liu Shan listens attentively to both men. He continues to hold his chin and taps his index finger on his lip.


    Now he got a picture of what is going on. It was also no wonder Kira and he were led to a dead end.


    "Why don¡¯t you guys just ask Lu Tian for help?"


    He looks at Qin Jun then at Kira before ending at Song Jing Li.


    "I mean, isn¡¯t that what you¡¯re supposed to do while working together?"


    Song Jing Li¡¯s eyes dimmed at the mention of Lu Tian. He clenches his fists tightly at his side before storming off to another room.


    Watching the young man disappear from view then the sound of a door mming, Liu Shan arched an eyebrow. He held an expression full of amusement and his hand on his chin lowers as it joins the other still folded over chest.


    "Did I say something wrong or would one of you like to exin why he is like that?"


    "He¡¯s angry at Jun."


    From the other side, Kira answers the question. He had long finished his first cigarette and was now taking out another one.


    "Little princess isn¡¯t angry about asking Lu Tian. He¡¯s angry because Jun wouldn¡¯t let us ask for the man¡¯s help."


    Liu Shan lightly nods his head in understanding. At the same time, he liked the new nickname for Song Jing Li as it fits the kid perfectly.


    However, trying not to go off-topic, he unfolds his arm and reaches inside his inner coat pocket.


    His movements were simr to Kira¡¯s. It was like he was going to take out a cigarette, but when his hand returned to the surface, he brought out a lollipop.


    He casually unwraps the wrapper and ces the candy in his mouth. Everything about him looked like he was leisurely sitting at home and ready to watch a movie.


    Kira scoffs in disbelief at the assistant. He lightly shook his head and inhales a puff from his cigarette.


    "Wow, way to make yourself at home."


    Liu Shan nce at the long-haired man. He nonchntly shrugs both his shoulders with an indifferent expression before cing both his hands behind his head.


    "Of course. I¡¯m going to stay here and listen to why you guys decided to drag someone as busy as myself here instead of seeking Lu Tian. You know, my boss told me to have a good weekend. I could have been at home by now, but I came here."


    Seeing his behavior, Qin Jun felt regretful asking the assistant for help. From their time knowing each other, how can he forget that Liu Shan can be quite a stubborn person? If he (Liu Shan) says he¡¯s going to stay somewhere and wait, he will definitely keep his words.


    He (Qin Jun) nce at Kira then back to the assistant. Knowing they can¡¯t say someme excuse, he braces himself and exins.


    "We did not ask Lu Tian because we know about the engagement and wedding. For that reason, I did not want us to risk the chance of going to Lu Tian and have her see us."


    His eyes lower as he stares at the floor to hide his expression.


    "I don¡¯t want her to encounter us and we end up ruining her chance to find happiness."

 Chapter 744 What do you think

    <h4>Chapter 744 What do you think</h4>


    Liu Shan listened attentively to Qin Jun¡¯s exnation. He never once utters a sound to interrupt the man but would nod his head asionally. It wasn¡¯t until Qin Jun finished that he finally mutters.


    "I see, so that¡¯s what happened."


    From what he can conclude from listening to the information, whoever this person is, he or she is indeed intelligent. Always reaching the information on Choi Li Sun before any of them (Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li). However, when this person disappears, all traces of him or her followed.


    Each source they went to had given the same name, but despite the name being the same, the person who showed up was different. Never once was it the person seen a second time.


    Liu Shan slightly furrows his brows and toss his lollipop away. He tries to rack his brain some more and remembering something, he understood a little.


    The name that Qin Jun had given him wasn¡¯t actually a name, but more of a username.


    "What do you think we should do now?"


    Song Jing Li¡¯s young voice sounds as he walks back inside the room. He had left to cool off his mind and decided toe back, but he overheard Qin Jun exining the situation.


    Casting a nce at him, Liu Shan raises his hand to stroke his chin again. However, this time, his entire being turned into a pondering old man trying to think hard.


    "Hrmm..."


    He spun around in the chair and looks back at the monitor screen in front of him. His eyes scan the many codes before he looks around at the other monitors.


    The task he was given by them was to track this person, but just like them, he was led to a dead end. Even he found it strange at how good this person is because he has never failed when ites to finding someone.


    Just who is this mysterious person?


    However, not letting his thoughts trail too far, he thought about Song Jing Li¡¯s question.


    He leans back on his seat and crosses his arms over his chest as his head turns to the left to look at Qin Jun.


    "If you¡¯re wondering what I think you should do, I would say, to ask Lu Tian for help."


    Hearing his answer, Song Jing Li¡¯s eyes lit up with hope. If they do as Liu Shan says, there is a possible chance he¡¯ll get to see Yue Ling again. Even if it is from afar and he has to hide from her, it was better than not seeing her at all.


    However, just as the young man¡¯s hopes were about to reach the sky above, Qin Jun¡¯s words shattered everything.


    "No, asking for his help will only reveal our position and purpose for being here to her."


    He (Qin Jun) spoke with an authoritative tone with eyes staring at Liu Shan almost in a re. He made sure his voice wasn¡¯t too loud but enough to let the others know that he has the say in everything.


    To which, Song Jing Li and Kira couldn¡¯t help but hold in their breath as neither didn¡¯t want to anger the man. Shin was the leader of Faith and gave out orders, but since his death, the position had been passed to Qin Jun.


    Unfortunately, their way of doing things was of no concern to Liu Shan. He scoffs a sarcastic chuckle and thought the man was getting a little too worked up.


    "You know whether you reveal your position or the reason why you¡¯re here is of no concern to me. I¡¯m only stating my opinion."


    He shifts his attention back to the monitor screens then slightly tilt his head. Excluding the monitor screen he had been working on, the rest had been hacked into Imperial¡¯s surveince cameras and was broadcasting everything happening around them.


    "Lu Tian has people all over the world. Without a doubt, he will be able to solve this problem in a jiffy."


    His words fell and he no longer felt like staying anymore. He stood up from his seat and nce down at the man to his left.


    "If this is all, I¡¯m going to excuse myself and go enjoy my weekend."


    Knowing they can¡¯t ask Liu Shan to stay, no one said a word. Not even a goodbye. They didn¡¯t know what to say because they had called to ask for his help, but when he suggested, they didn¡¯t take it. Well, Qin Jun wouldn¡¯t listen.


    Qin Jun looks up at Liu Shan¡¯s departing figure. Something inside him wanted to ask how Yue Ling is doing, but his fingers curled into a tight fist and he held himself back.


    He is in no position to ask this question.


    While Qin Jun decided to keep quiet, Song Jing Li felt otherwise. He strides after the assistant and without any care about the other two men.


    It was something he had been eagerly waiting to know ever since Kira returned from Glory after meeting Liu Shan.


    "Shan, wait."


    He called out and grabs Liu Shan¡¯s arm to stop him from leaving. His eyes tremble for a quick second, but he steadies himself and asks.


    "H-H-How is she... how is noona doing? Is she happy? Is Lu Tian really good to her as you said?"


    Suddenly being stopped, Liu Shan sighs inside at the frantic questions thrown his way. He slightly shook Song Jing Li??s hand away and turns around to face the three men.


    His eyes scan each person one by one them he felt perplexed at how to answer the questions. However, it was only for a short second when he answers.


    "Like I told Kira, you guys don¡¯t have to worry. Lu Tian is good to her. I hate to admit it, but maybe even better than Shin did."


    Hearing his words, all three men felt relief but at the same time, there was a small prickling stab at their hearts.


    They have known Shin for a long time. Way before Yue Ling entered his life, and they know that Shin loved her more than life itself. Everything he did, he would always consider her feelings.


    Each time they had to go undercover in the underworld, they could see the determination in him to make it back. It was all so he could return to her side.


    Even when he was severely injured, he would tell her that it was a small pain. She would lecture him, and he would calmly sit there while listening to her like he was listening to music.


    As she was his muse and life.


    Qin Jun remained in silence as his thoughts drifted to that dreadful day. Even when Shin was nearing death¡¯s door, he didn¡¯t think about himself but her.


    "That¡¯s good. Shin wanted her to be happy. Since she has found it, we are also happy for her."


    A soft smile curls on his lip and he looks up at Liu Shan, who stood across the room from him.


    "I¡¯m relieved to hear that she is doing well since her move to Imperial."


    When Kira returned that night, he had been worried about what Liu Shan said. However, hearing directly from the man, he can now rest assure that Lu Tian will not harm her in any way.


    Liu Shan stares at Qin Jun without batting an eye. He kept his thoughts to himself like they were confidential information. His left arm raises, and he ces his palm on the back of his nape. He rubs it three times before forcing a soft chuckle.


    "Yea, I guess you can say she is doing well here."


    It was a simple gesture, but the minute, Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li saw it, their eyes dimmed dangerously.


    They have known the assistant long enough and like the saying goes ¡¯old habits die hard¡¯ because what Liu Shan did was something that never changed.


    When he feels entangled on whether to speak the truth or lie, he would rub his nape three times.


    Qin Jun stares at Liu Shan with sharp daggered eyes that could pierce through a person¡¯s soul. His demeanor changes and he growls through gritted teeth.


    "The truth, Shan."

 Chapter 745 For the bes

    <h4>Chapter 745 For the bes</h4>


    The sky above Imperial sweep in darkness and the night was tranquil. However, inside the abandoned factory hidden in the forest was reced with a minacious air. Any person who enters at this moment would tremble in fear and want to run away, but only one man stood unperturbed.


    Liu Shan¡¯s brown eyes stare at each person in the room and he knew where he had messed up. He didn¡¯t do intentionally as it was a habit of his that he can¡¯t seem to let go of.


    However, being stared at by those intense gazes like he was a prey waiting to be devoured, he heaves a long sigh.


    Even if he wanted to leave at this moment, he knows that Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li won¡¯t let him. That is unless he gives them an exnation.


    Knowing he is left with no other choice but to stay, he positions his body to face the three men. He casually puts his hands inside the pockets of his coat and his demeanor turns into one of carelessness.


    "Why should I tell you the truth? It¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to waltz out of here and go see her."


    He spoke in a calm voice but to the three men, each word was like daggers that pierced right through their hearts.


    "Whether you know or not, from what I can see, you¡¯ll still use thatme excuse you¡¯ve been using."


    He may have hinted that something happened to his boss while they moved here, but will he tell them?


    Of course not. It¡¯s not his ce to speak and judging from the answer he was given earlier, there was no point in telling these men anything. No matter what he says, Qin Jun will never allow them to give away their position here.


    Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li could only stare at the assistant in silence. Liu Shan¡¯s tone was calm, but they could hear the ridicule behind it. However, he (Liu Shan) was right. His small gesture was enough to let them know that something had happened to Yue Ling, but it was not their ce to ask.


    However, being the first toe back to his senses, Qin Jun stood up from his seat and his eyes darkened at the assistant.


    "I asked you to tell the truth. Why are you beating around the bush?"


    He knows that Liu Shan is a stubborn man at times, but so is he. If he has to force the assistant to speak, he will. Even if that meant threatening the man.


    Both Kira and Song Jing Li were at a loss as their head darts to look at the man leading their group. From his (Qin Jun) tone of voice, they knew that he was being serious. They wanted to tell Liu Shan to stop beating around the bush and tell them or else face Qin Jun¡¯s wrath but held themselves back when they realized they didn¡¯t need to.


    Liu Shan nce at each person until his eyes settled back on Qin Jun. He had spent many years by Yue Ling¡¯s side and as her assistant, he was always observant of others.


    Like this very moment, he could already guess what is on the three men¡¯s minds.


    He slightly raises his chin and rolled his eyes without any fear of Qin Jun¡¯s wrath.


    "Give me a good reason why I should tell you when none of you contacted her since she left City Z?"


    His words fell with a scoffing chuckle as the aura around him no longer belongs to that of an assistant, but a strong and confident member of Fate.


    The color of his pupil seemed to have changed into ck and he stares indifferently at the three men.


    "Did you all really think she wouldn¡¯t know why?"


    A chill crept up the back of all three men as Liu Shan¡¯s question sounded. It wasn¡¯t only his words but the change of his demeanor.


    It was as if he had turned into the grim reaper out to collect their souls if they gave him the wrong answer.


    No, to be exact, it was like he turned to his old self. As if the man standing in front of them was no longer the carefree Liu Shan, but the Mad Reaper.


    "We thought it would be for the best."


    Qin Jun was the first to answer. He reaches inside his pocket and takes out a cigarette to smoke as he needed to calm his mind.


    He knows that the assistant has every right to say what he said. They had bid Yue Ling farewell with her thinking they understood her reason for moving. However, behind all the smiles they showed her that day, it was nothing but a fa?ade.


    The second she left City Z, every one of them, excluding Hana and little Shin, decided to cut ties with her.


    They thought that by doing so, it was the only way she could find happiness and live an ordinary life. If they disappear from her world, she will be able to move on from anything that tied her back to Shin.


    However, the idea was harder said than done.


    Not a day goes by that any of them didn¡¯t think about her. There were days he would pick up his phone and wanted to call her, but he could only force himself back.


    As no one said another word, Liu Shan sneers a soft chuckle at them. He knew why they never contacted his boss and so did she. However, did they not stop to think if it was fair for her?


    He scans the people in the room, and his eyes dimmed a shade darker.


    Yue Ling had already lost so many people in her life. To her, the people standing in this room were like family to her. She made the decision to move to Imperial was to be with her yeye and Ji Jingxu. Yet, this so-called family of hers did not try to understand and decided to disappear from her life.


    "Now I see why she never once bothered to ask me how any of you are doing."


    His sharp words sent another wave of suffocation into the hearts of the three men. He sighs deeply and his words continue.


    "Then again, she might have not asked me, but I can see it in her eyes that she still thinks about you all from time to time."


    He averts his gaze from Qin Jun and slightly turns his head to the left at Song Jing Li.


    "Especially Shin."


    As Yue Ling¡¯s assistant and her closest subordinate, he might not be able to read her mind ny-five percent of the time, but during the other five percent, he could.


    And he was able to distinguish how hurt she must have been when she realized that these three men didn¡¯t want to be apart of her life anymore.


    He brushes these thoughts and feelings aside as he didn¡¯t feel like staying anymore. He had done what he came here to do. However, as he turned away, he sees the dejected look on each person.


    His eyes slowly flutter, and he proceeds to the door to leave the ce. He reaches for the doorknob and without looking back at them, he parts his lips.


    "Li Wei."


    All three men abruptly look in his direction, but before anyone could say a word, Liu Shan had already disappeared out the door.


    Each person held a confused expression, but in the next second, they understood the meaning of why the name was given to them.


    Qin Jun looks at Kira and his head nods once to give a silent order as the long-haired man strides over to hisputer station.


    However, unlike them, Song Jing Li walks over to a window near the door Liu Shan had exited and he stares out to the red car.


    Oblivious and not caring about what the three men inside were doing, Liu Shan sat in his car and did not hesitate to drive away from the building.


    He steals a nce at the rearview mirror and sees the silhouette of Song Jing Li by the window. His lower lip purse and he mumbles to himself with a faint feeling of guilt inside.


    "Was I too hard on them?"

 Chapter 746 Aware of what we know

    <h4>Chapter 746 Aware of what we know</h4>


    "It¡¯s alreadyte, are you sure you don¡¯t want to spend the night? We can meet the wedding nner together tomorrow."


    Madam Lu¡¯s sad and pitiful voice sounds as she and Old Lu walk Yue Ling and Lu Tian to their car. They had enjoyed a great dinner and chatted about daily matters withughter. However, now that the young couple was leaving, she didn¡¯t want to part ways with her daughter-inw.


    As for her oldest son...


    She nces away from Yue Ling to Lu Tian. It was only for a split second when she looks back at the retired model.


    "Tian can go home by himself. You are more than wee to stay here. We have plenty of spare rooms, I can have the maids prepare one for you."


    Her words fell and a thought came to mind. She grins from ear to ear and leans closer to Yue Ling.


    "If you want and don¡¯t mind, you can sleep in Tian¡¯s old room. It hasn¡¯t been used since he moved out of here to live on his own."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless by the middle-aged woman¡¯s behavior. She hadn¡¯t even thanked Madam Lu for the lovely dinner and was already put in a distraught position.


    At the same time, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a little cringe by Madam Lu¡¯s affection. She was sure that if she were to agree and stay the night, Madam Lu will no doubt sleep on the same bed as her like they are having a slumber party.


    "Mother, stop."


    From the side, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice interrupts his mother¡¯s pestering. He gently pulls his wife behind him and looks at his mother with an indifferent expression.


    "Yue Ling and I are a package deal. We came here together, so it¡¯s only natural for us to leave together."


    His words fell matter-of-factly, and he reaches to hold Yue Ling¡¯s hand.


    "We will see you tomorrow."


    On one side, Yue Ling was turned baffled by Lu Tian¡¯s attitude towards his mother. On the other side, Madam Lu¡¯s eyes widen with her nostrils before she points at Lu Tian with a trembling hand.


    "Y-you..."


    Before she could say another word, Old Lu, who seems to always be forgotten, stops his wife from making a fool of herself. He smiles sweetly at her and wraps one arm around her waist.


    "Dear, it iste. Let Tian and Yue Ling be on their way. You will see them again tomorrow."


    He looks at Lu Tian and the smile on his face remained, but his eyes didn¡¯t forget to indicate for Lu Tian to use this chance to leave home with Yue Ling.


    Yue Ling wanted to smile at how Old Lu seems to be the only normal one in the family. However, not wanting to hurt Madam Lu¡¯s feelings, she sighs a smile at the older woman.


    "Mother, thank you for the lovely dinner. Next time, I will ask Tian for us to spend the night."


    Herst word had yet to sound when she was suddenly led away by Lu Tian. She wanted to ask why he was in such a rush but stops herself when she saw his grim expression.


    Without a doubt, she could guess why he was so angry with his mother. She (Madam Lu) had ignored him and only asked for her (Yue Ling) to stay the night.


    She lightly shakes her head and looks back at Madam Lu and Old Lu. She waves goodbye and lets Lu Tian walk her to the car.


    Watching the young couple get inside the car and drive away, Madam Lu heaves a long sigh before turning her head to look at her husband.


    "Honey, why did you let them leave like this?"


    Old Lu knew his wife like the back of his hand. He could tell that she was angry with his decision, but as the calm person that he is, he did not get angry by her tone of voice.


    He looks at her in the eyes and anyone can see the love and doting he has for her for many years.


    "They need time to spend alone."


    Madam Lu wanted to refute his words as she wants to spend alone time with Yue Lin, but seeing her husband¡¯s calm demeanor, every word she wanted to say seemed to be stuck in her throat. She looks back to the ck car driving further and further away from them.


    "I guess you are right. I might have stepped out of line by trying to get all of Ah Ling¡¯s attention. However, I just can¡¯t help but worry about her after learning about Old Ji."


    She sighs and hugs her husband around the waist as her head rests on his shoulder.


    "She has gone through so much already. I do not want to see her sad."


    Old Lu didn¡¯t know how to respond to his wife. He may not have shown it, but like how his wife is feeling, he is also worried about Yue Ling. She is the daughter of his dearest friend and he swore, to protect her like she was his own.


    However, thinking about the conversation he had with Lu Tian, he slightly tilts his head to the side and rests it on top of his wife¡¯s head.


    "She isn¡¯t aware of what we know."


    He tightens his arm around his wife and inhales deeply.


    "Tian said, Old Ji is nning to tell her once he is discharged from the hospital."


    Hearing that Yue Ling doesn¡¯t know about Grandfather Ji¡¯s illness, Madam Lu¡¯s eyes turned moist. Her lower lip trembles and she closes her eyes to steady herself. However, in her attempt to calm down, she chokes a despairing sob.


    "Oh, poor child. What can we do for her?"


    Old Lu swallowed with difficulty as his heart ached for Yue Ling. In the short time that he has met her, he can see that she is a good person who values family more than anything.


    As he thought to himself, his eyes shifts to the night sky that was covered with stars. A faint, yet painful smile curls on his lip, and hand gently squeeze Madam Lu¡¯s arm.


    "The only thing we do for her is to be her family. Let her know that she is not alone, and she can always depend on us."


    Unaware of the conversation between the older couple, the drive home for Yue Ling and Lu Tian did not take long as there was no traffic.


    As they entered their home, all was quiet when they switch the lights on.


    Yue Ling removes her coat and shoes but did not forget to search the house. It was then that she remembered her little Samoyed was staying with her grandfather and brother.


    "He¡¯ll be home soon."


    Lu Tian faintly chuckles when he saw her looking around for his nemesis. He couldn¡¯t me her for doing so as the little guy had a habit of pouncing at his wife the moment shees home.


    Then again, he can¡¯t me his wife for doing so because, during the past few days, he was no different. He doesn¡¯t want to admit it, but he was starting to miss the little guy¡¯s presence.


    "Should we go pick him up tomorrow?"


    Yue Ling was surprised by his sudden question. She wanted to answer yes but shakes her head. Her grandfather looked happy to have Inu at the Ji Mansion, so letting the little guy stay a few more days wouldn¡¯t hurt.


    However, despite her think this way, she suddenly thought about the night at theke.


    She felt something was amiss with Inu¡¯s behavior. Why would he suddenly want to go with her grandfather than her? Could it be that something happened that she is not aware of?


    Quickly as the thought came to her, she brushes it to the back of her mind. If something really did happen at the Ji Mansion, she would be the first to know, right?


    Thinking this way, she looks at the handsome man standing next to her and blurts out without thinking.


    "I¡¯m going to take a bath first."


    She walks to the stairs and proceeds to climb up, but behind her, Lu Tian stares at her with an arched brow. He didn¡¯t have to think twice before striding after her and scoops her up in his arms.


    "Ah! Tian, what are you doing?"


    Yue Ling yelped and wraps her arms around his neck. She stares at him with aplex expression, before gasping.


    "You, don¡¯t tell me you..."


    Unable to finish her words, Lu Tian continues to proceed up the stairs with her in his arms. The corners of his twitch as he wanted to smile at her surprised face, but he kept hisposure.


    "Do I want to bathe with you?"


    He puts on a pondering expression before he nces down at her from the corner of his eyes with a devilish smirk.


    "I mean, I was only trying to help you up the stairs, but since you asked, how I decline the offer."


    "..."

 Chapter 747 Not the first time

    <h4>Chapter 747 - Not the first time</h4>


    As the sky darkened into the night, stars awoke from their slumber to join the moon. Inside the shared bedroom of Yue Ling and Lu Tian, the retired model stood in front of the bathroom door. She had changed out of her clothes and was wearing a simple white robe. Her long dark hair flows down her shoulders to her back and she stares at the slightly ajar door.


    She struggles with a hard gulp and raises a hand to open the door. However, the moment her palm touched the doorknob, she doesn¡¯t turn it but remained in a ce like a statue.


    "How did it turn out like this?"


    Her words fell in a murmur as she didn¡¯t dare to take another step from her position.


    After Lu Tian carried her up the stairs, he ced her down in her closet room. He told her to wait while he prepares the warm bath for her.


    And like an obedient child, she did as she was told.


    When the bath was ready, he came back to let her know and left after telling her toe in when she is ready.


    She could only nod her head without a word and watched him leave before getting undress.


    However, now that she is standing in front of the bathroom with only a robe on, she was regretting the idea of informing him about wanting to take a warm bath.


    "Why did I have to say it for him to hear?"


    Her shoulders tremble as she sobs, but there were no tears for her shed. She raises one hand and clutch the front of her robe and inhales a deep breath. At the same time, she could feel the pounding of her heart like can explode in any second.


    She was indeed nervous as this was her first time doing this. All the other times, it was Lu Tian who would ninja his way inside while she was bathing or showering.


    Only, this time, it was her turn to be the ninja.


    She inhales another deep breath and pushes the door open as she tries to coax herself.


    "You got this, Yue Ling. This is not the first time you bathe with him."


    Her movements were careful and slow like she was a burr sneaking into the home of a rich man.


    As she entered the bathroom, she closes the door and made sure not to make a single sound. She was afraid that the aloof man inside would suddenly turn around and shatter all the courage she had gathered.


    She stretches her neck forward and looks around the steamy room until she spotted Lu Tian.


    He was already sitting inside the bathtub with both his arms resting on the rims. However, seeing that his back was turned to her, Yue Ling sighs in relief.


    She lightly pats her chest as if to soothe her pounding heartbeat.


    "Do you n to stand there and enjoy the view only?"


    "..."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice suddenly sounds from ahead and made Yue Ling flinch in surprise. She looks back at him and sighs in relief again when she saw that he still had not turned around.


    However, what she did not know is that Lu Tian had long heard her footsteps.


    He was aware that she had stopped outside the bathroom and was contemting whether to enter or not. He wanted to go out and tell her toe in but decided to wait and see what she will do.


    Fortunately, she made the decision toe in, or else, he would have marched out the door and carried her inside. Even if he had to undress her, he didn¡¯t mind.


    As he thought these things, he leans back against the bathtub and puts on the appearance of a noble ruler taking a bath. He leisurely scoops up some water with his left hand then watch as the water flows back onto the tub.


    "Your Majesty, did anyone ever tell you that it is impolite to stand there and shamelessly admire your loyal Head Eunuch take a bath alone?"


    His words fell teasingly, but he made sure it looked like he was a fairy who had been caught taking a quiet bath in an enchantedke.


    A few seconds past and there were no movements from behind him. He furrows his brows and blinked his eyes. Was his behavior too much that it frightened his wife to the point of her leaving the room?


    Afraid that Yue Ling might have long disappeared out the door, he sits up and turns around to look at the door.


    "Did you leave..."


    His expression was as calm as usual despite his heart beating chaotically. However, the second he turned around, he stiffened in ce with eyes meeting her own.


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Like his frozen state of mind, Yue Ling was no different. She swore, the bathroom was filled with warm steam, but she felt like was standing in the middle of a frozenke.


    She had not answered any of his questions because she was too surprised by how good his hearing is. She even thought about running away and batheter, but her feet were glued to the floor.


    Not only that, but she also had to tell herself that Lu Tian will not let her escape. If she did leave, he would run after her and bring her back.


    So, not wanting to see the n.a.k.e.d man chase her around the house, she decides to join him.


    However, just as she slipped the robe off her shoulders, she didn¡¯t expect him to utter more nonsense and turn around.


    She stares at him with a calm expression, but inside, she could feel her face burn like she was set on fire.


    Her fingers curled tightly onto the front of the robe like her life depended on it. The lower half of her body was slightly covered but as for the top, it was in full view for Lu Tian.


    Should she just cover herself and leave as nothing happened?


    However, she quickly tells herself to calm down. They had taken a bath together plenty of times and will be married soon.


    She ignores his stare and takes off the robe. As she turned to the side to set the robe down, her eyes squeeze shut, and she screamed inside her head before calming down again.


    "Remember, you are the Emperor, and he is your Head Eunuch. You are in control here."


    She murmurs to herself and turns back to face him. She ignores the fact that she is fully exposed to him now and walks over to the bathtub.


    Her eyes never once made eye contact with Lu Tian again and she stares ahead like she was walking the runway.


    Once she was next to the tub, she slightly raises one hand as if to block Lu Tian¡¯s eyes from seeing any more.


    "Now, if you¡¯ll be so kind and scoot over. Zhen will have her bath now."

 Chapter 748 Every Second Of The Day

    <h4>Chapter 748 Every Second Of The Day</h4>


    Yue Ling sat inside the bathtub filled with warm water. She had told Lu Tian to scoot over but with the tub being a little too small for the both of them. She could only sit between his legs.


    The warm water brush against her skin and she sighed at how rxing it felt.


    All the nervous feelings she had before were discarded and forgetting that Lu Tian was also in the tub, she leans back to rest.


    However, before she could fully lean back, something brush against the side of her waist causing her to quiver.


    Her entire being flinched as she stiffens like a statue. How could she forget that she was not taking a bath alone?


    Lu Tian''srge palm with small callouses gently caresses past her waist. He held the front of her stomach and with a light push, he moves her closer to him.


    As their bare skin touch one another, he lowers his head and leans down to kiss her shoulder before resting his forehead on it.


    "It''s been a while since we get to enjoy a nice and quiet bath like this."


    He sighs after his words and closes his eyes.


    Despite it only been a week, due to their busy work schedule and the wedding preparations, they haven''t been able to enjoy the quality time together. Even he feels he doesn''t get to see much.


    Thinking this way, the space between his eyebrows crease together and he hugs her tighter.


    "I really miss you."


    Yue Ling was surprised by his sudden hug, but she rxed when she heard his words. She was just about to agree with him when she was dumbfounded by hisst sentence.


    She scoffs a chuckle and lightly adjust her body to the side. As her bluish-green eyes stare straight into the dark pupils of his eyes, she smiles with an arched brow.


    "How can you miss me when we see each other every day?"


    They''ve indeed been preupied with work, but they still get to see each other. In the morning before work and at night after work. Some days they even see each other in the afternoon to have lunch.


    Lu Tian lifts his head to look down at her. Seeing her bright and amused face, the cold aura that he wears in the day waspletely ripped off as she is the only person, he will allow to see this soft and doting side of him.


    However, thinking about her question, he sighs and shook his head sadly.


    "It''s not enough."


    He wraps his arms around her and pulls her closer to his chest.


    "I want to see you every second of the day."


    He held the side of her head against his chest and rest his chin on top of her head.


    "Why do you have to work? With the money I make, I can provide for both of us."


    Ever since their rtionship started, he came to understand that his wife loves to work. However, as much as he understands this side of her, he can''t help but worry for her.


    It hasn''t been long since she recovered from the loss of their unborn child. Yet, she is busying herself every day.


    He stares at the nk space in front of him and uses one hand to caress the side of her arm.


    "You can just stay at home and be my housewife. Whatever you want to buy, I won''t stop you."


    Yue Ling was touched by his words and she understood how much he worries about her. She looks up at him but seeing a perplexed look on his face, an idea shed in her mind.


    She raises one hand and using her index finger, she taps it on his chest. A small smile curls on her face as she pushes him more back against the tub.


    "Why do YOU have to work?"


    She answers him with his own question but emphasized the word ''you''. Her other hand raises to rest on his bare chest that was damped with water droplets.


    Lu Tian arched an eyebrow in amus.e.m.e.nt at her. It wasn''t her words that made him curious. It was how she said it and the smile on her face.


    Her voice was soft and simr to a sweet luby to his ears. However, her smile was more like a smirk. A smirk full of mischief, yet one the devil will make to seduce a soul.


    He gazes deeply into her eyes that resemble the Mediterranean Sea and unknowingly leans forward. He wanted to capture her alluring lips and savor its sweet taste.


    However, before he could move another inch, Yue Ling''s voice sounds again.


    "With the money I make, I can provide for both of us."


    She repeated what he said word for word, but with a chuckle. Holding her chin with one hand, her other hand moves to gently caress his sharp jawline.


    "You know, I am the CEO of 3 infamouspanies, soon to be 4."


    The tips of her fingers brush over his lip in soft strokes and send him a flirtatious wink.


    "I''m not short on money, so how about you be my stay home husband? Hm?"


    Her words fell teasingly, but her expression was straight and serious. It was enough to make Lu Tian speechless.


    He stares at her with a nk expression, but in a split second, he burst intoughter. Both his arms wrap around her and he pulls her into his embrace. Only this time, he lowers his head and pecks her lip before pressing his forehead against her.


    She was not wrong at all. Even he has to admit thatpared to his wealth, she might just be wealthier than him.


    However


    "I prefer to be the one to work while you stay home."


    His eyes gradually close and he inhales the sweet fragrance emitting from her that has not been washed away.


    "I just don''t want to see you overwork yourself every day."


    She goes to her office at De L''amour every day, but that didn''t mean she only focuses on the fashionpany. She also has to shuffle between the work matters of An Qing and H-International.


    Yue Ling softens like butter at his words. She hugs him at the waist and grins from ear to ear at him.


    "I am truly blessed to meet you."


    The warm water in the tub stter at her move making her look like a small child in a good mood.


    Lu Tian faintly groans a chuckle at her sudden hug, but he quickly stiffens when he felt the softness of her twin peaks press against his chest.


    He struggles a hard and difficult gulp as he stares at her.


    Yue Ling was muddled by his change of expression. Her head slightly tilts to the side with a small frown.


    "Tian? What is"


    Her words had yet to finish when her eyes slowly widen. She came to realize two things. One, the way he was looking at her was like a predator preparing to pounce on its prey, and two, she could feel his awakening dragon poking her abdomen.


    She gasps loudly and quickly pushed herself away from his arms. The only thing running in her mind is to not crush his family''s treasure with her weight.


    "I''m so sorry. Are you hurt-mmf?"


    Before she could move another inch away, Lu Tian grabs her arms and pulls her back into his arms. He captures her lips and seals away any words she had yet to say.


    He groans softly as he might have used a little too much strength when pulling her back, but it wasn''t enough to hurt him.


    His head slightly tilts for better advantage and he deepens the kiss. At the same time, he didn''t forget to secure her tightly against him like he was kneading her into one with him.


    Yue Ling''s cheeks burned shyly at what was happening. However, she doesn''t refuse him.


    Her eyes slowly close and she returns the kiss. Her mouth opens agape as her tongue search to meet his.

 Chapter 749 Cute buttocks

    <h4>Chapter 749 Cute buttocks</h4>


    The night grew darker as the cold wind outside began to pick up its speed. Its faint humming can be heard near the windows of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home.


    However, the couple heeds no mind to it.


    The sound of water sshes faintly as Yue Ling stepped out from the bathtub. Her eyes subconsciously nce ahead and see Lu Tian.


    After their heated and passionate kiss, Lu Tian did not advance further, nor did she. The two pulled away from one another with flustered cheeks and carried on enjoying their warm bath.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t in silence as they chatted about work and other things.


    She would be lying if she weren¡¯t disappointed that nothing happened, but at the same time, she felt at ease. They were able to have a decent conversation without neither of them getting sidetracked.


    Brushing her thoughts aside, she walks over to where her bathrobe is and picks it up. However, taking another nce at Lu Tian, she stops what she was going to do and swallows a hard gulp.


    He stood naked with his back turned to her and had yet to put on his bathrobe.


    She swore, no matter how many times she sees his body, it always made her throat dried.


    Sometimes she would have the sudden urge to pounce on him but held onto her dignity not to do so. If possible, she wants to pull a chair to sit on and admire his figure like a painting would oftene to mind.


    His broad shoulders made her want to bite on it until it bled. So alluring and well defined, it makes her feel so lucky to know she is the only woman who can rest her head on it.


    She swallows another gulp and her eyes sneakily lower as if she was checking him out.


    His muscr arms always made her feel safe whenever they are wrapped around her. His perfectly toned back that only she can touch and feel.


    As her admiring thoughts travel too far, her head tilts to the side in a daze and her eyes look further down. Both her eyebrows arch upwards and she smiles with amusement.


    "Hm, cute buttocks too."


    So cute, she suddenly wants to walk over to him and pinch them until they turn red.


    She nods her head in agreeing to herself and puts on her bathrobe. However, she did not realize that she had spoken her thoughts out loud.


    Just as she draped the bathrobe over her shoulders, Lu Tian suddenly turns around to face her.


    What should have been his cute buttocks was now reced with the view of his almighty dragon. It was half asleep but half awake.


    Yue Ling was frozen in ce as her eyes and mouth widen. Her movements were extremely slow like she had turned into a sloth.


    In her state of shock and surprise, she couldn¡¯t move her gaze away from the lower part of his body. All she could do was continue to stare at it.


    "Do you like what you see?"


    An entire day seemed to pass, but it was only a few seconds when Yue Ling finally regained her consciousness. She quickly shifts her attention away with crimson red cheeks and looks up at the face of the divine figure.


    When their eyes met, she couldn¡¯t help but swallow another gulp.


    However, unlike the ones before, this one was more difficult. It was like something hard had lodged itself inside her throat.


    "I-Its not what you think..."


    She stutters in exnation as he had caught her red-handed admiring his body in secret. Lu Tian¡¯s expression was full of intrigue and amusement that it made her unable to think clearly.


    "I-I... You see..."


    Unable to finish her sentence, she waves both her palms out in front of her like they could exin her actions.


    The front of her robe slips open to reveal the center of her body. This made Lu Tian lower his eyes on her then back up to meet with her bluish-green eyes again.


    "Oh, it¡¯s not?"


    His deep voice sounds as he stood proud and naked three feet away from her. If one were to look closer, one could see the very unnoticeable smile on his face.


    However, for Yue Ling, she felt like a bomb had been dropped onto her.


    Lu Tian held the urge tough and stares at her waiting for her to answer. He knew that she had been staring at his body the moment she stepped out of the bathtub.


    That was because he could see her reflection in the mirror. Only, she didn¡¯t notice that while she was admiring him, he was admiring her.


    It was only when she mentioned his buttocks being cute that he came to his senses and turned around.


    The corners of his lips slowly raise and like the shameless man that he is in front of her, he tilts his head a little to the side. Both his arms are slightly spread to the side and he poses for her.


    "Since you enjoyed admiring my back, why not enjoy the front too?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless by how shameless he was. Her entire face flushed red. Only, due to her having finished a bath, all the others on her blended together.


    "Y-You..."


    Her mouth opened and closed until she was able to force out a stutter. However, she couldn¡¯t finish her words because her brain decided to shut down and she turned into a fish stranded on drynd.


    Unable to think of what to say, she puffs her cheeks like a chipmunk. Just as she did this, an idea shed in her head and she decides to do the only thing she can at this moment.


    Run.


    She dashes past Lu Tian towards the door without making any eye contact. Right now, she needs to leave the room and find a hole to hide in out of shame.


    If she can¡¯t find a hole, she will dig one for herself.


    Unfortunately for her, she had forgotten that she was in the presence of the devil.


    Lu Tian reacted quickly and like the swift ninja he is, he takes a big step to block her bath. He grabs her arm and pins her against the wall with one hand pressed on the wall.


    He also made sure that the arm up created a barrier between his wife and the door.


    "My dearest love, where are you going?"


    His head lowers with a wide smile on his face and leans towards her ear.


    "After filling your eyes with me, are you nning to leave without taking responsibility, hm?"

 Chapter 750 What should she do now?

    <h4>Chapter 750 What should she do now?</h4>


    Lu Tian¡¯s words entered one of Yue Ling¡¯s ears in a deep voice with seductiveness. It shot an electric wave throughout her body making her turn even redder than she already was.


    "I..."


    She stutters again as her brain still didn¡¯t want to turn back on. She felt like a tiny rabbit trapped in a corner by a wolf.


    Even if she did think of what to say, she was still guilty. She was the one who had been staring at him.


    Should she juste up with ame excuse to get herself out of this situation?


    The second she thought about the question, she inhales a deep breath before exhaling. No, she can¡¯t. She can¡¯t lie to herself like this.


    She is her mother and father¡¯s daughter and the granddaughter of the almighty General Ji and Fate¡¯s former leader, Old Han.


    She was born and raised to be a strong woman. If someone wronged her, she would make them pay the price. However, if she is in the wrong, she must own up to her mistake.


    Thinking this way, she ignored her bright red face and raise both her arms. Gently cing her palms on his toned chest, she slightly turns her head to him and whispers in his ear.


    "Who said I wasn¡¯t going to take responsibility?"


    Her soft and angelic voice faintly blew into Lu Tian¡¯s ear. This time, it was he who felt a wave of electricity shot throughout his body from head to toe.


    His ears turned red as he didn¡¯t expect such a response from her. He thought he was going to be able to tease her more. However, despite how surprised he was, his eyes quickly darken when he felt the beast below waking up.


    All it took was a small breath from her to arouse him.


    He clenched his teeth with a low growl then lowers his posture. He circles one arm around her waist as his other hand wraps under her buttocks.


    He swiftly picks her up like a toddler and strides out of the bathroom after opening the door.


    "Ah!"


    Yue Ling eximed in surprise and shock. Never did she think he would suddenly pick her up and toss her over his shoulder.


    "Tian, what are you doing? Put me down."


    She raises her voice in protest against him, but his response made her speechless yet again.


    "I¡¯ll put you down where you can take responsibility."


    His words fell with a chuckle and strides in the direction of the bed while carrying her like a precious sack of rice.


    Yue Ling¡¯s shoulders tremble like she was crying, but unable to shed a single tear, she could only let her body dangle loosely along with her arms.


    It was all a trap. Everything he said was a trap and she had fallen right into it.


    "You really are a devil."


    She murmurs begrudgingly and stops struggling. However, she had forgotten that Lu Tian was a man with no shame in front of her.


    He brought her to the bed and carefully ce her down. His body lowers on top of her before raising one hand to caress the side of her face.


    His hand trails further down but only to twirl a few strands of her damped hair around his index finger.


    He slowly brought her hair to his lip and ce a soft kiss on it with dark eyes locked with her bluish-green ones.


    "I am a devil, but a devil madly in love with you."


    Yue Lingid on the bed and stares up at the man on top of her. She could see a glimmering light in his eyes full of mischief, but for some reason, she couldn¡¯t read his mind at this moment.


    However, remembering something, her blushing face intensifies.


    Lu Tian had carried her out of the bathroom naked and....


    She swallows a hard gulp and kept her eyes on his face. She did dare to look anywhere else as she could feel the tip of a fully awakened dragon pressed against her entrance below.


    She knew that if he wanted to, all he had to was lower himself a little more and he could easily slip inside her.


    Unprepared for what is to happen, she raises both her hands and ces her palms on his chest like she was trying to help him not fall onto her.


    "W-We should get ready for bed. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day for us."


    Lu Tian arched a brow like she made a point but pretends like he had not seen right through her intentions. One corner of his mouth curls up into a side smirk and he lets her hair on his finger fall loosely down.


    "Mm, I guess we should."


    He lowers his head and softly pecks her red lips before pulling away.


    Yue Ling sighed in relief hearing his agreement. She indeed needed to sleep because when the sunes up, she will be meeting with Madam Lu, Zhao Ya¡¯Er, and Madam Zhao for her dress fitting.


    She could already tell that it will be a long day, so she hopes to get as much rest as possible.


    As she thought about what tomorrow will be like, she caught a glimpse of Lu Tian¡¯s expression again.


    He didn¡¯t get up from her but remained on top. The smirk on his face had turned into a devilish one like he hade up with an evil n and his voice sounds.


    "Then again, does this mean you have decided to run away without taking responsibility?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling was in utter disbelief at what she was hearing. She honestly thought that he would let her slide by using his mother, aunt, and cousin as an excuse, but how could she forget that he rather tired her out, so she doesn¡¯t have to see them.


    What should she do now?


    Pretend to faint? No, that won¡¯t work on him.


    Push him away? No, he will be hurt, and she doesn¡¯t want to see him hurt.


    Scream for Inu? Oh, wait, Inu isn¡¯t home.


    As she tries toe up with a n to get herself out, Lu Tian suddenly rolls off of her. Heid on his side on the left of her with his left arm propped on the bed holding his head.


    However, despite the fact that he was no longer on top of her, his right arm was still on top of her stomach while his right leg secured her legs like a snake.


    "So, have you decided? Are you going to run away or take responsibility?"


    His question stunned Yue Ling so much that she didn¡¯t know how to respond. All the excuses she had thought dispersed like a balloon being deted.


    Both her hands were still positioned midair in front of her and she curls them into fists.


    If Lu Tian¡¯s chest were still there, she would have squeezed it until he felt pain. However, due to his sudden change in position, she could only grasp onto the air.


    She inhales a deep breath and raises her chin like the proud woman she is. She turns her head to look at him and her entire being shes with seriousness.


    "I never go back on my words."

 Chapter 751 Get this over with

    <h4>Chapter 751 Get this over with</h4>


    In one swift move, Yue Ling¡¯s left arm reaches towards Lu Tian and grabs his right shoulder. Using her left leg as a guide, she pushes Lu Tian¡¯s leg away, but only to press him onto the bed.


    With their new change of position, Lu Tian was nowying on the bed with his back. Yue Ling straddles on top of him with both her knees bent on either side of his hips and she stares down at him.


    Her slightly damped hair cascaded over one side of her shoulder like a waterfall in the night. It created a shadow over her face enhancing her beauty like a fairy in an enchanting forest.


    "Let¡¯s get this over with."


    Her words fell as she lowers her head and her lips gently touch his. She gives the man under her a soft peck and pulls away to smile down at him.


    "Okay, I¡¯ve taken responsibility. Let¡¯s go to sleep."


    This time, Lu Tian was stunned. He didn¡¯t expect her to suddenly push him down then sit on top of him. When he felt her soft lips brush over his, he was even stunned.


    However, just when he felt the speed of his heart rate elerate, he was dumbfounded by her words.


    His eyes darken at the remembrance of her saying to get this over with. He raises one hand and held the back of her nape to keep her from getting off of him.


    Without any warning, he pulls her down and his mouth opens as he bit down on the side of her neck. Of course, he made sure not to bite too hard as he was afraid of hurting her.


    "Ah¡ª"


    Yue Ling cries a soft moan at the small pain. She tries to pull away from Lu Tian, but his other hand had already found its way to secure her waist in ce.


    Feeling her resistance, Lu Tian pulls herpletely onto him and buries his head on the crook of her neck. What started as a small bite quickly changes into small kisses as he leaves red marks on her.


    "Tian, wait..."


    Yue Ling whimpers another moan at the tickling sensation from each of his kisses. Her body shudders before she tries again to move away from him, but to no avail, Lu Tian kept her restrained with one arm.


    Lu Tian¡¯s warm breath blew onto her skin each time he moves to capture a different part of her neck.


    "Wait... I already took..."


    Before she could say the word ¡¯responsibility¡¯, another shiver shot inside her. Lu Tian didn¡¯t seem to cease his kisses despite her words. He nts kisses on her neck soon moves up to her chin and cheeks then he nibbles on her earlobe.


    "I¡¯m helping you take responsibility."


    He held her waist firmly with his hand and push himself from the bed to sit up. He brought her up with him and slightly tilted his head back to look up at her.


    "Or should I stop?"


    His expression at this moment looked nonchnt as if nothing in the world can provoke him. However, Yue Ling could see the glimmering light in his eyes.


    Only, she was unaware that the man under her was trying his best not to push the beast below inside her. He could have done so, but he wanted to see if she wanted him just as much as he wanted her.


    He may be selfish right now, but if she tells him for them to stop again, he will abide by her wish.


    Yue Ling bit her bottom lip as she stood on her knees. She thought her kiss had been enough to take the responsibility of staring at him in the bathroom. However, thinking about his words, she came to understand that he was referring to a different kind of responsibility.


    The responsibility to put his awaken dragon back to sleep.


    Her cheeks flustered bright red at the thought of this as a nervous feeling crawled inside her like tiny little ants.


    Even without looking, she could feel the tip of his almighty beast poke at her most sensitive ce and knew he was ready but holding back.


    However, she wasn¡¯tpletely wet down there, so how is she supposed to take him like this?


    She looks at him in the eyes and hesitated. Should she just disregard her pride and ask him for help?


    Lu Tian was able to read her mind when he saw the imploring look in her bluish-green eyes. He decides to help her by raising one hand. He gently brushes aside one side of her robe to free one of her twin peaks.


    He leans forward and captures one of her perked buds with his mouth. He teases her with his tongue as his other hand raises to move her robe to free her other twin peaks. The second it was in view, his palm ce over and he gently fondle.


    "Hnn..."


    Yue Ling shudders at the way his moist tongue tease her and the touch of his hand holding her. She could feel a wave of pleasurable sensation rise in her lower body.


    She doesn¡¯t push him away but tilts her head back and close her eyes. What he did had stirred the desire inside her and she didn¡¯t want him to stop.


    Lu Tian coated the stiffened bud at the tip of her twin peaks with his saliva. With his other hand still massaging her other mound, he leans back to admire her expression.


    When he saw her flustered face and closed eyes, he knew she was holding back her moans.


    "Don¡¯t hold back."


    His voice was calm but there was a trace of hoarseness mixed with it.


    "I want to hear your voice."


    Yue Ling shook her head and bit down on her bottom lip tighter. She wanted to keep her voice down with the thought that someone might hear her.


    However, she had forgotten that the only person who can hear her is the man making her want to moan.


    Lu Tian smile at his adorable wife. Despite the many times they have rolled in bed together, she was still shy in front of him.


    An idea quicklyes to his mind, and a light shes across his eyes. He moves his hand fondling her mound, but only to rece it with his mouth. He made sure to tease it like how he did with her other one.


    Only, this time, he caresses the side of her body with gentleness.


    The tips of his fingers brushed down to her hip before sliding his palm halfway across her stomach, then down until his fingers found the gap between her parted legs.

 Chapter 752 Take the lead this time

    <h4>Chapter 752 Take the lead this time</h4>


    Yue Ling¡¯s eye shot open when she felt where his hand was going. She grabs his hand to stop him, but the second her hand touched him, his fingers had already found her pearl and pressed it.


    "Ah~"


    She gasps a loud moan and fell forward onto him. Her sudden fall caused her breasts to press more against Lu Tian, but not enough to suffocate him. Instead, it allowed his mouth the tease her bud better.


    His tongue continues to tease her upper bead as his fingers rubbed and yed with her pearl below.


    Their breathing grew heavy inside the room before Lu Tian moves away from her mounds to find her lips. He kisses her like a hungry wolf who has been starving for days.


    A moan escapes Yue Ling¡¯s lip through the gaps of their kiss. She disregards all hesitation inside her mind and kisses him back. Her arms wrap around his neck as she had fallen into his spell.


    She wanted... no, she needed more of him.


    Lu Tian grunts a low groan at the return of her kiss. He thought he was the hungry wolf, but it turned out his wife was hungrier than him. No, it was like she was a lost soul eagerly trying to suck the life out of him to be human again.


    However, this made him happy.


    To know that she wanted him just as much as he to her, his body burned with more desire.


    As their kiss turned passionate, his fingers did not cease. He rubs her pearl until he could feel her wetness beginning to growl. His hand then slides further.


    Finding her soaking entrance, he prates her passageway with one finger. He motions slow thrusts before adding a second finger.


    Yue Ling tried to focus on their kiss, but with each thrust of his two fingers, her mind became even more chaotic.


    Melodious moans of cries escape her mouth as Lu Tian¡¯s heavy breathing joined with her. It didn¡¯t take long before Lu Tian could feel her passageway contract tightly around his fingers.


    He slid his fingers out allowing her wetness to drop onto the crown of his erected dragon. It coated him as if to urge him forward.


    However, he suppresses the burning desire to do so and breaks away from their kiss.


    He gazes lovingly at her beautiful face that captivates his heart and soul every day. He leans to her again but ces a small kiss on her cheek before whispering near her ear.


    "I helped you start the responsibility. It¡¯s now up to you to do the next."


    His deep voice was calm and steady, but all the more seductive and teasing.


    Yue Ling¡¯s chest heaved heavily as she had just experienced her climax. Her eyes locked on him but don¡¯t give a response.


    She wanted so badly to glue his lips together. Ever since they finished their bath, all she heard from him was the word responsibility.


    There was no need to constantly remind her. He even spoke like he was giving an option, but she knew that despite his words, it was toote to escape their situation.


    However, to think he wants her to take the lead this time.


    She bit her bottom lip with a bashful expression before nodding her head. Taking a deep breath inside to steady herself, sheplies. Since he wants her to take the lead, she will do just that.


    Brushing aside any remaining nervousness inside her, she straightens her posture. Her hands reach for her robe and she slips it down from her shoulders.


    Little by little, her delicate, fair skin came to view. From her full mounds slightly covered in red marks by Lu Tian, then her slim waist down to her legs.


    Her bluish-green eyes never once moved away from the man staring back at the man. However, the second the robe was lowered, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes lower to admire her heavenly body.


    He carved her body into his head as if this were going to be theirst time together.


    "So beautiful..."


    He spoke his thoughts sending a chill up Yue Ling¡¯s spine. Her two rosy buds at the tip of her twin peaks stiffened up and she blushed.


    Despite him making her feel this way, she removed her robepletely off and tosses it to the side of the bed. It didn¡¯t stay on the bed with them but slid down onto the floor.


    It was as if the robe was in shame of what is happening and wanted to escape.


    Yue Ling braced herself and her palms on Lu Tian¡¯s broad shoulder held him tighter. She slowly lowers her body to sit on his steadied dragon waiting to enter.


    "Mmm..."


    She lets out a small moan at the sudden pration of their bodies joining together.


    Lu Tian¡¯s breathing turned heavy again but more erratic. The second he felt her walls wrap around the tip of his dragon, it twitched and grew bigger.


    He swallows a hard gulp to hold himself back from plunging right inside her.


    Yue Ling was embarrassed and wanted to back out. She may be a leader in the underworld and the CEO of 3panies, but when it came to this kind of leading, she was like a child still learning about life.


    However, she knew it was toote. She must do this.


    As her body lowers more, she gradually swallows him whole and they became one.


    "Ah..."


    She sat on him for a few seconds before moving. Then the thought of moving feared her as she needed to adjust to his size before doing the next step.


    When she felt like she was ready to move, she slowly raises her body, but not all the way before lowering herself again. However, as she did this, the dragon between her legs twitched bigger again and she stiffened in ce.


    Lu Tian watched her reaction and unable to contain himself, he chuckles. He ces his hand on her waist and gently helps her again by lowering her back down on him.


    "See, that wasn¡¯t so hard."


    He teases her with his words and guides her body onto riding him. If he didn¡¯t do this, she would probably stay in ce for who knows how long.


    Their motions started off at a slow and steady pace before Lu Tian lifted her up only to have her fall back onto him with a little more force.


    "Nngh..."


    Another moan sounds from Yue Ling as she clung to him as her life depended on it. Her body continues to move up and down as she found herself slowly losing herself.


    Her head tilts back, allowing her hair to fall down her shoulders and her eyes dazedly close. Even she did not realize that her body was moving on its own without Lu Tian¡¯s help.

 Chapter 753 Just one

    <h4>Chapter 753 Just one</h4>


    Lu Tian sat with one arm slightly propped behind him. His other hand gently held onto his wife¡¯s back to keep her from falling backward.


    His dark eyes watched her expression as his lower body moves in rhythm with her. He wanted to engrave every part of her into his mind. From her alluring face to her body sitting on him.


    Within seconds, he was no longer able to hold back and swiftly flips them onto the bed.


    His robust body towers over her with their lower bodies still intact as one. He ces a hand under her left knee and slightly raises it to the press against his hip.


    With one violent thrust, his dragon pierces her again.


    "Tian, -ah!"


    Yue Ling exims as she was surprised at their sudden change in position, but before she could say anymore, she gasps a moan. His sudden intrusion sent a pleasurable chill inside her body.


    Now in control of the situation, Lu Tian let the demon inside him lose. Stroke after stroke, he took her to the highest of the heavens. It was as if they were meeting again after years apart.


    As the night continues for them, Yue Ling¡¯s moans echoed into the room. Sometimes, she was loud and other times, she was muffled as Lu Tian would lower his head to kiss her.


    Before she knew it, the cave between her legs coiled and she could feel a burst of indescribable pleasure flutter inside her. She had reached a shattering climax that made her body fall limp onto the bed.


    Her clenching walls wrapping tightly around Lu Tian and she became sensitive. However, he doesn¡¯t stop. He continues to move his hips like he wanted to pierce through her soul.


    "Tian... s-slow down..."


    Yue Ling moans each word that came out of her mouth with struggle. Her mind and body were on the brink of exploding from the pleasure.


    Watching her expression, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes darkened. Not in a dangerous way but in a way that made him crave for her. He leans back a little and ce both her legs on his shoulders.


    Like an animal finally, let loose into the wilderness, he devours her on the bed.


    Yue Ling was unable to say or think about anything other than the aloof man. She grasps his forearms and clenches tightly.


    Her nails dug into his skin, but instead of Lu Tian feeling pain, it sent an arousing sensation inside him.


    His stamina grew fiercely, and he thrust faster and faster until he was nearing his own release.


    With a hard and final thrust, he grunts a groan as he spewed his seed inside her.


    And for the second time that night, Yue Ling felt another wave of climax escape her body. It was like her soul had been cleansed and she was reborn.


    Still intact with her, Lu Tian lowers her legs from his shoulders. His entire body copse on top of her. Of course, he made sure not to put his entire weight on her in fear he might crush her.


    His head nestles against her neck and he wraps his arms around her. He had changed from a hungry wolf to a baby trying to find warmth from his mother.


    Both individuals remained in silence with only the sound of their heavy breathing inside the room.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t bother to push Lu Tian off of her. She didn¡¯t do much of the work, but she swore, at this moment, her body felt like it had been drained of life. Even she was unable to keep her eyes open.


    However, she knows that she can¡¯t fall asleep.


    That is because Lu Tian is still connected with her.


    As she thought about this, she remembers that she had to get up early in the morning.


    "Tian, I need to get up and clean myself."


    She murmurs like a shy little girl and tries to push him away to get up.


    "I have to meet your mother, aunt, and cousin in the morning. I can¡¯t show upte for my dress fitting."


    However, the more she tries to push him away, the more she realized how exhausted she was.


    In the end, she could onlyy on the bed and stare up at the white ceiling.


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t answer her, nor did he move a muscle. His body remained on top of her and his eyes were closed like he was sleeping.


    His silence dumbfounded Yue Ling. She chuckles at how childish he was being and pats him on the back as if to wake him up. However, in a split second, she froze in ce and didn¡¯t dare to move.


    Between her legs, she could feel his dragon that was falling asleep suddenly shot away again. Her eyes widen and afraid of his great stamina, she struggles to push him away.


    How can she go another round?


    "Oh my, look at the time. It¡¯ste. We should get clean again and go to sleep. Don¡¯t want to oversleep tomorrow."


    She tries to distract her attention away from his beast and spoke whatever came to mind. However, due to their position, she was oblivious of the unnoticeable smile on Lu Tian¡¯s face.


    Not giving her the chance to leave, his arms around her tighten and he moves his hip to tease her.


    "Nngh..."


    His sudden jolt made Yue Ling whimper and she stops struggling. Her cheeks that were red turned redder and she couldn¡¯t help but feel like she had fallen into one of his traps again.


    Lu Tian finally lifts his head to look at her with a chuckle when he didn¡¯t feel her move. However, to his surprise, he was met with a look in her eyes.


    He abruptly stopsughing and slowly pouts like a child who had betrayed his best friend.


    "I¡¯m sorry..."


    He stretches his neck towards her and pecks her on the lips with the same sad expression.


    "I just thought we could go another round since it¡¯s been a while."


    Yue Ling stares at him with a nk expression. Not only is he shameless but he has his way of making it look like she is the bad guy.


    She only wanted to sleep because tomorrow was going to be a long day. Not only that, but she also doesn¡¯t know how long it will take ande home.


    However, gazing at his face that always swept her heart away, she could only sigh inside as he was partially right.


    "Fine. Just one..."


    The second she gave him an answer, the pout on Lu Tian¡¯s face turns into a dangerous grin.


    "No going back on your words."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes widen, and it was then that she realized this was all his n. She opens her mouth to take back her answer, but it was toote.


    Lu Tian captures her lips to seal away any words she wanted to say and taste her body with greed.


    Before they knew it, one time turned into two, then three, and so one as the night grew darker.


    Their passionate moans and panting ovepped one another as Yue Ling¡¯s bathrobeid on the floor. If it could, it wishes to hide under the bed as witnessing such an act like this made one blush in shame.

 Chapter 754 Something happened to her

    <h4>Chapter 754 Something happened to her</h4>


    While the night filled itself with a passionate love for Yue Ling and Lu Tian, in the deepest and darkest part of Imperial, Retro remained awake. The entire area is lit up with bright lights as members from different gangs enjoy their time.


    The loud music echoed high into the dark sky as it muted theughter of those immerses in their own conversations. Anyone who steps foot into this area will get the feeling that Retro is its own world.


    However, despite the joyous atmosphere outside, inside one of the rooms residing on the highest floor of White Tiger, all was gloomy and grave.


    Those who walk past the tightly shut door would shiver in fear at its dangerous air, while others wouldn¡¯t dare to enter the room.


    Standing on guard outside the door were two men of White Tiger. If one looked closely, one could see the faint glimmer of sweat forming on their foreheads.


    One of the men leans towards the other and whispers quietly.


    "Why do you think they are here?"


    The other man stood tall and proud with both his hands behind his back. His chin was slightly raised with a stern expression like he didn¡¯t care about anything in the world.


    Due to a sudden visit from their boss¡¯s guests, they had to stand outside the room in case something happens.


    However, when the question entered his ears, the stern look on his face turns into a pondering frown.


    "I don¡¯t know... We¡¯ll have to ask the boss once they leave."


    Inside the room, a man wearing all white sat in the main seat. His faded buzzed haircut allowed one to see the shape of his head. He was handsome with sharp features and looked like a model. Those who do not know him would question why a refined man like him is in Retro.


    However, despite his easy-going appearance, the roaring tiger tattooed on the front of his neck gave him a frightening aura.


    He is a figure well-known in the underworld and someone many people fear.


    As he is none other than White Tiger¡¯s leader, Li Wei.


    Standing behind him was his younger sister, Chun Hua. Her bright red hair was tied up in a high ponytail, and wrapped around her was a red dress.


    Her appealing appearance is one that made many turn heads to take a second look. However, clipped around her hip was a harness belt with a gun attached to her back.


    Unlike his sister, Li Wei was unexpectedly calm. He held a ss cup of hard liquor in his right hand. He casually takes a sip of the hard liquor like was enjoying tea.


    When he lowers the ss cup, he looks across the room without moving his head.


    "This is quite a surprise."


    On his left was a young man, while seated on his right was a man who can be mistaken for a modern samurai. In the seat across from him (Li Wei) was a man he is well acquainted with.


    Noticing their dangerous expressions, he wasn¡¯t one bit afraid. A side smirk curls on his lip, and he leans forward to ce the ss cup down.


    "Your sudden visit has put many of my men on guard."


    His men may beughing and enjoying their time outside, but that didn¡¯t mean they weren¡¯t keeping eyes.


    He leans back on his chair, and both his arms raise to rest on the armrests.


    "Do tell me, to what do I owe the pleasure of your sudden visit?"


    The three men sitting in front of Li Wei held sharp and deadly gazes. From the moment they entered the room, they never took their eyes off of Li Wei, nor did they spare a nce at Chun Hua.


    If Yue Ling and Lu Tian were here, they would recognize these three men in mere seconds.


    They were none other than Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li.


    Despite them being in the presence of a dangerous and notorious man in the underworld, each person was unfazed.


    Qin Jun kept an emotionless expression and looked nothing like the celebrity he was when Faith was still a band.


    "What happened to her?"


    He finally spoke, and Li Wei arched an eyebrow. There was no need for a name as he already knew who Qin Jun was asking about.


    He stares at Qin Jun for a long minute before ncing at Kira and Song Jing Li. The look on their face clearing showed they came for the same reason.


    Thinking about something, he scoffs a chuckle before leaning forward to pick up his ss cup again.


    "I see you¡¯ve met Liu Shan."


    Raising the ss cup to his lip, he takes a sip of it.


    "But why are you here asking me? Shouldn¡¯t he have told you already?"


    He was sure that since they met the assistant, they should be aware of what happened to Yue Ling. Unless...


    "Damn Liu Shan."


    Heughs a curse when he put everything together. Since Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li are here despite meeting Liu Shan, it clearly meant the assistant didn¡¯t tell them.


    He nces at the three men, and feeling a little frustrated, he rubs his forehead. Without a doubt, Liu Shan had thrown him under the bus.


    How in the world is supposed to tell them about what happened?


    They may have good looks, but they were all crazy. Even crazier than himself.


    Once ticked off, Qin Jun turns into a madman, while Kira bes a psychopath, and Song Jing Li no different from a lunatic.


    He knows this because he has witnessed this side of them before. The side of them that made a person wish they were dead.


    Exhaling a deep breath, he decides to give them what they came here for. After all, thest time he saw them was when Shin was still alive.


    "She was pregnant."


    His voice was calm, but to the three men, it was as if they were hearing the most surprising thing in their life.


    "She was pregnant?"


    Song Jing Li¡¯s eyes lit up bright. He sits up in his chair as if to hear better. He couldn¡¯t believe that his noona was pregnant and he was going to be an uncle.


    He¡¯ll protect the little one and make sure that no one dares to harm the little prince or princess.


    However, immersed in his own joy for his noona, he did not grasp a specific word Li Wei had said.


    Only Qin Jun and Kira did.


    Both men¡¯s eyes dimmed, and Kira looks at Li Wei with a deadly gaze.


    "What do you mean ¡¯was¡¯?"


    Li Wei¡¯s eyes were on Song Jing Li. When he saw how happy the boy was, he felt a sharp stab in his chest. He was also that way when he found out about her pregnancy.


    Shifting his gaze to Kia, he chuckles bitterly, like he was in pain.


    "She was pregnant with Lu Tian¡¯s child, but..."


    He closes his eyes to take a deep breath. He was never one to talk about other¡¯s misfortune, but knowing Yue Ling and Liu Shan, they would never open up and talk about it.


    Maybe that¡¯s why Liu Shan directed these three toe to find him (Li Wei).


    Thinking this way, he slowly opens his eyes again. Downing the drink in his hand in one gulp, he parts his lip.


    "Something happened to her."

 Chapter 755 In the ocean

    <h4>Chapter 755 In the ocean</h4>


    Li Wei¡¯s voice sounded calmly inside the room, but anyone can hear the anger hidden behind it.


    The happy expression on Song Jing Li¡¯s face slowly turns into one of disbelief and hisplexion turned pale. Even Qin Jun and Kira were no different.


    Everything fell into silence before Qin Jun res at Li Wei with eyes that can pierce through a person¡¯s soul. His jaw clenched tightly and he grows threateningly with tightly clenched fists.


    "I want all the details on what happened."


    Standing behind Li Wei, Chun Hua¡¯s eyes sh in alert, and reach for her gun. She has never seen these people before and was afraid that they would harm her brother.


    Li Wei didn¡¯t need to turn around to know what his sister was thinking. He had kept her hidden from many things and wasn¡¯t surprised that she might act like this.


    He calmly raises one hand and gestures for her to stop.


    "It¡¯s all right."


    He inhales inside to steady himself. Once he felt like he wasposed enough, he parts his lip to speak.


    "When she left the underworld, she made her final message clear."


    His gaze lowers and he stares nkly at the table in front of him.


    "She will not cross the line with anyone in the underworld unless someone crosses her line first."


    Leaning forward, he grabs a bottle of liquor and pours himself another drink. He needed another one to continue exining.


    "Ti Lung crossed her line when he kidnapped her brother. After she put an end to Ghost Gang, she kept Ti Lung alive. He was thrown in prison by Lu Tian to rot and pay for his sins. However, afraid, and paranoid by the thoughts of hering after him to finish him off, he hung himself in his cell."


    Filling his ss cup he held it with both hands and stares down at it.


    "Everyone knows that Ti Lung and Chu Li Xiang are sworn, brothers. So, when Chu Li Xiang heard the news, he went after Lu Tian thinking he was the cause of Ghost Gang¡¯s demise."


    He closes his eyes and gently squeezes them as if to steady himself more before opening them again.


    "Chu Qiang warned Chu Li Xiang not to be reckless, but he didn¡¯t listen. He went after her without knowing who she is because he wanted to get back at Lu Tian. He had his woman, Julia kidnapped her after the fashion show, but Lu Tian and his men were one step ahead. As a warning, Lu Tian sent Julia¡¯s dead body to Chu Li Xiang¡¯s door."


    Listening to Li Wei¡¯s words, the expressions on all three men changed hearing that someone wanted to harm Yue Ling. The temperature in the room turned grave like the doors to Hell had been opened.


    Qin Jun¡¯s eyes turned murderous and he clenches his fists tightly until they tremble. The veins on Kira¡¯s forehead popped like he was on the verge of going ballistic.


    Song Jing Li slowly turns his head away from Li Wei and he stares at the window behind Kira. He could see the illuminating red lights from ck Dragon in the distance and it was as if he could see all the people inside the ce.


    However, despite the burning rage that was boiling inside them, they held their ground. They needed to listen until the end.


    Li Wei could feel the change of atmosphere from the three men. The way they felt at this moment was no different from him when he heard.


    He was ready to end everyone in ck Dragon for what they did, but Yue Ling stopped him. She told him not to end the lives of those who had nothing to do with it.


    Lifting his gaze from the ss cup in his hand, he goes on to tell them about what happened. From the situation with the Nuo family to the vandalization of Uncle Zhi¡¯s shop and Chu Li Xiang¡¯s imprisonment.


    "Chu Li Xiang was scheduled for a transfer to a more secured prison, but during his transfer..."


    His voice pauses and his hands holding the ss cup tightens like he was going to shatter it.


    "Everything followed as n. Everything... until..."


    He tried to exin as calmly as he could but chokes on his words. He raises one hand to rub his forehead as his eyes had turned moist from remembering what he was told.


    "Until what?"


    Qin Jun growls behind his gritted teeth when Li Wei doesn¡¯t say anymore. He was usually the one who knew how to control his temper, but when ites to those, he holds dear, it was another thing.


    However, despite his threatening voice, Li Wei remains in silence.


    Burning with anger now, he abruptly stood up from his seat. He took three big strides forward and grabs Li Wei by the shirt. Lifting the man from his seat, he roars.


    "UNTIL WHAT?!!!!!"


    His raging voice echoed like thunder on a rainy day. It terrified Chun Hua so much that she could feel her body tremble. However, terrified for her brother¡¯s life, she quickly reaches for her gun and points it at Qin Jun.


    "Let my brother go!"


    "Boss!"


    At the same time her words fell, the tightly shut door burst open and the two men outside rush inside. Guns in hand, they aim it at the three men.


    Only, they weren¡¯t the only ones armed.


    Kira was now standing, but he was not facing Li Wei. He was now turned to the two men. Both his arms raised in front of him, and a gun in each hand pointed at them.


    Across from him, Song Jing Li stood with a gun aimed directly at Chun Hua. His facial expression was calm, but the second Chun Hua pulls her trigger, he won¡¯t hesitate to pull his.


    Ignoring the sudden change of situation in the room and gun pointed at him, Qin Jun clenched tightly onto Li Wei¡¯s shirt.


    "I asked you a fucken question!"


    He turns into a crazy madman, but Li Wei res at the floor with his lower lip slightly trembling. The rims of his eyes were red, and one would think he is afraid, but he wasn¡¯t.


    He was angry.


    Angry at how Qin Jun dares to threaten him and ask about what happened.


    These men were supposed to be her family, but when she needed them the most, they were nowhere to be seen. Now they suddenly want to show their faces and act like her family again?


    He scoffs and his ring eyes look at the man holding his shirt. He threw the ss cup viciously on the floor causing it to shatter into pieces and shoves Qin Jun¡¯s arms away.


    "You want to know what happened?"


    He clenches his fists tightly and res at the three men, one person at a time.


    "Chu Li Xiang¡¯s men struck Liu Shan¡¯s car knowing that she was inside."


    His entire being trembles as he suppresses the desire to beat the living crap out of these men.


    "She lost her unborn child!"


    Qin Jun¡¯s eyes quaver and his face drained of all colors. He stumbles a step back and shook his head in disbelief. His mouth opened and close, but no word sounded from him.


    Behind him, Kira felt like the guns in hands grew heavy and his arms slowly lower. He turns his head to look at Li Wei then finally at Chun Hua. Seeing the sad and painful look on the girl¡¯s face, he did not need to ask to know that it was true.


    Song Jing Li¡¯s eyes gradually turned moist as thousands of emotions wash over him. He presses his lips together to keep them from trembling anymore than they already are.


    "Where is that scumbag? Hiding? In prison?"


    Qin Jun finally spoke a growl. He will make sure that Chu Li Xiang suffers a slow and painful death for what he did. If the bastard is hiding in ck Dragon, he will walk into the ce and drag the bastard out even if he has to kill everyone.


    Even if he (Chu Li Xiang) is locked away in prison, he (Qin Jun) will break inside and make the man pay.


    "He¡¯s somewhere in the ocean."


    Li Wei stares at the three men and heaves a deep sigh. He raises one hand and rubs his buzz cut head.


    "Lu Tian chopped him limb from limb and fed him to the sharks."

 Chapter 756 Pass by quickly

    <h4>Chapter 756 Pass by quickly</h4>


    The night carried on for those in Retro as Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li left with a heavy heart. They had thought that since Yue Ling moved to Imperial and found happiness with Lu Tian, life would be good to her. However, never did they imagine that she had to suffer another loss.


    Should they remain in the shadows or should they go see her?


    As their car drives away, inside another room in White Tiger, Li Wei stood by an opened window. The room he was in is his office and allowed him to see the front of his territory.


    Holding a cigarette in hand, he calmly raises it to his lip with eyes on the car driving away.


    "Brother, who were those three men?"


    Chun Hua spoke by the door as she enters the room. After seeing the three men out, she quickly returned to find her brother but realized that he had left for his office.


    Thinking back to the situation that just happened, she was confused and curious. Any outsider who dares to enter White Tiger and take out their guns would have died on the spot. However, despite the three men breaking the rule, her brother didn¡¯t kill them.


    Li Wei doesn¡¯t turn to look at her but stares down to the bustling seat. He knew that Chun Hua would ask since she has never met Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li.


    That was because, at the time, he sheltered his sister like she was a bird locked in a cage. He didn¡¯t want her to be affiliated with the underworld because she was still young.


    However, she still found a way and proved herself worthy.


    After a long minute, he takes another puff of the cigarette in his hand and blows the smoke out the window before answering.


    "They¡¯re old friends of mine."


    As he takes another puff, he tilts his head back and shifts his gaze to the sky glistening with stars.


    Life in Retro was always alive and loud no matter what time it was. However, no matter how much time he spends his life here, he always felt lonely.


    "You may leave, I want to be alone."


    Chun Hua wanted to stay with him in case he needed anything, but obliging to his order, she gestures a polite nod.


    "I won¡¯t be far, so call me if you need anything."


    She turns around and leaves the room. As she opens the door, the music from outside enters the room, then it was quickly muted as the door closes again.


    Having taken only three steps away from the door, she pauses and turns back to look in the direction she hade from.


    A long sigh escapes her lips and looks away to continue towards the stairs.


    Her brother is the leader of White Tiger, but he is a good man with a good heart. Those in the underworld would immerse themselves with alcohol and women every day, but not him.


    The only time he ever picks up a ss of alcohol to drink is when he is frustrated about something. It was a way to help calm himself from doing anything he might regretter.


    As for women, she has never once seen him with one or brought one over. Sometimes, it even makes her wonder if he swings the other way.


    Then again, there are plenty of good-looking men in White Tiger and he doesn¡¯t seem to look their way at all.


    Oblivious about his sister¡¯s thoughts towards him, Li Wei didn¡¯t move from the window. He stood quietly and enjoys the cold brush of the night wind. After finishing his cigarette, he threw it away on a nearby ashtray and walks away.


    He heads in the direction of his desk set up at the corner of the room. Scooting the chair back, he takes a seat then opens the bottom drawer on the right.


    A safees into view and punches in the code. It soon unlocks and he opens it revealing a pile of confidential documents.


    He stares down at it, then reaches for them, but only to move them aside. Underneath the documents was a picture inside a frame.


    Picking it up, he leans back on the chair and his entire being turned soft.


    The photo was him sitting on the sand at the beach, but when he was still a kid. He looked so happy with a huge grin on his face and a beach shovel in hand. There was a sandcastle in front of him that was half his size.


    However, he wasn¡¯t alone.


    Sitting next to him with one arm ced over his shoulder was a little girl with ck hair. Her eyes were truly mesmerizing like the Mediterranean Sea.


    Like him, she looked so happy with a smile that outshines the sun and moon. Anyone who meets her would only want to protect her and never want to see her sad.


    "Time really does pass by quickly..."


    Others do not know but he has known the girl in the photo since they were children. She would oftene over to his ce with her grandfather to see him and his grandfather.


    They were so young and carefree without any knowledge of how cruel life can be.


    However, as time passed, he stopped seeing her.


    When he saw her again, she had already grown into a fine and youngdy. The only difference was, she smiles less and became colder. It was all because she came to understand how life really worked.


    As memories of the past floated in his mind, Li Wei stares at the photo with a faint smile. His thumb caresses the girl in the photo like he was able to touch her.


    "No matter how hard life hits you, I hope your smile remains the same as brightly as the sun and moon."


    The grew darker outside and before anyone realized it, the sun had already risen on the horizon. Its rays of light shine over Imperial as it reces shifts with the moon.


    In the distance from Retro, the sunlight shone onto Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home. It gave the house an illuminating glow like a barrier. The trees and grass coated with the morning dew and birds can be heard chirping as they wee the morning.


    Everything about this scene looked like it hade out from a fairytale.


    *Click


    Suddenly, the front door unlocks from inside the house and the door is pulled open. A slender hand is seen reaching out to hold the door frame.


    Following after was the sound of heavy breathing like that of a beast in the forest.


    However, when the figure steps into view, it wasn¡¯t a beast but Yue Ling.


    She wore a ck wool coat tied at the waist. The cor of her ck turtleneck peeks out at the top like a scarf and her mauve pleated pants flow out below simr to a dress.


    Everything about her was full of warmth and made one understand why she was once one of China¡¯s top supermodels.


    However, there was something off about her posture.


    "Damn Lu Tian."


    She curses under her breath with her body slightly slouched forward. Holding the door frame with her left hand, her right hand held her lower back.


    One can even see the faint dark bags under her eyes that could not be concealed.


    "How can he have so much stamina?"


    She lifts her aching legs and steps out of the house. Instead of the young woman she is, she had turned into an old grandma struggling to cross the street.


    "He said one time. Ouch, then one more. Ouch, then again, ouch."


    Her back was in pain and her legs no different. It was all because Lu Tian wouldn¡¯t leave her alonest night.


    Each step she took was painful and made her not want to go anywhere.


    However, she had to fight it and force herself to leave.


    After all, she was meeting Madam Lu, Aunt Zhao, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er. If she doesn¡¯t show up to meet them, they might think she is irresponsible and doesn¡¯t care about the preparations for her wedding.


    Climbing down the step of stairs in front of the house, she exhales heavily like she had climbed an entire mountain.


    "Give him an inch and he will take a mile."


    Taking a deep breath, she makes her way to her car. However, every so often she would steal a few nces back at the house.


    The second she opened her eyes she didn¡¯t hesitate to struggle out of bed. She knew that if she didn¡¯t leave before Lu Tian wakes up, he will hold her captive again.


    She knew this because he had slept and when he wakes up, it would mean that his stamina has been restored.


    As she enters her car and drives towards the gate, she did not notice a figure standing by the window on the second floor.


    A smile curls on Lu Tian¡¯s face as he watches her leave.


    He had been awake before the sun even came up. However, he didn¡¯t do anything except hold her in his arms. He knew she was tired and decided to let her sleep.


    When she woke up, he even put on a show for her by pretending to be asleep like a dead person.


    Watching her car exit out the gate, he walks away from the window. There were some things he needed to take care of.

 Chapter 757 Ages of Love

    <h4>Chapter 757 Ages of Love</h4>


    Through the streets of Imperial, Yue Ling¡¯s white BMW x5m arrives at the address Madam Lu had given her after dinner. She parks her car in the private parking lot and steps out from the driver¡¯s side.


    The ce in front of her was a small two-story building. It was white all around with huge windows that reflected sunlight. From where she stood, she could see mannequins put on disyed styled in different wedding dresses.


    "Ah Ling!"


    Just as she closed the door to the car, a familiar voice calls out to her. She paused in her steps and turned to look at the person.


    Parked across from her car was a ck Maybach. Engraved on the front hood of the car was the Lu family¡¯s crest logo.


    When Yue Ling saw the person who had exited out of the car, she smiles and walks over.


    "Aunt Lu."


    Madam Lu wore a white coat with a ck dress that had purple flowers. She had only arrived a few minutes before Yue Ling. When she saw that the car parking across from her own was her daughter-inw, she didn¡¯t wait for the driver and opens the door herself.


    She was thrilled to see Yue Ling as she couldn¡¯t wait to see Yue Ling try on the wedding dresses she had picked out.


    However, when she heard the way Yue Ling had addressed her, a small frown sh across her face.


    Last night, Yue Ling clearly called her ¡¯mother¡¯. How did it suddenly change after one night to ¡¯aunt¡¯?


    She stops in front of Yue Ling and didn¡¯t hesitate to hold the young woman¡¯s hand. Her frown was quickly reced with a soft smile.


    "Aiya, why are you back to calling me ¡¯aunt¡¯? I would be happier if you continue to call me ¡¯mother¡¯."


    She liked it better when Yue Ling called her mother. It made her feel like they have already be a family and were familiar with one another.


    However, remembering something her husband had mentioned to her, she sighs inside.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll be patient and wait until you and Tian are officially wedded."


    Her husband had said to not force Yue Ling into calling her mother. They don¡¯t want to scare the girl and should wait until she isfortable enough to call them mother and father.


    Yue Ling could already guess what was going on in Madam Lu¡¯s mind. She smiles a faint chuckle and couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was marrying Lu Tian or his mother.


    "Alright, alright. Let us go inside, you must be cold standing out here. The wedding nner already informed me that all the dresses have arrived."


    Madam Lu takes Yue Ling by the hand and leads the way towards the building. She doesn¡¯t want Yue Ling to catch a cold, if she did, she will never hear the end from Lu Tian.


    "We can wait for Madam Zhao and Zhao Ya¡¯Er inside."


    As the two figures walked closer to the building, Yue Ling was able to see a better view of the dresses put on disy. Noticing something above the entrance door, she looks up at it.


    "Ages of Love."


    She spoke the words aloud but didn¡¯t think Madam Lu would hear here. The middle-aged woman nce at her and smiles from ear to ear.


    "Oh, you must have heard about this ce before."


    Her words fell and she quickly remembers something. Lightly smacking her head, sheughs.


    "Aiya, how silly of me. Ah Ling is a well-known fashion designer. How can you not know about this ce?"


    She turns to the door and pulls it open as she enters.


    "The owner here is the son of a close friend. Don¡¯t worry, he is friendly and easy to get along with."


    Yue Ling nods her head in understanding and follows in after Madam Lu. However, she didn¡¯t forget to take another nce at the sign above the door.


    She has only heard about Ages of Love twice. The first time was because it was a name that had been rmended by Hana for her and Shin¡¯s wedding.


    However, due to the owner¡¯s busy schedule, she had to go with a different wedding nner.


    As for the second time, Liu Shan had once mentioned it to her because De L¡¯amour was partnering with a wedding nner to showcase and sell their wedding dresses.


    They decided to go with Ages of Love and formed a contract. However, from that point on, it was Lian Ni Shang who overlooked all the deals with Ages of Love.


    Upon entering the building, Yue Ling was taken aback by the interior design. It had white glossy walls and marbled floors. Against the walls were racks of different wedding dresses. Any part of the ce that did not have a wedding dress was decorated with vases of baby¡¯s breaths.


    In the center of the ce were four mannequins standing back to back in the shape of a diamond. Each one wearing a famous designer¡¯s dress and one of them being her own.


    When she saw the dress, her heart skipped a beat like she had been reunited with a friend she had not seen in a long time.


    With each beat of her heart, she takes a step towards it and forgot that she was not alone.


    Madam Lu didn¡¯t think much when she saw Yue Ling walk towards the dress. She looks away and wonders why there was no one there to greet them.


    Could it be that they had arrived too early? If so, then why was the door unlocked?


    "Did they forget to lock the doorst night?"


    She asks herself and walks away to look for any workers.


    As her footsteps grew fainter into the distance, Yue Ling slowlyes to a stop in front of the dress.


    She gazes at it with a soft expression like she was looking at her own child.


    This bridal dress was the second she designed. It was a simple Opaline ballgown made with lustrous satin fabrics and had a chic but elegant appearance without any frills. The plunging V-neck on the frontbined with the spaghetti straps made the dress look like a modern statement.


    Without helping it, her thoughts returned to the past. To the time when she finally found the courage to pick up her pencil and sketched another wedding dress. It was hard at first, but she gave it her all as she didn¡¯t want her personal feelings to get in her way of designing a dress for a bride.


    Like she had gone back to the time she first finished this dress, her left hand subconsciously raise and reach to touch the dress. The tips of her fingers ever so lightly caress the satin material but with no pressure.


    She was afraid that if she touched it too much, she would ruin the beautiful piece in front of her.


    "Ah, you truly have good eyes. I see that you have found one of Ages of Love¡¯s best seller."


    A sudden cheerful voice sounds from the side and interrupts Yue Ling¡¯s line of thoughts. She thought it was Madam Lu but when she turned to look at the person, it wasn¡¯t.

 Chapter 758 Yang Yang

    <h4>Chapter 758 Yang Yang</h4>


    Standing approximately five feet away from Yue Ling was a man in his thirties. His hair was nicelybed back and was cleaned shaved. He wore ck cks with a dark gray turtleneck that snug tightly around his upper body. It allowed one to see his toned chest and arms.


    One nce was all it took for anyone to see that he was a man attracted to the same gender.


    On his face was a huge grin and glistening eyes that shone as brightly as the sun outside. He was utterly amazed that someone like the woman in front of him had such good eyes.


    Especially since the dress was quite simple and not extravagant as the rest in the store.


    "Miss, that dress is designed by De L¡¯amour. It is a..."


    His voice was not manly but soft. So soft that it could be mistaken for a woman.


    He had only taken a few steps when the woman in front of him turned to look at him. When he saw her face better, he gasps in shock and was unable to finish his words.


    "Oh. My. God."


    His eyes widen with his mouth in shock and he spoke in perfect English. He could not believe what he was seeing and raise a hand to rub his eyes as if to make sure.


    After a long minute passes by, he finallyes to term that that person in front of him is really the person he never thought to meet.


    With this confirmation, he grins widely and giddies over like he was skipping over to the lovely woman.


    "Miss Han, it is truly my greatest pleasure to finally meet you."


    He giggles like a fangirl trying to contain his happiness meeting his idol. However, remembering where he was, he clears his throat and tries to keep a steady attitude.


    Thest thing he wants is to scare Yue Ling and have her run out thinking he is a crazy man.


    "Can I assist you with anything today?"


    Yue Ling was stunned by the man¡¯s many behaviors. However, knowing that he is friendly, she smiles a chuckle.


    "It is my pleasure to meet you, Yang Yang."


    The man named Yang Yang did not even get angry at how Yue Ling didn¡¯t address him formally. Instead, he felt like his heart was going to explode and he wanted to faint due to happiness.


    He has been in the wedding industry for many years and has heard so many great things about Han Yue Ling. However, it was hard to meet her since she kept a low profile.


    In the past, an old client had referred a friend to him, but he had been too busy nning other weddings, so he had to decline. It wasn¡¯t untilter that he found out the friend he had declined was none other than Han Yue Ling. The supermodel he has been dying to meet at least once in his life.


    Ever since he lost such a good opportunity, he had always regretted his reckless decision.


    As for why he is here right now, he had flown back to Imperial upon receiving a phone call from his mother¡¯s friend, whom he could not decline to help.


    Fortunately for him, he made a good decision. If he had not answered the phone call, he would have let another opportunity escape.


    Composing his mind and posture, he walks a few more steps to stand next to Yue Ling.


    "I am thrilled to know that Miss Han knows about me."


    He turns to face the simple wedding dress and smiles embarrassingly.


    "Do excuse my words just now. I feel so ashamed to have bragged about a dress as I know it. Especially when the designer of her is standing right in front of her."


    His face flushes a shade of pink and he pats his chest as if to calm his heart.


    "Miss Han, if you don¡¯t mind, may I ask why you are here?"


    He had only been informed that he was meeting with his mother¡¯s friend. So how could Yue Ling be here too?


    Unless...


    Could it be that he had made a mistake somewhere and Yue Ling is here to terminate the contract of allowing him to sell her designs?


    Yue Ling arched a brow in amusement at Yang Yang¡¯s reaction. However, she was also surprised by his question since she thought he would know the reason why she is here.


    "No need for the formality. Yue Ling is fine."


    She takes another look at the man before answering his question. It was then that she could confirm that he must have not heard or read the news about her.


    "I¡ª"


    "Yang Yang!"


    Before Yue Ling could further her words, Madam Lu exims from the other side of the mannequins. She walks over to the two adults and hugs the young man.


    "My goodness child look at you. You are lovelier than thest time I saw you."


    She takes a step back to look at him and sighs. She has watched him grow up and is well-aware that Yang Yang isn¡¯t like other boys.


    He likes men and alongside his mother, she happens to be one of his biggest supporters.


    She even treats him like a daughter than a son.


    Yang Yang¡¯s face turned redder hearing Madam Lu¡¯s words and how she was treating him. He is happy to see her too, but Yue Ling is also here.


    What if she finds him disgusting when she finds out that he likes men?


    "Aunt Lu, there¡¯s another guest here."


    Seeing him turn bashful, Madam Lu smiles beforeughing. She lightly flicks his forehead and knew what he was thinking about.


    "Aiya, why are you thinking so much? Ah Ling will not find you weird."


    She turns to look at Yue Ling and smiles.


    "This is Yang Yang, he is the owner of Ages of Love."


    Yang Yang was confused at how Madam Lu was speaking to Yue Ling. However, worried that she (Yue Ling) might find him strange, he looks at her as if asking her not to dislike him because he isn¡¯t like other men.


    At first, Yue Ling was confused about their many conversations, but she was quick to understand. She smiles politely at Yang Yang and answers.


    "Whoever you choose to like is up to you. No one can tell you who you shouldn¡¯t be with unless they are not good to you."


    Hearing her answer, Yang Yang¡¯s eyes turned moist. Most people he meets in Imperial have a hard time understanding him and his friends even rejected him. That is why he tends to go abroad for work since he doesn¡¯t feel so left out.


    To hear Yue Ling, who is well-known in Imperial say such words really touches his heart.


    He touches his chest with both his palms and smiles thankfully.


    However, within seconds, he realizes something and looks at Madam Lu then at Yue Ling.


    The space between his brows crease into three lines and he tilts his head.


    "Wait a minute. I¡¯m a little lost here, do you both know each other?"


    Madam Lu rolled her eyes and takes a step to lock her arm with Yue Ling. She raises her chin with proudness and puts on a confident attitude.


    "Ah Ling is my Lu family¡¯s future daughter-inw."


    Turning her head to look at Yue Ling, she smiles like a mother who was proud of her daughter.


    "Today is solely about her. She deserves only the best wedding dress in the world."

 Chapter 759 Daughter-in-law has run away

    <h4>Chapter 759 Daughter-inw has run away</h4>


    Yue Ling was touched by Madam Lu¡¯s words. She could tell from a nce that Madam Lu was being sincere and not trying to put on a show.


    Her only thoughts at this moment were, how can she be so lucky to not only meet Lu Tian but also meet his kind and sweet family.


    Yang Yang was in shock at the news. He has clearly been away from Imperial for too long as this was the first time, he is hearing such news.


    He stares at the two women and didn¡¯t know what to think at all.


    However, the more he stares at Madam Lu¡¯s happy expression, the more he became bewildered.


    From a young age until now, the middle-aged woman appears easy-going and someone anyone can hold a conversation with. However, she never lets her guard down and knows when to draw a line.


    Watching them, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little jealous. Madam Lu treats him like he was her own child, but she was never smitten by him like this.


    Then again, the person being smitten is Han Yue Ling.


    There isn¡¯t a single person in the world who wouldn¡¯t want to be on good terms with her. Only an idiot would not want to be friends with her.


    And being someone who wants to be on good terms with her, he rids all thoughts and smiles with a smile that reaches his eyes.


    He ps his palms together and the energy emitting from him beamed with nothing but joy.


    "Since we are gathered here for a wedding dress, shall we go upstairs? I¡¯m sure all the beauties I have prepared are dying to be tried on."


    He sends a friendly wink at Yue Ling and his words continue.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I will make sure to design you the wedding of the century. I will not rest until everything is nothing but perfection."


    Yue Ling kept a smile on her face, but she somehow felt that his words sounded a little stressful to her ears.


    Soon Yang Yang brought Madam Lu and Yue Ling to the second floor.


    Unlike the first floor, this floor did not only have the dresses that were picked out, but there were also multiple ss shelves with sparkly heels. In the middle of the room were white couches for the guests to sit on.


    The back of the room was covered with mirrors. Some were set in an angle that allows one to see every angle of the dress trying on.


    Despite the morous room, the air this time was different from when they were on the first floor.


    Yue Ling sat on a round ottoman in front of the mirrors and sighs every few seconds.


    As the bride-to-be, she should be smiling and excited about trying on the dresses to find the right one. However, here she is, sitting with a perplexed expression.


    That was because of the other two people in the room with her.


    "How about Yue Ling try this dress first?"


    "What about this one? It¡¯s more elegant."


    "It is more elegant, but this one is more sophisticated. She will stand out the most."


    "We can try that dress after she tries on this one."


    "No, no, no. This one first, then that one."


    Listening to Madam Lu and Yang Yang argue bath and forth about which dress she should try on Yue Ling felt a migraineing and sighs.


    It was loud and vaguely echoed inside the ce but neither Madam Lu nor Yang Yang heard her.


    She stares at their reflection in the morrow moving from one wall to another and sighs again. Isn¡¯t it supposed to be her who decides on which dress to try on?


    The more she watched them, the more her head started to hurt. She raises one hand and massages her temples as if trying to soothe her headache.


    How did she not see thising the second she stepped foot in this ce?


    No, she should have seen thising when Madam Lu showed her all the photos of the wedding dresses duringst night¡¯s dinner.


    Lowering her hand, she looks at the two people again. However, instead of just sitting and waiting for them, she stands up from her seat.


    She removes her ck wool coat and ces it on the round ottoman before walking over to one of the racks hung with dresses.


    Without any need to see which one to try on, she randomly takes one from the rack and head for the dressing room.


    If she doesn¡¯t do this, who knows how long it¡¯ll be until Madam Lu and Yang Yange to an agreement.


    After what felt like an eternity had gone by, the two individuals throwing a showdown finallyes to a decision.


    "Fine, Ah Ling will try on that dress first."


    Madam said with a hmmf. She had wanted Yue Ling to try on the dress she picked, but Yang Yang had made a good point about the one he picked.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Aunt Lu. She was looking at this dress the second she stepped foot inside Ages of Love. I¡¯m 100 percent sure that she wants to try on this dress first."


    Yang Yang smiles widely knowing he had won the argument. The dress in his hand now was the Opaline ballgown Yue Ling was staring at when he saw her.


    Any designer would want to try on the dress they designed before any other.


    "Ah Ling, we¡¯ve decided on which dress. What do you thi¡ª"


    Madam Lu turns around to ask for Yue Ling¡¯s opinion but ended up swallowing her remaining words. Her eyes widen and she gasps in horror.


    "Ah Ling, where are you? Ah Ling?"


    She walks over to where Yue Ling was sitting then search around the room. Her heart raced like it was running a marathon in search but did not see Yue Ling anywhere.


    Turning to look at Yang Yang, her eyes turned moist with tears.


    "Yang Yang, where did she go? Where did my precious daughter-inw go?"


    She turns into a frightened mother who had lost her child in a crowd at the mall.


    Yang Yang rolled his eyes at Madam Lu¡¯s exaggerating words. He turns around to look at her then points to the round ottoman.


    "Aunt Lu, why are you panicking? She is sitting right there..."


    However, the second he turned around, all he saw was Yue Ling¡¯s ck coat and handbag.


    Like Madam Lu, his eyes widen in horror and he inhales a mouthful of air.


    "Oh my God. Where did she go? I¡¯m sure she was here seconds ago. I swear, I saw her."


    His head darts in every direction in search of the bride-to-be. However, there was no sign of Yue Ling¡¯s slender figure anywhere.


    As he tries to rack his brain to figure out where Yue Ling might have gone, a sudden thoughtes to mind.


    He covers his mouth with his free hand and slowly turns his head to look at Madam Lu.


    "Aunty..."


    His face pale and he braces his soul before speaking the unimaginable.


    "W-ww... what if she got c-cold feet?"


    Madam Lu¡¯s mind was already in a chaotic mess. When she heard Yang Yang¡¯s preposterous words, anger wash inside her and she strides over to him.


    She flicks his forehead for saying such ridiculous words and shouts.


    "Ah Ling and my son are madly in love. How dare you say my daughter-inw has run away?"


    "Runaway? Who?"


    Just as Madam Lu¡¯s words fell, another woman¡¯s voice asks from behind them.


    Both she and Yang Yang jumped at the voice and slowly turned their head in the direction of the stairs.


    Their expressions were one of fear like they had a slip of the tongue and were going to get in trouble.

 Chapter 760 Not the dress

    <h4>Chapter 760 Not the dress</h4>


    Climbing thest step of stairs to the second floor of Ages of Love, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s figure steps into view as her mother follows behind. The mother and daughter duo had arrived together but when they saw that the first floor was empty, they knew where to go.


    That was because they saw Yue Ling and Madam Lu¡¯s car parked outside.


    After all, they were excited to see Yue Ling try on all the wedding dresses, they had helped Madam Lu picked out.


    Lu Tian was supposed to be here to find his tuxedo but wanting to spend some girl time with Yue Ling, they had forced him out of the picture.


    "Where is Ah Ling? Howe I don¡¯t see her. I¡¯m sure her car was still parked outside."


    Madam Zhao Asks as she looks around for the bride-to-be. Unfortunately, the retired model¡¯s silhouette was nowhere in sight.


    It was at that moment that she remembers the conversation between Madam Lu and Yang Yang. She quickly put the pieces together and her face drained of all colors.


    "Oh my goodness, don¡¯t tell me that she..."


    She was unable to finish her sentence and swallows the forbidden word. She didn¡¯t dare to jinx the situation as it was already bad enough that the bride is not here.


    "Oh my God!!"


    Suddenly, Zhao Ya¡¯Er shriek in surprise and quickly covers her mouth. Her eyes lit up with fireworks without realizing she had terrified the three other people.


    Madam Lu swore inside, her niece¡¯s sudden scream was so loud, she would be surprised if all the ss in Ages of Love were to shatter into millions of pieces.


    However, brushing that thought aside, she, along with Madam Zhao and Yang Yang turned to look in the direction the young woman was looking at.


    The dressing room.


    And like the young woman with a Pixi-cut hairstyle, all three of them inhale a mouthful of air in surprise.


    Madam Lu: "Oh."


    Madam Zhao: "My."


    Yang Yang: "God."


    Like time had slowed down for everyone inside Ages of Love, Yue Ling calmly walks further out from the dressing room. She stood in front of the mirrors with her back turned to it and face the four people in the room.


    On her body was an utterly fetching masterpiece designed by a famous designer abroad.


    It was designed with floral appliques that allowed the sheer corset bodice to showcase an off-shoulder neckline. On the sleeves was ayer of tulle that catches the attention of those whoy eyes upon it. The skirt paraded like a ballgown silhouette designed with striking pleats that flow behind in a dramatic cathedral train.


    The wedding dressbined with her figure made her look like an enchanting vampire princess.


    Anyone who saw her at this moment would feel their heart flutter in awe.


    Even Yang Yang, who like men could feel his heart skip a beat at the sight of her beauty.


    Seeing that no one was saying anything, Yue Ling pouts her lips. She lowers her head to look down at the dress then back at the four people.


    "Is it that bad?"


    "..."


    Hearing her question full of insecurity, four heads shook their head together to reassure her. The only thing they could think about was, how can a dress look so good on a person?


    After a long moment of silence, Yang Yang was the first toe to his senses. He walks over to Yue Ling and couldn¡¯t help but ponder to himself.


    Yue Ling truly has a beautiful figure. It is a lot nicer than he had expected. She is on the slimmer side, but she was well proportioned and had curves in the right ces. Without a body like this, any dress will look good on her.


    Now that he can see her like this in person, he can understand why she has won so many awards as a supermodel.


    As hees to a stop in front of her, he gets rid of his thoughts and nods his head as a new thought came to mind.


    "My darling, you are truly a masterpiece. A magnificent one. It is a pity that you are no longer a model."


    His sudden voice brought Madam Lu back to reality. She scoffs at how he dares to call her daughter-inw, ¡¯my darling¡¯. Even if he likes men, she will not allow anyone other than her son to called Yue Ling in such an intimate way.


    Not only that, but there was also another thing bother her.


    She strides over to them and without giving any warning, she smacks the back of Yang Yang¡¯s head.


    "Yang Yang, how dare you look at my daughter-inw with such predator eyes."


    "..."


    Yang Yang was struck bbergasted by the middle-aged woman. He turns his head to look at her before raising a hand to stroke his head.


    There was no pain since Madam Lu didn¡¯t use any strength, but he felt that he had been wrong by her.


    How can she say that he was a predator? He was only looking at Yue Ling because he suddenly came up with the idea of asking her to be the model for Ages of Love.


    However, he ignores her by rolling his eyes and looks back at Yue Ling.


    His entire being turns to the professional wedding nner that he is, and he touches his chin with one hand.


    "Hmm..."


    He stares at her from head to toe again and purses his lip with slight narrowing eyes.


    This dress... I can see that it is made for you, but something is missing."


    Raising his index finger without moving his hand from his chin, he taps his lip. As he thought more about what is missing, his eyes narrow more like they were going to close.


    Suddenly, the light bulb on his head lit up brightly and he found the answer to his problem.


    "That¡¯s it."


    He moves his hand from his chin and snaps with his fingers.


    "This is not the dress for you."


    He takes a step closer to Yue Ling and ces his hands on her shoulders. He carefully spun her around to face the mirror and points to the dress.


    "It is a beautiful dress indeed but not morous enough for you."


    Taking a step to the side, his eyes remain on her reflection in the mirror as he smiles.


    "You need a wedding dress that screams sparkles."


    His words fell and both his hands raise as his fingers wiggle in a gesture of spirit fingers.


    "A wedding dress that makes you shine brighter than the stars."


    Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were shocked and offended when Yang Yang said the dress wasn¡¯t for Yue Ling. However, the more they listened to his exnation, they nod their head in agreement.


    The dress Yue Ling was wearing is stunning, but it wasn¡¯t extravagant enough for her big day.


    Taking Yang Yang¡¯s words into consideration, all three women march towards the many wedding dresses that have yet been touched. Each person didn¡¯t hesitate to rummage through the racks to find the perfect dress for Yue Ling.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er picks up a dress and turns to look at her best friend.


    "Yue-Yue, what do you think about this one? It¡¯s pretty with a lot of diamonds."


    Madam Zhao rolled her eyes when she saw the dress her daughter picked out.


    "Ya¡¯Er, we¡¯re trying to make Ah Ling stand out, not blind the guests."


    Raising her hand, she shows Yue Ling the mermaid style dress she picked.


    "Try this one. I am 100 percent sure that you will rock this dress and when my nephew sees you in this, he will drool enough to fill a pool."


    Herst word had yet to fall when Madam Lu pushes her aside and smiles at Yue Ling with a slightly raised chin. In her hand was a dress designed with multipleyers of tulle.


    "I¡¯m her mother-inw, so my pick is what Ah Ling will try on next."


    Yang Yang heaves a long sigh in frustration hearing the three women argue. He walks up to them and stretches both his arms out with palms raised to silence them.


    "Shh! Ladies, you are being too loud. It¡¯s not even your wedding."


    He looks at Yue Ling with a polite smile as if he had done the right thing. However, in a split second, he shows her the dress he wanted her to try on next.


    "Yue Ling, as your wedding nner, I would like you to consider trying on this dress."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares at the four people through the mirror. She didn¡¯t dare to turn around as she was scared.


    She had only tried on one of the many dresses and the situation had already be like this.


    Instead of a dress fitting, she feels like a baby-sitter watching over four children.


    "It¡¯s going to be a long day..."


    Her words fell in a murmur as she slowly closes her eyes and takes a deep breath to try and calm her mind.


    She could have just put her foot down and tell them to stop. As a fashion designer, she knows what style is best for her, but not wanting to hurt their feelings, she decided to stay quiet.


    After all, they had taken time out of their schedules to n today for her. The least she can do is hold on and cooperate with them.

 Chapter 761 How can this be?

    <h4>Chapter 761 How can this be?</h4>


    While Yue Ling prepares her heart to try on the many wedding dresses, Lu Tian did not stay home. He got dressed and left the house as there was something he needed to do.


    Since his wife was going to be out for a while, he decided to go to Imperial Military hospital to visit Grandfather Ji. He wanted to check on how the old man is doing.


    Just as he entered through the sliding ss doors, a gust of cold wind entered with him. It was as cold as the look on his face and made anyone in contact with him want to run away.


    "Wroof! Wroof!"


    As the ss doors behind him automatically shut, he heard a familiar sound from the side followed by the thumping of pawprints.


    He turns his head to look in the direction it came from and the cold aura around him breaks loose.


    Watching a white fluff ball pounce towards him, his lip that never seems to smile at anyone other than his wife slowly arcs up. It forms an exceedingly small smile but enough for anyone to see.


    "Inu."


    He squats down to be at eye level with the Samoyed and pats the little guy on the head.


    "It¡¯s good to see you too little guy."


    He hates to admit it, but the past few days without Inu had been quite lonely. Seeing the little guy, he was actually happy.


    Inu does back away but allows his enemy to pet his head. However, it was only for a second. He moves his head and looks around the aloof man as if searching for a certain person.


    Noticing this, Lu Tian sounds a faint chuckle. He stood up and felt a little pity for the little guy.


    "Sorry buddy, it¡¯s just me."


    Like he understood his nemesis, Inu lowers his head and whimpers sadly. He couldn¡¯t help but nce at the ss door in hopes of seeing his favorite human, but he knew that it was just his wishful thinking.


    Making up his mind, he turns away and walks back in the direction he hade from. Only this time, his steps were slow with a heavy heart.


    Lu Tian watched the fluff ball and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. For some odd reason, he felt like a viin who was keeping two lovers from meeting each other.


    "Oh, I was wondering why Inu suddenly ran off."


    An old voice chuckles heartily and Lu Tian looks up. He sees two elderly men walking his way. One wearing a hospital gown while the other one wore a white doctor¡¯s coat.


    As they near him, he nods politely and greets them.


    "Grandfather Ji. Doctor Dong."


    Coming to a step near Lu Tian, both elderly men nod their heads in response. They were taking a walk around the hospital when Inu suddenly ran off.


    Now that they see Lu Tian here, it must mean Inu was able to smell the young man and thought Yue Ling would be here too.


    Inu pays no attention to Lu Tian and walks over to Grandfather Ji¡¯s side. He plops down to sit and lowers his head even more.


    Seeing the little guy this way, Grandfather Ji felt his heartache. Inu was always energetic and full of life. Now he looked like an abandoned soul.


    He (Grandfather Ji) bends down and pat the Samoyed on the head.


    "Don¡¯t be sad. You¡¯ll be able to see her soon."


    Although sad, Inu rubs his head on the palm of his second favorite human. He may not be able to see his mother, but he still has the old man.


    Lu Tian watched the scene in front of him and was at a loss for words. Inu¡¯s temperament around him waspletely different from how he (Inu) is with Grandfather Ji.


    He is able to pet and ys with the little guy but sometimes he feels Inu drawing a line between them.


    It was as if Inu was always telling him, ¡¯you can get close to me but not too close.¡¯


    Shaking his head, he brushes the thoughts to the back of his head. He looks at Doctor Dong and slightly frowns.


    "Is it alright with him being here? I thought hospitals have a strict restriction on prohibiting pets in the facilities."


    Doctor Dong had been standing at the side with both hands in his coat pockets. When he heard Lu Tian¡¯s words, he blinked his eyes then looks around in confusion.


    "Pets? There¡¯s a pet here in the hospital? Where?"


    His head lowers and he looks at Inu. A smiles curls on his face and he chuckles heartily.


    "Inu is always wee here. He is family and everyone here adores hispany."


    Lu Tian was relieved to hear that Inu was able to be here. He had only asked because he was worried others would find Inu a nuisance at the hospital since some ces do not allow pets.


    "I see. As long as there is no trouble."


    He spoke his words like he was considerate of others, but deep down, there was another meaning. If he finds out anyone here was treating Inu badly, he will make sure they wish they were never born.


    Looking at Inu for another second, he looks at Grandfather Ji.


    "How is your health?"


    Suddenly asked the question, Grandfather Ji who was petting Inu looks up. He clears his throat then straightens his posture.


    "Since I am able to walk around normally, I can say my health is better now."


    He held his hands behind his back and changes from a doting grandfather to a strong and powerful general.


    Lu Tian arches a brow before sighing a faint smile that did not reach his eyes. He can see that the old man looks a lot healthier than thest time he was here.


    However, just because he is physically stable, doesn¡¯t mean he is the same mentally.


    Doctor Dong nce between the two men and was quick to understand something. He looks down at Inu and smiles a smile that reaches his eyes.


    "Inu, I just remember something. There is a little girl waiting to see you. Shall we go check on how our patient is doing?"


    ¡¯Wroof!"


    Inu¡¯s ears perked and his mood lifted when he heard the doctor. He stood up and stance is ready to go with his fluffy tail wagging excitedly.


    Seeing how easy it was, Doctor Dong looks back at Grandfather Ji and Lu Tian.


    "Take your time and chat. Inu and I will be going ahead to make my morning rounds."


    Lu Tian and Grandfather Ji nod their head as Doctor Dong walks away with Inu following at his side.


    As the doctor and Samoyed disappear around the corner, Grandfather Ji walks towards the door leading to the back courtyard.


    Since it was early in the morning, there are fewer patients around and the other nurses and doctors are making their rounds too.


    "Where is Ah Ling? Does she know that you came here?"


    Lu Tian calmly follows after Grandfather Ji. He kept a steady pace next to the old man and made sure not to walk ahead.


    "I came here without letting her know since she is with my mother, aunt, and cousin."


    Grandfather Ji jumped when he heard Lu Tian. His feet glued to the ground and he flung his head to look at the young man with wide eyes.


    "S-She... You said my granddaughter is with your mother, aunt, and cousin? Right now?"


    He stutters between his words with difficulty. The colors on his face drained of any life and felt like someone had dropped a bomb on him.


    How can Lu Tian let his granddaughter be left alone with those three women?


    It¡¯s true that many women dream to get close to Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Zhao Ya¡¯er. However, only a minimum know how much of a headache those three are when together.


    Even he, the almighty general is afraid to be alone in the same room as them.


    "Should I run away from here and save Ah Ling?"


    Lu Tian stopped when he saw Grandfather Ji was in a daze. However, hearing the old man¡¯s words and understanding his (Grandfather Ji) fear, he presses his lips together to keep himself fromughing, let alone smile.


    Raising his left hand, he rubs the tip of his nose to hide his uncontainable smile.


    "Today is Yue Ling¡¯s dress fitting."


    Hearing this, Grandfather Ji exhale in relief. His granddaughter was not in danger. Turns out, she was only picking her wedding dress.


    Wait... what?


    "What?!!"


    He eximed his thought and abruptly looks at Lu Tian with eyes that were on the verge of popping from their sockets.


    "She¡¯s picking her wedding dress? Today?!"


    Both his arms raise high up to the sky and he turns into a chaotic mess. Both inside and outside.


    "How can this be? How can they not inform or invite me? How rude of them!"


    Lu Tian sighs inside. He felt the same when his mother told him that he couldn¡¯t go. She said it was a moment he should look forward to seeing and that he should wait instead of spoiling the moment.


    Sighing again, he decides to calm the old man who was frantically throwing a fit like a woman.


    Lu Tian: "Grandfather Ji don¡¯t worry. Yue Ling will be fine. My mother, aunt, and cousin are there to help her decide on the wedding dress."


    Grandfather Ji: "But I am also Ah Ling¡¯s grandmother!!!"


    Lu Tian: "..."


    Grandfather Ji: "..."

 Chapter 762 The young and old

    <h4>Chapter 762 The young and old</h4>


    Outside in the back courtyard of Imperial Military Hospital, Lu Tian stood dumbfounded by what he heard. Across, Grandfather Ji held both his hands over his mouth as if to stop him from saying any more.


    He (Grandfather Ji) had said he was Yue Ling¡¯s grandmother because he felt left out.


    After the passing of his beloved wife, he took on the role of Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu¡¯s grandmother.


    He wanted both children to know that even though his wife is no longer here they can still talk to him about anything. In the kind of way, they would have talked about to his wife.


    So since that was the case, shouldn¡¯t he with his granddaughter when she looks for the perfect wedding dress?


    If his wife and daughter were still here, they would have been included too. So why didn¡¯t they include him?


    He thought sadly about not being there with Yue Ling but catching a glimpse of Lu Tian¡¯s dumbfounded expression, all thoughts flew out the window.


    He clears his throat with a few coughs before lowering his hands.


    "My goodness, something flew inside my mouth."


    cing both hands behind his back, he turns away from Lu Tian and walks further towards the back courtyard.


    "Wow look at the sky today. It¡¯s so beautiful and sunny. Come, boy, let us go and admire more of the outside world."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes followed the old man¡¯s every move. He doesn¡¯t say anything but smiles at how Grandfather Ji was so quick to change the topic.


    He decides not to question the old man and leisurely follows after.


    As the young and old walked around the courtyard, they soone to a stop at a bench.


    Grandfather Ji sat down first then Lu Tian. He (Grandfather Ji) stares ahead at the green grass and the nted trees around.


    "Is there a reason why you are suddenly here?"


    Lu Tian had only sat down when he heard the question. Like the old man, he stares at the scene in front of him then answers.


    "I heard my parents ran into you here the other day."


    Feeling like a huge weight suddenly dropped on his heart, Grandfather Ji sighs inside before answering with an ¡¯mm¡¯.


    He had wanted fewer people to know about his illness. However, it seems like the more he tries to hide it, the more people tend to know.


    The only thing was the person he wanted to know the most somehow is the least oblivious.


    Taking a deep breath, he looks up at the clear blue sky and faintly smiles. It seems like he has been staring at the sky a lottely.


    "I will be discharged from here soon and have decided to tell Ah Ling."


    His smile was normal, but his eyes were filled with sadness and pain behind them.


    "I do not want to keep hiding this from her."


    He held his hands together on hisp and turns his head in the direction of the hospital.


    "I know that her knowing this will only make her sad, but I don¡¯t want to prolong the secret from her. I rather have her know now than have her find outter when it is toote."


    Lu Tian listened attentively without interrupting. The day he found out about the old man¡¯s illness, he (Grandfather Ji) did mention he was going to tell Yue Ling, but he never said when.


    To think Grandfather Ji is going to do it soon, he (Lu Tian) doesn¡¯t want to think about the pain his wife would feel.


    As these thoughts entered his mind, he furrows his brows when he remembers something the old man had said.


    "What do you mean by ¡¯toote¡¯?"


    Anyone who heard those words would think Grandfather Ji is talking about not wanting Yue Ling to find out when he is rush to the hospital. However, to Lu Tian, he could sense there was a deeper meaning behind those words.


    Grandfather Ji heaves a long sigh. He knew from a young age that Lu Tian is a smart boy, but sometimes he wishes thed weren¡¯t so quick-witted.


    "Doctor Dong said, there¡¯s a less chance of survival if I have another attack."


    He turns his head to look at Lu Tian and he smiles a smile that did not reach his eyes.


    "With that said in advance, I hope that you will be the pir to support her."


    He ces one hand on the young man¡¯s shoulder and gently squeezes it as he forces back any tears in his eyes.


    "If anyone canfort her in the most difficult times, it is you."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes shook as he looks at Grandfather Ji. He didn¡¯t know what to say. It was like his mind had been frozen and he couldn¡¯t think about anything.


    All he did was stare in silence.


    After a long minute, he was able to force his head to nod in understanding.


    Grandfather Ji didn¡¯t need to ask to know what Lu Tian was thinking. He calmly stood up and takes a step away from the bench.


    "Let us continue with our walk."


    Lu Tian obligingly follows in the old man¡¯s steps. He wanted to ask Grandfather Ji how he ns to tell Yue Ling but stops himself.


    Since the old man decided to brush the topis, he shouldn¡¯t pry into it further. Not only that, but he also trusts that Grandfather Ji knows what he is doing.


    "How are the wedding preparationsing along?"


    Grandfather Ji waited until Lu Tian was walking shoulder to shoulder with him before asking. He kept his hands behind his back like usual and waits for an answer.


    "You don¡¯t have to worry. Everything is being taken care of by my mother."


    Lu Tian answers and Grandfather Ji nods his head. He (Grandfather Ji) was able to discuss the wedding when Old Lu and Madam Lu bumped into him here.


    However, due to his inability to leave the hospital, he gave them the approval to n the wedding until he is discharged.


    "That is good. I trust your parents won¡¯t make things hard for Ah Ling."


    As a person who has respect for his elders, Lu Tian nods his head politely. He wanted to tell the old man that his family adores his wife, but a sudden thought came to him.


    "I just hope that Yue Ling will be fine until the wedding."


    Grandfather Ji frown at the words. He couldn¡¯t grasp the meaning behind Lu Tian¡¯s words.


    "What are you implying?"


    Are you feeling insecure about yourself now? Afraid my granddaughter might be too good for you?


    He spoke thest two questions in his mind, but Lu Tian was able to see through him and chuckles.


    "I¡¯m worried for her since my mother can be a little overbearing when she sets her mind to something."


    Grandfather Ji gives Lu Tian a side nce full of sarcasm with heavy eyes. He didn¡¯t need to say anything because his expression said it all like he was not fooled by Lu Tian¡¯s words.


    Seeing this, Lu Tian wanted to maintain a serious expression as he was worried for his wife. However, unable to hold himself back from the old man¡¯s face, heughs and corrects himself.


    "Alright, I get it. My mother is overbearing all the time."


    He looks away from the old man¡¯s face and his entire being turns back to his usual aloofness.


    "I just hope that if she does anything unnecessary, Yue Ling will be able to let her know."

 Chapter 763 Back to square one

    <h4>Chapter 763 Back to square one</h4>


    Feeling proud of himself, Grandfather Ji stuck out his chest a little with his head held high. He was extremely satisfied that he was able to make Lu Tian admit something.


    However, thinking back to thed¡¯s words regarding his granddaughter, he heaves a long sigh like a deting balloon.


    "I also hope that Ah Ling will speak her mind."


    A bittersweet smile curls on his lip and he thought about the past.


    "She can be quite direct about some things, but during the other times, she is too patient and tends to bottle up her true feelings."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t want to admit it, but he has to agree with the old man again. His time with his wife has made hime to understand her personality better.


    If she wants to speak her mind, she will do so. However, if she doesn¡¯t want anyone to know what she is thinking or feeling, she will make sure that nothing slips.


    There are times when even he can¡¯t read her mind as much as she to him.


    Thinking this, hees to a decision and tells the old man.


    "I will ask her about how she feels when shees home."


    Grandfather Ji pause in his steps as he and Lu Tian walked back to the hospital. He turns to nce at the young man then ces a hand on his (Lu Tian) shoulder.


    "Talk to her, let her know that the wedding is yours and hers. However you both want it to be like, you have my full support."


    He lowers his head and gives Lu Tian a meaningful smile.


    "Remember, I am Ah Ling¡¯s grandfather, but I am also an elder to you. If there is anything troubling you, I¡¯m all ears."


    His words fell before he bids Lu Tian goodbye and walk to the door to enter the hospital. He still wanted to talk more, but seeing the sun above was already high, it was time to take his medication.


    Lu Tian stood in ce without following after the old man. He waited until Grandfather Ji¡¯s figure was no longer in sight then head towards the hospital parking lot.


    As he leaves Imperial Military Hospital, the woman he was worried about was in a distraught situation.


    In the short time that Yue Ling had arrived at Ages of Love, she had already tried on half of the dresses picked out for her.


    Most of the dresses were only tried on for no more than 2 minutes. Even she didn¡¯t have the chance to look in the mirror or even decide if the dress is the one for her.


    Now, she was standing nkly in front of the mirror and her expression turned into one of a lifeless doll.


    The dress on her at this moment was a dress designed for a bold bride.


    It features a deep sweetheart neckline that is held over the shoulders by thin straps and allowing her back toe into view. The skirt had cascading ruffles that fall elegantly with floral sparkles making any bride look like a vision. The bodice of the dress was traced with Chantillyces and horsehair trim at the hem of the train.


    This dress was designed to be one of a kind. Its beauty can make any groom fall in love all over again when seeing the bride.


    However, staring at her reflection wearing the dress, Yue Ling felt otherwise.


    Like all the other dresses she was able to see herself try on, she felt it wasn¡¯t the right one.


    "Oh, my, would look at this. Ah Ling, you are truly a masterpiece in this dress. I almost mistook you for an angel in a painting."


    Madam Lu¡¯s eyes beam with glistening joy as she sps her palms together. She felt like a proud mother as the dress was one of the many dresses she had picked out.


    She walks over to Yue Ling and sighs with a smile. The second she saw the dress she knew it was the perfect match for her daughter-inw.


    "If Tian was here, he would fall in love with you all over again."


    Yue Ling wanted to say something, but seeing Madam Lu¡¯s joyous expression, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to say what was on her mind. She didn¡¯t want to hurt the woman¡¯s feelings.


    Unlike her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er, Madam Zhao, and Yang Yang were ring at Madam Lu with envy. They hate to admit it, but the dress she (Madam Lu) had picked was better than the one they chose.


    The dress stood out more than all the other ones and it enhances the beauty of Yue Ling. It was as if this dress was made for her.


    "D-Does it really looks okay?"


    Yue Ling breaks the short silence and stares in the mirror at the three people standing behind her and Madam Lu. She wanted to hear what everyone thought about the dress.


    "Okay? Child, you look great."


    With a huge grin, Madam Zhao answers and walks over to join the two women in front of the mirror. She reaches down to hold Yue Ling¡¯s hand and her other hand raises to caress the girl¡¯s cheek.


    "You look absolutely stunning."


    "I agree. You are a total babe in this wedding dress."


    Yang Yang quickly joins in with his answer and walks over to them. He looks at Yue Ling¡¯s reflection in the mirror and his eyes turned moist.


    "This dress was made for you to wear. Every bride I¡¯ve worked with could never bring this dress to life. However, you did."


    Yue Ling nce at the three people standing by her side She agrees with them about the dress, but there was one thing constantly bothering her.


    Is this really the dress she wants to wear on her wedding day?


    "Yue Yue, everyone is going to be so jealous of you."


    Before she could even think to answer the question in her mind, Zhao Ya¡¯Er walks over to them. She (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) push her mother aside and squeezes in between to stand next to Yue Ling.


    She notices that Yue Ling wasn¡¯t wearing any jewelry and turns her head to Yang Yang.


    "Do you have any pieces of jewelry to match the dress?"


    Being reminded of this, Yang Yang snaps his fingers and dashes for the jewelry counter.


    "Oh, there is plenty of jewelry here."


    He looks back at the four women and winks his eyes.


    "But the question is, which one will be the right one for our bride-to-be?"


    As he opens the ss cases to the many pieces of jewelry in his shop, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao didn¡¯t hesitate to join him in search.


    "Wow, Yang Yang, there are so many jewelry here. Will we be able to find a nice set for Ah Ling?"


    Madam Zhao¡¯s eyes widen in surprise at the many glistening pieces of jewelry. Each item was glistening with diamonds and one can tell they were well taken care of.


    Yang Yang felt even prouder of his collection. His nose grew and he stuck his chest out.


    "We can definitely find the right set for Yue Ling. All the jewelry here is the best of the best."


    He looks down at the ss cases and felt like a mother looking at her straight-A children.


    "Each set is of top quality and designed by famous designers from around the world."


    His words fell and Madam Lu picks up a jewelry case containing a fringe diamond ne.


    It held a ssic style, but the series of graduating pear and marquise shape diamond drops that dangle from links gave it a sensational look.


    She held the ne closer to look and can see that Yang Yang was no lying about the quality of the jewelry.


    "No matter how high the price is, put it on my tab."


    When Yue Ling heard this, she wanted to tell Madam Lu that she could pay for her own dress and jewelry. After all, she is not short of money. However, she stops herself.


    Even if she were to say anything, Madam Lu will not take no for an answer. Since that is the case, she will wait untilter and sneak her way to pay.


    Deciding this, she stares at the three people discussing the jewelry and she sighs inside.


    It was like her day had been reset and she was back to square one.

 Chapter 764 How could she have forgotten?

    <h4>Chapter 764 How could she have forgotten?</h4>


    As Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Yang Yang immerse in their own world of determination, Yue Ling shook her head. To her, they looked like a group of pirates on the hunt for the world¡¯s hidden treasure of gold.


    From the corner of her eyes, she notices Zhao Ya¡¯Er and nces at the woman.


    "You can take a look with them. I¡¯ll need an extra pair of eyes to help find a nice set to go with the dress."


    She spoke with a smile on her face. However, as she turned her head, she is met with Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s brown eyes staring intensely at her.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was thinking hard about something but when she heard Yue Ling, she broke freeze from her daze.


    "Oh, sorry. It¡¯s not the jewelry I am worried about."


    She takes a small step back as if to get a better view of Yue Ling¡¯s figure. Her brows furrow together for a second then she pouts.


    "Don¡¯t get me wrong for saying this, but..."


    Her words pause as she looks up at Yue Ling. She hesitated on whether to speak her mind but seeing the retired model¡¯s expression as if saying it was okay, she decides to ask.


    "Will the bites on your body disappear in time?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling was at a loss and could only blink her eyes in confusion. In the middle of the room, Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Yang Yang heard Zhao Ya¡¯Er and turned to look their way.


    Noticing that everyone was looking at her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s cheeks turned red. She takes a step closer to Yue Ling and tries to lower her voice.


    "I don¡¯t know if you notice, but your body is covered with red marks. Look, it¡¯s not only on your neck but also on your arms. Did you forget to close the window at night?"


    Her words fell seriously, but the more she spoke, the more her frown deepens, and she tilts her head.


    "But it¡¯s weird. The weather has been coldertely, so how are you getting mosquito bites?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling stares at Zhao Ya¡¯Er and this time, it was her who frown. She couldn¡¯tprehend what the woman was trying to tell her.


    She nces at the other three people. She was hoping that might be able to help her but to her surprise, each person was giggling while trying to contain theirughter.


    Well, more like they were snickering over something funny. Not to mention, they would often steal nces at her.


    If she didn¡¯t know them, she would have thought them to be a group of high school girls ridiculing her in secret.


    The space between her brows crease more together, but in the next minute, her eyes abruptly shot open.


    Now she understood. From Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s confusing words to why the three people were giggling.


    How could she have forgotten?!


    She quickly spun around to face the mirror and like someone had poured a bucket of ice-cold water on her, she was frozen in ce.


    Her bluish-green eyes slowly nce at each person in the room.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was staring back at her with an innocent look. Meanwhile, the other three people stared at her too. The only difference was, she could still see them trying to hold in theirugh.


    She nces back at her reflection and forces a quietugh. However, deep inside, she was screaming at the top of her lungs.


    Due to themotion of having to try on so many dresses, she had forgotten the most important thing.


    The mosquito bites Zhao Ya¡¯Er mentioned were actually love-marks Lu Tian had left on her after tossing in bed together all night.


    She had worn a turtleneck sweater to hide them away, but now they were clearly in view for anyone to see.


    "Yue Yue, are you okay? Do the bites hurt? Do you want me to check if there¡¯s any ointment here to put on the bites?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er couldn¡¯t help but panic when she saw Yue Ling¡¯splexion slowly turn pale. Could it be that the marks on Yue Ling aren¡¯t actually mosquito bites but a rash?


    Yue Ling robotically turns her head to look at the woman with a Pixi-cut hairstyle. She slightly presses her lips together. Not out of anger, but because she didn¡¯t know what to say.


    After what felt like an eternity had gone by, she was finally able to squeeze out two words.


    "I¡¯m fine."


    Watching everything from a few feet away, Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Yang Yang were no longer able to hold back theirugh. Each person burst into heartfeltughter with tears.


    Madam Lu: "I saw them earlier but decided not to mention anything. However, bug bites? That¡¯s something new. I should have a chat with Tian about these mosquito bites."


    Madam Zhao: "Don¡¯t forget to tell him to keep the windows closes at night. We wouldn¡¯t want any ¡¯mosquitos¡¯ to keep biting Ah Ling."


    Yang Yang: "Our Ya¡¯Er is really too pure."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Hearing this, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was even more confused. She only asked Yue Ling about the bites, how did the situation turn out like this?


    And why is her cousin being mentioned?


    She thought to herself, but something quickly dawns on her and she flung her head to look at Yue Ling.


    "Oh my¡ª"


    Before she could say another word, she covers her mouth, and her eyes that were widely opened stares at Yue Ling. She didn¡¯t dare to say anymore as she knew the meaning behind everyone¡¯s word.


    However, knowing she had misspoken, she lowers her hand and averts her eyes from her friend.


    "Yue Yue, I¡¯m sorry. I thought that... You see... I didn¡¯t think... I¡¯m sorry."


    Seeing her expression full of guilt, Yue Ling could only sigh inside. Before, she had wanted to find a shovel to dig a hole for her to hide in. However, what was the point in doing so.


    She raises a hand and pat Zhao Ya¡¯Er on the head. It was a natural gesture she often did to Ji Jingxu when the boy had spoken wrongly.


    "It¡¯s okay. You didn¡¯t say anything wrong."

 Chapter 765 Please give my congratulations

    <h4>Chapter 765 Please give my congrattions</h4>


    The afternoon came to Imperial when the decision on a set of jewelry was finally decided to go with Yue Ling¡¯s wedding dress.


    She was then able to breathe again and changed back to the normal clothes she had worn.


    However, her day has yet to end.


    "Ah Ling, won¡¯t you join us for lunch?"


    Madam Lu asked when she saw Yue Linge out from the fitting room. Her eyes held a look of pleading without realizing that both her hands were sped together.


    Yue Ling looks at the woman who is going to be her mother-inw. She thought that finding a wedding dress was all, but Madam Lu had informed her that she (Madam Lu) had made reservations for them to have lunch, then go to another store to find her (Yue Ling) a dress for the engagement party.


    She wanted to turn down the invitation since there were plenty of dresses stored away at De L¡¯amour. She could just go through them and pick one to wear for the engagement party.


    However, seeing the pleading look on not only Madam Lu, but also Madam Zhao and Zhao Ya¡¯Er, she could only sigh inside.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll join you for lunch."


    Although she was still embarrassed about what happened earlier, she knew that she couldn¡¯t say no to the three women.


    Not only that, but she had also rushed out of the house without eating breakfast, so was getting hungry. Especially after having to try on the many dresses.


    "Yay! This is terrific! I get to spend more time with Yue Yue!"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er eximed happily. She skips over to Yue Ling and locks arms around her best friend before looking at her mother and aunt.


    "I¡¯ll carpool with Yue Yue. You two can go together in one car."


    Hearing this, Madam Lu rolled her eyes while Madam Zhao snorts loudly. They had also wanted to go in the same car as Yue Ling but had to remember their hardworking drivers waiting outside.


    Besides, they were all going to the same ce.


    Yang Yang watches them with envy. He had been invited to go with them, but he has to sit this one out. His schedule requires him to leave the country to meet another client.


    He bids the four women goodbye and turns around to start cleaning the remaining mess still left in his shop.


    However, remembering something, he turns around to the women, but they were no longer on the second floor with him.


    He sprints down the stairs skipping two or three steps in hopes to catch up with them.


    "Aunty! Aunty Lu wait!"


    He calls out as if his life depended on it until he caught up to them by the front door. However, it was only Madam Lu and Madam Zhao as Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were already walking towards the retired model¡¯s white car.


    "Is something the matter?"


    Madam Lu asked when she saw the young man¡¯s desperate expression. However, she suddenly gasps when an unbelievable thought crosses her mind.


    "Did something happen to the dress?"


    Yang Yang had just finished catching his breath when he was struck baffled by Madam Lu¡¯s words. It had only been no more than five minutes so how can something happen to the dress already?


    Shaking his head, he walks over to Madam Lu and smiles at her.


    "Nothing is wrong with the dress. Trust me, I will guard it with my life and make sure that it stays perfect until the wedding."


    He swore by his words and reach a hand to hold her hand.


    "I will be busy with other wedding preparations overseas, but rest assure, Yue Ling¡¯s wedding is my top priority."


    He had already lost the chance once, never will he let his second chance slip away.


    "Also, please give my congrattions to Han. Tell him that I will not disappoint him or his wife."


    Madam Lu was dumbfounded by the words that entered her ears. She blinked her eyes and Madam Zhao tilts her head. Both women held the same look of confusion on their faces.


    "Han? Han isn¡¯t getting married. I don¡¯t even know if he is dating anyone, let alone seeing anyone."


    A chuckle escapes Madam Lu¡¯s lips and confused Yang Yang. He frowns and tries to think.


    The Lu family has 2 sons and Han Yue Ling is going to be Madam Lu¡¯s daughter-inw. Between the 2 sons, it makes perfect sense that Lu Han is the one getting married. Of course, he can¡¯t understand how a man who changes women like how he changes shirts can catch Yue Ling¡¯s attention, but it must be fate.


    However, why would Madam Lu say that Lu Han isn¡¯t the one getting married?


    Seeing how hard he is thinking, Madam Lu chuckles again. She ces one hand over Yang Yang¡¯s hand and put his mind at ease.


    "It¡¯s Tian. Ah Ling and Tian are getting married."


    "Ah, I see..."


    Yang Yang answers with a smile without thinking. However, like something struck him hard on the head, the smile on his face froze.


    In the next second, he swore it felt like someone used a hammer to smash his frozen smile and shatters it into millions of pieces.


    "T-T-T-T-T... T-T-Tian... Tian is the one getting married?"


    He stutters at the name of the cold-blooded man. If possible, he never wants to say the man¡¯s name as it was like calling out for the devil.


    However, seeing Madam Lu nod her head in response, he looks out the window.


    He could see Yue Ling smiling happily as she enters the driver¡¯s side of the white BMW x5m.


    "H-How... How is this p-p-possible?"


    Even for a man who likes the same gender, he found Yue Ling to be the perfect woman. She is perfect in every way, and her smile is so warm it can melt a person¡¯s heart.


    So how can someone so sweet and loving like her be with someone like Lu Tian?


    Madam Lu scoffed in disbelief at him. She yanks her hand away from his grasp and smacks the side of his head. Of course, she didn¡¯t use too much strength.


    "What do you mean by ¡¯how is this possible¡¯? It¡¯s possible because Ah Ling and Tian are two people in love. So, it is only natural for the possible to happen that they are getting married."


    She rolled her eyes the more she looks at Yang Yang. Holding the front of her white coat, she straightens it with a tug.


    "Plus, my Lu family¡¯s Tian and Ah Ling are a match made in heaven."


    Feeling she had made her point loud and clear, she turns around and strides out of the shop while mumbling to herself.


    "How dare he utter such nonsense? Ah Ling and Tian make the perfect couple."


    Madam Zhao watched her sister-inw storm out and she heaves a long sigh. She walks over to Yang Yang before leaving and ce a hand on his shoulder.


    "I know you are busy with work but remember to stay updated on the things in Imperial."


    If he had read the news in advance, he would have been in less of a shock to find out who Yue Ling is marrying.


    Good thing they told Lu Tian to stay home or else, Yang Yang probably won¡¯t be able to step foot in Imperial again.


    As Madam Zhao left Ages of Love, Yang Yang did not move an inch from his position.


    He stood rooted to the floor with his hands still raised in midair like he was still holding Madam Lu¡¯s hand. His eyes stared at the nk space in front of him like a statue.


    Everything about him was like life had suddenly thrown a rock at his face.


    After what felt like an entire day had been wasted, he finally found the strength to move again.


    However, instead ofing to his senses, his eyes rolled back, and his body falls backward onto the floor.


    He fell with a loud thud that echoed inside the entire store. Such a fall would have made him faint due to the impact on his head, but he was fully conscious and awake.


    He stares up at the ceiling in a daze and part his lips.


    "Never in my entire life did I ever imagine that ruthless man to be the first to get married."


    His lower trembles uncontrobly and he chokes a sob without any tears.


    "And he¡¯s marrying Yue Ling..."


    Just what kind of shocking news is this?!

 Chapter 766 Achoo Club

    <h4>Chapter 766 Achoo Club</h4>


    Outside Ages of Love, Madam Lu walks over to the Lu family¡¯s ck Maybach. As she nears the car, the drives step out and open the rear door for her.


    Parked next to the car was Madam Zhao¡¯s car. However, she doesn¡¯t get inside. Instead, she dismisses the driver and said she¡¯ll catch a ride with Madam Lu.


    Not wanting to be left behind, she quickly strides to the other side of the ck Maybach and gets inside.


    "Sister-inw, can I ride with you?"


    Madam Lu nce at her brother¡¯s wife. She was dumbfounded by the fact that Madam Zhao had asked for permission to sit but was already sitting and putting on her seatbelt.


    She shook her head in disbelief and nce across to Yue Ling¡¯s car. Though the front window was slightly tinted, she could make out the 2 figures inside.


    When she saw how her niece was happily chatting with Yue Ling and smiling like an idiot, she grew envious.


    Just as the feeling crept inside her, an idea shes inside her mind and she quickly reaches inside her handbag.


    "What are you doing?"


    From the side, Madam Zhao asks when she took notice of what her sister-inw was doing. She didn¡¯t understand why Madam Lu suddenly started frantically looking for something.


    Madam Lu gives the woman a side nce without turning her head. Her hand touches what she was looking for and a smile curls on her face. She takes out the item and looks down at it.


    "You will see soon."


    Seeing her phone in hand, Madam Zhao¡¯s expression distorted into a frown. However, seeing the evil smile on Madam Lu¡¯s face that was full of mischief, she felt a small shiver down her spine.


    Without a doubt, her sister-inw is up to no good. Only, she can¡¯t seem to put her finger on it.


    Oblivious about what was going on in the ck Maybach, Yue Ling casually follows behind the car as she didn¡¯t know where they were going.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er sat in the passenger seat with a smile on her face. She looked like a happy girl going on her first date with her crush. Her hands were ced on herp and every so often her thumbs would fidget together like she was nervous.


    That is because she was nervous. She steals a few nces at Yue Ling and wanted to say something but was hesitant about how to say it.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes were now on the road in front, but from the corners of her eyes, she could see the woman¡¯s movements. She faintly smiles and decides to help give her friend a tiny push.


    "Is something bothering you?"


    Her sudden voice made Zhao Ya¡¯Er jump in surprise. She (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) smiles crookedly before sounding a chuckle like she had been caught.


    "I swear, you always know when something is wrong. Sometimes I feel like I¡¯m with my cousin instead of you."


    Which is exactly how she feels at this moment.


    Her cousin, Lu Tian, is a man with sharp instincts. Nothing ever escapes his eyes and the feeling he gives is exactly how she feels with Yue Ling right now.


    Brushing this feeling aside, she gathers her courage by taking a deep breath.


    "It¡¯s not really important but I just wanted... can I ask you something?"


    She looks at Yue Ling and is met with silence. However, despite her (Yue Ling) not saying anything, her expression was enough to tell Zhao Ya¡¯Er to continue.


    "Well... um... you see, do you perhaps... Have you always known that Xu Long isn¡¯t g-g-g... I mean, did you know that Xu Long didn¡¯t like men?"


    Yue Ling was still thinking about Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s previous words. Did she really put on a cold air like Lu Tian? If so, then the saying that you¡¯ll mirror the habits of the people you spend the most time with must be true.


    However, just as she was going to take Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s words as apliment, she furrows her brows and frown.


    "Xu Long didn¡¯t like men?"


    She slightly tilts her head and thought about the question. How can Xu Long not like men?


    If he didn¡¯t, why is he so close to her subordinates? He also acts like they¡¯ve known each other for many years.


    Just as she thought this, she quickly understood the meaning of Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s question. She chokes on her saliva and starts to cough.


    "Wait, *cough, you thought Xu Long was gay *cough?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er gasps when she heard Yue Ling. She quickly covers her mouth with one hand and her other hand reaches out to pat Yue Ling on the back.


    "How can you say ¡¯that¡¯ word so easily?"


    She made it seem like Yue Ling hadmitted a huge sin but lowers her hand covering her mouth and whispers.


    "Did you also think Xu Long was... gay too?"


    She had misinterpreted Yue Ling¡¯s questions. To her, it sounded like the retired model was in shock to hear that Xu Long liked women and not men.


    However, who could me her for thinking this way?


    Xu Long is not only handsome, but he keeps a clean appearance, and he is a very caring man. Not only that he tends to have a strange intimacy with the men around him.


    Also, he has never had a girlfriend before.


    As Zhao Ya¡¯Er thought about all the possibilities that directed Xu Long to like men, she continues to pat Yue Ling on the back.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I was surprised too."


    She stops her patting gestures and starts to soothe her friend¡¯s back.


    "But he¡¯s not gay, he told me himself."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was struck speechless. She wanted to tell the short hair woman that she knew all along that Xu Long didn¡¯t swing the other way.


    However, seeing how happy Zhao Ya¡¯Er looked, she decides not to say anything.


    She focuses her attention on the road and nods her head as she had just heard the biggest news.


    "Wow... I really did misjudge Xu Long. I almost thought that he liked one of my subordinates. I mean, considering how close he is with Lin Hui and the amount of time they are together, I thought they were in a secret rtionship."


    -


    "Achoo¡ª!"


    Somewhere in the distance, Xu Long, who was eating lunch in his new penthouse suddenly sneezes. He sniffles and rubs his nose with a deep frown.


    "That¡¯s odd. I¡¯m sure I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Why is my boss talking about me behind my back? Is it something good or bad?"


    "Achoo¡ª!"


    Suddenly, another sneeze sounds after his words, but it wasn¡¯t him who sneezed. He looks across the table to the person and snorts augh.


    "Lin Hui, it seems like your boss is also talking about you."


    Lin Hui who hade over to Xu Long¡¯s ce for lunch was also frowning. He ces his chopsticks down and rubs the back of his neck in confusion.


    "That is odd.... Usually, it¡¯s him."


    He points with his thumb to the third figure sitting at the table with him and Xu L

 Chapter 767 Smile was too brigh

    <h4>Chapter 767 Smile was too brigh</h4>


    Driving through the streets of Imperial, Yue Ling¡¯s white BMW x5m arrives at the restaurant Madam Lu had made reservations. A wave of relief washes over Yue Ling as she parks the car.


    Throughout the entire car ride, Zhao Ya¡¯Er turned into a chatterbox. More than she usually was.


    It wasn¡¯t that she (Yue Ling) was bothered by this, but because she was put in an awkward position.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er went into full details of her dates with Xu Long. From how they met outside their ce to how they take the elevator down to the car. She even mentioned how he helps inside the car then the ce they went to. Let¡¯s not forget about what they ate and talked about too.


    What surprised Yue Ling the most was how these two people had already gone on five dates in the week of knowing each other.


    Of course, this is a good thing. It means their rtionship is progressing well and Zhao Ya¡¯Er can finally move on from Wei Hongyi.


    Not prying too much into her thoughts, she shuts the engine off to the car and steps out.


    Looking at the restaurant, she was slightly surprised. She thought they would be having lunch at Elegancy since the restaurant was owned by Madam Lu but being taken care of by the Zhao family.


    However, the restaurant in front of her had a modern look. It¡¯s exterior was painted dark-colored with tinted windows all around.


    "Oh my God!"


    Just as she closed the door to the car, she heard Zhao Ya¡¯Er suddenly exim. She looks at the woman with short hair and sees that she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) was already walking around the car to her.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er meets Yue Ling near the rear of the car and shook the retired model by the arm. Her other hand was also busy as it was pointing in a certain direction.


    "Look, is that who I think it is?"


    Yue Ling slightly crease her brows, She looks in the pointed direction and her frown deepens ever so lightly.


    A white car was parked not too far from her car. She would have ignored it but when she saw it, she couldn¡¯t.


    It was all too familiar to her. That is because the car is one of the many cars parked in the garage at home.


    The car was none other than Lu Tian¡¯s white Ashton Martin. She knew this because she recognized the modifications on the car.


    "Yue Yue, do you think my cousin is also here?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er asks in a whisper and interrupts any of Yue Ling¡¯s thoughts. She stares at the car then ponders with a pout.


    "But why is he here? I thought my mother and aunt specifically said today was only the women going out."


    Yue Ling nce at Zhao Ya¡¯Er without a word. She had thought the same thing too, but since the car is here, she could only believe that he was here for another reason.


    "He must be here for work."


    Lu Tian is a businessman, and it wasn¡¯t umon for him to be out on his days off to meet others for work.


    Thinking this, she pulls Zhao Ya¡¯Er towards the restaurant.


    "Let¡¯s go. Aunt Lu and your mother are waiting."


    "Oh my God! Look, look, look! It¡¯s really my cousin."


    Just as Yue Ling¡¯sst word fell, Zhao Ya¡¯Er exims even louder like a fangirl.


    Yue Ling¡¯s head and body sway from side to side as the woman shake her arm again. After a long minute, she sighs inside and looks at the car.


    And at that moment, her heart skipped a beat.


    The driver side door to the white Ashton Martin calmly pushes open and Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure steps out into view. He wore his usual dark attire, but unlike the suits she often sees him in, he was dressed more casually.


    A wool coat draped over the crewneck he wore underneath and jeans.


    Yue Ling took her sweet time to engrave his entire being inside her head. However, when she saw he was wearing jeans, she slightly tilts her head to the side.


    Jeans?


    She blinks her eyes multiple times in surprise and confusion. Throughout their rtionship, she has never once seen him in jeans. She even thought that he probably doesn¡¯t own a pair since he was always in suits for work or a set offy loungewear.


    Lost in her thoughts, she did not realize that Lu Tian was already walking towards her. Next to her, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was grinning from ear to ear at how romantic she thought this scene was.


    "Tian, over here!"


    She calls out cheerfully despite he had already them. Once he was only a few steps away from them, she nudges Yue Ling gently by the arm. Her expression was as if saying, ¡¯look, your man is here.¡¯


    "I¡¯ll see you both inside."


    She teases Yue Ling and strides off in the direction of the restaurant. Her aunt had messaged her and said they would be inside.


    Thinking this, she couldn¡¯t help but have a feeling that her aunt has something to do with this romantic meeting.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t respond to her friend but stares at the aloof man in front of her. He was like a dangerous, yet hunk of a demon. She was sure that if he were to smile even a little, she would surely faint.


    And like he could read her mind, one corner of Lu Tian¡¯s lip arcs up into a sideways smile.


    "Hello, Mrs. Lu."


    Yue Ling watched him smile in slow motion. His smile was so luminescent that she could hear her heart explode as her soul left her body.


    If she dies at this moment, she will have no regrets at all.


    "How was your dress fitting?"


    Lu Tian asks as he stops in front of his wife. However, seeing her thinking so deeply, his smile that was about to widen freezes when he notices her suddenly stumble a step back.


    "Yue Ling!"


    He takes one big step to close the gap between them and ce a hand behind her back. He steadies her in his arm and looks down at her with slightly trembling eyes.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Are you not feeling well? Should we go to the hospital?"


    Hearing his deep voice filled with traces of worry, Yue Ling came to her senses. She smiles faintly and held his arm to steady herself.


    "I¡¯m fine. Your smile was too bright for me."


    "..."


    She spoke jokingly with a smallugh. His smile was enough to make a person faint, but it wasn¡¯t the reason for her sudden stumble.


    The truth was, she skipped breakfast and having to try so many dresses, she was hungry.


    However, unaware of this reason, Lu Tian thought otherwise.


    His posture tensed up and his mind turned nk. His wife¡¯s words should have been apliment, but to him, it was more like a bucket of cold water had been poured on him.


    If his smile was the cause of her to almost faint, maybe it was best to never smile again.


    Thest thing he wants is to see his wife in the hospital again. No, he will never forgive himself if she ends up in the hospital because of him.


    Yue Ling saw the stiffness in his posture than his expression.


    His bright smile was no longer there. It was reced with gloominess like his entire world had been clouded with pouring rain and there was sadness in his eyes.


    She sighs inside and raises a hand to his face before gently flicking his forehead.


    "Why are you making that scary face? I¡¯m really okay."


    Her hand that flicked his forehead lowers a little and caresses his cheek.


    She lowers her head and with blushing pink cheeks, she murmurs in a shy voice that only he could hear.


    "Truthfully, I¡¯m just hungry."

 Chapter 768 Made perfect sense

    <h4>Chapter 768 Made perfect sense</h4>


    Lu Tian held onto his wife with blinking eyes. He looks down at her without caring about the fact that she had just flicked his forehead.


    He slightly pouts his lip and the space between his eyebrows crease into three tight lines.


    "I¡¯m not making a scary face. This is my natural face."


    His words fell and he could only turn soft at the sight of her smiling face. He raises his free hand to touch her forehead. She might say she is okay, but he needed to be sure she isn¡¯t sick.


    Feeling her temperature was normal, he felt a sense of relief. His hand touching her forehead lowers to stroke the side of her face and he smiles.


    However, just as he was about to smile, he clears his throat. He cannot smile or else she will want to faint again.


    "We should go inside since you haven¡¯t eaten anything."


    He holds her hand with a firm grip and walks towards the restaurant. Once they are seated, he will order everything on the menu for his wife. He cannot let her faint from his smile or hunger.


    Yue Ling did not stop the man but allows him to lead the way. Her entire being at this moment was too dumbfounded to think straight.


    She had said he was making a scary face because he was.


    His smile that was bright and captivating at first suddenly turned dark. It was as if he had changed into a person who only knows darkness.


    However, in the next moment, she sees him trying hard not to smile.


    First, it was Zhao Ya¡¯Er who misunderstood her and now it was Lu Tian.


    Thinking this, she could only sigh inside.


    Without a doubt, the two people were indeed rtives despite the difference in their personalities.


    Shaking her head at how childish he can be, she decides to change the subject.


    "Why are you here? Are you meeting someone for work?"


    Lu Tian nces down at her from the corner of his eyes. He didn¡¯t tell her that he was leaving the house, so it was normal for one¡¯s partner to question them.


    However, for some reason, he felt her questions and her feelings did not match.


    She was too calm and trusts him.


    "I¡¯m here to meet my wife."


    He answers truthfully and gives her a serious expression while trying to keep himself from smiling.


    Yue Ling blush at his straightforwardness. She had assumed he was here for work without doubting him, but it turns out he was here for her.


    The only question now is, how did he know she was here?


    Wanting to know, she parts her lips to ask, but seeing him trying so hard not to smile again, she sighs for who knows how many times.


    "Why are you forcing yourself not to smile?"


    She stops in her tracks and takes a step to stand in front of him. Raising her hand that was not in his grasp, she taps his cheek with her index finger and gently pushes his cheek up as if to make him smile.


    "I like your smile. It makes me happy every time I see it."


    Lu Tian was taken back by her sudden stop. He gazes at her without any intentions of moving her hand away from touching him.


    To hear her say she likes his smile was enough to make his heart flutter. He doesn¡¯t stop himself and smiles at her.


    Can¡¯t helping himself despite there being others around, he lowers his head towards her.


    "Ah Ling! Tian! Over here!"


    Before Lu Tian¡¯s face could lower any further, Yue Ling turns her head away to find the owner of the voice. She was oblivious to the aloof man¡¯s attempt at her.


    She looks around the restaurant and sees Madam Lu standing in front of a round table.


    "Your mother is calling us. Let¡¯s not keep them waiting."


    She turns her head back at Lu Tian with a smile then walks over to the table.


    As she makes her way to join the three women, she did not see that Lu Tian¡¯s expression had turned dark.


    He res at his mother with eyes of evil. He was so close to kissing his wife and yet his mother dares to shift his wife¡¯s attention away from him.


    Taking a deep breath, he calms himself and walks after Yue Ling. He was not able to kiss her this time, but next time, he¡¯ll make sure he seeds.


    "Come,e sit down."


    Madam Lu, who was oblivious to what she had done, smiles at the young couple. Well, to be exact at Yue Ling. She sits down and pats on the vacant seat to her right.


    "Ah Ling, I saved this seat for you."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t mind and takes a seat while Lu Tian sat to her right. Across from her, Madam Zhao was in utter disbelief at what was happening.


    She and Madam Lu had tried so hard to get Lu Tian to let Yue Ling out to join them. However, why is he here and how did he know where to find them?


    As she asked the questions in her head, her eyes widen. She darts her head to look at Madam Lu then at Lu Tian before looking back at Madam Lu.


    The phone and why she thought her sister-inw was up to no good.


    Now everything made perfect sense.


    Madam Lu sat with a beaming smile that could outshine the sun outside. She steals a side nce at her sister-inw and when she saw Madam Zhao¡¯s expression, she became even more full of herself.


    Since she has to fight with her sister-inw and niece for her daughter-inw¡¯s attention, there was only one thing she could do.


    Call her son.


    With Lu Tian here, the mother and daughter duo wouldn¡¯t dare to hog Yue Ling. Even though it meant having to sacrifice her precious time with her daughter-inw, she rather Yue Ling¡¯s attention be directed at her son.


    Plus, it was like a win for her too since she is Lu Tian¡¯s mother.


    Madam Zhao was able to see through the woman¡¯s thoughts. She scoffs loudly and looks at the young couple.


    Seeing how attentive and close Lu Tian is with Yue Ling, she smiles at the pair then turns her head in another direction.


    Her sister-inw made a bold move, but it was also a smart one.


    If she had a son and he was dating Yue Ling, she would have called him for backup too. That way, all the hyenas lurking around will have to back away.


    She lightly shakes her head and ignoring the fact that she had called herself, Madam Lu, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er hyenas, she waves to a restaurant employee.


    "Excuse me, we are ready to order."

 Chapter 769 Want to ea

    <h4>Chapter 769 Want to ea</h4>


    Inside the restaurant, it didn¡¯t take long before the round table was decorated with food. The amount ordered was enough to feed at least ten people.


    "Ah Ling, eat. Eat before the food gets cold."


    Madam Zhao ushers with a smile as she grabs a piece of meat with her chopsticks. She was about to reach over to put it on Yue Ling¡¯s te but stops herself.


    "Yue-Yue try this dumpling. It¡¯s unbelievably delicious and has the perfect amount of seasoning."


    Next to her mother, Zhao Ya¡¯Er chimes in. She shows Yue Ling the dumpling with her chopsticks. Like her mother, she wanted to give it to her best friend but stops herself by quickly eating it.


    Yue Ling gives the mother and daughter duo a smile. She didn¡¯t mind that they didn¡¯t put the food on her te. She was rather relieved as she can manage on her own.


    However, despite two people letting her rx a little, there were still the other two people at the table.


    Lu Tian and Madam Lu.


    Unlike the Zhao mother and daughter, this mother and son from the Lu family were on another level.


    The second the food ordered was brought out and ced on the table, both individuals picked up their chopsticks.


    She thought it was because they were hungry and were eager to eat. However, that wasn¡¯t the case at all.


    Lu Tian and Madam Lu picked up a little bit from each dish and put it on her te. Within seconds, the te in front of her was piled up with food in the shape of a mountain.


    She stares down at it and slightly pouts. She indeed loves food, but will she able to finish all this?


    "Yue Ling eat this. It¡¯s good for your health."


    Lu Tian spoke softly like a doting husband. His posture was slightly turned to her with his left arm resting on the back of her chair while his other hand grabs a piece of Choy Sum.


    He ces the vegetable on her te and smiles a smile that reached his eyes.


    "If there¡¯s any other food you want to eat, just let me know. I¡¯ll get it for you."


    His words fell and he looks at her with an expression of a good husband.


    Yue Ling parted her lips to answer but the second Lu Tian moved his chopsticks away, a piece of fried pork belly was quickly ced on top of the Choy Sum.


    "..."


    "Ah Ling eat this first. I notice that you look skinnier from thest time I saw you."


    Madam Lu ignores her son, who was now ring at her. All her attention was ced on Yue Ling.


    "Eat as much as you want. No one here will judge you for eating too much."


    With chopsticks in hand, she gestures a circle over the many tes of food and puts on a stern expression.


    "See, if you don¡¯t hurry and eat, these two over here are going to eat everything."


    Her eyes were glued on Yue Ling, but she didn¡¯t forget to point at Madam Zhao and Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at this moment. Madam Lu had said she was too skinny since theyst met, but they just had dinner togetherst night.


    When she heard the mention of the mother and daughter duo, she ceases all thoughts and looks at them. However, when her eyes met theirs, she was struck dumbfounded.


    One was just about to slurp some noodles while the other had her mouth open and was about to take a bite on a drumstick.


    Noticing Yue Ling looking at them, both individuals looks at her and grins like two little girls.


    Yue Ling tried topose herself but unable to hold herself back she smiles a faint chuckle. She averts her gaze down to the food in front of her and picks up her chopsticks.


    "Thank you for this meal. I will eat as much as I can."


    To her right, Lu Tian sat quietly without interrupting the short conversation between his wife and mother. His expression had also returned to one of emotionless. Only, his eyes were glued to his wife with a trace of adore.


    When he saw her pick up her chopsticks, he didn¡¯t know why but his heart suddenly started racing. Even sweat was starting to form on his forehead.


    He swallows a hard gulp and lowers his eyes to her hand. He watches with carefulness as she takes her first bite.


    The only thing was, what will she eat first? The food he had picked for her or the ones his mother did.


    Oblivious to the thoughts of the man next to her, Yue Ling picks up the choy sum. She didn¡¯t think it matters since it was the piece of food at the top of the mountain on her te.


    cing it in her mouth, she doesn¡¯t think much and begins eating.


    What she did not know, this made Lu Tian¡¯s nose grow, and small smile curls on his face.


    He felt incredibly satisfied and starts to eat too. Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to continue cing more food on his wife¡¯s te.


    Unlike him, Madam Lu felt defeated with a heavy heart.


    She thought Yue Ling would pick the fried pork belly as everyone loves meat. However, despite this feeling inside her, she quickly discards it and smiles.


    So what if Lu Tian??s choice of food won. She is his mother, so his win is also her win.


    Treated like outcasts at the side, Zhao Ya¡¯Er and Madam Zhao had taken a small break from eating to observe the scene. When saw how shameless Madam Lu was being, both women scoff with eyes rolling.


    As the five individuals continue to have their lunch, the three men inside Jade Condos had just finished their meals.


    Liu Shan was a guest but volunteered to wash the dishes while Xu Long, the new owner of the penthouse clears the table. Both assistants were used to these jobs but anyone who saw them would mistake them for a newly wedded couple.


    Xu Long picks up the bowl and cup from the table. He walks over to the kitchen to put it in the sink but pauses midway when he noticed something from the corner of his eyes.


    He turns his head in the direction of the living room and a line appears between his brows.


    Lin Hui was thest to finish eating, but he was now sittingzily on one of the couches. His entire being was like he was the owner while Liu Shan and Xu Long were his maids.


    "Wow, you really arezy."


    Xu Long spat out his words with ridicule. He doesn¡¯t wait to hear a response from Lin Hui and continues on with his way to the kitchen.


    He soon reached the ink and ce the bowl and cup inside. However, he doesn¡¯t walk away to join the other man in the living room.


    He turns around but only to lean his back against the kitchen counter and stares over the ind to where the living room can be seen.


    "I¡¯m curious about something."


    Liu Shan finished washing the dishes. He had picked up a clean cloth to dry the dishes when he heard the assistant.


    He waited a few seconds to listen to what the man is going to say. However, met with a long silence, he frowns with blinking eyes.


    "Bro, if you don¡¯t say anything, I won¡¯t know what you¡¯re curious about."


    He picks up a bowl and dried it before putting it inside the cupboard.


    "I¡¯m not a mind reader you know."


    "..."


    Xu Long was struck stupefied. He flung his head to look at Liu Shan in slow motion and stares with heavy eyes.


    "Well, bro, I was just getting there until you interrupted me."


    His words fell with his rolling eyes. He would have gotten to his point if Liu Shan had not interrupted him.


    "Anyways, what I was trying to say is, I heard that Red Moon is in chaos."


    He nces at Lin Hui in the living room without turning his head then looks back at Liu Shan.


    "What I¡¯m curious about is, did this have anything to do with Fate?"

 Chapter 770 Save you both

    <h4>Chapter 770 Save you both</h4>


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t look at the man standing next to him. Even without looking, he could see from the corner of his eyes that Xu Long was staring at him as if trying to read his thoughts.


    He continues to remain unfazed and dries the dishes but deep down he couldn¡¯t help but recall what Gui Tian Lan had told him about what happened after their counter with Red Moon.


    While everyone went home for the night, Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan, Gui Zhongmin, and Tang Zhonghui decided to follow Tao Meng and his men back to Red Moon. They had to make sure that no one from Red Moon thought about harming anyone from Fate.


    Especially when they became aware that Tao Meng had taken interest in their boss and Xiao was the kind of person who holds grudges against those who humiliated him.


    Luckily, they made the decision to follow because they overheard Xiao on the phone with someone. The man had thought out a n with outsiders to destroy Fate to get back at Mad Reaper for not telling the others to back down.


    Not only that, but it was also the perfect opportunity to get rid of the infamous Fate because the foundation of Fate was practically vacant with only Steward Yang residing there.


    As Liu Shan¡¯s thoughts deepen, his eyes darken a shade darker. He truly regretted letting the bastards from Red Moon off too easily. If Xiao had the intentions to harm Fate, who knows what the others were thinking.


    He swore inside, if Tao Meng or any of his men so close as to have any thoughts of touching his boss and Fate, he will make them wish they were never born.


    Xu Long, who waspletely unaware of the man¡¯s thoughts, tilts his head to the side. He was muddled as Liu Shan didn¡¯t answer his question. However, noticing the grave look on the man¡¯s face, he creased his brows.


    "Liu Shan? Did you hear me?"


    He calls out a few times to get the assistant¡¯s attention, but still received no response. His confusion turned into frustration as he wonders about what could have made Liu Shan¡¯s this angry.


    His eyes unknowingly nce down and seeing how tight Liu Shan was gripping onto the bowl in hand, his eyes widen, and he panics.


    "Bro you¡¯re going to break the bowl!"


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyes that seemed to have lost their way quickly returns to normal when he heard Xu Long. He blinks a few times then lowers his head to look at the bowl he was drying.


    He quickly loosens his grip but ended up dropping the bowl into the sink.


    Liu Shan: "Uhh..."


    Xu Long: "..."


    Lin Hui: "What happened? What was that sound?"


    As the two assistants stood in silence in the kitchen, Lin Hui¡¯s voice calls out from the living room. He (Lin Hui) was nning to take a quick nap from his fooda.


    His eyes were already closed, and he was just about to drift to sleep but when heard the loud crash, he jolted awake.


    Hearing no response from the other two, he looks in their direction from over the kitchen ind. When he saw how neither person was moving, a sudden thought came to his mind.


    Could it be that when he closed his eyes, someone had broken into the ce? Did the person hear him?


    Judging how the two assistants aren¡¯t moving from the sound, it must mean they are being held at gunpoint.


    Trusting his own thoughts, he slowly slid down from the couch like a slug. He doesn¡¯t rush towards the kitchen butys on his stomach on the floor. With carefulness, he engages his entire body and focuses his strength on his core and arm muscles.


    In this position, he turns into a soldier and army crawls his way to the kitchen. He needed to stay low and quiet or else he might give away his position.


    Making his way toward his target destination, his expression turns into rage and he mumbles angrily to himself.


    "I swear I¡¯m going to make this bastard pay for breaking in here."


    His eyes search around his surrounding from ground level. Seeing no one in sight, he continues on with his crawl.


    "Liu Shan, Xu Long, don¡¯t worry brothers. I am here and I will save you both."


    Unaware of how foolish he was being, he crawls until he reached the kitchen. Like a soldier on a mission to rescue the hostage, his eyes narrow to locate the intruder. However, seeing no trace of anyone else inside Xu Long¡¯s penthouse, he furrowed his brows.


    Could it be that he was overthinking the situation?


    Could it all have been a dream?


    "Dude, why are you on the floor?"


    A voice sounds from above him, but deep in his own thoughts, he doesn¡¯t look up and answers with an absent mind.


    "I¡¯m trying to find the intruder."


    "You¡¯re what?"


    "I¡¯m trying to.... Uh..."


    He answers without any second thoughts. However, he was also thinking about why the voice sounded confused and like it belongs to Xu Long.


    Just as he thought this, he realized it was Xu Long¡¯s voice and his entire body froze on the floor.


    His head raises in slow motion and he stares at the assistant of the coldblooded Lu Tian.


    "Heh, heh..."


    He forces a smile with a sarcastic chuckle.


    "I was um... Where is the intruder?"


    Xu Long stares down at the man with a face full of confusion. He had good hearing so when he heard something shuffling behind him, he had walked over to see what it was.


    Never did he think it was going to be Lin Hui. Not only that, seeing the man crawling was even more shocking. However, thinking about the man¡¯s weird answers and questions, he frowns.


    "What are you talking about? What intruder?"


    "..."


    Lin Hui didn¡¯t know what to do at this moment. He kept a smile, but it was a frozen one. What in the world is going on? Was everything all his imagination? What about the loud crash he heard?


    He averts his gaze from Xu Long and turns his head to look at the other assistant. To his surprise, Liu Shan was also looking at him, but the man was holding pieces of broken ss in his hand.


    It was at that moment that Lin Hui put everything together.


    There was no intruder or broken window, it was a broken bowl.


    "I..."


    He stutters out one word as both assistants were staring at him as if expecting an answer for what he was going on the floor.


    However, he couldn¡¯t answer them quickly as his mind was a nk space.


    After what felt like an eternity had gone by, he finally found an answer. He lowers his head and scratches the floor with one hand.


    "Don¡¯t mind me, I notice that Xu Long¡¯s floors were a little dirty. I¡¯m just cleaning it."


    "..."


    Liu Shan and Xu Long stare at the man in the same room as them. Neither were able to understand the man¡¯s way of thinking and doing things.


    "Bro, I just mopped the floor this morning."


    "..."


    Xu Long pointed out as he looks at the floor that had no spec of dirt or dust. Due to his boss¡¯s cleanliness, it became a habit of his to clean until everything is spotless.


    Without raising his head, Lin Hui continues to clean the floor despite what he heard. However, with his head lowered and face unable to be seen, he squeezes his eyes shut and sobs quietly to himself.


    In all his years of living, he has never cleaned any floor with his bare hands. Even in his own home.


    Xu Long shakes his head at the sight of a trembling Lin Hui. He doesn¡¯t pry into why the man was cleaning his floor and looks at Liu Shan.


    He parted his lips to say something but ncing down at the broken pieces of ss in the assistant¡¯s hands, he says something else.


    "Well, I suppose ¡¯that¡¯ answer my question from earlier."


    Liu Shan looks up from Lin Hui to Xu Long. He doesn¡¯t give a response right away but looks down at his hands.


    "Sorry, I¡¯ll buy you a new bowl."


    He walks away from the sink to where the trash bin is and throws the ss away. He stares at the broken pieces of ss without moving back.


    "And the answer to your curiosity is, yes."


    He closes the lid to the trash bin and turns his head to look at Xu Long.


    "Red Moon is in a chaotic mess because they crossed the line."

 Chapter 771 Like a pedophile

    <h4>Chapter 771 Like a pedophile</h4>


    Minutes pass by and the three men inside Jade Condos moved from the kitchen to the living room. Liu Shan sat on one of the couches with Lin Hui. In his hand was a warm cup of coffee he had prepared for himself.


    He calmly raises his hand to drink the coffee then takes a nce at the man sitting on the opposite couch.


    The moment all three of them sat down, he got into full details of what happened the night they encounter Red Moon. He even included the fact that Ling Ni was there at the time.


    Lin Hui sat on the left of Liu Shan with arms folded over his chest. His head slightly turned to look at Xu Long as he waits for the man¡¯s response.


    However, hearing nothing, he sighs loudly as the silence in the penthouse was dreading him.


    "Xu Long, if you have something to say, say it. Why are you keeping your mouth open like that? Or could it be that you are waiting for a bug to fly into your mouth?"


    Hearing Lin Hui¡¯s sarcastic words, Xu Long, who had been staring at Liu Shan the entire time, slowly turns his head to look at the man who spoke. His expression was still the same. Eyes wider than usual and mouth hanging open like his jaw had been nailed to the floor.


    He stares between Liu Shan and Lin Hui for a long minute. However, when that minute came up, he started seeing faint white lines and he stops by closing his eyes as if to take a quick break.


    When he opened his eyes again, he takes a deep breath and closes his mouth with the help of one hand. He looks back at the two men but meeting their eyes, his cheek flush pink and he clears his throat.


    He had been too shocked about what Liu Shan told and had onlye back to his senses.


    "So you¡¯re telling me that Gui Tian Lan killed Xiao. Xiao, who is Tao Meng¡¯s lefthand man? But why?"


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t answer right away but calmly takes another sip of the warm coffee in his hand. He lowers his hand and looks away from Xu Long.


    "Even though you aren¡¯t from the underworld, you know about what goes on inside Red Moon."


    His eyes narrow slightly as they sh with a trace of dangerous light and his words continue.


    "Xiao is a filthy man with many tricks up his sleeves. His death was his fault. He shouldn¡¯t have crossed the line that was drawn to stop him."


    Xu Long was still taken aback by everything. However, he couldn¡¯t believe that such an event happened under their nose and neither he nor his boss was aware of it until recently when the news came from the Chief of Police.


    When they learned about what happened, no one pinned it to Fate or even think that Fate was involved. At most, they thought it was just another gang fight as Xiao is the type of person to start problems wherever he goes.


    Also, he (Xu Long) was only jesting when he asked Liu Shan if Fate had anything to do with it.


    Never did he expect any of this at all.


    As his thoughts trail deeper into his abyss, he furrows his brows together. Does this mean hisdy boss was there at the time too? What about his boss? Does he know?


    "Xiao¡¯s death is a warning."


    Lin Hui suddenly interrupts the assistant¡¯s thoughts. He leans forward and ces both his elbows on his knees.


    "Cross the line again and it won¡¯t be only one person¡¯s fate."


    Recalling the incident that happened that night, his expression darkened as ck as the bottom of a burnt pot. Gui Tian Lan, Qi Li, Gui Zhongmin, and Tang Zhonghui did toss Xiao¡¯s body away in the mountain. Instead, they had personally delivered the dead body to Red Moon and ced it in front of the building.


    They also made it clear for Tao Meng that Xiao¡¯s death is a warning. If Red Moon doesn¡¯t want to end up with the same fate as Ghost Gang, he better straightens things out with his men.


    Xu Long felt a shiver creep down his spine when he saw Lin Hui¡¯s grave expression. This was the first time he¡¯s ever seen the man look like this and it was enough to scare him.


    Now, he is truly d that he became friends with Fate. If they had been enemies and crossed paths, even he can¡¯t be sure who the winning side will be.


    He stares deeply at the two men and he touches his chin. He looked like he was trying to see into their souls.


    "What is it? Why are you looking at us like that?"


    Lin Hui noticed the man¡¯s intense gaze. The grim look on his face quickly changes into one of difort. He sits up and raises both hands to cover his chest.


    He doesn¡¯t know why but Xu Long¡¯s stare made him feel like a rabbit being checked out by a predator in the distance.


    His face scrunches into a frown at this feeling and his mouth turned upside down.


    "Get that expression of yours out of here. You look like a pedophile."


    "..."


    Xu Long was struck dumb by the man¡¯s harsh words that entered his ears. How did his expression make him look like a pedophile? Not only that, but he also hates pedophiles. How dare Lin Huibel him with such disgusting people?!


    Feeling irritated by this, he snorts loudly and looks away from the two men with attitude.


    "Sheesh, you¡¯re so rude."


    He brushes aside his feelings and changes his expression back to how it usually looks.


    "Anyways, I was just thinking about how cool the members of Fate are." Excluding Lin Hui.


    He spoke the few ending words in his head and puts on a thinking face.


    "It¡¯s like each person is an undercover agent."


    He rubs his chin like he had a long beard and his eyes slightly narrow.


    "De Lamour¡¯s design team is actually Fate¡¯s Alpha Team. All highly knowledgeable in the fashion world, but in truth, they are deadly fighters."


    His head lightly nods like he was proud of his own words.


    "Then there¡¯s Uncle Zhi. Anyone who sees him will no doubt think he is your ordinary middle-aged man running a shop, but he is none other than the legendary Zhi Jian Hong."


    His words fell calmly, but when he mentioned Uncle Zhi¡¯s words, his arms spread out like an eagle and he emphasizes the man¡¯s name.


    He doesn¡¯t stop there but looks at Liu Shan and Lin Hui.


    "Correct me if I am wrong, but from my observation, everyone working at De L¡¯amour is actually from Fate, right?"

 Chapter 772 Im not a janitor

    <h4>Chapter 772 I¡°m not a janitor</h4>


    Liu Shan and Lin Hui nod their heads, but both men had a nk expression. If it had been someone else who spoke about Fate, they would have silenced the person.


    As anyone who knows too much about Fate will use it to harm each member.


    However, their situation here was different as this person is Xu Long.


    Knowing each other had been a short time, but he is someone they consider to be arade then now a brother.


    Seeing their response, Xu Long subconsciously nods his head like an old man.


    He had his suspicion from the moment he set foot inside De L¡¯amour. It had only been a handful of times. However, from careful observation, he noticed that the employees there gave off a strange vibe.


    Each person seemed to be working on their own assignments, but he was sure that they were wary of him. They also paid careful attention when they walk around. It was like they were bodyguards rather than your averagepany workers.


    Also, they don¡¯t act like coworkers. They made him feel like he had walked into a family-owned business instead of a cooperate one.


    He noticed another thing, and it has been on his mind for a while now.


    He looks at Liu Shan then to Lin Hui.


    "If Liu Shan is the assistant, what does that make you? A janitor?"


    He had to ask because every time he goes to De L¡¯amour, he never sees Lin Hui. It was always outside that they would meet.


    Not only that, but he also hasn¡¯t once seen a janitor in thepany too.


    With this in mind, he can only conclude that Lin Hui is the janitor. So, when he (Xu Long) pays a visit, he (Lin Hui), probably embarrassed about his position, would hide somewhere.


    "*Cough. What the heck?! *Cough."


    Lin Hui chokes on his saliva and coughs multiple times at the man¡¯s assumption. He pats his chest to calm himself before sending a re.


    "Why would you assume I am the janitor? And even if I were, don¡¯t look down on janitors. They work harder than anyone else in apany."


    Not expecting this kind of response, Xu Long was shocked to the core. His eyes widen, and he covers his mouth with a muffled gasp.


    "So I am correct then. You are a janitor. No wonder you said my floor was dirty. You clean for a living."


    "..."


    Lin Hui¡¯s eyelids turned heavy like someone had taped them to keep him from opening his eyes. His expression was so dark that he clenches his fists to hold himself back. If he doesn¡¯t do this, he swore he would march right over to Xu Long and strangle the man to death.


    Even he can¡¯t help but want to cut the man¡¯s head open and see what is making him think this way.


    Oblivious to the grin look on Lin Hui¡¯s face, Xu Long moves his hand away from blocking his mouth. He ces his palm on his chest and sighs deeply.


    He puts on a serious yet pitiful expression as he stares at Lin Hui.


    "Don¡¯t worry. Janitor or not, your secret is safe with me. I will never abandon a good friend like you."


    He gestures a fist pat on his chest and points to the man. His movement was as if saying, ¡¯I got you.¡¯


    Lin Hui was once again dumbfounded. He had been sarcastic this entire time, but Xu Long didn¡¯t seem to grasp the picture at all.


    Liu Shan¡¯s shoulders lightly tremble as he listened to the conversation. He presses his lips tightly together to keep himself from fighting with his inner demon.


    However, having lost the battle, he sounds a snort before bursting into a peal of loud and hystericalughter.


    "Janitor? Lin Hui, a janitor? Good Lord, I really wish to see that happen before I die!"


    Hearing the manugh like everything in life was nothing but a big joke to him, Lin Hui frowns, and Xu Long blinks his eyes in confusion.


    "Why are youughing so hard like a drunk man? What¡¯s so funny? Tell me, I want tough too."


    Xu Long asks with a muddled expression. However, Liu Shan continues tough while holding his stomach.


    "He¡¯sughing because of your ridiculous assumption."


    Lin Hui answers the question in a low growl. He didn¡¯t hide his sulking expression like he had eaten something that left a bad taste in his mouth.


    He sends a side re at Liu Shan then moves his line of sight to Xu Long. He eyes the man from head to toe, then scoffs arrogantly.


    "Seriously, with the way your mind works, sometimes I wonder how you even qualified to be Lu Tian¡¯s assistant."


    "What is that supposed to mean?"


    Xu Long¡¯s face turned crimson red, and he didn¡¯t hesitate to retaliate. His back arcs forward, and he stuck his chest out.


    "At least I qualified to be my boss¡¯s assistant. Unlike you, who only qualified to be a janitor."


    His words fell in ridicule but also in a taunting way. However, he didn¡¯t care because no one has ever questioned his capabilities like this.


    Lin Hui rolled his eyes and scoffed a chuckle. He really can¡¯t believe that Xu Long actually thinks of him like this.


    "There you go again, saying I am a janitor."


    He raises one hand, rubs his forehead to rid of any frustration rising. He lowers his hand and leans back on the couch.


    "I told you, I¡¯m not a janitor and don¡¯t look down on them. It¡¯s mean and rude."


    He raises his hand again and curls it into a fist. Moving it to the front of his neck, he motions it¡¯s across like he was slicing his throat.


    "I am a contract killer."


    Xu Long gasp then nods his head with a faint, "Ah, I see."


    He had really thought Lin Hui was a janitor. However, hearing that Lin Hui is actually a contract killer, everything made more sense.


    Contract killers are involved in illegal agreements with their providers and have to stay low to not reveal any true motives.


    Now he understands why Lin Hui is so good at what he does.


    Then again, why be a contract killer....


    He thought the question in his head, but at that moment, it was like someone had slowly poured a bucket of ice-cold water over him.


    After a long minute passes, he darts his head to look at Lin Hui, and he stutters.


    "Y-Y-You¡¯re a c-c-contract k-killer?!"

 Chapter 773 Disgusting man

    <h4>Chapter 773 Disgusting man</h4>


    Xu Long¡¯s voice echoed loudly inside his penthouse. So loud that it was possible for the people living on the first floor to hear him.


    "What the hell, bro! Why are you so loud?!!"


    Lin Hui jumps up from his seat and lunges for the man. He quickly covers Xu Long¡¯s mouth and silences the man. He looks around the ce like the biggest secret in the world had just been revealed.


    When he felt it was safe enough, he leans down closer to Xu Long and whispers with seriousness.


    "You can¡¯t be too sure who is listening."


    "..."


    Xu Long was dumbfounded by this kind of behavior and the position he was in. He stares up at the man sealing any words he wanted to say.


    This is his (Xu Long) ce now. The moment his boss gave this ce to him, he had done a thorough walkthrough for anything suspicious. Not that he didn¡¯t trust his boss, but this was regarding his personal living space.


    If he did have any cameras set up, he would never give others the opportunity to hack into his life as a hacker.


    However, remembering the situation he was in and who Lin Hui was said to be, his face drained of all life.


    "Mmm! Mm-mm! Mmm!!"


    He wanted to tell Lin Hui something, but with his mouth covered, everything that came out sounded muffled and incoherent. However, he doesn¡¯t stop to think that Lin Hui might not be able to understand one word he was trying to say.


    Seeing the assistant trying so hard to struggle, the corners of Lin Hui¡¯s lip slowly curls up into a devilish smirk. He lets go of Xu Long and plops down on the vacant seat next to the man.


    "Alright, alright. I won¡¯t kill you. I¡¯m not that petty."


    He rubs the tip of his nose with his thumb, and a glistering light shes in his eyes.


    "Also, I prefer to be called hitman. It sounds a lot cooler than a contract killer."


    Xu Long¡¯s current position left him half hanging on the edge of the couch. He doesn¡¯t move a muscle as he was too shocked at what happened.


    Not at Lin Hui¡¯s dangerous behavior, but because he couldn¡¯t believe that despite his muffled words, Lin Hui was able to understand him.


    He turns to look at Lin Hui and the shocked look on his face shot up like a rocket sting off into space.


    "You... How were you able to understand me?"


    While his mouth was being covered, he had asked if Lin Hui was going to kill him because he knew what the man is.


    Thinking this, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if all contract... no if all hitmen were like this.


    To test out his theory, he nces at Liu Shan. If Liu Shan understood his muffled words, then it must be those from Fate are well...


    However, to his unfortunate, when his eyes met the other assistant¡¯s eyes, his theory was thrown out the window.


    Liu Shan was giving the man a look as if saying, ¡¯Don¡¯t look at me. I don¡¯t speak idiot.¡¯


    Left with no other choice, Xu Long could only look back at the only person in the room who understood him. He didn¡¯t need to say anything as his question was written across his face.


    Lin Hui kept a straight face like he was proud of himself. He straightens his posture, and raising his left hand, he taps his temple with his pointer finger.


    "Instincts."


    Hearing this kind of response, Xu Long was shaking to the point of no return. Not only is Lin Hui a hitman but one who has supernatural instincts too.


    He scoots closer to Lin Hui, leaving only a small space to rest his hand over. His eyes blink with fairy dust, and he turns into a bashful girl trying to get on her crush¡¯s good side.


    "Wow, I would definitely want you as my boyfriend. Not only are you good at fighting, but you know how to handle a gun skillfully, and you can understand words that don¡¯t seem to make any sense."


    Lin Hui stares at the man leaning a little too close to him. If it was a girl in front of him, his heart would skip a beat, but to think the person who praised him was none other than a man.


    Even worse, it was Xu Long.


    The corner of his mouth twitch as a wave of disgust wash inside him. At the same time, he swore it was like millions of tiny ants were crawling throughout his body.


    His body trembles with goosebumps the more he looked at Xu Long.


    "Eww, get away from me!"


    He waves his arms like a g and shoves the man back before hopping onto his feet. He quickly dashes back to the couch that Liu Shan was sitting and sits down.


    "Disgusting man."


    Xu Long howls augh at the sight of this. Now he understands why Zhao Ya¡¯Er thinks he and Lin Hui are in a rtionship. However, while others believe that way about them, their interactions were more like that of two brothers.


    He smiles at Lin Hui but not swelling on the subject anymore, he looks at the man who had sat the entire time quietly.


    "So what does Fate intend to do about Red Moon? Since Xiao ys a big part in the gang, is Tao Meng really going to sit back and let this incident go? What aboutdy boss, what is she going to do?"


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t answer right away but ponders to himself. The situation regarding Xiao had already reached his boss, but her response was...


    "Nothing."


    His words fell, and still holding the cup of coffee in hand, he ces it down on the side table. He crosses his arms over his chest, and his words continue.


    "Tao Meng is well aware of who sent Xiao¡¯s body to Red Moon. He won¡¯t do anything reckless, especially now that Fate is back in the underworld."

 Chapter 774 Give boss a heads up

    <h4>Chapter 774 Give boss a heads up</h4>


    Liu Shan thought back to when he and Gui Tian Lan informed Yue Ling about Xiao. She listened until the end with no change in her expression. They thought she was going to be angry that they brought trouble to her.


    However, that wasn¡¯t the case.


    She didn¡¯t get angry at them for doing what they did, and it was understandable because it involved the safety of Fate.


    When they asked if she wanted them to take out Red Moon, she shook her head. She instructed everyone to not make a move.


    Not because she is afraid of Red Moon but because there is still a need to have the gang around.


    Since she gathered the other influential leaders of the underworld for a meeting, it clearly meant that Fate has returned. With this fact, Tao Meng knows not to cross the line. If he does, it isn¡¯t only Fate that he has to deal with but also White Tiger, ck Dragon, ck Jade, and Red Dragon.


    These four gangs stand below Fate, but they are more potent than other gangs.


    "Fate has returned to the underworld, and that alone is enough to keep Red Moon from trying anything stupid."


    Liu Shan spoke calmly, but each word that escaped his mouth only darkened his expression.


    "If Tao Meng so close as to try and have any interest in my boss again, I swear on my life, I¡¯ll rip him to pieces." Even if it means I have to go back to being Mad Reaper.


    He spoke thest sentence to himself, and Xu Long nods his head a few times in understanding. He thought back to the reports he found regarding the underworld.


    "I see, so that¡¯s how it is..."


    As someone who works alongside Lu Tian and Wolf Team, he has to gather all the intel when needed. From what he found, Red Moon is a smaller gangpare to ck Dragon and White Tiger, but it (Red Moon) still holds a specific position in the underworld.


    If Fate takes out Red Moon, it will mean one less gang to deal with. However, even if Red Moon disappears, another bloodshed will rise in the underworld as other smaller gangs will undoubtedly try to take over.


    The more Xu Long thought about this, he could only apud hisdy boss. Yue Ling knows the pros and cons of the underworld, but one thing she knows is that if a fight was to break out, it was either Fate who had to clean the mess or his boss.


    So not wanting to bother Lu Tian, she tells those from Fate to not do anything unless necessary.


    However, thinking about something, he sounds a faint scoff un remembrance of hisst encounter with Red Moon.


    It had been a year ago, but he remembers it as it had only happened yesterday.


    All he has to say is that the people in Red Moon are arrogant and full of themselves. To think the new leader of that gang dared to take in interest in hisdy boss.


    Wait, what?!!


    Like Deja-vu struck him on the face, he looks at Liu Shan with horror. It was like time had really rewind, and he brought back to the time he learned Lin Hui was a hitman.


    Only, this time, it was about Yue Ling.


    His mouth opened and closed like a fish washed up on drynd. It took him a while before he struggles a hard gulp and found his voice.


    "Tao Meng was trying to woo MYdy boss?! As in, MYdy boss, Han Yue Ling AKA Mami?"


    He made it loud and clear that Yue Ling was hisdy boss. However, Liu Shan and Lin Hui scrunch their face at him.


    Yue Ling is their boss, but Xu Long made it seem like she was his boss first.


    However, shaking the thought, Lin Hui answers with a snort.


    "Don¡¯t even remind me of that. If you had seen the way he was looking at boss, you would be boiling with rage like the rest of us."


    Xu Long¡¯s entire being drained of all colors. He did not expect to hear such a thing. However, why is he just now hearing this? What about his boss, does he (Lu Tian) know?


    No, probably not. If Lu Tian did know, Tao Meng and Red Moon would have been in a bigger chaotic mess. Also, he would have been informed about everything instead of hearing from Liu Shan and Lin Hui.


    Raising one hand, he bites his nails and contemtes something serious.


    After a few seconds, he makes a decision and abruptly stood up from the couch. He stares ahead with the posture of a soldier and inhales a deep breath.


    "I swore my oath to loyalty. For that, I must do what I am destined to do."


    Taking significant strides, he runs in the direction of his bedroom.


    "Um... why is he in such a rush?"


    Lin Hui asked with a puzzled look. One minute he was calm, then he was acting like a panic mother hen in the next minute.


    Just what is going on in that head of his?


    Liu Shan nce in the direction the man had raced off to. He turns away to pick up his cup of coffee.


    "If my guess is correct, he must be on his way to inform his boss."


    Holding the cup in hand, he felt its coldness and heaves a sigh.


    "We should also give boss a heads up."


    His words fell like a gentle breeze, and he stood up from the couch.


    From Xu Long¡¯s reaction to the news, he can confirm that Yue Ling had not told Lu Tian. So, as her subordinate and someone who also swore an oath to loyalty, he should let her know in case Lu Tian goes on a rampage.


    He walks towards the kitchen to make a new cup of coffee but pauses in his steps.


    "By ¡¯we,¡¯ I meant you."


    Lin Hui was left alone in the living room in a bbergasted state. He scratches the back of his head and frowns at where Liu Shan had gone.


    "Call boss? But should that be you? You¡¯re her assistant. Besides, Xu Long is only... Oh, snap!"


    He muddleheaded at first, but quickly putting Liu Shan¡¯s words and Xu Long¡¯s behavior together, he quickly caught on. He reaches into his pocket and takes out his phone at a frantic speed.


    Unlocking the screen, he presses the speed dial number for his boss then ce the phone near his ear.


    As the phone rings from the other line, he bites his nails in a nervous sob.


    "Come on. Come on, boss. Pick up your phone. This is a life and death situation. Please."

 Chapter 775 Cant disappoint them

    <h4>Chapter 775 Can¡°t disappoint them</h4>


    *Ring! Ring!


    Inside the restaurant, Yue Ling and Lu Tian were having lunch with Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er. They had just finished their meal and were preparing to leave when the ringing of someone¡¯s phone goes off.


    Not sure whose phone was ringing as they all had the same ringtone, each person takes out their phone to check.


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er held a smile, thinking it was Xu Long calling her. However, when she saw her ck screen, she sighs depressingly.


    "It¡¯s not mine."


    "Not mine either."


    "Same here."


    Madam Lu and Madam Zhao chimes in after confirming it wasn¡¯t their phones. Both women nced at Yue Ling and Lu Tian. Upon seeing their expression, they knew who the call was for.


    "I need to take this."


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds when he saw who was calling him. He gives a small smile to his wife, then walks away to a quieter ce in the restaurant.


    Watching him leave, Yue Ling creases her eyebrows. The phone in her hand was also ringing. Could it be a coincidence?


    She brushes the strange feeling inside away and looks at the other three women. She gives them an apologetic smile and points to her phone.


    "Please excuse me for a bit. I also need to take this call."


    She walks away but only by taking a few steps. Her bluish-green eyes scan the restaurant with high sensory awareness. As she did this, she unlocks the screen and ces the phone next to her ear.


    "This is Yue Ling."


    "Speak."


    At the same time Yue Ling answered the call, so did Lu Tian. Like his wife, he was also watchful for any danger if he needed to perceive and act.


    Yue Ling¡¯s phone: ["Boss, run! Run¡ª"]


    Lu Tian¡¯s phone: ["Boss! You will never believe this!"]


    Together, two voices sounded coincidentally from the couple¡¯s phone. The other line¡¯s voice spoke frantically and incoherently, but Yue Ling and Lu Tian listened carefully.


    The more Yue Ling listened, the deeper she frowns. However, like she had heard something that surprised her, she abruptly looks at where Lu Tian was standing.


    Despite the five tables separating them, she could see his eyes already looking her away. Not only that, but his expression was as clear as the blue sky...


    "Lin Hui, I¡¯ll call you back."


    ["What happened? Are you okay? Boss?! Boss?! Am I toote? Boss?!"]


    Muting Lin Hui¡¯s voice out, Yue Ling ends the call. Never once did she avert her gaze from the man standing across from her.


    She could see that his handsome face held a trace of darkness, and she felt like a needle was suddenly stuck in her throat and made it harder for her to breathe.


    ¡¯What do I do? I forgot to tell him.¡¯


    She had arrived home that night drunk and forgot to tell him. Well, it wasn¡¯t that she forgot about the matter, she thought it wasn¡¯t necessary.


    She asks herself as she thought about what Lin Hui had called to tell her. Just then, she sees Lu Tian ending the call on his side.


    He ces his phone in his pocket and walks over to where she was.


    However, unlike the clouded expression he had on seconds ago, he had returned to his usual self. Only he was too calm. So calm that Yue Ling felt it was too scary.


    ¡¯What do I do? Should I make a run for it? Oh God, he¡¯s walking closer!¡¯


    Herposure was kept cool, but inside she was screaming with panic. Until they were only three feet apart, she forces a crooked smile and chuckle.


    "Tian, about... you see..."


    She tries to exin as she could already guess who had called him. However, unexpectedly, the corners of Lu Tian¡¯s mouth arc up into a soft smile.


    "We should go. Everyone is waiting for us."


    Yue Ling was sweating like crazy but tilted her head like a confused puppy when she heard his words.


    Didn¡¯t Lin Hui say that he and Liu Shan told Xu Long what happened during their encounter with Tao Meng and his men? She also heard that Xu Long was calling to let Lu Tian know, so Lin Hui called to let her know.


    However, when Lu Tian didn¡¯t react to how she would have thought him to, she was demented.


    Didn¡¯t Xu Long call to tell him, and it was the reason for the angry look he wore?


    Or could it be that she had misread the situation?


    Confused by the man¡¯s change of expression, she pouts with creased brows. Maybe she was overthinking. The call Lu Tian received must have been about something else.


    Thinking like this, she rxes a little and smiles her usual smile at him.


    "Let¡¯s not keep them waiting."


    She walks away first as Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were still waiting. If anything, she can tell him about the incident when they get home.


    Watching her walk away, Lu Tian leisurely follows behind her like a bodyguard. However, what his wife did not know is that he was holding in his anger.


    Not towards her but at the report, his assistant had just informed him. If he had not answered the call, he would have never known that a bastard like Tao Meng actually took an interest in his wife.


    As he thought about what he was doing that night, his blood began to boil. He should have gone to her instead of trying to be a good husband waiting at home.


    Remembering how he even went to drink with Ye Zhongwei and Zhi Yifan, he inhales a deep breath that caused his body to tremble.


    Just what kind of husband is he to not see or know that something like this happened to his wife?


    He swore he¡¯s going to keep a closer watch on her. Even if he has to do it sneakily, he won¡¯t ever take his eyes off her again.


    The second he thought this, he notices something from the corner of his eyes. He shifts his gaze from his wife and looks at what caught his attention.


    His expression turned sour, and he growls a faint murmur.


    "Stupid bees. Why are they everywhere?"


    Not too far from where he and his wife were walking, a group of men was seated for lunch. However, not paying attention to the food in front of them, their eyes were locked on his oblivious wife.


    They looked like a pack of hyenas waiting for the perfect time to strike an attack.


    Annoyed by this and tasting vinegar in his mouth, Lu Tian takes two significant strides forward. He walks shoulder to shoulder with his wife and ce his arm around her waist.


    "Tian, what¡¯s the matter?"


    Yue Ling was taken off guard as she was utterly oblivious to what Lu Tian was seeing. She tries to pull away as she didn¡¯t want to be seen as a shameless woman. Especially when his family is here too.


    However, having pushed herself away by an inch, Lu Tian tightens his hold around her.


    He presses her closely again him like he was trying to glue her to him. His head lowers towards her, making it seem like he was giving her a small peck on the cheek.


    "Don¡¯t move. If you do, I¡¯ll really kiss you in front of everyone."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was taken aback so much that she almost stumbles in her steps. If it weren¡¯t for Lu Tian¡¯s hold on her, she would have fallen forward. She inhales a deep breath and leans closer to him to whisper back.


    "Your mother, aunt, and cousin are here too. Do you really have to hold me this close?"


    Lu Tian nces in the direction of his mother, aunt, and cousin. Seeing their expressions, a smile curls on his lip, and without any warning, he ced a kiss on her temple before moving his head away.


    "Of course, I can¡¯t disappoint them."


    Yue Ling wanted to argue back, but she was rendered speechless when she looks at the three women.


    Waiting patiently a short distance from her and Lu Tian, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao were hugging each other with the most joyous smile on their face. A little next to them, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was grinning from ear to ear and giving Lu Tian a thumbs up.

 Chapter 776 Angry with you

    <h4>Chapter 776 Angry with you</h4>


    Yue Ling sat in her white BMW x5m, leaving the restaurant, but she wasn¡¯t the one driving. Lu Tian had instructed Xu Long toe and drive his car home so he can go in the same car as her.


    Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were forced by Lu Tian to go in a separate car.


    Yue Ling thought he had done this so they could be alone and discuss the phone call.


    However, seconds turned into minutes, and before she knew it, twenty minutes had already gone by.


    Lu Tian never spoke a word but focused on the road. What he didn¡¯t know is that his silence was killing Yue Ling on the inside.


    Unable to take the silence anymore, Yue Ling gathers all the courage inside her and decides to break the silence. Since he isn¡¯t bringing up the topic, maybe he is waiting for her to say something.


    Thinking this way, she slightly adjusts her body to face the man and looks at him.


    "Tian, there¡¯s something I forgot to tell you."


    Her words pause, and she inhales a deep breath as she braces herself.


    "You see, the thing is, it wasn¡¯t that I forgot to tell you. I mean, yes, I came home a little drunk... okay, totally drunk that night, but that isn¡¯t my excuse because I had no intentions of keeping it a secret from you."


    She struggles with her words initially but was slowly able to find the right words to help her get started on her exnation. She stares at the side view of Lu Tian¡¯s face and notices that his expression had remained as indifferent as usual.


    This made her heave a sigh. She also thought that if she saw herself from another perspective, she would feel that she was trying to make up some kind ofme excuse.


    However, excuse or not, she is telling the truth, and it was better to let him hear from her.


    "That night, my employees and I did go out to eat and drink at Uncle Nuo¡¯s food stall. We didn¡¯t think that Tao Meng and his¡ª"


    "It¡¯s fine."


    Before she could finish her words, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice cuts her off. He made it seem like he didn¡¯t want to hear anything she has to say.


    Yue Ling¡¯s heart sank to her stomach. Her mouth was left agape, but there was no sound. All she could do was stare with a slightly pale expression at him.


    Is he so angry that he won¡¯t even listen to her exnation?


    Could this be the oue of someone who forgets to tell someone something?


    She indeed forgot to tell him, but she thought it wasn¡¯t necessary. No, judging from his expression and tone, this information that was unimportant to her might have been important to him.


    Knowing she had screwed up, she curses inside at herself for being unable to handle alcohol. If she hadn¡¯t been so drunk and only wanted to count the stars, maybe she could have used that time to tell him.


    Like someone had punched her hard on the chest, she fell heavily and limply into the passenger seat. She lowers her head to hide her conscious-stricken face and murmurs quietly.


    "I¡¯m sorry??"


    Lu Tian never turned his head to look at his wife. He had been focusing his attention on the road ahead as he was following the car his mother, aunt, and cousin were in.


    When he suddenly heard his wife speak, he didn¡¯t look at her, but his ears were opened to listen. He thought she would talk about something else, but in the end, it was about what Xu Long had informed him.


    It was then that he quickly told her that it was fine. However, before he could say to her why he said what he said, he hears her apologizing.


    This made him frown and purse his lip.


    "Why are you apologizing? You didn¡¯t do anything wrong."


    Yue Ling kept her head down like she was ashamed of herself. She shook her head and closed her eyes with a small squeeze.


    "I did do something wrong. We¡¯re in this rtionship together, but I didn¡¯t consider your feelings. I should have told you, even if it wasn¡¯t important."


    Her eyes open, and she stares down at her hands that were ced over herp.


    "That¡¯s... that¡¯s why you are angry..."


    The lines between Lu Tian¡¯s eyebrows ceases, and he smiles an unnoticeable smile. It seems like his wife really did misunderstand his words.


    He sighs inside and reaches one hand out to her as his other hand controls the steering wheel. Gently cing hisrge palm over her small hand, he takes hold of her hand closer to him.


    "I wasn¡¯t and am not angry."


    He uses his hand to separate her ovepped hands so his fingers could fill the gap between her fingers. Guiding her hand back to him, he brings it closer to his lip and ces a soft kiss on it without taking his eyes away from the road.


    "I can never be angry with you."


    He then lowers her hand but only to press the back of her hand against his cheek.


    "Whatever happened that night, I believe you must have had your own reasons for not telling me."


    From what he can conclude, his wife isn¡¯t the type to keep unnecessary secrets from him. If it was indeed important, like how Xu Long made it sound, she would have undoubtedly told him first.


    Yue Ling lifted her hand when she felt his lips on her hand. However, when she looked at him, she was met with Lu Tian slightly turning his head to look at her.


    Their eyes met like lovers who were separated and could only see each other from a far distance. He smiles ever so lightly to her and kisses her hand again with a look of reassurance.


    "That much is enough for me to trust you."

 Chapter 777 the tailor at your company

    <h4>Chapter 777 the tailor at yourpany</h4>


    Like Cupid had shot an arrow right at her heart, Yue Ling¡¯s entire being melted like moltenva. She felt relief that Lu Tian wasn¡¯t mad at her. If he had been, she wouldn¡¯t have med him.


    However, he trusted her so much to not question her reasons, and that was what touched her to the core.


    A small smile curls on her lip, and she gently squeezes his hand that was holding hers. She inhales a dry sniffle and pats her chest with her free hand.


    Despite Lu Tian already looking back at the road, she didn¡¯t look away from him.


    How is she so fortunate to meet such a wonderful man like Lu Tian?


    Thinking about this, she decides to tell him everything. Even though he said it was fine, she still wanted him to know.


    "About that night, my subordinates and I encounter Tao Meng and his men..."


    As the white BMW x5m drives through the streets of Imperial, Yue Ling¡¯s words continue to sound as Lu Tian listened.


    From start to end, he did not interrupt her. If others saw their conversation, they would have thought he was being arrogant and not listening. However, he was.


    Every word that escaped his wife¡¯s mouth entered his ear and did not go out the other.


    "Gui Tian Lan said he had no self-control over himself and killed Xiao. It was his fault, so he is willing to take all the me."


    Yue Ling ended her words with what Gui Tian Lan had said to her when he reported the matter. He wasn¡¯t alone at the scene, but he was ready to be responsible for the consequences.


    Lu Tian nods his head in silence. His eyes were glued on the road, but inside, he was pondering about who Gui Tian Lan was.


    "Gui Tian Lan..."


    He spoke the man¡¯s name to himself and finally remembering a face, the image of a young man holding needles enter his mind.


    "Ah, the tailor at yourpany."


    Yue Ling wasn¡¯t sure if Lu Tian was talking to himself or to her, but she nods her head in response.


    "He¡¯s usually well behaved, and deferentialpare to his younger twin, but when ites to rapists, he tends to lose control of himself."


    She remembers every moment when she met her subordinates as if it had just happened yesterday. However, out of all of them, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and her design team¡¯s meeting significantly impacted her life.


    The day she met Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin was on a rainy night. She had paid a visit to the foundation of Fate with Liu Shan. On her way to the airport, a blood-covered Gui Tian Lan jumped in front of her car while half-carrying his unconscious younger twin.


    It looked like an act of suicide, and Liu Shan was cursing at how crazy the brothers were being. However, for her, she thought it looked like they were running from someone.


    She then instructed Liu Shan to bring them back to Fate. Although Liu Shan was reluctant at first since outsiders are not allowed inside Fate, he had no choice but to listen as she was the leader.


    When the two brothers woke up, she asked what they were doing in Fate¡¯s part of the underworld.


    Gui Tian Lan was a stubborn young man and didn¡¯t answer, but Gui Zhongmin told the truth as if he had already ced all his trust in her.


    She then learned that they were searching for a man. Just when they were about to find the man, a group of thugs appeared, and a fight broke out.


    After carefully observing them during their stay at Fate, she could see that Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin had a strong-well to live. Once they recovered, she allowed them to leave. However, she would asionally run into them in the underworld. The only thing was, they were always beaten near death.


    If it had been another person, they would have left the two brothers to die for being weak.


    However, she was different. She considered their encounter as part of fate, so she decided to reach her hand out and offer them her help.


    She promised to help make them stronger so that no one can ever touch a strand of their hair.


    To her surprise, it wasn¡¯t Gui Zhongmin who took her hand, but Gui Tian Lan. He swore that if she can really help him be stronger, his life belongs to her.


    He was willing to be her sword and kill for her.


    She was indeed amused by his words at the time, but she had to decline his promise. She told him that his life is his own and not someone else¡¯s.


    Instead of giving his life to her, all she wants is for him to live for himself.


    As their time together allowed them to know one another better, Gui Tian Lan¡¯s stubbornness loosened, and he started to open up.


    He told her about his past and the tragedy that happened to his girlfriend. He even mentioned how he didn¡¯t want Gui Zhongmin to be involved in his dark world. However, his younger brother, who is easy-going, is actually more stubborn than him.


    Knowing this, it wasn¡¯t a surprise when he (Gui Tian Lan) took Yue Ling¡¯s hand because Gui Zhongmin did too.


    When Yue Ling listened to his story, she felt sympathy for the two brothers. They had been ordinary people trying to live by with life like everyone.


    Yet, Fate decided to put branches in their life to make it harder for them.


    It was like Fate was trying to test them. To see how far they can climb until they can¡¯t anymore and break.


    However, knowing that Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin were not as weak as fate had thought, she promises to do her best for them.


    She even offered Gui Tian Lan her help to find the man who raped and murdered his girlfriend, but he only shook his head. He said he was thankful for everything she did, but he wanted to find the man independently.


    It was his way of avenging his girlfriend¡¯s death. That way, when he meets her in the afterlife, he can smile and tell her that he got revenge for her.


    As Yue Ling slowly returns from the past, a faint smile curls on her lip. However, the look in her eyes held traces of dolorous.


    "He asked me if I me him for doing something morally wrong, but I don¡¯t."


    She knew he wanted her to me him because if Red Moon seeks revenge, they will direct their anger at him and not her.


    However, as the person who reached her hand out to him, she will never abandon him or any of her subordinates.


    She stares at the road ahead, but it wasn¡¯t the road that she was looking at. It was like she was staring into a nk space of the world.


    "Xiao is known to rape and torture all his women victims. For this, Fate must have led him to Gui Tian Lan."


    Her expression was void of all emotions as her bluish-green eyes seemed to have darkened a shade darker.


    "His death is retribution for all the evil hemitted."

 Chapter 778 she had entered the pas

    <h4>Chapter 778 she had entered the pas</h4>


    Time did not seem to slow down as Yue Ling, and Lu Tian arrived at their next stop. In front of them was a three-story building somewhere in the heart of Imperial.


    Due to the weekend, the streets were busier than usual with a massive crowd as many did not have work or school.


    Lu Tian drives the car into a private parking lot in the back of the building. He parks the car but doesn¡¯t turn off the ignition right away.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t take notice of this and nce out the window. Surprisingly, the parking lot was empty with only a few cars despite the heavy traffic.


    "Since we¡¯re here, let¡¯s finish our discussion when we get home."


    She looks at Lu Tian with a smile as she unbuckles her seatbelt. Although their conversation was cut short, she had told him all the essential things. As for the smaller details, she will leave it for when they go home. That way, they won¡¯t be disturbed in their own house.


    Thinking of this n, she reaches for her bag in the back seat and opens the passenger door to step out.


    Regrly, Lu Tian would have never agreed to her suggestion. He is the kind of person who tends to see a conversation to the end. However, the one in front of him is his wife.


    As her husband and man, he will listen to anything she says. After all, he proud to be a henpecked husband.


    He watches as she steps out of the car but doesn¡¯t follow in her steps.


    Yue Ling noticed this when she was about to close the door. She looks at him and tilts her head quizzically.


    "You¡¯re noting inside?"


    Lu Tian gazes back at her beauty for a long second. Her question sounded natural and normal, but it made him think of something else. One corner of his lip curls up into a very tiny smirk.


    "When do I ever not?"


    He answers her with a question that confused Yue Ling even more. She frowns with a pout and stares at the man with pondering.


    When did he ever not?


    She asks the question in her head multiple times. At first, she didn¡¯t grasp the meaning, but the moment she did, her eyes widen, and her entire face turns red.


    "Shameless!"


    She raises her voice without any care if someone heard her and ms the door shut. Picking up her feet, she storms away from the car with puffed cheeks.


    All she asked was if he was going to go inside, yet, here he is, having all the time in the world to joke around.


    She stopped at the hood of the car and flung her head to look at the aloof man still inside. She didn¡¯t bother to hide her expression and made sure Lu Tian saw how she was feeling.


    "Hmph."


    She looks away with a slight attitude and continues on her way to the other car.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes followed her movements like a hawk soaring in the sky. There was a smile on his face even though his wife wasn¡¯t looking at him.


    However, that smile slowly lowers as his wife enters the store with his mother, aunt, and cousin.


    He looks away and reaches for his phone inside his coat pocket. Taking it out, he unlocks the screen then press on a number. As the phone rings in wait for a connection, he ces it near his ear.


    ["Hello"]


    The calls fall through, and a man¡¯s voice can faintly be heard from the other line.


    "I need you to do something."


    Lu Tian answers the second the other picked up the phone. He doesn¡¯t beat around the bush and goes into detail about his call.


    He may not be angry at his wife for not telling him, but that doesn¡¯t mean he isn¡¯t fuming with rage on the inside.


    His wife had told him it sounded like any women¡¯s encounter of getting hit on by a man. However, this man that dares to take an interest in his wife is Tao Meng.


    The very man who will go to any means to get a woman he set his eyes on. Even if it means kidnapping them and chaining them to his bed.


    His wife said to not act and will obey her order. However, that doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯s going to let his guard down.


    ["I can gather the others today and be at your house in 15 minutes.]


    The man on the other line spoke, and Lu Tian was brought back from his thoughts. He looks in the direction of the store and sees his wife¡¯s silhouette through the window.


    "I¡¯m out with my wife. Xu Long has the passcode to get inside."


    He doesn¡¯t say anymore and ends the call. Shutting the ignition off, he ces his phone back in his coat pocket and steps out of the car.


    Inside the store, Yue Ling had no idea about what Lu Tian was doing. She also didn¡¯t bother to question why he didn¡¯t get out of the car.


    The store she had entered is called Blush Tree. It is a clothing store that sells tuxedos and dresses designed for any asion. Although the store did not carry her brand, it still had other high-end brands.


    This ce was like the dreamlike castle of every little girl¡¯s fantasy of being a princess.


    However, despite having a smile on Yue Ling¡¯s face, her soul was sobbing with tears on the inside.


    "Ah Ling, what do you think about this dress?"


    "Look at this dress. It¡¯s shining with glitter!"


    "No, no. This one. This is the one. Look, this dress screams engagement!"


    The second Yue Ling stepped foot inside Blush Tree, she felt she had entered the past.


    Madam Lu, Madam Zhao, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er had returned to the moment they were in Ages of Love. Only, Yang Yang wasn¡¯t here to join them. Their behavior was not at all like that of women from prominent families. They looked like three little girls experiencing shopping for the very first time.


    Yue Ling look shifts her gaze from the three grown women. Unlike Ages of Love, Blush Tree held a more elegant interior. Employees were also standing at the side in wait if they are needed.


    However, when she saw the sympathetic look on each worker¡¯s face, she sobs even more inside.


    How did time return her to a situation like this again?


    Madam Lu picks up a pink dress from a rack and walks over to Yue Ling. She held it in front of her daughter-inw and chuckles.


    "Wow, look at how eye-catching this dress is. What do you think?"


    Suddenly brought back to her senses, Yue Ling looks at Madam Lu then down at the dress. Her eyes turned solemn, and she was struck dumbfounded.


    "..."

 Chapter 779 Bring shame to all

    <h4>Chapter 779 Bring shame to all</h4>


    The dress in front of Yue Ling gave off a romantic and dreamy appearance. It was a flowing A-line dress with a timeless structure bodice and puffed sleeves.


    It is indeed a pretty dress, but Yue Ling wanted to find who the designer is. How dare they ruin a perfect dress by adding a vast and bright 3d butterfly right on the chest part of the dress.


    She raises her left-hand and checks the inside for the designer.


    ¡¯An Qing¡¯


    Seeing the name, her lower lip trembles, and she fights back the urge to curl her hand that was touching the dress.


    How dare Chen Limei use An Qing¡¯s name to design such a disgraceful dress like this?!


    How dare she bring shame to all the fashion designers in the world?!


    Inhaling a deep breath that made her body tremble along, she tells herself to calm down. This is not the first time Chen Limei went behind her back and designed something so dishonorable.


    She also reminds herself that once the weekend is over, she will be making her appearance at An Qing as the CEO. When everything is in ce, she will discontinue any item Chen Limei had ever created under An Qing¡¯s name.


    Calmly lowering her hand, she pushes the dress away with minimal strength. Her sudden action was like the dress was not to her liking, and she didn¡¯t want to touch something that has been tainted with filth.


    Knowing that what she did might make Madam Lu misunderstand her intentions, she smiles at the middle-aged woman.


    "This dress is indeed eye-catching, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s the one for me."


    She spoke nothing but the truth. With a bright orange butterfly right in front of the dress, it will surely catch anyone¡¯s attention. However, is it the one for her? No. Even she has her own standards when ites to fashion.


    Madam Lu nods her head at Yue Ling¡¯s words. She didn¡¯t find the girl¡¯s movements an insult. In truth, she was d that Yue Ling could be honest with her.


    She puts the dress back on the rack and continues with her way like the conversation never happened.


    Yue Ling watched Madam Lu¡¯s departing figure with a small smile. She was in relief that the middle-aged woman was not offended by what she did.


    However, seeing the three women join together as they diverge in their hunt for a dress, she lightly shakes her head and chuckles.


    "What is so funny that Mrs. Lu isughing?"


    A low deep voice sounds from being Yue Ling¡¯s ear, and she jumps forward in surprise. She spun around to see who had sneaked up on her but pout when she saw Lu Tian.


    "Are you a ghost? How can you not make any sound when walking?"


    She has excellent hearing and can make out anyone¡¯s footsteps no matter how quiet they try to be. However, sometimes, she can never hear Lu Tian¡¯s footsteps.


    It¡¯s like he does it intentionally. If he wants her to be aware of him, he¡¯ll let her hear him. If he doesn¡¯t, he can be as quiet as a wandering soul.


    Lu Tian chuckles a smile seeing his wife¡¯s angry expression. He reaches his hand out and takes her hand.


    "If I am a ghost, how can I hold your hand like this?"


    Wrapping a firm grip on her hand, he softens a sigh when he felt the touch of her transferring warmth.


    He thought back to their conversation in the car and came to understand something.


    One touch of her hand was enough to brighten one¡¯s dark world.


    Like the times when she reached her hand out to her subordinates who were suffering from fate, the moment they took her hand, it was like the weight on their shoulder was suddenly lifted.


    Now he can confirm why everyone from Fate is so loyal to her.


    She helped them from the darkness and guided them to the light of a new fate that awaited them.


    His thumb gently caresses her hand, and he looks down at their joined hands.


    He doesn¡¯t want to be like her subordinates. He wants to be the one to reach his hand out to her and have her take it. To let her know that even though she is the light for others, he will always be her light.


    Unaware of the thoughts going on Lu Tian¡¯s head, Yue Ling also looks down at their joined hands. Feeling something was not right, she raises both their hands.


    "Why is your hand so cold?"


    Ignoring any stares directed at them, she parts her lip and blows her warm breath on his hand.


    "See, you are as cold as a ghost."


    She chuckles lightly and continues to warm his hand. Once she felt it had reached the temperature, she looks up at him with a smile that reached her eyes.


    "Now, you¡¯re human again."


    Lu Tian smiles at her childlike demeanor. He suddenly leans closer to her as he felt the need to kiss her.


    "Aiya!"


    However, Just when he was inches away from capturing her lip, his mother¡¯s loud voice sounds to interrupt them.


    Yue Ling turns her head away from him, not knowing she had dodged his kiss.


    "Ah Ling,e. There are too many dresses here. We can¡¯t decide and need your opinion as a fashion designer."


    Madam Lu walks over to the couple. She ignores her son like he wasn¡¯t there and takes Yue Ling¡¯s hand. She also didn¡¯t forget to lightly push her son away.


    "Come, let us go. We have the rest of the day to find a dress for you."


    Yue Ling was baffled by the older woman. However, she doesn¡¯t think much and lets Madam Lu lead her away.


    As the warmth of her hand leaves him, Lu Tian felt like the light shining down on him was slowly being engulfed in darkness.


    It was like they were acting a scene from a romantic drama of two people who can¡¯t be together. Lu Tian looked like the man who can only watch as the woman he loves is being dragged away.


    Watching his wife walk further away, he could only sigh again. His wife really is the light to his world. A short separation from her felt like years without her.


    If he wants to be her light, he has a long way to go.


    Sighing again, he thought back to how close he was to be able to kiss her. Just a few more inches and he would have been able to taste her lips.


    A sulking expression appears on his face, and he res at the perpetrator¡ªhis mother.


    However, when he saw her, his entire being was shocked by the God of Dumbfounded.


    Madam Lu was continually turning her head back to peek at her son. When she saw him finally look her way, she gave him a re with an expression full of arrogance.


    She didn¡¯t need to utter a sound as her face said it all.


    ¡¯Better luck next time, and how dare you sneak an attempt to kiss my precious daughter-inw without approval.¡¯


    Lu Tian shook his head at his mother. He rubs his forehead as if to rid of any feelings and chuckles to himself.


    He knew that his mother had called him to join them for lunch because she was losing the fight with his aunt and cousin. Yet, she actually took advantage of his appearance to steal his wife¡¯s attention.


    Lowering his hand, he lifts one leg and then another as he strides after his wife. If he fights with his mother, his wife will be angry with him, so he¡¯ll hold back for now.


    As Yue Ling and Madam Lu¡¯s figure disappear further into the store with Lu Tian following, two female employees watched in awe.


    In their eyes, Lu Tian looked like a knight in shining armor set out to save his princess from the evil and wicked witch.


    "The news wasn¡¯t lying when they said Han Yue Ling and Lu Tian are getting married. Anyone can see how in love they are."


    "I thought it was just a rumor. The photos released could have been taken from one of Han Yue Ling¡¯s photoshoots for a magazine, but now that I can witness their love in person, I can say goodbye to the rumors."


    Both employees squeal in happiness. Forgetting they were at work, their reactions were like two fangirls at a meet and greet.


    However, quickly remembering where they were, they giggle quietly and thank their job.


    Not only are their bills paid, but they even got the chance to see the love between the two people, many envy and idolizes.

 Chapter 780 Parents to teach you

    <h4>Chapter 780 Parents to teach you</h4>


    Inside Blush Tree, Yue Ling had been ed to the third floor by Madam Lu. Unlike the first floor, this floor was more fitted for formal attire.


    Having found a dress to try on, Yue Ling was currently standing inside one of the fitting rooms. She had changed out of her clothes and wore a Rhonda Taffeta dress in the shade Adriatic mist. The plunging V-neck on the bodice was not too revealing as it was sealed with white floralce. From the waist down, a sweeping floor-length skirt ented with pleating details.


    Yue Ling stares at her reflection in the mirror and heaves a long sigh. Like all the wedding dresses she had tried on at Ages of Love, this dress was just as pretty.


    However, lowering her head to look at the dress, she sighs again.


    Instead of wearing another designer¡¯s dress, she would prefer to wear one of her own. It wasn¡¯t that she doesn¡¯t like what other designers designed, but she¡¯s morefortable in her own work.


    "Yue-Yue, is everything alright in there?"


    From outside the door, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s voice sounds with a light knock. She already changed into the dress she wanted to try and was on her way to show her mother and aunt. When she saw that Yue Ling¡¯s door was still closed, she decided to wait.


    However, due to the fitting room¡¯s quietness, she could hear the retired model asionally sigh.


    "Yue-Yue?"


    Not hearing a response, she asks again in fear that something might have happened inside. She takes a small step forward and presses her cheek against the door to listen better.


    "Yue-Yue, are you alright? It¡¯s me, Ya¡¯Er. Can you¡ª ah!"


    Before she could finish her words, the door pulls open and startles her. She yelps and jumps back.


    "I¡¯m alright. Thanks for checking on me."


    Yue Ling was also startled when she saw Zhao Ya¡¯Er standing so close to the door. However, she kept her feelingsposed and smiles calmly.


    "You look good."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er was wearing a sleek and silky burgundy gown. It features a flowing silhouette with a modern one-shoulder neckline that gave the perfect bnce of dynamic movement and timeless mour.


    Beingplimented, she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) looks down at the dress on her body. Her cheeks flushed red, and she shrinks bashfully.


    "Thanks."


    She had always had trouble finding the right dress to match her short hair. However, to hear Yue Ling say she looked good, how can she not be happy?


    With happiness blooming inside, she looks up. However, her breath was taken away in that second when she saw Yue Ling wearing the Adriatic mist dress.


    "Wow, you look even better than me!"


    She squealed with delight as the shyness that wrapped around her seconds ago was shove away. She reaches out and grabs Yue Ling by the hand.


    "Mom and aunty will surely agree with me."


    Her words fell, and she strides out of the fitting room area. She behaved like a little girl wanting to show the world what she got for Christmas.


    Remembering another person, she pauses in her tracks but only for a split second. She giggles with one hand covering her mouth and nces back at Yue Ling.


    "My cousin definitely won¡¯t be able to take his eyes off you."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t stop, but the woman lets herself be led away. She was too speechless to say anything. She had only opened the door to see if Zhao Ya¡¯Er needed anything. Yet, how did the situation turn into this?


    Not only that, when she tried on the dress, due to the zipper being in the back, she wasn¡¯t able to zip it all the way. If someone brushes her hair aside, they will clearly notice or think that the dress didn¡¯t fit her.


    Seeing that they were nearing the sales floor entrance, Yue Ling decides to ask Zhao Ya¡¯Er to help her with the zipper.


    "Ya¡¯Er, wait a second. My dress isn¡¯t¡ª"


    "I was wondering who was making such a ruckus. Turns out to be you two only."


    Before Yue Ling could tell Zhao Ya¡¯Er about the situation with her dress, a woman¡¯s provocative voice sounds from behind them.


    Both women stop in their tracks. The voice that spoke was too familiar, and they around in the direction of the fitting room.


    Upon seeing who it is, Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s face scrunch in a frown without hiding the arousing revulsion inside her. Unlike her, Yue Ling was void of any emotions.


    She (Yue Ling) stares at the woman, and without looking down, she could make out the details of the bright red dress the woman was wearing.


    "Ji Chu Hua."


    Although they can be considered enemies, they were still rted, so she greets the woman like how she greets her business clients.


    Ji Chu Hua stood deeper inside the fitting room. Blush Tree is a well-known store amongst the women from prominent families in Imperial. She hade here because she felt like spending some money to ease her mind from the news of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s engagement.


    Yet, what kind of misfortune is this for her to run into the one person she detests the most.


    She stares at the two women standing a few feet away from her. Noticing their dresses, she could guess that they were here to find a dress for the engagement party.


    Annoyed by this, she flicks her hair behind her shoulder like she was a significant figure in the world. An arrogant chuckle sounds from her, and she kept her line of sight on Yue Ling.


    "We may be rted, but we are not close enough for you to address me so casually."


    Her words fell with pride, and she raises her chin higher. By doing this, she will look tallerpare to Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er. Of course, this was all in her head as the two women were still taller than her.


    Yue Ling arched a brow at the woman in front of her. She feels threatened but thought Ji Chu Hua was making aplete fool of herself and digging her own grave.


    Noticing Ji Chu Hua¡¯s attempt to make herself look taller, Yue Ling forced herself not tough. To her, this cousin of hers looked like a monkey. No, even monkeys wouldn¡¯t im her as their own.


    Staring at Ji Chu Hua onest time, Yue Ling turns away. She has more important things to do than deal with this woman.


    "Ya¡¯Er, let¡¯s go. Everyone is still waiting for us."


    She gently pulls Zhao Ya¡¯Er along with her, and the two make their way for the sales floor. With the amount of time they had wasted looking at Ji Chu Hua, the others are probably wondering why they haven¡¯te out of the fitting room.


    "Han Yue Ling!"


    Just as they stepped onto the sales floor, Ji Chu Hua bellows after with a stomp of her foot. Her heel made a loud thud that echoed throughout the entire fitting room.


    She was boiling with rage when she saw Yue Ling ignore her. No one has ever treated her this way. It was only when Yue Ling appeared in Imperial that she started to receive the cold shoulder.


    Even Ji Jingxu, who used to be a coward in front of her, was now arguing back.


    Suddenly thinking about the day she was stopped at the Ji Mansion, her expression darkens. She res at Yue Ling without hiding her hatred.


    "Didn¡¯t your parents teach you not to walk away when someone is talking to you?"


    She nces at the timid-looking Zhao Ya¡¯Er, and she clenches her fists tightly. Even with her nails digging into her skin, she didn¡¯t feel pain at all.


    The one standing next to Zhao Ya¡¯Er should have been her. If Yue Ling hadn¡¯t appeared, she would have been the one receiving all the attention from the Lu and Zhao family. Even if she didn¡¯t get Ji Corps, she would have been satisfied standing next to Lu Tian.


    Her expression turned murderous, and everything about her no longer looked like the refined woman others think she is. She inhales a deep breath that made her body tremble, and she sneers maliciously.


    "Oh, dear, how could I have forgotten. You don¡¯t have any parents to teach you."


    She gasps after her words as she had misspoken. However, her expression said otherwise.


    Her eyes were as if her words were the most amusing thing ever, and she slowly walks towards Yue Ling.


    It was like she had finally got her revenge on the retired model for all the humiliation she had ever received.


    However, she doesn¡¯t stop there but continues to taunt Yue Ling.


    "If my parents died when I was young, I would probably end up like you too."


    She stops near Yue Ling¡¯s figure that was facing the other side and leans forward. She whispers near her (Yue Ling) ear in a voice that was neither too loud nor too quiet.


    "It¡¯s a shame that your parents are not here to see how vile and ill-manner you have be. If I were them, I would rather be dead too. Even your precious grandfather rather die than put up with you."

 Chapter 781 Never say anything

    <h4>Chapter 781 Never say anything</h4>


    Standing next to her friend, Zhao Ya¡¯Er was rooted to the floor by everything Ji Chu Hua had said. Even though the words said were not directed at her, she was angry for Yue Ling. She looks at her friend, and to her surprise, she sees no emotion in Yue Ling¡¯s face.


    "Yue-Yue..."


    Yue Ling stood unmoving as Ji Chu Hua¡¯s taunting words enter her ears. She stares emotionlessly at the sales floor in front of her, but one can see she was staring into the unknown.


    Like a vast wall had suddenly appeared, no one can read her thoughts.


    Ji Chu Hua continues to throw taunting words at her like a mother lecturing her daughter. She didn¡¯t care if Zhao Ya¡¯Er had heard or see she had turned into apletely different person. It was so long as no employees saw her acting this way.


    With each word she used, she anticipated that Yue Ling would undoubtedly get angry. Any person who hears bad things about themselves or their family will turn into a wild animal. Yue Ling included.


    It was only a matter of time before Yue Ling¡¯s perfect image shatters, and she (Yue Ling)shes out at her (Ji Chu Hua). When that happens, she (Ji Chu Hua) will scream for help and show the world the real face of Yue Ling.


    Ji Chu Hua¡¯s insides itch at her thoughts, but in the end, it was all her wishful thinking.


    "Move."


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression remained the same as she calmly tells Ji Chu Hua to move away. It was like she found Ji Chu Hua to be disgusting and didn¡¯t want the woman near her.


    She would be lying if she weren¡¯t angry by what Ji Chu Hua said. However, her parents and grandparents raised her to be a better person, and she can see through Ji Chu Hua¡¯s actions.


    Ji Chu Hua scoffs a sneer when she heard Yue Ling¡¯s word but unknowingly takes a step back.


    "Oh my, are you angry because of what I said?"


    She chuckles loudly like an evil witch, and Zhao Ya¡¯Er darts her head with a murderous re.


    "Ji Chu Hua, you are going too far. If you have nothing nice to say, don¡¯t open your mouth."


    She looks back at Yue Ling and takes the retired model¡¯s hand.


    "Don¡¯t listen to her nonsense. Let¡¯s go."


    Ji Chu Hua res at Zhao Ya¡¯Er. She could tell that the short hair woman was not acknowledging her at all. A thought came to her mind, and sheughs like a crazy woman.


    "I¡¯m utterly amazed. For someone who gets beaten up by her man, you sure do have a mouth to argue back."


    Hearing her words, Zhao Ya¡¯Er stops in her tracks. She felt like the room had turned gray, and thunder had struck her entire being.


    Her hand holding onto Yue Ling tightens, and she tells herself repeatedly to ignore Ji Chu Hua. Indeed, Wei Hongyi would always beat her when he is angry, but she isn¡¯t with him anymore.


    She takes a calm breath and continues with her way while pulling Yue Ling with her.


    "Slut! I never said you could leave!"


    Seeing that they were ignoring her again, blood rush to Ji Chu Hua¡¯s head. She screams after with the loud cking of her high heels.


    If she could, she would have wanted to harm Zhao Ya¡¯Er for trying to y the hero. However, if she did, she would get on the wrong side of the Lu and Zhao family, which she doesn¡¯t want.


    Knowing this, she stretches her arm out to grab Yue Ling.


    "My father was right. Your mother was a slut, and you are just like her!"


    *p!


    Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words had yet to fall when Yue Ling spun around and ps her hard across the face. She (Ji Chu Hua) was taken back by surprise and lost her bnce.


    Afraid of falling, she tries to steady herself. However, luck was not on her side. She trips on the hem of her red dress and falls onto the floor.


    "Y-You!"


    She quickly covers her cheek that Yue Ling pped, and she looks up with tears and rage in her eyes. Never once has anyone raised their hands on her, yet Yue Ling dares to hit her again.


    She forces herself not to cry, but her lips continue to tremble from shock.


    "How dare you hit me!"


    Anyone who saw her (Ji Chu Hua) at this moment would rush over to help her. They would see her as an innocent girl getting bullied by Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    "Hit you?"


    Yue Ling¡¯s angelic voice sounds with a threatening aura but her expression the same. Void of all emotions.


    She had been holding herself back from striking the woman dead. She didn¡¯t want to scare Zhao Ya¡¯Er and did not want to cause any trouble for Lu Tian, Madam Lu, and Madam Zhao, who was waiting.


    If she had been alone, the second Ji Chu Hua opened her mouth, she would have silenced her.


    However, for now, she can only hold herself back and not make any problems for others.


    She takes a step forward, and her head slightly tilts to the side. The look on her face was as Ji Chu Hua had fallen by herself.


    "If I had hit you, I guarantee you wouldn¡¯t be talking right now."


    The p she gave Ji Chu Hua was of little strength but harsh enough to leave a handprint.


    She stops in front of her so-called cousin and squats down to be at eye level. She raises her hand as if to caress the woman but strikes another p on the other side of Ji Chu Hua¡¯s cheek.


    "Y-You!!!!"


    Ji Chu Hua struck in shock with a tear sliding down her eyes from anger. However, Yue Ling remained unfazed with the eyes of the dead staring at her.


    "This one is for Ya¡¯Er."


    Her hand that had pped the woman raises a little, and she stroke Ji Chu Hua¡¯s head like a mother putting her child to sleep.


    "You can say whatever you want about me, but never say anything about my family."


    Those who know often talked about her parents¡¯ death and think it would anger her, but she learned to ignore them because it was true.


    Her parents are no longer in this world, and death is a natural part of life.


    However, to speak ill of her deceased family is one she will not tolerate.


    Yue Ling¡¯s words and expression were as calm as the sea, but it made Ji Chu Hua shiver in fear. She (Ji Chu Hua) didn¡¯t know why but she swore it was like she was in the presence of the Angel of Death.


    Her lower trembles even more than they already were, and she stutters.


    "H-H-Han Yue Ling.... Y-You... wh-what are you p-nning to do to m-me?"


    See her scared expression, the mask on Yue Ling¡¯s face finally shatters as a smile that did not reach her eyes appears.


    "We may be rted, but we are not close enough for you to address me so casually."


    She answers Ji Chu Hua with the words she (Ji Chu Hua) had said to her and lowered her (Yue Ling) hand on the woman¡¯s head. She pinches Ji Chu Hua¡¯s chin and tilts it up to look her in the eyes.


    The smile on her face curls up until it reached her eyes, and her words continue.


    "This is my final warning to you. Cross the line again, and I will make your life a living hell."


    She let go of Ji Chu Hua¡¯s chin and stood up. As she turns around and takes a step away, she suddenly pauses and gives another warning.


    "This time, it was a p. If you touch me again or so close as to go near my family, I will let you know how it feels like to be hit."


    Her words came if undying promises, and she walks away from the fitting room with a dazed Zhao Ya¡¯Er.


    Behind them, Ji Chu Hua remained on the floor with a face as pale as a ghost. She stares at Yue Ling¡¯s departing figure until she couldn¡¯t see her anymore.


    She slumps more onto the floor like something heavy had suddenly dropped on her, and she stares nkly at the base.


    "How..."


    She could only choke out one word before the rest of her words were quickly swallowed down with difficulty.


    When Yue Ling¡¯s smile widened at her, she (Ji Chu Hua) was sure it was a smile that could take any person¡¯s breath away. However, it terrified her (Ji Chu Hua) to the point of no return.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes that stared at her were cold and ruthless. It was as if those bluish-green eyes that stand out so much had turned into two ck holes.


    So ck that she (Ji Chu Hua) thought was starring into the eyes of the devil and could never return.

 Chapter 782 Give you justice

    <h4>Chapter 782 Give you justice</h4>


    A young female worker from Blush Tree walks into the room. She had been organizing so racks and heard amotion. At first, she thought it was her imagination but decided to check since she had to clean the fitting room.


    "Oh, my goodness."


    She had only entered the room when she gasps at the sight of a disheveled woman sitting on the floor. She quickly rushed over to help.


    "Miss, are you alright? Why are you sitting on the floor?"


    She bent down and reached her hands out, but getting a better look at the woman¡¯s face, her eyes widen in horror and shock.


    "M-Miss Ji..."


    Ji Chu Hua was still in a daze from her shock and had not recovered. It wasn¡¯t until she heard the worker that she return to her own world.


    She looks up at the young woman. Seeing a sympathetic look on the girl¡¯s face, she felt all the blood inside her return to its ce.


    Her fingers curl into a tight fist, and she shoves the girl away.


    "Get away from me. I don¡¯t need your help."


    Not wanting any sympathy from the worker, she helps herself up from the floor. Without saying another word, she strides back into the fitting room to chance.


    It didn¡¯t take long for her to do this, and she came back out wearing a white coat with a purple wrapped dress.


    Seeing that the worker had not left and was waiting for her, she inhales a deep breath. She pushes aside her anger and puts on a sweet smile.


    "I¡¯m sorry for pushing you just now. I seemed to have caught a cod and did not want you to catch it."


    A soft chuckle escapes her smile, and she walks closer to the worker.


    "As for the dresses that I tried, please have them deliver to my house under the usual card."


    The worker looks at Ji Chu Hua in puzzlement. Unlike the woman who resembled a wicked witch, she (Ji Chu Hua) looked like a refined and graceful woman.


    It was like the scene she (worker) saw not too long ago was all in her head.


    However, remembering where she is and her job, she nods her head with a polite bow.


    "Yes, Miss Ji. I will have the dresses delivered before evening."


    Ji Chu Hua stares at the top of the girl¡¯s head. Her sweet smile slowly turns into a sneer, and she walks out of this fitting room. This is how others should react upon seeing her.


    "Ah, I almost forgot."


    The sound of her click-cking heels stop, and she spoke in a singsong voice. Her head slightly turns to the side to look at the young woman still with her head down.


    "Forgot what you saw. If I head anything close to it in the media, you will be jobless."


    She looks away with a ¡¯hmmf¡¯ and continues to leave the fitting room. She has never threatened a worker before, but she needs to keep her image of the perfect woman. If words got out about this, everyone would treat her differently.


    Stepping onto the sales floor, she stops in her tracks to take another deep breath.


    She thought back to the two p she received from Yue Ling and raised her hands to touch her cheeks. Her eyes turned bloodshot, and she presses her fingers against her skin.


    "Han Yue Ling... I swear, so long as I am still alive, you won¡¯t live a happy life."


    Her body trembles in anger, and she dug her nails into her skin as if to make her cheeks redder.


    "Hua, are you done trying on the dresses? Why didn¡¯t you show me?"


    From her side came a man¡¯s voice, and Ji Chu Hua turns her head to look at the person.


    A decent looking man in his thirties can be seen in a short distance. He wore a white polo shirt with ck cks. Due to the warm temperature inside Blush Tree, he had taken off his brown coat and ced it over his forearm.


    All the anger built up inside Ji Chu Hua vanishes, and she changes her appearance the same way she did in front of the worker.


    "I just finished."


    She smiles a smile that could melt the hearts of anyone whoid eyes on her. She lowers both her hands and walks over to the man with her hips swaying side to side.


    "I hope you don¡¯t mind, but I had the worker put the dresses on your card."


    Her words fell in a coquettish tone as she stops at his side. She locks her arm around his and presses her chest against his toned arm as if trying to arouse him.


    "When we get back to my ce, I¡¯ll try on the dresses for you to see."


    The man chuckles at how open she was when ites to flirting. He moves his hand that was captured by her and wrapped it around her waist.


    "I brought you here, so everything you want is on me."


    He leans down to kiss her cheek but stops when he notices something. He turns his body to face her and touch her cheek.


    "I only left to answer a phone call. How did your cheek get so red? Did something happen when I was gone?"


    He asks with a frown, but upon closer inspection, he could make out a handprint. His frown deepens, and his blood stirs in rage.


    "Who was it? Who dare to p you?"


    "I... It¡¯s nothing serious..."


    A glistening light shes inside Ji Chu Hua¡¯s eyes before turning moist. She chokes a sob and turns her head to the side in an attempt to hide her swollen cheek.


    "Please take me home. I don¡¯t want to be here anymore."


    Another sob sounds from her, and tears slid down her cheeks. She looked even more pitiful than when the worker found her in the fitting room.


    The man¡¯s heart tightened when he saw that both her cheeks were pped red. He pulls her into an embrace and stroke her back to soothe her.


    "Don¡¯t cry. I¡¯m here now. Tell me who hurt you. I will cripple their hands so they can never hurt you again."


    Ji Chu Hua lets the man hug her tightly and continues to sob like she was suffering from intense pain. However, if one were to look closely, one could see that she was no longer shedding tears.


    When she heard his encouraging words and the way he was caring for her, she grew satisfied. Just a few tears from her was all she needed to have this any man wrapped around her fingers.


    However, she quickly brushes this side of her away and wraps her arms around his waist. She sobs into his chest and forces out some tears to stain his white polo shirt.


    "It... It was Han Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er..."


    Her sobs turned into a heart-rendering cry like her world had crumbled into millions of pieces.


    "Wuu... I didn¡¯t do anything to them... I only wanted to greet them, but they bullied me when no one was around... wuu..."


    The man listened, and his body trembled with eyes full of wrath. He hugs Ji Chu Hua tighter as if wanting to knead her into one with his body.


    "Shh... It¡¯s alright now. Everything will be okay."


    He continues to stroke her back like a child and coaxes her with sweet promises.


    "I¡¯m here now. I¡¯ll definitely make Han Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er kneel in front of you and give you justice."

 Chapter 783 The only friend

    <h4>Chapter 783 The only friend</h4>


    Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er walked towards the back of Blush Tree¡¯s third floor. Although Lu Tian, Madam Lu, and Madam Zhao were on the same floor level, they were in a separate room designated for customers waiting. Due to this, none of the three people were aware of the situation that took ce in the fitting room.


    As Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er near the door to the room, both women looked like they had long pushed the situation earlier to the back of their heads. However, just as they were a few steps away from the door, Yue Ling slows to a stop.


    She looks at the woman with a Pixi-cut hairstyle.


    "Are you alright? Do you want to wait to calm down before going in?"


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er¡¯s heart shook at the questions. She knows that Yue Ling refers to the things Ji Chu Hua had said in the fitting room.


    She turns her head to look at her friend but seeing a trace of worry in those bluish-green eyes, she sighs inside.


    It was a small look of worry, but it was very noticeable from where she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) stood.


    A tiny smile curls on her lip, and she turns her body to face Yue Ling.


    "You don¡¯t have to worry about me. I¡¯m alright."


    If it had been the past her, she would have been hurt by Ji Chu Hua¡¯s words. She was once a coward who allowed Wei Hongyi to beat her ck and blue while others ridicule her.


    All she could do then was cry herself to sleep and hold everything. Even when othersughed and joked about her, saying a spoilt brat like her deserved it. Some even said she was asking for it by always making Wei Hongyi angry because women shouldn¡¯t talk back to men.


    However, they don¡¯t know the entire truth, nor did they think to ask her side of the story.


    It was never her fault. Every time Wei Hongyi got angry, it had nothing to do with her. She just happened to be there at the wrong time and knowing he couldn¡¯t take his anger out on anyone, he poured everything onto her.


    When she couldn¡¯t put up with him anymore, she tried running away from him. She even went so far as moving overseas where he can¡¯t find her.


    Yet, he still found her.


    She is sure that if it weren¡¯t for her family background and that they weren¡¯t married, Wei Hongyi would have locked her away inside a cage.


    Remembering how stupid she had been and all the tears she had shed for the bastard, she felt like punching herself.


    However, not wanting to waste her energy getting worked up over someone like Wei Hongyi, she takes a deep breath.


    She looks at Yue Ling, and seeing the woman¡¯s expression had changed from worry to doubt, she sighs a smile and takes hold of her friend¡¯s hand.


    "Yue-Yue, I¡¯m really alright. The things about my past do not hurt me anymore."


    And that is the truth.


    She is no longer the coward she was and isn¡¯t afraid of Wei Hongyi anymore. If he thinks he can step on her like a ragdoll, she will return the pain tenfold. Not just him, but all the people who imed to be her friends.


    Her entire being trembled at the thought, but thinking about something, she softens the more she looks at Yue Ling. Her hand gently squeezes the soft hand in her grasp.


    "You¡¯re the only friend I need."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was truly worried about Zhao Ya¡¯Er. However, when she heard the woman¡¯sst sentence, she was struck dumbfounded.


    After what felt like an eternity had gone by, the corners of her lip curls as she chuckles.


    "Mm. I¡¯ll take you on your words that you really are alright then."


    She can confirm that Zhao Ya¡¯Er has finally found her courage to be strong, and part of her believes that it has something to do with Xu Long.


    With this reassurance, she decides not to talk about what happened. After all, they were still at Blush Tree, and Lu Tian, Madam Lu, and Madam Zhao are waiting for them.


    Any longer, and she is sure Lu Tian wille to find them.


    "Let¡¯s not keep them waiting."


    Zhao Ya¡¯Er wanted to ask if Yue Ling were alright, but hearing the retired model¡¯s words, she could only nod her head. Since she (Yue Ling) changed the subject, she (Zhao Ya¡¯Er) won¡¯t push it.


    "Wow!!"


    The second Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er entered the waiting room, Madam Lu and Madam Zhao eximed together. Both middle-aged women jumped to their feet and skip over to the two younger women.


    "Wow! Wow! Wow! My daughter looks like a different person. I almost couldn¡¯t recognize her."


    Madam Zhaoplimented as she stops in front of her daughter. Her head moves up and down like she was checking out Zhao Ya¡¯Er to see if anything was out of ce.


    "Mm, mm. Good thing my daughter doesn¡¯t take after her father but me."


    Madam Lu heard Madam Zhao¡¯s words, and she almost tripped on her own feet. She darts her head with a re at her sister-inw, and her nostrils red.


    Is she (Madam Zhao) trying to pick a fight by saying her (Madam Lu) family¡¯s gene is terrible?


    She scrunches her face at her sister-inw then turns her head with attitude. She looks at Yue Ling, and she softens to the core.


    "Aiya, my Lu family¡¯s Ah Ling is more beautiful each time I see her."


    Her words fell with her head held high, and she takes hold of Yue Ling¡¯s hand. She raises their arms together and twirls Yue Ling like they were dancing at a ball.


    "Wow, my daughter-inw is just like a princess."


    "..."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at the situation. At the same time, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Lu Tian and his family have a hand fetish. It¡¯s like, every time she meets them, they always hold her hand no matter what the situation is.


    In a daze of her own thoughts, she unknowingly follows Madam Lu¡¯s hand and twirls. Due to the difference in their height, she needed to bend her knees to go under the woman¡¯s arm.


    As the mother and daughter-inw did this, Madam Zhao and Zhao Ya¡¯Er did not get angry but broke into a burst of heartfeltughter as they follow in pursuit.


    All the employees standing in wait nearby couldn¡¯t help but smile at the touching scene. They can see how much Yue Ling and Zhao Ya¡¯Er are adored by Madam Lu and Madam Zhao in their eyes.


    After minutes pass, theirughter that echoed inside the room finally ceases.


    Yue Ling looked around the room when she remembered Lu Tian, but he was nowhere in sight to her surprise. She frowns a little and looks at Madam Lu.


    "Did Tian leave?"


    Hearing this, Madam Lu felt like she had swallowed a jar of vinegar. She was justughing and having a good time with her daughter-inw, but she (Yue Ling) was so quick to think of Lu Tian.


    However, as a mother who won¡¯t jeopardize the love between two people, she turns her head to the right of her.


    She raises her chin and nudges an usher to a part of the room.


    "He¡¯s over there sulking."


    Yue Ling turned her head to look in the direction Madam Lu was pointing, but she furrows her brows more. She was confused but only for a quick second.


    This area that Madam Lu had pointed was a shelf with decorations. If one did not know, they would have mistaken it as part of the wall.


    However, she was able to see the top of Lu Tian¡¯s head behind the shelf as he looked to be sitting down.


    Remembering Madam Lu¡¯s words, she couldn¡¯t help but smile and walks over to see if the man really is sulking and why.

 Chapter 784 Came to get you

    <h4>Chapter 784 Came to get you</h4>


    "Tian?"


    Yue Ling calls out the name of the man she loves wholeheartedly. Her voice was not too loud, nor was it too quiet. Anyone who heard or saw her at this moment would think she is trying to be quiet as to not attract attention.


    Just as she takes the final step behind the shelf, her lips parted in an attempt to call his name again, but she stopped herself when she spotted him.


    Lu Tian sat in a chair like a noble ruler. He had one leg crossed over the other, making a four-figure. Both his elbows rested on either side of the armrest, and his head was slightly lowered.


    She thought he might be looking at his phone, but when she followed his line of sight down, she was in for a surprise. He wasn¡¯t staring at his phone but on the floor under his foot. His expression was indifferent, but she could tell that he was in deep thoughts.


    Yue Ling watched him from a short distance. She doesn¡¯t make another sound as she was in her own daze of admiring his entire being.


    She inhales a breath to sigh, but just as she was about to exhale, she notices a slight chill brush against her skin. She frowns at this and looks around in confusion.


    Why does it feel like the temperature in this area suddenly dropped?


    She looks around to the heater vent, and her frown deepens a little.


    "That¡¯s odd... It looks to be working fine."


    She whispers to herself as she didn¡¯t feel cold even though she was wearing a dress.


    Thinking this way, she looks back at Lu Tian and sees how he hasn¡¯t noticed her. She looks back in the direction she hade from. She wanted to ask an employee to confirm whether the heater is working correctly.


    However, her bluish-green eyes quickly met Madam Lu¡¯s brown eyes in the distance.


    Before she could say anything, Madam Lu parts her lip and says something inaudibly.


    Yue Ling blinked her eyes in bewilder when she saw this. As someone partially raised in the underworld, her maternal grandfather taught her how to lip read.


    When she read Madam Lu¡¯s words in her head, she smiles with her teeth but made no sound.


    She looked back at Lu Tian, who was still distracted in his own world.


    Now she understood why this part of the room was so cold. Compared to the rest of the bright and cheerful space, she could see dark clouds hovering above Lu Tian¡¯s head.


    He didn¡¯t look like a noble ruler any more, but instead, he looked like a little child sulking because he had been left behind.


    Lifting one leg, she takes a step forward then another as she approached him.


    "Why are you sulking alone over here?"


    Her angelic voice sounds with a smile still on her face. She stops in front of Lu Tian, but he even didn¡¯t react or look up at her like before.


    "Tian?"


    She calls out to him but this time a little louder. Taking a step to the side of his legs, she squats down with a tilted head and stares at him.


    "Are you sulking because I took too long? Is that why you¡¯re not answering me?"


    Lu Tian was deep lost in his own thoughts regarding the phone call he made in the car. When he saw a familiar figure suddenly appear at his side, hees back to his senses and turns his head to look.


    Seeing his wife¡¯s beautiful and smiling face, he didn¡¯t get startled but smiles at her.


    "You look beautiful."


    Yue Ling was surprised when their eyes met without warning. She felt her cheeks burn red and stood up as she had gotten his attention.


    "I came to get you. Your mother, aunt, and cousin are waiting for us."


    Lu Tian¡¯s head slowly raises as his eyes follow his wife¡¯s movements. He stood up like he had been hypnotized by her words but seeing her in the Adriatic mist dress, time slowed down.


    His heart slowly beats in a loud but slow rhythm like it was right by his ear.


    "Truly beautiful..."


    He murmurs like a dazed hunter mesmerized by a fairy in an enchanted forest.


    Yue Ling stares down at him as she hadn??t walked away. She looks down at the dress she is wearing and smiles with an agreeing nod to his words.


    "This dress is beautiful. I must thank your mother for having great taste."


    The dress was one of the many that Madam Lu had picked out for her. When she first saw it, she was skeptical as the color is something she wouldn¡¯t wear every day. However, she decided to give it a try, and she is d she did.


    Thinking this about Madam Lu, she (Yue Ling) wanted to smack herself on her head. How could she get distracted again?


    She lifts her head to look at Lu Tian again but inhales a mouthful of air. He was suddenly standing in front of her with only a few inches between them.


    "I wasn¡¯t referring to the dress."


    Their eyes locked, and Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds as he inches closer to her. Once he was close enough, he slides a hand around her waist, and his palm settles on her back.


    "I was referring to you."


    His voice was one that can make any woman fall into a trance. Yue Ling no exception. However, when his palm felt the softness of her bareback, his eyebrows crease together tightly.


    "That¡¯s odd. I don¡¯t recall the details of the dress being this revealing."


    When his mother picked out the dress for his wife, he had carefully observed the details from the side. If it had been too revealing, he would have said no right away.


    He didn¡¯t want his wife wearing a revealing dress. This will make other men have sick thoughts during their engagement party.


    Yue Ling¡¯s body quivered at the touch of his cold hand on her skin. Her ears turn red in matching with her cheeks, but she doesn¡¯t push him away.


    "Ah, you just reminded me."


    She turns around with her back to him and raises her right arm. She gathers her hair together and moves it to one side of her shoulder.


    "Can you help me with the zipper? I couldn¡¯t reach it when I was in the fitting room and forgot to ask Ya¡¯Er for help."


    Lu Tian frowns at her words. For some reason, she sounded so natural, like she had been in this situation too many times.


    He quickly brushes the thought away when he remembers her career choice as a model. It was indeed natural for her.


    Moving his hand from around her, both his hands raised to fix the zipper. However, midway into doing this, he froze in ce.

 Chapter 785 It can be a quickie

    <h4>Chapter 785 It can be a quickie</h4>


    Lu Tian stares with darkened eyes, and his throat dried like the desert. He stares down at his wife¡¯s wless back covered from the waist down by the dress.


    His Adam¡¯s apple bobs with difficulty, but he was able to swallow his saliva.


    ¡¯Do it. She¡¯s your wife. No one will hear you two.¡¯


    A voice full of mischief sounds inside Lu Tian¡¯s head. His inner demon pops into view at his shoulder and ushers him with a little push.


    ¡¯Remember, it can be a quickie.¡¯


    Lu Tian felt his body turn hotter than usual the more he stares at his wife. His inner demon was right. They are being blocked from view by a shelf, and if they¡¯re quiet enough, no one will hear them.


    His head slowly lowers, and he leans in to kiss the back of her neck.


    ¡¯No, no, no. Don¡¯t do it.¡¯


    Before his inner demon could take full control over him, a calm voice sounds in his head and stops him. The holy side of him appears with righteousness.


    ¡¯If you don¡¯t wish to anger your wife, don¡¯t do it. Only do what she asked you to do.¡¯


    The two voices in his head ovep one another in telling what is right and what is wrong. He presses his lips tightly together and tries to force back the burning urge inside him to take his wife.


    ¡¯Remember! Happy wife, happy life!!¡¯


    The holy side of him screams inside him, and he closes his eyes to inhale another deep breath. Once he had calmed down and opened his eyes, he leans down and ces a small kiss on the back of his wife¡¯s delicate neck.


    "Tian?"


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but calls out to him. She had been standing in front of him for a few seconds, but seeing him not moving, she thought he might not have heard her.


    "Can you help¡ª ah!"


    She had yet to finish her sentence when she felt his lips brush against her nape. She swore it was like she had been electrocuted by him.


    However, afraid of the danger that lurked behind that kiss, she doesn¡¯t dare move or make a sound.


    Seeing her reaction, Lu Tian smiles a small chuckle. He moves away from her and straightens his posture before reaching for the zipper.


    As he pulls the zipper up at a slow pace, he leans over her shoulder and kisses the side of her head, then whispers near her ear in a devilish tone.


    "Sorry. You¡¯re so beautiful, I couldn¡¯t resist."


    Yue Ling stares with unblinking eyes at the space in front of her. This time, it was her, who¡¯s throat became dry, and she seemed to be having trouble with swallowing.


    The second she heard the zipper click into ce, she doesn¡¯t stay to chat and walks away at an exceedingly fast pace. If she waits for another second, who knows what Lu Tian will do to her.


    "Yue Ling."


    She had only taken three steps when her right wrist was suddenly captured by the man behind her. Her body was then gently forced to turn around, and she collides against his chest.


    Lu Tian lowers his head, and without giving her any warning, his lip covers her lip. He seals away any unspoken word she had yet to say and sighs a faint groan at the taste of her lips.


    He doesn¡¯t deepen the kiss but pulls away with reluctance in his eyes. He raises a hand and caresses her cheek with his fingers, then smiles.


    "Let¡¯s not keep them waiting. If we do, they mighte find us and catch us in the act."


    Yue Ling melted like butter from his sudden kiss. However, when she heard his words full of teasing, she quickly turns into chilled butter.


    She sends him a re with a flustered face, and not knowing what to say, she sends him a punch on his chest. Of course, she made sure not to use too much strength in fear of hurting him.


    Seeing her fist nearing him, Lu Tian doesn¡¯t dodge it but takes it like a man. His posture slouches a little, and he clutches onto his left chest like he was in intense pain.


    "My heart..."


    He looks at his wife with innocent eyes like she had indeed hurt him, and he had been wronged by her.


    "It beats only for you."


    "..."


    Yue Ling scoffs in disbelief at the man standing in front of her. She had seriously thought she might have punched him too much and grew worried when she saw his expression. However, all that thought quickly disperse into thin air at his bluff.


    She had heard from others that Lu Tian is a cold and ruthless man without ever showing mercy to anyone. Yet, from her point of view, could it be that everyone is overexaggerating the man?


    The man standing in front of her very capable, but the majority of the time, he is either shameless or eating vinegar.


    Shaking her head, she disregards all thoughts. She doesn¡¯t check to see if he is alright and walks away. After all, he had the time to joke, so he should be okay.


    "Just what in the world goes on in his head?"


    She murmurs to herself with waves of mixed emotions stirring in her heart.


    "Ah Ling, where¡¯s Tian? Why is your face so red? Are you not feeling well?"


    Just as Yue Ling walked out from behind the shelf, Madam Lu strides over to her and asks with worried.


    "Tell me, are you not feeling well? I can call a doctor toe here."


    Yue Ling calmed down at the sight of Madam Lu. She shakes her head and reassures the middle-aged woman.


    "I¡¯m not sick. The room is just a little too warm."


    Madam Lu nods her head. She didn¡¯t stop to think that it was her son¡¯s fault for the cause of Yue Ling¡¯s red face.


    She pushes her anxious thought away and ushers her daughter-inw to where Madam Zhao and Zhao Ya¡¯Er were still waiting.


    "Come, the tailor is here to see if any adjustments need to be done to the dress."


    As the two women walk away, Lu Tian steps out from behind the shelf. He doesn¡¯t follow them by leans one shoulder against the frame as his arms are folded over his chest.


    He was happy that his wife and his mother got along well. The two women¡¯s encounters were short, but they seemed to look like mother and daughterpared to mother-inw and daughter-inw.


    *Ring-ring


    His thoughts hadn¡¯t traveled far when he was interrupted by the ringing of the phone inside his coat pocket.


    He takes the phone out and looks down at the screen. His eyebrows slightly wrinkle when he saw the caller¡¯s name. He presses the answer button.


    Bringing the phone to his ear, he kept his gaze on his wife, following her every step as his deep voice sounds.


    "Speak."

 Chapter 786 - Under construction

    <h4>Chapter 786 - Under construction</h4>


    Finished finding the dress for the engagement party, Yue Ling was finally able to breathe in relief. She sat on the passenger seat of her white BMW x5m as Lu Tian drives them home.


    She tilts her head back to lean on the chair and turns her head to nce out the window. She wasn¡¯t surprised to see that the sun was beginning to set in the distance.


    Even though she didn¡¯t do much but try on dresses, she felt fatigued. She felt like all the energy in her body was drained away like a pool without water.


    Knowing that she is on her way home now, her eyes gradually close. However, she quickly sits up when she remembers something.


    She looks at the man in the driver¡¯s seat, but she hesitated on what she wanted to ask and narrowed her eyes.


    "What is it that¡¯s making you look at me like I¡¯m a criminal?"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t need to look at his wife. He could make out her expression from the corner of his eyes.


    A chuckle escapes Yue Ling and looks away from him. She stares out at the window in front of her. Raising one hand to hold her chin, her other arm cross over her chest.


    "I¡¯m curious about our engagement party. Usually, the bride takes part in the preparations, but your mother won¡¯t let me."


    When she and Lu Tian went to the Lu family house for dinner, she had brought up the topic a few times. However, Madam Lu would brush it aside by saying everything is under control.


    She (Yue Ling) is grateful for Madam Lu¡¯s generosity, but she felt guilty. She isn¡¯t one to let others pay for everything if she is the cause of it. After all, she isn¡¯t short of money.


    Lu Tian had a feeling that this was bothering his wife. He stretches a hand to her and gives her hand a gentle squeeze.


    "My mother said she wants it to be a surprise for you."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling pout with a heavyweight on her heart. She guessed it was a surprise as the Lu family tend to have a thing for surprises. However, she doesn¡¯t want Madam Lu to handle all the preparations alone.


    Then again, maybe it shouldn¡¯t be too bad as it is only the engagement party.


    "Don¡¯t worry too much about it. My mother has always dreamt about this day."


    Lu Tian reassures her as he squeezes her and again. In truth, his mother wanted to prepare for the wedding, but he told her it was up to his wife. In the end, his mother could only settle with the engagement party and offered her help if needed for the wedding.


    Remembering another thing, he nces at his wife before looking back at the road in front.


    "Should we go somewhere tonight to rx your mind?"


    Yue Ling chuckles at his question. She ces her other hand over their joined hands and tilts her head back.


    "Going somewhere does sound nice, but I want to go home. I miss thefort of my bed."


    Her eyes gradually close, and she felt her entire body turn heavy from exhaustion as sleep devours her.


    Lu Tian was a little disappointed by her answer. If she wanted to go somewhere, he was willing to take her. Even if it is only for one night.


    However, seeing how tired she is, he doesn¡¯t push the conversation further.


    "I¡¯ll wake up when we get home."


    As Yue Ling lets sleep take over, she subconsciously answers with a faint ¡¯mm¡¯ before entering the abyss of dreams.


    Lu Tian taps a button on the steering wheel to raise the car temperature. He wanted the car to be warm and cozy so that his wife can have a nice nap.


    -


    Time passes as the road home was not bumpy and not once was Yue Ling disturbed from her nap. However, in her world of dreams, a sudden loud nking sound of metal and wood enter her ears.


    Her brows wrinkle together like her sleep had been disturbed. She adjusts her posture, thinking they were driving through a ce that was under construction.


    Just as she moved a little, she feels the car slow to a stop. Her eyes slowly flutter open, and she was greeted by the car ceiling. This confused her at first, but she quickly understood.


    Lu Tian must have stopped somewhere on the way home and adjusted her seat so she could sleep better.


    Reaching for the seat leverage, she puts her seat back into its rightful position and looks at Lu Tian. However, she was even more surprised when he wasn¡¯t there.


    Was she really that deep in sleep that she didn¡¯t hear him get out of the car?


    The second she asked the question in her head, the passenger door opens, and she darts her head to look. Her eyes sh with alertness, and her hands reach for the seatbelt in preparation to unbuckle herself and attack if needed.


    "Well, that¡¯s a look I don¡¯t often see."


    Lu Tian chuckles when he saw his wife¡¯s change of behavior. He is also relieved by this as she knows not to let her guard down in any given situation.


    "You scared me."


    Relief washes inside Yue Ling, and she returns to her calmness when she saw the aloof man. She presses the button, unbuckles her seatbelt, and nce in the direction of their house as she steps out of the car.


    "You could have woken me up instead of trying to give me a heart attack."


    "I was hoping to carry you inside."


    Lu Tian answers without hiding his intentions. When he parked the car, he thought about waking her up, but seeing her sleeping peacefully, he didn¡¯t want to wake her and decided to carry her inside.


    Only, she had woken up, and his n failed.


    Yue Ling was touched by his consideration for her.


    She closes the passenger side door and makes a move first. She reaches a hand to hold his and smiles up at him.


    Let¡¯s go in. I¡¯ll cook dinner tonight."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian nods his head with an indifferent expression, but inside, he jumps with happiness. It was to the point his heart shot up to the moon and circled a few times before descending back to his body.


    "I¡¯ll help with anything you need me to. I promise I won¡¯t get in your way."


    Lately, he has been doing the cooking and cleaning. Not because his wife doesn¡¯t know to cook, or he didn¡¯t like her cooking. As a matter of fact, his cooking is inferior to her.


    He didn¡¯t let her cook and clean because he was scared his wife might identally hurt herself. He also doesn¡¯t want her to stand in front of the heated stove.


    Calmly his beating heart, he walks shoulder to shoulder with her. It¡¯s been a while since hest ate her delicious home-cooked meals.


    Thinking this, he could already picture their dining table decorated with all the food she would cook for him.


    However, keeping all his childish thoughts hidden from his face, he quickens his pace for the front door.

 Chapter 787 - Origin of the noises

    <h4>Chapter 787 - Origin of the noises</h4>


    Approaching the front door to their home, Yue Ling held a frowning expression. She looks around their front courtyard as the sound of construction she heard in her sleep was still ongoing. However, no matter where she looked, she couldn¡¯t see anything out of ce or work on.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    From the side of her, Lu Tian asks when he saw his wife looking around. He also heard the sound of construction work, but he pays no mind to it.


    Yue Ling¡¯s frown remained in ce. She nces around again but seeing nothing again, she shakes her head.


    "It¡¯s nothing. I was just thinking our neighbors might be renovation their house or building something."


    Her words fell, and her frown disappears, but she tilts her head like she was pondering her thoughts.


    "But it¡¯s strange now that I think about it."


    She leans closer to Lu Tian like she would tell him a secret and did want anyone to hear.


    "Ever since we moved here, I¡¯ve never seen any houses or cars other than ours."


    Lu Tianughs at how attentive she had been with her surroundings. He doesn¡¯t stop to look around with her but continues to the front door.


    "That¡¯s because the closest house to us is 5 kilometers from where we came from."


    His words fell like thunder striking Yue Ling, and her eyes widen. She looks at him with revtion. It was no wonder she never saw anyone when she leaves the house.


    Their house is on a small hill. When entering from the main road they live on, the end of it is the gate to their home. She knew their house was at the end, but with the many trees on either side of the road, she thought her neighbor¡¯s house was probably hidden away.


    As she thought this, a thought came to mind, and she stares at Lu Tian in an utterance.


    Does this mean he can kill her, and no one will hear her scream for help?


    Lu Tian was just about to unlock the front door when he, by chance, nced at his wife. When he saw how she was staring at him, heughs as her expression said it all.


    He unlocked the door and held the door open for her like a gentleman.


    "I think it is your beauty that will kill me first."


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless by his ability to mind read. She lets go of his hand and raises both arms to cover her chest with palms touch her cheeks.


    "If my beauty can kill, you would have been dead already."


    She walks over to the coat closet. Removes her coat and shoes but frowns over something that had been bothering her.


    "Who is making such a ruckus?"


    For some unknown reason, the sound of construction never ceased, but now that she is inside the house, the sound seems to be even louder. It was like the noise ising directly from inside their home.


    She quickly puts on her house slippers and walks further inside the house with eyes scanning everywhere. When she suddenly saw something that was out of ce, she hurriedly strides closer.


    "Tian... Our living room... what happened to our living room?"


    Her eyes shook, and she stops in the center of the living room. All their furniture had disappeared. However, what shocked her the most was the huge window that gave a view of the back courtyard.


    It disappeared with the wall.


    She stares with wide, unblinking eyes outside, and when she saw the new scene in front of her, her mouth slowly open agape.


    The construction sound she had been hearing wasing from their back courtyard. People were walking back and forth, carrying heavy loads, while some take the wheel of construction vehicles.


    Even she can¡¯t help but wonder how the back courtyard was big enough to amodate this many people and vehicles.


    If not for this, she would have thought their house had been robbed or a tornado flew through their home.


    Lost in her daze by the situation happening in front of her, seconds turned to minutes. Returning to her senses, she turns her head to the side to look at Lu Tian.


    However, met with the man¡¯s calm demeanor, she was rendered speechless.


    "D-Did you know about this? Is this something you had nned?"


    Lu Tian stood not too far from the living room. He stares at her with a soft expression that showed all the love he has for her.


    When he heard her questions, he felt satisfied with himself and nods his head in answer.


    He had wanted to do this since he can¡¯t be home all the time with his wife and Inu, but he never got around to it because of his work schedule.


    However, due to his wife¡¯s encounter with Tao Meng, he gathered his team and made few house arrangements.


    He needed to make sure that his wife and Inu will feel safe in the house when he leaves for business meetings.


    "I see... So this is the origin of the noises."


    Yue Ling mutters like she was talking to herself. Now she understands why Lu Tian didn¡¯t have the same reaction as her. He already knew and was the mastermind behind this unrest.


    She looks away from the aloof man and stares back at the scene outside. Catching a glimpse of something, she presses her lips tightly together and tries not tough or smile.


    Without shifting her gaze away, she raises a hand and points to themotion outside.


    "What about that? Did you also know about that?"


    Lu Tian was feeling rtively high and mighty about his n. From his wife¡¯s expression and words, it did take her by surprise, but she seems to be taking it in quite well.


    He had kept it confidential from her as this matter was the cause for the phone call he made in the car and the call he had received while waiting.


    He ordered his men toe to their house to proceed with the changes by increasing security.


    With this in the process, he doesn¡¯t want his wife and Inu to experience the same incident at Jade Condos when Chu Li Xiang sent his men.


    Thinking to himself, he walks over to join his wife when he heard her question.


    "Yes, everything you see happening out there is part of my n."


    "I see..."


    Yue Ling nods her head like she understood his words. She crosses her arms over her chest and slightly pouts.


    "But aren¡¯t they cold?"


    Coming to a stop by her side, Lu Tian ces his hands behind his back then turns to face the same view his wife was looking at.


    He smiles confidently and nces at the scene before closing his eyes with his chin slightly raised.


    "It is indeed cold since Winter is upon us, but with the task they are to fulfill, it is only natural for one to take their shirts odd to cool down their sweaty bodies..."


    He spoke like a proud master, full of confidence towards his hardworking men. However, his spoken words struck him hard in the brain, and his eyes shot open.


    He stares with a dumbstruck expression at the scene before reacting by cover his wife¡¯s eyes with one hand, and his other hand wraps around her.


    "Don¡¯t look! It¡¯ll scar you for life."


    Pulling her close to his chest, he made sure that she couldn¡¯t see anything.


    His stare turns into a burning re, and his eyes turned bloodshot at the scene his wife had seen.


    The sound of construction work continues to echo into the setting sky. The people outside, unaware of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s arrival, continue their assigned tasks.


    Their muscr body moved to and from without any shirt on. Each person would take a pause in their steps to allow the cool breeze to brush against their bare skin.


    This scene was like a woman¡¯s fantasy. To witness strong men working extra hard with their bodies covered in sweat. Sweat that made them glow like honey was poured over them.


    Lu Tian¡¯s face scrunch at the scene like it was the filthiest thing he was seeing. He held his wife tighter in his arms, and his lip tremble as the taste of vinegar filled his mouth.


    She saw everything...


    No, she saw another man¡¯s bare chest other than him...

 Chapter 788 - Cant see anything

    <h4>Chapter 788 - Can''t see anything</h4>


    Suddenly staring into the darkness, Yue Ling was bewildered by Lu Tian¡¯s childish behavior. She knew right away why the man had covered her eyes.


    A smile curls on her lip as she doesn¡¯t push him away and decides to y along like a fool.


    "Tian, why are you covering my eyes? I can¡¯t see anything."


    Her words fell as she even attempted to move hisrge hand, covering the top half of her face. However, no matter what she did, his hold on her was too strong the fight against.


    She blinks a few times, her longshes brushing against his palm.


    Lu Tian felt a tingling sensation shot throughout his entire body. He presses his lips tightly together and inhales a deep breath to calm himself down.


    "Your eyes will be tainted by the things you see outside."


    However, knowing he cannot cover her eyes for too long, he reluctantly moves his hand away.


    At the same time, he didn¡¯t forget to adjust their position. He turns his wife back to the window that had been removed, hoping that she will not see the shirtless men working outside.


    "Be good and go upstairs. I¡¯lle up after checking in with my men."


    Yue Ling wasn¡¯t dumb and knew the meaning behind his words. However, recalling the scene she saw seconds ago, she had to admit that the Wolf Team members are really something. Not only are they good at their jobs, but they know how to keep their bodies in shape.


    As the thought came to her, she involuntary nce up at Lu Tian. Her body froze in ce when she saw his dark eyes staring back at her with a dangerous glint of light.


    Could it be that her thoughts were written on her face?


    No, that¡¯s not possible. She had thought about it too quickly to even show a change in her expression.


    Besides, she was onlyplimenting the members of Wolf Team. No matter how good looking their faces are or how well-built their bodies are, none canpare to the man standing in front of her.


    Sighing at this thought, she doesn¡¯t y the fool anymore and turns around like an obedient child being sent to bed. However, about the step out of the living room, she suddenly pauses and turns around.


    "Ah, I almost forgot."


    The second she turned around, Lu Tian¡¯s heart jumped to his throat. His eyes search everywhere for something to cover the window. However, seeing nothing, he grabs the open part of his coat and stretch it open as if to hide the scene behind him.


    Yue Ling stares at him with a befuddle tilt of her head. Of course, it didn¡¯tst long when her lip curls upward, and she chuckles a smile at the sight of him portraying a curtain.


    "Well, this something I don¡¯t see every day."


    Her words fell teasingly. She could still see the view outside as Lu Tian alone was not enough to block the entire window.


    However, seeing how ck his face had be, she decides not to tease him anymore.


    "Is there anything, in particr, you want to eat for dinner?"


    "Anything."


    Lu Tian answers through his clenched teeth while trying to keep his posture tall in order to block his wife¡¯s line of sight. If it¡¯s dinner and she¡¯s cooking, he isn¡¯t picky at all.


    Yue Ling nods her head and turns around to walk away.


    "I¡¯ll be upstairs then. Until it¡¯s safe, doe and get me so I can cook dinner before it gets toote."


    As her figure disappears behind a wall leading to the stairs, Lu Tian sighs in relief, not knowing he had been holding his breath. His outstretched arms lower, and he runs his hand through his hair, messing it up.


    "She really knows how to give someone a heart attack."


    "Ah, Tian, one more thing."


    Just as he mumbled the words to himself, Yue Ling¡¯s voice calls out again, and her head pokes out from behind the wall.


    Lu Tian was startled by her sudden return and grabbed his coat again. He quickly stretches his arms and returns to being a curtain. He tries to keep his head cool and looks at his wife like everything is as smooth as a boat sailing in the ocean.


    "Yes."


    Yue Ling blinks her eyes at the man standing alone in the living room. She presses her lips tightly together and tries to hold back her need tough loudly.


    Unlike the first he turned into a curtain, Lu Tian at this moment indeed had both his arms out, but due to her sudden return, he was only able to grab one side of his coat. His nicelybed hair was also disheveled, like he had woke up from a long nap.


    Staring at him for another second, Yue Ling was unable to hold herself back. She burst into a peal of hystericalughter with upside-down eyes before quickly calming herself.


    Herughing face turns into a cheesy one, and she sends him a wink.


    "Got you."


    She turns around and walks away towards the stairs. This time, she doesn¡¯t return as she didn¡¯t want to anger Lu Tian. She was sure that if she were to make another appearance, he would really strangle her death.


    Lu Tian maintained his position for a long minute. He needed to be sure that his wife wasn¡¯t going to pop out of anywhere.


    When he sees that she wasn¡¯t going to joke around anymore, his arms lower. However, he doesn¡¯t forget to walk a little to the side to check the direction she had gone.


    Seeing her taking thest step up the stairs to the second floor, he heaves a sigh of relief. He swore his legs were going to give up on him when she jokes with him.


    "She really is going to be the death of me."


    Being someone who was always cold and indifferent, he has never experienced a situation like this. Only after his wife entered his life did he know he could feel so distraught.


    Shaking his head at what just happened, he waited until he couldn¡¯t hear his wife¡¯s faint footsteps anymore. Turning around, he walks out to the back courtyard.


    However, instead of leaving the window removed, he departs from the back door like a person withmon sense.


    He steps on the patio deck, and the cold air brush passes him, causing his coat to sway in motion. Stopping at the end, he doesn¡¯t go down the small steps of stairs but stares with a straight face at the scene in front of him.


    Calmly ce his hands behind his back, his lips parts, and his deep voice sounds more profound than usual.


    "Wolf Team, formation!"

 Chapter 789 - Your hair

    <h4>Chapter 789 - Your hair</h4>


    Unlike the doting and rxed temperament he had when he was in front of his wife, Lu Tian¡¯s voice echoed into the sky like the rumbling of thunder.


    All the noises around quickly cease, and all heads turned to look in his direction. When everyone saw Lu Tian¡¯s respectable figure, no one hesitated to stop what they were going and gather in a neat formation as ordered.


    "Boss!"


    Their voices raised together like soldiers in training.


    Lu Tian stares down at each person with his hands held behind his back. Seeing that all twenty-two heads, plus Xu Long was ounted for, he was impressed they everyone was here.


    However, seeing something to the right of him, he arches an eyebrow.


    There were seven men. They had familiar faces but not part of his team.


    "Boss, let me exin."


    Seeing the expression on Lu Tian¡¯s face, Xu Long misunderstood, thinking his boss is angry. He breaks formation by taking a big step forward and exins.


    "Liu Shan and Lin Hui were with me when you called. I thought a few more hands wouldn¡¯t hurt, so I dragged them along."


    His spine straightens with a good posture. He was no longer the clumsy assistant he usually is, but a subordinate carrying out his duty.


    "I am willing to take full responsibility for this."


    When he received the call about what was happening, he first picked up his boss¡¯s car at the restaurant and then came to the house.


    He didn¡¯t think it would cause trouble as Liu Shan and Lin Hui are hisdy boss¡¯s subordinates. Also, he had nned to tell them to go home afterward.


    When they saw Wolf Team at the house waiting and learned why this sudden gathering, they offered to stay and help.


    Lu Tian stares in silence at his assistant. His eyes then shift to Liu Shan and Lin Hui. However, his eyes didn¡¯t stay on them for long as he looks behind the two men.


    There were still the other five men.


    Although their distance from one another was far, Liu Shan takes a step forward when he saw where Lu Tian¡¯s line of sight had been directed.


    "I called them."


    His posture was straight as he broke formation with Xu Long. He stares straight into Lu Tian¡¯s cold and indifferent eyes without batting an eye or showing any fear.


    "The reason you assembled your men here is for the safety of our boss. We are her subordinates and the ones who have worked alongside her for many years. It¡¯s only a given that we are here too because we are of use."


    Lu Tian listens without interrupting his wife¡¯s assistant. Seeing how Liu Shan made a good point, he nods his head lightly.


    He looks away from Liu Shan to Lin Hui, then at Qi Li, Gui Tian Lan, Gui Zhongmin, Tang Zhonghui, and Shan Sinan.


    It is precisely like Liu Shan had said. These seven men have been through heaven and earth with his wife. Compare to Wolf Team, they know how his wife is like when facing danger.


    However, noticing something, his brows wrinkle together.


    Like his men, they were also shirtless except for Qi Li.


    The young man (Qi Li) was as cold and indifferent as usual. Unlike the other men, he kept his turtleneck on.


    Lu Tian¡¯s frown deepens with a purse of his lip. He didn¡¯t do this because of Qi Li but because he suddenly realized how built and toned his wife¡¯s subordinates are. If he didn¡¯t know, he would have thought they were apart of Wolf Team or had gone under the same strict training.


    The more he thought about this, another thought came to him, and his expression turned sour.


    Does this mean his wife has seen these men¡¯s shirtless bodies in the past?


    It was no wonder she didn¡¯t show any interest but kept messing with his feelings. He thought she was trying to sneak a nce. However, she had seen this scene too many times in the past to even care.


    Feeling a wave of vinegar wash inside him, he quickly swallows it back down to suppress his cool.


    "Everyone continue with their tasks."


    His words fell naturally like he never had any of the thoughts he just did. He takes a step forward, and just as his right foot was about to step on the stairs, he caught a glimpse of Xu Long.


    He pauses in his steps, and his brows scrunch as he tries to read what his assistant was trying to tell him.


    Xu Long did not return to his task. Instead, he stood with a slight panic look on his face and hands, gesturing over his head then a few times to the sides.


    Upon seeing this, Lu Tian felt he was looking at an idiot. However, from the corner of his eyes, he sees Yiqing. He looks at the married man, and his eyes turned heavier than they already were.


    Simr to the assistant, Yiqing was also fidgeting around, but instead of making gestures with his hands, he was continually flipping his head forward then back.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes shift from left to right as he watches his two subordinates. He couldn¡¯t tell whether they were trying to tell him something or trying to make a fool out of themselves.


    One looked like he was fighting bugs, while the other looked like his neck was either broken or in pain.


    Watching from the side, Jiangyu sighs at the two men he works alongside. Seeing how their little movements were useless, he raises his hand to his mouth and loudly coughs as he tries to sneak in a clue.


    "Boss your hair."


    Although the bulky man¡¯s cough was loud, Lu Tian was able to hear Jiangyu¡¯s words. He raises a hand to touch his hair, and he was rooted to the floor.


    Earlier, when his wife kept teasing him, he had run his hand through his hair and messed it up. From what he can feel, his hair that should have been nicelybed back was now sticking up as if he had just woken up from the bed.


    His cheeks flushed a shade of pink, but he kept aposed demeanor. He ran his hand over his hair tob everything into ce and proceed down the small steps of stairs.


    "Qi Li, stay behind. You will fill me in on the current details."


    Xu Long could not believe what he was hearing, and his jaw dropped to the ground. His head darts in the direction of the man, and he res with burning eyes full of wrath.


    However, no one took notice of him.


    That is because, while the majority of Wolf Team went back to work, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Alpha Team had yet to leave. Each person was too amazed by Lu Tian¡¯s calm reaction to his hair that almost looked like a bird¡¯s nest.


    He didn¡¯t get embarrassed by kept a rxed demeanor that made anyone who saw him impressed.


    It was only fixing one¡¯s hair, but his movements were sleek and smooth, genuinely like a model in the middle of a photoshoot.


    Now they can see why he was known as Imperial¡¯s number one bachelor before he met their boss. Discard his cold and indifferent personality, and one can see only the definition of perfection and handsomeness.


    However, being the first toe back to his senses, Liu Shan clears his throat to interrupt hisrade¡¯s thoughts.


    "Let¡¯s get back to work before the sun setspletely."


    As the men of Fate left to finish their tasks, Qi Li remained behind. He walks in the opposite direction to meet Lu Tian as ordered.

 Chapter 790 - Maybe he will show you

    <h4>Chapter 790 - Maybe he will show you</h4>


    Xu Long stood rooted to the ground with horrendous eyes staring at his boss and the man wearing sses. The corners of his lip twitch uncontrobly with a wish to strangle Qi Li to death.


    He is Lu Tian¡¯s assistant and number one sidekick. Everything that needs to be reported alwayses from him. Yet, at this moment, his position has been given to Qi Li.


    How can this be? Is he getting reced?


    No, that¡¯s not possible.


    Liu Shan took notice of the man¡¯s dumbstruck state and sighs. He walks over to Xu Long, locks one arm around the man¡¯s neck, and drags him (Xu Long) away.


    "Quit crying over something so little. Can¡¯t you see, Qi Li was chosen because he isn¡¯t flexing his chest like the rest of us."


    When Lu Tian greeted them, he (Liu Shan) was able to see the aloof man¡¯s expression from a mile away. He (Lu Tian) would repeatedly nce at their shirtless bodies. However, the more he (Lu Tian) looked, the more his expression turned dark, like something was making his blood boil.


    He (Liu Shan) was sure that he wasn¡¯t the only one who noticed this because Lin Hui and the others from Alpha Team saw it too. He thought that since this was the case, Wolf Team should have the same thoughts since Lu Tian is their boss.


    However, judging from Xu Long¡¯s reaction, maybe it was only him who didn¡¯t since he¡¯s not part of Alpha Team or Wolf Team.


    Oblivious to this reason, Xu Long allows Liu Shan to pull away by the head. With himself walking backward now, he could only watch with teary eyes as his boss and Qi Li continue to conversate like they were closed acquaintances.


    His lower lip trembles, and he wails into the sky with no tears to shed. Both his arms stretch forward like a baby being taken away from his mother.


    "Boss! Save me! I am your assistant. Save me! Don¡¯t let them take me away! Wuuu."


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes and walked away even faster. Behind him, Lin Hui stares at the crying assistant, and his face scrunches in vexation.


    "What do you mean ¡¯them¡¯? It¡¯s only Shan who is dragging you."


    "..."


    Xu Long abruptly stops wailing, but his mouth remained widely open. Like a thermostat, his entire face turns red, and his eyes darts left and right. Seeing that those near staring at him with ridicule or pity, he lowers his eyes to the grass beneath him.


    Grabbing Liu Shan¡¯s arm that held him in a chokehold, he raises it to cover his ashamed face. He thought that by doing this, no one will see him as he sobs silently.


    However, what he did not know is, his little move only covered the top half of his face, leaving his trembling lips visible to anyone who saw.


    Lu Tian ignored his assistant¡¯s wails as it was how Liu Shan said again. Out of all the people here, he chose Qi Li to fill him in on the report because he (Qi Li) was the only one adequately dressed.


    As a person who prefers cleanliness, he wouldn¡¯t usually mind this since he and his men train in the field together. However, when he saw how well-built each person was and knowing his wife had seen what he saw, he couldn¡¯t help but eat a jar of vinegar.


    However, understanding why these men were shirtless, he pushes aside his jealousy.


    After all, his body is not inferior to any of the men here.


    Looking at Qi Li, he was pleased that the young man knew how to keep his shirt.


    "How is the process going?"


    His deep voice sounds with no emotion and cold as ice. Qi Li looks at him without feeling intimidated. He turns to face the house and points at specific locations.


    "We¡¯ve added escape doors to these parts of the house. In total, there are five on the first floor, but with the short time given, we¡¯ve onlypleted three. In the study room upstairs, we are still in the process of gathering the equipment needed to add in a secret room for weapons."


    As Qi Li continues to give the report, Lu Tian listens as he stares at each location pinpointed.


    In the distance from the two men, everyone looked like they had returned to their previous tasks. However, all heads couldn¡¯t help but stare in the direction of Lu Tian and Qi Li.


    Huan Min, a member of Wolf Team¡¯s sniper group, stood with a level tool in hand like a cane. He crosses one leg over the other and stares with a slight frown.


    "Is it just me, or does boss and the kid look like brothers?"


    Hearing his question, Jiangyu, who was about to climb up to sit in the excavator, stops. He turns his head and looks at his boss. He hates to admit it, but Huan Min was right.


    Compare to his boss and Lu Han being brothers, anyone who didn¡¯t know would think Qi Li is the spitting image of Lu Tian.


    "Man, they really do look alike. Even their personality is the same. So cold and bone-chilling."


    Yiqing and Shaofeng walk over to join the two men as they stare in one direction. However, noticing something, Yiqing stroke his chin like an old man.


    "Did you guys notice something about the members of Fate?"


    "Notice what?"


    Shaofeng asks when he heard the question. He looks around at the people who were not a part of Wolf Team. Seeing nothing out of ce, he scratched the side of his head.


    "I guess they look normal?"


    Like the young man, Jiangyu and Huan Min also looked at the seven people from Fate. However, unlike Shaofeng, they were able to see what Yiqing was referring to.


    "Tattoos."


    Both men spoke at the same time, and Yiqing nods his head. He takes a step to the side and leans on the excavator as he stares at Liu Shan, then Lin Hui. His line of sight doesn¡¯t stay on them for too long before he looks at the other four shirtless men from Alpha Team.


    "If I didn¡¯t know who they were, I would have never thought them to be from Fate at all."


    Jiangyu, Huan Min, and Shaofeng couldn¡¯t help but agree with Yiqing. When they all met for the first time, it really shook them to know that such simple looking people like Liu Shan and the others were from Fate.


    However, now that they¡¯ve be closer asrades, everything made sense.


    Each person from Fate has their own dark past. When they have their shirts on, they look like an average person getting by with life. However, underneath those clothes are the tattoos that told their past or who they were.


    Shaofeng¡¯s eyes opened wide when he saw how detailed Liu Shan and others¡¯ tattoos were. He was amazed and curious to the point he suddenly felt like getting a tattoo too.


    Seeing the young man¡¯s eyes beaming with ns, Huan Min shook his head while Jiangyu pats Shaofeng¡¯s head.


    "Kid, if you want a tattoo, wait until you¡¯re older."


    Being treated like a child, Shaofeng pout with a sulking expression. He pushes Jiangyu¡¯s hand away from messing up his hair and raises his head to act like he was taller.


    "I am older. This year I turned 24."


    Jiangyu, Yiqing, and Huan Min stare at Shaofeng in silence, but that didn¡¯tst long when each person lets out augh.


    "Alright, you¡¯re older now. Then let¡¯s wait until you are 25 to get a tattoo."


    Shaofeng res at the three older men. He knows that they were only joking with him since he¡¯s the youngest amongst all Wolf Team members. However, he is already an a.d.u.l.t and can make his own decisions.


    Turning his head to look at Liu Shan, an idea came to him. Maybe he should ask the assistant where he got his tattoo done.


    As he thought about this, he looks in Qi Li¡¯s direction, who is still discussing the report with his boss. He tilts his head a little to the side and ponders before speaking.


    "All the other six have tattoos, but what about him?"


    "Ask him, and maybe he will show you."


    A voice sounds from behind the four men staring in one direction. Shaofeng didn¡¯t turn to see who spoke and answers without thinking.


    "Maybe I will ask him."


    "Huan Min, can I borrow that leveler for a second?"


    The same voice sounds again, but this time to Huan Min, who was still using the level tool as a cane. When he heard the question, he uncrosses his legs and hands the level tool to the person.


    "Oh, my bad, Gui Zhongmin. Here, I¡¯ll ask for it when I need itter."


    He subconsciously nces at Gui Zhongmin then back at Qi Li. However, the second he turned his head away, his eyes slightly widen, and he does a double-take at the stylist who was already walking away.


    Not only him but the other three as well.


    They had been so curious about whether Qi Li has a tattoo or not that they didn¡¯t even hear Gui Zhongmin walk up to them.


    Yiqing pats his chest like he just received the shock of his life and raised his other hand to wipe his forehead.


    "Man, these guys really know how to give someone a heart attack."


    Jiangyu stares at Gui Zhongmin¡¯s departing figure, and he heaves a long sigh.


    "Alright, that¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s get back to why we¡¯re here."


    He doesn¡¯t mind discussing the topic some more, but the sun was setting. When he saw Gui Zhongmin, he felt a sense of guilt. He and the other three men here were cking off while others continue to work hard.


    Paying no more mind to Yiqing, Shaofeng, and Huan Min, he climbs up to sit on the excavator.


    As he reaches to turn the vehicle on, he subconsciously nces at the setting sun, and he suddenly felt a tingling ache in his heart.


    Although Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Alpha Team were here, it was only the men. Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang were told not toe.


    Thinking about his Ju Suo, Jiangyu sighs, depressingly inside as he really wants to see his little monkey.

 Chapter 791 - A tiny bunny

    <h4>Chapter 791 - A tiny bunny</h4>


    After Qi Li finished giving the report, Lu Tian went about to inspect what has beenpleted. There were escape doors in the two spare bedrooms on the first floor, along with another one in the kitchen from what he saw.


    The escape doors in the spare bedrooms were designed to be inside the closet. Once opened, one would be directly led outside. Of course, this can only be done by entering a passcode from inside.


    As for the one in the kitchen, the escape door is well-blended with the wall adjacent to the back courtyard.


    After taking a brief walkthrough, Lu Tian didn¡¯t get angry that everything wasn¡¯tpleted in one day. He had gathered his men at thest minute, and he knows that it will take more than one day to finish everything.


    He stares at the massive floor to ceiling window in the living room that had been removed. When he promised his wife a house, he wanted to build one for her, but she chose this house. If he had created one for her instead of the garage she asked for, he would have changed all the windows to bulletproof ss.


    Thinking this thought, he stares from outside the window into the house. The reason why this window is removed is that he¡¯s having it reced with bulletproof ss. It hasn¡¯t been reinstalled because it¡¯s in the process of being tinted to reduce visibility into their home.


    Lu Tian nces down at the watch on his hand, and seeing that it was thirty minutes till five, he turns away from the window. Once he makes his way to check on how everyone is doing with their current tasks, he can go to his wife.


    Since he didn¡¯t tell her anything and she didn¡¯t ask, she probably has millions of questions thought up about the situation.


    "Boss, what should we do about this room?"


    Jiangyu calls out when he saw his boss walking towards him. He was no longer on the excavator but stood in front of a foldable table with multiple blueprints of the houseid out.


    Hearing his subordinate¡¯s words, Lu Tian walks over to take a look. He walked around the table and stood next to Jiangyu before lowering his head.


    "This room. You¡¯ve circled and added the necessary things, but this is the only room left untouched."


    Jiangyu points to a specific part of the house¡¯s blueprint. He and Yiqing had done a brief walkthrough inside the house to see if the things their boss wanted could be done.


    However, curious as to why this room is left out, he couldn¡¯t help but ask. It was also in case his boss might have forgotten about the room.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t need to think of an answer for Jiangyu¡¯s words. He stares down at the blueprint then looks up at the window where the room is on the house.


    "It is my wife¡¯s room. She¡¯ll be the one to decide on what to do with it."


    This room, to be precise, is her closet room.


    Some people who heard him might have thought he was referring to this room as the room his wife sleeps in, but that is not it. Never in a million years will he allow her to sleep in another room without him. Even if one day came and got into a big fight, he will forever sleep where she is sleeping.


    As this thought crossed his mind, Lu Tian quickly discards it. He smacks it away like it was an annoying fly buzzing around for trouble.


    He looks down at the blueprint again and points at the same room on paper.


    "This room, make sure no one goes near it unless I give permission."


    Just as Lu Tian¡¯s words fell, Lin Hui walks past the table, but his shirtless body stops in his tracks. He ignores what he was on his way to do and skips over. He stood across the table from the boss and subordinate with his back turned to the house.,


    His arms that were tattooed with roses reach forward and ce his palms on the table. He stares down at the blueprintsid out, then his head tilts a little to the side, and like he saw something that aroused his curiosity, he chuckles.


    "Funny..."


    Jiangyu jumped when he heard Lin Hui. He looks at the man and frowns as he didn¡¯t see or hear the man approach the table at all. He had to admit, the roses tattooed on the upper half of Lin Hui¡¯s arms gave him (Lin Hui) a dangerous bad boy appearance.


    However, thinking about Lin Hui¡¯s words, his (Jiangyu) facial expression scrunch together more, and his mouth curls upside-down like he had smelt something foul.


    "What did you just say?"


    His eyes darken dangerously at the little man like they were enemies meeting on a narrow road. He didn¡¯t forget to sneak a flex of his muscles like he was trying to scare Lin Hui.


    "Are you indicating that my boss¡¯s proposal is a waste of time? Is that why you think all this is funny?"


    He and Lin Hui have worked a few cases together since their bosses are in a rtionship. However, that doesn¡¯t mean he will let anyone look down on his boss. Even if the person is one of hisdy boss¡¯s people.


    Lin Hui was struck dumbfounded by Jiangyu¡¯s assumption. He lifts his head to look at the man and straightens his posture.


    His left arm raises, and he scratches the side of his head. As he did this, he also didn¡¯t forget to flex the muscles on his arm. He then crosses both his arms over his chest, and with a raised of his chin, he stares right back at the bulky man.


    Although his height and body structure were inferior to Jiangyu, he wasn¡¯t the least bit intimidated at all. He stood his ground without backing down and took the stance of a fearless warrior.


    "Why the attitude? All I said was, this is funny."


    Of course, his courageous appearance was all in his head.


    Gui Tian Lan stood not too far from the table as he was about to grab a bottle of water to drink. When he heard the short conversation between Lin Hui and Jiangyu, he turns his head to look at them.


    From his perspective, Jiangyu looked like a fearsome lion while Lin Hui looked like a tiny bunny instead of a warrior.


    However, if one were to look at the two men, they would think this was some kind of bodybuilding contest between them.


    He shakes his head and picks up the bottle of water before walking away.


    "What an idiot."


    Hearing the tailor¡¯s words, Lu Tian, who hadn¡¯t said a word to stop Jiangyu and Lin Hui, nces at Gui Tian Lan. Before the man (Gui Tian Lan) could turn away, he (Lu Tian) could vaguely make out the tattoo on the front of Gui Tian Lan¡¯s left chest.


    It was a shattered pocket watch with roses.


    If one did not know, they would undoubtedly question the reason for a tattoo like that, but he already knew the answer to it.


    The watch marked the time Gui Tian Lan¡¯s girlfriend died, and it is a reminder that even in death, she will be in his heart.


    As the tailor walks away, Lu Tian slightly arches a brow when he saw that the left shoulder-de and arm of Gui Tian Lan was tattooed with one single wing. He felt he saw that tattoo on someone else too.


    Just as he thought this, he shifts his gaze to the person in mind. He spots Gui Zhongmin working on a task with Huan Min and Shaofeng. The young man also had the same wing tattoo as Gui Tian Lan, but on the right side.


    He doesn¡¯t dwell on this thought for too long and turns his attention to Lin Hui, who stood across the table.


    "What do you find funny?"


    He didn¡¯t think the man was being disrespectful at all. Preferably, he wants to hear what Lin Hui has to say. He needed to know if Lin Hui saw something that he might have missed when working on the blueprints.


    Lin Hui was in the middle of a staring contest with Jiangyu, but when he heard Lu Tian speaking to him, he ignores the bulky man and looks at the boss.


    However, unlike the time he could stare into Jiangyu¡¯s eyes, when he saw Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes stare at him, he felt a chill run down his spine.


    He swore it was like the aloof man was staring into the depths of his soul.


    "Ah, about that... heh... heh..."


    He swallows his difficulty as if he had suddenly at a rock. He forces a sarcastic chuckle between pauses and scratched his head. This time, he doesn¡¯t bother to flex his muscles.


    "There¡¯s nothing wrong with the blueprints. I only said it was funny because I thought about something that happened in the past, and that¡¯s why I said what I said."

 Chapter 792 - Dont look at me

    <h4>Chapter 792 - Don''t look at me</h4>


    Lu Tian stares across the table at the manughing sarcastically. He held a nk expression with no traces of emotion. However, the look on his face was enough to tell someone to stop beating around the bush.


    And that is precisely what Lin Hui does.


    "Alright, alright."


    Lin Hui cease hisugh and stuck his palms out like he was trying to calm down a crazy crowd. He knows that Lu Tian isn¡¯t one to joke around with.


    "I¡¯m notughing at the proposal for the house, nor do I find it funny."


    He looks down at the blueprints scattered over the foldable table. Pointing to each ce that is being currently worked on, his words continue.


    "Escape doors, traps, hidden passages, safe rooms, weapon vaults, everything you can think of, it¡¯s all here."


    His lip purse at hisst word, and he crosses his arms over his chest.


    "With this tight security on the premises, one would definitely feel safe, and anyone who tries to enter will be stupid for stepping into their death."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression turns into a silent frown while Jiangyu stares with a distraught expression at Lin Hui. He (Jiangyu) suddenly felt the urge to punch Lin Hui because the man was still beating around the bush.


    However, not wanting to get n hisdy boss¡¯s wrong side, he inhales a deep breath to calm his itchy hands.


    "Okay, and your point is?"


    Lin Hui rolled his eyes at the bulky man. He unfolds his left arm and points to the house without turning around to look.


    "My point is, even with all this security, do you really think my boss will use it? Like seriously, if you were to ce atter in front of her to climb down the window, I¡¯m quite sure she will choose to jump."


    His words fell, and he suddenly thought about something that happened in the past. He snorts augh as he tries not tough aloud.


    ncing at Lu Tian and Jiangyu, he sees that the two men looked at him like an idiot forughing out of nowhere. He clears his throat and lowers his left arm to join with his right arm that is still crossed over his chest.


    "Don¡¯t look at me like I¡¯m crazy."


    He takes a small step closer and grins at the two men across from him.


    "This one time, an arrogant teenager snuck inside Fate. His intentions were to steal anything valuable, but he was caught by my boss on the third floor. Afraid of being thrown in jail, he bolted down the stairs thinking he could outrun her since he was younger. However, little did he know, she didn¡¯t chase after but jumped down from the window. The moment he exited the way he entered, she was already standing outside."


    Remembering the past urrence, Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help butugh with a slight shake to his head.


    "Even to this day, that boy still shivers when he thinks back to it. He said he thought he had died while running and was meeting the grim reaper."


    He will never forget how scared that boy was. It was to the point he almost wetted himself when he saw Yue Ling. Of course, he can¡¯t add this part to the story because he swore to never tell anyone.


    Jiangyu was dumbfounded when he heard the story. He stares at Lin Hui with heavy eyelids like someone had tried to tape his eyes closed.


    "Let me guess that boy was you?"


    Lin Hui abruptly stopsughing when he heard Jiangyu¡¯s words. He looks at the bulky and tall man with squint eyes. His expression as if saying Jiangyu had guessed correctly.


    "Of course!!"


    However, in a split second, he burst into another hystericalughter and held his stomach.


    "Of course, that boy wasn¡¯t me!"


    He held his stomach with one hand and raised his other hand to point in a particr direction.


    "It was Tang Zhonghui."


    His raised hand moves to his eyes, and he wipes away any tears.


    "Only an idiot would be caught by my boss."


    "..."


    Jiangyu stares at Lin Hui and felt he had been dumbfounded by the man too many times. For a second there, he thought the boy in the story was Lin Hui.


    Usually, when a person tells a story, it is about themselves, but this story was not what he had expected.


    The longer he stares at the manughing, he felt curious about how all Fate members came to meet hisdy boss, even his little monkey. Since their rtionship bloomed, he hasn¡¯t asked her how she became a member of the underworld.


    Should he ask her when he sees herter?


    However, as the question came to his mind, he quickly pushes it aside.


    If Ju Suo wanted him to know, she would have told him. So, for now, he¡¯ll patiently wait.


    With this in mind, he turns his head to the right, and he stares at the young man Lin Hui had mentioned.


    A few feet away from the table, Tang Zhonghui was currently working alongside Liu Shan and Xu Long. Suddenly feeling an itch in his right ear, he scratched it and frowns.


    "Hm, that¡¯s odd. Why is my ear suddenly itchy?"


    He purses his lip, and his frown deepens the more he thinks to himself.


    "Is someone talking about me?"


    Just as he mumbled the question, his eyes shot open, and he darts his head in the direction of the perpetrator.


    Meeting Jiangyu¡¯s eyes and dumbfounded expression, his nostrils re, and he inhales a deep breath full of rage and embarrassment.


    "Lin! Hui! You bastard! Are you telling that story again?!!"


    Hearing his name called, Lin Hui turns his head back to look at the technical designer. He raises one hand to pick his ear and stuck his tongue out at Tang Zhonghui.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m just trying to help you be famous."


    Across from where Lin Hui stood, Lu Tian and Jiangyu felt an unexinable feeling rise in them. The corners of both their mouth twitched from time to time, and they thought the same thing.


    How in the world is the woman of their life able to work with a man like this?


    Thinking about his wife, Lu Tian was the first to suppress his emotions. He looks down at the scattered blueprints then raises his head to the window that belongs to his wife¡¯s closet room.


    He thought about what Lin Hui said, and he sighs inside. It seems like his wife was also reckless in the past.


    When he heard the story Lin Hui mentioned, he had returned to the day when they captured Chu Li Xiang at the abandoned factory.


    In any given situation, when one sees their enemy jump out a window, one would react by taking a safer route, but not his wife. She didn¡¯t hesitate to jump after in pursuit, even if it meant hurting herself.


    Recalling this incident, Lu Tian clenches his fists tightly at his sides. He has always been the one who creates fear in others¡¯ hearts, but now... it is his wife who causes him to know what fear feels like.


    Not the kind of fear that makes one want to distance themselves, but the fear of losing someone they love.


    Looking away from the window, he reaches down to pick up one of the blueprints before walking away.


    "Tell everyone to finish what they¡¯re doing. Once done, everyone is dismissed for the day."


    Jiangyu¡¯s attention turned away from Lin Hui when he heard his boss. He strides after Lu Tian as he suddenly remembers something he had been meaning to ask.


    "Boss, wait a second."


    He quickly caught up with Lu Tian and walked shoulder to shoulder with the aloof man.


    "What about you and thedy boss? Some of the windows and walls have been removed and have not been put back. Will you both be staying here? If you are, some of us agreed to stay here to keep watch."


    Before Lu Tian and Yue Ling came home, everyone from Wolf Team and Fate had this discussion. If their bosses decide to stay the night, it¡¯ll be risky since any opening can be used as an entrance. The best thing to do to assure their bosses¡¯ safety is to have a few of them stay behind since they have to be back the next day.


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t turn his head to look at his subordinate but stares ahead at the house. He thought to himself about what to do, then nce down at the blueprint in his hand.


    It was exactly as Jiangyu said. This is their house, but they cannot be too sure who will suddenly appear with the current renovation.


    If it had been only him, he could care less. He wants to see who would dare enter his home. However, this is also his wife¡¯s home.


    He also knows that his wife is a fearless tiger, and nothing can faze her. If an enemy appears in front of her, she will do everything to defend herself, even if it means putting her life on the line.


    However, that is something he doesn¡¯t want her to do.


    Lifting his head, he scans the exterior of the house for a long second, then parts his lip.


    "I¡¯ll ask for her opinion first."


    His words fell simply, but it was a direct order for Jiangyu to wait for ater response. He strides away with significant steps as the bulky man he was walking with stops in the middle of the grass field.

 Chapter 793 - Too tired and fell asleep

    <h4>Chapter 793 - Too tired and fell asleep</h4>


    The sound of construction continues to echo into the setting sky as Lu Tian enters the house. He doesn¡¯t make any stops but heads toward the stair to the second floor. He thought that since there was only the study room being worked on, he would hear less of the noise. However, to his surprise, he could still hear the noises like when he was on the first floor.


    Now he can¡¯t help but be curious about how his wife is doing.


    "Yue Ling?"


    Taking thest step onto the second floor, he calls out for her. His tone was gentle and softer, unlike the cold and indifferent tone he had when discussing with the men outside.


    "Yue Ling?"


    He calls out again the name of the person he loves. However, hearing no response from her, he slightly frowns. Could it be that because he took too long outside, she had already gone to the kitchen?


    With this thought in mind, he doesn¡¯t proceed any further but turns around for the stairs. However, just as he was about to, he sees a small crack left ajar on their bedroom door.


    When he left the house after his wife, he remembered closing the door, and even though his team and her team are here, their work hasn¡¯t progressed far enough to reach the bedroom.


    Walking up to the door, he lightly pushed it open and was greeted with a room illuminating with orange hues as the natural light from outside shone through the windows.


    He parts his lip to say the name that melts his heart, but no words came out when he sees his wife.


    His entire being softens at her, sleeping peacefully on the king-size bed. She was lying on her back and had already changed into a set offortable loungewear.


    Making sure his steps were light, he approaches her with a subtle smile on his face. He could hear the faintness of her breathing, and judging from how she hasn¡¯t woken up upon his entrance, she must be exhausted from a long day of trying on dresses.


    He took a few strides before reaching the bed and lowers himself to sit on the edge of the bed.


    "Hmm..."


    The second his body added weight onto the bed, Yue Ling let out a small sigh in her sleep. Her eyes calmly flutter open, and she stares up at the white ceiling above. It was only for a split second as she turned her head to the right of her and saw Lu Tian¡¯s godlike figure staring deeply at her.


    She sighs again, but this time with a smile that could melt snow on a winter day.


    "You¡¯re back. Is everything alright outside?"


    Lu Tian felt his throat dry upon seeing her smile. His Adam¡¯s apple bobs in slow motion, and he forces himself to look away from her.


    "Everything is being taken care of."


    He knows that he would turn into a hungry beast wanting to devour her if he were to look at her any longer.


    Seeing a towel on the bed¡¯s side table, he reaches for it and direct the subject elsewhere.


    "Why didn¡¯t you dry your hair? What if you catch a cold?"


    As he grabs the towel with his left hand, his righthand ces the blueprint down on the bed. He looks back at his wife, and the feelings he had seconds ago disappear.


    cing the towel on hisp, he doesn¡¯t ask for permission but gently pulls his wife up to sit.


    "Here, let me help you dry your hair."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t resist when Lu Tian pulled her up. She obediently sits up and gives him a childlike smile with upside-down crescent eyes.


    "I did, but I was too tired and fell asleep."


    Sheughs at her words and takes the towel out of his hand.


    "I can dry my own hair. If there are more things to take care of outside, you should go. I¡¯ll go prepare dinner soon."


    Her hands had yet to touch the towel when Lu Tian casually moves it away from her. He ces it over her head and proceeds to dry her hair.


    "I rather dry your hair than go outside."


    Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks flush a shade of pink, and her posture slightly slouches like a turtle hiding inside its shell. She pouts disapprovingly but doesn¡¯t push him away or stop him.


    She knows that one word from her will only lead Lu Tian to do the opposite.


    She sits up like a spoilt child letting her mother dry her hair before bed with a sigh for who knows how many times. Her eyes subconsciously nce down, and she sees the blueprint. However, due to it being rolled like a scroll, she couldn¡¯t see the contents inside.


    "What is that?"


    Her curious question enters Lu Tian¡¯s ears, but he doesn¡¯t stop his movements. He had already guessed that she had long noticed the blueprint but was using this chance to ask.


    "It¡¯s a blueprint for our house."


    He doesn¡¯t hide anything from her and answers truthfully.


    However, Yue Ling gave him an expression like saying, ¡¯Well yea, I can see that.¡¯


    She secretly rolled her eyes when he wasn¡¯t looking and reach forward to grab the blueprint. She unrolls it, and her bluish-green eyes scan over the paper.


    It was indeed an outline of their house.


    Unlike the minimal details it had before, she could see newly added details to each room. Some were even over the old ones, like expanding the space.


    She scans over the blueprint again, but this time, she made sure to look carefully. However, thinking about something, her eyebrows furrow together, and she ces the paper on herp as she looks at the man drying her hair.


    "Why are you increasing security? Is there something you¡¯re not telling me?"


    Lu Tian had only finished drying his wife¡¯s hair and was about to put the towel away. His movements pause for a split second before he set the towel back where he picked it up,


    "Just for precautions."


    He changed his position to sit side by side with her and takes the blueprint from her hands. He doesn¡¯t put it away but holds it for her to see.


    "Our home is only protected by a gate, but anyone can still enter if climbing over. For extra reassurance that you and Inu will be fine if I¡¯m ever away, my team and yours are here to enhance the security I nned."


    Yue Ling stares at Lu Tian with a skeptical look. He said it was reassurance for her and Inu, but it was more for him from her point of view. After she had told him about the encounter with Tao Meng and Red Moon, he has been acting strange.


    She knew this because while they were at Blush Tree, she often saw him ncing at his phone and thinking about how he had spaced out when she went to get him. It can only be because of this.


    However, not wanting to embarrass him that she already had a hunch, she looks away with a nod of her head.


    "I see... So that¡¯s why they¡¯re all here."


    She looks at the window that gave a view of the back courtyard, and she thought about when she entered the house earlier.


    When she saw a bunch of shirtless men with masculine body structures in the back courtyard, she did not pay any attention to them. Her line of sight went straight to the construction vehicles, metals, woods, and other equipment used forbor.


    After Lu Tian urged her upstairs, she nned to go to the study room to look over some of her work. However, the second she opened the door, she saw that everything had been put in different ces with tarps and wood pieces set on the floor.


    She didn¡¯t want to mess anything up than it already is, so she left for the bedroom.


    As she waited, the sound of construction continued to enter her ears, and her curiosity grew. She knew that Lu Tian was nning something, but she wasn¡¯t sure what it was.


    She sneakily walked over to the window to see but saw Lu Tian giving an order to the group of men. It was only then that she realized her team was also there. Not just that, but Lu Tian and Qi Li were on their way to look around the house¡¯s exterior.


    Not wanting to be caught and have the aloof man think she was trying to look at the shirtless men, she decided to shower and change into morefortable clothes.


    However, when she finished, Lu Tian was still now back.


    She made another decision to sit on the bed and wait, but when she felt thefort of their soft and warm bed, her eyes grew heavy, and she fell asleep.


    Returning her shback, she looks away from the window then down at the blueprint.


    "Since this is for a project on the house, why did you bring it inside?"


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t look at his wife but points to the technical drawing of a room in the house.


    "I brought it in to see if you wanted anything specific done to this room."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes followed his finger. When she saw that he was pointing at her closet room, she got a better understanding and chuckles.


    "What¡¯s there to be done? If worstes to the worst, I can just go out the window."


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression turned ck, and he raises one hand to pinch her cheek. He didn¡¯t use too much strength, but his little move made Yue Ling¡¯s cheek turn red.


    Yue Ling quickly ces her palm over her swollen cheek and res at the man with puffed cheeks when he let go.


    Lu Tian quickly felt guilty about hurting her. He heaves a long sigh and moves her hand so that he can caress her cheek with his hand.


    "I¡¯m sorry. I just don¡¯t want you to go out of the window. It¡¯s too dangerous, and you might hurt yourself."

 Chapter 794 - Take what you did to my grave

    <h4>Chapter 794 - Take what you did to my grave</h4>


    Yue Ling sat on her side of the bed with a nk expression written on her face. Her bluish-green eyes stare into Lu Tian¡¯s dark ones like she was trying to read his thoughts.


    The more she stared at his straight expression, the space between her brows crease, and her lower lip trembles ever so light.


    Whether she was trying to hold back on crying orughing, no one could tell.


    Lu Tian settled in his spot next to his wife. He stared at her with a straight and severe expression. He needed to let her know that he meant his words when he didn¡¯t want her to jump out the window.


    However, when he saw her lower lip tremble ever so lightly, his eyes tremble, and his entire being froze.


    He could feel sweat start to form on his forehead, and a wave of nervousness slowly crawled inside him like tiny ants.


    His wife had been staring at him like he was a criminal being interrogated. How did it suddenly change to her on the verge of crying?


    Afraid he might have hurt her feelings, he inhales a deep breath, and his posture slumps a little.


    "Don¡¯t cry. I was being serious. I don¡¯t want you to ever jump out of a window again. It makes me s-scare for your safety."


    His words fell worried and panic about his wife, but his eyes widen, and he quickly looks away from her gaze. He curses inside at his mistake, and his hands on the blueprint clench tighter without realizing he was crumpling the paper.


    Yue Ling¡¯s nk expression turns into amus.e.m.e.nt, and both her eyebrows arched up. She scoots a little closer to Lu Tian and leans closer as if trying to get a better look at his expression.


    "Did you just¡ªmmf!"


    Before she could say another word, Lu Tian quickly covers her mouth with one hand. The color on his face was the same as usual, but his ears were burning red in embarrassment.


    "I didn¡¯t do what you think I did."


    His face then slowly turned grim as he grew frustrated, like he was having trouble fighting with his inner demon.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t move his head away and burst into a burst of heartfeltughter sounds from her. She had been trying not tough the entire time, but he mistook her expression for crying, and now this.


    Herughter soon ceases, but behind the hand that covered her mouth, she was grinning from ear to ear.


    Lu Tian nce at her with a re, and Yue Ling press her lips together. She didn¡¯t wait for him to say anything and nodded her head. She wanted him to know that she will notugh or say a word about what happened, so he can move his hand.


    Seeing her quick to cooperate without needing to say anything, Lu Tian lets out a small sigh. He moves his hand and lowers his head.


    He had tried his best to stayposed and show her how worried he is about her safety. However, the oue of his effort led him to stutter.


    From the moment he could speak, he never once stuttered and was called a child prodigy. To think this is his first time stuttering in front of someone, and someone had to be his wife.


    Yue Ling never looked away from the aloof man. She had nned to ignore the matter about him stuttering, but seeing how downhearted he had be, she was at a loss.


    She couldn¡¯t understand why he was making a big deal out of it. It was natural for one to stutter in life.


    Even she stutters every once and a while.


    Her eyes subconsciously nce at his ear and notice how red they have be. She couldn¡¯t help but smile at how adorable Lu Tian looked.


    She raises her right arm and ces her palm on his shoulder. She did so in a gentle manner as if trying not to scare the man.


    "It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll take what you did to my grave."


    Lu Tian turns his head to look at her. He was met with seriousness, and her left hand raised with three fingers pointing to the sky.


    He gazes into her mesmerizing eyes that reminds one of the Mediterranean Sea, and he felt his shoulders rx. He swore he felt like everything in life had a meaning for him as long as she is here.


    Just being with her at this moment made him feel less tense about stuttering.


    Yue Ling wasn¡¯t able to maintain a straight face for too long andughs. She lowers her hand and looks away from the man, but before she could, her eyes widen with a quiver.


    The man, who was embarrassed seconds ago, suddenly leans towards her, and before she could sound anotherugh, his lip pressed against her lip, sealing off any sound.


    Like she was the one who saved him from drowning in embarrassment, Lu Tian groans a sigh. Never will he ever get tired of the touch of her lip and how he can smell her sweet fragrance.


    And as much as he wanted to deepen the kiss at this moment, he reluctantly pulls away.


    He doesn¡¯t move too far but taps his forehead against her and remains in ce with eyes closed.


    "Should we go somewhere for the night?"


    Yue Ling was still stuck in a daze from the kiss that came unexpectedly. She didn¡¯t even have the chance to blink, let alone think about anything.


    She stares at the man whose face is too close to her, and her heart began to race. It was only then that she returned to her senses and nodded her head.


    Due to their foreheads touching, she could only nod her head lightly, but it was enough for Lu Tian to understand.


    He nts another small kiss on her lip before entirely pulling away. He picks up the blueprint and rolls it up.


    "Is there anywhere specific you want to go?"


    Yue Ling would have preferred to stay home and rx, but knowing that their house is under construction, it was best to leave for the night. That way, their subordinates outside can work the next day without having to worry about bothering them.


    She shook her head and gave an answer to his question.


    "Anywhere you pick is fine with me."


    Her words took Lu Tian by surprise. He looks back at her with a small look of questioning her answer.


    Every time his father asked his mother where she wanted to go, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to name a ce from what he remembers growing up. With this as what he saw, he thought it was customary for women to be the same. Especially when allowed to go anywhere they want.


    However, his wife was different.


    He stood up from the bed and turned his body to face her, then stuck his left arm out to her with the palm open.


    "We¡¯ll leave in thirty minutes."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t have to think twice and naturally ce her right palm on top of his. She felt his fingers tighten around her hand and remembers something.


    "What about the dinner I promised you?"


    Lu Tian was just about to turn around after taking hold of his wife¡¯s small hand. He chuckles when she mentioned dinner and led her out of their bedroom.


    "We can have dinner when we get to the ce."


    Hearing his response, Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but narrow her eyes as she stares at the man walking in front of her. She couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was already a ce he wanted to bring her.


    She narrows her eyes a little more with suspicion. Was this why he asked her on the drive home if she wanted to go somewhere for the night?


    This feeling she was having didn¡¯t linger for too long before she pushes everything to the back of her head. It was best to not ask too many questions and wait until they get to their destination.


    Lu Tian was oblivious about what his wife was thinking and the look she had given him. He walks her to her closet room and stops at the door without entering. He adjusts his body to face her, and a small smile curl on his face.


    "Pack anything you will need. I¡¯lle and get you in thirty minutes."


    He stood in ce, and with a small tug of his arm, he guides his wife inside the room like a prince helping his princess into the carriage.


    "Why, thank you, Mr. Gentleman."


    Yue Ling chuckles at his gesture and steps inside her closet room. She lets go of his hand and proceeds to pack her things. She had only walked to the closet to take out a brown leather duffle bag when she remembers something.


    cing the bag on her vanity desk, she strides out of the room. She spots Lu Tian just about to go down the stairs, and she calls out.


    "Tian, wait. I forgot to tell you something."


    Hearing his wife¡¯s angelic voice, Lu Tian stops ordingly to her words and turns to look at her. He doesn¡¯t say anything but patiently waited until she stopped in front of him.


    "What¡¯s the matter?"


    Yue Ling smiles a chuckle at how he had returned to his usual indifference.


    "Since we¡¯ll be gone for the night, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a bad idea to ask if anyone outside wants to stay here."


    She turns to face the stairs but doesn¡¯t go down, and her words continue.


    "They¡¯re working on their day off. Aspensation, we can lend our home for the night, and they can use any of the food we have for dinner."


    Lu Tian wanted to refute her words thinking about a group of men spending the night in their home while he and his wife are away. It isn¡¯t that he doesn¡¯t trust them, but he was afraid they might end up actually destroying the house.


    Not only that, but he also knows that without a doubt, a few of the men outside won¡¯t hesitate to agree and spend the night here¡ªespecially ¡¯those¡¯ three men.


    However, his wife made a point too.


    With both of them away for the night, it was better to have someone stay here and keep watch.


    He makes up his mind and leans in to kiss her on the temple before going down the stairs.


    "I¡¯ll ry your message to them and see who wants to stay."

 Chapter 795 - Award for best actor

    <h4>Chapter 795 - Award for best actor</h4>


    With the setting sun came a sky aze with fire. It brought orange-gold hues that stretches from the vast horizon and over Imperial. The view was so irresistible, anyone who saw it would stop in the tracks to take a look.


    And that is precisely what all the men in Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home¡¯s back courtyard did.


    Each person stops what they were doing and turn their head in the direction of the sunset. No one utters a word, allowing the passing breeze to brush against their sweaty bodies and made them rx.


    It was as if they had envisioned a world that knew only peace. A world that made them forget where they were, and any problems they were secretly holding was carried away by the wind.


    "Man, that¡¯s a sight to see. Sadly, good things don¡¯tst for long."


    Of course, this moment of peace did notst long when one decided to break it.


    Multiple heads turned to look at the person. The peacefulness that had onlye to them for a few seconds was quickly reced with a menacing atmosphere.


    Liu Shan stares at the sunset for a brief second, then turns his head to the left. He stares at the person standing next to him with a re that contained daggers yet to unleash.


    "Really? You couldn¡¯t just let us enjoy this moment for at least one minute?"


    Like everyone else here, he was also enjoying the sunset. It wasn¡¯t every day that one can catch an evening that made them forget about anything in life.


    Yet, this man dared to ruin such a perfect moment.


    Lin Hui stood on the right side of Liu Shan. He leans forward and res at the man who had spoken. His expression was just as grave as everyone else¡¯s as he fumed at the person.


    "Yea, Xu Long. Why? Why? Why? Hm? Why?"


    Everyone had been working their heads off with the renovations for the house. Isn¡¯t Xu Long in the same shoes as all of them? If so, why couldn¡¯t he let them have one short minute to rx?


    Quickly after Lin Hui¡¯s words, everyone from Wolf Team storm into action and voice their thoughts about what Xu Long had done.


    "Why are you such a buzzkill? Every time we seek peace, you are always the first to open your mouth."


    "One minute. One minute was all we were asking for. Why couldn¡¯t you just let us have it?"


    "Did you know that I was in Lland for only ten seconds before you pulled me out? Why? I could have met my imaginary girlfriend. I don¡¯t even know how she looks like."


    Wolf Team circled around the assistant like a group of bullies venting their frustrations and anger. Each step they took forward made the circle smaller and smaller.


    Voices full of outrage soon ovep one another, leaving Xu Long at aplete loss. He didn¡¯t know how to argue back and just stared at the men wanting to either strangle him to death or squabbling at him.


    The more he listened, he slowly moves his shoulders up and his neck shrunk back like a baby turtle afraid of the giant sea monsters.


    Their harsh words made his lip trembled, and his eyes turned moist. He lowers his head, and the grass below him was the only ce he could look at. He wanted to cry so badly butcked any tears to shed.


    Before he knew it, he was already squatting on the ground with his hands covering his head.


    He didn¡¯t mean to ruin the peaceful mood. He thought it was only him who noticed the sunset but to think everyone else did too.


    However, he had spoken his thoughts aloud. Do they really have to be this harsh on him?


    "What¡¯s going on here?"


    Before the situation could escte any further, a familiar deep voice sounds from behind the group.


    Lu Tian was baffled by the scene in front of him. His dark eyes scanned the people, and he realized that it was only his men that had surrounded Xu Long like elephants who found the courage to not be afraid of a mouse.


    Not too far from his team was Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Alpha Team. However, despite them not involved in the current situation, he could see how intrigued each person was.


    Xu Long jumps to his feet and wave both arms in the air as he wails at the top of his lungs.


    "Boss! I¡¯m over here!"


    As everyone turns their head to looks at Lu Tian, he (Xu Long) uses this opportunity of distraction to squeeze through the men surrounding him.


    "Boss, I¡¯m so d to see you."


    He takes three steps to his boss, and his lower lip trembles like he had met his savor, as did his legs. He turned weak, and he drops to his knees before his hands joined.


    "Boss...."


    He makes his way on his hands and knees like an injured soldier on a battlefield.


    "Help me... they¡¯re... all..."


    Gradually arriving in front of Lu Tian, his head tilts back to look up at his almighty boss. He clutches his chest like he had been gravely wounded and chokes his words.


    "They¡¯re all bullying me..."


    He struggles to say each word like they were hisst, and his eyes rolled back, leaving only white sockets before he plops down onto his stomach.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes were still glued in the direction of Wolf Team. He didn¡¯t even look at his assistant crawling to him because he was too dumbfounded. However, that was until the man fainted.


    His brows crease tightly, and he looks down at his assistant.


    Xu Long remained unmoving on the grass. His eyes were shut like he was dead. However, if one were close enough, one could see the slight fluttering of his eyshes.


    One second, three seconds, five seconds passed then the smooth space between his brows creases. He didn¡¯t understand why he was sleeping on something smooth yet hard.


    With this in mind, he opens one eye to check and what he saw made his entire being turn into stone.


    ¡¯Oh! My! God!¡¯


    He thought that he had fallen on the grass, but it was only his body. His head, on the other hand,nded on his boss¡¯s shoes!


    ¡¯May Buddha have mercy on him.¡¯


    His hands clenched tightly at his sides, and his face distorted. Now he really wished he had tears to shed. His boss hates it when others get too close or touch his personal belongings without caution.


    "Did he faint, or did he die?"


    Tang Zhonghui asked curiously, yet, worried at the same time. He doesn¡¯t know much about Xu Long, so he could only assume the unimaginable.


    He walks over to check on the assistant, but before he got too close, Xu Long¡¯s head lifted. The man gestures a few wiping motions with his hand on Lu Tian¡¯s shoes, then rolls over to the side on his back.


    "What the¡ª"


    Tang Zhonghui yelp in pure fright. He jumps a step back and poses with one foot on the ground while the other was raised at the knee.


    When he saw that Xu Long had fainted again, he frowns. Could it be that his eyes were ying a trick on him?


    He takes a few steps closer and crouches down next to Xu Long. A frown appears on his young face, creating wrinkles on his forehead. He scans every inch of the assistant¡¯s face to if there was any reaction, but there was none.


    "Well... I suppose it¡¯s true then..."


    His left-hand raises to scratch the back of his head as his right-hand stretch to tap the unconscious man. Getting no response, he could only pout as his words continue.


    "Words can really make a person faint or die."


    However, worried about Xu Long like he is of his grandmother, who he lives and takes care of, he continues to shake the man.


    "You know, your boss is here. How can you act like this and not give him any face? Plus, Alpha Team and I didn¡¯t even yell at you. Of course, we would be lying if we aren¡¯t mad at you for ruining the moment, but what¡¯s done is done. So hurry up and get up."


    The young technical designer continues to shake and call out to Xu Long, but he (Xu Long) remained unfazed and didn¡¯t move a muscle.


    "Xu Long, can you hear me? Assistant Xu?"


    "James Long Bond."


    Just as Tang Zhonghui¡¯sst word was spoken, the supposedly Xu Long corrects the young man.


    He (Xu Long) returned to silence as he had never spoken a word and kept a straight expression.


    Tang Zhonghui was taken back by surprise and stumbles. He sits on the grass and stares with his jaw on the ground.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know what to think or say at his assistant¡¯s act. He looked ahead at the setting sun and came to understand why everyone was bullying Xu Long.


    The view of Imperial and the sunset from his wife and his house is indeed a sight to see. However, he is too dumbfounded to even think about enjoying the view.


    He inhales a deep breath and raises his left hand to massage his forehead before moving his fingers to pinch the space between his brows.


    So much for being a cold and ruthless person. His assistant is the total opposite. Is this why a few people don¡¯t take him seriously?


    Lowering his hand, he looks down at Xu Long and wonders if it was toote to get a new assistant.


    Taking another deep breath, he takes out a cigarette from his pocket and lights it. He inhales a deep puff, and as he exhales the smoke, his entire being returned to its usual indifference.


    "Two months¡¯ pay will be deducted."


    A name was not mentioned, but everyone knew who Lu Tian was stating the sentence to. No one said a word but turn their attention away. Some browse at the grass, while others search the sky.


    Xu Long had intentionally nned to keep up with pitiful appearance to gain sympathy from his boss. However, his eyes flew open when he heard his pay was going to be deducted.


    He stares at the orange-gold sky for a brief second before kicking himself up from the ground. He spun around to look at his boss, and he turns into a soldier ready for a fierce battle.


    "Assistant James Long Bond at your disposal."


    "..."


    Tang Zhonghui was bbergasted by what he just witnessed. His body slumps more onto the grass, and he scoffs a sarcastic chuckle. His head lightly shook, and he could only praise the man.


    Someone should really give Xu Long an Academy Award for best actor.

 Chapter 796 - There were actually four

    <h4>Chapter 796 - There were actually four</h4>


    In the back courtyard of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home, Liu Shan, Xu Long, Lin Hui, Wolf Team, and Alpha Team gathered in a neat formation. The look on every person¡¯s face was as if Xu Long¡¯s exaggerating act had never happened.


    Lu Tian stood alone with his back to the house as he faces the group of men. His dark pupils scan each person¡¯s face like a mighty general preparing his soldiers for battle.


    "Everyone did a good job today. We¡¯ll pick up again tomorrow."


    His words fell calmly like any good leader praising their team members. However, everyone facing him was struck speechless.


    Xu Long and Wolf Team stare at the aloof man with questioning eyes. Throughout the many years they have been working under Lu Tian, he had never praised them to such an extent. The most he would do say is ¡¯good job¡¯. If not, then a simple nod.


    Where is their coldblooded and heartless boss? Who is this person? Looks just like their boss but at the same, apletely different person.


    Each person slowly shifts their attention to the house. Without a doubt, their boss¡¯s odd behavior towards them is because of theirdy boss.


    While Lu Tian¡¯s team thought this way about him, his wife¡¯s team thought otherwise. Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and the rest of Alpha Team were beguiled by the aloof man¡¯s treatment towards his subordinates.


    Forget cold and ruthless. He (Lu Tian) actually has a heart and cares about his people.


    Lu Tian was insensitive about everyone¡¯s thoughts towards him. His dark eyes scan the group again as his next words fell.


    "With the house under construction, my wife and I will be leaving for the night."


    His gaze soon fell upon three specific people, but it didn¡¯t stay on them for too long.


    "Since the house will be unupied, my wife has given permission for those who wish to spend the night here."


    He raises his left hand to check the time on his watch. Seeing how fifteen minutes had already passed, he gets straight to his point.


    "No one here is obligated to stay. This is only a given option from my wife. As for those who leave, remember to return tomorrow to finish your task."


    The second hisst word was spoken, three arms quickly rise high into the sky. He looks at the three people, and he sighs deeply inside.


    "Liu Shan, Xu Long, Lin Hui."


    He calls their name, and each person lowers their arms like good students in a ss. Together, all three men take one giant step forward and break formation from the rest.


    Liu Shan: "Fear not. I will guard the residence with my life or die trying."


    Xu Long: "Me too. If I fail to do my duty, my name isn¡¯t James Long Bond."


    Lin Hui: "Bro, your name was never James Long Bond."


    Those who didn¡¯te forward were at aplete loss as they stare at the three men. In their mind, they couldn¡¯t decide whether Liu Shan, Xu Long, and Lin Hui were being brave for being the firsts to step forward, or if they were being shameless for wanting to take advantage of their boss¡¯s vacant house.


    Lu Tian was thinking the exact same thing as everyone else. When his wife brought up the suggestion, he wanted to refute it because he had anticipated that these three men will be the first to raise their hands.


    He knew this because of all the past events that happened. When these men could spend the night, they were like a bunch of children excited for a sleepover.


    At one point, he even had an outrageous thought of three men being the perfect example of his and Yue Ling¡¯s children....


    Quickly as he was reminded of this, he frowns with upside-down lips and smacks the thought to the back of his head. It¡¯ll be over his dead body that his kids end up like these three idiots.


    Inhaling a deep breath, he returns to his usual indifference and looks behind the three men before back to them.


    "Only the three of you?"


    "Negative boss."


    Xu Long answers with hands behind his back like a soldier with the will to live. He straightens his back until he stood tall and meets his boss in the eyes.


    "There is one more person."


    Lu Tian arches an eyebrow at his assistant¡¯s response. He didn¡¯t need to ask as Xu Long, Liu Shan, and Lin Hui had turned their heads to look at the person in question.


    Seeing their movements, everyone else also follows in pursuit to see who this person was. To their surprise, it was none other than the only man, excluding Lu Tian, wearing a shirt.


    Qi Li stood in the far back left side with an indifferent expression. Seeing that Gui Zhongmin, who stood in front of him, had turned around to look at him, and Shan Sinan, who was to his right, was also looking at him along with everyone else, he sighs aloud.


    He looks at Lu Tian and meeting the man¡¯s eyes, he could only heave another sigh. He takes a step out of formation and walks over to join the three men in the front.


    His right arm raises and fixes his sses in ce.


    "I guess I can be the fourth person."


    Liu Shan, Xu Long, and Lin Hui were thrilled to have the man wearing sses join them. Each person gave him a thumbs up with his head held high and a huge grin. The look on their face was as if saying, ¡¯this is going to be the best night ever.¡¯


    When Xu Long mentioned him (Qi Li), all three were a little nervous about their request for him to join. He (Qi Li) had indeed been part of their group, but he always turns down their invitation when ites to hanging out.


    If it wasn¡¯t an order from Yue Ling, then his answer towards everyone else was always no.


    Lu Tian was undoubtedly amused by the scene that unfolded in front of him. He looks at all four men and sighs inside. It seems like he had miscounted when he said, three people.


    There were actually four.


    He had forgotten about Qi Li because the young man was the quietestpare to the other three. Despite the cold air around him, if one didn¡¯t talk to him (Qi Li), one would tend to forget that he was even there.


    He felt it wasn¡¯t so bad to have Qi Li agree to stay the night looking at the four men again. At least one of them is normal.


    That way, if the other three decide to do something hical, Qi Li can talk some senses in then, the least, try.


    He looks at the men standing in front of him and parts his lips to speak.


    "Everyone here is well aware of the incident with Tao Meng and Red Moon. Whether you are here or elsewhere, so long as you are in Imperial, no one is to let their guard down."


    Jiangyu slightly pursed his lip. He and everyone else from Wolf Team are well aware of the situation with Red Moon. It is also the reason why they are here in the first ce.


    However, something was bothering him.


    He looks at his boss and takes a small step forward.


    "Boss, does this mean that Red Moon is nning to sneak an attack? If so, what about you and thedy boss¡¯s safety?"


    The second his question was asked, everyone else couldn¡¯t help but look at Lu Tian for an answer. If it¡¯s true that Red Moon is nning to sneak an attack, shouldn¡¯t they be around to secure the safety of their bosses instead of letting them (Yue Ling and Lu Tian) leave alone for the night? What if something happens?


    Lu Tian knew what everyone was thinking, and he would be lying if he isn¡¯t worried about his wife¡¯s safety, but this was for the best. He looks at each person, and he answers the question.


    "My wife and I will be heading to a ce neither Tao Meng nor his men can enter. As for their n, it is unconfirmed. However, be it alone or together, if they appear in front of you, you are authorized to kill."


    He nces at the setting sun on the horizon, and his eyes dimmed a shade darker.


    "Take no prisoners."


    The darkness that clouded his eyes disappears with any feelings that appeared on his face. He turns around and walks towards the house.


    "Everyone is dismissed."


    He had only taken two steps when he stops in his tracks. He turns back to look at the group, and he frowns in ponder.


    Jiangyu noticed his sudden stop, and he struggles a hard gup when he saw the dangerous expression on his boss¡¯s face. He musters his courage and asks timidly.


    "Boss, did you forget something?"


    Lu Tian looks at the bulky shirtless man then at everyone else, excluding Qi Li. He steadied his entire being and spoke his mind before walking away.


    "No one is allowed to enter the house shirtless. That¡¯s an order."


    "..."

 Chapter 797 - Try for the experience

    <h4>Chapter 797 - Try for the experience</h4>


    Stars filled the sky like diamonds glistening in the sky. The air that came with the night brought a cold sensation, but in a way that fills one with warmth and coziness.


    While Liu Shan, Xu Long, Lin Hui, and Qi Li upied Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home, the couple made their way to another ce.


    The ce Lu Tian ns to bring his wife is secluded. A ce, only he and his wife will be alone and if she wants, count the stars to her heart¡¯s content.


    As his ck Maserati Levante Trofeo passes through the streets of Imperial, it soon slows to a stop in front of substantial dark metal gates. A guard dressed from head to toe in ck tactical gears steps out from the security booth. He walks over to the driver side window of Lu Tian¡¯s car as it rolls down.


    "Good evening, Mr. Lu."


    Lu Tian gestures a nod in response to the guard¡¯s greeting. He didn¡¯t need to say another word as the guard had been informed in advance about the aloof man¡¯s arrival.


    He (guard) takes two steps back before turning his head to look at the security booth where another man dressed simr to him was inside. He raises one hand and gestures a signal.


    "Open the gate."


    The sound of metal nking soon echoes into the night, and Lu Tian closes the window to mute out the sound. Once the gate was opened wide enough, he steps on the elerator and drives the car forward.


    Yue Ling had been silent the entire car ride. From the moment they left the house, she had been curious about where Lu Tian was going to take her but decided not to ask. By not knowing, she was feeling excited adrenaline inside her.


    However, when they pulled up to the gate and saw the guard, she looked at Lu Tian.


    She waited until they had driven away before asking the man.


    "The two guard back there, they¡¯re not with your team?"


    She had to ask because she found it interesting. The guard had addressed Lu Tian in a more formal way than Xu Long and Wolf Team. Of course, this didn¡¯t mean the assistant and the others were not humble.


    From her perspective, Xu Long and Wolf Team are also Lu Tian¡¯s subordinates, but their way of interacting with him (Lu Tian) was like that of close friends. Whereas the guard back there held a sense of politeness, like an employee speaking to his superior.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t need to look at his wife to know what kind of expression she was making. His eyes remained focus on the road ahead, and controls the steering wheel.


    "Team, yes. Wolf Team, no."


    He makes a left turn into an empty lot then parks the car. He finally turns his head to look at his wife, and a faint smile curl on his lip.


    "Wolf Team is my personal team that I chose and train. The two guards you saw at the gate and the ones securing this ce are part of the Lu family¡¯s security team."


    Yue Ling nods her head a few times in understanding. She didn¡¯t find any fault in his exnation as it wasn¡¯t strange for prominent families to have different types of guards.


    Just like her, when she was still Mami. Everyone in Fate was her guard, but each Alpha Team member were the ones she had personally trained while the others were trained by Uncle Zhi before he left Fate.


    Being reminded of the past life, she sighs a soft smile but doesn¡¯t dwell too much on it. She looks turns her gaze away from Lu Tian, and when her eyes settled out the window, she arches her brows in surprise.


    At first, she didn¡¯t know where she had been taken to since it was dark, but now that they were inside the gates, she had a better view. The lights on the ground, along with the surroundingmpposts, were enough to let her know.


    She then notices a substantial white object not too far from where they were parked, and she looks back at the man sitting in the driver¡¯s seat.


    "I knew you had a ce thought out, but I didn¡¯t think it would be a charter. Is this where we¡¯ll be sleeping?"


    Her eyes narrow suspiciously, and Lu Tianughs at her words. He looks around the ce before turning the car engine off.


    "This is my private charter."


    He unbuckles his seatbelt, and without saying another word, he opens the door to step out.


    After he dismissed the group at home, he had changed out of his clothes into a set of loungewear, giving him a rxed appearance.


    He walks around the front of the car¡¯s hood then stops at the passenger side to open the door for his wife.


    "We¡¯re going on my private jet to the ce."


    Yue Ling stares questionably at the man standing in front of her before cing her palm over his. She looks at the substantial white object she saw. She knew it was a jet and wasn¡¯t surprised that it belongs to Lu Tian.


    After all, it was quite normal for a businessman to have his own private jet for meetings.


    "Good evening, Mr. Lu and Miss Han."


    A middle-aged man wearing a dark pilot uniform greets the couple as he stops in front of them. Behind him was a younger man wearing a simple ck suit. Both men gesture a polite bow, and the older man spoke again.


    "The jet is ready."


    Lu Tian turns away from the car as he closes the door. He then looks at the two men and then walks away with his wife in hand towards the private jet after giving instructions.


    "Put the bags in the trunk on the jet."


    The pilot and the young man nod their head in response. As they make their way to the trunk, Lu Tian and Yue Ling arrive at the airstair leading up to the jet.


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t go up the stairs but takes a stop to the side to allow his wife to go first. His body turns to face her, and he gives her a smile that could melt the hearts of many.


    "We¡¯ll be there in thirty minutes."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling nce at the man for a quick second before going up the airstairs.


    "For a second there, I thought we were going to sleep in the jet if not on the charter."


    She looks at the jet¡¯s exterior and chuckles when she thought about something.


    "Then again, I suppose it wouldn¡¯t hurt to try for the experience."


    Her chuckling words entered Lu Tian¡¯s ears, and he almost stumbles with his steps on the stairs. He stares at the back of his wife¡¯s figure, and the corners of his mouth turned down with creased brows.


    Was his wife making fun of him? Should he just tell her where he is taking her?


    No, he can¡¯t tell her because it will spoil the surprise.


    He pauses in his steps and nce at the surrounding area. Thinking about what his wife said, he heaves a deep sigh and lightly shook his head.


    "Like hell, I will ever let you sleep in a ce like this."


    He murmurs to himself, but Yue Ling heard him loud and clear. She enters the private jet with a faint smile while trying not tough and makes her way to the seating area.


    Now she really can¡¯t wait to see what Lu Tian has in store for her.

 Chapter 798 - Permission to drink

    <h4>Chapter 798 - Permission to drink</h4>


    While Yue Ling and Lu Tian board the ne, the air didn¡¯t feel the same back at their home. What should have been usually quiet was now bumping with loud music like the party of the century was happening.


    Xu Long had showered and changed into a simple white long sleeve and ck joggers as he stood in the kitchen. He pops open one of his boss¡¯s bottle of red wine and pours himself a ss. As he did so, his head did not forget to move in rhythm with the music echoed throughout the house.


    "Wow, you really have a death wish, huh?"


    Lin Hui¡¯s voice sounds from behind as he enters the kitchen and sees the scene in front of him. He wore a ck t-shirt with De L¡¯amour¡¯s white logo on the front and grey lounge pants. His usually nicely kept hair was now slightly damp with a few waves.


    His eyes lower to the ss of red wine in Xu Long¡¯s hand, and he shakes his head. Before Yue Ling and Lu Tian left the house, they had given permission to use anything in the fridge. Yet...


    "Your boss gave you an inch, and yet you dare to take a mile."


    Xu Long spun around when he heard Lin Hui¡¯s words of ridicule. He doesn¡¯t say anything right away, but audaciously raises his hand holding the ss and takes a sip of the red wine.


    "Mmm..."


    He savors the wine like it was the most delicious drink in the world and grins mischievously at the man.


    "This wine is so good. Are you sure you don¡¯t want to take a mile too?"


    Lin Hui¡¯s face contorted at Xu Long¡¯s smile. However, in a split second, the corners of his mouth twitch upwards. He lets out a wicked snicker and tiptoes his way to the counter.


    "One ss won¡¯t kill me."


    Seeing that he (Lin Hui) decided to cooperate, Xu Long¡¯s chin raises, and his nose grew. He takes another sip of the wine and giggles like a bad boy up to no good as he leans towards Lin Hui.


    "As long as you and I don¡¯t mention this, our bosses will never know."


    Lin Hui nods his head in agreement and continues to pour himself a drink. Once the ss was filled to the rim, he takes a sip to see if what Xu Long said was right, and his eyes lit up with fireworks.


    "Bro, your boss really knows his wine. This is so awesome!"


    He downs the ss in one big gulp and pours another drink.


    "Man, I can drink this and not get drunk."


    "You¡¯ll get drunk if you don¡¯t take it easy."


    The moment Lin Hui was about to down his second ss of wine, Liu Shan¡¯s voice resonated from behind the two men. He had also changed out of his sweaty clothes and wore a seal onesie.


    He walks over to the counter to join the two men and picks up the wine bottle.


    "Judging by the year, this bottle should cost at least two of your paychecksbined."


    His calm words enter Lin Hui and Xu Long¡¯s ears, causing them to almost choke. Together their heads turn to look at him, and like two peas in a pod, they swallow at the same time.


    "T-Two of our paychecks?"


    Lin Hui stammers in question, and Liu Shan answers with an ¡¯mm.¡¯ He (Liu Shan) doesn¡¯t pour himself a ss and ce the bottle down.


    "I¡¯m going to finish setting up the monitors for the security cameras outside. Don¡¯t do anything foolish."


    As he walks away, the two men holding their own ss stare with an agape mouth at his departing figure. Until he was no longer in sight did Lin Huie to his senses.


    He (Lin Hui) raises his ss and stares quizzically at the red liquid he had drunk.


    "Wealthy people and their expensive wine."


    He heaves a long and deep sigh before his words continue.


    "This wine cost more than my rent."


    Xu Long¡¯s position was no different from his friend¡¯s. He stares at the red wine and takes a deep breath as he nods his head in agreement with Lin Hui.


    "It cost more than my rent and bills together."


    After knowing how expensive the wine was, Lin Hui and Xu Long follow in the direction Liu Shan had gone. However, both men¡¯s steps were cautious, and they held onto their ss of wine like it was the most fragile and prized possession in the world.


    "Did boss give you permission to drink that?"


    The second Lin Hui and Xu Long stepped foot inside the living room, they were stopped by Qi Li¡¯s cold and indifferent tone of voice.


    Both men lifted their heads to look at the man.


    Xu Long¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor when he saw Qi Li without sses. He swore his heart jumped from his body as the man reminded him so much of his boss.


    On the other hand, Lin Hui doesn¡¯t react as he had long been ustomed to Qi Li¡¯s demeanor and continues toward the middle of the living room. He could sit on the floor because they had moved all the furniture to avoid any damages.


    He looks at Qi Li and grins from ear to ear as he sends a wink.


    "If you don¡¯t say anything, they won¡¯t know."


    He raises his hand to take a sip of the red wine, but from the corner of his eyes, he could see the assistant still standing in ce.


    His head turns to the right, and he creases his brows. At first, he could not grasp why Xu Long looked so shocked, but he quickly understood. He sighs intensely, then turns his head to the left and looks at Qi Li then down at his ss.


    "Bro, we all know that you have a very nice body. Now, can you go put on a shirt? Can¡¯t you see that James Long Bond over there just lost his soul?"


    Qi Li stood in front of the hallway leading to the two spare rooms on the first floor. Unlike his fully clothed appearance from outside, this time, he was the shirtless one with only ck lounge pants. This appearance was one he always stuck to when he is going to bed.


    He had a towel dr.a.p.ed over his neck, and his well-toned and muscr physique was one that can make any gender turn their head for a second nce. His perfectly shaped 6-pack was tempting enough, but one can see he is in the process of going for eight.


    However, despite his perfectly carved body, his entire upper body was covered with tattoos.


    He no longer looked like apany working man, but a dangerous man that made one cower in fear.


    His neck¡¯s sides were tattooed with roses that converted into the head of an owl on the front. His chest detailed two fierce dragons like they were in a battle as their bodies wrap behind his broad shoulders before circling his entire arms.


    Covering his toned abdomen was the head of a roaring tiger and a man¡¯s head. If one were to see this, one would think the head is in the tiger¡¯s mouth, or the man is wearing the tiger as if it was a mask.


    He held the ends of the towel over his neck and stared vacantly at the two men. He doesn¡¯t put too much thought into what Lin Hui said and turns around to leave.


    "Call me when he¡¯s alive again. I¡¯ll be with Shan."


    As he turned around, Xu Long¡¯s jaw dropped even more into the floor.


    On Qi Li¡¯s back was the yin yang symbol below his nape with tree roots traveling up his neck before blending in with his hair. Below all this detail is the image of Buddha carved throughout his entire back with lotus flowers.


    Lin Hui rolled his eyes at Qi Li¡¯s departing figure. He looks back at the assistant, and he shakes his head.


    "Still curious about why he always wears a turtleneck?"


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes never moved away from the direction the dangerous-looking Qi Li had gone. When he heard Lin Hui¡¯s question, he dazedly shook his head.


    "I think I prefer him better with a shirt on."


    It¡¯s true that he was curious initially, but now that he knows the truth, he wishes he was never interested.


    He had a feeling that Qi Li always wears a turtleneck because he (Qi Li) was hiding something. However, when everyone took off their shirts after working hard, his (Xu Long) curiosity grew more when Qi Li was the only one who kept his shirt on.


    This made him (Xu Long) think that the man was either shy or embarrassed about his (Qi Li) body in front of others. However, that was not the case at all.


    Qi Li kept his shirt on so that no one will be put to shame by him.


    Thinking about Qi Li¡¯s envious body, Xu Long heaves a long sigh. He picks up his feet and joins Lin Hui in the living room.


    He takes a seat on the floor and stares out to the back courtyard from the huge window that had been removed. He thought back to how Lu Tian chose Qi Li to give the construction report, and he chuckles a sigh.


    "Good thing my boss isn¡¯t here, or else he would be in more shock than me."


    Lin Huiughs as he could already picture Lu Tian¡¯s shocked expression. He ces his right elbow on Xu Long¡¯s shoulder and stares out the window too.


    "I don¡¯t think he will be in shock. He¡¯ll just be eating more vinegar."

 Chapter 799 - Arguing with an old man

    <h4>Chapter 799 - Arguing with an old man</h4>


    Across the ocean from Imperial, Lu Tian¡¯s private jetnds on another charter, only smaller than the one they took off from. The door opens, allowing the airstairs to descend before Lu Tian¡¯s tall figure emerges from inside.


    "Achoo."


    He had only taken a foot forward when he suddenly sneeze. His eyebrows wrinkle, and he frowns with perplex as the passing wind picks up.


    Why did he sneeze? Could it be that someone is talking about him behind his back?


    Yue Ling was only one step behind him when she heard him sneeze. She stares at the back of his head and found it a little strange. She thought he was okay throughout the ne ride since he didn¡¯t say anything but look over some doc.u.ments for work.


    "Are you feeling unwell?"


    She asked with worry as the season was still cold and enough to make one catch a cold.


    Lu Tian shook his head and discarded the frown on his face. He takes hold of her and walks down the airstairs.


    "I¡¯m alright. It was just a sneeze."


    Hearing his response, Yue Ling chuckles softly and follows in his steps. She thought about something ridiculous and spoke her mind.


    "It would be funny if it was really someone talking about you."


    Lu Tian pursed his lower lip, hearing herugh. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was correct. What if someone did talk about him? But, the real question is who?


    "Wow..."


    Before his thoughts could trail too far, Yue Ling¡¯s sudden gasp from behind him brought him back to reality. He looks up ahead and doesn¡¯t say anything but continue down the airstairs.


    Yue Ling was in great astonishment at the scene in front of her. Before theyned, she kept looking out the window to get an idea of where he was taking her. However, all she saw was the calm ocean.


    She knew this because the moon¡¯s radiant light from above reflected over the water with a glistering glow. Approximately thirty minutester, she finally saw more light, not from the moon and stars but the electric lights on the ground.


    "Good evening, Mr. Lu and Miss Han."


    Just as the couple stepped on the ground underneath their feet, an elderly man greets them upon arrival. He stood in front of a ck Maserati Quattroporte, and on his face was a huge smile.


    "Steward Bai."


    Lu Tian greets the elderly man with a small nod. The way he spoke was calm and collected as usual, but Yue Ling could hear the respect in his voice.


    She looks at the elderly man referred to as Steward Bai. Although it was dark, the surrounding light allowed her to see the wrinkles on the man¡¯s old face and enough to let her know that he is a sweet old man, just like Steward Yang.


    She sighs inside at the thought of Steward Yang living alone in Fate and decides that she will revisit Fate once everything with An Qing is settled.


    A smile curls on her face, and she bends forward in a polite bow to Steward Bai.


    "Hello, I am Han Yue Ling. I apologize for intruding sote in the night."


    Steward Bai did not hide his feelings and nodded his head approvingly. He sounds a peal of heartfeltughter and takes a few steps forward.


    "Aiya, no need to apologize to this servant. Early orte, Miss Han is more than wee here."


    He looks at Lu Tian and gives the young man a smile that reached his eyes before handing over the car keys.


    "I have prepared everything on the list you sent."


    Lu Tian responded with an ¡¯mm.¡¯ He takes the keys and nce head before looking back at Steward Bai.


    "Thank you, you can go home. I¡¯ll take care of the rest."


    His words fell as he watches the pilot and the young man put his and Yue Ling¡¯s belongings in the car. He then helps his wife get inside the passenger seat before walking over to the driver¡¯s side.


    He pauses in his steps and looks back at Steward Bai and the private jet. However, his attention, this time for directed at the pilot.


    "Zhang Yi, send Steward Bai home when yound in Imperial."


    He gives a quick instruction then enters the car without another word.


    Zhang Yi watches the car drives away and heaves a long sigh.


    "Aiya, I thought that since he found someone, he would be nicer, but he is still cold as usual. Hopefully, Miss Han can melt his heart."


    He looks around to see if there were any luggage that needed to be put on the ne. However, he didn¡¯t find anything on the ground, but that was until he notices the old man was carrying a backpack.


    He couldn¡¯t help butugh at the sight of Steward Bai looking like a lost schoolboy on a field trip.


    "Old Bai, you¡¯re more than sixty. How can you still carry a heavy backpack?"


    He reaches out to help take the heavy bag, but Steward Bai stops him before he could.


    "I¡¯m not so weak that I cannot carry a backpack. Plus, it helps with my back pain."


    Steward Bai¡¯s eyes remained fixated in the direction the car had gone. However, thinking about Zhang Yi¡¯s words, his expression turned sour. He turns his head to look at the middle-aged man andughs.


    "What do you mean he is still cold? Didn¡¯t you notice how warm the boy has be since meeting Miss Han?"


    He had heard Xu Long and the members of Wolf Team mention Lu Tian bing nicer. At first, he was in denial because he has known Lu Tian since the boy was young, but to see it just now in person, he can confirm everyone¡¯s words.


    Lu Tian is hard to read, but when he (Steward Bai) could see the warmth in the boy¡¯s eyes when he looks at Yue Ling. That alone is enough to let one know that Lu Tian also has a heart.


    He chuckles to himself and holds his hands behind his back as he makes his way to the private jet.


    "Miss Han is truly an outstanding woman and the perfect match for Lu Tian."


    "Beautiful too."


    The young man, who had boarded the ne, chimes in when he heard Steward Bai. He has always been a fan of Han Yue Ling but never thought the day woulde when he finally met her.


    His cheeks flush a shade of pink with a dazedly smile as he thought back to when he saw her exit the car.


    "Pictures really don¡¯t do justice to how beautiful she is."


    Steward Bai stopped in his tracks when he heard the young man. He may be old in age, but he can still tell the difference between a good person and a bad person.


    It was without a doubt that Yue Ling is a woman deserving of much respect.


    She knew that he is a steward and of lowering standing, but she treated him like a human being. Unlike those other young women from prominent families that think they are better than everyone.


    He snorts a hmmf as he was reminded of all the women Lu Han had been with. If only the young man could find someone like Lu Tian did.


    His right-hand raises for the airstair rail, and he turns back to look in the direction Yue Ling and Lu Tian had gone. However, what he was met with made his eyes hung heavy.


    "Boy, your smile is going to give this old me an early death."


    He shakes his head and proceeds up the stairs. His sudden words made Zhang Yi snort a quietugh and struck the young man dumbfounded.


    The young man stares in utter disbelief at Steward Bai and scoffs sarcastically.


    "My smile will give you an early death?"


    He puts his hands on his h.i.p.s, and his eyes follow the old man¡¯s movements.


    "Old Bai, just to let you know, this smile of mine has made many women faint and fall head over heels for me."


    Steward Bai rolled his eyes until he entered the private jet. He turns around to look down at the young man and size the boy up. Even today, he didn¡¯t understand why Lu Tian allowed such a chatterbox to be air security.


    Oblivious to the elderly man¡¯s thoughts, the young man strides up the airstair and continues to rant. He points to his face and smiles a broad smile that reveals his pearly white teeth.


    "See, look at my smile. Women always say I have a smile that shines like the sun."


    As the young man enters the private jet, Steward Bai makes his way to the seating area. He sits down on a vacant seat that allowed him to see the young man standing by the door.


    He leans back on the seat and closes his eyes as if he were going to sleep.


    "And yet, here you are, still single arguing with an old man."


    "..."

 Chapter 800 - Private island

    <h4>Chapter 800 - Private ind</h4>


    The private jet takes off in the direction of Imperial as the ck Maserati Quattroporte drivers further into the distance. Yue Ling sat in the passenger seat with her head turned to the passenger window. She noticed that the road they were on was different from the empty and open charter they hadnded.


    There were trees on either side of the road with the only minimal light source to guide the way. However, she also noticed that along the road¡¯s edge were in-ground lighting, allowing one to not go off the road.


    "Tian, where are we?"


    She had kept silent for too long, and her anticipation has finally run out. Now, her only choice is to ask since she has no idea where they are going or where they are.


    Lu Tian sounds a chuckle from the driver¡¯s seat. He knew that it was only a matter of time before she asks. He just didn¡¯t know when.


    He parts his lips to answer but seeing something up ahead, a smile curls on his face.


    "You can see for yourself."


    Yue Ling was washed with a wave of contempt by his words. She looks at him then her eyes follow in the direction he is looking at. Her eyes opened widely, and she softly gasps.


    She prompts herself up in her seat and ces her palm on the dashboard. Her sudden movement made it look like she was on a balcony overlooking the world in front of her.


    "Am I awake, or am I dreaming?"


    Despite the darkness engulfed around them, she could the bright and radiant lights of a vi a few meters in front of them. The closer the car near, the exterior of the ce can be seen better.


    There weren¡¯t enough ss windows to describe the ce as a sshouse, but there were sections of the vi with towering ss walls, giving the estate a modern design of sorts. The dense trees outline created a magical feature that enhances the whole ce like a paintinge to life.


    "This..."


    Yue Ling murmurs as the vies closer and closer to view. Her eyebrows crease a little as she suddenly thought about something she heard from her subordinates.


    She looks away from the magical scene in front of her, and her attention shifted to the man driving. Her eyes narrow ever so lightly like she was trying to read him.


    "This ce, don¡¯t tell me..."


    Her words paused, and she ponders on the right words to say.


    She never asked about what Lu Tian did to Chu Li Xiang, let alone where the despicable man was taken. It wasn¡¯t because she was afraid to ask. She just didn¡¯t want to know.


    However, after her recovery, she had overheard a conversation between Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Qi Li.


    The three men had conversated about how Lu Tian made sure Chu Li Xiang suffered a slow and painful death. Not only that, but they also went into detail about the ce as it was Lu Tian¡¯s private ind where Xu Long and Wolf Team are sent for disciplinary measures.


    She ends her thoughts with eyes still narrowing at the man seated next to her.


    "Are we on your private ind?"


    Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help himself and smiles a chuckle. He gives her a side nce, then back at the road ahead.


    "We are on one of my private inds."


    He doesn¡¯t hide anything from her and continues to drive the car forward until they reached the front door to the vi. He shuts the engine off and finally turns his head to look at his wife.


    "Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s not the ind you¡¯re thinking about."


    His hand reaches for the door handle and opens it but pauses. He gives her a reassuring smile with one hand pointing in a specific direction.


    "That ind is on this side."


    Yue Ling was struck baffled by each of his words. Before she could even utter a sound, Lu Tian had already stepped out of the car.


    She watches as he walks around the hood of the car, but unlike the other times when she lets him help her like a gentleman, she pries open the door for herself and steps out.


    "What do you mean by this is one of your private inds? How many do you have?"


    She closes the door and stares the man down. Her left palm stuck out to him as if she was stopping him, and she corrects herself.


    "No, let me rephrase that. How many inds do you NEED?"


    She emphasized the word ¡¯need,¡¯ which caused Lu Tian to let out a chuckle. The image of her stumbling out of the car was still reying in his head, but he quickly discards it.


    "I have five around the world. This is one of them. As to why I need them, they¡¯re for personal use."


    He walks to the back of the car and opens the trunk. He was just about to reach for their bags but stops. He pokes his head from behind the car to look at his wife.


    "And no. I¡¯ve never brought anyone here. You¡¯re the first."


    His words fell with nothing but the truth as he returns to get their bags.


    "Steward Bao should have left the door unlocked. It¡¯s cold tonight, so you should go in first."


    Yue Ling was even more baffled by Lu Tian¡¯s words. One corner of her mouth twitched as she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.


    She didn¡¯t even think if he had ever brought anyone here, so would he say something like that?


    Quickly as the question came to her, her eyes widen, and she finally understood. He was teasing her, probably trying to see if she will get jealous.


    She rolls her eyes at this conclusion and walks to the front door. Just as Lu Tian had said, the door was unlocked. This didn¡¯te to her as a surprise because she knows that they were on his private ind, and anyone daring to step foot here is begging to enter death¡¯s door.


    And like an eager little girl on a field trip to see a castle, she excitedly enters the vi.


    Upon her entrance, she was greeted with an interior utterly different from her imagination. She didn¡¯t need to turn the lights on because they were already lit when they arrived.


    She could see at a nce that the vi is the pinnacle definition of effortless sophistication. It¡¯s understated neutral colors paired with bold gold-hued ents brought an illumination drama.


    The entire ce was designed with a spaciousyout that didn¡¯t make the area look cluttered together, and the sumptuous furniture fashionably reinvented luxury.


    Anyone who entered this vi would think that it a home designed for a modern king.


    "Like it?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds from behind as he entered the vi with their bags, and Yue Ling turns to look at him. She kept a calm expression, but her brightly lit eyes said otherwise.


    "It¡¯s beautiful."


    She shrugs her shoulder indifferently, but deep inside, she was screaming at the top of her lungs. If he weren¡¯t present, she would have run around the entire vi to see everything.


    Clearing her head, she looks back at the scene in front of her. The living room stood directly upon entrance with glossy marble stairs on the second floor¡¯s right. She notices the ss railing on the stairs, and something crosses her mind.


    "But I never pictured you as the type to lean towards a light-colored lifestyle."


    Since the vi is on Lu Tian¡¯s private ind, she thought it would be like his old penthouse. Dark furniture, a gloomy atmosphere, and barely any light.


    "Then again, who am I to judge someone¡¯s preference. Right?"


    She chuckles softly at her own words, causing Lu Tian to smile with her. He walks past her to the living room and ces their bags down on one of the couches.


    "You¡¯re right. I do prefer a dark living style."


    He walks back to her and towers over her view of the vi.


    "I designed the vi, but my mother picked out the decorations. She and my father asionallye here when they want to get away from the busy city."


    His right-hand raised to caress her cheek, and a smile full of unending love curls on his face.


    "Should I give you a tour of the vi first or after dinner?"

 Chapter 801 - Outside the premises

    <h4>Chapter 801 - Outside the premises</h4>


    Yue Ling was beyond thrilled when Lu Tian asked if she wanted a tour of the vi. Anyone given a chance like her would answer with a yes, but she forces back her inner feelings and shakes her head.


    "No, we can do that after dinner."


    She smiles up at him to reassure him of her answer, then points in a direction behind him.


    "Shall we go to the kitchen then?"


    The corners of Lu Tian¡¯s mouth curls up with a small chuckle. He takes hold of her smaller hand and walks away from where they were standing.


    "Then allow me to give you your first tour of the vi."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t argue back but obediently follows his steps as she has no idea where to go since the ce was prominent. However, as they walked through a part of the house, she didn¡¯t forget to nce around with a look of awe.


    She wasn¡¯t that surprised, as one should be, to see that the vi was more beyond stunning.


    Their current home is one of a kind, and she honestly thought it was marvelous enough, butpare to this very vi, it was by far inferior. Even she hated to admit it, but her grandfather¡¯s mansion cannot outdo this ce.


    Lu Tian continued to lead the way with a smile on his face. He didn¡¯t need to turn around to see his wife¡¯s expression. He could guess just by listening to her continuous soft gasps as they head towards the kitchen.


    "Do you want to move here?"


    If he had known his wife would like this vi so much, he would have moved them here instead of the house they¡¯re living. He never thought about it because of her career choice, and he didn¡¯t want her to be isted from the world.


    However, one word of yes from her, and he will have all their belongings moved here within minutes.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t expect Lu Tian to ask her such a question. Her eyebrows rose as she turns her head to look at his back figure. She ponders to herself for a long second before sighing a smile.


    "This vi is pretty. One of the prettiest vis I¡¯ve seen."


    She stops in her tracks, causing Lu Tian to stop with her. He turns around to look at her and is greeted with a smile on her face. A smile that can melt the world as her words continue.


    "But I prefer our home more."


    She indeed feels like she had walked into a castle in a fairy tale, but despite all the luxuriousness this ce has to offer, it isn¡¯tparable to their house.


    The home she and Lu Tian built a life together.


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression turned into one of pure surprise at her response. He honestly thought she would want to move here, especially after seeing the sparkles in her eyes when she saw the vi.


    Thinking back to her words, he scrutinizes his eyes a little like he was trying to see through her mind. However, his expression only made Yue Lingugh.


    Her smile widens on her face. She decides not to push the topis and points in the direction she guessed they were heading with a slightly tilted head.


    "Are we close to the kitchen?"


    Lu Tian was brought back to his senses by his wife¡¯s question. He sounds a faint ¡¯mm¡¯ as he knew his wife¡¯s reason for changing the subject. Her ways of doing things were simr to him. Once she says something, that was her final answer, and there is no changing her mind.


    He takes a step forward and heads in the direction of the kitchen without another sound.


    Yue Ling leisurely follows him, but something crosses her mind, and her eyebrows crease slightly.


    "Tian, I know we are here in your beautiful vi, but..."


    Her lips pursed with a perplexed look, and she leans a little close to him.


    "We... We didn¡¯t stop by the store on the way here."


    Lu Tian held himself back fromughing, but a smile curled on his face. He liked seeing his wife get fl.u.s.tered over something so small.


    "I know, but don¡¯t worry."


    He reassures her with a stern expression then leans to the side towards her.


    "I got it all covered."


    Yue Ling wasn¡¯t in doubt about his words. They had just boarded the ne and headed here without stopping anywhere, so how can someone be so confident like him?


    She was led to the kitchen, and her jaw nearly dropped to the floor. The size of the kitchen was like one of a 5-star restaurant. It was designed in an L-shape with an ind in the center.


    However, she was too upied with what was on top of the ind and had no time to admire the entire kitchen¡¯s details.


    "Um... Tian, this is what you meant when you said you got it covered?"


    She turns her head to the left and looks at the tall figure standing next to her. At the same time, she didn¡¯t forget to point to what had caught her attention.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes remained fixated on what his wife was pointing. Only, his expression was one of proudness, unlike her dumbfounded and confused one.


    His head nods lightly, and he finally looks at her.


    "Mm. I called Steward Bai in advance to prepare this."


    "..."


    Yue Ling was in utter disbelief when she heard this. She sounds a sarcastic scoff and looks at the ind.


    "So this is what you mean... but don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a little bit too much?"


    Laid out on the kitchen ind were cleaned produce and meat. Everything one would need if they wanted to cook at least twenty different meals, maybe even more.


    Yue Ling takes a few steps forward and ces her palms on the smooth surface of the ind. Her eyes scan the many ingredients in front of her, ready to be chopped and cooked.


    She removes her coat, ces it on a bar stool, and then reaches for one of the two aprons hanging nearby. Just as she finished tying the apron on her back, she looks at Lu Tian, who hasn¡¯t moved from his position.


    Her right-hand raises and she sends him a gesture.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I know what to cook. You¡¯ll like it."


    Lu Tian nce at her. When he saw her gesture, he removes his coat and ces it next to her coat before walking around the ind to pick up the remaining apron.


    "What should I chop first?"


    "..."


    Yue Ling blinked her eyes that had be heavy. Her gesture was for him to leave the kitchen, note closer to help.


    She heaves a long sigh and grabs his arm before pulling out of the room.


    "I can¡¯t handle this on my own. Plus, my cooking isn¡¯t that inferior to yours."


    Stopping at the kitchen exit, she ushered him away and stood her ground from keeping him back from entering.


    "You can go put our bags away. I¡¯ll call you when dinner is ready. Okay? Okay."


    Lu Tian held a frown like a little child not getting his way. His body rxed as he lets her push him out of the kitchen. He knows that his wife is a great cook, but he wanted to help her in any way possible.


    However, not wanting to get in the way of her good mood, he decides not to push his luck.


    "Fine."


    He turns around to face her and lowers his head to give her a small kiss on her forehead before walking away.


    "Call for me if you need any help."


    Yue Ling watched him leave until he was no longer in sight. She needed to make sure that he wouldn¡¯t turn around and sneak back inside the kitchen.


    It¡¯s not that she doesn¡¯t mind him helping. It was more of how the situation will turn out if she does let him. She¡¯ll end up being push to the side, and he does all the cooking while she watches.


    As she turns away and prepares dinner, Lu Tian had taken their bags up the stairs.


    The vi has twenty rooms on the second floor, but he chose the farthest one because he knew his wife would like it best.


    He opens the double ss door and enters.


    The lights switch on and reveal a room more spacious than the one at their house. There was floor to ceiling windows between the walls, creating a pattern with a king-sized bed on one side of the room.


    *Ring ring


    He walks over to one of the windows and put their bags down on a lounge chaise. The second the bag touched the seat, the ringing of his phone surfaces.


    He casually takes it out and lowers his head. Upon seeing the name of the caller, his eyebrows wrinkle.


    He answers the call as he turns his head to the side and looks at the door he had entered.


    "Speak."


    ["Boss, we¡¯ve gotpany lurking outside the premises."]


    Hearing the words, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes dimmed dangerously. He looks away from the door with a straightened posture and ces his other hand in his pant pockets.


    He stares indifferently out the window to the night sky, and his deep voice sounds.


    "Name."


    ["Negative, boss. Suspects are in an unidentified ck vehicle. Right now, they are parked less than a kilometer from the premises."]


    Hearing this, the temperature inside the room turned cold, as if a blizzard had blown in. The veins on Lu Tian¡¯s neck pop but quickly disappears as he calms himself down.


    "Let no rats inside."


    ["Say no more, boss."]


    Lu Tian doesn¡¯t respond and ends the call. However, the coldness in his eyes and the atmosphere did not subdue one bit.


    From his time working on cases involving the underworld, he learned one thing about Tao Meng. The man will stop at nothing to get what he (Tao Meng) wants. Even if it means crossing a line, he shouldn¡¯t.


    This was also why he brought his wife here. It was the safest ce as no one can follow them and enter without authorization.


    Unexpectedly, he made the right decision as Tao Meng must be striking earlier than he thought.


    Lu Tian inhales a deep breath to clear his conscience. He ces his phone back in his pocket and turns for the door as a devilish smirk curled on his face.


    It seems like Tao Meng and his men are begging to enter death¡¯s door.

 Chapter 802 - The most important task

    <h4>Chapter 802 - The most important task</h4>


    In thete-night, while Yue Ling prepared dinner for her and Lu Tian, a loud thud echoes inside the half-empty house back at their home.


    Xu Long stood up from the empty living room floor, and both his fistsnds on his h.i.p.s. He raises his chin up like a proud man and grins down at the three men sitting in front of him.


    "Alright, boys. We got the cue to go. Let¡¯s get this show going."


    Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Qi Li stares up at the assistant with a dumbfounded expression.


    After Liu Shan finished setting up the surveince monitors in one of the spare rooms, they decided to go through their bosses¡¯ refrigerator to cook themselves dinner. However, just when they were about to eat and sit at the dining table, one of the monitors put up beeped in alert and sent a warning message to Liu Shan¡¯s phone.


    At first, they thought it might be someone from Wolf Team or Alpha teaming back to join them in the sleepover, but Liu Shan knows his equipment better than anyone else.


    The warning that sounded was to let them know if someone had entered the premises by climbing over the fence.


    When he and Qi Li checked the monitors, they could see two unidentified vehicles with turned off headlights. The two cars were parked at a short distance on the road, while they could see six silhouettes peeking through from behind the gate.


    Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Qi Li wanted to report the situation to their boss but decided not to as they didn¡¯t want to worry her.


    They all know that Yue Ling will be busy with taking over An Qing once the weekend is over and wanted her to get enough rest.


    Left with no other choice, they could only have Xu Long call Lu Tian to report the matter.


    Qi Li sat between Liu Shan and Lin Hui. He was no longer shirtless like before and had put on a in ck t-shirt. His head tilted to the side a little as he stares up at the man putting on a stance like Superman.


    He doesn¡¯t question the man¡¯s odd behavior and calmly stood up from the floor.


    "So, who wants to head out front?"


    His naturally cold eyes scan between the three men from behind his sses. However, not getting an answer, he shrugs his shoulders and walks towards the spare room he was sleeping in for a jacket.


    "Guess it¡¯s me then."


    "Wait!"


    Before he could take another step, Xu Long abruptly stops him in his tracks. He turns his head to the left and stares at the assistant with an expression as if saying, ¡¯what?¡¯


    Xu Long held his stance like he was standing his ground and size the man wearing sses from head to toe then back up.


    Knowing that the ill.u.s.trator was no longer as intimidating as before, he felt less inferior in body structure. Of course, he also has to pretend that the top of the owl¡¯s head engraved on the man¡¯s neck was not there.


    He stuck out his chest more, and standing at the same height as Qi Li, he (Xu Long) raise his chin higher to make himself look taller.


    "Who said you are the only one brave enough to take the front?"


    Qi Li blinked his eyes as he was struck dumbfounded at why he was stopped. However, he was not the only one as both Liu Shan and Lin Hui were no different from him.


    "Alright, alright. We¡¯re not kids anymore. Any more, and we¡¯re just wasting our time here."


    Liu Shan came back to his senses and stood up from the floor as Lin Hui follows in pursuit. He (Liu Shan) takes a few steps forward to stand in the middle of the two men having a staring contest.


    He turns his head to Qi Li first, then to Xu Long beforeing to a decision.


    "Qi Li, I know you don¡¯t mind checking the front, but I need you to secure the back. Lin Hui and Xu Long will go out front."


    Given an order from someone who isn¡¯t his boss, Qi Li would usually have answered no. However, he does the opposite. He shrugs his shoulders nonchntly and goes on with his way to get his jacket.


    Lin Hui was used to taking orders from Liu Shan when his boss isn¡¯t around. He turns around to leave but stops when he thought about something. He looks back at the assistant and frowns.


    "What about you?"


    Hearing this, Xu Long¡¯s attention shifts from the departing Qi Li to the other assistant. His hands lift from his h.i.p.s, and he holds his arms over his chest.


    "That¡¯s right. While we three are taking care of the situation outside, what are you doing?"


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes at the two men¡¯s childish fussing. He points in the direction Qi Li had gone and put his other hand on his hip.


    "I have the most important task. I¡¯m going to hold it down from here and monitor you guys from behind the cameras."


    He doesn¡¯t wait to hear a response and walks away to where he had pointed. However, having taken only three steps, he stops in his tracks and turns back to look at Lin Hui and Xu Long.


    Seeing that the two men weren¡¯t going to move, he heaves a long sigh then ps his hands a few times.


    "Come on. Chop, chop. Time doesn¡¯t wait for anyone. Hurry up and get going before the rats outside find their way inside."


    His words fell in a demanding tone, then walks away. As his figure disappeared from the living room, Xu Long was left with his jaw hung open, and Lin Hui shook his head.


    "Come on. Let¡¯s go."


    Lin Hui was the first toe back to his senses and interrupts Xu Long¡¯s dazed figure. He doesn¡¯t wait for the assistant and walks towards the front door.


    He doesn¡¯t often agree with what Liu Shan has to say, but this time the man was right.


    Time isn¡¯t waiting for them. Any second they spend inside the house is a given second for the people outside to make their way inside.


    Xu Long finally blinked his eyes and stood alone in the empty living room. He looks around the room until he sees Lin Hui heading for the front door.


    He darts after the man but doesn¡¯t forget to grab the jacket he had hung on the stair railing.


    "Bro, wait for me."


    Lin Hui stops in front of the door and looks back at the assistant without responding. His left hand held the door handle, and he puts his right index finger on his lip to silence the man before speaking in a soft, quiet voice.


    "When I open this door, we have to act natural. Got it?"


    Xu Long zips his mouth and vigorously nods his head. He quickly puts on his jacket and gives Lin Hui a silent nod to let the man know that he is ready.


    Lin Hui rolled his eyes then opens the door as he and Xu Long step out into the darkness of the night.

 Chapter 803 - The mans good words

    <h4>Chapter 803 - The man''s good words</h4>


    The pitch-ck darkness of the night wrapped around Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s house like a nket. Due to the renovations, Liu Shan and the other three men decided to keep only the front door light on as the other lights will give away the parts of the house that can be easily entered.


    Outside in the front courtyard, Lin Hui and Xu Long had made their way down the driveway. The two men looked like friends casually taking a night stroll in the park.


    Lin Hui lit a cigarette and inhales a puff of the tobo with his shoulder swinging from side to side like a dangerous gangster. Next to him, Xu Long walked with careful steps as his head was tilted back, and he stares up at the night sky like he was counting stars.


    "Bro, do you think I have a chance with Zhao Ya¡¯Er?"


    Xu Long asked without thinking. Since they were to act naturally, it was only natural for him to start a conversation.


    However, he didn¡¯t know that his question took Lin Hui by surprise, causing him (Lin Hui) to stumble in his act of a gangster.


    Lin Hui turns his head to look at the man staring into space, and his eyebrows wrinkle into a frown. He did tell Xu Long for them to act natural, but was this really the right time to ask such a serious question?


    He sighs inside, then thought about what the man had asked. His free hand raises to stroke his chin, and he nods his head like an elderly man.


    "Honestly, you aren¡¯t that bad of a man, but do you have a chance with Miss Zhao? Hm, it¡¯s hard to say."


    Xu Long¡¯s eyes turned heavy like someone was trying to glue his eyes closed. He tilts his head forward, away from the sky, and in the darkness, he res with daggers at Lin Hui.


    "What do you mean, it¡¯s hard to say? If I am a good man, what¡¯s hard then?"


    He folds his arms over his chest and turns to face the man belittling him.


    "Seriously, my looks aren¡¯t too bad. I can be mistaken for a model. Not only that, but I¡¯m also smart, brave, funny, romantic, and most of all."


    He pauses in his words to lean closer to Lin Hui before continuing his words.


    "I have a good-paying job."


    Lin Hui didn¡¯t expect Xu Long to describe himself with such words. He nearly chokes on his cigarette but steadied himself and meet the man in the eyes.


    Although it was dark, the light from the front door was bright enough to let him see the assistant¡¯s face.


    He scoffs a sarcastic chuckle and raises his hand, holding the cigarette to take another puff before answering.


    "Yes, yes, you are everything you im to be. After all, you are James Long Bond. How can you not have a chance?"


    Xu Long¡¯s mouth opened agape at the mockery behind Lin Hui¡¯s words. He wanted to strangle the man to death, but before he could make a move, Lin Hui¡¯s voice continues.


    "But you¡¯re forgetting one thing. Miss Zhao seems to be interested in you, but she is still your boss¡¯s cousin. The real question you should be asking is, will your boss let you be with her if things be serious."


    "..."


    Xu Ling¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground, and his eyes fell from their sockets. He had been having such a good time going on dates with Zhao Ya¡¯Er that he forgot all about his coldblooded boss.


    He was quickly reminded of the day Lu Tian ordered him to find a man from the footage captured from the nightclub, Spring. Turned out he was the man and had to turn himself in.


    Remembering the tear breaking incident, a chill ran down his spine, and he shivers.


    His boss may have kept a calm and indifferent expression at the time, but who knows what he (Lu Tian) was actually thinking.


    Xu Long couldn¡¯t help but shiver again and stroke his arms as if to soothe away the tiny bumps on his arms.


    However, his head drooped down, and he felt his heart slowly sank to his stomach like a ship sinking at sea.


    "Man... I really got ahead of myself for thinking I have a chance..."


    Lin Hui was about to take another puff of his cigarette when his hand paused midway at the assistant¡¯s words.


    He cast a side nce to the now depressed man and heaves a long sigh at oblivious Xu Long is.


    "Bro, why are you making yourself feel miserable?"


    He inhales a puff of the tobo then continues his words after exhaling the smoke.


    "So what if she is your boss¡¯s cousin or her family background is above yours. If you like her and she likes you, that¡¯s all that matters. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re trying to get a chance with your boss or her family."


    He finished the cigarette in his hand and tossed it away to grab a new one. However, seeing that his words seem to only make Xu Long even more depressed, he could only sigh again with slight frustration.


    "Dude, stop being so depressed. I¡¯m sure that by now, your boss knows that you are seeing his cousin."


    He takes the new cigarette out and ces it in his mouth but doesn¡¯t light it right away.


    "Has he told you not to see his cousin? If he hasn¡¯t, then that means he approves."


    From what he can see, Xu Long and Zhao Ya¡¯Er are not only neighbors but have been seeing each other. Lu Tian is a smart man and quick to grasp any situation, whether near or far. If he didn¡¯t approve of what is happening or finds Xu Long unworthy, he (Lu Tian) would have intervened by now.


    Xu Long was truly feeling down and doubted whether he was good enough for Zhao Ya¡¯Er. However, listening to Lin Hui¡¯s bro talk, he began to feel his mood lift inch by inch.


    He parts his lips to thank the man¡¯s good words, but before he could utter a word, quick rustling sounds came from either side of them then disappears.


    The sounds were extremely quiet that one would mistake it for the wind passing by, causing the trees and bushes nearby to sway. However, Lin Hui and Xu Long knew that was not the case.


    Both men¡¯s eyes glisten with a dangerous light as they could make our one dark figure on either side of the driveway darts back into hiding behind the bushes.


    Xu Long slightly lowers his head like he was looking at the ground to make sure he doesn¡¯t trip over anything. However, his eyes scan every inch of the right in the full alert.


    "I¡¯m sure that my boss knows that his cousin is interested in me, but I don¡¯t think he knows that I feel the same way about her."


    On the left side, Lin Hui ces the unlit cigarette in his mouth. As he lit the end of it, the fire that burned from the lighter reveals his calm expression. His eyes were focused on the cigarette in making sure he zed the correct ce. However, the second the fire turned off, everything returned to darkness.


    In full alert mode, he scans the driveway¡¯s left side and replies to Xu Long in aposed voice.


    "I¡¯m sure he knows. He¡¯s just waiting to see how serious you are."

 Chapter 804 - Couldnt have been a ghost

    <h4>Chapter 804 - Couldn''t have been a ghost</h4>


    Lin Hui inhales a mouthful of the tobo and walks over to the row of bushes decorating the side of the driveway after sending Xu Long a silent nce.


    "Man, I must have drunk too much tonight. I need to go do my business."


    Xu Long doesn¡¯t question the man¡¯s intentions. If they were in a normal situation, he would have lectured Lin Hui for doing such an immoral thing in public when there is a bathroom inside the house.


    He chuckles as Lin Hui¡¯s figure walks away then turns to the right. A devilish smirk curls on his face, and he walks towards the area the rustling sound hade from.


    "I guess I should micturate too."


    Both men walked in opposite directions with natural steps like they were oblivious to any of the sounds they had heard and the dark figures they had seen.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Lin Hui stops in front of the bushes. He puts on the act of a man having to relieve his dder. However, he doesn¡¯t pull his pants down.


    He just quietly stood there with a cigarette in his mouth and stares ahead into the darkness. He inhales another deep breath of the tobo and blows the smoke out.


    Only, this time, he blew the cigarette along with the smoke.


    "Ah!"


    The unfinished cigarette hadn¡¯t evennded on the ground when a voice exims in pain. Quickly following, a dark silhouette jumps out from behind the bush in front of Lin Hui.


    This person¡¯s arms wave in every direction in an attempt to get the tossed cigarette off.


    Lin Hui watched the scene in front of him unfold, and a glistening light shes in his eyes as one corner of his mouth raise into a side smirk.


    "Well, well, well."


    His left-hand stretches out, and he grabs the person by the cor. Getting a firm grip, he forcefully pulls the person wholly and forwards away from the bushes.


    "What the¡ª"


    The person was caught off guard, but before he (the person) could grasp the situation, Lin Hui ms him onto the driveway pavement.


    Not giving this person any chance to fight back, Lin Hui struck with his right fist and knocked the person out cold.


    He stares down at the now unconscious person with eyes void of any emotions. The light illuminating from the front door did not stretch out far, but it was enough for him to make out any features.


    The person lying on the ground was a bald-headed man in his thirties. He had a slim built and looked like any other ordinary person passing by. However, there was a small tattoo on the back of his hand.


    Lin Hui couldn¡¯t see the entire tattoo, but half was all he needed to make out the piece.


    A red moon.


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk."


    He clicks his tongue and shakes his head. Whether he was feeling pity for the man he just knocked out or not, no one can tell.


    "Who the hell are you?!"


    Another man roars from the opposite side of him. He lifts his head away from the unconscious man and looks in the direction the voice came from.


    "I am your grandfather!"


    Xu Long answers the person as he, too, had caught this man by surprise. However, unlike the man lying in front of Lin Hui, Xu Long¡¯s person was a heavy man in weight.


    He (heavy man) stares with trembling eyes at Xu Long then subconsciously nce behind at Lin Hui. When he saw hisrade lying lifeless on the ground, he struggles a hard gulp.


    "Shit..."


    He curses a murmur at how they had gotten caught. With him being twice the size of Xu Long, he could have quickly taken down the man (Xu Long), but he doesn¡¯t strike an attack.


    Instead, he spun around and made a run for it. He believes that since there is a row of bushes between him and Xu Long, he won¡¯t be captured easily.


    Xu Long watched the man take off at the speed of lightning. He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle and shake his head. He looks to the left of him, then back at the man running away.


    "Really? The only way in and out is over here, and yet he¡¯s running in the wrong direction."


    He doesn¡¯t hop over the bushes to give chase but casually makes his way to the gate. A small path is set up for one to walk alongside the fence that surrounds the house.


    As he walked after the man, there was no trace of worry on his face or Lin Hui, who watched from behind.


    If the man were to sneak around back, he would meet Qi Li. Any chance of him breaking inside the house, there is Liu Shan.


    While all this took ce in the front courtyard, out in the back courtyard, Qi Li calmly walked under the starry sky with a lit cigarette in his left hand.


    The only light source to see the ground came from the house, but Qi Li¡¯s eyes had long adjusted to the darkness around, even without it.


    He doesn¡¯t trail alongside the house but makes his way to where the construction equipment and vehicles had been left unattended.


    Anyone who saw him would think he was making a final round to check if everything is in ce before going to bed.


    Despite his head facing forward, his cold and indifferent eyes focused on the open field and the many trees in the distance.


    He and the others had concluded six people in total, but there could be more hiding that they were unaware of.


    With precise attention to any movements or noises, he soones to a stop in front of a pile of metal scraps. He brings the cigarette to his mouth and inhales deeply, making the embers at the end of the cigarette glow brighter.


    As he blows the smoke out, the wind that came with night picks up and smoothly carries the smoke away.


    However, the smoke wasn¡¯t the only thing that disappeared.


    Qi Li¡¯s tranquil figure that should have been in front of the metal scraps also vanished, leaving no trace of him behind. It was as if he was a ghost that only revealed itself for a brief moment.


    "What the heck?"


    A man¡¯s raspy voice suddenly sounds in shock as he steps out from hiding behind a bulldozer. He was a petite man, but one can see he often worked out.


    "Where did he go? I just blinked, and he suddenly disappeared."


    Another man¡¯s voice sounds from the opposite side where the excavator was parked. This person steps out and reveals himself as a tall and robust man.


    He (robust man) walks cautiously towards hisrade but didn¡¯t forget to search for Qi Li¡¯s figure.


    "You saw him, too, right? I mean, that couldn¡¯t have been a ghost. It possibly can¡¯t be."


    The petite man nods his head to let the robust man know that he saw Qi Li too. However, the longer he stared at the spot Qi Li wasst seen, he couldn¡¯t help but feel pessimistic about the situation.

 Chapter 805 - A human or a ghost?

    <h4>Chapter 805 - A human or a ghost?</h4>


    Under the starry night sky, construction equipment and vehicles stood their ground on top of the grass like a maze. The petite man and the robust man that snuck inside Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s property were at a loss about what they had just witnessed.


    From the moment their bossid eyes on Han Yue Ling, he (the boss) had be infatuated with the woman. He ordered all his men to search high and low for the retired model. However, no matter how much they searched, they couldn¡¯t find a single trace of her, except her workce.


    Only by chance was the petite man, who was leaving a restaurant, spots Yue Ling inside a ck car at a red stoplight. He didn¡¯t hesitate to inform his boss of what he found.


    His boss then ordered him to follow the car Yue Ling was in to find out where she lives.


    And he did just that.


    He followed behind without giving away his intentions and was soon led to a secluded residential area. Knowing that the more he followed, he would be found out, so he parked his car on the side of the road and continued on foot.


    It took him a while, but thanks to the familiar ck car parked on the driveway, he was able to find the right house.


    He wrote down the address and quickly fled from the area to report back to his boss.


    "Bro? Bro? Did you hear what I said?"


    The robust man whispers to the petite man and interrupts the man¡¯s train of thought.


    "Was that a human or a ghost? Could it be that this ce is actually haunted?"


    He (robust man) stares with a quizzical frown and scratch the back of his head. He turns around to look at the sumptuously luxurious house behind them and felt a little weirded out.


    "Are you sure this is the right address? From the looks it, this ce looks like it is going to be demolished."


    The petite man looks around at the scene in front of him. When he found the house, he did hear loud construction work going on, but he didn¡¯t think much. Unless he was found out at the time and was led to a random house to trick him.


    No, that can¡¯t be.


    "It¡¯s the right house. I¡¯m sure of it."


    He reassures the robust man with a stern expression and looks back at the spot in front of the metal scraps. His brows wrinkled as he was sure the figure they saw earlier was human. However, how could a living person move that quickly?


    All they did was blink, and the figure vanished with the wind.


    "Should wee back in the morning?"


    The robust man suddenly whispers again, and the petite man shes him a sinister re.


    "Are you stupid? Boss wants us to bring Han Yue Ling to him. He gave firm instructions to get the job done tonight, or we¡¯re going to kick out from Red Moon."


    When Yue Ling¡¯s location was known, Tao Meng couldn¡¯t sit back and wait. He stated that the person who brings Yue Ling to him will receive arge amount of money and women. Anyone who fails this task will be disowned.


    At first, he didn¡¯t want to volunteer as he heard the others mention Yue Ling being friends with the Mad Reaper. However, the news of Xiao¡¯s death came, and he wanted to seek revenge for hisrade.


    Since he knows that he can¡¯t face Mad Reaper head-on, he will kidnap Yue Ling and have the woman pay the price of making them lose a member of Red Moon.


    Oblivious to the petite man¡¯s reason for being here, a begrudging pursed appears on the robust man¡¯s face. He had asked because the more he stared at the house, he felt an unexinable feeling rise inside him. It was as if his guts were telling him to leave or else he¡¯ll regret it.


    However, the petite man was right.


    He and the others that came to kidnap Yue Ling only volunteered for the job because they wanted to get on Tao Meng¡¯s good side. If they seed in this, a hefty reward will be given to them.


    Thinking about the reward with his name written all over it, he felt determined and looked away from the house.


    "I guess we don¡¯t have toe back in the morning. There are six of us. She can¡¯t possibly escape from us once we have her cornered."


    To be precise, only four of them snuck in over the fence, while the other two waited in the car. Once they have Yue Ling, all they had to do was get in the car and storm off.


    He licks his lips, and a malicious grin curls on his lip as he chuckles evilly.


    "I heard this woman is truly one of a kind. Since she is this great that boss is obsessed with her, do you think he¡¯ll share her with us when he¡¯s done?"


    "No."


    The moment the robust man¡¯sst word fell, a voice answers him. However, the voice didn¡¯t belong to the petite man standing to his left.


    It came from behind, in the house¡¯s direction, and sounded as cold as the night. So cold that it made all the hair on their bodies stand on ends.


    The robust man slowly turns around to see who it was, but his eyes shot open in surprise.


    *Swoosh¡ª


    A fistes into view, and he could feel the breeze that came with it. He tried to dodge it, but like he had be a locked target, the fist collided against his right cheek.


    "Ugh!"


    He sounds a groan as the punch nearly sent him flying but stumbles sideways before losing his bnce and falls.


    The petite man had been focused on the metal scraps and trying to figure out where the mysterious person had gone. He needed to make sure that this person would not sneak an attack on them.


    When he heard the voice of another person, he also turned around to see what happened. He was quickly met with the robust man being punched away.


    He takes a small step back in surprise, and his eyes widen.


    "What the hell?"


    Quickly as the surprise came to him, it was reced with alert and grimace. He stares with unblinking eyes at the dark figure. This person was not as tall as the robust man, but taller than him (petite man).


    As he sized this person up, it didn¡¯t take long until he realized that this person was the same figure that disappeared moments ago.


    "Shit!"


    He roars a curse in a slight panic and his right-hand reaches behind him for his gun. Taking the gun out, he quickly takes aim and fires a shot.


    "Go to hell!"


    However, before his finger could pull the trigger, the dark figure was faster and moves.


    Qi Li was close enough as his left-hand stretch towards the hand point a gun at him. His hand grabs hold of the petite man¡¯s wrist and pull the man forward to evade any bullets.


    Without letting go of the wrist, he spun once to the right and swung his right arm. His elbow swiftly jabs against the petite man¡¯s right temple before letting go of the wrist.


    The petite man felt a sharp, blunt trauma to his head as his body flung to the left, headfirst. He stares with bloodshot eyes at Qi Li before his vision turns dark and he loses consciousness.


    *VR VR VR


    Qi Li stares down at the man he had just taken down. He felt the phone in his pocket vibrate and reach for it.


    ["Everything good on your side?"]


    He had just ced the phone near his ear when Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounds from the other line. He (Liu Shan) had been watching from behind the monitors and saw everything, but he needed to call to make sure.


    ["Lin Hui said another person is on the run. Take care of him if you see him in the back."]


    Liu Shan informs Qi Li of the situation in the front, and he (Qi Li) looks away from the petite man. He (Qi Li) scans the construction site in front of him. Seeing nothing amiss and no other figures, he turns around to look at the house.


    "Everything¡¯s good on¡ª"


    ["Bro, behind you!"]


    Before Qi Li could finish his words, Liu Shan¡¯s voice shouts in warning from the phone and cuts him off.


    "Argh!!"


    The robust man angrily roars as he was back on his feet and lunges forward without any warning. His muscr arms suddenly stretch out and wrap tightly around Qi Li¡¯s waist before tackling him (Qi Li) onto the ground.


    Qi Li grunts a groan as his back ms hard against the grass. He loses his grip on the phone, causing it to be thrown a few feet away.


    Simultaneously, Liu Shan¡¯s panic voice vaguely sounds from the phone lying on the grass.


    ["Qi Li? Qi Li? Are you alright?! Qi Li?!!!"]

 Chapter 806 - Won’t be needing these

    <h4>Chapter 806 - Won¡¯t be needing these</h4>


    [Qi Li?! Qi Li?! Bro, answer me if you¡¯re alright!!"]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice continues to scream from the other line of the phone thaty on the grass. However, he received no response.


    "Son of a bitch!"


    Ignoring the frantic screamsing from the phone, the robust man fumed with intense rage the second he tackled Qi Li down. Never in his entire life has anyone dare to attack him.


    One look from him, and people cower away with their tail between their legs.


    However, Qi Li didn¡¯t even flinch at the sight of him.


    He (robust man) loosens his hold on Qi li and position himself upon his knees. He doesn¡¯t wait for a response and throws a punch in aim for Qi Li¡¯s head. He wants him (Qi Li) to suffer the same pain that he (robust man) relieved moments ago.


    "You¡¯re gonna pay for sneaking an attack on me!!"


    Qi Li¡¯s face contorted in pain. Not only did his back hit the ground hard, so did the back of his head. He had yet to even recover from the tackle when he felt the robust man¡¯s fistnd on his left cheek.


    A sudden sharp pain surge throughout him, and his head flung sideways to the right. The impact was so strong that it caused his sses to knock off to the side of him, and he coughs out blood.


    His eyes sh dangerously with a glimmer of light as he quickly came to his senses. He darts his head back to look at the man kneeling on top of him.


    In that split second, both his arms raised in front of him. He blocks his face just as another punchnds on him.


    The robust man may have caught him off guard the first time, but he won¡¯t let it happen the second time.


    Seeing that the robust man wasn¡¯t going to stop, he quickly retaliates.


    Just as the robust man throws another punch with his right hand, Qi Li also swings his right arm.


    His fingers curl, and he clenches his hand into a tight fist. He doesn¡¯t strike the man on the face but aims straight for the side of his neck.


    The robust man anticipated that he had the upper hand since he was twice the size of Qi Li.


    However, it was only his wishful thinking.


    "KK!!"


    He felt a sharp pain, then like something blocked his bronchial tubes, he could only choke a few coughs frantically. He held his neck and rolls off of Qi Li to the side.


    Feeling the heavyweight on him disappear, Qi Li abruptly rolls to the opposite side before jumping to his feet. His breathing had be heavy, and without his sses, everything in front of him was a blur.


    [Qi Li?! Can you hear me?! Hello?!"]


    Suddenly hearing the faintness of Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounding from the phone, he (Qi Li) lifts his head a little. He curses inside how the assistant would ask ridiculous questions despite knowing the situation.


    Did he (Liu Shan) really think he (Qi Li) could get to the phone right now?


    Cursing in his head again, he looks around. He couldn¡¯t see clearly as he is practically blind without sses, but judging from the sound, he reckoned he must have dropped the phone where he was tackled on the ground.


    However, despite knowing this, he doesn¡¯t show any intentions of moving.


    That is because the phone was in the direction the robust man was.


    "Tsk. Not bad, kid. You have guts."


    The robust man clicked his tongue when he was finally able to catch his breath again. He stood up from the ground and turned around to look at the young man.


    He gathers his saliva in his mouth and spits to the side. His eyes subconsciously caught sight of the unconscious petite man, and he scoffs a malicious sneer as his attention shifts back to Qi Li.


    "Do you know who I am?"


    Despite Qi Li¡¯s vision unclear, he could make out the robust man¡¯s outline. He stares with an indifferent expression, not allowing one to read what he is thinking.


    "I don¡¯t care who you are."


    His voice sounded in matching with his expression. He calmly raises his left hand and wipes the partially dried blood on the corner of his mouth.


    "You picked the wrong house to enter."


    The robust man arched his eyebrows when he heard Qi Li¡¯s words. He couldn¡¯t believe that someone so young would have such courage.


    He howls a burst of hysterical and sinisterughter like a viin. His posture straightens as he sizes the young man in front of him.


    "You don¡¯t care now, but don¡¯t go crying to your mother after I teach you a lesson."


    He was full of confidence now. Before, he ¡¯was acting scared because he thought Qi Li was a ghost. However, now that he knows the figure is human, he has nothing to fear.


    Giving a nce at the unconscious petite man, he scoffs inside in ridicule.


    Didn¡¯t he (Petit? Man) swear to get revenge for Xiao? If so, then why was he knocked out so quickly?


    Quickly as the thought came to him. he quickly discards it to the back of


    his head. He looks back at Qi Li, and his entire being turns serious. Since they had both snuck behind each other, he¡¯ll call it even. This time, he won¡¯t let Qi Li touch a single hair on him.


    Taking a step forward to close the distance between them, he howls anotherughter¡ªhowever, this time, more menacing than the first.


    "Kid, I hope you¡¯re as c.o.c.ky as you think you are. You¡¯re going to know what it¡¯s like to mess with a beast from the underworld."


    Qi Li¡¯s expression never changed. Even when the person he is facing happens to be intimidating and twice his size, he kept hisposure.


    "I only fear one person in my life." My boss.


    He spoke coldly but spoke the two remaining words in his head. No matter how strong his opponent is, never will they give him the same terrifying chill his boss can.


    "But that person is not you."


    * crack-


    Qi Li¡¯sst word had only fallen when a sudden crackling sound echoes into the night sky. His eyes dim dangerously, and he nces down to the source of the sound.


    "Oh."


    The robust man gasps and stops in his steps. His eyes sightly widen like


    he was in great shock due to the sound as it came from under his foot.


    His head lowers, and he looks down at the ground. He slightly raises his right foot, and an atrocious smirk curls on his lip when he saw the broken sses.


    "Oops. It seems like you won¡¯t be needing these anymore."


    He chuckles mockingly and steps on the sses. He also didn¡¯t forget to add more pressure to smash it more.


    Qi Li remained unfazed at what the robust man was doing. However, his eyes did not move away from the man¡¯s blurry right foot.


    The crackling sounds continue as they entered Qi Li¡¯s ears. He looks up at the man¡¯s face, and he parts his lips.


    "You¡¯re gonna regret doing that."

 Chapter 807 - Only a weak person

    <h4>Chapter 807 - Only a weak person</h4>


    The robust man was dumbfounded when he heard Qi Li¡¯s words full of confidence. He howls anotherugh and moves his foot away from the sses he had crushed.


    "You talk big for a kid who can¡¯t even see."


    ["Ah, shit...."]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice faintly sounds from the phone. His jaw hung down like it had been his sses that the robust man crushed. He stares at the monitor screen with the camera to where Qi Li and the robust man were standing.


    When he heard the taunt the robust man spat, he could only shake his head.


    "Tsk, tsk. Wrong choice of words. You just unleashed a monster."


    While Liu Shan watches the scene like watching a live show, Qi Li calmly smirks at the robust man. Just because he can¡¯t see clearly, doesn¡¯t mean that he can¡¯t hear.


    "Don¡¯t me fate."


    Not putting too much thought in his words, the robust man decides not to waste any more time chitchatting. He makes the first move and lunges forward.


    "YOU¡¯re gonna die tonight, kid!!!"


    His voice roars into the night sky like a fierce warrior. However, despite him closing the distance, Qi Li doesn¡¯t move from his position.


    He (Qi Li) calmly closes his eyes and listens to the sounds around him. Rustling, wind, chirping, everything one would not expect to hear in the night, he hears it all without missing a thing.


    As the footsteps and rustling of grass near, he calmly ces one foot back a little and both his hand positions in front in a fighting stance.


    His ears slightly twitch as if to hear better and until he felt the sound was


    close enough, his eyes slowly flutter open.


    "Die-!"


    The robust man roars like a fierce tiger with his right fist ready to aim at Qi Li¡¯s head. He could have easily killed Qi Li with his gun, but he wanted to teach the young man a lesson.


    However, just when he thought he had the upper hand, Qi Li¡¯s eyes suddenly flew open.


    Qi Li¡¯s head dodges to the right. He also takes a step to the side, and he could feel a small breeze brush past him as the fist misses his left cheek.


    Quickly as he did this, the man¡¯s left fist also joins in motion. However, Qi Li swiftly raises his right arm and blocks the attack.


    He moves his upper body slightly to the left to evade the second punch. He makes use of this, and his left arm motions in a vertical, rising punch directly on the robust man¡¯s chin.


    "Ugh-!"


    The robust man winces in pain as he didn¡¯t expect Qi Li to counter-attack with an uppercut. He stumbles a big step back to avoid any oing punches.


    As the robust man moves back, Qi Li doesn¡¯t stop but advance. He rushes up and sends an overhand punch. However, due to their height difference, the robust man easily dodges by taking two steps back.


    Not nning to let the robust man escape, Qi Li continues to advance. He also continues to throw punch after punch without pause.


    The robust man could only defend with tightly clenched teeth. He thought Qi Li was only a kid full of himself. However, it seems he (robust man) had misjudged.


    If Qi Li was indeed all talk, why is he (robust man) blocking only? Even his punches seem to no effect on the kid.


    He looks at Qi Li¡¯s eyes, and a chill ran down his spine.


    The look in Qi Li¡¯s eyes looked like its usual coldness. However, there was a glimmering light in his eyes that made one feel like he had turned into a bloodthirsty demon.


    Cold sweat began to form on the robust man¡¯s forehead. Even if he wanted to wipe it away, he couldn¡¯t. If he did, he wouldn¡¯t be able to block any more of Qi Li¡¯s attacks.


    While the fight continues in the back courtyard, Liu Shan heaves a sigh as he watches from behind the house¡¯s monitor screens.


    "He¡¯s a dead man. He really is. I¡¯m surprised he hasn¡¯t noticed that Qi Li is only toying with him."


    He leans back on his chair and shakes his head. Everyone from Fate knows how Qi Li can be when he removes his sses.


    It means the beast inside has awakened.


    As Liu Shan watches from inside, the fight between Qi Li and the robust man continues without any intentions of stopping.


    Punch after punch. Qi Li strikes while the robust man could only try to block. His (Qi Li) attacks were swift and deadly. Each time he swings his fist, it never misses.


    He aims strictly on the robust man¡¯s face. Even when blood stained his fists, he doesn¡¯t cease his attacks or slow down.


    ¡¯F.U.C.K! What the hell is going on?!¡¯


    The robust man curses inside his head. Not once has he been given a chance to fight back. All of Qi Li¡¯s punches were so fast that he could barely block them.


    Even his breathing has be unsteady, and he can¡¯t seem to focus clearly.


    However, despite him feeling like crap, Qi Li looks theplete opposite.


    His (Qi Li) expression was calm, and no sweat is on him. Even his breathing seemed to be normal.


    It was as if he hadn¡¯t spent thest few minutes fighting.


    ¡¯Fudd. f.u.c.k! How did it end like this?¡¯


    The robust pants heavily as he curses again in his head. He continues to take steps back and block. As he did this, he notices a pile of metal sticks no more than two feet away. Hees up with a n and stops blocking.


    "Pu-thu!!"


    One of Qi Li¡¯s vital punchnds on his (robust man) left cheek, and he spits out blood. He (robust man) clenches his jaw and holds in pain.


    Just as Qi Li was about to strike again, he lunges to the side and grabs one of the metal sticks. He spun around and swung his hand, holding the metal stick.


    * nk-!!


    A loud cracking sound resonated into the air like the robust man had hit his opponent¡¯s skull.


    * Thud


    Following the sound came a loud thud as Qi Li¡¯s body hits the ground and stops moving.


    "F.u.c.ken shit."


    The robust man was finally able to catch his breath when he sees that he had knocked out Qi Li. He wipes away his blood and sweat on his face.


    He had been beaten ck and blue, to the point he can only keep one eye open as his other eye is too swollen to open.


    "Damn, kid. You¡¯re going to pay with your life for this."


    He breathes heavily and walks up to Qi Li. Whether his opponent is still alive or not, he doesn¡¯t care. Right now, he needs to make sure that Qi Li dies by his hands.


    "Weak...."


    Just as the robust was about to take a step forward, Qi Li¡¯s voice suddenly sounds.


    It was very faint and sounded full of pain like he had to struggle to utter a word.


    Being struck by a metal stick isn¡¯t like being hit by feathers. It leaves an excruciating feeling and can either knock a person out cold or leave them dead.


    Qi Li doesn¡¯t lose his consciousness or dies. Instead, he feels a sharp pain throughout his body and a ranging sound resonating in his head. He swore it was like someone had thrown a grenade right next to him.


    He squeezes his eyes tightly to get himself together. cing his palms on the grass, he forces his body to get up from the ground. It was with great difficulty, but he finally stood on his feet within seconds.


    "Only a weak person would do what you did."


    He turns to face the robust man. A trail of fresh blood slowly ran down the left temple of his face to his chin.


    "No more messing around."


    His words fell in his usual cold tone, but there was something different about him. His entire being was emitting an unexinable air.


    It was as if he had never been hit on the head by a metal stick.


    His head slightly tilts to the side, making him look even more sinister. Added with the blood, he seemed to have turned into a grim reaper who is hungry for souls.


    One corner of his lip arcs up as a glimmer of seriousness sh in his eyes.


    "Time to collect your fate."

 Chapter 808 - Kill him too

    <h4>Chapter 808 - Kill him too</h4>


    The wind began to pick up as the night turned darker. Qi Li stood facing the robust man with an indifferent expression. Between the both of them, he should have been the one who looked exhausted, but there was no sweat on him. Even his breathing was calm.


    Standing in the presence of what looked like the grim reaper, the robust man felt his entire body covered in sweat. He stares at Qi Li, who the metal stick should have knocked out.


    "What are you....?"


    He trembles his words and struggles with difficulty to swallow his saliva.


    "How are you still standing?"


    He couldn¡¯t understand what was happening. Is this person even human? It¡¯s as if the kid had turned into a killing machine.


    Could it be that this entire time he was used as a punching bag?


    "No more messing around."


    Qi Li¡¯s calm voice answers without batting an eye. He looks straight at the robust man like he was staring into his (robust man) soul and could see all the sins he (robust man) hadmitted.


    "It¡¯s time to collect your fate."


    Hisst word fell with the passing wind, and it shook the robust man¡¯s heart.


    He (robust man) stares with wide trembling eyes, and his lower lip follows in pursuit.


    "Y-you... you¡¯re from...."


    He wanted to say ¡¯fate¡¯ but could only swallow the word back. He swore it was like something was stuck in his throat, almost making it difficult to breathe.


    Beforeing here, he and the others informed about the Mad Reaper. They were told to look out for the man, and if they were to run into him, they must leave.


    However, from their observation, Mad Reaper was nowhere in sight, and this made them conclude that Yue Ling and Mad Reaper must not be close friends.


    If they are, then it must mean the man must have left home.


    When he (robust man) and the petite man didn¡¯t hear anything from the others at the front of the house, they decided to proceed with their n. Only, they didn¡¯t expect to run into Qi Li.


    Coming back from his thoughts, he struggles another gulp. Qi Li¡¯s words were exact and never left his mind.


    ¡¯collect your fate!¡¯


    Those words were simple, but it was like being struck by lightning to any person in the underworld. It wasn¡¯t just words anyone can say or threaten as a taunt.


    "y-you..."


    He stutters again, but with his mind in a chaotic mess, he couldn¡¯t say another word. All he could do was stare at the man who can barely see without sses.


    "Seems like you finally came to your senses."


    Qi Li smirks after his words with a mysterious glint of light in his eyes. He doesn¡¯t give any warning and makes a lunge at the robust man.


    No more ying. It¡¯s time for him to be merciless.


    "Ahhh-!"


    Seeing him suddenly make a move, the robust man wanted to run away, but it was like someone had glued his feet to the ground. He could feel his legs start to tremble.


    However, with his legs not listening to what he wants, he could only scream at the top of his lungs.


    "Get away from me! Don¡¯te any clo-ugh!"


    Before he could finish the word ¡¯closer,¡¯ Qi Li appeared in front of in a blink of an eye. He (Qi Li) feign ignorance to the look of intense fear in the man¡¯s face and throws a punch.


    He directs his fist directly at the man¡¯s nose. As the man¡¯s head tilts back with force, he sends a spinning heel kick with his right leg.


    His movements appeared light and harmless, but both attacks were deadly.


    Just as the man falls to the side, he yanks the metal stick out of his (robust man) hand and smacks him hard across the head.


    The robust man didn¡¯t even have the chance to dodge, let alone scream when he felt the hard impact of the metal stick touch his head. His eyes shot open, and his vision turns red as blood fills his eyes before darkness overtakes.


    His (Qi Li) eyes casually follow the robust man¡¯s body as he (robust man) hits the ground. He (Qi Li) slightly tilts his head to the side, and the look on his face was one of a calm, innocent man who hadn¡¯t done any beating.


    "Coward."


    He stares down with a slight tilt to his head. This was why he had gone easy on the man. He always knew how to calcte his opponent¡¯s strength and whether they were fast or slow.


    If he wanted, he could have quickly ended the fight. However, he hadn¡¯t workout in a while, so he decided to take his sweet time.


    [ "Qi Li? Qi Li? Can you hear me? Hello?"]


    Quickly as the fight ended, Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounds from the phone. This caused Qi Li to look away from the man. He turns his head to where the voice ising from.


    He heaves a long sigh and walks at a calm pace in the direction of the phone.


    [ "Bro, I know you can hear me. I can see you from the surveince camera. Hurry up and pick up the phone. Let me know if you can hear me. Hurry!"]


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounds again, and Qi Li felt regretful in his choice of staying the night. He didn¡¯t mind going up against the enemy, but how is he supposed to deal with his annoyingrades.


    He shakes the thought away and proceeds on with his way. He walks past the phone and nces down at it. However, he doesn¡¯t pick it up and makes his way towards the house.


    [ "Ha-! How dare you! Pick up the phone right now! Didn¡¯t you hear me?! I can see you!"]


    Qi Li just wanted to go back inside the house to get his extra pair of sses but stops in his tracks. He knows that if he didn¡¯t pick up his phone, he wouldn¡¯t hear the end of Liu Shan¡¯s nagging. Not only that, he can¡¯t leave the two people lying on the grass unattended.


    He inhales a deep breath and turns around. Taking three significant steps, he stops in front of the phone and picks it up.


    "My bad. I didn¡¯t see the phone."


    His words fell after cing the phone next to his ear. However, in a split second, he had to move it.


    ["Like hell you didn¡¯t see it. We all know you¡¯re vision is bad without your sses, but your hearing is just as good as any blind person!"]


    Continuous yelling continues from the other line. Qi Li decides to hold the phone with an outstretched arm and looks at the house. He waited until the mother-like Liu Shan calmed down before speaking.


    "If you¡¯re done nagging, can you bring me my extra pair of sses in my bag?"


    ["...."]


    Silence was the only sound that could be heard from the other line as Liu Shan was struck speechless.


    He couldn¡¯t believe that Qi Li was giving him an order.


    ["You... how... ugh, forget it. I¡¯ll go get it."]


    Qi Li found no fault in his words. He turns away from the house and looks back at the two people lying on the ground.


    "Nnn..."


    Just as he turned around, a faint groan enters his ears. The sound did note from the phone but the petite man.


    Qi Li didn¡¯t show a change in his expression. He calmly approaches the man with footsteps that made no sound.


    "What the hell happened...?"


    The petite man winces in pain as he slowly sits up. He held his head with his left hand and tried to recall what happened before he lost consciousness.


    "Where am l...?"


    Just when he murmured the question, all his memories came flooding back. His head lifts, and when he saw Qi Li¡¯s dark silhouette, his eyes tremble.


    "G-Ghost..."


    He scoots back, and his eyes subconsciously catch a glimpse of the robust man. Whether the man was dead or alive, he couldn¡¯t tell. He looks back at Qi Li and shivers in fear.


    "H-Have mercy on me... P-please, spare me..."


    Qi Li doesn¡¯t stop in his tracks but arch an eyebrow. He then smirks a snicker and stops in front of the petite man.


    "Have mercy?"


    His calm voice fell with a dangerous look in his eyes.


    "How shameless of you to beg for mercy at this moment."


    He tilts his head to the side. Never once did he look away from the unclear sight of the person in front of him.


    "If it had been my boss, would you have shown mercy?"


    The petite man nods his head vigorously and repositions himself onto his knees. For now, he can only think of a way to escape. He can have his revengete.


    "I- "


    "I don¡¯t think so."


    He (petite man) had only uttered one word when Qi Li cuts him off. He (Qi Li) answers his question and raises his hand with the metal stick. He swung it across his enemy¡¯s head.


    * Thud-


    And once again, the petite man falls to the side with a loud thud. His eyes rolled back, and he quickly enters a world of darkness.


    "Really? You had to kill him too?"


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice sounds again. However, it wasn¡¯t from the phone but behind Qi Li. He turns to look at the assistant and shrugs his shoulders.


    "I knocked him out only."

 Chapter 809 - Pretty face

    <h4>Chapter 809 - Pretty face</h4>


    "Woah! We have a handsome man here."


    Qi Li was just about to reach for his sses from Liu Shan when a cheerful voice sounds from behind them. Both men did not get frightened but casually turns around to the person.


    "What are you dragging behind you?"


    Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but ask as he knew the person who spoke was none other than Xu Long. He (Xu Long) looked to be holding something big, but they can¡¯t seem to make out what it is because of the darkness.


    "Oh, this?"


    Coming to a stop in front of the two men, Xu Long shes them a grin. He tosses the object in his hand next to the petite man and shrugs nonchntly.


    "Just a big rat I happened to catch."


    Liu Shan and Qi Li nce down at what Xu Long had thrown. Neither were surprised as they understood what the assistant meant by the word rat. However, both men arches their eyebrows then looks back at Xu Long.


    "Bro, what are you? Man of steel? How did you carry a man three times your size?"


    Hearing his friend¡¯s questions full of doubt, Xu Long snorts a ¡¯hmmf¡¯ and crosses his arms over his chest. He didn¡¯t forget to raise his chin a little, and he puts on an arrogant demeanor.


    "What do you mean? This man is as light as a feather."


    He spoke with confidence, but deep down, his heart was still rapidly racing from having to drag the heavy man. If it wasn¡¯t for the night, he was sure Liu Shan and Qi Li would be able to see how saturated he is from sweating.


    "Besides, if I can¡¯t handle something as simple as this, I wouldn¡¯t be James Long Bond."


    Liu Shan and Qi Li rolled their eyes at Xu Long¡¯s words. They get that the assistant hase up with a new name, but it started to get a little annoying.


    It¡¯s always, Jame Long Bond this, James long Bond that. Next thing, he might even really change his name to that.


    Qi Li stares at Xu Long in silence, then turns his attention to Liu Shan. He reaches out his left hand with his palm facing up to the starry sky.


    Seeing this, Xu long furrows his brows in confusion, while Liu Shan was quick to understand. He (Liu Shan) ce the sses on the ill.u.s.trator¡¯s palm and looks back at Xu Long.


    "Where¡¯s Lin Hui?"


    Xu Long doesn¡¯t answer the question but watches as Qi Li puts on his (Qi Li) sses. The crease between his eyebrows tightens, and he unfolds his crossed arm. He puts his hands on his hip but quickly inhales a gasp when he realizes something he hadn¡¯t notice before.


    "Is this why you wear sses instead of contacts? To hide your pretty face that can make many women jealous."


    When he mentioned how handsome Qi Li was, he didn¡¯t get a good look at the man. To be precise, he said those words jokingly only. However, now that he¡¯s taken a better look, he has to admit, Qi Li is as pretty as a fairy. Even he could tell that the man¡¯s face was wless.


    It was as if God had taken his sweet time sculpting the man¡¯s face. He (Xu Long) was sure that if Qi Li were to put on a wig, he would look like a high-ss female model.


    Xu Long sighs inside at this thought and looks at Liu Shan. Although it was dark, the moonlight shone above them gave enough light, and he felt like fainting.


    How did he only realize now that the two men in front of him have faces ofdy killers? Even Lin Hui, who is a hitman, can make many heads turn his way. His shoulders slump, and he felt like a balloon that was slowly deting.


    "Does this mean I am the ugly duckling?"


    Despite Xu Long¡¯s quiet voice, Liu Shan and Qi Li heard him clear. However, wanting to make sure they had heard correctly, Liu Shan asks.


    "What did you say?"


    "Nothing."


    Xu Long shook his head depressingly and exhaled a deep sigh that moved his shoulders.


    "It¡¯s nothing. I said Lin Hui went to check outside the gate."


    Both Liu Shan and Qi Li pressed their lips tightly together. Even though Xu Long didn¡¯t answer the question correctly, they already knew. The only thing now was to keep themselves fromughing and embarrassing the ¡¯ugly duckling.¡¯


    "You guys tie them up. I¡¯ll go check on how Lin Hui is doing."


    Qi Li spoke as he walks away. He didn¡¯t feel like staying with the two men knowing that there were still enemies nearby.


    Watching the cold young walk away, Xu Long was befuddled. He scratches the back of his head and looks at Liu Shan.


    "Was it something I said or did? Howe he never chill with us longer?"


    He thought they were the four Stooges. However, from their time together, he notices that Qi Li is the type never to rx. Even when they are out to enjoy time for themselves, he (Qi Li) is as stiff as a rock.


    "Don¡¯t mind him. You didn¡¯t do anything. That¡¯s just the way he is."


    Liu Shan answers without the need to think twice. He reaches inside his pocket and takes out a few zip ties. He hands some to Xu Long and walks over to the petite man.


    "Tie the big rat you caught. I¡¯ll handle the little rat."


    He squats down in front of the petite man and puts the man¡¯s hands together as he secures the zip ties around the wrists.


    "That¡¯s how he usually is? Why? If I had his looks, I would be able to get any woman I want."


    Xu Long shook his head and walked over to the heavy man. He does the same as Liu Shan and ties the man¡¯s wrists.


    "It¡¯s a shame his personality isn¡¯t as pretty as his looks."


    He sighs, and Liu Shan nces at him for a quick before continuing with what he (Liu Shan) was doing.


    "He wasn¡¯t always like that."


    He left his words at that as he never discloses other¡¯s matters. He grabs the petite man by the cor before standing up to drag the man away.


    "Let¡¯s go to where they are."


    When he first met Qi Li, he learned that the ill.u.s.trator once knew how to smile and had a sense of humor. He (Qi Li) also never used to wear sses. However, having been picked on for his pretty looks from a young age, he decided to hide it behind sses.


    Not only that, he turned into a cold and indifferent person so that others could not hurt him. He can talk to others like they¡¯re the closest friends, but other than Yue Ling, he draws the line at how close one can enter his heart.


    Thinking about Qi Li¡¯s old past, Liu Shan sighs inside. It seems like he isn¡¯t the only one with a tragic past. Many believe that the people from fate live a life offort, but that is only on the surface. Hidden behind the smile of each person is a dark past filled with pain and misfortune.


    Only after taking Yue Ling¡¯s hand were they given a new life. She is a woman who carries her pain and misfortune, but she still managed to take care of everyone.


    For this, everyone cares deeply for her. Others see her as a retired model, fashion designer, or CEO, but to them, she is the sun that gives them warmth and the moon that lights the darkness for them to get on the right path.


    Thinking these thoughts, Liu Shan faintly chuckles and looks in the direction Qi Li had gone. This time, he keeps all his thoughts hidden and continues with his way.


    Xu long stares from behind with a perplexed look on his face. He wanted to ask about how Qi Li used to be but stops himself. It was best not to pry into other¡¯s personal life. He¡¯ll wait until the dayes when Qi Li isfortable enough to tell him.


    He reaches down to grab the heavy man¡¯s tied hands. He heaves a deep sigh and follows after hisdy boss¡¯s assistant.


    However, having taken only two steps, he looks at the robust man lying not too far from where he stood.


    "What about him? Shouldn¡¯t we tie him up too?"


    In his steps, Liu Shan pauses, turns around, and nces at the robust man, then looks away.


    "He¡¯s dead, but if you think he¡¯s going to turn into a zombie, then go ahead."


    " ..."


    Xu long nods his head in understanding but was struck dumbfounded when Liu Shan mentioned the man turning into a zombie. He scoffs a sarcastic chuckle and walks away.


    However, he suddenly stops and drops the heavy man¡¯s hands.


    He tiptoes over to the robust man, who is imed dead. He takes three zip ties and secures the man¡¯s wrists together.


    "I don¡¯t believe in zombies, but let¡¯s be safe than sorry."


    Liu Shan: " ..."

 Chapter 810 - Do you see them?

    <h4>Chapter 810 - Do you see them?</h4>


    Oblivious to the situation happening in the back courtyard, Lin Hui set the man he had taken down behind the rows of bushes. He didn¡¯t forget to tie the man¡¯s hands together.


    He takes a step back and dusts his palms before cing them on his h.i.p.s. His head then turns to the closed gate, and a side smirk curls on his face.


    "How should I take care of the remaining two rats?"


    His left-hand raises to stroke his chin, and he puts on a pondering expression.


    "Should I give a little mercy or collect their fate?"


    "Collect their fate."


    Just as hisst word fell, a cold and familiar voice sounds from behind him. His shoulders slightly jumped in surprise, and he spun around to look at the person.


    When he saw who it was, his mouth opens widely, and he wanted to scream but quickly covers his mouth. He stares with wide eyes for a brief second before calming his soul.


    He lowers his hands and res at the person who nearly scared him to death. At the same time, his forehead puckered in slight annoyance.


    "Qi Li, are you a ghost? How can you walk without making any sounds?"


    He has always been aware of how quiet Qi Li is, but sometimes he wishes the man would make some sounds. Even his breathing is so discreet that he (Lin Hui) often has to check if the man is still alive.


    Shaking his head, he looks away but didn¡¯t forget about the answer Qi Li had given. He pursed his lips and stares at the space in front of him.


    "collecting their fate is easy, and Lu Tian did say take no prisoners."


    He crosses his arms over his chest and nces down at the man he had ced behind the bush.


    "But killing them will mean trouble for boss to clean."


    Qi Li couldn¡¯t help but agree with Lin Hui. Getting rid of Red Moon is a piece of cake, but it would add another problem for Yue Ling.


    And as her subordinates, they do not wish to add more weight to her shoulders.


    However...


    "Shouldn¡¯t we send him another message?"


    Lin Hui pursed his lip more and pondered over the question. If he could, he would have long put a bullet in Tao Meng¡¯s head for having ill intentions toward his boss. The only reason he hasn¡¯t is that his boss forbids him from doing so.


    Now that fate is back in the underworld, Yue Ling cannot live a normal life anymore. If he and the others were to pulverize Red Moon, it solves the problem, but another will only arise shortly after.


    His thoughts were the same as Qi Li, and he looks at the man. His eyes held a glint of danger, and he gives his answer.


    "let¡¯s send Tao Meng another message."


    Qi Li nods his head once, and together the two men make their way to the two cars parked outside the gate.


    In the distance away from Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home parked two ck cars. Neither cars were park at a close distance. If anyone were to walk by or drive past, one would think the cars belonged to the neighbors.


    However, the people inside the cars did not know that they were far from any other houses.


    "Man, what¡¯s taking them so long?"


    A scrawny man with a haggard appearance hissed as he sat on the ck car¡¯s driver seat parked further from the targeted house.


    He nces at the driver¡¯s side-view mirror. Seeing nothing but darkness, he frowns and looks at the rearview mirror. He expected to see some good news, but like thetter, nothing.


    "Shit. Where the hell are they?"


    His right leg shakes nervously, and he scratches his head in frustration.


    "We were supposed to head back ten minutes ago?"


    He and the other man stayed behind so that when the otherse back with Yue Ling, they can take off. However, there¡¯s been no sign of the four men returning at the scheduled time as nned.


    "Tsk. Boss isn¡¯t going to like this."


    He clicks his tongue in annoyance and takes out his phone. He makes a call to the man sitting in the other car.


    ["yea."]


    "Do you see them? We need to get going."


    ["No."]


    "Did they call you?"


    ["No."]


    Hearing only short and quick answers from the other line, the scrawny man¡¯s eyebrows wrinkled together in perplex. He moves the phone away from his ear and checks if he called the right person. When he saw the name, his frown deepens and asks.


    "Dude, are you okay?"


    ["yea."]


    He received another short answer that made him even more annoyed. However, he doesn¡¯t dwell too much into it and ends the call. He puts his phone away and leans back on his seat as he closes his eyes.


    "Five minutes. If they don¡¯te back, I¡¯m calling boss."


    While hees with the idea of taking a short nap with no fear or care about anything, he was utterly oblivious to the situation behind him. If he did, he wouldn¡¯t be so confident.


    In the second car¡¯s driver seat, the man that the scrawny man had called sat as stiff as a rock. His arm kept raised while holding the phone next to his ear.


    His forehead is cover in sweat, and his entire being couldn¡¯t stop from trembling. Even breathing had beplicated as he kept his attention ahead only.


    "I... I-I-I... I d-did what you asked."


    A bead of sweat slowly slid down to his chin, and he was finally able to struggle a hard gulp.


    "P-please l-let me go. I did what you wanted."


    He stutters like he was pleading with the person on the other line of the phone, but there was no one. The only reason for him being this way is the tip of a gun pointing directly at his head.


    "Please... I-"


    Before he could beg anymore, the tip of the gun is press against his head, and he abruptly shuts his mouth.


    The dark figure sitting on the passenger seat leans on a Shimmer of light reflects across the person¡¯s sses.


    "Shh..."


    Qi Li¡¯s facees into view from the shadows as he silences the man. The gun in his hand was the one he had snatched from the man pleading for his life.


    He (Qi Li) looks at the driver¡¯s side window where Lin Hui is and gestures his head to the other car.


    "Alright, I got it."


    Lin Hui doesn¡¯t stay to chat and walks away. As his figure disappears into the darkness of the night, Qi Li strikes the man with the gun, knocking him out.


    Oblivious to the misfortune that befell hisrades, the scrawny man remains in the other with eyes closed. Just as he was about to enter dreand, a light tap sounds on the passenger window, and he jotted away.


    "What the hell."


    He curses in surprise and sits up. He looks at the window, and all he could see was a person¡¯s


    body from the chest down.


    Assuming it was the others finally returning, he unlocks the door and reaches for the ignition key to start the car.


    "Damn time you guys finished. I thought you all died in there."


    He spoke his mind as the door opens and the person enters the car. However, he felt something was amiss. His head turns to the person as he asks.


    "Where is the slu¡ª"


    Before he could utter hisst word, a hand grabs him by the head and ms him against the steering wheel twice. His body turned sluggish, and he nces at the person that attacked him.


    His eyes widen intensely, and all he could see was a dark silhouette before his eyes rolled back, and he loses consciousness.


    Lin Hui stares with the cold and dark eyes of a hitman on a mission. He casually takes out a cigarette from his pocket and lights it.


    "Like hell, I will let a sc.u.mbag disrespect my awesome boss."


    Grabbing his phone, he dials a number before cing the phone next to his ear. The call rang once, and without letting the person on the other line speak, he spoke first.


    "Bring them."

 Chapter 811 - There was none left

    <h4>Chapter 811 - There was none left</h4>


    In the time that everything was happening at Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home, across the ocean on the private ind, Yue Ling had finished cooking dinner and set the table. She had prepared garlic ginger chicken, dumplings, congee, stir fry vegetables, fried shrimp, and green beans coated with garlic sauce.


    She ces thest bowl on the table and slightly pursed her lip. She stares down at the colorful dishes and smiles sarcastically.


    "Did I perhaps cooked too much?"


    "I can finish it all."


    Just as she murmurs to herself, Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice sounds from behind. She jumped in surprise and spun around to see a soft smile on Lu Tian¡¯s face.


    However, behind the smile, she could see the look in his eyes.


    It was the kind of eyes that belongs to a greedy person. It is not wrong, but it shows he will eat all the food even if it wasn¡¯t good.


    She couldn¡¯t but chuckle and turns back to look at the table. She pulls a chair out and takes a seat as she gestures to the empty seat across.


    "let¡¯s eat before the food gets cold."


    Lu Tian¡¯s smile remained settled on his face. He walks to the seat his wife had gestured to and sat down. He looks down at the colorful dishes, and he sighs inside.


    It¡¯s been a long minute since he hadst tasted his wife¡¯s cooking. He can¡¯t help but wonder if it¡¯s still as delicious as before.


    However, even if her cooking skills have degraded because he forbids her from cooking, he will finish everything.


    "Don¡¯t look down on my cooking."


    Yue Ling was quick to read his mind and chuckles. She picks up thedle next to the warm congee and scoops up a spoonful. She slightly gets up from her seat and pours the contents into Lu Tian¡¯s bowl.


    "I am still a Masterchef."


    She said jokingly before putting a spoonful of congee in her bowl. She then picks up a few pieces from each dish and ces them on Lu Tian¡¯s bowl.


    Sitting back down, she picks up a fried shrimp and takes a bite. She savors the deliciousness of it in her mouth and sighs.


    "Ah... how I miss my cooking."


    Lu Tian watched her with attentive eyes. He was happy to see her smile happily, but a part of him felt a little disappointed. When he saw the fried shrimp te, it reminded him of the night they had dinner with his parents, and Yue Ling felt nauseated from a shrimp dish.


    A part of him had hoped she would react the same and hint that she is with child. However, this is only his wishful thinking.


    He gazes at her smiling face and smiles with her. Children or no children, as long as he has her by his side, that is enough for him.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Yue Ling was just about to eat the congee when she happened to nce across the table. She realized that Lu Tian hadn¡¯t touched his food, let alone pick up his chopsticks.


    All he did was stare at her like he was staring through her and was immersed in deep thoughts.


    She straightened her sitting posture and pursed her lips a little.


    "Should I make something else?"


    She could only conclude this as it was her who thought to cook these dishes. He had said anything was fine, but maybe there was something he specifically wanted to eat.


    "NO. Anything you cook, I will like."


    Lu Tianes back to his senses and assures her. He picks up his chopsticks and starts to eat. He shouldn¡¯t let his wife worry. If she knew what he was thinking, it¡¯ll only make her sad.


    And thest thing he wants to do is break her heart.


    He takes a bite of a piece of garlic ginger chicken, and his entire being softened like butter. He picks up the bowl and raises it near his mouth. He discarded all table manners and ate like there was no tomorrow.


    Yue Ling was struck dumbfounded by this. She couldn¡¯t say anything but stares with slightly widening eyes.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, she shakes her head and sounds a smallugh. She reaches over to grab a piece of green beans but pauses midway.


    There was none left.


    She stares at the empty te then looks up at the culprit. Her only thoughts were, ¡¯did an entire day actually go by? If not, then how can all the green beans disappear in a matter of seconds?¡¯


    "Ahem..."


    Noticing her gazing intensely at him, Lu Tian¡¯s ear flushes red, and he clears his throat. He lowers his bowl and starts to eat with manners.


    "Sorry. I didn¡¯t realize I had eaten it all."


    Due to him not getting a chance to eat his wife¡¯s cooking in a while, he almost forgot how delicious it was. He had suddenly had a ridiculous thought that if he doesn¡¯t eat everything now, he probably won¡¯t get to in the future.


    However, he can¡¯t let his wife know this.


    He quicklyes up with an excuse and exins.


    "Your cooking is so delicious that I couldn¡¯t help myself."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t respond right away but stares at the aloof man. She knew what he was thinking and wanted tough. However, not wanting to make him more fl.u.s.tered, she had to hold herself back.


    Her hand that is kept midair moves to the te of stir fry vegetables and picks up a piece. As she puts it on her bowl, a soft smile curls on her lip.


    "Eat as much as you want. I did promise you dinner."


    Her smile widens until it reaches her eyes and her words continue.


    "I can also prepare tomorrow¡¯s breakfast?"


    Lu Tian was too embarrassed by his behavior and nodded his head once. He slightly lowers his head and eats like an obedient child, learning table manners rules for the first time.


    However, deep inside, he was cursing at himself.


    He is a grown man in his thirties. Never once has he eaten at the table like a barbarian. Yet, in front of his wife, he showed her such an unpleasant side of him.


    What if she finds him unattractive now and doesn¡¯t want to marry him anymore?


    Yue Ling hadn¡¯t taken another bite of her food. She was too intrigued at watching Lu Tian¡¯s expression change between a frown and nervousness.


    like he was a book, and she was the author, she heaves a sigh inside and continues


    to enjoy her dinner.


    "Whatever you¡¯re thinking about, it won¡¯t happen."


    "..."


    Lu Tian was baffled by her words. However, it also made his heart skip a beat. His wife is always able to read his mind and knows how to calm his mind.


    He watches her eat with elegance and smiles. However, that smile slowly fades when he suddenly thought about something.


    "Yue Ling, your grandfather is...."


    Realizing what he had unexpectedly uttered his thoughts, he quickly stops himself from saying


    anymore and curse inside at his stupidity.


    How could he identally slip out? ¡¯


    "Hm?"


    Yue Ling looks up from her bowl and stares at him. She didn¡¯t hear what he said but heard him say her name. Seeing him not answer, she creases her brows a little.


    "What is it?"


    Lu Tian gate at her beautiful face, and he feels a sharp stab in his chest. He wants to tell her the truth, but he clenches his hand under the table into a tight fist.


    No matter how much he wants to tell her, he can¡¯t. He already made a promise.


    He shook his head and smiled a faint sigh.


    "It¡¯s nothing. I thought when we have time you should cook for your grandfather and brother. I¡¯m sure they miss your cooking."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t suspect anything wrong with his answer and smiled down at the food. She does miss her grandfather and Ji Jingxu. Since she is living in the same country and city as them, she should visit them more.


    Even Inu is spending more time with them than her.


    "Once I settle everything at An Qing, l¡¯ll go see them."


    Lu Tian understood the meaning behind her words more than anyone.


    "DO you need my help with anything?"


    He¡¯s not sure what his wife ns to do, but he does know that once she¡¯s done handling the situation at An Qing, she will be moving on to Ji Corps.


    Thinking this, he felt regretful for not trying to persuade 0in taking so many tasks. He would instead want her to stay home, and he does all the providing. However, he knows this is impossible. His wife is just as stubborn as him when ites to working.


    Yue Ling was deeply touched by his offer to help, but she shakes her head.


    "Thank you, but I have it all taken care."


    She reaches for thedle and scoops up some more congee into her bowl.


    "Plus, it¡¯s not anything serious but another little spring-cleaning."


    Lu Tian wasn¡¯t surprise to hear this. He nods his head lightly and continues eating. However, before taking a bite of his food, he looks back at his wife with a stern expression.


    "l¡¯m here. If there¡¯s anything I can do, just let me know."


    Yue Ling smiles a chuckle that reveals her pearl white teeth.


    "What you can do is stay healthy and finish your dinner."


    She scooted her chair back and stood up from her seat.


    "l¡¯ll get us some warm tea."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t get a chance to answer when Yue Ling was already walking away to the kitchen. He puts his chopsticks down and decides to wait until his wifees back.


    For him, eating without her wasn¡¯t enjoyable.


    He turns his head away from the direction his wife had gone and stared out the huge dining room window next to them. He gradually leans back, and his thoughts wander to the phone call he had received from his assistant.


    He wonders how the situation over there is going.

 Chapter 812 - Husband is caught by his wife

    <h4>Chapter 812 - Husband is caught by his wife</h4>


    While those in the heart of Imperial slept waiting for the sun, in another part of the city remained awake, and this area is none other than Retro. Like every other night, the ce is bustling with music, drunks, and people of the underworld enjoying their sweet time. It was like the ce never


    sleep.


    However, as everyone went on with their own pleasure, no one paid attention to the two ck cars that suddenly pulled up in the distance.


    The two cars soone to a stop in front of an old 7-story building. The driver and passenger¡¯s side door push open at a leisure pace, and four figures step into view. However, each person wore a ck mask that covered the bottom half of their face, revealing only their dangerous eyes.


    One of the men steps away from the car after closing the door. He flips his head in slow motion and ces one hand on his hip. His entire being looked like a dangerous man with a touch of mystery.


    He stares up at the old 7-story building, then tilts his head a little to the side as his eyes avert to the other three men.


    "So this is how it feels like to be a member of Fate."


    He spoke in a low voice with the demeanor of an arrogant man. However, in a split second, his shoulders tremble, and he giggles with one hand over his already covered mouth.


    "Kekeke. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m actually one of you guys."


    Ever since he learned about fate, he had always wanted what it felt like to be in their shoes when dealing with enemies. Of course, they¡¯ve worked together in the past, but this very moment is different. This time, they are wearing masks.


    From what he gathered about Fate is minimal, but there was one thing he learned.


    The people of Fate never reveal their faces. Each time they move around in the underworld, their face is hidden. It was so that no one can know their real identity.


    Thinking this, Xu long couldn¡¯t help but giggle again. He really can¡¯t believe he was given a mask to wear.


    "Bro, why are you so happy. It¡¯s only a mask."


    Lin Hui¡¯s voice sounds from the side as he walks around the driver¡¯s side of one car to the sidewalk. He stares at the excited assistant and chuckles sarcastically.


    "Plus, that mask is just a normal one you can buy from the convenience store."


    "Pftt..."


    Just as his words fell, Liu Shan and Qi Li held back theirugh. Neither wanted to say anything as they found Xu long¡¯s behavior amusing. However, who would have thought Lin Hui to ruin it.


    XU long was at a loss for words. He stares at Lin Hui with an agape mouth before his eyes turn into a re.


    He scoffs in disbelief and turns his head away with an intense attitude.


    "I already know that. Sheesh."


    He was aware that the mask he¡¯s wearing is a simple mask that can be purchase anywhere. However, Lin Hui didn¡¯t have to kill the moment for him.


    "Why are you always the one killing everyone¡¯s mood?"


    His head turns back to look at the hitman, and he snorts a ¡¯hmmf.¡¯


    "Next time, I¡¯ll make sure to ruin your hopes and dreams too."


    " ..."


    This time, it was Lin Hui, who was in utter disbelief. He stares at Xu long, who had turned inconsble, and he didn¡¯t know what to say.


    "l... I wasn¡¯t... What the... Ugh."


    His words collided with one another like he was having difficulty, and he growls lowly in distress. He had only said what he did because he didn¡¯t want the assistant to feel betrayed if he (Xu long) learned the truthter.


    His head turns to look at Liu Shan and Qi Li. Having been friends for so long, he assumed they would help him since they understood his intentions.


    However, the second he met eyes with them, both men looks away like they saw and heard nothing.


    "..."


    He scoffs sarcastically and looks back at Xu long. Since the ¡¯traitors¡¯ won¡¯t help him, he¡¯ll just have to exin himself.


    "Xu long, ah."


    He slowly approaches the assistant with an apologetic smile. His entire demeanor changes into a mother trying to coax her spoilt child.


    "Ah, I mean, oh almighty James long Bond. It¡¯s not what you think. I didn¡¯t mean to ruin your hopes and dreams."


    As Lin Hui nears Xu long, he (Xu long) rolls his eyes and looks in a different direction. It was as if he muted Lin Hui¡¯s voice from his ears.


    Lin Hui: "Look, bro, I can exin."


    Xu long: "Hmmf."


    Lin Hui: "Bro, it¡¯s not what you think. What I meant was-"


    Xu long: "Hmmf."


    Lin Hui: "I¡¯m serious. Listen to me. I have a good reason why I said what I said."


    Xu long: "Hmmf."


    Liu Shan: "..."


    Qi Li: "..."


    Retro: (bustling with loud music without any care)


    Liu Shan watches as each time Lin Hui tries to get Xu long¡¯s attention, he (Xu long) would turn away in avoidance of Lin Hui.


    He (Liu Shan) shakes his head with a deep sigh. He swore, if others were to see this scene, they would definitely think like him.


    A cheating husband is caught by his wife and tries to exin.


    He shook his head again and nced over to Qi Li. He notices something and turns to face the man whose expression never changes.


    "You¡¯re not going to clean that off? It¡¯s dried already."


    Qi Li doesn¡¯t move his head, but his eyes nce at Liu Shan. He sees the assistant pointing to his (Liu Shan) head, and he (Qi Li) understood.


    He shrugs one shoulder indifferently and puts his hands in the pockets of his lounge pants.


    "I¡¯ll clean the blood when we get back to boss¡¯s ce."


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t say anything but stares at the man. They had left right away that Qi Li¡¯s wound he sustained from the robust man did not get treated.


    It left a trail of blood from Qi Li¡¯s temple down to his jawline. It looked like an odd face tattoo in the dark, but he knows that it was blood.


    He reaches inside his pant pocket and takes out a ck hander chief. He hands it to Qi Li and stares at the old 7-story apartment.


    "Use this. It might scare off the enemy."


    Qi Li¡¯s expression remained emotionless, but one corner of his mouth can be seen twitching if one were to look closer. However, only for a brief second as he takes the handkerchief.


    "I was hoping to give them a little fright. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t clean it."


    Liu Shan couldn¡¯t believe that Qi Li was able to make a joke at a time like this. He doesn¡¯t push the subject and ponders as he stares at the building in front of him.


    Oblivious to the assistant¡¯s thoughts, Qi Li wipes away the dried blood on his face. He looks down at the ck cloth in his hand and sees a small embroidery on one of the corners. His eyebrows crease together into a frown.


    ¡¯HYL¡¯


    His lips slightly pursed as he read the initials in his head. He looks up at Liu Shan for a long second before asking.


    "Is this boss¡¯s?"


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t look at Qi Li but rolled his eyes inside. He could guess that Qi Li had seen the initials, but was there a need to ask?


    He ignores this thought and nods his head lightly. He didn¡¯t need to deny this fact because it¡¯s the truth.


    The handkerchief is a sentimental item in his life as it once belonged to Yue Ling. How he got it is one he will never forget, but it¡¯s a story only for him and his boss.


    "I¡¯ll need that back when you¡¯re done."


    His words fell, and he nces to the side at the bustling part of Retro.


    Seeing that no one bothered to look their way, he looks away and steps forward.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    He walks past Lin Hui and Xu long, who were still fighting like an old couple. He doesn¡¯t stop but didn¡¯t forget to remind them.


    "We¡¯re on the same team. Save your energy for the people inside."


    Lin Hui and Xu long abruptly shut their mouth and stares dumbfoundedly at the usually carefree assistant. Both men couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill run down their spine as they could sense the temperature emitting from Liu Shan had dropped drastically.


    Soon as Liu Shan walked by, so did Qi Li, who was still wiping away the dried blood.


    Left behind, Lin Hui and Xu long nce at one another. A glistering light shes across their eyes, and a dangerous smile curls on their faces.


    "Oh, I will be giving them a piece of my energy."


    Lin Hui sinisterly chuckles as he cast aside his appearance of a husband trying to coax his angry wife. Next to him, Xu long no longer acted like an angry wife and rubbed his palm together like a greedy man.


    "Let¡¯s get the show on the road."


    Both men step forward in a matching motion and follow after Liu Shan and Qi Li as their voices sound like two peas in a pod.


    "Time to collect some fates."

 Chapter 813 - Did he want to join Red Moon?

    <h4>Chapter 813 - Did he want to join Red Moon?</h4>


    Music could be heard for everyone outside the 7-story building, but it is quickly overpowered by another source of music once inside. There was so much bass that all the walls were trembling. It was as if the ce was in the middle of an earthquake.


    At the very back of the first floor, one can hear the loud sound of ss nking in a toast as people¡¯sughter echo in all directions.


    ced against the red walls were rows of beds separated by a sheer curtain. Anyone who nces from near or far can see the outlines of men and women indulging in the night¡¯s pleasure.


    In this area¡¯s center, the men who did not seek l.u.s.tful pleasure found their pleasure in drugs and gambling. Each person has the appearance of someone who did not have a good upbringing.


    However, despite their scary appearance that makes a person cower in fear, each person has one or more women clinging to them.


    * m¡ª!


    Just when everyone was enjoying themselves, a door from the side pushed open and ms hard against the wall, taking everyone by surprise.


    All the people in the room abruptly cease their voices. In one swift motion, their heads turn to look at the person daring to ruin their night.


    Standing behind the door was a young man in his early twenties. He gave off an innocent aura and looked like he didn¡¯t belong in the ce but had identally entered the wrong room.


    However, one can see his face was as pale as a ghost as he looks around the room for a person.


    "Xiao De. Are you asking to die early?"


    A deep and angry voice spoke from behind one of the many beds against the red walls. Arge hand then pushes aside the sheer curtain, and a bulky robust man steps out. He waspletely n.a.k.e.d as he wraps a nket around his waist.


    Behind him on the bed sat two women in no shame of having their exposed bodies seen by everyone in the room.


    "Who said you could enter here and ruin the fun for everyone?"


    The young man name Xiao De stops searching and lowers his head in fear. He didn¡¯t dare to look up anymore because he could feel everyone¡¯s burning re. He swore, without a doubt, they will strangle him to death if they wanted.


    However, what he has to report is very important.


    "Brother Jia Lin, I didn¡¯t mean to interrupt the night for everyone. I need to find Boss and inform him of a serious matter."


    The man, addressed as Jia Lin, scoffs at the sight of Xiao De. He never understood why Tao Meng would allow such a weakling into Red Moon.


    He walks over to where Xiao De stood and howled augh as he stops in front of the kid. He grabs Xiao De by the cor and shoves the boy onto the floor.


    "Who said you are allowed to report to Boss?"


    His eyes widen sinisterly, and he res down at the kid.


    "If you have something to say, tell me, and I¡¯ll ry the message for you."


    His words fell, and everyone in the room burst into a peal of hystericalughter.


    "What a fool. Everyone knows that all reports are passed to Boss by Jia Lin."


    "Really asking for death. Why did Boss even let him join?"


    "He¡¯s nothing but a good-for-nothing fool. We should just get rid of him."


    Voices echoed in ridicule, and Xiao De kept his head down. However, his fists clenched tightly. Even when his nail dug into his skin, he didn¡¯t loosen his fists.


    Did he want to join Red Moon?


    Hell no. He¡¯s only here because of a debt his foolish father owes Tao Meng. If it weren¡¯t for his younger siblings¡¯ safety, he would rather die than be here in this shit hole.


    Xiao De isn¡¯t even his real name. It was a name they just threw at him.


    However, no matter how much they look down on him and push him around, he must survive and return. If he dies here, no one will look after his younger siblings. Not even his father.


    He inhales a deep breath to calm his trembling body, and he takes out the phone in his pocket. He hands it to Jia Lin without raising his head.


    "Someone hacked into the security cameras."


    "!!!"


    His words quickly put everyone into a silent state of mind.


    Jia Lin held the phone and stared down at the screen. His thumb scrolls through all the camera footage, but each one showed only a ck screen. He thought this was a joke, but the bottom corner¡¯s time and date were still running like normal.


    His entire being shook in a burning rage, and he throws the phone on the floor, breaking it. He takes one giant stride and yanks Xiao De off the ground by the cor.


    "You dumbass! Why are you just now telling us?!"


    He held the kid up with one hand, and his other hand curls into a fist. He shows no mercy and throws a punch as he roars furiously.


    "Useless son of a bitch!"


    "Jia Lin."


    Xiao De squeezes his eyes shut. He was expecting Jia Lin¡¯s fist to punch him in the face, but no pain came to him. He opens one eye a little and sees that the scary man had already let him go and was looking in a different direction.


    His eyes follow the robust man¡¯s, and his head turns to the left. There he saw a shirtless Tao Meng walking towards them with arms dr.a.p.ed over Ling Ni and another woman with short hair.


    "Boss."


    Jia Lin cast aside his anger and bows respectfully at Tao Meng. Quickly following his movements were Xiao De and the other members of Red Moon.


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    Tao Meng¡¯s deep voice thunders throughout the ce. He stops in front of the two men and nces between them for an answer.


    "Well?"


    No one dared to lift their head, not even Jia Lin, who was acting all high and mighty seconds ago. However, as the right-hand man and the one who reports to Tao Meng, Jia Lin takes a small step forward, still in a bowing posture.


    "Boss, this idiot just informed me that someone hacked into our security system."


    Tao Meng didn¡¯t react much but arches an eyebrow. He looks at Xiao De and slightly frowns.


    He couldn¡¯t recall ever letting such a weak-looking person join Red Moon. However, noticing a small scar on the boy¡¯s forehead, something clicked in his mind.


    He puts on a fatherly smile and lowers his arms around the two women at his side. He takes a step towards Xiao De and ces his hands behind his back.


    "Is that true, Xiao De?"

 Chapter 814 - Place that reeks of filth

    <h4>Chapter 814 - ce that reeks of filth</h4>


    Hearing the name he was given when he entered Red Moon, Xiao De¡¯s shoulders jumped in fear. He quickly steadies his quivering heart and nods his head.


    "It¡¯s true. I was keeping watch in the security room when all the screens turned ck. I thought it was a glitch and tried to fix it, but realized someone had hacked the system."


    His head still remained in a bow, and he struggles a hard gulp before continuing.


    "My hacking skills are not good enough as I could not trace the person."


    Tao Meng listened until the end and nodded his head. He puts on a thinking face and looks at Jia Lin, then back at Xiao De.


    "Xiao De, I know you are new to Red Moon, so you do not know the importance of informing me about such an important matter. However, it is not an excuse for you to neglect your job here."


    Hearing this, Xiao De¡¯s face turned pale, and he lifts his head to look up at Tao Meng, who stood like a tower in front of him.


    "l... I didn¡¯t mean to... I-"


    Before he could try to exin his dy, Jia Lin grabs him by the throat and ms him hard on the ground. His head banged on the hard tile floor, and his vision blurred for a long second.


    "Useless sc.u.m. Who gave you permission to talk back to boss?!"


    Jia Lin straightens his posture and kicks Xiao De a few times before pressing his foot on the boy¡¯s head. With hisrger built, a little bit of strength was enough to smash Xiao De¡¯s head.


    "You should have reported such an important matter the moment you found it. Yourteness to tell boss makes you a traitor to Red Moon! You let whoever it is in!"


    "P-please, I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t kill me."


    Not wanting to die, Xiao De pleads for his life. He knows that he messed up, but no one told him about such a rule.


    All he wants to do is survive and go back to take care of his siblings.


    Tao Meng stares at the boy with no ounce of sympathy. He looks away and puts his arms around Ling Ni and the other woman.


    "Take him away. I have no need for a useless person."


    He had only kept Xiao De because he needed a good hacker on his side since Xiao died. He thought Xiao De could fulfill that role since the boy¡¯s father would brag about him when gambling. However, it was nothing but a hoax.


    Tao Meng walks away with no care for the boy as Jia Lin grabs Xiao De by the cor again and drags him away from the door he (Xiao De) had entered.


    "Please! I¡¯m sorry! Please don¡¯t kill me! I¡¯ll do better! Please!"


    Tears ran down Xiao De¡¯s eyes as he screams and begs for his life. If he dies here, who will protect his siblings? What if his father sells them like him?


    Recalling the way Tao Meng was leering at his younger sister, fear quickly ovee him. It was his younger sister who Tao Meng had used to threaten him intoing to Red Moon.


    He (Tao Meng) said that if he (Xiao De) doesn¡¯t want his sister to be a ything for Red Moon, he needs toe work for Red Moon.


    Fearing for his younger siblings, he doesn¡¯t care that Jia Lin is dragging him and starts punching the man¡¯s arm.


    "Let me go! Let me go!"


    However, no matter how much he struggles or hits, he was no match for Jia Lin, and soon, the door shuts, erasing all sounds from him.


    Tao Meng walks to the middle of the room and sits down on a chair. He waves the short hair woman away and ces Ling Ni on hisp.


    "Everyone may lift their head."


    He was like a ruler in ancient times. Everyone, being his subjects, does as he says. However, no one returned to what they were doing but wait for his instructions.


    "Xiao De is indeed right. Someone did hack our security system."


    Everyone¡¯s expression turned grave, and a lowmotion breaks out in whispers.


    Tao Meng watches his men as his hand intimately caresses the side of Ling Ni¡¯s thigh like she is his most precious pet.


    He was already aware of the hack as the system alerted his phone. Only, he didn¡¯t know who it was.


    He looks at his men and smirks a chuckle.


    "Outsiders who dare to enter Red Moon is seeking for death."


    His eyes sh dangerously, and the smirk on his face turned sinister.


    "Whoever finds the intruder will be rewarded heftily with money and women."


    Hearing this, everyone quickly scrambles like tiny ants and rushes out of the room to search for the intruder.


    "We¡¯ll find him, boss!"


    * SLAM!!


    However, before anyone could make a move, the door that had only closed a few seconds ago is kicked open with great force.


    Everyone spun around to see who it was. At first, they all thought it was Jia Lin returning, but their eyes widen in shock when a familiar body is thrown into the room. No, not thrown, but kicked.


    "Oh my. Why is everyone panicking? Did misfortune fall upon Red Moom?"


    Following the body thatnded on the ground, four silhouettes, wearing masks, leisurely enter the room. It was as if they were casually taking a stroll in the park.


    "Isn¡¯t it known that Red Moon likes to enjoy their fun in this shitty ce that reeks of filth?"


    One of the four men spoke in ridicule, but his words were taunts that made everyone¡¯s blood from Red Moon boil in rage.


    Ignoring all the murderous res thrown at them, another man walks a few more steps ahead and stops in front of the body on the ground.


    He lifts his right leg and ces his foot on the body¡¯s head.


    "Seems like you are all searching for your guests."


    His eyes scan each person in the room until his eyesnded on Tao Meng. Even with his mouth covered, one can see that behind the mask was a smirk full of mockery.


    "But there¡¯s no need to do that."


    He sounds a faint chuckle like he was having the time of his life. His head tilts to the side, and he stares straight at Tao Meng¡¯s soul, and his eyes turned dark.


    "We¡¯re already here."

 Chapter 815 - Who is your boss?

    <h4>Chapter 815 - Who is your boss?</h4>


    The loud music inside Red Moon was reced with the silent breathing from each individual, who enjoyed the night before being interrupted. Everyone¡¯s eyes locked on the four people who entered the room.


    Unlike the men¡¯s unpleasant appearance from Red Moon, the four men gave an aura of refinement. Even though they dressed infortable clothes like they were going to bed, one can tell that they are charming and mboyant.


    One of the men from Red Moon smacks his tongue in irritation and steps forward. He points angrily at the man with his foot on the body that had been thrown in.


    "Who are you?! How dare you enter Red Moon unannounced?!"


    Liu Shan never averted his eyes from Tao Meng. However, hearing the man pointing at him, he looks at the person. He had no intentions of moving his foot from the body on the floor.


    Instead, he extorts a little more pressure on the body¡¯s head.


    "It¡¯s intriguing how I know who you are, but you don¡¯t know who I am."


    Heughs after his words and ces his hands in his pockets. His movements were natural, like he wasn¡¯t in enemy territory.


    "Seems like you people are a bunch of idiots."


    His words caused everyone from Red Moon to burn in more anger than they are. Never has anyone dare to step foot inside Red Moon and cause a scene like this.


    Liu Shan ignores all the res directed at him and lifts his foot on the body. He looks across the room to Tao Meng and smirks from behind the mask.


    "You should have put your interest somewhere else?"


    His words fell, and he kicks the person lying on the ground. He didn¡¯t use a lot of strength but enough to turn the person over.


    "!"


    The second everyone saw the person¡¯s face, their eyes widen in shock and disbelief. Even Tao Meng, who had kept aposed attitude, slightly faltered in his chair.


    "Jia Lin! That¡¯s Jia Lin! How is this possible?"


    One of the men spoke everyone¡¯s thoughts. Jia Lin is the next strongest person after Tao Meng and his (Tao Meng) right-hand man. No one has ever defeated him beside the fight years ago with Mad Reaper.


    Quickly as the thought came to their heads, all eyes look back at Liu Shan. Half his (Liu Shan)


    was covered with a mask so no one can identify him.


    "Lucky for him, he¡¯s not dead. I just knocked him out with one punch."


    Liu Shan spoke with no sense of worry. It was as if he was only chitchatting with the people in front of him.


    "Let¡¯s not forget the other six people in the cars."


    This time, it wasn¡¯t Liu Shan who spoke, but Lin Hui. He walks up to stand next to the assistant and raises his left hand to scratch his ear.


    Seeing that everyone¡¯s expression turned into confusion, he smiles a smile that made his revealing eyes turn into upside-down crescents.


    "Don¡¯t worry. They¡¯re not dead."


    However, remembering something, he lightly smacks his forehead.


    "Dear me, how could I forget."


    He chuckles with his shoulders shaking and stares right at Tao Meng in the eyes.


    "One of them is dead."


    The moment everyone heard Lin Hui¡¯s words, the confused look on their faces darkened. They didn¡¯t need to ask questions as they knew who the six people mentioned were.


    Like his men, Tao Meng¡¯s expression turned grave. His arm holding Ling Ni tightens and squeezes her. Even when she winced in pain, he didn¡¯t seem to hear her.


    He finally lets her go and stood up from the chair. He doesn¡¯t give her a second nce and walks towards the four men.


    From noon until now, he had been anticipating Yue Ling¡¯s arrival. He had sent six people to bring her here, and those six people being the only ones that stepped outside Red Moon.


    However, now he¡¯s being informed that all six have been taken down, with one dead.


    His deadly eyes scan the covered faces of the four men, and his thoughts continue.


    When he met Yue Ling the other night. he did think she was Mami. However, after returning, he came up with the conclusion that he was overthinking things. Not only that, it must have been a coincidence that she knew about him because Ling Ni told him that Yue Ling is the granddaughter of Imperial¡¯s great General.


    As for why Mad Reaper was there that night, he also concluded that they were acquaintances


    and nothing more.


    His thoughts continued until he stops a few feet away from the four men. He was taller than them by a few inches, and his body built was more extensive, but for some reason, he felt intimidated by their eyes.


    Like he was staring into a bottomless abyss that could engulf him at any given moment.


    However, despite feeling this way, he maintains his strong image as the leader of Red Moon.


    "I think there¡¯s been a misunderstanding here. This is Red Moon. Not a nightclub you cane and go as you please."


    He stood his ground and put on an arrogant attitude as if he has no idea about what Liu Shan and Lin Hui had said.


    "If you have no evidence, then scram before you piss me off."


    Since there is no proof of his men, he can feign ignorance.


    "Tsk, Tsk."


    Xu Long clicked his tongue as he and Qi Li walk over to stand next to Liu Shan and Lin Hui. He squeezed through the two men and took the position in the center.


    He sizes Tao Meng up from head to toe and nods his head in amus.e.m.e.nt.


    "Wow, you really do look intimidating in person."


    His words made the enemy sideugh at the thought of him being afraid. However, his head then shakes in disappointment.


    "But not enough to intimidate me."


    He heaves a long sigh and ces his elbows on Liu Shan and Lin Hui¡¯s shoulders.


    "You see, my boss is a very handsome man, but he is more intimidating than you. His name alone is enough to make you get down on your knees and beg for mercy."


    He touched his chin with his left hand and pursed his lip like he was thinking about something.


    "Then again, I doubt he¡¯ll even show you mercy."


    Tao Meng was struck dumbfounded by Xu Long¡¯s sudden words. His face contorts into a displeased frown before sizing the man in front of him.


    "Who is your boss? If he¡¯s so fearless as you say, why isn¡¯t he here? Hm?"


    He snorts after his words and scans the four men, one by one. When his eyesnded on thest person, he scoffs a peal of sarcasticughter.


    "Even a four-eyes is here."


    His mocking words fell, and his men cheer inughter from behind. They were indeed taken back by surprise earlier, but getting a better look at the four men, they weren¡¯t intimidated anymore.


    Even with Jia Lin down, this is their territory and more of them.


    He looks at Xu Long and shakes his head before walking over to a nearby table. He picks up a cigar and lights it up.


    "Since you have taken down my men, I can only assume you must be bodyguards of Han Yue Ling."


    A puff of smoke blows out from his mouth, and he calmly turns back to look at the four men.


    "I do have to admit, you four are quite interesting to show up here."


    This is the only thing he could conclude after careful observation of the men. After all, he believes that Han Yue Ling and Mami are twopletely different people.


    If Yue Ling and Miami were the same people, he was sure the woman, herself, woulde here. Not send some weak-looking men.


    However, Tao Meng¡¯s eyes dimmed at the thought of his six men. He looks at the four men with a murderous re.


    "I will ask you one more time. Who is your boss?"


    Yue Ling is only a model. There¡¯s no way she can hire such capable bodyguards. He can only assume these men were hired by someone else.


    Xu Long howls augh at the man¡¯s question. He made it seem like Tao Meng¡¯s question was the funny thing he has ever heard.


    He tilts his head a little to the side, and his eyes lock on the enemy leader.


    "You see, that¡¯s where you have it wrong. It¡¯s not, ¡¯who is your boss! it¡¯s ¡¯who ARE your bosses¡¯."


    He made sure to emphasize the word ¡¯are¡¯ like a teacher correcting a student¡¯s mistake. His left foot raises a little, and he takes a step forward. His head carelessly flung to look in the direction Tao Meng was, and his shoulders tremble.


    Anyone who saw this would think he will cry, but the sound of a manic¡¯sugh sounds from behind the mask.


    "Our bosses¡¯ names are..."


    He pauses mid-sentence and raises his right hand. He leisurely removes the mask, revealing a fresh and handsome, smiling face. Behind him, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Qi Li also take off their masks.


    Each person then turns their head to look at Tao Meng, and a smirk curls on their face.


    Xu Long: "Lu Tian and-"


    Liu Shan: "collect."


    Lin Hui: "Your."


    Qi Li: "Fate."

 Chapter 816 - Busy getting distracted

    <h4>Chapter 816 - Busy getting distracted</h4>


    Red Moon was struck by total silence as no one dares to breathe. Each person, including Tao Meng, was kept wide and stare in disbelief at the four men.


    ¡¯Lu Tian and... collect your fate.¡¯


    It was like someone had pushed the repeat button, and words continuously repeat in each person¡¯s head without stopping.


    Some had eyes on the verge of popping out from it¡¯s sockets, while others¡¯ jaw hung low. Tao Meng¡¯s hand slightly trembles with his eyes. The cigar he had yet to finish falls onto the ground and hits his feet. However, due to the shock he is in, he couldn¡¯t feel the pain.


    "No... this can¡¯t be happening..."


    He stares at Xu Long, and without a doubt, he recognized the man¡¯s face. No one in the underworld can forget the face of the cold and ruthless Lu Tian¡¯s assistant.


    Does this mean Yue ling is really Lu Tian¡¯s woman?


    He thought the rumors were only a little scandal as there was always talk about those in prominent families being in a rtionship.


    His Adam¡¯s apple bob with difficulty before his trembling eyes shift to the other three men. He can¡¯t recall Lin Hui and Qi Li¡¯s faces, but he clearly remembers Liu Shan.


    ¡¯Mad Reaper.¡¯


    However, given that Lin Hui and Qi Li were the ones to utter the words from Fate with Liu Shan, he can now believe that they are also members of Fate.


    As these thoughts ran a chill inside him, his eyes widen at the realization of something.


    Han Yue Ling and Mami are the same person.


    How could he be so stupid? Mad Reaper was there that night when he ran into Yue Ling. It wasn¡¯t by chance that they were there together, as Mad Reaper can be considered Mami¡¯s right-hand man.


    And those words...


    ¡¯Collect your fate.¡¯


    The only words that can shake the hearts of the underworld. Not just anyone can say it and make one¡¯s entire being tremble in fear.


    He even practiced it once, but hearing someone from Fate say it directly is another thingpared to how he used those words.


    ¡¯F.U.C.K! He really got ahead of himself this time!¡¯


    If he never had an interest in Yue Ling, he wouldn¡¯t be in this mess with the two devils of Imperial.


    "What?!"


    Before Tao Meng¡¯s thoughts could continue any further, a man¡¯s voice echoes loudly inside the room. He and his men came to their senses and turned their heads to the person.


    To their surprise and confusion, it was none other than Xu Long.


    Xu Long held a disbelief look as he was now turned to the three men he considers his friends.


    "What was that just now?"


    He looks at each person, one by one. However, instead of responding with words, all he saw was Qi Li fixing his sses, Liu Shan looking elsewhere, and Lin Hui scratching his head.


    All three men looked like they have no idea what Xu Long was talking about at all.


    This scene arose a wave of unexinable anger and irritation inside Xu Long. His nostrils re, and his breathing turned rapid.


    "How could you three do this to me? I thought we were friends?"


    His eyes turn vicious, and he res at the three men.


    "Collect your fate?"


    He scoffs the words in a mocking tone, and his breathing grew heavier but received no response yet again.


    When Tao Meng saw this, the fear that was slowly creeping inside him drops back down. Listening to Xu Long¡¯s words and observing the man¡¯s expression, he can only guess that this group has been keeping secrets.


    From the looks of it, Han Yue Ling may be Lu Tian¡¯s woman, but he (Lu Tian) must have no idea that the woman at his side is the notorious Mami, leader of Fate. What kind of shocking news will this for the world?


    He straights his posture, and a sneer curls on his face as he confidently walks towards the four men.


    "Well, well, well... Would you look at this?"


    If he can convince Xu long toe to his side, he will not have to be afraid of Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Qi Li.


    Yes, the three men are from Fate, but from what he recalls, Xu long is a strong opponent, despite his appearance. He (Xu long) is Lu Tian¡¯s assistant for a reason.


    He stops about five feet away from the angry assistant and smiles. However, one can see the maliciousness within his eyes.


    "It¡¯s seems like you and your boss have been deceived by Fate."


    "Indeed."


    Xu Long ignores Tao Meng¡¯s existence but still answers the question agreeing in a low growl. He inhales a deep breath and ces his palms on his h.i.p.s.


    "How can you three exclude me in such an important and awesome act?"


    "..."


    Tao Meng was beyond dumbfounded by Xu Long¡¯s words. His mouth hung open like he wanted to speak, but no words came out.


    Unlike the enemy, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Qi Li rolled their eyes. How is it possible that they already saw thising?


    Lin Hui heaves a long sigh and rubs his forehead before speaking.


    "Bro, is this really the time to question us? Are you perhaps forgetting where we are?"


    Xu Long snorts at Lin Hui and folds his arms over his chest. The anger on his face did no ease but seemed to intensify.


    "I don¡¯t care where we are. The only thing I care about is that...."


    He points with three fingers spread so that each finger can be pointed directly at one person.


    "YOU three didn¡¯t include me in your awesome act."


    Thinking back to how they answered ¡¯collect your fate¡¯ in such a cool way, jealousy stir inside his heart. If he knew they were going to each say one word, he would have said something cool too.


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t understand why Xu Long was acting like a child throwing a tantrum. He runs his hand through his hair with the other hand on his hip.


    "Look, we didn¡¯t rehearse this, okay. It just happened the way it did."


    He walks up to Xu Long and ces a hand on the assistant¡¯s shoulder.


    "Next time, we¡¯ll definitely include you. That¡¯s a promise."


    Tao Meng and his men were at a loss for all words. They are clearly in Red Moon, but why does it feel like they are watching a live show at a movie theater?


    Annoyed that they are disregarding him (Tao Meng) in his own territory, he storms over with insignificant strides. No looks down on him, especially in front of his men.


    "Bastards! Who gave you all the courage to look down on me?!"


    "Boss, let us kill them!"


    "Lu Tian or Fate, who cares! These sc.u.mbags dare to enter our turf and act like they own the ce!"


    The second Tao Meng stood his ground, so did his men. Each person didn¡¯t hesitate to grab the closest weapon they can get their hands on.


    "Get them, brothers! Show them the strength of Red Moon!"


    Hearing the sudden loudmotion, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Qi Li nce across the room, while Xu long casually turns around to look in the same direction.


    Despite seeing the enemy make a move while they were having a quick family meeting, all four men remained poised.


    Usually, when one is in the presence of a group of armed men and outnumbered, they would scream and scurry away for their life.


    However, that isn¡¯t what happens.


    A side smirk curls on Liu Shan, Xu long, Lin Hui, and Qi Li¡¯s face.


    Liu Shan tilts his head a little to the side and looks at Tao Meng. He could see the confidence in the man¡¯s face, and a glimmer of light shed across his eyes.


    "Are sure you want to go this route?"


    His question caught Tao Meng¡¯s attention. He looks at Liu Shan and scoffs a sneer. So what if Liu Shan is the fearsome Mad Reaper. It¡¯s been years since he (Liu Shan) showed his face in the underground fights, his skills probably deteriorated.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll have my men go easy on you."


    He howls a sinisterugh that usually makes his enemy cower in fear. However, Liu Shan rolled his eyes once and multiple times inside.


    Liu Shan stretches one arm towards the enemy leader and leisurely moves his pointer finger side to side.


    "See, that¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong."


    His body turns to the man, and the smile on his face widens.


    "While you and your men were busy getting distracted by our perfect acting, we made our


    move before any of you could."


    *CRASH--!!!


    The second his words fell, all the windows in the room shattered with force. Dark figures jump through and enter Red Moon like shadows in the night.


    Following this came the sound of multiple footsteps as all the doors leading to the room burst open.


    The sound of guns at full c.o.c.k echoes throughout the room as these figures surround Tao Meng and his men.

 Chapter 817 - Gave their plan out to the enemy

    <h4>Chapter 817 - Gave their n out to the enemy</h4>


    The atmosphere inside Red Moon dropped drastically as arge group surrounds Tao Meng and his men. The majority of them were clothed in ck tactical wear, and each person wore a gas mask that hid their faces.


    Amongst this group was seven other figures dressed in the same color. However, unlike thebat outfits of the others, these people were dressed in casual attire.


    The feature that stood out the most was their ck parka coat with the word ¡¯Fate¡¯ engraved on the back.


    Anyone from the underworld who saw this knew right away who these people are.


    Lu Tian¡¯s Wolf Team and Yue Ling¡¯s Alpha Team.


    Tao Meng and his men were as pale as ghosts. Even the sweat that formed on their foreheads glowed underneath the light.


    ¡¯What the hell is going on? When were we surrounded?¡¯


    As Tao Meng question the change of situation in his head, Liu Shan scoffs a sneer at the man¡¯s expression.


    He walks over to where Tao Meng stood at a steady pace. Until he was only two feet away, he finally stopped.


    "From your expression, I presume you must be wondering how we knew it was you?"


    His question fell like he could Tao Meng¡¯s mind. However, despite no answer from the man, he wasn¡¯t mad or annoyed one bit. He calmly held his hand behind his back, and a subtle smile curls on his face.


    "You see, to answer this question is simple."


    He raises his right hand and points the tip of his finger on his temple with a few light taps.


    "You should have stopped when you surmised Han Yue Ling and Mami were the same person."


    His hand lowers and joins the other behind his back again. He looked like an elder disciplining a student.


    "As for how we infiltrated Red Moon, that is also a simple answer."


    He tilts his head to the left and gestures to a camera hung on the corner.


    "Hacking your security system was like taking candy from a baby."


    And that was the truth.


    Before they arrived at Red Moon, he had already hacked Red Moon¡¯s security system. The moment he and the others arrived, the system would fail unless he turns it back on.


    That was also why no one knew they wereing, nor did anyone see them enter.


    "You shouldn¡¯t have put your ego so high and crossed the line."


    He scans the room once at Wolf Team and Alpha Team before looking at a stupefied Tao Meng. He chuckles softly, moves his hands from behind his back, and ces them in his pant pockets.


    "As for why they are here...."


    He pauses after his words, and his smile arcs up until it reach his eyes.


    "They¡¯re here because you did something stupid."


    When he, Xu Long, Lin Hui, and Qi Li were on their way here, he didn¡¯t think it was necessary to call the others, mostly since the four of them were enough to handle the situation.


    However, after careful consideration, he concluded that ¡¯this¡¯ was the best way to scare off the rats. While he, Xu Long, Lin Hui, and Qi Li distract Tao Meng and his men, Wolf Team and Alpha Team will wait for the signal to rush in. And that signal was the pat he gave on Xu long¡¯s shoulder.


    He blinks his eyes with leisure, but the moment his eyes opened again, there was only a


    humorless look on him.


    Did he care that he gave their n out to the enemy? No.


    "You should have taken your interest somewhere else."


    Tao Meng could only stare at Liu Shan with only silence. Even though his brain was roaring for him to move, his body could notpromise, leaving him unable to move an inch.


    The longer he stared into Liu Shan¡¯s eyes, he was quick to understand how Jia Lin must have felt on the underground fighting ring.


    ¡¯Mad Reaper.¡¯


    A name the underworld gave him (Liu Shan) for a reason. A name that is truly fitting of his dangerous ambiance.


    "Y-you..."


    After a long while, he finally found his courage to speak again. However, that courage only allowed him to stutter one word.


    "Pftt-"


    Hearing him have difficulty speaking, Xu Long snort a loudugh while trying to contain himself. He quickly covers his mouth and clears his throat.


    He walks over to stand next to Liu Shan and smiles care freely at Tao Meng.


    "It¡¯s okay to be scared. Being scared is a natural feeling when one is going to die."


    Tao Meng¡¯s body stiffened upon hearing these words. He didn¡¯t have to look at his men as he could feel the fear emitting from each person.


    ¡¯Shit! Shit! Shit!¡¯


    He could only curse inside in anger as neither he nor his men could do anything. Even the women that serve him and his men can¡¯t do anything, let alone lift a gun.


    This time they are really screwed.


    Lu Tian¡¯s formidable team and Yue Ling¡¯s petrifying team have them surrounded. One small mistake, and these two groups won¡¯t hesitate to kill.


    "Ah, then again, you should count yourself lucky."


    Lin Hui¡¯s voice sounds from behind the two assistants as he casually walks over to join them. He looks around the room until his eyesnded on Tao Meng.


    "Since the first warning didn¡¯t seem to get through your small brain, we decided to give you another simple warning."


    He smiles widely, revealing his pearl white teeth.


    "After all, our bosses were merciful enough not to kill you off."


    The second hisst word fell, the smile on his face vanishes. All that was left is an expression void of any emotions.


    "However, if there is a third time..."


    He nces at the enemy around, then back at Tao Meng and shrugs his shoulders.


    "Well, you know the oue."


    Tao Meng stood rooted to the floor. He could only stare between Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Xu Long.


    He knows that Lin Hui wasn¡¯t bluffing. Even before he took over Red Moon, he had heard all there is to Fate.


    Three warnings.


    That is all one gets when crossing the line with Fate. If one fails to understand, one cannot beg for mercy when Fatees knocking.


    And for Red Moon, this is the second warning. One more mistake, and Red Moon will be obliviated like stomping on a group of ants.


    "Since you can¡¯t seem to speak, I take your silence as an understanding?"


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice brought Tao Meng back to reality. He (Tao Meng) doesn¡¯t say a word or sound but nods his head.


    Seeing his cooperation, Liu Shan smiles with upside-down crescent eyes and turns around.


    However, before he could full look away, his eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar figure amongst the enemy group.


    He felt a sharp stab to his chest but quickly brush it aside and entirely turns away. He walks towards the door he and the others entered and gives instruction.


    "Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re done here."


    When he reached the door, he remembers something and turns his head to the side as if to look back at Tao Meng.


    "We¡¯ll be taking Xiao De with us."


    His words fell dominantly, and without waiting for Tao Meng¡¯s response, he strides out the door.


    Tao Meng¡¯s entire being trembled when he heard the mention of Xiao De. His hands curl into tight fists, and he roars after.


    However, before he could make a sound, Liu Shan¡¯s figure had already disappeared from view.


    Xu Long didn¡¯t feel the need to stay anymore and follows after his assistant buddy.


    As he exits the room, so did Wolf Team, but when they noticed that Lin Hui, Qi Li, and Alpha Team didn¡¯t move, each person turned around to see the problem.


    "Go."


    Lin Hui didn¡¯t need to look back to know the confused look on Xu Long and Wolf Team¡¯s faces. He tells them to leave with further details.


    "We¡¯re right behind you guys."


    Xu Long wanted to refute as it will only be Lin Hui, Qi Li, and Alpha Team left if he and Wolf Team were to go. However, trusting their reason, he gestures for Wolf Team to leave.


    Of course, the second he left the room, he quickly darts to the side and pokes his head in to see what will happen. Not only him but a few members of Wolf Team did so, too, as they were curious.


    Xu Long: "Eh? Didn¡¯t you guys hear? Liu Shan and Lin Hui said to go."


    Jiangyu: "My little monkey is still in there. What kind of man do you take me for to leave her behind? She¡¯s so cute and delicate. What if something happens to her? Hm?"


    Yiqing: "Cute and delicate? She looks more like a wild monkey. * cough. As for why I¡¯m here, I just want to observe and take some notes."


    Xu Long: "..."


    Shaofeng: "Um... I¡¯m just because you guys are here."

 Chapter 818 - It’s just something we do

    <h4>Chapter 818 - It¡¯s just something we do</h4>


    As Wolf Team disappeared from the room, leaving only Lin Hui, Qi Li, and Alpha Team alone with Tao Meng and his men, no one budged a muscle.


    Tao Meng was pushed back and joined his men in the center as the outnumbered group surrounded them. He didn¡¯t dare to move as there were still guns pointed at them, and from what he heard, Fate never misses a target.


    Lin Hui waited for a long minute, and when he no longer hears the footsteps of hisrades who left, he raises his left hand. He gestures a signal with one wave, and Alpha Team lowers their weapons.


    Following hismand, each person then leisurely walks away without pulling the trigger.


    Once he made a headcount of each individual who walked past him, he nces sideways at Qi Li.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    Qi Li maintained expressionless without uttering a word but gives a silent nod. He didn¡¯t provide Tao Meng or the people of Red Moon another nce and turned around.


    Watching the group leave, Taro Meng and his men could only re and gnash their teeth at the humiliation thrown at them.


    One of the men standing the closest to Tao Meng sneakily takes a step closer to his boss and whispers.


    "They¡¯ve let their guard down. We can take them out."


    Hearing this idea, Tao Meng clenches his fists tightly. Seeing how Lin Hui and Qi Li we¡¯re the only ones left, he and his men can take them. By the time Liu Shan, Xu Long, Wolf Team, and Alpha Team


    were to storm back in, everyone in Red Moon would be prepared to take them all on.


    They were taken off guard because this room is the only room in Red Moon that neither he nor his men bother to carry any guns. This was a ce for their own entertainment.


    If he had known his territory was going to be infiltrated by the enemy like this, he wouldn¡¯t have let his guard down.


    His eyes dimmed murderously, and without taking his re off the back figures of Lin Hui and Qi Li, he gestures a small nudge with his head.


    This was to give his men approval to attack.


    "Ah, I almost forgot."


    Before anyone could take a step, Lin Hui¡¯s jolly voice echoes throughout the room. He was one step from exiting out the door but turned back around.


    On his face is a smile so bright that it could blind a person.


    "You should be thankful my boss still needs for Red Moon to be around. If not for that, this


    ce wouldn¡¯t even be standing here."


    His words fell matter-of-factly, and the smile on his face fades.


    "Also, attacking your opponents when their backs are turned you is a cowardly thing to do."


    His eyes scan the group like he had eyes on the back of his head and saw through their n. He scoffs a faint sneer and looks Tao Meng in the eyes.


    "Before you go and do something stupid, you should really worry about your life first."


    He turns around to leave, but seeing the slight look of befuddlement in Tao Meng¡¯s expression, he chuckles sarcastically.


    His right-hand raises, and he points to his chest.


    "You could¡¯ve died today, but count yourself lucky."


    The space between Tao Meng¡¯s eyebrows creases into tight lines as he frowns at Lin Hui¡¯s words. He wasn¡¯t able to grasp what was said to him.


    For some reason, it sounded more like ¡¯this¡¯ was the warning.


    Lin Hui¡¯s words and gestures, but what did he mean?


    "Boss, what¡¯s that on your chest?"


    One of his men suddenly spoke and brought him to attention. He looks away from the direction Lin Hui had disappeared and looked at the person who spoke.


    He was just about to look down at his chest when he notices a red dot on the man¡¯s head.


    Hisplexion drains of all colors, and he abruptly looks down.


    The same red dot was on his chest.


    "Everyone, don¡¯t move!!"


    He panics loudly as he knew exactly what the red dot was¡ªa red dot sight for guns.


    It wasn¡¯t only on him and the man but aimed at each person in the room.


    His head darts to the windows, and it was then that he noticed dark figures clothe in all ck with masks on.


    Although these figures were scattered far and near, he knew that these people belonged to Fate.


    This was Fate¡¯s warning.


    If they wanted to, they could have quickly end Red Moon in an instant. However, this is Yue Ling¡¯s final warning.


    Red Moon¡¯s fate is now in her hands, and she can collect it whenever she wants.


    "WOW...."


    While Tao Meng and his men were washed with waves of nervousness, Xu Long, Jiangyu, Yiqing, and Shaofeng stare with amus.e.m.e.nt from behind the door frame.


    "Did you see thating because I sure didn¡¯t."


    "I didn¡¯t think the situation was going to turn out like this."


    "Did you see Tao Meng and his men¡¯s faces? Do you think they were more shocked or us?"


    They were curious why Lin Hui and Qi Li were so confident when Alpha Team left the room. They were even prepared to jump into action if needed.


    However, it seems like everything was already under control.


    As the four men stare in pure astonishment, their minds suddenly thought of the same thing.


    Fate is really an unpredictable group.


    Qi Li walks past them with no words. He saw them from the corner of his eyes but feign ignorance and heads out the ce.


    Seconds behind the cold expression man, Lin Hui stops when he saw the four dazed men. He slightly tilts his head, then turns back to nce at the room he had exited.


    He scratches the side of his head as he didn¡¯t see what was so interesting and looks at the four men.


    "Uh... What are you guys doing?"


    Jiangyu, Yiqing, and Shaofeng jumped at his words. Jiangyu forces a chuckle and looks around in confusion.


    "Eh? Where did my little monkey go? She must not have seen me and walked out."


    He pretends to put on a confused act and runs away without answering Lin Hui.


    Behind him, Yiqing and Shaofeng covered their faces and didn¡¯t hesitate to follow the bulky man.


    Their original n was to watch and observe only. Once they see that Lin Hui and Qi Li wereing their way, they were to make a run for it and pretend they never stayed behind.


    However, too intrigued by what happened, they all forgot to stick to the n.


    Lin Hui didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at the three men. He shakes his head and looks down at the remaining man.


    "You¡¯re just going to stay there?"


    Xu Long was still crouched by the door. Both his hands were ced at the sides of his face. It was as if doing so would help hide him from view.


    "Xu Long, do you think I¡¯m blind? I can see you."


    "Xu Long is not here. Please leave a message after the beep. Beep."


    "..."


    Lin Hui blinked with heavy eyelids. He shakes his head and walks away. As he did this, he reaches inside his pocket and takes out his phone. He dials a number and makes a call.


    "We¡¯re out. Everyone can leave."


    Hearing his words, Xu Long quickly stood up and gave chase after his hitman friend.


    "Wait. Wait for me. Xu Long is here."


    He knows Lin Hui wasn¡¯t purposely messing with him. The phone call was to let the team outside know everything was clear to leave.


    He caught up to Lin Hui and heavily exhaled like he had run an entire marathon. When he was able to steady his breathing, he looks at Lin Hui with slightly narrowed eyes.


    "That¡¯s the second cool act you guys did and didn¡¯t include me. Why?"


    Lin Hui almost stumble in his steps hearing those words. He nces at Xu long and pursed his lip. Was this really the right time to discuss a topic about acting cool?


    However, he doesn¡¯t dwell too much on the thought and answers nonchntly.


    "It¡¯s not that we didn¡¯t want to include you. It¡¯s just something we do."


    Xu Long parted his lips to ask a question, but before he could, Lin Hui¡¯s words continue


    as if he had read the assistant¡¯s mind.


    "It¡¯s either Liu Shan and me, or Qi Li and I, who are thest to leave. We cover everyone¡¯s


    back while the snipers and shooters outside cover ours."


    He looks at Xu Long with a bright smile as if saying, ¡¯cool right¡¯, and Xu long dazedly nods his head.


    He (Xu long) stares nkly ahead. He didn¡¯t need to pry for more details about what happened as it wasmon sense.


    When leaving the enemy territory, once one¡¯s back is turned to the enemy, one won¡¯t know if the enemy will sneak an attack.


    This is why Lin Hui and Qi Li stayed behind.


    As for the shooters and snipers positioned outside, he didn¡¯t need to ask who they were.


    Alpha Team consists of only seven members, and they infiltrated the ce alongside Wolf Team.


    If his guess is correct, the ones outside are without a doubt the ¡¯employees¡¯ of De L¡¯amour.


    To be precise, the members of Fate.


    Just as his thoughts were about to trail too far, he remembers something and asks.


    "What¡¯s going to happen to the kid?"

 Chapter 819 - Liu Ye

    <h4>Chapter 819 - Liu Ye</h4>


    Leaving Retro, Liu Shan and Xu long carpooled with Jiangyu and Ju Suo while Lin Hui and Qi Li carpooled with Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhong min. Two ck cars leisurely make their way in the direction of Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that the four men had driven the cars belonging to Red Moon, they wouldn¡¯t have bothered theirrades.


    However, the atmosphere inside the first car was full of awkwardness.


    Jiangyu sat in the driver¡¯s seat, but he would often nce at the rearview mirror. Next to him on the passenger side, Ju Sou sat at an angle that allows her to look at the backseat.


    In the back, Xu long sat on the window seat behind Jiangyu. He was on his phone for a quick second before locking it and puts it inside his pocket. He then turns to look at Xiao De, who sat between him and Liu Shan.


    He remained quiet for a long minute and stared in silence. After looking like he made up his mind, he leans back in his seat.


    "I¡¯m curious, what is a kid like you doing at Red Moon? How long have you been there?"


    Xiao De doesn¡¯t answer but sat stiffly between the two assistants. He held his hands tightly together on hisp and head lowered.


    Even without looking up, he could sense the curious stares of the three people as the other man seated next to him is paying no mind to him.


    However, it wasn¡¯t the stares that made him nervous. It was more of how he ended up here and that the person who told him to follow isn¡¯t saying anything.


    Confused about this, he nces at Liu Shan, then looks back down and closed his eyes.


    When Jia Lin dragged him (Xiao De) away, he thought he was going to die. The only thing he could think about was what will happen to his younger siblings.


    He was thrown into a dimly lit room where Tao Meng dispose of people he (Tao Meng) does not need anymore. He (Xiao De) knew this because it was a room the people of Red Moon often mention if he makes a mistake.


    Tao Meng even brought him to watch a man get torture then killed. It was a warning that he will end up like the man if he so much as to make a mistake.


    From that moment on, he had tried to live as quietly as possible and not make himself visible by hiding in the security room.


    When he saw Jia Lin point a gun at him, he could only pray that someone saves him. Whoever it is, he didn¡¯t care.


    Even if it was the devil himself, he was willing to sell his soul to get out of Red Moon and see his siblings again.


    However, no matter how much he prayed or begged, Jia Lin never disappeared.


    It was then that he could only ept his fate. He was going to die in this horrible ce. There was no more hope for him.


    Although he trembled with intense fear and wanted to cry, he gathered all his courage and closed his eyes. He waited for the bullet that will end his life.


    He even swore inside that hees back as a ghost and haunt every single person in Red Moon, starting with Jia Lin.


    However, seconds passed, and he heard no sound.


    Could it be that he had already died?


    He slowly opened his eyes, and it was then that he saw four dark silhouettes standing behind Jia Lin. One of the four figures had a gun pointed at the back of Jia Lin¡¯s head.


    When he saw this, he was still trembling with fear, but at the same time, he felt. a sense of relief.


    He couldn¡¯t hear what the man said to Jia Lin, but whatever it was, it made him (Jia Lin) stiffen like a rock before being knocked out and dragged away.


    The same man then approaches him, and he finally saw a better look at the person. A man was older than him by a few years, but unlike the people in Red Moon, he didn¡¯t look scary at all.


    However, he (Xiao De) also felt scared as this man, who is two times smaller than Jia Lin, was able to terrify the man.


    He braced himself yet again for death, but before he could close his eyes, the man knelt in front of him and gently patted him on the head.


    "Don¡¯t worry, kid. We¡¯re going to get you out of here."


    Those entered his ears, and before he knew it, the tears he had been trying so hard to hold back found their way, causing him to sob like a child saved from a horrible nightmare.


    "Is he alright? He¡¯s not answering."


    "Maybe we scared him. Do you think he might be mistaking us as bad guys?"


    Upon hearing amotion of conversation, Xiao De was brought back from his shback of what happened.


    He opens his eyes, and through the passing streetlights outside, he could see his hands that were held tightly together.


    As their words enter his ears, he contemted whether to answer or remain quiet. However, he quickly makes up his mind and answers.


    "Six months."


    His voice came out as a small murmur and could have been ignored, but all the car sound quickly ceased.


    Xu Long and Ju Suo turn to look at the young man while Jiangyu nce through the rearview mirror.


    "He can speak."


    Xu Long¡¯s mouth opened Agape, and he gasps loudly before covering his mouth. After a few seconds, he lowers his hand and leans closer to Xiao De as if trying to see better.


    "What do you mean by six months?"


    Xiao De slowly lifts his head a little and nce at Xu long. His thumbs fidget together like a nervous child, and he answers in another murmur.


    "It¡¯s been six months since I¡¯ve been in Red Moon."


    At his words, Xu Long, Ju Suo, and Jiangyu¡¯s eyes widen in shock.


    Ju Suo punches the side of the driver¡¯s seat, and anger could be seen on her Lolita-like face.


    "Six months? That bastard... Ugh, I should have castrated him back there."


    She growls herst sentence to herself, but everyone in the car heard her loud and clear.


    Jiangyu didn¡¯t flinch when she punched his seat but swallows a hard gulp when she mentioned castrating Tao Meng.


    He swore she is always cute and adorable, but she¡¯ll turn into a demon once she is angry. Sometimes he fears this dangerous side of her.


    Seated behind the bulky man, Xu Long couldn¡¯t help but clench his legs together. His posture made it seem like he was protecting his family¡¯s treasure.


    He steals a small nce at Jiangyu and shakes his head with a sigh.


    No matter how many times he sees the couple, he always found it strange. Jiangyu is like a monstrous wolf, while Ju Suo is like a cute bunny. However, from his point of view, the bunny has a leash wrapped around the wolf.


    He shivers at the thought of the couple and looks at Xiao De. He notices how rigid the young man is and heaves a sigh.


    "Hey kid, you can rx. We¡¯re not bad guys and won¡¯t hurt you?"


    His words fell with promises, and he starts to ask questions that will help loosen Xiao De up.


    As their conversation continues, Liu Shan, who had not spoken a single word, remained staring out the window. The scene that kept reying in his mind was when he saw Ling Ni inside Red Moon.


    He still lives as her neighbor, but he made sure to never run into her. However, seeing her again, he noticed that she seemed to have lost weight since the incident at Uncle Nuo¡¯s food stall.


    Could it be that Tao Meng is treating her worse now?


    Just as the question shes in his mind, he shakes his head as if trying to get rid of it.


    He is already moving on, so anything involving Ling Ni shouldn¡¯t matter to him anymore.


    He decides not to dwell on the past and looks away from the window. He stares ahead, out the front window at the road, and parts his lips.


    "What¡¯s your name?"


    Suddenly hearing the question, everyone in the car went into silence, once again. Xu Long furrowed his brows and looked over to his bossdy¡¯s assistant.


    "Why are you asking that? His name is Xiao De."


    He quickly stops after his word and thought about something. No one asked for Xiao De¡¯s name. He only assumed it was the young man¡¯s name because he overheard Jia Lin say it before he and the others entered the room.


    He looked away from Liu Shan to Xiao De and pursed his lips like he was regretting something.


    "Xiao De isn¡¯t your name, hm?"


    Xiao De was surprised when Liu Shan suddenly asked for his name. During his time at Red Moon, no one cared about who he was. The only thing that mattered was, he had to focus on the security system.


    Every day for the past six months, he was called random names. There were times he didn¡¯t answer and would get beat up for acting arrogant.


    However, how was he supposed to answer if he didn¡¯t know they were talking to him.


    Remembering the life of hell he had been living, he wanted to cry. However, he closes his eyes to take a breather and opens them again.


    His eyes that seemed to have lost all hope were slowly returning with life.


    "Liu Ye. My name is Liu Ye."

 Chapter 820 - Have everything under control

    <h4>Chapter 820 - Have everything under control</h4>


    While Yue Ling¡¯s team and Lu Tian¡¯s team returned home for sleep, the couple enjoyed the night in peace on the private ind.


    After dinner and cleaning the dishes, the couple decided to sit outside on the back patio as the night was clear and great for watching the stars.


    Lu Tianid on the long lounge couch with Yue Ling in his arms. He had lit the fire pit next to them and didn¡¯t forget to wrap his wife in a nice warm nket.


    His phone was in his hand as he read a message then ce it down on the side table.


    He stares up at the night sky, and every so often, the tips of his fingers would caress the side of his wife¡¯s arm.


    His eyes lower to her head, and he sees that although she was quiet, she was still fully awake.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Yue Lingid on her side in Lu Tian¡¯s embrace as she stares up at the starry night sky. She loves his warmth and the feeling of being hugged by his strong arms.


    He was her haven, after all.


    When she heard his question, she doesn¡¯t look away from the sky but snuggles more in his arms. Like she had found more warmth, she sighs and answers.


    "I¡¯m thinking about how peaceful it is here."


    It was like they were the only people in the world with nothing and no one to bother them. If possible, she wishes to stay this way for eternity.


    Lu Tian arched an eyebrow at her response. He tightens his hold on her but made sure not to hug her too tightly. He moves his head towards her and ces a light kiss on the top of her head.


    "My offer when we got here still stands. If you want, we can move here."


    All his wife has to do is say yes, and he¡¯ll have all their things moved here. The house they¡¯re living in can be set as a vacation home in the city.


    "If you¡¯re worried about transportation, don¡¯t be. We can take the private jet every day."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at his words. She sighs inside and ponders about the idea of living on a private ind.


    It¡¯s instead a great idea. To be away from the busy life, but even if she liked this feeling, she could not be selfish as others still depend on her.


    Making up her mind, she snuggles her cheek against Lu Tian¡¯s chest and unconsciously inhales his scent.


    "Maybe in the future, but I like how things are right now."


    Lu Tian couldn¡¯t help but smile at her answer. He knows that his wife is speaking the truth about liking their life, but a part of him wishes that she will be a little selfish.


    She is always carrying for others that she never put herself first.


    Thinking about how selfless his wife is, he suddenly remembers the night they lost their unborn child. Even when she was in critical condition, she didn¡¯t ask for help but asked to check on Liu Shan.


    He inhales a deep breath of air and brushes the thought away. His arms around his wife tighten as if he was trying to knead her body with his.


    He will do everything he can to make sure she is always happy.


    However, what worries him the most right now is when she finds out about her grandfather¡¯s illness.


    How will she take the news? Would she me and hate him for not telling her? What if she takes it as betrayal and leaves him?


    Oblivious to his thoughts, Yue Ling remained warm in his embrace. She looks up at the sky, but as a thought crosses her mind, she adjusts her position andys on her stomach on top of him.


    She ces both her palms on his chest and rests her chin on the back of her hands.


    "Tian, do you think our house will still be standing when we return?"


    Truthfully, she can¡¯t help but worry a little. Her subordinates usually get along despite their different personalities. However, there are times when they would cross each other¡¯s line.


    Hearing her angelic voice, Lu Tian came back to his senses. He looks down, and seeing her beautiful face, he smiles faintly.


    "It¡¯ll be fine. We should trust our subordinates to have everything under control."


    He will be lying if he isn¡¯t doubtful about leaving their home in the hands of Liu Shan, Xu Long, Lin Hui, and Qi Li. However, he trusts that they won¡¯t stir any trouble.


    After all, he was the one who permitted to take down any rats that decide to sneak into their home.


    A soft sigh escapes his smile, and he moves his right hand to caress his wife¡¯s cheek. He moves a strand of her hair away from her face to the back of her ear.


    "Have faith in our subordinates."


    Yue Ling stares at Lu Tian with blinking eyes. She was sure that when he smiled at her, she


    could see a small trace of pain and guilt in his eyes. However, it didn¡¯t stay long.


    She continues to stare at him, trying to find that same feeling in his eyes, but finding nothing, she slightly pursed her lips. Maybe she had seen wrong since she didn¡¯t get a good look.


    Before she could ponder anymore, her eyes widen when she thought about his words. She abruptly pushes herself up and sits between his legs.


    "What do you mean by having faith in our subordinates?"


    His words were simple, and anyone who heard wouldn¡¯t put too much thought into it, but not her.


    Since he brought her here, she assumed it was to get away from the house. However, as a person who has encountered more situations than others, she knows there was a different meaning behind his words.


    She slightly narrows her eyes with suspicion at the aloof man lying in front of her.


    "Did something happen that you¡¯re not telling me?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression did not once falter at her sudden change of position and the look in her eyes that said she could strangle at any given moment if he were to lie.


    After a long minute, he clears his throat and sits up. His wife is a smart woman, and he loves that about her, but there are times he wants her to be oblivious about some things.


    Like now, he just wants her to rx and not think about anything. However, it¡¯s still best to tell her the situation.


    He reaches forward and grabs the nket that had dropped when Yue Ling sat up. He carefully wraps it around her and pulls her closer to him.


    "Tao Meng sent his men to kidnap you."


    He was aware of this because he saw a suspicious person lurking around in front of


    the gates when he left his wife¡¯s closet room. He had a feeling that the person was one


    of Tao Meng¡¯s people on a search for his wife¡¯s location.


    However, he didn¡¯t think Tao Meng would be stupid enough to send men after his wife.


    "He really is asking for death."


    Yue Ling mumbled in Lu Tian¡¯s arm as she frowns at the mention of Tao Meng wanting to kidnap her. Was he (Tao Meng) such an idiot for not connecting the dots?


    She assumed he would have figured out her identity after what happened at Uncle Nuo¡¯s


    food stall. Then again, she¡¯s not surprised if he were clueless.


    Besides her subordinates and now Lu Tian and his men, only a handful of people in the underworld know how she looks.


    "Maybe I left him off too easy."


    Lu Tian was taken back by her cold words but chuckles in the end. He remembers the message he received from his assistant and ces his chin on top of her head.


    "Our subordinates paid Red Moon a little visit."


    Yue Ling hugged his waist and stares at the fire pit that kept them warm from the


    night breeze.


    "Judging by how calm you are, it must have been a good visit."


    She lets out a small chuckle, and Lu Tian pursed his lips. He pulls away from her but only enough to see her face. He looks at her with a serious expression.


    "I may look calm, but inside, I am fuming with rage. Who knows what I will do if I were to cross that man."


    Only God knows how angry he was when he found out Tao Meng took an interest in his wife. He


    wanted to destroy Red Moon and burn it to the ground. However, he had to hold himself back.


    His wife is keeping Red Moon intact for a reason, and for that reason, he can¡¯t cause any trouble for her.


    Yue Ling stares at Lu Tian¡¯s stern expression that he ims to be calm. However, no matter how much she looks, it looks like his usually indifferent one.


    She suddenly wanted to smile at this adorable side of him but press her lips together. Right now was not the time to smile orugh at something serious.


    Lu Tian noticed her holding back, and he sighs inside. He was serious about how he


    felt but his wife is thinking about something else.


    However, not wanting his wife to dwell too much on the situation, he decides on something.


    He pulls her closer to him until their bodies were touching without any gap.


    He leans his face towards her, and seeing her eyes tremble at his move, he smiles.


    "Don¡¯t overthink about it. Our subordinates know what they¡¯re doing."


    He doesn¡¯t give his wife room to answer and presses his lips against her soft ones.

 Chapter 821 - Shouldn’t do this here

    <h4>Chapter 821 - Shouldn¡¯t do this here</h4>


    The stars in the night flicker in shame as they want to hide from the scene of romance underneath. It was too much to handle, and they wish for the sun to hurry and rece their job.


    Yue Ling sat with a fl.u.s.tered face and eyes slightly widen. She could feel Lu Tian¡¯s lips pressed against her own and a close-up view of his long eyshes.


    She didn¡¯t understand how the situation had be like this. Just moments ago, they were discussing something serious involving their subordinates and Red Moon.


    In her eyes, was it really the right time for a kiss?


    However, the longer she gaze at Lu Tian¡¯s closed eyes, her thoughts gradually slip away.


    She felt like a person suddenly in a witch¡¯s trance and closes her eyes. She tilts her head to the side and parts her lips.


    Feeling her rx her muscles at his kiss, Iulian smiles a sigh. He didn¡¯t ask for permission to deepen the kiss as her parted lips were enough.


    His tongue slips inside her mouth, and he found her tongue. His right-hand held her back firmly but gently as his left hand raised to hold the side of her head and deepens the kiss.


    Yue Ling could feel her cheeks burn like she had caught a fever. The warm feeling didn¡¯t cease, but increases as breathing became harder to do.


    With each passing second, the night seemed to have slowed down. The only sound that can be heard was the faint crackling of fire from the pit and soft heaving breathing from a passionate kiss.


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t think about anything but the man in front of her. She knows that their sudden kiss was to distract her mind from what their subordinates are up to, and she hates to admit it, but it worked.


    She returns his kiss the same way he deepens it, and just when she was feeling out of breath, her body suddenly felt a shiver down her spine.


    Lu Tian¡¯s hand that was on her back had found its way inside her shirt. The tips of his fingers caress her back, sending an electric sensation throughout her body.


    "Tian... wait..."


    Through the gaps of their kiss, Yue ling was able to squeeze out a few words. She ces her palms on his chest and tries to stop him by pushing him away. However, her efforts were to no avail.


    "Not... here.."


    She was sure that if things continue the way it is, Lu Tian will eat her right here in the open. After all, they¡¯re the only ones here on the ind.


    Lu Tian ignores her words, but only so he could give her onest kiss before redundantly pulling away. He continues to caress her back, and he chuckles at the sight of her blushing face.


    "You¡¯re right. We shouldn¡¯t do this here."


    His dark eyes gaze into her bluish-green eyes like he was staring straight into her soul. He stops caressing her back, and with a bit of push, he pulls her even more closely against him.


    "I¡¯ll never let anyone see this side of you."


    Yue Ling felt a little empty when Lu Tian¡¯s lips were no longer against her but relieved that she was able to catch her breath. However, when she heard his sudden words, she was struck stupefied.


    She blinks her slightly heavy eyes and chuckles softly after a long moment of silence.


    She holds the back of his head and buried her face deeper in his warm palm. She could feel the slight roughness of the calluses in his palm, but she still rubbed her cheek against it as if trying to confirm he was real and not a dream.


    Lu Tian held his breath, and his heartbeat grew louder like a beating drum.


    He stares at the small face in his palm. His wife looked incredibly weak and fragile, like a porcin doll that would shatter if he were to exert a little bit of strength.


    An unexinable desire stirred inside him, and he moves his right-hand from inside her shirt.


    The nket wrapped over Yue Ling falls onto the floor and is quickly reced with his arm. He stood up from his seat, bringing her with him.


    "Ah!"


    Yue Ling yelps in surprise as she was suddenly lifted into the air. She lets go of Lu Tian¡¯s hand on her cheek and wraps it around his neck.


    With a swift adjustment by him, he was carrying her princess-style. Her eyes tremble ever so lightly at the face inches away from her.


    "l..."


    She struggles a gulp as she already knows what is toe next. She doesn¡¯t struggle to free herself but slump in his arms like a shy little girl.


    "We¡¯re not watching the stars anymore?"


    Lu Tian chuckles at her attempt to change the situation. He doesn¡¯t put her down but heads in the direction of the vi.


    "We can continue to watch the stars."


    He stops in front of the door and turns his head to face her. He sneaks a


    quick peek on her lips and sh a smile that reveals his teeth.


    "But I rather watch you in bed."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stiffened at his shameless behavior. She couldn¡¯t even blink her


    eyes as she could only stare at the supposedly aloof man.


    Her mind turned nk, and she goes into a daze. The scene around her


    changed with each step Lu Tian took, but her eyes glued on the side view of the man.


    "Yue Ling."


    Suddenly hearing Lu Tian¡¯s deep voice say her name, Yue Ling came to her senses.


    She finally remembers to blink her eyes and looks at the man in front of her.


    Her eyes flutter a few more times before realizing her surrounding.


    While she was a loss in a daze, Lu Tian had brought her to the bedroom they were sleeping. He even ced her on the king-size bed and was sitting in front of her.


    Lu Tian smiles when he saw his wife had returned to reality. From the moment he set her down, he had been calling her name. However, she seemed to be in too much of a daze.


    He reached forward and held her nape with one hand. He pulls her towards him and captures her lips after whisper sweetly to her.


    "Let¡¯s continue where we left off."


    Yue Ling had juste to her senses and had yet to process the new


    surrounding. When she heard Lu Tian¡¯s whispering words, she parts her lips to make up an excuse, but she swallowed her words before letting them escape her mouth.


    A satisfying low groan escapes from him as he deepens the kiss. He bit,


    licked and suckled until her lips and tongue ached.


    Yue Ling unconsciously tries to move back to catch her breath, but the more she did this, Lu Tian held her firmly in ce. His other hand circles her, and he pulls her closer.


    "Ah... wait..."


    Blood rush to Yue Ling¡¯s cheeks. The kiss this time was more roughpare to the one they shared outside.


    "Tian..."


    She gasps his name, and the hand holding her nape slid away slowly to cup the side of her cheek.


    Lu Tian¡¯s dark eyes gaze with a glistening light at her. He inhales a deep breath as if trying to keep hisposure steady.


    "I can¡¯t wait anymore."


    This time, Yue Ling inhales a mouthful of air. She stares at Lu Tian, but


    only for a split second, and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at his


    coquettish appearance. However, thinking about something, she makes a decision.


    * plop-


    "!"


    Lu Tian suddenly fell back as Yue Ling pushed him down on the bed. His eyes slightly widen in surprise as he meets her bluish-green eyes. She was now leaning over him with her knees resting on either side of him.


    He was asking for her permission to go on to the next step. However, before he could think further, his eyes tremble upon seeing his wife¡¯s face lowers towards him.


    Yue Ling stopped when her face was inches away from him. She smiles down at him and gives him a small peak on the lips.


    "We shouldn¡¯t let Mr. Lu wait. It¡¯s unhealthy."


    She didn¡¯t know why but his kiss aroused a craving sensation inside her.


    Maybe it was because it¡¯s been a while since they rolled on the bed but


    tonight, she didn¡¯t mind taking charge.


    Not only that, she could feel something hard poking her lower body.


    Lu Tian¡¯s cheeks and ears turned red at her words. He parts his lips to say


    something but before he could say a word, Yue Ling captures his lips.


    His usual calm heartbeat increases its pace, and time seemed to stop at that moment for him. However, the more she kissed him, the more he felt alive.


    His eyes gradually close, and his hands reach up to pull her body down to lean on him.


    He remains underneath her and allows her to do whatever she wants to him.


    Of course, that didn¡¯t mean he was going to stay still.


    As she removes his clothes, he also removes hers.

 Chapter 822 - Madly and desperately

    <h4>Chapter 822 - Madly and desperately</h4>


    In thete-night, while Imperialy asleep, Lu Tian¡¯s private ind was also submerged in silence. However, the lights inside the luxurious vi remained brightly lit.


    It was so bright that outsiders would think a grand party was taking ce inside.


    Only, the entire first floor was empty without a single insight. Even the fire pit that remained lit in the back patio was still flickering as it hadn¡¯t been put out.


    That is because the two souls it was giving warmth to had sought out warmth elsewhere.


    On the second floor, inside the room furthest to the back, the sound of two people¡¯s heavy breathing can be heard with clothes scattered amongst the bed.


    Lu Tianid exposed on his back with his head near the foot of the bed. His chest motions up and down as Yue Ling knelt between his legs and her soft, slender hands touch his hardened beast.


    Her cheeks were bright red at the view in front of her. This was her first time actually touching his beast this way. It was hard, and from what she can feel in her palms, it was growing harder and bigger.


    She couldn¡¯t help but swallow a hard gulp. No wonder she always panics when they do the deed. How can something like this even enter her body?


    Her hands slowly move him up and down with care, and the more she did this, she could hear Lu Tian¡¯s gasping grow heavier. She nces up at him, and seeing that his eyes were closed, she guesses she was doing something right.


    After all, this was her first time doing this for him.


    She hesitantly looks back at the almighty beast in her hands. She once heard that men liked it when women do it with their mouth, and since he ¡¯ate¡¯ once, she thought she should return the gesture.


    Her head lowers, and she opens her mouth in an attempt to swallow him whole.


    Lu Tian would be lying if he wasn¡¯t enjoying what his wife was doing to him. The feeling of her soft hands wrapped around him was enough to make his mind go crazy.


    Even he was tempted to want to know the feeling of her mouth wrapped around him.


    He opens his eyes and positions himself up on one elbow. He looks at the sight of his wife kneeling between his legs and his throat turned dry.


    "Yue Ling."


    He was able to squeeze out her name through his clenched teeth and stops her before she could go any further down on him.


    "Stop."


    Yue Ling stops at his words, but her hands did not loosen their grip on him. She looks up at him and tilts her head in confusion. Her bluish-green eyes blink at him, and she asks quietly with a fl.u.s.tered face.


    "Did you not like it?"


    She asked the question, but she already knew the answer. She didn¡¯t have much experience when ites to intimacy in the bedroom. She must have done something wrong, and Lu Tian probably wasn¡¯t feeling good.


    That has to be it since he stopped her. He must have felt ufortable.


    Lu Tian chuckles softly at the question. When he saw her dejected expression, he promptly sits up and pulls her towards him. He settles her on hisp with legs spread over him, and he kisses her lips.


    "How can I not like it?"


    He moves away from her lips to her cheeks then down to her neck. He inhales her unique scent that he loves and rests his head on her shoulder.


    "Just the thought of you doing it is making me go crazy."


    His arms held her tightly, and he lifts his head to meet her eyes. He moves one hand away to caress the side of her face, and his entire being softens at her beauty.


    He looks down at her red lips that were inches away from swallowing him. He gently traces her lip with his thumb, and his eyes shift to her eyes again.


    "But I treasure you too much to let you do something like that."


    Yue Ling was at a loss and didn¡¯t know how to respond. She thought he didn¡¯t like it, but it turned out to be her wild thinking only.


    She sighs a smile and felt extremely touch. She grabs hold of his cheeks and gives him a hard and deep kiss.


    Since he stopped her this time, she¡¯ll have to try again next time. Of course, she is happy to hear how much he treasures her, but she also wants to give him the experience.


    Oblivious to her ns to eat him in the future, Lu Tian pushes her gently onto the bed and leans over her body. His lips never left her sweet ones, and his tongue dances with her tongue.


    His hands trace every part of her with delicacy. He pulls away from her lips and nibbles at her neck as he pinned her down. He doesn¡¯t stay at one ce for too long and leaves traces of his kisses all over her upper body.


    Arriving at her mounds, he rubs one of her delicate beads with his tongue as if ying with it.


    "Ah... Tian..."


    Yue Ling m.o.a.ns his name and clutch onto his shoulders. He knew his way with her body, and just like that, her lower body was flowing more and more rapidly at his touch and teasing.


    He slid one hand down to her most sensitive ce. Feeling her already wet below, he looks at her with a smug smile. He easily inserts one finger inside her cave, and his eyes darken when he felt his finger being wrapped tightly by her.


    A trembling sigh escapes him as his jaw tightens to suppress his mind. However, hearing another m.o.a.n slip from his wife, he couldn¡¯t contain himself anymore.


    He thrust inside her a few times before pulling out his finger and parting her legs more with his knees. He lowers himself, and once he was aligned with her sweet entrance, he inserted within the abyss.


    "Nn..."


    Yue Ling murmurs a small m.o.a.n discontentedly. She held onto his shoulders, and her nails slightly dug into his skin. Lu Tian winced at the faint pain and swallowed a dry gulp.


    He wanted to thrust inside her roughly, but he didn¡¯t want to hurt her, knowing it has been a while. He slowly made his way inside her until they were utterly joined together, and he sighs a satisfying groan.


    With eyes never leaving her, Lu Tian caresses her cheek with one hand. He leans down and kisses her red lips with a smile.


    "I love you, Yue Ling. I love you, madly and desperately."


    Yue Ling had only adjusted to his size when she heard his loving words. She gazes into his dark eyes that never once hid his love for her. However, behind that love, she could see a pinch of l.u.s.t.


    Her face flushed slightly, and she sinks more into thefy bed.


    "I... I love you, too..."


    Seeing her delicate and shy look, Lu Tian felt even more blessed to be her man. A strong desire for her burned within and captures her lips again before moving his h.i.p.s.


    He then moved away from her lips and worked his way down to her neck. His left-hand grabs her right hand, cing it at the side of her head. His fingers slid through the gaps of her fingers, and he held her hand tightly.


    His speed gradually grew faster and convulsing, making Yue Ling m.o.a.n louder in rhythm to his low groans.


    Seconds turned to minutes before hours came. After countless positions, a gasping groan and m.o.a.n echoed inside the heated room as the couple reached the seventh heavens.


    Yue Lingid tirelessly on her stomach on the bed as Lu Tian remained over her from behind. She didn¡¯t have the energy to open her eyes, so she kept them closed while trying to catch her breath.


    She had nned to take ¡¯charge,¡¯ but it all backfired on her. Why does she always forget that Lu Tian is a man with great stamina?


    "So tired..."


    A smile curled on Lu Tian¡¯s lip at her murmur. He had yet to pull out of her and remained one with her. However, gazing at her exhausted state, he felt regretful for tiring her out. He slowly leaves her body with great reluctance.


    He parts her hair to the side, revealing her smooth back covered in sweat. He leans down to kiss her on the shoulder then her nape before whispering in her ear.


    "Mrs. Lu, we should shower before bed."


    Yue Ling answers with a faint and groggy hum. Knowing that he was no longer inside her anymore, she felt empty. She didn¡¯t mind going another round with him, but that¡¯s only her mind talking. Her body, on the other hand, is about to give up on her.


    However, Lu Tian was right. Her body was cover in sweat, and going to sleep in this state is not good.


    She forces her body to move, and despite the aching pain, she was able toy on her back. With eyes closed like she was asleep, she raises both her arms up.


    "Carry me. I¡¯m too sleepy."


    Lu Tian chuckles a bright smile at her childlike behavior. He takes hold of her left hand and brings it to his lip for a kiss.


    "Anything for Your Majesty."


    He gently helps her up and ces one arm behind her back while his other hand slid under her knees. He picks her up with ease and carries her towards the bathroom.

 Chapter 823 - It was just a note

    <h4>Chapter 823 - It was just a note</h4>


    The room furthest to the back, ovee with silence as Yue Ling and Lu Tian slept through the night after showering. Lu Tian¡¯s eyes calmly flutter open, and the ceiling above came to view.


    He nces at the window. Although the curtains in the room were not drawn, he could tell that morning hade. The faint sun rays from outside entered through the gaps, letting him know that it was bright and sunny.


    Like his usual routine, he turns to his sleeping wife. He would always kiss her on the head, then get up to go on a morning run before returning to freshen up and prepare breakfast.


    However, his hands felt nothing but the nket and pillows.


    He sits up in bed and frowns at the empty spot his wife should have been sleeping.


    "Yue Ling?"


    He didn¡¯t hesitate to call for her, thinking she might have woke up to use the bathroom. However, seconds pass, and he received no response.


    Even the adjoining bathroom to the room was left open.


    His frown deepens, and he stood up from the bed. He was shirtless, allowing his perfectly toned upper body to view, but he wore simple gray lounge pants to cover his lower half.


    ¡¯Did she leave while he was sleeping?¡¯


    He asked himself but quickly brush it aside when he sees their packed bags still on the chair he had leftst night. However, what bothered him was that he didn¡¯t hear or felt her get up from the bed. Was he that deep asleep?


    "Where did she go?"


    He murmured another question and ran his hand through his disheveled bed hair. He doesn¡¯t grab a shirt but strides out of the room.


    Maybe she went downstairs.


    He climbs down the stairs that allowed him to view the living room and part of the dining room. Like the bedroom, his wife was nowhere in sight.


    "Am I still dreaming?"


    Just as he nears thest few steps of the stairs, a delicious aroma enters his nose. He was reminded of the breakfasts his wife makes for him when she beats him to the kitchen in the morning.


    He smiles a soft chuckle and makes his way in the direction the smell wasing.


    "Good morn-"


    He enters the kitchen expecting to see his wife and greets her. However, before he could finish his words, a frown returns to his face.


    The kitchen was also empty.


    A sense of worry wash inside him, and he got a feeling like the day when his wife flew to City Z. The same day, he became aware of Lee Shin¡¯s existence.


    He spun around to go back upstairs to get his phone. He needs to find his wife. Even if he has to turn the entire world upside-down, he will do it without a second thought.


    Just as he strides past the dining room, he pauses in his steps when his eyes subconsciously nce at the dining table. His body turns to face it, and he stares down at the nicelyid-out breakfast.


    It was a simple breakfast of pancakes, sunny side eggs, and sausages with a ss of orange juice.


    However, it wasn¡¯t the breakfast that caught his attention.


    ced at the side of the table was a small folded note.


    Lu Tian stares with unblinking eyes at it. He didn¡¯t know why but the note made him feel nervous and a sense of another Deja Vu.


    He can still remember the note his wife left him when she left the hotel room after their first night together. He will never forget every word but what stuck to his mind was when she signed her name.


    ¡¯your worst nightmare!


    He admits that night¡¯s incident was genuinely unforgivable as they were both drugged and had to experience such a thing. However, it was also a night that he will never forget.


    It allowed him to understand a feeling he has never experienced before, and that was to chase after her, who now means the world to him.


    He stared down at the not and pursed his lip.


    "Ah... What is this?"


    He mumbles the words in a frustrated growl. After taking a deep breath, he reaches for the note. However, as he did this, he was unaware that he had closed his eyes and reached blindly.


    His hand fumbles over the table until he felt the paper and picks it up.


    He brings it closer to his eyes and nervously opens one eye as he unfolds the small note. The first line that came to view was her signed name at the bottom, and he swore he was on the verge of fainting.


    ¡¯-your worse nightmare.¡¯


    He quickly smacks the note closed again like it was a stain on his eyes. His hand raises, and he pinches the space between his eyebrows.


    "How can she do this to me?"


    It was just a note, but why was making his heart run a thousand miles.


    "Lu Tian, get a hold of yourself. Now isn¡¯t the time to act this way. What if your wife left you alone on the ind? Maybe she wrote down where she went."


    Coaxing himself out of the nervous feeling, he takes a deep breath and opens both eyes. He opens the note like he was never in a scary moment at all.


    ¡¯I prepared breakfast for you. I didn¡¯t want to wake you up since you needed more sleep, so I went out for a walk. Be back soon.


    -With love, your worst nightmare.¡¯


    Reading the note, Lu Tianughs at himself. He was scared and panicked for no reason. He even misses the heart his wife had drawn at the bottom corner.


    He ces the piece of paper down and looks out the window.


    He wanted to go outside and find his wife, but considering the breakfast she had prepared for him, he pulls a chair back. He took a seat and began eating. He also didn¡¯t forget to nce in the directions of the front and back doors in case his wife returned.


    In the distance, where the ocean meets the ind shore, Yue Ling sat quietly on a rock. She wore a simple white dress with an oversized gray cardigan to keep her warm. She had removed her sandals and ced them at her side.


    When she opened her eyes from sleep, she was surprised to see Lu Tian still asleep next to her. It was usually him who wakes up first, but she can tell he must be tired.


    Not wanting to disturb his sleep, she decided to let him sleep in.


    Even though her body was still sore and aching in pain from their night¡¯s exercise, she forced herself to get out of bed quietly.


    She freshened up for the morning, put on a simple outfit, and then headed downstairs to make breakfast.


    By the time she finished cooking, Lu Tian still hadn¡¯t woke up, so she had left him a note and decided to go out for a short stroll.


    Thinking about the note she left, she chuckles and holds her chin with both hands as her elbows rest on her bent knees.


    "I wonder if he saw the note I left him."


    It was about time she returns to the vi, but seeing the ocean view in front of her, she sighs.


    "So beautiful..."


    She had followed a path near the back of the vi. Surprisingly, the trail led her to this beautiful part of the ind.


    The cool breeze from the ocean and the calm waves genuinely know how to take away all worry in one¡¯s life.


    It is moments like this that remind her that one can always find peace in something despite all the hardship one experiences in life.


    Such a breathtaking scene should be admired, and for that, she will stay a little longer.

 Chapter 824 - Exists only for you

    <h4>Chapter 824 - Exists only for you</h4>


    Lu Tian finished the breakfast his wife prepared and changed intofortable clothes fit for a morning run.


    He wore a in white shirt with a light grey hoodie and ck joggers. After putting his running shoes on, he smooths his uh fixed hair back and covers it with a ck beanie.


    At first, he couldn¡¯t confirm which path his wife took, but seeing that the back door is unlocked, he believes she took the trail near the back patio.


    However, instead of following her steps, he leaves out the front door.


    He takes the path opposite from her as it circles to the back. He concludes that his wife will not take the way she took and continue towards the ind¡¯s front.


    She is a person who enjoys excellent sceneries, so without a doubt, she will take her time before they leave.


    Through the path trees surround on either side, Lu Tian jogged with ease as the trees partially block the sun from him. The path he took starts from the right of the vi and goes down to the ocean. It then loops around the front of the ind before joining the path in the back.


    After jogging a few miles, he slows down his pace to walk. His breathing was rapid, but his entire person was calm.


    He turns his head to the ocean at his side then scans his surrounding with a frown.


    "Was my calction wrong?"


    He had already jogged three miles into the path, and never once did he see his wife.


    "Did we miss each other by chance?"


    No, they couldn¡¯t have.


    He tells himself and picks up his pace. He continues to jog in the direction of the back. However, like before, he was still unable to spot his wife¡¯s silhouette.


    His heart that was beating loudly beats louder, and an unexinable feeling rises inside Lu Tian. He no longer jogged in pace but ran like his life depended on it.


    Everything was too quiet.


    What if something happened to his wife? Why didn¡¯t he take the path she took? Why is he such an idiot for making a stupid decision?


    Question after question storm inside his head as he reaches the back of the ind.


    His eyes search quickly but carefully, and still unable to find his wife, he curses inside. He had already reached the path he was supposed to take, but why can¡¯t he see her.


    He also made sure to check his surrounding for anything amiss.


    Confused and worried, he continues on the same path. However, he stops halfway.


    What if his wife returned to the vi the same time he left?


    Knowing the path would take longer to reach the back of the vi, he decides to cut through the trees for a shortcut.


    Just as he was about to turn for the trees, he spots a familiar silhouette in the distance.


    Yue Ling was sitting on a small rock that settled between tworger rocks. If one did not look carefully, they would miss her.


    At the sight of her, Lu Tian¡¯s legs turned weak, and he loses bnce.


    However, he was quick to steady his posture and escaped falling. If he had, he would have looked like a weak idiot.


    Anyone who saw him this way must have thought it was from all the running he did, but that wasn¡¯t it. His legs turned weak from relief.


    "She didn¡¯t leave me."


    He exhales deeply and turns away from the direction he was about to go. Just as he took one step, he sees Yue Ling suddenly stand up from where she was sitting.


    His steps froze in ce, and he decides to wait for her. He figured that she would finish her walk by taking the path he is standing from the opposite side since she walked from the opposite side.


    However, to his surprise, Yue Ling reaches for her sandals and headed in the direction away from him.


    " ..."


    Lu Tian was at aplete loss by this. Is something wrong with him? Why are all the decisions he makes bad?


    He stares at his wife¡¯s departing figure for a split second, then gives chase. He thought about running after her but watching her figure from behind, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do so.


    She looked free and away from the world as the waves touch her bare feet like an immortal taking a morning stroll in the mundane world.


    His steps were slow, but he efficiently decreases the distance between them. His line of sight never left her as the wavesing in yed like music in the background.


    He unknowingly nces down and sees her footprints. A smile curls on his face, and he softens with a sigh.


    For some reason, he has been reminded of so many things that happened between them.


    Like this moment, he couldn¡¯t help but think back to the day he walked with her at the beach in City Z. The beach she told him about her ¡¯curse.¡¯


    And like that day, he is also following behind in her footprints now.


    Each time the wavese onto the shore and wash away her small footprints in the sand. However, when the waves return to the ocean, his more extensive footprints cover her steps.


    He walks calmly behind her and engraves this moment in his heart and mind.


    Every moment of her was worth engraving inside him.


    And like this, he will never lose sight of her as long as he follows her footprints.


    However, a part of him wishes for her to turn around and see him. To know that he is always behind her.


    A light breeze picks up, and he stops moving. It was as if his wish had been heard because his wife suddenly stopped walking.


    His heart seemed to have stopped along the way, and he held in his breath without realizing it.


    He watches her slowly turn around, and their eyes met like star-crossed lovers finally meeting after years apart.


    Yue Ling had been unaware of the man following her. She took a short rest on the rock to recover since her legs were still sore fromst night.


    Once she felt her strength returned, she decided to head back. She thought about continuing the path she took but not wanting her legs to give up on her halfway. She headed in the direction she came from since it was shorter.


    However, having taken only a few steps, she started feeling pain in her legs again.


    She turned to see how far the vi was, and that was when the wind picked up.


    She cursed inside for not tying her hair and moves the front to the back of her ear. When she didn¡¯t see the vi, she also cursed again and clicked her tongue. This meant she still had a long way to go.


    And that¡¯s when she noticed the man behind her.


    She was no doubt taken by surprise when their eyes locked on another.


    "Tian?"


    She turns to face him and felt she was missing something. Why is he staring so hard at her? Is he angry because she woke up first?


    "When did you get here? Why do you sneak up on me without making a sound?"


    Lu Tian kept an indifferent expression but inside, he was screaming with happiness.


    His wish came true, and his wife finally took notice of him.


    "I was doing my usual morning run."


    He clears his throat and walks towards her to close the distance between them.


    "Then I saw you."


    He stops a foot away from her and nces at her from head to toe. His lips pursed, and he touches his chin.


    "I¡¯ve been thinking about the note you left. I¡¯m quite impressed."


    Yue Ling furrows her eyebrows with a confused expression.


    "What do you mean?"


    Lu Tian¡¯s indifferent expression reces with a huge grin.


    "You¡¯re stamina is quite strong since you¡¯re able to walk this far."


    " ..."


    Silence filled the air as Yue Ling was struck dumbfounded.


    Lu Tian yed it coolly by teasing her, but he gave Yue Ling an idea.


    She returns his smile with a smile that reached her eyes. She takes his


    hand and gently caress the back like it was her most prized possession.


    "My stamina is good, but unfortunately, it is not as great as yours."


    She ces his palm on her cheek and gazes up at him with puppy eyes.


    "You see, I walked so far that I can¡¯t go on anymore. Can you share some of your stamina with me and give me a piggyback to the vi?"


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t think much about her words and chuckles. He moves his hand away and turns his back to her before squatting down.


    "Hop on. My stamina exists only for yo."


    Yue ling felt terrible for tricking him, but thinking about her aching body thanks to his stamina, she gets on his back.


    "You said it, so don¡¯t go back on your words."


    It is only fair that he takes responsibility forst night. She gave an inch by taking charge once, but he took a mile by tossing around for hours.


    Oblivious to her thoughts, Lu Tian was thrilled to carry his wife on his back. He once saw a scene like this in the tv dramas his mother and cousin watched. He also heard from the two women that it was a romantic thing to do.


    However, unlike his romantic view of their situation, if he knew the real reason why his wife wanted him to carry her, he probably would have thought otherwise.

 Chapter 825 - Oh no

    <h4>Chapter 825 - Oh no</h4>


    The afternoon came, and like the promised time, Yue Ling and Lu Tian left the ind. As their short peaceful getawayes to an end, construction was back in business at their home.


    The sound of machinery and people echoes from outside and inside the luxurious home as Wolf Team and Alpha Team picked up their tasks in the early morning.


    *Click


    Shaofeng and Yiqing were able to seal off the secret exit in one of the downstairs spare rooms. The two men step back from the house and stare with a proud expression.


    At first, they were afraid the door would be noticeable but having it painted to look precisely like the house, it blended in nicely.


    "Wow. Where is the door?"


    Gui Zhongmin walks over to see, and he was in awe of the sight. Before, he could see the inside leading to the closet inside, but now he couldn¡¯t even tell the difference.


    It was as if they never tore down anything to make an escape exit.


    He walks up to the wall and touches the wall.


    "Man, you guys are really skilled at this. If I didn¡¯t know, I would have thought professionals were hired."


    His head nods approvingly at the excellent work then he hears anothermotion a few feet away. He looks over to see Jiangyu and few other men putting a door on the house.


    "Ah, I should use this chance to see how it¡¯s put on."


    He smiles at Shaofeng and Yi qing then makes his way to the other group.


    "Wait. Gui Zhongmin, can I ask you something?"


    Before he could take his second step, he is stopped by Shaofeng. He doesn¡¯t think much and looks at the young man. However, a thought suddenly came to mind, and he looks at the wall, where the hidden door is.


    "What is it? Did something happen? Did someone die while putting the door on?"


    "..."


    Question after question escapes his mouth, with each even more exaggerating than the first one. His arms dance around in different directions, and the proud look he had of Shaofeng and Yiqing being professionals disappear into thin air.


    "Oh my God. My boss is going to be here soon. What do I say? How do I tell her?"


    He looks at the two men, and he felt like fainting butcked the energy to do so.


    "Why are you two just standing there? Aren¡¯t you worried? My boss is a reasonable person and considers forgiveness, but your boss..."


    He puts the back of his hand on his forehead and puts on a fainting act.


    "The word ¡¯forgiveness¡¯ is not in his dictionary."


    Yiqing: "..."


    Shaofeng: "..."


    Both men were struck dumbfound by the stylist. Neither had the chance to ask what was on their mind, and Gui Zhongmin was already rambling incoherently about nonsense, especially the part about their boss, which was true.


    However, not wanting the misunderstanding to increase, Shaofeng grabs Gui Zhongmin¡¯s shoulders and stops him.


    "Get a hold of yourself. Nothing¡¯s wrong with the door, and no one died or is going to die."


    "Oh..."


    Gui Zhongmin blinked his eyes and was only able to utter one word. He nces between the man shaking him and the one watching this scene.


    His stylish persona chuckles awkwardly and scratches the back of his head.


    "Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to exaggerate like this. I¡¯m usually calm when ites to a crisis."


    Yiqing rolled his eyes while Shaofeng shook his head as he lets go of the stylist¡¯s shoulders. He (Shaofeng) directs his attention to the right.


    "I only stopped you because I¡¯m worried about the people inside."


    Hearing the question, Gui Zhongmin didn¡¯t have to think twice. He follows the young man¡¯s


    eyes and looks in the same direction. It wasn¡¯t the hidden door but at the window.


    His eyes blink a few times before he shrugs his shoulders without care.


    "Don¡¯t worry about them."


    He looks down at the time on his watch and smiles a huge grin at the two men.


    "They should be waking up any minute now."


    He left his response at that and walked away in the direction he was going before being stopped. However, unlike him, the two men he left behind were doubting his words.


    "Well, I guess we don¡¯t have to worry about anything."


    Yiqing spoke as he heads in the same direction as Gui Zhongmin with Shaofeng. However, the young man pursed his lip while walking.


    He (Shaofeng) nces at the window as they pass it and frowns confusingly.


    "Gui Zhongmin said not to worry, but is it really alright? I mean, who in the world can sleep through all the noise? I know I can¡¯t."


    However, seeing how Yiqing and Gui Zhongmin were calm about the situation, he decides not to dwell too much on the situation.


    "I suppose I was overthinking."


    And just as he cast aside his worry, the people he was worry about began to move inside the house.


    "Ugh... my head..."


    Liu Shan woke up groggy and feeling sluggish. He kicked the nket off and held his head as he felt a throbbing pain in his head. His tattooed body was exposed, with only the bottom half covered with clothes.


    "Why is it so loud?"


    After returning from Red Moon and learning about Liu Ye¡¯s past, Xu Long and Lin Hui suggested they needed a drink. It started with one ss of wine, then two, then three, and Xu Long brought a hard liquor bottle out of nowhere.


    One thing led to another, and everyone ended up drunk.


    He was only d that Ju Suo, Jiangyu, and the Gui twins didn¡¯t stay after dropping them off.


    Returning from his recollection of the night before, he forces his hungover body to sit up. His eyes could barely open, but he tries to see his surrounding.


    "What time is it? I don¡¯t remember any schedule for construction this early..."


    His words had yet to finish when he jotted awake at how brightly lit the room is. He looks down to the floor and sees Liu Ye peacefully sleeping, then at Xu Long, who was sleeping on the bed with him.


    "Shit! We slept in!"


    He jumps out of bed, not forgetting to kick Xu Long in the process.


    "Xu Long, you bastard! Wake up! We overslept because of you! Hurry!"


    He rushes to the window and draws open the curtains. His eyes widen at the sight of Wolf Team and Alpha Team going about with their tasks, and he felt like fainting.


    "Oh, God. How in the world did we sleep through all the noise?"


    Even he is surprised by this situation. The loud ruckus outside should have made one unable to sleep, but he and the others slept like they were dead.


    "Why are you making so much noise? Did someone die?"


    Xu Long wanted to sleep in some more but couldn¡¯t due to Liu Shan¡¯s ranting. Even Liu Ye, who was sleeping on the floor, was awake and staring confusingly at the assistant.


    "We¡¯re going to die if you don¡¯t hurry up and get dress. Everyone¡¯s already here! I don¡¯t even know when our bosses¡¯ are going to be back. Hurry."


    Lin Shan threw a few words and searched for his clothes. As he searches, he didn¡¯t forget to clean along the way.


    "What?!!"


    Hearing his words, Xu Long no longer cares about sleep and jumps out of bed. Like his assistant friend, he had also gone to sleep without a shirt.


    "Where¡¯s my shirt? Where¡¯s my phone? What time is it? Boss said they¡¯ll be back in the afternoon."


    * knock knock


    Just as his words fell, a knock sounds at the door¡ªboth assistant¡¯s heads darts in the direction of the sound. Neither said a word but gulped with incredible difficulty.


    "Maybe it¡¯s Lin Hui or Qi Li."


    Xu Long whispers thinking no one would enter an upied room. However, little did he know, Wolf Team and Alpha Team had been entering and exiting the room the entire time they slept.


    Relief wash inside Liu Shan. He also thought it was the other two men, mostly Qi Li since the man is polite. He walks over to the door and reaches for the doorknob.


    "Liu Shan?"


    Suddenly, a familiar and angelic voice spoke from behind the door, and his shoulders stiffen with feet rooted to the floor. Behind him, Xu long was quickly frozen in ce.


    Both men slowly and robotically turn to look at one another. Their eyes locked with nonverbalmunication.


    Liu Shan: ¡¯Oh no. Oh no.¡¯


    Xu Long: ¡¯Oh no, no, no!


    However, quickly as their thoughts connected, both men¡¯s eyes widen, and they look at Liu Ye, who was quietly staring at them.


    Liu Shan: ¡¯We brought a stranger to our bosses¡¯ house.¡¯


    Xu long: ¡¯That¡¯s it. We¡¯re going to die.¡¯

 Chapter 826 - Caught red-handed

    <h4>Chapter 826 - Caught red-handed</h4>


    Yue Ling stood outside the guest bedroom door with a slightly pursed lip. She stares at the closed door for a long second before murmuring.


    "That¡¯s odd..."


    She and Lu Tian had arrived home not too long ago. They even stopped by Elegancy to buy lunch for everyone. However, when she met everyone, she realized that Liu Shan and Xu long were not present.


    She then learned from Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang that the two assistants were still sleeping. Of course, they left out the drinking all night part out.


    She raises her hand to knock on the door again but stops herself.


    "Maybe they¡¯re not hungry and still sleeping."


    "Ah, boss, I thought that was you. What¡¯s wrong? Are they not answering?"


    A voice sounds from the living room, and Yue Ling turns her head to the person. She sees Lin Hui poking his head in from the hallway first, then walks over to her.


    She smiles a chuckle and shakes her head in response.


    "No, they must have had too much to drink."


    Lin Hui stops at her side and stares at the door. He also had drunkst night, but he and Qi Li were up before Alpha Team and Wolf Team arrived.


    He didn¡¯t think he needed to wake up some grown men and went ahead with his unfinished tasks.


    However, when the two escape doors and living room window was put back together, he overhead Gui Zhongmin and Shaofeng¡¯s conversation.


    He came inside with the intentions of waking up the two men but saw his


    boss heading towards the rooms.


    Not wanting to get in trouble of partying inside his boss¡¯s house, he quickly jumped into action.


    "They must not have heard you."


    He chuckles and turns to look at Yue Ling. He felt terrible for drinking in her home while she was away. However, wanting to be a good subordinate, he quicklyes up with an idea.


    "Boss, no need to be polite. This is your home."


    * Thud!


    Hisst word fell, and a loud noise resonates from inside the room. He jumped at the sound but quicklyughed.


    "See. They¡¯re already up."


    Taking the sound as a sign, he reaches for the door handle. He doesn¡¯t bother to knock and turns the knob since there was no look from inside.


    He doesn¡¯t look inside but addresses his attention fully on his boss.


    "See, what did I tell you? They didn¡¯t hear you knock."


    Yue Ling was baffled by Lin Hui¡¯s carelessness, but she also didn¡¯t think much about why Liu Shan and Xu Long didn¡¯t open the door. She watches the door open, expecting to see nothing out of ce. However, the more the door open, so did her eyes.


    Lin Hui took notice of her expression and frowns in confusion. He turns around to see what shocked his boss to the core.


    "What is it?"


    And like her, his eyes gradually widens with his mouth. Not in shock but in pure horror.


    "Oh... my... God..."


    No wonder Yue Ling looked like she received the shock of her life.


    Inside the room, Liu Shan found his shirt but could only put one arm through the sleeve. Next to him was a shirtless Xu long, who couldn¡¯t find his shirt anywhere. Both men were as pale as a ghost and frozen in ce like criminals caught red-handed.


    However, the most shocking thing was the two assistants trying to get a scared Liu Ye inside the closet.


    Anyone who saw this scene would think it looked like a cheating husband was trying to hide his mistress from his wife.


    "Uh..."


    Yue Ling stares at the three people in bewilderment. After what felt like an entire day had gone by, she finally came to her senses. She cast aside all impure thoughts andposed her expression.


    She clears her throat and walks away after giving an order.


    "Come to the study room in five minutes."


    "..."


    Watching her walk away like she didn¡¯t see anything, Lin Hui¡¯s mouth twitches, wanting to smile. However, he held himself back and looked at the three men inside the room.


    His eyes met with Liu Shan, and he shakes his head like he was disappointed.


    "Shame on you. Boss permitted you to ¡¯sleep¡¯ in her house, and this is how you repay her. Tsk, tsk."


    He looks at Xu Long and shakes his head again but with a sigh.


    "And you. I expected better from you."


    His words fell in another disappointment before looking at Liu Ye. The young man, who had no idea of what is going on, was only doing what he was told to do.


    And that was to get in the closet.


    Lin Hui truly felt terrible that Liu Ye is drag into the middle of this situation.


    However, unlike the disappointed look he gave the two assistants, he smiles sweetly like a good older brother.


    "Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re not in trouble."


    He doesn¡¯t stay to chat anymore and closes the door. However, just as the door shut, he opens it again, soaring the people inside. He grins mischievously at Liu Shan and chuckles sinisterly.


    "You have four minutes left."


    "..."


    Liu Shan and Xu long watch in utter disbelief. Neither was able to grasp what had happened. However, looking down at Liu Ye, everything made perfect sense.


    One is half-dressed while holding the young man¡¯s head, and the other¡¯s hand is on his (Liu Ye) shoulders. Each person¡¯s appearance was disheveled and looked like they had a rough night.


    However, in the eyes of outsiders, the scene looked like an affair between three men.


    Xu Long lets go of Liu Ye and scratch his head in frustration.


    "This is so embarrassing."


    When they heard Yue Ling¡¯s voice after the knock, he and Liu Shan panicked. They weren¡¯t sure how she would react to a stranger in her home, so they told Liu Ye to go into the closet.


    They nned to have the young man sneak out through the secret exit, but who knew it would be sealed off.


    His hand moves to his forehead, and he massages it. He suddenly hears rustling and nces at the source.


    "What are you doing?"


    Liu Shan was frantically fixing his shirt and hair. He gnashed at Xu Long and wanted to strangle the man to death.


    "This is all your fault. I said to act natural, but you kept saying to hide him.


    Look at where it¡¯s gotten us. Now their thoughts are running wild."


    Xu Long inhales a mouthful of air and palm on his chest. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. His cheeks turn red at the truth, but he wasn¡¯t going to let Liu Shan criticize him.


    "My fault? You went along with the idea, and now it¡¯s my fault?!"


    He stomps his feet on the floor and angrily searches for his clothes.


    "If you had disagreed, none of this would have happened."


    He thinks back to hisdy boss¡¯s reaction, and he could only sigh depressingly.


    "What if words of this get out? What will Zhao ya¡¯ Er think of me?"


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes and put on his house slippers. He walks to the door to leave but stops and res at Xu Long.


    "While you¡¯re worried about that, pray my boss doesn¡¯t skin me alive."


    He pulls open the door and storms out of the room leaving Xu Long and Liu Ye alone.


    Liu Ye watched the two assistants argue like husband and wife in silence. He didn¡¯t dare open his mouth as he was a guest in the house. Not only that, he had yet to recover from his shock of meeting Han Yue Ling and fear of what will happen to him.


    He nces at the door and sees a petite woman. He recognized her right away as the woman who was in the car with the scary bulky man.


    Ju Suo was in the kitchen when she heard themotion. She came to check because she was afraid for the men since she was involved in bringing Liu Ye here.


    However, upon hearing the bickering inside, she was barely able to keep herself together.


    No wonder Yue Ling left looking like she wanted to smile.


    She clears her throat and returns to her senses. She smiles softly and gives a slight nod in greeting to Liu Ye.


    "Everything is going to be okay. Come, let¡¯s go eat."

 Chapter 827 - Must own up to it

    <h4>Chapter 827 - Must own up to it</h4>


    Upstairs in the study room, Yue Ling sat in her office chair while waiting for her assistant. She is alone because Lu Tian had gone out to check how the renovation ising along.


    Since he wasn¡¯t there to witness what she ¡¯saw, she decided to take matters into her own hands. It was also because she has the mind to hear people out while Lu Tian won¡¯t hesitate to unleash his wrath.


    * creak


    The door to the study room slowly opens, and she nces at it. She watches as Liu Shan pokes his head in with a hesitant expression.


    "Boss..."


    She crosses her right leg over her left leg the folds her arms. Her face held no other expression other than indifference. However, deep inside, she couldn¡¯t get the scene of Liu Shan, Xu Long, and the young man out of her head.


    It was no wonder Zhao Ya¡¯Er would think Xu Long swings the other way.


    Just thinking about it made her want tough in tears, but she needs to control her emotions and hear Liu Shan¡¯s reason.


    "Liu Shan, would you mind exining to me why a stranger is in my home?"


    Hearing the coldness in her voice, Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but shiver. He was behaving like a husband caught cheating and returned home.


    He had thought of what to say as he climbed the stairs, but judging by Yue Ling¡¯s expression, he was sure he messed up.


    Lin Hui, Xu long, and Qi Li were against the idea of bringing Liu Ye here, but he promised to take the me.


    Since he made a promise, he must own up to it.


    He inhales a deep and silent breath before taking a step inside the room. However, in a split second, he leaps forward and drops to his knees.


    "Boss, we didn¡¯t mean to go behind your back. Red Moon asked for it, and Liu Ye is an innocent child dragged away from his family by Tao Meng. If I hadn¡¯t done what I did, that child would have died back there."


    Both his palms sp together tightly, and he squeezes his eyes shut as if trying to shed some pitiful tears.


    "You taught us never to stand by and watch while an innocent life is at stake. I did what I had to."


    He chokes a sob but was unable to cry a tear.


    "I, Liu Shan, swore an oath to protect the innocent with my life."


    His head lifts to look at Yue Ling, and although he wasn¡¯t able to cry, he was able to make tears swell up in his eyes.


    "If anyone is to me, it is me. I am willing to take all punishment given."


    Yue Ling: "..."


    Yue Ling was bbergasted by Liu Shan¡¯s pitiful acting. She unfolds her arms and pinches the space between her eyebrows.


    She needed to do this, or else she willugh. She wasn¡¯t going to punish him for bringing in a stranger, but he made her look like a bad person.


    However, thinking about Liu Shan¡¯s words, she was rather proud to call him her assistant and friend. Instead of dragging the others in, he takes all the me.


    "That¡¯s enough. I only wanted-"


    "Wait."


    Before she could finish her sentence, Liu Shan cuts her off. Her hand lowers, and she arches an eyebrow.


    Liu Shan gulped at interrupting his boss but taking her silence as a cue to continue, he reaches inside for his pocket. He takes out his phone, unlocks it, and hands it to her.


    "I have proof that the kid is innocent."


    " ..."


    Yue Ling really didn¡¯t what to think now. She felt like a judge, and Liu Shan was awyer trying to defend his case.


    She heaves a long sigh to clear her mind. She was already aware of why


    she and Lu Tian¡¯s subordinates went to Red Moon. She isn¡¯t angry with them for doing so, nor is she mad about the stranger in her house.


    After all, she trusts her subordinates and knows that they won¡¯t carelessly bring someone dangerous around.


    "I can tell that he is innocent."


    She knew at a nce that Liu Ye was innocent. Although the young man was confused and scared of what was happening, he reminded her of Gu Ting.


    However, not wanting Liu Shan¡¯s pleading act to go to waste, she takes the phone from him.


    "I¡¯m not angry that you brought a stranger here. I just wanted to hear your reason."


    Her indifferent expression returns to its usual calm and warm look. She looks down at the phone, and she scans the screen with her thumb every so often, scrolling up. The information was a rough detail of Liu Ye and his current situation.


    However, the more she read, her expression darkens.


    Her fingers clench tightly onto the phone, but she calms herself. A little more pressure and she was sure she would break the phone.


    No one should ever experience such a horrible fate.


    She handed it back to Liu Shan and stood up from her seat.


    "Find out all the details and send it to my phone."


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t get up, but his head follows her every move. He was confused by many things.


    Isn¡¯t his boss angry with him? Why does she need more information on Liu Ye? What about his punishment?


    Unable to read her mind, he gathers himself together and follows after her.


    "What are you going to do?"


    Yue Ling kept a casual pace and nce sideways at Liu Shan, who had caught up to her. She gives him a smile that reaches her eyes.


    "I¡¯m going to meet our little stranger."


    She shrugs her shoulders and walks towards the stairs to go down. Behind her, Liu Shan had stopped in his steps and stare with slightly wide eyes at her.


    He couldn¡¯t help but shiver in remembrance of her smile. It was a smile that can swoon any person¡¯s heart, but at the same time, it looked so deadly.


    Are they in trouble? What will happen to Liu Ye?


    His head lowers to his hand, and he stares at his phone. He had gathered enough information about Liu Ye, but his boss wants more. Could it be that there are some details he had missed?


    Downstairs in the dining room, Liu Ye sat at the table. He was surrounded by the members of Alpha Team and Wolf Team. He watched as everyone talked amongst each other while eating the food on the table.


    As an outsider, he was baffled by the appearances of the people in front of him.


    Some looked beyond terrifying. Even more so than the people he encountered in Red Moon. As for the others, they looked refined and fashionable.


    However, what took him by surprise the most was that everyone got along like a big family.


    He knows that each individual is vital from what happenedst night, but the air around them wasn¡¯t like Red Moon.


    Remembering his brief encounter with Yue Ling, he was even more confused. Why is the well-known retired supermodel hanging around people like this?


    "Hey kid, what¡¯s wrong with you? Is the food not to your liking?"


    Before his thoughts on the situation could deepen, Jiangyu¡¯s voice sounds from across the table. He looks at the bulky man but quickly averts his eyes in fear of being rude.


    Not only that, out of everyone here, Jiangyu was the most intimidating one. However, he did not know that there is one other person he has yet to meet, and that person is Lu Tian.


    Jiangyu frowns, making his already scary expression even scarier. He looks behind his left shoulder then right shoulder. He was sure their eyes met, but why did the kid reacted like he saw a ghost?


    As he looks over his right shoulder, he sees Yiqing walking up behind him with a te of food in hand, ready to sit down and eat.


    His frown deepens, unaware that it was actually him who scared Liu Ye.


    "Yiqing, you idiot. Look at what you did. Your face frightened the kid so much he can¡¯t even eat."


    Yiqing: "..."


    Yiqing¡¯s steps faltered, but he was quick to steady himself. He walks up to the table and pulls a chair to sit down.


    He doesn¡¯t look at Jiangyu but picks up his chopsticks and calmly eats his food.


    "I think you should look in the mirror. Between you and me, I look like an angel while you look like a hooligan."


    Jiangyu: "..."

 Chapter 828 - Mother

    <h4>Chapter 828 - Mother</h4>


    At the dining table, Yi qing continues to eat his food calmly. He paid no attention to the fuming Jiangyu sitting next to him. However, looking at the boy seated across from him, he stops eating and grins.


    "l¡¯m Yiqing. If this scary man over here is giving you a tough time, just let his tamer know."


    By tamer, he was referring to the little monkey, Ju Suo.


    Jiangyu¡¯s face reddens as embarrassment reces his anger. He wanted to retort back at Yiqing, but knowing that Ju Suo was in the kitchen a few feet away, he could only try to calm himself down.


    It was best not to cause trouble and make his woman angry. If she gets mad, no one can stop her from hurting Yiqing.


    He inhales a deep breath and decides to ignore Ying ing. He looks at Liu Ye and grins a smile that reaches his eyes.


    "Hey kid, l¡¯m Jiangyu. I may look scary, but don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t pick on the innocent. Anyways, you should eat while the food is still warm."


    Liu Ye didn¡¯t understand why they were nice to him. He was a stranger they had only met and barely held a conversation.


    However, for some reason, he felt a sense of relief.


    His head nods in understanding, and he looks at the te of food in front of him. It has been so long since he had a proper meal.


    A very faint smile curls on his trembling lips as his eyes turned moist. Not wanting the others to see him this way and pity him, he keeps his head down. He picks up his chopsticks and eats the food Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang prepared him.


    He could tell from his first bite that the food was from an expensive restaurant. The food melted in his mouth, and he began to eat like a person who had been starving for years.


    However, with each bite that he took, he wanted to cry more.


    He is here eating this delicious meal, but what about his sibling? Are they eating well? Does his father hit them when drunk?


    Yue Ling arrived downstairs, and her heart turns warm at the sight of her home crowd with people. This scene reminded her of the past before Fate left the underworld.


    Her bluish-green eyes scan the crowd, and without needing to look for long, she spots a person. Although everyone surrounds the person, she knew that he must feel like an outsider.


    She stops in front of a chair and pulls it back before casually taking a seat. She stares at the young man and sighs with a soft smile.


    "Hi."


    Liu Ye was about to take another bite of his food when he sees a figure from the corner of his eyes. He doesn¡¯t dare to look at the person but froze in ce as the person sits down on the chair to his left.


    He was taken back by this because the chairs to his left and right had been empty.


    However, suddenly hearing an angelic voice greet him, he was even more surprised.


    "Hello..."


    He returns the greeting in a quiet voice and lifts his head to look at the person. He only wanted to take a slight nce. However, the second he saw the person¡¯s face, he felt like time had stopped.


    Yue Ling knew she had surprised him but doesn¡¯t too much into it. She has encountered this situation too many times to remember since she kept her personal life hidden from the world.


    "l¡¯m Han Yue Ling."


    She smiles a soft sigh and nces down at Liu Ye¡¯s te of food.


    "Is the food here to your liking? If it is, you can grab more."


    Liu Ye could only stare at Yue Ling in silence. He was stuck in a daze as he remembers seeing her while he was being stuffed in the closet by Liu Shan and Xu Long.


    He thought he might have mistaken the person since he only saw her for a brief second. However, to see her again and up close, he can confirm that he wasn¡¯t seeing things.


    The person in front of him right now is definitely Han Yue Ling. His favorite idol, who retired from the modeling world only to return as the mysterious designer of De L¡¯amour and CEO of An Qing.


    He blinks his eyes as he returns from his daze. Remembering where he was, he averts eyes with Yue Ling and looks down at the table.


    "It¡¯s nice to meet you, Miss Han. I am Liu Ye. I¡¯m sorry for being in your home without your permission."


    He slowly put his chopsticks down and held his hands on hisp.


    "The food here is delicious..."


    His eyes quiver as he wasn¡¯t sure if he was rude.


    "I¡¯m sorry for being rude. I can leave right away."


    During his time at Red Moon, whether he was asking a question or answering, he would often get beat up in return. Tao Meng and his men would reason that he was rude and bothersome.


    Ever since then, he would keep quiet and kept his head down in fear of being beaten to death.


    Yue Ling¡¯s smile disappears, and she could only stare at Liu Ye. Neither she nor the young man noticed that the room and everyone near had their attention directed at them upon hearing the small conversation.


    With eyes never leaving the young man, a small smile curls on Yue Ling¡¯s face again.


    "You didn¡¯t do anything that needs apologizing."


    Even without asking, from the report Liu Shan had shown her, she was able to guess that life for Liu Ye hasn¡¯t been easy.


    She raises her hand closest to him and gently pats his head.


    "No one is ever going to hurt you again."


    Liu Ye stiffened when he saw her hand raise out to him. He thought Yue Ling was going to hit him, but to another surprise, she was patting his head.


    Her words and the feeling he got from her felt like an older sister caring for her younger brother.


    A feeling he has never felt before since he is the oldest of his siblings.


    His eyes gradually turn moist as tears began to form, but he presses his lips together to keep himself from crying. He shouldn¡¯t cry in front of the people who are treating him like a human being.


    However, as much as he fought his tears, Yue Ling¡¯s following words made his lips tremble, and his tears found their way out as he sobs.


    "Everything will be okay from now on."


    Everyone remained silent as they felt an unexinable feeling stir inside them from Yue Ling and Liu Ye¡¯s conversation. Some wanted to cry with the boy, while others were able to control their emotions.


    Jiangyu and Yiqing watched the scene unfold and were touch by Yue ling¡¯s words full of warmth. When they saw Liu Ye cry, they couldn¡¯t help but felt tears fill their eyes.


    Both men stare at theirdy boss, and their lower lips uncontrobly tremble as they choke a sob without any tears.


    Jiangyu: "Mommy..."


    Yiqing: "Mother..."


    Yue Ling¡¯s hand patting Liu Ye¡¯s head froze when she heard Jiangyu and Yiqing¡¯s words. She thought she had heard wrong and turned her head to look at them.


    She was at a loss by everyone¡¯s direct eye contact, but the moment her eyes locked on the two men¡¯s seat across from her, she was beyond dumbfounded. She didn¡¯t need to ask either man to repeat their words because the look on their face said it all.


    Jiangyu and Yiqing were staring at her with bright eyes full of admiration like little boys proud of their mother.


    "Uh..."


    "What¡¯s going on here?"


    Just as she unknowingly makes a sound, a deep and familiar voice intervenes from behind everyone. She decides to turn a blind eye to everyone¡¯s gazes and looks at the owner of the voice.


    She was able to spot the person quickly, and her lips are up into a big smile.


    "Tian."


    Lu Tian had only walked in after inspecting the renovations that had finished. He saw that everyone was eating the food they bought from Elegancy but was amused to see each person seemingly distracted.


    He followed their gazes and saw that his wife was the cause. However, having passed only two people, he notices her hand was on the head of a person he has never seen before.


    His brows furrow as hees back to his senses, and he walks up to his wife and the young man. He takes a seat next to her and stares at the boy with a face void of any emotions.


    "Who is this?"


    No one told him that there was a stranger in his and his wife¡¯s home.

 Chapter 829 - A guest

    <h4>Chapter 829 - A guest</h4>


    The entire house was engulfed in silence the moment Lu Tian entered the room. No one dares to utter a word, let alone breathe.


    Unlike everyone, Yue Ling didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at Lu Tian¡¯s behavior. He reminded her of a gangster boss questioning his wife on the pet she picked up for some odd reason.


    She quickly brushes the thought away and smiles with her teeth at him.


    "This is Liu Ye. He is a guest in our home."


    Lu Tian remained unfazed and nodded his head in greeting at Liu Ye, but he didn¡¯t forget to nce at Jiangyu, Yiqing, and Xu Long. His silent contact with the eyes was enough to send a chill to the three men and everyone who saw.


    His men didn¡¯t hesitate to look away as they knew there would be many questions need to answerter.


    He looks back at his wife again, and he gives her a soft smile. It was as if the expression on his face never changed.


    "He¡¯s a guest if my wife says so."


    His words fell in a calm tone as he raises his hand closest to his wife. His movement was like he was putting his arm on her back of her chair.


    However, instead of doing so, his hand stretches past her back and takes hold of her wrist.


    He moves Yue Ling¡¯s hand that was still on Liu Ye¡¯s head with little force. His other hand also reaches towards her and helps put her hand on herp before holding it in ce.


    "We¡¯ve been separated for too long. I want to hold your hand."


    "..."


    Yue Ling and everyone in the house stared at Lu Tian with heavy eyelids.


    His words sounded natural, like a husband caring for his wife. However, his actions were that of a jealous man annoyed that his woman is touching another person.


    Yue Ling shakes her head with a long sigh but doesn¡¯t say anything. They were away from each other for a little more than thirty minutes. Not only that, they were in the same house.


    How can he say they have were separated for too long?


    However, knowing that he is obviously eating vinegar, she decides it was best not to add oil to the fuel.


    Although Lu Tian was aware of how everyone was looking at him, he didn¡¯t care about it. He calmly stands up from his seat and ces a kiss on his wife¡¯s forehead as he is aware his wife doesn¡¯t like the attention.


    "I¡¯ll go see if there¡¯s enough food for everyone."


    He walks away, leaving everyone dumbstruck ed by his sudden shameless nesses, including his wife.


    Liu Shan stood in the distance with his mouth hung open as he didn¡¯t know what to think. He was worried about Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s reaction towards Liu Ye being in their home.


    However, it seems like he was overthinking the situation.


    He remembers something and looks at Xu Long, who stood next to him. He pats the man on the shoulder and heaves a sigh with his head slowly shaking.


    "I survived my boss all on my own. Now, it¡¯s your turn to survive, your boss."


    Xu Long doesn¡¯t look at Liu Shan but stares with wide eyes in the direction his boss had gone. After what felt like an entire day had gone by, his head slowly turns to look at the assistant.


    "Your..."


    His lower lip gradually trembles like he was on the verge of crying.


    "Your mother... Can you ask her to help me?"


    Liu Shan kept a straight face but inside, he was beyond dumbfounded than he already is. Others may think Xu Long was going mad with his unexpected question, but he (Liu Shan) knew better than anyone.


    He raises his hand and touches his chin as his lips pursed like he was thinking.


    "My mother?"


    His shoulders quiver and he scoffs a light chuckle before looking at the dining table.


    He doesn¡¯t make eye contact and turns his head back to Xu long.


    "I can see why you want "my mother¡¯s" help. She is a very preeminent woman."


    He emphasized the words, ¡¯my mother,¡¯ as he confidently spoke like he was considering helping Xu Long. However, in the next moment, he shrugs one shoulder and nonchntly walks away.


    "But you¡¯re on your own on this one."


    He would have helped since he thought they were close but remembering what happened in the room earlier, he thought wrong.


    Apparently, they weren¡¯t close enough since Xu Long ignored his cry for help when it came to his (Liu Shan) survival against ¡¯his mother,¡¯ also known as his boss.


    As Liu Shan walks away, Xu Long¡¯s bbergasted face followed the man.


    His (Xu long) eyes thennd on Lin Hui, and they make eye contact.


    A bright light shes in his eyes, and he grins mischievously.


    However, quickly as that light came, it was put out at the same speed.


    Lin Hui acted like he never saw Xu Long and scurries away in the direction Liu Shan had gone. As he did this, he didn¡¯t forget to pull Qi Li along with him.


    Xu Long: "..."


    Xu Long was left alone in a dumbfounded state with his shoulders slumped downwards, and he looks at the other two people mentioned along with him.


    Seeing how Jiangyu and Yiqing were oblivious to the misfortune that was going to befall them, he could only sob on the inside.


    "That¡¯s it... We¡¯re dead. We¡¯re really going to die. Die, I tell you."


    If he knew he would end up in this situation and receive Lu Tian¡¯s wrath, he wouldn¡¯t have taken part in Liu Shan¡¯s idea of bringing Liu Ye here.


    Now, he can only pray that his boss shows them the same mercy as hisdy boss.


    While Xu Long thinks about exining the situation to Lu Tian, everyone else continues with what they were doing.


    Yue Ling stood up from her seat after confirming that Liu Ye had calmed down. She decided to use this opportunity to find Liu Shan and the others. She wanted to hear a better understanding of Liu Ye¡¯s situation, along with the details regarding Red Moon.


    She turns her head slightly to look at the young man as a soft smile curls on her face as her lips part.


    "I hope you enjoy the food. You are more than wee to grab another te."


    "Thank you."


    Liu Ye quickly thanked Yue Ling when he saw that she was leaving. He looks down at his te of food and picks up his chopsticks to continue eating.


    As a guest here, he shouldn¡¯t waste food and be grateful that he can eat.


    However, inside, his mind was pondering about everything that happened.


    He has indeed calmed down from Yue Ling¡¯s motherly touch and words, but the reason was because of Lu Tian. Before, he thought Jiangyu was the scariest person present, but he undoubtedly wrong.


    It was actually Lu Tian.


    The aloof man didn¡¯t say much, and he was wellposed. However, anyone can feel the pure air of coldness and jealously that protrude from him (Lu Tian).


    It was as if a blizzard suddenly engulfed the entire house.


    Across the table, Yiqing notices Liu Ye was instead eating quicker than before. He chuckles and pours a cup of tea set on the table for the boy.


    "With that kind of speed, you¡¯re going to choke on your food."


    His arm stretches forward, and he passes the cup of tea to Liu Ye.


    "No one is going to steal from you here."


    The second hisst word fell, Jiangyu didn¡¯t hesitate to chime in with a huge grin.


    "That¡¯s right. You¡¯re in good hands now. No one can force you to do anything you don¡¯t want or take anything from you."


    He pats his chest like a strong and righteous man.


    "If someone like the people of Red Moon gives you a hard time, just tell me. I¡¯ll give them a good beating for you."

 Chapter 830 - Catching up to them

    <h4>Chapter 830 - Catching up to them</h4>


    As Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s home¡¯s renovation waspleted without any disturbances, everyone¡¯s days off alsoes to an end. While the people of Imperial prepare for their day, the couple had already arrived at theirpanies.


    Inside De L¡¯amour, all was quiet as Yue Ling sat alone in her office. Her long dark hair is tied up in a sleek and high ponytail. Using the time of early arrival, she overlooks some doc.u.ments.


    She wore a mid-length white zer with a ck satin dress. Tied around her waist was a gold chain belt as her feet wore a pair of ckce-up stiletto sandal heels.


    * knock knock


    Just as she flips a page, a soft knock sounds from the door. She doesn¡¯t


    answer or look up from the doc.u.ments as the door slowly pushes open.


    "Boss? You¡¯re here early."


    The assistant pokes his head in first then enters the room. In his right hand is a tablet, while in his left hand is a folder. He thought he would be the first to get to work, but it turned out he was a few minuteste.


    When he saw what was in Yue Ling¡¯s hands, he sighs inside and walks over to her desk.


    "Well, what do you think? Will that information be enough?"


    Yue Ling waited until Liu Shan stopped in front of her desk before calmly setting the doc.u.ments down. She looks up at her assistant without any changes in her expression.


    She doesn¡¯t answer him quickly but looks back down at the doc.u.ments. She leans back on her chair and ponders for a long second.


    She can understand why he had asked the question.


    These doc.u.ments were important in today¡¯s schedule since she will finally make her appearance at An Qing as the CEO.


    "They¡¯re enough."


    Hearing her response, Liu Shan sighs in relief. He swore it was as if someone had lifted a massive weight off his shoulders. Even he could feel his legs turn weak from the relief he was feeling.


    "Thank goodness."


    He wipes away the invisible sweat on his forehead with the back of his hand holding the tablet.


    "I was afraid it wouldn¡¯t be enough."


    From the moment Yue Ling mentioned going to Ah Qing, he had done everything he could to dig further information on specific people.


    Although they had already taken care of some shakes within An Qing, they will still have to face the board of directors nted by Chen Limei.


    Knowing these people won¡¯t be easy to deal with, he was a little nervous. However, now he is confident by his boss¡¯s words.


    Yue ling knew what was on Liu Shan¡¯s mind. She doesn¡¯t reassure him again but nces at the tablet and folder in his hands.


    "What are those?"


    "Ah..."


    Liu Shan came to his consciousness at her words. He looked down at his hands and pursed his lips like he was hesitant to answer truthfully. However, he quickly makes his decision.


    "This is a few more information I gathered."


    After returning home from Yuet Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s ce, he decided to check if he could find any more helpful information his boss can use. Surprisingly, he really did.


    "The doc.u.ments in your hands are the information I found prior in helping us settle the score. However,st night, I dug deeper and found more of their deepest and darkest secrets."


    A dangerous sh in his eyes, and he takes a small step forward.


    "It seems like their past is catching up to them."


    He ces the tablet and folder on Yue Ling¡¯s desk then calmly takes an effort back.


    "This will shut them up for good."


    Yue Ling arches an eyebrow upon hearing his words. She could also see that behind his calm expression was anger. The kind of anger she saw once in the past.


    She stretches an arm forward and grabs hold of the tablet. She unlocks the screen and sees the information Liu Shan mentioned.


    Her eyes scan through each page with carefulness. However, the more she read, the temperature in the room seemed to drop drastically.


    After a long moment of silence past, she finishes looking through the details. She sets the tablet down, and a faint smile curls on her face.


    "Interesting..."


    Her one word was enough to let Liu Shan know that she approves of the current information. He straightens his spine and stuck his chest out with his hands held behind his back.


    "When have I ever failed you on good intel?"


    A dangerous yet mischievous light shes across his eyes as one corner of his lip arcs up.


    "Never."


    Yue Ling ignores his overly confident behavior and looks back down at the tablet.


    Even without this new information, they can dispose of the remaining snakes within An Qing. However, she is d Liu Shan was able to find more baggage to put on the table.


    It seems like Chen Limei wasn¡¯t the only one involved in Chen Yifeng¡¯s death.


    She nces at the remaining folder Liu Shan ced on her desk. There was no need for her to look inside since she trusts Liu Shan will not let her down, but she still reaches for it.


    As she scans through the doc.u.ments inside, she remembers something and asks without looking up.


    "How is Liu Ye doing?"


    Liu Shan pursed his lip like he was thinking hard on his answer.


    "He¡¯s fine. He¡¯s with Lin Hui after all."


    The space between Yue ling¡¯s eyebrows creases, and she looks up from the folder.


    "Lin Hui?"


    Liu Shan knew why she was confused about his response. He nods his head to answer before exhaling a deep sigh.


    "We decided it was best for Liu Ye to stay with Lin Hui."


    After the renovation, he (Liu Shan), Xu Long, and Lin Hui thought it was best not to leave Liu Ye with their bosses. Their original n was to have the young man stay with Xu Long since Manager Luo heavily guards Jade condos.


    However, at thest minute, Lin Hui decided it was best to have Liu Ye stay with him since Liu Shan and Xu Long have to work.


    Yue Ling stares at Liu Shan for a long second. She could see that he was telling the truth and doesn¡¯t question him further. Instead, she asks a question she had wanted to ask since yesterday.


    "Liu Ye has the same surname as you. Are you both by chance rted?"


    Liu Shan blinks his eyes at the unexpected question. He sighs with a faint smile and shakes his head no.


    "If we were rted, I would have never let him and his siblings live such a hard life."


    His hand curls into tight fists, and his nails dug into his palms.


    "No one should ever experience the suffering they¡¯re going through."


    Yue Ling could cope with Liu Shan¡¯s words. Whether a person is rted to her or not, she will not turn a blind eye if they are in need.


    Thus, she knew that is why Liu Shan decided to bring Liu Ye to her home.


    "What about his siblings?"


    Liu Shan¡¯s fists tighten more at the question. However, he closes his eyes to take a deep breath to calm his rising anger.


    "From what I found, he has two siblings, a 17-year-old sister, and a ten-year-old brother. I searched their personal lives. Ever since Red Moon took Liu Ye, there¡¯s been a list of hospital records on both children, especially the younger brother."


    His eyes dimmed as he spoke each word.


    "It looks like the father has shifted his anger to the kid. When questioned by authorities, he would say that children y and get hurt."


    Yue Ling listens attentively until the end. She slowly closes her eyes to steady her feelings.


    "Call the Ji Mansion. Tell my grandfather or Housekeeper Hu. I need Ting¡¯s help."


    As she opens her eyes again, a dangerous glint of light shed across her face.


    "Once the meeting at An Qing settles, have Lin Hui send Liu Ye home."


    Liu Shan nods his head in understanding at the request of Ting. However, he soon furrows his eyebrows in confusion in regards to Liu Ye.


    Why would she send Liu Ye home despite knowing his situation?


    However, just as he asked the question in his head, Yue Ling¡¯s following words eased his thoughts.


    "We¡¯ll be paying his father a little visit."

 Chapter 831 - Jiang Shengyi

    <h4>Chapter 831 - Jiang Shengyi</h4>


    The time arrived when the employees of De L¡¯amour came to work. Liu Shan had returned to his office, while Yue Ling remained in her own.


    * Ring ring


    She was typing on herputer keyboard when her work phone rings loudly. She doesn¡¯t look away from the monitor but presses the speaker button.


    "Yue Ling here."


    [ "CEO Han, Miss Jiang is here. Would you like me to have her sent to the waiting room?"]


    De L¡¯amour¡¯s receptionist Sophia spoke from the other line. When Yue Ling heard her words, she nces at the time on herputer before returning to what she was doing.


    "Send her up to the conference room."


    [Yes, ma¡¯am."]


    The call ends, and Yue Ling¡¯s fingers over the keyboard pause. She steadily got up from her chair and walked toward the door.


    The second she opened the door, Liu Shan greeted her. He had one


    arm raised with a posture like he was going to knock.


    She stares at him with an arched eyebrow but walks past him as she knew why he was standing in front of her office.


    "She¡¯s here."


    Liu Shan was still in shock about what just happened. He swore his boss was physic since she opened the door like she knew he wasing to meet her.


    However, hearing her sudden words, he frowns with pouting lips as he knows who is the ¡¯she¡¯ his boss mentioned. Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to follow after her.


    "ls it time already?"


    He nces down at his wristwatch and seeing the time he nods his head


    approvingly.


    "Wow. She¡¯s here early."


    His words fell, and he recalls a certain someone. His face contorted with disgust as he spat his words.


    "Unlike that good for nothing Ming Yue, who is alwayste but ims she was the first one here."


    Remembering all the things Ming Yue did in the past made him want to cough blood due to anger. However, since his boss hasn¡¯t mentioned her since she disappeared, he will stay quiet for now.


    After all, he and Yue Ling know where she (Ming Yue) is precisely hiding.


    He brushes away all the thoughts andes to his senses. When he did, they had arrived in front of the elevator. He naturally stretches an arm to press the button, but Yue Ling moved faster before he could make a move.


    "..."


    His head slowly turns to look at her. Seeing her calm expression, he lightly shook his head. How could he forget? She may be his superior, but she isn¡¯t the type to wait for others to press the elevator button for her.


    "If you have a question to ask, don¡¯t hesitate."


    Yue Ling spoke without looking at Liu Shan. She knew what he was on his mind as he would asionally remind her to act like a CEO. However, she is never one to ce herself above those who are inferior to her.


    Whether it is opening the door, pressing an elevator button, make a cup of tea or coffee, she won¡¯t bother others with simple things. She can do these herself.


    Liu Shan snorts a faint chuckle in sarcasm. He looks away from her and stares at the elevator door.


    "What question is there to ask when you already answered it with your expression."


    * ding-


    Hisst word fell, and the elevator arrives at their floor. The door slides open, and disregarding his inferior position as Yue Ling¡¯s assistant, he takes a big step inside.


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t say anything but shakes her head and follows in after him.


    As the boss and assistant head down the elevator, Secretary Jiang patiently waited in the conference room.


    She wore a in ck suit dress with simple ck heels. Her hair was put in a low bun behind her nape, and a few strands of loose hair framed her face.


    Her entire being gave off a professional yet elegant air. However, she was


    often ly ncing at the wall clock.


    "Did I arrive too early?"


    The appointed time Yue Ling told her was 10 am. However, having been a secretary at Fang Fabrics for a few years, she always came to work an hour early. She did this because she didn¡¯t want to be ridiculed by her boss as ipetent and liked to be ahead of schedule to overlook assignments that she might have missed the day before.


    As her thoughts began to trail further, she unknowingly bites her lower lip.


    What if Yue Ling finds her early arrival as a nuisance? Should she have arrived a littleter?


    *knock knock


    However, before she could get too deep in her thoughts, a knock interrupts her from the door.


    She turns her head to see it opening, and she quickly stood up from her seat, almost stumbling in her movements.


    Liu Shan enters the room first. He caught a glimpse of the way Secretary Jiang stood up but pretended he did not see anything.


    "Good morning, Miss Jiang."


    He greets her with an extensive and warm smile before taking a few steps away from the door.


    Upon seeing the assistant, Secretary Jiang was taken back by surprise. She had expected an interview with Yue Ling and not with Liu Shan, but knowing that Yue Ling is a busy person, she quickly brushes this thought aside.


    Her lips part in an attempt to return the greeting, but before she could greet the man back, she swallowed her words when she sees a familiar person.


    She held in her breath without realizing it and could only stare with slightly widened eyes.


    Yue Ling gracefully enters the room, and her bluish-green eyes quickly meet with Secretary Jiang¡¯s brown ones. On her face was a small but warm smile.


    "Hello, Miss Jiang. It¡¯s a great pleasure to meet you again. I hope there was no troubleing here."


    Hearing her words, Secretary Jiang¡¯s shoulders that had gone stiffed slowly rxed, and she remembers to breathe.


    She shakes her head in answer and to get rid of her previous thoughts.


    "Good morning, Miss Han. Please call me Jiang Shengyi."


    Yue Ling smiles at the woman in front of her. She can see From a nce that Jiang Shengyi will not disappoint her in the future.


    However, since she (Jiang Shengyi) is taking the position as her (Yue Ling) secretary, she (Yue Ling) will have to test her (Jiang Sheng yi) capabilities.


    "From ourst meeting, I¡¯m sure you are acquainted with the current situation I am with An Qing."


    She walks up to the main seat in the room and sits down. As she did so, she didn¡¯t forget to gesture for Jiang Shengyi to take a seat.


    "I have a meeting at An Qing in an hour. Given that today is your first day here, I hope you do not mind attending with me."


    Her eyes never moved from the woman as her words continue.


    "If you find this difficult for you, I will not hold you ountable for your decision as this is ast-minute notice."


    Jiang Shengyi was at a loss as she didn¡¯t expect to be assigned an important task on her first day at work.


    However, she cannot disappoint Yue Ling since she (Yue Ling) specifically chose her to be her (Yue Ling) secretary.


    She inhales a deep silent breath and straightens her posture. Her expression turns serious with eyes locked on Yue Ling.


    "As long as you find me worthy, I will do my best to assist you."


    Yue Ling responds with a satisfied smile. Her head turns to Liu Shan and


    she sends him a slight nod.


    Upon seeing the signal, Liu Shan walks over to Jiang Shengyi. He ces a small stack of doc.u.ments on the table in front of her.


    As he moves back, Yue Ling began to exin.


    "In front of you is the contract agreement between your employment and De L¡¯amour. Please read it thoroughly before signing. If you are unsatify with anything, I can make some arrangements."


    She calmly stands up from her seat as her words continue.


    "Our meeting wille to an end here as I have to make rounds. However, Assistant Liu will be here to assist you if you have any further questions regarding the contract."


    Without waiting for a response from either person, she leaves the conference room first.


    Jiang Shengyi was in quite the shock. She thought the interview would be more extended, but it was unexpectedly short and quick. However, she can tell that Yue Ling is actually serious despite her calm andposed demeanor.


    As she begins reading through the contract, Liu Shan stood not too far with observing eyes.


    At first, he couldn¡¯t understand why Yue Ling would hire someone like Jiang Shengyi. However, after doing some investigating, he understood.


    Everyone from De L¡¯amour is from Fate. She (Yue Ling) wants the opinion of someone who is not associated with the underworld.


    And Jiang Shengyi is that person. A woman with expertise in both the fashion and business industry.


    However, her talent was obstructed by President Fang, who fail to recognize great talent.

 Chapter 832 - Ready to go

    <h4>Chapter 832 - Ready to go</h4>


    Yue Ling finished making her rounds within De L¡¯amour and makes her way to her office. She allowed Liu Shan to take over Jiang Shengyi¡¯s interview because she wanted him to see why she chose the woman to be her secretary.


    * Ding


    The elevator chimes in arrival, and the door slides open. She steps out of the metal box but arches an eyebrow at the scene in front of her.


    Standing not too far ahead was Liu Shan. He was patiently waiting for Yue Ling while reading through some doc.u.ments. When he heard the elevator, he looks up and calls out to her.


    "Boss."


    He strides over to her and hands her the doc.u.ment he was reading.


    "The interview was a sess. Here is the signed contract."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t stop in her steps but continue towards her office as she takes the contract from her assistant.


    "What do you think?"


    Hearing her sudden question, Liu Shan pursed his lip in pondering. Then, after a long second, he shrugs one shoulder with a nonchnt expression.


    "She¡¯s not bad. She meets all the criteria to be your secretary, and she¡¯s epted everything listed in the contract."


    As the boss and assistant converse, the two soon arrive in front of Yue Ling¡¯s office. She opens the door but pauses when her palm touched the door handle.


    She slightly turns to look at Liu Shan when she remembers something.


    "Where is Miss Jiang? Why wasn¡¯t she sitting at the secretary¡¯s desk?"


    Liu Shan smiles a small sigh. Jiang Shengyi has already secured the secretary position. In typical situations, she should have been shown to her new working space but, instead, she made an unexpected request.


    "Miss Jiang is currently overlooking the information regarding today¡¯s meeting. She requested that we show her to the secretary desk after returning."


    Yue Ling nods her head in understanding. Judging from Liu Shan¡¯s words, it seems Jiang Shengyi wants her to wait and see whether she (Jiang Shengyi) is worthy of being her (Yue Ling) secretary.


    Of course, if she didn¡¯t find the woman worthy enough, she would have never offered the position when they met at Fang Fabrics.


    However, since this is a request from Jiang Sheng yi, she will approve.


    After all, it doesn¡¯t hurt to see what the woman is capable of doing since a


    secretary is an essential role in apany.


    Yue Ling cast all thoughts aside and push opens the door. She gives a quick order before entering her office.


    "We leave in 15 minutes."


    Liu Shan watched as Yue Ling disappears inside her office and the door shuts. He remained unmoving for a long second beforeing back to his senses.


    He inhales a deep breath then turns away in the direction of his office. Gathering all the doc.u.ments needed for the meeting, he couldn¡¯t help but pray inside that Jiang Shengyi will not disappoint them.


    The fifteen-minute mark arrived in a blink of an eye as Yue Ling and Liu Shan were prepared to leave. But, unlike the boss and assistant duo, Jiang Shengyi remained in the conference room.


    She had read through the information Liu Shan had given her and memorized each word. She nces at the wall clock in the room and contemted if she should continue waiting in the room or head down to the first floor to wait.


    *knock knock


    Just as the thought of what to do crossed her mind, a knock sounds at the door. She quickly stood up as it opens and she sees Liu Shan.


    "Oh, did I surprise you?"


    Liu Shan asks with a friendly smile, and Jiang Shengyi shook her head. He


    takes a small step inside the room but doesn¡¯t enter further in.


    His smile widens but did not reach his eyes, and he exins the situation.


    "Miss Jiang, if you are ready, we¡¯re ready to leave."


    Jiang Sheng Yi didn¡¯t get angry but nods her head in understanding. She turns to face the table and collects the slightly scattered doc.u.ments.


    She turns back to face Liu Shan, and her calm expression changed into a serious one.


    "Please lead the way, Mr. Liu."


    A soft chuckle escaped Liu Shan¡¯s smile when he heard the honorifics in Jiang Shengyi¡¯s words. He stuck one palm out to her as if to stop her.


    "You¡¯re too polite. You can call me Liu Shan or Assistant Liu like everyone else here at De L¡¯amour."


    Jiang Sheng yi was taken back by surprise. She could only blink her eyes and stare at the assistant.


    Her only thought at the moment was, ¡¯are they close enough to be calling each other by name?¡¯


    Her thoughts had yet to travel when she sees Liu Shan walk out of the


    conference room. She quickly gathers herself together and follows after him.


    She decides that she will call him Assistant Liu instead of his full name.


    As she follows Liu Shan out of the conference room, she notices that he


    was dressed differently from when she first arrived at De L¡¯amour.


    Liu Shan had changed into a ck hanfu that reached his thighs with


    his white dress shirt cor out. Secured around his waist were a


    ck patent leather waist belt and jade pendant attached near the


    side. He had tucked the bottom of his ck cks inside hisbat


    boots.


    Unlike his formal appearance from before, this new 100k made him look


    like a warrior from ancient times.


    When he heard only silence from behind him, he slightly turns his head


    to the side to look at Jiang Shengyi.


    "Is something wrong?"


    Jiang Shengyi was quickly brought back to her senses. she shakes her


    head in response, but deep down, she wanted to praise all the


    employees at De L¡¯amour.


    When she arrived, she noticed that each person who walked through the front entrance had their unique style. Even she couldn¡¯t help but feel like she was not attending an interview but at a live fashion show.


    Oblivious to her thoughts, Liu Shan doesn¡¯t pry into her sudden silence.


    Instead, he looks away and continues to lead her in the direction of the


    elevator.


    On the first floor, Yue Ling looks through some doc.u.ments as Qi Li stood


    next to her. She was about to turn a page when she hears the elevator chime, and she lifts her head in the direction.


    "Boss, we¡¯re ready to go."


    Liu Shan greets Yue Ling as he and Jiang Shengyi near her and Qi Li.


    She (Yue Ling) nods her head and closes the folder in her hands before


    passing it over to Qi Li.


    She nces at Jiang Sheng yi and smiles a friendly smile.


    "I know this is sudden for you, but if you change your mind, you are more


    than wee to stay here. I will ask a member from my design team to


    give you a tour until I return."


    Jiang Shengyi could tell that Yue Ling was considerate of her. She didn¡¯t mind a tour of De L¡¯amour since it¡¯ll give her a better understanding of thepany.


    However, that tour cane after once she proves her capabilities as


    a secretary.


    She looks straight into Yue Ling¡¯s eyes, and her expression turns serious.


    "Miss Han, I gave you my word, and I will not go back on them."


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t respond right away but stares at Jiang Shengyi as


    she could see through the woman. After what felt like an entire day


    had gone by but was only a second, her smile widens.


    "That¡¯s good to hear."


    She turns away and heads out the front door, but she stops and slightly turns to the side to look back at Jiang Shengyi.


    Her right hand raises a little, and she introduces Qi Li before walking away.


    "This is Qi Li. He is De L¡¯amour¡¯s ill.u.s.trator and part of my design team. He


    will be attending the meeting at An Qing with us."


    Qi Li greets a nod then follows Yue Ling. Behind, Jiang Shengyi could only stare in surprise.


    She noticed that Yue Ling wasn¡¯t alone, but she didn¡¯t look at the person. Now that she is, she has to admit that Qi Li is a very attractive


    man.


    Unlike Liu Shan, who gives off an amiable appearance, Qi Li has a dangerous aura that makes one afraid to get near.


    However, despite this feeling she had of him, she found his choice of


    style the opposite.


    He (Qi Li) wore sses that made him less scary, and he is dress like a hardworkingpany worker. The only difference was that he wore a turtleneck underneath and a ck hanfu almost identical to the one Liu Shan is wearing, but he had red spider lilies on his hanfu.


    "Miss Jiang? Are you alright? You seem to be quite distracted since you arrived."


    Liu Shan¡¯s voice suddenly sounds from the side and brought Jiang Shengyi back to her senses again. Her cheeks slightly flushed in embarrassment for her behavior, and she clears her throat.


    "Ah, I¡¯m sorry. I was a little lost in my thoughts."


    Hearing her response, Liu Shan faintly chuckles. He could read from her expression what she thought about Qi Li. However, he doesn¡¯t ask and follows in the direction Yue Ling and Qi Li had gone.


    "We should go too. A lot of people are expecting our arrival."


    Qi Li had driven a ck car to the front of the building. Jiang Shengyi gets inside the rear seat with Yue Ling while Liu Shan sits in the passenger seat.


    One corner of Liu Shan¡¯s lip arcs upward, and a glimmer of light shed across his eyes.


    "Alright, let¡¯s get the show on the road."


    Yue Ling gave no response but looked down at the doc.u.ments she was


    reading earlier from Qi Li. Like her, Qi Li¡¯s face remained expressionless as he drives the car in the direction of An Qing.


    However, only Jiang Shengyi was confused.


    She looks at the two men with a slight frown, then nces at Yue Ling.


    Seeing how her new boss was unfazed, she couldn¡¯t help but want to


    scratch the back of her head.


    Why does she have a feeling this meeting at An Qing isn¡¯t that of a


    regr meeting?

 Chapter 833 - Am I dependable?

    <h4>Chapter 833 - Am I dependable?</h4>


    While Yue Ling heads to An Qing, in another part of Imperial, Lu Tian sat in his office listening to Xu long give the daily report. However, his attention is towards the view of Imperial outside the window.


    "...and to sum up this report, Lu Corps is officially no longer associated with TB Corps and Industrial Group or any businesses involved with them."


    Xu Long stood in front of Lu Tian¡¯s desk with his eyes lowered to the tablet. When he finished giving his report, his hands fall to his side, and he looks up at his boss.


    "I think..."


    Before he could voice his opinion regarding the report he had given, his


    eyes turned heavy.


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes were focused on the window like any other day when he (Xu Long)es in to give the report. However, the difference this time is that he (Xu Long) can hear and see him (Lu Tian) sigh every few seconds.


    He (Xu Long) couldn¡¯t help but heave a long sigh and raises one hand to massage his forehead.


    "Boss, if you are too worry, why don¡¯t you just give thedy boss a call? If it were me, I would have long made the call."


    The second Xu Long¡¯sst word fell, Lu Tian¡¯s eyes shifts away from the


    window to the assistant.


    "It seems I¡¯ve been too lenient that you can speak your mind."


    "..."


    Xu Long stiffens in ce with lips tightly pressed together. He thought that his boss wouldn¡¯t hear him since he (Lu Tian) seemed to be immersed in his world.


    He chuckles sarcastically with an apologetic expression and scratches the back of his head.


    "I was just trying to help since you looked worried aboutdy boss."


    Lu Tian¡¯s eyes stayed on Xu Long for another second before looking back at the window. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh inside as his assistant was correct.


    He knows that his wife is on her way to An Qing to settle a score. Of course, it is expected within the business industry. However, anything regarding his wife makes him worry for her safety.


    What if the people at An Qing tries to make things difficult for his wife? Or what if they pretend to get on her good side only to betray herter?


    His brows crease together, and he looks back at Xu Long.


    "Am I dependable?"


    Xu Long was caught by surprise at the unexpected question. However,


    noticing the seriousness behind the frown on the aloof man¡¯s face, he quickly answers.


    "Of course. You are the most reliable, steadiest, and trustworthy person in


    the entire world."


    He puts on a stern expression letting his boss know that his words were


    nothing but the truth. He also didn¡¯t forget to give Lu Tian a thumbs up.


    "Anyone who needs your help can always count on you..."


    Lu Tian was slowly feeling relieved from his negative thoughts. However,


    Xu Long¡¯s following words pricked him, and his insides turn into that of a deted balloon.


    " ...when they want to rid all traces of someone."


    He stares at Xu long with a calm expression, but deep inside, he was dumbfounded to the core.


    "Are you implying that¡¯s the only reason why I¡¯m dependable?"


    "Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm."


    Xu long nods his head with eyes closed. Even his expression can be seen


    as one full of confidence in his answer.


    "One word from you and all traces of a person can disappear as if they never walked the earth."


    His words fell, and he suddenly feels a cold breeze brush past him. He opens his eyes and rubs his arms for warmth as he nces around the room.


    "Boss, did you open a window? Why did it suddenly get cold?"


    When he saw that no windows in the room were opened, he turned confused but quickly brushed the chilling breeze he felt seconds ago.


    He looks back at his boss, and it was at that moment, he knew where the cold breeze hade.


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression appears to be his usual indifference, but he (Xu Long) could see the burning menace behind his (Lu Tian) dark pupils.


    "Ah..."


    He (Xu Long) chuckles sarcastically and tries to maintain a friendly but crooked smile.


    "Of course, what I said doesn¡¯t always imply why you are dependable."


    He lets out another chuckle before continuing his words.


    "You are the most reliable person to thedy boss, but she must not want to trouble you with her situation."


    Lu Tian stares at his assistant with eyes that could pierce into one¡¯s soul. If possible, he even wishes to strangle Xu Long to death.


    How dare he (Xu Long) say that he (Lu Tian) is only dependable for getting rid of someone.


    He inhales a deep breath inside and res at Xu Long before shifting his attention back to the window.


    "Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve forgotten about how you hid Liu Ye from me."


    Xu Long was praying for his dear life when he realized his answer was too careless and not what his boss wanted to hear. He wished so badly to rewind to the past and choose a solution that would coax his boss.


    However, when he heard Lu Tian mention Liu Ye, it was as if someone had poured a bucket of ice-cold water on him.


    He could only stare in disbelief at his boss. He thought that Lu Tian had forgotten about the situation regarding Liu Ye.


    Another sarcastic chuckle escapes from his lips, and he massages the back of his neck.


    "Heh, heh. Of course, I know you wouldn¡¯t have forgotten about such an important matter."


    He lowers his hand and nces down at his empty wrist like he was checking the time.


    "Oh no. I¡¯mte. I have an appointment in my office with myself."


    He frantically made an excuse and didn¡¯t waste any time. He spun around and scurried away as if his life depended on it. He even lunges for the door handle but stops when he opened the door halfway.


    "Ah, I almost forgot."


    He turns his head just enough to see his boss.


    "Chief Kim called while you were in your morning meeting. Also, General Ji


    wants you to meet him for lunch."


    He found it strange that two important figures suddenly sought out his


    boss. However, as much as he wants to ask why, his current situation is dire, and he needs to escape.


    The door ms lightly after Xu Long makes his dramatic exit. Lu Tian


    remains unmoving with his eyes locked on the window as he stares


    at the outside view of the clear blue sky.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by but must have been


    only a few seconds, he looks away.


    His attention now on hisputer screen, he sighs aloud and leans back on his chair.


    He hates to admit it, but his assistant was right about him. He is a good businessman, but he is better when ites to erasing all traces of someone.


    His head tilts back, and he closes his eyes as if to think.


    He had asked his wife before leaving their house if she needed his help. However, she must have thought the same thing as Xu Long and refused


    his help.


    A faint chuckle escaped him when he thought about something. His eyes flutter open, and he sits up in his seat.


    He looks to the left of his office to where the portrait of his wife hung on the wall.


    His entire being softens, and he sighs with a smile.


    As much as he wants to help take some weight off his wife¡¯s shoulders, he has to remember who she is and what she can do. After all, she is as good as him when ites to business.


    "I hope you know that I will always be on your side."


    He spoke in a tone that was neither loud nor quiet. However, his eyes did not hide the unending love and doting he has for his wife.


    He gradually looks away from the portrait of his wife and takes out his phone. He unlocks the screen, dials a number then puts the phone near


    his ear.


    The line rang twice before it connects to the person he called.


    He may have looked like he wasn¡¯t listening earlier, but he heard everything Xu Long said before leaving the room.


    "It¡¯s me."


    His words fell before the other person, but like the other person had expected the call, a vague conversation soonmences.

 Chapter 834 - Investigate the situation

    <h4>Chapter 834 - Investigate the situation</h4>


    While the people of Imperial went on with their morning, a ck car stops in front of An Qing. The driver and passenger door open simultaneously, allowing Qi Li and Liu Shan to step out into the view.


    The two men¡¯s sudden appearance caused the surrounding people to look their way. Especially their attires that held a mixture of modern and ancient.


    "Oh, who are they? Why did they suddenly in front of An Qing?"


    "Look at the way they are dress. Can they be actors on their way to film a movie?"


    "No, I don¡¯t think so. They parked in front of An Qing, so they must be models."


    Quickly as the two fashionable men appear, whispers began to resonate from all directions. Some couldn¡¯t help but stay to watch, while others could only leave as they needed to reach their destination on time.


    "Eh, I wonder who¡¯s in the back seat? Is it a celebrity?"


    "I don¡¯t know, but if we stay, we¡¯ll be able to find out soon."


    Whispers continue from the curious crowd, but Liu Shan and Qi Li paid no mind to them. The assistant stops in front of the back door behind the passenger seat while Qi Li to the other side.


    Liu Shan leisurely pulls the door open as he naturally takes a few steps back. Following, a pair of slender legs step out of the car before a figure clothed in all whitees into view.


    "Oh my God! It¡¯s Han Yue Ling!"


    "Han Yue Ling has made an appearance in public! Did something happen?"


    "Wasn¡¯t it said that she¡¯s the real CEO of An Qing? Could this be why she is here?"


    Although an uproar of bystanders¡¯ voices can be heard, Yue Ling did not notice them. Like Liu Shan and Qi Li, she wasn¡¯t bothered by it and made her way towards her purpose-- An Qing.


    Behind her, the two men didn¡¯t wait and follow in pursuit. However, their demeanors changed from an assistant and ill.u.s.trator into bodyguards.


    As thest person in the group, Jiang Shengyi didn¡¯t forget to keep a close distance, but one can see a look of admiration in her eyes.


    She was genuinely amazed by the scene in front of her. Not from the attention of the crowd but Yue Ling¡¯s behavior.


    Yue Ling may no longer be a model from her understanding, but she is still a celebrity. However, unlike your usual celebrity who go out in public with bodyguards, there were none. Not only that, she (Yue Ling) seems unfazed by the people watching.


    As someone new to the group, she (Jiang Shengyi) felt she had made the right decision by leaving Fang Fabrics. The longer she stared at the back of the three figures walking in front of her, she couldn¡¯t help but feel like she traveled back in time.


    As Jiang Shengyi¡¯s thoughts wandered in her mind, she was quickly brought back to reality. Yue Ling¡¯s pace had slowed down until the two women were walking shoulder to shoulder.


    "Ah, CEO Han, is something the matter?"


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t look at Jiang Shengyi but continues in her steps. Her eyes remained in the direction in front of her.


    "A warning in advance."


    Her angelic voice softly sounds, and her eyes ever so lightly flutter. She stares at the tall building ahead, and her words continue.


    "This meeting will not be like your normal meetings in the past."


    Hearing this, Jiang Shengyi could only blink her eyes with a confused look on her face. She wanted to ask why, but seeing a strange look in Yue Ling¡¯s eyes, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to ask.


    "I understand. I will do my best not to disappoint you."


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes never faltered away from An Qing. The closer she got to the building she built from hard work, her bluish-green eyes darken like the deepest part of the Meditteranean sea.


    Quickly as they appeared, the four individuals disappear as they enter the doors of An Qing, leaving those who cannot enter curiously.


    The moment Yue Ling, Liu Shan, Qi Li, and Jiang Shengyi entered through the ss doors, a gust of blistering cold wind brushes past them.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyebrows furrow together at the coldness, and she stops in her steps. On her left, Qi Li pursed his lips while Jiang Shengyi couldn¡¯t help but rub her arms for warmth.


    "What¡¯s going on? Why is it so cold in here?"


    Standing on the right side of his boss, Liu Shan mutters with an expression like he had eaten something sour. He looks around and slightly leans towards Yue Ling.


    "Boss, is it just me, or does the temperature in here feel colder than outside?"


    His words entered Yue Ling¡¯s ears and remained there. She had thought the same thing when she felt the cold air upon entering.


    It was the middle of the cold season. What should feel like summer inside was like that of a frozenke.


    Her eyes nced around the ce, and she can see that every person going on with their work dressed warmly. Even the securities were in their coats and had scarves wrapped around their necks.


    "Qi Li."


    Hearing her call him, Qi Li turns to face her like a good subordinate waiting for instructions.


    "Yes, boss."


    "Investigate the situation."


    Yue Ling gives a quick order, and Qi Li nods his head before walking away from the group.


    Once his figure disappears from view, Yue Ling turns to the receptionist¡¯s desk. Her eyes quickly make contact with a middle-aged man ahead.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    As the three of them nears the front desk, the middle-aged man¡¯s expression drained of all colors. His entire being washes with panic, and he whispers a few words to a young woman sitting at the desk before storming away in a frantic.


    Liu Shan snorted at the sight of this and voiced his disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e.


    "Even after seeing us, how dare he not greet us. He must be on his way to warn those snakes."


    Yue Ling ignores the middle-aged man¡¯s behavior and continues toward the front desk. She wasn¡¯t surprised to see that kind of reaction from the employees here.


    She is indeed here for a meeting, but she had arrived earlier than the time nned.


    "Good morning."


    Stopping in front of the desk, Liu Shan tries to keep a professional appearance as he gets the receptionist¡¯s attention.


    The young woman sitting behind the desk had been staring confusingly in the direction the middle-aged man had gone. He had instructed her to do something for him, but before he could finish, he suddenly left in a hurry.


    Her lower lip pouts, and she decides to brush the incident away. She sps her palms together and rubs them gently like she was trying to keep herself warm.


    "It¡¯s freezing in here. I¡¯ve been working here for five years, and they always say the heater is under maintenance."


    Just as her words fell into a murmur, she hears a man¡¯s voice and lifts her head to look over the desk.


    Her cheeks flush at the sight of the man. However, whether she was blushing or adapting to the cold, she kept herposure and smile.


    "Good morning, Sir. How can I assist your visit today?"


    Liu Shan¡¯s eyebrows furrow for a split second before quickly a friendly smile revealing his pearl white teeth.


    "We have a meeting with the-"


    "Oh, Miss Han!"


    Before Liu Shan could finish his words, a woman¡¯s cheerful voice interrupts from the side. He turns to look at the person, and dangerous light shes across his eyes.


    "Tang Xu."


    Standing a few feet away from Liu Shan was a middle-aged woman dressed in a red dress. Dr.a.p.ed over her shoulders was a white fur coat, and from head to toe, she was cover with expensive diamonds.


    When she heard how Liu Shan addressed her informally, she sneers maliciously before recing it with a chuckle. She ignores Liu Shan and shifts her attention to the person she had been anticipating to arrive.


    "Han Yue Ling, it is my deepest p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet you. I hope your arrival was of no trouble at all."


    Yue Ling stares at the middle-aged woman without returning a smile. Her bluish-green eyes were cold and void of all emotions.


    She takes a few steps forward and closes the gap between her and the woman named Tang Xu.


    "I do not remember allowing you to address me with such casualness."


    Although she is younger than Tang Xu, she should not mind the way an elder addresses her. However, her grandfather had taught her that age does not matter. If one does not respect others, then others should not respect them.


    Her eyes did avert away from the middle-aged woman, and her words continue.


    "Is this the way the board of directors greets their CEO?"


    One corner of her lip raises, and a side smirk appears on her face.


    "If so, this is quite disappointing."

 Chapter 835 - Forgive her and understand

    <h4>Chapter 835 - Forgive her and understand</h4>


    Tang Xu was at a loss for words as Yue Ling¡¯s words entered her ears. Her cheeks flushed crimson red as humiliation wash inside her.


    She has been a member of An Qing¡¯s board of directors for five years, and no one has spoken to her in such deviant behavior. Even when Chen Limei was still the CEO, she (Tang Xu) is treated like an elder.


    Yet, who does Han Yue Ling think she is to belittle her? So what if she (Yue Ling) is the CEO. With today¡¯s meeting, she won¡¯t be CEO for long.


    As her thoughts turned for the worse, her eyes subconsciously nce around. When she saw that the employees on the first floor were looking in her direction, she clears her throat.


    "Miss Han, you must have been mistaken. As a member of


    An Qing¡¯s board of directors, you have my utmost respect for being a CEO at such a young age."


    The corners of her lip curl up, and she forces out a smile. Thest thing she wants is to have the employees spread rumors about her.


    After all, not all the employees see eye to eye with her. If they know that she and Yue Ling are on bad terms, they might open their mouth to Yue Ling.


    She tries to keep her smile as elegant as possible and continues to speak.


    "Let us ignore this misunderstanding and head to the main conference room."


    Liu Shan scoffs in disgust at Tang Xu¡¯s two-faced personality. His boss had explicitly warned her, yet she still addresses Yue Ling as Miss and not CEO.


    He parts his lips to correct the middle-aged woman, but Jiang Shengyi, who had been quiet, spoke first.


    "Ms. Tang, with all due respect, CEO Han is your superior. Be it a misunderstanding or not, you are in herpany. Please address her correctly."


    Liu Shan couldn¡¯t help but arch an eyebrow at the secretary. He thought she was going to stay quiet, but surprisingly she has a voice.


    Unlike the assistant, Tang Xu¡¯s face turned even redder than it already was.


    She stares coldly at Jiang Shengyi and scowls.


    "Who are you to speak to me in such manner?"


    "She is my new secretary, Jiang Shengyi."


    Yue Ling did not hesitate to answer as she was pleased with Jiang Shengyi. She smiles at Tang Xu with slightly crescent eyes.


    "However, you are to address her as Secretary Jiang."


    Her words fell, and not wanting to waste any more time, she turns her head to Liu Shan.


    "Let us go. We¡¯ve spent too much time here."


    Both Liu Shan and Jiang Shengyi nodded their heads in understanding before following their boss.


    "Y-you-"


    Tang Xu was fuming with rage at the treatment she was receiving. She wanted to lecture Yue Ling, but having gritted one word, she is frozen in ce by Yue Ling¡¯s sudden cold re.


    "Ms. Tang, I suggest you collect yourself before the meeting. Everything you do and say will reflect in today¡¯s meeting."


    Yue Ling carries on toward the elevator without saying another word, with Liu Shan and Jiang Shengyi following behind.


    As theye to a stop in front of the elevator, they were met with Qi Li. He presses the elevator button, and the four individuals entered the metal cube.


    Once the elevator door closed and they were secluded from the employees of An Qing, Qi Li spoke.


    "Boss, I¡¯ve investigated the situation."


    He doesn¡¯t wait for further approval and goes into detail.


    "From the first floor to the twentieth, all the heaters have been shut off. Strangely enough, the heaters on all the floor levels higher seem to be working normally."


    Yue Ling listened without interrupting Qi Li. However, the more she heard, her eyes dimmed dangerously.


    "Boss, that isn¡¯t all. It turns out that thest time we were here, they were prepared and had made sure all heaters were on in time for your arrival. However, given that you arrived earlier today, they were caught off guard."


    "Those bastards."


    Liu Shan clenched his fists and gritted his words. His breathing turned heavy, allowing those near him to feel his anger.


    "Wait until I see them. I want to see how thick-skinned these people are."


    He was the one who had gathered all the information regarding what goes on inside An Qing. When he gave Yue Ling the list of every employee to his boss, he noticed something amiss, and he was sure his boss noticed too.


    All the employees who came from amon background are assigned to the first through the twentieth floor. Even if they had potential and worked hard, they did not see a promotion, let alone a good sry or raise.


    "Despicable! How dare they treat people this way!"


    His voice was as cold as ice causing Jiang Shengyi to shiver with a chill.


    She had thought Liu Shan was a sweet and easygoing man. Never did she expect the man to have such a dangerous side.


    However, who could me him?


    Listening to Qi Li¡¯s words made her angry for the employees that suffered.


    She expected An Qing to be a righteouspany since many tend to praise Chen Lemei in the past. However, now seeing the ce in person, she can only conclude, what goes on inside is not as grand as the outside.


    *ding


    The elevator soon arrives on the second-highest floor. The second the door slides open, a gust of warm wind swept through the flour people inside the elevator.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyebrows wrinkle together at the quick change of temperature.


    She steps out of the elevator and sees the difference in the employees. Compare to the first floor, everyone on this floor did not dress warmly.


    Her head slightly tilts to the side in the direction Qi Li stood.


    "Invite the Human Resource Manager and Cleaning Manager to the meeting."


    "Yes, boss."


    Qi Li answers right away and enters the elevator again. His silhouette disappears once again from the group.


    "CEO Han! Wee, it¡¯s a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet you finally."


    From ahead, an obese man with a shiny bald head greets Yue Ling with a huge grin. He walked up to Yue Ling and stuck his right hand out.


    "I am Wang Zhan, the head of the board members. Ms. Tang informed me of the situation just now. I truly hope you will forgive her and understand it was all a misunderstanding."


    His smile reached his eyes and made anyone who saw him think he meant no harm. However, Yue Ling and Liu Shan had experienced this kind of behavior too many times.


    The boss and assistant duo were not easy to fool.


    "Please lead the way to the conference room."


    Wang Zhan sneered inside when he saw Yue Ling had ignored the apology. Left with no other choice, he forces a chuckle and gestures in a direction.


    "Pleasee this way, CEO Han. Everyone has been awaiting your arrival."


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes at the bald and obese man. He can¡¯t believe how audacious the board of directors in An Qing are being.


    It has been clear to the world that Yue Ling is An Qing¡¯s CEO, but not a single person came down to greet her.


    Even after knowing what happened to Chen Limei and her designers, the board of directors remained oblivious.


    This clearly indicates that they think they are more superior to the CEO.


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t need to look at her assistant to understand what he was thinking.


    Others may think Tang Xu and Wang Zhan were being modest, but she knew otherwise.


    Jiang Shengyi followed behind in silence again. For some odd reason, she felt the way Wang Zhan behaved was simr to her old boss, President Fang. The kind of people who think they are superior to everyone.


    Taking the lead of the group, Wang Zhan¡¯s expression no longer held a smile. Instead, it looked like a dark cloud had covered his face as if to hide his true colors.


    ¡¯How dare this puny girl give me no face? Who does she think she is?¡¯


    He swore inside and clenched his jaw. He thought Li Jingke was purposely making a fuss when he rushed to inform Yue Ling was here. He didn¡¯t consider much and sent Tang Xu to greet the retired model who self-proim herself as CEO.


    However, within a few minutes, he received a call from Tang Xu informing him of the situation.


    If it had not been for that warning, he might have made the same mistake.


    Heading towards the back of the floor level, he leads Yue Ling, Liu Shan, and Jiang Shengyi to a room. This room is the main conference room where the CEO and board members hold meetings or meet other essential guests.


    He rids all negative feelings as he stops in front of the door and turns around to look at Yue Ling. The smile that reached his eyes returns on his face like a mask before he opens the door.


    "CEO Han, we have arrived. Please enter."


    Yue Ling nced at him before entering the room without uttering a word.


    Her attitude made Wang Zhan¡¯s blood boil with anger. He maliciously sneers as he enters the roomstly. His eyes never left Yue Ling¡¯s figure as he thought to himself.


    ¡¯Han Yue Ling, I won¡¯t forgive you for looking down on me. You might have Lu Tian as your support, but he isn¡¯t here to protect you. Let¡¯s see how you survive all the board member¡¯s silent treatment.¡¯

 Chapter 836 - The people in this room

    <h4>Chapter 836 - The people in this room</h4>


    Entering the conference room, a long white table sat in the center. It was precisely as Wang Zhan had said. All the board members had already arrived.


    Yue Ling did not make eye contact with anyone. She walked with her head high that showed she is the CEO and no one can belittle her.


    Her entire being immitted the aura of a general ready for battle.


    She stops in front of the main seat that remained vacant. She finally looks at the faces of each individual and chuckles inside.


    There is a total of 15 board members. However, two were currently missing at the table. One is Tang Xu, who has yet to arrive, and the other is Wang Zhan, who had now entered the room.


    However, what made her chuckle inside was the scene in front of her.


    Out of the fourteen people present, eight people were standing while the other people were already seated.


    "CEO Han, we have been awaiting your arrival."


    "CEO Han, I hope there was no trouble on your way here."


    Two board members from the standing group quickly greet Yue Ling with smiles.


    Yue Ling nods her head in a polite gesture and takes a seat.


    "Please have a seat. I have long waited for this meeting, so there was no trouble getting here."


    However, unlike this group, the board members, who were already seated, either rolled their eyes displeasingly or arrogantly snorted.


    From their point of view, the eight board members were only trying to get on Yue Ling¡¯s good side since she is the CEO. As for them, they will never allow a woman like Yue Ling to be their superior.


    "Since Miss Han is finally here, how about we get this meeting done. I¡¯m a busy person, and I have another meeting with an important client of An Qing."


    A woman in her fifties spat out without any care. She wore a ck dress suit with short curly hair. She wanted this meeting to end since she saw no purpose in it.


    Chen Limei had recently been remove from the CEO position, and now Yue Ling is trying to im the seat. There is no possible way to vote for someone as ipetent as Yue Ling to lead An Qing.


    "I agree. Let¡¯s get this meeting over. I have more important things to do than sit here."


    A man in a purple suit also voices his opinion as he is the same man who saw Yue Ling on the first floor. Quickly after him, more people voice their opinions.


    Wang Zhan sat down on the chair on Yue Ling¡¯s right. He held a calm expression but deep inside, he was screaming with joy.


    He knew that half of the board members approved Yue Ling as An Qing¡¯s CEO, while the other half, including him, was against it.


    "As the board of directors, are you all not ashamed of your childish behaviors?"


    An elderly man in a navy chang pao couldn¡¯t help but intervene. He sat at the end of the long table, but his voice was loud and clear.


    He fixes the round sses he was wearing and stares with eyes that could see through a person.


    "CEO Han may be young, but she is still your superior in An Qing."


    "Hmmf. How can we be ashamed? We are the board of directors. Everything we say here is the top priority."


    A middle-aged man dressed in a ck suit snorted his words with eyes viciously ring at the elderly man.


    He leans back on his chair and folds his arms over his c.h.e.s.t before averting his re at Yue Ling.


    "Even when Chen Limei was here, she knew her ce."


    The elderly man was bewildered by the man¡¯s horrible words. His lower lips tremble profusely like the words the man said had been directed at him and not at Yue Ling.


    Yue Ling remained calm andposed the entire time. She couldn¡¯t help but look at the elderly man.


    He was the first person to greet her when she entered the room. He was also one of the eight people who did not sit down until she did.


    When she saw that he was nning to argue with the middle-aged man, her eyes leisurely flutter, and she shook her head ever so lightly.


    "It seems today¡¯s meeting has taken too much of everyone¡¯s time."


    Her angelic voice was soft and subtle but loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. It made those who opposed her feel a chill run down their spine.


    "However, I would like to remind everyone sitting at this table to be apprehensive regarding today¡¯s meeting."


    A smile appears on her face, and she gestures a signal.


    "Since today is our first official meeting as CEO and board members, I would like to discuss some changes regarding An Qing."


    Seeing the signal, Jiang Shengyi was quick on her feet to move. She walks away from Yue Ling¡¯s side and ces a thick file folder in front of each individual seated at the table.


    "In front of you are the records of An Qing that will change starting now."


    Her smile never faltered like she was not in a meeting but enjoying her time in her home.


    Half of the board members were shocked to hear that Yue Ling had already decided to make changes without informing them in advance.


    "T-this... This is preposterous!"


    Wang Zhan was distraught by what he was reading. He ms the folder on the table and abruptly rises to his feet. His movement was abrupt that his chair almost tipped over.


    "CEO Han, what is the meaning of this?"


    The doc.u.ments contained all the funds and names of every person or business associated with An Qing.


    There was also a list of employees she is removing from their positions.


    His right hand grabs the doc.u.ment, and he crushes the piece of paper.


    "You are stepping out of line. I have been working for An Qing since the very beginning. If it were not for my help, An Qing would never be where it stands today."


    He didn¡¯t care if Yue Ling wanted to make changes within An Qing. Better yet, he had hoped to see her ns fall. However, what angered him the most was that he is one of the people removed.


    His face turned red to the point steam can be seen blowing out from his ears. He throws the crumpled paper on the floor and breathes heavily at the woman daring to disrespect him.


    "You¡¯ve gone too far with this. Do you think changing the way An Qing already is will benefit you or anyone in this room?"


    He inhales a deep breath causing his body to tremble.


    "You want to remove me, along with half the people in this room, knowing we decide the majority of the decisions here."


    He viciously res at Yue Ling like a lion ready to devour a deer.


    "Don¡¯t forget, we were the ones who put Chen Limei in the CEO seat. We can also have you remove."


    "That¡¯s right! You have no proof that the CEO position belongs to you, neither is there any proof that An Qing belongs to you."


    "You dare to proim yourself as CEO when not one of us voted you."


    They will not go down without putting a fight.


    "CEO Han has made a point. These new changes will be good for An Qing. I do not see why you are all making a childishint."


    A middle-aged woman with slightly gray hair could no longer stand the yelling and stop the group from making a scene.


    She understands why they are angry, but who can they me but themselves.


    "Hu Gia, you are only able to speak such rubbish because your name is not on the removal list."


    Li Jingke, the man who saw Yue Ling arrive, res coldly at the woman name Hu Gia.


    His name was also on the list. He has every right to be angry.


    "If it were not for you trying to please Han Yue Ling, you wouldn¡¯t be speaking those words!"


    His eyes scan to the people who were not on the list and sneers.


    "All of you should be ashamed of yourselves for following the orders of someone younger than you."


    "Li Jingke."


    The moment Li Jingke¡¯sst word fell, Yue Ling¡¯s voice sounds without hesitation.


    His head turns to Yue Ling, and he wanted to teach her a lesson, but he was quickly rooted in his chair.


    Cold sweat slid down his back as he couldn¡¯tprehend what was happening. For some reason, Yue Ling looked calm, but her calmness was like the calm before the storm.


    He struggles a difficult gulp before opening his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.


    Yue Ling softly chuckles at the man. Her eyes swept across the room to those who opposed her.


    "You must be aging poorly. As a matter of fact, it seems like all the peopleining have aged too much."


    She ces her hands on the table and looks at Wang Zhan.


    "It¡¯s true that the people in this room voted Chen Limei for the CEO position. However, you all seem to have forgotten that..."


    Her gaze shifts from Wang Zhan to Li Jingke, then at each individual who had thought she was easy to take down.


    "It is not you who put me in this seat, but I, who put you in the seat you are sitting."

 Chapter 837 - In their rightful place

    <h4>Chapter 837 - In their rightful ce</h4>


    Yue Ling¡¯s calm voice resonated inside the conference room, silencing everyone. Her bluish-green eyes skim across the room like a hawk ready to strike.


    "Wang Zhan, Luo Xin, Li Jing Ke, Li Xiang, Wang Yi tong, and Gong Tang."


    She spoke the names of the people who were against her. At the same time, she also made sure to look each person in the eyes.


    "Of the names mentioned, you all should know better as to why you are being removed."


    She leans forward and ces her left elbow on the table. Her chin rested on her palm as her right forearm settles on the table.


    "Or should I refreshen your memories?"


    Her posture was taxed and far from that of a CEO. However, her words pierced the heart of each individual she mentioned.


    "Han Yue Ling, have you gone insane?"


    Wang Zhan was the first to react. He stamps his palm on the table before pointing at Yue Ling.


    "I am the head of the board. HOW dare you nder us on your first day here?!"


    His entire body trembled like he was hyperventting, and his nostrils re.


    "You say you gave us our positions when the truth is we..."


    He growls his words, but before he could finish, he was suddenly reminded of an urrence when Chen Limei was still CEO.


    He had tried to convince Chen Limei to coborate with his nephew¡¯spany. He expected an answer right away, but she said she would think about it.


    When he was about to leave her office, he remembers hearing her murmuring the lines of getting approval first.


    "Miss Han, I do not understand what you are implying. You im we went againstpany policy, so you removed us, but what exactly is it that we did?"


    In the middle of Wang Zhan¡¯s thoughts, he was brought back to reality at the words of a woman.


    This woman is Luo Xin. She is one of the younger board members and one of the people removed. She held her head high and made sure she was of equal standing with Yue Ling.


    "I have been working for An Qing for many years now and have put my heart into my work. I have never made any mistakes or made enemies with anyone."


    She scoffs in disbelief at how Yue Ling is trying to get rid of her.


    "But you im that I have crossed the line. Do you know that once I am gone, all the connections I have in the fashion industry will be gone with me?"


    Quickly as the woman opened her mouth, the remaining four people on the removal list did not hesitate to voice their opinions. No one is willing to give up their position because of a few mistakes.


    The once calm room turned upside-down again. However, despite hearing each person¡¯s anger, Yue Ling¡¯s eyeszily flutter as if she was tired from a long day.


    "Miss Luo Xin. Graduated overseas with a fashion degree. You applied at An Qing as an ountant and climbed your way to be a member of the board."


    A woman¡¯s voice cuts in the conversation. It wasn¡¯t Yue Ling but Jiang Shengyi. She stood by Yue Ling¡¯s side with a tablet in her hand as she reads from it.


    "Two months after you became a board member, you proposed the coboration with thepany Style Connection. However, due to thepany¡¯s high-interest rates and poor management, your proposal was rejected."


    Luo Xin felt proud of her achievements, but the more she listened, her face turned red. She res at Jiang Shengyi, who was revealing her greatest mistake.


    "Y-YOU... how dare you reveal-"


    "However, despite your proposal being rejected, you went behind An Qing¡¯s back and started the coboration on your days off."


    Jiang Shengyi could feel the intensity of Luo Xin¡¯s re. However, she wants to prove to Yue Ling that she can be a trusty and capable secretary.


    "What I revealed is only one of the many mistakes youmitted against An Qing."


    She doesn¡¯t stop at Luo Xin and proceeds to read aloud all the crimes of the names her boss had mentioned.


    Bribery, embezzlement, extortion, moneyundering, tax fraud, public corruption,ck of securities, assault, harassment, stolen property, forgery,puter crime, and revealingpany secrets to other businesses.


    As Jiang Shengyi read each crime, Liu Shan held a slight smile on his face. He had given the woman a few doc.u.ments stating the situation within An Qing, but he noticed that she had done her research.


    He pushes his smile aside and takes a step away from Yue Ling¡¯s side before taking another.


    He ces a new folder in front of each individual. When he returned to his boss¡¯s side, Jiang Shengyi had also finished.


    "In front of you is the proof you¡¯ve been asking."


    Hearing this, the six people on the removal list were rooted to their chairs. Each person stared with trembling eyes at the new folder in front of them.


    Jiang Shengyi had given them a white folder, but the one Liu Shan gave them was ck.


    It was like they were staring at the door to Hell.


    * knock knock


    In that second, a knock sounds from the door before it opens. Qi Li enters the room and walks to his boss. He doesn¡¯t say anything but stands behind Yue Ling¡¯s chair.


    Following his entrance were a woman in her thirties and a man in histe fifties. The woman looked calm like this was normal for her. However, the man held a nervous expression with his head lowered.


    Yue Ling turns her head to the door. She looks at the woman than at the man.


    "Human Resource Manager, Yi Sheng, and cleaning Manager, Tong Biao. You both came just in time."


    Yi Sheng smiled at Yue Ling and stood not too far from the table. Her posture held proudness like she was a very important figure in the room.


    "Good morning, CEO Han. I heard you would being today, but I did not expect you would call someone like myself to join the meeting."


    She had been in her office when Qi Li, whom she never met before, suddenly told her to attend the meeting.


    At first, she thought she was in trouble, but considering it being Yue Ling¡¯s first day as CEO, she decided to take advantage of it. If she can put on a good impression, maybe she will get a raise.


    Yue Ling kept her smile in ce, but it did not reach her eyes. She looks away from Yi Sheng to Tong Biao.


    The older man was indeed nervous. Anyone who saw him can see that he was trembling like a criminal caught red-handed. He neither looked up or return Yue Ling¡¯s greeting.


    However, Yue Ling did not mind it.


    She turns away from the two individuals Qi Li had brought in and looked at the board members.


    "Judging from everyone¡¯s expression, I can assume you¡¯ve all read the contents of the folder. However, I would like an answer for what I am about to say."


    "When I built An Qing, its purpose is to be the pir of those who seek a future in the fashion industry. The policy I made clearly stated that no matter what background onees from, they will be treated fairly."


    She looks at Wang Zhan then tilts her head to look in the direction of Yi Sheng and Tong Biao.


    "But why is it that half of my employees are not in their rightful ce and freezing at their desks?"


    Her words were strange and sounded ridiculous, but the people in the room felt like they were electrocuted by lightning.


    The smile and confidence on Yi Sheng abruptly shatter while Tong Biao seemed to tremble more.


    Wang Zhan felt like his whole world was crumbling. His face turned red, like he was going to be sick.


    "This... this is all a misunderstanding..."


    He was able to force out his words despite knowing everything was true. He inhales a deep breath and calms himself.


    "Everything reported here is a lie. We have always been loyal to An Qing. You can¡¯t nder us with this little information."


    "Hahahaha!"


    What came after Wang Zhan¡¯s words were the sound of Yue Ling¡¯sughter. It was as if she heard the funniest joke in the world.


    However, quickly as herugh echoed inside the room, it also disappears.


    "The proof is in front of you, and yet you im it is a lie."


    She chuckles again and stares at Wang Zhan with eyes that could pierce his soul.


    "Since everything seems to be all a misunderstanding, then exin something to me."


    Her head tilts to the side, and her demeanor no longer gave the appearance of a CEO. Instead, she resembles a police officer interrogating a criminal.


    "You said, WE, as in every employee here, have been loyal to An Qing. So why is it that MY employees on the first to the twentieth floor are doing their best despite freezing in that cold temperature while the rest are taking credit for doing nothing?"


    She scoffs after her words and looks at the other individuals removed from their position.


    "Is it because theye from wealth? Is that why?"


    Her eyes scan the room until theynded on Wang Zhan again.


    "If so, then the loyalty you im is beneficial to An Qing is immoral."


    She leans back on the chair and crosses her arms over her c.h.e.s.t.


    "An Qing is thepany I built not to separate its employees based on their background."


    Her eyes once again scan the faces of the people who thought she would never know their wrongdoings.


    "What An Qing needs is not the wealth of others but those who are strong-minded and have potential."

 Chapter 838 - Lost to greed

    <h4>Chapter 838 - Lost to greed</h4>


    All was silent inside Ah Qing¡¯s conference room. The fourteen board members and Yi Sheng and Tong Biao could not say a word, let alone breathe.


    Yue Ling¡¯s words were nothing but the truth.


    When An Qing was first built, every person hired in thepany was an individual with great potential in the fashion industry. Whether one was poor or from a prominent family, it didn¡¯t matter as long as one was capable.


    However, that was when Chen Yifeng was still the CEO.


    Once Chen Limei became the new CEO, everyone¡¯s actual color came to light. An Qing was able to maintain its glorious standing, but some people became greedy.


    Employees who poured their hearts into their hard work were demoted because of their background, while the ones who did nothing were promoted based on their wealthy families.


    Yue Ling¡¯s eyes scan the people in the room without the need to move her head.


    She could have taken care of these people when she got rid of the corrupted managers. However, she wanted to save this group forst.


    They were the ones she thought would never betray her trust in them.


    "It¡¯s truly a shame that you lost to greed."


    Her eyes slowly blink, and she pushes her chair back to stand up. With a nce at the faces of those who lost her trust, she sighs.


    "For the sake of your past efforts, you are given the option to turn in your resignation letters by the end of the day."


    "My purpose here is done. Secretary Jiang will answer any remaining questions."


    Her hand reaches for the door handle, but she suddenly stops. Her head turns to look at Yi Sheng and Tong Biao.


    "Miss Yi Sheng."


    Yi Sheng¡¯s shoulders jumped at the sound of her name. She is the Human Resource Manager and manages all the functions within An Qing.


    When Yue Ling pointed out her mistake, she thought she was caught failing to maintain a good workforce.


    However, considering the situation, there¡¯s a possible chance that she can still keep her position.


    She swallows a hard gulp and lifts her head. She pushes back all her fear and smiles at the woman who called her name.


    "Yes, CEO Han?"


    Yue Ling smiles a small scoff. Her expression made others unable to read what she was thinking.


    "You¡¯re also fired."


    "..."


    Yi Sheng was dumbfounded as Yue Ling¡¯s words entered her ears. The smile on her face became stiff, making her unable to remove it.


    She could only stare at the woman who just fired her walk away, and disappear from the room.


    As she remains frozen in ce, Liu Shan walks over to her. Upon seeing him, she was able to return to her senses. Maybe Yue Ling misunderstood her reasons for doing what she did.


    After all, if it weren¡¯t for her management, An Qing wouldn¡¯t be as luxurious as it is to this very day.


    She quickly discards all thoughts and takes a step towards Liu Shan.


    "Excuse me, Sir. I think there¡¯s been a misunderstanding. I am Yi Sheng from the Human Resources department. I don¡¯t think CEO Han meant to fire me. She was probably referring to the old man here."


    Her words finished with her left hand pointing to Tong Biao. They were standing together, and considering her position in An Qing, Yue Ling must have mistaken them.


    "Why does everyone keep saying it¡¯s all a misunderstanding?"


    He murmurs the question before looking at Yi Sheng then at Tong Biao. He noticed that the moment the man entered the room, he never once lifted his head, nor did he speak.


    The corners of his lip curl upward into a smile, but the smile doesn¡¯t reach his eyes.


    "Miss Yi, you are correct. There does seem to be a misunderstanding here."


    Yi Sheng¡¯s eyes lit up at Liu Shan¡¯s agreement with her. She doesn¡¯t know what his position is to Yue Ling, but seeing that he stood by her side during the meeting, he must be someone important.


    Her smile grew moreprehensive, and she straightens her posture.


    "Yes, yes. That¡¯s it. If I can exin to CEO Han why-"


    "You¡¯re the one who is misunderstanding the situation."


    Before Yi Sheng could finish her words, Liu Shan¡¯s voice suddenly cuts her off. His move dumbfounded the woman to the core, but he kept his smile in ce.


    "I know that this is quite a shock for you, but please understand that you are permanently removed from your position as the HR manager."


    His smile widens until it reached his eyes.


    "Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me. I have another matter to take care of."


    He looks away from the woman who had turned to a statue. However, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh again at the sight of the silent man.


    "Mr. Tong, if you would please follow Mr. Qi out, CEO Han would like to discuss with you in private."


    His voice was polite, but it made Tong Biao, whose head remained lowered, wanted to cry.


    He has been working for An Qing since its founding days when Chen Yifeng was still alive. Others would ridicule him for being old and still a cleaning manager, but he ignored them all. As long as he can put food on the table for his family, he didn¡¯t care if he had to clean toilets every day.


    However, considering the purpose of this meeting, is he going to be fire too? What about his family?


    "Mr. Tong? Did you hear me, Sir?"


    Liu Shan asks with slight worry as he didn¡¯t get a response or reaction. He lifts one hand to wake the man but having moved only an inch; he hears Tong Biao inhale a deep breath and raises his head.


    "I will go meet CEO Han."


    Tong Biao¡¯s appearance no longer looked like a frail man in his fifties, but a strong man like he was still in his youth. It was as if the man who only knew how to lower his head never existed.


    "I am prepared to ept any punishment given to me."


    This sudden change took Liu Shan by surprise. However, it onlysted for a second.


    He smiles inside at how brave the man suddenly became.


    Compare to the others, Tong Biao was willing to face reality and ept his fate without question.


    He turns his head to the side and makes eye contact with Qi Li.


    "Bring Mr. Tong to meet CEO Han."


    Qi Li doesn¡¯t utter a word but nods his head. He walks towards the door his boss had gone with Tong Biao following in pursuit.


    Seeing that the older man was leaving, Wang Zhan finally returned to his consciousness. He had been in a daze because of Yue Ling¡¯s reasoning, but he cannot let Tong Biao leave.


    He curses inside and abruptly stood from his seat. He rushes over to stop Tong Biao from leaving the room.


    "Wait! let me have a few words with him first!"


    Just as he stretched his arm out, Jiang Shengyi¡¯s figure blocks his way. He res at her with daggers that could stab her to death.


    "Move. I only wish to speak to him for a quick second."


    Jiang Shengyi¡¯s expression remained unchanging despite the man¡¯s murderous re. She doesn¡¯t know why Wang Zhan wants to speak to Tong Biao, but she will prevent it from happening.


    She smiles at him in return and parts her lips.


    "One."


    "..."


    Wang Zhan was confused by the word. However, Jiang Shengyi¡¯s following terms struck him speechless and made him beyond dumbfounded.


    "You asked for a quick second. I gave you one second. Your time is up."


    She looks past him to the people seated at the long table.


    "If anyone here has any question to ask, please feel free to ask. However, if you do not, those who are not on the removal list may leave."


    Multiple heads turn to look at one another before the people who were not removed stood up from their seats. Without giving the removed board members another nce, each person makes their way out the door.


    Wang Zhan watched everything unfold like a nightmaree true. He stumbles a step back, then another before falling onto his chair.


    All the colors on his face drained of life like his soul had left his body.


    "H-How... How can this be? What went wrong?"


    Jiang Shengyi scoffs at his questions. She walks over to the main seat Yue Ling had sat. However, she doesn¡¯t sit down but stands behind it.


    "Everyone remaining in this room is aware of their crimes, and that is the reason why you are no longer a part of An Qing."


    Her eyes scan the room then she looks down at the opened folders in front of each person.


    "Your crimes are beyond excuse able, but CEO Han has taken into consideration of your hard work in the past. If it were not for the dedication you once had for An Qing, this meeting wouldn¡¯t have taken ce."


    She looks up from the folders and sees a slight look of relief on each person¡¯s face. It was like there was some hope that they would be able to keep their position.


    However, her following words will hit them where they least expected it.


    "CEO Han ispassionate enough to let you turn in your resignation letter by the end of the day."


    Her eyes slightly dimmed before continuing her words.


    "However, if you wish to make a scene, there will be consequences."


    One corner of her mouth arcs up into a side smirk, giving her a sinister aura.


    "One phone call and all your crimes will be revealed to the public."

 Chapter 839 - Finally here

    <h4>Chapter 839 - Finally here</h4>


    "Look. She came out of the meeting with the board members."


    "Why is she alone? Where are the board members and the people she came with?"


    "Did the meeting fall through? Could that be why she is leaving?"


    "Shh. Didn¡¯t you hear? She has always been our CEO. She makes all the choices for An Qing, while Chen Li Mei is just a stand-in."


    Leaving the conference room, Yue Ling received the stares of the employees as she walked past them.


    However, she feigns ignorance to their whispers of curiosity.


    She rode the elevator to the highest floor level and makes her way through the long corridor until she reached a pair of ss doors.


    Her steps paused as she stares at the door. It was the same door she had entered when she got rid of Chen Limei. The entrance to the CEO¡¯s office.


    However, unlike the cold expression she held that day, she had a look of dejection.


    She slowly raises her hand and touches the door handle. With a slight push, the ss door leisurely opens like time had slowed down.


    Her right foot moved first, then her left as her movements repeated until she stood in the middle of the room.


    She stares ahead at the desk settled in front of the many floor-to-ceiling windows.


    His head was lowered with eyes glued onto the doc.u.ment in his hand. However, like he heard her entrance, he lifts his head.


    He stares straight at Yue Ling, revealing the kindness in his eyes as he smiles with his teeth.


    "Ah, you¡¯re finally here."


    Yue Ling stares at the man for a long time. Her lower lip trembles ever so lightly as tears began to form in her eyes. The man¡¯s smile was one she will never forget as it consistently held warmth.


    She pushes the tears back and softly smiles at the man.


    "Chen Yifeng... I¡¯m finally here."


    A chuckle escaped the man¡¯s lip when he heard her words. He calmly stood up from the chair as he kept a smile on his face.


    "About time."


    Yue Ling¡¯s lips part like she wanted to say something, but before she could say a word, the man in front of her disappears like a Mirage.


    She stares at the empty chair with eyes full of sadness. Everything that had happened in this room was a figment of her imagination.


    The conversation she had with Chen Yifeng was one she had with him when he was still alive and healthy.


    Her bluish-green eyes remained on the desk without blinking. After what felt like an entire day had gone by, she finally looks away.


    She turns her head to look out at the window. She stares at the clear blue sky and sighs with a small smile.


    "I¡¯ve finally gotten rid of the people who betrayed you."


    *Knock knock


    "Boss, I¡¯ve brought Mr. Tong."


    A knock sounds from the door and interrupts her, followed by Qi Li¡¯s voice.


    She pushes all feelings to the back of her heart and turns around.


    "Come in."


    Qi Li enters the room but does not enter all the way. He gestures to the man he brought toe inside the room.


    Once Tong Biao was inside, he steps out of the room to wait for further instructions.


    Yue Ling stares at the man in his fifties. From the moment she saw him attend the meeting, she was able to read what was on his mind.


    She turns away and walks towards the two couches in the room. She sits down on one then gestures to the one opposite of her.


    "Mr. Tong, please have a seat."


    Tong Biao hesitated but knowing that he cannot defy Yue Ling, who is his superior, he nods his head and sits on the couch.


    He made sure his head was lowered and sp his hands together on his l.a.p.


    Yue Ling arches a brow at the sight of the man. He is clearly a man in his fifties, but why does he look like a child scared of monsters?


    Brushing the question aside, Yue Ling decides not to beat around the bush.


    "Mr. Tong, you are in charge of all the maintenance inside An Qing. Is that correct?"


    "Yes, CEO Han."


    "Are you also in charge of managing the temperature?"


    "Yes, I am."


    "Then are you aware of the atrocity you caused for those on the first to the twentieth floor?"


    "I... I am aware."


    Yue Ling asked the questions without pause, and to her slight surprise, Tong Biao answered without a lie.


    She heaves a sigh and closes her eyes as if to rid of any frustration in her mind.


    "What you did is a crime and a breach of your contract to An Qing. I cannot allow someone to sabotage An Qing¡¯s employees any more than you have."


    As her words entered Tong Biao¡¯s ears, he felt like a mountain had been dropped on him.


    Everything Yue Ling said was true, and he can never forgive himself for what he did.


    "CEO Han, I understand my mistakes, and I am willing to ept any punishment. I only hope that my enormity does not affect my children¡¯s future or the employees on the first to the twentieth floor."


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression remained emotionless despite seeing Tong Biao¡¯s shoulders trembling.


    As the CEO and the person who created An Qing, she can only decide what is best for herpany.


    "Mr. Tong, I am grateful that you understand what you did wrong. For this, I will give you a raise."


    Tong Biao held his hands together as he knew he was being fired. Despite his urges to reason with Yue Ling, he doesn¡¯t and nods his head.


    "I understand. I will have my desk cleared by... huh?"


    Before he could finish his sentence, he was perplexed and confused at what he heard. He lifts his head and blinks his eyes at Yue Ling.


    "W-what... I..."


    In his confused state, he could only stutter incoherently. He had admitted to his wrongdoings.


    Could it be that he heard incorrectly?


    A smile is seen on Yue Ling¡¯s face as she sat in a straight posture. She stares back at the man, who finally looked at her.


    "You aren¡¯t being fired, Mr. Tong."


    Her smile softens, and she turns her head to the window.


    "I know my words have taken you by surprise and you might agree that it is best to have you remove from your position. However, I cannot do that."


    She looks back at Tong Biao, and a sigh escapes her smile.


    "I understand why you did what you did, but now, you won¡¯t have to anymore."


    Tong Biao was struck in a Daze. The tears he had been holding back found their way, and he inhales a trembling breath before pouring his heart out.


    "I didn¡¯t want to do it. Wang Zhan said if I didn¡¯t, he was going to fire them."


    He choked his words with unending tears. He remembers the day Wang Zhan separated the poor employees from the wealthy ones. He told Wang Zhan it was wrong and that Chen Yifeng made it clear never to do such a thing.


    However, he (Wang Zhan) justughed and said that Chen Yifeng is dead while Chen Limei is the new CEO.


    It wasn¡¯t untilter that Wang Zhan came to him again. He (Wang Zhan) told him to cut the temperature for the first to the twentieth floor, stating that they were trying to decrease the power bill.


    He thought it was strange since a situation like this never happened before. He told Wang Zhan he would check with Chen Limei first. However, it wasn¡¯t until a few days when he learned the man had done it without consulting him.


    When he went to confront Wang Zhan, he (Wang Zhan) said if he (Tong Biao) did not go along with it, he would fire all the employees on the first to the twentieth floor.


    He is only a cleaning manager. What could he possibly do to Wang Zhan, who is a board member?


    "I couldn¡¯t let them lose their jobs because Wang Zhan didn¡¯t like them."


    He exined the whole ordeal to Yue Ling and held his face as he sobs more.


    "I, myself, understand the struggle they have to deal here. Every time they ask me what is wrong with the heater, I felt moribund and useless... All I could say was for them to wear something warm to work. I couldn¡¯t tell them that they will lose their job if I didn¡¯t do as Wang Zhan said."


    Yue Ling stares at Tong Biao as his sobs echoed inside the room. He is a grown man, yet he was crying his eyes out like a child.


    She understands his guilt, but if he hadn¡¯t done what he did, An Qing would have lost hundreds of talented individuals.


    Wang Zhan...


    The name crosses Yue Ling¡¯s mind as a dangerous light shed across her eyes.


    It seems like she will have to collect another¡¯s fate.

 Chapter 840 - Her people

    <h4>Chapter 840 - Her people</h4>


    The sound of a man¡¯s sobbing voice continued to echo inside An Qing¡¯s CEO office disappears over time as silence reces it.


    Yue Ling sat on the couch as Tong Biao remained seated on the opposite couch. She stares at the man, who had stopped crying and couldn¡¯t help but feel guilt for his pain.


    If she had speed up her ns, would she have stopped the suffering of her employees?


    Would she have been able to prevent those snakes from causing any more harm than they already have?


    "CEO Han..."


    Amid her thoughts, Tong Biao¡¯s shaking voice surfaces. She looks at him and is met with a pair of eyes swollen from crying.


    She smiles a small sigh at how exhausted Tong Biao looked.


    "Mr. Tong, you don¡¯t have to be formal with me. Miss Han is fine."


    Tong Biao smiles in return, but one can see the pain in his eyes. He looks behind Yue Ling to the empty desk.


    "Mr. Chen was a good CEO. He always treated his employees with respect, despite the difference in their position."


    He inhales a shaky breath but maintains his smile.


    "Even when all the employees leave home, he would stay behind and help me clean."


    A faint chuckle escapes his lips as he recalls the past.


    "He was a good man."


    "He often spoke about you. I thought it was out of admiration because you are a well-known figure and the face of An Qing and De L¡¯amour."


    His head nods a few times like he finally realized something.


    "But now I understand. You are the real CEO of thispany."


    Yue Ling didn¡¯t say a word but listens as Tong Biao tells her about the past. Despite when he was no longer in the room, her eyes remained on the opposite couch.


    * knock knock


    "Boss, it¡¯s me."


    Her silent daze was disturbed by a knock and Liu Shan¡¯s voice. She finally looks away from the opposite couch and stares at the door.


    Liu Shan doesn¡¯t wait for a response and enters the room. He didn¡¯t forget to take a nce around before settling his eyes on his boss.


    "Everything here has been dealt with, and I sent Secretary Jiang back to De L¡¯ amour. I also asked Mr. Tong to turn on the heaters for the lower floor levels."


    "I don¡¯t know why you are letting them off easily, but I¡¯ve got eyes on them to make sure they don¡¯t take your generosity for granted."


    He heaves a long sigh and tilts his head back to rest against the couch. He stares up at the ceiling with millions of things on his mind.


    "Now that we are done here, should we head back to De L¡¯amour too?"


    Yue Ling stares at Liu Shan without answering right away. In her eyes, he is the perfect assistant without any ws in whatever he does. However, if one were to see his posture, they would most likely consider him a delinquent.


    "Let¡¯s go. There¡¯s still matters to take care of."


    Her words fell as she stood up from her seat. She may have disposed of the snakes within An Qing, but that didn¡¯t mean her day is over.


    "Boss."


    Just as she stood up, a voice calls out to her. It wasn¡¯t Liu Shan but Qi Li.


    Yue Ling looks up at the door while Liu Shan sits up and turns his head to look at the owner of the voice.


    "What is it?"


    Qi Li stood in front of the door upon entering the room. His expression was as cold as any winter day without faltering. When he heard his boss¡¯s question, he doesn¡¯t hesitate to answer.


    "The board members wish to meet you."


    Yue Ling nods her head in approval and looks at her assistant.


    "Inform Lin Hui. Have him meet us in thirty minutes."


    She looks back at Qi Li and gives him another nod.


    Upon seeing her gesture, Qi Li doesn¡¯t stay any longer and walks out of the room. Liu Shan stares at his departing figure with blinking eyes.


    He then gets up from the couch and grins at his boss.


    "I¡¯ll get the car ready."


    Yue Ling watched as Liu Shan walks away, but deep inside, she couldn¡¯t help but scoff at her assistant.


    He ponders for a split second before smiling with his teeth.


    "Mr. Liu, it¡¯s been a while."


    He greets the elderly man with the same surname as him and then smiles at the group standing behind the man. They were the remaining board members who were still a part of An Qing.


    Liu Yilong, the elderly man, stares at Liu Shan with a face void of emotions. Even the people standing behind him had unfriendly expressions no different from him.


    Although he and Liu Shan share the same surname, neither were rtive in any way.


    He calmly raises one hand and fixes his round sses in ce.


    "Mm. It¡¯s been a while."


    He doesn¡¯t say more and walks over to Yue Ling. Behind him, the other board members did the same. Of course, each person didn¡¯t forget to greet Liu Shan.


    His steps came to a stop when he stood three feet away from Yue Ling.


    "It¡¯s good to see you, CEO Han."


    Yue Ling stares at the elderly man in front of her. After a long second, she averts her gaze to the other board members from right to left.


    Each person her eyes met with showed her the same gesture as Liu Yi long. She looks back at the elderly man, and the corners of her mouth slowly raise into a small smile.


    "It¡¯s good to see all of you."


    Liu Yilong¡¯s stern expression was like he was not inferior to the young woman. If one were to see him and the board members, one would undoubtedly think the situation just turned tenser.


    However, to one¡¯s surprise, Liu Yi long¡¯s lower lip begins to tremble. His eyes became moist as he chokes a sob.


    "Boss!"


    He runs up to Yue Ling and hugs her like a child finally reunited with his mother.


    "Wuu! What took you so long?!"


    Yue Ling doesn¡¯t push the elderly man away but raises her arms and hugs him. Her expression softens, and she pats his back with one hand.


    "I¡¯m sorry it took so long. Everyone must have had a hard time here."


    Her tone of voice held a warmth that touched each person¡¯s heart. Their cries did not lower down but seemed to increase louder.


    Liu Yilong shakes his head and loosens his grip. He takes a step back as if to get a better look at Yue Ling.


    He inhales a deep sniffle but couldn¡¯t stop his tears from falling.


    "The only hard time we had here was holding back from destroying those despicable snakes."


    "Mr. Liu is right about that."


    A man in histe thirties intervenes from behind Liu Yilong. He walks up to stand next to the old man.


    He wipes away the tears in his eyes as anger rises inside him.


    "Those disgusting people went too far. When I learned that Wang Zhan was the perpetrator for the suffering the employees on the lower level went through, I wanted to rip him to pieces."


    His fingers curl into tight fists, and the burning rage in him could be seen in his eyes.


    "If it weren¡¯t for our promise to you, I would have put a bullet in his head."


    Liu Shan didn¡¯t leave the room but stood by the door. He stares in bewilderment at the group of board members then at his boss.


    He thought to himself for a quick second before turning away. He didn¡¯t need to be in the room and disappears out the door.


    Yue Ling stares at the man in histe thirties. Like the reaction she showed Liu Yilong, she gave him a small smile. Not just to him, but everyone else as well.


    "You¡¯ve all held up well. I¡¯m grateful to you all."


    Each person standing in this very room looked like a professional board member of apany. However, what others do not know is that they are members of Fate.


    Like the people at De L¡¯amour, this group did not leave Fate. They are her people and the few who volunteered to be her eyes and ears within An Qing.


    The only difference was that theirmunication with her was limited as they cannot give away their identity.

 Chapter 841 - Tell her after

    <h4>Chapter 841 - Tell her after</h4>


    While Yue Ling enjoyed a short reunion with her subordinates, afternoon soon came to Imperial as a ck car pulls up to Rosewood Hotel.


    The driverside door opens, and Xu Long steps out into view. He doesn¡¯t waste any time and quickly walks to the rear to open the door.


    As he opens the door, Lu Tian steps out dressed in his usual ck attire. After making a phone call to City Z to talk to Chief Kim, he came here to meet Grandfather Ji for lunch.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Lu. We¡¯ve been expecting your arrival."


    A middle-aged man greets Lu Tian with a polite smile. He is none other than the hotel manager.


    When he heard that Lu Tian wasing to the hotel for lunch, he ensured that the ce was cleaned spotless. After all, the young owner of the hotel is a clean freak.


    "General Ji and Mr. Zhong are waiting inside for you."


    He spoke in a calm and natural voice, but his eyes couldn¡¯t help but nce at the ck car. It was as if he was expecting to see someonee out.


    Xu Long saw where the manager¡¯s eyes were looking, and he pouts his lip. He scratches the side of his head in confusion and looks inside the back seat of the car.


    However, it was empty.


    "Why is he staring so intensely when there¡¯s no one? Were we expecting someone?"


    He murmured to himself, not knowing that Lu Tian and the manager could hear him.


    Lu Tian held his indifferent demeanor, but inside he was beyond dumbfounded by his assistant. He decides to ignore the man and looks at the hotel manager.


    "My wife isn¡¯t here. I will be meeting Grandfather Ji alone for lunch."


    He knew the hotel manager was looking so hard. Especially now that their rtionship is known to the world, everyone associated with him wants to meet his wife.


    The hotel manager¡¯s face flushed red hearing the words ¡¯my wife¡¯ from Lu Tian.


    He quickly looks away from the car. He sounds augh to hide his embarrassment and clears his throat.


    "I don¡¯t know what you are talking about, but you should have brought her here for lunch."


    It turned out he (hotel manager) wasn¡¯t expecting his (Xu long) boss but his bossdy. The hotel manager shot Xu Long a re before smiling at Lu Tian again. He chuckles a second time before gesturing towards the hotel entrance.


    "Come. It would be best if you didn¡¯t make the grandfather of your wife wait too long. It will not be a good impression."


    Lu Tian wasn¡¯t bothered by the man¡¯s joking words. He nods his head lightly, and strides in the direction pointed.


    If it had been someone else who spoke such words, he would have silenced them.


    However, the hotel manager is a person he respects and one of the few people who watched him grow up.


    Xu Long kept a steady pace behind his boss and the hotel manager. He stares at the tall figure in front of him with a dazed expression.


    His boss has really changed since the bossdy appeared. The man¡¯s answers were longer now, and he no longer gives people the death re.


    Unbeknown to the assistant¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian is lead to the restaurant on Rosewood Hotel¡¯s rooftop.


    "Ah, Lu boy! Over here."


    The second Lu Tian stepped foot on the rooftop, Grandfather Ji¡¯s voice calls out to him. He looks in the direction of the old man and walks over to the table.


    "Grandfather Ji. Uncle Zhong."


    He nods a polite greeting to the two elderly men before taking a seat across from Grandfather Ji.


    At the same time, Xu Long didn¡¯t act like an assistant and plopped down on the seat opposite Zhong Yang.


    "Oh, Ah Ling didn¡¯te with you?"


    Grandfather Ji couldn¡¯t help but ask. He had invited Lu Tian for lunch, but since he knows the young man is always pinned to his granddaughter, he thought the two would arrive together.


    Hearing the question, Lu Tian sighs a faint smile as his wife¡¯s face appears in his mind.


    "She¡¯s settling the situation at An Qing today."


    If she weren¡¯t, he would have gone to herpany and picked her up. However, he had to refrain from doing so as he knows how important it was for his wife.


    "Ah, I see."


    As he thought this, his expression turns into one of guilt.


    He hopes that she isn¡¯t pushing herself too hard because he told her to take over Ji Corps.


    Lu Tian was quick to notice the change in Grandfather ii. He turns to a waiter standing nearby and nods his head to bring the menu before looking back at the old man.


    "Does Doctor Dong know that you are here?"


    Grandfather Ji had only taken a Sip of his water when he suddenly chokes at the question. He knew this made Zhong Yang worried, but he quickly gestures with his hand to assure the man he was fine.


    He clears his throat and stares at Lu Tian, who sat across from him. Seeing that the young man¡¯s expression was severe, he smiles.


    "What are you saying? Of course, he knows that I am here. He was the one who discharged me."


    He could have left the hospital sooner, but Ji Jingxu kept insisting on him to stay. He understands that the boy is worried, but there is so much for him to do.


    His body is slowly giving up on him, and if he wants his grandchildren to live a worry-free life, he cannot stay in the hospital. That is why he waited until Ji Jingxu returned to school did he force Doctor Dong to discharge him.


    Thinking about how his time is shortening, sadness gradually clouded his eyes. He looks down at the table, and a small sigh escapes his lips.


    "I do not want to ruin this joyous moment for you and her. So I will tell her after the wedding."


    He swallows a gulp as if trying to suppress his emotions, then looks back up at Lu Tian.


    "I hope that when that timees, you will keep your promise and be there tofort her."


    He wanted to tell her sooner, but considering Yue Ling and Lu Tian¡¯s wedding just around the corner, he couldn¡¯t. He wants his granddaughter to focus on the wedding instead of worrying about them.


    Lu Tian could only stare at the elderly man across from him. He felt a sharp and tingling pain in his c.h.e.s.t. However, he didn¡¯t know if it was because of Grandfather Ji¡¯s expression or the thought of how his wife will react.


    Or... maybe it was both.


    "Lu boy? Are you alright?"


    Grandfather Ji asked with worried when he didn¡¯t get a response from Lu Tian. He knows what is on his (Lu Tian) mind, but his (Grandfather Ji) decision is firm.


    Right now, his granddaughter¡¯s happinesses first. Thest thing he wants to do is make her relive another sad life.


    Lu Tian came to his senses when he heard Grandfather Ji¡¯s voice. He nods his head to answer, then noticing that the waiter had already arrived at their table, he takes the menu.


    As the waiter walks away, he opens the menu to order. However, despite his eyes on the menu, his mind was elsewhere.


    Zhong Yang and Xu long did not notice his expression, but Grandfather Ji did.


    He (Grandfather Ji) had watched him (Lu Tian) grow up into a fine young man. He is piratically a grandfather to the boy.


    However, knowing what is on Lu Tian¡¯s mind, he could only heave a long sigh.


    "Lu boy. You don¡¯t have to worry so much. This is my decision, and I will take care of it. Just promise that you will keep your words."


    Lu Tian calmly lowers the menu and locks his eyes with the pair of eyes on the opposite side.


    He would be lying if he wasn¡¯t worried about the old man¡¯s decision. It will undoubtedly hurt his wife, and that¡¯s thest thing he wants to do.


    His expression turns serious, and he straightens his spine.


    "I promised to make her happy, and I n to keep it that way until myst breath. From the moment she entered my world, I knew I lived for her only. Her happiness is my happiness. Her pain is my pain. Where ever she is, my heart and mind will always be with her. "


    His voice was calm and collected while his words held unending promises. Even his expression alone was enough to let one know he meant what he said.


    However, unlike his seriousness at the moment, the three men sitting at the table with him held a different expression.


    Grandfather Ji was uttered speechless by Lu Tian¡¯s words, while Zhong Yang and Xu Long stared with their mouth agape. One held a look of bewilderment while the other had a glimpse of awe.


    All three men stare at the man who is supposed to be known for having no mercy and is coldblooded to everyone.


    Lu Tian slightly frowns as he didn¡¯t know why they were giving him such looks. However, he quickly discards the situation and looks down at the menu.


    Grandfather Ji¡¯s thoughts: ¡¯What is this? Is this the same boy I watched grow up?¡¯


    Zhong Yang¡¯s thoughts: ¡¯Wow. I always thought he was a boy with few words. Surprisingly, he can speak so much.¡¯


    Xu Long¡¯s thoughts: ¡¯I need to take some notes. My boss is such a romantic. It¡¯s like he¡¯s finally confessing his love for the bossdy to win the grandfather¡¯s blessings.¡¯


    Lu Tian¡¯s thoughts: ¡¯I miss my wife."

 Chapter 842 - Only a rookie

    <h4>Chapter 842 - Only a rookie</h4>


    Lunch at Rosewood Hotel ended smoothly without any disturbances. Lu Tian, Grandfather Ji, Xu Long, and Zhong Yang enter the elevator to leave.


    "How is the case with Chief Kiming along?"


    Grandfather Ji unexpectedly asks as held his hands behind his back. His question didn¡¯t seem to surprise Lu Tian.


    That is because Grandfather Ji and city 2¡¯s Chief Kim are old acquaintances.


    "I spoke with him beforeing here."


    Lu Tian answers without batting an eye. He stood next to the old man with eyes glued on the space ahead.


    "His men are currently in Imperial, but they¡¯re having difficulty locating the suspect. I will be flying out to City Z tomorrow for a meeting."


    "I see."


    Grandfather Ji nods his head in understanding. The case regarding Choi Li Sun has remained open for years now, but no one has caught the man.


    Since Lu Tian is going to meet Chief Kim again, something serious must have had happened.


    As he thought to himself, another thought came to mind, and he tightens his fists behind his back.


    A dangerous glimmer of light shed in his eyes. A wave of unexinable anger boils inside of him, causing his hands to tremble ever so lightly.


    Standing behind him, Zhong Yang took notice of the slight change in Grandfather Ji. He talks a small step forward and nudges the man with little effort.


    Zhong Yang¡¯s touch awoke Grandfather Ji. He nces at his assistant to let him (Zhong Yang) know that he is okay.


    He then turns his head to look at Lu Tian. His hand raises, and he pats the boy¡¯s shoulder.


    "If I can be of any help. Feel free to ask. I will do the best of my capabilities."


    If Grandfather Ji wanted to tell him something, he (Grandfather Ji) would. Since he didn¡¯t, he (Lu Tian) will not pry for details.


    He gives the elderly man a slight nod and parts his lips.


    "Mm."


    *ding


    The elevator chimes in arrival and the four men made their way out of the hotel to their cars.


    Lu Tian and Xu Long watched as Grandfather Ji and Zhong Yang¡¯s car disappear from view before entering their own vehicle.


    "Boss, are we heading back to thepany?"


    From the driver¡¯s seat, Xu long asks while stealing a nce at the rearview mirror. Usually, he wouldn¡¯t ask, but they were not in a rush because his boss didn¡¯t have any meetings.


    Lu Tian heard his assistant but didn¡¯t respond. He takes out his phone from the pocket of his coat and slightly pursed his lip.


    He quickly puts his phone away and leans his head against the seat to rest.


    "Head back to Lu Corps. Book a flight to city Z for tomorrow."


    His head slightly turns towards the window, and he doesn¡¯t say anymore.


    Xu long could only press his lips together to form an awkward smile. He thought his boss would say to stop by De L¡¯amour to see the bossdy.


    However, judging from his boss¡¯s words, he (Lu Tian) must have a reason for not bringing it up.


    Oblivious to Xu Long¡¯s thoughts, Lu Tian stares out the window at the passing buildings.


    He wanted to see his wife more than anything, but he couldn¡¯t be selfish. She has her work to deal with as he has his own.


    Yue ling didn¡¯t ask for his help, so the only thing he can do for her is not getting in her way.


    As he thought about his wife, a sudden thought crosses his mind. He abruptly sits up and takes out his phone.


    "Xu Long, do you know any good photographers?"


    His question took Xu long by surprise. He thought something serious had urred. However, considering his boss¡¯s question, he ponders with pouting lips.


    "Hrmm... I do know a few, but what kind of photographer are you looking for?"


    "Wedding."


    Lu Tian answers without hesitation as he sends a message to his mother and Yang Yang regarding his wife¡¯s dresses.


    Their engagement party and wedding are around the corner. He should at least surprise his wife with a day, especially to capture the start of their new journey.


    Xu Long inhales a loud gasp. It was as if he had heard the most shocking news of his life.


    "A wedding photographer?"


    "Mm. A professional one with experiences."


    Lu Tian again answers while looking down at his phone while Xu long¡¯s eyebrows furrow more together.


    "Professional and has experiences. Hmm."


    He (Xu Long) kept one hand on the steering wheel while his other hand pinched his chin.


    Like he had thought carefully about the situation, the light bulb on top of his turns on.


    "Ah, I know two people!"


    He grins and looks at his boss through the rearview mirror.


    "Me and Liu Shan."


    "..."


    Lu Tian was struck dumbfounded at what he just heard. He slowly raises his head to look at his assistant with heavy eyelids.


    Seeing the confidence in Xu Long¡¯s grinning face, the corner of his mouth twitches uncontrobly.


    Maybe if it were Liu Shan alone, he would have believed it, but Xu Long too. Does he even want to ask why this is news to him?


    Xu long rolled his eyes upon seeing his boss¡¯s doubt. He focuses his attention on the road and exins.


    "I¡¯m only a rookie, but Liu Shan can be considered a professional. He¡¯s done a few works outside of his normal workdays."


    He nces at the rearview mirror again. Seeing that his boss seems to doubt him even more, he heaves a sigh inside.


    "Boss, I¡¯m serious. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask Shan. No, you can ask the bossdy. She can confirm this."


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t know whether to believe his assistant or not. However, as skeptical as he is since the mention of his wife is involved, it must be true.


    He ponders for a brief second, then looks down at his phone.


    "I¡¯ll give it some thought."


    "What?! Why?"


    Xu Long exims from the front seat. He had only started getting into the hobby, but Liu Shan is a great photographer. Some of the portraits inside De L¡¯amour was photographed by him (Liu Shan).


    Howerter, remember this boss¡¯s expression full of doubt. He pursed his lower lip and looks at the rearview mirror with puppy eyes.


    "Is it because YOU don¡¯t trust us?"


    Lu Tian ignored Xu Long¡¯s face and kept his eyes on his phone.


    "Focus on driving."


    Being ignored, Xu long snorts a faint hmmf. He looks back at the road and decides that he wille up with a n to convince his boss.


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t need to look at his assistant to know what the man was thinking.


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t trust Xu Long and Liu Shan. Better yet, if it¡¯s the two of them, he would be morefortable as he didn¡¯t want a stranger staring at his wife.


    However, what worries him the most are the poses.


    God knows what kind of crazy poses the two men might suggest he and his wife do.


    He ends the discussion with his mother and Yang Yang. He puts his phone away and leans back to rest his head.


    Taking onest nce out the window, he closes his eyes to do some more thinking.


    He really misses his wife. He will see her after working hours, but that means he will only get little time with her since he has to go to City Z.


    Why can¡¯t time fast forward so he can see her?

 Chapter 843 - She is my boss

    <h4>Chapter 843 - She is my boss</h4>


    In the heart of Imperial, while others made their way toplete their daily schedule, two men are seen entering a restaurant.


    One of the men wore all ck with a moto jacket and a baseball cap. The other man appeared younger as he wore a light-green trench coat with a white t-shirt and ck denim.


    The younger man enters the restaurant while following the man older than him by a few years. However, one can see the hesitation on his face.


    He nced around and was in awe at how luxurious the restaurant is inside.


    Seeing that the customers inside looked like influential figures, he bit his lips and looked at the person in front of him.


    "L... Lin Hui... are... are you sure we can eat here?"


    Liu Ye nervously stutters as he follows behind Lin Hui. After being introduced to Yue Ling and Lu Tian, he left with Lin Hui to stay at the man¡¯s ce.


    He thought it was also better since he felt Lu Tian was too terrifying to be around.


    When morning came, he learned that everyone he met worked While Lin Hui was the only one who didn¡¯t unless Yue Ling had something for him (Lin Hui) to do.


    While they had breakfast, they talked about his (Liu ye) life. He was nervous at first, but trusting the people who saved him, he slowly opened up.


    Their chatsted until afternoon, and it was then when Lin Hui told him they were going out for lunch.


    Coming back from his brief shback of the morning, he stares at the luxurious restaurant in front of him. He has only taken a peek from outside and never stepped foot inside one.


    However, he always told himself that he would work hard to bring his younger siblings to one day.


    "C- Can I really be here...?"


    He murmurs to himself. Compared to him and Lin Hui, everyone else was dressed formally while the two of them seemed out of ce.


    Although he spoke quietly, Lin Hui, who has good hearing, heard him loud and clear. He stops in his tracks and turns around to look at the boy.


    He smiles an assuring and Pats the Liu Ye on the head.


    "Of course we can eat here. This is a restaurant for eating. If they won¡¯t allow us to eat here, why open for business."


    He understands Liu Ye¡¯s concern. He had the same reaction when his boss took him to a fancy restaurant for the first time.


    Back then, he felt insecure about how he would look to others. However, his boss told him that it is not a person¡¯s appearance that describes them but their behavior.


    He lowers his hand, and his smile widens to reveal his teeth.


    "Don¡¯t worry. Just follow Big Brother¡¯s steps."


    His words fell with base, and he turns away. He didn¡¯t see that his words put a tiny smile on the boy¡¯s face.


    Liu Ye felt touched by Lin Hui¡¯s words, ¡¯Big Brother.¡¯ He was the oldest of his siblings, and all the responsibilities fell onto him.


    Now he knows how it feels to have an older brother.


    "Good afternoon. Do you have a reservation with us?"


    A woman greets Lin Hui and Liu Ye when she saw them enter. She held a warm smile and her appearance had no malice.


    "No, but we would like a table for two."


    Lin Hui responds with a sense of spontaneity. He and Liu Ye were led to a table by the woman.


    As they sat down, he (Lin Hui) ordered for them and asked for tea.


    Liu Ye watched in amazement. His wide eyes stare at Lin Hui like he was staring at his role model.


    "Wow. You handled the situation like someone important."


    Seeing Liu Ye¡¯s expression full of admiration, Lin Hui sat with a faint arrogant face. However, hearing the boy¡¯s following words, he almost fell from his seat.


    He looks at the boy and snorts a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Hey, kid, what do you mean like someone important?"


    His arms cross over his c.h.e.s.t, and he raises his chin with a nudge to his eyebrows.


    "I am someone important."


    Liu ye didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. However, seeing how serious Lin Hui looked, he decides to do neither and agrees.


    "Mm. You are important to Imperial."


    Hearing the sarcasm in his voice, Lin Hui lets out augh. He was only joking, but to see that Liu Ye can return a joke, it means he (Liu ye) has rxed a little.


    He was afraid that the boy might have been too traumatized from his (Liu Ye) time spent with Red Moon.


    "I ordered everything that sounded good. Eat as much as you want."


    Liu Ye¡¯s eyes widen with his mouth hanging open. When Lin Hui ordered for them, he only heard a few words. Could it be that he (Lin Hui) was also pointing at other dishes too?


    But will they be able to afford everything?


    He had nced at the prices, and his eyes widen more than they already were.


    How can someone afford to eat here?


    Able to read the boy¡¯s thoughts, Lin Hui sighs with a shaking head.


    "Kid, since I brought you here, just enjoy your lunch. let me deal with the check."


    Not too long after they ordered, two waiters returned to their table with their food.


    Liu Ye stares in bewilderment at the many dishes on their table. Lin Hui was not joking when he (Lin Hui) said he ordered everything that sounded good.


    There were only two of them, but the food ordered was enough to feed a table of ten.


    He swallows a gulp as the delicious aroma enters his nostrils. However, a wave of sadness washes inside him, and he lowers his head.


    "Am I really allow to eat all this?"


    He stares down at his hands on his l.a.p.


    "While I¡¯m here at this luxurious restaurant, what about my siblings? Have they even eaten since I was taken away?"


    Lin Hui sighs inside at the pitiful boy sitting at the table with him. He can tell that Liu Ye has lived a tough life along with his younger siblings.


    And it¡¯s natural for one to worry.


    He picks up his chopsticks and picks a piece of meat. His arm stretches over the table and puts the meat on Liu Ye¡¯s bowl.


    "Anyone is allowed to eat the food in front of them. It¡¯s the same for you."


    He picks up more food from different dishes and ces them in the boy¡¯s bowl.


    "If you want to protect your siblings, eat so you can be stronger."


    He stops picking up the food once Liu Ye¡¯s bowl became a mountain. He grabs a cup from the side and pours the warm tea into it.


    "Once you¡¯ve be stronger, no one can hurt you or those important to you."


    As he set the cup of tea next to Liu Ye¡¯s bowl, a broad smile appears on his face.


    "That is what the most important person to me told me."


    Liu Ye lifts his head with tears in his eyes. He is genuinely thankful for being saved from Red Moon.


    If he can be stronger, he will work hard and protect his siblings. He will make sure that his father can never hurt them again.


    "If you don¡¯t mind me asking, who is important to you?"


    Lin Hui was about to put some food in his bowl when Liu Ye¡¯s unexpected question enters his ears. He doesn¡¯t respond right away but continues to fill his bowl.


    His unresponsive manner made Liu Ye embarrassed. He Aiu ye) loots away from Lin Hui and begins eating. Maybe his question was out of line.


    "My boss."


    Lin Hui suddenly answers in a nonchnt tone that took Liu Ye by surprise. He (Liu Ye) lifts his head but was quickly struck ed with confusion.


    "Your boss?"


    He mutters his thoughts aloud, and a face quickly came to his mind.


    Lin Hui chuckles at how easy it was to read the boy¡¯s thoughts.


    "Han Yue Ling. She is my boss."


    His head slightly turns to the side, and he stares at a nk space.


    "She is the most important to me because she is my savior."


    ¡¯Not only her, but everyone from Fate too. They are my family.¡¯


    Of course, he spoke the remaining words in his mind. If words got out that he cares about Liu Shan and the others, they would ridicule him until the end.


    As he thought to himself, he chuckles inside. He had forgotten to mention his new family. If Xu Long were here, he would no doubt get an earful.


    He subconsciously nces at Liu Ye, but he quickly clears his throat, seeing the boy had a strange expression.


    "Why are you staring? Hurry and eat before the food gets cold."


    Liu Ye watched Lin Hui hide behind his bowl and smile.


    The man in front of him may not look like it, but he can tell that Lin Hui has a good heart.

 Chapter 844 - Is it something dangerous?

    <h4>Chapter 844 - Is it something dangerous?</h4>


    "Here¡¯s your check, Sir."


    A waitress stops in front of the table and hands Lin Hui, a check presenter. She smiles sweetly at the two men, but her smile made Lin Hui frown.??


    He stares at the waitress and scoffs inside. He is sure the woman thinks he and Liu Ye cannot afford to pay.


    However, the corners of his mouth slowly lift.


    He takes out his wallet and grabs his bank card. He sends a quick wink at the waitress as he puts the card on top of the check presenter.


    "Let me know if there¡¯s any problem with my card."


    Liu Ye was too innocent to understand the situation. He could only blink his eyes at Lin Hui while the waitress¡¯s smile turned crooked.


    She (the waitress) tries topose herself to keep her smile. She takes the check presenter and looks down.


    "I will let you know if there¡¯s any-"


    Her eyes shot open as her words were cut short when she looked down at the bank card.


    "T-this..."


    She stammers one word as her hands began to shake uncontrobly. However, she made sure not to drop the items in her hands.


    Lin Hui opens his mouth and yawns, but inside, his eyes were rolling until stars appeared.


    He leans back against his chair and looks at the waitress withzy eyes.


    "That¡¯s a ck card. Is something wrong with it?"


    The waitress was dumbfounded by how easily Lin Hui described the bank card. Her head motions up and down as she stares between the card and Lin Hui.


    "No, no, no. There¡¯s nothing wrong, Sir. I will go ring you up, then bring your card back."


    After what felt like an eternity had gone by, she slowly shakes her head and gestures a polite bow before leaving the table.


    Liu Ye was at a loss regarding the situation. He noticed that the waitress was holding the ck bank card like it was a precious treasure, but he was oblivious to the meaning behind it.


    He watched the waitress disappear and looks back at Lin Hui.


    "Sorry to ask, but did I miss something? Why did she react that way?"


    Despite making an effort to think about the situation, he didn¡¯t find an answer.


    He remembers something Lin Hui had said and nce around the restaurant. After he confirmed that no eyes were on them, he leans towards the table.


    "And, what¡¯s a ck card? Is it something dangerous?"


    Lin Hui scoffs a faint chuckle in disbelief. He stares at the young man for a long second before sighing.


    "Really too innocent. How in the world did you survive in Red Moon?"


    She (the waitress) had judged them wrongly because of their attire. Without a doubt, she probably thought they couldn¡¯t afford to eat here.


    However, he could care less about what she thinks.


    He ends his thoughts and grins at Liu ye. He wanted the boy to know that he is unfazed by what happened.


    "You didn¡¯t miss anything but have a lot to learn from now on. As for the ck card..."


    His words paused, and he taps his chin to think.


    "It¡¯s quite dangerous but can be very useful."


    "Here you are, Sir. Your table has been paid off."


    The second hisst word fell, the waitress¡¯s voice can be heard again. She stood in front of the table with a huge smile and hands the ck card to Lin Hui.


    "Sir, I hope you enjoyed your meal. Pleasee back to dine with us anytime."


    Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help but sneers inside at the waitress¡¯s quick change in behavior.


    He looks down at the bank card in his hand then puts it inside his wallet.


    Like his boss, he is a customer at Celestial Bank and happens to be one of the few customers issued a ck card. He never nned to used it as his other bank cards were enough to pay for the meal, but he wanted to p the waitress on the face.


    ¡¯To never judge a person based on their appearances.¡¯


    * Ring ring


    He thought to himself before his phone ringtone interrupts him. He takes it out and checks to see who was calling him.


    Upon seeing the name, his eyebrows arched up in amus.e.m.e.nt, and he answers the call.


    "Lin Hui speaking."


    Liu Ye blinked his eyes in puzzlement at Lin Hui. He could hear the faint voice of a man but couldn¡¯t tell who it was that called.


    However, not wanting to pry into other¡¯s conversations, he focuses his attention on the restaurant interior.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Lin Hui¡¯s phone call came to an end. He put his phone in his pocket and stood up from his seat.


    "Let¡¯s get out of here. We have to go somewhere."


    Liu Ye didn¡¯t think much and quickly follows Lin Hui¡¯s movements.


    As the two men make their way towards the exit, a woman with wavy red hair and a man stood up from their table to leave too.


    The woman wore a ck coat over her ck dress and white turtleneck. Her appearance was like an alluring viiness, but her aura was too pure to make her appear like one.


    As for the man, he was indeed charming with brown hair. He wore a navy suit that outlined his body and enhanced his features. He held his white coat and turned to look at the woman.


    He smiles a smile that can make any woman¡¯s heart flutter.


    "I was looking forward to today since I¡¯ve heard so much about the beauty of the Qin family."


    He faintly chuckles at the woman, and his words continue.


    "I never thought we would be meeting for a blind date like this. However, it saddens me that you have to leave so soon, Qin Xue."


    Qin Xue¡¯s expression remained emotionless. She was sure that the man¡¯s sweet words would have many women fall for him, but she was different.


    She wasn¡¯t the least bit touched by him but felt cringed and disgust.


    The reason why she is here on this blind date was because of her parents. However, fed up, she promised this would be thest one.


    After today, she wishes to find a man who will love her for herself and not her family¡¯s name.

 Chapter 845 - Damsel in distress

    <h4>Chapter 845 - Damsel in distress</h4>


    Qin Xue inhales a quiet breath. She tries her best and forces out a smile at the man. Only, her smile did not reach her eyes.


    "Although it our meeting short, I had a prod time, and our conversation was pleasant. I do apologize for having to leave in advance, but this will be the first andst time we meet."??


    The man was confident he could win Qin Xue¡¯s heart. However, to unexpectedly hear her turn him down, he was rendered speechless.


    His eyes darken, and his charming smile turns into a scowl.


    "You¡¯re turning me down?"


    Qin Xue didn¡¯t see his change in demeanor. She gestures an apologetic bow and apologies to the man.


    "I¡¯m truly sorry. You are a good man. I¡¯m sure you will find a better marriage candidate."


    She straightens her posture and sighs a smile before turning to leave.


    "Thank you for the meal, and I¡¯m sorry for taking up your time."


    Just as she was about to turn away, the man grabs her arm and forcefully turns her towards him.


    "Why are you turning me down? What did I do wrong?"


    His other hand grabs her arm, and he made sure to keep a tight grip on her.


    He leans closer to her with a grim expression, utterly different from the gentleman he was seconds ago.


    "Who do you think you are? Without your family, YOU are nothing."


    He growls at her without any care of being considerate.


    No woman has ever turned him down.


    He pulls Qin Xue closer and whispers near her ear.


    "Whatever I want, I will get."


    Qin Xue¡¯s eyes widen in a mixture of shock and horror. Her parents told her that this man was polite and well-tempered. However, why does he look so terrifying at this moment?


    "W-wait."


    She winced at the pain of the man holding her as she tries to free herself. However, the more she struggles, the tighter the man¡¯s grip became.


    "Y-you... you¡¯re crazy. Let me go."


    She raised her voice and red at the man with cold eyes. At the same time, she had hoped her voice was loud enough since they were still inside the restaurant.


    However, when she nced around, there were no customers or workers near their table.


    She looks at the man, and a wave of intense fear crawled inside her. The look in his eyes was the same as the men who had kidnapped her, Yue Ling and Shi Yan.


    The kind of look that is filled with malicious intentions.


    When the man saw the fear in Qin Xue¡¯s eyes, he sneers dangerously at her. He loosens his hold on her but only to grab her wrist with one hand.


    "Since your parents practically begged my parents for this blind date, let¡¯s seal it."


    He dragged Qin Xue away and headed for the exit.


    "Stop! Let me go!"


    Qin Xue¡¯s heart raced with anger and fear as she struggles to free herself.


    She had apologized and was being polite, yet the man seemed not to understand her. Or rather, he was ignoring her.


    Even without exining, her words should have been enough. She doesn¡¯t like him and did want to continue the blind date.


    "Shut up. You¡¯re making a scene in public."


    The man growls at her as they arrived at the exit. He reaches for the door handle and grimaces inside.


    He will show Qin Xue what it is like to humiliate him.


    "Woah, Woah. Hey man, thedy doesn¡¯t want to go with you."


    A man¡¯s voice suddenly sounds from behind them. However, the man ignores the uninvited guest and pulls open the door.


    He walks out of the restaurant, but to his surprise, he couldn¡¯t pull Qin Xue. His brows furrow tightly, and he turns around to the source.


    When he saw who had stopped him, his eyes turned cold, and his expression darkened.


    It was two men, one in a ck Moto jacket and the other in a green trench coat.


    His teeth tightly clenched before he growls murderously at the man who had spoken.


    "Who the hell are you?"


    The man in the ck Moto jacket didn¡¯t feel threatened by the man. He tilts his head a little to the side, then points at himself, then at hisrade.


    "I¡¯m Lin Hui, and this is Liu Ye. Who are you?"


    Lin Hui asked for the man¡¯s name but shifted his attention to the woman. He was slightly taken aback by her beauty, yet, he quickly ignores it and grins at her.


    He also made sure to make an appearance that will not terrify the woman any more than she is right now.


    "Miss, are you alright? Do you know this man?"


    Usually, he would not intervene in other¡¯s rtionsh.i.p.s as it didn¡¯t involve him. However, he and Liu Ye were leaving, and the two people were blocking their path.


    Anyone who saw this scene would assume it was a couple arguing, but he could tell the woman and man are not that close.


    He focuses his attention on the red hair woman while keeping his smile in ce.


    "If the answer is no and he¡¯s giving you trouble, you don¡¯t have to go with him."


    His right-hand raises and points at his c.h.e.s.t with his thumb. At the same time, he didn¡¯t forget to waggle his eyebrows.


    "I¡¯ll make sure of it."


    Liu Ye was beyond speechless at the situation. He thought they were leaving but to think Lin Hui would see his way into other¡¯s fight.


    He stares at Lin Hui, then at the woman and man. His lips pursed in pondering before a thoughtes to mind.


    His eyes widen, and his jaw drops as he quietly gasps. He turns his head to Lin Hui, and he slowly covers his mouth.


    ¡¯Could it be that Lin Hui is rescuing a damsel in distress?¡¯


    Qin Xue could not say a word as she gazes at Lin Hui like he was an angel sent from heaven to save her. She parts her lips to answer his questions, but she winces in pain before she could utter a word.


    The man was fuming with rage. He res at Lin Hui with murderous. It was to the point that if eyes could kill, Lin Hui would have been long dead.


    "Scram. Our problem doesn¡¯t concern you."


    He growls in a threatening tone as he ignores the pain he was causing Qin Xue. He expected Lin Hui to be scared of his threat like others and run away.


    However, to his shock, Lin Hui snorts augh at him.


    He (Lin Hui) hystericallyughs until his stomach hurts. He held his stomach and wiped his fearless eyes.


    "You want me to scram?"


    He chuckles his words but abruptly stops. The air around him turned thick and made one unable to breathe.


    "Didn¡¯t your mother teach you not to hurt women?"

 Chapter 846 - Chen Xincheng

    <h4>Chapter 846 - Chen Xincheng</h4>


    Inside a luxurious in the heart of Imperial, Lin Hui stood his ground as he stares at the man holding Qin Xue. He takes a few steps forward and closes the distance between them.


    "You look like you¡¯re from a prominent family. Is this the way you were raised?"


    His eyes lowered down to Qin Xue¡¯s wrist, and he frowns. The man¡¯s grip on her was so tight that one could see redness.


    "I guess this is the way you were raised."


    He looks at the man, then at Qin Xue. Even without asking, he could see she was in pain.


    "Miss, please close your eyes. I don¡¯t want a beautifuldy such as yourself to see what I¡¯m going to do next."


    Qin Xue gazed at Lin Hui before nodding her head. She inhales a deep breath then closes her eyes.


    She doesn¡¯t know who Lin Hui is but the way he spoke made her feel at ease. It was enough for her to put her trust in him.


    Lin Hui was taken aback at how cooperative Qin Xue was with him. He thought she would at least doubt him since he was a stranger.


    However, noticing her ever so slightly trembling shoulders, he sighs a smile.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Miss. everything will be over."


    "I suggest you let her go unless you want someone like me to teach you a lesson."


    The man was beyond dumbfounded by Qin Xue¡¯s obedience towards a stranger. His jaw clenches tighter, and he drags her behind him.


    "Get lost! Our business isn¡¯t yours."


    "Tsk, tsk."


    Lin Hui clicks his tongue at the man¡¯s words. The second the man pulls Qin Xue, he reacted faster.


    His right arm raises, and he grabs the man¡¯s neck. At the same time, his left hand held onto the man¡¯s hand, gripping Qin Xue.


    "Ugh-!"


    In one swift move, he frees Qin Xue and ms the man onto the hard floor. He kneels on the man¡¯s back and twists the hand he held behind the back.


    "Hm... That¡¯s odd. For someone who sounds so threatening, you¡¯re so weak."


    "Get off me!!"


    The man¡¯s face turned red from humiliation at how easy Lin Hui took him down. He struggles with all his strength, but to no avail did he free himself.


    "Bastard! You¡¯re going to pay for this!"


    Lin Hui showed no signs of moving despite the man¡¯s constant struggle. He stares at the piece of human under his knee then turns his head to Liu Ye.


    Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to knock the man unconscious first.


    "Inform the manager about the situation."


    Liu Ye was in shock by Lin Hui¡¯s swift movements but quickly came to his senses. He wastes no time and darts away to look for the restaurant¡¯s manager.


    However, as he ran away to find help, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Lin Hui will teach him how to defend himself too.


    Watching the boy disappear around the corner, Lin Hui takes out his phone and dials a number.


    The call rang twice before it was connected. However, he doesn¡¯t wait for the other person to answer and spoke first.


    "This is Lin Hui. I ran into a small situation and required your help. I¡¯ll send you my location."


    Without waiting for a response, he ends the call and sends the location of the restaurant.


    As he puts his phone away, he looks around for something. His eyesnded on Qin Xue¡¯s purse, and he smiles at her, seeing that her eyes were still closed.


    "Miss, you can open your eyes now. But if you don¡¯t mind, may I use the strap of your handbag."


    Qin Xue slowly opens her eyes, but her eyes widen at the scene in front of her. When and how did the man end up on the ground?


    "Miss? Are you alright? You are no longer in danger."


    Lin Hui tries to coax Qin Xue upon seeing her in a dazed. He doesn¡¯t know how much she saw but judging from her expression, she must have kept her eyes closed.


    "I know what happened might have been surprising, but please don¡¯t go into shock."


    When Qin Xue heard Lin Hui¡¯s voice, she came back to her senses. She sighs in relief when she saw that the man was no longer a threat to her.


    However, remembering Lin Hui¡¯s words when her eyes were closed, she looks down at her purse and removes the strap.


    "Ah, I¡¯m sorry."


    She hands the strap to Lin Hui and takes a step back. She doesn¡¯t know why he needs it, but he is her savior, so that she willply.


    Lin Hui notices her slightly shaking hands but decides not to mention it. Right now, he needs to take care of the situation.


    He takes the strap and grabs the man¡¯s other hand behind his back. He then wraps the strap around the man¡¯s wrist and secures his (the man) hands together.


    Once he was sure the man won¡¯t be able to escape, did he stand up.


    Qin Xue stares at Lin Hui¡¯s every move with amazement. From her standing point, he looked like a police officer catching a criminal in the act.


    The moment Lin Hui stood up, the sound of footsteps echoes around them.


    Liu Ye had returned with the manager and a few employees.


    "W-What happened here?"


    The manager gasped in horror at the situation. He couldn¡¯t believe that such a scene had taken ce in his restaurant and he was unaware of it.


    He looks at Lin Hui, then down at the man tied like a criminal. When he saw the man¡¯s face, he turned as pale as a ghost.


    "Good grief! Is that Mr. Chen?! Why is he on the floor?!"


    Lin Hui heard the name and looked down at the man. His eyebrows wrinkle together, and he pursed his lips.


    "So, this is Mr. Chen."


    Now that he¡¯s taken a better look, he finally recognizes the man. His mouth raises, and a dangerous glint of light shed in his eyes.


    ¡¯Chen Xincheng. Chen Yifeng and Chen Limei¡¯s cousin.¡¯


    He thought to himself and wanted tough. It was no wonder the man acted the way he did and was able to threaten such words.


    Just like Chen Limei¡¯s behavior, Chen Xincheng is the spitting image of her. He is always thinking highly of himself and belittles anyone when things don¡¯t go his way.


    Ending his thoughts, he looks at the manager while pointing at Chen Xincheng.


    "I apologize for what happened here. He was causing a scene that I could not turn a blind eye towards."


    The manager slowly looks at Lin Hui, and his mouth opens and closed like a fish onnd. He wanted to speak, but it was as if all the words he knew had disappeared.


    After what felt like an entire day had passed, he finally found his voice again.


    He looks Lin Hui in the eyes, and his trembling finger points at him.


    "Y-you... Do you have any idea who this person is? H-how can you cause trouble here?"

 Chapter 847 - Have to go

    <h4>Chapter 847 - Have to go</h4>


    Lin Hui stood dumbfounded. He heavily sighs and massages the back of his neck in frustration.


    All he did was save a damsel in distress. Why is the manager making him out to be the bad guy?


    Just as the question came to him, the sound of police sirens echoes from outside the restaurant.


    Lin Hui arches his eyebrows in amusement. He could see two police vehicles parked outside through the ss entrance door as the officers step into view.


    Leading the group was an elderly man in a clean uniform, with the remaining four officers following behind.


    As they entered the restaurant, the elderly officer scans the area before settling his eyes on the manager.


    He takes out his badge and shows his identification, then looks down at Chen Xincheng. The man was still unconscious despite all the noise.


    "I am Ren Chang from Imperial¡¯s Police Force. I received a call about a disturbance."


    The manager¡¯s eyes widen, and he wanted to faint. First, there was a dispute between Lin Hui and Chen Xincheng, and now, the Chief of Police shows up.


    "I called."


    Amid the manager¡¯s thoughts, Lin Hui nonchntly raises his hands and smiles at Chief Ren. He points down to where Chen Xinchengid unconscious and let out a sarcastic chuckle.


    "He was trying to kidnap this woman by force. I had no choice but to intervene."


    He exins the entire situation from start to finish. However, Chief Ren¡¯s expression was no different from Grandfather Ji¡¯s. Stern and unfriendly.


    Chief Ren stares at Lin Hui for a long second before gesturing to his subordinates.


    "Put him in the car and take him to the station."


    "Miss Qin, I truly apologize for what happened to you. Although you have experienced a traumatizing incident, I have to bring you in for a statement."


    Qin Xue was no longer afraid. When she heard the sirens, she already knew that she had to go to the station to exin.


    However, if her statement can help other women from falling into Chen Xincheng¡¯s schemes, she will dly give a statement.


    "I will do it."


    She gives her approval, and a police officer guides her to the car. She walks out of the restaurant but stops when she was about to pass Lin Hui.


    Her head turns to him, and she smiles with a slight bow.


    "Thank you for helping me. I hope our paths cross again so I can repay you."


    Lin Hui felt his heart skip a beat seeing Qin Xue¡¯s captivating smile. It was a feeling he had never felt before, but he kept his calm and smile.


    "No need to thank me. I was d to help."


    After all, how can two strangers whose paths crossed once will ever cross again?


    Lin Hui watched as Qin Xue enters the police vehicle, and he heaves a sigh. He would have given her his name, but anyone can tell that she is out of his league.


    However, the more he looks at her, the more he feels he has seen her somewhere but can¡¯t remember where.


    He shakes away the unexinable feeling in his heart and looks at Liu Ye.


    "Let¡¯s go."


    He and Liu Ye headed out of the restaurant, but someone grabs the back of his jacket, and he is yanked back.


    He stumbles a few steps, but with his quick reflexes, he was able to stable himself. He res murderously at the person who dared to make such a move on him.


    "Hey, old man, are you trying to kill me? Didn¡¯t you hear? I have to go."


    Chief Ren stares at Lin Hui with an unfazed expression. His hold on Lin Hui didn¡¯t loosen as he held one hand behind his back.


    This elderly man is the Chief of Police, yet Lin Hui dared to address him in such manners.


    Is he asking to be thrown in jail for disrespecting?


    "You haven¡¯t changed at all."


    Chief Ren exhales a sigh and lets go of Lin Hui. His hand joins the other behind his back, and he stares at the young man.


    "Whether you are in a hurry or not, I have to bring you in for a statement too."


    Hearing this, Lin Hui frowns with displeasure. He straightens his jacket in ce then runs his fingers through his hair.


    "I can¡¯t. I¡¯ve been ?ssigned an important task. Once I¡¯m done, I¡¯ll bring myself to the station."


    Chief Ken ponders at his words then nces at Liu Ye. The boy was someone he has never seen before, but he was quick to connect the dots.


    "How is she doing?"


    "She¡¯s doing good. She finally took back what was hers today."


    Chief Ren nods his head in understanding. The image of a smiling young girl appears in his mind causing him to sigh.


    He turns away from Lin Hui and waves his hand towards the door.


    "Go before I change my mind. When you see her, tell her to visit me."


    Isn¡¯t he also a grandfather figure to her? If so, why hasn¡¯t she visited him since she moved to Imperial?


    He sighs again at the thought but doesn¡¯t mention it.


    Lin Hui¡¯s eyes lit up, and he motions to Liu Ye for them to leave. Right now, he needs to bring Liu Ye to meet his boss and Liu Shan.


    As the two men disappear from view, the remaining officers were at a loss. One of the officers walks up to Chief Ren and whispers.


    "Are you sure about letting him go? He looks like a delinquent who will go back on his words."


    But why did it seem like Lin Hui and Chief Ren knew each other?


    Chief Ren gives the officer a side re. He doesn¡¯t say anything and nods at the restaurant manager before walking away.


    The officer scratched his head in confusion then quickly chase after his superior with hisrade.


    Since the Chief didn¡¯t say anything, they will have to trust that Lin Hui will turn up at the police station.


    "W-what just h-happened...?"


    The manager mumbles in disbelief at the scene he just witnessed. Lin Hui had exined the entire situation, and he agrees that Chen Xincheng was at fault.


    However, this is the first time such a matter has happened in his restaurant.


    His legs turned weak, and he falls onto his knees. His employees voiced their worries for him, but he could only stare nkly at the ground.


    "T-this is bad... Chen Xincheng will not let this go..."


    No... He cannot let that happen.


    He looks up at one of his employees who was trying to help him up.


    "Find out who that man is. We must inform the Chen family about the situation. We cannot make enemies with the Chen family. Hurry!"


    However, what the manager did not realize that it is not the Chen family he should be worrying about, but someone else.

 Chapter 848 - Don’t Be Afraid

    <h4>Chapter 848 - Don¡¯t Be Afraid</h4>


    As the afternoon wees Imperial, a motorcycle is seen swiftly moving through traffic.


    The rider was able to manner the motorcycle like a pro as it left the heart of Imperial.


    After making multiple turns and almost crossing a few red lights,?the motorcyclees to a stop.


    However, unlike the luxurious area, it was first seen in, this area was the lower-ie part of Imperial.


    The owner of the motorcycle parks it then turns off the engine before removing his helmet.


    He looks at the almost rundown building in front of him and mixed?emotions rise inside him.


    "So this is where you lived."


    Lin Hui quietly murmured but enough for someone standing close to hear.. He sighs inside and?turns his head enough to see the boy sitting behind him.


    He sees that Liu ye still has his helmet on but judging by the boy''s?stiff posture, it was enough to know what he (Liu Ye) was thinking.


    "Hey, kid."


    His words fell calmly, and he looked back at the building in front of him.


    "Don''t be afraid."


    He looks back at Liu Ye and gives the boy a reassuring smile.


    "I won''t let him hurt you."


    Liu Ye''s eyes were glued to the ce he once called home. It was the ce he wanted to run away from but the ce he couldn''t leave because of his siblings.


    When he heard Lin Hui''s promising words, he inhales a deep breath?and steadies his pounding heart.


    He takes off his helmet and gets down from the motorcycle. He would be lying if he wasn''t scared, but he needs to be strong if he wants to protect his younger siblings.


    Passing the helmet to Lin Hui, he walks towards the house. However, when he took a step, a loud crashing sound resonated from inside the house.


    "Damn, brat! Get back here, or I''ll kill you!"


    An older man''s voice shouts in rage, causing Lin Hui to frown while Liu ye stiffens in ce. Both men never looked away from the source before seeing a little boy?frantically running out towards them.


    He looked 7 or 8, but he was so skinny that one could almost see his bones.


    When Liu Ye saw the boy, all his senses returned, and he grabbed hold of the boy.


    "Jianan!"


    The little boy named Jianan struggles when he is suddenly grabbed. His movements and expression were full of horror as if the devil had caught him.


    Tears poured down his little face, and he cried aloud.


    "I''m sorry, father! I''m sorry! I''ll listen! Please don''t hit me!"


    Liu Ye turned distraught at the sight of Jianan''s pleading cry. He could feel his heart tighten, and the air around him became harder to breathe.


    However, his hands did not loosen their grip on the boy.


    He lightly shook Jianan and made the boy turn to look at him.


    "Jianan, it''s me. Calm down. It''s me."


    Jianan continued to apologize as if his life depended on it. When he heard Liu Ye''s voice, he was able to calm down a little and looked up at the person who had caught him.


    Once their eyes met, Jianan''s teary eyes shook, and his lower jaw uncontrobly trembles before letting out a loud wail.


    "Older brother!!"


    He jumps into Liu Ye''s embrace and hugs his older brother tightly while crying hysterically.


    "What took you so long? Why didn''t youe back? Why did you abandon Jie and me? WUUUU... WUUUU!"


    "Damn, brat, where did you go?"


    Liu Ye wanted tofort his little brother, but a heavy and groggy voice sounded from the house before he could say anything.


    He looked up in the direction Jianan had run from and saw a disheveled man stumbling towards them.


    One look, and anyone can tell that the man had been drinking.


    "Jianan, get behind me."


    Liu Ye''s entire being became alerted. He moves Jianan behind him, and despite his heart beating in fear, he holds his ground.


    Why? That''s because the man in front of him is their father, Liu Peng. The father, who didn''t hesitate to sell his children.


    Memories of all the cruel things he (their father) had done to them came rushing back causing Liu Ye''s eyes to turn red. Not from tears but from all the anger that had built up inside him.


    His hands curl into tight fists, and he raises his head.


    "That''s enough, father."


    Liu Peng was drunk beyond imaginable. His vision was blurry, and he could barely manage to stand straight. However, when he heard Liu Ye''s voice, a sneer curled on his face.


    "Well, if it isn''t my oldest."


    He chuckles in a drunken manner and hups.


    "What? You think you are a tough boy now that you''re a part of?Red Moon? Did those things finally make a man out of you?"


    A sarcasticugh escapes from him before he struggles a little to point at Liu Ye.


    "Why are you here? Does Tao Meng know that a good-for-nothing idiot like you are here?"


    Liu Ye stood in silence as he stared at the drunk man. If someone were to ask what he regrets in life, he would answer having a father like this.


    However, there was nothing he could do. He never asked to have a father like this.


    He inhales a deep breath that ever so slightly shakes his body. Once he was sure he was steady enough, he answered.


    "I left Red Moon."


    Hearing this response, Liu Peng''s eyes that were barely capable of opening, shot wide awake. It was as if someone had sshed a bucket of ice-cold water on him, and he entered reality.


    "Y-You... What d-did you say?"


    "I said, I left Red Moon."


    Liu Ye answered again without showing any fear. Before, he was always afraid of this man he called father. However, at this moment, he isn''t.


    Whether it was because of Lin Hui''s presence or the newly found courage in him, he wasn''t sure. All he knows is that he needs to protect his siblings from this demon.


    Liu Peng could only stare in disbelief as Liu Ye''s words repeated themselves in his head.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, he came to his senses again. However, anger roused inside him, and his expression turned ugly.


    "Who permitted you to leave? Do you wish for me to die?!"


    He growled in a hostile manner and lunged at Liu Ye.


    "Do you know what you have done? Now they''lle after my head!!"


    His arms stretch forward with his hand opened like ws. He grabs Liu Ye by the neck and strangles him to death.


    However, before touching the boy, a hand appeared from the side and grabbed his wrist.


    Liu Peng grew angrier. He turns his head to see who had dared to?stop him from beating his son.


    "Old man, you''ve gone too far."


    Lin Hui held the man''s wrist and spoke in a calm voice. He had nned to stay quiet since this was a situation between family.?However, when he saw Liu Peng lunge towards Liu Ye and Jianan, he had to intervene.


    He let go of Liu Peng''s wrist but didn''t forget to push the man a few?steps back. He then stood in front of the two boys and blocked?them from their father''s view.


    "As a father, you should be ashamed of yourself."


    His expression held no ounce of emotion, but one could sense the dangerous aura emitted from him.


    "No, you aren''t a father but a coward who picks on the weak."


    Liu Peng was at a loss by Lin Hui''s sudden appearance. He had never seen this man before, so from where did hee?


    His thoughts didn''t travel far when he remembered how he almost?managed to strangle Liu Ye.


    Just a bit more and would have been able to kill his son.


    He res with fierce eyes at Lin Hui and growls.


    "Who are you? This is a family matter. You are an outsider. You have no right to interfere."


    He res at Liu Ye for bringing a stranger into their family affair.


    However, within a split second of seeing the boy''s face, it was suddenly blocked again by Lin Hui.?His ring eyes avert back to Lin Hui, and he points at the man.


    "Get lost! If you don''t leave, I''m going to call the police!"


    Lin Hui scoffs in disbelief at what he heard. He looks at Liu Peng, and unable to contain himself, he lets out augh.


    "I do apologize, but you see, I made a promise to keep this boy safe."


    Hisugh faded, and he crossed his arms over his chest with one side of his mouth curled up.


    "But go ahead and call the police. Who do you think they''ll believe? A drunk and abusive father, who


    attempted to kill his son or a stranger, who witness an attempted murder."


    His expression turned into coldness that made all the bones in Liu Peng''s body freeze.


    He (Liu Peng) opened and closed his mouth to speak in wanting to retaliate, but no sound came out.


    It was as if he was a fish gasping for air onnd.


    "He''s right."


    At that very moment, an angelic voice sounds from the side, causing Liu Peng, Liu Ye, and Jianan to turn and look at the person.


    However, unlike them, Lin Hui kept his eyes on Liu Peng, but a smile could be seen on his face as he knew who it was that had arrived.


    "She''s here."

 Chapter 849 - Unforgivable

    <h4>Chapter 849 - Unforgivable</h4>


    After leaving An Qing, Yue Ling and Liu Shan headed in the same?direction as Lin Hui. However, neither expected to witness a dispute upon arrival.


    Well, they had already expected it, but just not so soon.


    Yue Ling stood in front of the ck car as she stared at Liu Peng. After?a long second, her eyes nce towards the two boys behind her?subordinate.


    When she saw that Liu Ye was unharmed, she sighed in relief. However, when she saw Jianan, a dangerous glint of light shed across her bluish-green eyes.


    "Unforgivable."


    Jianan was an adorable little boy with big round eyes. At his age, he?should beughing and enjoying life as a child should..


    However, she could see that he had suffered hardship.


    His body barely had any meat, and he looked like he hadn''t eaten a spec of food in days, no months.


    Imagining the suffering Liu Ye and his siblings had experienced, Yue?Ling''s heart ached for them. She slowly closes her eyes to take a?deep breath.


    She needed to calm the burning rage in her heart to stop?herself from going over to beat the father.


    Her purpose here is to help save Liu Ye and his siblings from this man. The decision to end this man''s life is not up to her but the children she lending a help hand.


    Quickly as she closed her eyes, she opened them again. However, this time, her line of sight was directed at Liu Peng.


    "You are a scum below all scums."


    She steadily walks over to the group, with Liu Shan following in pursuit.


    His expression was dark, and one could see he was holding himself?back from killing the man. If his boss gives him permission, he will not hesitate to teach this despicable man a good lesson.


    Yue Ling stood next to Lin Hui and used herself as a shield to protect?Liu Ye and Jianan. Her eyes never moved away from Liu Peng''s eyes.


    "After today, you will never see these children again, nor will you ever get the chance to harm them."


    She knows that the reason Liu Peng abused his children because they never fought back. Their silence was what made Liu Peng think them as scared little children.


    Liu Peng was in a difficult position. He was already having a hard?time with Lin Hui, and now, two more strangers suddenly appear.


    Not only that,pared to Lin Hui''s dangerous aura, this woman was even more dangerous.


    He could conclude that one small move and it''ll be the end of him.?However, he suddenly thinks about Tao Meng, and the fear inside of him disappears into thin air.


    He straightened his posture and made sure he didn''t appear weak.


    "Girl, I don''t know who you are, but you''re thinking too highly of yourself."


    He points to Liu Ye and Jianan.


    "They are my children. How I want to discipline them is up to me."


    His eyes scan Yue Ling from head to toe, and he scoffs.


    "Just because you are rich doesn''t mean you can do whatever you want. NOW, get lost!"


    He spat after his words, and his mucusnded inches in front of?Yue Ling.


    Seeing this, both Lin Hui and Liu Shan move towards the man. In?their presence, never will they allow anyone to disrespect their boss.


    However, before either man could take a step, Yue Ling calmly raised her hand to stop them.


    She stares back at Liu Peng with an expression void of any emotions.


    "Indeed, I am rich, as you say, but just because you are poor doesn''t mean you can do whatever you want."


    She returned the man''s words to him and lowered her hand.


    "You were given a chance to be a father. Your role is to make your?children feel safe. Not to make them lose hope and be afraid of you."


    The safety of her father''s arms crossed her mind, and she thought about Liu Ye and Jianan.


    "I will be taking these children with me. Even if you file awsuit?against me, I am prepared."


    Her head slightly turns to the side towards Liu Shan, and she gives him a faint nod.


    "Take them away."


    "Yes, boss."


    Liu Shan did not hesitate to do as told. He turns around and takes a?few steps toward Liu Ye and Jianan.


    He nods his head at Liu Ye then looks at Jianan. The little boy didn''t dare look at him but kept a tight hold on his older brother.


    Seeing Jianan''s reaction, his heart was in pain for the boy. He gets down on one knee to be at eye level and smiles.


    "Hey kid, I''m Liu Shan. You don''t have to be afraid anymore. As long as I, no... as long as we are here, no one can hurt you anymore."


    However, despite the use of his soft tone, Jianan was still afraid.?He (Jianan) had finally reunited with Liu Ye.


    What if these strangers treat them no different from their father? What if they get hit again or, worse, sold off to another adult?


    His little brain thought about all the scary ''what ifs,'' and his eyes?turned moist. He tightens his hands, clinging onto his older brother.


    What if they go with these strangers only to be separated?


    Liu Ye knew his younger brother more than anyone and knew what he (Jianan) was thinking.?He held the boy''s hand, and as Jianan looked up at him, he smiled.


    "They''re the good guys."


    He knew this was true because he was in the same shoes as Jianan?when he encountered Liu Shan and the others.


    When he met Yue Ling and Lu Tian, he thought he would be?thrown away or sent back to Red Moon. He had lost all hope, but these people, who he never met, were the ones to give him hope again.


    Jianan stared up at his older brother. He was no doubt skeptical at first, but hearing Liu Ye''s reassuring words, his heart told him to trust these people.


    His little head gives a small nod, but he doesn''t let go of Liu Ye''s hand.


    "Okay. I only trust brother and Jie."


    Liu Shan felt relief when he heard Jian an''s words. He pats the boy?on the head and stood up.


    "Let''s go wait in the car."


    He led the two boys in the direction of the car but didn''t forget to make eye contact with Lin Hui.


    Liu Shan: ''If that scum does anything, collect his fate.''


    Lin Hui: ''His fate is already in my hands.''


    The two subordinates quickly came to an understanding without words.


    They knew Yue Ling purposely sent the two boys away as she didn''t want them to be easy targets for their father.


    Once the car doors opened and closed, Yue Ling confirmed that Liu Ye and Jianan were safe.


    She kept her eyes on Liu Peng. When she saw him try to rush after his sons, she didn''t hesitate to block his path.


    "That''s as far as you go."


    Liu Peng res with daggers at Yue Ling. If his eyes could shootser beams, Yue Ling, would have been dead.


    "Get lost! How dare you take my children away?!"


    His fists clench tightly, and he scowls.


    "I am their father! let my children go this instant!"


    Yue Ling couldn''t help but chuckle with sarcasm. Anyone who saw them would undoubtedly think she was an evil woman separating a father and his children.


    One would even think Liu Peng was a dotting father concerned for his children.


    However, only an idiot would see Liu Peng as a good father.


    "You im yourself as their father, but no father would sell their children just to pay off their debt."


    Hearing this, Liu Peng''s face turned red in embarrassment. He knew that he was an alcoholic and couldn''t stop gambling, but he didn''t want to die with all his debt.


    He had no choice but to sell his children to the people he owed money.


    "I had no other choice..."


    He murmurs the words under his breath, and tears swell in his eyes.


    However, in a split second, anger rushed inside him, and he lunged at Yue Ling.


    "What was I supposed to do? It was either my head or them!!"


    Yue Ling watched the man angrily reach for her neck but remained calm.


    Was she afraid of Liu Peng? Of course not.


    "I don''t think so, old man!"


    From the side, Lin Hui quickly reacted. He steps in front of his boss and kicks Liu Peng in the stomach, sending him back where he came.


    He held his leg out for a long second before lowering it. He stares at Liu Peng, who is now on the floor and throwing up from his kick.


    "Is it time to collect his fate?"


    Yue Ling''s expressionless face stares down at the man vomiting. When she heard Lin Hui''s question, she ponder for a second before slightly shaking her head once.


    "Not yet."

 Chapter 850 - Every Child Deserves A Home

    <h4>Chapter 850 - Every Child Deserves A Home</h4>


    The sound of high heels resonated with each step as Yue Ling walked towards Liu Peng. She could see that he was suffering from Lin Hui''s kick.


    "I always envied those who had parents. Whether they had one or both parents, I still envied them."


    She stares down at Liu Peng, who was trying to catch his breath after vomiting.


    "You are supposed to be a father. A father who is supposed to protect his children. A father who will move heaven and earth for his children. A father who will never put his children in danger. A father, who is a hero in his children''s eyes."


    Her steps came to a stop about three feet away from him..


    "Not a father who sells off his children to pay off his debt. Not a father who inflicts pain on his children. Not a father who takes away all hope in his children. Not a father who makes his children wish death was better than being alive."


    Liu Peng finally caught his breath. Every word Yue Ling spoke was like mountains are dropping on him, one after another.


    The air around him became harder to breathe, and he clenched his fists.


    His eyes that turned red from his struggle to vomit res up at?the woman in front of him.


    "Shut up! Your luxurious way of living doesn''t give you rights to lecture me!"


    Yue Ling sighed inside at how stubborn Liu Peng was being. She slightly shook her head like she was disappointed in him.


    "Rich or poor, it ismon sense to be human. Not act like a monster."


    She hated parents who mistreat their children¡ªespecially the ones who me their children for their misfortune.


    Yes, she was born into a good family that loves and cares about her.


    However, she lost her parents when she was young.


    She had to grow up without her father and mother''s love.


    Every day she watched other children brag about what their mother cooked for them and what their father bought. She envied?them for having someone to call mother or father.


    How she long to utter those words again...


    As her thoughts go further into the distance, she recalls Liu Ye''s reaction when she patted his head on the day they met.


    It was unnoticeable, but she saw him flinch when she raised her hand.


    He was afraid like an abused kitten.


    He was afraid of her, thinking she was going to hit him.


    "Without the love of a mother or father, a child will feel an emptiness in their heart that someone can never fill."


    Liu Peng listened to her words, and shame poured over him. He was?twice Yue Ling''s age, yet a little girl is lecturing him.


    He scoffs a chuckle and pushes himself up from the ground.


    "Everything you said is true. But do you know how much I struggled to feed those ungrateful kids since my wife died? I rather sell them?than waste my life on brats like them."


    Yue Ling''s eyes slowly blink at the man. Her expression was so calm?that no one could read what she was thinking.


    After a long second passes by, she parts her lips to answer Liu Peng''s?question.


    "You are right. I do not know the struggle."


    ''That''s because my chance was taken from me.''


    She spoke the remaining sentence in her mind. Her eyes turned soft?as she couldn''t help but think about her and Lu Tian''s unborn child.


    However, she was quick to gather herself together, and the softness?in her eyes disappears.


    "But children are not objects. Weren''t you once a child? Didn''t you have parents? Were they so bad that you turned out the way you are now?"


    She turns her head and looks in the direction of the car Liu Ye and?Jianan were sitting.


    "Children shouldn''t be sacrificed so the parents can have the life they want."


    She looked back at Liu Peng, who was standing not too far from her.


    "I am here to take them away. You will never see them again unless?they want to see you. If you, so close as to set a foot near them,?I will make sure your life is far worse than it is now."


    She said all that she wanted and turned away from the man. She?didn''te here to beat the father but to make him suffer.


    And that is by taking his children away.


    She wants to take them to a better life that has nothing to do?with a despicable father.


    She wants to give these children hope again.


    Watching Yue Ling leave, Liu Peng was in disbelief. He needed his children.


    Without them, his ie will be cut short, and he won''t have anyone to take his anger on anymore.


    With this mindset, he runs after Yue Ling but suddenly stops?himself.


    He remembers Lin Hui, who was watching his every move. He swallowed a hard gulp when he made eye contact with the man who had kicked him.


    Knowing he could not go after Yue Ling, he remained in ce. However, he doesn''t forget to roar after her.


    "You''re going to regret taking them, especially ye. He was sold off to Red Moon, and they''lle after you."


    He could only use Red Moon to threaten Yue Ling as he knows the?mention of Tao Meng will scare anyone.


    "No matter how rich you are, you will not be able to escape from them."


    Lin Hui had yet to leave when he almost stumbled. He looks at Liu Peng with a frown but doesn''t say anything.


    Liu Peng''s head grew more prominent upon seeing Lin Hui''s stumble, and he thought he had scared them with Red Moon.


    He grins from ear to ear on the inside but keeps a calmposer. He only needs to say a few more words, and he''ll get those brats back.


    Once he has them back in his hands, he can keep his head.


    "Ye is now a property of Red Moon. You might not know this, but Red Moon will never let anyone off so easily. so I suggest you bring my sons back this instant."


    His head raises like he was a man with power, and his words continue.


    "One phone call, and they wille after you to take back their own."


    The corner of Lin Hui''s mouth began to Twitch. He stares at Liu Peng then walks over to Yue Ling at a fast pace.


    "Boss, I''m begging you. I will do whatever you want. Please."


    Hearing Lin Hui''s words full of pleading, Liu Peng knew he had made a point.


    If he knew the mention of Red Moon would terrify Lin Hui this much, he should have threatened them sooner.


    He could already see his children back inside the house, and he could teach them a lesson for trying to run away or telling on him.


    However, as good as it sounded for him, Lin Hui''s following words struck him like lightning on a stormy day.


    "Please let me punch him. Just one punch. One punch is all I need."


    All the colors on Liu Peng''s face drained of life. He had thought he finally scared Yue Ling and Lin Hui, but that wasn''t it.


    Remembering the strength of Lin Hui''s kick, his legs turned weak.


    He would have fallen to the ground, but he stood in ce due to his frozen state of mind.


    If Lin Hui''s kick almost killed him, who knows how he (Liu Peng) would be after getting punched.


    Yue Ling didn''t need to turn around to know what was Liu Peng''s reaction. She stares at the car ahead and sighs.


    "Where is his sister?"


    Hearing his plead dismissed, Lin Hui could only pout. He heaves a long sigh and scratches his head as if to get rid of his frustration.


    "She''s at school."


    Yue Ling ponders for a long minute. Once shees to a decision, she walks away after giving an order.


    "Send someone to pick her up."


    Walking a few steps, she stops and turns back to look at Liu Peng. She knew what he was trying to do by mentioning Red Moon.


    If it had been someone else, maybe they would be afraid. However, she is not someone else.


    "I meant every word I said. One false move, and your fate will be collected."


    She leaves herst warning and continues with her way towards the car.


    Lin Hui was slightly disappointed that he couldn''t give Liu Peng a good beating. However, never one to go against his boss''s orders, he sends the man a deathly re before following Yue Ling.


    After all, he knows that this will not be thest time he''ll encounter?Liu Peng. If his guess is correct, he assumes the man will probably try to seek help from Tao Meng.


    Liu Peng was at a loss by what had happened. He remained in ce and watched as the woman and man walked away.


    In the distance, Lin Hui caught up to his boss. He ces his hands behind his head and nces at her.


    "You alright, boss?"


    He remembered every word she said to Liu Peng. Others who heard would find her irrelevant for lecturing a man twice her age on how to be a father.


    However, he knew she wasn''t being irrelevant.


    Her words were for every child who didn''t have the voice to express their pain.


    Yue Ling''s steps ceased when she heard the question. Her bluish-green eyes look at the rear of the car like she could see Liu Ye and Jianan.


    "I''m fine as long as they''ll be fine."


    She knows that she cannot save every abused child, but she will do everything to help if she can save one.


    Giving her answer, she doesn''t walk to the rear door but makes her way to the passenger side of the car. She opens the door, and before entering, she nces back at the sight of Liu Peng.


    Disappointment washed inside her again, and she got inside the car.


    ''Every child deserves a home, but not every home deserves children.''

 Chapter 851 - Need To Thank The Most

    <h4>Chapter 851 - Need To Thank The Most</h4>


    Leaving the lower-ie part of Imperial, Yue Ling returned to De L''amour with Liu Shan, Liu Ye, and Jianan. The car parked behind thepany, and the four individuals stepped out of the vehicle.


    Yue Ling led the way from the parking lot and headed for the building entrance. Behind her was Liu Shan, then Liu Ye, and a nervous Jianan.


    Jianan held tightly onto his older brother''s hand and never let go.


    His curious eyes nce at his surroundings, and he scoots closer to Liu Ye.


    He has never left the lower-ie area of Imperial but heard plenty?of stories about the heart.


    However, seeing it now, he can''t help but feel afraid rather than nervous.


    There were so many people and cars. All the buildings around were?high and for his little body, he felt trapped.


    Like he was lost in a maze.


    His lips pressed tightly together, and he quietly tugged at the hem of Liu Ye''s jacket.


    "Brother, where are we going?"


    Liu Ye knew his brother was afraid, but he didn''t me the boy. Anyone in his shoes would be frightened after following two strangers.


    He looks at the back of Liu Shan''s head then at Yue Ling. He pondered on how to answer his little brother before the words came to mind.


    A very soft smile appears on his face as he looks down at Jianan.


    "A safe ce."


    Jianan was able to understand the meaning behind Liu Ye''s words.


    Every time their father came home drunk and beat them, Liu Ye?would often use his body as a shield. He (Liu Ye) would always tell them that they will all make it one day, and he will bring them to a safe ce.


    Remembering all the pain he and his older siblings had been?through, Jianan''s eyes began to tear up. He has a father like every?other child, but why is his father so mean?


    He thought back to before Liu Ye and Lin Hui appeared.


    His father had been gambling again and lost a lot of money. When he checked on his father, he overheard the man telling someone on the phone that they could take his sister to pay off the debt.


    Unable to hold his feelings in any longer, he screamed at his father.


    ''Why are you doing this? Older brother already sacrificed himself. Why are you doing the same to Jie? We are your children. Why can''t you love us like other fathers?''


    Jianan''s eyes slowly closed as he recalled those words he said. It?were those words that made their father angry and tried to kill him.


    However, despite being used to it, he made a run for it.


    It was then that he ran into Liu ye.


    He opened his eyes again, and the first thing he saw was the back figure of an angel.


    A wave of relief he never knew existed washed inside him. It was as if something inside was telling him to trust this angel.


    Feeling that someone was staring at her, Yue Ling''s steps slowed?down. She slightly turned to look behind, and her eyes met with?the eyes of the little boy.


    The corners of her mouth curl up ever so lightly, and she nods her head a little like she was greeting him.


    She turns away and looks ahead as she continues toward De L''amour.


    What she did not see was Jianan''s cheeks flush a shade of red.


    He steps closer to Liu Ye but doesn''t forget to steal nces at Yue Ling.


    As the four individuals entered the building, they were greeted by all?the employees.


    Ju Suo was the first to walk up to the group. She smiles at Liu Ye?with an expression full of mixed emotions but maintained a smile.


    "You did good, kid."


    She looks down at Jianan, and she sighs behind her smile.


    "I''m Ju Suo. What is your name?"


    Jianan stared with wide eyes at the petite Lolita woman in front of him.?He was amazed by how much Ju Suo resembles a doll.


    However, when asked for his name, he nervously bit his lower lip before answering.


    "I''m Liu Jianan."


    Just as he introduced himself, a handnded on his head. His head?slightly tilted forward due to the strength, but quickly as fear rushed inside him, it disappeared.


    The hand did not hit him but patted his head.


    He looked up at the person and saw a man. However, this man didn''t have a calm look like Liu Shan or Lin Hui but gave a cold feeling.


    "Hey Qi Li, are you trying to scare the boy?"


    From behind Qi Li was the sound of Lian Ni Shang. She pushes Qi Li aside and smiles down at the little boy.


    "Hi, sweety. This man is Qi Li. He may appear scary, but he''s actually a big teddy bear. I''m Lian Ni Shang and this is Shan Sinan."


    She gestures to Shan Sinan, standing beside her while he smiles as best as he can at Jianan.


    Jianan was introduced to everyone making the nervous feeling inside him disappear without him aware.


    Standing at the side, Yue Ling watched the way her subordinates?handled the situation. She was relieved that everyone was able to wee Jianan the same way they did with Liu Ye.


    She nces over to Ju Suo and sends the petite woman a nod.


    Ju Suo knew what her boss wanted and walked over to Yue Ling. She stood next to her and awaited instructions.


    "Pick up Liu Ye''s sister from school. Make sure their father doesn''t approach her."


    Yue Ling''sst word fell, and she turned away. She walks toward?the elevator to her office.


    From behind, Jianan sees her entering the elevator. He tugs on Liu Shan''s sleeve and whispers to the man.


    "Where is the angel going?"


    Liu Shan chuckles heartily at the way Jianan had addressed his boss.


    He bends his knees a little and looks in the direction Yue Ling had?gone. Their eyes met for a brief second before she disappeared inside the elevator.


    It was Yue Ling''s silent way of telling him to look after Liu Ye and Jianan.


    "The angel is going to work."


    He looks back at the boy with a smile on his face.


    "Are you hungry? There''s food in the break room."


    Oblivious to how Liu Shan had changed the subject, Jianan grins at the mention of food. He nodded his little head and held the assistant''s hand.


    "Can we save some for Jie?"


    Liu Shan felt like the God of cuteness pierced his heart.


    He looks down at Jianan''s big round eyes, and he wants so?badly to crush Liu Peng''s head.


    How can a person be so evil and hit such an adorable child like Jianan?


    He kept hisposer and gave the boy another smile.


    "There''s a lot of food here. We can save some for your sister too."


    As he takes Jianan to the break room, Liu Ye wanted so badly to cry. He was d to see his younger brother smile again.


    He stood with the rest of De L''amour''s design team. Once the assistant and his brother disappear from view, he sniffles a faint sob.


    Hearing his silent cry, Gui Tian Lan ces a hand on Liu Ye''s shoulder.?He looks in the direction of the break room and sighs a smile.


    "Don''t worry, kid. You''re both safe now. Ju Suo is already on her way to pick up your sister. You all will be together very soon."


    Liu Ye holds in his tears and nods his head. He is happy to have met?such wonderful people.


    Who knows what would have be of him and his siblings if he hadn''t met these people at Red Moon.


    He turns his head towards the elevators and thinks to himself.


    ''She is the one I need to thank the most.''


    On the highest floor level inside De L''amour, Yue Ling makes her way to her office. She sees Jiang Shengyi sitting at the secretary''s desk, and she smiles.


    "I''m d to see you adjusting well."


    Jiang Shengyi was going over a few documents. She had heard themotion but didn''t check it out because she was a new employee and didn''t want to step out of line.


    She decided to stay at her desk and work on the situation regarding the changes done at An Qing.


    When she heard Yue Ling''s voice, she looked up from herputer. She didn''t forget to stand and gesture a polite bow.


    "CEO Han."


    Yue Ling smiles her usual polite smile at her new secretary. she?was d to know that Jiang Shengyi has joined her team.


    "It''s your first day at work. No need to overwork yourself."


    She spoke to her secretary for a few more minutes before leaving for her office.


    "If youe across any trouble while working, feel free to ask me or the others for help."


    She entered her office and walked straight to her desk to sit down.


    Her body leaned back, and she rested her head on the chair as her eyes closed.


    * knock knock


    "Boss, it''s me."


    Within seconds of closing her eyes, a knock sounds from the door,?followed by Lin Hui''s voice.


    She slowly opened her eyes and stood from the chair.


    "Come in."


    Lin Hui opens the door upon approval, and Yue Ling walks to sit?down on one of the white couches in her office.


    "Um, boss, I have something to report."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling arches an eyebrow at her subordinate.


    "What is it?"


    From what she can tell by Lin Hui''s voice, she can roughly guess that?what he has to say has nothing to do with what just happened.


    Lin Hui hesitated as he entered the room. He walks over to the couch?across from his boss and takes a seat.


    "You see... I forgot to tell you something..."


    Both Yue Ling''s eyebrows arched curiously at Lin Hui. She doesn''t say a word but crosses her arms over her chest and ces her right leg on her left leg.


    Her expression was as if saying, ''well, go on, I''m listening.''


    Lin Hui stole a nce at her, and he raised his hand to scratch the back of his head. He grins at her and chuckles sarcastically.


    "I got into a little trouble earlier and got Chief Ren involved. He asked about you and wanted me to tell you to visit him."


    A long sigh escapes Yue Ling''s lips, and she turns her head to the?window. Her thoughts were unreadable, that it made her subordinate even more nervous.


    "Boss?"


    Lin Hui could only squeeze out the word as he couldn''t tell if she was angry or not. Was her silence directed at the trouble he caused or because he mentioned Chief Ren?


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by but was only a?few seconds, Yue Ling''s lips slowly parted as she looked back at Lin Hui.


    "What happened?"

 Chapter 852 - Variegated Tulips

    <h4>Chapter 852 - Variegated Tulips</h4>


    Inside Yue Ling''s office, Lin Hui recited the situation that happened when he took Liu Ye out for lunch. From start to finish, Yue Ling listened in silence without disrupting him.


    " ... and that''s how I got Chief Ren involved."


    Lin Hui spoke with his head down. He stares at his hands on hisp?and steals a nce up at Yue Ling.


    "I''m sorry, boss. Without thinking, I called Chief Ren."


    He apologized with a guilty heart. He knows that he had messed up, but he ended up calling Chief Ren in the heat of the moment.


    Yue Ling didn''t say a word or utter a sound. She sat in ce and?thought about Lin Hui''s report.


    After thoroughly thinking, she looks at her subordinate. She could tell that he was nervous and apologetic.


    "It''s alright. You don''t need to apologize. What you did was not wrong at all."


    Lin Hui felt as if the heavy weight on his shoulders was lifted, and?he could breathe again. He honestly thought his boss would be angry since she told everyone not to involve Chief Ren once they came to Imperial.


    He straightened his posture and raised his head to look at his boss.


    "I promise to never bother Chief Ren without informing you."


    Yue Ling chuckles at Lin Hui''s serious expression. She doesn''t put too much into his words and disregards the matter.


    "You can leave. Once I''m off the clock, I''ll go with you to the station."


    Lin Hui''s eyes widened ever so slightly when he heard her words. He didn''t expect her to go with him to the police station.


    He thought that sinceing to Imperial, his boss wanted to avoid the past. This was the reason why he was hesitant to tell her.


    However, unable to guess what she was thinking, he could only oblige.


    "Alright. Call me when you''re ready."


    He stood up from his seat and left the room.


    "Ah, I almost forgot. I sent Ju Suo to pick up Liu Ye''s sister. The two?boys are currently with Liu Shan. Please help keep an eye on them and provide them with any necessities."


    Yue Ling spoke after Lin Hui, and he stopped in front of the door. He?turns back to look at her and nods his head before walking out.


    Since he has nothing to do, he''ll hang out with the two boys until his boss is off.


    Once the room was engulfed in silence, Yue Ling tilted her head back and stared up at the?ceiling.


    "I wonder if I have any clothes here that will fit..."


    The words escaped her lips in a murmur then she remembered Lin Hui''s report again.


    She heaves a sigh and closes her eyes to rest.


    From what she heard, the woman Lin Hui helped was her friend, Qin Xue. If she remembers correctly, Qin Xue''s parents were constantly forcing her to attend blind dates.


    Her eyes slowly flutter open, and she tilts her head to the side. Her?bluish-green eyes stare out the window, and she sighs.


    "Life is already hard. Why can''t some parents think about their children''s happiness?"


    A few seconds after the words escaped her lips, she got up from the couch and walked to her desk.


    Although she is worried about others, she cannot ignore her duty as CEO.


    While Yue Ling returned to work, Lu Tian had just finished attending a meeting at hispany.


    His tall and handsome built entered his office and walked to his desk. He pulls open one drawer and reaches for his phone.


    He turns it on and frowns. He assumed that by now, his wife should have already returned from An Qing.


    However, there was no missed call, let alone a single message.


    He looked at the wall clock, and seeing that it was alreadyte in the afternoon, his frown deepened.


    "Does she not miss me?"


    "Ahem."


    Xu Long stood in front of the desk with a folder in hand. He couldn''t help but cough in an awkward position. He had been behind his boss the entire time and was waiting.


    He noticed the intense wrinkles between his boss''s eyebrows and thought it was because of the meeting.


    However, it was actually due to hisdy boss not contacting his boss.


    He kept a regr expression but rolled his eyes millions of times.


    His boss is known for being merciless yet, he (Lu Tian) was blessed with love before him (Xu long).


    Quickly as the thought came to him, he smacked it away. How can?he thought of such a thing when God blessed him the chance to meet Zhao Ya ''Er.


    He cleared his throat but grinned like a little girl on the inside before turning serious.


    "Boss, a report came while you were in a meeting. Afterdy boss left An Qing, she and Liu Shan met up with Lin Hui and Liu Ye."


    Lu Tian was quick to understand what had happened. He pinches his chin and immerses himself in his own thoughts for a brief second.


    "Have Shaofeng follow the father. If he makes any suspicious move, inform me right away."


    Xu Long nodded in his head in understanding. He opens the folder in his hand and takes out a piece of paper.


    "Here''s your boarding pass to City Z. I have also informed Jiangyu and Yiqing about the situation."


    He ced the boarding pass on his boss''s desk then dismissed?himself.


    As he walked out of the room, he walked at a fast pace towards?his office. He needed to inform Shaofeng about their boss''s task.


    However, that wasn''t the reason why he was quickening his steps.


    He wanted to call Liu Shan or Lin Hui and find out what happened.


    Did they give Liu Ye''s father a good beating? Or did they give him?a slow and painful near-death experience? Also, he needed to inform Liu Shan and the others about the photoshoot his boss had in mind for the wedding.


    Inside Lu Tian''s office, he stares with unblinking eyes at the boarding pass his assistant gave him. He couldn''t help but recall the bad memories every time he left his wife.


    The first time was when he learned about Shin, and the second time was when someone wanted his wife''s life.


    Although there were only two incidents, each one was able to cause a disturbance in his heart.


    What if he leaves, even if it''s only for a few hours, and something happens again? What kind of husband would he be to not be there in her need?


    Oblivious to Lu Tian''s thoughts, Yue Ling sat in silence in her office.?She had finished going over a few assignments with Jiang Shengyi.


    Before anyone realized it, the time had already arrived for everyone to?go home for the day.


    Yue Ling turned off herputer and stepped out of her office. She?met her secretary at the elevator, and the two women rode together?to the first floor.


    "See you tomorrow, CEO Han."


    Jiang Shengyi bid her boss goodbye and left thepany.?However, unlike her, Yue Ling didn''t go.


    She makes her way to the break room at the back of thepany.


    As she nears the room, she could hear the sound ofughter?belonging to that of a child.


    She knew at once that it was Jianan.


    A small smile appeared on her face, and she entered the room. She was d to know that he wasn''t afraid of them.


    Upon her entrance, the room became quiet. She sees her design team and assistant surrounding Jianan and Liu Ye.


    Lin Hui was also in the room as he sat the closest to Jianan.


    The view of her subordinates and the two boys softened her heart.


    "I hope I didn''t ruin the moment."


    She chuckles and walks over to an empty seat as everyone stares at?her sudden arrival.


    However, in the next second, Jianan was the first ce to break the silence.


    His little body jumps down from his seat and runs over to Yue Ling. In his hand was a single variegated tulip.


    He stops in front of Yue Ling, and his cheeks flush a shade of pink.


    "Miss Angel, I hope you don''t mind, but I wanted to give this to you."


    He hands the variegated tulip in a bashful manner. He steals a nce at the woman then looks away.


    "You have very beautiful eyes."


    After he ate in the break room, Liu Shan took him out on a stroll.?Although it was only inside thepany, he was indeed in awe of?everything he saw. He has never seen so much luxurious clothes in his entire life and everything looked so expensive that he was afraid he might dirty them.


    When they returned to the break room, he saw a bundle of variegated tulips in a vase. It was then that Liu Shan told him the meaning behind the flowers.


    And the first person he thought of was Yue Ling.


    She didn''t interact much with him and gave an emotionless expression, but he knew right away that she was a nice person.


    He also engraved her smile when she turned back to look at him in his heart.


    And her eyes... Her eyes were so beautiful that he couldn''t feel?any danger in them.


    Yue Ling was taken back by surprise. She looks at Jianan for a long second then the corners of her mouth raise.


    "Thank you."


    She takes the flower from him and gently pats his little head.


    ''Thank you for still being able to smile after everything you went through.''


    She spoke the remaining words in her head as she was genuinely thankful and looked down?at the flower.


    Any child who suffered the kind of abuse Jianan had would have long forgotten how to smile, let alone trust another adult.


    Yet, here he is, smiling like how a child should.


    Brushing her thoughts aside, she raised her head to look back at Jianan.


    She wanted to ask him a question but was interrupted by Liu Ye.


    "Miss Han, I hope my brother didn''t offend you in any way. I''ll lecture himter and tell him not to touch anything without permission."


    Liu Ye sincerely apologized as he stood next to his younger brother. He knows that Yue Ling is a nice person, but he and his siblings shouldn''t step?out of line.


    He gestures a bow and apologizes again.


    "I''m very sorry. I promise this will never happen again."


    Yue Ling remainedposed and stared at the top of Liu Ye''s head. She didn''t need to think about his words and chuckles.


    "Jianan didn''t offend me at all, so you do not need to apologize."


    She nced at Jianan, and a smile remained on her face.


    "Thank you for the flower. Topensate you, what do you want?"


    Liu Ye abruptly lifted his head when he heard Yue Ling. He looked at his brother and wanted to stop him from saying anything improper.


    However, it was toote.


    "I want a lot of food!"


    Jianan eximed with brightly lit eyes. Both his arms spread wide?like he was giving an example.


    "I want to eat a lot of food. So I can grow big and protect older?brother and die!"


    His words brought tears to Liu Ye''s eyes as it did the others in the?room.


    He didn''t ask for toys or things a child would buy but for food. He wanted to be strong, so his older brother didn''t have to protect him when their father hit them.


    Yue Ling sighs a smile. She gently caresses the boy''s face and nods?her head.


    "Mm. I will make thate true."


    ''I will make sure no harm will evere to you or your siblings.''

 Chapter 853 - Lady Boss Is In Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 853 - Lady Boss Is In Trouble</h4>


    Yue Ling was able to have a heartfelt conversation with Liu Ye and Jianan. It was as if the boys had never gone through any suffering.


    "Boss, can I talk to you outside?"


    In the middle of their conversation, Liu Shan interrupted with a severe expression. He didn''t wait for Yue Ling to answer and walked out of the room.


    Liu Ye and Jianan were confused by the man, but Yue Ling knew it was something important. Liu Shan is never the type to interrupt unless it is serious.


    She smiled reassuringly to the two boys and stood up to follow her assistant.


    "I''ll be back. You two can chat with Lin Hui and the others."


    She made quick eye contact with her subordinates and stood up from her seat before heading in the direction her assistant had gone.


    Liu Shan had walked a short distance away from the room.


    When Yue Ling saw this, she knew that he had something to tell her and didn''t want the two boys in the room to hear.


    She stops a few feet to the side of her assistant. She turned to face the substantial floor-to-ceiling window and calmly spoke.


    "What is it?"


    Liu Shan faced the same direction as her. He stares out to the busy street with people and cars passing by.


    "He''s underweight."


    Hearing this, the space between Yue Ling''s eyebrows slightly creased. She recalls Jianan''s appearance and his wish.


    "What do you mean?"


    "He''s ten."


    Liu Shan didn''t hesitate to answer. His usual calm expression turns into anger, and he looks at his boss while pointing to the break room.


    "When I first saw him, I thought he was seven or eight, but I asked him how old he was earlier. He said he was 10. Even Liu Ye agreed."


    He wasn''t angry at the fact that Jianan was ten. He was mad at the fact that the boy didn''t look his age.


    One can always tell if it was due to gics or not. However, in Jianan''s case, one could almost see his bones, and hisplexion did not look too good.


    The frown on Yue Ling''s face intensified. She stares at the nk space in front of her without questioning Liu Shan''s anger.


    When she first saw Jianan, she noticed how skinny he was, and due to his small appearance, even she thought he was at least seven or eight.


    However, to hear that he is actually ten was a huge surprise and shock for her.


    "That bastard... I should have just killed him back there. How has he been feeding these kids? Did he let them starve while he slept in alcohol?"


    Liu Shan growled through his tightly clenched teeth. The veins on his forehead became visible as the blood inside him boiled.


    His words caused Yue Ling to return to her senses. She reaches inside her coat pocket and takes out her phone.


    She dials a number then ces her phone by her ear.


    Liu Shan wanted to ask who she was calling, but her following words answered his unspoken question.


    The call rang once before an elderly man''s voice could be heard from the other line. However, before the person could say a word, Yue Ling spoke first.


    "Doctor Dong, this is Yue Ling. I want to set an appointment for a friend."


    It didn''t take long before the appointment was made and the conversation ended.


    Yue Ling turns her head to look at Liu Shan, and she sighs a faint smile.


    "I know you are angry, but I hope you can ovee that anger. No matter what life they lived before, we will provide a better one."


    *vr vr


    Just as her words fall, she feels a vibration from her phone. She looks down at the screen and opens the message sent to her.


    She looks back at her assistant and ces a hand on his shoulder.


    "Ju Suo was able to pick up Liu Ye''s sister. I need you to bring the boys to meet up with them. Lin Hui and I will followter."


    She doesn''t say anymore and walks back to the break room. As she entered the room, her eyes met Lin Hui, and she nodded her head.


    Her small gesture was enough for Lin Hui to understand. He patted Jianan on the head and stood up from his seat.


    "I have to go somewhere. I''ll be back."


    He looks at Liu Ye with a smile.


    "Take care of your little brother."


    As he leaves the room, Yue Ling walks over to the two boys. She squatted down to be at level with them.


    "My friend Ju Suo was able to pick up your sister from school. Liu Shan will take you to meet her. Okay?"


    Both Liu Ye and Jianan were surprised to hear that their sister had been saved too. Their heads nodded simultaneously as each boy did their best to contain their tears of happiness and relief.


    They were going to all be together again.


    Yue Ling looks at the two boys for a long second before standing up. She walks out of the room without turning back to look at them.


    As she reached the door, Liu Shan entered the room. He had calmed his anger down and walked straight to sit with the boys.


    He didn''t want them to see or know that he was angry.


    Yue Ling doesn''t say a word to him and walks away with Lin Hui.


    Right now, they needed to go somewhere.


    * Ring ring


    Just as the boss and assistant walked out of De L''amour, someone''s phone rang.


    Lin Hui nced at his boss, and seeing that she wasn''t going to answer, he pursed his lips.


    "I know you''re being considerate of a single man like myself, but you should answer the call. It might be your cold-blooded yet handsome soon-to-be husband."


    His words that were full of sarcasm, dumbfounded Yue Ling. She scoffed a chuckle and continued to walk to the car but didn''t forget to respond.


    "It''s not my phone."


    Lin Hui stumbled in his steps but quickly steadied himself. He stares at his boss with a perplexed face.


    If the phone ringing didn''te from his boss, then whose phone is ringing?


    The second he thought this, he came to realize that it was his phone.


    He searches his body and takes out his phone from the inner pocket of his jacket.


    When he saw the name of the caller on the screen, he frowned and answered.


    "Why are you calling me?"


    [ "Why can''t I call you? What are you doing?"]


    A man''s voice could faintly be heard from the other line, and Lin Hui sighed. This person always called him just to ask what he was doing.


    He massages his forehead and answers.


    "I''m going to the police station with my boss. I''ll call youter."


    He ended the call as he arrived at Yue Ling''s white BMW ?5m.


    However, seeing her enter the driver''s seat, he sighs again and walks around the car to get inside from the passenger side.


    As the two individuals drive away from De L''amour and head for the police station neither was aware of the person who called Lin Hui.


    In the distance, Xu Long stood outside of Lu Corps with his jaw dropped to the concrete ground.


    He was the person Lin Hui had just hung up on over the phone.


    However, he still had his phone against his ear since he could not move his frozen arm.


    He had just clocked out and was heading home but decided to call Lin Hui to see what the man was doing.


    Never did he expect to hear such words.


    After an eternity had passed by, he regained consciousness, and his head darts in all directions in search of someone.


    He sees the person he was looking for and rushes after the person.


    "Boss! Wait! Boss! Boss! Wait!"


    Lu Tian was about to enter his car when he heard his assistant. He ignores the man and opens his car door.


    Right now, he just wants to go home and see his wife. Whatever Xu Long has to say, can wait.


    He thought this, but Xu long''s following words made all his movements stop.


    "Something happened! Lady boss is in trouble!"


    Xu Long screamed at the top of his lungs. He didn''t care about the stares of passersby and ran as if his life depended on it towards his boss.


    He finally reached Lu Tian''s car within seconds, with his breathing heavy. His hand holding his phone stuck out to show his boss.


    "I just spoke with Lin Hui. He said he and thedy boss are going to the police station right now."


    He squeezed out each word as he tried to catch his breath. When he was able to steady himself, he looked up at Lu Tian.


    However, he quickly stiffened in ce like a statue.


    Lu Tian''s expression was dark and dangerous. His cold eyes stares into his assistant''s soul before entering his car.


    "Get in."


    Feeling the dark air surrounding them intensifies, Xu Long couldn''t help but swallow a gulp.


    "I can drive..."


    He wanted to say he''d drive them to the police station, but all his words were cut short by Lu Tian''s cold eyes that pierced his soul a second time.


    Unable to help himself, he swallows another gulp and gets inside the passenger seat.


    As he sat down, he buckled his seat belt and cursed inside with tears that would not shed from his eyes.


    ''Whoever it is, you better pray that I make it out alive. If I die during this car ride, I''ll make sure to haunt you for the rest of your life!''


    Lu Tian ignored his assistant''s fear of his driving and turned the car on. A dangerous glint of light shed across his eyes, and he stepped on the elerator.


    As he sped out of the parking lot and heads straight for the police station, Xu Long sat in the passenger seat, holding onto dear life.

 Chapter 854 - Their Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 854 - Their Rtionship</h4>


    Leaving De L''amour, Yue Ling and Lin Hui soon arrived at Imperial''s police station. Both individuals stepped out of the car, with Yue Ling wearing a mask.


    If it had been her in the past, she wouldn''t have cared to wear a mask. However, this time, it was different.


    Her identity as General Ji''s granddaughter has been revealed to a few others and her rtionship with Lu Tian. Thest thing she wants is the media to use this as a scandal for her grandfather and Lu Tian.


    As she headed for the entrance of the police station, Lin Hui quietly followed behind her.


    He didn''t ask her any questions regarding her sudden concealment. He knows that his boss didn''t care about what the media had to say about her, but it was different for the ones she loves.


    "Hello, I''m Officer Xin."


    Upon entering the building, the boss and subordinate were greeted by a female officer. She looked at Yue Ling and felt the woman look familiar but didn''t remember from where.


    She ponders for a long second but is unable to recall anything. She looks at Lin Hui and smiles.


    "What can I help you with?"


    Lin Hui stares at the woman with slightly creased eyebrows. He remembers her from the restaurant. She was one of the officers who came to the scene with Chief Ren.


    "Ah, I guess you don''t remember me. I''m here to write my statement regarding the incident this afternoon."


    Listening to his words, Officer Xin''s eyes widen in surprise, and she gasps. She stares at Lin Hui and chuckles.


    "Oh my. I''m so sorry. Follow me this way."


    She was taken aback because she and the other officers were joking about whether Lin Hui would show up at the police station. Surprisingly, he came as promised.


    "Officer Xin, I''ll take it from here."


    Just as Lin Hui was about to follow the female officer, an older man''s voice sounded from the back of the building. Themotion in the room turned quiet, and no one dared to make a sound.


    Officer Xin turned around to look at the person. When she saw who it was, she gestured a respectful bow.


    "Chief Ren."


    Yue Ling looks at the elderly man and politely nods her head. Next to her, Lin Hui did the same but added a waving hand in greeting.


    He crosses his arms over his chest and raises his chin with a confident face.


    "See, I told you I woulde in. I''m a man of my words."


    A cheerfulugh escapes Lin Hui''s lip, and he points with his head to his boss.


    "And I was able to bring her too."


    Chief Ren did not hear a single word Lin Hui said. His eyes were glued to the young woman wearing a mask.


    Although he could only see her bluish-green eyes, he knew who she was without asking.


    He turns away and walks towards the back of the police station.


    "We can talk in my office."


    He stops in front of the door to his office and looks back at Officer Xin.


    "If anyonees to find me, tell them I am in a meeting with an important person."


    "Yes, sir."


    Officer Xin politely nods her head like a good subordinate. She steps aside so that Yue Ling can follow after Chief Ren. Behind her (Yue Ling), Lin Hui took a step forward but paused when he noticed something.


    He scans his surroundings and sees that all the police officers in the room are as stiff as a board. Even Officer Xin, who was still in a bowing position.


    His eyes nced to the room Chief Ren, and his boss had entered. He shrugs his shoulders with a nonchnt expression and walks away.


    Once the three people were out of view, the stiff air that surrounded the room returned to normal.


    Officer Xin sighed in relief and walked over to her desk. She sat down and looked like she had survived a storm.


    "What was that about?"


    Another officer asked from across her desk, and she looked at the person. She thought about how to answer then nced at the door of Chief Ren''s office.


    "I''m not sure but seeing how the Chief personally came out to greet them, they must not be ordinary people."


    She looks at everyone in the room, and her words continue.


    "We should be cautious from now on and not make any mistakes."


    When Lin Hui mentioned the incident earlier at the restaurant, she remembered Chief Ren''s words when they left the scene.


    He (Chief Ren) told her and the other officers that they were going to be visited by a very important person.


    However, who is the important person?


    Was it Lin Hui, who could leave a scene in front of the Chief, or the woman, whose eyes were like they could see into a person''s soul?


    "Wow, that hooligan actually came just like he said earlier. I thought he was going to run away. I was waiting for him not to show up so I could go arrest him myself."


    A middle-aged officer chuckles, and everyone turns to look at him. He was one of the officers at the scene and had questioned the Chief why the Chief allow Lin Hui to go.


    Officer Xin res at the man for speaking out of line.


    "Don''t cross the line, Officer Rong. Did you forget what the Chief told us?"


    The Chief of Police already made it clear. Whether it was Lin Hui or the woman, she can conclude that no one here should offend them in any way.


    Hearing the way she belittled him, Officer Rong arrogantly snorts. He looks away without another word and pretends to go over some documents on his desk.


    He doesn''t know why the Chief is so respectful towards those two people, but he could care less about them. He sees them as troublemakers and should be put behind bars.


    Unaware of the conversation that had taken ce outside, Chief Ren sat down in his chair while Yue Ling and Lin Hui sat across from him.


    A table separated them as there was a teapot and cups.


    He pours the warm tea into three cups and passes them to the young woman and man.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve seen you. How are you doing?"


    Yue Ling gradually raises her hand and removes the mask covering the lower half of her face. She smiles at Chief Ren before picking up the cup of tea.


    "Thank you for the tea. It has been a long time, and I am doing well."


    Watching her drink the tea, Chief Ren sighs a smile. He picks up his cup and drinks the tea he poured for himself.


    "How are you adjusting to life in Imperial?"


    Lin Hui nced between the two people and decided to stay quiet. He should let them catch up on life then join inter.


    "It''s not bad."


    Yue Ling answered and set the cup of tea on the table that separated her and Chief Ren. She looked at the man and noticed how much he had aged since shest saw him.


    "I apologize for noting to see you sooner."


    Chief Ren''s heart softened at her. He smiles without saying a word and takes another sip of the tea before responding.


    "No need to apologize. Everyone is busy with their own life, and I expected the same for you."


    He has known Yue Ling since she was a child and saw her as his grandchild. He also understood the weight she carried on her shoulders.


    Thinking about all the things Yue Ling had to go through, his heart hurt for her. She is so young, yet, she experienced more pain than him.


    And despite all the hardships she had to go through, she was able to smile and pick herself back up.


    His eyes turned soft, and he looked down at the cup of tea in his hand. Once he is able to stabilize his emotions, his head lifts back to look at her.


    "If you ever need anything, remember that I am also here to help."


    Yue Ling was grateful towards Chief Ren. He is a good friend of both her grandfathers and someone she respects.


    However, due to her involvement with the underworld and his position as the Chief of Police, their rtionship has to be kept confidential.


    She wanted to reject his offer, but did not want to hurt the old man''s feelings. Left with no other choice, she nods her head and gives him her word.


    "I will keep your offer in mind."


    Chief Ren heartilyughs at her response. He knows that despite her words, she will never seek his help.


    It has been that way since she took over Fate and became the CEO of herpanies.


    As an elder who considers her his granddaughter, he can only support her in the dark.


    Not wanting to dwell too much on the past, he remembers an article he read and clears his throat.


    "I heard that you are getting married. I''m d to hear that you are happy."


    Yue Ling smiled at the mention of her wedding as Lu Tian''s face entered her mind. She is happy and cannot wait to grow old with him.


    How she wishes to go home to see him...


    "I hope you are able to attend-"


    *Bang-!


    The second she wished to see Lu Tian, a loud bang sounded from the door as it cuts off her sentence.


    Whoever it was, kicked the door opened with great force and was currently being detained by two officers.

 Chapter 855 - Misinterpretation

    <h4>Chapter 855 - Misinterpretation</h4>


    "Sir, you can''t go in there."


    One of the two officers holding the person struggled to speak as Yue Ling and Chief Ren look at the source of the sound.


    Meanwhile, Lin Hui jumped up from his seat in surprise. He almost dropped his cup of tea but was able to keep a steady hold on the cup.


    "What''s going on?"


    Hearing his subordinates, Chief Ren stood up from his seat. He walks over to see who had dared to break his door down.


    However, the moment he stood up, a tall figure entered the room, bringing in cold air with him.


    Yue Ling saw the person and her eyebrows arched in surprise.


    "Tian? Why are you here?"


    Now standing in the room, Lu Tian stares directly at Chief Ren. His expression was dark, and despite two officers holding onto his arms, his stance did not falter.


    Seeing that the two officers were trying to detain Lu Tian and bring him out, Chief Ren frowns. He sends them a re and growls.


    "Why haven''t you let go? Do you know who this is?!"


    Quickly as his words fell, both officers loosened their hold on Lu Tian. They were well aware of who Lu Tian was, but he had a dangerous aura when he entered the police station.


    Everyone thought something serious had happened and he was going to cause trouble. As police officers, they were only doing their job.


    Also, the Chief had instructed them not to let anyone enter his office as he was in an important meeting.


    Chief Ren felt embarrassed that his subordinates had done such a thing to Lu Tian. He pinched the space between his eyebrows and waved them away.


    "Lu boy, I apologize on behalf of my subordinates."


    His hand lowers, and he gestures to an empty seat in the room.


    "I''m not sure why you are here but have a seat. We can discuss it."


    Lu Tian''s expression that could kill a person did not cease at all. He walks over to his wife and stands in front of her like a bodyguard.


    "Why is my wife here?"


    The room turned into silence. Yue Ling turned quizzical at his question while Chief Ren sat in his chair and stared at the man standing in front of him.


    This person was Lu Tian. The man many fear and will never try to get on his wrong side.


    However, there was no fear on Chief Ren''s face but frustration.


    Instead, he was struck dumbfounded by Lu Tian''s sudden threatening question. He stares at Lu Tian for a long second then exhales a deep breath. He pinches the space between his eyebrows and waves the man to sit.


    "Sit down. There seems to be a misunderstanding here."


    Lu Tian''s cold eyes did not waver, nor did he show any intentions of sitting down.


    How can he, when his wife is here at the police station? Not only that, she is being questioned by the Chief of Police.


    Could it be that because his wife is a part of Fate, Chief Ren is trying to find the slightest fault to put her away?


    As this thought entered his mind, his expression turned more dangerous than it already is at this moment.


    "Whatever misunderstanding it is, I will be the judge of it."


    Lin Hui, who was sitting next to Yue Ling, was beyond confused. He looks to the door and sees Xu long.


    He doesn''t make a sound but makes eye contact with the assistant in a nonverbalmunication.


    ''What in the world is going on? Why are you and Lu Tian here?''


    Xu Long held a serious face as he was his boss''s right-hand man. However, when he makes eye contact with Lin Hui, he sends the man a wink and nods his head ever so slightly.


    ''Don''t worry. My boss will handle it from here. You and thedy boss can sit back and rx.''


    ''...''


    Lin Hui was struck in the head by the God of Dumbfoundedness. His eyelids turned heavy, and he felt the urge to go over to Xu Long and smack the man on the head.


    ''What in the world are you talking about? What is there to handle?''


    Xu Long sighs inside and gives Lin Hui a severe expression.


    ''Sh. Everything will be fine.''


    ''...''


    Oblivious to the two subordinates'' unspoken conversation, Lu Tian put Chief Ren in a distraught position. He (Chief Ren) decides not to drag on this misunderstanding and puts up the white g.


    "When I said this is a misunderstanding, it really is."


    He leans forward and ces his cup of tea on the table. He then pours himself some more tea.


    "No one here is in trouble, so can you give this old man a little face?"


    At first, he was confused as to why Lu Tian was here, but now he knew the reason.


    Based on his (Lu Tian) overprotective behavior, it can only mean he (Lu Tian) thought he (Chief Ren) was trying to find pin something on Yue Ling.


    "You can put that dangerous aura of yours away now."


    Lu Tian was never to take words lightly. He parts his lips to ask why his wife was brought in, but he suddenly feels the softness of a familiar touch on his hand.


    The darkness that clouded his judgment disappears, and he looks at the owner of the hand.


    His eyes gaze into the bluish-green eyes that he loves, and his entire being softens like melted butter.


    Yue Ling held his hand and smiled up at him.


    "Tian, what Chief Ren is saying is true."


    Seeing that her words had subdued the anger in him, she goes on to exin the situation.


    "No one is in trouble. Lin Hui is here to write a statement for an incident he was involved in while I''m here to visit an elder."


    Hearing her response and her calm expression. Lu Tian was able to sigh in relief.


    He sat down on the empty chair next to her without letting go of her hand.


    "You should have told me. Do you know how worried I was when Xu Long told me that you came to the police station?"


    Yue Ling couldn''t help but chuckle at him. She never expected something like this would make him so worrisome.


    "I''m sorry. I''ll tell you from now on."


    "Ahem."


    From across the couple, Chief Ren interrupts with a cough. His cheek was vaguely pink, and one could see the awkwardness in his expression.


    "Young people nowadays are so straightforward."


    He murmurs to himself and clears his throat. He looks at Lin Hui and decides not to waste any more time.


    "Hui, I was going to take in your statement, but you can go find Officer Xin and write your statement. I''ll read itter."


    Lin Hui was rooted in his seat with heavy eyes staring straight at Xu Long. He had been going around in his head how such a scene unfolded.


    However, it turned out, he and Chief Ren almost suffered from Lu Tian''s wrath, all because of Xu Long''s misinterpretation.


    He shakes his head and follows Chief Ren''s words. He stood up to leave the room but didn''t forget to drag Xu Long out with him.


    Lin Hui: "Be thankful we were able to clear up this misunderstanding."


    Xu long: "Hey, a thank you would be nice. I could have died on the way here. Besides, how was I supposed to know that this was all a misunderstanding? You hung up on me before I could ask any questions. So if anyone is to me, it''s you."


    Ignoring the two men''s conversation, Lu Tian kept a stern expression but looked at Chief Ren. He felt regretful for what he did and awkwardly smiles.


    "I apologize for your door. I willpensate you with a new one."


    Chief Ren was just about to take a sip of his tea when he choked at Lu Tian''s sudden apology. He pats his chest and stares at the man with uncertainty.


    ''Who is this young man? Is he really Lu Tian? The same Lu Tian who never apologizes to anyone. Is he smiling? Oh God, he is smiling!''


    He subconsciously nces at Yue Ling, and seeing that Lu Tian was shamelessly holding her hand, he chuckles while shaking his head.


    ''I see. Love can really change a person.. Look at what it''s done to Lu boy.''

 Chapter 856 - [Bonus ]They Werent Too Happy

    <h4>Chapter 856 - [Bonus ]They Weren''t Too Happy</h4>


    As the two men disappeared out the door, Chief Ren couldn''t help butugh. He looks at Yue Ling and Lu Tian and smiles.


    "I''m d to see that everyone is adjusting well with one another."


    His eyes nced down to the young couple''s hands still in twined together, and his heart softened.


    He looks at Lu Tian, but this time, his expression turns serious.


    "As one of Yue Ling''s elders, I hope you treat her well. If I hear even the smallest wrong you''ve done to her, I will being after you."


    He knows that Lu Tian will never do anything to harm Yue Ling, but he still wanted to give a warning as her elder.


    Lu Tian was befuddled by Chief Ren''s words yet maintained aposed posture. He couldn''t understand why everyone kept thinking of him lightly.


    He may be ruthless towards others, but never towards his wife. She is thest person he ever wants to hurt.


    However, understanding Chief Ren''s point of view, he nods his head.


    "If I harm her in any way, even in the slightest, my life will be for her to take."


    He assured Chief Ren that he would do what he promised. If such a day were ever toe, he would dly offer his life to her.


    Yue Ling gazed at him as warmth filled her eyes and heart. Before, she thought she could live on with life without the support of another.


    However, after meeting Lu Tian, she was grateful to have such a kindhearted man by her side.


    Of course, she is the only person who would think of Lu Tian as a kind person.


    If it were someone else, they would have been scared to death by him. Chief Ren was pleased to hear Lu Tian''s encouraging words. However, as much as he wanted to stay on the topic, he knew he couldn''t.


    "Although I want to continue this conversation, I do not want to take up your time with an old man like myself."


    He stood up from his seat and walked over to his desk. He picks up a folder and hands it to Yue Ling before sitting back down.


    "This is the report of today''s incident. I''m sure Lin Hui already informed you regarding the situation, but the man he encountered this afternoon is Chen Xincheng, and the woman is the only daughter of the Qin family."


    His hand raises to massage his forehead, and he heaves heavily.


    "Miss Qin has given her written statement. However, judging from her family''s reaction when they heard the news, they weren''t too happy."


    Yue Ling read the details about the situation and Chen Xincheng. When she heard about Qin Xue''s parents, she raised an eyebrow.


    "What do you mean?"


    Chief Ren exhales and closes his eyes as if to sort out his feelings.


    "The Qin family and Chen family are close friends. From my understanding of Miss Qin''s statement, she was on a blind date with Chen Xincheng. Things got out of control, so Lin Hui had to intervene. I tried exining this to the Qin family, but they were certain that it was Lin Hui at fault."


    He details what happened when Qin Xue was brought in and what happened when the Qin family arrived. Chen Xincheng was sent to the hospital, so he was unable to answer any questions or clear the misunderstanding.


    In the end, Lin Hui, who was also not present, had to be the one to me.


    "I don''t know what will happen from here, but the Qin family and Chen family are ones not to let things go so easily."


    Yue Ling listened until the end, as so did Lu Tian. She stares down at the picture of Chen Xincheng, and without the need to think, she closes the folder.


    A side smile curled on her face, and she ced the folder on the table.


    "What a coincidence. My family happens to be one that doesn''t let things go so easily too."


    Lu Tian looks at his wife with unending proudness. Even if he doesn''t say it, she is apetent woman, and she has his support, along with the Lu family.


    Chief Ren, on the other hand, was feeling sorry for the Qin and Chen family.


    They were prominent and influential families that is why they could easily shift the me on others.


    However, this time, they picked the wrong person to me.


    Lin Hui may note from a substantial household, but he is backed by Yue Ling, andpared to her, the two families are like stepping stones for her.


    After talking to Chief Ren about the situation, Yue Ling and Lu Tian bid farewell to the old man and left the room. Considering the time it took for them to discuss, their subordinates should be outside waiting for them.


    Lu Tian walked at the same pace as his wife. He held onto her hand without a care about what others thought.


    He steals a few nces at her with a look of hesitation. He wanted to ask how she knew Chief Ren but didn''t want to ask in front of the old man.


    It was clear that they knew one another, but this was the first time he heard that Chief Ren was her elder.


    Yue Ling was able to read his mind and softly chuckle. She adores this childlike side of him. However, she pretends not to notice his feelings.


    She locked her arms with him and smiled happily.


    "Did I mention that Chief Ren is a close friend of both my grandfathers? He can be considered a grandfather to me. It''s been a few years since Ist saw him, so I decided to pay him a visit since Lin Hui wasing here."


    Lu Tian''s ears flushed pink, and he covered his mouth as if to hide his feelings.


    Once he lowered his hand, his expression returned to normal, and he nods in understanding.


    He was relieved that their rtionship was not that of enemies.


    "Boss! Over here!"


    As the couple exited the police station, ahead came the voices of Xu Long and Lin Hui.


    After Lin Hui gave his statement to Officer Xin, he and Xu Long came outside to wait for their bosses to finish.


    Yue Ling smiles at the thought of the two men looking simr to children waiting for their parents.


    As she thought this, she was going to tell Lu Tian about Liu Ye and his siblings, but she took notice of a middle-aged woman getting out of a car.


    The woman''s car was parked near her car, but from where the two subordinates stood in wait, neither could see the woman.


    Yue Ling sees a silver tumbler in the woman''s hand and could see anger written on the woman''s face. She recognized the woman as Qin Xue''s mother and looked at Lin Hui as Chief Ren''s words entered her head.


    "Lin Hui, watch out!"


    However, it was toote.


    Madam Qin runs over to Lin Hui and furiously pours the steaming hot liquid inside the tumbler at him.


    "It''s all your fault!"

 Chapter 857 - This Evil Lady Must Be...

    <h4>Chapter 857 - This Evil Lady Must Be...</h4>


    Lin Hui heard Yue Ling''s warning, and he turned around. Although he waste seeing the middle-aged woman, he was able to push Xu Long away and take a big step back.


    He attempts to dodge what the woman threw at him. However, the scorching liquid that escaped from the tumblernded on his arm that had pushed Xu Long away.


    "Ugh..."


    His jaw tightens at the pain, and he res at the woman.


    Due to him wearing a leather jacket, he didn''t feel much pain on his arm, but his bare hand did not escape the burning hot liquid.


    "It''s all your fault!"


    The woman bellowed with rage and threw the silver tumbler at Lin Hui. She points at him, and one can see immense hatred in her eyes.


    "You''re the one who ruined my daughter''s date! You''re the reason why the Chen family is so angry with us!"


    Lin Hui was able to dodge the tumbler. The nking of the tumbler hitting the ground echoed in the parking lot, but his eyes focused on the woman.


    He didn''t know who this woman was or why she was ming him. However, once she mentioned the word daughter and the Chen family, he was able to connect the dots.


    This evildy must be Qin Xue''s mother.


    His eyes darkened, and he sent the woman a bone-chilling re.


    "Before you attack someone, you should find out the truth first."


    Madam Qin scoffs in disbelief. She was on her way to see the Chen family and exin why her daughter and Chen Xincheng''s date didn''t go well.


    However, one of the police officers called her that Lin Hui had showed up at the police station.


    She came here because she wanted to see the man who ruined her daughter''s chance at finding a potential husband.


    Her nostrils red, and her body shook uncontrobly.


    "If you''re not to me, then who? If you had minded your own business, my daughter wouldn''t have to be humiliated like this. She wouldn''t have to step foot inside the police station!"


    The corner of Lin Hui''s mouth twitched with no intentions of stopping.


    He stares at Madam Qin like she is the biggest idiot in the world.


    Instead of thanking him, who saved their daughter from being another of Chen Xincheng''s victims, he was being med.


    He felt the pain in his hand and scoffs a sarcastic chuckle at Madam Qin.


    "Is this some prank? Your daughter was being pressured against her will, so I helped her. In the end, this is what I get?"


    Madam Qin did not see Lin Hui as her daughter''s savior but as a hooligan. She scowled at his appearance and raised her chin.


    "I will not tolerate a hooligan like you. I know that when you saw my daughter in trouble, you took that chance to intervene. It''s your fault that my Qin family is on the verge of having a falling out with the Chen family."


    Lin Hui was at a loss. Not because he couldn''t say anything but because he couldn''tprehend the situation.


    Before he could think any further, Madam Qin points to the police station.


    "Go inside and tell the police that it was your fault. You tricked my daughter into thinking you were trying to save her in order to im a reward."


    Lin Hui''s eyes turned colder than a frozenke in the winter. He remained in ce without the intention of moving at all.


    When did he ever ask for a reward from anyone?


    Seeing that he wasn''t going to move, Madam Qin''s face grew red from her anger. She stomps her


    foot hard against the ground and storms over to Lin Hui.


    Her right arm raises, and she ps him across the face.


    "A good-for-nothing like you shouldn''t be walking freely in this world!"


    However, before her hand could reach an inch of Lin Hui''s face, a slender hand grabs her wrist.


    Rage flowed through Yue Ling likeva. She shoves Madam Qin''s arm


    away and eyes smoldered with resentment red at her.


    "Aren''t you ashamed of yourself?"


    Madam Qin''s eyes shook when she saw that the person who stopped her was Yue Ling. She takes a step away and straightens her coat.


    "Good, since you are my daughter''s friend, why don''t you bear witness."


    She points to Lin Hui and puts on a pitiful expression.


    "He''s the reason why my Xue ''er has to suffer such embarrassment."


    Yue Ling kept a calmposer as she stared at Madam Qin. She felt disgusted by everything Madan Qin had said and the way she (Madam Qin) acted.


    However, seeing the woman putting on a pitiful act, she smiles.


    "It''s a shame that Qin Xue has a mother such as yourself."


    She was raised to have good judgment on others. Whether if they were born from a prominent family or not, she needed to have an open eye.


    The woman in front of her was from a wealthy family, but her personality was just as bad as Liu Peng, who was from a lower-ie family.


    Instead of finding out the truth, Madam Qin yed victim and pointed fingers at Lin Hui. Like Liu Peng, who couldn''t find his standing and pointed at his children for his misfortune.


    Seeing the simrities in the two people, she scoffs in displeasure. She takes a step forward and closes the distance between her and Madam Qin.


    "Your daughter was suffering because of your selfish decisions, yet, here you are putting the me on another. You should be ashamed of yourself for acting like this."


    Madam Qin did not expect Yue Ling to oppose her. She clenches her fists tightly and inhales a deep breath that made her body tremble.


    "Why are you siding with that hooligan? Are you trying to be enemies with my Qin family?"


    She knows that Yue Ling has the backing of Grandfather Ji and the Lu family.


    However, why is she helping a good-for-nothing person?


    Her Qin family is well-known throughout Imperial. A few tears from her, and she can reconcile with the Chen family. Not only that, others will take her side instead of believing someone like Lin Hui.


    Does Yue Ling really want to make enemies with them?


    Yue Ling saw through the woman''s thoughts and smirked.


    "The only person trying to make an enemy is you."


    It is true that she has the backing of her grandfather, General Ji, along with the backing of Lu Tian and the Lu family. However, even without the support of them, she is capable of dealing with her own problems.


    She took one step forward and stood half a foot away from Madam Qin.


    Her bluish-green eyes darken a shade as she stares down at the woman.


    "You are a mother and a woman from a good family. You should be setting a good example for the younger generation, not acting like a inhuman person. Also, the hooligan you are using happens to be a member of MY family."


    She made sure to emphasize the word ''my''. Her words entered Madam Qin''s ears and made the woman''s legs go weak.


    However, not leaving any room for the woman to retaliate, her words continued.


    "If you want to put the me on him, I dare you to do it."


    She leans closer to the middle-aged woman, and a devilish smile shes across her angelic face.


    "But keep this mind, whether it is your Qin family or the Chen family, I will never let anyone off for being discourteous towards my family."


    After all, she had already gotten rid of Chen Limei, the sole support of the Chen family. If the Chen family wants to cross her line again, she doesn''t mind making their life harder than it already is now.


    Of course, this includes the Qin family.

 Chapter 858 - Being A Nice Person

    <h4>Chapter 858 - Being A Nice Person</h4>


    Madam Qin stood rooted to the police station parking lot. She stared at Yue Ling and felt a chill run up her spine. She is older than Yue Ling but was being intimidated by such a young woman.


    Then she realizes the look in Yue Ling''s eyes. It was the look of madness. The kind of look one knows someone ismitted to whatever they are going to do. No matter what it is...


    Lu Tian stood at the side and was in awe of the way his wife handled the situation. He was proud to be her future husband.


    Even with his presence there by her side, she was able to stand on her own two feet.


    Unlike the aloof man, Lin Hui''s eyes turned moist. He was touched by all the words Yue Ling said. He could have defended himself, but to know that his boss stepped up for him, he was thrilled.


    Xu Long watched from the opposite side of the car, and he wanted to give hisdy boss a big thumbs up. If someone were to start trouble with him in the future, he hopes she will be there to defend him.


    Oblivious to their thoughts, Yue Ling turns away from Madam Qin. She walks over to Lin Hui and takes a look at his hand.


    When she saw that it was only red without any indication of leaving a scar, she sighed in relief inside.


    However, she felt remorseful that her subordinate had to suffer such harsh treatment.


    Her body turns enough to look back at Madam Qin.


    "If it had been someone else, I would have made their life a living hell, but considering my friendship with your daughter, I will let this go."


    Although she is angry at what Madam Qin did, she doesn''t me Qin Xue.


    She (Qin Xue) is an innocent pawn in her family.


    Lu Tian knew his wife had said all that she needed to say. He walks over to his wife and gently ces his hand on her back.


    "Let''s go. Don''t waste any more of your breath on people like her."


    As he led her towards the car, he sneakily smacked Lin Hui''s hand away. Despite their current situation, only he can hold her hands.


    Feeling the hit, Lin Hui inhales a mouthful of air and silently hiss. He was just injured. Why couldn''t Lu Tian feel any sympathy for him?


    He red at Lu Tian and wanted to curse the man but was quickly dragged away by Xu long.


    "Boss, you and thedy boss can go together. I''ll drive your car."


    Xu Long knew what Lin Hui wanted to do. He shoves Lin Hui into the passenger seat of his boss''s car. He then gets inside the driver''s seat while Lu Tian helps Yue Ling into the other vehicle.


    He (Lu Tian) closes the door and walks to the other side of the car. However, he makes a quick stop in front of Madam Qin.


    His expression, void of any emotions, stares down at the woman like she was an ant.


    "My wife was being considerate and let you off easily."


    His cold eyes sent a chill down Madam Qin''s spine, and his words continued.


    "But remember this. If the Qin family or Chen family tries anything, I will not sit back and do nothing."


    He walks away without waiting for a response and gets inside the car.


    As the two vehicles drove away, Madam Qin was left alone in the police station parking lot. It was as if she had turned invisible.


    She could not believe how the situation had ended like this. What is she supposed to do now?


    Her n to restore the rtionship between the Qin and Chen family has gone down the drain.


    She looks at the police station and frantically walks over with stumbling steps. She wanted to report the incident that happened but quickly stopped herself.


    If she goes in and reports what happened, she will be theughing stock of Imperial. Besides, Office Rong, the police officer who called her about Lin Hui, isn''t a powerful man.


    Even if she told the man in detail, she is still at fault because she inaugurated the incident.


    She bit her lower lip before turning away and headed for her car.


    Right now, she should go home and discuss with her husband. From there, they can think about what to do.


    As her car also disappeared from the parking lot, she was unaware that the Chief of Police had witnessed everything.


    Chief Ren was watching the entire scene from inside his office through the surveince cameras. He was tempted to go out and help but stopped himself when he remembered Yue Ling''s words.


    Before leaving his office, she told him not to get involved unless she required his help.


    He heaves a long sigh and taps his fingers against his desk.


    "What can I do for her without her knowing..."


    He ponders over and over on what to do. However, in a split second, his eyes lit up with an idea, and he reached for his phone.


    A mischievous grin curls on his lip as he unlocks the screen and searches through his contact list.


    "Hehe. I may be the Chief of Police, but I am still a grandfather to her."


    He dials a number, and as the line is connected, he clears his throat. He didn''t leave any room for the person on the other line to speak and speak first.


    "Old man, it''s me. Something interesting happened. Do you want to hear it?"


    Inside Lu Tian''s car, Xu Long was anger with disbelief while steering the wheel. No matter how many times he reyed the scene that happened, nothing made any sense.


    "What happened back there? Is that woman crazy? Was she begging for a death wish?"


    He punches the steering wheel, and his breathing turns heavy.


    "That woman is too evil. You saved her daughter, and yet she did this to you."


    When he and Lin Hui left the Chief''s office, he waited for Lin Hui to finish writing his statement before asking for details. When he (Lin Hui) was done, it was then that he learned about what happened between Lin Hui, Qin Xue, and Chen Xincheng.


    He furiously punches the steering wheel again, but his fistnds on the horn, and a loud honk resonates from the car.


    "Oh shit."


    "Can you drive better? I don''t want to die, and I don''t want to face your boss''s wrath."


    Xu Long cursed in surprise but gently patted the steering wheel. He was so livid that he forgot whose car he was driving.


    However, he quickly gives Lin Hui a side nce when he hears the man.


    Seeing that the man was calm and no ounce of anger could be seen on his face, he exhales a long sigh.


    "How are you not angry? Even I''m angry for you just thinking about what that woman did. She doesn''t even know you, and yet, she dared to judge you."


    He clenched tightly onto the steering wheel like he was clenching his fists.


    "You are not a bad person. How dare she judge you and use you of humiliating her daughter? It wasn''t like you were the one pressuring her daughter! You were just being a nice person and wanted to help!"


    Lin Hui stares at the road ahead. He knows why Xu Long is angry. Anyone who knew the situation would be furious.


    He turns his head to the passenger side window and stares out at the passing buildings. As he did this, his left thumb gently caressed the back of his right hand.


    It was as if he was trying to soothe the pain where Madam Qin poured the hot water.


    "I was angry at first."


    After a long moment of silence, he finally spoke, but one could hear the cracking pain in his voice.


    "I was angry that I did something good but got treated like an ipetent person."


    He could vividly remember the way Madam Qin looked at him.


    The hatred in her eyes was there. It was enough to tell him that no matter how much he strives to be a good person, people will see him as wholly inadequate.


    He closes his eyes to get rid of the mixed emotions swimming inside of him. Once he was sure he wasposed, he opened his eyes, and his words continued.


    "I was angry that I was judged by someone who didn''t even try to stop and see me as a person."


    His head tilts down, and he stares at the slightly red burn on the back of his right hand. A very faint smile appears on his face, but one could see the sadness behind it if one were to look closely.


    "When she poured the hot water on me, it was then that I realized reality could be extremely harsh on people like me. No matter how much good I do, I will always be looked down on by others."


    Just like how he helped save Liu Ye and his siblings. He thought that by doing a good deed, he would be seen differently by others. He believed he was being a nice person.


    However, in the end, there was someone out there like Madam Qin, who would belittle him and see him as nothing but a criminal.


    Hearing his piteous words, Xu Long didn''t know how to react or respond. He may be Lin Hui''s friend now, but he didn''t know the Lin Hui before they met.


    What was Lin Hui like in the past? How was he raised? What kind of hardship did he go through? What did he encounter that made him think so low of himself?


    He (Xu Long) does not know these things, nor does he want to ask as he doesn''t know if it''ll bring bad memories for his friend.


    As he thought these things, he suddenly wanted to punch himself.


    His heart sank, not to his stomach, but down to his feet. Even without asking, he could sense Lin Hui was reliving some deep thoughts about the past.


    And it was all because of him.

 Chapter 859 - Used To Think Like That Woman

    <h4>Chapter 859 - Used To Think Like That Woman</h4>


    The car ride through Imperial stayed in silence as neither Lin Hui nor Xu Long uttered a word. One could only stare out the window as the other continued to drive the car.


    After a long minute passes, Lin Hui broke that silence with a content sigh.


    "But I came to realize again that reality isn''t so bad."


    Xu Long was taken aback to hear Lin Hui''s voice but didn''t say a word and decided to lend his friend an ear.


    "This reality is thanks to my boss. She never judges anyone and always steps up for others. Even if her opponent is a prominent figure, she will give it her all."


    Lin Hui uttered with an expression that revealed a very unnoticeable smile. He thought back to Yue Ling''s defensive words and how she protected him like a mother.


    "She''s the person who will never look down on me but see me as an equal. Even if others were to belittle me or the others, she would always put her foot down for us."


    Whether it be the past or the present, Yue Ling is his boss. She is superior to him and the others, but never once did she think highly of herself.


    She never expected anything in return from him or the others. If she were ever to expect anything in return, it would be for that person to live life to the fullest.


    Xu Long''s eyes turned moist the more he listened. He sounds a sniffle and wipes away a tear that was on the verge of falling.


    When Lin Hui heard him, he finally came to the realization that he had spoken more than he intended. He clears his throat and looks at the assistant with a frown.


    "Are you crying? Why? What''s there to cry about?"


    Xu Long chokes a sob without any tears. He wipes his eyes and sniffles with a pitiful expression.


    "I''m not crying. I''m just sad that why didn''t meet thedy boss earlier."


    When he first heard about Fate, he would be lying if he said he wasn''t afraid of them. Fate is well-known in the underworld and is known to be the one in charge of the underworld.


    Anyone who crosses paths with Fate never lives to tell the experience. If they were to survive, they would never reveal anything and keep their mouth shut.


    Just like the leader of Ghost Gang, Ti Lung. He made the mistake of kidnapping Gu Ting and involved Ji Jingxu. Even when he was captured and never to be in Fate''s sight again, just the mention of "Mami" made the man choose death.


    He (Xu Long) thought Fate was filled with evil like other gangs in the underworld. If not, then why was everyone in the underworld so afraid of them. However, after meeting them face-to-face, he realized his discernment was too soon.


    The Fate he heard rumors about, and the Fate he knows is theplete opposite.


    He vaguely chuckled at his way of thinking and wanted to cry even more.


    From listening to Lin Hui''s words, he felt like the biggest idiot. Did he even have the right to be angry with his friend when he was like Madam Qin?


    His lower lip trembles and he burst into a sob.


    "Bro, I''m sorry. I used to think like that woman back there. I thought Fate was like other gangs in the underworld. I thought Fate was full of evil and only killed for fun. I even wanted to capture you all and make you guys suffer."


    He poured his heart out and sobs like a child who betrayed his only friend.


    "If you don''t want to be my friend anymore, I understand."


    Lin Hui was taken aback by his tearful words. His eyes blinked multiple times as he didn''t understand how his words made Xu Long like this.


    However, quick to connect the pieces, heughs and lightly punches Xu Long''s shoulder.


    He had already known that Xu Long and Wolf Team saw Fate as bad people. However, they took the time to get to know everyone from Fate.


    "Quit being a cry baby. You are nothing like that woman. You got to know us instead of continuing to judge us. Plus, we were never friends."


    His sudden words made Xu Long''s heart drop to his stomach. His lower lip trembles more, but he tries to hold his tears back as he did say he would understand if their friendship ended here.


    Seeing his reaction, Lin Hui burst into a historicalugh. He held his stomach with one hand while the other raised to wipe his eyes.


    Once he calmed down, his arm reached over to the assistant and gave him a friendly headlock.


    "We were never friends because we are brothers."


    Xu Long''s heart was quickly restored by Lin Hui''s sudden words and movements.


    He was happy to hear such heartfelt words.


    However, that happiness didn''tst long.


    He swerves the car a little, horrifying the both of them. Of course, he was able to quickly maneuver the car back into a steady pace.


    "Dude! Are you trying to kill us?!"


    Lin Hui shrieked when he saw his life sh before his eyes. He almost panicked but calmed down when Xu Long was able to quickly steadied the car.


    He rubs his temple in frustration and lets out an aggravated sigh.


    "Man, just because I said those words doesn''t mean you can go and kill us."


    Xu Long felt embarrassed. His face flushed with a crimson red color. However, thinking about Lin Hui''s words, he nonchntly shrugs his shoulders.


    "It''s fine. If I die, I''m happy to die with my brother."


    He emphasized the word brother and grinned like a happy little girl at Lin Hui.


    Unlike the assistant, Lin Hui shivers with goosebumps. He grabbed Xu Long''s head and turned the man back in the direction of the road.


    "Shut up and drive. No one''s dying on my watch."


    He stated, and without giving the man any time to respond, he leaned back in the seat to sleep.


    "Wake me up when we''re there."


    Xu Long rolled his eyes at the man. Lin Hui clearly stated that no one was going to die on his watch, but here is, going to sleep.


    He shakes his head, but realizing something, he chuckles sarcastically and scratches his head in a split second.


    "Uh... Where exactly are we going?"


    Lin Hui rolled his eyes in annoyance before closing them.


    "To our bosses'' house."


    As the two men continued on the road, neither was aware of the white car following behind them.


    Inside the car, Lu Tian''s eyes were heavy in the driver''s seat. His expression did not look too happy. He had seen everything that happened, including when Xu Long swerved his car.


    He couldn''t help but think back on life. Did he make a wrong decision by letting his assistant drive his car?


    "Tian, are you okay?"


    Yue Ling''s voice sounds from the passenger seat. She was well aware of why he was making such a face. However, not wanting him to kill their subordinates, she thinks of a distraction.


    An idea pops up in her head. She rubs her arms and pretends to shiver.


    "Oh my. Why is it so cold in here?"


    Her words entered his ears, and he snapped out of his daze. He reaches for the heater button but sees that it is already turned on.


    He looked at his wife, and it met with a massive smile on her face. His ears turned red, and he averted her eyes out of his embarrassment.


    "Please don''t look at me like that."


    Yue Ling was relieved that her n to distract him worked. However, seeing his flustered ears, she couldn''t help but tease him.


    She ced her elbow on the center console and held her chin.


    "Look at you like what?"


    Lu Tian gives her a side nce. Seeing she was still smiling, he sighed inside.


    His wife is too much for his heart.


    He looks in the mirrors, and after confirming there were no cars in his blindside, he pulls the car to the side of the road then puts it in part. He massages his forehead and sighs again.


    Yue Ling was confused as to why he suddenly stopped the car. She looks around before returning her eyes to him.


    "Why did you stop-"


    Before she could finish her sentence, her words were sealed off by Lu Tian''s lips.


    He could smell the sweet fragrance from her, and he deepened the kiss. He wasn''t trying to win a battle but reeked closeness and the sharing of her breath.


    It was as if he was finally able to breathe again after being apart for many years.


    Heat rose in Yue Ling''s cheeks, but she didn''t push him away. Her eyes gradually close, and she returns the kiss.


    After a timeless and passionate moment, Lu Tian reluctantly pulls away from her.


    He gazes into her bluish-green eyes with nothing but love for her.


    Her expression after their kiss was alluring, yet so lovely that he felt tempted to kiss her again. However, he refrains from doing so and gently caress her cheek.


    "Don''t look at me with that face, or else I won''t be able to stop myself."


    Yue Ling''s face flushed at his intimate words. She knows him too well and knows that he is a man of words.


    She awkwardly looks away from his gaze and tries to change the mood.


    "I... I don''t know what you mean. I always look at you this way."


    Lu Tian chuckled and held her chin. He turns her head to look at him and gives her a small peck on the lips.


    "And it''s this way that you always tempt me."


    He returns to his seat and drives the car, leaving a dumbfounded Yue Ling.


    She stares at him with millions of questions in her mind. Was this really the right time to kiss?


    Despite her thoughts running wild, she decides to keep quiet since he is driving again.


    Lu Tian kept his eyes on the road but waspletely satisfied inside. However, he notices her shyness and decides to help her this time.


    "Were you able to help Liu Ye?"


    He had been meaning to ask her earlier, but the incident with Chief Ren and Madam Qin urred.


    Yue Ling was still in shame by their kiss. However, his question made her calm down a little.


    The scene of Liu Ye and Jianan happily smiling in her officees to mind, and she smiles.


    Her head faced the road ahead, but her eyesnded on the sky above in the distance.


    "I hope I was able to help him."

 Chapter 860 - Finally Reunited

    <h4>Chapter 860 - Finally Reunited</h4>


    While Yue Ling and Lu Tian make their way home, a white car enters their driveway. In the driver seat was De L''amour''s fashion forecaster, Ju Suo.


    She kept a calm posture throughout her entire assignment. She sees a familiar ck car, and a smile curls on her face.


    "They''re here."


    She murmurs in a voice only loud enough for her to hear. She parks the car and shuts the engine off.


    Her petite body turns to the back of the oar and smiles a smile that reached her eyes.


    "We''re here."


    In the back seat sat a teenage girl about the age of fifteen. She was still in her school uniform but held her schoolbag close to her chest.


    Her head was lowered, and one could see a mixture of fear and nervousness in her face.


    When she heard Ju Suo, she looked up at the woman but didn''t dare to look out the window.


    Her mind couldn''t help but think back about everything that had happened.


    Ever since her older brother was taken away by a gang, life for her and her younger brother wasn''t easy.


    There wasn''t a day that their father didn''t beat them. Whether he was drunk or not, he got angry at every little thing.


    She had tried her best to protect her little brother in ce of their older brother. However, her body could only take so much beating.


    There was a time when their father tried to kill her for talking back. He grabbed a knife and cornered her in the living room. She could see the rage and hatred in his eyes and knew he wasn''t going to regret ending her life.


    When she saw the knife nearing her, she thought she was going to die.


    However, death wasn''t what she was afraid of at all.


    What she was afraid of was leaving her little brother behind with the evil man they called father.


    Liu Ye was already gone. If she were to die, no one would protect Jianan.


    She watched as the de of the knife neared her. She wanted to move, but her legs were rooted to the floor. She could only stand there and close her eyes in wait of death.


    She told herself that she would ask God why he let a cruel man like their father live if she died.


    One second passed, then another. In the end, she did not die. However, her spirit did that day.


    Jianan had jumped in front of her and used his tiny body to take the hit from the knife in their father''s hand.


    When she saw his body covered in a puddle of blood, she thought he had died. However, after picking him up, she felt a pulse. She begged their father to call an ambnce, but he feigned ignorance.


    She carried Jianan on her back and rushed to the nearest hospital.


    Luckily, he was saved by the doctors. However, he sustained arge wound on his back and had to get stitches. She then learned that the wound would leave a permanent scar on Jianan.


    Their father didn''t even followed. He only came to the hospital when the doctors started suspecting abuse. However, he lied that Jianan was ying around and caused the injury himself.


    She tried to tell the nurses and doctors the truth, but everyone just smiled and brushed her aside. No one even stopped to listen to her.


    After Jianan was discharged from the hospital, their father did not show any remorse but grew angrier.


    He said that because of them, more debts have piled after another.


    From the day Jianan protected her, she came to realize adults cannot be trusted. Even her older brother disappeared without contacting them.


    Whether he was still alive or not, she had no clue.


    With this mindset, she studied hard in school. She wanted to hurry and be an adult so that she and Jianan can escape from their father.


    However, she suddenly encountered Ju Suo.


    Shees back from her thoughts and stares at the petite woman.


    The woman suddenly appeared at her school and said she (Ju Suo) was here for her.


    At the time, she was afraid but steadied herself. She had been preparing for this day as she knew her father would sell her off too.


    She had nned to make a deal. If she were to be taken away, she would beg them to let her take her younger brother with her. Whether it was to a bad ce or not, she would not abandon him.


    Ju Suo blinked her big round eyes at the girl. She could see mixed emotions in her eyes, but kept a friendly smile.


    "I know you have a lot of questions and do not trust me, but there are people waiting inside for you."


    The girl stiffened at the mention of people. Did this mean that she would have to sell her body to those people? Is this the reason why Ju Suo brought her here?


    "Jie!!"


    Just as her thoughts trailed, a little boy''s faint voice called out to her from outside of the car.


    She frantically turns in the direction of the voice and sees Jian an. His little body stood in front of a huge house. His arms waved to her, and on his face was not fear but an ecstatic smile.


    "J... Jianan..."


    The girl''s eyes turned moist as tears made their way into her eyes. Her lower lip trembles, and she ces a hand on the window.


    "Jianan..."


    Ju Suo felt regret and sadness stir inside her as she watched the girl''s reaction. She didn''t need to ask and could already imagine the pain this child had to suffer.


    "I know my words might have made you think of something bad, but it is not what you are thinking. I brought you here because of a favor."


    She looks in the direction of Jianan. She sees a little boy waving his arm and smiling like he was at an amusement park.


    "You should go to him. He must be excited to see you."


    Hearing this, the girl didn''t need to think twice. She pushes open the door and runs toward her little brother.


    "Jianan! Jianan!"


    "Jie! Jingyi!"


    Liu Jingyi dropped to her knees and embraced her younger brother. The two siblings hugged one another with tears streaming down their faces.


    It felt as if they had been apart for years and were finally together again.


    Ju Suo stepped out of the car and walked towards the house. She made sure not to disturb the siblings'' moment together.


    She stepped onto the front porch of the house and met with Liu Shan at the door. He gave her a nod in thanking, and she shrugged her shoulders.


    After a long heartfelt moment, Jianan pulls away from his older sister. He sniffles and wipes away his tears while his other hand tightly holds onto her hand.


    "Jingyi... father... he can''t hurt us anymore."


    Liu Jingyi stares down at Jianan with tears still in her eyes. She wanted to ask what he was talking about, but before she could, his childish voice continued.


    "Older brother... Ye... He came back for us. He didn''t forget about us and came back."


    Jianan sobbed his words as he remembered the incident. His little hand gripped tightly onto his sister''s hand, and his tears fell again.


    "Ye found an angel and came back to save us... The angel told her friends to bring us to her home so that father cannot hurt us anymore."


    Seeing his tears, Liu Jingyi couldn''t help but cry more. She stood on her knees and stroke the top of his head.


    "Jianan... I know you miss him too, but Ye isn''t here anymore. We don''t know what happened to him."


    She wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe that Liu Ye hade back for them. However, it''s been months, and they heard nothing.


    Not even a trace of his shadow could be seen in the streets.


    "Jingyi..."


    From the side came a familiar voice. Liu Jingyi looked at the person, and her heart stopped beating. She stared at the person for a long moment as her unending tears shed.


    After what felt like years had gone by, her trembling lips finally choked out a name.


    "Ye..."


    Liu Ye''s eyes shook as he stood between Liu Shan and Ju Suo. He was inside helping with chores, but when he saw that Jianan had disappeared, he panicked.


    It was then when he saw the front door open and came out to check since Liu Shan was also not inside the house.


    However, what he saw outside made his world stopped.


    He takes one step forward, then another. Before he knew it, he was already in front of his siblings.


    He trembles a smile and ces a hand on Liu Jingyi''s head while trying his best to force back his tears from falling.


    "I''m back."


    More tears welled from deep inside Liu Jingyi and coursed down her cheeks.


    She stood up and never blinked her eyes. She was afraid that her older brother would disappear the second she blinked.


    However, whether it was a mirage or not, she didn''t care. She jumped into Liu Ye''s arms and cried.


    "Older brother!"


    She hugged him like he was a person who had returned from death''s door. However, in a split second, anger washed inside her, and she punched his back.


    "Why?! Why?! Why didn''t you write to us? Didn''t you say you would protect us from father? When you left, we heard no news... I even thought that you died..."


    She wailed in his arms and continued to hit him like she was taking out all the anger she had bottled upon him.


    "I rather believed you were dead... That way, you would be free... Free from this nightmare..."


    Her punches grew faint, and she clutched his shirt with tight fists.


    "What took you so long..."


    Liu Ye didn''t feel any pain from her punches. He deserved it because he had left them alone with a demon.


    His time at Red Moon was scary, but it wasn''t as frighteningpared to what his siblings had to go through.


    Imagining all the cruel things that were done to them by their father, he trembles a deep breath. He hugs his sister, and the tears he fought so hard to hold back slid down his cheeks.


    "I''m sorry. I''m so sorry. I''m sorry."


    All he could do was apologize. He couldn''t tell his sister that their father had intended to sell her to Red Moon.


    Liu Jingyi''s tears poured over and flowed down her cheeks as she heard his apology. She wanted to tell him that he didn''t need to say sorry, but her tears would not end.


    Jianan watched his older siblings cry, and he wept with them. He stretch his arms and hugged them in his little embrace.


    Without them, he would have long died at their father''s hands.


    Liu Shan and Ju Suo stayed in silence from the side.. It was as if they were not there and allowed the siblings to cry to their hearts'' content as they were finally reunited.

 Chapter 861 - Feelings Inside Her Faded

    <h4>Chapter 861 - Feelings Inside Her Faded</h4>


    The sky above Imperial turns into a red-orange hue as the sun starts to set in the distance.


    Along the way home, Yue Ling exined the situation regarding Liu Ye and his siblings. She made sure not to leave even the tiniest detail out.


    Lu Tian stops the car in front of their house and waits for the dark metal gates to open. He drives inside the car into their driveway before parking the car.


    He contemted on his wife''s words, and his expression turned dark.


    He is known as a cold-blooded man, but he still has a heart. Never will he me others on his misfortune, especially a child.


    If it had been him, he would have ended Liu Peng''s life. A man like that does not deserve anyone''s sympathy and doesn''t deserve to live.


    "Tian, should we go inside? They''re waiting for us."


    Yue Ling invaded his train of thoughts when she noticed he hadn''t moved from his sear. She held the passenger door partially opened and smiled at him.


    "Don''t think too much about it. They''re safe now."


    Lu Tian turns his head to look at her. He decides to do as she said and push the way he thought aside.


    After all, his wife wasn''t like him. She is able to end a person''s life at any given moment, but she never kills just to kill.


    He steps out of the car, and together with his wife, the couple walks towards their home.


    Inside the luxurious home, Xu Long sat on one of the two couches in the living room. He sounds a sniffle and wipes away the tears in his eyes.


    "This is too much..."


    He looks at Liu Ye with sad eyes then at Liu Jingyi. His lips trembled, and he looked at Jianan.


    The moment he made eye contact with the little boy, his heart shattered with grief as Jianan smiled at him.


    He clutches his heart and chokes a sob with tears.


    "Oh, God... How can you let these children suffer for this long?"


    His head lifts, and he stares at the ceiling like he was?staring into the sky.


    "Why?"


    He hits his chest, and his face scrunched as he sobs again.


    "Why must they suffer for their father''s sins? Why?"


    As he continued to speak to God, Lin Hui sat beside him with extremely heavy eyes. When he and Xu Long arrived, they encountered Liu Shan, Ju Suo, and the three siblings outside.


    They then learned about Jianan and Liu Jingyi''s life after Liu Ye left for Red Moon.


    He admits that it was difficult to listen. The more he heard, the more he wanted to kill Liu Peng even more.


    However, unlike him, Xu Long experienced another feeling.


    He stares at Xu Long for another second, then shakes his head. He looks at Liu Ye, Liu Jingyi, and Jianan.


    "I do apologize for his behavior. He..."


    He nces back at Xu Long. Seeing that the man was still talking to himself, he smiled awkwardly at the three siblings.


    "He''s not in his right mind at the moment."


    Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi nod their head in understanding. Deep inside, the two siblings were trying not tough at Xu long''s behavior.


    They knew their past was what made him react like that.?However, unlike the older siblings, Jianan was quite confused.


    He tilts his head and stares at Xu Long then at Lin Hui.


    "Mr. Lin, if he''s not in his right mind, shouldn''t we take him to the hospital?"


    "..."


    Xu Long''s jaw drops to the floor with a dumbfounded face, and he looks at Jianan. At the same time, Lin Hui, Liu Shan, and Ju Suo could only try to contain theirugh, let alone smile.


    "Jianan!"


    Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi eximed together. One covers his mouth while the other pushes his head forward in a bowing posture.


    "I''m sorry. Please forgive Jianan. He spoke out of line."


    Liu Jingyi also bowed with her younger brother. She was genuinely sorry and hoped that these people would not hurt them.


    "Pfft..."


    From the side sounds a woman''s voice like she was trying to hold in herugh but failed.


    Everyone, excluding Liu Jing Yi and Jian an, turned to see who it was thatughed.


    What they saw was a woman and a man entering the living room.


    "Boss."


    Lin Hui, Liu Shan, and Ju Suo simultaneously spoke when they saw Yue Ling.


    Xu Long made eye contact with Lu Tian. However, his shoulders raised, and his neck shrunk back like a turtle.


    He wanted to cry but nowcked the tears to shed. He was sure his boss had heard what Jianan had said about taking?him (Xu Long) to the hospital.


    Yue Ling nodded her head in a greeting gesture at her subordinates. She looks at Liu Ye and smiles at him before looking at Liu Jingyi and Jianan.


    Jianan raised his head a little to sneak a peek at who had arrived.


    When he saw that it was Yue Ling, his eyes lit up, and he jumped down from the couch.


    "Miss Angel!"


    He runs towards Yue Ling, and without any care about the others, he hugs her waist with a huge grin on his face.


    "You came back!"


    His head tilts back to look up at her, and he points at his sister.


    "Mr. Liu said you would save Jie too, and you did."


    Yue Ling''s entire being softens at the little boy''s smile. She raises her hand and pats his head.


    "I''m d you can smile freely now."


    She looks away from Jianan and stares at Liu Jingyi. Her heart ached for the girl as she could guess the hardship she (Liu Jingyi) had gone through.


    When she saw that the girl had no intentions of looking up, she decided to go to her.


    Jianan was quick to understand and ran to his sister. He kneels at her side while shaking her shoulders.


    "Jie, look. Miss Angel is here."


    Liu Jingyi didn''t dare to lift her head but stared at the floor. She heard the way Lin Hui, Liu Shan, and Ju Suo addressed the person who arrived. If her assumptions are correct, neither she nor her siblings can offend this person.


    Her hands clenched tightly at her side. What if this person suddenly has a change of heart and separates them?


    What if...


    Before her ''what ifs'' could trail too deep, a shadow towers over her, blocking the light around her.


    This made her stiffen, but confusion quickly washes inside her. She sees the owner of the shadow slowly squat in front of her.


    "Hi, Jingyi. I''m Han Yue Ling. It''s a pleasure to meet you."


    Yue Ling''s angelic voice enters her ears, and she subconsciously lifts her head. She stares into a pair of bluish-green eyes, and all the doubt inside her disperses into thin air.


    "I..."


    She wanted to return the greeting but was only able to say one word.


    She didn''t know why but it was as if she was being drawn into a bright light full of warmth.


    Yue Ling smiles with a faint sigh. She raises her hand and gently strokes Liu Jingyi on the head.


    "It must have been hard for you all this time, but you don''t have to worry anymore. I promise you and your brothers will only find happiness now."


    She meant every word from the bottom of her heart. She will protect these children and wash away the pain their father inflicted on them with happiness.


    Liu Jingyi slightly flinched when she felt this unfamiliar person stroke her head. She didn''t know why but this person''s hand was gentle and warm that tears unknowingly welled in her eyes.


    It was the same kind of warmth her mother had when she was alive.


    She subconsciously lifts her head, and her gaze fixates on the person.


    Yue Ling wasn''t surprised by Liu Jingyi''s response. She sighs behind her smile at the girl and softly strokes her head again.


    "You were so brave and looked after your little brother well."


    Liu Jingyi''s eyes shook at her words. She didn''t know why but seeing Yue Ling made her feel a sense offort.


    She wasn''t familiar with Yue Ling, but when she felt her warm words and smile, all the negative feelings inside her faded away with the harsh reality.


    Each word she hears is like the words she has long to hear from someone.


    The air around her became hard to breathe. However, in a split second, she was like a lost child reuniting with her mother again.


    "Why..."


    A single teardrop rolled down her cheek before another one, then another.


    Her silent sob turns into a wail, and she jumps into Yue Ling''s arms.


    "Why are you only here now? What took you so long?"


    She had given up on hope. She told herself never to trust another adult.


    However, her heart told her this person was different from anyone else.


    The wall she had built over the abuse crumbles, and she pours her heart out in the arms of a person she just met.


    Yue Ling almost stumbled back at Liu Jingyi''s sudden embrace but was quick to steady herself. She puts her arms around the girl and gently pats her back.


    She could feel the pain of Liu Jingyi''s heart aching through her hug and the sadness from her crying voice.


    Her eyes gradually close, and she leans her head against the girl like a mother soothing her child''s pain away.


    "You have done well, Jingyi."

 Chapter 862 - Its Only Temporary

    <h4>Chapter 862 - It''s Only Temporary</h4>


    The sky gradually grew dark by the time Liu Jingyi calmed down. She sat on the couch and wiped away any tears left in her.


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to show you such an embarrassing scene."


    She was ashamed of herself. She didn''t know why she reacted the way she did in front of a stranger.


    Yue Ling smiles at the girl. She reaches for a handkerchief inside her coat pocket and hands it to Liu Jingyi.


    "Crying is a natural part of life. You should never feel the need to apologize or feel embarrassed about it."


    Liu Jingyi nods her head and takes the handkerchief. She felt like crying again due to Yue Ling''s caring words but held herself back.


    She didn''t want to be a nuisance for her savior.


    "Thank you. I will never forget your kindness."


    Yue Ling sighs inside. She turns her head and looks in the direction of Liu Shan.


    "Do you have the things?"


    Before arriving at the police station, she had asked Lin Hui to contact the assistant regarding a minor task.


    Liu Shan nods his head once with a huge grin. He points with his thumb in the direction of the front door.


    "It''s in the car. I''ll go get it."


    As he walks away, Yue Ling looks at Liu Ye, Liu Jingyi, and Jianan. She felt relieved that their father could not harm them anymore, but another part of her felt heavy-hearted.


    The new path for these children will obtain happiness, but the pain they umted over the past years of abuse will continue to follow them.


    She can only hope that time will heal them and make them see life in a new way, along with putting their trust in others again.


    Her hand raises, and she pats Jianan on the head. She doesn''t say a word to him but looks at the man of the house.


    "Tian, can I speak with you in private?"


    Lu Tian had not once made a sound since he and his wife entered their home. He stood at the side and patiently waited.


    When he heard her call to him, he leisurely nodded his head. He turns away from the living room and walks towards the stairs.


    Yue Ling follows after him, and together, the couple headed for the second floor.


    They didn''t go into their bedroom but entered the study room they shared.


    Yue Ling watched as Lu Tian walked over to his desk and sat down. She didn''t know why, but his sudden quietness made her feel nervous.


    "It''s fine."


    Before she could even utter a word, Lu Tian''s deep voice beats her to it. His usually cold eyes softens as he gaze at her with warmth, and his words continued.


    "I don''t mind it."


    Yue Ling stared speechlessly at the man. Her eyes blinked a few times before she gave him an incredulous look.


    "I haven''t even said anything. How can you already answer me?"


    She crosses her arms over her chest and eyes slightly narrow. She made sure not to blink as she didn''t want to miss any of his facial expressions.


    Lu Tian lets out a small chuckle. He gazes at his wife with an innocent face and lightly pats his left leg.


    "You''re my wife. As your husband, I have to understand you."


    Yue Ling''s cheeks flushed a shade of pink at the way he called her his wife. However, she pursed her lips and walks over to him.


    She shamelessly sits down on hisp, facing the side. She also didn''t forget to give him a matter-of-fact expression.


    "Future."


    She stated in correcting him and leans her shoulder against him.


    "I am your future wife, and you are my future husband."


    Lu Tian nods his head like an obedient child. He ces his arms around her and rests his chin on her shoulder.


    "Either way. We are going to be husband and wife."


    His words enter her ears, and she looks at him, making him smile. He sighs and strokes the side of her arm.


    "You want to let them stay here for a while, right?"


    Yue Ling moves away from him but only to put enough distance so she could see him better.


    "Do you have superpowers? How can you read my mind?"


    She found it weird for him to bluntly answer and doubted him. However, he really did understand her.


    "I told you. As your husband, I have to understand you."


    He pulled her towards his chest and held her in his arms.


    "If you want them to stay, they can."


    From his observation in the living room, he had already known what was on her mind. If she didn''t n to let the children stay, she would have chosen a different location instead of their home.


    Yue Ling was surprised to know that he knew what she was going to say. However, this made her happy at the same time.


    He''s the only one who understands her. She had asked to speak in private because she didn''t want Liu Ye, Liu Jingyi, and Jianan to be sad if he had said no.


    She smiles like a little girl and nestles in his arms.


    "It''s only temporary. Once I find them a good ce, I''ll bring them there."


    Lu Tian answers with a faint mm. He held his wife in his embrace and closed his eyes to savor this sweet moment.


    He still needs to tell her that he is going to City Z in the morning. However, he can hold it off untilter.


    "Hey, What''s that?"


    "This? This here, my brother is confidential."


    "Confidential? I want to see."


    "Hey! If I show you, I will have to kill you."


    "What? Why?!"


    "Because it''s confidential. Duh!"


    Just as Yue Ling and Lu Tian remained in each other''s embrace, the distant chattering of Liu Shan and Xu Long brought them back to reality.


    Yue Ling chuckles at the two assistants'' way of having a conversation. She sits up on Lu Tian''sp and looks at the door.


    "Seems like Liu Shan is back. We should go downstairs."


    She stood up but didn''t see the slight frown that appeared on Lu Tian''s face. He res at the door as if his murderous eyes could reach the two assistants and p them across the face.


    How dare they take away his sweet moment with his wife?


    However, since his wife had gotten up, he could only get up himself.


    Downstairs in the living room, Liu Shan had returned with five shopping bags in either of his hands, making a total of ten. Each bag had the word De L''amour stamped on the side.


    Xu Long stares with curious eyes at the bags. He walks around Liu Shan in a circle and stroke the invisible beard on his chin.


    "Hmm... confidential, you say. Interesting... very interesting."


    He takes a peek inside, but Liu Shan moves the bags in another direction before he can catch a glimpse. His face scrunches with disbelief, and he looks at the assistant.


    "Why are you so annoying? Besides, I''m willing to let you kill me, so just show me already."


    The corners of Liu Shan''s mouth curl up into a wicked smile. He raises his arms and shows the bags at him.


    "You want me to show you? Here, I''m showing you."


    "..."


    Xu Long stood stupefied by his words and behavior. Lin Hui watched from the side and felt embarrassed that the two men were the ones he considers his brothers.


    He (Lin Hui) heaved a long sigh and stood up from the couch. He walks over to Liu Shan and takes the bags in the man''s left hand.


    "Quit fooling around."


    He turns away and walks back the way came from but pause to look at Xu Long.


    "Don''t get your hopes up too much. It''s only clothes."


    Hearing this, Xu Long was beyond stupefied and at a loss for words. He stares at Lin Hui for a long minute, then slowly turns his head to Liu Shan.


    "Is everything alright?"


    Behind the two men, Yue Ling asked as she came down the stairs. She heard their conversation but didn''t want to put Xu Long in an awkward position.


    Xu Long wanted to tell hisdy boss that Liu Shan was being mean to him but the moment he opened his mouth, the man secretly elbowed his rib.


    He sounds a sharp groan and swallows his words.


    "Ah, it''s nothing."


    Liu Shan interrupts and ces his arm around the assistant''s shoulder. He raises his other arm to show his boss the bags.


    "Lin Hui already came for the first half. Here''s the other half."


    He grins with a carefree expression and hands the remaining five shopping bags to Yue Ling, who took them.


    As she walks away to the living room, Lu Tian takes the bags from her. She smiles at him and lets him carry them for her.


    Liu Shan watched the couple get further away before turning his attention back to Xu Long. He sees the man''s face had turned red from his elbow and chuckles.


    "Bro, you good?"


    Xu Long res at the perpetrator of his pain. He inhales a deep breath and grabs the man''s waist.


    He attempted to pinch Liu Shan but was unable to grab any fat on the man''s body. This angered him more, and he punched the man''s waist.


    "You... bastard."


    Liu Shan snorts a groan at the sudden pain, and Xu Long sneers with satisfaction.


    "Bro, you good?"


    He (Xu Long) mockingly throws the question back at Liu Shan, causing him (Liu Shan) tough.


    "You, bastard."


    Xu Longughs with him and nods his head a few times.


    "Mm, mm. I''m also a bastard."


    He held Liu Shan up, and together, they made their way back to the living room to join the others.

 Chapter 863 - A Small Gift

    <h4>Chapter 863 - A Small Gift</h4>


    Yue Ling entered the living room and stopped in front of Liu Ye, Liu Jingyi, and Jianan. She turns to the side and takes the bags in his hand.


    She doesn''t say a word right away but hands them to the children.


    "This isn''t much, but I hope they''ll fit."


    Liu Ye takes the bags and opens them. He was meticulous as the bag itself looked too expensive, and he was afraid he might rip it.


    "Thank you, Miss Han."


    He opens the bag, and he sees a new set of clothes. His eyes trembled with an unexinable feeling in his stomach.


    "This..."


    He notices the tag attached to the clothes, and he looks up at Yue Ling with hesitation.


    "Miss Han, this is too much. We cannot take this."


    He held the shopping bag out in an attempt to return it to the owner.


    Yue Ling doesn''t take back the shopping bags. She looks at Liu ye in silence, then at Liu Jingyi and Jianan.


    Her bluish-green eyes return their gaze to Liu Ye, and she faintly shakes her head.


    "Think of it as a small gift from me to you."


    Liu Ye wanted to refute, but Jianan jumped down from his seat. He sets the bag given to him on the floor and walks to Yue Ling.


    He gives her a tight hug. Due to his shorter height, he could only hug her waist.


    "Thank you, Miss Angel."


    His lips tremble, but he presses them together to hold back his feelings.


    "Thank you so much."


    He had only been given clothes, but it''s been so long since someone other than his siblings gave him a gift... no, anything.


    His little arms wrapped around Yue Ling tightens more, and he presses his face against her.


    "I promise I''ll work hard and repay you for all your generosity."


    Yue Ling sighs a smile at him. She couldn''t help but stroke his head.


    "Alright, that''s enough."


    Suddenly, a deep voice sounds from behind, and a pair ofrge hands grab the little boy.


    Jianan was pulled away from Yue Ling, and his head tilted back to look at the person. When he saw who it was, he stiffened like a tiny bunny who hade into contact with a fierce lion.


    Observing from the sideline, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, Xu Long, and Ju Suo rhythmically shook their head.


    However, unlike the subordinates, Liu Ye''s heart dropped to his stomacher as it did for Liu Jingyi.


    Liu Ye knew who this person was, but Liu Jingyi didn''t. However, just from a nce, she could confirm that this person is dangerous.


    She looked at her frightened younger brother and wanted to help him. However, a soft chuckle sounds from Yue Ling, and she doesn''t move.


    "Tian, you''re scaring him."


    Yue Ling moves Jianan away from the aloof man and looks down at the boy.


    "This is Lu Tian, my fianc¨¦. He''s not as scary as he looks."


    Jianan robotically nods his head. He steals a nce at Lu Tian and sighs in relief.


    He was sure that he was going to piss his pants.


    If his father is a demon, then this man must be the devil.


    However, considering Miss Angel''s words, this man should be a good devil.


    He inhales a deep breath and turns to face Lu Tian. His small physique stood with a brave soul as he looked up at the tall man before bowing.


    "Thank you too, Mr. Lu. I promise I won''t be a bother."


    Lu Tian raised an eyebrow at the little boy. His quietness added with the silent room made everyone, except Yue Ling, heart frozen with time.


    He ignores the eyes of others and raises his arm. He pats the boy''s head and lightly ruffles up his hair.


    "Eat more. You''re too thin."


    His words and tone held no emotions, but Yue Ling smiled at her husband''s soft side. However, her subordinates gasped with jaws dropped to the floor while Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi sighed relief.


    For a split second, they thought Lu Tian was going to push Jianan away.


    Xu Long stared in disbelief at his boss. In all the years he''s worked under Lu Tian, he has never once seen the man be friendly towards any children. Let alone be nice to anyone other than Yue Ling.


    Does this mean the sun will rise from the west?


    Liu Hui rolled his eyes when he saw Xu Long''s reaction. He decides to ignore the man and walks to the three siblings.


    He sets the bags in his hand in front of them and smiles.


    "These are also yours. None of you were able to bring anything from home, so hopefully, these will do for now."


    Jianan''s eyes widen with surprise. He forgets about Lu Tian and joins his older siblings to see what was inside the bags.


    He was like an eager child anticipating to open his birthday gifts.


    Liu Ye was put in a difficult position. He wanted to decline the gifts but didn''t want to be disrespectful as these people saved him and his siblings.


    He steals a nce at the other adults before stopping at Yue Ling,? who gave him a nod.


    Knowing what to do, he tells Lin Jingyi and Jianan to ept the gifts. He also promised himself that he would pay back everything everyone had done for him and his siblings.


    After going through the gifts, Ju Suo left for home. Liu Shan then showed Liu Ye, Liu Jingyi, and Jianan to the guest bedroom to help settle them in.


    Lin Hui and Xu Long also left the house but only to go purchase food.


    Upstairs, Yue Ling finished taking a shower and stepped out of the adjoining bathroom in their bedroom.


    She wore a pink knitted set and held a towel in hand as she


    dried her damped hair.


    Upon exiting the bathroom, she sees Lu Tian. He had also showered and had changed into afortable set of ck loungewear. She could see that he Had not properly dried his hair.


    However, she noticed he was preparing his luggage.


    The space between her eyebrows creases into three lines with confusion. Her hand with the towel slowly lowers, and she walks over to the bed.


    "Are you perhaps leaving me because I brought home children?"


    Lu Tian had heard here out from the bathroom but didn''t think much and continued to pack his luggage. However, when he heard her question, he frowned.


    All his movements ceased, and he turned around to her.


    "Never."


    He watched his wife walk towards him. He took her hand, sat on the bed, and positioned her between his legs when she was close enough.


    "If I were leaving, I would bring you with me."


    Yue Ling chuckles at his severe and straightforward answer. She looks down at the small luggage still opened on the bed.


    "If you''re bringing me with you, I think you will need? a bigger luggage."


    She chuckles again and puts the towel in her hand on his head.


    Lu Tian lets her dry his damped hair out offort habit. He wraps his arms around her waist and closes his eyes.


    "I don''t need a bigger luggage. You will be my carry-on."


    His sweet words made Yue Ling''s cheeks flush a shade of red. She proceeds to dry his hair but nces at the opened luggage again.


    She didn''t know why, but him not being in the same ce made her sad.


    "Are you going on another business trip?"


    Lu Tian answers with a faint mm. His eyes gradually open, and he gazes at her.


    He sees her expression and pulls her closer to him. As he did this, he couldn''t help but inhale her lovely scent that calms his mind.


    "My flight is in the morning, so I won''t be able to have breakfast with you."


    He presses the side of his head against her abdomen and gently tightens his hold of her.


    "But I''ll be back for dinner. Until then, don''t get into any trouble."


    Yue Ling pouted her lips at his words. She was a little disappointed that he would not see him at breakfast but was at ease that he wasn''t gone for long.


    She lets him hug her and carefully dries his hair.


    "I never look for trouble. Trouble just like to find me. Besides, I n to finish work early then take little Jianan to see Doctor Dong."


    Lu Tian answers with another mm. He pulled away from her but still kept a hold on her.


    He lifts his left hand to hold her hand. He brings her hand to his lips and softly ces a kiss on the back as he looks up at her.


    "I''ll miss you."


    "..."


    Yue Ling''s eyes grew heavy at his quick change of topic. She didn''t understand how her bringing Jianan to visit Doctor Dong would make him miss her.


    However, feeling his warm lips still on the back of her hand, she shyly blushes.


    "I already miss you."


    Lu Tian''s heart jumped at her sheepish reaction. He falls back onto the bed, bringing her along with him.


    "Tian!"


    Yue Ling eximed his name at his sudden movement. Shends on top of him and pushes herself up.


    Unfortunately, her movement was to no avail as he made sure to have a firm hold on her.


    She peers down at him, and when their eyes gaze into one another, she swallows a hard gulp. She knew what he intended to do next.


    And just as she thought, Lu Tian''s hands ever so lightly caress her back.


    There was a thickyer of clothes blocking his fingers from her skin, but it still sent a pleasant shiver up her spine.


    His neck stretches forward, and she lowers her head to meet him.


    "Hello?! We''re back! Where did everyone go?"


    Just as their lips were centimeters away from one another, Lin Hui''s loud voice calls out from downstairs. He and Xu Long had returned from picking up dinner.


    Yue Ling froze in ce. She nces down at Lu Tian only to see a dark and murderous expression on his face.


    She presses her lips to keep her from smiling. Without a doubt, he was angry.


    However, thanks to her subordinate''s loud mouth, they didn''t have to go through a shameful act while having guests in the house.


    "I think we should go downstairs."


    Lu Tian felt defeated. He just wanted to spend some alone time with his wife. Why is everyone making it so hard?


    He gazed up at his wife and let out a frustrating sigh. His left arm drops to his side, and his other arm raises to rub his forehead.


    "I think I should get rid of your subordinates."


    Yue Ling smiles with her teeth. She leans forward and pecks his lips before getting up from the bed.


    "If you do that, I won''t have any more subordinates."


    Feeling her weight off of him, Lu Tian could only sigh again. He stared up at the ceiling and thought about life.


    He thought Inu was a buzzkill, but it turns out the little guy is more of a wingmanpared to his wife''s subordinates.


    As he thought about the Samoyed, he couldn''t help but miss the little guy.

 Chapter 864 - Want To Go Home

    <h4>Chapter 864 - Want To Go Home</h4>


    While the couple enjoyed dinner with their subordinates and the Liu siblings, in another part of? Imperial, a little white fur ball was curled in hisfy warm bed.


    Inuid down on his stomach with his head resting on his paws. He stares at the opened door, and every time he hears footsteps, his ears would perk up.


    He raised his head and wagged his tail in excitement. However, as the footsteps passed the door, his ears dropped.


    It was only a nurse.


    He sounds a faint whimper and puts his head on his paws again.


    Grandfather Ji sat up on the hospital bed with a newspaper in his hand.


    He sees Inu''s behavior from the corners of his eyes and lowers the paper.


    "Inu, I''m sorry you have to be here with me. You must want to go home."


    It''s been a long while since the little guy stayed with him. Ji Jingxu often came to visit and keeps Inu distracted, but one thing is clear.


    He (Inu) misses his favorite human.


    Grandfather Ji knew this because the little guy always looks around when he hears someone''s footsteps. However, the person was never the one he had been waiting for.


    Inu loots up at Grandfather Ji. like he understood the old man''s words, he gets up from his bed and jumps onto the bed.


    He curls up near the old man''s feet and ces his head on Grandfather Ji''s legs.


    "Aiya..."


    Grandfather Ji was touched by this and reached forward to pat the white fur ball''s head.


    "You want to go home but are being considerate of me."


    He lightly chuckles and looks at the door to the private room he was admitted.


    "Once I get Doctor Dong''s approval, we will leave here together."


    After he met Lu Tian for lunch, his health deteriorated. He had no choice but to remain cooped up in Imperial Military Hospital.


    He stares at Inu and sighs inside as he thinks about a phone call he had received.


    "It seems people are finding trouble for her again..."


    Chief Ren had informed him of the situation regarding the Qin and Chen family.


    It is natural for Madam Qin to react the way she did as the incident involved her only child. However, to shift the me onto someone innocent is irrelevant.


    He thought about the ill-manner treatment his granddaughter and Lin Hui had to endure, and rage swam inside him.


    "I am not dead yet, and they dare to cross the line."


    He may be in the hospital due to his poor health, but he is still alive. Lin Hui may not be his flesh and blood, but the boy is still a son to him.


    If the Qin and Chen family think it will be easy to take down his granddaughter, they are overestimating themselves.


    "They will pay for messing with the wrong family."


    * beep beep beep beep


    Just as hisst word fell, a continuous loud beeping sound rang from his heart monitor.


    He jumps up in surprise and res at the machine like it is his mortal enemy.


    "Oh my God, will you shut it!"


    He reached over to hit the machine but paused mid-air when he heard multiple footsteps from outside his room.


    "Here we go again."


    He exhales and stares at the door. He sees Doctor Dong and five nurses frantically rushing into the room.


    "Old man, what are you doing?!"


    Doctor Dong roared with intense anger when he saw Grandfather Ji. He strides to bed to check the old man''s heartbeat then the monitor.


    He sighs in relief when he sees the heart rate return to normal.


    "Good grief. Are you trying to give everyone at the hospital a heart attack?"


    He wipes away any sweat on his forehead and turns to the nurses.


    "He''s stabilized. You all may leave."


    The nurses also sighed in relief. They did as told and left the room to check on other patients.


    Doctor Dong waited until the room was quiet, then looked at Grandfather Ji with eyes so deadly they could kill a person.


    "Old man, are you trying to leave this world already? Didn''t I tell you to watch your emotions. Any minor mishap and..."


    He swallows his words as he is unable to finish and rubs his forehead. He pulls a chair from the side and takes a seat.


    "What is it this time? What got under your skin?"


    Ever since Grandfather Ji had been admitted into the hospital, his temper seemed to increase drastically. It also caused multiple false rms that whitened his hair more each passing day.


    Grandfather Ji remained frozen in his current position. He chuckles with sarcasm and turns into a child who had been caught red-handed.


    "Uh... heh. You see, I have a perfectly good reason for being angry."


    He sarcastically chuckles again and leans back on the bed but makes sure to do it quietly as not to disturb Inu''s sleep.


    His expression turned grave, and he looked at his good friend of many years.


    "Qin and Chen family."


    Doctor Dong furrows his eyebrows. He has heard about both families but isn''t acquainted with them.


    He never met the Chen family but did encounter the Qin family when Qin Xue was brought in for a check-up after her kidnap incident.


    His frown deepens, and he looks at his good friend.


    "When do you ever involve yourself in other family''s business?"


    Grandfather Ji''s eyes darkened at the question. The intense aura of his strong and mighty General side protruded throughout the room.


    "Only when it involves my family."


    Hearing this, Doctor Dong was not lease bit shocked. He folds his arms over his chest and leans back on the chair.


    His expression also turned severe as he was close to the old man''s grandchildren.


    "Yue Ling or Jingxu?"


    "Ah Ling and Hui."


    Grandfather Ji did not hesitate to answer. He knows that Doctor Dong''s words regarding his health are correct. He can feel his health worsening each day.


    However, he cannot continue to stay locked up in the hospital.


    "When can I be discharged? My children need me by their side."


    Doctor Dong stares in silence at his friend of many years. He could tell how severe the man was at this moment.


    Others may think of it lightly, but Grandfather Ji will move heaven and earth for his family, especially his grandchildren.


    He inhales a deep breath and exhales. His hand rubs his forehead again and he gives in.


    "I''ll see what I can do."


    He stood up from his seat, but a serious look appeared on his face.


    "But if anything happens to you, even in the slightest way, you areing back here, even if I have to drag you back in handcuffs."


    Grandfather Ji faintly smiles and pats Inu''s head with gentleness.


    "Thank you for understanding."


    He was indeed thankful. His time is running out, and he wants to do everything in his power for Yue Ling, Ji Jingxu, and others who have be a big part of his life.


    Doctor Dong walks away to leave the room but stops in his steps when he reaches the door. He turned back to look at Grandfather Ji and spoke.


    "In consideration of our friendship, I understand why you are doing this. However, as your doctor, I hope you tell her soon."


    His expression turned down-hearted, and his words continued.


    "The more you stall time, it''ll only hurt her more when you finally decide to tell her."


    He ends his words and steps out of the room, leaving Grandfather Ji and the sleeping Inu alone.


    As he walked away from the room and greeted the nurses as usual. He arrives at his office and enters.


    He closes the door and walks over to the bookshelf in his office. He stares at the pictures on the shelf and reaches out to grab one.


    It was an old picture of Grandfather Ji and him when they were young and dressed as soldiers.


    His hand tightens its grip on the picture, and a choking sob escapes from him.


    "Why... Why... Why..."


    He knows as a doctor that everyone leaves this world one day. However, why is it that good people are always the ones to leave while the evil ones get to live.


    As this thought crossed his mind, he suddenlyughed at himself but sobbed again. He is a doctor, and yet he is thinking of such things.


    Unaware of the old man crying his heart out in the room. Grandfather Ji sat in silence in his room.


    His head lowered as he stared at Inu, whose head was now resting on hisp.


    "I know others are worried about me."


    He pats the little guy''s head, gently running his fingers through Inu''s soft white fur.


    "But I don''t want to have any regrets. I want to protect my children while I am still breathing."


    Inu awoke at the sadness underneath his calm voice. He looks up at his second favorite human and lightly nudge his head against the old man''s palm.


    His reaction was like he understood Grandfather Ji''s words and made him (Grandfather Ji) chuckle with a bitter yet, heartfelt smile.


    "See.... even you can sense that my time is nearing."

 Chapter 865 - [Bonus ] Wake You All Up

    <h4>Chapter 865 - [Bonus ] Wake You All Up</h4>


    In the early morning, while the majority in Imperial was still asleep, Lu Tian awoke from his slumber. He doesn''t get out of bed right away but held his wife in his arms.


    His eyes quickly adjusted to the still darkroom as the sun had yet to rise.


    He nces down at the sleeping silhouette in his embrace.


    After dinner, Liu Shan, Lin Hui, and Xu Long stayed for a while before heading home after he gave the men a task to do. He and Yue Ling saw the Liu siblings off to bed and went to sleep themselves.


    The moment his wifey on the bed, she used him as a pillow and fell asleep right away.


    He wanted to chat with her and listen to her day, but he decided not to bother her. He knew she was exhausted as it was a long day for her.


    His memories of the night before came to an end. He slowly slid his left arm away from under his wife. He made sure his movements did not disturb her sleep.


    He moves the nket and sits up on the bed but doesn''t get up.


    "I hope you do not overwork yourself today."


    He murmurs under his breath and gently caress her cheek.


    "Mmm..."


    His sudden touch caused Yue Ling to hum a soft moan. She nestles against his body but, unable to feel his warmth, her eyes unhurriedly open.


    Through her half-awake state, she looks at him. She couldn''t see his face but could make out his silhouette in the dark.


    She smiles up at him and stretches her arm to hold his hand on her cheek.


    "What time is it? Are you leaving already?"


    Her sleepish voice was faint but loud enough for Lu Tian to hear. He yearned to have her in his arms again but pushed back this feeling.


    "It''s 4 am."


    His thumb gently caresses her cheek again, and he leans forward. His face closes in with her, and he ces a light kiss on her lips.


    He puts his other hand on the bed to support his body from falling on top of her.


    "Go back to sleep. I still need to get ready."


    Yue Ling tightens her hold on his hand and rubs her cheek against his palm. Her movement made her look like a kitten trying to engrave his warmth.


    "Wake me up before you leave."


    Lu Tian smiles at her sweetness. She wasn''t fully awake but still wanted to see him out.


    He moves away from her but only to ce another kiss on her¡ªthis time, not on her lips but her forehead.


    "I will. So go back to sleep."


    Yue Ling tried to keep her eyes open but was unable to win against her sleepy body. Her eyes gradually close, making her fall back into slumber as her quiet breathing escapes her.


    Hearing her soft breathing, Lu Tian sits up on the bed. He grabbed the nket and tucked her in like a child.


    He stood up from the bed and walked in the direction of the adjoining bathroom in their room.


    The sound of the shower running soon resonates from inside the bathroom.


    While Lu Tian got ready for his flight to city Z, Yue Ling had submerged herself into dreand.


    "Yue Ling."


    Lu Tian finished getting ready and sat on the bed as he woke up his wife as promised. He made sure not to be too loud since they had guests.


    Hearing him call her name, Yue Ling woke up with a sleepy face. She could see him a little clearer due to the small light illuminating from outside the window.


    The room wasn''t bright but enough to let her make out his face better than the first time she awoke.


    She stretches her arms with a slight yawn.


    "Is it time already?"


    Lu Tian answers with a mm but couldn''t help smiling at her behavior. She looked like a child being awakened for school.


    He reaches for the nket and tucks her in again as if not to let any cold air touch her body.


    "I''ll see you at dinner."


    He caresses the side of her head, moving any strands of hair on her face behind her ear. He leans down and kisses her lip with a soft brush of his lips.


    "I love you."


    Yue Ling blushed at his kiss. She was still shy when it came to his morning kisses. She hadn''t brushed her teeth, but that doesn''t seem to bother him.


    She ces a hand on the back of his and moves it to her mouth. Her lips gently press against his palm, and she smiles up at him.


    "I love you too."


    Lu Tian''s insides softened like melted butter on a warm day. He forces back his urges to cancel his flight and reluctantly moves his hand away.


    He stood up from the bed and grabbed his small luggage set at the side. He doesn''t say anymore and walks out of the room.


    Yue Ling watched as the outline of his tall figure got further and further away.


    Her eyes slowly flutter, and before he disappears from her line of sight, she whispers in the hope that he will hear her.


    "Please travel safe ande home soon."


    Her eyes grew heavy, and she lets sleep take over.


    "I miss you already..."


    Lu Tian exits the house. Outside, his subordinates Jiangyu and Yiqing were already parked and waiting for him.


    He steps down from the porch and walks over to the car.


    "Good morning, boss."


    Yiqing stood in front of the car and greeted the aloof man. He opens the rear door and waits for his boss to get inside.


    Lu Tian returned the greeting with a faint nod. The loving and doting side he showed to his wife was now reced with a cold and indifferent expression.


    He gets inside the backseat but pauses. He looks back at the house and stares in the direction of the bedroom his wife is sleeping.


    "Wolf Team?"


    He didn''t need to ask in detail, for Yiqing understood right away. He nods his head, and an assuring smile shes on his face.


    "All in position."


    His eyes shed with seriousness, and he clenched his fists, making his hands slightly trembling.


    "We won''t let anything happen to the bossdy."


    He wasn''t bluffing, and neither were the members of Wolf Team. Never will they forget their ipetence of being unable to protect their bossdy.


    The first time, he and Jiangyu were not present as they left to attend the annual meeting with their boss in city Z. During their absence, Chu Li Xiang sent his men to kidnap Yue Ling.


    Xu Long and the remaining members of Wolf Team were assigned to protect the bossdy, but they were a step behind. Fortunately, Lin Hui was with Yue Ling, and no mishap befell her.


    However, the second time was an incident no one will ever forget.


    Despite everyone being present at the scene, the life of their unborn young master was taken. If they had paid more careful attention, such a tragedy would have never happened.


    Oblivious to his subordinate''s thoughts, Lu Tian looks away from the house. He nces at Yiqing but doesn''t say a word and gets inside the rear seat.


    Yiqing closes the door and gets in the passenger seat. He is going with his boss to the airport, but only Jiangyu is leaving with Lu Tian to City Z.


    He wants to stay behind and protect his bossdy from any harm.


    As Lu Tian heads for his morning flight, time goes forward as usual, and the sun rises from the horizon to wake up the people of Imperial.


    Yue Ling''s eyes fluttered open, not too slow nor too fast. The white ceiling greeted her, and she slowly turned to the side of the bed Lu Tian slept.


    She couldn''t help but sigh when she saw the empty cold space.


    Her thoughts did not travel too far when she got out of bed. She indeed Miss Lu Tian already, but she cannot stay in bed all day missing him.


    Within minutes, she got ready, wearing a grey knitted round neck sweater, teamed with matching trousers for the perfect lounge loot. She put her long dark wavy hair in a high ponytail and headed downstairs.


    As she arrives in the open wall space between the living room and kitchen, she looks at the long hallway to the guest bedroom.


    The door to the room was still closed, and the house was quiet as if she was the only person home. However, she knew that the Liu siblings were still in dreand.


    She decides not to wake them up and looks away. She enters the kitchen and starts preparing a quiet breakfast.


    By she finished cooking, the sun outside was high enough to brighten the house. She set the table but doesn''t leave to wake up her guests.


    She thought it was best to let them sleep in for a while and decided to sit in the living room. She couldn''t wait to have breakfast with the three siblings.


    "Good morning, Miss Han."


    The second Yue Ling steps out of the kitchen, she stumbles upon Liu Ye. She wasn''t surprised at his sudden appearance and smile.


    "Good morning."


    She nces behind him to Liu Jingyi with a sleepy Jianan leaning against her waist for support.


    Seeing that each person was still sleepy and trying their best to wake up, she chuckles. After all, they were still in their pajamas.


    "Was I too loud? Did I wake you all up with the noise?"


    Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi shook their heads no while Jianan rubbed his partially opened eyes. He (Jianan) inhales the delicious aroma from the kitchen and grins from ear to ear with his eyes closed.


    "Miss Angel, we woke up because of the smell of food."


    Yue Ling stares down at the little boy. Despite his sleepy state, his smile was one that could brighten any person''s day.


    She looks away from him to his older siblings.


    "Go get cleaned up. I''ve already prepared dinner."


    Liu Ye nods his head and takes Jianan''s hand before leading his little brother to the bathroom.


    Behind the two, Liu Jingyi could not take her eyes off of Yue Ling. It was as if she hade to a realization about something and stuck in a daze.


    Yue Ling was quick to read the girl''s thoughts but didn''t point them out. She only smiles and turns away, heading back into the kitchen.


    Until Yue Ling was no longer in view did Liu Jingyi came out from her daze.. Her eyes blinked a few times before she turned around to find her two brothers.

 Chapter 866 - A New Task

    <h4>Chapter 866 - A New Task</h4>


    With the sun beginning to rise higher into the early morning, the people of Imperial started making their way to their everyday life. The streets gradually crowd with people walking and cars going about their day.


    Inside Imperial Hotel, in one of the luxurious private rooms, Ji Chu Hua awoke from the bed. She sat up, causing the nket covering her body to fall to herp and reveal her naked body.


    She brushes her hair behind her ear and inhales the smell of cigarette smoke. Her head turns to look in the direction of the balcony.


    When she saw the back figure of the man she spent an entire night with, her cheeks flushed.


    The man was smoking a cigarette and leaning against the balcony rail. His blond shoulder-length hair fluttered every so often with the passing wind.


    However, she frowns a little when she sees that he has put on his clothes.


    Ji Chu Hua reaches for the hotel robe, and she puts it on before getting out of bed.


    "Sun, are you leaving already?"


    She made the sweetest voice possible, but Choi Li Sun doesn''t turn around to look at her. He stares down at the busy street below and takes a puff of his cigarette.


    "I have a new task for you, Hua."


    Despite him ignoring her question, Ji Chu Hua loved how he spoke her name and didn''t get angry. Shees to a stop behind him and hugs his waist.


    She rests the side of her face on his back and presses her body against him.


    "Anything that''s within my reach."


    A malevolent light shes across Choi Li Sun''s eyes as the passing wind reveals the long scar on the right side of his face. He takes another puff of his cigarette and tosses it in the ashtray.


    He turns around to face Ji Chu Hua and captures her lips.


    "This task is within your reach."


    He moves her arms from his waist and walks to the hotel desk in the room. He picks up a thick yellow envelope and throws it onto the messy bed.


    "In here is your new task."


    He walks to the couch and puts on his coat. Before leaving, he walks to Ji Chu Hua and gives her another kiss.


    "I will call youter to confirm."


    His words end there, and he leaves the room without any care about the woman he left behind.


    "Boss."


    The moment Choi Li Sun stepped out into the hotel hallway, a bulky man in a ck suit greets him.


    He looks at the man then ces his hands in the pockets of his coat.


    "Any updates?"


    The bulky man nced at the door his boss had walked out. He doesn''t ask for details and follows after the man.


    "Our support chain back home is under tight surveince. Also, we just confirmed. Those people are here in Imperial, and they''re the ones trying to track you down."


    At the mention of those people, Choi Li Sun sneers with maliciousness.


    "So they''ve finally caught on."


    He sounds an evilugh with a dark expression.


    "Once Huapletes this task, I won''t need to hide anymore."


    The two men end their conversation and enter the elevator. As they left Imperial Hotel, Ji Chu Hua remained alone in the room.


    She was in a full-on rage that Choi Li Sun had left her. She thought that he would spend another few hours with her since they barely saw one another.


    However, she scoffed and rolled her eyes at the door.


    It was always like this with him. He calls her when he feels like it and leaves when he wants. It was like he didn''t care about her feelings at all.


    She res at the door, then at the yellow envelope. She inhales a deep breath and steadies her mind before walking towards it.


    Picking up the envelope, she sits down on the edge of the bed and opens it.


    She takes out a stack of money and documents, along with a few photos.


    "This..."


    She stares at the photos and her eyebrows creased. Each image was of the same man but taken at different angles.


    He is incredibly handsome and has a faded haircut. However, Choi Li Sun had ovepped the photos with various red markings.


    Each one had detailed information of what needed to be done.


    She set the photos aside and picked up the documents. Once she finished browsing through them, the corners of her lips arc up.


    "I see... So this is the task."


    She picks up one photo of the man smiling with a guitar. His face was one that could win the hearts of many women.


    "He''s nning to change his face into this."


    Thinking about the task Choi Li Sun had given her, she smiles with satisfaction. The man was already good-looking, but if he were to look as good as the man in the photo, many would be jealous of her to have him.


    She ced everything back inside the yellow envelope and stood up.


    "I should call Gu Ting Fei after I shower. He must be worried about me."


    She put the envelope in her purse and headed for the bathroom to freshen up for the day.


    Oblivious to what had happened at Imperial Hotel, Yue Ling and the Liu siblings had finished breakfast and left the house.


    Yue Ling brought the three children with her to De L''amour. She had Liu Shan called Liu Jingyin''s school and excused her as they didn''t want Liu Peng to cause a scene.


    "Wow! Boss, you look unexpectedlyfortable today."


    Liu Shan eximed with surprise when he entered her office and saw her sitting behind the desk. He stares at her from head to toe, and a genuine smile appears on his face.


    Usually, she was always stylish whening in for work. However, today, she was the opposite.


    She was wearing a simple grey knitted sweater and wide-leg denim. On her head was a beige-colored baseball cap and on her feet was a pair of white sneakers.


    Yue Ling was going over some documents and ignored her assistant''s eyes on her. She puts the papers down only to grab a new one.


    "I just felt like dressing like this."


    Liu Shan arches an eyebrow but decides not to continue the topic. He looks around her office then back at her.


    "Where are the kids?"


    "With the design team."


    Yue Ling answered without taking her eyes off the documents.


    After she and the three siblings finished breakfast, she brought them to thepany with her.? When they arrived, Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang came to take them away so that she could work.


    She finishes going over all the documents within minutes. She stood up from her seat and picked up the ck design book on her desk.


    "Shall we go see what they''re doing?"


    Liu Shan''s eyes lit up, and he nodded his head with a huge smile. He wasn''t, in any way, rted to the Liu siblings, but due to them sharing the same surname as him, he saw them like his younger siblings.


    As the boss and assistant made their way to find the design team, inside the design office, all was quiet, like the room was vacant.


    However, a few of Yue Ling''s design team members and the Liu siblings were, without a doubt, inside.


    Ju Suo stood next to Liu Jingyi in front of a long table. She leans towards the teenage girl and covers her mouth in an attempt to whisper.


    "Hey Jingyi, is your little brother alright?"


    Liu Jingyi helped out the design team by folding some fabrics on the table. She didn''t know what to do, so this was all she could do.


    When she heard the petite Lolita''s words, she looked at Jianan. She ponders for a quick second then continues her task.


    "He''s fine, and he looks happy."


    Ju Suo''s eyes grew heavy, as did the twins, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhong min, seated at their desks.


    All three people nce at one another, then in the direction of the little boy.


    "That''s odd..."


    Gui Tian Lan touches his chin with a slight frown and Gui Zhongmin chimes in doing the same thing.


    "No one ever goes near Qi Li, especially children."


    In the far back of the room, Qi Li sat behind his desk while working on his illustrations for De L''amour.


    His expression held no emotion and the aura around him was so profound that it made others not want to be near him at all.


    However, despite his cold appearance, sitting next to him was a smiling Jianan.


    The little boy did not look scared, nor did he seem to notice Qi Li''s cold demeanor. He quietly sat and watched Qi Li work.


    When he sees something interesting, he points to it and asks what it is while Qi Li answers with a calm, straight face.


    This scene truly was one everyone in the design team would never have expected at all.


    While the others were confused about this scene, Liu Jingyi was relieved.


    She was d that despite all the cruel things their father had done, Jianan was able to see the good in others.


    "Well, would you look at that?"


    A man''sugh sounded from the door, and everyone turned to the person. It was Yue Ling and Liu Shan.


    Yue Ling smiled when she saw her illustrator getting along with a child. She looks away at her other subordinates and enters the room.


    "How''s everything going?"


    Her question is directed at Liu Jingyi. She (Liu Jingyi) stares at Yue Ling, and her posture froze in ce.


    The moment she first met Yue Ling, she was in doubt. There was no possible way this Han Yue Ling and her idol, Han Yue Ling, were the same person.


    She didn''t believe this because she believes a celebrity is too busy to care about people like her and her siblings.


    However, after careful observation, it was during breakfast that she came to her senses.


    She also confirmed Yue Ling''s identity with Liu Ye.


    Watching Yue Ling, her idol,e to a stop next to her, she swallows a nervous gulp and nods her head. Of course, she also tries to remain calm and not squeal like a fangirl.


    "Everything is fine. They gave me a simple task to do."


    Yue Ling maintained a smile on her face when she saw Liu Jingyi''s reaction. She looks around the room and arches an eyebrow.


    "Oh, where did Liu Ye go?"


    Lian Ni Shang was on her way to put some fabric samples on a shelf and answers.


    "He''s helping Shan Sinan and Tang Zhonghui."

 Chapter 867 - Shouldn’t Be Selfish

    <h4>Chapter 867 - Shouldn¡¯t Be Selfish</h4>


    Unaware that Yue Ling hade to check on them, Tang Zhong Hui,?Shan Sinan and Liu Ye were on the lower floor level. The three men?were on their way back from the fabric room.


    Liu Ye walked behind the two older men. In his hands was a roll of?white fabric and a few folded materials cut into sample sizes.


    He stared at the two men and grew envious of them. They didn''t look?too much older than him, yet, their life was undoubtedly better than his.


    Would he have been able tough and live a good life like them if he?hadn''t been born from a poor family?


    "Hey kid, you alright?"


    Shan Sinan''s voice interrupts his train of thoughts. Hees back to his senses and stops in his tracks when he sees that the two men have stopped walking.


    He felt embarrassed for making them stop for him. He shook his head and forced a calm smile.


    "Sorry, I was just thinking about something."


    Tang Zhong Hui and Shan Sinan stare at the young man then?nce at one another. Neither men needed to voice their thoughts?and understood at a nce.


    "Don''t overthink what you''re thinking."


    Shan Sinan smiles a small smile. He walks over to Liu Ye while holding a box filled with materials inside.


    He stood next to the boy, but due to his hands being preupied, he


    gives Liu Ye a friendly elbow on the arm.


    "Not all of us were born with a silver spoon."


    Liu Ye looks up at the textile designer. He was sure that he hadn''t spoken his thoughts aloud, so how did Shan Sinan know?


    Feeling even more embarrassed, he lowers his head, and his hand tightens its hold on the things he is holding.


    "I... sorry, I didn''t mean to think like that."


    Tang Zhonghui sighed at how easy the boy was quick to apologize. He walks over to join them and sets the box in his hand down.


    He puts his hand on Liu Ye''s shoulder and lightly shakes the boy.


    "Hey kid, stop apologizing for everything, especially when you didn''t do anything wrong. You were born with a brain. It''s natural to use it. Of course, sometimes you start to overthink things, but that''s also normal. I mean, I sometimes overthink, especially when ites to food."


    He moves his hand and picks up the box again.


    "Let me tell you something about myself. I may dressvishly like this, but that doesn''t mean I was born in avish family."


    He smiles a smile that reaches his eyes and looks at Liu Ye.


    "Because of her, I was able to work hard and be the person I am today."


    Liu Ye lifts his head to look at Tang Zhong Hui. He was met with a smile that shined brighter than the sun.


    He smiles and looks down at the fabrics in his hands. His smile slowly fades but not all the way.


    "I wonder if I can also change the way I am..."


    "You can, kid."


    Shan Sinan didn''t need to think twice and answered truthfully. He smiles at Liu Ye and walks away after giving another response.


    "Only you can change the way you want to live."


    Tang Zhonghui kept his carefree smile on his face and pointed with his head in the direction Shan Sinan had gone.


    "Come on. Let''s go back to the design office."


    Liu Ye stood in ce and watched the two designers walk further away. He stares at the back of their figures, and a wave of motivation stirs in his chest.


    He inhales a deep breath and takes one step forward before another. He swore he would be a better person than he is now. He will work hard and catch up to stand proudly next to the people that saved him.


    So when that dayes, he can also reach his hand out to help someone who needs help like him.


    Upstairs in the design office, Yue Ling inspected the assignments her design team was working on at the moment.


    When she finished, she opened her ck design book in her hand. She takes a pen from the nearby desk and scribbles a few words on a page.


    "Liu Shan, have this page sent to Cloth Co."


    She closes the book and hands the book to her assistant.


    Liu Shan takes the book but sighs when he nces at it. Others may see this ck book as like any ordinary book, but this book is the devil for him and the other employees at De L''amour.


    However, taking his boss''s words into consideration, he could only feel relieved that nothing went wrong with the designs.


    "I''ll send it over to Cloth Co. right away."


    He gestures a polite bow and turns around to leave the design office. He held the book like it was the essential thing in the world as it really is for De L''amour.


    Watching him disappear out the door, Yue Ling was bbergasted. She could never understand why her employees always react so oddly when ites to the ck design book.


    She pushes the thought to the back of her head and walks over to?Qi Li''s desk. She stops at the side and squats down next to Jianan?to be at eye level with the boy.


    "Jianan, do you want to go somewhere with meter?"


    Jianan looks away from Qi Li''sputer screen to Yue Ling. His big round eyes blinked for a few seconds before smiling with a nod.


    "Okay."


    Seeing his smiling face, Yue Ling felt her heart tighten. She hadn''t even told him where they were going, yet he didn''t hesitate to go with her.


    Not wanting to hide anything from him, she told the truth.


    "We''ll be going to the hospital for a check-up. Do you still want to go?"


    Jianan stiffened at the word ''hospital! He bites down on his lower lip with a look of hesitation.


    He was scared of hospitals, especially doctors. Also, he has an ugly scar on his back. What if Yue Ling finds him hideous and a troublemaker?


    Yue Ling could see the fear in his eyes. She raised her hand and gently patted him on the head.


    "If you don''t want to go, we don''t have to go."


    She had already set an appointment with Doctor Dong, but she will not force him if Jianan is afraid and says he doesn''t want to go.


    Jianan nce at Yue Ling, then lowers his head to look at his hand on hisp.


    "If Miss Angel is there with me, I won''t be as scared."


    He had been scared of hospitals since he could remember. It was?because the doctors and nurses never took him and his older sibling seriously.


    However, this time is different.


    If Yue Ling were to go with him, he would feel safe like how he feels?now. Not only that, he believes and trusts that Yue Ling will not let?anything happen to him or hate him.


    Oblivious to his thoughts, Yue Ling smiles at him. She rubs his head but not with enough strength to mess up his hair.


    "I''ll be there with you every step of the way."


    Her words were like a beacon of hope for Jianan, making him smile augh. However, when she saw his smile time, she felt an unexinable sharp pain in her chest.


    She swallows her saliva as if to push back this feeling wanting to?escape from her.


    "I''lle to get you when it''s time to go."


    She stood up and decided to return to her office. She had spent enough time in the design office.


    "Miss Han."


    Just as she was about to exit the room, she came across Liu Ye, Tang Zhonghui, and Shan Sinan.


    She looks at Liu Ye, who had greeted her, and smiles at him.


    "I see my subordinates are making you work hard."


    Her teasing made Liu Ye blush. He pressed his lips together but was unable to hide his smile.


    "I''m just d to be of help here."


    Yue Ling notices the roll of fabric in his arms. Her eyes grew solemn, and she raised her hand to touch it. However, she stops herself midway.


    She looks at Tang Zhonghui and Shan Sinan.


    "I''ve gone over the preparations and instructed Liu Shan to inform Cloth Co. on the designs. Once their side is ready, you two will go and assist the project."


    Shan Sinan nods his head and walks to his desk. Unlike him, Tang Zhonghui pouted his lips with a slight frown.


    "You''re really going to proceed with the designs for children?"


    Yue Ling looks at her subordinate then down at the fabric roll in Liu Ye''s hands. She showed no emotion on her face and walked away after answering.


    "A designer shouldn''t be selfish."


    As she disappeared out of the room, the whole design team stared at the spot she was standing. Each person held the same expression of guilt mixed with sadness.


    De L''amour was a brand made for adults in the fashion world. However, when Yue Ling learned about her pregnancy, she started sketching designs for children.


    She had made each design with the thoughts of her and Lu Tian''s unborn child. However, life decided to y it cruelly for her.


    With her baby gone, everyone thought she would call off the project. However, her words just now were her confirmation to continue the project.


    She is a fashion designer. She cannot be selfish and think only about her own personal feelings.


    However, despite her way of thinking, her subordinates wish for her to be a little more selfish.


    Even if she stops the preparations of her designs, the world will understand.


    If the world doesn''t understand, she still has them (her subordinates) and everyone who deeply cares about her.


    However, since this is her decision, everyone knows she will not change her mind.


    As her subordinates, they will firmly stand by her side and support her as she has supported them.


    They will make sure that this project is fulfilled without anyplications.

 Chapter 868 - Still In Imperial

    <h4>Chapter 868 - Still In Imperial</h4>


    Meanwhile, in City Z, Lu Tian and Jiangyu arrived at the police department in the city''s busy heart.


    "Ah, Lu boy, you are here."


    Chief Kim warmly weed the aloof man when he saw Lu Tian enter the?building. He nces at the person behind and smiles.


    "I see you brought Jiangyu too."


    He looks around and furrows his eyebrows in confusion.


    "Eh? Where is Yiqing? Doesn''t he usually tag along too?"


    Lu Tian knew at a nce what the man was saying. He finds no offense and shrugs one shoulder in a nonchnt manner.


    "He''s in Imperial on an assignment."


    And that assignment is to protect his wife.


    Chief Kim understood the word assignment. He chuckles and doesn''t pry into further details.


    "I see. Well,e. Let us go to my office."


    As the Chief led the way, Lu Tian kept pace, with Jiangyu following three feet behind.


    "Why is Lu Tian here? Did something happen?"


    "I''m not sure. The annual meeting has already passed. The Chief also didn''t mention anything about this."


    Whispers resonated from the eyes of the police officers working at their desks. They couldn''t help but be curious as to why the Almighty Lu Tian is here in city Z.


    Ignoring the voices, the three men entered the Chief''s office, and he?closes the door to mute out any unnecessary interruptions.


    He walks to the armchair in his office and takes a seat.


    "Haa... Your sudden arrival has made the ce in an uproar. I hope you forgive my subordinates for being a nuisance."


    He pinches the space between his eyebrows and sighs.


    "Anyways. Please sit. This might take a while."


    Lu Tian kept his usual expression that held no emotion. He sat down on the chair across from the man while his subordinate stood behind him to the left.


    With only a table separating them, h looks at Chief Kim, and his expression alone was enough to tell the man to start the conversation.


    Chief Kim was older than Lu Tian and should have been offended by?the young man''s behavior. However, he wasn''t least offended.


    "As you are aware, my men are in Imperial''s jurisdiction."


    He leans forward and reaches to the small table separating him and?Lu Tian. He picks up a folder and slides it over to Lu Tian.


    "This is the most recent report my men have sent over to me."


    He sighs, and frustration appears on his face.


    "Although they did find a few leads, there''s been no process in catching Choi Li Sun."


    Lu Tian listened as Chief Kim continued to summarize the report. He picks up the folder from the table and opens it.


    Choi Li Sun is a notorious leader in the underworld. He isn''t only known in City Z and Imperial, but all over the world. This makes his connection vast and his tracks easy to cover.


    City Z and Imperial would have long detained him if it weren''t for his people helping him.


    His eyes scan through the pages, and every so often, his eyebrows would furrow like he was pondering over something.


    Each page contained a detailed report about Choi Li Sun''s movements. However, he stopped all activities and disappeared ever since he learned he was being tailed.


    Chief Kim sighs with a heavy heart and looks at Lu Tian.


    "What do you think? Is he still in Imperial, or did he flee the country?"


    He has been after Choi Li Sun for many years now. Every time the man did anything wrong, he and his team wouldn''t hesitate to capture him. However, the man was always able to shift the penalty onto someone else, erasing all traces leading back to him.


    Even three years ago, his best subordinate, who volunteered to go undercover, was killed. His death looked like an ident, but after careful observations, they learned it wasn''t.


    Reaching thest page of the report, Lu Tian closes the folder.?He sets it back down on the table, and his cold gaze locks with the older man.


    "He''s still in Imperial."


    Chief Kim frowned at his answer. Judging from the report he relieved, he could only conclude that Choi Li Sun left the country.


    However, why is Lu Tian so sure that the man hasn''t fled?


    Like he had the powers to read people''s minds, Lu Tian doesn''t hide anything and goes into exining.


    "He could have fled to any country, but he chose Imperial for a reason. We just don''t know why."


    Chief Kim touches his chin and nods his head like he finally understood. He pursed his lips and sighed a slight chuckle.


    "Qin Jun said the same thing too."


    When he saw that the search wasn''t going anywhere, he told Qin Jun, Kira, and song Jing Li to return to city Z. However, the three men were against it.


    They were adamant that Choi Li Sun had left Imperial.


    He remembers another report and looks at Lu Tian as he thinks about this.


    "Ah, I almost forgot to ask, by chance, is there anyone else in Imperial also searching for Choi Li Sun?"


    The space between Lu Tian''s eyebrows creases into three lines as he frowns.


    This is the first time he is hearing that someone is also on the case.


    He stares at Chief Kim for a long second before parting his lips.


    "Why?"


    When Chief Kim saw that he was going to answer, he thought Lu Tian had a name. However, hearing the man''s short response to a question, he felt his heart?drop to his stomach.


    He could only sigh and massage his temple like he was suffering from a migraine.


    "I won''t hide anything from you. Qin Jun stated in his report that while searching for Choi Li Sun, they stumbled upon another person also looking for the man."


    He lowers his hand and sees Lu Tian''s calm expression, his words?continued.


    "Qin Jun doesn''t know who this person is, but he said this person is good at covering his tracks. Even Liu... ahem."


    Without thinking, he almost blurted a name but caught himself in time. He clears his throat with a few coughs.


    "Even Kira was unable to track this mysterious person despite finally getting a name. They wanted to wait before requesting your help, but as their superior, I have to do something."


    Lu Tian stares at Chief Kim with an unfazed expression. He doesn''t put too much thought into the man''s misspoken word and focus more on the report given.


    "Name."


    His deep voice was low, but to Chief Kim, it was a voice that could put anyone in danger. He clears his throat and diverts his mistake elsewhere.


    "Qin Jun wouldn''t say. He wants to do further confirmation whether this person is on our side or not."


    Lu Tian raised an eyebrow at this statement. He thought Qin Jun would give a name, but hearing that the man wouldn''t tell made it more interesting.


    He is immersed in thought for a split second andes to a decision.


    "I''ll look into it when I return to Imperial."


    Chief Kim was anticipating whether Lu Tian was going to be angry for not being informed in advance. However, he was relieved by the young man''s answer.


    He stood up from his seat and walked to his desk that was in aplete chaotic mess due to the case. He then reached for the box on top of everything.


    "The folder I handed you is a brief summarize of the case."


    He returns to his armchair and ces the box on the table before sitting down.


    "In here are more details concerning the case. Qin Jun made sure to log everything. What the suspect has been doing, who he has been in contact with,?where he went. Everything."


    His arms reach forward, and he removes the lid covering the box.


    "I''m deeply sorry to have youe here, despite your busy schedule. If you can go over these reports and get a clue about the mysterious person or Choi Li Sun''s?whereabouts, I would truly appreciate it."


    Lu Tian didn''t move from his seat. He stares at Chief Kim then lowers his gaze to the table.


    The box is stuffed with stacks of papers and file folders to the brim.


    Chief Kim would usually forward the report via email or fax in standard cases. However, not wanting anyone to tamper with the case, he (Chief Kim) could only ask him (Lu Tian) toe in person to meet.


    Lu Tian stares at the box in front of him. He wanted to return to Imperial and be with his wife, but he sighs and leans forward.


    "I promised my wife I would be home for dinner."


    He picks up the top stack of papers in the box and starts going through them.


    Chief Kim was rendered speechless by him. He blinks his eyes in a long daze before sounding a heartfeltugh. His head nods a few times and hisugh turns into a meaningful smile.


    "I understand. I won''t keep you here for long."


    His words fall, and he watches as Lu Tian focuses on the papers in his hands.


    He couldn''t help but be even more curious about the young man''s wife.


    Who is this young woman that has the capabilities to tie down this cold and ruthless man?


    If he ever gets to meet her, he will definitely give her a pat on the back for having to put up with someone like Lu Tian.

 Chapter 869 - Brains

    <h4>Chapter 869 - Brains</h4>


    "Achoo-!"


    Back in Imperial, Yue Ling suddenly sneezed while looking over some reports. She sniffles with a frown and sets the papers down.


    Is someone talking about her?


    "Is someone talking about you?"


    Just as she thought the question, Liu Shan asked aloud as he entered her office. He had heard her sneeze and found it odd since no windows were open and thepany is always clean without a speck of dust.


    Yue Ling nces at her assistant and slightly narrows her eyes.


    "I think I have my suspicions on who it is."


    Liu Shan scoffs in utter disbelief. Hees to a stop in front of her desk with the ck design book in his left hand.


    He bent his right arm and ced his hand on his hip. He also didn''t forget to fling his head like he was throwing his long invisible hair back.


    "Boss."


    He makes a stern expression with a voice full of fierce attitude.


    "If I were going to talk about you, I would have talked about you to you."


    He scoffs and rolls his eyes like a prideful woman but fakes a sob.


    "I can''t believe you would think such way about your most loyal subordinate."


    "..."


    Yue Ling stared with heavy eyes and didn''t know whether tough or cry. She was being sarcastic, but Liu Shan took her sarcasm to another level.


    She lightly shakes her head and puts her hand out without a word.


    Liu Shan knew he had gone a little bit overboard and cleared his throat. He was sure that if his boss was not Yue Ling but someone else, his behavior would have long made him jobless.


    He clears his throat again and


    takes a step forward. He ces the ck design book in her hand and steps back.


    "I''ve already informed Cloth Co. They''ll let us know when the fabrics are ready."


    Yue Ling nods and opens the book. She flipped the pages for the designs they were currently working on. She closed the book and set it aside when she saw what she needed to see.


    "When I leave with Jianan, I need you to take Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi with you."


    She opens one of the drawers attached to her desk and takes out a small envelope. She hands it to her assistant and picks up the report she was reading before he entered the room.


    "Max it out if you have to."


    Liu Shan turned confused by her words. He took the small envelope and opened his mouth to ask but stopped when he felt something.


    He quickly opens the envelope and takes a nce inside. When he saw the contents, he sucked in his stomach to inhale a gasp.


    "This..."


    Unable to finish his remaining words, he looks at his boss with wide eyes.


    "You want me to take them shopping?"


    He held his hand out to her. His movement shows the inside of the envelope that contained a ck bank card.


    "Are you sure you want to use this card? What if you go broke? Can you really trust me with something as valuable as this?"


    Yue Ling kept her eyes on the report in her hand, but she was continuously rolling her eyes deep inside. If she didn''t trust him, she wouldn''t have handed him the bank card.


    "I work hard for a reason, and it''s times like this that my hard work should be put to use."


    She averts her gaze from the report to her assistant and smiles a smile that turns her eyes into upside-down crescents.


    "You can treat yourself to some things too."


    Liu Shan''s jaw dropped to the floor. Whether his expression was one of shock or horror, no one will ever know.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, he finally returned to reality.


    He narrows his eyes as if to read what his boss is thinking.


    However, unable to read her mind, he heaves a long sigh.


    "Seriously, I can never understand you sometimes."


    His boss is a wealthy woman and a famous one too. However, despite having money, she hardly ever spends it on herself.


    Instead, she spends her hard-working ie on others or donates to charities around the world.


    Sometimes, he just wishes she would be a little selfish and put herself first.


    Yue Ling heard his sighing words. She puts the report down and leans back on her chair.


    Her arms cross over her chest, and she slightly tilts her head with eyes on her assistant.


    "Should I give this task to someone else?"


    Liu Shan snapped back from his thoughts. He scoffs with attitude and shoves the envelope into his pocket.


    "What are you talking about? This task was made for me."


    He smiles a wink and snickers with an idea.


    "I promise I won''t disappoint you."


    He says no more and dashes out of the room. He was afraid that Yue Ling might change her mind and give the task to someone else.


    Yue Ling chuckles at her assistant, frantically running out the door. She shakes her head and continues going over the reports.


    However, within seconds, she recalls his wink, and she sighs.


    "I hope he does buy himself something."


    She wasn''t afraid he might go on a shopping spree with the bank card.


    She was afraid that he woulde back with random things for her again.


    Unable to focus on her work, she pinches the space between her eyebrows.


    "Should I have just given this task to someone else?"


    * knock knock


    A knock sounds from the door and interrupts her. She thought Liu Shan had returned to start a fight, but thinking again, she knew who it was.


    "Come in."


    The door opened, and it was as Yue Ling guessed. It was Jiang Shengyi.


    The secretary enters the room wearing a white turtleneck sweater and ck cks. In her hands was a stack of documents.


    "CEO Han, sorry to interrupt your work."


    Jiang Shengyi was deeply apologetic. She hade from her desk to give some finished documents to her boss. However, she saw a frantic Liu Shan dashing out from their boss''s office.


    Not only that, he was running as if the devil was out for his soul.


    When she saw him, she could only assume that Yue Ling must have?been angry about something.


    At first, she decides to wait a bit before seeing her boss but remembering that Yue Ling is leaving work early, she gathered all her courage and knocked on the door.


    She was sure she would get scolded, but she was met with a calm and collected woman upon her entrance.


    Yue Ling was calm, but that was only on the outside. Deep inside, she wanted to burst outughing as she could see what her secretary was thinking.


    She clears her throat and sits up in her chair.


    "You''re not interrupting my work. What can I help you with?"


    Jiang Shengyi rxed and walked over to the desk. She puts the papers in her hands down.


    "I''ve finished sorting out any remaining problems in An Qing."


    An arched eyebrow urred on Yue Ling''s face. She stares at Jiang Shengyi then smiles a smile that reaches her eyes.


    "I''m impressed by how quick you get the job done."


    She reaches for the papers and flips through the pages.


    "Thank you for your hard work."


    Jiang Shengyi couldn''t help but smile at Yue Ling''s praising words. She felt like she had won an award.


    "I did the best I could since you''ve treated me fairly."


    She was grateful that Yue Ling saw her potentials and saved her from?Fang Fabrics. She promised herself that she would not let her new boss be disappointed in hiring her.


    Yue Ling finished scanning the papers and set them down. She looked at Jiang Shengyi and was proud to have someone like her as an employee.


    "I''ll be leaving early, so you can have the rest of the day off."


    Her words took Jiang Shengyi by surprise. She stares at her boss in?bewilderment as this is the first time she''s encountered such a situation.


    Then a thought came to her, and herplexion turned pale.


    "I..."


    She utters a word but swallows a hard gulp before continuing.


    "Did I do something wrong? Were the documents not to your liking? If you tell me, I will correct it right away."


    Yue Ling chokes a cough at her sudden frantic words. She pats her chest and sticks a palm out to stop the woman.


    "You didn''t do anything wrong. I told you, I was impressed by how quickly you were able to take care of the situation."


    She chuckles a smile.


    "Don''t worry. I still need you here at De L''amour. Also, I gave everyone else the rest of the day off too."


    Jiang Shengyi was inplete shock. She stared at Yue Ling with slightly widened eyes as she couldn''t process what she heard.


    What kind of boss is Yue Ling?


    She''s letting her employees leave work early because she is leaving early?


    She is happy but dumbfounded at the same time.


    After a long year passed by, she finally blinked her eyes, and before she knew it, she was standing in front of her desk.


    Her head darts in every direction as confusion wash inside her.


    "What? When? How did I get here?"


    Wasn''t she standing in Yue Ling''s office?


    "You walked here."


    A man''s voice sounds from the left of her. She turns her head in the direction of the person only to see Liu Shan.


    She takes in his words and furrows her eyebrows with a murmur.


    "How?"


    Liu Shan was on his way to his office after making his usual rounds in thepany. He had just exited the elevator when he saw the secretary walk out from his boss''s office in a daze.


    He even greeted her, but she was too lost in thought that she didn''t even hear him.


    However, hearing her words after returning to her senses, he grins with an idea.


    "I can show you."


    He straightened his posture into a stiff position and stuck both his arms out in front of him. His head drops to the side, and his eyes roll slightly up as he moans like a zombie.


    "Brains. You. Walked. Here. Like. This. Brains."


    He starts walking one step at a time, going forward, then stops.


    He returns to normal, looks at the woman, and wipes his forehead.


    "Phew. For a second there, I thought you had finally lost it. You looked so scary. My soul almost went to heaven."


    "..."


    The corner of Jiang Shengyi''s mouth twitched. She felt a tingling sensation in her fingers that made her want to strangle the assistant to death.


    Liu Shan read her expression andughed. He decides not to tease her anymore and dashes away.


    "I was just kidding. You didn''t look that, but you dide here on your own."


    "...."

 Chapter 870 - Everyone Can Be Afraid

    <h4>Chapter 870 - Everyone Can Be Afraid</h4>


    Morning in Imperial soon shifts into early mid-afternoon as the sun rose higher into the sky. While others returned to work, the employees within De L''amour were on their way home.


    Liu Shan took Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi with him on his boss''s task. As the three people leave thepany, Yue Ling and Jianan arrives at?Imperial Military Hospital.


    "WOW..."


    In the backseat of Yue Ling''s white BMW ?5m, Jianan''s voice sounds with enthusiasm. His face leans an inch away from the window, and he stares out.


    "This ce is a hospital? It''s so cool!"


    Yue Ling nces at the rearview mirror and sees a massive smile on the little boy''s face. She was d and relieved that he had calmed down.


    When they left De L''amour after having lunch with the others, she noticed that Jianan was quieter than usual. She looked in the rearview mirror and saw his head down, but she could see the uneasiness in his face.


    However, that uneasy look in him soon turned into fear as they entered the gates to the hospital.


    He was afraid of the soldiers on guard as they all looked intimidating.


    As they drove through the gate, she told him that everything would be alright and enjoy the peaceful scenery of the hospital.


    Luckily, her soothing words worked because Jianan was no longer afraid or anxious. Or so she thought.


    She spots an empty parking spot and parks the car. She steps out of?the car and walks over to the side Jianan sat.


    She opens the door and sighs inside. She stared at the little boy and could see that the uneasy feeling inside him earlier had returned.


    "Jianan."


    Jianan''s head stared down at his hands, and his shoulders jumped. He was taken by surprise at the sudden call of his name.


    He gives a side nce at Yue Ling without lifting his head.


    "Yes, Miss Angel?"


    Yue Ling smiles at how he addressed her. She had never corrected him but allowed him to call her as he liked.


    "Are you nervous?"


    Hearing the question, Jianan shakes his head. His hands clenched into tight fists, and he looked away from Yue Ling.


    "I... I''m scared."


    The smile on Yue Ling''s face fades, and she slightly frowns. She thought about his reaction when she first mentioned the visit to the hospital.


    Without a doubt, he was afraid.


    Her frown deepens at the remembrance of his behavior, but she softens at his little figure sitting inside the car.


    What happened to make him feel this way?


    She wanted to ask, but, not wanting to make the boy relive his trauma, she brushed her thoughts aside.


    "It''s alright to be afraid. Everyone can be afraid sometimes."


    Even she, who would put on aposed appearance, gets scared.


    However, now isn''t about her but Jianan.


    "If you are afraid, it''s not toote. We can always go back. But remember, you don''t have to b afraid anymore."


    Her soft angelic voice sounds, and it sent a soothing feeling into?Jianan''s heart. He lifts his head to look at her, and a gentle smile?curl on her face.


    "I''m here with you. No one will be able to hurt you here. That, I promise."


    She stretches her hand out to him with her palm up to the sky. She doesn''t pressure him but patiently waits for him.


    Jianan''s eyes trembled as he gazed up at her. He was afraid that?the doctors and nurses would disregard him like the others. However, what he feared the most was his savior finding out about the ugly scar on his back.


    What if Yue Ling thinks he is hideous and hands him back to his father?


    His mind wandered with unpleasant thoughts, but he slowly became less tense before those thoughts trailed too far.


    This was because of Yue Ling''s gentle smile. She looked like the sun that suddenly lit up the sky in his dark world. It was as if he had nothing to fear as long as he took her hand.


    His eyes lowered to her hand that reached out to him. He inhales a deep breath to steady himself, then puts his palm on top of hers.


    "Okay. I''m not afraid anymore."


    Yue Ling was relieved to see him embrace his fear. She watches as he jumps down from the car without letting go of her hand.


    She closes the door, and the two individuals head for the hospital?entrance.


    "Good afternoon, Miss Han."


    Upon entering the building, a nurse working at the front desk greets?Yue Ling with politeness. She smiles at the retired model but is taken by surprise when she sees Jianan.


    "Oh... This..."


    She wanted to ask if Jianan was Yue Ling''s child, but as someone who admires Yue Ling, she has never heard about the woman having any children.


    Not only that, the boy looked too old to be Yue Ling''s son.


    Seeing the nurse''s reaction, Jianan took a step and hid behind Yue Ling. However, he doesn''t let go of her hand.


    Instead, he made sure to have a firmer grip on her.


    Yue Ling felt his slight squeeze on her hand, but it wasn''t enough to?hurt her anyway. She stares back at the nurse and makes a small smile.


    "This is my friend, Liu Jianan. He has an appointment with Doctor Dong."


    The nurse blinks her eyes and quickly nods her head in understanding.


    Since the appointment is made with the Head Doctor, she wastes no time and signs Jianan into theputer system.


    She finished within minutes and looked back at Yue Ling.


    "Please head to the second floor and wait in the waiting room. Doctor Dong will be with you shortly."


    Yue Ling gives a slight nod and looks down at Jianan.


    "Shall we?"


    Jianan gestures a nod and walks together with Yue Ling to the elevator.


    As the big and small figures disappeared into the elevator, the nurse was in awe of the scene.


    She has met Yue Ling many times at Imperial Military Hospital and found the woman very open-minded and sincere.


    Despite having fame, she always treated everyone with a genuine heart.


    She recalls the scene of Yue-Ling holding Jianan''s hand, and she smiles.


    She can tell that if the retired model has a child, she (Yue Ling) will undoubtedly shower her child with the greatest love.


    * ding


    The elevator chimes upon stopping on the second, and the door opens. Yue Ling and Jianan made their way to the waiting room, but something caught her attention.


    From the corner of her eyes, she swore she saw a small white figure?dashing towards them, followed by a faint thud.


    She pauses in her steps and turns her head to the left. She stares at?the long hallway and slightly furrow her eyebrows.


    It was empty without a trace of any hospital employees or patients.


    Her frown deepened, and she pursed her lip in a murmur.


    "That''s odd.... I swore I saw Inu."

 Chapter 871 - A Bit More Time

    <h4>Chapter 871 - A Bit More Time</h4>


    Yue Ling murmurs to herself as a wave of confusion wash inside her.


    Could it be that she misses her fur baby too much that her mind is ying tricks on her?


    "Miss Angel, are you alright?"


    Jianan heard her voice due to how close he stood next to her. However, he wasn''t able to listen to her words correctly.


    He sees that she is looking at the long hallway, so he pokes his head out to see too.


    When he saw that it was empty, he confusingly pouted his lips.


    "Did you see something? Should we go check?"


    Yue Ling''s eyes remained on the empty hallway. Her expression turned to one on alert, and her eyes scanned the area.


    However, a few seconds go by, and she pushes any thoughts to the back of her head.


    She looks back at Jianan and smiles.


    "I''m alright. Let''s go that way. The waiting room is over there."


    Her words fell, and she guided Jianan in the opposite direction of?where she was looking.


    Inu is staying with her grandfather and Ji Jingxu. There''s no possible?way her fur baby would be here since the hospital also prohibits pets in the building.


    "Oh, Yue Ling. You''re here."


    The second Yue Ling and Jianan arrived at the waiting area, Doctor Dong ran into them.


    The elderly man looked disheveled and was breathing like he had finished a marathon.


    One could even see the beads of sweat forming on his forehead.


    Yue Ling arches an eyebrow at his appearance. However, she doesn''t pry into detail about why he looked the way he did.


    "I hope we didn''t arrive too early."


    Doctor Dong smiles without wiping his forehead free of sweat.


    "Not at all. I ran here when I heard you had arrived."


    He nces a few times behind Yue Ling before moving his attention to the little boy.


    His eyebrows raised in bewilderment.


    "Eh, who is this kid?"


    Yue Ling took notice of the nces he made but didn''t put too much thought over it. He might have just nced at an employee or patient walking past.


    "This is my friend. The one I set an appointment for with you."


    She smiles down at Jianan and nods her head.


    "Jianan, this is Doctor Dong. Say hello to him."


    Jianan grew nervous the moment he saw Doctor Dong. However, observing the way Yue Ling and the elderly man spoke to one another, he can conclude that they are friends.


    He slowly bows his head and greets the elderly man.


    "Hello, I''m Liu Jianan."


    Doctor Dong softens at the sight of Jianan''s politeness. He smiles, a smile that reaches his eyes as he doesn''t want to scare the boy.


    He pats the boy''s head but frowns when he notices Jianan''s shoulders suddenly quiver a little when he stretches his hand.


    He shot a nce at Yue Ling and saw her slightly shake her?head.


    Even without words, he knew what her head gesture meant.


    He doesn''t pat the boy''s head and lowers his hand.


    "Liu Jianan, I know the hospital can be a scary and depressing ce, but you are in good hands."


    His hand gestures in the direction he hade from, and he?smiles at Yue Ling and Jianan.


    "Let''s head over to the room for the check-up."


    Yue Ling takes a step forward but catches a glimpse of the elderly man ncing behind her again. Her eyebrows crease with suspicion, and she looks back.


    What seems to be catching Doctor Dong''s attention so much?


    "Aiya!!"


    Before she could turn her head, Doctor Dong suddenly lets out a?cry. Her attention shifts to him, and she frowns at the man.


    "Are you alright?"


    Doctor Dong heaved a sigh of relief but quickly reced it with a?chuckle. He hits his forehead, making it look like he had suddenly remembered something.


    "I almost forgot. Did you fill out the new patient''s form for Liu Jianan?"


    Yue Ling pondered for a second and shook her head no.


    "I''ll fill it out during the check-up."


    Seeing that his distraction worked, he sighs again in relief. He ushers Yue?Ling towards the check-up room.


    "Alright. Let''s not wait and go to the room. I''ll have a nurse bring the form up for you."


    As Yue Ling and Jianan walked away, Doctor Dong followed along with them. However, he ces one hand behind his back and fans it as if to signal someone to go.


    Far away on the other side of the hallway, Grandfather Ji''s head could be spotted poking out from the corner. He wasn''t standing but on his knees.


    He sees Doctor Dong''s hand signal but doesn''t move away.


    Once he confirmed that the coast was clear, he exhaled and looked away.


    "That was a close call."


    His back press against the wall, and his body slumps onto the?floor like a detted balloon.


    He had been couped up in his room too so long and decided to take Inu out on a walk. Doctor Dong forbade him from going outside in case any mishap were to happen.


    So, his only option left was to stay inside.


    He also hasn''t announced his illness, so he needed to be cautious about the people he might run into in the hospital. It was already bad enough that the?Lu family found out sooner than expected.


    As he and Inu walked around the hospital, the Samoyed, who was?usually calm and never runs off suddenly ran off.


    He didn''t know why, but he needed to chase Inu.


    Something inside him was telling him that trouble woulde to him if he didn''t.


    And it was precise as his feeling anticipated.


    Inu had caught the scent of the person he had not prepared himself to meet.


    His granddaughter.


    He opened his mouth to call the little guy back, but a sharp pain prated his heart. It felt as if he was being pierced by thousands of needles.


    His breathing became rapid, and he lost his bnce. He was unable?to steady him and would have hit his head on the wall if it weren''t for Inu returning to him.


    The Samoyed had sensed his pain and jumped into action. He (Inu)?used his body to block him (Grandfather Ji) from hitting the wall.


    Despite the intense pain he was experiencing, when he saw that Yue Ling was turning in their direction, he forced his body to move. He grabbed Inu and rolled behind the wall.


    He held onto Inu and whispered pleading words for the little guy not to reveal that they were here.


    Luckily, Inu was an intelligent dog and didn''t move or make a sound.


    "I''m sorry, Inu."


    Grandfather Ji came back from reliving the shback. His head?lowers to the side, and he looks at the fluffy Samoyed.


    "I know you miss her, but please bear with me."


    He trembles a smile and reaches a hand to give Inu a pat on the


    head.


    "I miss her too..."


    His voice cracked and almost caught in his throat.


    Never has he had to hide from his granddaughter or keep anything from her.


    A wave of sadness mixed with guilt formed inside him, making it?hard to shake off. He clutch his chest and clenched tightly.


    "Please... just a bit more time..."


    His eyes gradually grew moist, and he closed his eyes to force back any tears. However, a single tear ignored his intentions and slid down his cheek.


    Eventually, he stops trying, and his head drops down as he quietly sobs.


    "I will tell her... I will tell her when I leave here."


    Inu lets out a small, sad whimper as he had never once seen the old man cry. He slowlyy on the floor and put his head on Grandfather Ji''sp.


    He can only hope that his presence can helpfort his second favorite hooman in the world.

 Chapter 872 - Cousin

    <h4>Chapter 872 - Cousin</h4>


    Far away from Imperial Military Hospital, a white Mercedes enters the parking lot of Blush Tree. The car parks in an empty spot and the?driver''s door opens.


    A healthy-looking man steps out into view. He wore a white tailored?suit with a ck coat over for warmth.


    He walks around the car and opens the passenger door. He held the door in ce while his other hand reached inside.


    Everything about him was that of a true gentleman.


    "Sweetheart, take my hand."


    He smiles with ease, and a slender handnds on top of his hand.


    "Thank you."


    A soft chuckle sounds from the person andes into view. This person was none other than Ji Chu Hua.


    "You''re always a gentleman, brother Ting Fei."


    Her smile radiated with elegance. She glowed like a woman in love with the man helping her get out of the car.


    "I''m so happy you are free toe here with me despite your busy?schedule."


    Gu Ting Fei''s heart softened when he saw her smile. Although they do?not love each other, they werepatible in each other''s arms.


    He gently tightens his hold on her hand and helps her get out.


    "My schedule is never too busy when ites to you."


    Ji Chu Hua chuckles at his sweet words. She had forgotten all about Choi Li Sun. She put all her attention on the man in front of her.


    "You always know what to say to woo a woman''s heart."


    She locks her arm with him and walks towards the store. Anyone who saw them would undoubtedly see them as a couple madly in love with each other.


    "Hello, Miss Ji. Wee to Blush Tree."


    As the two entered the store, a female employee greeted them with a smile.


    When she saw Gu Ting Fei, her cheeks flushed ever so slightly at how attractive he looked.


    However, she suddenly remembers something and nces at Ji Chu Hua.


    Thest time she (Ji Chu Hua) was here, she was with a different man.?She thought this but pushed it aside as it was not her business.


    "Can I help you with anything today?"


    Ji Chu Hua sneered inside when she saw the employee turn bashful in front of Gu Ting Fei. However, she takes out her ID card and a receipt before handing them to the employee.


    At the same time, she purposely leans closer to the man and presses her chest against his arms.


    "I''m here to pick up my dress. Is it ready?"


    The employee was quick to return to work mode. She smiles and takes the ID card and receipt.


    "Please wait in the room next door. I will bring your dress out."


    Ji Chu Hua holds her head high and walks away with Gu Ting Fei. She steals a nce at him and is satisfied to see that he paid no?attention to the employee.


    As the employee headed to the back of the store, Ji Chu Hua and Gu Ting Fei sat in the waiting room.


    "I wish you were here when I tried on the dress. I couldn''t tell if it


    looked okay on me."


    Ji Chu Hua spoke in an innocent voice. She looked like a shy girl wanting to impress her boyfriend.


    When Gu Ting Fei heard her words, he let out a smallugh. He leans?towards her and ce a kiss on her cheek.


    "Anything you wear will look good."


    He moves away and looks around the room. The waiting area was luxurious, with mannequins adorned in different dresses and jewelry pieces.


    An idea came to him, and he looked at the stunning woman sitting next to him.


    "How about this? To make up for my absence, let me buy you new dresses. Any that you want."


    Ji Chu Hua''s eyes lit up with joy. However, she pretends to be a good girl and shakes her head.


    "It''s okay. I still have plenty of dresses from you at home."


    Seeing her being so considerate, Gu Ting Fei was touched. He took her by the hand and stood up, bringing her along.


    "Even if you have plenty, it doesn''t hurt to have more."


    He walked her out of the waiting room and headed for the sales floor.


    Since it has been announced that they are in a rtionship, he?wants to spoil her to keep us his excellent image.


    Ji Chu Hua stares at the man''s back and smirks. Her innocent facade turns into one with guiltless intentions. She loves it when men spoil her and treat her like a treasure.


    Minutes passed by, and Ji Chu Hua didn''t hesitate to grab the dresses that caught her eyes. Of course, she didn''t forget to look at Gu Ting Fei as if to get his approval.


    "Miss Ji, your dress is ready."


    The same employee returns with the news in the middle of their shopping.


    She handed the ID card and receipt back to Ji Chu Hua but was baffled by the number of dresses in the man''s hands.


    "These dresses... Would you like to try them on?"


    "No."


    Gu Ting Fei answered without any hesitation. His eye glued to his woman then gradually shifts to the employee.


    "I''ll pay for all the dresses she has picked out today."


    The employee was rendered speechless. Each dress was expensive, and only a few women in Imperial could purchase them.?However, since this person is Ji Chu Hua and the man looks well off, she smiles in understanding.


    "Alright. Please follow me to the register to pay."


    Gu Ting Fei follows the woman, leaving an annoyed Ji Chu Hua. She wanted to buy more dresses, but she decided to let the matter go, not wanting to provoke Gu Ting Fei.


    Once all the dresses were paid for and nicely put into shopping bags, the employee hands Ji Chu Hua''s prepared dress to her.


    "Miss Ji, thank you for visiting Blush Tree. Please visit again."


    Ji Chu Hua doesn''t say a word but smiles a smile that does not reach her eyes. She turns away and walks toward the exit.


    However, she sees another employee carrying an Adriatic mist Rhonda Taffeta dress in the distance.


    She remembers the dress to be one Yue Ling had tried on when they came across one another in the fitting room.


    Her expression darkens when she also remembers the humiliation Yue Ling gave her that day.


    Greedy with revenge, her grimace expression disappears, and she looks at Gu Ting Fei. She had reverted to a sweet and innocent woman.


    "Brother Ting Fei, the bags look heavy. How about you go to the car first? I''ll be right out."


    Hearing her ingenuous words, he does as told after kissing her forehead.


    "Don''t take too long."


    Ji Chu Hua''s cheek turns red, and she nods her head. She watched him leave the store, and the moment he was out of her view, her expression was left with only hostility.


    She turns to the employee and points in a specific direction.


    "I want the dress your coworker is holding."


    The employee was at a loss by Ji Chu Hua''s sudden change in demeanor. She couldn''t believe that the sweet woman seconds ago and this woman with a malevolence face was the same person.


    However, considering the woman''s words, she looks behind to where Ji Chu Hua was pointing.


    When she saw the dress in question, her eyes quivered with hesitation.


    She looks back at Ji Chu Hua and bows apologetically.


    "My deepest apologies, Miss Ji. That dress has been reserved for another customer."


    Ji Chu Hua''s expression twisted with rage. How dare a lowly employee to disobey her order?


    If it had been any other day, she would haveshed out irrationally at the employee. However, not wanting to alert the ''customer'' mentioned, her mouth curls into a smile.


    "I know the customer you are speaking of."


    It was as if the malicious look on her face was never there, and her words continued.


    "Han Yue Ling. She is the customer buying that dress, right?"


    The employee stares at Ji Chu Hua with doubt, but when she heard?Yue Ling''s name, all the doubt in her dispersed. Her eyes lit up, and she sounded a thrilled chuckle.


    "That''s right. The dress is reserved for Miss Han. Are you an acquaintance of Miss Han?"


    Ji Chu Hua kept a calmposure but was seething with annoyance inside. She could see the doubt on the employee''s face then quickly change when she mentioned that slut''s name.


    She inhales a breath and forces herself to smile the best she can do.


    "She is my cousin. I just remembered that she asked me to pick up the dress for her since she is busy."


    Her smile arcs higher, and her pearl white teethe into view.


    "It''ll be more convenient if I pass the dress to her."


    Her words put the employee was put in a difficult position. She stares at Ji Chu Hua with doubt in her eyes again.


    Even if Yue Ling and Ji Chu Hua are cousins, she cannot hand the dress over without identification.


    Ji Chu Hua was quick to see through her thoughts. She sneers inside and takes out her phone.


    "Since you don''t believe me, I''ll just give my cousin a call."


    She presses a number and puts the phone next to her ear. She waited a few seconds, and when the line connected, she started talking.


    "Ah, Yue Ling. It''s me, Chu Hua. I''m at Blush Tree, but the employee won''t give me your dress to bring to you. What should I do?"


    She waits and listens as the person on the phone utters a few words.


    "Okay. I''ll do that."


    Her eyes nce at the employee then she hangs up the phone.


    "My cousin said she doesn''t want the dress anymore. Since the service here is poor, she will go somewhere else."


    The employee''s eyes widen in shock. She couldn''t process the situation, but her senses returned when Ji Chu Hua turned around.


    She hesitated, then called out.


    "Miss Ji, please wait a minute."


    Ji Chu Hua stops in her tracks but doesn''t turn around right away. One corner of her lip curls up into a malicious smirk before the other side joins in.


    She turns to look at the employee, and a sweet smile appears on her face.


    "Yes. What is it?"

 Chapter 873 - Unbelievable

    <h4>Chapter 873 - Unbelievable</h4>


    "Unbelievable!!!!!"


    The sound of a door mming shut echoed throughout Imperial?Military Hospital as Doctor Dong''s voice full of rage follows behind.?He stood in front of the door, and his expression was grim. One could even see how furious he was at this moment.


    Yue Ling stood waiting outside of the room. She had promised Jianan?that she would be with him throughout the entire checkup. However, when they arrived at the room, the little boy asked her to wait outside.


    She stares at Doctor Dong with creased eyebrows. The doctor''s?breathing had turned rapid, and his expression was one she had never?seen before.


    Could it be that Jianan wouldn''t proceed with the checkup?


    "Doctor Dong, what''s wrong? Did something happen?"


    Hearing her question, Doctor Dong tones down his anger. He inhales?a deep breath and rubs his forehead.


    "Something did happen."


    His hand lowers from his face, and he looks at Yue Ling with seriousness.


    "Who is that child? In what condition did you find him?"


    Yue Ling''s eyes moved from the elderly man to the door. It was as if she could see Jianan sitting inside.


    "He is the younger brother of a boy my subordinates saved from Red Moon."


    She doesn''t hide anything and proceeds to tell Doctor Dong everything about how they came into contact with Liu Ye and his siblings.


    "We were able to get to them before?anymore harm could be done on them."


    Doctor Dong listened until the end. However, the more he heard his?blood boiled more inside.


    He inhales a deep breath that makes his body tremble. He could see a quizzical expression Yue Ling and sighs.


    "I asked because that child has a scar on his back."


    He used the stethoscope to listen to Jianan''s heart then on his back to check his lungs during the checkup.


    However, his hand identally touched a bump that didn''t seem right to him.


    He asked Jianan to raise his shirt, and it was then that he saw the scar. Although it seems to have healed with proper care, he couldn''t help but grow angry.


    Questions flooded his head, and he wanted to ask, but he didn''t want to scare the boy.


    This was the reason why he had stepped out of the room.


    Yue Ling frowned when she heard Jianan had a scar on his back. She didn''t know because she never asked. Fortunately, she made an appointment with Doctor Dong. If she hadn''t, she probably would have never known about it.


    "How bad is it?"


    Doctor Dong''s anger did not subside. He closes his eyes as he thinks back to the scar on the little boy''s back.


    "It''s bad. Well, it was bad."


    His eyes open, and he looks at Yue Ling.


    "His wound has healed due to proper care, though it left a scar. But considering the type of stitching he received anding from a doctor who has dealt with many injured patients, I can assure you that his injury was deep and very painful. It was an injury even a grown man would not have been able to withstand the pain."


    Just imagining how Jianan got the injury, Doctor Dong was furious. He?curses inside and pray that whoever harmed the boy will suffer a painful death.


    "If the person who did this to him had aimed two centimeters higher, he would have been paralyzed."


    Yue Ling''s eyes trembled at the pain Jianan suffered. He is only ten, yet, he had to endure such harsh treatment.


    If her subordinates had saved Liu Ye earlier, would she have been able to prevent such mishaps from befalling the small child?


    Her hand curls into tight fists, and she forces back the anger rising


    inside her.


    "Can I see him?"


    Doctor Dong knew she was angry despite remaining calm on the outside.


    He has watched her grow up from a young age and knew exactly what kind of person she has be.


    He nods his head without saying a word, and Yue Ling opens the door.


    As she enters the exam room, he leans against the wall to calm himself down.


    Inside the room, Yue Ling sees Jianan sitting on the exam bed. His short legs dangle down and swing like a child waiting for his mother toe to pick him up.


    Her eyes fixated on his tense expression, and her heart grew soft. She doesn''t walk toward him but stops.


    He was like any other child full of life on the outside, but he was a child whose spirit was on the brink of shattering on the inside.


    Jianan stared down at the floor as he waited. He didn''t know what he did that upset Doctor Dong and made the man storm out the room.


    When he heard the door open and the sound of footsteps, he didn''t dare to lift his head. He remembers his father once beat him up for looking up.


    His father said he is a child and children should never question adults. However, not hearing the footsteps anymore, his heartbeat began to race.


    He steals a hesitant nce to the side. He was expecting to see Doctor Dong, but his eyes lit up when he saw that it was Yue Ling.


    "Miss Angel."


    He hops down from the exam bed and runs to her but is stopped by her hand.


    "Stay there."


    Yue Ling''s voice sounds with eyes that appeared vacant. However, inside, she was trying to suppress any incandescent feelings in her.


    Once her emotions were under control, she softly smiled at him.


    "I''lle to you."


    Jianan thought she was angry at him, but he smiled back at her with a nod when he saw her smile.


    Yue Linges to a stop in front of him and sits on the exam bed with him.


    "Was it scary?"


    Hearing the question, Jianan assumed she was referring to the checkup. He shakes his head but looks down.


    "It wasn''t scary. Doctor Dong treated me nicely."


    He bit his lower lip with hesitation before asking the question in his mind.


    "Did I do something wrong? Doctor Dong looked very upset."


    He knew he could ask Yue Ling because she is not like his father.


    Yue Ling''s emotion stirred again, but this time with sadness. She raises her hand and pats the boy''s head.


    "You didn''t do anything wrong, and Doctor Dong wasn''t angry."


    She sighs a smile then corrects her words.


    "Actually, he was angry."


    Her words made Jianan turn stiff. However, before his thoughts could run wild, her following words caused him to look at her in confusion.


    "He was angry at the wound on your back."


    Jianan stares at Yue Ling with a puzzled expression. He didn''t understand.


    Why would Doctor Dong get enraged over a wound?


    "Jianan, I know you were scared."


    Able to read his mind, Yue Ling slightly adjusts her body to face him at a better angle.


    "You can be honest with me. How did you get the wound on your back?"


    She needed to know because she was worried about him and his siblings. However, if he doesn''t want to tell her, she will not pressure him.


    Jianan grew solemn when asked about the injury on his back. He also understood why she had him if he was scared.


    His head lowers, and his hands fidget together.


    He contemtes whether he should tell a lie or tell her the truth.?However, after carefully thinking, he decides on thetter.


    "My father..."


    He was able to squeeze out the words, but his eyes tear up as the past repeats itself in his mind.


    "He is a very scary man."


    Yue Ling could see how hard it was for him to tell her. She gently strokes his head and smiles with a pitiful expression.


    "It''s alright. If it''s too hard for you to tell me, we can stop here. You don''t need to tell me anymore. I understand."


    "NO!"


    Jianan eximed in refusal. He shakes his head and looks up?at her with eyes on the verge of tears.


    "I want to tell you."


    His head shakes again, and this time, he looks at her with a stern?expression to show how serious he is now.


    "No, I need to tell you."


    He meant his words. Yue Ling may be a stranger who helped him and his siblings, but he trusts her. He knows that she will not hurt him or disregard him like others.


    If he were to tell someone his story, he wants that person to be the woman sitting next to him.


    Yue Ling is taken aback, but she sighs inside, seeing his serious face and red eyes. Her head gives a slight nod to let him know she will listen.


    This time, Jianan didn''t hesitate one bit. He takes a deep breath before parting his mouth.


    "After the bad men took Ye away, father was still angry. He got mad at everything. Sometimes, he put me in the dark closet when Jie was at school. He would forget about me and leave me inside for a long time. When Jie came home, she would let me out. Jie always protected me like how Ye did for us."


    His childlike voice goes on and tells his story. His voice cracked every two words with difficulty despite fighting back his tears.


    However, no matter how difficult it was for him, his voice didn''t stop.


    "Then Jie got angry at father and yelled at him for being a bad father."

 Chapter 874 - Jianan’s Story

    <h4>Chapter 874 - Jianan¡¯s Story</h4>


    Inside Imperial Military Hospital, while the nurses and doctors proceed to their daily tasks, a child''s voice sounds in one of the many rooms. Jianan told about how life was for them and the kind of abuse their father did to him before getting to how he got the scar on his back.


    "Father was mad because Jie talked back to him. He grabbed the kitchen knife and I saw his eyes. He looked like a scary monster and I knew he wanted to kill her."


    He clench his little fists as if to help him not relive the feelings of that day.


    "I didn''t want to Jie get hurt anymore. I wanted to protect her, so I did what I had to do."


    Jianan''s words ceased, and tears slid down his cheeks one after another. However, he always made sure to wipe them away.


    "I thought I was going to die... but I was happy."


    He looks up at Yue Ling and does his best to make a smile, but his eyes hold nothing but sadness.


    "I was happy that I was finally able to protect Jie before I died. I thought it was better for me to die so she didn''t have to protect me anymore...?and I could finally be with my mother again."


    He was always the one being protected because he was the youngest. However, for once, he wanted to be the one to protect them and no longer be a nuisance to them.


    Yue Ling listened without interrupting him once. Her expression was calm on the surface, making it difficult for one to read her mind.


    However, if one were to take a closer look, one could see the amount of sympathy in her bluish-green eyes.


    For such a small child-like Jianan, her heart was in a mess for him. The world around him should have been filled with happiness, but darkness was all he saw.


    When she heard him say he was happy to die, she felt like someone had stabbed her heart over and over again.


    No child should think that death is better than being alive.


    Especially when she heard he was stabbed in the back for protecting?his older sister.


    "Miss Angel?"


    Jianan''s voice suddenly brought Yue Ling out of her daze. She slowly looked at the boy and seeing the worry in his eyes, her heart sank further into her stomach.


    Like time had slowed down, she could only see Jianan. Her expression remained its same calmness, but the sympathy in her eyes did not hide.


    "Jianan."


    She is able to utter his name but with a slightly coarse d voice.?She leans towards him and wraps her arm around his tiny body.


    "I''m sorry. I''m so sorry."


    All she could say was sorry and tightened her arms around the boy. Her eyes gradually closed, and her tears slid in ache for his suffering.


    "I''m sorry I didn''te sooner. I''m sorry no one stepped up to help you, Liu Ye, and Liu Jingyi. I''m sorry you all had to endure the pain."


    Jianan doesn''t push her away but lets her hug him. He was too stunned even to move and in shock to hear her cry.


    "Miss Angel, I''m really okay. I really am... I..."


    He thought he was finally okay. He didn''t understand why she would cry for a child like him, but hearing her words, his lips trembled, and he subconsciously puts his hands on her back.


    This is the first time someone other than his siblings cried for him.


    A tear trickled his cheek, and the sound of wailing and suffering echoed throughout the room.


    "Why? Why us? What did we do wrong?"


    His tears ran down his cheeks like a never-ending waterfall, and gutwrenching sobs tore through his chest.


    "He is our father, isn''t he? Why did he hurt us?"


    He held the back of her sweater with tightly clenched fists like the wall he had put up had shattered and poured his heart out.


    "Are we not his children? Why couldn''t he love us? We didn''t do anything wrong."


    As the two embraced one another and sob in each other''s arms, neither was aware of the person outside.


    Doctor Dong stands with his hand on the doorknob but doesn''t push?the door open. His eyes were red and in tears as he had heard the?entire story. To be precise,?Jianan''s story.


    How can a father be so evil?


    He wanted to march inside and give Jianan a big hug. He wanted to tell the boy that everything would be alright and that there were people who would love him and his siblings even if their father didn''t.


    However, he knew he couldn''t go inside the room.


    He didn''t want to disrupt this moment for them.


    The sobbing subdued inside the room as the afternoon sun began to set. However, Yue Ling continued to hug Jianan''s tiny body.


    She thought about her unborn child and all the children who are?going through the same pain as the Liu siblings.


    If there is a miracle and she bes a mother again, she will never let her child experience such feelings.


    Of course, this is only her wishful thinking. She already knows that she cannot have children again. However, it doesn''t hurt to hope.


    Her arms gradually let go of the small body, and she looks down at?Jianan. Seeing his puffy red eyes, she softens to the core.


    "Jianan, remember what I''m going to say."


    She held his cheek and gently caressed his skin with her thumb.


    "If you ever feel like crying, cry. If you are hurt, then tell me. No one here will turn a blind eye. Know that you are safe now. You and your siblings didn''t do anything wrong. Forget the past and live a new life. Show that man that even without him, you can be happy."


    Jianan''s lower lip trembles, and he wants to cry, but he fights back the urges to cry. He nods his head and answers.


    "I will remember. I promise. I will grow up to be a protector."


    He wants to grow up and help others. He wants to be a man like Lu Tian and Qi Li. He knows that they appear cold and threatening, but they have a good heart.


    Because of this, he wasn''t afraid of them as much.


    He will also engrave Yue Ling''s graciousness in his heart. Like what she did for him, he will lend a hand to those who had to walk the same life as him and his siblings.


    *knock knock


    Just as the sad air in the room disperses, a knock sounds from the door. Both individuals turn to the sound and see Doctor Dong.


    "Sorry for interrupting. The examination hasn''t finished."


    The elderly man spoke with eyes red from crying. He suppresses his?emotions and smiles at Jianan.


    "Don''t worry. You can trust me. No one will hurt you."


    Yue Ling stares at the friend of her grandfather. Judging from his eyes,?she knew he heard Jianan''s story.


    Putting her trust in him, she stood up from the exam bed. She looks?at Jianan before leaving the room.


    "I''ll be back. I need to make a phone call."


    As she was about to walk out the door, she exchanged a look with?Doctor Dong. The two people were quick to understand without any words.


    Yue Ling steps out into the hallway. She walks a few feet away from the room and stops in front of a window.


    She thought back to Jianan''s injury and couldn''t help but think about?Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi.


    Did the two older siblings have injuries on them too? Should she have taken them for a checkup too?


    She gazes out to the world outside of the hospital, and her mind?wandered into the distance of the sky.


    Her eyes slowly blink, and she retrieves her phone from the pocket of her denim. She presses a number and ces the phone next to her ear.


    The call only rang once before a voice sounded from the other line.


    [ "Yes, boss?"]


    "Location?"


    [ "I kept my eyes on him. He purchased a lot of alcohol and got drunk, but it was exactly as I had suspected. He''s now on his way to Red Moon."]


    The voice on the other line answered without any falter.


    Yue Ling''s bluish-green eyes remained on the sky outside. The thought of Jianan''s scar shed in her mind along with Doctor Dong''s words.


    The wound has left a permanent scar, but it was a wound even a grown man would not have been able to withstand.


    Her eyes gradually close, and the child''s voice enters her mind.


    '' ... but I was happy. I was happy that I was finally able to protect Jie before I died.''


    She clenches her hand at the side and opens her eyes. However, her bluish-green eyes that usually held warmth were dimmed and dangerous.


    Imagining all the suffering the Liu siblings had to endure, she couldn''t bear the thought of leaving Liu Peng alive. She wants him to pay the price for hurting these children.


    However...


    "Don''t collect his fate yet."


    As much as she wanted to put a bullet in Liu Peng''s head for what he did, she is not the person to decide his fate.


    The atmosphere grew silent without a source of sound before her voice sounded again.


    "Shatter it into pieces."


    On the other side of Imperial, a man riding a motorcycle could be seen amongst the traffic. He presses a button to end the call and increases his speed.


    Behind the tinted face shield of his helmet was the reflection of a taxicab but one could see a glistening light in his hidden eyes.


    "Shatter his fate, ey?"


    He shifted the handles of his motorcycle again but this time, revving up the engine. His glossy ck Ninja 14r reaches the back of the taxicab, but he makes sure to maintain a reasonable distance away.


    His eyes lock on the person sitting in the backseat, and underneath the ck helmet, his mouth curves into a mischievous and dangerous smirk.


    "That I can do with pleasure."

 Chapter 875 - Won’t Be Safe

    <h4>Chapter 875 - Won¡¯t Be Safe</h4>


    Through the streets of Imperial, passing many vehicles and making multiple turns, a taxicab finally entered Retro. The taxi stops in front of a 7-story building, and the rear door opens.


    A man with a slightly disheveled appearance steps out after paying the taxi driver. He had dark circles under his eyes and reeked of alcohol.


    Even his posture looked unstable.


    "I''ll get my revenge."


    He groggily mutters as he makes his way towards the building.


    "I''ll make them pay for humiliating me and taking away my children."


    *Vroom Vroom


    He was only a few feet away from the building when a man riding a?ck motorcycle revs to a stop in front of him.


    "What the fuck?!"


    Suddenly blocked and almost ran over, he stumbles back. Due to his slightly drunken state, he could not steady himself and fell onto the ground.


    "Well, hello there. Liu Peng."


    The man chuckles with mischief and gets down from the motorcycle.


    He doesn''t remove his helmet but looks down at Liu Peng. His head shakes like he is in disappointment, and he clicks his tongue.


    "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Wrong move, my man."


    Liu Peng furrows his eyebrows and stares up at the stranger with?confusion. He doesn''t know this person, but it seems like the person knows him.


    "W-who are you? How do you know me?"


    He asked but sensed a dangerous aura from the stranger. He swallows a gulp. He nces at the building and tries to calcte his move.


    Will he be quick enough to run to Red Moon?


    Quickly seeing through Liu Peng''s mind, the man howls a maniacalugh. With his face unrevealed, his head tilts to the side, bringing the?helmet along.


    "Even if you go in there, you won''t be safe."


    The words sent a chill under Liu Peng''s skin, and his face drained of all colors. He stares up at the stranger with trembling eyes.


    "W-what do you want from me?"


    He stammers his words, but the more he looks at the person''s figure, he feels he has seen this man before. He just couldn''t recall when or where.


    "If it''s money you are after, I don''t have any at the moment. Give me a few days, and I will pay you back whatever amount I owe."


    The stranger doesn''t respond right away, but one can tell that behind?the tinted face shield of his helmet, he was staring straight at Liu Peng.


    He steps away from the motorcycle and walks towards his target.


    "Money is a tempting offer."


    As he stops in front of Liu Peng, he squats down to be at eye level with?the man.


    "But sadly, that''s not what I''m here for."


    His left hand leisurely raises, and he moves the face shield of his?helmet.


    "You see... I''m here to shatter your fate."


    Liu Peng''s eyes glued to the man''s every move without once blinking his eyes.


    He was rooted in ce when he saw the face behind the helmet.?His eyes widened in pure horror, and he felt a lump stuck in his throat.


    After a long minute passes by, he is able to find his voice again and trembles a word.


    "Y-you..."


    Lin Hui grins at the man''s reaction, but his eyes hold a dangerous glint?of light. He reaches out a hand and lightly pats the shocked man''s cheek.


    "Ah, indeed it is I."


    Liu Peng''s mind was unresponsive as he could only stare at Lin Hui.?Before he came to Red Moon, he made sure no one was following him.


    How could Lin Hui have found him out?


    The thought crossed his mind, and he subconsciously nced behind Lin Hui.


    He sees the motorcycle, and everything makes sense. He had seen that ck motorcycle parked at every ce he went but didn''t put too much thought into it due to his need for alcohol.


    Lin Hui sneers at the man knowing he (Liu Peng) has connected the dots.


    While keeping watch of the man, he didn''t hide his intentions. He wanted Liu Peng to know that he was being followed. However, alcohol seemed to be more critical.


    "You really are a failure as a person."


    His eyes darkened as thoughts ran through his mind.


    "Liu Peng, your fate has been sealed the moment youid a finger on your children."


    "Shut up!!!"


    Liu Peng roared in rage and bloodshot eyes. He res at Lin Hui, and his hands curl into tight fists.


    "You can never touch me! Neither can that stupid wo-!"


    Before he could finish the word woman, intense pressure weighed on him. Lin Hui suddenly grabbed his neck, stopping every word he wanted to say.


    His body swung backward, and the back of his head crashed against the hard cemented ground.


    "Ugh!"


    He struggled a grunt, and it became hard to breathe. All he could do was try to move the hand wrapped tightly around his neck.


    Lin Hui stares down at the man in his firm grasp. There was no ounce of sympathy in his eyes but murderous intent.


    "Never insult my boss in front of me."


    The chilling cold in his eyes intensifies, as does his grip. The tip of his fingers dug into Liu Peng''s neck without any care about the man''s pain.


    He will never allow anyone to badmouth his boss, especially not in front of him.


    "You will meet death sooner if you do."


    His eyes darken, and he pulls Liu Peng up by the neck but only to m his head back on the ground.


    "This pain you are feeling is just the start of your misery."


    Liu Peng was in a vulnerable position. No matter how much he struggled to free himself, it was to no avail. Even the punches he threw didn''t seem to have any effect on Lin Hui.


    He knows that if Lin Hui wanted to kill him, he would have already died.


    "H-Hel... H-Help..."


    Through the pain that shot throughout his head, he was able to gasp for help but with difficulty. He could only hope that someone from Red Moon woulde to his aide.


    "Crying for help is not something a coward like yourself should say."


    Lin Hui ms Liu Peng''s head onest time against the ground before letting go of his grip around the man''s neck. He ignores the blood that spread onto the ground from the wound he caused as it was nothingpared to the Liu siblings'' pain.


    "How does it feel to be the one in powerless pain?"


    He stood up and walked to stand next to Liu Peng''s head. He raises his right foot and tilts the man''s head to the side before pressing his foot down on Liu Peng''s cheek.


    He adds a bit of strength to his foot but not enough to smash the man''s head into pieces.


    "Not so fun, huh?"


    "What''s going on here?!"


    From behind sounds, a man''s hoarse voice interrupts Lin Hui. It was a familiar one. However, he doesn''t turn around or take his foot off Liu Peng.


    "It is as what you are seeing."


    The man frowns at Lin Hui then looks down at the bloody Liu Peng.?His eyesnd on Lin Hui again, and he sizes the man with a smirk.


    "Do you know where you are?"


    He wasn''t intimidated by the scene and walked towards the two men. This was something he had seen too many times.


    "You''re on Red Moon''s territory. If you know what''s good for you, scram."


    Liu Peng''s head was pounding with waves of pain, but he was quickly?washed with a sense of relief when he heard the man. He was d?that God had listened to his prayers and sent someone to help him.


    "Help me... He''s going to kill me..."


    He struggled with each word with gasping breaths as the man''s footsteps grew closer. He could already see Lin Hui getting taught a lesson from a member of Red Moon.


    From his experience, he learned that Red Moon is a gang no one can mess with at all. Those who do cross Red Moon''s path are all dead.


    However, this relief that came over didn''tst for long.


    Lin Hui kept his foot on Liu Peng''s cheek. As the man''s footsteps grew closer, he casually reached inside his jacket and grabbed a cold object.


    His body slightly turned to the side as his arm stretched out, bringing along the dark object he had taken out.


    "I do know what''s good for me."


    Muzzle aimed directly at the man and index finger on the trigger. His cold eyes stare at the man standing at arm''s length from him as if piercing into one''s soul.


    The dark pistol in his hand was pointed an inch away from the man''s forehead.


    His mouth curls into a smile that does not reach his eyes.


    "But do you, Jia Lin?"

 Chapter 876 - Not Close Enough

    <h4>Chapter 876 - Not Close Enough</h4>


    Jia Lin could not move a muscle as he stared with slightly widened eyes at Lin Hui. His expression held a mixture of shock and slight nervousness.


    He had heard themotion from inside Red Moon and came out to?check it out. After all, it was his duty to scare away any uninvited?guests lurking outside their territory.


    Never did he think he would be at gunpoint. However, what shocked him the most was that this person knew him.


    His eyes gradually move from Lin Hui to the muzzle, inches away from his forehead. He swallows a hard gulp. He had forgotten to bring any weapon with him.


    He looks back at Lin Hui and tries to maintain a calmposure. He needed to make it look like he wasn''t afraid of the gun that could kill him at any?given moment.


    "Who are you?"


    He could partially see Lin Hui''s face due to the helmet but not enough to recognize the person. However, he acknowledges the dangerous glow within Lin Hui''s eyes.


    "This is Red Moon. If you don''t have any business here, I suggest you leave."


    Lin Hui did quiver at the intimidating words thrown at him. He had heard plenty of things about Jia Lin and what he was capable of doing.


    It was said that Jia Lin was once the strongest fighter in the underworld arena.


    But that was until Liu Shan appeared.


    "I do have business here."


    His eyes leisurely blink, and he moves his foot from Liu Peng, but he doesn''t forget to kick the man before putting his foot down.


    "With him."


    Jia Lin''s eyebrows creased, and he looks down at Liu Peng. He quickly?recognized the man as one of the people who owe his boss money.


    "What business do you have with him?"


    His eyes shifted to Lin Hui, but a chill ran down his spine when he made direct eye contact again. He didn''t know why but his guts told him not to make any careless move.


    Lin Hui smiles from behind his helmet at the bulky man''s words. He shrugged one shoulder and turned nonchnt for a split second.


    "I mean, we''re not close enough to ask about each other''s businesses. So why should I tell you?"


    Hearing this, Jia Lin felt irritation crawl all over his body. He scoffs a sarcasticugh and sneers at one side of his mouth.


    "That attitude of yours will get you killed here. Don''t be reckless. Once you shoot, every member of Red Moon will be at your neck in seconds."


    Lin Hui made a long pause with one eyebrow arched. His silence was as if he was considering Jia Lin''s words.


    He was alone and standing in front of Red Moon. It was a reckless thing to do, and he would be outnumbered if the people inside the building came out.


    However, both corners of his mouth curl up into a smile.


    "Sorry to disappoint you, but Reckless is my middle name."


    He moves the gun and aims at Liu Peng. Eyes locked with Jia Lin, he pulls the trigger.


    * Bang-!


    "Arrrrghhh-!!!"


    The loud ringing of gunshot resonates throughout the sky, followed by Liu Peng''s pierce-shrieking cry of pain. All the colors on his face turned white as veins formed on his forehead.


    He rolls side to side on the ground with his left knee bent up. Both?his hands grasped tightly onto his wound as blood spilled.


    "Ahh!! You shot my leg! Ahh!!"


    Jia Lin was in disbelief at what had happened. He stumbles a step back and stares down at Liu Peng.


    He thought Lin Hui would heed his threatening words and leave. However, his words went in one word and out the other.


    *click


    Before his thoughts could travel further, a familiar click sounds next to his ear. He was quickly brought to his senses, and without turning his head, his eyes slowly looked at the source.


    He could see a perfect view of the muzzle that was now aimed at his temple.


    Sweat gradually forms on his forehead, and he swallows a gulp with difficulty.


    "Y-you... you w-won''t get away with this."


    His fists clenched tightly at his sides, with his nails digging into his palm.


    "You just alerted every member of Red Moon. They''re all going toe out."


    Just as his words fell, the sound of multiple footsteps came from behind. Relief washes inside him, and he sneers sinisterly at Lin Hui.


    "See. What did I tell you?"


    And it was just as he said.


    Coming out of Red Moon were all the members. There was either a gun, a knife, or a baseball bat in their hands. Each person had a hostile expression like they had been woken up from a sound sleep.


    "What the hell is going on?"


    "Who dares to shoot in front of Red Moon?!"


    Jia Lin''s sneer widens as the street suddenly bes crowded by the gang members. He ignores the gun aimed at his temple, and heughs.


    "You should have listened to me. Now you''re going to die, kid."


    Lin Hui''s eyes never once left Jia Lin. He muted Liu Peng''s cries and had an unfazed demeanor as the group surrounded him.


    His eye blinks with a nonchnt expression as he listens to the bulky man. Once he heard enough of the man''s words, the corners of his mouth arc upward.


    He slightly reaches forward with his outstretched arm and the tip of the?gun directly presses against Jia Lin''s temple.


    "But you''ll die first."


    Jia Lin stiffened in ce. He felt the cold tip of the gun on his skin and a sweat van down his cheek.


    Knowing that Lin Hui wouldn''t hesitate to kill him, he could only pray inside that he would make it alive.


    "Who the hell are you? How dare you point a gun at our brother?"


    A member of Red Moon roars from the crowd when he sees Jia Lin at?gunpoint. He raises his hand and aims his gun at Lin Hui.


    All the men with guns did not waste any time following his steps and did the same.


    If Lin Hui dares to shoot their brother, they will pull the trigger on him.


    "Release our brother if you want to live!"


    "This is Red Moon''s territory. Make any careless move, and everyone here will shoot you."


    Multiple voices resonated as an uproar rose. However, Lin Hui feign?ignorance to each person''s taunt?Red Moon.


    His eyes gradually move from the man in front of him to the direction everyone came.


    "Tao Meng."


    Just when the name escaped his mouth, the person appeared into view.


    Tao Meng passed through the crowd with a big frown on his face. His subordinates made sure to step to the side and let him through. When he reaches the front, he res at Lin Hui.


    "How dare you show up at Red Moon and cause a ruckus."


    In all the years that he had taken over Red Moon, there has been no?gang besides Fate that would cause a scene in his territory.


    HOW dare this unweed guest show up here and point a gun at his men.


    "You are outnumbered here. let my subordinate go, and I will consider sparing your life."


    Lin Hui stares at Tao Meng with a long silence. His arm remained in ce without a shred of care about the intimidating individuals around.


    "Do you know this man?"


    His question stupefied Tao Meng. He (Tao Meng) had just made it clear that Jia Lin was one of his men. Did Lin Hui not understand?


    "Yes, that man is my people. Now, will you release him?"


    Lin Hui chuckles a scoffs and then shakes his head before gesturing to Liu Peng.


    "Not this man. Him."


    Tao Meng''s frown deepens, and his eyes nce down at the person on the ground.


    Despite the man''s disheveled appearance, he recognized the man right away.


    He knew that Liu Peng was requesting to see him, but he didn''t think the man would bring trouble to his territory.


    Should he have just sent his men to kill Liu Peng since he is of no use anymore?


    He looks away from Liu Peng and back at Lin Hui. He shrugs his shoulders with indifference and answers.


    "And what if I do know him?"


    "Then that would mean trouble."


    Lin Hui answered without hesitation. He looks Tao Meng straight in the eye, and no fear can be seen in him.


    However, in a split second, all the members of Red Moon rose into an uproar full of hystericalughter.


    No one took his words seriously.


    "Hahaha! Did he just say we''ll be in trouble?"


    "Is think some prank? Does he even know where he is right now?"


    "Hey kid, the only one in trouble is you. Hahaha."


    Only Tao Meng and Jia Lin took Lin Hui''s words seriously as theughter continued.


    Lin Hui was in silence despite all the mocking words. He didn''t care about what they thought as he knew what would happen.


    His shoulders tremble, and to everyone''s surprise, he startsughing and joins them.


    When they heard him, everyone gradually ceased and stared at him with a mixture of alertness and confusion.


    They thought he was going to cry, but why was heughing?


    Lin Hui''sugh continued for a long second before he quieted down. His eyes scan across the faces before him until he stops at Tao Meng.


    He chuckles again and tilts his head to the side at the silent crowd.


    "It''s all so humorous until your fates are collected, hm?"

 Chapter 877 - Fate Is Broken

    <h4>Chapter 877 - Fate Is Broken</h4>


    Time seemed to have slowed down as Lin Hui''s words circted inside Tao Meng''s head. He stares at the eyes of the man whose face is hidden behind the motorcycle helmet.


    Tao Meng could tell from a nce that Lin Hui''s word shouldn''t be taken lightly.


    His Adam''s apple bobs in motion as he swallows a hard gulp. It was?as if he was trying to get rid of all emotions inside him.


    After a long minute, time returned to its usual pace, and his mouth opened to speak.


    "Why are you here?"


    Ever since Fate came to Red Moon and gave a warning, he hasn''t?caused any trouble. He even made sure his men were in ce, and the thought of wanting Han Yue Ling never crossed his mind again.


    "I don''t know what business you have here, but it has nothing to?do with Red Moon."


    His words fell as the members of Red Moon looked at Lin Hui.


    They didn''t need to question their boss''s fear as they felt the same?fear crawl within their bodies.


    They don''t know Lin Hui, but the moment he mentioned their fate,?everyone knew he meant business.


    Lin Hui knew his words had struck everyone to the core. He sneers?at how easy these people were quick to change their attitude.


    If he had been an actual stranger, there was no doubt he would be dead.


    However, pushing his thoughts aside, he moves his gun from Jia Lin and points at Liu Peng.


    "I will ask you again. Do you know this man?"


    Tao Meng did not get angry at Lin Hui for disregarding his questions.


    He nces down at Liu Peng. Due to the man''s blood loss from getting shot in the leg, Liu Peng was passed out on the ground.


    His eyes shift back to Lin Hui. He shakes his head without the?need to think twice about his answer.


    "No. That man is not affiliated with us."


    His behavior and the intense look in his eyes made it seem like he was telling the truth. Anyone would have believed him, but that wasn''t the case for Lin Hui.


    He (Lin Hui) knew that Tao Meng was lying through his teeth.


    "I see."


    He makes a small chuckle like he understood and believed the man''s words.


    His shoulders motion up then down, and he sighs.


    "It seems like you do know what''s good for you and your men."


    His hand holding the gun, lowers and walks over to Liu Peng. He?stops in front of the unconscious man and raises his right leg. The tip of his foot lightly pats the man''s cheek.


    "This man''s fate belongs to us. He crossed a line he shouldn''t have."


    He stares down at Liu Peng with eyes void of any emotions. He moves his foot away and slightly turns his head back to the leader of Red Moon.


    "Anyone who helps this man will share the same fate."


    His cold eyes and dangerous aura sent a chill down Tao Meng''s spine. He Shivers with fear but maintains his calm not to let?his men notice.


    "You have my word."


    Lin Hui got the answer he wanted and turned around. He calmly walks to his motorcycle like a man taking a stroll in the park.


    "Fate, will you hold you on that then."


    He gets on his motorcycle, and the engine loudly revs as he turns it on. He puts the shield of his helmet in ce, but he sends a nce at Tao Meng before doing so.


    As he drives away, all eyes are glued to him. It wasn''t until he was out of sight that multiple heads turned to look at their boss.


    "Boss, what is going on?"


    "That man mentioned fate. Is he from Fate?"


    "Fate? You mean that savage gang that almost killed us all?"


    Amotion broke out as each member of Red Moon voiced their?thoughts about what had happened.


    However, Tao Meng turned deaf to his men.


    He continued to stare in the direction Lin Hui had gone. Even?when the man was no longer in view, he couldn''t look away.


    "Boss."


    Jia Lin''s voice brought him back to his senses. He finally averts his?gaze from where Lin Hui was to his right-hand man, then the rest?of his men.


    He could see confusion and fear lingering in their faces.


    "Everyone back inside."


    Hearing hismand, some understood in fear of Fate while?the rest burn with rage. One member came forward with his?hand grip tightly on his gun.


    "Boss, why should we ignore this? He trespassed in our territory. We could have killed him. He was


    alone. No one would have known we did it."


    Tao Meng res at the man while Jia Lin grabs the man by the neck.


    "Are you asking for death?"


    Jia Lin''s grip tightens as he chokes one of his brothers.


    "If you want to die, then do it alone. Don''t drag us with you."


    He was lucky to have made it out alive. He knew that if he had?moved in the tiniest way, Lin Hui would have killed him.


    Even with everyone here, he (Lin Hui) showed no fear.


    "That''s enough. Let him go."


    Tao Meng orders as he pinches the space between his eyebrows. He?heaves a long sigh and looks at the man.


    "You are right. He was alone, and killing him was easy since he was?outnumbered. No one would have known it was us."


    He takes a few steps toward the man, and his following words put all thoughts of killing Lin Hui aside.


    "But don''t forget. He is with Fate."


    He stops in front of the man with eyes that could kill a person.


    "Just like how you think it is easy to kill him, it is easy for Fate to?kill everyone in Red Moon."


    Word had once spread throughout the underworld about how a gang?that was destroyed for crossing the line with Fate.


    "If he died, we won''t be able to survive in this world, let alone even think of hiding."


    If he or his men had harmed Lin Hui, even put a tiny scratch on him, it would be the end of Red Moon.


    And for that, he will not let Red Moon go into ruins.


    He heaves a sigh again and takes a step back. He turns away and?walks in the direction of Red Moon.


    "No one is to make a move. Is that clear?"


    "Yes, boss."


    Everyone quickly agreed as no one wanted to die at the hands of Fate.


    "Boss, what about him?"


    As Tao Meng walked away, Jia Lin''s question stopped him in his tracks. He (Tao Meng) turns his head to the side enough to look at the person in question.


    Liu Peng.


    He ponders for a quick second, then continues on his way.


    He knows that Lin Hui knew he was lying about knowing Liu Peng.


    "Leave him. From this moment on, Red Moon has nothing to do with him."


    It was a pity that he had to ignore Liu Peng. The man owes a hefty?amount of money to Red Moon and is easy to monopolize. However, he already gave his word.


    If he had said he knew Liu Peng, it would have been the end of Red Moon. His only option left was not to know him.


    Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath as he enters the 7-story?building along with his men.


    When he reached the front door, he was taken aback by Ling Ni. The woman was just standing there like a bystander observing the scene.


    "What are you doing outside?"


    Ling Ni had her head turned, facing the direction Lin Hui had gone. She was in a daze, but when she heard Tao Meng''s voice, she came out of her zone and looked at the man.


    Her brown eyes met his, and she sweetly smiled at him with a worried face.


    "You were gone for too long. I was scared something might have had happened, so I came to find you."


    Tao Meng didn''t respond right away but stared at her. He observed her expression as if trying to read her mind.


    When he didn''t find any suspicion in her, he approached her and ced his arm over her shoulder.


    "When I tell you to stay inside and wait, do it. You know I don''t like it when others defy my order."


    Ling Ni''s expression turned apologetic with her head lowered, and Tao Meng sighed when he saw.


    "Let''s go inside. There''s nothing to see out here."


    He leads her inside with his subordinates a few steps behind.


    Right now, he just wants to get rid of any fear that is still lingering inside him.


    Ling Ni didn''t push him away but kept her thoughts to herself. She nced outside the door before being led inside.


    As the street became clear of the members of Red Moon, only a bloody and unconscious Liu Peng was left alone.


    In the distance away from Red Moon, Lin Hui drives further?away. Once he was out of the underworld, he made a phone call.


    "Boss, where are you?"


    ["I''m with Jianan. We just left the hospital and are now on our way to meet Liu Shan, Liu Ye, and Liu Jingyi."]


    Yue ling''s voice sounds from the other line, and Lin Hui smiles?under the helmet.


    "Ah, I see. Send me the location. I''ll meet you there."


    [ "Where is he?"]


    Hearing the question, Lin Hui knew who she was referring to, and his smile widened.


    "Still alive for now."


    A mysterious light reflects across the shield of his helmet.


    "But his fate is broken."


    No longer having his most substantial backing, Liu Peng is walking on eggshells.


    No one will help him, and he will feel hopeless.


    However, this is only the beginning for him.

 Chapter 878 - Watch Over Them

    <h4>Chapter 878 - Watch Over Them</h4>


    The moment she left De L''amour, she had already noticed the ck car. Although it kept a reasonable distance behind her vehicle to not attract attention, she knew it was tailing her.


    However, when she arrived at Imperial Military Hospital, whoever it was didn''t follow her inside.


    Ending her short shback, she nears the car. The dark-tinted windows made it impossible to see who was inside the vehicle, but she raised an eyebrow.


    The driver-side window was rolled down, and she could make out the silhouette of her person.


    She walked up to a stop in front of the window and crossed her arms.


    "If you n to follow me without being caught, you''re doing a horrible job."


    Her voice was calm as she stared inside the car.


    "Yiqing, did your boss put you up for this?"


    Inside the car was none other than Yiqing.


    He had headphones on with the music muting out her footsteps when she approached the car. His head bumped with the beat of the song, and his shoulders moved like he was on the dance floor.


    When he saw a figure suddenly stand next to the window, he nonchntly turned his head to see who it was. However, when he stares into a pair of bluish-green eyes, he inhales a deep breath in shock.


    He thought it might be the owner of the person parked next to him. However, it was actually hisdy boss!


    His entire being froze in ce, and his mouth opened into an O shape. He quickly removes his headphones and does his best to smile at her.


    "Uhh¡­ You see¡­ the thing is¡­ heh¡­"


    He chuckles after being unable to find the right words to exin himself. His eyes dart in different directions like he was praying for someone to pop out of nowhere and save him.


    However, knowing he had been caught, he turns his head away from her and stares ahead.


    "Yiqing was never here."


    His eyes closed, and he pressed the recline button, making his seat slowly fall back.


    "This is all an imagination."


    "¡­"


    Yue Ling was beyond dumbfounded by the man. She stared at him with heavy eyes as the seat was slowly reclining back. However, even with the chair pushed back, she could still see him.


    She heaves a sigh and massages her forehead as if to ease the frustration growing inside her.


    "Why are you here? I thought you were supposed to go with Tian to City Z."


    Yiqing didn''t dare to open his eyes. He wished a hole would magically appear so that he could hide away his embarrassment.


    However, knowing that he couldn''t escape her questions, he opens one eye before opening the other one.


    Seeing that she was standing there, he gathered his courage and put his seat back in ce.


    "Ahem."


    He clears his throat with a slight cough and brushes the tip of his one with his index finger.


    "I wasn''t following you. I just happened to be going in the same direction as you."


    Yue Ling stares at the man without batting an eye. Did she believe him? Of course not.


    She heaves a long sigh and unfolds her crossed arms. Her right-hand reaches inside her coat pocket, and she takes out her phone.


    "Oh, it''s Tian."


    Her voice sounds with amusement as she stares at the screen of her phone. She made it seem like Lu Tian had called her out of the blue.


    She looks back at Yiqing and smiles.


    "My apologies for the misunderstanding. If you''ll excuse me, I need to take this phone call."


    Watching her leave, Yiqing felt his heart drop to his stomach before panic washed inside his body.


    "W-Wait. Lady boss!"


    He calls out to stop her and sits up in his seat. He fumbles to unlock the car door before frantically getting out.


    "I lied. I was actually following you."


    He increases his steps to catch up to Yue Ling.


    "I''m sorry for lying to you. I was supposed to go to City Z with Boss, but I put in a request to stay behind."


    His words of exnation continue with Yue Ling''s back turned to him. However, unlike his panic expression, Yue Ling had a teasing smile on her face.


    She puts down her phone and turns to look at him. The smile on her face disappeared and was reced with seriousness.


    "Why?"


    Yiqing didn''t need to think about her short question. He stood five feet away from her and held his hands in front of him. He looked like a child in the presence of his teacher.


    "I¡­ well you see, the thing is¡­"


    He swallows a gulp and ponders how to answer the question. After thinking over and over in his head, he could only sigh, and his shoulders droop.


    "I requested to keep watch over you while Boss is away. I was worried that something might happen and didn''t want to make boss worry."


    He told her the truth. He was afraid of failing his boss anddy boss like in the past.


    If something terrible happened to Yue Ling while Lu Tian was away on business, he would live in guilt for the rest of his life.


    Yue Ling stares at the man standing across from her. She knew the meaning behind his words, and she sighed.


    "You don''t have to do that, and you have nothing to worry about."


    Her eyes slightly lower, and a faint smile appears on her face. She couldn''t help but think about the life that once lived inside her, and a tight sensation wrapped around her heart.


    However, before that feeling could deepen inside her, she cast it aside.


    "Everything that happened is not yours or anyone''s fault but mine."


    Hearing this, Yiqing''s eyebrows creased as he shook his head.


    "No. It is our fault for failing to protect you. If we had paid careful attention, everything wouldn''t have happened to¡ª"


    "Stop."


    Before he could finish his words, Yue Ling cuts him off. She looks at him with an unexinable expression hiding how she feels towards his words.


    "I''m thankful that everyone still remembers what happened, but that''s in the past. No one should me themself for what happened and move on."


    Her words may sound harsh, especiallying from someone who lost something important. However, it was the truth.


    She doesn''t want her and Lu Tian''s subordinates to live in guilt of the past.


    Every day continues as if nothing had happened, but she can still see the guilt in her subordinates'' eyes, and that is thest thing she wants them to feel. Neither does she want to see Lu Tian''s subordinates think the same way.


    She knows that each person mes themselves for the loss of her and Tian''s unborn child but it was an incident no one predicted.


    What happened should only be for her to carry on her shoulders and not others.


    The corners of her lip curl into a smile filled with a mixture of warmth and sorrow as she stares at Yiqing.


    "I can take care of myself, so you don''t have to follow me anymore."


    Her words fell, and she walked away without looking back.


    Yiqing was unable to say a word. He could only watch her get into her car and drive away.


    He stood unmoving from his ce and eyes staring into the nk space in front of him. Thousands of things ran through his mind, and he didn''t know what to do anymore.


    Yue Ling''s words somehow lifted a weight off his shoulders, but he can''t help but still want to do his best for her and his boss.


    He wants to help and protect the two people who always protected people like him without expecting anything in return.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, he finally moved. His head tilts back, and he stares up at the sky like he is searching for something or someone.


    "Little boss, if you can hear me, I am sorry for not being able to protect you."


    His eyes gradually turn moist, but he holds back his tears from falling.


    "Your mommy and daddy''s lives may be stained with blood, but they are people with good hearts."


    His lower lip trembles, and he sounds a sniff.


    "Please watch over them from up there."

 Chapter 879 - Pure Happiness

    <h4>Chapter 879 - Pure Happiness</h4>


    Aste afternoon wees Imperial, Yue Ling''s white BMW x5m arrives at her and Lu Tian''s house. She and Jianan met up with Liu Shan, Liu Ye, and Liu Jingyi as the three individuals were getting out of the car.


    "Boss, you came just in time."


    Liu Shan exims with a huge grin on his face, closes the driver''s side door, and walks to the trunk of his car. He pops the hood and takes out a bunch of shopping bags.


    He raises his arms and shows them to his boss.


    "We did just as you wanted."


    Yue Ling had just stepped out of the car when she heard her assistant. She looked over at him, and when she saw the bags in his hands, a wave of bewilderment washes over her.


    She nced at Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi, and upon seeing their awkward expressions, she could guess what had happened.


    Liu Shan probably went overboard with shopping.


    Her head slightly shakes, and she walks to the back of her car to help Jianan out.


    "We''re here."


    She smiles at the little boy, and he jumps down from the car.


    Jianan runs to his older siblings and hugs one of them at a time.


    "Ye! Jie! You won''t believe it. I wasn''t afraid at all. I even met the most awesome doctor in the world!"


    He turns back to look at Yue Ling, and he smiles from ear to ear.


    "Miss Angel, tell them. Tell them how brave I was."


    Seeing how ecstatic Jianan was at the moment, Yue Ling couldn''t help but smile with the boy. She notices the slight worry on Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi''s faces and smiles to assure them.


    "It''s true. He was courageous. The checkup went smoothly."


    Liu Ye sighed in relief when he heard his younger brother did well at the hospital. However, Liu Jingyi grew anxious, like something was bothering her.


    She looks down at her little brother, whom she loves more than anything in the world.


    "Jianan¡­ did you¡­."


    She wanted to ask what she was thinking but ended up swallowing her words.


    Jianan took notice of her expression, and his smile grew wider.


    "Don''t worry, Jie. I told Miss Angel and the doctor about my scar."


    Liu Jingyi smiles a sorrowful smile at him and pats him on the head. She could see the trust in his eyes towards Yue Ling.


    "That''s good. I''m d¡ª"


    "Scar?!"


    "What scar?!"


    Before she could finish her words, both Liu Shan and Liu Ye gasped in horror from the side together.


    Liu Ye grabbed Jianan by the arms and knelt on one knee in front of him. His face shes with worry as he scans his younger brother from head to toe.


    "You have a scar? When? How did you get it? Who gave it to you?"


    His frantic questions put Jianan in a distraught position. He (Jianan) opened his mouth to answer, but before he could say a word, Liu Shan suddenly kneeled next to him with the same expression as his older brother.


    "Hey kid, tell me who hurt you? I''ll beat the living crap out of them. I''ll make sure they suffer a slow and painful death."


    Liu Shan''s expression turns grave, and he stares past the boy as if he could already guess who it was that hurt the boy.


    "I''ll get a very sweet revenge for you."


    Yue Ling watched the scene unfold. She shook her head and walked over to the group. Her hands held the boy''s shoulders, and she gently pulled him away from the two men.


    "He just came back from his checkup. Let him get some rest before answering your many questions."


    Watching his younger brother gets pulled away, Liu Ye grew angry that his questions weren''t answered. However, considering Yue Ling''s help for him and his siblings, he calms himself down.


    "Alright."


    He stood up and patted his brother on the head before heading for the trunk of Liu Shan''s car.


    "I''m here. So when you''re ready to tell me, I''m all ears."


    He takes out two shopping bags and a stuffed teddy bear. He looked at Jianan and held them out to the boy.


    "These are for you."


    Jianan was nervous by the frantic questions thrown at him, but his eyes lit up seeing the stuffed teddy bear. He runs to hug the teddy bear like it was the best gift in the entire world.


    "Wow! My very first teddy bear!"


    Seeing his smile, Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi smiled, but their eyes held a mixture of mncholy. It was only a stuffed teddy bear, but he never received one in the ten years Jianan lived.


    The only time Jianan came close to one was when they walked past an arcade. They knew how much he wanted one, but he would always say he was too old for it and had no need for it.


    However, they knew he had consistently lied about wanting one, judging from his reaction.


    Liu Jingyi watched her two brothers smile at one another, but she knew that Liu Ye was angry deep down. He wasn''t there when their father tried to kill her, and Jianan jumped in to protect her, and neither did they tell him.


    She decides not to say anything since it was something Jianan should tell and helps them unload the car.


    Unlike the three Liu siblings, Liu Shan was at a loss about what had just happened. He remained on one knee with eyes staring at Jianan.


    He could vividly remember the boy''s expression when Liu Ye threw all the questions at him. He (Jianan) looked so afraid, like he had been hiding a big secret he wanted to keep to his grave.


    When he saw that Jianan was smiling again, he sighed inside. However, he still couldn''t help but wonder about the scar on the boy.


    Just how bad was it?


    He remembers that there is one more person with them, and he turns his head to look at her.


    Yue Ling locked eyes with the three young individuals smiling and helping one another. However, despite her attention elsewhere, she could see her assistant staring at her from the corner of her eyes.


    She could also feel the intense aura emitting from him too.


    Her eyes avert from Liu Ye, Liu Jingyi, and Jianan to her assistant.


    "Whatever you want to say, just know that I''m not the person you should ask."


    Her words fell in a matter-of-fact tone, and she took a step forward before another as she walked to the three people.


    Liu Shan was left dumbfounded by her behavior. He scoffed a sarcastic chuckle and stood up from the ground. He walks forward to catch up to her and stops her.


    "I won''t ask how he got it, but at least answer this. How bad was it?"


    Yue Ling paused in her steps at the question. She thought about what Doctor Dong told her and Jianan''s heartbreaking story.


    Her hands curl into tight fists, and she slowly closes her eyes to take a deep breath. She allows the raging anger inside her for the boy to run throughout her body before subduing it away.


    She gradually opened her eyes again, and all the negative feelings inside her disappeared without a trace.


    "Bad."


    Uttering only one word, she walks away and joins the Liu siblings. She knew that even if she didn''t go into detail over it, Liu Shan would have understood the meaning of her word.


    However, if she had turned around to him, she would have seen the anger in his eyes.


    It was as if all the negative feelings she had towards killing Liu Peng had been transferred to the assistant.


    Liu Shan stares in silence at the back of his boss''s head before slowly shifting his eyes to Jianan.


    An unexinable feeling surged inside him and made his blood boil.


    Just from Yue Ling''s one word, he can already make an assumption of what had happened and who caused the pain to the little boy.


    His eyes grew dim, and he clenched his fists so tight that veins popped on the back of his hand.


    "Liu Peng¡­ you won''t get away with this."


    He muttered to himself and thought about all the pain he wanted to inflict on the man. Should he give Liu Peng an instant death or kill him slowly with torture?


    "Mr. Liu!"


    Just as his thought was about to take off, Jianan''s childlike voice calls out to him. He was brought back to reality, and the negative energy around him dispersed into thin air.


    He then realizes that he is the only person left with the car as the others were already near the house.


    "Oh, wait for me!"


    Jiananughs and waves his left hand in the air while his other hand holds onto the stuffed teddy bear.


    "Hurry, Mr. Liu!"


    Liu Shan quickly caught up to the group, and his heart tightened at how happy Jianan looked. He kept a calmposure not to reveal his inner feelings and smiled at the boy.


    "Thanks for calling out to me. Let''s go inside and look at what we bought."


    He pats the boy on the head and walks side by side with him towards the house.


    With his attention elsewhere, he didn''t notice how flustered the boy had be because of his gesture.


    Jianan''s head lowered, and he hugged the stuffed teddy bear with both arms. He didn''t understand why everyone was patting him on the head so much in one day.


    However, there was a feeling inside him he had never felt before due to the small gesture.


    It was the feeling of pure happiness.

 Chapter 880 - Live Your Life

    <h4>Chapter 880 - Live Your Life</h4>


    *Ding dong


    The doorbell rings throughout the house as Yue Ling sets the bags in her hands down. She turned in the front door direction, as did Liu Shan and the Liu siblings.


    They had just entered the house, so who could it possibly be?


    "It''s probably Lin Hui."


    Yue Ling casually spoke as she walked to the door. After she received the phone call from Lin Hui, she told him to meet them here. However, before she could take a step, Liu Shan stopped her.


    "I''ll get it. You stay here with the kids."


    He doesn''t wait for a response from her and walks to open the door.


    Yue Ling doesn''t think much and continues to help Liu Ye, Liu Jingyi, and Jianan unpack the shopping bags.


    Watching her take out the items inside, Liu Ye felt embarrassed about all the things they had bought using her money. He and Liu Jingyi opposed the idea of shopping since they had already received enough things, but Liu Shan was adamant they buy more.


    He dragged them to multiple stores and purchased anything he thought would fit them. He even took them to look at apartments out of their price ranges.


    "Miss Han¡­"


    He stutters her name and swallows a hard gulp to steady himself before continuing his words.


    "I''m sorry we bought so many things with your money. I tried to stop Mr. Liu, but he didn''t seem to hear us."


    Yue Ling had a shirt in her hands and was holding it up to Jianan to check if it fitted the boy. However, when she hears Liu Ye''s apologetic words, she smiles at him.


    "You don''t have to apologize for this. I gave the task for Liu Shan to do this for you three."


    She turns her head to look at the young man, and her smile widens a bit.


    "And you can drop the formality. You can just call me Yue Ling."


    Liu Ye understood her words since she had already reminded him before, but he couldn''t help it. She is the savior of him and his siblings. How can they just call her by her name?


    Seeing the faint hesitation in his expression, Yue Ling picks up a navy-colored buttoned-down shirt with white stripes. She knew who it was bought for with only a nce and walked over to the person.


    She stops in front of Liu Ye and takes his hand before cing the shirt in his hand.


    "Also, don''t think that I''m doing this because I pity you all. It''s something I want to do, and I want to give you all a new life."


    Hearing this, Liu Ye''s eyes turned moist with mixed emotions stirring inside him. Only his mother cared about them in his entire life, but after she passed away, everyone turned a blind eye. If not, everyone acted like they weren''t there.


    "Thank you, Miss¡­"


    He pauses in his words and corrects himself, then looks her in the eyes.


    "Thank you, Yue Ling. Thank you so much for everything you''ve done for us."


    His lower lip trembles, but containing his emotions so he wouldn''t cry, he tries to smile.


    "I will repay you for everything. I promise."


    Yue Ling stared at him and was reminded of the past when she first met her subordinates.


    "I don''t need anything in return, but if you insist on repaying me¡­ promise me this."


    She faintly smiles at him and ces a hand on his shoulder.


    "Live your life."


    She turns her head away from Liu Ye and looks at Liu Jingyi and Jianan.


    "All of you. Live the life you want and be happy."


    She looked back at Liu Ye, and this time her smile grew sentimental.


    "I will be there every step of the way to help in any way that I can."


    Silence grew after her words, and a sigh escaped her smile. She moves her hand from Liu Ye''s shoulders and nces at the shopping bags that had yet to unpack.


    "I''ll prepare dinner so you three can take a look at the things you bought today."


    She doesn''t leave any room for the Liu siblings to speak and head for the kitchen.


    Liu Ye watched her walk away, and he clenched his fists. He wasn''t doing so because he was angry but because he was motivated.


    He swore he would work hard and repay Yue Ling for everything she had given them. He wants to stand by her side like Shan and the others.


    Behind him, Liu Jingyi thought the same. Despite the short time they''ve been together, she saw Yue Ling like the older sister she never had, and she could feel the warmth of a motherly figure.


    She, too, wants to do her best to repay her savior.


    However, unlike the two older siblings, Jianan had a different opinion from them.


    He knows that Yue Ling is an angel sent to them, and when he grows up, he wants to marry someone like her. If possible, he doesn''t mind marrying her, but that means his rival is Lu Tian.


    Remembering the man''s cold appearance that sent a chill down his spine, he shivers.


    He decides it is best to marry someone as wonderful as Yue Ling.


    "Woah! Did someone hit the lottery?"


    A voice suddenly sounds from the side, and the Liu siblings turn their attention to the person. Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi smile a polite nod at the person while Jianan smiles with his teeth and runs to the person.


    "Mr. Lin, why are you here?"


    He wrapped his arms around Lin Hui and gave the man a big hug. His head tilts back, and he stares up in wait for an answer.


    Lin Hui smiles augh at how adorable the little boy behaved. He does what he usually does and pats Jianan on the head.


    "I''m here to see how you guys are doing."


    He looks up, and his eyes lock on the many shopping bags and the pile of clothesid on the coffee table and two couches.


    "You guys really went all out today, hm?"


    Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi blushed in shame at his words. Although it wasn''t them who bought so much in one day, they were there and could be med too.


    Seeing how Lin Hui had embarrassed them, Liu Shan couldn''t help but intervene. He walks up to hisrade and crosses his arms over his chest.


    "Hey, you''re making them feel awkward. Besides, they''re innocent. Boss was the one who assigned me to get all these things for them. She gave me one of her bank cards too."


    Once Lin Hui heard this, his eyes widened with arched eyebrows. He robotically turned his head to the assistant, and his mouth opened and closed before he could utter a word.


    "Boss¡­ bank card¡­ assign¡­."


    He thought he could speak in proper sentences, but he ended up stuttering out broken words. He stares at Liu Shan for a long minute before raising a hand to massage his forehead.


    "Exin."


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes when he heard those words. He just told Lin Hui what happened, yet the man doesn''t seem to understand him at all.


    He ces one fist on his hip and heaves a long sigh in frustration.


    "Bro, it is like I said. Boss entrusted me with her bank card and assigned me to take Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi shopping."


    Listening to each word that entered his ear, Lin Hui nodded his head as he understood. However, he doesn''t say a word but stares into the nk space in front of him like was contemting on something.


    After what felt like an eternity had gone by but would have been only a few seconds, he finally came to his senses.


    He looks back at Liu Shan but narrows his eyes as he leans towards the man.


    "Did you by chance¡­"


    He pauses midway to nce around the room and then continues but makes sure to quiet down his voice for only Liu Shan to hear.


    "Did you buy anything for me?"


    "¡­"


    Liu Shan was beyond dumbfounded by the question. He thought Lin Hui was suspicious of him but to find out the man was curious if he bought anything for him, he scratched the back of his head.


    "Dude, what are you talking about? Why would I buy you anything when I didn''t even get myself something?"


    Lin Hui gasps in horror with his mouth wide open. It was as if he had heard the most ironic thing in the world.


    He stares at Liu Shan but scoffs in disbelief in the next second.


    "You had boss''s card, and you didn''t even buy yourself something? Not even a shirt?"


    Liu Shan rolled his eyes in response. His boss did tell him to buy himself something with her money, but while he was out shopping, he was too busy focusing on the children.


    It was a good thing the assignment was given to him. If it had been Lin Hui, he (Lin Hui) would have undoubtedly maxed out the bank card.


    He shakes his head and walks away from the man. He picks up one of the shopping bags and heads in the direction of the kitchen.


    "Since you''re here, I''m going to help boss prepare dinner."


    Lin Hui watches as the assistant disappears from the living room and scoffs. He looked away, and he was greeted with three pairs of curious eyes staring directly at him.


    "Umm¡­"


    He chuckles in a sarcastic way with a crooked smile and averts his gaze from them.


    "So¡­ what did you guys end up buying today?"

 Chapter 881 - Your Life Matters Too

    <h4>Chapter 881 - Your Life Matters Too</h4>


    Yue Ling stood in front of the vast floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, and she stared out into the darkness.


    "Boss, are you alright?"


    Lin Hui couldn''t help but ask when he noticed something was bothering his boss.


    Throughout the entire time they were eating, she didn''t talk much and kept ncing at the clock on the wall. It was as if she was waiting for something.


    He could even sense a feeling of worry in her expression.


    Yue Ling doesn''t respond right away but gazes out the window. She calmly turns away and looks at her subordinate.


    "I''m fine."


    She looked at the kitchen to see Liu Shan, Liu Ye, and Liu Jingyi, then to Jianan, who sat on the couch ying with a stuffed teddy bear. Her eyes shift back to Lin Hui, and she gives him a small smile.


    "Will you be leaving soon?"


    Lin Hui ever so lightly squints his eyes at her as if to read her mind. However, unable to do so, he could only push the topic aside.


    "I''ll leave after giving you my report on the situation regarding you know who."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling wasted no time. She looks at Jianan again then gestures with her head for them to go to the back patio.


    As the boss and subordinate walked out the back door, Liu Shan noticed this. He was curious about why they needed to talk in private but didn''t focus too much on his curiosity.


    "What happened?"


    Outside in the back courtyard, Yue Ling asked the second she knew those inside the house wouldn''t hear their voices. Usually, she would have Lin Hui report in front of others, but this time it was different.


    She didn''t want the Liu siblings to hear what happened to their father.


    Lin Hui walks over to the bench set on the back patio and sighs. He looks up at her then shrugs his shoulder with indifference.


    "Not much. I gave him a bit of a beating, then kicked him here and there. You know, just the usual things."


    He spoke in a carefree way, and anyone who heard him would think beating up a person was a normal thing for him.


    However, Yue Ling was not anyone.


    She stares at him with a straight face making him sigh again.


    "I caught him before he entered Red Moon, but Tao Meng and his men came out when they heard themotion."


    Yue Ling stares ahead at the yard that was engulfed in darkness. She didn''t say anything but listened to his report until the end.


    "A little dispute happened between us, but I got it under control."


    Lin Hui told her everything that happened in front of Red Moon without missing any details. He also included how he shot Liu Peng in the leg.


    He looked around as if to see if anyone was around. Once he confirmed that it was only them, he leaned forward to whisper to her.


    "Also, Ling Ni was there."


    Yue Ling arched an eyebrow at the mention of Ling Ni. She knew why Lin Hui was trying to keep a quiet voice because Liu Shan was inside, and neither of them wanted to mention Ling Ni''s name in front of the assistant.


    "Don''t tell Liu Shan that you saw her."


    She wasn''t surprised that Ling Ni was there at Red Moon, but who knows how he would feel or what he would do if Liu Shan heard.


    "Continue observing his every move. If he causes any more trouble, you know what to do."


    A sigh escapes her mouth, and she turns away since the report is over. She walks to the door but stops before entering the house.


    Her head turns to the side, enough for her to look back at Lin Hui.


    "And don''t think so little of yourself. Your life matters too."


    Her words fell, and she opened the door to go inside the house, leaving Lin Hui alone outside.


    He sat on the bench, and his head followed her every move as he could see her from the window. It wasn''t until he saw her sit down with Jianan in the living room did he look away.


    His head lowers, and he rubs his forehead to adjust his thoughts with his eyes closed.


    He knew his boss was angry. She was mad that he put his life in jeopardy despite knowing that one phone call could have sent back up to him. However, at the time, he just jumped into action without thinking.


    *Click


    A sudden click sounds from the door, and he lifts his head. When he saw who it was that hade out from the house, he sighed inside.


    "I guess you heard the conversation."


    Liu Shan stood in front of Lin Hui with an expression void of any emotions. He walks over to sit next to the man on the bench.


    "So you went there alone?"


    Lin Hui arched an eyebrow at the man. He thought that Liu Shan would ask about Ling Ni. However, seeing how the man didn''t ask, he nods his head and sits up.


    He leaned back on the bench and held his hands on hisp.


    "I did what I was told to do."


    He was assigned to keep a close eye on Liu Peng, and if he (Liu Peng) did anything out of sorts, he (Lin Hui) is to take action.


    At first, he didn''t think he needed to do anything but keep his eyes open. However, when Yue Ling instructed him to shatter the man''s fate, he just did as told.


    "You can be reckless at times, but this time you were foolish."


    Liu Shan scoffs after his words and leans back on the bench too. He stares at the nk space in front of him.


    He didn''t mean to listen to their conversation. He just happened to hear it when he walked past the kitchen window that was left open while they were cooking dinner.


    "Do you consider your life so little that you would do something so stupid? Why would you go to Red Moon alone?"


    Lin Hui heard his words loud and clear. He heaves a long sigh out of frustration and rubs his forehead.


    "I get what you''re trying to say, but what was I supposed to do? I couldn''t let him out of my sight."


    He leans back on the bench and tilts his head back to look up at the starry sky.


    "Before my rationality made any sense, my body just moved. I did what I did because it''s part of my job."


    Liu Shan sighs inside at his friend andrade. He also leans on the bench but doesn''t look up at the sky. Instead, he turns his head in the direction of the house, where he can see Yue Ling and Jianan in the living room.


    "You know that she doesn''t always show it, but she worries about everyone, including you."


    He knew that although Yue Ling doesn''t express much emotion towards him and the others, she always puts them first.


    "Even if it is your job, you''re only human, and you have people who care about you."


    Lin Hui understood the meaning behind Liu Shan''s words. He has been Yue Ling''s subordinate for many years and knows how she is as a person.


    The only thing was, he didn''t think about the aftermath when he followed Liu Peng.


    He nces in the direction of the house and ponders to himself.


    His mind wanders back to what she said before going inside. He could tell that she was angry that he went alone. She might not have shown it, but he could hear it in her words.


    "I won''t make her worry anymore."


    Liu Shan nods his head without a word, and the two men stay outside to chat for a bit longer before going inside.


    "Boss, it''s gettingte. We''re going to head home."


    Lin Hui calls out as he steps foot inside the living room. He looks around and sees the two older Liu siblings still awake while Jianan had fallen asleep.


    "Um, if it''s alright with you, they can spend the night at my ce."


    Yue Ling sat on the couch with Jianan sleeping next to her. She looks at the little boy and faintly smiles at his sleeping face.


    "He''s asleep, so just let him sleep here."


    "Ah, it''s okay. We can go stay at Lin Hui''s ce."


    After her words, Liu Ye cuts in and sits up from the couch. He smiled at Yue Ling and stood up while bringing his sister with him. He doesn''t want them to be a bother to her, who is busy with work.


    "Jingyi, let''s go get our things."


    Yue Ling was at a loss for words. Before she could even say anything to stop the older siblings, they had already scurried off to the guest bedroom.


    She chuckles and turns her head to Lin Hui, who had made the suggestion. However, the second her eyesnded on him, he had already picked up Jianan from the couch.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll keep them safe so you can concentrate on work."


    Lin Hui smiles at her and walks away as Liu Ye and Liu Jingyi return with their packed bags. No one left any room for Yue Ling to speak and disappear out the door.


    "¡­"


    Left alone with quietness, Yue Ling was in disbelief by what had just happened. She scoffs a chuckle and shakes her head.


    She reached for her phone that was on the coffee table. When she saw that the time was already 8 pm, she pursed her lip.


    It was past the promised time.


    "Should I call him?"


    She unlocks her phone and pulls up her contact list.


    However, she doesn''t call the person.


    She stares down at her phone for a long second, then puts it back on the table.


    "He must have his reasons."


    She murmured to herself, then stood up to leave the living room. Since she''s alone, she should get ready for bed early.


    As she climbed up the stairs, she didn''t forget to steal nces at the front door. However, every time she looked, the door never opened, making her disappointed.


    "I hope hees home soon. I miss him...."

 Chapter 882 - Waited Long Enough

    <h4>Chapter 882 - Waited Long Enough</h4>


    The night grew darker as Yue Lingy in bed after showering and changing into her sleepwear. She stares up at the ceiling, faintly lit by the moon.


    "I can''t sleep¡­."


    She had wanted to call Lu Tian and ask where he was but didn''t want to be a bother to him. She also didn''t want to invade his space since he was on business.


    Her eyes flutter not too slow nor too fast before turning to her side. She stares at the empty spot where Lu Tian usually sleeps, and her heart tightens.


    She never felt this way when he was with Lee Shin in the past, even after he passed away.


    She did miss him, and she even thought she was going crazy because she often saw images of him. However, as the days passed, she came to realize that it was out offort for the ten years they''d been together.


    But with Lu Tian, she felt different.


    It was the kind of feeling that made her feel like the world didn''t matter if he wasn''t a part of it.


    Her eyes slowly blinked as her thoughts deepened, and before she realized it, she was falling asleep with Lu Tian in her mind.


    As sleep began to consume her mind, the sound of light footsteps awoke her back to reality.


    The footsteps were very light, and one wouldn''t have been able to hear them. However, it was not for her.


    She turns to the other side to face the door left ajar and opens her eyes with a calm expression. She quickly adjusted to the darkness inside the room and focused her hearing on the footsteps.


    It couldn''t be her subordinates because they had already left home, and if they were toe back, they would have called her.


    Could it be Lu Tian?


    But if it was him, why would he take light steps in their home and not turn on the lights?


    As the steps grew closer to the door, she pulled the nket away as quietly as she could before getting up. Her right-hand moves over the side table and slides to the space near the wall. She retrieves a small knife hidden behind the table in case of an emergency.


    Her eyes fixated on the door with ears focused on the footsteps. However, alertness could be seen across her face.


    She quietly tiptoes to the door and awaits whoever hase inside her house.


    However, the second she was three feet away from the door, it was slowly pushed open.


    She caught sight of a tall, dark figure, and a glint of light shed in her bluish-green eyes. She wastes no time and jumps into action.


    Her arm raises to strike the intruder, but the person swiftly grabs hold of her wrist. She could sense that her opponent wouldn''t be easy to knock out and decided to knee the person in the stomach.


    However, it was another failed attempt.


    The person held firmly onto her thigh, and before she could react, a familiar and deep chuckle entered her ears.


    "Well, this is a pleasant wee."


    Yue Ling''s eyes widen at the voice, and a gasp escapes her mouth.


    "Tian?"


    Lu Tian couldn''t help but chuckle again. He leans forward and kisses his wife on the lips.


    "It''s me."


    He lets go of her leg but keeps a hold on her wrist. He takes the knife from her grasp and walks her to the bed.


    "This feels like deja-vu all over again."


    He was reminded of when he almost met his end at her hands when they were at Jade Condos. He chuckled at the thought and sat her down on the bed as he put the knife back behind the side table.


    "Did something happen while I was away? Why are you so alert?"


    From the way she lunged at him, it looked like trouble hade to find her while he was away. However, if that''s the case, why didn''t his subordinates report this to him?


    Yue Ling was uttered speechless. All she could do was stare at the person in front of her and watch his movements.


    After a long moment, she broke out from her daze and grabbed hold of his hands.


    "Why didn''t you make any sound or turn on the lights? I thought you were an intruder. I could have hurt you or even killed you!"


    Lu Tian could hear the panic in her voice as she scolded him, but a smile curls on his lip. He was happy that she was worried about him.


    He takes a seat next to her and gently squeezes her hands. Even if he couldn''t see her expression due to the darkness, he could imagine it.


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to scare you. I saw that the lights were out, so I expected you must have gone to sleep."


    When he entered the house, he thought about turning the lights on. However, considering the fact that his wife was asleep, he decided not to and just headed up to the bedroom in the dark.


    Of course, this thought of his proved him wrong.


    His wife has better hearing than he thought.


    Even in the darkness of the room, he could vaguely see her beautiful face that was on his mind all day. His hand raised, and he held the side of her face with his palm.


    "I know I broke my promise, but I''m home."


    His deep voice fills the room, and he leans towards her. He captures her by the lips and sighs inside. The touch of her warmth sends a calming sensation inside him.


    He pulls away and presses his forehead against her forehead.


    "I missed you all day."


    Yue Ling didn''t know what to think. She wanted to scold him some more for almost getting hurt by her, yet, at the same time, she felt relieved that he was safe and home.


    The longer she stared at the man, whose face was at a close distance to her, she felt relief take control.


    She moves one hand from his grasp and gently touches caresses his cheek with a smile.


    "Wee home, Tian."


    Lu Tian smiles at her touch. He takes hold of the hand on his face and brings it to his lip. He ces a gentle kiss on the tip of her fingers before pulling her in for a deep and passionate kiss.


    As all thoughts disappeared from Yue Ling''s mind, heat rushed into her head. She wraps her arms around his neck, and she unknowingly falls onto the bed, pulling him along with her.


    His strong and gentle hands began to stroke her body like he was painting her traces into his mind.


    "Tian¡­ wait¡­"


    Yue Ling gasps between the kiss and tries to stop him. She wanted what was toe just as much as him, but he just got home. He must be tired from working all day and need to rest.


    "I can''t."


    Lu Tian growls in a low voice knowing why she wanted him to stop. However, he has no intentions of stopping.


    "I''ve waited long enough."


    The moment she was in his arms, he knew he wanted her. Even if they had guests in the house, he doesn''t care.


    He kissed her deeply, and one by one, he removed her clothes as he did his own. Once he had removed thest remaining fabric on her, he positioned himself between her legs with eyes gazing with passion.


    "So beautiful¡­"


    She was so beautiful under the moonlight. Every part of her is well engraved in his heart, and no matter how many times he saw her, he would always want her.


    Yue Ling blushed at his words and intense gaze. She didn''t know if she should stop him or let him continue.


    However, while contemting what to do, Lu Tian lowered himself over her.


    He made sure to steady his weight not to crush her, and he covered one of her breasts with his hand while his mouth worked its magic on the other.


    "Mm~¡­"


    Yue Ling gasps at the sweet, tingling feeling he gives her. Her back slightly arched, giving him a better advantage. She could feel his hardness rub against her, making her moist between the thighs. However, she was a little disappointed that it hadn''t gone in yet.


    "Tian."


    She moans his name and ces her hands on his shoulders before moving to his head. She forced him to look at her, and when their eyes met, she could feel the desire in him.


    "Please¡­"


    She bashfully begged him with a flustered face, and he knew what she wanted. He raises himself from her two mounds, and his face leans inches away from her.


    "Please, what?"


    He teased her with a question, wanting to hear her say she wanted him too.


    Yue Ling felt shy as saying such shameless words was something she had never done before, but she did what he wanted.


    "I want you¡­."


    The second her words entered his ears, Lu Tian knew he had reached his limit. He captures her lips again and spreads her legs a little more to position himself better.


    He pulls away from her mouth but only to whisper near her ear.


    "I want you too, my wife."


    His lower body press against her, and he enters inside her with the help of her sweet moistness.


    She cried a moaning gasp when she felt him enter her. He wants to move but waits for her to adjust to his size. Once he was sure it was safe to move, he did.


    With his hips, he pulled her along to the edge of a night''s sensation. He was rough and gentle, all mixed in pleasure. Her silken heat drove him to the brink, with his mind filled with nothing but her.


    Yue Ling was ashamed to admit it, but she felt like she was on cloud nine. Like him, her mind was focused on him and him only. It was as if no one else existed in the world but them.


    She wraps her legs around his waist. Her gesture ignited him more, letting him know how much she meant it when she said she wanted him.


    As their lovemaking continued into the night, the moon hanging outside blushed with shame. It notices the grey clouds slowly floating in from a distance and doesn''t hesitate to pull them forward.


    It hides behind the grey clouds to block its eyes from witnessing the love between a man and a woman.

 Chapter 883 - Need To Work Harder

    Grey clouds lingered over Imperial like a dense fog, leaving no room for the sun or moon to be seen anywhere. Rain trickles down from the sky in pursuit and stters on the ground like a song to the ear.


    Inside the beautiful home of Yue Ling and Lu Tian, all was quiet but the faint breathing from the couple.


    Yue Ling gradually opened her eyes as she awoke from her sleep. Due to her sleeping on her side, the door to the room was the first thing she saw then she felt a slight heaviness on her waist.


    She knew it was an arm and didn''t need to turn around to know who it belonged to because it was the person whopleted her world.


    Her eyes calmly blinked, and the faint darkroom was now fully visible as the sound of rain taps against the windows. However, her body ached so much that she didn''t want to get out of bed at all.


    She forces herself to turn around to face Lu Tian, the reason behind her aching body. However, when she saw him, a smile curled on her lips.


    His sleeping face was one that any woman would want to be able to stare at all day. The three lines between his eyebrows made him look all the more alluring.


    She raises her hand to soothe out the lines but pauses midair. Images of what happened between them all night flowed inside her head, and her cheeks flushed a crimson shade.


    "You can touch me if you want."


    Lu Tian''s deep voice mixed with roughness suddenly sounded, but his eyes remained closed. He waits a few seconds but not hearing a response from his wife, he opens his eyes.


    A pair of bluish-green eyes greeted him, and he smiled. His arms tighten around her, and he pulls her a little closer to him.


    "What is it? Why are you just looking at me?"


    Yue Ling gazed at the man without uttering a word. She was embarrassed by his words but didn''t know why she felt blessed to wake up and fall asleep with him.


    Did she, by chance, save a country in her past life?


    However, she quickly pushed the question aside when she felt her body pressed against his body.


    "Ah¡­"


    She yelped in surprise and realized they weren''t wearing any clothes. Her face turned as red as a tomato, and she put her palms on his chest to keep a distance between them.


    "We¡­"


    She averts her eyes from his and tries to ce her attention on something else.


    "We have to get up for work."


    She could feel his beast below rubbing against her thigh. If they continue to stay in bed any longer, who knows what will happen.


    Lu Tian ignores her words and closes the distance between them. He embraced her like he hadn''t seen her in years and pressed his forehead against her.


    "Work..."


    He closes his eyes and inhales a breath. Her sweet fragrance entered his nose, and he knew he was home. However, thinking about her words, he sighs inside again.


    "I need to work harder."


    Yue Ling couldn''t help but chuckle at his words. She doesn''t move away from him but looks at his up-close face.


    "If you want to work harder, you should get out of bed."


    She smiles at him, and this time, she moves away. Even without looking at a clock, she could tell from the lighting that it was time to get ready for work.


    Just when she moved back an inch, Lu Tian opened his eyes. His dark eyes gaze at her with the love he has for her can see at a nce. His arms remained wrapped around her with no intentions of letting her go.


    "I meant, I should work harder in making you stay in bed."


    "¡­"


    Yue Ling froze and was rendered speechless. She stares at him with a slightly agape mouth before sounding a chuckle.


    "You¡­ what¡­"


    She stammers with her words and continuesughing at how shameless he was behaving.


    "I can barely move my body, and you''re saying you want to work harder?"


    Lu Tian felt guilty when he heard her words. He knew that he had overdone it in bed, but he couldn''t help it. He missed her so much, and once she was in his arms, he couldn''t stop himself from wanting her more.


    He stares at her smiling face, and his entire being softens to the core. He leans forward and kisses her on the lips. His arms loosen around her before he gets up from the bed.


    "Okay. I won''t work so hard."


    He walked around the bed with no clothes on, and Yue Ling''s eyes widened. She inhales a mouthful of air and quickly covers her eyes with her hands. She didn''t dare to look at his nakedness.


    She could hear his footsteps, and thinking he had gone to the bathroom, she peaks from the gaps between her fingers to confirm.


    "Ah!"


    However, she suddenly yelps when her body is lifted off the bed by Lu Tian.


    She wraps her arms around his neck and looks at him. She wanted to say something, but her lips were sealed the moment she opened her mouth.


    Lu Tian pulls away from the kiss and looks ahead. He smiles like a happy child and stops in front of the bathroom door.


    He gently kicks the door open with his foot, then nces down at her, and the smile on his face widens until it reaches his eyes.


    "I won''t work so hard."


    Yue Ling was at a loss by his smile. She didn''t know whether tough or cry, but from the sound of his voice, she knew that he was going to work hard once she was in the bathroom.


    Knowing she couldn''t escape him, she curls in his arms like a baby trying to hide.


    While the two bosses prepare for the start of their day, Liu Shan steps out from him his apartment in the far distance. He wore a brown coat over his white sweater and white trousers.


    He locks the door and walks to the stairs leading to the parking lot but pause in his steps. Before turning away, he nces at the tightly shut door next to his ce as the rain pours behind him.


    It was Ling Ni''s apartment.


    Thest time he saw her was on the night of the dispute in front of Uncle Nuo''s food stall. Ever since then, he never saw her or saw her lights on.


    His thoughts shifted to when he heard her name brought up during the conversation between Yue Ling and Lin Hui. When he stayed outside and chatted with Lin Hui, he wanted to ask about Ling Ni but held himself back.


    If it hadn''t been for the fact that his boss ordered Lin Hui not to tell him, he would have asked.


    How is she doing? Is she eating healthy? Have things been too tough for her? Does she need help to get away from Tao Meng?


    It''s not that he is still in love with her. It''s just difficult for him to forget about her.


    *Ring ring


    His phone rang in the middle of his thoughts and brought him back to his senses.


    He takes out his phone from his coat pocket and puts it next to his ear.


    "Hello, Liu Shan speaking."


    A faint voice sounds from the other line, and he listens to the person. He walks to the stairway, opens the umbre, then heads down to his car.


    "I got it. I''ll meet youter for lunch."


    He ended the call when he reached his car. While getting inside, he scrolls through his contact list and makes a phone call to another person.


    The line rings in wait for connection, and he looks up at the apartment building. Before he could ponder further, the call connects.


    He doesn''t wait for the other person to answer and starts talking.


    "Manager Luo, it''s me, Liu Shan."


    ["Oh, Liu Shan. What can I help you with, boy?"]


    Manager Luo''s voice sounds from the other line, and Liu Shan closes the door to his car after he sits inside.


    "Sorry to bother you so early in the morning, but I have a favor to ask you."


    ["I see. Go ahead and tell me. I''ll see what I can do."]


    Liu Shan was relieved by the elderly man''s words, but he didn''t answer right away. He nces at Ling Ni''s apartment window for a long second and then parts his lips.


    "I need help looking for a new apartment. Do you know if there''s any avable?"


    If he wants to get over Ling Ni, he needs to move to another ce. Staying here will only make his mind upied with her even if he doesn''t want to think about her.


    ["I do have a few vacant apartments. Come meet me after work today, and we can take a look."]


    Uncle Luo''s voice sounds again, and Liu Shan answers with an mm before ending the phone call.. He starts the car, and without looking at the apartment again, he drives out of the parking lot.

 Chapter 884 - Appointment To Have Lunch

    The rain pouring down onto Imperial did not subside but continued to trickle down onto the ground. As the people awoke from their slumber to start their daily life, Yue Ling and Lu Tian finished getting ready for work, along with breakfast.


    The couple did not leave the house in separate cars like usual. Instead, the two entered Lu Tian''s ck Maserati Levante Trofeo.


    Yue Ling sat in the passenger seat and gave a few murderous res at the man next to her. He looked so refreshed and in a good mood.


    She could not believe him at all.


    As if the whole night wasn''t enough for him, the entire time he carried her into the bathroom, he tossed her around. When they were done, she was relieved to get ready for work. However, in the middle of picking out what she should wear, Lu Tian came inside her closet room and took her for another round.


    In the end, she could barely finish putting on her clothes, let alone stand.


    Lu Tian could feel the intense gaze his wife was giving him. However, he focuses his attention on the road ahead with a smile on his face.


    He looked like a person who had won the lottery.


    He nces at his wife and grins at her like he doesn''t know why she is angry with him.


    "Today''s a beautiful day. Don''t you think so?"


    Yue Ling scoffs in disbelief and looks away from him. She looks out to the view outside the window and scoffs again when she sees the gloomy weather mixed with rain pattering on the windshield.


    "Sure. It is a beautiful day."


    The sound of her voice was full of sarcasm, but Lu Tian also ignored it and continued smiling.


    Yue Ling pinches the space between her eyebrows and decides not to be angry with him. His stamina was beyond anything she had ever seen, and being mad at him was pointless since he feigned ignorance.


    Seeing her do this, Lu Tian''s smile gradually faded, and guilt rose inside him. His wife has to work, and due to his selfishness, he exhausted her.


    His lips slightly pursed, and he nced at her. When he saw her still pinching the space between her eyebrows, he turned into a little boy who had wrong the world.


    "I''m sorry for what I did¡­ I shouldn''t have pushed you into doing something you didn''t want."


    Hearing his apology, Yue Ling lowers her hand and res at him. However, upon seeing his apologetic face, she heaves a sigh.


    "Why are you apologizing? It''s not your fault."


    Although she mes him for tiring her out, the fault wasn''t only his to me. She presses her lips together before muttering in an almost whisper voice.


    "I also liked it¡­."


    She hates to admit it, but it was the truth. The only problem is that she is too embarrassed to admit it.


    Lu Tian''s eyes lit up as he burst with joy like an engorged leech. His head abruptly turned to look at his wife, and he opened his mouth to say something.


    "Eyes on the road!"


    However, before any word could escape him, Yue Ling shouts at him, causing his attention to turn back to the road ahead.


    The words he had wanted to say dispersed into thin air, and his mind nked for a second.


    Yue Ling wanted tough seeing his reaction but pressed her lips tightly together to keep herself fromughing. She can''t help but wonder why others are so afraid of him.


    Of course, she will never understand that this side of Lu Tian is only for her and no one else.


    The car ride turned quiet, and Yue Ling sighed inside. She ponders how to break the silence and then nces at him.


    "How did yesterday''s meeting go?"


    She needed to change the topic regarding what they did in the morning, so it was only best to ask about the meeting in City Z.


    After all, Lu Tian was the one who said she could ask if she wanted.


    Lu Tian arched an eyebrow in surprise at her question. His wife has never once asked him about work or been curious about his work life.


    However, he felt a sense of happiness.


    "I met with City Z''s Chief of Police to discuss a case."


    He spoke the truth, and Yue Ling turned her head to look at him when she heard the mention of Chief Kim. Her eyes every so lightly shook as memories came rushing back to her, but she as quickly as they came, she was able to push them back.


    "I see. Are you close with the Chief?"


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian answered in a calm hum. His eyes slightly darken as he recalls the contents of the meeting, and his hand tightens on the steering wheel.


    His small gesture did not escape Yue Ling''s eyes. She looks away from him and stares out the passenger window.


    "Is it serious?"


    Lu Tian returns to his senses at his wife''s voice. He calms himself down and nods his head despite knowing she wouldn''t see him.


    "It is. The Chief started the case a few years back but decided to request my help since we are after the same person. However, with my work schedule and the difference of our jurisdiction, we can only meet once a year to discuss the case in person."


    He didn''t need to hide anything from his wife because he trusted her.


    "This time, the Chief requested to meet despite the meeting has passed. His teams found a lead, but it turned out to be like all the other times. Every time we think we are a step closer to finding this man, we hit a dead end again."


    Yue Ling listened to the end and pursed her lips. She couldn''t help but think about Lee Shin and the others back in City Z. During her time there, she was aware that Faith was a band in disguise for the men as they were undercover agents.


    However, is it possible that the team Lu Tian mentioned from Chief Kim''s side is Faith?


    She slightly frowns at the thought but quickly disregards it. There was no way that it was true. Chief Kim has many subordinates, and the team in question must be different.


    Havinge to this answer, she pushed the thought aside and looked at Lu Tian.


    "Do you need my help in finding this man?"


    Lu Tian slightly turns his head to look at her and gives her a faint smile.


    "I''ll ask you if I reach another dead end."


    He knows that if he asks his wife for help, it will lessen the trouble finding Choi Li Sun. She has connections in the underworld, but he doesn''t want his wife to be sad if someone she trusts were to betray her.


    "I''m meeting with Chief Kim''s team tomorrow to discuss the matter."


    Yue Ling arched her eyebrows when she heard her offer get turned down. However, thinking about his words, she slightly furrows her brows.


    "The man is here in Imperial?"


    Lu Tian answers with an mm, and his expression dims.


    "He''s a very dangerous man, and someone is keeping his whereabouts hidden.


    Hearing this, Yue Ling didn''t know whether tough or cry at his seriousness. She can confirm from his tone that this person is threatening, but it was hard to believe hearing it from someone like Lu Tian, who is known to be merciless.


    His answer also confirmed her question regarding Faith. If Qin Jun and the others were in Imperial, they would have let her know, or Liu Shan would have noticed.


    As their conversation came to an end, so did the car ride.


    Lu Tian parks his ck Maserati Levante Trofeo in front of De L''amour. He steps out of the car and walks around the front of the hood to help his wife out.


    "I''ll pick you up for lunch."


    Yue Ling had only stepped out of the passenger seat when she heard his question. She looks at him with crinkles at the corner of her eyes and a smile.


    "I''ll see if my schedule will allow it."


    She walks away from the car after her teasing words. However, having taken only one step, she was pulled back by Lu Tian.


    His arms wrapped around her without any care of anyone, let alone the intentions of letting her go.


    He gazes down at her and smirks.


    "Now I have to make an appointment to have lunch with my wife?"


    His head leans down towards her, and he stops inches away from her.


    "Are you angry because I didn''te back for dinner¡­ or¡­"


    He paused after his words and leaned in more until he could feel her breath on him.


    "Is it because of earlier?"


    Yue Ling grew flustered by the second. When she heard him mention the morning''s events, her entire face turned as red as a tomato.


    She had wanted to joke with him, but it all backfired. She pushes him back and strides away without answering.


    Lu Tian smiles at her response. He looks at her, and before she can get too far, his arm stretches to her, and he grabs hold of her wrist.


    He pulls her back to him again and ces a kiss on her lip.


    "I got it. I''ll call your assistant and set an appointment."


    He lets her go but doesn''t forget to give her another kiss. This time, on her forehead.


    As he walks to the driver''s side of the car, his voice sounds again before entering the driver''s seat.


    "You can decide where we will be having lunch."


    "¡­"


    Yue Ling was frozen in ce and could only stare at the man''s shameless behavior. Her eyes followed the ck car until it was no longer in sight, and she turned around.


    However, she froze again when she saw Liu Shan, Qi Li, Tang Zhonghui, and Ju Suo staring her way.


    Her subordinates had witnessed a scene they had be ustomed to, but each person had a massive grin on their face, excluding Qi Li.


    She ignores their reaction and walks towards herpany. As she passed them, she didn''t forget to give each person a look as if saying,


    ''You saw nothing.. You heard nothing.''

 Chapter 885 - To Discuss The Acquired Goods

    The windows and walls of De L''amour block the pouring rain from the employees as each person starts off their daily tasks. Yue Ling made a quick stop in her office and then looked over each design set to be released.


    "These looks good."


    She held a tablet in her hands and scrolls through the work of one of her employees. Once she confirmed what she wanted to see, she ced the tablet back down on the desk.


    "Have it sent to Lian Ni Shang. She will have it tranted into proper blueprints and design models."


    "CEO Han."


    Just when herst word fell, a woman''s voice calls out to her from behind. She turns around to the door and sees her secretary.


    "Can I help you, Secretary Jiang?"


    Jiang Shengyi smiles with a stack of documents in her hands. She takes out the one at the top and hands it to Yue Ling.


    "Cloth Co. has received the design book and has epted the designs we''ve sent to them. They want you to take a look before proceeding with the next step."


    Hearing her secretary''s words, Yue Ling bids an excellent day to her employee and walks to the woman. She takes the document and walks out of the room.


    She scans through the pages, and when she gets to the signature, a small smile curls on her face.


    It was Madam Lu who had signed it.


    She looks at Jiang Shengyi and hands her back the document.


    "Is this all?"


    "As of now, yes."


    Jiang Shengyi answered, and Yue Ling looked away. She heads toward the elevator and stops in front of it, then presses the button to go up.


    "Everything here is under control. I''ll be visiting An Qing."


    At the mention of An Qing, Jiang Shengyi is taken aback. She didn''t think that Yue Ling would be visiting thepany so soon.


    Yue Ling didn''t need to look at the woman to understand what she was thinking. The elevator doors open, and she steps inside.


    "Assistant Liu will be going with me. You can stay here and see to the work here."


    Jiang Shengyi almost stumbled in her step when she heard the assistant was going. However, she was able to steady herself quickly.


    She had hoped that Yue Ling would take her. She wanted to see the work-life in An Qing now that all the negligent employees have been dismissed. However, knowing she could not go against her superior''s words, she could onlyply.


    "I will notify you if anything is amiss here."


    The two women rode the elevator together until they arrived at the top floor. Yue Ling headed to her office while Jiang Shengyi went to her desk.


    "Oh, boss. I was just looking for you."


    Liu Shan called out when he saw Yue Ling open the door to her office. He grabs his work tablet and strides with significant steps just in time to enter the room after her.


    He thought she was going to take a seat behind her desk but arched one eyebrow when he saw her putting on her coat.


    "Are you going somewhere?"


    Yue Ling didn''t answer with words but a nod. She picks up her work bag and walks past her assistant.


    "We can talk on the way to An Qing."


    Hearing this, Liu Shan was at a loss for words. He looks down at the tablet in his hand then back at his boss.


    "¡­but I have work to do here¡­."


    He murmured to himself, but Yue Ling heard him loud and clear. She stops at the door and looks back at him.


    "If you''re busy, I can have Qi Li go with me."


    "What? No, no, no."


    Liu Shan returns from his thoughts and makes his way after her. He doesn''t wait for her to leave the room first and walks out.


    "I am your assistant. How can you ask an illustrator to take my job? Hmmf."


    He couldn''t believe his ears at all. He understood if it was Jiang Shengyi since she is a secretary, but to pick Qi Li? How dare she (Yue Ling) do this to him.


    Watching him stride away, Yue Ling shook her head and sighed inside. She knows that there is a lot to do here, but the only way to get him to go with her is to mention someone he rivals with when ites to getting the job done.


    And that person is Qi Li.


    Of course, Lin Hui is Liu Shan''s true rival, but the man (Lin Hui) doesn''t work in De L''amour.


    As the boss and assistant leave for An Qing, Lu Tian finishes the morning meeting at Lu Corps. He enters his office with Xu Long following behind him.


    "How is it going?"


    His deep voice sounds as he sits down on his chair, and Xu Long blinks his eyes in puzzlement. He (Xu Long) stares at his boss for a long second before finally understanding the sudden question.


    "Oh, it''s going good. I woke up early this morning to make breakfast, but then I forgot to eat it."


    "¡­"


    Lu Tian''s eyelids grew heavy at the response. He heaves a long sigh and reminds himself that his assistant has a low EQ.


    "I''m referring to the task I gave you."


    Sometimes he can''t help but wonder how Xu Long passed the interview to be his assistant.


    Xu Long''s cheeks turned pink when he heard his boss''s words of correction. He clears his throat at the awkwardness and forces out a sarcastic chuckle.


    "Oh.. heh heh. I knew you were referring to that."


    He clears his throat again, and thinking about the task he was assigned, he smiles a smile that reaches his eyes.


    "It''s going as nned. I''ve already got in contact with the assistant. We''ll be meeting for lunch to discuss the acquired goods."


    Lu Tian didn''t know whether tough or cry at his assistant. If anyone else had heard their conversation, they would have mistaken them as drug dealers having a conversation.


    He shakes his head, turns hisputer on, and then reaches for the first stack of documents piled up on his desk.


    "Make sure not to reveal the n. You can leave."


    Xu Long''s smile never left his face but grew wider until it revealed his teeth. He straightens his posture and raises his right hand to gesture a salute like a soldier.


    "Don''t worry, boss. I will see to it that the n is my lifelong goal."


    He lowered his hand and spun around to leave the room.


    Lu Tian watched as the man disappeared out of the room and shook his head with a sigh. He leans back on his hair and pinches the space between his eyebrows.


    He can''t help but wonder if he had assigned the task to the right person.


    However, pushing the thought aside, he leans back in his chair.


    He tilts his head back and slightly turns to look at the windows surrounding his office. The rain stained the ss, and it would slide down every so often.


    "I hope the rain doesn''t ruin the n¡­."


    He gradually closes his eyes like he is going to sleep, but inhaling a deep breath, he opens them. He sits up and focuses his attention on his work.


    Before he can proceed with his n, he must make sure that work doesn''t get in the way.

 Chapter 886 - Ji Jingxu’s School Life

    While Lu Tian immerses in work and Yue Ling makes her way to An Qing, in another part of Imperial, a young man is seen walking the streets of Imperial holding an umbre.


    He wore a navy uniform and carried his school bag on his back as he made his way to school.


    His head was down, and he walked past the crowd, not once bumping into anyone.


    When he arrived at his destination, he finally lifted his head.


    Students wearing the same colored uniform walk past him asughter sounds from them as they enter the gate to school. However, he doesn''t take another step but stares at the school building in front of him.


    The rain that dropped onto the ground was like music to the ear, but for anyone who saw him, they couldn''t help but feel a sense of sadness.


    It was like the rainbined with the young man''s expression were a scene out of a movie based on tragedy.


    "Jingxu!"


    A voice calls out as a car pulls up to the school''s front gate in the next moment. Ji Jingxu looks at the school onest time before turning to the owner of the voice.


    He sees his energetic friend Zhuang Li.


    After sending the driver off, the young man exits the car with an umbre and walks over to Ji Jingxu.


    "Are you alright? Why are you just standing there?"


    Ji Jingxu stares at his friend for a long second, then shrugs his shoulder with indifference. It was as if the sad scene of him in the rain had never happened.


    "It''s nothing."


    He walks towards the school gate but identally bumps into a group of young men wearing the same uniform as him.


    One member of the group turns around to see who has bumped into him. Seeing that it was Ji Jingxu, one corner of his lip curls up into a sneer, and he scoffs.


    "I was wondering who it was that bumped into me. It was none other than the freeloader of the Ji family."


    Ji Jingxu stares at the young man with a face void of any emotions. He looked unbothered by the young man''s words, but unlike him, Zhuang Li''s expression darkens.


    He (Zhuang Li) took a step forward but was stopped by Ji Jingxu.


    Seeing this, the young manughs in ridicule.


    "Pathetic. Why are you even here? Are you out of food? Is that why youe to school every day?"


    His words sound, and his group of friends didn''t forget to chime in a historicalugh.


    Ji Jingxu nced from one person to another before stopping at the young man he bumped. He contemted whether he should retaliate or just act like they didn''t exist.


    For him, fighting with this group was easy since he trained with the soldiers at the Ji Mansion every day. He even learned a few new tricks on how to win against a group.


    However, after careful thinking, he looks away from each person.


    "Zhuang Li, let''s go."


    He ignores the group of peopleughing and walks through the gate to school.


    Zhuang Li was fuming with anger, but seeing Ji Jingxu feign ignorance, he decided to do the same. He catches up to his friend and heaves a sigh.


    "Why do you even put up with them? They deserve a beating for always looking down on others."


    Ji Jingxu stares ahead as he walks towards the school. His thoughts remain unreadable at the moment, but if one were to pay attention, one would see his tightly clenched fists.


    It was a sign of how much he was holding back his anger.


    "This much, I can take in."


    His voice sounds after a long moment, and Zhuang Li looks at him in confusion.


    "Why are you even holding back? You have a grandfather and an older sister who treasures you. One word and those idiots would be dealt with in seconds."


    Ji Jingxu smiled, but his smile didn''t reach his eyes. His friend was right. If he told his grandfather or Yue Ling, he would never have to see those people again.


    However, he doesn''t want to be a nuisance with everything that is happening.


    He always told his grandfather and older sister that school was good for him. However, they do not know that life at school was never easy for him.


    His only friend at school is Zhuang Li, while others look down on him for being the adopted son of the Ji family.


    He was often bullied, but he pretended everything was fine when he was home with his grandfather.


    He doesn''t want his grandfather to regret ever adopting him and doesn''t want to bring shame to the family. It was the least he could do for Grandfather Ji and Yue Ling by pretending everything was fine.


    His smile fades with the rain, and he walks to the school''s front door.


    "I can''t bother them with little things like this."


    Zhuang Li sighs as he watches his friend walk away. He could never understand why Ji Jingxu is so stubborn when ites to asking for help from his family.


    When will the Ji family know that Ji Jingxu''s school life is not so great?


    He shakes his head and turns back to look at the group of young men still standing by the gate. He scoffs at them then sticks his tongue out as his eyes roll up before following Ji Jingxu.


    The young man that looked down on Ji Jingxu was rendered speechless. He grew agitated and wanted to beat up Zhuang Li, but one of his friends grabbed his arm, stopping him.


    "What the hell?! Why are you stopping me?!"


    "Are you crazy?"


    His friend utters in a low voice, then signals with his head to the side of them.


    "Don''t you see that people are surveilling?"


    The young man turns to look in the direction his friend had pointed out. He sees the car Zhuang Li had exited from and held in his anger.


    If he or his friends had made a move on Ji Jingxu or Zhuang Li, whoever was in the car would havee out to stop them.


    He res at the school where Ji Jingxu and Zhuang Li had gone, and his face turned ck.


    "After school. We''ll catch them off guard and teach them a lesson. Even if we get only one of them, I''ll make sure they can never stand up anymore."


    He deres in a threatening voice and enters the gate. He will make Ji Jingxu pay for ignoring him and Zhuang Li for taking him lightly.


    So what if they are from military families?


    His family is just as influential and is highly respected in Imperial.. No one ever dares to go against him or his family.

 Chapter 887 - Get An Autograph

    Unaware of her younger brother''s troubles at school, Yue Ling sat in the back seat of Liu Shan''s car. She scrolls through the tablet in her hand with her mind upied with work.


    Liu Shan nced at the rearview mirror and hesitated a few seconds. He looks back at the road ahead then inhales a deep breath.


    "Boss, I received an e-mail from Blush Tree."


    Yue Ling''s hand on the tablet''s screen pauses then continues without looking up.


    "What happened?"


    Hearing the question, Liu Shan wanted to cry butcked the tears to shed. He inhales another breath to calm his mind before answering.


    "Ji Chu Hua took your dress for your engagement party."


    Yue Ling stopped what she was doing and ced the tablet down on herp. A dangerous glint of light shed across her bluish-green eyes, and she smirked.


    "Interesting."


    She had been wondering why her cousin had been so quiettely. It appears the woman was up to this.


    Liu Shan could see her expression from the rearview mirror, and he couldn''t help but shiver a hard gulp. He knows that his boss is scary when her line has been crossed, but the situation is now different.


    That smile on her face meant someone''s fate was sealed.


    "B-Boss¡­ do you want me to take care of it?"


    Yue Ling nce at the mirror that reflects her assistant''s face. She lightly shakes her head and picks up the tablet.


    "I''ll take care of it. You just focus on your work."


    She crosses her right leg over her left leg. Her gesture shows that she does not want to dwell on the topic anymore.


    Liu Shan sighed inside, and his thoughts were all over the ce. However, considering the fact that Ji Chu Hua dares to do something ridiculous such as steal his boss''s engagement dress, he doesn''t feel any sympathy for the woman.


    Ji Chu Hua deserves whatever punishmentes her way.


    Oblivious to her assistant''s thoughts, Yue Ling holds the tablet in her hand but lifts her head to look out the window.


    She stares at the rain that doesn''t seem to stop anytime soon.


    "Boss, we''re here."


    The car soon slows to a stop in front of An Qing, and Liu Shan announces their arrival. He steps out to help her out from the back seat.


    Yue Ling''s view changed from the passing buildings to the building belonging to herself. She cleared her mind of all unnecessary troubles and stepped out of the car when the door opened.


    "CEO Han."


    Liu Yilong greeted her. The elderly man smiles at her and gestures a polite bow in respect.


    "It''s wonderful to have youe here despite your busy schedule at De L''amour."


    Yue Ling gives the elderly man a nod and heads in the direction of An Qing while Liu Shan leaves to park the car in the underground parking garage.


    "I trust that everything here is good."


    A chuckle sounded from Liu Yilong as he walked shoulder to shoulder with Yue Ling. He was surprised to see her hear about her sudden arrival, considering the situation that happened. However, he was d to know that she was still the same.


    She never allowed her busy schedule to stop her from doing anything.


    "Everything here has been taken care of, and we''ve rid all the snakes."


    As the two reach the double ss doors, he reaches for the door handle and holds it open for her.


    "Regarding the branch locations, what do you n to do?"


    Yue Ling smiles thankfully at the elderly man and enters the building. However, she doesn''t forget to answer the question.


    "It''s being taken care of by De L''amour''s design team."


    Liu Yilong was surprised by her answer. He thought Yue Ling would send someone from An Qing to handle the branch locations, but he didn''t know what to consider to hear that the task was given to her design team.


    As someone who used to be with Fate, he knew each person well. After all, if the people in question weren''t posing as De L''amour''s design team, they were Fate''s notorious Alpha Team.


    However, he couldn''t help but smile when thinking about the seven people. He met Qi Li when he came to An Qing with Yue Ling, but he hasn''t seen the others.


    Are they all doing well? What about Lin Hui?


    Yue Ling stops in the lobby to wait for Liu Shan. When she sees the elderly man''s smile, she smiles with him.


    "Don''t worry. They''re doing well, and they won''t stir any trouble."


    Hearing this, Liu Yilong was relieved. He was worried because he wasn''t sure if sending deadly people to handle business affairs would be safe for Yue Ling and thepanies she worked so hard on.


    He nodded his head in understanding and held his hands behind his back.


    "That''s good to hear. Just remember that you still have us at An Qing. If you need us, we will be at your call."


    Yue Ling was genuinely thankful for her employees at An Qing, especially those who used to be a part of Fate.


    Despite leaving Fate to live a decent life, they still treated her the same.


    However, the more she looks at Liu Yilong, the more she feels regretful.


    He had long passed the age for retirement, yet he chose to remain in An Qing to help her. She would ask him to stop working and spend time with his family without any worry if she could persuade him.


    Liu Yilong knew what Yue Ling was thinking and reassured her at a nce.


    "You don''t need to consider this old man''s feelings. As long as I am still standing, I will always work. Even if it wasn''t here."


    Yue Ling kept a smile on her face. She decides to change the topic while they wait for Liu Shan.


    "How are your wife and children doing?"


    Liu Yilong blinks his eyes at the sudden question but sounds a burst of heartfeltughter.


    "They''re doing good. My wife has been taking a gardening ss. My son is still overseas studying while my daughter is still studying here in Imperial."


    He was happy that Yue Ling still remembers his family. Of course, he cannot tell her how much his son is head over heels in love with her. He (the son) even has a printed photo of her saved as his phone screen saver.


    Yue Ling softens as she listens to the elderly man talk about his family. She was reminded of the past and how sweet his wife treated her.


    "If you ever need any help, please let me know."


    Liu Yilong wanted to turn down her offer, but thinking about something, he hesitated for a split second then reluctantly asked.


    "Well¡­ there is one thing¡­."


    His cheeks flush a shade of pink, and he leans towards Yue Ling to whisper.


    "My son¡­ If possible¡­"


    He clears his throat a few times out of embarrassment then continues his words.


    "Can I get an autograph for him?"


    Yue Ling was in bewilderment at the unexpected request. She thought he would ask for something more extravagant. Never did she expect him to ask for her autograph for his son.


    Sheughed when she saw his embarrassed yet desperate expression. Her head nods, and she looks away from him.


    "I''ll give you the autograph before I leave."


    Hearing her approval at his request, Liu Yilong''s eyes lit up with fireworks. His son would be thrilled by this news. He (the son) might evene flying home to visit.


    "Did I miss anything?"


    Liu Shan suddenly chimes in to interrupt the two people after parking the car. He was confused by the atmosphere and looked between his boss and the elderly man.


    He focuses his eyes on Liu Yilong and squints his eyes in suspicion.


    "Hey, old man, what''s going on here?"


    Liu Yilong was brought back to reality, and his face returned to normal. He looks at the assistant and snorts with arrogance.


    "Liu Shan, we are at An Qing. Can''t you act properly? Here, I am Mr. Liu. Not old man."


    He will never tell Liu Shan about his request because not once did he ever ask for Yue Ling''s autograph. Even before she retired from the modeling industry, he never did.


    Liu Shan''s mouth opened in astonishment. He sarcasticallyughs and crosses his arms over his chest.


    "Old man, we may share the same surname, but our blood flows differently. You don''t have to tell me when to act properly."


    He slightly leans towards Liu Yilong and mischievously grins.


    "Judging from your expression, let me guess. You finally asked for boss''s autograph, hm?"


    Liu Yilong''s muscles tensed around his mouth in embarrassment. He couldn''t believe how urate Liu Shan was at guessing the situation.


    However, seeing the smug looks on the young man''s face, his hands began to itch.


    He raises both his hands but stops midair, leaving them to tremble. He fights the urge to decide whether he should strangle Liu Shan to death or consider his pride.


    Liu Shan took notice of this, and his eyes widened. He pointed to the elderly man and held back his urge tough.


    "Look. Look. Who''s the one who can''t act properly now?"


    Liu Yilong''s face turned crimson red. No one knew whether it was because he was embarrassed or whether he was fighting the demon inside. However, one thing was clear. He wanted to strangle Liu Shan.


    Yue Ling watched the friendly dispute between the elderly man and her assistant. She suddenly had a quick shback of the past before she dispersed Fate.


    Despite Liu Yilong being an elder for them, he was someone everyone could joke with and treated everyone like his children. He often disciplined them but only taught them right from wrong.


    He would sometimes state that he wished Liu Shan was rted to him by blood.


    As her thoughts back to memoryne began to progress, she quickly stopped them.


    She decides they had enough time to catch up and gets down to her purpose for visiting.


    "Mr. Liu, if you don''t mind. I would like to see how the employees are doing."


    At her words, Liu Yilong''s urge to harm Liu Shan disappears, and he smiles at her. His expression was as if he never had anything to do with the assistant.


    "Of course."


    He gestures towards a direction, and his words continue.


    "Right this way. Everyone has been eager to meet you since yourst visit."


    Yue Ling doesn''t respond but heads towards the pointed direction while Liu Shan doesn''t hesitate to follow behind her. However, as he walks past Liu Yilong, he doesn''t forget to give the elderly man a look.


    His expression was as if saying, ''Ha! As long as boss is here, you can''t harm me.''


    The corners of Liu Yilong''s mouth twitched when he saw the face Liu Shan gave him. Now he really regrets not strangling the young man.


    However, not wanting to lose to Liu Shan, he raises his right arm.


    He points to his eyes with his index and middle fingers before pointing to Liu Shan. He doesn''t say anything, but the assistant quickly understands the meaning behind his gesture and swallows a gulp.


    ''Just you wait.. I''m watching you.''

 Chapter 888 - Don’t Ever Fight Back

    By the time Yue Ling finished visiting An Qing, the time had already reached noon. She exits the building after bidding farewell to Liu Yilong and waits for Liu Shan to bring the car around.


    Of course, she didn''t forget to give the elderly man an autograph for his son.


    However, the moment she stepped outside, she saw a familiar ck car parked in front of An Qing.


    Her eyebrows slightly furrowed, and she watched as the driver''s side door opened.


    When she saw the tall figure of the person she lives with step out into view, her eyes widened in surprise.


    "Tian? Why are you here?"


    Lu Tian smiles at the sight of his wife. He walks up to her and takes her by the hand.


    "I booked an appointment with you."


    He walks her to the car and opens the passenger side door for her.


    "Did you think about where you want to go for lunch?"


    Yue Ling was in a confused state of mind. Before she realized it, she was already sitting inside the car, and they were driving away from An Qing.


    "What about Liu Shan? He left to get the car. What if he sees that I''m not waiting for him?"


    Lu Tian smiles and gives her a side nce.


    "I sent him a message when I got here."


    As the couple left to have lunch, back in An Qing''s underground garage parking, Liu Shan sat in his car with heavy eyes. He stares down at his phone with Lu Tian''s message that arrived when he got to his car.


    [Lu Tian: ''Yue Ling. Lunch.'']


    "Wow¡­ This guy is really something else."


    Heughs at the ridiculous message and shakes his head. It was short, but he understood its meaning like the back of his hand.


    Lu Tian is picking up Yue Ling from An Qing, and two are going out for lunch.


    However, he can''t help but wonder about something.


    How in the world does Lu Tian evenmunicate with people over the phone or through messages? Do people even understand him?


    He suddenly felt sorry for Xu Long and Wolf Team when thinking about these questions. The men must have difficulty trying to decipher Lu Tian''s short words.


    He cuts his thoughts short and calls Xu Long.


    The line quickly connects, and before the person on the other line could speak, he spoke first.


    "Where are we meeting for lunch?"


    Once he got confirmation for their meeting location, he ended the call and drove out of the garage parking.


    While everyone went on their way to have lunch, in another part of Imperial, the school bell rang, and students left for the cafeteria.


    "Hey Jingxu, are you going to skip lunch today too?"


    Zhuang Li asked as he stood up from his desk. He noticed Ji Jingxu had been skipping lunch for a while and worried about the boy.


    "You go ahead. I''m going to the library."


    Ji Jingxu replied and walked out of the ssroom without looking back at his friend. He didn''t have an appetite, and he needed to do something.


    As students headed in one direction, he headed in the opposite. He soon arrives at the school library and stops in front of the medical section.


    He reaches for a thick book on diseases and treatments.


    This is the reason why he had been skipping lunch.


    Ever since he learned about his grandfather''s illness, he had been trying to find a way to treat the old man.


    While students enjoy their lunch, he sits down on the floor and opens the book. As he began to read, he took out a notebook and didn''t forget to jot down the necessary things.


    *bang-!


    A hard-covered book is thrown at him in the middle of his reading butnds in front of him. His focus on the book he was reading fades, and he nces at the object inches away from him.


    "Oops. I guess my hand slipped."


    A voice full of ridicule sounds from the side, and he knew who it was. He reaches for the book and turns his head in the direction the book was thrown.


    He sees the young man he bumped into in the morning and his friends but kept a calm expression.


    "Deng Xian, the library is a ce for quietness. If you are going to be loud, you should leave."


    Deng Xian sneers at how calm Ji Jingxu is behaving. He walks over and kicks the book in Ji Jingxu''s hand. It was the book he had thrown.


    "Quietness? Why should I be quiet in here when there''s no one here?"


    When he saw the book Ji Jingxu was reading, he snatches it and flips through the page.


    "What the hell is this crap? Diseases?"


    He looks at Ji Jingxu and mockinglyughs.


    "Are you trying to find treatment for your Freeloading Disease?"


    Hisugh echoed in the library along with his group of friends, but Ji Jingxu remained the same.


    Calm and collected.


    He stood up from where he sat and looked at Deng Xian in the eye.


    "Give me the book."


    He has better things to do than to affiliate himself with these people. His grandfather is ill, and he cannot waste any time.


    Deng Xian felt his blood boil inside at the expression on Ji Jingxu''s face. He smirks and rips a few pages out before throwing it at the person he loathed.


    "Here. I''ll give you these pages to help you find a cure for your disease."


    The papers fluttered in different directions beforending on the floor. However, Ji Jingxu never once winced his eyes or flinched.


    He stares at Deng Xian then bends down to pick up the ripped pages scattered in front of him.


    Deng Xian grew even more agitated by his behavior. He thought that by now, Ji Jingxu would retaliate. However, the more he saw how calm the boy was, the more rage grew inside of him.


    "Tsk."


    He clicked his tongue, and out of anger, he threw the book in his hand. This time, hitting Ji Jingxu on the head.


    "Pick this us while you''re at it too."


    He howls a peal ofughter like he had heard the funniest joke in the world, but his friends didn''t.


    Each person nced at one another and didn''t know if they should stop Deng Xian or follow along.


    Ji Jingxu stops what he is doing for a second before continuing. He finished picking up the torn pages along with the book then straightened his posture.


    "If you''re done being immature, then leave. I have more important things to do."


    He can only steady himself because he cannot let his grandfather and sister down. If they heard that school isn''t pleasant for him, they would be sad.


    Not only that, his grandfather is hospitalized. He cannot put more stress on the old man.


    Deng Xian''s face turned red when he saw that Ji Jingxu was ignoring him again. He strides over to the boy and grabs him by the cor.


    "You think you are better than everyone here?!"


    He ms Ji Jingxu against the bookcase causing a few books to fall from the shelf.


    "Remember. You are nothing but a freeloader. Without that old man''s help, you wouldn''t even be able to attend this school or look down on us!"


    His eyes burned with intense rage, and he res sinisterly at Ji Jingxu.


    "Once that old man dies, you will be nothing. Without him, no one will protect you."


    *bam-!


    When Deng Xian''sst word fell, he was suddenly punched in the face. He stumbles back but is unable to steady his feet. He hits the bookcase behind him and falls to the ground.


    He looked up at the person who had punched him in the face and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    "What? Did that hit your soft spot?"


    He sneers augh, knowing he has gotten under Ji Jingxu''s skin.


    "If so, that old should just die-"


    *bam!


    Before he could finish his words, Ji Jingxu threw another punch at him, then another and another. He falls back onto the floor and tries to fight back, but he can only try to block.


    He thought he was strong, but Ji Jingxu was stronger, to his surprise.


    Ji Jingxu''s patience exploded like a dam, and rage engulfed his mind. He held Deng Xian down and never ceased his punches once.


    He had been nice enough to ignore the bullying. However, never will he let anyone badmouth those he loves.


    He grabs Deng Xian by the cor and ms his head hard on the floor.


    "Shut up! Shut up! Take back your words!"


    His voice, now full of rage, echoed in the library along with the sound of fists hitting the skin.


    Not one of Deng Xian''s friends was in their right mind to intervene.


    They thought the n was to beat up Ji Jingxu after school. How did the situation escte to now?


    It was as if Deng Xian had be a punching bag for Ji Jingxu.


    "You don''t know anything!!!!"


    Ji Jingxu was angry.


    Angry that the man who showered him with love was going to leave this world and Deng Xian dares to mock death like it was a joke.


    "H-H-Help¡­"


    Deng Xian was beaten ck and blue by Ji Jingxu but could only squeeze out a word to his friends. His voice brought them back to their senses, and each person jumped forward to get Ji Jingxu off of their friend.


    "Get off of him!"


    "Stop! You''re going to kill him!"


    Three young men tried to pull Ji Jingxu away, but the moment their hands touched the boy, he averted his fist towards them beforending back on Deng Xian.


    There was no way of stopping him (Ji Jingxu) now.


    However, each person continued to try their hardest to stop the fight.


    "Get away from him!!!"


    Before another person could grab Ji Jingxu again, Zhuang Li''s thunderous roar suddenly sounded from behind them.


    Each person was taken aback by surprise and turned to look at Ji Jingxu''s reinforcement. The moment they turned around, they were met with either Zhuang Li''s fist or foot.


    Zhuang Li kicked one of Deng Xian''sckey in the stomach since he was in the middle then threw a punch at the one on the right then the left.


    The three young men stumble to the ground, and Zhuang Li res down at them.


    "How dare you all gang up on my friend while I was eating!!!"


    He grabs the person he had kicked on the stomach and starts punching him in the face.


    "Just because we don''t ever fight back doesn''t mean we are weak!"


    He threw fist after fist and roared like a fierce lion in battle.


    "Today, I, your grandfather, am going to teach you a lesson!!!"


    Seeing that the situation hase to this, one of Deng Xian''s friends held his cheek that Zhuang Li punched.. He gets up from the floor and scurries out of the library to seek help.

 Chapter 889 - Can’t Go Today

    Rain poured over Elegancy as it did over Imperial. Lu Tian parks his car in an empty parking space and steps out with an umbre in hand. After picking up his wife from An Qing, she suggesteding here since it had been a while.


    He strides over to the passenger side and opens the door to help his wife out.


    The couple leisurely walked hand in hand towards the restaurant.


    "Ah Ling, is that you?"


    Madam Zhao greets them with a vast and bright smile upon their entrance. Her smile was so bright that it was enough to overpower the gloomy sky outside.


    She walks fast, almost like she is running towards Yue Ling. She takes the retired model by the hands, adding a few gentle squeezes.


    "I''m so d you came here. Have you eaten anything yet? How about I tell the old man to cook you something delicious?"


    Yue Ling didn''t know what to say. All she could do was smile after saying hello to the middle-aged woman.


    This is because the moment Madam Zhao took her hand, the woman was already leading her to an empty table.


    However, unlike her, Lu Tian held a sulking expression.


    He stares at his aunt with eyes that could pierce a person''s soul, then looks down at his empty hand. The warmth of his wife''s hand in his still lingered, but it didn''t feel the same.


    "I should have picked the ce¡­."


    He murmurs with a sigh and lifts his head. When he saw that his wife had been seated and handed the menu, he walked over to the table.


    He pulls the chair back and takes a seat across from her.


    "Hello, Aunt Zhao."


    Seeing that his aunt was still standing there, he reluctantly greeted her.


    His voice took Madam Zhao by surprise. She looks at him, and realizing that it is her nephew, sheughs and hits him on the shoulder.


    "Aiya, Tian. When did you get here? I didn''t see you at all."


    Lu Tian''s eyes were heavy as he stared at his aunt. However, hearing her words, he rolled his eyes. He had been here the entire time, and yet, she didn''t even notice him.


    He looks away from her and decides to do what he does best. Pretend she isn''t there.


    His gazends on his wife, and his entire being changes with a sweet smile.


    "What should we order for lunch?"


    Yue Ling stares in utter disbelief at Lu Tian and Madam Zhao. Her eyes nce back and forth at the two individuals, thenughs at their behavior.


    "I''m sorry. Please don''t mind me at all."


    She picks up the menu and scans through the list to see what she feels like eating.


    Lu Tian and Madam Zhao knew where they had been wrong. The aunt and nephew duo nce at one another, thening to a nonverbal conversation, Lu Tian picks up the menu in front of him while Madam Zhao storms away.


    "Please take a look at the menu. Let me go get the water."


    Madam Zhao didn''t forget to ry before heading for the kitchen. She had been so excited to see Yue Ling that she forgot the girl must be dehydrated from working too much.


    Yue Ling kept her head down, but if one were to take a closer look, one would see that she had a big smile on her face. She doesn''t know why but she immensely enjoys the interactions between Lu Tian and his family members.


    She looks up from behind the menu and locks eyes with Lu Tian. The corners of her mouth arc up into a smile that reaches her eyes.


    "Are you craving anything in particr?"


    Lu Tian gazes at his wife in silence before shrugging his shoulders in a nonchnt manner.


    "I''m not a picky eater. Anything you pick will do."


    Yue Ling gave him a doubtful look before taking up his offer. She looks back down at the menu and decides on what to order.


    By the time she came to a decision, Madam Zhao had returned with two sses of water. She sets them down on the table for the couple then smiles at Yue Ling.


    Her entire being was as if her nephew was not seated at the same table.


    "Ah Ling, have you decided on what you want to order?"


    Yue Ling smiles a return at the middle-aged woman before cing her order. Once she was done, Madam Zhao hurried off to ry the order to the kitchen staff so that she could return to chat.


    "Should we have lunch somewhere else?"


    Lu Tian''s deep voice suddenly sounds from across the table, and she looks at him. Seeing that his eyes were directed in the direction his aunt had gone, she knew what was on his mind.


    She held her smile in ce and shook her head.


    "I''ve already ced our order. It would be rude just to get up and leave. Besides, this is your mother''s restaurant. She would be sad."


    Lu Tian pursed his lips at her response. His wife was right. As much as he wants to take her to have lunch somewhere else, it would be wrong to leave now.


    He sighs inside and nods his head in understanding.


    "I''ll listen to you."


    Yue Ling was d to know that he didn''t want to leave anymore. She nced around the restaurant and noticed how empty the ce was.


    Other than her and Lu Tian, only five customers were dining inside. However, remembering that Elegancy isn''t a typical restaurant, she pushes the thought away and looks at the man sitting across from her.


    She hesitated on whether to ask him about a question on her mind before taking a deep breath.


    "Tian, about our wedding, I know your mother said for us not to worry about it, but isn''t there anything we can do?"


    Lu Tian knew this question was bound to happen sooner orter. He reached across the table and held his wife''s hand.


    "Don''t worry. My mother has everything under control. You don''t have to worry about anything and focus on work."


    He gave her hand a gentle squeeze seeing her face slightly change into one of worry.


    "If you want, we can visit my parents."


    Yue Ling felt a little down when she heard him say not to worry. She may not show it outside, but she was worried about their wedding, along with the engagement party as well.


    She understands that Madam Lu wants to take the stress of nning off her shoulders, but she wants to be a part of the preparation as the bride. It''s the least she could do for the family that is weing her.


    However, when she heard Lu Tian''s ending sentence, her eyes lit up, and her expression turned into one full of life.


    "Really? We can go?"


    Lu Tian couldn''t help but smile upon seeing her expression. He nods his head and parts his lips to respond, but her following words take him by surprise.


    "How about we go today after work?"


    Yue Ling puts on a pondering face, then her bluish-green eyes look straight into his dark ones.


    "After visiting your parents, we can stop by to visit yeye and Jingxu and bring Inu home."


    "No."


    Lu Tian abruptly interrupts her at the mention of Grandfather Ji. He swallows a hard gulp when he sees her slightly shocked reaction to his word.


    He averts his gaze from her for a split second and shakes his head.


    "I can''t go today. I have to workte."


    He spoke in the most normal voice he could make. He could not afford his wife to find any fault in his words.


    If she did suspect him, he would have no choice but to tell her about Grandfather Ji.


    Not only that, he had ns for them after work.


    Yue Ling''s eyebrows raised, and her heart stopped for a brief moment. She didn''t think Lu Tian would reject the idea. However, hearing his reason, she didn''t overthink and found it reasonable.


    "I see."


    A smile appears on her face and reces the shocked look that was on her face seconds ago.


    "We can go when you have time then."


    Lu Tian gaze at his wife with a tight feeling in his chest. He knows that what he is doing is wrong, and it was killing him inside not to tell her.


    If he hadn''t promised Grandfather Ji, he would have told her in a heartbeat.


    However, he can only let this guilt feeling eat him on the inside.


    He let go of her hand and stood up from his seat. He doesn''t leave but walks to her side of the table and sits down next to her.


    Retaking hold of her hand, he brings it to his lip and ces a kiss on the back.


    "Everything will be okay."


    He looks at her with eyes expressing his clear feeling behind his words. However, no one knew if those words were for his wife or him.


    Yue Ling didn''t know how to react to his sudden closeness, but she smiled at him, thinking his words were directed towards her worry about their wedding.


    "Thank you for your reassurance."


    "Sorry to keep you waiting."


    Madam Zhao returns to their table with a cart of the food Yue Ling ordered. She ced each dish in neat order, and Yue Ling couldn''t help but inhale the delicious aroma.


    "Wow. Everything looks and smells delicious."


    She (Yue Ling) praises the perfect presentation of the food while Madam Zhao turns bashful at thepliments. The two women didn''t forget to have small chats here and there.


    However, Lu Tian''s eyes never moved away from his wife. Even when he could only see the side angle of her face.


    His expression held happiness to see her smile, but at the same time, there was an unfamiliar sadness that could be seen if one were to take a closer look.


    He says that everything will be okay, but will this happiness around her still stay once she learns the truth?

 Chapter 890 - Only A Matter Of Time

    Lunch passed with ease, leaving Lu Tian to drive Yue Ling back to De L''amour. As the couple went on to finish their work at Imperial Military Hospital, Ji Jingxu stood inside the private room with his head down.


    He stares at the floor with unblinking eyes. He couldn''t remember how he got here.


    He could only remember staring down at a bloody Deng Xian before three teachers pulled him away, and he noticed Zhuang Li.


    Before he could ask how his friend arrived at the library, time seemed to have sped up, and he was already at the hospital.


    "Jingxu, are you listening to me?!!"


    Grandfather Ji''s voice thundered inside the room, and he lifted his head to look at the old man.


    He could tell from a nce that the old man was angry. However, knowing he was in the wrong for fighting, he nods his head instead of arguing back.


    "Yes, sir."


    Grandfather Ji was indeed fuming with anger. He had just finished getting his blood drawn when he received a phone call from Ji Jingxu''s school.


    He thought something had befallen his grandson and answered the call, but to his surprise, Ji Jingxu had got into a fight.


    When he heard the principal''s words, he wanted to storm into the school and find out the reason. However, with his condition and Doctor Dong''s eyes on him, he could only send his assistant, Zhong Yang.


    He stares at his grandson, and the burning rage inside him deted.


    Ji Jingxu stood in front of him with a calm posture, but the boy''s cheek was bruised and injured on the forehead.


    He inhales a deep breath then exhales.


    "Why did you get into a fight? Were you being bullied at school?"


    Ji Jingxu averts his eyes from the old man. He thinks about how to answer when Grandfather Ji''s words sound again.


    "Why didn''t you tell Ah Ling or me?"


    Grandfather Ji felt a sense of pain crawl inside him the more he looks at Ji Jingxu. He admits he may have been tough on the boy, but he cares deeply for him.


    He never once thought Ji Jingxu was being bullied at school because he (Ji Jingxu) never once showed any signs. If he had known, he would have stepped in and stopped the bullying.


    However, he only found out because Zhuang Li was involved in the fight, and Zhuang Xie Li had told him.


    "Were we so undependable that you didn''t want to tell us?"


    Ji Jingxu looked at the old man when he heard those heart-piercing words. His chest tightens, and he clenches his fists to suppress his inner feelings.


    He squeezes his eyes shut but, unable to hold in his feelings, drops onto his knees.


    "I didn''t want to trouble neither you nor Jie."


    His eyes gradually open, and he stares at the floor in front of him.


    "You both are always doing so much for me and put me first. I thought that by making this my problem, I won''t be a burden to you or Jie."


    Grandfather Ji was agonized to hear his grandson. He slowly gets down from the hospital bed and walks over to the boy.


    He doesn''t help Ji Jingxu up, but instead, he lowers himself to his knees.


    "Jingxu¡­"


    His arms raise, and he ces his palms on either side of the boy''s shoulders.


    "Listen to me. No matter where you go or what you do, Ah Ling and I are always on your side."


    He pauses for a second before continuing.


    "Whatever troublees your way or you get into, we will never abandon you."


    The corners of his lips tremble a smile as he wanted to hold back the pain circting inside him for Ji Jingxu.


    "You are my grandson and Ah Ling''s brother. You are a member of my Ji family. Your troubles are our trouble. Your enemies are our enemies. Never will you be a burden."


    Ji Jingxu slowly raises his head to look at his grandfather. His vision blur from tears as his lower lips tremble before choking a sob.


    "Why should I be in the wrong for hitting him? He deserves it¡­."


    Unable to hold in the torrent feelings as he did during the fight, he joined the dark clouds over Imperial. It was as if his tears had be the rain pouring outside.


    "He said you should die¡­."


    Grandfather Ji''s eyes slightly widened when he heard why Ji Jingxu had fought Deng Xian. However, seeing the boy in such a vulnerable state, he puts his arms around his grandson''s trembling body.


    "It''s alright, Jingxu."


    He gently pats the boy''s back as if to soothe away the sadness that had taken over Ji Jingxu.


    "What that boy said is true¡­."


    His eyes welled with tears, his lips forming a small smile as he tried his best to blink back the tears from falling.


    "You know my condition. It is only a matter of time before I have to leave this world."


    Ji Jingxu shook his head in denial and held onto Grandfather Ji''s shirt with tightly clenched fists. His sobs never-ceasing one bit.


    "No¡­ I will find a way¡­ I will find a way to help you."


    He had been studying ever since he found out about his grandfather''s illness. He will apply to a medical school and find a treatment. Even if he has to give up everything, he will do it if it can keep his grandfather alive.


    Grandfather Ji was proud to hear his grandson''s touching words. However, he knew better than anyone that his life wasing to an end.


    He just didn''t know when.


    Even Doctor Dong, who has been a doctor for many years, cannot cure him but can only try to dy his time to leave.


    His arms wrapped around his grandson tightens, and a single tear slid down his eyes before another made its way.


    He doesn''t say anything but hugs Ji Jingxu as he silently cries with the boy.


    With the limited time he has, he needs to get discharged from the hospital. Only by doing so will he be able to set a clear path for his grandchildren when he leaves.


    Ji Jingxu''s sobs echoed inside the room and into the hallway. He cried his heart out as if the wall he put up to block his feelings had been broken.


    However, as time continued, everything soon turned into silence.


    "Woof."


    Inu runs into the room but stops when he sees another person recing his second favorite person.


    "Inu, wait for me!"


    Following the Samoyed was Zhong Yang. The elderly man had taken the Samoyed out for a walk to give room for Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu to talk.


    As he enters the room while trying to catch his breath, he stops when he sees Ji Jingxu lying on the bed.


    "I''m over here."


    Grandfather Ji''s voice suddenly sounds from the side, causing the assistant and Samoyed to turn to the person.


    After the tearful moment between grandfather and grandson, Ji Jingxu had cried himself to sleep. The boy must have been exhausted since he didn''t wake up when the nurses came in to treat his wounds.


    He only hopes that after today, Ji Jingxu wille to ept the truth that he is dying.


    Inu sees the old man sitting on a chair and quietly pounce over. He rubs his head against the side of Grandfather Ji''s left leg beforeying on the floor.


    Grandfather Ji leans forward to pat the little guy on the head. A smile appears on his face, but one can see the redness under his eyes. It was enough to let others know that he had been crying.


    "Inu, you''ve been a goodpany."


    He ran his fingers through the Samoyed''s fur, then looked at his grandson sleeping on the bed.


    "Zhong Yang."


    "I''m here, sir."


    Zhong Yang takes a step forward without asking any questions about what happened between his boss and Ji Jingxu.


    "Notify the Deng family and Jingxu''s school."


    A glint of light shes across the pupils of Grandfather Ji''s eyes, and his entire persona turns into the almighty General that he is when preparing to meet his enemies.


    "I will meet them in a week."


    His eyes dangerously darken, and he smirks.


    "I will have them taken care of along with the Chen and Qin family."


    While he is still alive and standing, he will ensure that anyone who dares to stir trouble for his grandchildren will know what it is like to go against him. Not only that, he wants to make it clear that even when he is gone, no one can belittle the two people he values more than his own life.


    "They will soon know my true wrath."


    He looks at Zhong Yang and straightens his spine to cross his arms over his chest.


    "Are you with me?"


    Zhong Yang was astonished by his old friend''s sudden change in demeanor. However, having followed the old man for many years, he knew what was on his (Grandfather Ji) mind.


    A carefree smile appeared on his face, but his eyes held a devious glow as if he could already see the other family''s downfall. He politely bows his head, and the smile he makes reaches his eyes.


    "Always, sir.. Always."

 Chapter 891 - Responsibility For Kissing

    As the people of Imperial carried on with their day, a tiny cafe sat in the heart of Imperial. Compared to the bustling noise outside, the inside was calm, with soft music ying in the background.


    Sitting at a table in front of the window was a woman with wavy red hair. In front of her was a warm cup of coffee, and every few seconds, she would lift the cup to take a sip.


    *ding


    The door to the cafe suddenly chimes as it opens, and a man drenched from the rain enters the ce. In his right hand was his ck motorcycle helmet.


    "Hi, wee to Espresso Love."


    A young man greeted with a smile from behind the counter when he saw the new customer.


    "Ah¡­ I''m here to meet someone."


    The man responds as he looks around the ce for a specific person.


    "Lin Hui."


    Just when Lin Hui turned his head to the left, he heard his name and looked around to the right. He sees the red hair woman and walks over to her table.


    "Good afternoon, Miss Qin. Sorry foringte."


    He takes a seat across from the woman while cing his helmet on the empty chair next to him.


    Qin Xue stares at the man''s every move. Until he wasfortably seated, she passed him the cafe menu at the side of the table.


    "Don''t worry. I arrived not too long ago. I already ordered myself a drink, so take your time."


    Lin Hui takes the menu but doesn''t look at it. He ces it down in front of him and stares back at the woman.


    "Why did you suddenly ask to meet?"


    He didn''t beat around the bush and went straight to the point. He had been at home with the Liu siblings when he suddenly received a message from Qin Xue asking to meet.


    A part of him wanted to reject the chance to meet because he had a hunch about the meaning behind it. However, he is a gentleman, so he decided to ept the invitation.


    He nces at the clock on the wall in the cafe then looks at the woman seated across from him.


    "I have to get back, so let''s cut to the chase."


    Qin Xue blinked in surprise at Lin Hui''s behavior. Compared to the first time they met, he seemed distant and cold this time. However, considering what happened that day, she could understand his reasoning for behaving this way.


    She held the cup of coffee with her hands and showed a faint unexinable smile.


    "I wanted to apologize for my mother''s behavior. She was rude and irrelevant towards you."


    She was so angry when she found out that her mother had caused trouble at the police station and was disrespectful to Lin Hui.


    She told her mother that Lin Hui was only trying to help her from Chen Xincheng and if Lin Hui had not stepped in to save her, who knows what Chen Xinfeng would have done to her already.


    However, no matter what she said, her mother ignored her words.


    In the end, she was pped for defying her mother.


    She closes her eyes, recalling what happened between her and her mother. Once she was able to steady her mind, she opened her eyes and looked up at Lin Hui.


    "I''m really sorry for what happened."


    The man sitting across from her is a good person. Her mother may say Lin Hui is a person who pretends to be good just to get a reward, but she can tell that he is not like that at all.


    Even if this is only their second meeting, she knows when a person has a good heart or not.


    "I want to ask for your forgiveness. I know you are a good person, and my mother is wrong for treating you the way she did."


    Lin Hui stares at Qin Xue with no emotions on his face. He knew this was the reason why she asked to meet, but a part of him hoped that it wasn''t.


    He didn''t want her to apologize for something she did not cause.


    "Miss Qin, you shouldn''t apologize for something you didn''t do, nor do you need my forgiveness."


    He finally spoke after a long silence, and his eyes never moved from her.


    "I don''t hold you ountable for what happened that day. It was normal for your mother to me people like me when ites to situations like this."


    Knowing that the longer he stays here, she will only continue to apologize, he gets up from his seat.


    "Thank you for the invitation. I hope you enjoy the rest of your coffee."


    He reaches for his helmet, and without saying another word, he leaves the cafe. He shouldn''t get involved with Qin Xue.


    He knows that she is different from Madam Qin but it was for the best. He can''t cause any troubles for her even if they are only at the early stages of being friends.


    She is from a world beyond his reach.


    Qin Xue was stunned by his words. She could only stare nkly at the now empty sat in front of her. However, unable to ept the situation, she stands up from her seat and grabs her handbag.


    She runs out of the cafe and searches for Lin Hui in the pouring rain.


    She doesn''t want Lin Hui to think so little of himself. If anything, he is the warmest person she has ever met.


    "Lin-"


    She calls in search of him amongst the crowd but stops when she spots him near his motorcycle. His back was to her, but she knew it was him.


    "Lin Hui!"


    She yelled his name, but the rain and crowd ovepped her voice. However, she doesn''t stop and squeeze through the many people to get to him.


    "Lin Hui, wait. I¡ª ah!"


    Just as she was about to reach him, she bumped into a passerby and stumbled forward.


    Her eyes widened, knowing she was falling but seeing that Lin Hui wasn''t too far from her, she stretched out her arms.


    She was already falling. What is there to lose other than to try and stop him from leaving?


    Lin Hui was about to wear his helmet when he heard a woman''s yelp from behind. He frowned and thought the voice sounded familiar but shrugged his shoulders and proceeded to put on his helmet.


    "What the¡ª"


    Before he could put on his helmet, he eximed in shock. Someone had yanked the back cor of his jacket from behind. He chokes a cough, and his body is pulled backward, dropping his helmet.


    As his body fell back, he could see whoever pulled him from the corner of his eyes and nce to see who had dared to do such a thing.


    His hands curled into tight fists, and he was ready to strike the person down. However, when he saw that it was Qin Xue, his eyes widened in surprise.


    He was falling backward, and she was falling forward.


    As the thought shed in his mind, his eyes widened more when he realized something.


    She was going to fall on his motorcycle.


    Whether he was worried about her getting hurt or his motorcycle, he turns his body to the side and wraps one arm around her. He swiftly pulls her back, thinking he had caught her fall. However, to his surprise, he slips from the rain and falls onto the ground, bringing her along with him.


    He stares as Qin Xuends on top of him, but his eyes widen when he sees her faceing closer and closer until he feels something soft press against his lips.


    His mind turned nk, and his eyes could see that Qin Xue''s expression was no different from his.


    It was like time had slowed down, and the rain falling in all directions seemed to have disappeared.


    The people walking by witnessed the scene and gasped in surprise as whispers sounded.


    It was only then that Lin Hui came to his senses. Although he couldn''t believe that this caused his first kiss, he quickly pulled himself together and pushed her off of him. Of course, he made sure not to hurt her in the process.


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean for this to happen."


    Qin Xue frantically apologizes when she tooes to her senses. She stood up with his help, but her blushing cheeks were visible for all to see.


    Hearing her apologize again, Lin Hui couldn''t help but sigh. He was going to tell her to stop with the apology but seeing that people were looking at them, he frowned.


    He takes a step to block her from the many eyes and scowl at the uninvited audience.


    "Enough with the staring. There''s no show for you to see here."


    Coming face to face with his murderous stare, everyone scrambles away. As much as they were curious about what happened, it was best for them to go on with their day.


    Qin Xue was in a daze while trying to process what had just happened. One moment she was looking for him, then grabbed him while she was falling, and before she knew it, she was already on top of him with their lips touching.


    She slowly raised her left hand and touched her lips. She could still feel the touch of his lips on her.


    "Miss Qin."


    Lin Hui''s voice suddenly brought her back from her daze. She looks at him, but her eyes are glued to his lips, and she swallows a gulp.


    "I¡­"


    She utters one word before swallowing the remaining words. Her brain seemed to have stopped working.


    "It''s alright."


    Lin Hui thought that what happened had shocked her to the core. He decides to be calm and walks to pick up his dropped helmet.


    "Don''t worry. What happened was an ident. I won''t tell anyone about it."


    He holds his helmet up and inspects it. However, seeing a small crack on the face shield, he sighs inside.


    His helmet is not good to wear anymore.


    He ces it on the seat of his motorcycle and opens the little storagepartment at the front. He takes out a ck umbre and walks to where Qin Xue was standing.


    He opens it and hands the umbre to her.


    "Take this. Go home and change, or you''ll catch a cold."


    Qin Xue watched his every move and saw the different expressions he made until he was in front of her again. She looks at his hand holding the umbre then takes it from him.


    However, instead of holding the handle, she ces her hand over his and looks up at his eyes.


    Her expression turned soft, and a faint smile curled on her lips.


    "My mother is wrong. You are not like other people."


    Lin Hui was confused by her gesture but to hear her words, he was even more confused. He parts his lips to ask what she meant, but before he could make a sound, her following words muddled him beyond anything in his life.


    "I''ll take full responsibility for kissing you."


    She looks at him with a severe expression.


    "I really mean it."


    "¡­"

 Chapter 892 - Leave Early Too

    <h4>Chapter 892 - Leave Early Too</h4>


    Lu Corps stood under the rain like a fortress without disturbances. However, while the employee went on with their assignments, Lu Tian finished making his rounds.


    He strides to his office to make preparations for the afternoon meeting.


    "Boss! Boss!"


    Xu Long''s voice suddenly sounds from behind him, and he stops in his steps. He turns his head to the side only to nce at the assistant.


    However, it was only a nce.


    He turns away and enters his office.


    Xu Long was baffled by his tease. He actually thought his boss would wait for him.


    He quickens his speed and makes a run for the door leading to his boss''s office.


    "Assistant Xu, wait."


    Before he could even make a pass, Secretary Ye stops him. The woman stood up from her desk with a stack of documents in her hands.


    She rushes over to the assistant and passes the documents to him.


    "Since you''re heading in there, hand these to CEO Lu."


    She could have handed the documents to Lu Tian when he walked past her desk, but not wanting to lose her job, she didn''t dare to do so.


    After all, everyone in Lu Corps knows how their CEO is towards the opposite gender, excluding Yue Ling.


    Fortunately, Xu Long arrived right on time.


    Xu Long doesn''t think much of her behavior as it was something he had be ustomed to since he became Lu Tian''s assistant. He held onto the stack of documents and proceeded to the office of the devil.


    Within seconds, he reached the door and arched his eyebrows when he saw that the door was left open.


    "Boss, it''s me."


    He enters the room and directly looks at the desk. Not to his surprise, Lu Tian was already seated behind his desk and working on theputer.


    "Report."


    Lu Tian''s deep voice sounds, and he doesn''t look away from the monitor as his fingers type away over the keyboard.


    Xu Long looks down at the documents Secretary Ye had handed him, then contemtes for a quick second. He walks to the desk and ces the papers down.


    "These are the documents Secretary Ye asked me to pass to you. I took a quick nce. They''re for the uing meetings."


    He took a step back and held his hands behind his back with a bright smile.


    "Also, the preparations have been settled. All that''s left is to secure the attires and set up."


    Lu Tian''s fingers dancing over the keyboard stop, and he looks at his assistant. Seeing the smile on Xu Long''s face, the space between his eyebrows slightly crease, and he ponders.


    Once he did enough thinking, he looked back at the monitor and returned to what he was doing.


    "You have the rest of the day off."


    Hearing this, Xu Long inhales a mouthful of air, and his expression turns into one of shock mixed with a little bit of doubt.


    "Really? I can leave?"


    He didn''t think he would be given such an outstanding award. He can go home and sleep for a bit.


    He looks at Lu Tian, and seeing that his boss is not giving him another nce, he smiles while trying to hold back his snicker. He turns away and runs out of the room before his boss changes his mind.


    "Set up."


    However, the opportunity he thought he would have did notst long.


    He trips on his own foot, but with quick reflexes, he steadies himself. He looks back and meeting his boss''s dark eyes, he makes a crooked smile with his teeth.


    "Heh heh¡­ I knew that."


    He turns around and leaves the room. However, once he steps foot outside, he heaves a long sigh.


    "Goodbye, my sleep¡­."


    He wipes away his sad emotions and inhales a deep breath.


    "Come on, Xu Long. It''s not the time to sleep. You got this."


    Steadying himself, he strides to his office to get his things. Once this task is over, he can live his days stress-free for a while until another jobes up.


    Maybe he can even ask Zhao Ya''Er out on a date.


    Thinking about Zhao Ya''Er, he giggles like a little girl and enters his office.


    Inside Lu Tian''s office, he stopped typing once the room was quiet. He thought about Xu Long''s words then reached for his phone.


    He goes over the contact list and presses a number before cing the phone near his ear.


    The call rang once before the person on the other line answered. However, before the person could even answer, he spoke first.


    "Yang Yang, it''s Lu Tian."


    As Lu Tian converse over the phone and Xu Long gathered his belongings, back at De L''amour, Liu Shan sat in his office with a perplexed expression.


    He crossed one arm over his chest while his other hand held his chin as he was immersed in deep thoughts.


    "Hmm¡­ How can I leave without causing any suspension?"


    He had met up with Xu Long earlier toplete a task Lu Tian had given them. They made a few calls and were able to get the pieces of equipment needed, but the only thing left was to try and leave work early.


    "Are you alright?"


    Yue Ling''s voice sounds from the door, and his heart leaps out from his chest in surprise. He pats his chest and looks at his boss.


    "You nearly killed me there. How can youe to my office without making a sound?"


    He tried to catch his breath and talk simultaneously but ended up choking on his surprise.


    "Good gracious. I thought I was going to die."


    He murmurs to himself, but Yue Ling heard him loud and clear. She stared at him with one raised eyebrow and didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    She had just finished a briefing with the design team and was going to her office. However, when she saw that the door to Liu Shan''s office was opened the check.


    She wanted to ask if he was alright since he skipped the briefing.


    However, she unexpectedly stumbled upon him deep in thought.


    Not only was he immersed in deep thoughts, but he also looked like he had his own personal difficulties.


    She averts her gaze from him to his desk. Seeing the stacks of paperwork scatter on the table, she sighs inside.


    Liu Shan was usually a tidy person, especially when it came to his office. However, he must be mentally exhausted because he has been preupied with so much work.


    "You can take the rest of the day off."


    She turns around and heads for her office, leaving a dumbfounded Liu Shan.


    His jaw slowly drops, and he stares with unblinking eyes at the spot his boss is standing.


    "What¡­ How¡­ Did she¡­ Is she¡­"


    His mind couldn''tprehend the situation. He was just thinking about how to leave early, and it was as if she had read his mind.


    He finally blinks his eyes, and remembering where she was looking before she left, he looks down at his desk.


    "Oh my¡­"


    He was astounded at the sight of his desk and didn''t me her for her reaction.


    Never has he ever let his office get this messy. There were even pieces of documents scattered on the floor. It was as if a tornado had hit his office.


    However, looking at the mess, the corners of his lips curl.


    Heughs with no restraint and reaches for his phone on the table. He makes a quick phone call to Xu Long and gathers his things to leave.


    "Xu Long, it''s me. My boss gave me the day off. What? Lu Tian, let you leave early too? Alright, I''ll meet you over there."


    His unrestrainedughter echoes inside the room without caring about those who might hear him, but Jiang Shengyi, whose desk is right outside, was in an awkward position.


    She had tried to put all of her attention on her work, but Liu Shan''sugh kept entering her ears.


    It was a usualugh that a person would make. However, she found it almost identical to theughter of a person who is about to do something mischievous for some odd reason.


    A long sigh escapes her slightly parted lips, and she stops working for a minute.


    "Everyone here is¡­ so different."


    When she met the employees, she was surprised by how weing they were towards her. She thought it was because she was new, and they were trying to put off a polite atmosphere.


    However, having been at De L''amour for a while now, she hase to understand one thing.


    Everyone here is like a big family. No matter what position you hold or despite your age, you are treated equally.


    A small smile curls on her face when she thinks about these things, and she murmurs.


    "I''m d I came here."


    "What was that?"


    Liu Shan suddenly spoke as he walked out of his office and nearly surprised Jiang Shengyi to death. She ces her hand over her heart and tries to calmposure.


    "Ah, Assistant Liu. I was talking to myself only. What can I help you with?"


    Liu Shan tilts his head and observes the woman''s face. Like he had seen what he wanted, he shrugs his shoulders and walks away.


    "Nothing."


    He heads for the elevator but pauses to look back at her.


    "If anyone needs me, tell them I have the rest of the day off. If it''s Boss, remind her that she''s the one which permitted me to leave."


    He smiled a quick wink at the secretary and spun around to leave in the direction he was heading.. However, he didn''t realize that his gesture and worlds left a bbergasted Jiang Shengyi sitting at her desk.

 Chapter 893 - Changed Vehicles

    <h4>Chapter 893 - Changed Vehicles</h4>


    The time arrived at 5 pm for the employees to leave home after a long shift at De L''amour. Yue Ling walks out of her office and stops at her secretary''s desk.


    "Secretary Jiang, you can leave since there''s no more work to handle."


    Jiang Shengyi was overseeing the schedule for the week when she heard her boss. She looks up from her monitor screen and looks at the retired model.


    "Oh, okay."


    She had been so distracted that time seemed to have sped up without her realizing it. She turns off herputer then reaches for the tablet at the side before handing it to Yue Ling.


    "I''ve transferred the weekly schedule to this. Also, Cloth Co. sent an email requesting to meet."


    Yue Ling takes the tablet and smiles at her hardworking secretary.


    "Thank you. I''ll take a look at it and schedule the meeting myself. You have a safe drive home."


    She doesn''t say anymore and turns away to head back into her office.


    Jiang Shengyi bids the retired model a good day then puts on her coat. However, when she reached for her handbag, she noticed that Yue Ling wasn''t leaving.


    She walks around her desk and looks at the back figure of her boss.


    "CEO Han, are you not leaving home?"


    Yue Ling had just reached the door to her office when she heard the woman. She turns around and smiles.


    "I''ll leave after looking over the schedule and a few other things."


    She turns away and enters her office.


    Jiang Shengyi was in awe of how hardworking Yue Ling was when it came to working. When she worked at Fang Fabrics, President Fang was always the first to leave before the employees.


    The man woulde up with an excuse and ignore work like a gue.


    However,pared to Yue Ling, she could tell that her new boss is a person who values her work.


    She decides not to bother her boss anymore and heads in the direction of the elevators.


    As the building gradually became vacant of employees, Yue Ling remained seated behind her desk. The tablet she took from Secretary Jiang was in her hand, and she scanned through the weekly schedule.


    Once she confirmed that nothing was amiss, she closed it and moved on to send an email to Cloth Co. concerning the requested meeting.


    She decided tomorrow would be the best day since her schedule was open for the afternoon.


    Hitting the send button, she sighs and leans back on the chair.


    She turns her head to look out the window and heaves a sigh again.


    "Lu Tian said he is workingte, and I sent Liu Shan home early. How will I get home?"


    As the words fall from her mouth, sheughs in ridicule at herself. She had been so preupied with work and worried about others that she forgot to worry about how she was going to get home.


    She stares at the sky outside, and realizing it has stopped raining, she gets up from the chair.


    "Well, on the bright side, it stopped raining."


    She puts on her coat and reaches for her handbag. Since it is rush hour, she will not call for a taxi, but walk home.


    *Knock knock


    The second she was ready to leave her office, a knock sounded from the door to her office. She looks with surprise when she sees her illustrator.


    "Why are you still here? I thought everyone left home?"


    Qi Li''s expression was as emotionless as usual. When he heard her questions, he shrugged his shoulders and ced his hands in the pockets of his coat.


    "Shan stopped by my office earlier. He asked me to take you home."


    Yue Ling arch an eyebrow. She never thought Liu Shan would ask Qi Li to do something like this. After all, the man was quitepetitive when it came to his tasks.


    However, brushing the thought away, she walks towards the door to leave.


    "Alright, let''s go."


    She exits the room but pauses after taking a few steps. She turned to look at Qi Li and slightly pursed her lips with a contemted expression.


    "Um¡­"


    She ponders on her words before making an awkward smile.


    "Do you have an extra helmet?"


    From what she is aware, Qi Li alwayses to work on his motorcycle whether it rained or shine. However, the problem was that it was imusible that he would carry an extra helmet with him daily.


    Qi Li had just finished locking the door to her office. When he heard her unexpected question, he turned to her while reaching inside his pocket.


    "I changed vehicles with Liu Shan."


    Seeing him take out a set of keys, Yue Ling arched an eyebrow in amusement. Never in her entire life did she think Qi Li would let anyone drive his motorcycle or even exchange vehicles, especially with Liu Shan.


    However, finding it reasonable, she doesn''t question him further and turns for the elevator.


    Qi Li watched her walk closer to the elevator. He quietly reaches for his phone in the other pocket of his coat and sends a quick message to someone.


    Once he presses the send button, he walks to follow his boss before she leaves his sight.


    The boss and subordinate soon leave De L''amour, and the scenery from the busy heart of Imperial gradually changes.


    Yue Ling''s head was down as she looked over some work documents, but finding it odd that the time home was longer than usual, she lifted her head.


    She parted her lips to ask Qi Li if everything was alright, but something caught her eyes. She doesn''t say what is on her mind and nces out the window.


    The dense forest that greeted her was a beautiful scenery that could take one''s breath away.


    However, she knew right away that Qi Li was not taking her home.


    "Qi Li, why are we here?"


    Her voice was calm, but it sent an unexinable chill down Qi Li''s spine. He swallows a gulp with difficulty and ponders on how to answer.


    "I was asked to bring you here."


    He didn''t hide anything from her, but at the same time, he didn''t tell her the whole truth.


    Yue Ling stares at his reflection in the rearview mirror. Noticing how he didn''t dare to make eye contact with her, she decided to wait until they arrived at the destination.


    Thirty minutes pass by, and they finally reach their destination. Qi Li drives the car into a cemented parking lot and parks it.


    Yue Ling sat in the back seat with a quizzical expression. She stared out the window then furrowed her eyebrows when she saw people walking back and forth.


    "What''s going on here?"


    The people outside were not strangers to her but her subordinates. To be precise, her assistant and design team, including Xu Long.


    She was curious as to why they were here, but that curiosity soon turned into confusion.


    "What is Tian doing here?"


    When they had lunch, he clearly said he would be workingte. That was the reason why her subordinate had to drive her home.


    However, why is he here?


    She sees him directing orders to the others then heading towards her and Qi Li. By the time she remembered to blink her eyes, his hand was already on the door handle.


    He leisurely opens the rear door, and a smile curls on his face when hees to view.


    "Hello, wife."


    Yue Ling stares up at the man with slightly agape lips. She was in a nk state of mind and could notprehend what was happening.


    After a long moment passed, she came out from her daze.


    "Why are you here? I thought you were workingte."


    Lu Tian''s smile did not disappear from his face. He stretched out his left arm to her with eyes never leaving her bluish-green ones.


    "I am workingte."


    Although the sky was grey, Yue Ling swore his smile was bright enough to blind her. She ces her palm over his, and with his guidance, she gets out of the car.


    "You did answer my question. Why are you here?"


    Lu Tian wasn''t the least bit offended by her words. He held a firm grip on her hand and walked towards the others.


    "It''s a surprise."


    Hearing this, Yue Ling pouts and gives him a side nce before turning her attention to the other people on the premises. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned a little closer to the man walking next to her.


    "What are we doing here?"


    Lu Tian gazed down at her, but his steps did not cease.


    "Do you know where here is?"


    Yue Ling moves away from him and a smile stered on her face.


    "Of course, I know where here is."


    The moment she saw the scenery outside the window, she knew right away where Qi Li was taking her.


    This ce was none other than theke where Lu Tian proposed to her for a second time.. It is also theke where they lit up waternterns for their unborn child.

 Chapter 894 - One Of The Many Surprises

    <h4>Chapter 894 - One Of The Many Surprises</h4>


    Due to the rain that hade over Imperial, the temperature lingered in coldness as the breeze picked up by a little. The once empty parking lot to the privateke was filled with cars and white canopy tents as the subordinates of Yue Ling and Lu Tian scattered to get their tasks done.


    Yue Ling had changed into a silk robe and sat in a chair inside one of the canopy tents. In front of her was Lian Ni Shang doing light touches on her makeup and behind was Ju Suo fixing her hair.


    Lian Ni Shang looks at her boss, and she smiles in awe. Her eyes glisten with tears, but she does not cry. Instead, she looked like a mother who was proud of her daughter.


    "I can''t believe that this day hase¡­."


    "I know. It''s like a dream."


    Ju Suo held a curling iron in one hand while her other hand was ced on her chest. She also looked like a proud mother as she gazed at her boss.


    "I want the whole world to know that boss is the most beautiful woman in the world!"


    The two women held soft yet mncholy expressions. Helping Yue Ling get ready reminded them of the past, but neither would dare bring up such a tragic topic.


    Yue Ling never spoke a word and stared at her subordinate''s reflection in therge mirror in front of her. Even without the need to ask, she was able to guess what they were thinking.


    "Are we ready?"


    The entrance to the canopy tent opens, and Yang Yang interrupts with a bright smile on his face. He walks over to the three women, and his expression brightens up more when he sees Yue Ling.


    He sps his hands together and inhales a gasp.


    "Oh my. Miss Han, you are truly a work of art."


    He ced one palm on his chest while his other hand began to fan his eyes.


    "I just want to cry."


    His lips tremble, but he holds back the urge to choke sob.


    "Never in the many years that I''ve worked with brides have I been this thrilled. I can''t believe I''m able to work with my idol."


    Yue Ling didn''t know how to respond but smiled at the man. She was surprised to see Yang Yang here with her subordinates when she arrived here. She asked Lu Tian what they were doing here, but he kept telling her it was a surprise.


    From her observation, she had a hunch of what was going on. However, she decided to keep quiet and follow along with his n.


    Lian Ni Shang finishes with the touch-up and puts the brush in her hand inside the makeup case. She takes a step back to stand side by side with Yang Yang, and her lips curl up in satisfaction.


    "Alright. Makeup, done."


    At the same time, Ju Suo turns the curling iron off and ces it down. She also walks to join the other two people and smiles a wink at them.


    "Hair, also done."


    Yang Yang, Lian Ni Shang, and Ju Suo stood at the side of Yue Ling, and the three individuals decided to use this time to admire the retired model.


    Feeling their intense gazes on her, Yue Ling was put in a slightly awkward position. However, she pretends not to notice their eyes on her and looks at her reflection in the mirror.


    Lian Ni Shang had added light and neutral makeup touches on her. As for her hair, Ju Suo put the top half into a braid while the bottom half curled down her back with a few added pearls.


    She stood up from the chair and turned to face the two women with a smile.


    "Thank you. You both have done a wonderful job."


    Lian Ni Shang kept herposure and nodded her head. However, unlike her, Ju Suo giggles like a little girl who has been praised by her mother.


    "Aiya, you''re making me blush."


    She grins at her boss and crosses her arms over her chest.


    "This privilege is only for you."


    Yang Yang felt envious of Lian Ni Shang and Ju Suo. He also wanted to be praised by his idol.


    He dashes away to a clothing rack set up at the side and grabs a garment bag. He quickly returns to Yue Ling and widely smiles at her.


    "Miss Han, please change into the first dress. Lu Tian and your subordinates informed me that you like simplicity, so I chose the most simple but elegant dresses in my store."


    He held the garment bag out to her, and the smile on his face widens until it reached his eyes.


    "I promise, this will not disappoint you at all."


    Yue Ling stares at the man for a long second before taking the garment bag. Noticing he was looking at her with eyes like that of a puppy waiting to be praised, she chuckles.


    "Thank you. I trust your judgment in what you chose."


    She says no more and heads for the changing area inside the canopy tent.


    While she disappeared behind the curtains, Yang Yang held his chin high. He nces left then right to the two women.


    He spoke no words, but his expression was as if saying, ''See. I also did a great job.''


    Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang rolled their eyes at the man. Neither utter a word and turn to work on their other assigned tasks in the tent.


    Outside of the tent, Lu Tian had finished changing into a tailored ck tuxedo that wrapped perfectly around his body structure well. His hair was styled back with a side part, enhancing his facial features.


    However, despite the calmness on his outer appearance, inside, he was more nervous than ever.


    It wasn''t their wedding day, but he was worried that his n might backfire. What if something happens? What if it rains again? Should he have chosen a different location? What if¡­


    "Attention, everyone."


    In the middle of his thoughts, Yang Yang calls out and gets everyone''s attention. He walks out from the canopy tent and takes a step to the side while holding the curtain open with a bow.


    "Our beautiful bride-to-be."


    Yue Ling steps out into view with the help of Lian Ni Shang and Ju Suo.


    Lu Tian turns his head to look at the tent, and before he knows it, his surrounding seems to have be a massive blur. His mind focuses only on the woman he loves, like they were the only two people in the world.


    The silk robe Yue Ling was wearing had been reced with a white dress. The demure long-sleeve top is an ode to the elegance of minimalist tailoring. A plunging V-neck and keyhole back gave the dress a unique but seductive quality, but the frontce hid any body part that should not be seen. Soft tulle formed the skirt in a whimsical and weightless design, allowing one to move freely with ease.


    Yue Ling gradually approaches Lu Tian and smiles when she sees him stuck in a daze. She doesn''t wake him up but engraves how charming he looks at the moment.


    "Ahem."


    From the side, Xu Long clears his throat while Liu Shan sounds a cough, reminding them that they are not alone.


    Lu Tian ignores the two assistants and reaches his right hand out. He gazes into her bluish-green eyes and smiles at her.


    "You are very lovely."


    No matter how many times he sees his wife, she will always take his breath away.


    "Be it yesterday, today, or tomorrow. You are the loveliest in my eyes."


    Yue Ling''s heart skipped a beat when she came into contact with his words and smile. Her cheeks flush a shade of pink, and she could confirm that his killer smile could blind a person.


    She inhales a small breath to calm her mind and ce her hand on top of his.


    "I can say the same for you."


    Lu Tian was mesmerized by her beauty but knowing that time was not waiting for them, he held onto her hand and walked in the direction of theke.


    "The surprise I have for you might take you by surprise."


    As the couple approached the path, Yue Ling was indeed in for a surprise. The scene she remembered from before had changed.


    The trees were decorated with lights and slightly swayed in motion like dancing to a rhythm. The once clear path was now covered in red rose petals.


    "I hope you like it."


    Lu Tian never pauses in his steps but looks down at his wife walking next to him. His hand wrapped around her hand slightly tightens, then loosens a bit.


    "If you don''t, we can make some changes to your liking."


    Yue Ling takes in the scene before her and then looks at the man next to her.


    "I like it."


    Her bluish-green eyes gaze into his, and she smiles with her teeth.


    "Your surprises always have a way of amazing me."


    Lu Tian gazes into her eyes, and he can see the love behind them. He smiles with her and leans in to kiss her on the forehead.


    "This is only one of the many surprises."


    "Perfect."


    The clicking of a camera sounds from behind as Liu Shan was able to capture the romantic moment of the couple. He held the camera like his life depended on it but kept a steady distance between them.


    He quickly checks the camera screen to see the photo he had taken. A satisfying smile curls on his face when he had captured the moment when Lu Tian kissed Yue Ling on the forehead.


    He clicks back to capture mode and raises the camera to his eyes. However, he quickly lowers his hands and frowns disapprovingly.


    "Xu Long, move! You''re in the way!"


    Xu Long, who had unknowingly blocked Liu Shan''s view, was carrying the camera equipment. When he hears the man''s words, he turns his head enough to see Liu Shan.


    "I''m not in the way. Who told you to stay behind me?"


    He stopped in his tracks and pursed his lips like he had eaten something sour.


    "And when did I be your assistant?"


    Liu Shan''s nostrils re, and he smacks the man on the back of the head.


    "You were the one who asked me to the photographer. The least you can do is be my assistant for the time being."


    He wanted to continue lecturing Xu Long but seeing that Yue Ling and Lu Tian were walking further away, he storms after them.


    He was afraid of missing the opportunity to capture more perfect images for the photoshoot.


    "Hurry up. I''m not paying you to do nothing."


    Xu Long''s jaw dropped to the ground while watching Liu Shan walk away. He scoffs a broken chuckle in disbelief then shakes his head.


    "I''m not even getting paid to be your assistant."


    "Bro, we''re not getting paid too."


    Walking past the assistant, Tang Zhonghui chimes with Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin following not too far behind him. The three men stared at Xu Long as each person carried other necessities for the photoshoot.


    Xu Long was left speechless as he watched the three men carry on with their way. He takes a deep breath to calm his mind but seeing Qi Li from the corners of his eyes, he looks at the man with knitted brows.


    "Isn''t your task the same as ours? Howe you''re not carrying anything?"


    Qi Li was casually walking with his hands in his pockets. He shrugs his shoulders indifferently without the need to think about his response.


    "I did my task. I brought my boss here."


    "¡­"

 Chapter 895 - Met The Qualifications

    <h4>Chapter 895 - Met The Qualifications</h4>


    What was once a path covered in red rose petals soon turns into a set of stairs leading down to theke. Although the sky was not clear, the atmosphere gave off an enchanting feeling. The grey clouds reflected onto theke like a fog.


    Lu Tian takes three steps down the stairs, and he turns to face his wife with his lips faintly curled up at the corners.


    "Shall we?"


    Yue Ling held his gaze, and without uttering a word, she took his hand. Her steps were calm, and with Lu Tian''s guidance, they soon near the end of the deck.


    Wanting to see her reaction, Lu Tian lets go of her hand and stays a few steps behind her.


    However, his eyes never once left her.


    "It''s so beautiful."


    Yue Ling stops at the end of the deck, and when she looks down, she is in for another surprise.


    The in wooden boat they had once ridden was decorated with flowers, and wrapped along the edges were decorative lights.


    She felt the urge to go down and sit in the boat but finally realizing the emptiness of her hand, she stops in her movements. She turns around to look at the man behind her and smiles augh.


    "Shall we?"


    This time, she reached her hand out to Lu Tian, and he didn''t hesitate to take it.


    "Mm."


    He lightly nods his head with a calm expression. However, he was exuberant that his wife liked his surprises deep down.


    He steadily takes a step down onto the boat then turns back to help her in.


    As the couple sat in the boat, they had forgotten about those who were following behind.


    "Wow, for a second there, I almost forgot we were in the middle of a photo shoot."


    Xu Long tilts his head at the scene of the two people in the boat. He was so amazed by the way Yue Ling and Lu Tian were behaving that he swore it was like they were strolling in their backyard.


    Standing next to the assistant, Liu Shan focuses on the camera viewfinder and continues to snap photos of the couple. However, he gives him a side nce when he hears the man.


    "Well, what did you expect? My boss was once a renowned model."


    He says no more and walks toward the edge of the deck. He snaps another shot of the couple then lowers the camera to check the image.


    Xu Long stares at the man then at the others. He looks down at the tripod he was holding and slightly furrows his eyebrows.


    "I know that we''re here for a photo shoot, but how are we going to take the photos if we''re here and they''re going further into theke?"


    Hearing this, Gui Tian Lan turns to face the assistant and grins.


    "With this."


    Xu Long blinks his eyes in puzzlement, but he steps to the side, seeing that Tang Zhonghui and Gui Zhongmin are not in sight. Once he located their whereabouts, he gasped in shock.


    "Wow, you guys really were prepared."


    There was another wooden boat waiting for them, except it was more significant than the one Yue Ling and Lu Tian were currently on.


    Liu Shan climbs down onto the boat and looks back at the assistant.


    "Hurry up. We don''t have enough time."


    Xu Long nods his head and jumps down. His movement rocked the boat, and the men eximed as each person grabbed a firm hold of the equipment in their hands.


    "Xu Long, are you asking for a death wish?"


    Tang Zhonghui bellowed with eyes full of daggers at the assistant. If he had not reacted in time, the light fixture he brought would have fallen into theke.


    Knowing he was in the wrong, Xu Long''s neck shrunk as his shoulders rose. He didn''t dare to look at the men as he could feel thesers in their eyes stabbing his soul.


    "Sorry. I got too excited."


    Qi Li had yet to get onto the boat. He stared down at Xu Long and looked like he wanted to say something but decided to keep to himself.


    He climbs down to join the men and takes the center seat. Before he sits down, he unties the rope securing the boat then takes a seat. His hands grabbed hold of the wooden paddles then began strolling them in the direction of their bosses.


    Aware of what had happened to the men, Yue Ling couldn''t stopughing. Once she was able to calm herself down, she fixed her eyes back on the man sitting across from her.


    "This might be random, but how did Xu Long be your assistant?"


    She had always wondered about this. Liu Shan was her friend before he became her assistant. Was it the same for Lu Tian and Xu Long?


    Lu Tian calmly paddles the boat. He arches an eyebrow at his wife''s sudden question then turns his head to the side. He could see the men on the boat slowlye closer, and his eyes focused on his assistant for a quick second.


    He looks back at his wife with full-on attention and shrugs his shoulders.


    "I guess he met the qualifications."


    He had to admit that Xu Long may have an odd personality, but he (Xu Long) can get any assigned tasks done.


    Yue Ling was at a loss by his response. She looks away from him to the other boat and nods her head in understanding.


    "I see. I suppose it''s normal since my subordinates are the same."


    Just like how Lu Tian sees his assistant, she also saw the same thing in her subordinates. Each person has an out-of-this-world personality, but they can be severe with a snap of the finger.


    Lu Tian fixated on his wife for a long second. After doing some pondering, he asks a question that had been lingering at the back of his mind.


    "Do you regret your career choice?"


    He never thought to ask because she never brought it up to him, and he feared that she might see him a nuisance for prying into her life.


    However, since they were doing a photo shoot for their wedding, he was worried it might bring back memories for her as someone who used to model.


    Yue Ling''s expression turned inexpressive for a split second as she didn''t expect him to bring up an unexpected topic. She slowly turns her attention to him and shakes her head.


    "No."


    She knows he had asked because they were taking a photoshoot for their wedding. He must be worried that her being in front of a camera might bring back memories of her time as a model.


    She looks to the horizon, where the trees stand like guards protecting theke.


    "Modeling was fun for me at the time, but it isn''t the career I wanted."


    She looks back at Lu Tian, and a faint smile curls on her face.


    "Being a fashion designer and owning my own brand was my lifelong dream. That''s why I don''t regret the choice I made when I retired."


    Lu Tian smiles with her and nods his head. He stops paddling the boat and looks straight into her eyes.


    "My ears are yours if you ever need someone to talk to."


    He made a promise to be there for her, and for that, he hoped that she would depend on him more.


    Yue Ling was genuinely thankful for the care he had for her. She held his gaze, and she could see the love and respect within his eyes.


    She parts her lips to say something, but from the corner of her eyes, she sees a glowing white light.


    All thoughts cleared in her, and she turned her head in the direction of what had taken her attention.


    Her eyes lit up as she inhaled a gasp, as a radiant smile slowly appeared on her face. She unknowingly raises her hands and covers her mouth.


    "Wow¡­"

 Chapter 896 - Plan Isnt Going As Smoothly

    <h4>Chapter 896 - n Isn''t Going As Smoothly</h4>


    Gradually ascending the sky in front of Yue Ling were more than a hundrednterns headed towards the grey clouds. The gloomy weather suddenly seemed to have been lifted. It was as if thenterns were trying to brighten up the whole sky.


    "So beautiful¡­"


    The smile on her face turned soft and subtle as she got a quick shback to the first time Lu Tian proposed to her. She turned to look at him and slightly narrowed her eyes.


    "I assume your team is in the forest?"


    One corner of Lu Tian''s raised when he heard the question. He didn''t expect his wife to be so quick-witted.


    "They''re doing their job."


    He had given the task to Wolf Team. However, he didn''t think they would light thenterns so soon.


    Just when he thought this did he realize his mistake. The signal was a nod, and he had unknowingly done so when he told his wife he would be her ears.


    He couldn''t help butugh at himself on the inside. He nces in the direction of the forest before returning to his wife.


    "I hope this isn''t too much."


    Yue Ling shook her head and looked back at the sky. She never thought to have a photoshoot under a sky full ofnterns.


    "Anything as beautiful as this is never too much."


    She sighed in admiration of the view but noticing something, she turned to look at the source.


    Meeting Lu Tian''s deep gaze, she couldn''t help but blush and avert her eyes from him.


    "Why are you only staring at me and not the view?"


    Even with the beautiful change of scenery in front of them, he was looking straight at her.


    Lu Tian knew that his wife had be embarrassed because of him. However, this side of her was one of the many things he loved about her.


    He gradually leans forward and ces his left elbow on his knee before holding his chin. His organ of sight never left her face, and he smiled.


    "The view in front of me is always beautiful as long as you''re in it."


    Yue Ling held in her breath at his intense gaze. She didn''t know what to say as his way of speaking was too smooth for her heart.


    She wanted to tell him to stop joking, but the very moment she parted her lips, she felt a trickle of water fall on her cheek.


    Her eyes blinked, and her expression turned into a perplexed one. She then tilted her head back to look up. Just as she did this, another drop of water fell on her other cheek, then another and another.


    "Guys! It''s raining!!!"


    "We forgot to bring the umbres!"


    Suddenly, Xu Long and Tang Zhonghui''s voice loudly interrupts from the side. However,pared to the two men, Liu Shan continued to capture as many photos as possible.


    Yue Ling turns her attention to them, only to see the others panicking.


    Unlike her, Lu Tian heaves a long sigh in disappointment at the sky. His hand holding his chin moves up, and he massages his forehead.


    He knew that it would rain again, but they had just arrived. Couldn''t they finish the shoot first? How could the weather betray him like this?


    Even thenterns that were beginning to descend from the sky.


    "I guess this n isn''t going as smoothly as I had hoped."


    He murmurs and felt frustration dawn on him, but before it could take over his mind, he reached under his seat. He takes out an umbre and hands it to his wife after opening it.


    Luckily everything was nned out in advance in case it rained.


    *Ssh!


    Suddenly, a ssh sounds from the other boat. Yue Ling''s eyes widened in amusement as the sounds of frantic voices echoed into the grey sky producing sprinkles of water.


    Liu Shan: "Xu Long, you dropped the tripod!"


    Gui Tian Lan: "Go get it! We need it!"


    Gui Zhongming: "Hurry before it sinks deeper!"


    Xu Long: "Do I have to? The water''s cold."


    Tang Zhonghui: "Hurry! It''s important!"


    A minor argument broke out then a second ssh sounded not too long after the first one. However, it was because Xu Long identally fell into the water when he stood up from the boat.


    "Help! I can''t swim! Help! The water''s cold! I can''t feel my legs! I''m going numb! Hurry!"


    Just as Xu Long''s head popped up to the surface, he struggled to float and called for help. He had nned to dive in to get the tripod but ended up tripping on the edge of the boat. Before he could react, he was already in the water.


    Everyone''s eyes widen in horror. Each person forgot about the tripod and began to panic with him.


    Liu Shan: "Oh my God! Help! Our friend fell into theke!"


    Gui Tian Lan: "Xu Long, grab the paddle!"


    Gui Zhongmin: "Here, take my hand."


    Tang Zhonghui: "Lifeguard! Where is the lifeguard?!"


    Out of the men in the boat, Qi Li was the only one who kept hisposure as usual. He watches the four men frantically panic with fear written all over their faces. However, one can see the annoyance on his face.


    He deeply sighed and steadily stood up from the boat. He removes his coat, and without waiting to see the others'' reactions, he jumps into theke.


    He disappears from view, and when he returns to the surface, he is next to Xu Long. He grabs the man by the back of the cor and yanks the man up from the water.


    "You can stop acting now. Your feet can touch the bottom."


    Xu Long''s mind was in a chaotic mess. He thought he was going to drown and die without seeing his beautiful Zhao Ya''Er again.


    He was sure that tomorrow''s headline would be ''A man drowned in theke while saving a tripod.''


    However, when he suddenly hears Qi Li''s cold voice next to him, he opens his eyes.


    He then realized that he could feel the bottom of theke. His eyes blink a few times, then he looks at the four other men on the boat, and he chuckles at his exaggerating mind.


    "Don''t worry, guys. It''s okay now. I can feel the ground."


    Liu Shan and the others were at a loss for all words. Four pairs of eyes stare in disbelief at the assistant when they see that the water is up to Xu Long and Qi Li''s shoulders.


    When they saw Xu Long fall into theke, they panicked with him and were scared for his life. With the fear that had ovee them, they forgot to jump into theke to rescue him.


    Luckily, Qi Li, like all the other times, knew what to do in situations like this.


    Watching everything unfold from a distance, Yue Ling and Lu Tian were unable toprehend what they had just witnessed.


    After a long moment passed, their heads turned away, and their eyes locked.


    The second their gaze met, it was like they read each other''s mind and lets out augh.


    Lu Tian was the first to calm himself down and reach for the wooden paddles. He began to stroll the boat back to the deck before the rain poured harder.


    He fixated on her smiling face, and his entire being softened. However, the more he looked at her, a sudden feeling of regret crawled inside him.


    The same regret that has been eating him on the inside.


    He thought about the secret he was keeping from her about Grandfather Ji and couldn''t help but wonder the moment.


    Once she knows the truth, how heartbroken will she be?


    Will she still smile like today?

 Chapter 897: It’s perfect here

    <h4>Chapter 897: It¡¯s perfect here</h4>


    Due to the rain that overcame Imperial again, the photoshoot was moved to a different indoor location. However, it wasn''t moved anywhere fancy but to the home of Yue Ling and Lu Tian.


    While everyone carried on with their way to set up the scene, Yang Yang stood in the middle of the living room.


    He crossed one arm over his chest as the other pinched his chin and pondered. His expression was severe, like he was thinking hard about something.


    "I don''t know¡­ Will this work?"


    His eyebrows furrow together, and he turns to look at Liu Shan, who is putting up the camera equipment.


    "We could have just moved the shoot to a studio."


    Liu Shan finishes putting their new tripod in ce. When he hears Yang Yang''s words, he straightens his posture and turns to look at the man.


    He ponders for a quick second, then looks at the almost finished decorated living room.


    "I don''t see why it wouldn''t work. It''s perfect here."


    With the sudden change in the weather, they had to think of a new location. He could have called Wu Jing, the CEO of Beauty, for a favor. If it were for Yue Ling, Wu Jing would not have declined the sudden request.


    However, his boss suggested they do the photoshoot at her and Lu Tian''s house.


    At first, he had his doubts, but once they arrived and started setting up, he couldn''t help but understand why his boss chose toe here.


    Xu Long enters the living room with a flower vase in his arms. He heard the conversation between the two men and set the vase down in its designated spot.


    "I agree with Liu Shan."


    He looks at Yang Yang and smiles a smile that reaches his eyes.


    "Since it''s boss anddy boss''s wedding photoshoot, why not have it done where they will create the most memories."


    Liu Shan nods his head in agreement with the assistant''s words.


    "Mhmm. Not only is it memorable, but it will also be meaningful."


    Yang Yang stares with a nk expression at the two assistants. He looked like he had more to say but knowing he won''t win against them, he turned away and walked out of the living room.


    "Alright, you guys win."


    Xu Long watches the man walk away. He lightly shakes his head and sighs.


    "He doesn''t understand, but he will understand once he finds his soulmate."


    Liu Shan gives Xu Long a side nce before returning to set up the camera equipment. However, he paused midway when he remembered something.


    "I almost forgot. Since you dropped the tripod in the water and we couldn''t find it, you''ll have topensate the studio we rented it from."


    Being reminded of the incident, Xu Long''s beaming expression turns into a sulking one. He snorts a hmmf and ces his hands on his hips.


    "I already know that. You don''t need to remind me for the hundredth time."


    He spat out his words and stormed away. He knows that if he continues to stay by Liu Shan''s side, the man will not stop nagging at him about the tripod.


    In the kitchen, the Gui twins were working on arranging the flowers. They watched the dispute between the two assistants from the dining table andughed at what they saw.


    To them, Liu Shan and Xu Long looked like an old couple that could nevere to an agreement.


    Oblivious to the situation that had taken ce downstairs, Yue Ling had finished changing into a new wedding dress. She stood in front of a mirror brought inside the room and stared at her reflection.


    Unlike the first dress, which gave a look of elegance, this dress was more modest.


    The long sleeves wrapped around her arms, and the scoop on the bodice was not too revealing. The skirt flowed down to the floor in silk with ease. However, what she liked the most about the dress was that there was noce or embroidery.


    It is a modest and simple dress.


    "Yue Ling."


    As she admires the dress in the mirror, Lu Tian''s deep voice sounds from behind her. She looks up to see his reflection in the mirror and smiles.


    She leisurely spun around to face him, and her smile disappeared into a slight frown.


    "What are you doing here? Shouldn''t you still be preparing for the photoshoot?"


    Her words fells like she was trying to find an excuse to make him leave the room, which made Lu Tian pout his lips. He had already finished changing into a new tuxedo due to the rain. Even his hair was done again.


    Gazing at her, he brushes aside all thoughts and strides at a steady pace towards her. Once he was standing in front of her, his expression softened, and he raised his right hand.


    "No matter where or when you always look prettier every time I see you."


    The back of his index finger gently brushes against the side of her face before moving the loose strand of hair behind her ear.


    "I wish I was the only one who could see you like this."


    Yue Ling held his gaze, and the corners of her mouth curled up. She lets out a soft chuckle, and with his hand still by her face, she tilts her head towards it.


    It was as if she was trying to feel him more.


    Once the feeling of his palm was pressed against her cheek, she sighed inside. It was as if she had finally found her salvation.


    "You really have a habit of changing the subject."


    Her left-hand raises to hold the back of his hand, and she rests the side of her face in his palm as her bluish-green eyes lock with his dark one.


    "But I don''t mind because you are the only man I will look at."


    Lu Tian felt a tingling sensation shoot throughout his body beforending on his heart. It was once an unfamiliar feeling, but now it was a feeling he knew better than anyone.


    He unknowingly tilts his head forward and closes the gap between them. He gives her no warning and captures her lips which captivates him.


    Yue Ling was taken aback by his sudden kiss. Her eyes widen slightly, but she gradually closes her eyes within the next second and returns the kiss.


    Time felt like it had slowed down, and they were the only two people in the world. Lu Tian''s hands slid down to her waist before gradually tracing around to her back.


    Yue Ling doesn''t stop him but wraps her arms around his neck, drawing him closer than he already is to her.


    However, before the situation could get any steamer, a knock sounds at the door and disrupts the couple.


    "Boss, everything downstairs is ready. We''re ready to start the photoshoot."


    Following the knock came Liu Shan''s voice. Despite the door left ajar, he didn''t push it open as he knew what was happening inside the room.


    Yue Ling was the first to break away from Lu Tian since the person who interrupted them was her assistant. She turned to look at the door, and when she realized it wasn''t closed all the way, her cheeks flushed a shade of red.


    She clears her throat to steady herself and answers.


    "Tian is with me. We''lle downstairs shortly."


    Behind the ajar door, Liu Shan didn''t dare to enter the room after hearing his boss. He doesn''t say anymore and dashes away.


    He didn''t know why, but he could feel a cold breezeing from inside the room for some odd reason. So cold that all the hair on his body stood on ends.


    And it wasn''t just his imagination.


    Back inside the room, Lu Tian''s eyes red at the door as if he was shooting daggers at the person who had interrupted his sweet moment with his wife.


    He couldn''t help but regret not shutting the door and locking it.


    A faint sigh escapes his lips before subconsciously ncing at the woman he loves wholeheartedly.


    The moment his eyes locked onto the side view of her face, his entire being softens, especially his expression.


    He takes a small step forward and gently wraps his arms around her waist.


    "They know what kind of rtionship we have. Why are you still embarrassed?"


    Yue Ling slightly jumped at his sudden embrace. Her attention towards the door shifts to his words as her cheeks flush and her heart begins to race.


    "W-what are you talking about? I''m not shy at all."


    She stammered for a split second but was quick topose herself, especially her heart, which sounded like it was running a marathon.


    Lu Tian didn''t argue with her but chuckled in response. He slowly unwraps his arms around her and moves away. He didn''t forget to ce a small kiss on her temple as he did so.


    He walks in front of her and slightly turns his body to look back at her. His arm raises, and he reaches his hand out to her.


    "Shall we prove to the world that you are no longer shy?"


    Yue Ling was at a loss for his question. She stood rooted to the floor before sounding a softugh.


    She ces her hand on top of his and smiles at him. Her bluish-green eyes gaze into his dark ones with steadiness.


    "Let us then."

 Chapter 898: Camera shy

    <h4>Chapter 898: Camera shy</h4>


    As the rain continued to pour over Imperial, inside Yue Ling and Lu Tian''s home, Yang Yang stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. He watched the scene outside and sighed with a troubled expression.


    He looked down at his watch, and he spun around to look at the others upon realizing the time.


    "It''s gettingte. What''s taking them so long? We need¡ª"


    Before he could finish his words, he noticed that everyone in the living room was staring in one direction. He didn''t think much and followed their eyes but what he saw took him by great surprise.


    He couldn''t help but sound a faint gasp.


    "Oh my goodness."


    Entering the living room was none other than Yue Ling and Lu Tian. The couple looked so perfect and magical. It was as if they had stepped out of a painting.


    "Wow."


    The first to break the silence was Ju Suo. The petite woman held her hands on her chest and smiled in awe at her boss.


    "If I didn''t know any better, I would have thought today was actually the big day."


    "I agree with Ju Suo."


    Lian Ni Shang chimed in with a huge smile on her face that was usually cold.


    "Maybe we should skip the photo shoot and just bring you both to the civil affairs bureau to administer your marriage."


    Hearing this, Ju Suo''s eye lit up with sparks, and she nodded her head in agreement.


    "That sounds like a great idea."


    She looks at her boss without letting the light in her eyes dim.


    "What do you say, boss? Can we just do that?"


    Yue Ling stares at the two women of her design team with a loss. She chuckles at the idea and thinks it doesn''t sound so bad. However, she knew better than anyone that she couldn''t do that to Madam Lu, who was taking her time to n the wedding.


    "We can''t do that. It wouldn''t be fair to the others."


    Both Ju Suo and Lian Ni Shang pursed their lips with a look of disappointment.


    "Alright, that''s enough. Let''s continue with the photo shoot."


    From behind the two women, the Gui Zhongmin interrupts the conversation. He walks through between the women and stops in front of his boss with a smile.


    "We did what we can, but I hope you are satisfied with the work everyone put into setting up the shoot."


    "That''s right."


    Gui Tian Lan''s voice follows after his younger twin brother. He reaches out to pick something up from the side before walking over to his boss.


    Once he stands in front of Yue Ling, he holds out the item in his hand.


    "Although it''s not as nice as the setup at theke, we hope you still like it."


    Yue Ling looks away from Gui Zhongmin to Gui Tian Lan. Her eyes lower to his hand, and seeing the assorted flowers bouquet in his hands, the corners of her lip curls up.


    She could tell by a nce that Gui Tian Lian had taken careful measurements to put the flowers together nicely.


    Before taking the bouquet, she looks around her home to see the ce decorated in white with floral touches here and there. Compared to theke that made one feel like they were in an enchanted forest, the feeling one got at this moment was that of a mysticalnd.


    Turning away from the decorations, she takes the bouquet from her tailor and stares down at it. She was met with eucalyptus, peach pink flowers, and white Baby''s breath flowers.


    "Thank you."


    The words escaped her lips with gratitude as she looked up at Gui Tian Lian and then at others in the room.


    "All of you. Everything here looks perfect."


    She knows that everyone took their time to make this photoshoot work. For that, she was genuinely thankful to have them in her life.


    As her thoughts began to drift into the abyss, she was brought back to reality when she felt a gentle squeeze on her other free hand.


    She slowly turned her head to the person in question, and the smile on her face widened.


    "Especially you, Tian. Thank you for making this happen."


    Lu Tian nodded his head with a calm expression, but he was more proud than all the people present deep inside. This photoshoot would not have happened if it wasn''t for him.


    However, unlike him, both Liu Shan and Xu Long rolled their eyes upon seeing his behavior.


    It was true that this event happened because of Lu Tian, but without them, nothing would have seeded. Of course, neither man would dare to voice their thoughts in fear of the cold and aloof man''s wrath.


    "Yue Ling, Lu Tian, if you''re both ready, let''s proceed with the shoot before it gets too dark."


    Yang Yang suddenly interrupted the atmosphere and stood in front of the couple. At the same time, he didn''t forget to admire the two people as they were two people made for each other.


    Hearing his words, everyone was quick to agree and walked to their assigned spots.


    Watching everyone scatter like ants, Yue Ling couldn''t help butugh. She looks at Lu Tian and gazes into his dark eyes.


    "Ready?"


    Lu Tian meets her eyes and smiles a small smile at her.


    "I''m ready if you are."


    He spoke with a calm voice, but he didn''t know why but he was suddenly feeling nervous on the inside. It is a very foreign feeling for him to feel this way.


    Yue Ling arched an eyebrow at his response. However, a glistening light shes across her eyes within seconds of this.


    "I was born ready."


    She turns away from him before taking the lead. She held onto his hand as she walked towards the white couch decorated with flower arrangements and sheer white curtains.


    Lu Tian gazed into the back of her head, and it was only then that he was able to identify the nervous feeling in him.


    He remembers that his wife was once a renowned model in the fashion industry. He may have seen her walk the runway, but he has never seen her pose in front of a camera.


    He felt slight regret and wished that he would be able to see her model again one day.


    And little did he know, his wish was about toe true.


    Yue Ling leisurely walked to the white couch, but her expression held confidence. She may have retired from the modeling world, but that does not mean she has lost her skills.


    She stops in front of the white couch and sets the flower bouquet down before taking a seat. As she did this, she didn''t forget to bring Lu Tian to sit down with her.


    Once he was seated to her left, she crossed her left leg over the right as she ced her elbow on his shoulder and smiled.


    "Now, the question is, are you camera shy?"


    Lu Tian was taken aback when he heard her emphasize the word ''you'' and her sudden posture. However, he quickly shook it off with a smile and leaned his head towards her.


    "I''m fine as long as you are here."


    His words fell, and he crossed his right leg over his left leg, making a four figure. He leans back in a slightly rxed posture and puts his right arm over his wife''s shoulders.


    Watching him pose naturally, Yue Ling arches her eyebrows in surprise. Her smile widens, but she doesn''t say anything, and she decides to change her position.


    She turns away from him a little and leans back against him. She moves her elbow from him but only to rest it on his right leg with her chin on her fingers.


    Once she was in her new position, she looked at the camera. However, if she had turned to look at the man next to her, she would have seen that his eyes were locked on her.


    Liu Shan stood at a reasonable distance in front of them with a camera in hand. He watched the couple''s every move and squealed inside like a little girl, especially at his boss.


    In his eyes, this wasn''t a wedding photo shoot but a photo shoot to show the world that Han Yue Ling and Lu Tian were a powerful couple.


    At the same time, seeing his boss like this made him want to cry. It was as if he was walking down memoryne to the times she was still a model.


    As his thoughts drifted to the past, next to him were Xu Long and Yang Yang, but the two men held a confused look on their faces.


    Neither could understand why Liu Shan was smiling. To them, the assistant''s smile was quite confusing. It looked like he was happy, then sad, and back and forth one moment. However, it wasn''t long before they received an answer.


    Liu Shan raises his hands, holding the camera, and looks into the viewfinder before muttering.


    "Time to remind the world who Han Yue Ling is."


    As the camera took its first sh, Xu Long''s jaw dropped to the floor, and at the second sh, Yang Yang gasped in surprise. Both men had forgotten that Yue Ling was a model before retiring.


    However, what shook them to the core was that Lu Tian, who has no experience in modeling, matched up to all of Yue Ling''s moves.


    It was as if the couple was born to be together in front of the camera.


    The more they watched the scene, something crossed their minds. Xu Long and Yang Yang turn to look at one other in slow motion as Liu Shan stands slightly crouched between them.


    If their interpretation of the assistant''s words is as they think, then that means this photoshoot is like a¡­


    "Comeback."

 Chapter 899: Naturally strong built

    <h4>Chapter 899: Naturally strong built</h4>


    The photo shoot wrapped up without disturbances as everyone put away the decorations. Now, only a crowd lingered over Liu Shan in the living room to look at the oue on hisptop.


    "Wow! I like this one the best!"


    "No, this one is better. Look at the angle. So perfect."


    "No, take a look at this one. You can see their emotions captured in their eyes."


    Words after words surface from each person while Liu Shan sat in front of hisptop with heavy eyes. He understood that everyone was excited, but how was he supposed to work on the photos with this many disturbances?


    He heaves a sigh of frustration and turns to his right. He makes eye contact with his boss and pleads with her for help in silence.


    Yue Ling had already changed into a set offortable loungewear. She was standing at the side with Lu Tian when she saw her pitiful assistant.


    She walks over to the crown around him and decides to help him out.


    "Alright, that''s enough. Give Liu Shan some space to do his work."


    As shees to a stop next to him, she nces at hisptop screen and sees the photos taken.


    She couldn''t remember how many times she had changed into a different wedding dress during the shoot. It was also the same for Lu Tian, who had to change suits every time she changed.


    She scans the photos, and despite not being full-sized in view, she can tell that Liu Shan did a great job capturing each image.


    "Boss, look. This one is my favorite."


    Ju Suo''s voice suddenly sounds from the side, and she takes the opportunity to click on a photo. It switches out from album to full size, allowing everyone to see.


    The photo was one of the few photos taken without prior nning. The two stood facing one another, Lu Tian leaning towards Yue Ling to whisper something to her. However, the most captured moment was how pure Yue Ling''s smile was.


    It shows how happy she is toward Lu Tian.


    Yue Ling gazed at the photo, and her heart softened. She was d that Liu Shan could capture such a memorable moment with them.


    "That one is cute, but I think this one is better."


    From the other side came Xu Long''s voice. The assistant ever so lightly pushes the petite woman to the side and takes control of theptop.


    He exits the photo and scrolls through the album before finding the one he likes and clicks on it.


    Once the photo came into view for everyone to see, he straightened his posture with his chin raised high.


    "Now, this is a perfect photo."


    Everyone looks at the monitor screen and sees the photo of Lu Tian carrying Yue Ling. However, it wasn''t just any kind of carrying.


    In this photo, Lu Tian had picked up Yue Ling and sat her on his right shoulder as they stood in front of their collection of cars.


    It was an unexpected pose but enough to show the massive smile on the couple''s faces.


    Xu Long raised his chin higher with his nose growing longer, seeing everyone in awe. He held a proud father look and ced his hands on his hips.


    "That''s right. Keep looking at the photo. I know, I know. My boss is naturally strong built."


    Just as everyone was admiring the photo, their eyes turned heavy when they all heard Xu Long''s words. Together, multiple heads turn to look at the assistant.


    Lu Tian stood at the side without looking at the photos. He would be lying if he wasn''t nervous about how the photos turned out, as this was his first time since he was a child to stand in front of a camera.


    However, upon hearing his assistant, the corners of his mouth ever so lightly twitched.


    He understood that Xu Long was trying to boost his pride, but he (Xu Long) didn''t have to do it in such a humorous way.


    "Wow, way to kill the spur of the moment."


    The first to speak was none other than Qi Li. He shakes his head before turning to his boss.


    "I think all the photos look nice. It''ll be hard to choose just one."


    Yue Ling couldn''t help but smile at her illustrator. He was usually the quiet one and only spoke when he wanted but always knew what to say.


    She turns back to look at theptop screen, and without any need to ponder, she walks away.


    "It''s gettingte. Everyone should go home and rest. Tian and I will discuss which photos to useter."


    Hearing her words, Liu Shan was quick to take action. He made sure to save all the photos before closing hisptop as he packed up.


    "You guys heard, boss. Go home. Give the couple some space."


    He didn''t waste another second and scrammed out of the living room with his belongings.


    Seeing his quick movements, the others didn''t know whether tough or cry. However, understanding his words, they too started to pack up their things.


    "Hey, Liu Shan, wait for me!"


    Xu Long yells after Liu Shan as he frantically gathers his things. Like a wife chasing after her husband, he quickly pursues after the assistant.


    "Didn''t you hear me? I said, wait for me too. Don''t you know how dangerous the world is nowadays!"


    Unlike the two assistants, the others decided not to bother with them. In their eyes, Liu Shan and Xu Long were a couple who would never stop bickering.


    "Boss, we''ll have all pieces of equipment returned tomorrow since it''ste."


    Gui Zhongmin spoke as he picked up thest vase of flowers. Once he saw Yue Ling nod her head, he and his older brother bid her and Lu Tian goodbye, then left the house.


    As everyone left, the once noisy house soon turned into silence.


    Yue Ling couldn''t believe that just a few minutes ago, the house was decorated to the point of being unrecognizable, and now it had returned to its origin. A part of her was sad that it ended, but at the same time, she was relieved that one n was over.


    She sighs inside and decides to go and check if the front door is locked. After all, everyone had rushed out of the house.


    "I''ll go check."


    Before she could take a step forward, Lu Tian stopped her. He knew what she was going to do, and being the man of the house, how could he let his wife check the door if it was locked or not.


    Yue Ling doesn''t refute his offer and lets him go. She watched him walk to the front door, and feeling a little hungry, she decided to turn for the kitchen.


    It was alreadyte, but ate-night snack wouldn''t hurt since she had skipped dinner. Of course, she was a little guilty of not offering to cook for the others, but she knew that everyone would prefer to go home and rest since it had been a long day.


    Unaware of her n, Lu Tian approached the front door. He sees that it is locked but unlocks it and opens the door.


    He frowns when he sees that Liu Shan''s car is the only one parked in the driveway. His wife''s assistant was the first to leave, so why was he still here?


    Thinking that something might be wrong, he opens the door and steps out. The second he stood under the front light, he made eye contact with the assistant.


    Liu Shan waves to him from inside the car, followed by the car engine turning on.


    Lu Tian gives a slight nod and seeing that nothing is out of sorts, he returns inside the house to find his wife.


    While the couple enjoyed the rest of their night, inside Liu Shan''s car, he was making a phone call from his car.


    The call rang twice before the line connected, and an old man''s voice sounded from the other line.


    ["Ah, Liu Shan. What can I help you with, boy?"]


    Liu Shan listens to the old man''s words, and with eyes on the road ahead, he answers.


    "Manager Luo, sorry for not contacting you sooner. Can we meet now to discuss earlier this morning if you''re not busy?"


    Manager Luo''sughter could be heard from the other line before continuing the conversation.


    ["Of course. This old man is never busy these days. I will send you the location to my house."]


    Following his words, Liu Shan''s phone sounds from his pocket. He takes his phone out and unlocks the message to see the address Manager Luo had sent him.


    He quickly connected it to his car navigation and changed the direction he was going.


    "I''ll be there in ten minutes."


    His words fell, and their phone call soon came to an end.


    As he drove to meet Manager Luo, his eyes that were focused on the road would constantly gaze out to the dark and gloomy sky in front of him.


    Despite just sharing a harmonious moment with his boss and the others, being alone again made him feel like everything had been a dream.


    Hees to a stop at a red light and takes a deep breath to steady himself.


    "This is for the best, Liu Shan. You, of all people, know this. It''s really time to move on."

 Chapter 900: Edward

    <h4>Chapter 900: Edward</h4>


    After multiple turns, Liu Shan''s car finally arrived at the location Manager Luo had sent him. He parked his car in the driveway and stepped out from the driver''s side.


    He looked up at the house in front of him and was surprised to see how the old man was living. Especially the number of cameras set up around the ce.


    "Man, you really can''t do anything here without being captured."


    He mutters under his breath and shakes his head at how ridiculous Manager Luo is for setting up the number of cameras. If anyone were to trip and fall, without a doubt, it would be captured, let alone pass gas.


    "Why would this old man need so much surveince?"


    As he made this question, he couldn''t help but wonder why Manager Luo would set his home like a fortress.


    Unable to find an answer, he closes the door to his and walks to the front of the house.


    This time, he was beyond baffled. The lights surrounding the house are turned on, but the light above the door is the only one turned off.


    His eyebrows furrow and he rings the doorbell, thinking the old man must have forgotten to turn it on.


    "What the¡ª"


    When he hears the doorbell echo from inside, the light above him automatically turns on. However, it was so bright that he was blinded for a split second.


    ["Name."]


    Suddenly a child''s voice sounds from an unnoticeable inte and shocked Liu Shan to the core.


    He looks left, right, then up and down. Seeing no inte, he was even more confused.


    "Where is the voiceing from?"


    ["Over here, idiot."]


    Hearing this, Liu Shan follows the sound of the voice, leading him to the nearby bush.


    He reached his arm inside the bush in search, and it didn''t take long before he found it.


    Hidden within this bush was an inte securely concealed inside. Anyone who walks by, whether it is day or night, would not have noticed it at all.


    He squats down and leans towards the bush.


    "Hello? This is Liu Shan. I have a meeting with Uncle Lou. May I ask who this is?"


    ["Me? I am your father¡ª Little brat, what are you doing? Who is at the door?!"]


    From the inte came a child''s voice, then an old man''s voice. Liu Shan didn''t see what happened, but he heard a loud smack causing him to snort augh.


    ["Hello? Who is out there? If you''re here to sell us things again, we don''t want it. Go away."]


    The old man''s voice sounded in annoyance, and Liu Shan''sughter ceased into a smile. He raises his eyebrows, turns to look at the many cameras, and shakes his head. Maybe the old man kept having uninvited guests that he put up the cameras.


    He cleared his throat andposed himself.


    "Uncle Luo, it''s me. Shan."


    ["Oh, Liu Shan, haha, it''s you only? Hurry,e inside."]


    Followed by Manager Luo''s voice, a loud buzz sounds as one could hear the locks on the door unlocking.


    Liu Shan straightens himself and walks over to the now opened door. As he entered the house, he didn''t forget to knock on the walls as he did the door.


    "When you said ten minutes, I didn''t think you meant it."


    Manager Luo greets Liu Shan at the door with a broad smile on his face. He thought that young people these days would take longer than they say.


    However, seeing the assistant knock on the door and walls, heughs.


    "I know what you''re thinking, but yes, everything around my house is bulletproof."


    When Liu Shan heard this, his eyebrows arched, and his jaw slightly dropped. After what felt like a whole year had gone by, did hee back to his senses.


    He nods his head in understanding and chuckles in a sarcastic tone.


    "You are filled with wealth, old man. Maybe I should quit my job and start working for you."


    Manager Luo had always been proud of his house. It may seem like an ordinary house on the outside, but it is not an easy one if someone wants to break in.


    "I wouldn''t mind having someone like you work for me, but I doubt what I do is good for your stomach. Come this way. I have what you asked for."


    He closed the door and quickly changed the topic by directing Liu Shan to the living room.


    As the two head to the living room, Liu Shan didn''t forget to look around the house. He noticed about the old man that he seemed to love collecting books as he had a vast collection in every part of the house.


    He was soon led to the living room and sat down on the couch. In front of him was a coffee table, but it was covered with papers.


    "Uh, this is¡­."


    "Avable apartments and houses."


    Manager Luo didn''t hesitate and answered the young man. He takes a seat on the couch across from Liu Shan and picks up one of the papers.


    "I figured this is why you called me earlier."


    He passes the paper to Liu Shan but remembering something, he stands up.


    "Take your time going over them. I was brewing some tea. I''ll get you a cup too."


    Liu Shan held the paper in his hand without looking at the old man walking away. He stared at the paper that showed the exterior and interior of an apartment.


    He ponders over it and then ces it down to pick up a different one.


    Seconds turned to minutes, and before he realized it, he had piled the papers and brochures into three different stacks. One was for interest, the second was maybe, and thest one was not interested.


    He leaned back on the couch and held his chin as he did some more thinking.


    "Seems like you''re having a difficult time deciding."


    Manager Lou returns to the living room with a tray in hand. He ces a cup of tea in front of the young man and then sits down before picking up his cup.


    "What''s troubling you?"


    Liu Shan thanked the old man for the tea but hearing the question, his eyes lowered down to the cup in his hand.


    "It''s nothing."


    Knowing that he was lying, Manager Lou smiled without speaking right away. He blows on the tea before taking a small sip.


    "Shan, I may be old, but you cannot fool me."


    He looks at Liu Shan and sighs through his smile.


    "If you don''t want to tell me, I understand, but I hope you can ovee it. If it is not worth the trouble, don''t dwell on it and move on."


    Liu Shan couldn''t respond with words. He could only give the old man a small smile to reassure him he meant nothing was troubling him.


    However, Manager Lou knew better.


    After all, he (Manager Lou) sees Liu Shan as a son.


    "I will not pry you into telling me, so stop making that fake smile."


    He could see that the smile on Liu Shan''s face was not a genuine one. Instead, it was a smile he (Liu Shan) would make when he was bothered by something.


    Liu Shan was surprised to know that the old man had seen through him. He sighs inside and takes a sip of the tea.


    "Alright, you got me."


    He puts the cup down and nces at the old man.


    "Please keep this from her. I''ll tell her if I have to."


    Manager Lou didn''t need to ask who the ''her'' Liu Shan was speaking of as he knew it was no one other than Yue Ling.


    If anyone is to worry about anyone, it would be Yue Ling. She may sometimes seem like the type not to care, but only those who know her know that she is the most caring person in the world.


    Especially when ites to those she holds dear.


    "Alright. Despite not knowing what it is, I''ll keep this between us."


    Liu Shan was thankful to the old man. He pointed to a stack of papers and spoke.


    "These are the ces I''m interested. I''ll send you my open schedules so you can see which days fit with yours."


    He picks up a brochure from the maybe pile but remembers something.


    "Oh, who was the child that answered the door?"


    Manager Lou had yet to take another sip of his tea when the question entered his ears. He coughs to clear his throat, then grins at the assistant.


    "My grandson."


    Upon hearing this answer, Liu Shan almost fell out of his seat. However, with quick reflexes, he steadies himself to look the old man in the eyes.


    "You have a grandson? Howe I never knew about this? You didn''t go and steal someone''s child, did you?"


    Manager Lou was in disbelief by this. He stared at Liu Shan with heavy eyelids, then rolled his eyes with a hmmf.


    "Boy, how old do you think I am? 40?"


    His words were filled with sarcasm, but he heaved a long and loud sigh, seeing that Liu Shan was still confused.


    "Aiya, you really are an idiot."


    He put the cup of tea down on the table as he turned his head to the side where they had entered.


    "Edward. Come here. Grandpa wants you to meet someone."


    Liu Shan''s jaw gradually dropped to the floor when he heard the old man call out to someone. He chuckles in disbelief with eyes never moving from Manager Lou.


    "Edward? Your grandson''s name is Edward?"


    Manager Lou doesn''t look back at Liu Shan but rolls his eyes again.


    "Yes, his name is Edward. You know, Ed¡ª ward."

 Chapter 901: Manager Lou’s son

    <h4>Chapter 901: Manager Lou¡¯s son</h4>


    Liu Shan focuses his attention in the direction leading to the front door. He hears the faint sound of footsteps as it near him and Manager Lou.


    A small silhouette soon steps into view, revealing a little boy. He wore a traditional ck changshan made of silk and white trousers.


    The sudden appearance of the boy shocked Liu Shan. When he spoke to the boy on the inte, he thought he would meet a little brat. However, seeing the boy now was indeed all in his head.


    This little boy looked well-kept and like someone who knew his good manners.


    The little boy steals a nce at Liu Shan, but he has a straight face despite being adorable. He looks away from the assistant and skips over to Manager Lou.


    However, unlike the stern expression he gave Liu Shan, he was now expressing a joyous smile.


    "Grandpa, did you call for me?"


    Manager Louughed when his grandson hopped onto hisp. He held onto the boy to make sure he didn''t fall over as he looked across to Liu Shan.


    "Shan, this is my grandson, Edward Lou."


    Liu Shan stares at the little boy and then at the old man. No matter how many times he looked at them, he couldn''t find any resemnce between them. Not even the tiniest.


    However, knowing it is impolite to question family, he smiles at the little boy.


    "Hello, Edward. I''m Liu Shan, an old friend of your grandfather''s."


    Edward Lou greets Liu Shan with a slight nod of his head. His eyes never faltered away from the assistant as his lips slowly pursed.


    "How can you be an old friend of grandpa''s? Are you also 70-years-old?"


    Liu Shan: "¡­"


    Manager Lou: "¡­"


    Both men were bbergasted by the question. Liu Shan''s good opinion of the boy gradually fades, but he quickly keeps calm and maintains a smile.


    "I''m much younger than your grandfather, but that doesn''t mean we cannot be friends."


    Edward slowly nods his head in understanding. He nces down at the pile of papers neatly put together on the table, then looks at his grandfather.


    "Grandpa, can I go now? I want to read before bed."


    Manager Lou felt his heart soften at his grandson. He pats the boy on the head and puts him down.


    "Go ahead. Grandpa will be up to read with you soon."


    As Liu Shan''s introduction to Edwardes to an end, he looks at the old man with a faint frown.


    "Old man, would you care to exin?"


    Manager Lou''s head was turned to the direction his grandson had gone. Once he confirmed the little boy was no longer in view, did he look back at Liu Shan.


    "It''s a long story, but Edward is indeed my blood."


    He nces at Liu Shan, and seeing the young man''s expression, he sighs.


    Liu Shan was looking at him as if saying, ''go ahead, I have all night.''


    He reaches for the cup of tea he had set down but doesn''t take a sip right away.


    "As you know, my line of work is dangerous. It is so dangerous that after my beloved wife''s passing, I hid the truth about my children."


    Mentioning his deceased wife made his heartache, and a pained expression appeared on his face.


    "My wife left this world, leaving my two children and me alone. I have a daughter, and I had a son. To make it so that no one could know about their existence, I forced them to live abroad. I hid the truth of my job from them. That way, they wouldn''t be involved with my line of work."


    Liu Shan listened to the old man and was perplexed about the old man''s secret. However, remembering what Manager Lou does in the underworld, he could only agree that sending his children away was for the best.


    Thinking this, the space between his eyebrows creased into three lines.


    "Wait, you said you have a daughter and had a son. What do you mean by had?"


    A small smile curled on Manager Lou''s lips, but one could see that it was a smile filled with irremediable sorrow. He knew that he couldn''t hide this from Liu Shan.


    "My daughter is alive and well. She is Edward''s mother. As for my son¡­."


    He pauses after his words and swallows a gulp as if to swallow away his feelings.


    "My son¡­ He was a smart child. So smart that even I questioned whether he was my son."


    Remember his son, he trembles a smile filled with a great pang gripping his heart.


    "8 years ago, he finished his studies and made the decision to move back without consulting me. He told me that he didn''t want me to be lonely and wanted to spend time with me. I knew I would hurt myself and his feelings if I sent him away again, so I allowed him to stay."


    He points to the bookshelves and smiles a faint chuckle.


    "All the books you see in this house belong to my son. He was a collector of all types of genres. Every day, he would bring home at least twenty books. There are still some books that he had yet to read."


    He slowly closes his eyes to take a deep breath before opening his eyes again.


    "However, one night took away the sight of him from me."


    Tears began to pool in his eyes, but he looked around to get rid of them.


    "I took up a job to clean up a mess in the underworld while my son was brutally murdered in my home. The perpetrator left a note saying, if my son had not been my son, he would have lived."


    He inhales a sniffle and looks at the walls of his house.


    "After his passing, I moved here and increased the security¡­ but not a day goes by that I do not live in guilt and regret. I ask myself every day, if I had chased my son away eight years ago, would he still be here?"


    His lips tremble asyers of unsettling emotions cross his moistened eyes.


    "If I had not taken the job to clean up that mess, would I have been able to save my son? If I had increased the security as I did here, would my son still be here today?"


    He closes his eyes again, and despite his tears wanting to fall, he makes sure to hold them back.


    "Now that I only have my daughter and grandson, I wanted to make things right. I don''t want to miss any more chances with them."


    His heart began to cure a little, thinking about his grandson and how he radiated such warmth.


    "I want to live for them. Not run away from them."


    As Manager Lou came to silence, Liu Shan sat without uttering a sound across from him.


    He had always thought that the old man would lecture him and the others for no reason. However, hearing what happened to his (Manager Lou) son, he now understands.


    Manager Lou was always trying to look out for them. He didn''t want them to experience the same fate as his son.


    Liu Shan looked at the bulletproof walls and windows and then thought about the many surveince systems outside the house.


    It was enough proof to show that despite reconciling with his (Manager Lou) daughter and meeting his grandson, he doesn''t want to lose them.


    He looks at the many bookshelves that make the house look like a library. It was also enough proof that the old man carries his son in his heart.


    Never in his entire life would he think that the old man would experience such pain.


    However, thinking about the suffering Manager Lou''s son must have gone through, anger poured inside him.


    "Have you found the perpetrator?"


    Manager Lou inhales a deep breath and shakes his head.


    "I couldn''t.... but she did."


    This answer made Liu Shan incredulous. He frowns with a slight tilt of his head.


    "She did? Are you sure it was her?"


    Manager Lou looks up at Liu Shan. He knew why the young man doubted his answer, but it was the truth.


    "I spent days trying to find any clues before it turned into months, but I always reached a dead end. I was at my wit''s end when I went to seek her for help."


    He looks at Liu Shan and a stern expression on his face.


    "It was thanks to her that I was able to find my son''s murders."


    Liu Shan''s eyes widen slightly at the old man''s words. He thought it was only one perpetrator, but it was more than one.


    He wants to ask more questions but stops himself when he remembers something that happened eight years ago.


    "I see."


    He nods his head like he understands something.


    "It''s good that you were able to find justices."


    Manager Lou stared at Liu Shan and knew what was on the assistant''s mind.


    "Shan, I know what you are thinking, but it was I who told her not to tell anyone."


    He sighs a small smile before continuing his words.


    "If anyone is to me, it is me."


    Liu Shan lowered his gaze to the floor. He doesn''t respond with words but nods his head inplete silence.


    After seconds go by, hees to a decision and stands up from his seat.


    "It''s gettingte. I''ll head home. It would be best if you go to your grandson. He''s probably wondering why his grandfather hasn''t looked for him."


    He walks away from the couch and heads for the front door but stops. He turns back to look at Manager Lou and smiles.


    "Don''t worry. I won''t tell anyone what I heard today."


    Manager Lou returns a smile in thanks. He walks Liu Shan out the door and watches as the young man enters his car before leaving the driveway.


    In his eyes, Liu Shan is like Yue Ling''s right-hand man. After hearing that she was the one who helped him, he (Liu Shan) must be feeling a little down for being kept in the dark.


    He couldn''t help but heave a sigh.


    "I hope he''ll be okay."

 Chapter 902: No more secrets

    <h4>Chapter 902: No more secrets</h4>


    Morning came as the clear began to clear of its gloomy weather. Yue Ling arrives at De L''amour like usual after being dropped off by Lu Tian.


    She takes the elevator up to her office after greeting her employees. As she nears the door to her office, she notices the door is left ajar.


    Her eyebrows furrowed, questioning if she had locked the door the previous night. However, she was sure she did since Qi Li had met her for the surprise wedding photo shoot.


    Thinking about who else would enter her office prior to her, she could only think of one person.


    She takes a step forward, then another. She pushes the door open calmly, and the person she sees inside is the person in question.


    "Good morning, Liu Shan."


    Sitting in the middle of her office was her assistant. She could only guess that something was up since he was here.


    "If you''re here regarding the week''s schedule, I already took care of it yesterday. I''ll be meeting with Cloth Co. at 1 pm."


    She walks to her desk to put her things down and take off her coat but sees Liu Shan''s condition.


    Unlike his usual kept appearance, he looked haggard and like he had not slept all night.


    She hung her coat on the coat rack and walked over to sit across from him.


    "Are you alright? You look like you haven''t slept at all."


    Liu Shan sat like a statue with messy hair and wrinkled clothes. He held his hands together on hisp with his eyes settled on the coffee table.


    When he hears his boss''s voice, hees to his senses. He slowly lifts his head to look and her and parts his lips.


    "Am I your friend?"


    Yue Ling had just taken a seat when she heard his question. She was utterly astounded by him and chuckled.


    "Why are you asking that question when you know the answer?"


    She looks him in the eyes, and seeing that he is serious, she sighs.


    "Liu Shan, I have always told you. You are my friend before you are my assistant and subordinate."


    "Then why didn''t you tell me?"


    Liu Shan asked the second herst words fell. He showed emotions, making one have a difficult time reading him.


    "Why did you hide it?"


    Yue Ling arched an eyebrow at him before all emotions disappeared from her face. However, not understanding where he is trying to go with this conversation, she crosses her arms and leans back on the couch.


    "If you''re trying to me someone for something, it is best if you give the details instead of jumping to conclusions."


    Seeing that her demeanor had be cold, Liu Shan realized that he had messed up. He, of all people, should know how his boss is when she is being questioned.


    He sighs in frustration before running his fingers through his messy hair.


    "Sorry. I didn''t mean for it toe out this way."


    He leans back on his chair and tilts his head back to rest on the backrest.


    "I met with Uncle Lou after leaving your house. He was helping me look for something, then¡­."


    He takes a deep breath and straightens himself to look at his boss.


    "I met his grandson, Edward."


    Yue Ling listened without interrupting him. When she heard him mention Edward, her eyes ever so lightly trembled.


    She now understood why Liu Shan hade to see her so early in the morning.


    "Since you know about Edward, I can only assume that he told you the rest."


    Liu Shan saw her eyes quiver and confirmed his suspicion. However, he wanted to hear the truth from her.


    "You knew about what happened to his son?"


    "I did."


    Yue Ling didn''t hide anything and told him the truth. However, her answer only made Liu Shan clench his fists.


    "Why didn''t you tell me or the others? Why did you keep it to yourself?"


    He threw his questions at her, but all he received in response was silence. Just when he thought she wouldn''t answer him, her voice suddenly sounded.


    "It was not my ce to say."


    Yue Ling''s voice was quiet, but one could hear the emotions behind it. Liu Shan tightened his fist until his nails dug into his skin.


    "Is that why you went by yourself eight years ago to wipe out Shadows?"


    Hearing the question, Yue Ling could only nod her head once.


    Only a few people knew about Manager Lou''s family, but with the passing of some of those people, it came down to her, her grandfather, and Uncle Zhi.


    Her bluish-green eyes gradually closed, and her thoughts drifted to eight years ago when she was still a model in City Z.


    Manager Lou had asked her to find a book for him because he wanted to gift it to his son as a birthday gift. When she finally found it, she told the old man she would visit him and bring the book with her.


    The day she nned to visit him, she knew that Manager Lou had taken a job cleaning up a mess in the underworld. She told him she would wait for him at his house.


    Unfortunately, her busy schedule that day caused her to take ater flight to get to Imperial.


    When she arrived at his house, she saw that the door was left open. She assumed the old man had forgotten to lock it, but it wasn''t until she entered the house did she saw Manager Lou''s son lying in his pool of blood.


    She tried to resuscitate him, but she knew there was nothing else she could do the moment she reached him.


    One look and she knew that he was dead.


    His limbs that had been burned were cut to the point of almost being severed, and there were multiple stab wounds indicating brutal torture.


    The perpetrator had purposely left his face untouched to allow one to identify Manager Lou''s son.


    She was the one who had to break the tragic news to Manager Lou. He didn''t believe her, but when he came home and saw his son, she could see the old man''s grief, denial, and anger.


    All she could do was apologize to him as regret washed inside her.


    If she had only arrived sooner, she would have been able to help him. If she had made it to the appointed time, she would have saved him.


    After Manager Lou buried his son, he asked her not to tell the others about his family. He didn''t want words to get out for fear that his daughter might be targeted next.


    She made a promise to him and kept this secret for him.


    Before she left the burial, she asked him if there was anything she could do, but he only shook his head.


    Days passed, and before she realized it, it had already been months before Manager Lou asked to meet with her.


    She agreed, and when she saw him, she could see how worn out he looked. However, she knew he never stopped looking for the person who had taken his son away.


    Only then did he show her the note that the murderer left behind.


    When she read the note, she felt all the blood in her boil.


    ''If he were not your son, he would have lived.''


    She swore to find whoever did this, and she did. It wasn''t easy, but she found the person behind the murder.


    However, it wasn''t just one person, but an entire gang called Shadows.


    She told Manager Lou that she would bring the people responsible for his son''s death to him.


    The night she went to Shadows, her hands were stained with the blood of 76 people, and she handed the fate of seven people to the old man.


    As her memories of that nighte to an end, she closes her eyes. When she opened her eyes again, all traces of emotions disappeared.


    Liu Shan stared at her across the coffee table like he was trying to read her mind. However, unable to, he felt slightly frustrated.


    He could still remember that night like it was yesterday.


    She had left without informing anyone, and when she returned, she was covered in blood. When they asked her what happened, she said she had encountered a group of people who tried to kidnap her.


    And to think he and the others actually believed her story.


    "How can you be so reckless? If you had told us, we would have gone with you. Manager Lou is like a father to all of us too."


    He looks away from his boss and tugs his messy hair to cool his mixed emotions.


    As a member of Fate, he is cognizant of all the gangs in the underworld. Not to forget all the details that go on in the underworld. To think his boss would go head-on with Shadows by herself.


    Shadows weren''t just any ordinary gang. Every member, including the leader, was a well-trained hitman who killed for pleasure in the most brutal way possible.


    If Yue Ling had failed, she would have¡­


    Unable to finish his thoughts, he looked at Yue Ling, and seeing how calm she was, he felt another wave of frustration before his voice cracked.


    "How can you go up against an entire gang by yourself? What if something had happened to you?"


    Yue Ling could hear the fear mixed with anger in her assistant''s voice and understood his reason for behaving this way.


    The corners of her lips arcs and she stares at him.


    "But I''m here, aren''t I?"


    Liu Shan was fuming with rage but when his eyes met her bluish-green eyes, he felt a sense of relief wash over him.


    He doesn''t know what happened that night, but he knows one thing, no one from Shadows survived.


    "Fine."


    He decided to stop the discussion and stood up from his seat. He walks out of the room, but before reaching the door, he turns back to look at her.


    This time, he puts on a serious expression.


    "No more secrets."


    He put both his hands on his hips and stood his ground.


    "I know you are a strong woman, but please remember that we''re all here. I''m still here. Whatever you decide to do, don''t keep it from us."


    Yue Ling remained seated when she heard her assistant. She leisurely stands up and smiles a small nod at him in reassurance.


    "No more secrets."

 Chapter 903: Deteriorating by the day

    <h4>Chapter 903: Deteriorating by the day</h4>


    Yue Ling watched the door close as her assistant left the room. She stares at the door for a long second before sighing and walking to her desk.


    As she took a seat, Liu Shan''s words crossed her mind, and she let out a soft but sarcastic chuckle.


    "No secrets?"


    She crosses her right leg over her left and leans back on the chair.


    "Shan, you spoke those words so easily, but you''re the one hiding something from me."


    For the past few days, she noticed that Liu Shan was behaving strangely. He would smile andugh with everyone like he was fine, but she was no fool.


    However, never one to pry into other''s business, she decided to stay silent.


    She nces at the shut door to her office and then turns herputer on to start work.


    Outside Yue Ling''s office, Liu Shan sat inside his office with a frustrated expression.


    His elbows are ced over his desk, and his face is in his hands.


    "I''m such a hypocrite¡­."


    He mumbles from behind his hands, then moves away. He leans back against his chair and runs his hands over his messy hair, making it more disheveled.


    "I asked her not to keep any more secrets, but I''m hiding things from her."


    He doesn''t want anyone to know about his feelings of being hurt by Ling Ni, but he bes angry when he learns she is keeping him in the dark.


    Not only that, but he''s also keeping quiet about the fact that Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li are in Imperial.


    He tilts his head back and stares at the ceiling as a long sigh escapes his lips.


    "Should I just tell her?"


    "Tell her what?"


    Just when he mutters, Yue Ling''s voice sounds from the door to his office.


    Liu Shan frantically sits up with a bit of struggle and looks at her.


    "What are you, a ghost? How can you not make any sound at all?"


    He swore his soul had left his body when he heard her voice. He didn''t even hear her door open or her footsteps.


    Yue Ling stares at her assistant with one arched brow. She knew she had caught him by surprise, but she didn''t think it was that big of a deal.


    She wanted to ask who he was talking about but feigned ignorance. If it were necessary, he would tell her.


    "I''m going to make my rounds then meet with Cloth Co. at 1 pm. Do you want to go with me?"


    Liu Shan pats his chest to calm himself. Once he was sure his beating heart was at ease, he looked at his boss and pouted.


    "Why are you even asking me? I am your assistant. It''s my job to go everywhere with you."


    Hearing his response, Yue Ling shrugs her shoulder and turns away from him.


    "Finish any task you need to finish. Once I finish making my rounds, I''lle to get you."


    Liu Shan watched as Yue Ling''s figure disappeared from view, and he was at a loss. He leans back on his chair in aid-back posture.


    Sometimes, he can''t help but wonder if he is the assistant or his boss.


    "Liu Shan, ah, Liu Shan. How can you mix work with personal matters?"


    He closes his eyes to take a deep breath, then straightens himself. He puts his hands over his keyboard and takes another drag.


    "Let''s focus on work. If you have your bosse get youter, someone else will take over your job."


    As Yue Ling proceeds to make her rounds in De L''amour, in another part of Imperial, a white Rolls-Royce stops in front of Imperial Military Hospital.


    Stepping out of the front entrance was none other than Grandfather Ji and Doctor Dong. Of course, Inu kept a steady pace by his second favorite human''s side.


    "Old man, you have to listen to me."


    Doctor Dong cautioned his good friend of many years. His expression was far from relief, and one could see worry and anxiety all over his face.


    "I may have permitted you to be discharged, but you must not overwork yourself. Anything and I mean anything, even in the tiniest, can go wrong."


    Grandfather Ji held a cane to help him walk steadier as he ced his other hand behind his back. He listens to his friend and heads towards the white Rolls-Royce.


    Once he is in front of the car, he turns back to look at the other old man and sighs a smile. As Zhong Yang held the door open for him, Inu didn''t forget to jump inside the car and made himselffortable.


    "I understand everything you say. You''ve been saying it ever since I was admitted into the hospital."


    Doctor Dong stares at his friend with moistened eyes. His lower lip trembles ever so lightly before pressing his lips together as if to hold back tears.


    "I''m being serious. How can you have the time to take my words as a joke?"


    As a doctor, he knows Grandfather Ji is not in good shape. He would rather have his friend imprisoned in the hospital if he can. He fears that any minor mishap will end the old man''s life.


    However, Grandfather Ji had begged him for the first time.


    He (Grandfather Ji) asked him to let him (Grandfather Ji) do what he can for his grandchildren.


    Knowing how stubborn the old man can be, he (Doctor Dong) could only agree.


    He looked at his old friend and could see how pale Grandfather Ji had be in the past few days.


    This illness has really taken a toll on him (Grandfather Ji).


    He turns his head to look at Zhong Yang and hands him a bag containing Grandfather Ji''s medications.


    "Make sure he takes everything ording to the prescription. Do not miss a day."


    Once he saw that the assistant understood his words, he looked back at his friend with a stern face.


    "You must remember to rest. If it is not important, do it overexert yourself."


    Grandfather Ji was baffled by how serious his friend was behaving. Heughs and nods his head.


    "Alright, alright. I heard you the hundredth time."


    He pats the old man on the shoulder and smiles.


    "Don''t worry. Once I have settled what I need to do, I wille back and listen to your nagging."


    Doctor Dong wanted to refute but held himself back. He nods his head and forces a smile.


    "Alright. Go."


    He gestures a wave as if to shoo a child away.


    "Go before I change my mind."


    Grandfather Ji smiles a sigh. He doesn''t say anymore and enters the rear seat of the car.


    Zhong Yang bids Doctor Dong farewell after closing the door and enters the driver''s seat.


    Watching the white Rolls-Royce drive away from the hospital, Doctor Dong looked worried. He nces up to the sky as if to search for something, then turns away.


    As the white Rolls-Royce drives further away from the hospital, in the back seat, Grandfather Ji sat his head leaned back and eyes closed.


    His breathing was haggard, but one could see that he was trying his best to hide it.


    Zhong Yang was aware of this the moment he entered the car. He nces at the rear view mirror and then back to the road ahead.


    "Chairman¡­"


    He utters the one word before swallowing a gulp. He gathers all his courage and continues his words.


    "Is today the day?"


    Grandfather Ji had closed his eyes to rest. The walk from the hospital room to the car had taken much of his energy.


    He had to pretend to be alright in fear that Doctor Dong might drag him back to the hospital bed if he (Doctor Dong) were to find out.


    When he heard his assistant''s question, his eyes slowly opened. He doesn''t speak immediately but stretches his hand to the side to pat Inu on the head.


    "After I deal with the Chen, Qin, and Deng family, I will tell Ah Ling."


    He trembles a deep breath and looks out the window.


    "I know that the truth will hurt her, but it would be best if she hears from me than someone else."


    When he saw how sad Ji Jingxu was when he (Ji Jingxu) found the diagnosis of his illness, he knew the boy was deeply hurt. It was then that he knew his granddaughter would be in even more pain to learn the truth.


    However, as much as it will hurt, he must tell her.


    He lowers his head to look at Inu and gently strokes the Samoyed''s head.


    "Inu, thank you for staying by my side. You''ve been a greatpanion these past days."


    Inu lifts his head like he understands the humannguage and rubs his head against the old man.


    This made a smile curl on Grandfather Ji''s face. He continued to stroke the little guy on the head, but his hand began to tremble uncontrobly in a split second.


    It was as if all the strength in his arm was declining, but he was forcing his hand to pat the Samoyed''s head.


    After failing to continue, he gave up. His fingers curl, and he clenches his trembling fist.


    His health is deteriorating by the day.


    ''Ah Ling, please do not be angry with me.''


    He slowly looks out the window again as he settles his trembling hand on hisp.


    ''Yeye only wish to pave a clear path for you and Jingxu before yeye departs this world.''

 Chapter 904: …in Imperial

    <h4>Chapter 904: ¡­in Imperial</h4>


    The time soon came for Yue Ling to make her way to Cloth Co. She put on her coat, grabbed her handbag, and left her office but didn''t forget to stop by Liu Shan''s office.


    However, just when she was about to reach the door, she was met by her assistant.


    "Boss, are you ready? I have the car parked in the front already."


    Unlike his disheveled appearance when he first came to work, Liu Shan had changed into a more put-together outfit with his hair adequately groomed.


    Yue Ling stares at the man standing in front of her. The corners of her mouth slowly rise, and she walks past him to exit the room.


    "It''s good to have you back."


    Watching her leave, Liu Shan was surprised by her sudden words. He slightly frowns as he can''t grasp the meaning behind her words and scratch his head.


    Did he go somewhere that he can''t seem to remember?


    Of course, this feeling onlysted for a split second.


    His frown was soon reced with a sighing smile.


    "Ah, I see."


    He turns to look at his boss''s figure, walking away towards the elevator. He doesn''t follow her right away but sighs again inside.


    He thought he had hidden his feelings pretty well, but it seemed he could never escape her eyes.


    However, who can he me but himself?


    Any person suddenly confronted would think the person facing them is behaving strangely.


    Deciding not to dwell too much on the subject, he walks after her at a quick pace. He made it just in time to enter the elevator with her.


    He presses the button for the first floor and then takes a step back to stand shoulder to shoulder with his boss.


    As the elevator descends downwards, he steals a nce at her before contemting something.


    "Um, boss¡­ there''s something I need to tell you."


    Yue Ling remained calm and collected. Her eyes focused in front of her despite hearing the slight nervousness in his voice.


    "I''m listening."


    Liu Shan held his hands together with thumbs fidgeting around. He knew he should be able to rx since she was calm, but he couldn''t help feeling like a nervous child in front of his mother.


    He gives her another side nce before taking a deep breath to calm himself.


    "I''m sorry for my childish tantrum earlier. It''s just¡­ After I left your housest night, I went to meet with Uncle Luo and¡­."


    He closes his eyes and squeezes them before continuing his words.


    "When he told me about what happened, I was in denial. I didn''t want to believe that you were hiding such a secret from me, so I came to find you first thing in the morning."


    His eyes gradually open, and he stares at the closed doors in front of him.


    "But when you confirmed the story, I was angry."


    He lowered his gaze to the floor, and his expression turnedplex.


    "I wasn''t angry that you hid the truth of Uncle Luo''s children or that you took out Shadows by yourself."


    He forced a faint smile filled with regret as he held his hands together tightly.


    "I was angry that I didn''t suspect anything was amiss that night when you returned to Fate covered in blood. I am your assistant¡­ the person who is supposed to know and understand you better than anyone, but I didn''t even see it."


    His lower lip began to tremble, and he looked at the beautiful woman next to him with eyes on the verge of tears.


    "What if we had lost you that night?"


    Yue Ling stared ahead and listened. Now she understood why he came to find her first thing in the morning.


    Because he met with Manager Luo, he became aware of what happened eight years ago.


    However, when she heard his voice quiver when he asked the question, she turned to look at him.


    "Shan, it''s not yours or anyone''s fault."


    She raises her hand and gently ces it on his shoulder.


    "If anything happened to me, it must be my fate."


    She would be lying if she wasn''t afraid eight years ago when she went to Shadows.


    That night, she was afraid.


    But it wasn''t of Shadows that she was afraid.


    It was the fact that if anything happened to her, she would be leaving behind the people she promised to take care of and her promise to Manager Luo.


    She stares at the man in front of her and smiles at him.


    "Whatever happened already happened. I purposely did not tell you or the others because it was something I had to do on my own."


    Liu Shan didn''t know how to respond to her words. He could only stare back at her with a heavy heart.


    "I¡­"


    Seeing his expression turn into one of trouble, Yue Ling''s smile widens, and she moves her hand from his shoulder.


    "It''s alright. It''s not your fault, and I''m sorry for keeping you in the dark all this time."


    *ding


    Just as herst word fell, the elevator chimes on arrival at the first floor. The door slides open, and she turns to look outside the metal box.


    "Let''s end the conversation here since we''ve cleared this misunderstanding."


    She doesn''t look back at him and steps out of the elevator.


    Liu Shan stares at her figure from behind without moving a step. He returned to theirst conversation in her office and parted his lips.


    No more secrets.


    He clenches his fists tightly at his side and takes a deep breath.


    "Faith is in Imperial."


    He closes his eyes after his words and awaits her response. However, seconds passed, and there was only silence.


    Unsure of the reason behind the silence, he opens one eye to check. Could it be that his boss didn''t hear him?


    To answer his question, he sees that Yue Ling had stopped walking. Her back to him, giving the image of a lonely figure lost in the world.


    He suddenly felt an aching tinge sh across his heart at the sight of her.


    He swallows a gulp and steadies hisposure. He had promised Qin Jun and the others that he wouldn''t tell her, but he had already promised her that he wouldn''t hide any secrets from her.


    However, if anyone deserves to know the truth, it''s her.


    He exits the elevator and walks over to her. He stops three feet behind her without closing the space between them.


    "Faith is in Imperial."


    "I heard you the first time."


    Yue Ling responded immediately as she stood unmoving the moment she heard him mention Faith. It was as if something sharp had pierced right through her chest and made time stop.


    Her hand holding the handle of her handbag ever so lightly tightens as her thoughts wander into the deep abyss.


    She had been going around in her head debating if what she saw was a figment of her imagination. However, hearing her assistant, now she can confirm that she did indeed see Qin Jun amongst the crowd.


    Her lips slightly part to speak, but nothing seemed toe out of her, no matter how much she wanted to talk.


    She finally returned to her senses after what felt like an entire day had gone by.


    She takes a deep breath, and without looking at Liu Shan, her angelic voice sounds.


    "Let''s go."


    As much as she wants to ask, she knows this is for the best. She cannot keep dwelling on the past.


    She takes a step forward, then another, and makes her way to exit herpany.


    Liu Shan stares at her, walking further away, and he felt his emotions beplex. He could sense that his boss wanted to ask him why Faith was in Imperial, but she was trying her best to avoid the question.


    He couldn''t help but wonder if he should just tell her. After all, it was his fault for suddenly bringing up the people that were once the closest to her.


    His lips pursed a bit with the expression of someone who had messed up big time.


    He curses at himself for not keeping his mouth shut. Maybe he should have waited another day to tell her instead of just blurting it out.


    However, knowing he cannot undo what is done, his shoulders slump, and he drags his feet to go after his boss.


    Outside of De L''amour, Yue Ling didn''t wait for Liu Shan to open the door for her and calmly got inside the car''s back seat.


    Once she was seated, she took out the tablet from her handbag. She turned it on and began to work while she waited for her assistant to enter the car.


    Her eyes focus on the screen as she hears the movements of her assistant, followed by the engine turning on and the car moving.


    However, despite hearing all of these, she seemed to be in her own world.


    Like she remembers to blink, she returns to her consciousness and sets the tablet on herp.


    She doesn''t say anything but turns her head to the window and looks at the passing buildings.


    Her expression was calm like usual, but only God knows what was truly on her mind.


    In the front seat, Liu Shan held an expression full of regret. His lips are pressed tightly together as he nces at the rear view mirror.


    He wanted so badly to p himself for causing such feelings to rise in her.


    If he could rewind time, he would do so as he does not wish to see his boss look so sad. However, he knows that this is only his wishful thinking.


    "Boss¡­"


    He looks ahead at the road, then nces at the mirror before focusing on the road again.


    "Are you alright?"


    Yue Ling''s gaze never moved from the window despite hearing her assistant. Her thoughts remained unreadable before her lips parted.


    "I''m fine."


    She reassures Liu Shan but doesn''t utter another sound. She looks away from the window and lowers her gaze to the tablet on herp.


    Picking it up, she clears her mind by brushing away any thoughts unrted to work.

 Chapter 905: Care less about what others thinks

    <h4>Chapter 905: Care less about what others thinks</h4>


    While Yue Ling makes her way to Cloth Co. with Liu Shan, in another part of Imperial, a white Audi R8 can vaguely be seen parked outside an abandoned factory.


    The driver''s side door opens, and a tall figure dressed in all ck steps into view.


    Lu Tian stares at the rundown building as he closes the door and walks in the direction of the entrance.


    Beforeing here, he had nned to meet his wife for lunch. However, upon calling her, she told him that she would eat at work since she had a meeting with his mother at Cloth Co.


    Not wanting to jeopardize her ns, he decided toe here.


    He soon arrives at the entrance and pushes the door open. Of course, he made sure not to use too much force since the door was on the brink of falling apart.


    A creak echoes throughout the ce, and he takes a step inside the building.


    "Lu Tian."


    Upon his entrance, Qin Jun''s voice sounds from ahead as he greets the aloof man. If it had been anyone else, his guard would have been up. However, before their meeting, the man contacted him abouting here.


    Lu Tian looks at the man standing in front of him and nods his head in greeting. He walked forward until he was three feet away from the other person.


    "Is your whole team here?"


    Hearing this, Qin Jun showed no expression and turned away. He walked towards the main room of the building but didn''t forget to answer.


    "It''s only Song Jing Li and me. Kira is gathering information outside."


    He nudges with his head, indicating for Lu Tian to take a seat.


    "Coffee or tea?"


    Lu Tian didn''t think wrongly of the response and walked to a chair. He removed his coat and hung it over the chair''s backrest before sitting down.


    "Tea."


    Qin Jun turns away and walks to where he and the others had set up the kitchen. He gets a cup and opens a box that stores the tea and coffee.


    "Are you alright with instant?"


    When they came to Imperial, they knew they were limited to things. For this reason, they could only depend on anything instant unless they go out to eat.


    "It''s fine."


    Lu Tian answers with a short response. He leans back against the chair and crosses his arms over his chest as his eyes scan the ce.


    Once he came to the many monitors set up in the far corner, he stood up from his seat.


    He walks over and stops in front of the monitor screens.


    Each screen showcased the front and back of the ce as the other screens showed different ces around Imperial.


    "I didn''t know that the almighty Lu Tian is a noisy man."


    A young man''s voice sounds from the side. He wore a simple grey sweater with ck denim and a white baseball cap.


    Song Jing Li stood in front of the room he set as his sleeping area. His posture leans against the door frame, and his arms are folded over his chest.


    He was taking a nap when he heard Lu Tian arrive, followed by the short conversation between the two older men.


    When he came out of his room, he saw the aloof man walking towards Kira''sputer station.


    His eyes, void of all emotions, remains on Lu Tian, and he does a side smirk.


    "I''m curious to know what will the world think when they hear this?"


    Lu Tian was unfazed by the sudden young man. He leisurely turned his head to the right, and his dark eyes met the man''s eyes.


    "I can care less about what others think."


    He turns away and looks back at the monitor screens in front of him.


    "As long as it doesn''t involve my wife."


    Paying no more attention to the technologies, he then walks back to his chair to sit down.


    Song Jing Li''s eyes never moved away from Lu Tian. He keeps hisposure, but deep inside, he was on haywire.


    He can''t seem to understand why his noona is in a rtionship with this man.


    His noona is the most outstanding person in the world, and she deserves someone so much better.


    "Jing Li."


    Before his thoughts could travel further, Qin Jun returns to the room with two cups in his hand. He didn''t hear the conversation between the two men but judging by Song Jing Li''s expression, he could tell it wasn''t too good.


    He gives the young man a nce before walking over to Lu Tian. He hands the man a cup and smiles politely.


    "I hope you don''t find Jing Li''s behavior offensive. He''s still young and has much to learn."


    Lu Tian takes the cup filled with warm tea and shrugs one shoulder.


    "It''s fine."


    He drinks the tea but couldn''t help but wonder why out of the three men, Song Jing Li has the most dislike towards him.


    No matter how many times he searches his memories, he can''t seem to find any dispute with the young man. Not only that, in the past, they''ve only made eye contact once or twice and a few nods in greeting.


    What could possibly make Song Jing Li hold so much loathe towards him?


    However, not putting too much thought into this matter, he lowers his hand holding the tea.


    "I''ll make this visit short."


    Never one to beat around the bush, he looks at Qin Jun sternly.


    "I met with Chief Kim."


    At the mention of their superior, both Qin Jun and Song Jing Li knew the meaning behind Lu Tian''s sudden visit.


    The two men nce at one another to determine what they should do. Neither spoke a word but held a nonverbalmunication between their eyes beforeing to a decision.


    "Is that so?"


    Qin Jun was the first to speak before leaning against a table as he drank his tea. His demeanor was like a person enjoying a day at home away from work.


    "I wasn''t aware."


    Chief Kim did give them a heads up that Lu Tian was visiting but other than that, they were kept in the dark regarding other matters.


    He and the others suspect Lu Tian might have learned about the other person they''re searching for, but they still have to stay alert.


    "That''s right. How can we trust your words?"


    Song Jing Li chimes in and walks over to a chair across from Lu Tian.


    He scoots it forward to close the distance between them before taking a seat.


    "How do we know that you really met with the chief?"


    He slouches down in his seat in azy posture and folds his arms over his chest. His head slightly tilts to the side, eyes surveying the man across from him.


    Lu Tian stares at the young man in front of him. He had to admit that for someone aware of who he is to behave this way in front of him requires courage.


    However, was he intimidated by this? Of course not.


    He smirks a chuckle at the young man and then casts his eyes at the older man. He remained collected as he spoke his mind.


    "I didn''t know Chief Kim''s men like to beat around the bush."


    He drinks the tea and finishes it in one gulp before setting the cup down on a nearby table.


    "Or is it because you all have little trust in the old man?"


    His voice was calm, but both Qin Jun and Song Jing Li knew how threatening his words were at the moment. It was enough to send a chill on the back of their spine.


    "What do you mean by that? Of course, we trust the chief."


    Song Jing Li abruptly stood up from his chair, causing it to scoot back. He eyes down the aloof man like a predator seeking out its prey.


    "It''s you that we don''t trust."


    "Jing Li."


    Quickly as the situation escted, Qin Jun''s eyes widened. He strides over to Song Jing Li and pulls him to the side as he growls in a low voice.


    "Are you crazy? Why would you say that? He is the only person we can trust here."


    Song Jing Li glowers at the man he considers an older brother and snorts.


    "You know it''s the truth."


    Hearing this, Qin Jun was at a loss for words. He knows that Song Jing Li is behaving this way because of Yue Ling. It''s the young man''s way of testing out Lu Tian to see if he (Lu Tian) is strong enough to protect her.


    However, this is not the time and ce for such matters.


    He stares at his youngrade with bloodshot eyes before heaving a long sigh.


    "That''s¡ª"


    "And you think I trust you guys too?"


    Before Qin Jun could finish his words, Lu Tian''s deep voice cuts him off. The two men look in his direction to see him standing up from the chair.


    His tall figure stood like a strong and mighty pir. One that seemsplicated to take down no matter what one does.


    He casually takes out a handkerchief from inside his coat pocket and wipes his hand. His movement was like he had touched something impure.


    After cleaning his hands, he set the handkerchief next to his cup on the table.


    He looks at the two men with a cold and expressionless face. His deep dark eyes stared at them like the devil piercing into their souls.


    "I have three men from another country currently residing in my jurisdiction. I''ve been informed it is for a case I''m also working but from the looks of it¡­."


    His words pause for a second, and he looks between the two men before continuing.


    "I reckon you''re all here for another reason."


    One corner of his lip arcs up into a mischievous smirk, and his eyes never once waver away from the two figures in front of him.


    Now it was like he was the predator hunting his prey in the wilderness.


    "If you want to talk about trust. It''s me who should be questioning whether or not I trust you all."

 Chapter 906: Work together without further issues

    <h4>Chapter 906: Work together without further issues</h4>


    Qin Jun and Song Jing Li stood in silence as their eyes glued onto the man standing across from them. It was as if the floor underneath them had frozen along with their feet.


    Lu Tian''s words were the only things going in circles inside their head.


    Did he trust them?


    Lu Tian''s cold gaze stayed on the two men for a long time. He concluded that he had spent enough time here and was the first to move.


    "No need to see me out."


    He walks away from the men and makes his way to the door. He did note here to listen to a child''s tantrum.


    "W-wait."


    Qin Jun was the first toe to his senses of the two men. He cast a re at Song Jing Li before running after Lu Tian.


    His expression was enough for the young man to stop putting his emotions first.


    Without any more care for hisrade, he soon reaches the door. He sees Lu Tian reaching for the doorknob and faintly ms his palm against it.


    "I''m sorry for what happened just now. Please wait. There are a few important things we need to discuss."


    Lu Tian kept a calm demeanor and looked at Qin Jun. He ponders over the man''s words before slightly narrowing his eyes.


    "Ten."


    He doesn''t say anymore and turns away, making his way back to where he hade.


    Qin Jun sighed in relief, knowing he could stop Lu Tian. His back pressed against the door, and his legs wanted to give out, but he forced them to move.


    Lu Tian is only giving them ten minutes. Any more, and the man is out of here.


    As the two men returned to the room, Song Jing Li was now sitting down. He didn''t make eye contact with Lu Tian but held a sulking expression.


    "Things got a little too out of hands."


    Qin Jun ignores the sulking boy and turns his head to the aloof man in the room.


    "I apologize again for our rude behavior. I know you weren''t lying when you said you don''t trust us. It''s normal since we''re in your jurisdiction. However, I hope we can continue to work together without further issues."


    He heaves a sigh and rubs his forehead.


    "I lied when I said we weren''t aware of your meeting with the chief. We must keep our guard up since we are in an unfamiliar country. We weren''t sure if you''re really on our side or not."


    Lu Tian listened to the man, but his expressionless face remained unfazed. He stared at Qin Jun, and one could see that he was saying, ''I''m not the one with trust issues here.''


    Qin Jun could only sigh again. He takes another deep breath and puts on an awkward smile.


    "Don''t worry about Jing Li. I''ll take care of him."


    He said what he needed to say, walked over to the many monitors, and typed a few codes on the keyboard.


    Numbers and letters pop up on the screens before settling onto a specific page. However, like the other ones, this one also had numbers and letters, making it difficult for one to know what was going on.


    "When we worked on this case, we thought we had all the information we needed."


    He takes a step to the side to let Lu Tian see the screen.


    "But it wasn''t until recently that we learned we missed something."


    Lu Tian walks over to stand next to the man. He looks at the monitor screen, and the more he scans the codes, the space between his eyebrows furrows.


    "Kira was the one who came to find this out. He noticed that through every step we took, someone else was a step ahead of us."


    Qin Jun''s voice sounds from the side as his eyes also scan the screen.


    While searching for Choi Li Sun, they learned someone was also looking for the man. No matter what they did or who they asked, no answers were given.


    It was as if this person had sealed everything and everyone''s lips.


    The only answer they found is that this person is in Imperial.


    However, despite knowing this, they couldn''t conclude whether this person was a friend or foe.


    "Kira came across an IP address that he wasn''t familiar with and tried to hack into it. He became aware that it belongs to the person in question, but no matter what he did, he was either thrown off into a ck hole or blocked."


    Remembering the frustration that had happened when they came to learn this, he felt another same emotion stir in him.


    "Judging from the person''s skills, Kira said he or she is likely to be an expert in this field."


    His lips pursed as he thought about this, and turns to look at the man next to him.


    "Is there a possible chance that you might know who it is?"


    Lu Tian doesn''t answer right away but stares at the screen. His thoughts were kept closed, letting no one read what he was thinking.


    After a long moment of silence passed, he finally spoke.


    "I don''t. If I did, I would be looking for this person and not working the case with you guys."


    He turns away from the screen and walks to the chair he was sitting on earlier. The time he had given Qin Jun was up.


    He grabs the coat he had left behind and puts it on.


    "Forward the information to me."


    Qin Jun''s eyes followed the man''s movements. When he hears Lu Tian''s words, he frowns in confusion.


    "Do you have a way of finding out?"


    He was skeptical about Lu Tian finding a lead, but something inside told him that it would be him (Lu Tian) if anyone could find this person.


    His gaze slowly looks elsewhere, and he nods as if he has concluded.


    "That''s right¡­ You have connections all over the world. Even Liu¡ª"


    He spoke without thinking but caught himself in the nick of time. He swallows any remaining words he is going to say.


    He nces at Lu Tian, only to see the man staring at him, and he swallows a hard gulp. He forces a smile and continues his words as if he didn''t make a mistake.


    "Your assistant, Xu Long. I think with his help, too, we might be able to get a clue."


    He made sure his voice was stable, and nothing was amiss. He cannot let Lu Tian know that he and the others know Yue Ling.


    Lu Tian stares at the man in silence. He had caught on to part of the name Qin Jun had blurted out, but he strides away without putting too much into it.


    "I''ll see what I can do on my end."


    While watching the man disappear from the room, Qin Jun held his breath. It wasn''t until he heard the door close, followed by the sound of a car engine starting, that he remembered to breathe.


    "That was close."


    "You should have just said it aloud."


    Song Jing Li finally spoke after keeping a long silence. He doesn''t get up from his seat but stares at the man with eyes void of emotions.


    "Liu Shan. That name soundsmon. He wouldn''t have suspected anything. Besides, with noona''s help, we''ll be closer to finding Choi Li Sun."


    Qin Jun looks at the young man and sighs inside. He leans against the table before massaging his head.


    "That''s true, but this is Lu Tian we''re talking about."


    He held his hands together in front of him and stared at the window across from him.


    "If it had been anyone else, I would have said Liu Shan''s name. However, Lu Tian would definitely look into it. He will want to know whether we have anything to do with Yue Ling."


    His mind wanders to something that had happened in the past, and he looks at Song Jing Li.


    "Also, don''t forget. We made a promise not to involve her in any of our troubles. Let''s try to keep that promise."


    Song Jing Li wanted to refute but held himself back. He gets up and walks to his room. However, before entering his room, he looks back at Qin Jun.


    "We indeed made a promise, but this is about Shin. She has the right to know the truth of what actually happened on that day."


    He disappears from view, leaving Qin Jun alone in the room. He (Qin Jun) felt mixed emotions stir inside him but let out a sigh.


    His head tilts back, and he stares up at the ceiling. It was like the roof of the building had disappeared, and he was searching for answers in the sky.


    Song Jing Li was right.


    Of all the people close to Shin, it is Yue Ling who needs to know the truth. She needed to know that on the day of her and Shin''s wedding, he (Shin) didn''t die because his heart gave out. He died because he was murdered.


    And the person who murdered him is the same person they''re trying so hard to find.


    With her help, they will most likely be able to crack this case. However, as much as he wants to involve her, he knows he can''t do it.


    She just lost her unborn child. He cannot bring up the past and cause more pain to her.

 Chapter 907: To where they are staying

    <h4>Chapter 907: To where they are staying</h4>


    Despite the morning''s clear sunlight, a surprise befalls Imperial as grey clouds begin gathering in the sky. People scatter like ants to get to shelter while cars slow down in the streets for caution.


    Like many buildings, Cloth Co. stood its ground without fail. Thepany that could be mistaken for a luxurious hotel was busier than usual.


    While the employees focus on their work, a meeting had just taken ce inside the conference room.


    The closed doors open neither slow nor fast, and a middle-aged man wearing a green suit walks out of the room. The mustache above his mouth was as thin as a strand of yarn and naturally curled ever so slightly at the ends.


    His sharp eyebrows that fitted so well with his eyes gave him the appearance of an evil-doer man.


    He stares at the employees working but doesn''t proceed further. Instead, he takes a step to the side to make way.


    "Ah, thank you, Manager He."


    Madam Lu''s cheerful voice sounded like augh, and she was the second person the step out of the room. However, she wasn''t alone as she held someone''s hand.


    The smile on her face was so bright that it was enough to fight against the grey clouds outside.


    "Ah Ling, I''m so d to be working with you. I will make sure that everything goes ording to your liking."


    Yue Ling doesn''t brush the woman''s hand away but smiles and follows behind. When she hears what Madam Lu said, her smile softens.


    "No, I am d to be working with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to review the designs with me."


    She walks out of the room and looks at the middle-aged woman in front of her.


    "Without your help, De L''amour would not have flourished like it has today."


    She will always be grateful to Madam Lu. When she was still a rookie in the fashion industry, there was an anonymous person who kept supporting her. Whether buying her designs or sending fabric and materials to her, this person was always the first in line.


    At first, she didn''t pay much attention to it and thought it was normal. However, as her brand began to rise, she noticed that this person still supported her.


    She asked Liu Shan to look into it, but all he found was the name of the fabricpany.


    Thinking this person had kept their identity hidden for a reason, she told him not to search further.


    Since then, she decided to expand her choices and work with other fabricpanies. It wasn''t until the other day when she saw the name Cloth Co. appear again on the list ofpanies to work with for her new designs.


    Never in her life did she think the fabricpany supporting her was someone close to her parents.


    Madam Luughs while covering her mouth with her free hand, oblivious to Yue Ling''s thoughts. Her gesture made her look like a shy little girl being praised by her secret admirer.


    "Aiya, what are you saying? We are family. Family should always help each other out. If there''s anything my side isn''t sure about, I''ll notify you."


    She lowers her hand and ces it over Yue Ling''s hand.


    "You have my word. I will not let you down."


    She stares at the young woman in front of her with a soft expression. However, in a split second, her eyes widened like she had forgotten something important.


    "Aiya, I almost forgot. I am meeting with a florist tomorrow. Are there any specific flowers you want for the engagement party and wedding? What do you think about lilies? Or should we go with lotus?"


    She frantically voices out her thoughts and averts her eyes from Yue Ling. She looked somewhere else and pursed her lip like she was thinking hard.


    "No¡­ those will not do."


    Yue Ling was baffled by the sudden change of topic. She wanted to tell Madam Lu that she was okay with any flower arrangements, but the woman spoke first before she could say a word.


    "That''s it."


    Madam Lu lets out a deep sigh and smiles at Yue Ling.


    "I''ll just meet with the florist to see what is prepared."


    She turns to look at Manager He and gives him a stern look.


    "Manager He, please get in touch with the florist. Tell her I want only the best arrangement samples."


    She slightly leans towards the middle-aged man and lowers her voice.


    "Only the best of the best."


    Although she spoke in a voice only for her and the man to hear, Yue Ling stood close enough to listen to her loud and clear. She could only sigh inside and wonder if she should stop the woman.


    However, seeing the determined look on Madam Lu''s face, she couldn''t bring herself to say a word.


    She watches as Manager He walks away and looks back at the older woman.


    "Aunty, it''s gettingte. I should head back to De L''amour."


    Hearing this, Madam Lu''s eyes widen, and she gasps. She looks at Yue Ling with a smile as she pats the girl''s hand.


    "Of course. I forgot and got too carried away with nning Tian and your engagement party and wedding."


    Sheughs at herself for forgetting that this was not the time and ce to discuss such matters. However, thinking about how short her time with her daughter-inw is, she sighs with a sad expression.


    "You just got here, and you''re already leaving."


    She reaches a hand to caress Yue Ling''s cheek, and her entire being turns into a caring and loving mother parting with her child.


    "I''ll let you go on with your way. Work is work, so I will not keep you here."


    Yue Ling didn''t know what to say but blinked her eyes at the woman''s behavior. What did she (Madam Lu) mean when she said she (Yue Ling) just got here? She''s been here for almost 4 hours.


    Eyes on the woman, sometimes she can''t help but wonder if Lu Tian is really her son.


    However, feeling the warmth of Madam Lu''s palm on her cheek, her heart softens, and she smiles a smile that could awe any person.


    "We will soon be a family. I will visit you as much as possible when I am not busy with work."


    Madam Lu''s heart leaped with joy when she heard those words from Yue Ling. She grins from ear to ear and lowers her hands.


    "Alright, go. Be on your way, my child."


    She shoos Yue Ling away but doesn''t forget to say a few more words.


    "Go before I change my way."


    Yue Ling didn''t know whether tough or cry at her future mother-inw. She wanted to let Madam Lu know that Lu Tian and her are joining them for dinnerter. However, knowing she (Madam Lu) was serious at the moment, she (Yue Ling) didn''t have to think twice and walked away.


    "I''ll be on my way then."


    As she walked away, Liu Shan, who had watched the scene like a third wheel, was quick on his feet and followed after her. Of course, he didn''t forget to bid Madam Lu farewell.


    When the two reached the front entrance, he nced at his boss and held his hands behind his back.


    "Boss, may I say something?"


    Yue Ling didn''t look at him but knew from his voice that what he had to say was about what had just happened. She is reluctant to hear but gives him permission with a nod.


    Greeting her approval to speak his mind, Liu Shan press his lips as if to hold in hisughter. He clears his throat and quietly chuckles.


    "Your mother-inw is quite an entric person. I think your future will be full of joyous wonders."


    Yue Ling''s eyes turn heavy as she gives him the side eye. It was only for a brief moment before she looked ahead again.


    "Whatever kind of person she is, at the end of the day, she is a kind-hearted person."


    Her words fell, leaving Liu Shan debating is he should say any more. He watches his boss walk out of the building, then pause in his steps.


    He turns his head to look back at Madam Lu, only to meet her eyes. Surprised, he politely bowed his head with a smile and then walked out the door.


    However, if he had looked back again, he would have seen that Madam Lu''s expression had changed into mncholy.


    As the boss and assistant arrive at the car, Yue Ling enters the back seat while Liu Shan takes to the wheels.


    The moment when Liu Shan turned the car engine on, Yue Ling''s voice sounded from behind him.


    "Push back the rest of my schedule."


    Liu Shan was confused when he heard this. He looks at her from the rearview mirror and parts his lips to ask but is cut off.


    "Take me to where they are staying."


    She did not specify to who she was referring, but Liu Shan knew what her words meant.


    He looks away from the mirror, and his hand on the gear shift tightens with hesitation.


    Throughout their meeting with Madam Lu, he thought that she had forgotten. No, he knew she wouldn''t have forgotten. It was more like he thought she didn''t want anything to do with them.


    At first, he was a bit sad since they were once the closest people to her. However, to hear her say she wants to meet them, he felt he shouldn''t bring her to see them.


    What if, after meeting them, friction rises between his boss and Lu Tian?


    "It''s alright, Shan."


    Before his thoughts could continue, Yue Ling''s voice brought him back to reality, and he looked at her reflection in the mirror.


    "But boss¡­"


    Yue Ling knew what was on his mind and smiled to reassure him.


    "Don''t worry. Nothing will change. I may have cut ties with them, but they are still family to me."


    Knowing he could not go against her words, he slowly nods his head in understanding. He is reluctant but drives the car out of the parking lot and turns in the direction opposite of De L''amour.

 Chapter 908: Always welcome

    <h4>Chapter 908: Always wee</h4>


    The day began with a whispering air, and a sky dome of sma-blue turned into a gloomy atmosphere. Combined with the tickling sound of heavy rain, it made one wonder why the heavens were crying.


    While others carried on with their day in the rain inside the rundown factory, Kira had returned from gathering information.


    His long silky hair was tied into a ponytail, and he sat in a rxed posture in front of hisputer station. His back is away from it as he stares at the other two men across from him in the room.


    He held a frown as he pondered to himself before faintly nodding his head in slow motion.


    "I see. So while I was away, Lu Tian stopped by."


    He stroked his chin with his right hand like he had a long beard and thought some more.


    "And then Jing Li here was having a tantrum."


    "No, I wasn''t."


    Song Jing Li, who was sitting, didn''t hesitate to retaliate at the samurai-like man. He abruptly stood up from the chair, and his nostrils red.


    "I was only speaking my mind."


    Qin Jun was leaning against a table with his arms crossed over his chest. He looks at Kira and then at Song Jing Li.


    He lets a sigh and massages his forehead.


    "You were throwing a childish tantrum."


    He unfolds his arms but only to put his hands in his pants pockets.


    "You were lucky Lu Tian didn''t take it personally. If he did, all of us wouldn''t be standing here."


    Song Jing Li knew he was wrong and pouted his lips as he sulked. It wasn''t his fault. He had only wanted to test out Lu Tian to see if he was serious about Yue Ling.


    They would be on his side if Lee Hana and Park Min Lee were here.


    However, understanding he had crossed the line this time, he ran his hands through his hair and walked away from the two men.


    "Alright, I get it. I won''t make the same mistake again."


    *beep beep beep beep


    Just as Song Jing Li''sst word fell, an rming sound resonated from Kira''sputer, and the whole ce lit red.


    Alertness shes in the eyes of the three men, and their heads turn to look at the monitor screens. Each person didn''t forget to reach for their guns.


    "We have an intruder on the premises."


    Kira announced as his eyes glued onto the primary monitor. On the screen were eight live images captured from the surveince cameras ced outside.


    As Qin Jun and Song Jing Li walk up to his station to observe the screen, the three men notice a ck car driving past each camera.


    The space between Kira''s eyebrows creases into a frown as his fingers dance over the keyboard like he is ying a piano and screenshots an image of the driver.


    He zooms the image in for them to see, and when they know who it is, each person gasps in surprise.


    Kira: "Wait¡­"


    Song Jing Li: "That''s¡­"


    Qin Jun: "Liu Shan."


    Taking a step back, Qin Jun looks at the screen onest time before turning away. He walks towards the front door and opens it to wait for their unexpected guest.


    Watching him leave, Song Jing Li followed in pursuit, as did Kira.


    The three men stood outside the abandoned factory and waited for their friend for a long time.


    With one hand in his pockets, Kira leans to the side against the door frame. He stares ahead at the space that was once a parking lot.


    "What do you guys think he is here for?"


    Qin Jun doesn''t answer immediately but narrows his eyes on the road covered in puddles of water.


    "I don''t know, but since he came without letting us know, we can ask when he gets here."


    Soon, the sight of the ck car could be spotted from a distance. As it nears, the three men don''t move from their ce but continue to wait.


    The cares to a stop in front of the rundown building, and the engine shuts off. Due to the car''s tinted windows, they could vaguely see Liu Shan in the driver''s seat.


    He reached over to the passenger seat and grabbed an umbre before opening the door. As his figurees into view, Kira chuckles and straightens his posture.


    "You gave us a heart attack there, Liu Shan. We almost mistook you for intruders."


    Liu Shan sheltered himself from the rain under the umbre. When he heard Kira''s words, he smiled at the man, but one could see that it was an awkward one.


    He closes the door, but instead of heading towards the three men, he walks to the rear door and opens it.


    Noticing this, Qin Jun slightly furrows his brows. He observes the assistant more and takes a step forward but not enough to get under the rain.


    "What''s wrong? Why are you¡ª"


    Before Qin Jun could finish his words, a woman''s slender figure stepped out from the back seat. Her beautiful features will engrave inside the heart and mind of anyone who sees her.


    All three men held their breaths, and their eyes widened in shock. It was as if time had stopped, and they couldn''t take their eyes off of the woman suddenly in front of them.


    Yue Ling steps out of the car with the help of her assistant. She looks at the three men standing a few feet away from her.


    When she saw their expressions, she faintly smiled a nod at them.


    "I have to say I already anticipated this kind of reaction from you guys, but seeing it now is quite enjoyable."


    Song Jing Li stares at the woman standing in front of him. Tears gradually made their way to his eyes, but he didn''t dare to blink as he feared she would disappear from his view.


    His lower lips began ever so slightly to tremble, and he whispered.


    "Noona¡­"


    Although his voice faded by the rain, Yue Ling had heard him. She looks at him and smiles at him.


    "It''s good to see you, Jing Li."


    Song Jing Li''s lips trembled more at her words. He focused on her smile, which was warm like a mother''s.


    He takes a small step forward, then another one before running. He didn''t care if the rain got to him. His only thought is to go to her.


    "Noona!"


    He wrapped his arms around her, causing her to take a step back but held onto her tightly. He was like a child who had finally been reunited with his mother.


    "Noona! Is it really you? Are you really here right now? I miss you so much. This isn''t a dream, right? Please don''t let this be a dream."


    Yue Ling doesn''t push the young man away but hugs him back. She gently pats his back andughs at his childlike behavior.


    "Mm. It''s really me."


    Liu Shan turns to look at the other two people. When his eyes met theirs, he shrugged his shoulders with a small smile. His expression and gesture were as if to tell the two men that he couldn''t stop his boss.


    He looks back at his boss and pries Song Jing Li from her. He understood that the young man misses her like crazy, but if words reached Lu Tian''s ears about this hug, his head would go flying.


    "We should go inside. If we stay out here, we''ll all end up catching a cold."


    Oblivious to Liu Shan''s true intentions, Song Jing Li was reluctant but moved away from Yue Ling. However, he took the umbre from the assistant and held it for his noona.


    "Noona, let''s go inside. There''s so much I have to tell you."


    Liu Shan was left to stand in the rain with a face full of disbelief. He shakes his head with a sigh and walks after the two of them.


    He''ll let Song Jing Li enjoy this moment since he knows the young man misses his boss.


    Yue Ling approached the door where Qin Jun and Kira stood. She smiles at the two men before sounding a softugh.


    "From your expressions, I seem unwee here."


    Kira was the first to return from his daze. He shook his head and ced a hand on Yue Ling''s shoulder.


    "Be it now or in the future, you''re always wee."


    However, unlike him, Qin Jun didn''t say anything but stare at Yue Ling.


    He wanted to speak, but it was as if something hard was stuck in his throat, making it difficult for him to utter a word.


    All he could do was nod his head in a greeting gesture to her.


    Yue Ling didn''t me him for his response and was led inside the building by Song Jing Li and Kira.


    As the three people disappear inside, Liu Shan stops next to Qin Jun. He looks at the man and sighs as he pats him on the shoulder.


    "Sorry, man. I know I said I would keep this from her, but I made a promise not to keep secrets from her."


    Qin Jun nods in understanding and lets Liu Shan enter the building. He turns his head to look at the rain and also sighs.


    He was confused at first why Liu Shan was suddenly here, but now he understood. However, he doesn''t me the assistant for going back on his words.


    To Liu Shan, the person he doesn''t have the heart to betray is Yue Ling.


    His head raised to look at the gloomy sky onest time and wanted to p himself. He is just as happy as the others to see her, yet, he couldn''t even say hello.


    He takes a deep breath to do quick a meditation before heading inside to join the others.

 Chapter 909 Too late to take back what he had said

    Chapter 909 Toote to take back what he had said


    Inside the rundown factory, time flew by as Yue Ling and Liu Shan sat in the main room with the others. Although the ce looked like it could copse at any moment, she was not bothered by it.


    She and the three men chatted away asughter could be heard echoing inside the room. It was as if Yue Ling had never parted ways with them.


    Yue Ling notices something from the corners of her eyes and turns her head to look in that direction. It was set aside as if to hide, but she knew what it was when she focused on it.


    She stood up not too slow nor too fast before walking over to it.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Song Jing Li was quick to ask when he saw her suddenly move. His head turns to the right, following her gaze, as did everyone else. Their hearts froze when he and the others saw what she was walking toward, excluding Liu Shan.


    ¡°Noona¡­¡±


    The young man could squeeze out the word, but everything else fell into utter silence.


    Yue Ling walks up to a table with scattered books and paper. She moves a few aside before picking up a magazine.


    On the front cover were her and Lu Tian. It was the magazine when they announced their engagement and uing wedding.


    She held the magazine in one hand as her free hand gently traced over the photo.


    ¡°I guess you all knew about my rtionship with Lu Tian.¡±


    Her angelic voice sounds, but hearing no response, she sets it back down and turns around.


    ¡°But why did no one call to congratte me?¡±


    She looks at Song Jing Li, then to Kira, before stopping her gaze at Qin Jun. However, the expression on their faces was that of guilt.


    She felt a sharp stab in the center of her heart, and she smiles a sarcastic chuckle at the three men.


    ¡°Is it because you all consider me an outsider for deciding to leave City Z, or is it because I am no longer grieving over Shin?¡±


    When she first came to Imperial, she stayed in touch with Hana, but the distance gradually drifted them apart. However, she never stopped thinking about them.


    She knew everyone was busy with their life and didn¡¯t think much when no one called to congratte her on finding her new happiness.


    However, seeing that they already knew, she would be lying if their negligence did not hurt her.


    Qin Jun saw the solemn expression on her face, and he shook his head to answer her.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong. It has nothing to do with hyun. We all wanted to congratte you. We were happy to know that you were moving on, but¡­.¡±


    ¡°But we weren¡¯t sure about Lu Tian.¡±


    Before Qin Jun could finish his words, Song Jing Li abruptly stood up and cut him off. He looked at the woman he considers his older sister and pursed his lips.


    ¡°Well, Jun and Kira were fine, but I was skeptical about him.¡±


    He lowers his eyes and clenches his fists before continuing.


    ¡°I¡­ What if he can¡¯t protect you? What if he puts you in danger?¡±


    His words fall, and he looks up at Yue Ling again.


    ¡°Noona, Lu Tian is a dangerous man. He is imprable and cold-blooded. Do you know what he does to the people who cross his line? Yes, people say he is capable of doing anything, but you haven¡¯t been in Imperial for long, and look at what you¡¯ve already gone through. Why did he let you encounter danger and lose your unborn child if he isn¡¯t dangerous?¡±


    The second hisst words escaped his mouth, he knew it was toote to take back what he had said.


    Yue Ling¡¯s face turned expressionless as the room fell into silence again. She stared at the young man standing in front of her, but there was no longer any traces of warmth in her bluish-green eyes.


    ¡°So that¡¯s how you see Lu Tian?¡±


    She slowly steps forward as if to close the distance between them.


    ¡°You think Lu Tian is a heartless man because his hands are stained with blood? You think it¡¯s his fault for losing our unborn child?¡±


    Sheughs in disbelief, but everyone in the room can hear the bitterness behind herugh.


    ¡°And here I am wondering why none of you congratted me. None of you thought to console me, even when you found out about what happened to me.¡±


    Her words struck like thunder to the hearts of the three men. Song Jing Li wanted to apologize for speaking out of line, and Kira wanted to apologize for their actions while Qin Jun sat in silence.


    All three men knew they were wrong for not contacting her since she moved, especially Qin Jun. He was the one who kept insisting that they keep a distance from her.


    In the end, his decision backfired on them. Instead of protecting her as he had promised, he caused her pain.


    Their silence hurt Yue Ling, but she steadied herself by inhaling a small deep breath. She straightens her posture and looks at Song Jing Li dead in the eyes.


    ¡°Song Jing Li. You say that Lu Tian is dangerous, but what about me? Isn¡¯t it known in the underworld that I, the leader of Fate, am also dangerous? Does that mean I am also imprable and cold-blooded?¡±


    She takes a step forward, then another as her voice continues to sound.


    ¡°You can think whatever you want about Lu Tian, but to me, he is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Just when I thought my life was falling deeper into darkness, he pulled me out of it.¡±


    She slows to stop in front of the young man in the proximity of three feet.


    ¡°When I lost mine and his unborn child, he was there tofort me when I needed it the most. Even when he learned about my past and how my hands are also stained with blood, he didn¡¯t leave but remained by my side.¡±


    She wanted to say more but stopped herself. She knew better than anyone that if she were to continue speaking, the situation would not end.


    She looks away from the young man. Her hands clenched in tight fists.


    ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to ept him because I already epted him. Whether you like it or not, it¡¯s not my problem.¡±


    She ends the discussion and turns around from him.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I have to be somewhere else, so I¡¯ll let you all get back to whatever you came here to do.¡±


    Before anyone could respond, she ensured they weren¡¯t given a chance and stridden away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Liu Shan.¡±


    Watching her leave, Liu Shan could only shake his head at the three men before following his boss. At the same, Song Jing Li stumbles in his steps to chase after Yue Ling.


    ¡°Noona¡­¡±


    He grabs her by the forearm like a child who is going to be abandoned by his mother, and Yue Ling stops in her steps.


    She doesn¡¯t turn around but closes her eyes to take a small breath. When she opened her eyes again, her lips parted to speak.


    ¡°Although I made the decision to leave, you all are still family to me. Feel free to visit me anytime during your stay here.¡±


    Song Jing Li¡¯s eyes grew moist, but he held back the urge to cry. He could sense that Yue Ling was hurt by his words. However, feeling her pull away from his grasp, he does not stop her.


    All he wanted to do was punch himself in the stomach for making this reunion painful for her.


    ¡°Ma¡ª Yue Ling.¡±


    Qin Jun calls out from behind, almost saying the name she had discarded. He quickened his pace to meet her before she walked out the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for not contacting you. We¡¯re all sorry for not contacting you. We¡­ No, I thought it was for the best since you finally moved on. I thought keeping our distance for you to move on from the past was better.¡±


    He spoke from the bottom of his heart, but Yue Ling did not stop to look back. It was as if she didn¡¯t want to hear what he had to say.


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression was calm and collected, but Liu Shan knew even without looking that she was deeply hurt. If it had been anyone else, she would have been fine, but these people were once the closest to her and the ones she considered her family.


    As the sound of her and Liu Shan¡¯s footsteps fade out the door, Kira walks over to join Qin Jun. The two men watch as the boss and assistant enter the car, but neither speaks.


    It wasn¡¯t until the car drove away did Kira¡¯s voice sound.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell her the whole truth? You know this might be thest time you can tell her.¡±


    Qin Jun stares out the door to the heavy rain and where Liu Shan¡¯s car was once parked.


    The moment he saw her appear in front of them, he had wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell her the truth about Shin¡¯s death, but the more he looked at her, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do so.


    His eyes search through the rain as he stares at the back of the car that could be vaguely seen in the far distance.


    ¡°How can I tell her after what just happened?¡±


    He spoke in a quiet voice containing regret for their behavior. He could still remember her expression when she turned to look at them after finding the magazine.


    ¡°Did you see the way she looked at us? Her eyes were filled with so much pain and disappointment. Even when our actions hurt her, she still saw us as a family to her.¡±


    As he inhaled a deep breath, Kira¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t far from Qin Jun¡¯s. He thought everything was going smoothly, but Song Jing Li had to speak out of line, worsening the situation.


    He raises his left hand and rubs his forehead. If they had never learned the truth about Shin¡¯s death and put all their attention into finding Choi Li Sun, this situation wouldn¡¯t have happened.


    ¡°We really messed up this time.¡±

 Chapter 910 Had to go somewhere

    Chapter 910 Had to go somewhere


    The car ride back to De L¡¯amour was quiet as neither Yue Ling nor Liu Shan spoke. Before either person realized it, they had arrived at De L¡¯amour¡¯s parking lot.


    Yue Ling looks out the window to the gloomy sky and heavy rain. She reaches to the side to get an umbre before opening the door.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go inside. Everyone must have left home already, so you should be on your way too.¡±


    Liu Shan was about to exit the car when he heard her words. His hand paused at the door handle and turned to look at his boss.


    ¡°What about you? Do you want me to send you home?¡±


    Since they spent quite a long time with Qin Jun and the others, he wasn¡¯t sure if Lu Tian wasing to pick her up. If the man wasn¡¯t, he couldn¡¯t leave his boss alone at thepany.


    Yue Ling smiles at him and steps outside after opening the umbre. She turns back to Liu Shan, and her voice sounds.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Tian is picking me up. Until then, I¡¯ll wait inside.¡±


    She knew Liu Shan would ask if she was alright after what happened, but left no room for him to ask and closed the door.


    She walks in the rain to the front entrance of De L¡¯amour without looking back to see if her assistant has left the parking lot or not. She stops a few feet from the door and looks up at the dark building that coordinates well with the gloomy sky.


    She didn¡¯t know why but after meeting with Qin Jun and the others, she felt something was off about their behaviors. She could tell they were happy to see her, but at the same time, it was like they were trying to hide something from her.


    However, the situation took a different turn before she could put her finger on what it was.


    She stares at the De L¡¯amour for a long second before deciding not to overthink it.


    Her gaze lowers to the door, and she walks inside the building to escape the rain.


    ¡°Yue Ling.¡±


    She had only taken a step inside the ce when a deep voice called out from behind. It was a familiar voice and one that always eased her mind.


    She turns around to look at the person, and her bluish-green eyes are met with a pair of dark ones.


    Although she had yet to recover from her emotions, she forced herself to smile.


    ¡°Tian, did you just arrive?¡±


    Lu Tian stood outside the door with eyes gazing at his wife. He takes in her beauty for a second before walking towards her.


    He took the umbre from her, set it aside, and then brushed away any raindrops on her coat.


    ¡°I arrived fifteen minutes ago.¡±


    The second he got off work, he rushed here since it was pouring rain. He didn¡¯t want his wife to wait for him, but when he arrived, he was informed that she had not returned from meeting with Cloth Co.


    He called his mother and asked why she was keeping his wife away. However, it wasn¡¯t until then that he learned his wife had left hours ago.


    When he heard this, he wanted to call her but knowing she must have her reasons for beingte, he held himself back.


    He decided to wait for her in the lobby. However, as her employees began to leave for home, she still did not return.


    Fretting over this, he steps outside to have a smoke to calm his mind. He shouldn¡¯t jump to conclusions and wait patiently for her.


    He had only taken one puff of the cigarette when he saw her appear in front of him. He was relieved and was about to call out to her but stopped when he noticed her suddenly stop.


    Her expression at herpany looked so sad and lonely when she stared up.


    All he could do was stand there and quietly watch her.


    It wasn¡¯t until she moved that he did the same.


    And it wasn¡¯t until then that he was able to find his voice.


    Oblivious to what he went through, Yue Ling was touched by his small gestures. Once he was done brushing away any spec of raindrops on her, she did the same for him.


    ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to go somewhere after meeting your mother.¡±


    Lu Tian didn¡¯t pry into her whereabouts and gazed down at his wife. His hand raises to gently move the loose strands of hair on her face behind her ear.


    ¡°Waiting for you is no problem at all.¡±


    He takes hold of her hand and raises it to his lip before cing a kiss on the back of her hand. His eyes never move from her, and he smiles.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already waited my whole life for you.¡±


    Hisforting words touched Yue Ling. Her entire being didn¡¯t forget to melt at his affection.


    She moves her hand away from his hold and wraps her arms around his waist. She rests her head against his chest and closes her eyes. It was as if she wanted to erase any unnecessary emotions in her.


    Her head presses more into his chest, and she unknowingly inhales his soothing scent.


    ¡°Thank you for loving me.¡±


    Seeing her unexpected behavior, Lu Tian felt his heart soften for her. He softly chuckles and stroke her head.


    ¡°Loving you is what I live to do.¡±


    He secures her in a tighter embrace, unaware of how much his words mean to her.


    He wanted to keep her in his arms, but remembering their n to have dinner with his family, he reluctantly pulled away.


    He reaches for her hand and uses his other free hand to pick up the umbre he had set aside.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. My parents are waiting for us.


    Unaware of the feelings she cast aside, he opened the umbre to shelter them from the rain but ensured that the umbre mainly covered his wife. He guides her to his car, parked on the street, and helps her get inside.


    As the couple leave, Liu Shan, who takes notice of this, also leaves. However, he goes in the opposite direction of the couple.


    While Yue Ling and Lu Tian made their way to the Lu family house, in another part of Imperial, a white Mercedes stopped in front of Imperial Hotel.


    Ji Chu Hua, dressed in all white, steps out into view. She hands the valet worker her keys and walks toward the hotel.


    ¡°Good evening, Miss Ji. Do you have a reservation with us?¡±


    A female employee greets her upon arrival. Everyone working in Imperial Hotel knows that Ji Chu Hua is a valuable guest and must treat her with the utmost respect.


    Ji Chu Hua held her chin high like she was superior but put on a sweet appearance and smiled politely at the employee.


    ¡°I¡¯m meeting someone in the VIP section.¡±


    The employee wasn¡¯t the least bit surprised by her response. She smiles and gestures to elevators leading to the rooms before bowing.


    ¡°Please do go ahead. If there is anything you need, notify the front desk.¡±


    Ji Chu Hua doesn¡¯t nce at the woman and walks forward. When she arrived at the elevator, another employee was already holding the door open for her.


    She enters the metal box and soon arrives at the VIP floor.


    She leisurely makes her way to the appointed room. Doing so, she takes out her phone from her purse and dials a number.


    The call rang twice before the line connected, and a man¡¯s voice vaguely sounded from the other line.


    [¡°Are you here?¡±]


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    She spoke the two words and stopped in front of a door. Just as she ces her phone back inside her purse, the door opens, and a man in a white robe greets her.


    ¡°You¡¯re here earlier than I expected.¡±


    His blonde hair covering half of his face was damped, and one could see that he had just finished taking a shower.


    Ji Chu Hua stares at the man and then nces inside the room before turning her eyes to him.


    ¡°Are you going to make me stand out here or let mee inside?¡±


    The man ponders at her question, then nonchntly shrugs his shoulders.


    ¡°The choice is yours.¡±


    Ji Chu Hua was baffled by his behavior as no man dares to treat her this way except this man. She straightens herself and pushes the door open, but her eyes widen slightly in shock.


    The man was not alone inside the room as there was another woman inside. She was buttoning her blouse, and Ji Chu Hua knew from a nce what had happened before her arrival.


    Her blood ran cold, and she clenched her fists. She wanted tosh out at the man for bringing another woman here but dug her nails into her palm to stop herself.


    She ignores the woman and walks inside the room. As she passed the woman, she didn¡¯t forget to re daggers at the woman.


    However, despite her stare that could stab a person to death, the woman feigns ignorance.


    She (the woman) puts on her coat and walks over to the man. She kisses his lips and acts as if Ji Chu Hua is not here.


    ¡°I had a great time. Call me again if you¡¯re ever bored.¡±


    Her words were like a taunt toward Ji Chu Hua. She (Ji Chu Hua) watches as the man doesn¡¯t push the woman away but sees her out of the room.


    He sits on the bed and reaches for a cigarette on the bedside table.


    ¡°Did you bring it?¡±


    He lights the cigarette and inhales a puff before blowing the smoke out, looking at Ji Chu Hua.


    Ji Chu Hua sneers at the man but walks over to a table. She ces her purse down and reaches inside to take out a folder before handing it to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled. I made sure to find the best surgeon for you. All the details are in here.¡±


    The man takes the folder and opens it. He flips through the pages and scans each word. Once satisfied with what he saw, he closes it and sets it on the bedside table.


    ¡°You amaze me in so many ways.¡±


    Heughs and takes onest puff of the cigarette before killing it on the ashtray. He tilts his head and gives Ji Chu Hua ascivious smirk.


    ¡°You know, that woman didn¡¯t satisfy me. How about you do it?¡±


    Ji Chu Hua was annoyed by his words. She couldn¡¯t believe he was asking her to sleep with him after just sleeping with another woman.


    She wanted to decline since she was meeting Gu Ting Fei after this but staring at the man in front of her, she removed her coat.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stay too long. I have to meet someone.¡±


    She sets her coat on a chair and kneels in front of the man between his legs. She unties his robe, revealing his naked toned body.


    The man arches an eyebrow at her but puts his palms on the bed to support himself. He smirks down at Ji Chu Hua, who is stroking him and then taking his length with her mouth.


    He held her head with one hand and smirked.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing this someone is that so-called boyfriend of yours?¡±


    Ji Chu Hua couldn¡¯t answer but nce up at him as her head motioned back and forth.


    Her lustful expression turned the man on even more as his grin widened.


    ¡°I wonder what he¡¯ll think if he knew what you are doing right now.¡±


    The words escaped his mouth as his breathing turned heavy. He looked fixedly at her vulgar expression and tilted his head back with a low groan.

 Chapter 911 Call off the wedding

    Chapter 911 Call off the wedding


    The day soon turned dark as those residing in Imperial prepared to have dinner with their family and friends after a long day. And like the rest of the people, Lu Tian and Yue Ling arrive at Peony Vi, where the Lu family house stands under the sky.


    Lu Tian¡¯s ck Maserati Levante Trofeo enters the tightly secured gate of Peony Vi and slows to a stop in front of the neo-eclectic house with a limestone exterior. He had just turned the car engine off when the loud creaking of a door being pulled open could be heard from a short distance.


    Both Yue Ling and Lu Tian turn to look in the direction of the sound, and like two peas in a pod, their eyebrows arch at the same time.


    The couple could see Madam Lu making her way toward their car with an umbre. Her pace was so fast that she had managed to open the passenger door in a blink of an eye.


    ¡°Ah Ling! You¡¯re here.¡±


    She ignores the presence of her son and takes hold of Yue Ling¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Come inside. It¡¯s pouring rain. What if you catch a cold?¡±


    Yue Ling opened her mouth to respond but couldn¡¯t find her voice. She had somehow turned into a fish on drynd trying to grasp for air.


    However, before she could utter a sound, she was already helped out of the car.


    Left with no other choice, she obliges and follows the woman.


    As she is led away by Madam Lu, she doesn¡¯t forget to nce over her shoulder at Lu Tian. She didn¡¯t say anything, but one could see how apologetic she was toward him.


    She felt guilty for taking his mother¡¯s attention that should have been directed towards him.


    Left alone in the car, Lu Tian was speechless by what he had witnessed. He slightly shook his head as he heaved a long sigh and exited the vehicle. He made sure to close the passenger door before walking towards the house.


    As he enters his family house, he greets his father with a slight nod and then nces at his younger brother.


    He raised an eyebrow, making Lu Han grin, and walked toward him.


    ¡°That¡¯s a look I happened to miss a lot.¡±


    Lu Han held his grin and put his hands in his pocket. He had been away due to work and finally returned to Imperial a few hours ago.


    He was supposed to head home but seeing how he hadn¡¯t seen his family in a long time, he decided to stop by. Unbeknownst to him, he was informed of the dinner his parents had prepared for his brother and future sister-inw.


    Of course, his mother tried to make him leave, but he begged her to let him stay. How can he turn down a home-cooked meal?


    Unaware of his younger brother¡¯s struggles, Lu Tian pays him no attention and looks around the room.


    ¡°Oh, if you¡¯re wondering where your wife went, mother took her to the other room. I heard something about flowers?¡±


    Lu Han was quick to read his brother, and his grin widened. He wanted to say more but was suddenly cut off by his father.


    ¡°Tian, follow me to my study.¡±


    Old Lu said no more and walked away with his hands held behind his back. His calm demeanor did not affect Lu Tian, but rather Lu Han.


    The young man leans towards his older brother and shivers like a cold breeze has blown through him.


    ¡°Good luck, bro. He must have something serious to talk about.¡±


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression remained emotionless. He stares at his father¡¯s departing figure and then nces at his younger brother before following.


    ¡°At least I¡¯m still the important child.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Lu Han was bbergasted by the man. His mouth opened and closed as if he had so much to say, but it was as if someone had pressed the mute button on him.


    People often say that the youngest child is the most spoiled and gets all the attention, but it was hard for him to believe that.


    His mother and father indeed lectured him and Lu Tian equally, but he has noticed that his older brother mostly gets away with everything.


    Especially now that Lu Tian is finally settling down. Let¡¯s not forget his wife is also someone their mother adores more than them.


    After what felt like an entire day had gone by, he scoffs a sarcasticugh. However, by the time he could do this, Lu Tian and his father had already disappeared from his view.


    He sighs with a shaking head and walks away from the living room.


    ¡°I suppose I should start looking for a wife too.¡±


    He mutters the words but pauses in his tracks. He repeats the words in his head, but this time in a question, then chuckles at how ridiculous he sounded.


    ¡°Not happening. I should enjoy my precious time before I even think of settling down.¡±


    While Lu Han makes his way to find something to do inside Old Lu¡¯s study room, the middle-aged man takes a seat behind his desk. As he did this, Lu Tian entered the room.


    ¡°Sit down. I need to discuss something important with you.¡±


    Lu Tian nods his head once and closes the door. After doing so, he walks over to sit in the chair across from his father.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Hearing his question, Old Lu remained calm. Others might see Lu Tian¡¯s behavior as someone who had no respect for his parents, but he knew his son better than anyone.


    He lets out a long sigh and leans back in his chair.


    ¡°It¡¯s about your wedding.¡±


    The space between Lu Tian¡¯s eyebrows creased into three tight lines. He stares at his father and tries to read the man.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Old Lu couldn¡¯t help but sigh again. However, his right arm raises this time, and he massages his temples.


    ¡°Tian, I honestly think your wedding might not go through as we nned.¡±


    Lu Tian¡¯s expression turned dark as his entire being emitted a cold aura. He could not believe what he was hearing, and of all people to say this to him, it was none other than his father.


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±


    From what he hears, it seems his father is trying to tell him not to marry Yue Ling.


    Of course, he will never agree to it.


    He loves his wife and will never abandon her. They¡¯ve been through so much in the time they met. To think his father would do this to them.


    His hands curled into tight fists as his dark eyes darkened ten shades darker. He looks his father straight in the eyes and parts his lips.


    ¡°Are you telling me to call off the wedding?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    Old Lu answered without thinking as he looked around the room. He is confused as to why the temperature in the room suddenly dropped.


    He subconsciously looks at his son, and it is only then did the realization hit him. He abruptly sat up in his seat and frowned at his son.


    ¡°Wait¡­ What are you talking about?¡±


    He stares at Lu Tian, and seeing the murderous expression on his son¡¯s face, he knows what has happened. He sighs who knows how many times, and shakes his head.


    ¡°Son, no one is calling off the wedding, and I will never allow such a thing to happen in my entire life. Only a fool would do such a thing, especially when it involves someone as great as Ah Ling.¡±


    Even he is still surprised that the sweet and beautiful Han Yue Ling will be his daughter-inw. Let alone her getting married to his aloof son.


    Of course, he cannot say this aloud for fear of hurting his son¡¯s feelings.


    He pinches the space between his eyebrows and closes his eyes topose himself.


    ¡°When I said your wedding might not go through as nned, I was referring to your mother.¡±


    Lu Tian listened without interrupting his father; the more he heard, the more he felt himself calming down. Only God knows what he would have done if his father had told him to call off the wedding.


    Fortunately, that was not the case here.


    However, he frowns upon hearing this discussion was about his mother.


    Old Lu didn¡¯t need to hear a response from his son and understood the silence. He lowers his hand, pinching the space between his brows, and looks up at his son.


    ¡°Tian, you have to stop your mother.¡±


    He frantically leans forward and begs with pleading eyes at his son.


    ¡°She¡¯s getting out of control. If you don¡¯t stop her, who knows how your wedding will turn out.¡±


    His arms raised like he was punching the air.


    ¡°Do you know how many florists she has hired and fired in one day? Don¡¯t even get me started on the catering. I¡¯ve seen so many chefs cry in such a short period that I pity them so much. Not only that, she¡¯s even thinking of changing the location, and this is already the twentieth time!¡±


    He poured his frustration out without pause, and when he finished, he choked a sob without tears.


    ¡°Son, if you don¡¯t stop your mother, who knows when you will be able to wed Ah Ling.¡±


    Lu Tian was rendered speechless by his father¡¯s sudden outburst. It was a side of his father he had never seen before.


    To think that his father, who was usually calm and allowed his mother to do whatever she wanted, was expressing his concerns.


    He sighed and stood up from his seat. He doesn¡¯t leave the room but walks around the desk to put a hand on his father¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    Hearing these words, Old Lu felt relieved. His shoulders tremble, and he nods, knowing he can depend on Lu Tian.


    All he wanted was to see his sons get married and have children. Why is his wife making things soplicated?


    At the same time, in another part of the Lu family home, Yue Ling sat in a lounge chair while looking at wedding venue brochures with Madam Lu. However, if one were to take a closer look, one would be able to see aplex expression on the retired model¡¯s face.


    ¡°Ah Ling, what about this one? Yang Yang called me this morning and said this is the best location to have a wedding.¡±


    Oblivious to Yue Ling¡¯s expression, Madam Lu picks up another brochure and giggles like a teenage girl discussing her future wedding venues with her best friend.


    ¡°Or do you like this one more? I heard this one has the best view of Imperial in the background. Oh, there¡¯s also this one too. I like it, but when I called them, the guest list only had a limit of 200 people.¡±


    Yue Ling looked down at the brochure, but she seemed deep in thought. She slowly looks away and stares at the nk space in front of her.


    Her only thought was, ¡®how did it get like this?¡¯

 Chapter 912 Apprentice

    Chapter 912 Apprentice


    *knock knock


    A sudden knock sounds behind Yue Ling and Madam Lu, causing the two women to turn around. When they saw who it was, a sense of relief washed over Yue Ling while Madam Lu pouted her lips.


    The middle-aged woman ces the brochures in her hands down on the table and quietly clicks her tongue. Her entire demeanor was as if she was displeased by the person.


    ¡°Tian, can¡¯t you see that Ah Ling and I are still busy going over important matters regarding your wedding?¡±


    Lu Tian stood like a tall pir holding his ground. His eyes glued to his wife with faint softness before gradually ncing at his mother with an expression void of emotions.


    ¡°Mother, the dinner you prepared will go to waste.¡±


    His words enter Madam Lu¡¯s ears, and her eyes widen in realization. She bolted up from her seat but didn¡¯t forget to bring Yue Ling.


    ¡°My goodness, I almost forgot.¡±


    Sheughs at herself for taking her sweet time chatting with Yue Ling and walks towards the dining room.


    ¡°Sweety, we must hurry. The moment I came one from our meeting, I got to cooking. I made sure everything suits your taste.¡±


    Her chatting did not cease as she led Yue Ling out of the room. However, just as the two women walked past Lu Tian, they were stopped.


    Lu Tian grabs hold of his wife¡¯s free hand. He ensured his grip was not too tight in fear of hurting her.


    ¡°You can go first, mother.¡±


    Madam Lu turned around to look at her eldest son. She wanted to refute but let go of Yue Ling¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Alright. I have to go check if the food has be cold.¡±


    She gives her future daughter-inw a smile and then leaves on her own. Of course, she didn¡¯t forget to give her son a deadly re.


    Yue Ling watched the mother and son¡¯s interaction, and she didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. However, deciding to do neither, she clears her throat and looks at Lu Tian.


    ¡°You should be nicer to your mother. Without her, you wouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    She knows it is normal for Lu Tian and Madam Lu to behave this way, but the woman is still his mother. If one did not know they were mother and son, one would undoubtedly think the pair were enemies.


    Lu Tian slightly arched an eyebrow at his wife¡¯s words. He stares at her serious face for a long second before shrugging his shoulder.


    ¡°Just for you, I¡¯ll try.¡±


    He pauses after his words, then slightly lean towards her, and the corners of his lips curl up.


    ¡°But from what I saw, you looked quite pleased to see me.¡±


    He gently pulls her closer to him, closing the gap between them.


    ¡°Like I had saved you from the devil.¡±


    Yue Ling was speechless by his shameless behavior. She could only blink her eyes at him with a flushed face.


    He was right. She didn¡¯t know how to end the conversation with Madam Lu. She was afraid of causing any misunderstanding. However, the moment she saw Lu Tian, she felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. It was as if she could finally breathe again.


    She clears her throat and faintly pouts her lips.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t save me from the devil. You just helped me get out of a situation.¡±


    Lu Tian gaze at his wife with a smile on his face. After speaking to his father, he came to find her. He knew that his father¡¯s worries mighte true if he didn¡¯t.


    He leans his head closer to her and ces a small kiss on her forehead.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same thing.¡±


    He moves away from her and gently squeezes her hand in his grasp.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Everyone must be waiting for us now.¡±


    As they walked away, Yue Ling was left in a daze. She didn¡¯t know if it was better to have a conversation with Madam Lu or with him. All she could do was stare at the back of Lu Tian as he led her in the direction his mother had gone.


    While Yue Ling and Lu Tian joined the Lu family for dinner, in another part of Imperial, a dark modern ss house hid deep in the mountains of Imperial.


    Inside one of the many rooms inside the house, monitor screens are set up against one wall like pictures. In the center of the room, a man clothed in a set of ck loungewear sat in a swivel chair. He held his chin with one hand and a cup of coffee in his other hand.


    His eyes focused on the middle screen and a frown cast over his expression like he was deep in thought.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    He sighs every so often before taking a sip of the drink in his hand.


    ¡°Qin Xue¡­ responsibilities¡­ what to do¡­.¡±


    *knock knock


    ¡°Mr. Lin?¡±


    A knock interrupts him followed by the voice of a young man. He broke free from these thoughts and spun around in his seat to the door.


    He looks at the person and heaves a long sigh.


    ¡°Liu Ye, how many times do I have to remind you to stop calling me that? Call me Lin Hui or Hui.¡±


    He ces the drink in his hand on a nearby table and looks at the young man standing at the door.


    ¡°Calling me that makes me seem like an old man.¡±


    He lightly shakes his head before spinning his seat to face the monitor screens again.


    ¡°Come. Have a seat.¡±


    Liu Ye blushed in embarrassment since Lin Hui¡¯s words were valid. However, following Lin Hui¡¯s words, he walks over to sit on an empty chair.


    ¡°Yes, sir¡­ I mean, Mr¡­ I mean, Lin Hui.¡±


    He stumbles with his words as he does with sitting down. His behavior made Lin Hui want tough, but not wanting to embarrass him more, Lin Hui held hisughter back.


    ¡°Are your siblings sleeping?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Liu Ye answered right away with a short response. He and his siblings have been under Lin Hui¡¯s care, and they are genuinely grateful to the man. He really took care of them and made sure they were not ufortable in any way.


    Although they had been staying with Lin Hui, he had never stepped inside this room since the door was closed. At the same time, he was not one to pry into other people¡¯s lives, so he never asked any questions.


    Also, he ces hisplete trust in Yue Ling, so Lin Hui and the others are no different.


    He subconsciously nces at the screens in front of him and his eyes ever so lightly widen in surprise.


    ¡°Wow. You can practically see all of Imperial here.¡±


    Each screen had a live image of Imperial in the present time. However, he could tell from a nce that the setup in this room was done by a professional.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything as advanced as this.¡±


    He has basic knowledge when ites to tech, but what Lin Hui can do is beyond his reach. He is sure he will never reach the man¡¯s level.


    Lin Hui smiles at the boy¡¯s beaming expression and leans back in his seat. He can see that Liu Ye has a great interest in IT.


    After all, when he and the others first met the young man, he (Liu Ye) was forced to be the hacker for Tao Meng.


    He looks away from Liu Ye and focuses his eyes on the screen he was watching earlier.


    ¡°If you want, I can teach you a few tricks to hacking.¡±


    Liu Ye froze in ce. He was looking at the bright screen in front of him, but he was unable to focus on the image.


    His head slowly turns to look at the man sitting next to him. His mouth opened and closed as if to say something, but he had turned into a fish on driednd.


    Lin Hui nced sideways at the young man when he didn¡¯t hear a response. However, seeing the utter shock on Liu Ye¡¯s face, he lets out a smallugh.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious, but that¡¯s only if you want to learn.¡±


    Liu Ye quicklyes to his senses and nods his head.


    ¡°Yes. I want to learn.¡±


    He would be lying if he said he didn¡¯t. Ever since he was little, he had dreamed of attending an IT school. However, due to his situation, he was never able to and had to learn independently without guidance.


    Lin Hui smiles at the boy. He was surprised that Liu Ye agreed quickly since the young man had never once asked for anything.


    He looks back at the screen, but Liu Ye¡¯s following words take him by great surprise.


    ¡°Please take care of me, Master Lin.¡±


    Lin Hui doesn¡¯t look at Liu Ye but raises his hand to touch his chin like he has a long beard.


    ¡°Hm¡­ Master Lin. It has a nice ring to it¡­ You can be my apprentice.¡±


    Liu Ye stares at Lin Hui with lips pressed tightly together. He needed to make sure that he didn¡¯tugh at the sight of the man who said he (Lin Hui) didn¡¯t want to seem like an old man.


    He was afraid that if heughed, it would ruin Lin Hui¡¯s mood, and the man would take back his words.


    The two men monitor the screens before something shes in Lin Hui¡¯s mind. He frowns and parts his lips.


    ¡°Hey, apprentice, have you ever been in a rtionship?¡±


    Liu Ye is bewildered by the question but shakes his head.


    ¡°No. I never had the time to date.¡±


    He was too busy looking after his siblings that dating was never in his mind. He also made the decision not to date until he had a good life.


    Unaware of Liu Ye¡¯s thoughts, Lin Hui nods his head in understanding, but one can see the faintness of sympathy in his eyes.


    ¡°Well, that makes the two of us.¡±


    His words fell with a heavy heart. He thought he could somehow talk to Liu Ye about his situation regarding Qin Xue, but he will have to ask someone else.


    Just as he lets out a long sigh, something on one of the screens catches his attention. It was of a man moving amongst the dark streets of Imperial.


    ¡°Hey, apprentice, here¡¯s your first assignment.¡±


    One corner of his lips arcs up as a dangerous smirk sh across his face.


    ¡°Keep watch over the house.¡±


    He stands up from the swivel chair and grabs his coat hung behind him.


    ¡°I need to step out for a bit.¡±

 Chapter 913 What did my precious ever do to you?

    Chapter 913 What did my precious ever do to you?


    Liu Ye stared at the door Lin Hui had exited. As much as he wanted to ask what it was about, he knew not to pry into other people¡¯s business.


    He could only do as the man instructed and turn back to look at the many monitor screens in front of him.


    However, he focuses his attention on one of the screens.


    The monitor showed the images from the surveince set up around Lin Hui¡¯s house.


    He sees Lin Hui step out from the front door and walk to his (Lin Hui) motorcycle.


    Liu Ye didn¡¯t have to think about his next move. He stood up from the chair and walked over to the door. However, he doesn¡¯t walk out of the room but stops in front of the power box.


    He types in a code and opens it, and the sight of multiple switches bes visible to the naked eye. He turns on one button, then another.


    As he did this, a beeping sound echoes throughout the house, followed by metal clinking as the doors and bulletproof windows lock.


    He turns to look at the window a look of amusement appears on his face.


    ¡°Cool¡­¡±


    When he and his siblings arrived at the house, he was amazed by the structure of the ce. At first, he was ufortable with how open the house was due to the ss walls, but he eventually got used to it.


    Heter found out that Lin Hui owned two properties. An apartment in the heart of Imperial and this ss house in the mountains.


    The reason he and his siblings were brought here was so that their father could not find them. It was also in case Tao Meng, and his men decided toe to look for problems.


    Plus, the security system was personally done by Lin Hui, so no one knew the ce better than anyone.


    Ending his thoughts, Liu Ye closes the power box and then walks back to sit down.


    His eyes scanned the many images in front of him, and he turned serious.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Master. Your apprentice will not fail you. I will hold down the fort until your return.¡±


    As determination washed over Liu Ye in the streets of Imperial, Lin Hui could be seen driving amongst the light traffic.


    His motorcycle engine revs into the night with multiple turns before he enters a street crowded with people.


    Although the sky was dark with rain, this street glistened with lights that made the night seem like day. The sound ofughter and chattering could be heard from all directions, but the air around the ce was dangerous.


    He parks before a red brick building and leisurely removes his helmet. Holding his helmet with his right hand, his other hand raises as he stroke his hair back.


    Even with the rain trickling against him, he still emitted the appearance of a handsomely fierce warrior.


    ¡°I¡¯m at the location.¡±


    He looks like a madman talking to himself but removes his earpiece to let others know he is on the phone with someone.


    He removes his earpiece as he gets down from his motorcycle and makes his way toward the red brick building.


    Since his boss and Liu Shan lectured him about doing things independently, he¡¯s kept the two updated on his locations. He knows how angry they would be if he didn¡¯t inform them.


    ¡°Hey kid, are you lost or something?¡±


    He only took a few steps when a groggy voice sounded behind him. He stops in his tracks and turns to look at the person but sees a group of seven men.


    These men were standing not too far from where he had parked his motorcycle, and he could tell they had too much to drink.


    He stares at the men and then nces at his motorcycle before moving his eyes back to them.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    The man who called out to him howls augh and walks towards Lin Hui.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? Do you even know where you are right now?¡±


    Despite the man¡¯s taunting voice, Lin Hui remained unfazed. He stared at the men as they approached him and couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of when he came to Retro with Qi Li.


    The only difference is that this time, he was alone.


    A long sigh escapes his mouth as he faintly shakes his head.


    ¡°Why do these people always ask if I know where I am?¡±


    He closes his eyes for a split second to steady his mind, then opens them again.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t know where I am, why would I evene here?¡±


    His response embarrassed the seven men, and they stopped in their tracks. Anger quickly reces their embarrassment, and one of the men sneers at Lin Hui.


    ¡°Trying to get smart with us? Are you seeking death?¡±


    Lin Hui couldn¡¯t help but sigh again, but this time out of frustration. He tilts his head back and stares at the dark sky, allowing the rain to hit his face.


    ¡°I seriously don¡¯t have time for this.¡±


    He murmurs before lowering his head to look at the men again.


    ¡°I need to be somewhere, so I¡¯ll ignore you guys for now.¡±


    He pays no more attention to them and turns around. He walks towards the red brick building, but after two steps, a loud crash echoes behind him, followed by the men hystericallyughing.


    However, all he could focus on was the crash.


    It was a sound that was too familiar and sent a bone-chilling sensation throughout his entire body.


    He stood unmoving as the rain dampened his body. His behavior made the men behind himugh even more, and they began to howl taunts at him.


    ¡°Look at him. He seems to be in shock that he can¡¯t move.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, let¡¯s see how he will get out of here now.¡±


    ¡°So much for trying to be tough. He¡¯s just a nobody.¡±


    Their voices continued, but they did not see that the calm expression on Lin Hui¡¯s face had darkened as a murderous glint of light shed across his eyes.


    His hand holding his helmet tightens until his veins popped.


    He slowly turns to face the seven men but looks at his motorcycle.


    The beautiful Ninja 14r that his boss had gifted him was supposed to be parked nicely, but now it was lying on the cold ground.


    His darkened eyes stare at his precious motorcycle before slowly scanning the faces of each man as a drop of rain slides down his temple to chin.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have done that.¡±


    His tone of voice was calm with a hint of danger behind it, but the seven menughed in ridicule. Each person could not bare to take Lin Hui seriously.


    ¡°Hahaha, look at him getting all angry. Does he think he can hurt us?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m so scared. Hahaha. I¡¯m so scared of his weak punches.¡±


    ¡°Boy, you are outnumbered. What do you think you can do to us?¡±


    Lin Hui was void of all emotions as he stared at the men in front of him. He engraved each person¡¯s face into his mind and parts his lips.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to stir any unnecessary troubles, but it seems like you bunch of idiots just can¡¯t read the situation.¡±


    He lifts one leg, then the other, as he walks toward the group of hooligans.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯m going to have to kick your asses for hurting my precious.¡±


    The men looked at one another and then back to Lin Hui. Unable to take him seriously, theyughed together.


    The man who was the first to call out to Lin Hui opened his mouth to speak, but as he tried, he saw a tight fist in front of him.


    He takes a step back to dodge the punch, but he is a step toote.


    Lin Hui threw a deadly punch in the man¡¯s face, causing the man to fall back and spit blood.


    The man hurriedly got back up on his feet with a darkened face. Blood slid down the corner of his mouth, but he wiped it off like it was water.


    He explodes like a volcano and lunges at Lin Hui with his right arm aiming to scythe Lin Hui¡¯s head. However, Lin Hui sidestepped and ducked under his arm, to his surprise.


    Lin Hui bounced back up and sent another punch. This time, directly at the man¡¯s throat.


    Leaving no room for the others to react, he kicks one man in the stomach beforeunching another punch at another man, another, and so on.


    The seven men scrambled to get on their feet, but the second they stood up, they were dropped back to the ground.


    Lin Hin shifted his attacks with lightning speed. Each attack bes deadlier than the other.


    ¡°If you wanted to pick a fight, pick it with me. What did my precious ever do to you?!¡±


    Anger engulfed his mind as he continued tounch attacks on the men.


    ¡°Do you know how hard my boss worked to get that motorcycle?!¡±


    His swings became blind with fury, both hands going with every ounce of power he could muster.


    ¡°Do you know how much that motorcycle meant when my boss gifted it to me?!¡±


    As the group of men went down one by one, he focused solely on the man who called out to him.


    He hits him with a left, then a right, splitting the man¡¯s cheeks in a bone-deep gash and pulping his lips.


    ¡°I will never forgive you for what you did.¡±


    The man was bloody and battered, but Lin Hui didn¡¯t stop. It wasn¡¯t until minutester that he found his right mind and stopped.


    His breathing was heavy as he stood over the seven men. He stares at their appearance, which is now battered and bleeding from his attacks.


    He wipes the corner of his lip with no traces of blood and stares with daggers at the man he had knocked out, then at the others.


    ¡°I have unfinished business to attend to, so I will let you guys live for now.¡±


    He fixes his jacket and then walks over to his motorcycle to help it get up.


    ¡°But matter where you guys go or try to hide, I will find you.¡±


    He inspects the vehicle as the men grunt in pain. When he saw the scratches on the motorcycle, his jaw clenched tightly.


    ¡°Because I wille to collect your fates.¡±


    He gives hisst message and makes his way to the building without turning back to look at the scene. It was as if he had just arrived and a fight had not broken out.

 Chapter 914 A man came here

    Chapter 914 A man came here


    In the crowded streets of Retro, Lin Hui finally stops in front of the red brick building. His expression, which was filled with nonchnce, was now one of danger.


    He raises his arm and pulls the door open as the loud music from inside escapes outside.


    ¡°Hey, who are you? What are you doing here?¡±


    Just as he entered the building, a long dark hallway greets him as two bulky men stop him from going further. He looks at them with the eyes of someone without care.


    ¡°Hung Woo.¡±


    Hearing the name, both men nced at one another before focusing on Lin Hui. They sized him up from head to toe before speaking.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one by that name here. Go look somewhere else.¡±


    Lin Hui stares at the two men with no emotions on his face. He understood why they would try to lie to him, but he was no fool.


    He scans the long hallway and then looks back at the men.


    ¡°Fate has a message for him.¡±


    The two men held their breath at the mention of Fate. Without realizing it, they swallowed a hard gulp before Man 1 signaled Man 2 to leave.


    As Man 2 walks away, Man 1 sizes Lin Hui again. His right hand slowly and secretly reaches for his gun behind him.


    ¡°Wait here. Once I get a confirmation, I¡¯ll let you through.¡±


    Lin Hui¡¯s eyes remained glued to Man 1¡¯s face, but he could see the man¡¯s movements. The corners of his mouth raise into a smile that does not reach his eyes.


    ¡°If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t do that.¡±


    Man 1 was rooted to the floor when he heard Lin Hui¡¯s words. His eyes widened slightly as he couldn¡¯t understand how Lin Hui knew what he would do.


    He was sure that with the poor lighting, Lin Hui would not see him move.


    However, knowing that his movements could be easily detected, he slowly moved his hand away from his gun and set it at his side.


    Just as he did this, a beep sounded from his earpiece, then a faint voice spoke from the other line.


    Man 1 listens to the person without taking his eyes off the unknown man in front of him.


    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll send him up.¡±


    He answers the person on the other line, then takes a step to the side to give way.


    ¡°You can go up.¡±


    Lin Hui moves his eyes from the man and walks forward. He doesn¡¯t give the man another nce and heads deeper inside the building.


    As he disappears from view, Man 2 returns to his position and stands next to Man 1.


    ¡°What was that about, and who is he?¡±


    Man 1 stares in the direction Lin Hui had gone. He ponders for a long second before returning to his position guarding the front entrance.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but for him to easily mention Fate, he¡¯s definitely someone we cannot offend.¡±


    Man 2 nods his head in agreement. He has heard about Fate and hase to understand that every member of Fate should not be taken lightly.


    It is known that if one were to make an enemy with Fate, their Fate is sealed.


    Unaware of how much his presence intimated the two men, Lin Hui took the elevator and arrived on the top floor of the building.


    The loud music enters in one ear and out the other as theughter of men and women can be heard from all directions.


    However, having no care for the things that go on, he walks to the back of the floor level.


    He soones to a halt in front of a red door. He stares at it for a second, then without knocking on the door, he pushes it open.


    A gush of smoke escapes from inside the dimply room as the shadow of multiple people can be spotted inside.


    Despite the atmosphere like that of a house of ill repute, Lin Hui maintained a calm demeanor. He steps inside the room like a majestic being appearing in front of the mundane world.


    His eyes search through the crowd beforending on a middle-aged man in a bright red suit with shoulder-length hair.


    The man sat in the center of the room with two women seated at his sides. Surrounding him were his men and their women, as each person seemed lost in alcohol and drugs.


    When everyone heard the door open, silence filled the room, and every person in the room looked at Lin Hui.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see that we¡¯re busy? Scram.¡±


    A man sitting on a sofa to the right drunkenly spat as he pointed to Lin Hui with a beer bottle in hand, as everyoneughed.


    Unlike him, the man wearing a red suit whispers to the two women next to him and then scowls at his men.


    ¡°Everyone leave the room.¡±


    His sudden words shook everyone as they looked at the man. One of the men frowned in confusion and pursed like he had tasted something foul.


    ¡°Hung Woo, what do you mean? Why do we have to leave? Who is this kid?¡±


    Hung Woo, the man in a red suit, shot a re at the man. He couldn¡¯t believe that such a person was working under him.


    ¡°I have something important to discuss with our guest. Everyone leave, now.¡±


    He would have forced them out if it had been a random stranger, but Lin Hui is not just anyone. He remembers seeing the young man when he went to the meeting with Fate.


    No one dares to question him at his words as he is the boss. Each person reluctantly leaves the room but doesn¡¯t forget to give Lin Hui a deadly nce. Some even purposely bumped into him as if to taunt him.


    However, despite all this, Lin Hui gave no care to them.


    Once the room was inplete silence, he walked over to take a seat in the chair across from Hung Woo.


    ¡°Hehe, Mister¡­ ah, how should I address you?¡±


    Hung Woo forces a smile at Lin Hui in hopes that he (Lin Hui) would ignore his men¡¯s rude behavior. He didn¡¯t dare to offend the young man since his men guarding the front entrance had already informed him of the unexpected guest.


    Lin Hui stares at Hun Woo then nonchntly shrugs his shoulder.


    ¡°Mr. Lin.¡±


    His response made Hung Woough, but one could hear the awkwardness behind it. He held his hands in front of him and smiled.


    ¡°Mr. Lin, what can I do for you?¡±


    He doesn¡¯t know why Lin Hui suddenly came here, but he can assume it must be something important.


    Lin Hui looks away from the middle-aged man and scans the room. When his eyes return to the man, he parts his lips.


    ¡°A man came here. Where is he?¡±


    Hearing the question, Hung Woo knew exactly who Lin Hui was asking for butughed. He leans forward and pours himself a ss of liquor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are talking about. As you can see, manye and go in here.¡±


    Lin Hui was not a fool. He could read Hung Woo like the back of his hand. He leans forward and ces his elbows on his knees as his fingers intertwine.


    ¡°Hung Woo, do you know that hiding an enemy of Fate is like being enemies with Fate?¡±


    He smirks at the man, and his words continue.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t want Red Militant to be enemies with Fate.¡±


    Hung Woo¡¯s eyes dimmed at the words that escaped Lin Hui¡¯s mouth. He would have put a bullet in the young man¡¯s head if it had been anyone else. However, he knew better than anyone that he could not.


    Not unless he really wants to go to war with Fate.


    He sighs and downs the drink he has poured. He ms the cup on the table but not enough to crush it.


    ¡°That man isn¡¯t here. He came for help, but I turned him away.¡±


    Lin Hui doesn¡¯t respond but stares at Hung Woo like he is studying the man.


    It is well known throughout the underworld that Hung Woo is a man who loves money and women. However, he is also a sadist who enjoys others¡¯ pain.


    Could he possibly trust the man¡¯s words?


    After a long minute passed, he stood up from his seat.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you up on your words then.¡±


    He leaves the room, but just when he is about to exit the room, he looks back at Hung Woo.


    ¡°But know that Fate has eyes and ears all over Imperial. If you lie, don¡¯t me me.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t wait to hear a response from the man and leaves the room.


    As Lin Hui¡¯s figure disappears, Hung Woo feels like the heavy air in the room has returned to normal, and he slumps in his seat.


    His eyes tremble like he is searching for an answer before turning his head to the left.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone. You cane out now.¡±


    Hisst word fell, and a door in the room slowly creaked open. A disheveled man steps out into view with his head darting left and right.


    When he sees that no one else is in the room, he lets out a sigh of relief and walks over to sit with Hung Woo.


    ¡°That was close. I honestly thought that he was going to catch me.¡±


    Hung Woo frowns at the man and then raises his hand to pinch the space between his eyebrows.


    ¡°Liu Peng, what the hell did you do? How did you get involved with those people?¡±


    That¡¯s right, the man Lin Hui is after is none other than Liu Peng. The abusive father of Liu Ye, Liu Jingyu, and Liu Jianan.

 Chapter 915 He really meant peace and quiet

    915 He really meant peace and quiet


    While the subordinates began to busy their night in Retro, Yue Ling and Lu Tian finished dinner with the Lu family. The couple had gathered their belongings and were on their way out of the house.


    ¡°Ah Ling, I can¡¯t believe you are leaving.¡±


    Madam Lu sobs without tears as she walks her soon-to-be daughter-inw and son out the door. She held onto Yue Ling¡¯s arm like a child bidding her mother farewell.


    ¡°Promise you wille to visit often. My heart aches whenever I wonder if you are eating or hurt anywhere.¡±


    She knows Yue Ling is a strong woman, but she can¡¯t help but worry for the girl.


    Especially with Grandfather Ji¡¯s condition, she is scared that Yue Ling will not be able to handle the news.


    Unaware of the reason behind Madam Lu¡¯s sulking, Yue Ling smiles at the middle-aged woman. She gently pats the woman¡¯s hand and reassures her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have Tian by my side, and I will convince him for us to visit more often.¡±


    Madam Lu was put at ease by her words. She nods her head and reluctantly lets go of Yue Ling¡¯s arm.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, so you and Tian better head home.¡±


    She stares at Yue Ling for a long second before turning her attention to her eldest son.


    ¡°Tian, the weather is colder now, so ensure Ah Ling wears warmly when you leave the house. Also, make sure that the heater is on at all times. Ah Ling cannot catch a cold. If she does, I will force my way to move in with you.¡±


    Lu Tian raised an eyebrow at his mother. He wasn¡¯t angry that his mother didn¡¯t care about him but was intrigued by her direct feelings toward his wife.


    However, knowing his mother is right, he nods his head.


    ¡°I will.¡±


    Yue Ling was left baffled again by the mother and son. She faintly clears he throat and turns to look at Old Lu, then back at Madam Lu.


    ¡°Thank you for the lovely dinner.¡±


    Her words fell as each individual bid one another farewell.


    Madam Lu and Old Lu watch as the young couple enter the car and drive away.


    As the car¡¯s back lights further into the distance, Madam Lu leans on her husband¡¯s shoulder. Her expression turns into sympathy, and her heart aches with pain.


    ¡°Ah Ling has been through so much already. I hope she will be alright.¡±


    Old Lu stares at his son¡¯s car before looking up at the dark sky. The sound of rain hitting the ground made his head heavier than usual.


    However, he hugs his wife and gently squeezes her.


    ¡°Everything will be fine. The best we can do is be there for Ah Ling and Jingxu when the timees.¡±


    Despite what the future holds, he promises to watch over the two children. He will not let anythinge to them and make sure they don¡¯t fall into a world of darkness.


    He sees that Lu Tian¡¯s car is no longer in view and guides his wife back inside the house.


    Time swiftly passed as Yue Ling, and Lu Tian arrived home and prepared for bed.


    Yue Ling had just finished getting dressed after a shower and walked inside the bedroom while drying her hair with a towel. She sees Lu Tian sitting on the bed with a few documents in hand, and the only light source is themp on his bedside table.


    ¡°Do you still have work to finish?¡±


    Hearing her voice that calms his mind, Lu Tian turns his head to her. He smiles at her and then sets the piece of document in his hand down.


    He reaches for the nket and pulls it enough for her to get in bed.


    ¡°Work can wait. Come. I¡¯ll help you dry your hair.¡±


    Yue Ling couldn¡¯t help but return a smile. She walks to the bed and sits down. Her back was to him, and she handed him the towel.


    ¡°I won¡¯t decline your offer then.¡±


    Lu Tian sat up in his position and took the towel from her. He carefully dried her hair, ensuring he didn¡¯t hurt her.


    ¡°What did you and my mother talk about?¡±


    He was aware of their discussion regarding the wedding, but he didn¡¯t know the details.


    Yue Ling ever so lightly pursed her lips at the question. Fortunately, she has turned away from Lu Tian, or else he would mistake her perplexed expression as one of disapproval.


    She sighs, and her posture turns sluggish, but she doesn¡¯t fall.


    ¡°We talked about our wedding. She showed me a lot of wedding venues and locations, but¡­.¡±


    She paused in her words to find the right words to say, but Lu Tian finished the sentence for her.


    ¡°But you think she¡¯s being excessive.¡±


    Yue Ling could only blink her eyes at his words. The frown on her face deepened, and she raised her shoulder as her neck shrunk like a turtle hiding from the world.


    ¡°Just a little bit.¡±


    Seeing her behavior from behind, Lu Tian lets out a chuckle while continuing to dry her hair.


    He looks down at her hair in his hand, and his eyes soften to the core.


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t like, just tell my mother. I¡¯m sure she will understand.¡±


    Yue Ling¡¯s expression turned unreadable. Her eyes search through the nk space in front of her like she is looking for answers.


    After a long silence, she turns around to look at him, causing her hair to fall out of his grasp.


    She batted her eyes at him and took in the sight of his entire being.


    ¡°Tian, what kind of wedding do you want?¡±


    It had always been about what she wanted, and nobody asked him. What if there was something he disliked, but he just went along with it because of her?


    Lu Tian did not look at his wife but at his now empty hand. His head slowly lifted to meet her but was swept into the abyss of her bluish-green eyes.


    No matter how many times he sees her, she is always beautiful. Even he sometimes questions if this was all but a dream.


    If it is a dream, he hopes never to wake up from it.


    He sets the towel on the bedside table and reaches for her hands.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what kind of wedding we have as long as I have you.¡±


    Yue Ling turned flustered by him but was touched at the same time. She stares with the eyes of a tiger as if she is trying to see if he is lying.


    Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she smiled at him.


    ¡°Even if it rains on our wedding? What if there was a big storm on the big day?¡±


    Lu Tian shrugs his shoulders with indifference and throws a question back at her.


    ¡°Will you be there?¡±


    Hearing this, Yue Ling was quickly put in a tight position. She pouts with cheeks like that of a chipmunk and ponders.


    Would she be alright if a heavy storm urred on her wedding day?


    After careful thinking, she nods her head once to answer him. She looked at him and parted her lip to voice her answer, but her eyes trembled when his face leaned in on her.


    Lu Tian seals her lips, making her swallow the words she wants to say.


    His sudden kiss took Yue Ling by surprise. Her face turned redder than it already was, and she closed her eyes, giving in to the sweetness of his lips.


    Just when she thought to deepen their kiss, he suddenly pulled away, only to press his forehead against her.


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re there, whether it rains or shines on our wedding, it doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡±


    Yue Ling felt disappointed that their kiss had ended, but when she heard his words, it was as if an arrow had shot into her heart. The kind of arrow that made her adore the man in front of her more.


    She couldn¡¯t help but wrap her arms around his waist and rest her cheek on his chest.


    ¡°I feel like the luckiest woman to have you.¡±


    She wanted to channel all her love into him. To which he received well.


    Lu Tian hugs her back and pulls her into a tighter embrace. He pecks the top of her head before resting his chin on her.


    ¡°And I feel like the luckiest man to have you.¡±


    Yue Ling swore her heart could not handle his sweet words, primarily when Lu Tian is supposedly known as a cold-blooded man.


    She tilts her head back to look up at him and kisses him on the chin.


    His head looks down at her, and he smiles before taking in the open-minded invitation to capture her lips.


    He tightens his hold of her, pulling her closer as if kneading her into one with him.


    Every shift kiss gave an astonishing hint of passionate ecstasy that grew with every second.


    Yue Ling shuddered with a sweet sensation and clutched his shoulder for strength. Her breathing grew rapid, and she was losing air, but she still remembered to breathe.


    When the room was about to turn heated, Lu Tian suddenly pulled away on a restrained impulse.


    His dark eyes gazed brazenly into hers before taking in the sight of her flustered face.


    He steadied the beastly side of him and caressed her hair behind her right ear.


    ¡°You had a long day. Get some rest.¡±


    He gentlyys her onto the bed and then pulls the nket over her. Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to tuck her in like a baby.


    ¡°I¡¯ll turn off the lights for peace and quiet.¡±


    Yue Lingy as frozen as a statue. She stared at the white ceiling and was confused about what had just happened.


    Weren¡¯t they sharing a passionate kiss? She even thought that they were going to go all the way.


    Was she the only one who thought about it?


    However, thinking of his mention of peace and quiet, she slowly turns her head to the left.


    She watches as he turns off themp, letting darkness fill the room. He returned to her but made no move except to cuddle with her.


    She stared at the now-dark ceiling and held the nket over her chest. Her eyes blinked a few times, and she sighed inside with faint disappointment.


    Now she was convinced when he said peace and quiet. He really meant peace and quiet.

 Chapter 916 Fate Has Returned

    While Yue Ling and Lu Tian fell into a slumber, neither knew what their subordinates were up to in Retro.


    Liu Shan''s ck BMW is parked not too far from a dark factory building. If it were not for the loud music and crowd gathering outside, one would have thought this ce would have long been abandoned.


    "So this White Eagle''s hideout."


    From the passenger seat, Xu Long stares out with bewilderment at the building. He had heard of White Eagle and what the group is known for in the underworld. However, he has never crossed paths with them.


    Of course, this doesn''t include the time he saw them during Fate''s meeting since he didn''t meet the leader of White Eagle in person.


    Liu Shan ignores the assistant and turns to look back at Lin Hui. He doesn''t need to think about his question and asks.


    "Are you sure about this?"


    Hearing the question, Lin Hui shifts his gaze to look out the window. His eyes searched through the crowd like an eagle, and a faint smirk could be seen when he saw what he wanted.


    "More than anything."


    He will never forgive the people for harming what he holds dear, especially when it is something that his boss gifted him.


    He doesn''t sit idly and opens the back door to get out. As he did so, he looked at the two men in the front seats and asked in a joking tone.


    "Are you guys with me?"


    Liu Shanughs at his ridiculous question and unbuckles his seatbelt. He opens the driver''s side door, and a look of mischief shes across his face.


    "Always, bro."


    Following his words came Xu Long, who was busy tying the front part of his hair up. A wicked grin curls on his lips, giving him a devilish appearance as if he was stepping into a battlefield.


    "Always."


    As they approached the dark factory, they closed in on the crowd of members of White Eagle. Each person held an intimidating appearance enough to create fear in others. When they heard footsteps from behind, they stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the uninvited guests.


    "Who are you? Why have youe here?"


    A member of White Eagle steps forward and confronts the three men. He carried a sinister aura that scared one away, but his voice was calm and not intimidating.


    Lin Hui stops in front of the crowd, and his eyes scan each person''s face. He looks back at the man, and all emotions inside of him have swept away.


    "I''m looking for seven men. I don''t know their names, but I do know they are from White Eagle."


    The man furrows his brows with a faint tilt of his head. He stares at Lin Hui for a long second, then at Liu Shan and Xu Long, standing behind the man.


    Judging from their appearances, the men didn''t look like they belonged in the underworld. However, to have mentioned White Eagle without faltering, he can only guess these men have a strong backbone.


    "I apologize if there''s been any misunderstanding, but I''m afraid I will have to ask you to leave."


    "That''s him!"


    Suddenly, a voice yells out from behind the man, and everyone turns to look at the person.


    The man had a disheveled appearance, and his face was covered with bruises. He could barely stand if not for the help of the person next to him.


    He walks towards the man speaking to Lin Hui and points at the three men, mainly at Lin Hui.


    "Feng, it''s him. He''s the one I told you about that tried to start shit with us."


    Feng arched an eyebrow while Lin Hui calmly ced his hands in the pockets of his moto jacket.


    "I minded my own business. It was you and your guys that asked for trouble."


    The man Lin Hui had beaten up turned flustered when he heard the words. After he and the other six men regained their consciousness, they hurried back to get back up.


    He thought they could get revenge on Lin Hui, but they never thought the man would suddenly appear in front of them.


    Remembering where he was, he sneers, and a malicious look shes across his face.


    "You''re going to regreting here, kid. There''s more of us than the three of you guys."


    Feng stares at the man with a puzzled look on his face. He didn''t need to ask for much as he understood the situation.


    He sighs with a light shake of his head, then shifts his attention to Lin Hui.


    "Look, I know there was a dispute between you guys, and I deeply apologize, but can you let this go? I''m willing to pay whatever amount you ask."


    The man was rendered speechless by Feng''s words. The corners of his mouth twitched uncontrobly, and he took a step forward.


    "Feng, what are you doing? Are you trying to embarrass White Eagle? We can''t let this go."


    Feng''s expression darkens, and he res at the man. He wanted to ridicule the man for being a nuisance, but Lin Hui''s voice cuts him off before he could say a word.


    "He''s right."


    He (Lin Hui) had a smile that did not reach his eyes. However, one could feel the dangerous aura emitting from him.


    "I can''t let this go, and no money can fix this."


    He calmly takes a step forward, then another. He only stopped when he stood 2 feet away from the man he had beaten, ck and blue.


    "You see¡­ this man here and his friends touched something they shouldn''t have. Something very precious to me."


    His voice was steady, not too loud nor too low, but everyone heard him clearly. He turns his head to the side to look at Feng.


    "If you won''t hand them over, then you''ll be making an enemy of someone you do not wish to cross the line with at all."


    Feng''s eyes trembled ever so lightly, and he racked his brain with everything the man had told him and the others about the fight.


    The only thing he remembered was the mention of collecting someone''s Fate.


    "Feng, what''s going on here?"


    From behind the crowd came an elderly man''s voice. Upon hearing him, everyone stepped aside to make a path for him.


    Lin Hui stares at the elderly man who wears a ck suit with a cane in one hand and his other hand positioned behind his back.


    Liu Shan sees the elderly man and walks up to stand next to Lin Hui as Xu Long does the same.


    All three men held their ground despite being in the presence of an intimidating group from the underworld.


    When the elderly man reaches them, Feng turns to him and bows to the man with politeness.


    "Boss, there seems to have been a misunderstanding."


    The elderly man nods his head in understanding and then looks at the disheveled man.


    "Is that true?"


    Upon question, the disheveled man straightens his spine and points at Lin Hui.


    "Yes, boss. We just minded our business when this punk tried to stir up trouble with us."


    He can never tell his boss and the others that it was them who started the fight. Let alone the fact that Lin Hui single handily took down him and the other six men.


    However, despite his words, the elderly man and Feng knew he was lying.


    Liu Shan clicks his tongue and shakes his head. He looked at the elderly man and held his hands behind his back.


    "Is this how you educate your men, Lo Fat?"


    Hearing Liu Shan leisurely mention the elderly man''s name, every member of White Eagle was astounded. Even they did not dare to address their boss in such a carefree manner.


    Lo Fat looks at the assistant and squints his eyes, making more wrinkles appear at the corners. His movement was as if to take a better look at the young man.


    "You are¡­"


    He mutters under his breath before his eyes widen in surprise.


    "Oh, I remember you. You were at the meeting too."


    He may be old, but his memories remain intact, and he remembers Liu Shan from Fate.


    How can he not? Liu Shan was the one who taught Snakehead''s leader, Gao Jie, a lesson for crossing the line with him.


    Liu Shan wasn''t taken aback that the elderly man remembered him.


    "I''m d you still remember me, but there''s been a little incident involving some of your men."


    In the many years of following Yue Ling in the underworld, he knows all the details of each gang. Even the tiniest details do not escape him.


    And from what he knows about Lo Fat, it is said that the elderly man is quite the odd one.


    Like ck Dragon''s Chu Qiang, he prefers peace unless bloodshed is needed.


    Lo Fate creased his eyebrows and pursed his lips. He had been in his office the whole time and had not heard any news about the incident mentioned. However, knowing that Liu Shan is here can only mean that he (Liu Shan) is not making this up.


    "I see¡­ such a shame something like this happened."


    "Boss! Don''t listen to them! They''re the ones¡ª"


    The disheveled man was raging with anger at the sight of his boss being on friendly terms with the people after him. He couldn''t hold it in any longer and raised his voice to defend himself.


    However, before his words can finish, Feng punches him in the stomach.


    He coughs and stumbles back a few steps before losing his bnce and falling to the ground. He held his stomach with a grunt and red at the man he considered hisrade.


    "Feng¡­ Have you lost your mind?"


    He inhales a deep breath to ease the pain in his stomach before continuing his words.


    "These people are a bunch of idiots."


    He spits out a mouthful of blood and sneers angrily at Lin Hui.


    "You said you were going to let me and the others live before collecting our fatester. Do you take me for a fool? Fate has long disappeared from the underworld. Who do you think you are trying to imitate, a gang that hasn''t been around for three years?"


    The man stupefied Lo Fat and Feng while Liu Shan and Xu Long blinked with heavy eyes.


    Lin Hui chuckles and walks up to the man. Each step carries a deadly air with it.


    "But you are a fool."


    He crouches down until he and the disheveled man are at eye level, and his smile widens until it reaches his eyes.


    "Haven''t you heard? Fate has returned."

 Chapter 917 I Need Your Help

    The world spun as the sun peaked from behind the grey sky on the horizon, trying its best to let its rays of light shine through the cracks of the curtains inside the bedroom. Yue Ling stretched her arms out with a soft sigh and felt the space to her left was empty.


    Her eyes slowly flutter open, and she turns to look at the ce her hand touched.


    It was the spot Lu Tian upied when they slept in bed.


    However, despite the aloof man not being in sight, she felt no sadness.


    She could only guess that Lu Tian had left for work since he was working before they went to bed.


    She gets out of bed and makes her way to the bathroom to get herself ready for work.


    Minutes passed with the rising sky, and she was soon ready for work. She walks out of the closet room wearing all ck.


    A turtleneck to keep her neck warm for the cold weather, a pair of wide-leg trousers, and a loose-fitted zer. For extra warmth, she held her brown wool coat in her hands and made her way down the stairs.


    However, just as she was about to reach the staircase, she stopped in her tracks.


    She stares ahead with a faint frown on her ce, then turns back to look in the direction she hade. Her head ever so slightly tilts like she is pondering about something, then she walks back towards the bedrooms.


    Instead of walking to the room she stepped out from, she stopped in front of the study room.


    The door had been left ajar, and with a light push, it opened with ease.


    One of her eyebrows arched when she saw the person she thought had already left for work.


    "Tian? You haven''t left for work?"


    Sitting behind his dark desk was none other than Lu Tian. He was looking at some documents when he heard the angelic voice of his wife.


    He looks up from behind the documents and smiles at her.


    "Good morning."


    He stood up from his seat and walked over to give her a morning hug. Of course, he didn''t forget to kiss her on the forehead.


    "I''ll be working from home for the next few days."


    After meeting with Qin Jun and the others, he decided to work on the case at home for less distraction. He had already taken care of most of the workload at Lu Corps and instructed Secretary Ye to contact Xu Long if any issues arose.


    He took a small step back to admire her beauty as the smile on his face remained still.


    "Do you want to eat breakfast before you head out?"


    Yue Ling doesn''t question his response and nods her head. It was no wonder he was still wearing his sleeping clothes.


    "I''ll eat something light, then go to work."


    As Yue Ling and Lu Tian enjoyed breakfast, it wasn''t long until she finished and left for work. Lu Tian offered to drive her, but she declined and drove her car to De L''amour.


    "Good morning, CEO Han."


    Upon entering De L''amour, Sophia greets Yue Ling with a smile and polite bow. She looked cheerful and always seemed to love her job.


    Yue Ling smiles a nod and walks up to the receptionist''s desk.


    "Good morning, Sophia. Is everyone here?"


    Sophia nods as she hands her a few envelopes that came in the mail.


    "The design team is waiting in the design room for you."


    Taking the mail, Yue Ling answers with a faint "mm" and makes her way toward the elevators. She enters the metal box after the door slides open but hears her phone ring.


    She took her phone out and saw that it was a message. When she sees the name of the sender, she frowns but still unlocks the message.


    Her eyes scan through the message quickly before cing her phone back in the coat pocket.


    "Interesting."


    Her eyes slowly flutter, and the elevator door opens on the 29th floor.


    Usually, she would head straight to her office, but she had matters to discuss with her team members.


    She quickly reached the design room and saw that all seven design team members were already inside, waiting for her.


    "Good morning, everyone."


    She greets them and walks over to a table in the room to put her bag down.


    Tang Zhonghui greets her good morning with a yawn while sitting in azy posture on a chair. His head hung at his side, and he watched his boss''s every move.


    "Boss, why are we here so early?"


    He could only ask because, in ordinary cases, he still didn''t have toe to work for another 2 hours.


    Ju Suo walks up behind the man and hits him on the back of the head. She res at him before looking at her boss with a smile.


    It was as if she had not just hit the man in an unprofessional manner.


    "Did something happen?"


    At her question, everyone focused their gazes on Yue Ling, ready to hear her response for calling them in to work so early in the morning.


    Yue Ling looked at each person before leaning against the table she ced her bag. Her arms cross over her chest, and she nods her head.


    "I need your help."


    Hearing this, the room fell into silence. Each person''s expression turned serious as Tang Zhonghui shot up from his seat.


    "Who is it?"


    Gui Tian Lan takes a step forward, and a silver light flickers between his fisted fingers, revealing sharp needles.


    "Who do I have to torture?"


    Next to the tailor, his younger twin, Gui Zhongmin, strokes his hair back, and a dangerous side smirk curls on his lips.


    "Give us a name, and we will have them disappear without any traces."


    Yue Ling stares at each person, voicing their assumptions. She shakes her head and unfolds her arms to hold the table''s edge.


    "It''s not that. I need your help with designing a dress."


    "A dress?"


    Lian Ni Shang asked with a puzzled look. She was usually the one out of the team withmon sense, but she was really confused this time.


    Why does her boss need a dress?


    Yue Ling knew that her sudden request would confuse her team. She decides not to beat around the bush and exins.


    "I need your minds to help design a dress for my engagement banquet."


    Ju Suo takes a seat next to Tang Zhonghui and pouts her lips. She ponders about something, then slightly tilts her head.


    "But I thought you already decided on one. The only thing left was to wait until the adjustments werepleted."


    Everyone agreed with the petite woman but quickly grasped the situation when Yue Ling''s eyes darkened.


    "It seems my cousin wants to make things hard for me."


    At the mention of her cousin, Yue Ling felt a massive migraine rising in her. She sighed and couldn''t understand why some women were so stubborn.


    Instead of wishing for someone''s happiness, they want to try and sabotage it.


    Brushing these thoughts to the back of her mind, she lifts her right hand to massage her temple.


    "Liu Shan was informed by Blush Tree that Ji Chu Hua convinced an employee to hand over the dress I picked."


    She lowers her hand and looks at her design team.


    "So, I will need you all toe up with some sketches with me in 2 days."


    Her bluish-green eyes scan each person''s face, and she felt apologetic for making them do this.


    "I know you are all busy with your own tasks, and with the short amount of time given, you probably won''t be able to do it, but I just thought I''d ask."


    The room fell into another silence after her words. Each person kept their thoughts unreadable, and Yue Ling understood their reasons.


    With the uing children''s design still in process, everyone has their hands full. Also, having only two days toe up with a design sketch was too challenging.


    "I''ll do it."


    Amidst the silence, Qi Li was the first to speak. He had been sitting in the back of the room and did not utter a word.


    He calmly rose from his seat and stared straight at his boss.


    "I''lle up with a design and work on the children''s design simultaneously."


    With his response, everyone else did not hesitate to agree. They had all kept quiet, not because they didn''t want to help her but because they were already thinking of the dress designs to go with.


    Besides, how can they turn down the request when their boss hardly ever asks for help?


    Yue Ling was touched to hear their agreement to her request. She was happy to know she had such people working alongside her.


    "Thank you, everyone. I know it is a short time, but I will also work on my sketches. We will hold another meeting to discuss the designs in 2 days."


    She chats with her design team for a few more minutes before heading for her office.


    As she left the room, everyone listened to her footsteps then when they heard her enter the elevator, they exchanged looks.


    Ju Suo''s expression was unpleasant, as were the others in the room.


    "You guys know what to do, right?"


    Gui Tian Lan raised his hands, and a needle appeared in each hand. He taps them against one another like he is sharpening knives, and a bloodthirsty smile curls on his face.


    "First, we will need to make things difficult for a certain someone."


    Tang Zhonghui stares at the tailor with heavy eyes. Not because of his words but because of what he was doing.


    He signs, and his head hangs at his side again.


    "Bro, you have needles. Not knives."


    Hearing this, Gui Tian Lan looks at the technical designer, and his smile widens, revealing his pearl-white teeth.


    "I don''t need knives."


    With a swift flick of his fingers, the needle in his hand shot out to the side. It stabbed into the wall like a dagger on its target.


    "I have needles that work just as well."

 Chapter 918 Really An Idiot

    Yue Ling arrived at her office without running into any employees. She reaches for the door handle to her office but pauses when she notices the door to her assistant''s office is open.


    She turns away and heads in the direction to the left.


    "Oh, good morning, boss."


    Liu Shan greets her with a smile like every other morning. He had heard her get off the elevator and thought she would go into her office like usual. However, he was surprised to see her stand in front of his office.


    "Is something the matter?"


    Yue Ling stares at her assistant with an expression void of any emotions. She scans the room for a brief second before turning away.


    "My office. Now."


    Her tone was calm, but something behind it made Liu Shan feel all the hair on his body stand on its ends. He didn''t know why but she sounded angry.


    Did he perhaps make a mistake? But he can''t recall anything.


    He stares at the open door for a long minute, thoughts running all over the ce. However, unable toe up with an answer, he gets up from his seat.


    The only way to find out what he did wrong is to ask the person.


    Inside Yue Ling''s office, she had removed her coat and put her handbag away. She was calmly sitting on one of the white couches set up in her office.


    "Um, boss¡­"


    Liu Shan followed her and took a seat across from her. He swallows a hard gulp and tries to read her thoughts, but no matter how much he tries, it is all to no avail.


    He inhales a deep breath topose himself and straightens his posture.


    "Boss, can you tell me what I did wrong?"


    He raises his hand to scratch the back of his head. He looked like a child who hadn''t done anything wrong.


    "Also, can you not look like you''re going to kill someone?"


    Right now, his boss had on a grave expression. It was the expression she often made when she was ready to go to war.


    Yue Ling''s face remained the same as she made eye contact with the man across from her. She casually leans back and folds her arms over her chest.


    "How did it go with your meeting with Uncle Luo?"


    Hearing the question, Liu Shan felt like he could breathe. He thought it was something serious, but it turned out she wanted to know if he had found a new ce or not.


    He wipes away the imaginary sweat on his forehead and smiles crookedly at her.


    "I didn''t get the chance to meet with him. I fell asleep, so I had to postpone the meeting."


    He didn''t want to lie to his boss, but he couldn''t tell her that he and Xu Long went to meet up with Lin Hui in Retro. He could have told her, but he didn''t want to hinder her.


    Yue Ling sat with indifference as she observed her assistant''s expression and behavior. She would have believed in his words if not for the message she received.


    She exhales a sigh, and her bluish-green eyes flutter at him.


    "You know, Shan. This is making me sad. You asked me to make a promise, but you, yourself, cannot seem to keep your end up."


    She looks away from him to the right of her and reaches for her phone. She picks it up, unlocks the screen, and then casually ces it on the coffee table before sliding it toward him.


    "I''m honestly surprised you are quite the heavy sleeper."


    Liu Shan felt his heart drop to his stomach when he listened to her words, which held a hint of sarcasm. He could even feel sweat form on his forehead. Not imaginary sweat but actual sweat forming on his forehead.


    His eyes slowly lowered to her phone in front of him. He couldn''t help but swallow another hard gulp and picks it up.


    He reads the message, and his eyes gradually widen. It was as if he had been caught cheating on an exam.


    "T-t-this¡­."


    His hand holding the phone trembles with great force, and he panicky looks up at his boss.


    "It''s not what you think. I can exin. There''s an explicable reason why we were in Retrost night."


    The message sent to his boss was from Li Wei, the leader of White Tiger. He didn''t say much except for the fact that he saw them in Retro.


    Yue Ling feigns ignorance of his nervous behavior. Did she know that Lin Hui was in Retro? Yes, he had informed her, but nothing else. Did it make her sad that her assistant lied to her? Of course. She promised not to keep any more secrets from him, and here he is, keeping secrets from her.


    Her head tilts slightly to the left, and she looks at him with an expression that says she is waiting to hear his exnation.


    Liu Shan didn''t waste any time and took up the silent offer.


    "I was supposed to meet with Uncle Luo, but Lin Hui called me and said he was going to Red Militant to look for Liu Peng. I didn''t want him to go alone likest time, so I followed him. I picked up Xu Long on the way, and when we got there, he was already inside Red Militant. Then I saw that Lin Hui''s motorcycle had indentations. It was barely able to stand."


    He thinks about everything that happenedst night and closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath and then opens his eyes again.


    "I heard a group of men talking about how they were going to get back up and teach someone a lesson. I didn''t think much at first, but everything clicked when they mentioned Lin Hui''s motorcycle. I hacked into the surveince and followed their movements. They ended up being part of White Eagle."


    His eyes lower to the phone, then raise to look at his boss.


    "Lin Hui only wanted to get justice because they ruined the motorcycle you gave him."


    Yue Ling listened to his exnation without interrupting. When he finished, her expression finally changed as she sighed.


    "He''s really an idiot."


    She knew Lin Hui was stubborn at times but never did she think he would do something like this.


    Then again, she also understood his reasons. She would have flipped if someone had taken their anger out on one of her babies (cars).


    She couldn''t help but sigh again, and her posture slightly shifted.


    "Are you guys alright? Do I need to intervene?"


    When he saw her shoulders rx, Liu Shan felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from him. He sighed inside like he had dodged a bullet.


    He even wanted to cry when he heard his boss ask if they were alright, but he shook his head.


    "We''re fine. Lin Hui said Liu Peng was hiding in Red Militant. If I have to take a guess, I think Hung Woo was hiding the bastard. They might even be acquaintances. As for the people Lin Hui got into an altercation with¡­ well¡­."


    He pauses after his words and ponders for a split second.


    "Well, Lo Fat took care of his men. He said he didn''t want White Eagle to be on Fate''s enemy list."


    Yue Ling stares at her assistant after giving him a nod. She knew Lo Fat would not cause a scene, especially when it involved Fate. The elderly man was the kind of person who preferred peace over a fight. However, if his people were the ones to be in the wrong, he wouldn''t stand by and let it slide.


    It was Lo Fat''s way of reminding his people not to make the same mistake.


    Brushing this matter aside, she raises one hand to touch her chin and ponders about something.


    "So Liu Peng is affiliated with Red Militant."


    Her lips ever so lightly pursed, and her eyes narrowed.


    "Have you looked into it?"


    Liu Shan shook his head in response and sat sluggishly on the couch.


    "Lin Hui said he would look into it. He also wanted to ask Liu Ye if the kid''s seen Hung Wooe before."


    Both boss and assistant had the same thought. If Liu Peng is acquaintances with Hung Woo, why did he seek help from Tao Meng?


    However, instead of asking the other person the question in mind, Yue Ling ends the conversation.


    "Alright. You can go back. If anythinges up, inform me."


    She stops in front of her desk and turns back to look at her assistant.


    "Also, I don''t want something like this to happen again. I rather hear the news from my subordinates than from someone else."


    Liu Shan had just stood up from the couch when he heard her words. He knew she was serious and practically giving him a warning.


    She would not hesitate to unleash her wrath if the others, especially him, were to keep anything from her again.

 Chapter 919 Genuinely Grateful

    While Yue Ling carried on with work, on the other side of Imperial, all was calm inside the Ji Mansion.


    Ji Jingxu had just finished getting ready for school and walked out of his bedroom. He stops in his tracks in the long hallway and turns his head in the direction of his grandfather''s bedroom, only to see the door closed.


    When he came home from school, he was surprised to see the old man home. He wanted to question his grandfather foring home when he (Grandfather Ji) knew that his condition was not improving. However, he stopped himself.


    He knew that his grandfather had his reasons for being discharged from the hospital.


    Also, he was d to see the old man weing him when he came home from school. It was like nothing had changed.


    "Jingxu, are you ready?"


    Just as his thoughts drift away, an elderly voice calls out to him from behind. He turns away from his grandfather''s bedroom door to look at the person.


    He meets the eyes of Housekeeper Hu, and he faintly smiles a nod.


    "Mm. I''ll meet you in the car."


    Housekeeper Hu did not think much and left Ji Jingxu alone in the second-floor hallway.


    When the housekeeper''s step grew further into the distance, Ji Jingxu picked up his feet and walked towards his grandfather''s bedroom.


    He knocked on the door once and waited for a response. When he doesn''t hear anything, he sighs inside, thinking his grandfather must still be sleeping.


    He takes his backpack off and opens it to get a sticky note. He writes down a message and sticks it on the door before walking away.


    "Old man¡­ I''m going to school now. I''ll see youter."


    It didn''t take long before Ji Jingxu arrived outside the Ji Mansion. He turns back to look at the stairs, hoping his grandfather will see him off, but there is only emptiness.


    He felt a faint but sharp pain pierce his chest, making him unable to breathe. His eyes tremble, and he unknowingly takes a step back inside the house.


    "Grandfather¡­"


    He needed to go back upstairs and make sure his grandfather was okay.


    "Jingxu."


    Just as he took his second step, a familiar voice called his name from outside. He abruptly stops and turns to the source of the voice.


    His eyes widened slightly when he saw his grandfather standing in front of the white Royce Rolls with a cane. His lower ever so slightly trembles before he finds his voice.


    "Grandfather¡­"


    Grandfather Ji stood with a confused expression as he gazed at his grandson. He thought the boy would be happy to see him, but the longer he looked at Ji Jingxu, he understood something.


    He sighed a small smile and approached the boy, who looked like a terrified boy lost in this big world.


    "I''m here. Your grandfather is here."


    He held a solemn expression ases to a stop in front of Ji Jingxu and raised his hand to pat the boy on the head.


    "I''m not going anywhere."


    His voice is almost breaking, but he remembers to keep himself together. He cannot show Ji Jingxu that he is also afraid.


    He clears his throat and moves his hand away from the boy''s head.


    "Come. Let me take you to school."


    Ji Jingxu epts the old man''s offer and nods in agreement. He wants to spend as much time with his grandfather as possible, even if it is only for a short moment.


    As the grandfather and grandson approached the car, Zhong Yang watched from the driver''s side. His eyes fill with tears, but he does not shed any tears.


    He ushers a sniffle and steps out of the car to help the two individuals get inside.


    As the white Royce-Rolls drives away from the Ji Mansion, back at De L''amour, Yue Ling had just finished making her morning rounds.


    She stops by the design room to check on her design team. However, the second she stepped inside the room, she was blown away by the mess inside.


    It was as if a tornado had hit the ce and left seconds ago.


    She blinked with bewilderment at the sight of her design team scurrying inside the room like they were racing with time.


    "Is everything alright in here?"


    Her voice fell and stopped the people in the room. Tang Zhonghui held fabric samples in his hands. Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan are working on sketches. The Gui twins are styling a mannequin. Qi Li is sitting in a corner, working on his own designs.


    "Everything is alright."


    A childlike voice sounds from the far back of the room, causing Yue Ling to look in that direction.


    Ju Suo''s petite figure ascends from behind a desk with a massive grin. Her neatly short hair was now like that of a bird''s nest, and dark circles were forming around her eyes.


    "We''re just seeing who hase up with the best dress for you."


    Yue Ling didn''t know whether tough or cry at the sight of her fashion forecaster. She clears her throat to do neither and walks further into the room.


    "It''s only been a few hours since I assigned the task. Why do you all look like you have suffered?"


    Everyone fell into silence at her words. It was true that it had only been a few hours. However, to them, those few hours meant time was not on their side.


    They will fail their boss if they don''t get started immediately and develop a design. And that is thest thing they want to do.


    Oblivious to this, Yue Ling walks to the table where Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan are working. She sees the many sketches they''ve alreadye up with and picks up one of the papers.


    "Boss, take a look at this too."


    Before she can give her opinion on Lian Ni Shang''s design, Qi Li interrupts her. She looks at the man and is greeted by his stretched hands holding a tablet.


    She set the paper down and reced it with Qi Li''s tablet.


    "Oh¡­"


    She was taken aback by how carefully thought out the details.


    It was a satin dusty blue off-the-shoulder dress. The top part of the dress was wrapped into a cold shoulder sleeve paired with an A-line skirt.


    "This is good."


    Qi Li felt proud of his work, but he tries his best to keep a calm expression. Of course, everyone else was not blind and could see the faint but arrogant smile on his face.


    The Gui twins nce at one another before intervening. Gui Zhongmin politely takes the tablet out of his boss''s hand and hands it back to Qi Li.


    He smiles at his boss and gently ushers her to the mannequin he and his older brother worked on.


    "Boss,e take a look at this. Lan and I need your honest opinion on our design too."


    Yue Ling didn''t refute her subordinate and followed along. However, she was bbergasted when she stood in front of the mannequin.


    The dress in front of her was a dress, yet it wasn''t a dress.


    Unlike the sketched design on Qi Li''s tablet, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin decided to make their creatione to life.


    However, the mannequin in front of Yue Ling was covered with different fabric samples.


    If she had one word to describe the dress, it would be ''rainbow.''


    Her eyebrows twitch for a split second, and she parts her lips but sees the eager expression on the twins'' faces. The two men looked like they were waiting to be praised for their hard work.


    She couldn''t help but smile with a faint sigh.


    "Let''s try to figure out the color of the dress before taking the next step."


    Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin were expecting a different response, but the two men gave one another an understanding nce. Neither spoke a word and hurried on to decide on color with determination.


    Witnessing this scene, Ju Suo and Tang Zhonghui didn''t need to get their boss''s attention. Even without seeking Yue Ling''s opinion, the two knew they needed to find the perfect color for the dress.


    Lian Ni Shang stares at the people in the room and then quietly ambles to stand next to her boss.


    "Boss, there''s something I want to ask you."


    Yue Ling gives a side nce to her pattern maker. Her expression was enough to let Lian Ni Shang go on and ask her questions.


    "Well¡­"


    She (Lian Ni Shang) hesitated upon meeting Yue Ling''s bluish-green eyes but inhaled a deep breath.


    "I have been thinking since the photo shoot. Why don''t you and Mr. Lu just have your wedding?"


    Yue Ling stares at the woman next to her. She ponders for a split second before turning her attention back to the other people in the room.


    "If I can, I want to do that, but it was Madam Lu''s idea to hold an engagement banquet first. She has put so much into nning that I can''t bear to ask her to cancel it."


    As much as she finds Madam Lu a little entric, she can see that the woman is pouring her heart into this engagement and wedding.


    Besides, she was okay with it.


    Madam Lu may not be her birth mother, but she is aware that the woman is trying her best to let her experience the feelings a bride should have with their mother when nning such an event.


    And for that, she is genuinely grateful to the woman.

 Chapter 920 Change Of Schedule

    While Yue Ling busied herself with her subordinates at De L''amour, Grandfather Ji had dropped Ji Jingxu at school. He sat in the backseat of the white Rolls Royce and watched the boy walk through the gate entrance of the school.


    When he sees the boy meet up with Zhuang Li, a faint smile curls on his lips. He remembers how the two young boys stood up for one another, and it brought him down memoryne of him and his friends.


    How he misses the old times with his friends...


    "Chairman."


    Before his memories could trail too deep, the voice of his assistant brought him back to reality.


    He didn''t answer but watched as Ji Jingxu disappeared from his sight. He looks away, and a stern expression washes over him.


    "Go. Time is not on my side."


    Zhong Yang stares at his boss from the rearview mirror and nods his head once. There was no need to ask further questions as he knew where to go.


    As the white Rolls Royces drove away from the school, Ji Jingxu stopped in front of the school doors. His head slightly tilts to the side before turning back to look in the direction he hade.


    Zhuang Li noticed this and stopped in his tracks too. He turns around to look at his friend, then follows the boy''s gaze.


    "What is it? Did you forget something?"


    Ji Jingxu lightly shook his head. However, the space between his eyebrows creases into three tight lines.


    "Inu wasn''t in the car."


    Hearing this, Zhuang Li frowns in puzzlement. He looked at his friend and pursed his lips.


    "Inu? Who''s that?"


    "Jie''s baby."


    Ji Jingxu subconsciously answers as he stares at the school gates. He was confused since Inu was staying with them and the Samoyed never left his grandfather''s side.


    It was as if the two were connected at the hips. However, he had only realized that the little guy was nowhere in sight.


    Unaware of what was going on in Ji Jingxu''s head, Zhuang Li''s jaw dropped to the floor. He stares with wide eyes at his friend.


    "Y-your sister has a baby? Since when?"


    Ji Jingxu came to his senses when he heard the question. He rolled his eyes and wanted to say something but caught himself in time.


    He turns around and continues on his way to his ssroom.


    "Inu is my Jie''s dog. He is family and our Ji family''s baby."


    The words escaped his lips and he thought about his sister''s unborn child. If the tragic ident didn''t happen, he would have had a nephew or a niece.


    As he walked towards his ssroom, he concluded that Inu was left at the Ji Mansion. This is the only reason why Inu wasn''t with his grandfather.


    Oblivious to the things that were going on, back at Yue Ling and Lu Tian''s home, the aloof man had stayed in the study room since his wife left for work.


    He sat behind his desk with eyes on the monitor and fingers typing away on the keyboard. His usual stern expression was reced with one of seriousness.


    The clicking of the keyboard that echoed inside the room soones to a halt.


    He lets out a sigh and leans back on the chair. His arms fold over his chest, and he stares at the monitor screen covered in codes.


    "Interesting."


    He had hacked into Imperial''s database to track the person also searching for Choi Li Sun, but it was exactly as Qin Jun had told him.


    Each time he got closer to finding this person, he was suddenly thrown into a loophole. It was like a person finally reaching the top of a mountain after climbing, only to be pushed off by a sudden gust of wind.


    In the many years of hacking, there has only been a hand full of times when he reached a wall, and this time was no different.


    He knit his brows for a split second before unfolding his arms. His fingers return to the keyboard and one corner of his mouth curls up.


    "Challenge epted."


    It''s been a while since he''s hacked anything. He is now interested in finding who this person is behind the screen.


    Meanwhile, at De L''amour, Yue Ling had left the design room and returned to her office. She stepped out of the elevator and ran into her secretary.


    "Oh, CEO Han."


    Jiang Shengyi was surprised to run into her boss. She takes a step back and gestures a polite bow.


    "I was justing to find you."


    Yue Ling nods at the woman in greeting and steps out of the elevator. When she arrived, she was preupied with her design team that she didn''t see her secretary, let alone stayed in her office.


    She notices the tablet the woman was holding and gives a smile.


    "Is that this week''s schedule?"


    Jiang Shengyi nods and stretches out her hands while holding the tablet.


    "I''ve arranged everything ordingly to your avability."


    Unlocking the screen, Yue Ling scans over the contents inside. When she saw what she needed, she walked to her office.


    "You did a good job. Has there been any updates regarding Cloth Co.?"


    Jiang Shengyi steadily follows after her boss but ensures to keeps a step behind.


    "Yes. Manager He called and said everything is going ordingly to your instructions. The materials have been ordered and samples will be sent over for inspection before proceeding further."


    Yue Ling answers with a faint mm. She continues to chat with Jiang Shengyi for a few minutes before the two went on their separate ways.


    However, before entering her office, she turns back to look at the woman.


    "Push up my 10 am meeting with An Qing to 9."


    She doesn''t wait for a response and leaves behind a dazed secretary.


    Jiang Shengyi blinked her eyes and then sat down in her chair. She thought Yue Ling was satisfied with the schedule. Why would she suddenly want to push up her 10 am meeting with An Qing?


    As she thought to herself, her eyes subconsciously nce at the time on herputer, and her eyes widen.


    "It''s already 8:15."


    Calcting the time, Yue Ling will have 15 minutes to get her things and then 30 minutes to reach An Qing.


    Jiang Shengyi frantically fumbles with her desk to get her keyboard. There were only 45 minutes until 9 am, and she must send an e-mail to everyone at An Qing to inform them of their boss'' sudden change of schedule.


    Just as she pressed the enter button to forward the e-mail, Yue Ling walked back out of her office carrying her coat and bag.


    She (Yue Ling) looks at Jiang Shengyi as she walks past her (Jiang Shengyi) desk. She knew what the woman was thinking and smiled.


    "Work is always full of surprises."


    Watching her walk towards the elevator, Jiang Shengyi was perplexed. She was mesmerized by her boss''s radiant smile, but at the same time, she didn''t know if it was good or bad.


    "Boss, wait for me!"


    The moment Yue Ling walked passed her, she was dumbfounded by the sight of Liu Shan frantically dashing out of his office to chase after their boss.


    It was a sight that made one wonder whether this was a professionalpany.


    However, the second she thought this, the assistant turned back to look at her while running toward the elevator.


    His face drained of all colors, and his expression was like he had seen the most frightening thing in his life.


    "Call Liu Yilong. Let him know we are going to be 15 minutes early."

 Chapter 921 A Thumbs-Up

    It was exactly as Liu Shan had proimed. Despite the heavy traffic in the heart of Imperial, he drove to An Qing in less than 30 minutes.


    He drove the car inside An Qing''s parking garage, then parked it and nced in the rearview mirror to look at his boss. When she saw how rxed she was, he couldn''t help but pursed his lips.


    "Boss, is it necessary to push up the meeting?"


    He couldn''t understand her reason for suddenly making this decision. She has gotten rid of all the opposing people, and only those who remain are the ones she trusts.


    Was there something that he had missed?


    Yue Ling sat calmly in the backseat with a tablet in hand. When she heard her assistant''s words, she casually turn the tablet off and set it aside.


    Her eyes fluttered, and her gaze locked with him in the rearview mirror.


    "It''s necessary."


    She is aware of why her assistant is confused, but this is something she had nned.


    Despite deposing the people who schemed against her and keeping only those close to her, she still has to uphold her role.


    She wanted to put her employees at An Qing to the test.


    Without saying another word, she reaches for her bag and then the door.


    Liu Shan was at an utter loss for words. He didn''t need to question her to grasp the meaning behind her words.


    He sighs for the employees of An Qing before helping himself out of the car to follow his boss.


    As he reaches her side, he ces his hands in his pockets and gives her a side nce.


    "Aren''t you worried that your employees here might see you as a cold viiness for doing this?"


    Yue Ling continues to walk towards the entrance without looking at her assistant. She nonchntly shrugs her shoulders and parts her lips.


    "If doing this makes them see me as that then it means they are easily intimidated, and they might not have been aspetent as I had thought."


    Liu Shan pursed his lips again. He hated to admit it, but she was right.


    A superior pushing up a meeting is not umon in the business industry. However, Yue Ling did this not out of pleasure but to see if the people she personally picked out meet her criteria.


    "Good morning, CEO Han."


    The second Yue Ling and Liu Shan entered through the doors of An Qing, they were greeted by ten employees. Each individual politely bowed in wee of their boss and her assistant.


    Liu Shan was surprised by the scene but Yue Ling was calm as this was something she had be ustomed to in the industry.


    "Good morning."


    Yue Ling responded with a light smile across her face. She scans the faces of the ten people before settling her eyes on the oldest person.


    "Mr. Liu."


    Hearing her call for him, Liu Yilong lifts his head before straightening his posture. He takes a few steps to stand closer to Yue Ling and smiles.


    "Yes, CEO Han. Is there anything I can assist you with?"


    Yue Ling nces at the elderly man, and her eyes slightly narrow like she is reading his expression. She didn''t know why but she got the feeling that he was feeling proud about something.


    Her eyes roll in a yful gesture, and a soft chuckle spaces her lips.


    "Alright, you did a good job."


    Liu Yilong''s eyes lit up with twinkle as a small sigh of relief escaped the other nine employees waiting at the side. Due to the sudden rush to prepare for Yue Ling''s arrival, An Qing flew into a frenzy.


    If only she knew how much they were holding in their breaths in fear that they might have disappointed her.


    Yue Ling heard the faint sigh of relief from the others and nce at each person. The smile on her face disappears and her demeanor returns to her usual expression void of emotions.


    "Of course, there is still more to see and do."


    Her words entered everyone''s ears and the relief inside them dropped but not too much. They were even more determined to make sure that they pleased her.


    Liu Yilong smiles andughs as he nods his head in understanding. He gestures with one hand while his other hand is ced behind his back.


    "Right this way, CEO Han."


    Yue Ling takes a step forward, then another as she proceeds in the direction the elderly man had pointed. Behind her, Liu Shan, who had stayed on the sideline, followed. However, when he caught a glimpse of the elderly man''s hand that was held behind his back, he (Liu Shan) pressed his lips tightly together to keep himself fromughing.


    The old man was giving him a thumbs-up.


    He shakes his head lightly before following his boss. He knew that if he had not told Secretary Jiang to call Liu Yilong in advance, An Qing would not have been ready for his boss.


    As Yue Ling, Liu Shan, and Liu Yilong walk away, the other nine individuals nce at one another. They were extremely shocked by Yue Ling''s attitude towards them.


    "What just happened?"


    "Did we mess anything up?"


    In the past, Chen Limei would have thrown an outburst of rage when she had to push up a meeting. Not only that, she would find the tiniest fault in anything and turn it into something big. There were times when she would randomlysh out her frustration at the employees for no reason.


    Everyone was thrilled about the news when they heard that Yue Ling was the creator of An Qing and had taken back her position as CEO. However, no matter how much they typed her name on the inte, they were left with little details.


    This made them uneasy as no one knew how she was when working with others behind closed doors. What if she puts on a good impression in front of the cameras but is actually an evil witch??


    And to their utter disbelief, she was beyond anything they had ever imagined.


    Yue Ling was not only polite towards them but also amiable.


    Everyone nced at one another for a split second before scurrying away to follow their superiors. As much as they were eager to get the news out, they needed to show Yue Ling that they werepetent in their job.

 Chapter 922 Grand Entrance

    As grey clouds above Imperial remained in their ce without the intention of moving, rain began to trickle down onto Imperial. While Yue Ling makes her rounds at An Qing before the meeting, a white Royce Rolls maneuvers amongst the streets, and after a few turns, it slows to a stop in front of a luxurious restaurant.


    Zhong Yang steps out of the car and opens the back door.


    Grandfather Ji casuallyes into view, bringing with him the almighty aura emitted from him. He taps his cane on the ground and lifts his head to look up at the building in front of him as Zhong Yang reaches inside the car to get something.


    "Have they arrived?"


    "Yes, sir."


    Zhong Yang answers without hesitation as he closes the door with a ck leather jacket in hand.


    The jacket Lu Han had customized for the old man''s birthday.


    He gently pats it like he is getting rid of any unnecessary dust before draping it over the elderly man''s shoulders.


    "Chairman, are you sure it is alright to wear this?"


    He nced at the bold characters on the back of the leather jacket and pursed his lips.


    ''Mister General''


    Grandfather Ji knew why Zhong Yang was uneasy about the jacket. By wearing this jacket, it gave away his position and let his enemies get a clear view of him.


    However, he has his reasons for wearing it.


    His chin raises with confidence, and he points to his back as if to show his assistant something.


    "Of course, it is alright. This jacket is perfect today."


    Zhong Yang was at an utter loss for words. He follows the elderly man''s finger and looks back at the jacket. His eyes lowered to follow the fingers, and he was beyond dumbfounded.


    "Ah... how could I forget. You are ''the best of the best.''"


    The assistant spoke with slight sarcasm, but Grandfather Ji felt like it boosted his confidence more. He takes a deep breath to gather all his strength and takes a step forward.


    "Let''s go. It''s time to show these people why I am a force not to be reckoned with."


    Zhong Yang eagerly follows behind his boss but doesn''t forget to hand the keys to the valet employee. His feeble appearance was now one of vehement.


    He was no longer an assistant but a soldier entering a battlefield.


    "Good morning. Do you have a reservation with us?"


    Upon their entrance, the two were greeted by a young man. He stares at the two elderly men and can''t help but stare. He felt that he had seen them before but couldn''t recall when he had.


    Grandfather Ji nods while scanning the area before looking at the employee.


    "Are the Qin and Chen family here?"


    Hearing the surnames mentioned, the young man smiles and gestures with his right hand in a direction.


    "Right this way, sir. They arrived not too long ago."


    The young man leads Grandfather Ji and Zhong Yang to the second floor, where private rooms are reserved, and stops at the double doors in the far back.


    "We''re here, sir."


    Grandfather Ji nods with a faint mm before looking at Zhong Yang. He didn''t say a word but made eye contact, and immediately, the assistant knew what to do.


    He (Zhong Yang) steps forward and stops the young man from opening the door.


    "You may leave. I can handle it from here."


    The young man''s hands freeze midair, and he looks left and right between the two elderly men. He had always done his job right and never had any customer tell him not to open the door for them.


    However, looking at Grandfather Ji, he felt a slight chill crawl down his spine and agreed.


    "Yes, sir. Your waiter will be with you shortly. If anything is amiss, please call the restaurant receptionist if you need anything."


    Zhong Yang smiles at the young man, but after a few seconds, he sighs when the employee has yet to leave. He walks over to stand in front of the door and nces at the young man.


    "If you wish to see, it is fine, but be warned, it will be a grand entrance."


    His hands reach for the door handles, and his voice sounds again.


    "I willpensate for any damages."


    The young man knitted his brows in confusion but unknowingly nodded his head. He stares at Zhong Yang for a long second, then opens his mouth to ask the meaning behind his words.


    However, before he could even utter a sound, a loud bang sounded as Zhong Yang flung open the double doors, causing them to hit the walls. Following came frantic yelps of shock that could be heard escaping the private room.


    The young man''s jaw dropped to the floor in disbelief at what he had witnessed, and he was rooted to the floor.


    Oblivious to the employee''s reaction, Zhong Yang takes two steps to the side and politely bows to his boss.


    "After you, Chairman,"


    Grandfather Ji would be lying if he wasn''t shocked but managed to hold his ground. He walks inside the room with his cane as his assistant follows him.


    Left alone outside the room, the young man took a while before he could return to his senses. However, he caught a glimpse of the words on Grandfather Ji''s leather jacket, and his eyes widened.


    He covered his mouth as realization dawned on him and strumbled away in a hurry.


    "Oh, my God. Oh my God. I need to inform General Manager. THE General is here."


    Inside the private room, Grandfather Ji stares at the four people seated at the round table, the Qin family and the Chen family.


    Madam Qin looks at the elderly man that made his entrance. She ced her hand over her chest to calm her frantic heart from the shock that fell upon her.


    She swore her heart had jumped out of her when those doors flung open with significant impact.


    Her husband, Old Qin, noticed she was still in shock and gently pat her back to soothe her.


    "My dear, are you alright?"


    Before he could receive an answer, he turned to look at Grandfather Ji and held back his anger by forcing a crooked smile.


    "General Ji, that was quite the entrance you made. My wife is still in shock from it."


    Even though he was shocked by it, he must stay strong as the head of the Qin family.


    Grandfather Ji stares at the middle-aged couple. He shrugs his shoulder with a nonchnt expression and walks over to his seat at the round table.


    As he sat down, Madam Chen was unafraid to hide her emotions. She rolled her eyes with arrogance before looking back at the elderly man and mumbling to herself.


    "How can a man like him have no manners?"


    Her voice was low but loud enough to fall on Grandfather Ji''s ears.


    He arched an eyebrow while Zhong Yang''s nostrils red like the woman''s words were directed at him. He takes a step forward but is stopped by his boss.


    Grandfather Ji held his hand slightly up to tell Zhong Yang not to be hasty. He directs his gaze on Madam Chen and stares at her.


    His silent stare was calm, but the other people felt the atmosphere in the room turn daunting.


    "Madam Chen, the only time Ick any sense of manners is when I feel no need to show manners."


    His authoritative voice struck another wave of silence in the other four people. Unlike them, Zhong Yang snorts augh while doing his best to control himself.


    Madam Chen was embarrassed by the elderly man. His words were like a p across her face. She looks away, and her hand reaches under the table to pinch her husband''s thigh, indicating for him to do something.


    "Ah."


    Old Chen winced at the pain and forced augh at Grandfather Ji. He doesn''t know what his wife wants him to do or what he can do. The person in front of him is none other than the General.


    Was he seeking a death wish? Of course not.


    However, knowing he will not hear the end of it from his wife, he can only do what he can.


    "General, thank you for inviting us to eat with you. Would you like to order first, then we can chat?"


    Grandfather Ji stares at Old Chen and feels pity for the man. He doesn''t know much about the second Chen family but is aware that Old Chen is a decent man. Unlike his older brother, Chen Yifeng, and Chen Limei''s father, he is more rational.


    He shifts his eyes to the fuming and embarrassed woman beside the man and sighs again.


    He indeed pities the man. It is unfortunate that none of his children take after him but their mother.


    Brushing these thoughts aside, he picks up the menu on the table and looks away from the others.


    "Let us discuss the issue after we order."


    Old Chen sighed in relief, knowing he did not receive Grandfather Ji''s wrath. However, at his side, Madam Chen was unable to grasp what had happened.


    She pinches her husband again for not standing up for her, but he grabs her hand before her fingers can touch him. He sent her a re and expressed with his face for her to behave.


    Left with no other choice, Madam Chen scoffs and picks up the menu.


    Watching this scene unfold, Madam Qin and Old Qin didn''t dare to make rash moves.


    On the sideline, Zhong Yang held a broad smile on his face. He was satisfied to see his boss silence arrogant people.


    He scans the faces of the two middle-aged couples and lightly shakes his head.


    If they knew why this meeting was called for, they would never have epted it.

 Chapter 923 His Name Is Lin Hui

    "Please enjoy. If you have any questions, please call us."


    After setting thest dish on the round table, the waitress bows in a mannerly gesture. She turns around and walks away. She also didn''t forget to close the door to give the customers privacy.


    Grandfather Ji sat without moving, but once the door closed, he raised his right hand to pick up the chopsticks in front of him.


    "Enjoy the food."


    His words fell, and he began to eat. He carried himself as if he was enjoying his meal at home.


    "General, if you do not mind. Can you let us know why you called for this meeting?"


    Grandfather Ji had only taken a bite of his food when he heard Old Qin''s question. He nces at the middle-aged man and then calmly sets his chopsticks down to rece them with a napkin.


    He wipes his mouth and observes the people in the room. The look on their faces was the same, eager for an answer.


    "In that case, I will not continue to beat around the bush."


    He ces the napkin on the table and looks directly at Madam Qin.


    "Chief Ren informed me that you caused a scene in front of the police station. I''m surprised that the news did not reach the media."


    Madam Qin''s eyes shook when she felt the sharp gaze on her, as did the words that came out of the elderly man''s mouth.


    She breathes a heavy sigh with nostrils ring. She is not afraid to show her dislike for the way Grandfather Ji spoke to her.


    "Yes, I did. I went there when I heard that the man responsible for endangering my daughter was there. I don''t know why Chief Ren allowed a hooligan like him to walk away or why your granddaughter is taking his side."


    As for why the news didn''t reach the media, she made sure to pay their mouths shut.


    Grandfather Ji arches an eyebrow but doesn''t speak a word. He was well aware of the situation, as Chief Ren did not miss a detail during the phone call.


    He slightly turns his head to the right and looks at the Chen family.


    "And do you see it as the same since this involved your oldest son?"


    Old Chen pondered for a long second, then parted his lips to answer but was abruptly cut off by his wife.


    "Of course."


    Madam Chen shouted imperiously. Her chin is raised ever so slightly to show that she is not afraid of anyone, even Grandfather Ji.


    "That hooligan harmed my Xincheng. The doctors say he will need at least three months to recover fully. He can''t even step out of the house because he is so afraid."


    Grandfather Ji stares at the woman with no emotions on his face. He knew she was exaggerating her words. He had already gathered a report indicating that Chen Xincheng is fully recovered and enjoying himself at nightclubs.


    He couldn''t help but think Lin Hui should have done more damage. That way, these words Madam Chen was spitting out would be valid.


    He reached for his cane and held it in front of him. His posture leans forward as his other hand rest over it to support his hand holding the cane.


    "Lin Hui."


    His tone was tranquil, but the name perplexed everyone. They have never heard of the name, let alone know someone with that name.


    Grandfather Ji acknowledged their expressions with a faint condescending sneer.


    "His name is Lin Hui. Not hooligan."


    He looks at each individual, one by one, before stopping his eyes at Madam Qin.


    "Instead of belittling him, you should be thanking him for stepping in to help your daughter."


    His attention shifts to Madam Chen, and he scoffs augh.


    "As for your child, I guess three months must have passed since he seems to be enjoying the nightlifetely."


    Madam Chen''s face flushed a shade of red at the humiliation directed at her. She inhaled a deep breath that made her body tremble.


    "General."


    She growls behind her clenched teeth and res at the elderly man.


    "My son was harmed while on a date with Qin Xue. He did not do anything to deserve such a beating from that hooligan."


    Grandfather Ji shakes his head. His posture straightened as he sat up in his seat.


    "It seems what I say appears to be falling on death''s ear."


    He looks at the people in the room and makes a faint smile.


    "Let me be clear."


    The smile on his face remained, but the private room''s ambiance turned heavy and cold.


    "Lin Hui is a part of my Ji family. Your disrespect towards him is disrespectful toward me. Choose your words wisely because if you don''t, I will not let it slide."


    He diverts his deadly gaze to Madam Qin, and his authoritative voice continues.


    "You seem to have forgotten that your daughter would not be here today if it were not for my granddaughter. Instead of expressing your gratitude, you reced it with violence."


    He clicks his tongue with a shaking head.


    "It''s a shame that you did not seek the truth before causing a scene. Lin Hui was nice enough to help your daughter from the Chen family''s oldest son''s peer pressure, but instead, you could not see the truth and med him."


    His eyes repositioned to the Chen family without moving his head.


    "And here you are, wondering why I invited you all to this restaurant. If you had disciplined your child more, Miss Qin would not have been pressured, Lin Hui would not have intervened, my granddaughter would not have been involved, and I would not be sitting here."


    His tone of voice grew more tyrannizing with each word he spoke. However, before he can continue to talk, a loud bang echoes inside the room.


    "This is outrageous!"


    Madam Qin, annoyed by every word Grandfather Ji said, abruptly stood up and mmed her palm on the table. Her face turned red, and her breathing turned rapid.


    "General. You have gone too far with your words. My Xue''er has lost face because of what happened during her date with Chen Xincheng. How do you expect that hooligan topensate my Qin family? Can a good-for-nothing like him even afford topensate us?"


    Old Qin and Madam Chen nod their heads in agreement while Zhong Yang inhales a mouthful of air as he gasps at the woman standing. In all the years he has known Grandfather Ji, no one dared to cut his words mid-way. Those who did were...


    His thoughts deepened, but when he saw the look on Grandfather Ji''s face, he knew that this was the end.


    Grandfather Ji''s expression dimmed with the eyes of a predator. The corners of his mouth raised but did not reach his eyes.


    "Madam Qin, his name is Lin Hui, and he is a very capable young man. You must have believed that he probably has no backing because he is not from a prominent family. Am I right?"


    He looks at Madam Qin, and he sneers with ridicule.


    "Well, you are wrong. I am his backing as well as my granddaughter."


    His dark eyes move away from the woman to the others sitting at the table.


    "Let me remind you. If you had not been born into your family, I doubt any of you would have a quarter of Lin Hui''s potential. So don''t speak little of someone who has aplished more in life than you ever had."


    Hearing the way Grandfather Ji belittled them, the four individuals at the table did not know what to say. He was right. If it had not been for their family name, they would not be able to enjoy a luxurious life.


    Madam Qin clenched her fists, ignoring the pain of her nails digging into her skin. She wanted to retort at the elderly man, but her husband grabbed her wrist and forced her to sit back down.


    He (Old Qin) smiles at Grandfather Ji and tries to calm down despite seething with rage on the inside.


    "Please ignore my wife. She is just angry about everything that happened."


    Grandfather Ji stares at the man and then calmly rises from the chair. He stood like an almighty giant in the face of a couple of ants.


    "It''s a pity that I have lost my appetite."


    He held his cane in one hand, and his other hand casually moved to settle on his back.


    "Topensate involving my granddaughter and what Lin Hui has done, all transactions between Ji Corps and yourpanies will be terminated."


    The smile on his face widens, turning his eyes into upside-down crescents.


    "However, that is not the end. If any news reaches my ear that you go after my granddaughter or Lin Hui, the consequences will be more severe."


    He gestures a polite nod and turns away for the door.


    "Enjoy the rest of your meal."


    Zhong Yang scoffs a giggle, then sh a grin full of ridicule at the other people. He twirls around and walks after his boss as he has just received the best news in the world.


    The private room was silent as the Qin and Chen families were pale as ghosts on their faces. No one was able toprehend what had happened.


    When they heard Grandfather Ji mentionpensating them, they thought he was true to his words. However, the more they listened to him, they were rendered speechless.


    He was never going topensate them but ridicule them.


    Madam Qin bit her bottom lip and then turned to look at the other woman in the room.


    "What are we going to do now?"


    Madam Chen''s chest heaves up and down as the veins on her forehead are on the verge of popping. She picks up the ss of water and downs it before mming it on the table.


    "I will not ept this."


    She looks at Madam Qin without moving her head and parts her lips.


    "The marriage between our families will proceed as nned. Ji Corps and An Qing cannot do anything to us when that happens."

 Chapter 924 Pseudonym

    Inside An Qing''s conference room, Yue Ling sat in the main seat at the long white table as the board of directors sat at the sides. She scans the faces of these people, each person looking at the documents in front of them.


    Liu Yilong sat closest to her on the right. He stares at the papers, and three lines appear between his eyebrows.


    Liu Shan passed them a folder when they sat in the conference room. However, this folder was not your regr document.


    Instead, it contained a full detail of the changes Yue Ling nned to make for An Qing.


    He finishes reading thest page, closes the folder, and looks at her with an unexinable expression.


    Yue Ling notices his gaze and slightly tilts her head in his direction. She didn''t smile, but there was no malice on her face.


    "Is there something you would like to express, Mr. Liu?"


    Liu Yilong stares at the young woman before him for a long second. His eyes held thousands of questions that needed answers, but after careful thinking, he heaved a sigh.


    "CEO Han, I understand the changes you have for An Qing, but are you sure about the 30 percent raise?"


    Hearing his question, everyone at the table lifts their heads and looks in the direction of Yue Ling. Even they were shocked to see the high increase in raise.


    Was this a trick to keep them at An Qing?


    Yue Ling never moved her eyes from the elderly man. Usually, a person would be thrilled with the high pay increase since most standard annual raises are less than five percent.


    However, after going over An Qing''s financial statements, she decided on this.


    During Chen Limei''s time as the CEO, she fabricated the records and the employees'' sries. She wasn''t onlyundering from An Qing but from those of lower-ie families.


    Her eyes flutter, not too slow or fast, and she reaches for the folder in front of her. It was the same folder as the others had in front of them.


    "I understand you all have some doubt about this sudden raise, but I do not have any intentions of taking it back."


    She opens the folder and picks up the first piece of the document.


    "Everyone will be given a 30 percent raise and an additional bonus."


    An Qing is at its peak, mainly thanks to the employees for doing their job. She would not have made this decision if it wasn''t for their hard work.


    She set the document aside to pick up another one.


    "As for the arrangement of the employees, each person will be given a position that fits their skills."


    She looks up from the piece of paper, and her bluish-green eyes scan the faces of the people sitting at the table.


    "Whether they are from a prominent family or not, they will get a position fitting for them."


    Everyone listens attentively to her words. No one dared to go against her as she was their superior and the one with a say in everything.


    The moment they looked at her, they knew she was serious. The steadiness in her eyes told them she was not the type of person to take back her words once said.


    "Alright."


    Liu Yilong did not need to think twice about Yue Ling''s sudden decision. He knew her well enough to know how she did things.


    He looks away from her and diverts his eyes to the others. Half the people in this room were once Fate members, while the others were hired for theirpetence.


    "I agree too."


    A middle-aged man spoke up from the group. He had his doubts about whether Yue Ling would be like Chen Limei, but after reading through the documents given, he came to understand something.


    He knew that he could trust Yue Ling.


    "Me, too."


    "I have nothing more to say but agree."


    Quickly following the man, everyone else in the room voiced their agreement. They believe that although An Qing is at its peak, with Yue Ling now holding the position of CEO, only good things wille to thispany.


    Yue Ling was pleased to hear everyone''s eptance of her new conditions. A faint but noticeable smile curls on her lips, and she closes the folder in front of her.


    "Everything will go ordingly to what is written in the folder in front of you. I will make sure that I uphold my end too."


    She handed the folder to Liu Shan and stood up from her seat as he took it.


    "This meeting ends here. I want to take the remaining time to meet the employees."


    Liu Yilong''s eyes widened at her words. He thought she would return to De L''amour or want to head straight to her office here. Never did he expect her to want to visit the employees suddenly.


    However, the more he stared at her, the more he was reminded of her paternal grandfather and father.


    Old Han and Han Min Joon were always considerate of their subordinates. Whether one came from a wealthy family or a low background, they didn''t care.


    He knew this because he was from a lower-ie family. Old Han was the person who gave him a chance at a new life, and he will forever be in debt to the Han family.


    That was why, when Yue Ling decided to disperse Fate, he came to An Qing to continue paying his debt to her.


    Coming back to his senses, he stood up and smiled at her.


    "CEO Han, if you do not mind this old man, let me show you around."


    Yue Ling looked at the elderly man, and her heart ached at how much he had aged. She had hoped that he would take her offer and retire since she knew his reason for staying. However, she is genuinely happy to have him as an employee at An Qing.


    Knowing she cannot change his mind, she nods at him and heads for the door.


    "I will be in your care then."


    Liu Yilong did not wait and sped up to catch up to her, leaving Liu Shan and the others baffled.


    In their eyes, the elderly man looked like a puppy following his owner. Liu Shan shakes his head before striding after the two.


    As Yue Ling headed to the first floor to greet the employees, back at home, Lu Tian continued with his search.


    However, he wasn''t in the study but outside on the back patio.


    His tall figure stood staring out to the view of Imperial in the distance. His left hand was in his pants pocket while his right hand held a cigarette.


    If one did not know that he was the king of the business world and saw him, one would have thought he was the king of the underworld.


    His right-hand raises, and he takes a puff of the cigarette. He steadily blows out the smoke and lowers his hand.


    "Boss, are you sure these are the ces?"


    Sitting on the bench, Xu Long spoke from behind hisptop that was ced on hisp. He stares at the screen with his lips pursed and eyes brows knitted tightly together.


    "There''s no information or surveince footage that can be found."


    He was at Lu Corps in his boss''s stead in case anything came up. He suddenly received a message from his boss containing different locations in Imperial.


    He was to go to these ces and check for footage, connecting to the person his boss was looking for. However, after going to twenty different locations, he found nothing, and all the people he met said they had not spoken to anyone suspicious or could possibly be dangerous.


    He takes his eyes off theptop screen and massages his forehead.


    "This is so difficult. How can we find someone if we don''t even know who they are? No name or anything. We don''t even know what they look like."


    Lu Tian doesn''t answer but stares at the view of Imperial in the distance. He takes another puff of the cigarette in his hand and then ces it on the ashtray.


    "Intr."


    "Intr?"


    Hearing the word, Xu Long returned it with a question. He was confused but only for a split second and looked back at hisptop.


    "So that''s why. This person used a private closed system."


    Thinking this, he looks up at his boss and ponders again before speaking.


    "Then what about all the footage? Does this person have anything to do with them?"


    Lu Tian answers with a faint mm as he puts another cigarette in his mouth and lights it. He blows the smoke out and reaches inside his pocket.


    "This person hacked into each surveince and changed them to self-destructing footage."


    Hisst word fell, and he took out a neatly folded paper. He hands it to his assistant and returns his attention to the view in front of him.


    Xu Long was astounded. He looked at theptop screen, and everything made sense.


    No one was able to track this other person looking for Choi Li Sun because he or she made sure that after one y, the footage would self-delete. Once it is gone, there''s no way to track it again.


    He looked at his boss and was impressed. He had done his own search but didn''t find anything as close to what his boss found in one day, in just a few hours.


    When he saw the folded paper in his boss''s hand, he reached out to take it.


    "What is this?"


    Lu Tian doesn''t look at his assistant, but his deep voice sounds.


    "Pseudonym."


    Xu Long was amazed at his boss''s time to fold a piece of paper neatly, but his eyes widened at the answer. He quickly unfolded the paper and was eager to see the content. For all he knows, this could be the person''s only information or one of the many pieces of information.


    However, the second his eyesnded on the content, his eyelids grew heavy.


    He looks at his boss and blinks his eyes with one hand holding the paper up.


    "This is a joke, right? Toosexyformyshirt123?"

 Chapter 925 Amazed By Your Skills

    Xu Long sat as still as a statue on the bench outside his boss''s house. He held the piece of paper on hisp with eyes never moving away from it.


    After what felt like a long day had gone by, he sounded a brokenugh in disbelief.


    "Wow¡­ wow¡­ wow¡­"


    ''Toosexyformyshirt123''


    Who in the world would use that as a pseudonym?


    His head clocks to the side at this thought, and he looks up at the aloof man.


    "Were you able to find out who this is?"


    Lu Tian never moved from his position, with eyes still staring out into the distance. He takes onest puff of the cigarette and then turns away from the view.


    "Jiangyu is on his way."


    He says no more and makes his way inside the house, leaving aprehensive Xu Long alone.


    The assistant''s head turns, following his boss''s steps. Even when Lu Tian had disappeared inside the house, Xu Long was still in a stricken state of mind.


    His eye blinks a few times before looking back at the paper in his hand.


    "Does this mean we finally have a lead on this person?"


    Judging from Lu Tian''s words, it could only mean that the aloof man was able to find something. Even if it was a slight lead, it was better than reaching a dead end again.


    However, knowing he could not answer the hundreds of questions in his mind, he stood up to find the person who could.


    "Boss, wait for me."


    Inside the house, Lu Tian reached the study room within seconds. He sits behind his desk and lightly taps the mouse.


    The monitor screen opens up an encrypted ck screen.


    He stares for a long minute at the information converted into secret codes that hides the information''s true meaning.


    His posture slouches slightly as he leans back against his chair. His right elbow rests on the armrest, and his fingers touch his chin.


    He skimmed through the codes before gradually shifting his eyes behind the monitor screen.


    He stares at his wife''s desk, and his thought deepens into the abyss.


    "Boss?"


    Xu Long enters the room and calls out to his boss in case the man has entered a different room. However, seeing the person he was looking for, he smiled.


    "Do you need my help with anything? I''m sure Secretary Ye knows what to do even if I''m not there."


    Having his thoughts disturbed, Lu Tian looks away from his wife''s desk to his assistant. He reaches for a piece of paper set at the side and hands it to the man.


    "Find what you can."


    Xu Long''s eyes lit up at his words. He thought Lu Tian was going to send him back to Lu Corps but knowing he was able to stay, how could he not be excited?


    He giggles and happily takes the paper before picking a sitting spot on the floor. He opens hisptop and looks over the report.


    When he saw the printed contents of it, his eyebrows arched. He looks up at his boss and then back down at the paper.


    "Wow. I am truly amazed by your skills."


    His boss gave him the pseudonym found and all the sites this person might have visited. The only thing he had to do was find out why.


    Hebines his fingers, stretches his arms forward, and tilts his head left and right to crack it.


    "Don''t worry, boss. I will not disappoint you. For I, James Long Bond, have never failed you."


    "¡­"


    Lu Tian stares at his assistant with heavy eyes. He closes his eyes and massages his temple. At the same time, he couldn''t help but question whether he should order Xu Long to return to Lu Corps or let him stay.


    However, when his eyes opened andnded on his wife''s desk, he had to go with thetter.


    He ponders with an expression that blocks anyone from reading his thoughts, then reaches for the keyboard and begins to type away to decipher more of the encrypted screen.


    For now, he should focus on finding the person before jumping to conclusions.


    Outside, away from the house, Grandfather Ji''s white Rolls-Royce parks in front of Ji Jingxu''s school again. He looks out the window and stares at the building in deep thought.


    "Chairman, should we go inside?"


    Zhong Yang asked from the driver''s seat while looking at his boss''s reflection in the rearview mirror. When Grandfather Ji hears the question, he nods without uttering a sound and opens the door.


    "Let''s go. I want to see the child who dares to mess with my Jingxu."


    Oblivious to Grandfather Ji''s arrival, Ji Jingxu sat like a role-model student inside his ssroom. He listens to his teacher speak, but instead of taking notes, he stares out the window.


    The entire morning of ss, he was lost in thoughts. He couldn''t help but feel that something was going to happen from his grandfather''s behavior. However, he couldn''t put his hand on what it was.


    "Alright. Can anyone tell me what¡ª"


    The teacher closed the book and looked at the ss. However, before he could finish his sentence, the door opened, and a staff member entered the ssroom.


    "Mr. Wang, sorry to disrupt your ss, but is Ji Jingxu here? The school director and principal would like to see him."


    Mr. Wang paused his teaching to look at the staff member. He looks away from his students and searches for the person in question.


    He spots Ji Jingxu sitting near the window in the back and smiles.


    "Ah, Ji Jingxu, go with Mr. Wei."


    Ji Jingxu was too deep in his thoughts that he did not hear Mr. Wang. It was only when Zhuang Li nudged him did he return to reality.


    "Jingxu, they''re calling for you."


    Zhuang Li whispers, and Ji Jingxu stands up from his seat without a word. He walks around the desk to the front of the ss and leaves the room with Mr. Wei.


    "What happened?"


    "What did he do that caught the director''s and principal''s attention?"


    "Do you think this about the fight between him and Deng Xian? I heard Ji Jingxu started it."


    "Really? Then why did he get suspended?"


    "Someone like him should leave the school. He gives the school a bad name."


    BAM!¡ª


    Amotion of whispers echoed inside the ssroom, but before it could escte further, Zhuang Li stood up from his seat and mmed his fist on his desk angrily.


    "If you all have nothing good to say, then don''t say anything."


    He res at the students who spoke ill of his friend with eyes that could kill them and sneers.


    "Before you open your mouth and use someone, make sure you know both sides of the story."


    He couldn''t believe these children dared to spit nonsense about Ji Jingxu. The entire school knew that Deng Xian was always finding ways to target Ji Jingxu, but no one dared to step up.


    "Alright, that''s enough."


    Mr. Wang cuts in to stop the situation and walks over to Zhuang Li. He ces a hand on the boy''s shoulder, indicating for him to sit.


    "Ji Jingxu is your ssmate. We should wee him with a smile when he returns."


    The students listened to their teacher, but some sulked in annoyance as they were friends with Deng Xian. When they see Mr. Wang returning to the front of the ss, they look at Zhuang Li and give him a cut-throat hand gesture indicating what they will do to him.


    However, instead of getting the terrified response they wanted, Zhuang Li rolled his eyes at their childish behavior.


    He shrugs his shoulders and spreads his arms out in a taunting gesture. His response tells them that he wees their threat any time and can handle himself.


    His chin raises, and one corner of his mouth curves into a devilish smirk to mouth the words.


    "I''ll take you all on any day."

 Chapter 926 Removed From The School

    Ji Jingxu walked behind Mr. Wei through the school corridors as the two made their way to the principal''s office. He wanted to ask why he was being called but decided to wait.


    He knows that he will find out when he gets there.


    Mr. Wei stops in front of the principal''s office and turns around to face the boy.


    "Ji Jingxu, I know you are a smart boy. You are one of the few students with potential, but you should know what to do from where you stand."


    Hearing the staff member''s words, Ji Jingxu nced at him without moving his head. He had always thought all teachers should help students, but he realized it didn''t work that way.


    Some teachers will help, but only to a certain extent, while others will even look down upon students.


    Mr. Wei was a good teacher, but he was easily bribed.


    However, not wanting to pick a fight with an adult, he nods his head.


    "I will remember your words, Mr. Wei."


    Mr. Wei was baffled by Ji Jingxu''s behavior. In times like this, he (Ji Jingxu) should bow, not nod.


    He wanted to hit the boy on the head for bad manners, but knowing that the school director and principal would hear, he inhaled a deep breath.


    Once he calmed down, he walked away, but the moment he briefly passed Ji Jingxu, he sneered a whisper.


    "A brat like you will only bring shame to the Ji family."


    Ji Jingxu seemed unfazed by the words, but his fingers curled, shifting his hands into tight fists. He had heard these words since he was adopted into the Ji family.


    No matter how much time passed or where he went, it was always the same.


    He looks at the closed door in front of him and sighs.


    "I wouldn''t be surprised if the people inside think the same."


    He mutters under his breath and opens the door.


    "Ah, Ji Jingxu, you''re here."


    Upon entering the room, he was greeted by the school director, Mr. Xiao. The elderly man stood up from his seat and smiled at the boy.


    "Come. Have a seat."


    Ji Jingxu stares at the elderly man and then at the middle-aged principal, Mr. Li. He gestures a polite bow to the two men and then walks over to a chair. However, he sees that there are three more people in the room.


    It was none other than Deng Xian and his parents.


    The schoolmate wore an arm cast from their fight and red at Ji Jingxu. Like him, his parents were no different, with eyes staring with daggers at the boy who had broken their son''s arm.


    Ji Jingxu was reluctant, but having been taught by his grandfather, he gestured another polite bow to Deng Xian''s parents. He then sits and does his best to ignore the malicious res.


    Madam Deng sized up the boy from head to toe. She couldn''t believe someone born from a lower background dared toy a hand on her son. Even she had not hit her son.


    Being reminded of what happened to her son, her blood began to boil, but she snorted a hmmf and looked at the elderly man.


    "Mr. Xiao, we have been waiting long enough. Can you tell us how you n to deal with this?"


    Mr. Xiao smiles at the woman. He doesn''t speak immediately but looks at the door like he is waiting for another person.


    However, seeing no one walk in, he sighs and looks back at the woman.


    "Madam Deng, I understand you took time out of your busy schedule toe here, but if you will wait for another few minutes, we¡ª"


    "We''ve waited long enough."


    Madam Deng cut off the man''s words and scowled in displeasure. She looked at Ji Jingxu, who sat across from her son, and the foul taste in her mouth worsened.


    "We did enough waiting for someone not worth our time. I think it is in our rights that you tell us. Besides, isn''t the person we are waiting for already here?"


    Despite the words full of ridicule filling up the room, Ji Jingxu didn''t look at the woman. He kept his head slightly down with his eyes closed. His entire being was like he was meditating at home.


    However, seeing him behave like this, Mr. Xiao grew anxious.


    He thinks Ji Jingxu is hurt by the woman''s words and breathes a heavy sigh.


    "Madam Deng. You shouldn''t cross the line with your words. Although you did not cause physical harassment, it is still considered verbal harassment."


    Madam Deng''s mouth opened, and she gasped in shock. She wanted to retort to the elderly man, but her husband stopped her.


    "Mr. Xiao, you are this school''s head director with all due respect. You, of all people, should know who contributes the most to the school''s funding. As I am that person, I have every say in this."


    Old Deng wanted to remind the old man and put him in his ce. Without his donations throughout the years, the school would not have flourished to be what it is today.


    He looked at Ji Jingxu but didn''t need to say anything to the boy. His expression alone was enough to let others know how he felt inside. Full of loathing.


    "I think it is best to expel students who do not wish to learn."


    Ji Jingxu''s eyes remained closed as the words entered his ears. His sped hands tightened over hisp, and he tried to hold himself back from arguing against the man.


    It wasn''t because he was afraid but because he did not want to bring more trouble to his grandfather. The old man already has enough on his shoulders.


    Mr. Xiao knitted his eyebrows together at Old Deng. From his observation, Ji Jingxu is a model student; meanwhile, Deng Xian never wanted to learn.


    He turns his head to the right and stares at Ji Jingxu with a pondering face. He exhales deeply and turns his attention back to the family sitting on his left.


    "Mr. Deng, I understand your concerns as a parent, but I hope you can understand the situation too."


    He nces at Deng Xian then his words continue.


    "Your son was the one who initiated the fight. Other teachers and students said they saw Ji Jingxu studying in the library when your son went to find him."


    Deng Xian was at a loss when he heard the old man. He thought that he (Mr. Xiao) would be on his side out of everyone here.


    His mouth opened to speak on his behalf, but his mother stopped him. Left with no say in the situation, he could only cast a murderous re in Ji Jingxu''s direction.


    Madam Deng held her son''s hand like a mother caring about her child''s well-being.


    "Mr. Xiao, my son broke his arm because of the student you are trying to help. I am generous enough not to ask him to pay the medical bill but to be removed from the school immediately."


    She emphasized herst word, putting Mr. Xiao in a problematic situation. He had hoped to solve the problem without trouble, but it appears the Deng family is adamant about their decision.


    Mr. Li nods his head in agreement with Madam Deng. He looks at Mr. Xiao, and upon seeing the elderly man having difficulty making a decision, he chuckles.


    "Mr. Xiao, what is there to think about? Have you forgotten the Deng family''s contributions to the school?"


    He looks at Ji Jingxu scornfully, but when he looks at Deng Xian, he shows sympathy for the boy whose arm was injured.


    "Our school is strictly against violence. Any student who causes harm to another must be removed from the premises."


    His head shakes to show disappointment.


    "It''s a pity, but the only conclusion we cane up with is removing Ji Jingxu. If we don''t do this, it will give our school a bad name."


    Mr. Xiao kept calm, but his eyes rolled over and over on the inside. He was well aware that the Deng family had bribed Mr. Li to go against Ji Jingxu.


    He was even aware of Deng Xian''s bullying.


    He hadn''t told Grandfather Ji about it because Ji Jingxu begged him not to say a word. The boy said he wanted to handle the situation independently and that if things got too far out of hand, he would ask for help.


    However, not once did Ji Jingxu ask for help.


    Thinking this, he couldn''t help but sigh again. He looks at Ji Jingxu, and his eyes show pity for the boy.


    "Ji Jingxu."


    Hearing his name, Ji Jingxu lifts his head and looks at the elderly man. When their eyes met, Mr. Xiao smiled gently at him.


    "You''ve been quiet this whole time. Is there anything you would like to say?"


    Ji Jingxu kept his eyes on Mr. Xiao, but from his peripheral vision, he could see Mr. Li and the Deng family staring in his direction. He didn''t need to look at them to know how they felt toward him.


    "I¡ª"


    He could only utter one word when Mr. Li raised his hand at him. The middle-aged man''s gesture was like a feint, and he growls.


    "Don''t even think about lying."


    Mr. Xiao was in disbelief at his coworker''sck of behavior. Only seconds ago, he (Mr. Li) was talking about violence between students. Isn''t his behavior right now that of violence?


    He (Mr. Xiao) quickly moves into action and stops the man.


    "Mr. Li, are you out of your mind?! Is this how a principal should behave towards the students?!"


    The middle-aged principal ignored his superior and grimaced at Ji Jingxu, wanting to intimidate the boy. However, his blood rose when he saw that the boy did not flinch or change his expression. He clicks his tongue in annoyance and gestures a feint again. His behavior clearly shows how much he didn''t like the boy to everyone in the room.


    "Keep acting like that, and I will make sure you receive severe punishment."


    BAANG!!¡ª


    "I DARE YOU!!!"


    The door suddenly flung open with great force, and a thunderous voice bellows into the room. Everyone recoils at the sounds and turns to the source.


    When they saw who it was, all life force drained from them. It was as if they were in the presence of King Yama, the God of death.


    However, unlike the others in the room, Ji Jingxu''s eyes grew wide.


    He subconsciously stood up and tilted his head at the person in confusion and surprise.


    "Grandfather¡­ why are you here?"

 Chapter 927 Your Grandfather Will Handle It From Here.

    Grandfather Ji stood at the door of the principal''s office. His minacious expression alone was enough to intimidate the people inside the room.


    His eyes, filled with coldness, scrutinized the faces of Mr. Li and the Deng family. However, when his eyesnd on his grandson, his entire being softens, and he smiles at the boy.


    "Jingxu, sorry I''mte."


    He walks to the boy as his footsteps echo inside the room with the rhythmic thumping of his cane. He nces at the people in the room and threatens.


    "I want to see who dares to touch my grandson."


    His words fell with eyes mainly ring at the school principal. He may be nearing his death, but as long as he is still breathing, he will never let anyone hurt his family.


    Mr. Li froze in ce and didn''t dare to look at Grandfather Ji as sweat formed on his forehead. He felt like a hand had suddenly grabbed the back of his head, keeping him from moving.


    Oblivious to the man, Mr. Xiao stood up from his seat and greeted the old man with a smile.


    "General, I hope you didn''t encounter any trouble whileing here. Please sit here."


    He moves away from the main seat and gestures for Grandfather Ji to sit down. However, to his surprise, the old man declines the offer.


    "I''ll sit with my grandson."


    Grandfather Ji walks around the school director and stops in front of Ji Jingxu, showing no heed to the Deng family.


    He ces his palm on his grandson''s shoulder and nods lightly.


    "Don''t worry. Your grandfather will handle it from here."


    Ji Jingxu stares at the old man in front of him. He was confused about why his grandfather was here, but at the same time, he felt relieved to know that someone was on his side.


    His trembling eyes search his grandfather''s eyes as if needing to find answers. However, he felt he could take on the world when he heard the old man''s reassurance.


    He nods in understanding before taking his grandfather''s hand and helping him sit down.


    As the grandfather and grandson sat, Zhong Yang stood behind their seats. He ced his hands behind his back and carried himself not as an assistant but as a bodyguard.


    Grandfather Ji turns his head to the left and makes eye contact with Mr. Xiao.


    "I see that the meeting has started without me."


    Hearing this, Mr. Xiaoughs and nces at the Deng family. He contemted on how to respond but only for a brief second.


    "I do apologize for starting without you, but Mr. and Mrs. Deng advised us to start the meeting."


    Grandfather Ji arched an eyebrow in amusement. He turns his head to the family across from him, and his smile disappears.


    "Is that true?"


    Old Deng and Madam Deng were speechless at how Mr. Xiao threw them under the bus. They would have waited if they knew that Grandfather Ji would be attending the meeting too.


    Of course, they had forgotten that Mr. Xiao asked them to wait, but they ignored his words.


    Old Deng looks at Grandfather Ji and does his best to smile.


    "General, if I knew you wereing here, I would have gone to wait for you outside. I hope you do not mind this misbehavior."


    He wanted to let Grandfather Ji know he meant no harm and was not a threat. If he gets on the old man''s wrong side, it is the end for his Deng family.


    Ji Jingxu was at a loss for words. He stares at the middle-aged man and scoffs inside. Just seconds ago, he (Old Deng) red at him with eyes that could kill someone.


    However, not wanting to speak to the man, his head turns to look at his grandfather.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Grandfather Ji did not retract the domineering emitting from him. He calms himself when he hears his grandson''s question and smiles at the boy.


    "I am here because I am your grandfather."


    He spoke gently, but the second he nced at the family sitting across from him, there was only a dangerous air.


    "If I was a secondte, who knows what these people would say or do to you."


    Unfortunately, he got lost on the way here, but fortunately, he made it in time.


    He looks at Mr. Li and then at Mr. Xiao.


    "Since the meeting has started, give me a brief summary."


    Mr. Li felt sweat on his forehead out of nervousness. He trembles a smile and tries to put on a calm expression.


    "General, nothing serious has been discussed. We were just trying to--"


    "They want to have Ji Jingxu removed from the school."


    Before Mr. Li could finish his sentence, Mr. Xiao didn''t hesitate to cut him off. The old man held a severe expression, and his words continued without a care about the others in the room.


    "Mr. Deng made sure to evoke that his family contributed the most to this school. At the request of the Deng family, they would like to have Ji Jingxu removed due to his violent behavior. Of course, I asked Ji Jingxu if he had anything to say, but before he could answer, Mr. Li, the principal, decided to raise his hand just before you entered the room."


    He spoke without pause, and when he finished, he held a smile like a child waiting to be praised. However, unlike him, Mr. Li and the Deng family were rendered speechless.


    They stared at Mr. Xiao with disbelief that the old man did not try to cover for them but instead threw them under the bus again.


    Old Deng and Mr. Li knew that if they did not fix this misunderstanding, they would be the talk of Imperial for years.


    Old Deng: "General, it''s not what you think. I did make the suggestion, but I meant no harm."


    Mr. Li: "I have no intentions of harming a student. I raised my hand because I wanted to stretch."


    Their frantic words made Grandfather Ji arch an eyebrow. He nces between the two men and then lets out a long sigh.


    His left hand raised to stop them before speaking.


    "Since I am here now, let''s clear this misunderstanding up."


    Unlike her husband, Madam Deng held her ground in the presence of the almighty General. She raises her chin and stares straight into the old man''s eyes.


    "Alright. We can clear up this misunderstanding."


    She respects the old man, but it is a different thing when ites to her child.


    "As you can see, my son has done nothing wrong. A little argument might have broken out between the boys, but that does not mean Ji Jingxu can break my son''s arm."


    She ces her arm around Deng Xian like a pitiful and caring mother, but her eyes re viciously at Ji Jingxu. So vicious that if looks could kill a person, Ji Jingxu would have been her victim.


    "I have never hit my son. How do you expect me, his mother, to feel when I hear that my son was harmed?"


    Her words made Old Deng, and Mr. Li sigh in sympathy for Deng Xian. The boy broke his arm and could not concentrate on his school assignments. What if he had lost his life during the dispute?


    Grandfather Ji stared at Madam Deng and was reminded of Madam Chen and Madam Qin. He couldn''t help but wonder if these three women were close friends.


    However, quickly pushing this thought aside, he chuckles at the woman.


    His head lightly nods like he heard the most interesting thing in his life.


    "Madam Deng, you are correct. No parent would be happy when they hear that their child has been harmed."


    His smile gradually disappeared within seconds as his eyes stayed on her.


    "But I can say it is the same for me."


    He sits up in his seat and straightens his spine.


    "I have never once hit my grandson, let alone raise my voice at him. You say it is unfair for your child, but what about mine? Just because he isn''t physically injured doesn''t mean he isn''t on the inside."


    He recalls the pain on Ji Jingxu''s face, and his heart ached for the boy, especially when Ji Jingxu told him what made the boy lose his temper that day.


    However, not wanting to mention it, his head turns slightly to the left to look at Old Deng.


    "Mr. Deng, you say that because you contributed quite a lot to this school, it is only right to remove my grandson, but I can return that statement to you."


    His expression held no emotion, letting the other party know he was not afraid of them.


    "If you want topare who contributed more, I would have to say I contributed more than you."


    A smile shes on his face, and he lets out a smallugh as he thinks about something.


    "But you know what, between us, the person who contributed the most to this school is actually my granddaughter, Ji Jingxu''s older sister."


    He spoke like he was unting his achievements and leaned forward as if to whisper a secret.


    "And you should be thankful that I am here and not my granddaughter."


    For he knows that if words of this reach Yue Ling, the fate of the Deng family will be in her hands. And if that happens, he can do nothing to stop her.

 Chapter 928 Not Make This Hard On Anyone

    Silence filled the room as Madam Deng and her husband were bbergasted by Grandfather Ji''s words. Other than Ji Chu Hua, they have never heard that Ji Jingxu had an older sister. Of course, if they had been invited to the old man''s birthday banquet, they would have learned that Ji Jingxu indeed has an older sister.


    Unfortunately for them, Grandfather Ji ensured all the guests he invited kept a tight lip.


    Old Deng blinked his eyes at the old man sitting across from him. He knew that Grandfather Ji often donated to the school, but he always donated twice the amount. How can someone possibly overwrite him?


    Just who is this older sister of Ji Jingxu?


    "Oh, now that you''ve mentioned your granddaughter, how is she doing?"


    Mr. Xiao broke the silence with augh as he asked the question. He reacted like the Deng family, and Mr. Li was no longer in the room.


    "I have not seen Han Yue Ling for a long time."


    He had met Yue Ling a few times when she visited the school to make donations, but after a while, she had her assistant send it in her stead.


    Madam Deng and Old Deng were rooted to their seats at the mention of Yue Ling''s name. The couple exchanged a silent nce at one another as their faces turned pale.


    They may not have been invited to the old man''s birthday banquet, but they are well aware of Han Yue Ling. Everyone thought she was just a well-known model who retired from the industry, but she shocked the world by revealing herself as the fashion designer of De L''amour. Not only that, but more shocking news involving her was that she was soon to be married to Lu Tian and the person behind An Qing.


    The colors on their face drained with each passing second, especially for Madam Deng. She is a huge fan of De L''amour and Yue Ling''s work.


    They took the chance to go against Ji Jingxu since they thought Grandfather Ji would not be there. However, now it isn''t only Grandfather Ji they are up against but also Han Yue Ling.


    And if Han Yue Ling gets involved, only God knows what will happen if Lu Tian and the Lu family intervene.


    Grandfather Ji stares at the Deng family with haughty eyes before turning his attention to Mr. Xiao. He smiles at the old man and parts his lips.


    "Ah Ling has been doing just fine. She''s living here in Imperial, so you might run into her from time to time."


    He answers and then looks back at the people across from him. He knew without a doubt that the mention of his granddaughter was enough to send these people running away in fear.


    "Anyways, let us talk about my granddaughter another time. Today is about settling the situation with the Deng family."


    He slowly shifts his gaze to Deng Xian and a smile that doesn''t reach his eyes forms on his face.


    "Deng Xian, if you don''t mind me asking, why did you go find my grandson that day in the library, and how did the fight break out?"


    Deng Xian is oblivious to his parent''s shift in behavior and looks at Grandfather Ji. He didn''t find the man as intimidating as he thought and couldn''t figure out why people were so terrified of him.


    He contemted his choice of words and nced at Ji Jingxu. Seeing how calm the boy was, an ufortable sensation crawled inside him, making him want to throw things in the room.


    A scowl forms on his face, and he looks back at the old man.


    "It''s because I don''t like him."


    He answers bluntly and touches his broken arm, reminding him of how he broke his arm.


    "Why do I have to treat someone of lowborn like him with respect? He should just¡ªmff."


    Before he could finish speaking, Madam Deng abruptly covered his mouth and tried to hide him behind her. She trembles a smile at Grandfather Ji and tries to keep herposure.


    "General, my son didn''t mean what he said. You know how children will be children."


    Sweat slid down her temple as she recalled what her son had said to them when he was at the hospital. He had told them everything, including how he told Ji Jingxu that Grandfather Ji should hurry and die.


    If these words get out, no one knows what will happen to them.


    Brushing this thought aside, sheughs to hide her shaking heart and continues her words.


    "This is all a misunderstanding between the children. I will ensure my son apologizes, and never will he make this mistake again."


    She cannot let this incident reach the ears of Yue Ling, let alone the Lu family.


    Grandfather Ji arched an eyebrow at the woman who had been vexed with him and Ji Jingxu. To suddenly see her quick shift in behavior, he would be lying if he wasn''t surprised.


    However, understanding that the Deng family knows where they stand in this situation, he turns his head to his grandson.


    "Jingxu, what do you want to do?"


    Hearing the question, Ji Jingxu doesn''t look at his grandfather but keeps his eyes on Deng Xian, hiding behind his mother.


    His hands tightened into fists, never forgetting what Deng Xian said to him that day in the library, how he (Deng Xian) spoke about his grandfather''s death like a joke.


    The anger that rose inside of him will never disappear, but he is better. He slowly loosens his fingers and inhales deeply to calm his mind.


    "This is enough."


    Grandfather Ji was slightly surprised. He does not expect this response from his grandson and looks at the boy with wonder. If Ji Jingxu had wanted to press the situation further, he was willing to do everything in his power to back the boy up.


    He stares at his grandson for a long second before heaving a deep sigh and pping his thigh. His head turns to the Deng family, then to Mr. Xiao.


    "Well, you heard my grandson. He doesn''t want to push this any further."


    Mr. Xiao nodded in understanding while Madam Deng and Old Deng sighed in relief. The couple finally breathed again, knowing things could have gotten even more out of hand.


    Unlike his parents, Deng Xian was fuming with rage. He wanted to scream andsh out at Ji Jingxu, but due to his mother''s hand on his mouth, he was unable to do anything.


    Mr. Li also felt relieved and smiled at Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu. He turned into a frail man that changed his entire demeanor.


    "General, I''m so grateful we could resolve this unfortunate misunderstanding. I will make sure that Ji Jingxu gets the best treatment at school. You have my word on this."


    He stood up and walked over to Ji Jingxu, his hands sped together like he was pleading with the boy.


    "Ji Jingxu, you know that I meant you no harm. Everything I''ve done is only for your best interest."


    He spoke with care like he had never meant any ill-intent towards the boy but was stopped by Grandfather Ji.


    The elderly man held his cane to block the principal from moving closer to his grandson.


    "Mr. Li, with all due respect, please back up."


    Mr. Li was reluctant, but knowing he could not go against Grandfather Ji, he could only sit back in his chair.


    Once seated, Grandfather Ji lowered his cane, and his expression turned solemn.


    "Ji Jingxu may be lenient, but that does not mean I will."


    His eyes skimmed over the people in the room that were threatening his grandson before he walked in.


    "I know that if I had note here today, my grandson would have been maltreated. He may not have told me all his hardships sinceing to this school, but I know more than you think. My family''s Jingxu is very rational. He will never do anything unless someone crosses his line."


    He caught the eyes of each individual in the room and could see the sudden wash of fear that he had poured into them with his words.


    "Due to his good heart, I will not make this hard on anyone."


    He raises his left hand and gestures for his assistant with a finger.


    Zhong Yang had remained silent the entire time, but getting the cue to move, he obliged. He walks up to Mr. Li, hands the man a folder, then does the same to Old Deng and Madam Deng.


    After receiving the folder, Mr. Li thought it would be good news. However, when he read the contents, his eyes widen in horror. He hastily flips through each page, and the more he reads, the more he turns white.


    "This¡­ what is this?"


    Grandfather Ji smiled nonchntly at the middle-aged man and held his cane before him.


    "All your misconducts against the students and staff."


    He then directs his gaze at Mr. Xiao, and his smile widens.


    "Mr. Xiao, I hope you know what to do from here on."


    Madam Deng and Old Deng didn''t dare to move, let alone open the folder in Old Deng''s hands. After seeing Mr. Li''s reaction, they feared what would be inside.


    The couple swallowed a gulp with difficulty before ncing at one another.


    Old Deng was stuck in a daze but returned to his conscious when Madam Deng slightly elbowed him. He lowers his head and stares at the folder.


    He couldn''t help but swallow another gulp, and with his trembling hands, he opened the folder. He didn''t even realize that he had shut one of his eyes.


    His eyes instantaneously shot wide open as they could fall out of his sockets, and he looked at his son with seething disbelief.


    "Xian, what did you do?!"


    Madam Deng creases her brows in confusion and turns her head to her husband. She sees that he isn''t afraid but fuming.


    "What is it? Why are you raising your voice at him?"


    However, not receiving an answer, she snatches the folder from him.


    She doesn''te into contact with papers like Mr. Li but with photos.


    Photos that captured her son breaking his own arm outside the school library after the fight.


    Rage swept over her in a matter of seconds, and for the first time since giving birth, she smacked her son on the head.


    "Why did you do this?! Why did you do something so stupid?!"


    Grandfather Ji scoffs augh at the scene in front of him. He felt satisfied with the oue and turned his attention to his grandson.


    "Shall we leave?"


    Ji Jingxu was intrigued by the events that took ce. However, hearing his grandfather''s question, he nods his head.


    "Yea¡­ Let''s go."


    Hearing this, the elderly man smiled and stood up from his seat, eyes now on Mr. Xiao.


    "Well, it looks like we are done here. I will take Jingxu home. All this must have shocked him."


    Ji Jingxu couldn''t help but roll his eyes. When did he get shocked by this? Then again, not wanting to pick a fight with his grandfather, he decides to y along.


    He puts on a despairing face and touches his chest as he looks at the school director. His appearance turned feeble and piteous


    "Mr. Xiao, my grandfather is right. This is too much for me to handle. I don''t think I will be able to focus in ss."

 Chapter 929 My Precious Grandson

    Outside the school, the grandfather and grandson duo walked towards the white Rolls-Royce with Zhong Yang in tow. Each person ignored the stares of bystanders, curious as to why they were leaving when school was still in session.


    Grandfather Ji nces at his grandson sideways, and curiosity rises in him when he sees the boy smiling at his phone.


    "What is so funny?"


    Ji Jingxu doesn''t look away from his phone but continues to fidget over his phone screen with his fingers.


    "I''m filling Zhuang Li on what happened."


    Hisst word fell, and his head tilted to the side when he thought about something.


    "Will he be alright? Maybe I should go back to ss. What if Deng Xian''s friends pick a fight with him?"


    Grandfather Ji was intrigued by the young boy''s consideration of his friend. He smiles a sigh and looks ahead.


    "He''ll be fine. His father taught him all he needed to know when it came to self-defense. Besides, his father is also making a visit to the school."


    Hearing this news, Ji Jingxu stopped typing on his phone, and sorrow closed his throat. His friend was born into a prominent family, and it was natural for his (Zhuang Li) father to get involved. It was also why Deng Xian and his friends spit nonsense at Zhuang Li but never touched him.


    Even when Zhuang Li arrived at the library, no one dared to put up a fight against him.


    However, for him (Ji Jingxu), it was another thing.


    He may have the surname Ji, but he did not share the same blood as his grandfather or older sister. This made him an easy target for others to bully.


    Grandfather Ji caught sight of Ji Jingxu''s change in expression from his peripheral vision. He lets out a sigh and stops in his tracks.


    "Jingxu, I know what you are thinking, so discard those thoughts."


    He turns to look at the boy and smiles softly at him.


    "No matter what anyone says, you are my precious grandson. Whether we share the same blood, you will always be a part of my family. If you are ever in trouble or need help, I will do whatever I can to help you."


    Ji Jingxu looks at his grandfather. He could feel tears building in his eyes at how the old man always reminded him that he was part of the family. However, knowing that his grandfather didn''t have much time left tore him inside.


    His older sister has her life, and he only has his grandfather with him in the Ji Mansion.


    What if he bes insecure again and loses his way in life?


    Grandfather Ji watched Ji Jingxu''s expression, and he couldn''t help but feel fresh energy fill him with a mixture of sadness. He ces a hand on the boy''s head, breaking him from his daze.


    "Didn''t I say to discard those negative thoughts? Why are you still letting your mind run aze?"


    Even without asking, he could see that Ji Jingxu was filled with low self-esteem. It wasn''t just because of what happened to him at school but also the criticism from the second Ji family.


    Thinking this, Grandfather Ji takes a deep breath. He needs to set things straight before he leaves this world.


    He gently pats his grandson''s head before moving his hand away.


    "Remember, no one can judge you. Never forget that you got yourself to where you are today. Not me, not your sister, but you."


    Ji Jingxu felt his throat tighten, wanting to cry his heart out. However, he manages to hold his emotions in and nods his head.


    He cannot disappoint his grandfather, who raised him well and taught him about life.


    As they arrived at the car, Ji Jingxu was no longer in his negative state of mind. He sent a quick message to his friend then something crossed his mind.


    He looks at his grandfather getting inside the car''s back seat before entering.


    "Was it just me or back there, it seems like Deng Xian''s parents were more afraid of Jie than you?"


    Grandfather Jiughs at the question without denying it. He ces his cane down and half-shrugs his shoulder.


    "What can I say? Your sister is a terrifying person. Even without Lu Tian or me, she is a very formidable person alone."


    Ji Jingxu couldn''t help but agree with his grandfather. His older sister is a force not to be reckoned with at all. He isn''t surprised that Madam Deng and her husband would react the way they did just at the mention of his sister''s name.


    After all, Yue Ling is capable of doing many things with a snap of her finger.


    He ends his thoughts here and turns to look out the window to enjoy the ride home. For now, he wants to spend every second with his grandfather.


    While Ji Jingxu and Grandfather Ji depart for the Ji Mansion, back at An Qing, Yue Ling has finished visiting the employees. She was happy to speak to each individual and learn a bit about them.


    Knowing she can depend on her employees to do their job and not fail herpany.


    "CEO Han, will you be working from here?"


    Liu Yilong asked as he walked Yue Ling and Liu Shan to the lobby. He didn''t get the chance to ask her since everyone was eager to meet her.


    Yue Ling didn''t cease walking as she didn''t need to ponder the question. She turns her head slightly to the side and parts her lips.


    "I will be rotating my work schedule between De L''amour and An Qing but mainly at De L''amour. I will have Secretary Jiang send you my schedule."


    Although An Qing is herpany, she is also a fashion designer. For An Qing to flourish further, she must focus on her brand. This was another reason she needed someone to fill the CEO position at An Qing. However, now she cannot just give the position to anyone anymore.


    It wasn''t because she didn''t trust others but because she could not have someone lose their life like Chen Yifeng. A tragic mistake she did not foresee.


    If someone wants to take An Qing, they will have to go through her head-on.


    Reaching the front entrance of the building, she stops and turns to face the elderly man.


    "Thank you for walking us out, but here is good. You may go back to work."


    Liu Yilong was taken aback by her sudden words. He had hoped to walk her to the car, but he gestured a polite bow, not wanting to go against her order.


    "I will see to it that everything here runs smoothly. If anything is amiss, I will inform you right away."


    With everything Yue Ling has done to cleanse An Qing of all evil, he must help her protect thepany.


    Unaware of Liu Yilong''s determination to fight against evil, Yue Ling and Liu Shan headed in the direction of the assistant''s car.


    "Boss, will you be joining Lu Tian for lunch?"


    Yue Ling''s heart felt light at the mention of Lu Tian, and she checks the time on her phone. It was a bit past noon, but she had already missed him. Having lunch with him sounds nice, but she shouldn''t bother him since he is working from home.


    From her experience, usually, when a person with a hectic schedule works from home, it can only be because of something serious.


    "No, I have somewhere else to be."


    She opens the car door for herself and gets inside. Once she sat down, she unlocked her phone and sent a message to someone.


    Left alone outside the car, Liu Shan blinked his eyes in confusion. He thought his boss would meet Lu Tian for lunch like every other day.


    However, not wanting to pry into her reason, he enters the driver''s seat and starts the engine.


    Yue Ling presses the send button and puts her phone in her coat pocket. Hopefully, the person she messaged is avable to have lunch with her.


    "Shan, don''t forget to meet with Manager Luo after work."


    When he hears his boss, Liu Shan, drive the car away from An Qing. He nods his head without saying a word and stares ahead.


    His boss was right. Due to Lin Hui going to Retro to find Liu Peng, he had to cancel his meeting with Uncle Luo. He should contact the old man and look at his chosen properties.


    It''s time for him to do his own spring cleaning.

 Chapter 930 Someone Eager

    After returning to De L''amour, Yue Ling and Liu Shan went their separate ways for lunch. The retired model sat near a floor-to-ceiling window inside a private room in a busy luxurious restaurant. She stares out the window with her chin in her palm, making one unable to read what is happening in her mind.


    A knock at the door breaks her thoughts as a waiter enters the private room. He walks over to Yue Ling but not too closely.


    "Miss, are you ready to order?"


    Yue Ling looks away from the window, not looking at the waiter but down at her phone on the table. She taps on the screen and then finally looks at the waiter.


    "If it''s alright, I need a few more minutes."


    The waiter was confused as it had been 15 minutes since she had been seated. However, he cannot pry into a customer''s business, so he nods.


    "Alright. I''lle back in a bit."


    His words fell, but he didn''t leave right away. Instead, he stood there staring at her with a flustered face.


    Noticing this, Yue Ling looks back at him with slight awkwardness. She sees the redness on his face and makes a half smile.


    "Are you alright?"


    The waiter''s face flushed even more than it already was, and he vigorously nodded. His hand holding his notepad ever so lightly clutches tighter.


    "Um¡­ I don''t want to be a bother, but can I get your autograph?"


    Yue Ling kept herselfposed with eyes on the waiter, but deep inside, she was trying to refrain fromughing. She clears her throat a bit and stretches her arm out.


    "It''s no bother, but please keep it a secret that I am here."


    Hearing this, the waiter was beyond thrilled. He hurriedly hands his notebook to her and giggles like a little girl.


    "Of course Miss Han. I''m a huge fan of yours, and I promise to make sure no one bothers you and your guests."


    Yue Ling smiles at the waiter as she finishes her autograph. She hands it back to him and watches as he skips out of the room like a cheery fan at a meet and greet.


    She lightly shakes her head and turns back to look out the window. She had purposely booked a private room because she didn''t want to cause a disturbance. However, her attempt seemed a failure since someone noticed her.


    "I''m d I came here. I thought I was hallucinating when you sent a text."


    From the door, an elderly man''s voice sounds with a heartfeltugh. When Yue Ling hears the voice, she turns to look at the person with a lit-up face.


    "Yeye."


    She got up from her seat and wanted to walk over to him but was stopped by him.


    "I''m not so old that I need help sitting. You can sit down."


    Heughs and strolls over to the table but doesn''t forget to gesture behind him.


    "Oh, someone eager to see you is also here."


    Yue Ling paused from sitting, and her eyebrows arched at his words. She shifts her gaze to the door only to see Ji Jingxu entering the room, and the smile on her face brightens more.


    "Jingxu, it''s great to see you."


    Unlike their grandfather, Ji Jingxu strides over to his older sister and hugs her.


    "I missed you, Jie."


    He thought they would have lunch at home, but his grandfather suddenly said there was a change of n. He didn''t put too much thought over it, but if he did, maybe he would have been able to contain his emotions.


    Yue Ling felt her heart soften to the core at his childlike behavior. She puts her arms around him to return the hug before patting his head.


    "I missed you too."


    As the two pulled apart, she took the time to look at his face¡ªher expression as if she was engraving his face deeply into her mind.


    "Sorry I haven''t been able to visit. My schedule has been busy, especially with the uing fashion release and the wedding."


    Ji Jingxu doesn''t me her and nods in understanding. He knows that his older sister has her reasons for not visiting, especially since Inu is still staying at the Ji Mansion.


    However, if she knew the truth that their old man''s health was deteriorating, she would be just as sad as him.


    "I know¡­ it''s just¡­"


    "Ahem."


    Before he could finish his words, Grandfather Ji cleared his throat as he (Grandfather Ji) sat down. He knows that Yue Ling is quick to grasp situations and doesn''t want her to find out yet.


    "Come now. We can chat after we''ve ordered."


    Yue Ling was delighted to see her grandfather and brother again finally. She sits beside Ji Jingxu, and the family looks at the menu.


    Once they had ordered, it was time to wait for the food.


    Grandfather Ji stares at his granddaughter and can''t believe how mature she has be. She should have grown up like other children, but because of the many losses in her life, she had to learn how an adult does.


    Seeing her finally happy, how can he tell her the news of his illness?


    As his thoughts wonder, tears were ready to be shed before he knew it. However, as someone who has been in the face of war, he forces back all the solemn energy rising inside him.


    "Ah Ling, how have you been? How are work and the wedding preparations?"


    Yue Ling was chatting with Ji Jingxu when she heard her grandfather. She turns her head to look at him and smiles.


    "Everything''s been good. The wedding is a littleplicated, but we''ll manage."


    "I see. That''s good."


    Grandfather Ji did not take her words with a negative heart. He knows how Madam Lu is and with her organizing the wedding, it''ll beplicated since she is an entricdy.


    "If you need anything, don''t hesitate to let me know. As your grandfather, I will do everything I can to help."


    He has little time left and hopes Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu will depend on him more. So that when it is his time to go, he will have no regret.


    Yue Ling was oblivious to his true feelings and smiled with her teeth. She nods and reaches over the table to hold his hand.


    "Don''t worry, yeye. I''ll let you know if I need any help."


    She was happy to know that her grandfather never hesitated to help her. However, she wants him to see that she can manage on her own.


    Ji Jingxu watched the two interact with a heavy heart. One was slowly dying, and the other was oblivious.


    He wanted to blurt out that their grandfather was sick, but knowing he had promised the old man, he couldn''t. It was better for Yue Ling to hear their grandfather''s words than someone else''s.


    His eyes closed for a quick second to steady himself. Once he opened them again, he stered a smile on his face.


    "Jie, where is Lu Tian? Howe you aren''t having lunch with him?"


    Agreeing with Ji Jingxu''s sudden questions, Grandfather Ji has a stern expression.


    "That''s right. Where is Lu boy? Why is he not having lunch with you? Has he been good to you? Is he treating you well? If he''s not, I can put some sense into him. You know I can."


    Yue Ling was taken aback by being bombarded with questions thrown at her. She blinks her eyes at her grandfather and then at Ji Jingxu.


    After what felt like an entire day, sheughs and shakes her head.


    "He''s been more than good to me and working at home today. He isn''t here because I wanted to have lunch with you both."


    She looks at her grandfather then her lips curl into a mischievous smile.


    "Also, I can take care of myself when ites to him."


    Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu stared with astonishment at her. Neither spoke a word for a long second before bursting intoughter.


    Ji Jingxu: "Of course, you can."


    Grandfather Ji: "That''s my granddaughter."


    While Yue Ling and her family enjoy a warm lunch in the presence of each other back at her house, Lu Tian continues to remain in the study.


    His dark and cold eyes glued to the monitor with his fingers gliding over the keyboard. The seriousness in his expression never faded, and he focused on searching for the person whose pseudonym was Toosexyformyshirt123.


    "Boss!"


    His zone of focus was abruptly interrupted by his assistant''s sudden scream. He stops typing and looks at the man.


    Xu Long positioned himself on the floor with hisptop when he suddenly called out for his boss. He looks up to meet a pair of cold eyes that could suffocate a person, and felt embarrassed for his behavior.


    He clears his throat and, taking his boss''s silence as a sign for him to speak, he gets up on his feet.


    "I found something."


    He ces hisptop on the desk and turns the screen to his boss.


    "It''s not much, but we might find something here."


    Lu Tian fixes his gaze on his assistant''sptop. Although it was a screen encrypted with numbers and letters, he knew what he was looking at.


    He stands up from his chair and makes his way out of the room after grabbing his coat.


    "Let''s go."

 Chapter 931 She Will Only Put Up A Wall Again

    Time flew by as Yue Ling enjoyed lunch with her grandfather and brother. The three individuals stepped outside the luxurious restaurant and waited for their cars.


    Grandfather Ji looks at his granddaughter and his heart swarms with multiple feelings. He was proud of the young woman she had be but at the same time, sad that he cannot stay to watch over her.


    Noticing his gaze, Yue Ling meets his eyes and smiles without knowing his thoughts.


    "Yeye, what is it? Is something wrong?"


    Grandfather Ji shook his head, and his free hand reached to hold onto her right hand.


    "Nothing. Yeye just missed you, that''s all."


    He looks down at her hand, and his thumb gently strokes the back of her hand. He could still remember how small her hand used to be like it was yesterday.


    "I hope youe to visit soon. Inu also misses you."


    His eyes flutter, and he meets her eyes again with a smile.


    "Every day, he sits by the door anticipating you would walk in."


    Hearing her grandfather''s words, Yue Ling felt her heart melt likeva. She misses Inu just as much as he does. She hasn''t gone to pick him up because Lu Tian had promised they would go together.


    However, due to their busy work schedule, it kept getting dyed.


    Also, Inu looked like he wanted to stay with her grandfather for the time being.


    Thinking this, she gently squeezed her grandfather''s hand and smiled a smile that reached her eyes.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll tell Tian for us toe to pick up Inu."


    Grandfather Ji nodded, but some of him did not want to let Inu leave his side. His granddaughter is busy with work and his grandson must attend school. The onlypanion he has is Inu.


    He hates admitting it, but he doesn''t want to be alone.


    However, knowing that Inu also has feelings, he could only let the Samoyed return home.


    Yue Ling stared at her grandfather, and she didn''t know why but something felt amiss with him. She had not realized it earlier when they were eating, but now that she was standing close, hisplexion didn''t look too good.


    She unknowingly takes a small step closer to him, and her eyebrows ever so lightly crease.


    "Yeye¡­ are you sick?"


    Her question fell, and Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu''s hearts stopped. The grandfather and grandson duo did not know how to react, but it was only for a split second.


    Grandfather Ji lets go of Yue Ling''s hand and waves it with a heartyugh.


    "What are you talking about? I''m not sick. I am still as strong as ever. Isn''t that right, Jingxu?"


    He shoots his grandson a look indicating for the boy to back up his words.


    As reluctant as he was, Ji Jingxu hesitated to answer. He wanted to blurt out the truth but clenching his fists tightly, he forced out augh as usual.


    "That''s right. Grandfather isn''t sick. Yesterday, he took Inu out on a 20-kilometer walk."


    Yue Ling stares at the two people before her with skeptical eyes. She wanted to say they were lying but not wanting to doubt the people she loves and cares for, she decided to trust their words.


    "Miss Han, your car is here."


    A valet worker interrupts the family and hands Yue Ling her keys. He turns to Grandfather Ji with a small but polite bow.


    "Your car will be here soon, sir."


    Yue Ling watches the valet worker walk away and turns her attention back to her grandfather and brother.


    "I''ll take my leave first. I still have some work to take care of."


    She takes a step forward towards her car but stops. She turns around, and without any warning, she wraps her arms around her grandfather.


    "Take good care of yourself."


    Her sudden hug confounded Grandfather Ji, but his shoulders rxed. He fought the urge to cry and hugged her with a slight tight squeeze.


    "You too. Drive safely, Ah Ling."


    Yue Ling nods and takes a step back. She doesn''t leave right away but also hugs her brother.


    As she moves away, she pats his head and smiles at him.


    "Don''t forget to study and take care of yourself."


    She looks at them onest time before walking to her car. Once inside, she waves goodbye to them and then drives away from the restaurant.


    Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu watched her car drive further until it was no longer in sight. Neither spoke a word but stared in the direction Yue Ling had gone.


    "Grandfather¡­"


    Ji Jingxu was the first to break the silence. He slowly turns his head to look at the elderly man standing next to him.


    "Why didn''t you tell her?"


    He honestly thought his grandfather would tell Yue Ling about his deteriorating health. Even when she asked if he was sick, he (Ji Jingxu) thought it was the right time to say to her.


    Grandfather Ji doesn''t turn to look at his grandson but keeps his eyes on the traffic in front of him. He calmly ces his left hand behind his back and finally looks at Ji Jingxu with a faint smile filled with relief and sadness.


    "Didn''t she look happy?"


    Ji Jingxu was washed with a wave of frustration at how his grandfather diverted his question with a question. He turns his whole body to the elderly man and looks at him aggrievedly.


    "Grandfather, don''t ignore my question. You promised you would tell her. Why do you keep dragging it? If you don''t tell her, I will."


    "Jingxu."


    The second hisst word fell, Grandfather Ji sternly growls his (Ji Jingxu) name and hits the bottom of his cane against the ground. His (Grandfather Ji) expression turned stony before he closed his eyes and sighed.


    "I''m not trying to ignore your question."


    He slowly opens his eyes again and turns his attention back in the direction his granddaughter had driven off.


    "I want to tell her, I really do, but she looked so happy. Don''t you think she deserves to be happy too?"


    During their lunch, he could tell how happy his granddaughter was and couldn''t discuss the topic. She wasughing and smiling to her heart''s content.


    It made him realize something. When was thest time he saw Yue Ling look this happy?


    "Ah Ling¡­ She''s had so many people she deeply cared about leaving her. Now that she''s finally found her smile again, how can I tell her?"


    He had seen Yue Ling cry more than she smiled. It was to the point he thought she would never smile again and had given up all hope.


    However, to see her now, he knew she had found her happiness.


    "I do not want to break her heart. If I tell her now, she will only put up a wall again."


    Everyone thinks his granddaughter is strong, but with every death in her life, she slowly began to shut everyone out, including him. She never showed her sadness, but he knew she was hurting inside.


    Her maternal grandmother passed away when she was too young to understand death, but she understood what death meant once she grew up to the age of ten.


    When her parents passed away, she built a wall that was so formidable she made sure no one could see the sadness inside her or what she was thinking.


    She showed everyone that she was fine, but he could recall a time when she was twelve. He secretly visited City Z to see her and found her curled alone in her mother and father''s closet. She was quietly sobbing with a piece of their clothes wrapped around her.


    It was as if she was hoping the pieces of her parents'' clothes would be enough to rece their warm embrace that she could no longer feel.


    Seeing that made him wonder how many times she had silently cried alone without anyone noticing.


    Then like faith was not hard enough on her, when her paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother wereid to rest, she made that wall even more stronger.


    It was no different with Lee Shin. When the youngd passed, he watched his granddaughter pretend to be alright but knew that she had raised the wall again.


    For three years, he saw her express a smile void of feelings. It was to the point where he asked every day if he would see her smile again.


    Just when he thought she was finally happy after meeting Lu Tian, she had to go through another tragic event that cost her her unborn child.


    He thought she would shut down again, but fortunately, Lu Tian was by her side. The youngd made sure to pull her out every time she was headed toward the dark abyss.


    And then, like luck was not on his side, his health started deteriorating faster.


    His heart ached at the thought of having to tell his granddaughter, but he knew that he would have to tell her no matter what.


    He exhales heavily to clear his mind and looks at his grandson with a few nods.


    "I will tell her, but after her wedding."


    He sees Ji Jingxu''s jaw tighten at his words, and he ces a hand on the boy''s shoulder.


    "Her wedding ising up. If I tell her now, she will not go through with it. She will devote her focus to finding help for me when it is no longer possible."


    He gently squeezes his grandson''s shoulder and smiles a smile filled with heartache.


    "You understand, right? I know you do not want to see her put up that wall again, so let''s be patient."


    Ji Jingxu pressed his lips tightly together. As much as he wanted his grandfather to tell his older sister, he also understood what the old man said.


    He had seen Yue Ling put up a wall twice, and it was as if nothing mattered to her anymore.


    Thinking about the past, Ji Jingxu inhales a deep breath and exhales. He nods but gives a serious look at his grandfather.


    "Fine, but I will if you don''t tell her after the wedding. I don''t want to keep dragging this."

 Chapter 932 Zhang Tech

    As Yue Ling heads back to De L''amour after parting ways with her grandfather and brother in another part of Imperial, a ck Maserati Quattroporte stops in front of an old building.


    Although it looked like it could fall apart at a touch, it was still in business.


    Inside the car, Xu Long sat in the driver''s seat with a contemted expression. He would stare at the terrifying building and wonder if they hade to the right ce.


    "Um¡­ boss, maybe we got the address wrong."


    If he saw this ce even from a distance, he would think it was filled with wandering ghosts ready to strike at any moment.


    Lu Tian ignored his assistant''s behavior and opened the passenger seat door. He steps out and casually walks to the front entrance.


    He knew from a nce that the exterior of the building was only a trick to fool the eyes.


    However, unlike him, Xu Long was still inside the car debating whether he should get out or not.


    He watched in horror as his boss further away. Just when he decided to stay behind, the sudden quietness of the area caused an eerie feeling around him.


    "Oh God¡­ please don''t let any ghosts attack me."


    He mutters a quick prayer and gets out of the car. With no hesitation, he scurries after his boss in hopes of catching up to the man before he enters the building.


    The moment Lu Tian arrives at the front entrance of the building, a disoriented Xu Longes to his side. He (Xu Long) was breathing heavily as if he had run a marathon when it was approximately 10 meters from the car to the door.


    He (Lu Tian) kept a straight face, but inside, he couldn''t help but pinch the space between his eyebrows. He felt that his assistant''s behavior is bing more and more peculiar.


    Shaking this thought aside, he side nces at the man trying to catch his breath.


    "Did you find it?"


    Xu Long held onto his chest while inhaling a load of air. He nods his head and straightens his spine with a long exhale.


    "I did."


    He reaches inside his pocket for his phone and quickly unlocks it before handing it to his boss.


    "I transferred everything we need into a file on my phone."


    Lu Tian takes the phone and enters the building, with Xu Long following behind.


    The view in front of them was theplete opposite of the outside.


    Unlike the broken and almost dpidated exterior, the interior of the building was clean and tidy. It was as if one had walked out from the past and into the future.


    Xu Long gasped in surprise at the sight of the luxurious lobby. He had been scared, thinking there would be ghosts, but it was all a deception to make others stay away.


    He looks at his boss and sees the aloof man as calm as usual. He felt ashamed of his behavior. His boss must have already known about the trick.


    A young man wearing casual clothes stepped out of a door when he was struck with bewilderment at the unexpected sight of Lu Tian and Xu Long. When he saw them, he was on his way to pick up something for his work.


    He walks over to them and smiles with a polite bow.


    "Hello, do you have an appointment with us?"


    Lu Tian nces at the young man as if to check for something. Once he confirms that the young man isn''t who they were here for, he sends a signal with his eyes to his assistant.


    Quickly reading the room, Xu Long pulls out his wallet and a business card. He takes a step forward and hands it to the young man.


    "We''re here to meet your boss."


    The young man wrinkles his eyebrows. He looks at the card in Xu Long''s hand and feels hesitation. His boss did not mention anything about anyoneing in today.


    He steals a tiny nce at Lu Tian, but the moment he meets the man''s cold dark eyes, a chill runs down his spine. He felt like he was standing before the god of death.


    "Oh, I s-s-see."


    He stutters as he takes the card from Xu Long. He dared not look at Lu Tian again and lowered his gaze to the card.


    When he saw the name, his eyes widened, and he abruptly looked up. Of course, only at Xu Long since he was too afraid to look at Lu Tian.


    "Please wait here. Let me go check in with my boss."


    He doesn''t wait for a response and runs back to the door he had exited from.


    Left in silence, Xu Long shakes his head with a sigh. He looks at his boss and shakes his head again.


    "Boss, I''m just saying, but you must put that threatening aura away. It can honestly kill a person."


    His words fell jokingly, but the moment Lu Tian nced in his direction, he flinched and quickly put his arms up as if to block a hit.


    "It was a joke. A joke, I tell you. Why are you directing those deadly eyes my way?"


    Lu Tian was dumbfounded at his assistant''s sudden movement. If others saw them right now, they would assume he was abusing the man.


    However, not caring about what anyone thinks of him, except for his wife, he pretends that his assistant is not there.


    "Mr. Lu, I did not expect your arrival here at Zhang Tech."


    A man in his fiftiesughs as he walks out the door with the young man from earlier. He stops at a reasonable distance from Lu Tian and smiles.


    "To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Lu?"


    Lu Tian greets the elderly man with a formal nod. He steps forward and hands Xu Long''s phone to the man.


    "Mr. Zhang, I''m working on a case, and it led me to your techpany."


    Zhang Chao was dumbstruck when he heard Lu Tian''s words. He was doubtful when his employee came rushing into his office, informing him that the CEO of Lu Corps was in hispany.


    ? He thought it might have been someone staging as Lu Tian and almost dismissed the person. However, if he had been wronged and it was Lu Tian, he would be at odds with Lu Corps.


    He did not want to be enemies with someone so powerful, so he came out to meet the person.


    Fortunately, he did because his small techpany is like a stepping stool for apany like Lu Corps.


    Returning to his senses, heughs and takes the phone from Lu Tian.


    "I see. I do not know why such happened, but let me look."


    He scrolls through the phone, and his heart drops to his stomach when he sees a familiar pseudonym.


    ''Toosexyformyshirt123''


    Beads of sweat gradually form on his forehead, and he swallows a hard gulp.


    He knows that Lu Tian is not just a businessman. Lu Tian is the person the government calls when they have to deal with dangerous tasks in Imperial and everything that goes on in the underworld.


    Is Lu Tian here to shut down his techpany? But why? Everything he does is legal.


    His hands shake slightly at the thought, but he quickly steadies himself.


    "I do not know why my small techpany is connected to your case. I think there might have been a misunderstanding."


    He hands the phone back to Lu Tian and smiles.


    "If I can assist you with anything else, I will do my best."


    Lu Tian studies the man''s behavior without blinking. He saw it all from Zhang Chao''s calm behavior shift to nervous back to calm.


    He doesn''t point it out but takes the phone and passes it to Xu Long. His cold eyes never moved from the man.


    "Mr. Zhang, I am not here to stir trouble with you or yourpany. I do have some questions that need answers."


    Hearing this, Zhang Chao didn''t know whether to feel relief or fear. He couldn''t read Lu Tian''s mind nor tell whether these questions were good or bad.


    However, trusting his gut, he nods in understanding.


    "Alright. Follow me this way."


    He turns around but whispers something to the young man beside him before walking towards the door.


    The young man says nothing but runs out of the building after gesturing a polite bow to Lu Tian.


    Others would have suspected Zhang Chao was up to no good, but Lu Tian was good at reading lips.


    Zhang Chao had told his employee to go on his way to buy some supplies and buy his (Zhang Chao) favorite snack when he came back.


    He (Lu Tian) pays no mind to the young man and walks in the direction Zhang Chao has gone. He knows that they probably won''t get the name of the other person tracking Choi Li Sun, but there is a possible chance they might get another lead.

 Chapter 933 Best Not To Tempt Fate

    Through the doors of Zhang Tech, Lu Tian and Xu Long were led to the back of the building. While Lu Tian did not mind his surroundings, Xu Long was the opposite.


    The assistant''s head darted from left to right, up and down, and the process repeated.


    Computers and tech equipment surrounded him in every direction he looked. It was like he had walked into a world of technology.


    And as a tech person himself, he could tell that Zhang Tech was no ordinary techpany.


    He quickens his steps and leans towards his boss, eyes still scanning around.


    "Boss, do you think they''re doing something illegal here?"


    Lu Tian doesn''t look at his assistant, nor does he look around but keeps his eyes on Zhang Chao, who is leading the way.


    "No."


    His short response took Xu Long by surprise, but the assistant was quick to understand. He takes a step back and decides not to look around anymore.


    "Here we are."


    Zhang Chao opened a steel double door that led to a room that looked like a storage room. He turns to his guests and gestures for Lu Tian and Xu Long to enter a room.


    Xu Long blinked his eyes in puzzlement. He steps forward but stops in front of the room and pokes his head inside.


    "Um¡­ are you sure we''re in the right room? I can see a broom, a mop¡­ is that a dustpan?"


    His head tilts slightly before he leans back toward his boss.


    "Should I get a pair of gloves for you?"


    He spoke in a low voice, but Zhang Chao was close enough to hear. He (Zhang Chao) quickly turned flustered, remembering that Lu Tian was a man who preferred cleanness.


    His hand raises to his mouth, and he coughs twice to clear his throat.


    "This is my office."


    He cleared his throat again and held his hands behind his back. Despite his red cheeks, he tries to stayposed.


    "I don''t usually have visitors and barely stay here, so it''s been a little unattended."


    Xu Long''s head flung to the man, and his mouth agape. His expression held a mixture of shock and horror, not believing what he was hearing.


    How could someone call a room like this their office? Not only that, is there even a ce for them to sit inside?


    Lu Tian stares at the cluttered room, and his brows slightly creased. He ponders for a quick second, then strides inside. Despite his preference for cleanliness, he has been to a ce far worst than this.


    Xu Long and Zhang Chang were bbergasted with widened eyes at what they saw. However, they quickly followed him since Lu Tian was already inside the room.


    Zhang Chao scurries to a chair and moves a few boxes before dusting away the cushion.


    "Mr. Lu, please have a seat here."


    Lu Tian nces at the seat and then at Zhang Chao. He noticed other chairs in the room, but they were all upied by things that could not be moved.


    His brows knitted again, and he looked at the elderly man.


    "It''s alright. You can sit."


    Zhang Chao''s eyebrows raised at the man. Others would have thought Lu Tian didn''t want to sit because he (Lu Tian) thought the seat was too dirty, but not him (Zhang Chao).


    He knew Lu Tian had offered him to sit because he was old.


    "Alright then."


    Realizing this, he lets out a smallugh and takes a seat.


    "May I ask why you are looking for the owner of the pseudonym?"


    Lu Tian stares at the owner of the man as if to read him. However, seeing no malice in the man, he cuts to the chase.


    "I''m working a case."


    Hearing this, Zhang Chao arches his eyebrows in astonishment, but the smile on his face fades. He stares at Lu Tian for a long second before nodding his head.


    "I see. So that''s why you are here."


    He leans back in the chair and strokes his chin with a pondering expression.


    "I''m not surprised at all. Since you came here in person, I can only assume this case is serious."


    From what he heard, Lu Tian is never the type to meet others, let alone is it easy to meet the man. However, it should be known that when Lu Tian personally meets someone while he is working on a case, it can only mean that a storm ising.


    Thinking this, his hand pauses but remains on his chin, and he nces at Xu Long. He ponders again but only for a quick second.


    He lets out a sigh of apprehension and massages his temples.


    "I want to help you, but I don''t know the person you are looking for."


    His hand lowers, and he looks up at the aloof man, meeting him in the eyes.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    "It''s also against mypany''s policy to disclose my customer''s information."


    Lu Tian stares back at the man with a straight face. Although Zhang Chao kept aposed posture, he (Lu Tian) quickly saw the man waver before answering.


    However, seeing that man will not oblige to his request, he slightly turns his head to look at his assistant.


    "Mr. Zhang, I understand you have your protocols, but I also have mine."


    His words fall as Xu Long takes a few steps forward. He (Xu Long) hands his phone to Zhang Chao and steps back.


    Zhang Chao takes the phone with slight hesitation. He didn''t know why, but Lu Tian''s words sent a chilling sensation to crawl throughout his body.


    He swallows a hard gulp and then looks down at the phone. However, it was only a matter of seconds before his eyes turned wide, and he abruptly looked up.


    "This¡­ What is the meaning of this?"


    Lu Tian shrugs his shoulder with indifference and ces his hands in his coat pockets.


    "Those are contracts between yourpany and a few otherpanies. However, from what I can see, there seems to be a few illegal activities."


    Zhang Chao was bewildered by what he was hearing. He owns a techpany, and the security was undoubtedly robust and not easy to hack. However, Lu Tian was able to hack into his security system and pull out the contracts.


    He swallows another gulp but this time with difficulty.


    "I mean¡­ this¡­"


    He closes his eyes tightly, needing to decide what to do. On one hand, is a person he cannot cross the line with, while on the other hand, the person cannot reveal is also someone he cannot cross the line with at all.


    His shoulders rise and slowly lowers as he exhales a deep breath.


    He opens his eyes and hands the phone to Xu Long before standing up.


    "Mr. Lu, you have my deepest respect, but I''m sorry. I cannot help you with this matter. If you want to release this information to the media, go ahead."


    Lu Tian arched an eyebrow at the man. He could see that Zhang Chao was in a dilemma but was more amused by the man''s dedication to protecting this anonymous person.


    He contemtes, but only for a split second, and turns around.


    "I''ll take my leave then."


    He leaves the room, knowing that Zhang Chao will not disclose anything. They would not get anything out of him, even if it meant threatening him.


    "Mr. Lu."


    Just when Lu Tian reached the door, Zhang Chao called out while walking up to the aloof man.


    "I understand you are working a case, but it is best not to tempt fate. The person you seek will only make your case moreplicated."


    Lu Tian held a fixed stare at the man without showing any change in his expression. He nods his head once before turning away and exiting the room.


    In silence the entire time, Xu Long was bewildered yet confused at the same time. His head darts between his boss, who was walking away, and Zhang Chao, who is still in the room.


    Not entirely understanding why his boss was leaving without further questioning, he nces at Zhang Chao onest time before running after his boss.


    As the two gradually disappear from view, Zhang Chao heaves a long sigh in frustration. He pinches the space between his eyebrows and then takes his phone out to call someone.


    The rings twice, and the call connects. However, before the other person can say anything, he quickly whispers.


    "Lu Tian is looking for you. What do you want me to do?"


    As Zhang Chao immerses himself in this phone call, Lu Tian and Xu Long arrive at the car outside of Zhang Tech.


    "Boss, are we just going to leave like this?"


    Xu Long asks with a frown and looks at the building. They had found a clue that led them here. He was sure they wouldn''t be leaving empty-handed. However, here they are, back to step one.


    He turns away from the building and looks at his boss.


    "Do you want me to assemble Wolf Team? I''m sure with a little pressure, we can make him talk."


    Lu Tian opens the back door to the car, and without looking at his assistant, he gets inside but not forgetting to respond.


    "No."


    Hearing this short response, Xu Long pursed his lips with slightly puffed cheeks. He sighs with dismay and scurries to the driver''s seat.


    Lu Tian stares out the window as they drive from the building, but one can see he is in deep thought.


    He knows that Zhang Chao knows more than he led on. If he had wanted to, he could have forced the man for some answers.


    However, one thing was clear from the man''sst words before he (Lu Tian) left.


    Despite this person also looking for Choi Li Sun like him, Zhang Chao is telling him that this person is no ordinary person.


    The only question is, is this person a friend or foe?

 Chapter 934 Hard To Make A Decision

    Once afternoon came to Imperial, the grey clouds lingering in the sky gradually disappeared, allowing sunlight to peek through. Everyone continued their day as Yue Ling returned to De L''amour to finish work.


    "Good afternoon, CEO Han. How was your lunch?"


    Just as she entered through the doors, Sophia stood up from her seat and greeted her with a bright smile.


    Yue Ling returns the smile and walks over to the receptionist.


    "It was good. I got to enjoy it with my grandfather and brother."


    She feels a little guilty for not including Lu Tian, but she was d to have spent quality time with her family.


    The boss and employee chatted briefly before Sophia remembered something and turned away.


    "Oh, I almost forgot. This came for you while you were away."


    She retrieves a medium box and ces it on the counter.


    "I was going to give it to Assistant Liu, but he hasn''t returned from lunch yet."


    Yue Ling was mildly astonished at the news, not because of the package but because of her assistant. Usually, it was Liu Shan who was back in his office before her.


    However, understanding that he has his reasons, she doesn''t put too much thought into it.


    She took the box and held it under her right arm.


    "Thank you. Let everyone know that if there is not much left to do, they can head home early."


    Without waiting for a response, she turns away and walks toward the elevator.


    Sophia was surprised to hear she and the others could go home early. She bows right before Yue Ling disappears around the corner and plops down in her chair.


    She reaches for her keyboard and quickly sends an e-mail to all the employees.


    While the e-mail reaches all the employees, Yue Ling quickly arrives on the 29th floor. She decided to make a quick stop in the design room to see how her design team was doing.


    Just as she was a few feet away from the room, she heard a loudmotion inside.


    She sighed deeply and contemted whether to stick to or abort her decision.


    However, choosing not to do thetter, she continues to the room.


    She doesn''t enter immediately but stares from the door with furrowed eyebrows.


    Unlike thest time she came to check on them, the room was in a chaotic mess. Fabrics and design drafts are scattered all over the floor. It was to the point that there was hardly any room to walk, let alone stand.


    "Ju Suo, that doesn''t look nice. Why would you choose sequin? You know that boss has delicate skin. She will not be able to wear it for long."


    Tang Zhonghui pursed his lips while bickering with the petite woman. He crosses his arms over his chest and stares at the dress Ju Suo had put together.


    "The dress is nice, but the material isn''t all that ttering."


    Hearing his disapproving words, Ju Suo rolled her eyes. She puts her hands on her hips and tilts her head to look at the man.


    "Do you think I am an idiot? I''m only referencing the sequin fabric since we don''t have what I need."


    She sighs hard and picks up her design sketch from the table on her right. She hands it to the technical designer.


    "See for yourself. If we had the material, the dress I envisioned would be the best."


    Tang Zhonghui was skeptical about her words. He stares at her and then down at the paper in her hand before taking it.


    Once his eyesnded on the sketch she had done, his jaw dropped, and he looked at her.


    "You came up with this?"


    He shows her design to her and points at it.


    "This. This right here is your design?"


    It was a blush pink mermaid dress with a long horsetail trailing behind. However, it wasn''t decorated with sequin but diamonds.


    Ju Suo couldn''t help but roll her eyes again. She snatched her design from him but made sure not to be so rough as not to rip it.


    "Yes. THIS is my design that I came up with. Why? Are you just now realizing that it is better than yours?"


    Tang Zhonghui scoffs a sarcastic chuckle in disbelief. He doesn''t answer her and walks away.


    He couldn''t admit that her design was quite lovely. Once her designes to life, it''ll look good on theIr boss. Now he''ll need to make some adjustments to his if he wants to beat her.


    Ju Suo''s eyes followed the man before they quickly spotted her boss standing by the door. Her expression lit up, and she dashes over.


    "Boss! When did you get back? How long have you been standing there? Why didn''t youe inside or let us know that you were stopping by?"


    Yue Ling was thrown question after question as the petite woman stopped before her. She smiles augh and enters the room.


    "I just got back. How is everyone doing?"


    She asked, but she knew her design team was putting their whole heart into making the perfect dress for her. Luckily, this is only for her engagement. God knows how they would be if it had been her wedding dress.


    Hearing of her arrival, everyone stopped what they were doing and joined her and Ju Suo.


    "Boss,e over here. Take a look a the designs we came up with."<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    Lian Ni Shang spoke with a broad smile as she locked arms with her boss. As she did so, she didn''t forget to lead Yue Ling to the back of the room.


    "We each created a fashion mood board for you to look at."


    Yue Ling didn''t answer butughed as she stood in front of the back wall. However, unlike its'' previous job of housing fabric samples, it was now reced with multiple design boards.


    She stares at the visual summary of inspiring images, objects, material swatches, and sketches her design team had assembled.


    It was as if they had used the whole day to brain-dump ideas.


    Seeing this made her feel guilty. She had told them she would also think of some designs but hadn''t even picked up her sketchbook.


    She studies each coge with slow steps and carefully observes each item pinned on the board. Every so often, she would pause to ponder and then move on.


    The other seven people in the room suddenly felt nervous watching her do this. They knew this was just a rough draft, but it felt like they were presenting a design before a judge.


    Once Yue Ling was done looking at thest board, she turned around to face her design team. She doesn''t look at them right away but at the nicely dressed mannequins in the room.


    She was pretty surprised by their work. All the pieces they put together were far better than the dress she had picked at Blush Tree.


    "Um... boss, what do you think?"


    Gui Tian Lan nervously asks with his fingers entwined and thumbs fidgeting against one another.


    Others might think he and the others didn''t have to be nervous, but they do not know what it is like to work with Yue Ling.


    She may be easy to get along with, but when ites to finding the right design, she can be ruthless.


    One minor w or something not to her liking can change everything.


    Yue Ling looks away from the mannequin to each of her subordinates. She was taken aback when she saw the timorous expression on their faces, and she couldn''t help but smile.


    "Everything looks good and properly put together."


    Compared to their messy designs before she left for An Qing, it was easier to envision how each dress would turn out this time.


    "I''m truly grateful for all of your great work."


    Each individual from her design team breathed a sigh of relief, not realizing they had been holding their breath the entire time.


    However, the question now was, which design would she choose?


    Yue Ling knew what they were thinking, and she had alreadye up with an idea. She looks at her design team, one person at a time.


    "I know you all put your entire heart into this, but it''s hard to make a decision."


    She pauses for a second, only to see the relief in each person gradually disperse into thin air.


    "Don''t look so down. I still need to do my part."


    She slightly straightens her spine, and her words continue.


    "But once I''m done, I hope we can sit down and deliberate how to put our designs into one piece."


    Hearing this, an ted gleam of light shed in everyone''s eyes, bringing back hope into them.


    Fortunately, they don''t have to fight about who will be the winner because all of them will be taking the trophy.


    Yue Ling chuckles a faint sigh with a slight shake of her head at the surprised expression on her design team. She was d toe up with this idea while returning from lunch.


    "Boss, what is that in your hand?"


    Shan Sinan couldn''t help but notice the box in his boss''s hand. He had wanted to ask her when he saw her but was more interested in hearing her opinion on the designs.


    As his question fell, the others followed his gaze and stared at the box. Now they were also curious.


    Yue Ling looks down at the box andughs. Despite holding it, she had forgotten about it.


    "I''m not sure. Sophia said it was delivered while I was out."


    She raises her head and smiles at her design team.


    "Anyways, I''ll let you all get back to work."


    She makes her way towards the door, but remembering something, she stops in her tracks and turns back to her subordinates.


    "Ah, I almost forgot. If you''re all finished here, you can go home."


    She turns around and walks out of the room before anyone can respond to her.


    Listening to her footsteps slowly fade into the distance, Gui Tian Lan leans towards the person who has not spoken a word.


    "Have you found anything?"


    Qi Li''s expression remained as cold as a frozenke. However, hearing the question, his eyes dimmed dangerously.


    He stares at the door while feeling the gaze of everyone in the room.


    "She has a reservation at Imperial Hotel tonight."

 Chapter 935 Never Alone

    ?


    Yue Ling entered her office with the box in her hands. She walks over to her desk and ces it down before opening the seal.


    She was about to cut the tape when the sender''s name caught her attention.


    Her expression softens, and she gently traces over the shippingbel.


    ''Lu Tian''


    Seeing his name made her miss him and want to go home to be with him. However, knowing there was still work to do, she suppressed the urge inside.


    She opened the box to see a neatly packaged picture frame.


    She took it out and glued her eyes to it.


    Neatly framed in gold was a picture from their photo shoot. The photo was of them sitting on the boat, smiling at one another. Just ncing was enough to let anyone who saw the picture see their love for each other.


    However, only those at the scene would know why they smiled.


    It was due to Xu Long falling into theke, thinking he was going to drown but could stand after Qi Li jumped in to save him.


    Being reminded of the day, she gently traces over the photo with her fingers but on the face of the name she loves.


    A faint yet gradient smile curls on her mouth.


    "How can you be such a sweetheart?"


    She mutters like she is asking him the question but sighs with yearning.


    "I wonder what you are doing right now?"


    She stares at Lu Tian''s face in the photo for a long minute before walking around her desk. She ces the picture next to her monitor, where she can see it with a slight nce while working.


    *Ring ring


    Just when she set it down, the phone in her pocket rang. She takes it out only to see the name of the man she missed.


    Without waiting for the call to ring again, she picks it up.


    "Hi, Tian."


    ["Did you get the package?"]


    Lu Tian''s deep voice vaguely sounds from the other line, which is enough to put a smile on Yue Ling''s face.


    She pulled her chair back to sit down like she was going to work. However, instead of working, she leans back and stares at their photo.


    "I did. It turned out lovely."


    ["I''m d you like it. I''ll have a bigger one made for you soon."]


    Hearing this, Yue Ling looks at her office, but Lu Tian''s deep voice sounds from the other line before she can contemte where she can put therger frame.


    ["I miss you."]


    Blood rose to her cheeks, and her shoulders slightly raised as she turned bashful at his words.


    Her shoulders subconsciously sway, and she touches her lips with her free hand.


    "I miss you too."


    Feeling more shyness rise from inside, she quickly ends the call.


    "I''ll see you at home."


    She stares at the phone and presses her lips together to keep her from smiling. However, just when she thought she could calm down, the phone rang again with Lu Tian''s name on the screen.


    She clears her throat and answers the call, then ce the phone next to her ear.


    Before she could utter a word, Lu Tian''s voice spoke from the other line.


    ["I love you. I''ll be waiting for you at home."]


    Although his words were short, she felt Cupid had shot arrows into her heart. She couldn''t help clutch her chest and close her eyes to steady herself.


    She thought he called back to tell her something else but wanted to pour more of his shamelessness through the phone.


    However, knowing he is waiting for her response, she swallows a gulp and straightens her spine.


    "I love you too. I''ll let you know when I''m finished with work."


    She hears an ''Mm'' from the other line and takes it as a sign to end the call.


    A sigh escapes her lips, and she ces the phone on the desk before sitting down.


    She doesn''t turn on herputer but opens one of the drawers to her right. She takes her sketchbook and a pencil, then flips to a nk page.


    Her lips pursed in thought as she didn''t know what to sketch. However, it was only a split second as a design came to her mind.


    She starts with the head, then to the body, and before she knew it, she had alreadypleted her first rough draft.


    A simple yet elegant dress.


    The sketch was messy, but she knew what she was looking at and smiled at the dress.


    However, just when she was about to flip the page, her ears light perk.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    Her eyes slowly flutter, and she stares toward the door to her office.


    The sound of heavy and frantic footsteps could be heard headed her way.


    She calmly sets the pencil and sketchbook down and leans back in the chair. Her arms crossed over her chest, and she waited for the person.


    "Boss! Boss! Boss!"


    The door flung open with force but not so much to cause damage as Liu Shan darts into the room.


    His head searches high and low with an expression full of panic and worry.


    "Boss? Are you here? Boss?"


    Yue Ling parted her lips to answer him, but in the next moment, her eyes grew heavy, and she was bbergasted.


    Liu Shan had not seen her because her monitor screen blocked her from his view. She watched as he dropped to his knees and choked a sob.


    "I''m alone. I''m all alone. Everyone¡­ everyone disappeared¡­."


    Just when she thought he was going to end his depressing act, he made his next move.


    He suddenly jolted up. His right-hand raised to hit his left chest, and he raised his chin sternly.


    "Don''t worry, boss. I, Liu Shan, will move heaven and earth to find everyone."


    His entire demeanor shifted from a sad puppy to one full of determination.


    Yue Ling was tongue-tied by his actions and helplessly raised her right hand to massage her forehead. She debates on whether to remain quiet or break his exaggeration.


    However, deciding on thetter, she scooted the chair back and stood up.


    "No one disappeared, and you are not alone."


    Her angelic voice enters Liu Shan''s ears, and he abruptly turns to look in her direction. Seeing her stand behind the desk, relief filled his entire being as if he had been brought back to life again.


    He stood up from the floor and hopped over in her direction. A broad and bright smile stered on his face.


    "Boss! You''re here."


    Yue Ling stares at him for a long second, then sits back down. She didn''t continue with what she was doing but kept her eyes on him.


    "If I''m not here, where else should I be?"


    Liu Shan blushed in embarrassment. He couldn''t believe that he had shown such a scene to her.


    He had just returned from his meeting with Manager Luo during his lunch. However, when he entered thepany, no one was in sight. Even the design team was nowhere to be seen, along with Secretary Jiang.


    He didn''t know what was happening but was scared that something might have happened while he was away.


    With this mindset, he rushed to his boss''s office. If anything were to happen to her, he would never forgive himself for neglecting his job.


    He stops in front of her desk and looks left and right, then behind him.


    Yue Ling arches an eyebrow and crosses one leg over the other. Her arms rest on the chair, and she slightly tilts her head.


    "What are you doing now?"


    Liu Shan doesn''t look at her but continues to look in all directions as if he is searching for something.


    "I''m looking for the hole that should have appeared so I can hide in it."


    "¡­"


    From his words and his behavior, she knew what had gone through his mind. She shakes her head with a sigh and pulls her chair closer to her desk.


    "Nothing happened. There isn''t much work left, so I dismissed everyone."


    She opens the sketchbook before her and picks up the pencil but pauses. She looks up at her assistant and points to the door with the pencil.


    "If you''re done with your work, you can also go home early."


    Liu Shan could only blink his eyes at her. He thought she would at least ask him how it went with Manager Luo, but taking notice of the opened sketched book, he knew why she didn''t ask him.


    He gestures a polite bow and takes a step back.


    "I still have some work to finish, so I''ll leave when you do."


    Yue Ling nonchntly shrugs her shoulder and gets to work on her following sketch.


    "It''s up to you."


    Watching her work on her design, Liu Shan doesn''t stay to chat and turns around.


    He had no work to finish, but he will find something to do.


    He never liked to leave her alone in all his time working under Yue Ling. If he did, it was only because someone else was with her.


    It was his way of telling her that she is never alone whenever she is in danger.


    After all, his boss has her own enemies lurking somewhere in the dark. If anyone were to harm her, he must be there for her.


    Not as her assistant or a friend but as a member of Fate.

 Chapter 936 Forgotten To Eat

    ?


    Away from the heart of Imperial, Lu Tian had returned home from visiting Zhang Tech. He remained in the study after Xu Long left for home.


    He sat behind his desk and stared at the phone in his hand. Saved on the screen was a photo of Yue Ling smiling at the camera, but the more he stared at his lock screen, the more he missed her.


    With this feeling of longing inside him, he opens up his call log, and his thumb hovers over her name, itching to press it.


    However, he closes his eyes to suppress the urge to do so.


    He sets his phone aside and takes a deep breath. As much as he wants to hear her voice again, he shouldn''t bother her while she is working.


    "Just a few more hours."


    He whispers to calm his mind and reaches for the keyboard. Once he hadposed himself, his fingers began to dance over the keyboard with his eyes glued to the monitor.


    After his conversation with Zhang Chao, he was interested in the case he worked on. If he can find out who this other person is, this person may have information he may have missed in finding Choi Li Sun.


    Seconds had turned into minutes; before anyone realized it, hours had passed with the sun setting on the horizon.


    Yue Ling''s white BMW x5m enters the gate of her home and stops in the driveway. She exits the car and walks to the back seat to retrieve her work bag and a white take-out bag.


    She notices Lu Tian''s car in the driveway, and a smile curls on her lips. She wasted no time and entered the front door.


    However, the second she walked inside the house, she was weed with silence.


    She ces the things in her hands on a nearby table to change out of her shoes while scanning the area in front of her.


    "Tian?"


    She calls out to him but receives no response in return. The crease between her brows tightens, and she grabs the white take-out bag, making her to the kitchen.


    After setting the bag on the dining table, she decides to find the man working from home.


    She knew he often had his smoke break, so she checked the back patio. However, it was empty.


    Putting little thought into it, she makes her way upstairs. Since he wasn''t outside, he could only be in one ce.


    And just as she had suspected, the man she was looking for was cooped up in the study.


    She leaned against the door frame with her arms folded over her chest and took in the sight of him.


    Lu Tian sat with his eyes on the monitor, fingers typing away. He had changed into afy set of ck loungewear, his hair unfixed, slightly covering his forehead.


    His exclusive feature,bined with the glistening rays of light from the window, made him look all the more dignified.


    She inhales a small breath that turns into a smile as she can''t help but fall more in love with the man.


    Noticing a figure from his peripheral vision, Lu Tian''s hands stop what they are doing, and he turns to look at the person.


    When his eyes meet the familiar bluish-green eyes he loves so much, the corners of his mouth curl up before his pearly white teethe into view.


    "You''re home."


    His words fall, and he gets up from the chair. As he did so, his right-hand naturally raised to his head, and his finger ran through his hair,bing it back to reveal his forehead.


    Yue Ling''s eyes follow his every move, and her heart skips a beat. She slowly flutters her eyes, and he is now standing before her.


    She tilts her head back a bit and smiles up at him. Her eyes never left his.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    "I''m home."


    The smile on Lu Tian''s face turned subtle but did not disappear. He takes her hand into his and kisses the tips of her fingers.


    "Wee home."


    He doesn''t stop there as he gently pulls her into an embrace and ces a kiss on her forehead.


    "I missed you so much."


    Yue Ling''s cheeks turned crimson red at his affectionate actions. She clutched her chest, and her eyes closed to inhale his spicy scent with a touch of sweetness.


    Being in his arms after a long day of work was her haven.


    Her fingers grip tighter onto her chest, and she whispers a grunt.


    "My heart really cannot take it."


    Lu Tian frowns and leans back but doesn''t let go of her. He looks down at his wife, and a faint hint of worry shes in his eyes.


    "What is it? Are you not feeling well?"


    He noticed her flushed cheek and touched her forehead with his left palm. Feeling unsatisfied, he moves his hand and lowers his head until his forehead is gently pressed against hers.


    The second he did this, Yue Ling felt her heart beat faster.


    Sheughs at his worried behavior and moves her head away, but only to kiss him on the lips as her arms wrap around his waist.


    "I missed you too."


    She gazed into his eyes and saw the mixtures of relief and surprise in them. She couldn''t help butugh again and moved away from him.


    "Did you eat yet? I stopped by Elegancy beforeing home."


    Lu Tian was a little disappointed that she was no longer in his arms, but hearing her words, he realized the orange shade of light in the room.


    He could tell without looking at the clock that it was already past 6 pm.


    Yue Ling smiles at his dazed expression and takes his hand, leading him out of the study room.


    "If my guess is correct, you must have forgotten to eat."


    She could make this guess because she was like that too. If she was too immersed in work or working from home, she would forget the time and forget to eat.


    Lu Tian let out a faint mm as he felt ashamed to admit she was right. In the past, there were times when he didn''t eat for days, and if it were not for his mother and Xu Long reminding him, he would probably die on an empty stomach.


    Now, he always ate at home because his wife was here with him.


    However, staring at the back of his wife, he felt regretful.


    He was working from home; the least he could have done was prepare dinner when she came home.


    With this thought, he makes a decision.


    He will make sure dinner is on the table before his wife is home.

 Chapter 937 Her Offer To Help

    ?


    After dinner, Yue Ling and Lu Tian showered and returned to the study. While Lu Tian continued his search throughout Imperial, Yue Ling worked on her sketches.


    The setup of their desks allowed them to see one another at a nce. However, the couple didn''t speak to one another as their silent presence in the same room was enough.


    Only the clicking of the keyboard under Lu Tian''s hand sounded in the room.


    Lu Tian stops his search and looks away from the monitor. His eyes quicklynded on his beautiful wife.


    She sat with her knees up and feet on the chair. Her head was slightly down, allowing her hair to escape down her right shoulder. He would have thought she had fallen asleep if not for the movement of her hand scribbling in her sketchbook.


    She would yawn and rub her eyes every few seconds but tried to stay awake.


    One corner of his mouth slightly raises into a side smile. The sight of her softens his heart, putting away any frustration in his head.


    He leans back against the chair and gazes at her with eyes filled with love and adoration.


    Yue Ling focused her attention on her designs but sensing a pair of eyes on her, she looked up from her sketchbook.


    Her bluish-green eyes meet Lu Tian''s dark ones, and she sees he is no longer working. She smiles at him and slightly lowers her knees.


    "Are you done?"


    Her tired angelic voice raised the other corners of his mouth, and he shook his head.


    "There''s still a lot I need to do. I just needed a break to recharge."


    Lu Tian''s words made Yue Ling blush for an unknown reason. She turns her head away but only returns her eyes to him.


    It was as if he was telling her that by looking at her, she was enough to charge him.


    She cleared her throat, put her feet on the floor, and held the sketchbook on herp. Her posture leans toward her desk, and she smiles.


    "Are you recharged now?"


    Lu Tian pursed his lips with a pondering expression. After thinking enough, he sighs and shakes his head.


    "I''m not fully recharged."


    Yue Ling tilts her head in confusion. She stares at him, then thinking he might need something to drink, she gets up from the chair.


    "I''ll go make some tea for you."


    However, the second herst word fell, Lu Tian shook his head again and gestured for her to go to him.


    She doesn''t think much about it and walks over to his side of the desk. She parted her lips to ask what it was, but he pulled her by the hand before she had time to react.


    A small yelp escaped her lips, and he ced her on hisp.


    His right arm supported her back while his left wrapped over her thighs, gently hugging her closer. Once he was sure she wasfortable, he rested his head on her chest.


    "I don''t need tea. This is enough."


    Yue Ling was speechless while the beating of her heart seemed to intensify. She doesn''t push him away or try to get up. Instead, she tilts her head to lean against his head as if to transfer all her love to him.


    She subconsciously nces at hisputer monitor, and a name catches her attention. She moves her head and stares at the name.


    "Choi Li Sun?"


    Hearing the name, Lu Tian''s eyes narrow before straightening his head. He turns a little to the right to look at his wife.


    "Do you know him?"


    Yue Ling stares at the name for a long second, then shakes her head.


    "I don''t know him, but I''ve heard that name before."


    And this was the truth. She had heard the name before but couldn''t remember when or who.


    She bit her lower lip with a frown as if she was trying to remember something. However, unable to do so, she looks at the man holding her.


    "Is this person the reason why you are working from home?"


    From what she remembers, Lu Tian wasn''t an ordinary businessman. He was also involved in dangerous tasks around the underworld.


    He does all his business at hispany and only works from home when working on work outside of business.


    Lu Tian didn''t know why, but he felt slightly disappointed with her answer.


    The moment he started investigating this other person looking for Choi Li Sun, a part of him hoped it was not his wife. Yet another aspect of him hoped it was her.


    With her knowledge of the underworld, tracking down Choi Li Sun would be a lot easier.


    However, seeing her expression towards the name, he could conclude that she did not know the man.


    He looks away from his wife, and his arms wrapped around her tightens gently.


    "In all the cases I''ve worked since I took over Lu Corps, I''ve never failed to capture a suspect. However, this case is the only one different."<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    Yue Ling was surprised to hear this. She looks at the monitor and then back at him. Her silence was enough to let him know that she was listening.


    "This case was also the very first case I was on."


    Lu Tian spoke in a calm tone, but Yue Ling knew there was a trace of guilt and disappointment behind his voice.


    "I was immature at the time, thinking I could do anything as long as I put my mind to it."


    He breathes a chuckle filled with sarcasm, and his words continue.


    "But it was this case that made me realize all my mistakes. Because of this case, I could always stay two steps ahead. However, for some reason, I am always one step behind when it involves this case."


    He thinks about his past self at a young age and feels stupid for thinking he is morepetent.


    "If I had yed my cards carefully, I would have captured him, and many would have been saved."


    His arms around his wife loosen, and he leans back against the chair.


    "Even now, I feel like I am still one step behind."


    He is supposed to be one of the top hackers in the world, but no matter what he did, he couldn''t find any traces of Choi Li Sun. Even worse, he couldn''t find anything substantial about the anonymous person looking for Choi Li Sun.


    It was as if he was entering one ck hole after another.


    Yue Ling feltpassion hearing the deep guilt in his voice. Only now could she see how much this case had taken a toll on him.


    He may be able to fool others, but not her because she knows exactly how he feels.


    The feeling of being depended on by many but only to fail them. Even if it were only once, it would never disappear, always eating one alive on the inside.


    It was like a repeated nightmare in the dark where a glimpse of light could never reach.


    She sighs inside and looks down at his hand on herp. She slowly reaches to hold his hand with both her hands.


    "Don''t feel so down."


    She turns her head to look at him and gives him a reassuring smile. She was d to know that he could share his feelings with her.


    "Today, you may be one step behind, but tomorrow, you will be one step ahead."


    Her right hand held onto his hand as her left hand rose to caress his cheek.


    "I know you will catch him."


    Lu Tian took in the sight of his wife. He was surprised at himself for being able to express such feelings aloud, but knowing that the person by his side was her, he was happy to do so.


    He gently squeezes her hand before bringing it up to his lip.


    "Since my wife has faith in me, I must not disappoint her."


    Yue Lingughed and was relieved to see his guilty feeling disappear.


    Thinking about something, she puts her left elbow on his shoulder and rests her chin in her palm.


    "I can help you if you need me to. My resources might be of help in your case."


    Lu Tian was happy to hear her offer to help. However, he couldn''t trouble her.


    "I''ll keep that in mind."


    His wife already has a lot going on in her hands. If he asked her for help, he would be considered an ipetent husband.


    As his thoughts began to drift, the freshness of her scent, coated with a hint of honey, entered his nostrils, suddenly sending a sensation through his body.


    He gulps with difficulty, and his hands tighten on her, but not so much that it will cause her harm.


    ''Lu Tian, remain calm. This is not the time to fulfill your need. Your wife is tired from work and needs to rx. Don''t be the devil and deprive her of any rest.''


    He curses at himself inside, unaware that Yue Ling felt the sudden tightness of his grip on her. She looked at him but couldn''t due to his head now pressed against her shoulder.


    "Tian?"


    Hearing her call his name, Lu Tian inhales deeply to calm the sensation, trying to run aze below his abdomen.


    "Mm."


    He answers with a low grunt, almost like his throat is dried. This made Yue Ling crease her brows and push herself away from him.


    "Are you okay?"


    Lu Tian nods and looks up at his wife once he is in a steady state of mind.


    "I''m okay now. Let''s go to bed."


    Without waiting for Yue Ling to respond, he picks her up in his arms with ease as he stands up from the chair and walks out of the study room.

 Chapter 938 The Fox Has Entered The Forest

    ?


    Night came to Imperial, engulfing the sky with darkness. As the lights turn on, some people prepare to end the night while others enjoy the night.


    Imperial Hotel continues to open its doors to wee its guests in the heart of Imperial, where it is the busiest during the day and the night.


    Amongst the many cars unloading in front of the hotel, a white Mercedes soon arrive at its turn.


    The driver''s side door opens, and a woman with medium-length brown hair steps out into view. She wore a bright red coat with white boots that wrapped around her legs.


    With the light passing of the night wind, the front of her coat flutters to reveal the red body-con dress that enhances the curves of her body.


    "Good evening, Miss Ji. It''s a pleasure to see you visiting again."


    An employee greets her upon arrival, causing Ji Chu Hua to smile at the woman vaguely. Her appearance was alluring, but her eyes held no ounce of emotions.


    "I have a reservation for a private room."


    She hands the keys to her car to the woman and slightly nudges her head to the trunk of her car.


    "Please have someone send my things up. I''m meeting someone in the cocktail lounge."


    The woman nods in understanding as she takes the keys. Handing them to a valet worker with hair slightly covering his face, she gives a quick instruction before returning to Ji Chu Hua.


    "Miss Hua, please follow me this way. I will retrieve your room key from the front desk."


    Ji Chu Hua maintains a polite attitude and follows after the worker. However, despite wanting to keep up the facade, she took the lead by a step.


    The two women entered Imperial Hotel, and the worker wasted no time. She led the way straight to the cocktail lounge with Ji Chu Hua.


    She wanted to ensure the hotel''s most esteemed guests were treated with the utmost care.


    As their figures walked past the guest waiting area, neither was aware of a pair of eyes focused on them.


    A beautiful woman sat amongst the many people waiting to be taken to their rooms. However, a hint of coldness made others afraid to approach her.


    The non-prescribed sses on top of her nose slightly hid the murderous glint of light in her eyes that glued onto Ji Chu Hua''s head.


    Sitting next to her was a man with a decent appearance. Unlike the woman, he looked more rxed and easygoing. In his hands was a book but instead of reading, his eyes were focused on the woman at his side.


    Lian Ni Shang watched Ji Chu Hua and the worker disappear around the corner. She takes out her phone and makes a phone call.


    The line rang twice before it connected, and without waiting for the person on the other line to answer, her lips parted to speak.


    "The fox has entered the forest."


    ["Got it. Entering surveinces now."]


    After the confirmation, Lian Ni Shang ends the call and puts her phone in her coat pocket. She turned to look at the man next to her but was taken aback to see how he looked at her.


    "Sinan, why are you staring at me?"


    Shan Sinan smiles with a shrug of his shoulder, eyes never leaving her face.


    "Just because."


    He closes the book and ces it on hisp. His head tilts to the side, and he looks at her again.


    "Is it wrong for me to want to stare at my girlfriend?"


    Lian Ni Shang turned flustered, and a bashful smile crossed her face. However, she was never one to shy away, whether they were alone or in public.


    She takes the book from his hand and raises it open. Once it blocked their view from anyone nearby, she leans towards him and kisses his lips.


    "Let''s go. The others are already in position."


    Shan Sinan smiles at her. If he had been any other day, he would prefer to take her home and cuddle in bed instead. However, they had a purpose for being here.


    He took the book from her and held her hand before heading toward the cocktail lounge.


    Outside of the hotel, Ji Chu Hua''s car enters the valet parking area explicitly designated for all the VIP guests of Imperial Hotel.


    The white Mercedes back parks in an empty spot, and the valet worker exits the car. His hair, partially covering his face, made it hard to get a good look at him.


    He closes the door but does not walk away from the vehicle. He walks to the back of the car, opens the trunk to take out the luggage, and then closes the door.


    However, if one were to look carefully, one would see that he had stuck something inside the car''s trunk space.


    He locks the car and takes the luggage to the hotel entrance, where another hotel employee awaits him.


    "Bring this to Miss Ji''s room."


    The employee is a young woman wearing the hotel uniform. She stares at the man with confusion, but seeing the hotel logo on the man''s jacket, she nods.


    Confirming nothing was amiss, she takes the luggage and walks away.


    Only when the valet worker had left alone did he retrieve his phone from his pocket. He dials a number and ces the phone next to his ear.


    "Done."


    He doesn''t wait for a response and ends the call as he heads for the hotel staircase. Once the door closes behind him, he makes his way down the stairs.


    He removes the jacket leaving only a ck turtleneck top, and ces the coat on the stair railing. While he continues down the stairs, his right hand raises to his face, and he removes the colored contacts in his eyes.


    Tossing the contacts inside a nearby trash bin, he reaches for his forehead tob his hair.


    However, while doing so, he removes the wig, allowing his freshly faded haircut toe into view.


    His cold expression did not change as his palm smooths over his head, and he reached inside the pants pocket to get his sses.


    Putting them on, Qi Li increases his speed down the stairs to meet the others.


    Inside Imperial Hotel''s cocktail lounge, Ji Chu Hua was led to the bar. She had removed her red coat and sat with a ss of Martini, happily chatting with one of the bartenders.


    From afar, the two looked to be acquaintances catching up, but if one were close enough, one would be in for a shock.


    "Miss Ji, are you here alone?"


    The bartender asks with a smile that could make women faint from happiness. However, Ji Chu Hua was able to hold her ground.


    She returns the smile and picks up her Martini to take a sip.


    "Sorry, I''m meeting someone."


    She sets the ss down and leans towards him, slightly pushing her arms together to make her chest appear fuller.


    "But I am free after."


    The bartender stares at her face for a second, but his eyes can''t help but lower to take a nce at her revealing cleavage.


    His throat grew rtively dry, and he swallowed a hard gulp with difficulty. He looks back at her face and grins widely at her.


    "I don''t mind the wait."


    Even though he knows that Ji Chu Hua is not her for business but for pleasure, he is happy enough that she is willing to give any attention to someone like him.


    He reaches the side of the bar counter and picks up his business card. Sliding it to her, he gives her a side smirk.


    "Give me a call when you are free."


    Ji Chu Hua stares at the man with an innocent face, but inside, she is sneering with ridicule. She had only spoken with the man because he was pleasing to the eyes, and she wanted to kill some time.


    However, she takes the card without wanting to ruin the hard work she has put into her image.


    "I will."


    Just as she put the card inside her bag, a hand touches her right shoulder. She jumps in surprise and turns to look at the person.


    Who she saw made her eyes light up and the corners of her mouth raise.


    "Gu Ting Fei."


    Gu Ting Fei wore a grey suit tailored to fit his body. His face suited any woman''s taste, but at this moment, his eyes were only on the woman in front of him.


    "Did you wait long?"


    Ji Chu Hua shook her head in response and stood up from the chair.


    "I arrived not too long before you did."


    She reached for her coat, but Gu Ting Fei was faster. He put it over his arm and held his other arm out to her.


    "Our room is ready. Let''s go up."


    Ji Chu Hua was not bothered by the question and ced her arm around his, ever so lightly pressing her chest against his arm.


    "Let''s go."


    As they turned away, Gu Ting Fei didn''t forget to re at the bartender. His eyes warned the man to stay away from his woman.


    However, before the man can react to such a threat, Ji Chu Hua sends him a flirtatious wink.


    He watches as the two walk away from the bar, and he snorts.


    "I''ll definitely make it a night''s worth."


    Since Ji Chu Hua agreed to meet him afterward, he will do just that. After all, when does he ever get an opportunity like this?


    "Ah!"


    The bartender had just turned around when he heard a woman''s yelp. He spun around in the direction the cry came from and was surprised to see that it was Ji Chu Hua.


    However, the two people that were just standing in front of him were no longer alone.


    There was a petite woman and a very stylish man next to them.

 Chapter 939 Oh Dear

    ?


    Ji Chu Hua''s pure and innocent face was reced with fury and annoyance. She could not believe what had happened.


    She had not even stepped out of the cocktail lounge when someone bumped into her, causing her dress to suddenly be stained with red wine.


    She stares down at the wet stain on her body-con dress. Her hands curled into tight fists as if wanting to suppress all the anger that would burst from her.


    "Hua, are you alright?"


    Gu Ting Fei was just as surprised as his girlfriend and panicked. He checked her entire body from front to back to ensure that nothing else had touched her.


    "Are you hurt anywhere?"


    After ensuring she was alright, he flung his head around to look at the two people who had bumped into them.


    "Are you out of your mind? Do you not look where you are going?"


    Suddenly raising his voice, the petite woman''s shoulders raised in fear, and herrge round eyes turned moist. However, despite looking like she was on the verge of tears, no tears were shedding.


    "My apologies. I really didn''t see youing. My attention was elsewhere."


    Gu Ting Fei stares at the petite woman with eyes that could kill someone. He takes a step forward with his spin straightened and chin slightly raised.


    "You ruined my girlfriend''s dress. How are you going topensate? Should we take this to the hotel security?"


    His words fell with superiority, but the moment he stepped forward, the stylish man next to the petite woman also took a step forward.


    His moves are enough to let others know that he will stand up for his friend.


    "Hey, bro, let''s take it easy here. My friend already apologized for what she did. Why are you threatening her? If you wantpensation, we will pay for the cleaning fee."


    Gu Ting Fei sized the man and sneered. He had always thought his looks were iparable, but he felt inferior to the stylish man for some reason.


    A faint feeling of envy washed inside him, but considering his family status in Imperial, he quickly brushed it away.


    He maintains his ground and narrows his eyes at the man and the petite woman.


    "My girlfriend''s dress is one of a kind in the world. Only three were made. Do you think it is possible to make such a stain disappear?"


    The petite woman felt terrible for what happened. If she had watched where she was going, she wouldn''t have bumped into Ji Chu Hua and ruined such an expensive dress.


    Her shoulders rose, and she cowered in fear. Her head drops, and she stares at the floor, anticipating what to do now.


    "Oh dear me, I didn''t mean to ruin her dress."


    Gu Ting Fei rolled his eyes in response. He took out his phone and held it out to the woman.


    "Give me your contact information. I will send you the cleaning bill."


    The petite woman reached to take the phone, but before her hand could touch it, Ji Chu Hua stopped Gu Ting Fei.


    She lowers his arm and looks at the two people politely.


    "Don''t worry. Although this dress is expensive, it is only a dress."


    She locks her arm around Gu Ting Fei''s arm and directs her smile at him.


    "Ting Fei, I''m not hurt anywhere, so let us drop this. Everyone is here to enjoy their night, and I believe she didn''t mean any harm. It was only an ident, after all."


    Gu Ting Fei was reluctant but never one to go against Ji Chu Hua. He heaves a long sigh.


    "Alright. Since you say it''s fine."


    He res at the petite woman with eyes full of malice.


    "You should be grateful that my girlfriend is nice. I wouldn''t let this go this easily if she weren''t."


    He turns to Ji Chu Hua and wraps her in her red coat before walking her out of the cocktail lounge.


    Ji Chu Hua upheld her innocent appearance and leaned against Gu Ting Fei like a frail woman who would copse at any moment.


    However, deep inside, she was seething with anger.


    The only reason why she didn''t put up a fight was because there were too many people watching them. If she had raised her voice, there was no doubt that tomorrow''s headlines would be about her.


    If words were to get out that she was mean, the image she had put so much work into would be ruined.


    "Wow, Miss Ji is as sweet as ever. If my dress had been ruined, I would have flipped."


    "Me too. I believe Miss Ji is a woman worthy of praise. It''s no wonder everyone adores her."


    "Gu Ting Fei standing up for Ji Chu Hua is enough to show how much he cares about her."


    Whispers began to surface in the cocktail lounge by those who witnessed the scene. Some praise Gu Ting Fei and Ji Chu Hua, while others mock the petite woman and stylish man with disdain.


    However, despite everything happening, the petite woman stares in the direction the couple has gone.


    The look of fear had long disappeared from her face and was reced with indifference.


    "Ju Suo, are you alright?"


    Gui Zhongmin asked as he nced down at the petite woman. He was unsure whether this incident had any effect on her.


    They were assigned to keep an eye on Ji Chu Hua, but when they saw that she was leaving, Ju Suo didn''t say much except for him to follow.


    Even he was surprised when Ju Suo purposely bumped into the woman and poured her drink onto Ji Chu Hua''s dress.


    Ju Suo stared at Ji Chu Hua''s figure until the woman was no long in view. She turns her head to look at Gui Zhongmin and shrugs her shoulder with indifference.


    "Are you honestly asking me if I''m alright?"


    Her head tilts to the side, and she scoffs augh.


    "Honestly speaking, what can that little woman possibly do to me? I ruined her dress because she dared to take what didn''t belong to her. She should be thankful that it was only wine and not acid."


    Gui Zhongmin''s eyelids grew heavy hearing the petite woman calling another woman little when the person was clearly taller than her (Ju Suo).


    For a second there, he thought that Ju Suo was in too much shock to speak.


    However, seeing that she is fine, heughs with her.


    It was only fair that Ju Suo did what she did because Ji Chu Hua dared to steal their boss''s engagement dress.


    "You''re right. I almost thought that you were too scared to speak."


    He thinks back to her behavior during the incident andughs again.


    "Only you can pull something like that off. If it had been Lian Ni Shang¡­ well, let''s just say, it would have been the end for Ji Chu Hua and Gu Ting Fei."


    Ju Suo gives herrade a side nce. She knew why he had mentioned Lian Ni Shang, and she couldn''t agree better.


    In any situation that Lian Ni Shang was in, Shan Sinan always protected her. The man may appear quiet and unnoticeable, but he can be ruthless, especially regarding his woman.


    There was a time when she (Ju Suo) envied their rtionship. However, that was when she didn''t have anyone.


    She ces her palms on her hips and smirks at the stylish man.


    "Hey, Mr. Stylist, are you forgetting that I, too, am protected by my Big Gori?"


    Hearing this, Gu Zhongmin almost choked on his saliva. He coughs a few times to steady himself and nods his head.


    "That''s right. How could I have forgotten?"


    He had forgotten that Ju Suo had entered a rtionship with Jiangyu. The couple had given each other the nickname Little Monkey and Big Gori.


    A broad smile crosses his face, and he lets out augh.


    "Alright, let''s go, Little Monkey. Our task here is done."


    Ju Suo pursed her lip before kicking Gui Zhongmin in the leg. She crossed her arms over her chest and red at him.


    "You are not allowed to call me that. That name is only for my Big Gori."


    She looks away with a fierce attitude and walks away,pletely ignoring the man she was paired with for this assignment.


    Gui Zhongmin was in disbelief. He couldn''t believe that hisrade of many years would discard him for a man.


    A man who was once considered an enemy.


    However, seeing how happy the woman has be, he shakes his head with a sigh.


    As long as his friends are happy, he is happy.


    Quickly catching up to Ju Suo, he takes out his phone and dials a number.


    "We''re done here. They are on their way up now."

 Chapter 940 Everything Is Good To Go.

    *Ding


    The elevator chimes in arrival as the door slides open. Ji Chu Hua and Gu Ting Fei exit the metal box and make their merry way to their room.


    However, just as they stepped out into the luxurious hallway, the elevator next to them also chimes.


    Their heads unknowingly turn to look at the person, only to see the two people they had bumped in the bar lounge.


    Ju Suo and Gui Zhongmin.


    At the sight of them, Ji Chu Hua couldn''t help but sneer with annoyance while Gu Ting Fei furrowed his brows.


    "Why do we have to see them again?"


    Ji Chu Hua growls under her breath. She thought she wouldn''t have to see the perpetrator behind the ruin of her dress.


    However, reminded of the dress she had just bought, her blood began to boil.


    After all, the dress was costly, and only three were made.


    She will never be able to get her hands on it ever again.


    Her arms, locked around Gu Ting Fei''s arms, tighten with a slight tremble.


    Feeling her nails starting to dig into his skin, Gu Ting Fei looks down at Ji Chu Hua.


    "Hua, are you alright? Don''t be afraid, I''m here."


    He ces his hand over her hands and smiles at her.


    "Let''s ignore them and go to our room. We shouldn''t let people like them ruin our precious time together."


    His words were soft for the ears but loud enough for Ju Suo and Gu Ting Fei to hear. The petite woman and the stylish man turned to look in their direction.


    "What was that? Can you say it louder?"


    Gui Zhongmin''s posture leaned toward the couple with one hand to his ear as if to help increase his hearing.


    "Huh? I can''t hear you?"


    Seeing his behavior, Gu Ting Fei pursed his lip, and Ji Chu Hua was at a loss for words. Her lips pressed tightly together, and she stepped forward but was stopped by the man beside her.


    Gu Ting Fei pulled her behind him and turned to face Gui Zhongmin.


    "I won''t repeat myself. If you have nothing else to do, leave. If not, I will call the hotel security to make you leave."


    His words were righteous, and his tone held superiority. Others would have recoiled at his presence, but not unfortunately, the person in front of him was not like others.


    Gui Zhongmin stares at Gu Ting Fei for a long second before bursting into hystericalughter. Heughed so hard that he had to hold his stomach.


    "Wow. You have a sense of humor."


    He straightens his posture and tilts his head.


    "But I can care less whether you call the hotel security or not."


    He grins with his teeth and shrugs his shoulders.


    "Because I am a person like this."


    Ju Suo stares at Gui Zhongmin without turning her head to him. His behavior and words made her question whether she chose the right person for this task.


    Gu Ting Fei didn''t know how to respond to the stylish man''s words. He was speechless and only returned to his senses because Ji Chu Hua''s grip on his arm tightened.


    He heaves a long sigh and ignores the other people. He looks at Ji Chu Hua and softly smiles at her.


    "Let''s go. These people are trying to waste our time."


    He takes Ji Chu Hua''s hand and walks to their room. As he passed Gui Zhongmin, he didn''t forget to give the man a threatening re.


    At the same time, Gui Zhongmin made sure to return the stare-down. Only when the couple turned around the corner did he look away.


    "Wow, that man sure knows how to control his temper."


    Ju Suo rolled her eyes and took out her phone. She dials a number and ces the phone next to her ear.


    "Was that enough?"


    ["Yea. Everything is good to go."]


    "Alright. They should be arriving soon."


    ["Got it."]


    She ends the call and turns around. She stops in front of the elevator and presses the button to go down.


    Seeing her do this, Gui Zhongmin pursed his lips, and hesitation crossed his face.


    "Are we just going to leave?"


    Ju Suo doesn''t look back at him and enters the elevator once the door opens. She turns around and looks at him


    "If you want to watch, you can do it yourself. I have a date, and Qi Li has already left."


    Gui Zhongmin thought about her words. He looks back at the direction the couple had gone and shivers.


    "I''ll just wait in the car. I''d rather jump from a building than watch."


    As the two leave with the elevator, Ji Chu Hua and Gu Ting Fei arrive at their room. The couple entered the room and ced their things down.


    Ji Chu Hua walked to the enormous window in the room that gave a beautiful view of Imperial and crossed her arms over her chest.


    She will have the hotel staff look into the two people earlier and find out who they are. For what they did, she will return it tenfold.


    Seeing her standing in front of the window in her red dress, Gu Ting Fei felt like he was looking at an angel. It was a pity that a stain ruined the dress, and he would never see her wear it again.


    Thinking she must be sad over the dress, he walks to her and hugs her from behind, cing a small kiss on her head.


    "Don''t be sad. I''ll buy you a new dress. One that is far better than this one."


    Ji Chu Hua blushed at his words. Her left arm raises to let her hand touch his face, and she turns to look at him.


    "You don''t have to. It''ll be too expensive."


    Hearing her sweet words, heughs and leans to kiss her lips.


    "I want to buy it for you. You deserve the best of everything in the world."


    Ji Chu Hua was thrilled to hear him confirm that he would buy her a new dress. However, she couldn''t show him that side of her and looked away.


    "I¡­"


    She could only say one word when Gu Ting Fei turned her around to face him. He held her close to him and looked into her eyes.


    "Don''t refute me. Everything I give you is because I want to."


    He leaves no room for her to respond and kiss her lips again. Only this time, it was more ravished and passionate.


    His tongue danced with hers, with one hand squeezing her breasts and the other on her bottom.


    Their passionate kiss before the window moved to the bed as Gu Ting Fei sat on the edge.


    Ji Chu Hua stood in front of him, and with eyes on him, she slowly slid her dress down.


    Watching her undress, Gu Ting Fei swallows a hard gulp to moisten his dry throat. His eyes followed her movements without blinking.


    Only when she stood naked before him did he remember to blink and look up at her.


    "You''re so beautiful, Hua. Every man can only dream to see such a sight."


    He pulls her to sit over hisp with her legs spread. He leans forward and takes one of her nipples into his mouth.


    "Haaa~"


    Ji Chu Hua let out a moan and held his shoulders. She watched him enjoy her breast and felt his rod begin to turn hard.


    She smiles in satisfaction and starts to unbutton his shirt. Once it was removed, he helped her remove his pants and briefs, allowing his stiffened rod to breathe fresh air.


    Taking in the sight of his manhood, she felt a gush of wetness slide down her thighs.


    She pushed him onto the bed and sat on top of him. Her hand stroked his erection before guiding it to the entrance of her sweet pleasures.


    "Ahh~"


    She tilts her head back and moans, feeling him slowly entering her.


    Gui Ting Fei couldn''t wait any longer and grabbed her hips. He plunged into her like a battering ram in one swift thrust, finally opening the doors to Nirvana.


    At his sudden thrust, Ji Chu Hua eximed a loud moan and ced her hands on his chest for support.


    "I want to take it slow tonight."


    Gu Ting Fei was surprised by her words. Usually, she couldn''t wait and preferred it rough. However, he sighs, staring at the alluring sight of her riding him.


    "I''ll try."


    Ji Chu Hua took charge and began to raise her hips and then lower them. Each thrust sent a pleasurable sensation throughout her body, and moans grew louder and louder.


    Underneath her, Gu Ting Fei watched her divulge herself into the pleasure. He held her left thigh with one hand while the other yed with her sweet bud.


    "Ohhh yes~ More. It feels so good~."


    Seeing how turned on she was, Gu Ting Fei was pleased. He closes his eyes to enjoy the pleasure given to him but doesn''t stop his movements as she moves her hips over him.


    Just when she was feeling herself about to reach cloud nine, she arched her back forward and let out a loud moan.


    "Ahhhhh~!!!"


    "Woooooooo~"


    Her moan pleased the ears, but Gu Ting Fei''s eyes shot open, hearing another vague voice. He stopped ying with her sweet bud and quickly sat up, almost pushing her onto the floor.


    "What was that?"

 Chapter 941 Calling It A Night

    Ji Chu Hua was annoyed by his sudden movement. If she had not held onto him, she would have fallen.


    Not only that, she was just about to climax.


    "What is wrong with you? I was just about to¡ª"


    Before her words could finish, Gu Ting Fei covered her mouth. His eyes scan the room with a look of confusion mixed with horror.


    He swore he heard a ghostly moan, but seeing nothing and not hearing anything, he looked at Ji Chu Hua and moved his hand.


    "It''s nothing. I thought I heard something, but it must have been a mistake."


    Ji Chu Hua scoffed in annoyance when she heard him. Her night was already ruined because of her dress. She thought thating to the room would make her feel better, but the mood was no different than earlier.


    However, she isn''t going to let this ruin her night.


    She pushed Gu Ting Fei back onto the bed and repositioned herself.


    "Just focus on me and nothing else. We''re the only ones in this room."


    Just as herst word fell, the lights in the room dimmed, then brightened, and a repeated cycle began.


    The couple froze and looked at each other, only to have the lights returned to normal.


    "Let me inform the front desk."


    Gu Ting Fei was about to get up but Ji Chu Hua firmly held him down.


    "I''m sure the hotel staff are working on it. Let''s continue."


    She smiles at him, trying to get his attention back on her. However, the stiff rod that was once underneath her had turned soft, and this made her disappointed.


    "Gu Ting Fei."


    She calls out to him in her sweetest voice and he looks at her.


    "Aren''t we here to enjoy our time together? Why is your attention elsewhere?"


    Gu Ting Fei opened his mouth to speak but didn''t know what to say to her. How can he tell her that he heard a ghost?


    Wouldn''t that make her think he was insane?


    Not wanting to be called a lunatic, he forces augh.


    "You''re right. I must have been overthinking. Let''s enjoy the time we have tonight."


    They had nned to meet because he was going overseas tomorrow to meet a few clients and would be unable to see her for a whole week.


    He can''t let his imagination get out of control and needs to focus on the woman before him.


    Brushing all thoughts aside, he looks at Ji Chu Hua and caresses her cheek.


    "Sorry. I''ll make sure tonight goes smoothly."


    Ji Chu Hua was d to have his attention back on her. Sheughs in a singsong voice and gets off of him.


    Her hand traces over his chest and then down to his groin.


    "But first, we have to fix this problem."


    She ces her palm around his softened rod and starts to stroke him. It took longer than usual, but she watched as it grew harder and harder.


    Even the sound of Gu Ting Fei''s breathing grew heavier with her hand movements.


    His eyes closed, and his hands clenched the bed sheets.


    "Hua, hurry. I want to be inside of you. I can''t handle it anymore."


    His words put a smile on Ji Chu Hua''s face. She moved her hand and rode him again, slowly letting him enter sweet walls once again.


    "Ahhhh~"


    "Woooo~"


    Her moans resonated again, and she felt the pleasure she was missing.


    This time, she wasn''t going to let him stop.


    Her hips moved again as her body moved up and down over him. She moaned each time she felt his stiffened rod re-entered her.


    However, that stiffness didn''tst for long.


    She could feel him gradually turn soft before going limp.


    Her movements stopped, and she looked down at him. She wanted to p him in the face for ruining another good moment.


    However, she was stupefied by the look on his face.


    Gu Ting Feiy motionless on the bed, eyes wide open and staring at the ceiling. He looked horrified rather than pleased.


    She pursed her lips only to notice that the lights in the room were flickering again.


    Her frown deepens, and she scoffs.


    "This hotel needs to check their electricity."


    She mutters and looks back at the man underneath her. Seeing his expression still the same, she hits his chest.


    "What''s wrong this time?"


    She watched his hand slowly rise before pointing up, exhaling in frustration.


    "I swear, you better have a good excuse this time."


    She looked up, and what she saw made her entire body stiffen.


    Floating above them was a ghostly figure with long dark hair flowing.


    "Wooooooo¡ª!"


    The figure moaned loudly and sent shivers throughout Ji Chu Hua. She wanted to scream, but for some unknown reason, she was unable to make a sound.


    "Ji Chu Huaaaa¡ª"


    The ghostly figure moaned her name, and Ji Chu Hua turned pale. How did it know her name?


    The ghost''s arms stretched forward, and it flew down towards her.


    "Giveeee it baaack¡ª"


    "Ahhh!!!"


    Ji Chu Hua screamed in fear and squeezed her eyes shut. At the same time, Gu Ting Fei shoved her off him and jumped out of bed.


    However, what came after was silence.


    The couple looked around the room but couldn''t see the ghostly figure. The couple looked at each other before Gu Ting Fei grabbed his pants and put them on while throwing Ji Chu Hua''s dress at her.


    "Get dressed. We''re not staying here."


    Ji Chu Hua was too scared to move. She sat on the bed, trembling uncontrobly at what had just happened.


    "Hua!!"


    Seeing her in a daze, Gu Ting Fei grew impatient and yelled at her. He knew he heard something when they were doing it but decided to put it up as his imagination.


    It turned out he wasn''t just imagining it.


    "If you don''t hurry, I''m leaving without you!"


    He wanted to leave in case the ghost came back. However, just as his words fell and he stepped towards the bed, the ghostly figure reappeared.


    Only this time, it stood on the bed before Ji Chu Hua, blocking Gu Ting Fei from reaching her.


    "Ji Chu Huaaa¡­ You are going to pay for what you did¡­"


    Gu Ting Fei was in a dilemma. He was too afraid to go to his woman, so he could only do the next thing.


    Run.


    He booked it out of the room, leaving Ji Chu Hua alone with the ghost.


    The door mming against the wall woke Ji Chu Hua from her daze. She clutched onto her red dress, and tears streamed down her eyes, ruining her makeup.


    "Go away! I didn''t do anything!"


    "You took what isn''t yours, and now you must pay."


    The ghostly figure moaned, and with arms reaching out, it flew towards her. It wanted to grab hold of her and never let go.


    "Ahhhhh!!!!"


    Ji Chu Hua shrieks and frantically crawls out of bed, unaware she just went through the ghost.


    Once her feet touched the hard floor, she didn''t dare to look back and ran out of the room naked. The only thing in her hand was the red dress.


    Silence engulfed the room with only the ghostly figure.


    However, if Ji Chu Hua had nced back, she would have seen the glitching of the ghost.


    It was being projected from a drone outside the window.


    As Ji Chu Hua and Gu Ting Fei ran out of the hotel, as their life depended on it, neither knew the masterminds sitting on the roof.


    "Do you think they left?"


    Lian Ni Shang asked as she leaned over the edge, eyes peering down to the hotel entrance. Next to her was Shan Sinan. He shrugged his shoulders, indicating that he didn''t know the answer to her question.


    Hearing his response, she looks at the drone''s owner.


    Noticing her stare, Gui Tian Lan, crouching beside them, looks up at her. He grins at her and scratches his head.


    "I don''t know. Maybe."


    Hearing this, Lian Ni Shang scoffs in disbelief. She looks down at the drone controller in his hand and then back at him.


    "How do you not know? Don''t you have visual?"


    Gui Tian Lan gave her a nonchnt shrug and stood up.


    "I do."


    He raises the controller and shows her a nk screen.


    "But I went in blind."


    He ignores that his words have bbergasted Lian Ni Shang and peers over the edge of the building.


    "You seriously think I want to see those two without clothes on? I''ll dig my own eyes out if such a thing happens."


    Lian Ni Shang crossed her arms and stared at the tailor.


    "Then how did you know what you were doing? Did you even get the right room? What if you had scared off some stranger?"


    Gui Tian Lan couldn''t believe the questions being thrown at him. He exhaled and turned to look at the cold woman when he was in front of the edge of the building.


    "Don''t worry. In this line of work, I got everything under control."


    He looks away from the woman and nudges with his head.


    "See for yourself."


    Lian Ni Shang doubted his words and took a look. However, her eyes widened, and sheughed at seeing a disheveled Gu Ting Fei and Ji Chu Hua''s exposed figure not too far behind him.


    "Oh my. These two really are thick-skinned."


    The two frantically got inside Gu Ting Fei''s car and drove away at full speed. Behind them was a crowd of confused and curious people.


    Lian Ni Shang taps her fingers on the edge railing and smiles.


    "Looks like Miss Ji is going to be the talk of Imperial tomorrow."


    Gui Tian Lan watched the sudden chaotic scene below in silence. Seeing that his job here was done, he decided to leave.


    "Calling it a night."


    "Gui Tian Lan, wait."


    He only took two steps when Lian Ni Shang called out to him. He stops and turns to the side to look back at her.


    His silence was enough to let the woman know that he was listening.


    Lian Ni Shang stared at the tailor and slightly pressed her lips. Her eyes held mixed emotions before she gathered herself and parted her mouth.


    "Have you found him?"


    The question was simple, but only silence came in response.


    Gui Tian Lan''s eye slowly moves away from her as he looks ahead. His fingers curl into tight fists as if he was angry by her question. However, as quickly as that emotion came, it disappeared, and his clenched fist loosened.


    "No."


    Hearing this, Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan felt their hearts stopped for the tailor. The couple approaches him as Shan Sinan ces a hand on Gui Tian Lan''s shoulder.


    "Gu Tian Lan, I hope you know that we are all here for you."


    Lian Ni Shang nods her head and stares at herrade.


    "He''s right. We are no strangers to you. When one is suffering, so is the rest."


    Gui Tian Lan was grateful to have them as his friends. He looks at the couple and gives them a small smile.


    "I know this may sound selfish of me, but I want to find him on my own."


    Hisst word fell, and he walked away without waiting for a response.


    The couple watched his figure disappear from the roof, and Lian Ni Shang leaned against Shan Sinan. Her head was on his shoulder with worry in her eyes.


    "Do you think it was wrong of me to ask him? Will he think we are being too noisy? I only asked because it''s been so many years, and he''s never asked us for help."


    The moment they knew of Gui Tian Lan''s goal to hunt down the man who murdered his girlfriend, they wanted to help him. However, no matter how many times they offered to help him, he would always turn them down.


    His refusal gave them no choice but to stand back and watch, as they did not want to lose his trust.


    Shan Sinan puts one arm around his girlfriend, bringing her closer to his embrace. His head leans down to kiss the top of her head.


    "No, you did nothing wrong. We wouldn''t have asked if we didn''t care about him."


    He stares at the ce Gui Tian Lan had gone and rests against Lian Ni Shang''s head.


    "All we can do now is continue to wait and be there when he does ask for our help."

 Chapter 942 Jun isn’t responsive

    Chapter 942 Jun isn¡¯t responsive


    Unaware of Alpha Team''s actions in the night, Yue Ling slept like a baby. Lu Tian held her tightly in his embrace, ever so lightly caressing the side of her arm.


    He looked down at her, and with the help of the faint lighting in through the window, he could see her sleeping face.


    She looked so peaceful. It was as if nothing in the world mattered to her.


    He gazed at her and listened to her soft breathing while continuing to take in the sight of her. His head leans forward, and he gently kisses her head, ensuring he does not disturb her sleep simultaneously.


    Once he pulled away from her, he carefully moved her from his arms. He ces her head on the pillow and sits up.


    After tucking her in, he quietly got up from bed.


    He still needed to finish his work.


    He leaves the room with light footsteps, returns to their shared study room, and sits behind his desk.


    He wasted no time and hovered his fingers over the keyboard with eyes on the monitor screen.


    *VR vrrr


    The sound of his phone vibrating stopped him from typing any further. He quickly grabbed it as it was making too much sound in the quiet house.


    He checks for the name of the caller, and when he sees who it is, his brows furrowed.


    ''Song Jing Li''


    Curious about why the young man was calling himte into the night, he answers.


    "Hello."


    ["Help¡­"]


    In the other line, Song Jing Li''s usual tone filled with detest was reced with pain and dryness. It was as if the young man was suffering from something.


    Lu Tian''s frown deepened, and a gut feeling told him something wasn''t right.


    "What happened?"


    ["We¡­ we were attacked. Kira and I are fine, but Jun¡­ Jun isn''t responsive."]


    Lu Tian''s lips parted to speak, but before he could get a word out, the sound of gunshots could be heard from the other line. Following came the frantic voices of Song Jing Li and Kira as the two yelled for the other to take cover.


    His eyes darkened, and his expression turned dangerous. His hand on the phone clenches tightly, and he stands up.


    "Stay where you are."


    He ends the call and rushes out of the room while dialing for Xu Long.


    The call ranged once, and the assistant''s groggy voice resonated from the other line.


    ["Boss, it''s two in the morning¡ª"]


    "Locate Song Jing Li''s phone."


    Lu Tian ordered the man and hung up. From the call he received, he can only conclude that Qin Jun, Song Jing Li, and Kira are in danger.


    Just as he stepped out of the study, he stopped. He turns to look at the room his wife is sleeping in, and his lips unknowingly pressed together.


    He hesitated for a second and strides towards the room. He doesn''t turn on the lights but walks over to his wife and gently shakes her.


    "Yue Ling."


    At the sound of his voice, Yue Ling tirelessly opened her eyes and slightly propped herself up.


    "Tian, what''s wrong?"


    Lu Tian was in a rush to leave, but not wanting to worry her, he gave her a reassuring smile.


    "It''s nothing. I have to step out for a bit."


    He leans down to kiss her on the forehead and pulls away.


    "Go back to sleep. When you wake up, I''ll be home already."


    Yue Ling doesn''t put too much thought into his words and nods. Sheys back down and returns to sleep as Lu Tian leaves the room.


    The sound of his hurried footsteps caused her to open her eyes.


    She slowly turned to the door where he had left and stared silently.


    It wasn''t long before she heard the front door close.


    She moved the nket off of her and got up from bed. She walks over to the window facing the house''s front and peers down.


    In the dark of the night, she could see Lu Tian''s silhouette making his way to his car. He could have seen her if he had looked up but was on the phone.


    She watched as he entered his car and drove out of the gate.


    Her brows slightly furrowed as she thought about what he said to her before leaving.


    "Did something happen?"


    She mutters the words with eyes searching the night sky.


    He sounded normal when talking to her, but an unpleasant feeling grew inside her. It was a feeling that something terrible happened.


    She looked in the direction Lu Tian had driven, and her thoughts remained hidden.


    After a long minute, she turns away and returns to bed.


    If it were something serious, Lu Tian would have told her. Since he didn''t, she will not put too much thought into it.


    Pulling the nket over her body, she falls back asleep as if she had never gotten out of bed.


    *Pu pu pu


    Far from the heart of Imperial, the sound of suppressed gunshots echoed into the night sky. The abandoned building that was once the hideout for Faith had been destroyed and up in mes.


    A group of men searched the forest with guns in their hands.


    Amongst the group was a tall, burly man. He wore a navy blue suit, and he appeared to be the leader of the group.


    "Where did they go? They couldn''t have gotten far."


    One of the men growls in annoyance, and the burly man looks at him before looking back at the forest.


    "Search every corner of this forest. We must find them."


    At his order, another man howls withughter. He raises his hand and licks the gun in his hand.


    "Yeah, we definitely will find them. They must know the consequences of trying to find us."


    Song Jing Li and Kira hid behind tworge trees as the group continued searching.


    The two men were in a disheveled state. Their breathing was heavy from exhaustion, but they made sure not to make a sound.


    Song Jing Li gripped tightly around the gun in his hand. His ears never forgot to listen to the footsteps of the men after them.


    "Shit."


    He curses under his breath and then nces at the tree across from him. He could see Kira crouching in position and Qin Jun, who had lost consciousness.


    His eyes grew darker as he stared at the two men.


    They had just returned from finding intel on Choi Li Sun and were about to call it a night. However, they never expected the man they sought to send twenty of his men after them.


    The men who came to attack them set fire to the ce, and as he and the others were leaving, the roof copsed. He should have been the one to take the hit, but instead, it was Qin Jun.


    Recalling the incident, Song Jing Li''s eyes grew murderous. He returns to his senses and checks how many bullets he has left in his gun.


    "Two."


    He had two bullets left, and judging from how many times Kira fired his gun, the man should have three.


    When they took cover, he saw a glimpse of the group from a distance. There were a total of 7 men still standing.


    If he can take out two and Kira with three, they can easily take down the remaining two men.


    Just as the n came to ce, the sound of a branch breaking caught his attention.


    His ears perked, and he looked at Kira, who met his eyes.


    The tworades didn''t need to verbalize their thoughts as they thought of the same n.


    They listened to the enemy''s footsteps, never letting their guards down.


    As the men near the trees they were taking cover, Song Jing Li closes his eyes. He inhales a deep but quiet breath.


    "One."


    He whispers the number, and his eyes shoot open. He leaps out from behind the tree and fires his gun as gunshots fire back at him.


    "Two."


    He quickly takes down the first person, then the second person. Before the two men''s bodies could touch the ground, he had already jumped for cover behind another tree.


    His head turned to the left, and he saw Kira returning to the same tree as Qin Jun, who was still there.


    The two men made another eye contact, confirming they had taken down their targets. It was now up to them whether they could make their next move.


    Taking out the two remaining men.


    On the enemy side, the burly man was shocked at how easily the men that came with him were shot. He stares at the dead bodies lying near him andughs.


    "You guys are only making this more difficult."


    His eyes scan the wooded forest, and his words continue.


    "Judging from your movements, I can confirm that you guys used up all your bullets."


    He nudges with his head for the other remaining men to nk Song Jing Li and Kira.


    "How about we make a deal? If you surrender, I''ll make it a quick and easy death."


    His words fell as he walked forward. Not once did he care about the sounds he was making.


    "How about it?"


    The young man remains unmoving as the burly man approaches the tree where Song Jing Li is hiding. However, the snapping of a branch suddenly catches his attention, and he turns in the opposite direction of the burly man.


    *Pu


    "Jing Li!"

 Chapter 943 Who could it be?

    Chapter 943 Who could it be?


    Song Jing Li dodged the sudden bullet but was grazed on the arm. He drops to the ground and sees Kira attacking the man while calling out to him.


    "Jing Li, are you alright?"


    "Not bad dodging that bullet."


    The burly manughs as his figure appears from behind the tree. He stood over Song Jing Li and sneered.


    "But you should worry about yourself first."


    He raises his hand in midair and points the tip of the gun at Song Jing Li''s head.


    "You know¡­"


    The burly man crouches down and tilts his head, never moving the gun away.


    "If you guys never came after him, he wouldn''t have sent us."


    One corner of his lip raised when he saw Song Jing Li''s slightly quivered.


    "Oh yeah, I have a message to ry. He knows. He knows you guys are here and trying to find him."


    Song Jing Li listened to the man''s words and tightly gripped his wound. He clenches his teeth and snaps at the man.


    "Then why isn''t that coward here to finish us?"


    The burly man furrows his brows at the young man. He puts on a pondering face before grinning with his teeth showing.


    "Because you guys are not the one he wants."


    Leaving his words at that, he pulled the trigger and stood up. However, his eyes slightly shook.


    He didn''t understand why he was falling sideways.


    *Thump.


    The burly man falls onto the ground. Blood oozed from the side of his head as he stared into death. Never seeing or knowing who ended his life.


    Song Jing Li was struck in a daze at the sight of the man. He was so focused on the man that he forgot to pay attention to his surroundings.


    He quickly returns to his senses and turns to look in the direction in which Kira wasst seen.


    There, he could see the samurai-looking man lying on the ground with a body next to him. His eyes shook as he stumbled onto his feet.


    "Kira. Kira, answer me."


    He holds his arm to stop the bleeding and makes his way over. Unfortunately, his body betrayed him, and he fell forward.


    "Shit."


    He curses at himself, and his eyes grow heavy with the passing second. He wanted to wake up and check on Qin Jun and Kira, but no matter what he did, it was a failure.


    His consciousness became hazy, and he was slipping into unconsciousness.


    However, he could vaguely make out two familiar figures.


    One of the figures crouched next to Qin Jun''s body before going over to Kira''s.


    "Boss, I found Qin Jun and Kira. Their pulses are weak."


    Hearing those words, Song Jing Li felt weak but relieved. His eyes slowly blinked to stay awake, and he saw a tall figure calmly approaching him.


    The figure stops in front of him, and he tries to look up. However, before lifting his head, he slips into unconsciousness after uttering a name.


    "Lu Tian¡­"


    Lu Tian''s emotionless figure stood over Song Jing Li as Xu Long ran over to check the young man''s condition. Once he confirms a pulse, he looks up at his boss.


    "Boss, his pulse is also weak. He also has a bullet graze on his arm."


    Despite hearing this, Lu Tian''s expression remained unfazed. He looks at the dead bodies scattered in the direction of the abandoned building in mes.


    Judging from the fire, he could tell that this attack had been going on for a while.


    Song Jing Li and Kira exerted strength until the end while carrying Qin Jun. They gave in to their exhaustion only when they felt a sense of safety.


    Lu Tian nces over his shoulder at Song Jing Li before walking away.


    "Bring them to Ye Zhongwei."


    Left alone, Xu Long was quite baffled at the order. He looks at Qin Jun and Kira, then down at Song Jing Li.


    His brows furrow tightly together before letting out a long exhale.


    "This is not a one-man job, but an order is an order."


    He crouches down to pick up the young man in front of him. Despite his usual weak appearance, he carried Song Jing Li like a teddy bear.


    Without wasting any more time, he puts Song Jing Li in the backseat of his car and then leaves to get the other two unconscious men.


    Lu Tian stood in front of the door to his car and stared at the abandoned building engulfed in mes. His thoughts remained unreadable as the flickering of the fire cast a reddish-orange glow over his face.


    When Xu Long had finished putting the three men inside his car, sirens echoed from a distance.


    The boss and assistant turned to the source, and three police cars and two fire trucks pulled up, blocking their path.


    However, despite the intimidating sound of the police sirens, neither Lu Tian nor Xu Long faltered.


    As the firefighters rush to put out the fire, the doors to the police car open.


    Chief Ren was shocked by the amount of fire done to the abandoned building but collected hisposure and walked over to Lu Tian and Xu Long.


    "Lu Tian, what is going on here?"


    He was about to head home after a long shift, but his phone suddenly rang. He was pretty confused when he saw that it was Lu Tian calling. However, considering howte it was already, he answered the call.


    All he got from the caller was the word fire and coordinates.


    Returning to his senses, he nces at Xu Long''s car, parked next to Lu Tian''s. He takes notice of the three men in the back. His eyes slightly narrowed to get a better look at their faces, but due to the dark tint of the assistant''s car, he couldn''t see.


    "Tell me now. What is going on here? Who are these people? Where are you taking them?"


    Lu Tian stares at the man without answering right away. His eyes slowly blink, and he takes a cigarette from his inner coat pocket.


    "They''re Chief Kim''s men."


    Hearing this, Chief Ren''s eyes widen in surprise. His eyes dart between Lu Tian and the back of Xu Long''s car, then back at the aloof man.


    "Y-You mean Chief Kim as City Z''s Chief Kim?"


    Lu Tian answers a faint mm before casually cing the cigarette in his mouth and lighting the end part. He inhales a puff of the tobo before blowing the smoke out.


    "They''re here to work on a case with me."


    Understanding his words, Chief Kim nods his head. He had many questions he wanted to ask, but considering the situation, he knew he had to wait.


    "Alright. Go. I''ll clean up here."


    Lu Tian was grateful for the man''s understanding. He tosses the cigarette aside after killing the burning end and gets inside his car.


    Quick to follow his boss, Xu Long bids Chief Red farewell and quickly enters his car.


    The boss and assistant duo did not stop to look back and sped away from the scene.


    Chief Ren could only stare at the back of the two cars, gradually disappearing from his view.


    Once he could no longer see the two cars, he sighed and massaged his temple.


    "Why do I have a feeling that this case is not as simple as it sounds?"


    Hisst word fell, and he took another breath. Pushing aside any unpleasant feelings building up inside him, he turns around to give further instructions to the rest of his team and firefighters.


    By the time the fire was put out, Lu Tian and Xu Long''s car pulled up to a bungalow. As the boss and assistant exited their vehicles, Ye Zhongwei was already outside waiting for him.


    Clothed in his pajamas and a coat, he walks over to Lu Tian. He pursed his lips, ignoring his messy bedhead.


    "Lu Tian, you better have a good reason for waking me up during my beauty sleep. I have a lot of patients to see tomorrow."


    Lu Tian nces at his friend as he calmly closes the door to his car. He doesn''t answer right away but walks to his assistant''s car.


    "I need you to give them medical treatment."


    Hearing this, Ye Zhongwei grew curious. He has been friends with Lu Tian for a very long time, and there was only one time that the aloof man asked him to do medical treatment on someone.


    Other than Han Yue Ling, who could it be?


    He walks over to Xu Long''s car and narrows his eyes. He looked inside the back seat, and he was dumbfounded.


    Qin Jun and Kira were sitting generally in the back of Xu Long''s car. However, Song Jing Li, on the other hand, wasid on top of the two men''sps.


    His eyes blinked slowly before turning to look at the boss and assistant.


    "You know¡­ As a medical professional, if you move someone carelessly, you might cause more injuries to their injuries."


    Lu Tian stares emotionlessly at his friend, then turns to the right to look at his assistant.


    Xu Long felt a sudden chill upon noticing his boss''s dark eyes from the corner of his eyes. He wanted to say it was his boss''s idea to put the three men in his car, but he could only sigh, thinking about how careless it was to ce them in that position.


    "What else was I supposed to do? It''s not like they''re light. Having to carry three men is a struggle. I did what I could only. Besides, I already checked their condition beforeing here. They''re just unconscious due to exhaustion. I mean, one of them does have a wound, but it''s not that fatal."


    Ye Zhongwei listens to the assistant and lightly shakes his head. No one will ever know whether it was out of ridicule or towards Xu Long''s carelessness.


    He takes three steps to stand in front of the car and checks each person''s pulse. Finding that their pulses were stable and their injuries minor, he sighed in relief.


    "Alright, let''s move them inside. They can stay in the guest room until they wake up."


    He reaches for Song Jing Li but pauses to look back at the other two men.


    "What are you guys waiting for? Help me bring the other two inside?"


    Lu Tian looks at his friend and then at his wristwatch.


    "Can''t. The thought of my wife sleeping alone on our bed is bad for my health."


    He says no more and makes his way to his car. It was true that his wife was waiting for him. If he stays any longer, it will only make her worry.


    Reaching his car, he looks back at his assistant and gives an order before leaving.


    "Notify me when they gain consciousness."


    As Lu Tian''s car sped away, he was unaware of Ye Zhongwei''s baffled expression. His only thought was to go home and have his beloved wife in his arms.

 Chapter 944 If only it were possible

    <h4>Chapter 944 If only it were possible</h4>


    Morning came with grey clouds lingering above in the sky. While others were preparing for the start of their usual schedule, Yue Lingy on the king-sized bed in peace.


    Her brows furrowed as the light shining from the window touched her face. However, feeling the softness of the warm pillow against her cheeks made her smile.


    "Hmm¡­"


    She sighs a soft moan and snuggles closer to the pillow, inhaling the scent of sandalwood. However, her eyes fluttered open at the realization of something.


    What she thought to be a pillow was not a pillow but Lu Tian.


    She was huddled in his arms, and his chest was the warm pillow she was feeling.


    She gazes at his sleeping face with her cheeks a slight shade of pink, like she is embarrassed. It was no wonder she felt warm and safe.


    Her thoughts ran in many directions until she pursed her lips at the thought of something.


    When did he get home? Was she so out of it that she didn''t even hear hime home, let alone get in bed?


    Just as the thought came to her, she took another look at his sleeping face.


    Seeing the crease between his eyebrows, she sighs a smile. She props herself up in bed, making sure not to wake the man up with her movements.


    Her arm reached toward his face and gently caressed the space between Lu Tian''s eyebrows. She wanted to smooth away any bad dreams that caused him to frown in his sleep.


    And just like that, the crease between his brows disappeared at her touch like magic.


    She couldn''t help but smile proudly at herself before leaning up to give him a kiss. However, her lips could only touch his chin due to their position.


    Although she didn''t kiss him on the lips, she was pleased with herself and slowly moved his arm over her to get up.


    She needed to get ready for work and prepare breakfast.


    However, the arm she attempted to move suddenly moved, and her eyes shook.


    "Ah!"


    She yelped in surprise as she was pulled back into the embrace of the man who was supposed to be sleeping.


    Lu Tian''s eyes remained closed, and he hugged her tighter despite her being in his arms. It was as if he wanted to kneed her into one with him.


    "Good morning, Mrs. Lu."


    Yue Ling''s cheeks turned red at his morning greeting. She presses her lips tightly to keep her smile from widening. However, the longer she stared at his handsome face, the more her eyes narrowed with suspicion.


    "How long have you been awake?"


    She was sure he was asleep when she woke up at the realization of being in his arms. Of course, she could have been wrong, too. Maybe her movements were the cause for waking him.


    Lu Tian remained unmoving with his eyes closed. However, he doesn''t ignore his wife''s question.


    "Not too long."


    His words fell, and his eyes leisurely opened to meet his wife''s bluish-green eyes. He leans closer to her face, and one corner of his lip raises into a side smirk.


    "But I am quite sad that you missed."


    Yue Ling was confused by his words. However, it didn''t take long before she understood him. Her face turned brightly red, and she opened her mouth to refute him, but before she could make a sound, her lips were sealed by his.


    Feeling his lips pressed against hers, she couldn''t help but smile. Her eyes gradually close, and she returns his kiss.


    Their morning kiss began with a gentle peck before bing rough yet passionate.


    The room soon resonated with the faintness of their heavy breaths.


    Lu Tian held his wife with one arm while his other hand softly caressed every curve of her body. Bringing that hand up to her head, he held her nape, deepening their kiss even more.


    If he could, he would have made time stop for this moment. He never wants to be away from her, but knowing he cannot be greedy for her time, he reluctantly pulls away.


    He pressed his head against her forehead and gazed at her eyes that always drew him in.


    "You should get ready for work."


    Yue Ling was disappointed that they had to stop. She didn''t know why, but despite being able to see him every day, she couldn''t help but miss him.


    She stares at him briefly before snuggling herself in his embrace. Her arms wrapped around his waist, and she sighed.


    "Maybe I should bring my work home too. That way, I can just look at you when I miss you."


    Her words took Lu Tian aback, but a wide smile soon curled on his face. He hugs her tighter and ces his chin on her head.


    "I like that idea."


    The thought of them working together in the same room was something he had always wanted.


    However, their career choices were very different.


    He is a businessman, and his wife is a fashion designer. In spite of their busy schedule, it was fortunate enough that they were able to be together at home.


    A small sigh escapes his lips, and Yue Ling speaks first before he can speak a word.


    "If only it were possible."


    She leans her head back to look at him, and her expression turns doleful, her bottom lip pluckering.


    "I still have to prepare for theunch of De L''amour''s new designs and follow up with your mother on how the designs areing along. I also need to check with my team on the project I assigned them. I cannot afford to be away from the office at this time."


    Lu Tian knew that his wife was busier with work than him, and this side of her was one of the many traits that made him love her even more.


    If he could be a little bit more selfish, he would ask her to quit her job and be a stay-at-home wife. His money is for her to spend, and she can do whatever she wants. He will also be able to see her any time, and she can spend more time with Grandfather Ji and Ji Jingxu.


    However, he knows better than anyone that his wife''s standing in life today is the result of the hard work she built.


    If he were to ask her to quit, it would be like he is asking her to give up her needs to fulfill his, and that is something he never wants to do.


    He kisses her on the forehead and nods his head in understanding.


    "Maybe next time, then."


    Yue Ling felt a tinge of regret as she watched Lu Tian''s face move away. However, the more she stared at his face, the more she felt herself soften.


    The sight of him always had its way of taking her breath away, along with all her thoughts.


    Lu Tian notices her gaze, and he holds his chin in one hand. He smiles at her but does not forget to hold her hand with his other free hand.


    "Do you like looking at me?"


    His question puts a smile on Yue Ling''s face, and sheughs. She gently squeezes his hand entwined with her own and calmly blinks her eyes.


    "I do. If possible, I can stare at you all day and never be tired."


    Her response surprisingly took aback Lu Tian. He lets out augh and leans slightly closer to her.


    "Then never stop looking at me. My entire being exists only for you."


    He meant every word. He never wants her to direct how she looks at him or someone else. Only God knows how mad he would be if that day were toe.


    Yue Ling''s eyes shook at the sudden closeness of his face. For a moment, she thought he would kiss her again, but to her surprise, he didn''t.


    Her bluish-green eyes fell into the deep abyss of his dark eyes, and her lips gradually raised into a smile. She scoots closer to him, their noses almost touching.


    "I''m d you exist for me."


    Herst word fell, and she gave him a small kiss on the lips.


    "But unfortunately, I have to get ready for work."


    She doesn''t wait for his reaction and sits up from bed. However, before getting out of bed, she gives him another kiss.


    This time, on the forehead.


    As she walked away to get ready, Lu Tian was speechless in bed. His eyes followed her every move until she disappeared into the bathroom.


    The sound of the shower water running brought him back to his senses, and he smiled like a teenage boy who just had his first kiss.


    He sits up but doesn''t get out of bed and lightly touches his forehead. His smile grew bigger before letting out a deep sigh.


    "Hah¡­ I miss her already."


    And the second those words slipped his mouth, he pulled the nket off him and stood up from bed. He wants to be the best husband for his wife, and the first thing he should do for her in the morning is prepare an excellent breakfast.


    After all, he will be home for a few more days, and the least he can do is be a good househusband.

 Chapter 945 Headache

    Chapter 945 Headache


    The door to Yue Ling''s closet room flung open at leisure as her tall and slender figurees into view. After she finished prepping herself for the start of her day, she changed into her work clothes.


    A basic ck long-sleeve turtleneck paired with ck wide-leg pants. Securing her pants in ce was a simple ck belt with a gold buckle and simple gold stud earrings. Her natural wavy hair is put into a high ponytail, but it doesn''t keep away its flow down her back like a waterfall.


    She ces her brown wool coat over one arm, reaches for her work bag, and walks out of the room.


    As she makes her way down the stairs, the pungent aroma of coffee enters her nose.


    A smile appears on her face, and she heads in the direction of the kitchen.


    Upon her arrival, she is greeted with the sight of Lu Tian in his casual dark loungewear. His back turned to her as he faced the stove. The way he looked in the morning was like any other morning, but this was something she loved.


    She slowly puts her coat and work bag on a table, making sure not to make any sound to disrupt the man.


    Taking light steps, she steps closer and closer to him, and her arms stretch out. She hugs his waist and leans her head against his muscr back.


    "The smell of your breakfast is always enough to fill my stomach."


    Lu Tian doesn''t flinch at her sudden arrival. He had listened to her familiar footsteps when she descended the stairs. He smiles and turns his head slightly to the side to look at her.


    "That''s good to hear, but it means more when you eat it."


    As he spoke, he didn''t forget to ce one arm over her shoulder, bringing her closer to him.


    "Take a seat. I''ll prepare a bowl of congee for you."


    He ces a soft peck on her temple, then reaches for an empty bowl he had set out on the counter.


    Yue Ling does as she was told and walks to the dining table to sit down. As the couple sat across from one another to enjoy their breakfast in peaceful harmony, all was chaotic in another part of Imperial.


    The sound of ss shattering and objects thrown inside a white Mediterranean-style house could be heard.


    "Sweety, calm down. Why are you so angry in the early morning?"


    Ji Shao An sat on the living room sofa in his pajamas. Usually, he would have the expression of a middle-aged man without any care for the world, but not at this moment.


    He had awoken to the loud crashing sound made by his beloved daughter.


    However, not knowing the reason for her sudden outburst, he continues to try to calm her down.


    "Hua, stop throwing things. Everything you''ve broken in this house is a very expensive piece. Look at that painting you just ruined. It cost me an arm and a leg to purchase it."


    Ji Chu Hua was fuming with rage. Her chest heaves up and down as she res at all the things she has broken. However, nothing seemed to ease her anger, especially not her father''s attempts to calm her down.


    "Stop, Father. You will never understand how angry I am."


    She gnashes at her father before striding to a table and picking up a porcin flower vase. She hesitantly throws it onto the floor without holding back her strength.


    "I informed the stupid PR team at Ji Corps to cover any news, but they''re all ipetent. Why can''t they do one simple task?!"


    After frantically leaving Imperial Hotel and calming down from her paranormal encounter, she realized that she and Gu Ting Fei had left the hotel without any clothes.


    She knew bystanders must have snapped embarrassing photos of them, so she contacted Ji Corps'' PR team to block any releases. She thought that no news would be released, but her phone suddenly went crazy with messages from her friends.


    The photos of her running out of the Imperial Hotel naked were surfing the inte all over Imperial.


    How can she not be angry?


    It was just one news outlet that broadcast the article, but multiple.


    Even worse, the headlines were more exaggerated than anything she had ever seen.


    ''Is this a new trend for couples on a night out?''


    ''Has Ji Chu Hua and Gu Ting Fei finally gone crazy?''


    ''What could make this couple run out in public like this?''


    ''Has Gu Ting Fei and Ji Chu Hua finally revealed their true skins?''


    ''Why do they look like they''ve seen a ghost? Is Imperial Hotel Haunted?''


    Recalling the headlines of each article, Ji Chu Hua wanted to pull all her hair out. She was going to go mad.


    Hearing his daughter mention the PR team, Ji Shao An looks at his daughter and furrows his eyebrows. "Why do you need the PR team? Did something happen?"


    Pondering for a quick second, he takes out his phone to look at any news happening in Imperial. If his daughter is this furious, it must mean that someone has crossed her line.


    "Don''t!"


    However, when he was about to unlock his phone screen, Ji Chu Hua rushed to snatch it away.


    "There''s no need for you to worry about it."


    She reassures him, but both father and daughter know it is something to worry about. However, Ji Chu Hua would rather not have her father see such photos of her and Gu Ting Fei.


    Taking a deep breath, she sits down next to her father.


    "I''m going to stay home for a few days. I need to sort out my thoughts. If I go to work like this, Grandfather Ji will not find mepetent and will never give me the chairman position."


    Ji Shao An was confused about the situation but never one to question his daughter''s choices; he nodded in understanding.


    "Alright. You do that, then. Take some time off and rest. Whatever news has been released will eventually die down. Once that happens, everyone will have moved on."


    Ji Chu Hua kept herposure like a good daughter, ignoring that she had destroyed almost everything inside her house.


    Unlike Gu Ting Fei, who had changed his flight for an earlier time, he was left alone in the middle of this chaotic mess.


    Thinking about all the photos and messages she saw online, her blood began to boil again. However, not wanting her father to pry into the matter, she clenches her fists to ease her mind.


    "Don''t use your phone or meet people for a while. It''ll only give you a headache."


    Herst word fell, and she stood up to leave. While she waits for the news to subside, she must find out who leaked those hideous photos. She will never forgive whoever dared to reveal the pictures of her.


    "I''ll make sure that whoever it is paid for daring to humiliate me."

 Chapter 946 The latest news

    Chapter 946 Thetest news


    Reaching her room, Ji Chu Hua takes out her phone and dials a number before bringing her phone up to her ear. It didn''t take long for the line to connect. However, she spoke first and did not give the person she called a chance to answer.


    "I know you have seen today''s news. Find out who leaked those photos and silence them. I''llpensate you 100,000 yuan if you finish the job quickly."


    Without waiting for a response, she hung up and tossed her phone on the bed.


    Her eyes, which were usually sweet and docile in front of others, were dark and menacing. If the person who brought this anger upon her were standing in front of her, they would have been stabbed to death just by her gaze. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Staring at her phone, her right hand holds her left elbow and nibbles on her fingernails. Her quickly changes from full of rage to unease.


    She couldn''t help but think about something she remembered the night before.


    ''You took what isn''t yours, and now you must pay. ''


    She might have left the room in a hurry, but she could still hear the words from the ghost''s mouth. It was as if the paranormal incident she had encountered had followed her home. However, she couldn''t get one thing off her mind. Why did the ghost say that?


    "I took something that isn''t mine¡­?"


    She mutters the word with eyes searching her room as she racks her brain over the question. Unable to find anything out of ce, she felt all the hair on her body stand on end. However, it wasn''t out of fear but in frustration.


    She scoffs augh at how ridiculous she is behaving and runs her hand through her hair. "Only an idiot would be acting like this."


    She inhales a deep breath and throws all her thoughts out the window. She walked to her bed and reached for her phone, but before the tips of her fingers could touch it, her entire body froze in ce.


    Her eyes shook as they grew wide, and she slowly shook her head in denial.


    "No¡­ That''s impossible¡­"


    She abruptly turns her head, her eyes locked with the shut double door to her walk-in closet.


    With her head still shaking in denial, she strides to the door without looking away. Once she was in front of it, she wasted no time and opened the door.


    The sensor lights installed inside automatically switch on, and all the colors on her face are drained of life.


    Staring back at her was a beautiful Adriatic mist, Rhonda Taffeta dress.


    The dress, still wrapped in its stic cover, hung in the center of the walk-in closet, outshining all her designer products.


    As she strode towards the dress, a sinister light shed across her murderous eyes.


    She grabs the dress without any attention or admiration and throws it onto the floor with all her strength. "Han Yue Ling! Han Yue Ling!!!"


    She screams the name of the woman she loathes and stomps on the dress, not caring that the dress does not belong to her.


    Feeling like the anger she released has not subsided, she storms to a dresser in the room and retrieves a pair of scissors. ''Sszzz''


    The sound of fabric tearing resonated throughout her walk-in closet.


    Her expression twisted sinisterly, and she cut a part of the dress, then another and another, ruining the beautiful dress designed with time and patience by the designer.


    "Why are you everywhere?!!! Ahh!!!!"


    Unaware of the catastrophe that surfaced in Imperial, Yue Ling arrived at De L''amour. She enters the building and sees a few of her employees gathered around Sophia''s desk.


    "My God. I can''t believe how shameless they are to run out in public like that. How do you think they n to cover this up?"


    "I wish I had been there to witness it firsthand. It would have been funnier."


    "This is the greatest news. Now, everyone will know the true color of their skin. Dark, dirty, and disgusting, just like their heart and soul."


    "Don''t forget how crazy they are, too."


    Laughter broke out among the colleagues like they were having tea at a restaurant instead of at work. As they continued their discussion, Sophia noticed Yue Ling and her eyes lit up.


    "Good morning, CEO Han."


    At the mention of Yue Ling, everyone in the crowd jumped in surprise. Each person turns to look at their boss and swallow a hard gulp.


    Despite working under her for many years, they can never tell when she is having a good or bad day. Also, they wereughing early in the morning when they should have been preparing for De L''amour''s new apparelunch.


    Yue Ling felt the atmosphere shift, and she was perplexed. She looked at her employees with a straight expression, but deep down, she was holding in the urge tough.


    She felt like a predator standing in front of her prey.


    Unaware of the others'' fearful expressions, Sophia skips over to her boss with a tablet in hand. She unlocks the screen and hands it over.


    "CEO Han, have you seen thetest news?"


    As the others watched the young receptionist near their boss, each person held their breath and thought the same.


    ''Had she gone mad?''


    Yue Ling ignored the rest of her employees gathered at the receptionist''s desk and kept her eyes on Sophia. Looking at the tablet handed to her, she takes it and lowers her head.


    She raised one eyebrow upon reading the title, and the corners of her lip slowly curled. "Interesting."


    The sudden smile on her face was angelic and captivating butbined with the glint of light in her bluish-green eyes, made her employee shiver. To outsiders, they might be mesmerized by her beautiful appearance at this moment, but to them, they knew that expression all too well.


    It was the smile she made when something really caught her attention, or someone was going to stop breathing the same air as her.


    Between the two, they will never know.


    Skimming through the tablet, Yue Ling hands it back to Sophia and smiles.


    "Thank you for showing this to me. You can go back to work."


    She looks away from the youngdy and turns her attention to the others.


    "The rest of you return to your stations. There is still work to do."


    Without waiting to see their reaction, she makes her way towards the elevator.

 Chapter 947 Seperate work from personal matters

    Chapter 947 Seperate work from personal matters


    *Ding


    The elevator chimes upon arrival, and the metal door slides open to allow Yue Ling to exit. She didn''t arrive on the level of her office but on the floor lever right below.


    She walks out of the elevator and makes her way in the direction of the design room. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Upon nearing the room, she could hear hystericalughter and chattering resonating from inside. However, her steps never ceased.


    "Well, she always wants to be in the spotlight, so now this is the perfect chance for her."


    "Yup. She will be Imperial''s talk for a long, long while. I wonder how she ns to get out of this mess."


    "She reaps what she sowed. No one told her to convey such evil thoughts in the first ce. She stole what didn''t belong to her. Boss even paid for the dress."


    "From the looks of it, only she is dealing with news. Sources said Gu Ting Fei booked an early flight and left Imperial this morning to escape the mess."


    "Really? Damn it. I wanted to see that bastard''s reaction, too."


    "Should we wait until hees back and inflict trouble again?"


    "Why wait for his return? I can locate his whereabouts, and we can stir trouble for him wherever he is right now."


    As the conversation inside the room continues, Yue Ling sighs with a light shake, finding their conversation humorous. She enters the room, and the second her existence is in full view, the once noisy room quickly turns silent.


    The seven people in the room felt the air turn cold, and their eyes were directed at Yue Ling.


    No one dared to make a sound or even let out one.


    Seeing their reactions to her arrival, Yue Ling was at aplete loss. Her eyes blinked multiple times before she let out another sigh and walked further into the room.


    "Why did you all stop? It isn''t like I will fire you for having a littleugh."


    Hearing her words, Ju Suo, sitting near the room door, jumps up from her seat. She skips over to her boss and grins with her teeth in view.


    "Boss, we didn''t stop because you came. You know that we never hide anything from you. We just saw the most amusing news of all time."


    Yue Ling stares at the petite woman and nods her head once. At the same time, she didn''t forget to look at the other people in the room.


    Judging from the looks on their face, she knew her suspicion was correct.


    "I understand you all have your reason for doing something like this, but try to keep it minimal. I don''t want to cause any trouble for my grandfather."


    She knows her team is responsible for the news of Ji Chu Hua and Gu Ting Fei spreading like wildfire around Imperial. As one should understand, no one in Imperial would dare cross the line with any prominent family like the Ji''s and Gu''s.


    Of course, this doesn''t apply to the Lu family and her since she is part of the Ji family.


    Tang Zhonghui sulks in response when he hears his boss. He leans against the wall and crosses his arms over his chest.


    "It''s not our fault she decided to cross the line. Besides, if Grandfather Ji knew what we were doing, I''m positive he would have taken part in it, too."


    Everyone knows that Ji Chu Hua is part of the Ji family, but the old man doesn''t favor her well. She can only walk around with her chin high because her grandfather and Grandfather Ji are brothers.


    On her (Ji Chu Hua) grandfather''s deathbed, Grandfather Ji promised to take care of the second Ji family.


    Grandfather Ji would have long cut off the second Ji family if it were not for that promise.


    Yue Ling sighs at the youngest member of her team. She says nothing and decides to push the subject aside.


    "Alright, that''s enough about the news since I''m turning a blind eye to it. What have you all got done so far?"


    Her question sounded confusing, but her team knew exactly what she was referring to, and everyone turned severe.


    Lian Ni Shang picks up her tablet and walks over to her boss.


    "Last night, I created a few designs with Shan Sinan. Webined our pattern-making and textile expertise to find the best colors and materials for the dress."


    As the pattern maker voiced her ideas to her boss, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin didn''t forget to chime in.


    "We also came up with some ideas to match theirs. Here, take a look."


    The younger twin, Gui Zhongmin, hands Yue Ling a tablet and takes a small step back to give her space.


    "Some designs also came from Qi Li and Tang Zhonghui."


    Gui Tian Lan nods in agreement with his brother while walking to a chair and sits down.


    "We did all this while we were out enjoying the night. Don''t worry. We made sure to separate work from personal matters."


    While each person borated on their ideas, Ju Suo remained at her boss''s side. Her head never forgot to nod to each person.


    When it was her turn, she ced her fists at her hips and raised her chin.


    "Don''t worry, boss. We may not look like it, but while we were out waiting for our target, we made the decision to put all our minds into one."


    She moves one hand away from her hip and points at herself with her thumb.


    "As De L''amour''s fashion forecaster, I''ve seen all the good and bad in the industry. Thus, I provided the trendiest trend for your dress."


    She chatted away with pride, but everyone except for Yue Ling rolled their eyes.


    Tang Zhonghui scoffs at her words and slightly tilts his head.


    "Wow. We should all apud Ju Suo for taking Qi Li''s idea tobine our brains."


    The young man robotically apuded with sarcasm, shaking his head like he was disappointed. He looked to the quiet man in the room and pointed to the fashion forecaster.


    "Qi Li, will you really let her take the credit for you? You were the one who suggested we allbine our designs into one."


    Being the quiet one on the team, Qi Li had every right to be angry with Ju Suo for taking his suggestion, but he shrugged his shoulders with indifference. He doesn''t see why he should make a big deal over something so small.


    "If this is all, I''m going to check how the preparations for the newunch areing along."


    He walks out of the room but doesn''t forget to nod his head in greeting his boss.


    Yue Ling watched the man leave, and she couldn''t help but feel proud to have Qi Li on her team. Although her team was good at their job, she felt Qi Li had a more apprehensive mindset.


    Even in the past, he neverined about the small things.


    Thinking this, she turned to Lian Ni Shang and returned the tablet to the woman.


    "Forward the details to me. I''ll look over them in my office."


    She turns around to leave but stops and looks back at the patternmaker.


    "I need you and Shan Sinan to go to City Z. I''ll have Secretary Jiang book the flights. I''ll also inform Kang In-sung of your arrival, and have him prepare the necessities for your visit."

 Chapter 948 What if she goes after them?

    Chapter 948 What if she goes after them?


    After leaving the design room, Yue Ling left for her office. Before she could reach her office, she saw Jiang Shengyi sitting at her desk.


    "Secretary Jiang."


    Upon hearing her voice, Jiang Shengyi looks up from behind her monitor. When she spotted her boss walking towards her, she stood up and gestured a polite bow.


    "Good morning, CEO Han. Is there anything I can assist you with?"


    Yue Ling was d to have found a capable and sincere secretary, unlike herst one. She knew that Jiang Shengyi would not betray her.


    She stops in front of her secretary''s desk and smiles. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Book 2 first-ss flights to City Z for Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan."


    Jiang Shengyi doesn''t question the order and nods her head. She sits back down on the chair and gets right to work.


    "Is there a specific date I should book the flights?"


    "The sooner the better."


    Yue Ling answers in a calm voice and heads for her office. She knows what to do if there are any more questions.


    She enters her office and ces her work bag down before removing her coat. The second she hung it on the nearby rack, the door to her office flung open with immense wind.


    "Boss! Boss! Have you seen the news?!!"


    Liu Shan frantically enters the room. He wore all ck with a grey marble wool coat. His usual appearance was dignified and collected, but not at this moment.


    A huge smile stered on his face as he held his arm out with his phone.


    "You will never believe what I just saw!"


    He stops in front of his boss, indicating for her to take the phone. Unable to hold himself back, he covers his mouth with his freehand and snickers like a little old grandma.


    "I''m serious. I thought I was seeing things."


    Yue Ling stares at her assistant without batting an eye. She doesn''t look at the phone but walks to her desk.


    "Sophia already showed me."


    She pulls her chair back before taking a seat. As she did this, she nced at him, and the smile on his face was reced with confusion.


    Like he was curious about something involving the news.


    Others might not be able to read him, but she could.


    She looks away and turns on herputer.


    "It was Alpha Team that did it."


    At the mention of Fate''s Alpha Team, Liu Shan''s jaw dropped to the floor. He was bbergasted by such a response from his boss.


    "Y-You mean¡­"


    He stares at his boss. He wanted to see her expression if she was lying to him. However, unable to catch any traces of lies on her face, his hand holding the phone drops to his side.


    His eyes move left and right like he is in disbelief.


    "T-this¡­"


    He stutters one word but doesn''t say anymore. It was only after a long minute had gone by that he came back to his senses.


    His fingers wrapped around his phone tightened, and he pressed his lips together.


    "How dare they¡­"


    His grip intensified, causing his entire body to tremble like a madman.


    "Those bastards. I thought I was their friend. How dare they not include me in this?!"


    How can he not be furious with them?


    He had shed blood and tears with them for so many years. If they were nning to humiliate Ji Chu Hua, he wanted to be a part of it, too.


    How dare they remove their identity as the design team and put on their identity as Alpha team without him?!


    Yue Ling had already started her work. She didn''t need to look at her assistant to know what was happening in his mind.


    However, not wanting to waste the little time she had with work, she looked at him.


    "Is there anything else?"


    Liu Shan came back from his thoughts. His body stops shaking, and he takes a deep breath like he is meditating to ease his mind.


    "What are you going to do? What if that wench decides to retaliate?"


    He has been by Yue Ling''s side for many years and has all the records of Ji Chu Hua. The woman may appear friendly and caring on the surface, but behind that facade, she is a woman with a disgusting heart.


    Ji Chu Hua only got to where she is today because of her background as part of the Ji family. Without the Ji family, she was nothing.


    For that reason, many people have been taken care of for crossing her line.


    Yue Ling looks away from her assistant and shrugs her shoulder. Her expression held no emotions but indifference.


    "If she wants to retaliate, she can go ahead. I''ll happily wee her retaliation."


    Liu Shan wasn''t worried about his boss. He knew she could take care of herself, but he pursed his lips, thinking about something.


    "What about Alpha Team? What if she goes after them?"


    Unlike his boss, everyone from Alpha Team didn''te from a prominent background. If Ji Chu Hua wants to fabricate a crime to ruin them, the evil woman really can.


    Yue Ling was typing on the keyboard when she heard her assistant. Her hands stopped, and she looked at him.


    "And you think I will let her?"


    Her response was like a p back to reality for Liu Shan. He couldn''t even believe that he was thinking about what would happen to Alpha team if Ji Chu Hua went after them.


    Ji Chu Hua may be an evil woman, but his boss is a devil woman.


    Once she takes someone under her wing, they have her backing.


    He lets out a sigh and nods his head to let her know that he understands her.


    "I''ll keep tabs on that woman''s movements. If she does anything suspicious, I''ll inform you right away."


    His words fell, and he excused himself. He needed to settle a score with some people.


    Yue Ling watched her assistant leave, and she lightly shook her head. She knew him like the back of her hand and knew where he was going.


    Her design team was going to get an earful from him.


    She shifts her gaze back to the monitor in front of her, and her fingers dance over the keyboard again. She needed to send an email to Kang In-sung about Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan''s visit.


    As Yue Ling began her work, Lu Tian was no different back at her house.


    The aloof man continued his search for both Choi Li Sun and the other person looking for him (Choi Li Sun).


    Since Choi Li Sun arrived at Imperial, he has been living off the grid, leaving no paper trail. No surveince captures the man.


    Choi Li Sun was a man who would sacrifice a pawn to secure the big picture. So long as he is safe, he will stop at nothing. Despite his ruthless and corrupted ways, many people, evenw enforcement, would bend their backs to him.


    However, things just got tougher now that another force was looking for the man.


    *Vrr vrr


    Before his thoughts could trail too far, the sound of his phone vibrates on the desk.


    The name on the caller ID was Xu Long.


    He answers the call and ces the phone next to his ear.


    "Report."


    ["Boss, they''re awake."]


    From the other line came Xu Long''s horsed voice. The assistant sounded like he had not slept all night.


    Lu Tian responded with a faint ''''mm'' and ended the call. He looks at the monitor screen for a brief second, then at his wife''s empty desk.


    No one knew what he was thinking at this very moment as he turned away.


    He grabs his coat before leaving the house he shares with his wife.

 Chapter 949 Suspicion

    Chapter 949 Suspicion


    While the people of Imperial continued with their morning, it wasn''t long before Lu Tian arrived at Ye Zhongwei''s bungalow. This time, he didn''t take his ck Maserati Levante Trofeo but his matte ck Audi r8.


    He parks the car on his friend''s driveway and steps out.


    "Boss, you''re here."


    Xu Long greets his boss as usual. The moment his call with his boss ended, he came outside to wait.


    He had spent all night helping Ye Zhongwei take care of Qin Jun, Song Jing Li, and Kira. It was indeed a restless night.


    Lu Tian gives his assistant a nod and walks past.


    "How are they?"


    Xu Long followed his boss but kept a foot back. When he heard the question, he didn''t waste any time and gave the details.


    "Qin Jun suffered a minor concussion to his head, but he''s stabilized and up. As for Song Jing Li and Kira, they have minor cuts from the dispute with the perpetrators. They were fatigued fromck of sleep, which was why it took them a while to regain consciousness."


    The boss and assistant duo chatted as they entered the house. There, they met Ye Zhongwei at the front door.


    "Well, good morning, my dear friend. Did you have a good sleep? I sure didn''t."


    Lu Tian looked at his friend, and he could tell at a nce that the man was exhausted. He could see the dark circles under Ye Zhongwei''s eyes.


    "Are they clear to leave?"


    Ye Zhongwei stared at his friend. His hair was disheveled, and his eyes were on the brink of closing. He was barely keeping himself up.


    However, he was a doctor, and it was his duty to help those injured.


    Not only that, this was a request from Lu Tian.


    "Yeah, they''re clear."


    He gives his answer and turns away. Heading for the hallway, he doesn''t look back but waves his hand.


    "I''ll be in my room getting my beauty sleep. Try not to bother me."


    Lu Tian doesn''t watch his friend leave and goes to the living room. He has often visited Ye Zhongwei''s home and knows theyout.


    The moment he set foot inside, he made eye contact with the three men he had brought in.


    Qin Jun sat alone on one couch while Song Jing Li and Kira sat on the other across. There was only a coffee table separating them. Each person was bandaged and covered in bruises.


    When the men saw hime in, no one spoke a sword but nodded in greeting.


    The air around him was cold and intimidating, causing the temperature in the room to lower.


    Lu Tian walks to the couch that Qin Jun is sitting on and sits beside the man.


    "What happened?"


    Qin Jun shook his head, which was bandaged due to the wound he received. He leans back on the couch, and his eyes search the space in front of him.


    "We had a new lead, but by the time we got to him, he was already dead."


    Thinking back on it, they had been too careless. No one knew they were in Imperial except for Chief Kim and Lu Tian.


    "I should have been more attentive."


    Kira spoke from across the room. His hands curled into tight fists when he thought aboutst night.


    They returned to their hideout when they were left with another dead end. He didn''t check the hidden surveince he had set up around the perimeter because there was an rm.


    If someone had toe near them, it would have alerted them.


    However, he was too careless.


    "They had disconnected the rm system I set up and were hiding in wait for us. By the time we realized something was wrong, they were already attacking."


    Lu Tian listened to the men give a summary of the night before. His brows furrowed the more he listened, but he didn''t say anything.


    "It was definitely him."


    Song Jing Li spoke up. He punches the armrest of the couch with a tightly clenched fist.


    "I know the way that bastard takes down his opponents."


    Lu Tian, Xu Long, Qin Jun, and Kira didn''t need to know who the person Song Jing Li was referring to as it was Choi Li Sun.


    They had been working on the case for years to know how the man does things.


    He sends his men to the target. They never enter the building but shoot from outside before setting the ce on fire to get rid of any evidence.


    If someone were to escape, they would track the person down and y a game of hunting.


    They would let their target run and give chase. To them, it was a thrill to watch their target hide in fear of them.


    That was why Song Jing Li and Kira were hiding in the forest.


    However, no one expected Lu Tian to arrive right on time.


    Qin Jun was already aware of how Lu Tian came to help them. If it weren''t for the man, he doubted they would have survived the night, especially when he was already unconscious.


    He looks at the aloof man, and his expression turns serious.


    "Thanks for your help."


    Hearing him, Kira didn''t hesitate to chime in his gratitude.


    "I really appreciate your helpst night. I have to admit, I almost thought it was the end."


    Lu Tian didn''t speak right away but gave a single nod. Judging from the information they provided, it seems like they were getting close to finding Choi Li Sun.


    The only problem was that someone alerted him, so he was able to get to them first.


    Thinking about this, the frown on Lu Tian''s face deepened. No one in the room was able to read him, and neither did they dare to ask.


    After what felt like an entire day, he parted his lips, and his deep voice sounded.


    "There''s a mole."


    The second the men heard him, everyone stared at him with bloodshot eyes.


    "What do you mean? How can there be a mole?" n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Kira spoke first. He was in a slight denial that there could be a mole. Before they came to Imperial, they had already taken care of all the moles Choi Li Sun had nted.


    If it weren''t for that, they would have nevere here unless¡­


    He looked at the man across from him but dared not voice his thoughts.


    Lu Tian didn''t need to look at the three men to know what they were thinking.


    His expression remained unfazed, but the air around him intensified more than it already was.


    He looks at Kira, and one corner of his mouth every so lightly curves into a smirk.


    "You think it''s one of my men?"


    His head slightly tilted to the side, and the smirk on his face grew a bit bigger. His demeanor manifests with danger.


    "Or are you suspecting me?"


    Kira was taken aback when Lu Tian''s dark eyes suddenly met his. He didn''t know why, but the man''s gaze was piercing as if seeing right through him.


    He didn''t even realize that he was holding his breath.


    "Hey!"


    At that moment, Xu Long, who had been keeping quiet at the side, spoke up. His tone was menacing, unlike his usual carefree one.


    He takes a step forward and crosses his arm over his chest.


    "You better get that brain of yours fixed, or I''ll dly fix it for you."


    By looking at Kira''s expression, he knew what his boss was referring to. They were from City Z, and now that they were in Imperial, the mole his boss mentioned could be anyone.


    And after the ambushst night, it was easy for them to have the suspicion that the mole could be someone on Lu Tian''s side.


    However, not on his watch.


    He stares Kira straight in the eyes. The friendly air around him was nowhere to be seen.


    "No one on this side is the mole. I can vouch for that."


    Kira was tongue-tied by the assistant. They were supposed to discussst night''s ambush. How did things get to this?


    Unable toprehend the situation, he scratched his head in frustration.


    "That''s not what I mean. You''re¡ª"


    "Shh!"


    Before the man could finish his words, Xu Long cuts him off by shushing him. He walks over to Kira and stands before the man, revealing no fear in him.


    "If you even dare to think that it is us, I, James Long Bond, will deal with you."


    For a moment, Lu Tian felt proud to have Xu Long as his assistant. However, when the man mentioned his James Bond name, he could only take it back.


    "That''s enough, Xu Long."


    He stops his assistant and looks at the three men one by one.


    "If I wanted you dead, you would''ve been dead. Giving you the authorization to be here wouldn''t even be on the table, let alone allowing you to step foot in Imperial."


    His dark eyes stop at Kira, and his words continue.


    "Because I respect Chief Kim, I''ll let this go."


    Having said enough, he stood up from his seat.


    "I''ll have a different location arranged for you guys. Your old location has beenpromised."


    Without waiting for a response, he walks away from the living room.


    Xu Long doesn''t spare the three men another nce and follows after his boss. If his boss didn''t stop him, he would have beaten the living hell out of Kira for even thinking they were working with Choi Li Sun.


    "Wait."


    The boss and assistant had yet to reach the front door when Song Jing Li stopped them.


    He walks over to them and stops in front of Lu Tian.


    "I know that the mole isn''t from your side. Neither does Qin Jun and Kira."


    He didn''t want to admit it, but Lu Tian was a good man. If Lu Tian weren''t, he would havee to help him.


    He leans forward and bows to the man in front of him.


    "I know this because you still came to help us despite my hostility towards you. For that, I am truly grateful."

 Chapter 950 Really done it this time

    Chapter 950 Really done it this time


    In Ye Zhongwei''s bungalow''s living room, Song Jing Li returned to his seat on the couch. With his hands on his knees, his head lowered as he stares at his feet.


    Last night''s ambush was shocking, but it was like a wake-up call for him. It was as if someone had poured cold water onto him.


    This wake-up call wasn''t about how dangerous this case was turning but a wake-up call on how he felt towards Lu Tian.


    He had always believed that Lu Tian was a ruthless and dangerous man. Although they strive to take down evil people, especially those in the underworld, he thought the man was self-centered.


    Never caring for anyone other than himself.


    Yue Ling was the best woman in his eyes, and he could only see her with Shin. However, when Shin passed away, he felt no man was worthy of her.


    Therefore, he didn''t like that Yue Ling, who he considers his older sister, was in a rtionship with the man.


    Even when he saw the news of the two, he felt she deserved better, especially now that he knew she had miscarried.


    However, after her lecture, he decided to see things in a different light when she came to see them. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He went back to look at the news about the couple, and only then did he realize that the way Lu Tian gazed at Yue Ling was just like Shin.


    It was the look of a man who wouldn''t hesitate to give his life for the woman he loves and would do anything to protect her.


    He was surprised since he never thought a man like Lu Tian, known to have no emotions, could make such a sincere and soft expression.


    When they were ambushed and hiding in the forest, it was just as Qin Jun said.


    He thought it was the end for them. He felt that they were going to die in a foreignnd without ever getting revenge.


    He didn''t even know why, but he called Lu Tian.


    He didn''t even know if Lu Tian would help them.


    However, just when he thought the end wasing, he felt relieved to see the man show up.


    At that moment, he knew that he had judged the man based on rumors and not by actually getting to know the person.


    If Lu Tian were really cold-blooded, he wouldn''t havee to help them.


    Thinking this through, he slightly raises his head to look at the aloof man sitting back on the couch. It was only a quick nce as he lowered his head again.


    Lu Tian would have left because he said what he needed to, but he decided to stay after Song Jing Li stopped him and Xu Long.


    It wasn''t because the young man apologized but because he respected Chief Kim.


    Not only that, if he were to leave, he would still have to returnter. So, not wanting toe backter, he made the decision to stay and discuss whatever was needed for the case.


    He sat back on the couch, arms folded in front of his chest.


    "I suspect there is a mole you guys missed because of the attack. The way Choi Li Sun conducts his ns, he must have ordered this person not to move until he makes contact."


    When he went to City Z to meet Chief Kim, he took another look at the information gathered on Choi Li Sun.


    It was detailed that Qin Jun had taken down all the moles, but he felt something strange. It was too easy, especially when dealing with Choi Li Sun.


    "It''s most likely that he still has one or two hidden moles in City Z."


    Qin Jun didn''t want to admit it, but Lu Tian was right.


    Afterst night''s ambush, he could conclude that someone had leaked their location. However, thinking about this, three lines formed between his eyebrows.


    "But why? Why would he suddenly try to get rid of us now? Who could be the mole?"


    He couldn''t grasp what Choi Li Sun was thinking. The man had been in hiding for so long, and to suddenlyy an ambush on them was not like him.


    Kira sat in silence. He also found it strange that Choi Li Sun would send men after them. If the man wanted to take them out, he would have done so the moment they entered Imperial.


    That wasn''t the only thing. They weren''t even close to finding the other person looking for Choi Li Sun.


    He pursed his lips in pondering before a thought came to his mind. He looks at Qin Jun and opens his mouth to speak.


    "What¡ª"


    "Hey!"


    Xu Long abruptly cut off him before he could even begin his sentence. He looked at the assistant and was met with menacing eyes that dumbstruck him.


    "¡­"


    Xu Long had pulled a chair from the side to sit beside his boss. He had kept his eyes on Kira the entire time, and the minute the samurai-looking man opened his mouth, he didn''t hesitate to intervene.


    "Better watch what you say this time."


    His words fell with seriousness before he slowly raised his left hand. Using his index and middle finger, he points to his eyes and then at the man.


    His gesture warned the man, ''I''m watching you, Kira Yamato.''


    "¡­"


    Kira didn''t know whether tough or cry at the man''s attitude. He had already apologized to Lu Tian when they returned to the living room.


    He knows that he was out of line even to have the thought of them working with Choi Li Sun.


    Even he wanted to punch himself in the face for having such a stupid thought.


    He didn''t expect the assistant to hold such a grudge against him this entire time.


    However, trying to ignore the man, he looks back at Qin Jun.


    "Considering our situation, what if we ask¡ª"


    "No."


    This time, it wasn''t Xu Long who cut him off, but Qin Jun. He knew what Kira wanted to say, but it was thest thing he wanted to do.


    "We can''t."


    Hearing this, Lu Tian''s dark eyes narrowed as he looked at the three men from City Z. His expression darkened, and his deep voice sounded.


    "Who?"


    Hesistation dawned on the three men, and no one wanted to answer the question. It was more like they didn''t know how to answer the man.


    However, knowing what kind of man Lu Tian was, Qin Jun lets out a long sigh.


    "We have a friend here."


    He stares at the space in front of him for a long second before continuing his words.


    "Our friend has a lot of resources around the world, especially in the underworld¡­ but we don''t want to bring our friend into this matter."


    He doesn''t go into too much detail, and Lu Tian didn''t pry into the matter. He (Lu Tian) didn''t want to involve outsiders in the case. It would only bring more trouble.


    Qin Jun was relieved that Lu Tian was never one to pry into other people. He couldn''t tell the aloof man that the friend he was talking about was none other than Yue Ling.


    He also told himself never to get her involved, even when this case was connected to Shin''s death.


    Not wanting to stay on the topic of this friend, he decides to shift the conversation.


    "Have you found any lead on who the other person is?"


    Lu Tian didn''t know why, but the question made him think of his wife. Her angelic and mesmerizing face appeared in his mind, and he couldn''t help but miss her.


    However, despite his insides softening at the thought of his wife, his outer appearance remained indifferent.


    "I found a few leads. I need to confirm them first."


    He looked down at the watch on his left wrist, and seeing that it was nearing noon, he stood up from his seat.


    "I''ll stay on the other person. You guys find out who the mole is."


    Without waiting for a response, he leaves his friend''s bungalow.


    Xu Long also stood up. He returned the chair to its original spot before looking back at Kira.


    Once the man met his deathly stare, he flung his head with attitude and snorted a hmmf.


    Kira: "¡­"


    Left alone in the living room, Qin Jun and Song Jing Li couldn''t help but feel pity for their friend.


    Qin Jun stood up and left the room without saying a word. As the man disappears from view, Song Jing Li looks at his friend.


    He shakes his head and ces a hand on Kira''s shoulder.


    "You''ve really done it this time."


    He lets out a pitiful sigh and ps his thighs before standing up.


    "Alright, we have work to do. Let''s go find the rat that slipped away."


    Kira''s shoulders slumped at his side, and he could only cry inside as he followed the young man.


    Xu Long followed his boss to the matte ck Audi r8 outside the bungalow. He stops a few feet from the car and stares at his boss.


    "Boss, what are your orders?"


    Lu Tian doesn''t look at his assistant and enters the driver''s side of his car.


    "Return to Lu Corps. Find a new location for them."


    Xu Long nods his head in understanding. It was only natural that the three men inside needed a new location to set up their hideout.


    One that Choi Li Sun cannot have ess to at all.


    Remembering that his boss was still working from home, he looked at the expressionless man inside the car.


    "Are you going back home? Should Ie to your house after stopping by Lu Corps? I can be your extra pair of eyes and hands."


    Lu Tian doesn''t look at his assistant but starts the engine.


    "I''m going to see my wife."


    He says no more and drives from his friend''s bungalow, leaving his assistant alone in the driveway.


    Xu Long''s head followed the matte ck car, and he was at a loss for words.


    He has been Lu Tian''s assistant for ten years, and the man has never put anything before a case. However, watching the car further into the horizon, he heaves a sigh.


    "Who am I to judge a man in love?"


    He walks to his car and enters before leaving the ce.


    While Lu Tian and the others went on with their day, Ye Zhongwei was deep in dreand. The man remained asleep in his room with a mask covering his eyes.


    All he cared about was getting his beauty sleep.

 Chapter 951 Unexpected visit from him,

    Chapter 951 Unexpected visit from him


    Yue Ling had just finished sending an email to Kang In-Sung back in City Z. Just as she pressed the send button, a notification chimed on her monitor. She checked the notification to see that Jiang Shengyi had finished booking the two flights for Lian Ni Shang and Shan Sinan.


    The secretary also forwarded the flight information to the people leaving.


    She does respond to the email but exits out of the screen. She moves her keyboard aside and picks up the tablet on her desk.


    When she left the design room, Tang Zhonghui forwarded her all the designs the design team came up with.


    She leans back on the chair and scrolls through the tablet.


    The more she looks at each design print, the more a designes to mind.


    Without setting the tablet down, she reaches for the ck book that contains all of De L''amour''s released designs.


    She decided to create her dress for the engagement party but didn''t want it to outshine the wedding dress she picked out with Madam Lu.


    Just having reached for the ck design book, she sees the photo of her and Lu Tian on her desk. It was the photo that Lu Tian had sent to her office.


    She stares at the photo, and a smile curls on her face. The photo was like a reminder for her to remember that she was not in a dream.


    Turning away from it, she flips through the pages and scrolls through the tablet simultaneously; she doesn''t forget to write down notes on the side.


    "CEO Han."


    A knock sounds at the door before Jiang Shengyi enters the room. The secretary held a stack of documents in her hand and walked over to her boss.


    "Cloth Co. just sent these over. All the materials needed for the new release have been carefully checked and signed off from their side."


    Her words fell as she ced half the documents on Yue Ling''s desk before setting the other half next to the first. She took a step back and held her hands in front of her.


    "This is also the list sent over by An Qing. Mr. Liu has done what you asked and assigned new positions to the employees there based on their skills. He asks you to review the list to confirm or check if anything is out of ce before its final submission."


    Yue Ling doesn''t look at her secretary but ces the tablet over the ck design book and slightly moves the two items to the side.


    She reaches for the documents sent by Cloth Co. Without flipping through the pages. She signs on the line left for her signature.


    "Make a copy and send it to Cloth Co. Hand the original to Assistant Liu and inform the design team to begin the preparations." n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    She didn''t need to review this document because she trusted Madam Lu''s judgment since Cloth Co. belongs to the woman.


    Handing the documents to her secretary, she picks up the other documents sent over by Liu Yilong.


    She stares at the first page for a split second before flipping the page.


    "You can go now. Once I''m done looking over this, I''ll let you know."


    Jiang Shengyi gestures a polite bow, and despite having her questions, she holds herself back. She leaves the room with only the signed documents with Cloth Co.


    Opening the door, she remembered the time and turned back to look at the beautiful woman sitting behind the desk.


    "CEO Han, please don''t forget to have lunch."


    She waits until Yue Ling meets her eyes and leaves the room, not forgetting to shut the door behind her.


    The room returned to its original silence as she went over the list of the employees at An Qing.


    Before she got rid of Chen Limei, all the employees were ced in unbefitting positions. All the lower-ie employees were tasked with the most challenging jobs, while those from a more prominent background were given leisure positions.


    Remembering all the information Liu Shan had gathered for her about the former situation at An Qing, she couldn''t help but sigh.


    She knows that if Chen Yifeng were still here, he would never have let things get to this. He was the kind of man who judges a person based on their potential. Whether the person came from a low-ie family or a noble one, if that person had the potential, they would be able to sit at the table with the board members.


    However, once Chen Limei took over, she changed everything ording to her preferences.


    A preference that nopany should ever abide by.


    Looking at the list, she noticed one of the IT specialist positions was vacant. She suddenly thought about the Liu siblings in her care and pursed her lips.


    Liu Ye studied information technology before his father forced him to work for Red Moon. From the report she received, the young man showed great potential.


    Even Lin Hui was in the process of giving the young man some pointer.


    She wonders how he would feel if she offered the position to him. Of course, she wouldn''t give it to him easily; he would have to show that he was meant for the position.


    As for the other two siblings, Liu Jianan was still young and in grade school. She heard that Liu Jingyu was interested in art. She would like to sponsor the girl to study at an art school if possible.


    With this in mind, she decides that she will have a conversation with the Liu Siblings. She was never one to pressure someone into doing something they didn''t like. If they say no to her offer, she will not hold them against it.


    *knock knock


    A knock sounds from the door, bringing her back from her thoughts. She doesn''t look up but continues to go through the list.


    Her employees knew they didn''t need her permission to enter the room unless she had a guest inside. Even Jiang Shengyi had gotten ustomed to this order.


    *knock knock


    Hearing another knock at the door, her brows furrowed, and she looked up from the documents.


    She hadn''t been informed about any visitors, and neither was she expecting anyone. Her lips pursed before answering.


    "Come in."


    The second herst word fell, the door opened with ease, and a tall figure entered her office. When she saw the familiar figure, her eyes lit up in surprise.


    She didn''t think to get an unexpected visit from him.


    "Tian! What are you doing here?"


    A bright smile shed on her face, letting him know she was happy to see him. She ced the documents down and stood up from her seat.


    "Shouldn''t you be working at home?"

 Chapter 952 Always longing

    Chapter 952 Always longing


    Lu Tian entered his wife''s office with a smile upon seeing her. He knew he made the right decision bying to see her when he missed her.


    He walks over to meet her with both his hands behind his back.


    "I was in the area and started to miss you, so I thought we could have lunch together."


    Yue Ling was happy to see him, but her cheeks flushed pink when she heard him say he missed her.


    "We just saw each other earlier."


    It had only been a few hours since she left the house. How can he miss her already?


    Lu Tian went soft when he saw her face turn flushed. He quickly takes three big steps to close the distance between them, and his arms behind his back move forward.


    "That was earlier. This is now."


    His right arm pulled his wife near him, and his left hand held a bouquet of pink camellia to her.


    Yue Ling yelped at his sudden pull and ced her palms on his chest to steady their impact together. However, her eyes widened at the bouquet of pink camellia before her.


    "This¡­"


    Lu Tian didn''t care whether anyone saw them or not. He pulls her closer, lowers his head, and whispers near her ear.


    "I told you, I missed you."


    He moves towards her face and pecks her lips before pulling away by an inch.


    "To be precise, I''m always longing for you when you''re not in my sight."


    Hisst word finished, and he stole another kiss from her.


    After meeting with Qin Jun and the others, he stopped by a flower shop beforeing to De L''amour. It wasn''t a special asion, but he felt like buying her flowers.


    Yue Ling had yet to process his words when her eyes widened at the sudden kiss. Being so close to him, she couldn''t help but inhale his natural scent that held a mixture of bluebell and wood.


    She unknowingly wraps her arms around his neck, and her eyes closed. Pulling him closer to him, she deepens their kiss.


    Lu Tian sighed a faint groan at her sudden pull, but he was rather pleased by the gesture. His steady breathing turned rapid, and he became a man who finally found air.


    He drops the bouquet of pink camellia and, giving no warning, picks up his wife.


    Their lips separated for a brief moment, but Lu Tian made sure it wasn''t for long. He captures his wife''s lips again and brings her to the couch in the room.


    He had been holding back the past few days because he didn''t want to tire his wife. He knew her schedule was busy, and she needed all the rest she could get.


    However, he, at this moment, didn''t care anymore, throwing all rational thoughts of self-restraint out the window.


    He carefully ced her on the couch andid on top of her. His lips never left hers, and he made sure not to let all his weight fall on her.


    "Wait¡­"


    Yue Ling gasped through the gaps of their kiss, but Lu Tian had already sealed her lips before she could say another word.


    His left hand held her nape in ce while his other hand traced every inch of her body.


    "I can''t."


    He groaned a whisper through their kiss and parted her legs with his own. He pulls away from her lips to look into her bluish-green eyes. His expression did not hide his longing for her, and he pressed his lower body against her to show her.


    "See."


    Despite theyers of clothes separating them, she could feel the hard bulge of his lower half. Her cheeks, which were already pink, turned red at the feel of him.


    "Ah.."


    A soft moan escapes her lips when he begins to grind his lower half right at the entrance of her. As if to show her how much he wanted her. She was sure he would have entered her at that moment if they were not wearing any clothes.


    Hearing her moan caused Lu Tian''s heart to stir. However, he pressed his forehead against hers, not wanting to pressure her.


    "Can I?"


    Yue Ling felt helpless in front of him. They were in her office, but thinking about how she wanted him, she knew she couldn''t turn him down.


    The look on his face was enough to let her know that they were crazy for one another.


    She leans up to kiss him and removes his coat.


    "Please be gentle."


    Lu Tian felt like Cupid had shot another arrow into his heart. His wife was too adorable, and he couldn''t help but fall for her more and more.


    While she removed his coat, he kissed her like a man who had finally found air. At the same time, his hands didn''t forget to get to work on the belt that secured her pants in ce.


    Their haggard breathing filled the silent room, and he swiftly slid her belt off. He tossed it aside onto the table and pulled her shirt out from being tucked in.


    His hands slid under her shirt, allowing his palm to haveplete contact with her bare skin.


    Yue Ling trembled at the sudden feel of his hands, making her body grow hotter. Her hands slid down to his waist, and like the man above her, she unbuckled his belt before undoing his pants.


    She could feel the touch of his arousal with every move she made to undo his pants. She had the urge to touch it and give him the same pleasures he had given her.


    However, before she could make another move, her body was suddenly slid upwards.


    "Wait, Tian¡­"


    She gasped a yelp at the sudden shift. She was still under him, but only a head difference.


    Lu Tian''s head hovered in front of her chest. He pulls her shirt up to reveal her full breasts trapped underneath her ckced bra. His dark eyes, filled with lust for her, locked her in ce, never looking away.


    He moves the left side of her bra down, allowing her pink nub to perk out.


    He looks away from his wife, and a small smile curls, showing his satisfaction at the sight in front of him.


    His thumb skims over her pink nub before his head leans forward. His eyes locked back with his wife, and he takes the tip of her breast with his mouth.


    "Hngn¡­"


    Yue Ling shivered a moan, and her back arched forward as the sensation shot through her body. She grabbed his shoulders and clenched her fists, squeezing his shirt tightly.


    A satisfied groan escaped from Lu Tian as he devoured her breast. His left hand slid down to hold her back while his other hand continued to trace the side of her body.


    Stopping at her thigh, he caresses it until he reaches the button of her pants.


    He unbuttons her pants with ease and moves on to the next step. Unzipping her pants.


    His fingers held the zipper, and he zipped it down. However, just as he did so, his ears perked.


    The look in his eyes turned icy cold, and the sweet atmosphere filled with love and longing was reced with a blizzard.


    He moved his hands away from her pants as he pulled away from her breast.


    As he did this, he didn''t forget to pull her shirt down to cover her and sit up, sheltering her from view.


    "Boss! Boss! Boss!"


    Yue Ling was confused when Lu Tian suddenly stopped, but hearing someone call for her, her face turned red in embarrassment.


    At that moment, the door to her office flung open, and Liu Shan rushed inside with a massive smile on his face.


    "Boss! Let''s grab lunch together! I heard¡­"


    He had yet to finish his words when he saw Lu Tian sitting on the couch. His head tilts to the side, and he looks at the man in confusion.


    "Eh? What are you doing here, Mr. Lu?"


    Due to his cluelessness, he was not aware of the man''s dark and murderous re. He felt a shiver crawl down his spine, and he rubs his arms.


    "Man, it''s cold in here. Did the heating system stop working?"


    Yue Ling hid behind Lu Tian and wanted to dig a hole for her to hide in. If Lu Tian had not stopped in time, who knows what would have happened if Liu Shan walked in on them?


    Taking a deep breath and using Lu Tian as a shield, she sneakily but quickly adjusted her clothes.


    She poked her head out from behind the man and mustered her best smile in such a situation.


    "Go ahead. I''m going to have lunch with Lu Tian."


    Liu Shan''s eyes widened in surprise when he saw his boss. He didn''t think to see her appear from behind the aloof man.


    However, noticing her belt on the table, he frowns in confusion.


    "Boss, your belt. Why did you¡­"


    The more he spoke, the more he felt the air turned grave. Soon, his eyes widened more, and his jaw dropped. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Only then did he finally take notice of Lu Tian''s deadly re directed at him. It was the kind of re that could kill a person over and over again.


    ''Oh! My! God!''


    He screamed inside and knew at that moment he had messed up.


    He ps his face to cover his eyes quickly. He didn''t dare to look at the couple.


    "I¡­ I s-should get g-g-going. I was n-never h-here."


    He forces his frozen legs to move and wants to escape death. He scurries back out the door he had entered.


    Of course, he didn''t forget to lock the door before shutting it.


    Yue Ling was at an utter loss over the situation. Seeing her assistant''s behavior, there was no doubt he knew what would have happened had he not entered.


    She slumped into the couch and stared up at the ceiling. In times like this, she wished there was an invisibility cloak she could use to cover herself.


    Lu Tian wasn''t feeling too good over the situation either. However, unlike his wife, he wasn''t embarrassed. Instead, he was angry that he had forgotten to lock the door aftering inside.

 Chapter 953 A giant puppy

    Chapter 953 A giant puppy


    The silence that weed the room was engulfed with awkwardness. A silence that made one feel like they were in a dream. It is not a dream one doesn''t want to wake up from, but a dream one wishes is only a dream.


    That was precisely how Yue Ling felt at that very moment.


    She had wished that her situation was only a dream and she would wake up soon.


    However, knowing that this was all real, she let out a long and depressing sigh.


    She stares at the white ceiling of her office, and she closes her eyes. She needed to gather her thoughts.


    She and Lu Tian were so absorbed in their heated moment that neither thought they would be interrupted.


    Knowing there was nothing she could do to turn back time, she opened her eyes and sat up.


    "Alright. Let''s go."


    She readjusted her shirt since she fixed it in a hurry, then reached for her belt on the table.


    "What do you feel like having for lunch?"


    Before, when her hand was in midair, Lu Tian stopped her by grabbing her arm. She turned to look at him, and she was dumbfounded.


    Lu Tian didn''t look at her but held his head down. He was known as a ruthless man who found joy at the sight of blood, but his entire posture and expression were like a giant puppy.


    He looked pitiful to the point that Yue Ling felt a sense of pity for him.


    She sighs a soft chuckle and decides not to get her belt. She adjusted her body to him and held his hand.


    "What is it? Are you embarrassed because Liu Shan walked in? Don''t worry, he won''t tell anyone."


    She had this thought because she doubted something like this had ever happened to someone like him.


    Her other hand gently pats the back of his hand, and she reassures him.


    "I promise. If words get out, I''ll take full responsibility."


    The more she spoke, the more Lu Tian sulked like a little boy who was not satisfied with something.


    However, not overthinking it, she decided not to say anymore and stood up.


    "We should go. You still have to go home and finish your work."


    She had only stood up when she was pulled back down by the man. This time, she didn''tnd on the couch but on hisp.


    Lu Tian wrapped his arms around his wife and pressed his head on her shoulder.


    "I''m not embarrassed if others find out. Better yet, I hope they know. I want the whole world to know how much I long for you."


    His words made Yue Ling smile. She pats him on the head like he was a puppy before tilting her head against his.


    "Then why are you sulking? It''s not like¡­"


    Before she could say anymore, she felt something hard and throbbing pressed against her thigh. She froze in his arms as blood crept to her cheeks again.


    "Tian¡­ you¡­"


    Lu Tian hugs her tighter, pulling her closer to him as if to knead her into one with him.


    He moves from her shoulder before his lips find her ear, and he whispers.


    "You promised you would take full responsibility."


    Yue Ling was tongue-tied when she heard him. Her promise to take responsibility was if words got out.


    She wanted to refute his words but suddenly felt a chill crawl throughout her body.


    Lu Tian had lightly traced his fingers along her back in an up-and-down motion. He leans closer to her and nibbles her ear.


    "I really, really want you¡­ right now."


    Yue Ling coiled at the brush of lips against her ear. She could feel a tickling sensation arouse in her until it reached the ce between her thighs.


    However, containing the sexual lust that forms inside her, she forces herself to move from him.


    She doesn''t get up right away but looks at the man.


    "Can¡­ can you wait until tonight?"


    She had wanted to appear calm, but unbeknownst to her, her appearance made her look like a cute bunny.


    A bunny trying to make a deal with a wolf.


    Lu Tian swallowed a hard gulp at the sight of his wife. He could have it his way. He would have taken her right away on the couch. However, having consideration for his wife, he could only hold himself back.


    He knew his wife would never forgive him if he did it his way.


    Left with no other option, he could only agree. His eyes gave in her to give his answer, but the moment he met her bluish-green eyes that he loved so much, he swallowed a hard gulp.


    Her eyes were always clear, holding innocence yet so seductive simultaneously.


    Every time he stared into her, he felt like he was staring into a bottomless abyss that kept pulling him in.


    "Tian?"


    Yue Ling felt worried when he didn''t answer. She leaned closer to him, wanting to see if he was alright.


    The sudden closeness of her face pulled Lu Tian back from the abyss he was in. He sighs and touches her forehead with his.


    "Don''t keep me waiting too long."


    Yue Ling felt guilty knowing his situation but sighed in relief at his agreement. She hops off from him and quickly puts her belt back in ce.


    She was scared that Lu Tian might suddenly change his mind. Who knows when someone might walk in again?


    Watching her walk away, Lu Tian leans against the couch. His head tilts back, and he ces an arm over his eyes.


    Although he had agreed with her, he needed to calm himself down, especially his lower half.


    She reached for her coat and put it on because she was oblivious to Yue Ling.


    "What do you want to have for lunch?"


    "You¡ª"


    Lu Tian answered without a second thought but caught himself in time. He was relieved to have calmed down but almost slipped out that he wanted to indulge in his wife for lunch.


    His arm lowered, and he stood up from the couch.


    "I''m fine with anything. You decide."


    Yue Ling smiles at the man and picks up her bag. As she did this, Lu Tian had walked over to her.


    He nces at her desk and sees the list of documents, along with the tablet and ck design book, his brows furrowed.


    "Do you have a lot of work?" n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He knew his wife was busy, but he didn''t think she was this busy. From what he was aware, she was in the process ofunching a new merch.


    The tablet drew his attention more, and he saw a notebook. It was filled with the notes she had taken, but what it was for caught his attention.


    "You''re designing a new dress?"


    Yue Ling wasn''t bothered by the fact that he was looking at her work things. She walked over to her desk and stood next to him.


    "This is the list Mr. Liu sent regarding the employees at An Qing. I was looking through it before you came."


    She didn''t need to hide anything from him, and she continued.


    "As for this¡­"


    She pointed to the tablet, ck design book, and notebook but pursed her lips.


    "There''s been a situation with the dress I picked out for the engagement, but there''s nothing to worry about. My design team is helping me create a new dress for the event."


    Lu Tian was slightly taken aback by how open-minded his wife was with him. She would exin things to him even when he didn''t ask.


    This was what he loved about her.


    He responded faintly, but his eyes darkened at the tablet. He will have to find out what caused the situation with her dress.


    Someone will meet his wrath if he doesn''t like what he finds.


    "Let''s go. I feel like having soup from your aunt and uncle''s restaurant."


    Yue Ling is unaware of his thoughts and walks away. She was beginning to feel her stomach rumble.


    "Yue Ling."


    Having taken only three steps, she stopped when she heard Lu Tian''s deep voice. She turns around to look at him, and the corners of her lips arc into a smile.


    The dark expression on Lu Tian''s face had disappeared and was reced with softness. His left hand stretched out towards her like a helpless little boy.


    He didn''t need to say anything as Yue Lingughed.


    She walks back to him and ces her right palm over his. She held his hand andughed again.


    "Better?"


    "Mm."


    Lu Tian felt content. He never liked the empty feeling of being unable to hold her hand when they were so close.


    His steps were small to match her pace, but he remained on her. It was as if he was a blind man putting his trust in her to guide the way for him.


    As they left her office, a sense of guilt seeped inside him.


    His wife was always honest with him, and he never wanted to hide anything from her. He hopes that Grandfather Ji will hurry and tell her about his illness.


    If the old man doesn''t think about doing it anytime soon, he will have no choice but to break his promise and tell his wife.


    He doesn''t even dare to imagine the painful expression she will make when she finds out.


    Thinking this, he puts her hand on his lip and kisses it.


    "I hope you know that I''ll always be here for you. I''ll never leave you."

 Chapter 954 A new food stall

    Chapter 954 A new food stall


    Liu Shan ran out of De L''amour as his life depended on it. He didn''t dare to look back because he could still recall the murderous expression on Lu Tian''s face.


    "Haaaa¡­.."


    He exhales and rubs his forehead. If he had known that Lu Tian was visiting, he wouldn''t have carelessly entered his boss''s office as he did.


    "Assistant Liu, are you alright?"


    From behind the man, Sophia asked with worry. She had seen him frantically exit the elevator and almost stumbled against the door.


    His behavior was unlike his usual calm one.


    Liu Shan turns to look at the receptionist. Seeing that she was worried about him, he smiled at her.


    "I''m fine. Thanks for asking."


    He reassures her and then whispers.


    "By the way, did you know that Mr. Lu was here?"


    Sophia didn''t think too much about the question and nodded her head.


    "Of course. He stopped by the front desk and asked me not to inform CEO Han."


    Liu Shan stares at the young woman for a long second. He doesn''t voice his thoughts and lets out a sigh.


    "Next time, inform me. Let me know in advance whether it is Mr. Lu or anyone else."


    He knows it''s not his ce to question who meets with his boss, but he cannot repeat the same mistake. Who knows what would happen to him if he were to walk in on his boss and Lu Tian again?


    Sophia was oblivious to why Liu Shan would suddenly give her such an order. She nods her head and walks away but stops after two steps.


    "Assistant Liu, if you''re not having lunch with anyone, do you want to join me?"


    Liu Shan wanted to refute her question but was unable to do so when the young woman''s voice sounded again.


    "Don''t worry, everyone else will be there too."


    She points in the direction of the busy street and smiles.


    "I heard one of the employees say a new food stall has been set up nearby. Everyone wants to try it out, so we''re all meeting there for lunch."


    Liu Shan pondered at her offer. He thought about meeting Uncle Luo to talk about his new ce, but seeing how polite the receptionist was, he decided to go with her.


    "I guess it wouldn''t hurt."


    He can meet the old man after work anyway.


    The assistant and receptionist didn''t need to walk far when they arrived at the food stall. They met with the rest of the employees from De L''amour, who were already seated.


    Liu Shan takes a seat, but he notices an elderly man behind the food stall. He makes eye contact with the old man for a brief second, and the corners of his mouth arc up.


    "Well, this is interesting."


    "You noticed, too?"


    An employee asked in a low voice, and Liu Shan nced at the man before scanning the area.


    "Seems like everyone is aware too."


    Despite everyone being out for lunch, he could see that each person from De L''amour was paying attention to the food stall owner. However, they eat like they aren''t paying attention, which makes it unnoticeable.


    The employee seated next to Liu Shan nods and continues eating the steamed bun he had ordered. His demeanor was like that of a person who leisurely enjoyed lunch on any typical day.


    "Should we turn a blind eye?"


    Liu Shan doesn''t look at his coworker but stares at the old man behind the food stall before shifting his gaze to another figure sitting far away. His eyes slightly narrow with danger before looking away.


    "For now."


    As the assistant enjoyed lunch with his colleagues in another part of Imperial, Yue Ling and Lu Tian arrived at Elegancy.


    "Yue Ling, it''s so nice to see you."


    Madam Zhao was in a blissful mood the moment she saw Yue Ling enter the restaurant. She didn''t bother to look at Lu Tian and took Yue Ling''s hand before guiding her to an empty table.


    "I thought you had forgotten about this old restaurant since you stoppeding. I know you are nning your engagement and wedding, but please remember to take care of your health."


    She put on a downcasted expression but didn''t forget to throw ncing daggers at Lu Tian. She can only assume that it was the man''s doing of not allowing Yue Ling to see them without him.


    Yue Ling stares at the middle-aged woman while trying to contain her smile. It had only been a few days since theyst saw each other, yet Madam Zhao made it seem like they hadn''t seen each other for many years.


    She pats the woman''s hand as she takes a seat and reassures her.


    "I''ve been busy with work, but I''ll make sure to stop by in my free time."


    Madam Zhao couldn''t help but feel joy when she heard Yue Ling. She sps her hands together with a wide smile andughs.


    "Wonderful. Let me get you something warm to drink while you look at the menu."


    She skips away, leaving the couple alone at the table. Once her figure disappeared behind the kitchen door, Yue Ling took a small breath. She nced over at Lu Tian and froze when she met his dark eyes staring back at her.


    Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment, and she quickly looked down at the menu.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Lu Tian remained unfazed by her reactions. He ces his forearms on the table while still on his wife.


    "Because you are so beautiful that it''s hard for me to look away."


    His posture slightly leans forward, and his words continue.


    "But it''se to my realization that I''m not the only one who wants your attention."


    He pursed his lips and pondered for a split second.


    "Maybe I should build a tower and lock you in there for me only¡­"


    That way, he can have all her attention, and no one can disturb their time together. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Yue Ling almost choked on her saliva when she heard hisst words. She looks up at him and frowns at his remark.


    "Tian, being obsessive is neither healthy nor a good look."


    She was aware that he sometimes portrayed obsessiveness towards her, but from past experiences, he was always able to control himself.


    She couldn''t help but wonder if he was acting this way because of what happened back at herpany.


    Lu Tian was not bothered by her words. He shrugs his shoulders with indifference and picks up the menu.


    "If that means I can have you all to myself, then I don''t care what anyone else thinks."


    "¡­"


    Yue Ling was rendered speechless. She stares at him with slightly heavy eyes and blinks.


    She didn''t understand why he woulde up with such thoughts. They were already in a rtionship and preparations for their wedding.


    However, the more she thought, the more her eyes narrowed at the man across from her.


    Lu Tian was known to be a cold-blooded man who showed no mercy towards his enemies or those who crossed his line. Yet, despite all that, he was still a handsome man and could make many heads turn as he walked past them.


    Not only that, but she is also surprised that someone like him is with her and will soon be her husband.


    Her head slightly tilts as she stares at him, and she subconsciously mumbles her remaining thoughts.


    "¡­ I''m the one who wants to lock you up in a tower."


    Lu Tian arched an eyebrow as her words did not escape his ears. He leans back in his chair and strokes his chin with a pondering face.


    "Hmm¡­ That''s not a bad idea."


    Yue Ling''s expression scrunched, wondering what he was thinking. However, his following words were enough to dumbfound her.


    "You and I locked away in a tower all by ourselves. That means I can have you all to myself, and you can have me all to yourself. No one will be able to bother us."


    "¡­"

 Chapter 955 Holding on to the end of the rope

    Chapter 955 Holding on to the end of the rope


    Lu Tian dropped Yue Ling back at De L''amour after lunch and didn''t forget to walk her to her office. He was reluctant to leave his wife, but knowing that they both had work to do, he could only go with a heavy heart.


    Yue Ling felt her heart ached at how dejected Lu Tian looked when he left, but she knew it was for the best. She had to review a few documents and then head to An Qing with Liu Shan.


    There was too much work that needed to bepleted.


    *Ring ring


    While looking at some documents at her desk, her phone rings. She looked at the screen to check who was calling.


    ''Ji Jingxu.''


    When she saw the name of the caller, she quickly answered the phone.


    "Wow, now you remember to call your sister."


    Her voice sounded withughter, but she did not hear a response from the other line, her eyebrows furrowed. She moves the phone away to check the screen.


    Seeing that the call was still connected, her frown deepened before cing the phone next to her ear.


    "Jingxu?"


    ["Jie¡­"]


    Ji Jingxu''s hoarse voice rang from the other line, and Yue Ling felt her heart drop to her stomach. She didn''t know why, but she couldn''t help but recall the time when she was informed of Lee Shin''s death.


    Her hand gripped her phone tightly. All she could do now was wait for the other person to answer.


    However, after waiting for long enough, she couldn''t wait anymore.


    "Jingxu, why aren''t you answering? Is Everything alright?"


    ["Everything is fine. I just¡­ I just miss you. Inu and grandfather miss you too."]


    Hearing Ji Jingxu''s words, Yue Ling breathed a sigh of relief. She didn''t even realize that she had been holding her breath.


    She slumps back in her chair and massages her forehead with a faint smile.


    "I miss you all too. I''ll tell Tian for us to visit. We have to pick up Inu anyways."


    Silence fell on the other line again, and after a long second, she could hear a faint mm from her brother.


    Her smile remained faint, but it was serene and filled with warmth for her bother.


    "How is School? How''s Inu? Is he behaving well?"


    ["School is fine, and so is Inu. He is always sticking to grandfather at the hip."]


    Yue Ling''s smile grew wider as she listened to her younger brother chatted away. She knows she has work to do, but how can she focus on work when her brother calls her?


    After all, it wasn''t normal for Ji Jingxu to call her during work hours.


    This can only mean that he must really miss her.


    Thinking this, she was now determined to visit her grandfather and younger brother. Just as much as they miss her, she misses them too.


    "How about Ie by after work today? We can have dinner and¡ª"


    ["It''s alright."]


    Before she could finish her words, Ji Jingxu cut her off. She was confused but waited for him to reason with her.


    ["I have a lot of school assignments I need to focus on, and grandfather has been busy with work, too. Besides, you have work too. How about you visit on your next day off?"]


    Yue Ling could only sigh upon hearing his words, but she gave him an answer of agreement.


    "Alright. Let''s do that then. Make sure you finish all your assignments by then."


    She spoke on the phone with Ji Jingxu for a few more minutes before ending the call.


    As she returned to scanning over the documents in front of her, unbeknownst to her, Ji Jingxu was sitting alone inside the brightly lit corridor of the military hospital.


    His head hung low like a lost soul as he stared at the phone in his hand.


    "Jie¡­"


    His eyes were red, with tears streaming down his cheeks.


    "I''m sorry¡­"


    He was sorry that he couldn''t tell her. He wants to tell her, but this was ast request from their grandfather.


    "Jingxu."


    Doctor Dong sympathized with the boy before him as he called his name, causing Ji Jingxu to look up from his phone.


    "Doctor¡­ how is he?"


    Everything had been fine the past few days. Grandfather Ji was up and running like usual. However, when they were heading to his School this morning, the old man started coughing.


    His coughs became severe to the point of Grandfather Ji coughing up blood, and then he grew lethargic.


    Ji Jingxu didn''t know what to do. All he could do was hug his grandfather and watch as the old man slipped in and out of consciousness while Yang Zhong drove to the hospital.


    That was how they ended up here at Imperial Military Hospital.


    And all he could do again was stand there and watch without being able to do anything.


    Doctor Dong stares at the boy, and he smiles faintly. He sits down next to him and stares ahead at the window.


    "The danger has passed. He''s just exhausted himself too much."


    His eyes searched the sky outside the window, and he sighed inside.


    "But that''s just one of the dangers¡­ he''s still holding on."


    He has been a doctor for decades and has watched his patients ovee their pain or sumb to it.


    As the primary doctor of his good friend, it hurts him to watch Grandfather Ji fight such a battle¡ªneither yielding nor already epting his fate.


    To him, life was like a rope. If a person truly wants to live, they will do Everything to keep a firm grasp on that rope. Never letting go.


    However, he could see that Grandfather Ji was only holding onto the end of the rope that keeps him alive for his grandchildren.


    If Yue Ling and Ji Jingxu had not been here, he would have already let go of the rope long ago.


    Ji Jingxu''s head dropped as he listened to Doctor Dong. His lower lip trembled, but he held in the urge to choke a sob.


    "Grandfather¡­ he¡­ please do Everything you can for him. Please."


    Doctor Dong sighs, a smile filled with sympathy for Ji Jingxu. He pats the boy on the head and reassures him.


    "I will do Everything I can. Even if he doesn''t want me to, I will."


    The two gave in to silence before Doctor Dong left to check on his other patients.


    Ji Jingxu leaned against the wall while staring out the window.


    He knows his grandfather is holding on because of him and Yue Ling.


    In the past, when the old man thought everyone was sleeping in the house, he (Ji Jingxu) would hear Grandfather Ji cry alone in his study.


    There were even times when he overheard his grandfather talk to the photo of his wife, while other times to his daughter and son-inw''s photo. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Each time he encountered this scene of his grandfather, he could only cry in silence with the old man.


    To others, Grandfather Ji was the strong General of the army. He was someone many respected and admired. Someone who never showed any weakness. However, they forget that he is a human with feelings.


    In the middle of his thoughts, Ji Jingxu felt a light tap near his feet. His head lowered, and his moistened red eyes trembled at the sight of the white fluff ball trying tofort him.


    "Inu¡­"


    He leans down and wraps his arms around the fur baby and silently sobs alone in the hospital corridor.


    "What should I do¡­"

 Chapter 956 Booked the wrong date

    Chapter 956 Booked the wrong date


    After the call with her brother, Yue Ling finished reviewing the remaining documents and left to meet her design team. She wanted to quickly check them before leaving for An Qing.


    "What about this color? I think it goes well with your appearance."


    Tang Zhonghui held up a shiny satin swatch in Alice blue in front of Yue Ling. His eyes move up and down as he stares between the color swatch and his boss.


    Feeling like the color was perfect, he turned to look at the rest of the team.


    "What do you guys think? Perfect, right?"


    Ju Suo pursed her lips in pondering. Her eyes narrow every few seconds before walking over to the many color swatches scattered on a table.


    She picks up one of the color swatches and walks over to where Yue Ling and Tang Zhonghui are standing.


    "I like this color more. It''s perfect for an engagement dress."


    Tang Zhonghui looks at the petite woman''s choice of color, and his expression is scrunched in displeasure. It was a soft pink color with a lc hue.


    "Amour?"


    Ju Suo knew that Tang Zhonghui would never see eye-to-eye with her. She res at the youngest member of the team and snorts.


    "What? Are you unsatisfied with my color choice?"


    Knowing she was offended by his one word, Tang Zhonghui sighs. He massages his forehead and shakes his head.


    "You''re so small, but you have so much energy. All I did was ask to confirm your decision. Yet, here you are, turning something so small into something so big."


    Ju Suo''s mouth hung open at the disrespect. Both her fists hit her hips, and she stuck her chest out to look like a bigger person.


    "Tang Zhonghui, this is no small matter. This is a matter regarding our boss''s dress. Do you really think I would randomly pick a color? Of course not. I chose this color after carefully contemting." n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Yue Ling stares at her two employees with shaking heads. She wanted to stop them, but the phone in her pocket rang before she could get a word out.


    She takes out her phone, and upon seeing the name of the caller, she looks at her team, especially Ju Suo and Tang Zhonghui.


    "I need to take this call. When I return, we''ll continue where we left off."


    She doesn''t wait for their response and walks out of the room, leaving her team in silence.


    When her figure disappears out the door, Lian Ni Shang walks over to join the two bickering teammates.


    "You know what that means, right?"


    Ju Suo and Tang Zhonghui nce at one another and nod. Neither needed to say a word as they knew full well what Lian Ni Shang was talking about.


    Once Yue Ling returns to the room, she will not tolerate any more arguments from them.


    Not wanting to hear an earful from their boss, the two individuals quickly got to busy themselves. The bickering behavior they once portrayed was now that of colleagues on the best terms with one another.


    Watching their attitude shift, Gui Tian Lan and Gui Zhongmin could only shake their heads. On the other hand, Shan Sinan walks over to join his beloved Lian Ni Shang, while Qi Li never pays any attention to the group.


    The young man kept his eyes glued on the tablet as he tested out the digital colors he thought would go best for his boss.


    Away from the design room, Yue Ling stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. She answers the call and ces the phone next to her ear.


    "This is Han Yue Ling."


    From the other line came a heartfeltugh, and then a woman''s voice followed.


    ["Hi Ah Ling, this is Aunty Lu. Did I call at the wrong time? If you are busy, you can call me back when you are free."]


    Hearing the middle-aged woman''s voice, Yue Ling felt her heart go soft. She gestures a faint smile and responds.


    "No. You didn''t call at the wrong time. Is everything alright?"


    ["It''s about the venue I picked for you and Tian''s engagement party. The other party seemed to have booked the wrong date and would like to meet to go over the problem. Is there a good date for you to go with me to meet them?"]


    Yue Ling didn''t reply right away but stared out the window. Her eyes gaze upon thepanies nearby, not allowing anyone to read her thoughts.


    After a long pause, her lips parted, and she answered.


    "I''ll check with my secretary and let you know."


    ["That''s great. I will keep my schedule open to match the day you are avable."]


    Hearing the woman''s words, Yue Ling couldn''t help but smile. "Mm. Is there anything else?"


    ["No, no. Everything else is going as nned."]


    A pause followed Madam Lu''s words before she spoke again but in a slightly quieter voice.


    ["If it''s not too much trouble,e to the house for dinner again. Of course, only if you have time."]


    Yue Ling answered with a mm and chatted with Madam Lu for a few more minutes.


    Once the call ended, she put her phone away and stared back out the window. However, this time, she stares up at the sky above Imperial.


    She thought back to something Lian Ni Shang had brought up, and she pursed her lips in pondering.


    Was it really necessary to hold an engagement party just before the wedding?


    "Boss, are you alright?"


    She was deeply in her thoughts and was interrupted by Liu Shan''s familiar voice. She collects herself and turns in his direction.


    "I''m alright. Is it time to go to An Qing?"


    Liu Shan stared at her with mixed emotions. He could tell that something was bothering her but decided not to pry and put on a smile.


    "We should be on our way before we hit traffic."


    Yue Ling nods her head and walks away from the window.


    "I''ll meet you in the front after meeting the design team."


    She doesn''t wait for a response and makes her way in the direction of the design room.


    Liu Shan''s eyes follow her figure until she disappears into the room. He heaves a heavy sigh, thinking about his boss''s busy schedule.


    "If her dress had not been stolen, she wouldn''t have to add this to her work."


    Some people think that creating a dress is simple, but the truth is not that simple. It requires a lot of time and patience, especially for an important event.


    However, Yue Ling doesn''t have much time as the date is nearing.


    She could have just purchased another dress, but he knows she cannot trust another store after what happened.


    Liu Shan''s eyes dimmed, remembering how easy it was for Ji Chu Hua to convince the employee at Blush Boutique to hand over Yue Ling''s dress.


    The light bulb in his head lit up as an idea suddenly came to his mind, and he grins. He looks at the design room, then turns around and chuckles an evilugh.


    "Oh, Ji Chu Hua. You should not have taken what wasn''t yours. Did you not see what happened to Chen Limei?"


    He ces his hands in his pants pockets and whistles a joyous tune.


    "Looks like it''s going to be a long night tonight."


    As he entered the elevator, the employees he walked past stared at him with slight confusion yet a mix of curiosity.


    "Did something happen that we weren''t aware of? Why does Assistant Liu look so happy?"


    "How can you call that happy? That''s the face he makes when he is going to cause havoc!"


    "Aiya. Looks like we will have to keep our eyes on the news again."


    Unaware of the situation outside the design room, Yue Ling worked with her design team on the new dress. Although she couldn''t stay long, she briefed them on her designs.


    After confirming that they were all on the same page as her, she didn''t feel too bad for leaving. If she hadn''t had to go to An Qing, she would have stayed to work with them.


    She looks at her design team one by one. She was proud to know that she could trust these people.


    "I have to go to An Qing, so I will leave this task in your hands until I return. If there are any questions, call Liu Shan or me."


    Each person nodded in understanding before Gui Tian Lan spoke up.


    "Don''t worry, boss. We have this all under control."


    Next to the tailor, Gui Zhongmin chimes in with a smile.


    "You can leave this to us. We will never disappoint you."


    Yue Ling looks at her team with gratitude, then turns around.


    She makes her way to the elevator and sends a message to Jiang Shengyi about any openings in her work schedule. Once she finds a suitable date, she rys the message to Madam Lu.


    *Ding


    The elevator chimes upon arrival on the first floor, and she looks up from her phone as the doors slide open.


    Without wasting time, she strides out and heads for the front of De L''amour, where Liu Shan is already waiting for her.

 Chapter 957 Good news

    Chapter 957 Good news


    Lu Tian stood outside of the house he shared with his wife. His left hand stuck inside his pants pocket while his other hand sped around his phone at his side.


    He stares ahead to the panoramic view of Imperial, and his eyes slowly flutter.


    After returning home, he had received a phone call from Xu Long. The call was to let him know that a new location had been assigned for Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li.


    At that moment, Ye Zhongwei was on his way to bring the three men to the newly secured ce.


    Although it was a risky take, it was better to have the three men stay near Retro.


    His eyes calmly blink before his tall figure turns around. He enters the house and walks up the stairs to his and Yue Ling''s shared study room.


    Once he took a seat at his desk, his eyesnded on his wife''s desk.


    He deeply ponders over something he had found during his search for the anonymous person. However, he looks away from her desk, not wanting to make any wrong judgment.


    Switching hisputer monitor on, he proceeds to continue his search.


    He needed solid information before he could begin any questioning or put his suspension at ease.


    *Vr vr n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Just as he was about to type over the keyboard, his phone vibrated in alert of a message. He picks up his phone and opens the message. It was from Xu Long.


    ["All movements have ceased again."]


    Lu Tian slightly frowns, reading the words. He didn''t need a full report to understand his assistant''s message.


    He had Xu Long report all movements from Retro. It was Choi Li Sun''sst known location before he ordered an ambush on Qin Jun and the others.


    He would have focused on where Qin Jun, Kira, and Song Jing Li had set up base, but it was already burnt to the ground. He had also retraced the enemy''s steps, and everything led back to Retro.


    This could only mean Choi Li Sun was hiding somewhere in Retro.


    Thinking about this, his thoughts shift to the mysterious person he was searching for. If he wanted to, he could have turned Retro upside down to deal with Choi Li Sun. However, something inside him keeps directing him back to the unknown person who is also looking for Choi Li Sun.


    He needed to know if this person was a foe or an enemy.


    If this person is a foe, there is a possible chance they can work together, but if this person is an enemy, he cannot let this person roam around freely.


    *Beep beep


    A sudden alert on hisputer brings him back from his thoughts, and he clicks on the message on the screen.


    ["Toosexyformyshirt has entered the system."]


    Looking at the pseudonym, he couldn''t help but sigh with a light shake of his head. However, quickly brushing all unnecessary thoughts aside, he focuses on his next step.


    Getting the exact pinpoint of this person''s location.


    As Lu Tian began his work and Yue Ling made her round at An Qing, in another part of Imperial, Lin Hui helped the Liu siblings move into their new apartment.


    During the time he had not met up with the others, Liu Shan had informed him of Yue Ling''s ns for the Liu siblings.


    She has provided an apartment for them and will help cover their living expenses until they are all of age. She also sent over an application for an IT position at An Qing for Liu Ye.


    He ces the box in his hands down on the floor and looks at the young man.


    "Hey, Liu Ye, how do you feel about working at An Qing?"


    When he heard the man, Liu Ye was sitting on the floor, sorting out the things he had bought for the apartment. He looks up, and a look of hesitation can be seen on his face.


    "An Qing? You mean thepany Miss Han owns?"


    He had always dreamed of working for a bigpany and expressed the one thing keeping him going in life besides his younger siblings.


    However, now that he is given this opportunity, why does he feel so down?


    Lin Hui nods without expressing any words. His response was enough to make the young man''s lips pout.


    "Come on now, kid. This is great news. Why are you putting on such a long face?"


    He smiles a chuckle and walks over to the young man. "Boss knows that you wouldn''t want the easy way in. She may have sent the application, but it''s up to your skills to get you the position."


    He squats down to be at eye level with him and grins.


    "Besides, as your master, I have full trust in your capabilities."


    Hearing this, Liu Ye''s eyes lit up with a hint of excitement. He was thrilled to be offered a position at An Qing but would instead use his skills to work there.


    He was already in so much debt to Yue Ling that he wanted to at least do something for her in return. "I''ll apply for the position."


    His expression showed the immense determination that suddenly washed over him. It was just as Lin Hui said. During the past few days, he has broadened his knowledge in the IT industry thanks to his master. He even learned a few new tricks that he never knew existed.


    The determination inside him grew more, and he clenched his fist.


    He will do his best to get the position. Once he enters An Qing, he will do everything to protect thepany of the person who gave him hope again.


    Lin Hui smiles at the young man. He looked at the watch on his wrist and stood up.


    "Looks like we should stop here. Your siblings are going to be out of school soon."


    He puts on his jacket and turns to look at Lin Ye.


    "Let''s go. There''s more good news to share with your younger siblings, too. Plus, we still have to show them their new home."


    Liu Ye was stunned to hear these words. He stops what he is doing and quickly grabs his jacket to follow after Lin Hui. Due to Liu Jingyu and Liu Jianan still in school, they weren''t informed about the new ce Yue Ling had given them. And as if that was not enough good newsbined with the opportunity given to him to apply at An Qing, there was still more?


    As they leave the apartment, Liu Ye stares at the back of Lin Hui''s head. He wanted to ask what the news was for his younger siblings, but after pondering a bit, he decided to remain silent.


    He can wait until they pick up Liu Jingyu and Liu Jianan.


    And with that decision, he made another promise inside. He will definitely pay back everyone who helped him and his siblings. Even if they do not want anything in return, big or small, he will do so.

 Chapter 958 I’ll tell her

    Chapter 958 I¡¯ll tell her


    The sound of a heart machine beeps as the faint smell of disinfectant lingers in the private hospital room. On the bed in the center of the roomy an elderly man with a nasal cann to help deliver oxygen to his lungs.


    Despite his unconscious state, one can feel the powerful aura around him.


    A teenage boy was sitting at the side of the bed. His eyes brimmed with redness, but he did not care if the doctors or nurses saw him.


    His attention was glued onto the elderly man with both hands sped around the person''s left hand. Suddenly, the tightly shut eyes of the patient slowly open. He stares at the white ceiling before his eyes gradually move to his left.


    "Jingxu¡­"


    Ji Jingxu''s red eyes tremble with thousands of emotions. "Grandfather!"


    He abruptly stood up from his seat without letting go of Grandfather Ji''s hand. At the same time, he made sure not to cause any harm to the old man.


    "How are you feeling? Do you know who I am? Can you see me? Are you thirsty? Do you feel pain anywhere?"


    He blurted question after question before realizing something. He lets go of his grandfather''s hand and darts out the door after giving a few words.


    "Wait right there. Let me go get the doctor."


    Grandfather Ji stares nkly at the door. His grandson is undoubtedly baffled. He was asked so many questions all at once but could not answer.


    He sighs upon remembering the panicked look on his grandson''s face. Undoubtedly, what happened to him gave Ji Jingxu quite the scare.


    When Ji Jingxues back, he will reassure the boy that everything is fine.


    Just as he thought this, the frantic running of people outside his room could be heard.


    He couldn''t help but let out another sigh.


    "I forgot he was here too."


    "Ji Huan!"


    Doctor Dong burst inside the room with his forehead slightly covered in beads of sweat. Behind him was Ji Jingxu and two nurses.


    "Grandfather, I brought Doctor Dong! Tell him if you feel pain anywhere. Hurry."


    Ji Jingxu squeezed past the three people to get to his grandfather''s side. He stares intently at the old man while trying to catch his breath.


    However, he is met with silence; his lips tremble, and he looks at Doctor Dong.


    "Doctor¡­ what''s wrong with him? Why isn''t he responding?"


    Doctor Dong doesn''t answer but checks on his old friend after signaling for a nurse to move Ji Jingxu away from the bed.


    Once he finished his check-up on Grandfather Ji, he was able to sigh in relief.


    "His heart is back to normal, and his breathing is stable."


    He looks at the patient lying on the hospital bed, and he wants to smack the old man for not listening to his warnings.


    Yet, taking a deep breath, he calms himself and calls to Ji Jingxu.


    "Your grandfather is fine now. He just gained consciousness, so give him time before he answers you." n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Ji Jingxu would be lying if he said he wasn''t scared. After witnessing his grandfather suddenly cough up blood and then fainting, he felt like the whole world hade crumbling down.


    He can''t even imagine what would happen if something were to happen to the old man again.


    However, after hearing Doctor Dong''s reassuring words, he felt the knot in his chest slightly loosen.


    He walks over to the bed and sits on the chair he was sitting on earlier.


    "Grandfather, can you hear me?"


    Grandfather Ji''s eyes met with his grandson. He notices the redness in the boy''s eyes and feels pain in his heart, knowing that he (Ji Jingxu) has been crying this whole time.


    "You must have been so frightened, my child."


    Thest thing he remembered before losing consciousness was Ji Jingxu''s terrified expression. He wanted to tell the boy that everything would be okay, but everything went dark before he could utter a word.


    Ji Jingxu held his grandfather''s hand and shook his head in response. If he lets it known that he is afraid, he knows that his grandfather will start to hide things from him again.


    "I wasn''t scared. I¡­"


    His eyes began to tear up as he spoke, but gathering all the strength in him, he was able to fight against the urge to cry.


    "I felt ipetent¡­ I wasn''t able to do anything but call out to you¡­"


    Grandfather Ji sighs a smile. He gently squeezes the boy''s hand and lightly shakes his head.


    "Never say that you are ipetent. You are aspetent as you can be. You did so much more in that situation than you think."


    He needed to remind Ji Jingxu that he was as capable as everyone else. If he doesn''t, the boy will always feelcking.


    Ji Jingxu knew that Grandfather Ji was trying to cheer him up. He wants to refute the old man''s words but holds himself back and answers with a nod.


    As theye to an understanding, Grandfather Ji scans the room before returning his gaze to his grandson.


    "Wasn''t Inu with us this morning? Howe I don''t see him?"


    Ji Jingxu nods again to the first question before answering the rest.


    "There was no food here, so I asked Zhong Yang to bring him back to the house."


    Remembering Inu''s reluctance to leave his side, he felt a wave of guilt rush inside him. It was as if the fluff ball knew he was sad and that Grandfather Ji was in pain.


    However, he had to send the little guy away to be fed.


    He stares at his grandfather, and he can''t help but recall all their memories together.


    In the past, they constantly argued in a friendly manner and often disagreed on things, but everything is different now.


    He doesn''t want to argue with the old man. He doesn''t want hisst conversation with his grandfather to be filled with regret, as no one knows what will happen.


    "Grandfather¡­"


    His lips pressed together with a look of hesitation. Seeing his grandfather waiting for him to continue, he swallows a hard gulp.


    "Can''t we tell Jie?"


    His eyes search over his grandfather''s, and he ever so lightly squeezes the old man''s hand.


    "I know you''re trying your best for us, but think about Jie. Have you considered how she would feel knowing it was toote? How do you think she would feel knowing that you were hospitalized and she has no idea of it."


    Grandfather Ji knew why Ji Jingxu was asking him these questions. His time was short, and he could leave this world any day now.


    He didn''t want to tell Yue Ling about his health because he didn''t want her to experience the feelings of someone she loves leaving her. He knew that feeling all too well, and it is a feeling no one wants to feel.


    However, Lu Tian and Ji Jingxu were right.


    He can''t keep dying this and needs to tell her now, or else he will have this regret even after death.


    His eyes slowly close, and he nods with every ounce of him.


    "Alright. I''ll tell her once I''m discharged."


    Ji Jingxu felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders. His shoulders rxed, and he smiled.


    "That''s a promise. You have to tell her, or else I will go against you and tell her. I can''t keep this from her any longer."


    He meant every word. If Grandfather Ji suddenly changes his mind, he will see his sister and show her their grandfather''s diagnosis report.


    Grandfather Ji knew that his grandson was never one to lie when it came to promises. He doesn''t say another word and turns his attention to the window in the room.


    When he came to the hospital, it was still morning, but now it was nearing nighttime.


    So much time has been taken from all the things he still needed to do. He looks back at Ji Jingxu and faintly smiles.


    "Go call Doctor Dong for me. I need to speak to him."


    Ji Jingxu didn''t know why, but he felt uneasy seeing the smile on the old man''s face. He hesitantly nods and gets up from his seat.


    "Alright. I''ll go find him."


    He walks out of the private hospital room but only after taking another nce at his grandfather.


    Left alone in the room, Grandfather Ji heavily sighs and stares at the white ceiling.


    He was never fond of hospitals. It was a ce filled with happiness just as much as it was filled with sadness.


    While someone is thrilled to receive good news, someone else is devasted by bad news.


    And like thetter, he must give the bad news to his granddaughter.


    He knows she will be angry and disappointed in him for keeping such a matter from him. However, it wasn''t that he didn''t want to tell her. He just didn''t know how to tell you.


    Yue Ling has yet to recover from the loss of her unborn child fully. If he were to add another bad news to her, she would be beyond heartbroken.


    He also has to take into consideration that she is getting married soon. Did he really want to ruin her happy moment with such sad news?


    But¡­.


    What if time did not allow him until then?


    Pondering over these thoughts, he lets out a long sigh again and again until hees to an agreement with his mind.


    Just as the decision had been made, from the corners of his eyes, he sees Ji Jingxu returning with Doctor Dong. He doesn''t wait for either person to speak and opens his mouth.


    "I need to get discharged. There''s something important I must do."

 Chapter 959: Work together

    By the time Yue Ling returned from An Qing, the sky above Imperial slowly began to lose its light as night gradually took over. She steps out from the back seat of her assistant''s car and looks back at the man in the driver''s seat.


    "If you don''t have much to do in your office, you can leave. I''ll see you tomorrow."


    Liu Shan was just about to turn the car off when he heard his boss. He looks over his shoulder and meets her eyes.


    "Are you leaving for the day, too?"


    Yue Ling shook her head while grabbing her work bag. She takes a step back but doesn''t close the door.


    "I still have some things to go over with the design team."


    She had taken longer than she had thought during her visit to An Qing. Now that she is back at De L''amour, she has to discuss the matter regarding her engagement dress.


    Liu Shan knew that his boss was busy with the new release of De L''amour''s children''s apparel and that she was working on a new engagement dress. However, being her assistant, he couldn''t bring himself to leave while she stayed behind.


    "I''ll stay, too. I can be of help to you and everyone else."


    He turned the key to shut off the car but was stopped by Yue Ling before he could do so.


    "It''s alright, Shan."


    Yue Ling gives him a reassuring smile. She wanted to know that everything was going to be alright.


    "You still need to look at your new ce with Uncle Luo. Don''t keep him waiting too long, or the ce won''t be avable anymore."


    Liu Shan could only sigh inside. She was right.


    He had asked Uncle Luo for help with his move, but being so preupied with other people''s matters, he forgot his own.


    "Alright. I''ll look at the ce again. Call me if anythinges up. I''ll rush right back."


    Yue Ling didn''t have to think twice about his words. She gives him a slight nod and closes the door.


    Without looking back, she makes her way to the entrance of De L''amour.


    Liu Shan didn''t leave right away. He watched his boss leave until her figure disappeared inside the building.


    Once he confirmed she was safe inside, he was able to drive away without worry.


    All her employees had left for the day inside the building, leaving only minimal light. She calmly walks past the empty receptionist desk and enters the elevator.


    *Ding


    The elevator chimes upon arrival as the door slides open. She steps out and proceeds towards the design room.


    As she approached the room, she could hear amotioning from within. Despite this, her expression remained calm, and she entered the room without hesitation.


    Upon seeing her, the people in the room fell silent. She surveyed each individual as she set her work bag on one of the many tables.


    "Give me a report on what you have so far."


    Everyone stared at her in silence. Each person couldn''t help but hold in their breath. It wasn''t until a minute had passed that Qi Li broke the silence.


    "We didn''t get much done."


    His bluntness bbergasted each individual in the room.


    Ju Suo threw daggers at the man with her eyes. She had always been aware that he was blunt, but she didn''t think he would throw them all under the bus like this.


    However, she heaves a long and devasting sigh after revealing the truth.


    "It''s true. We really tried."


    She picks up her tablet on the table and walks over to Yue Ling, handing it over to her.


    "This is what we have so far."


    After Yue Ling left for An Qing, she and the others exhausted their brains together. They thoughtbining their designs would be much easier than when they worked as Alpha Team. However, they thought wrong.


    For some reason, this was moreplicated than dealing with bad people.


    Yue Ling wasn''t disappointed by her subordinates'' words. She takes the tablet from Ju Suo and looks at the designs.


    Her eyebrows furrowed with pursing lips asionally, but she didn''t speak.


    Unbeknownst to her, her expression alone was so intimidating that sweat began to form on each of her design team.


    Reaching thest design, she looks up at her team. Upon seeing their nervous faces, she was dumbfounded but sounds augh.


    "Everyone can rx. I was the one who asked for your help. I never expected a perfect design."


    She walks over to a chair and ces the tablet on the table as she sits.


    "As the designer, I am negligent for not being here to help."


    Her bluish-green eyes nce at each person in the room, and she gestures with a slight nod.


    "Let''s use this remaining time to work together."


    Her words of encouragement sparked fireworks in everyone''s eyes. All seven people in the room quickly gathered to sit beside her and voice their ideas.


    The chattering began with Yue Ling attentively listening. She never interrupted the ideas her design team hade up with.


    It was hectic at first due to a few disagreements, but once everyone was on the same page, they began to work together in unity.


    Yue Ling also got to work but didn''t forget to message Lu Tian that she would being homete.


    In another part of Imperial, Lu Tian never stepped out of the study room. However, his fingers that were once gliding over the keyboard had ceased.


    He sat unmovingly and appeared calm, but his eyes staring at the monitor screen had darkened. The air around the room also seemed to have turned viciously cold.


    His finger on the armrest taps every so often in a slow gesture.


    Ever since he had received the notification that the user "Toosexyformyshirt" had started moving again, he acted fast and began the hunt.


    He ensured that all his steps went unnoticed as if he was a ghost following the other person''s movements.


    When he saw that the other person had made a small mistake, he took the opening and hacked into the person''s system.


    He quickly mirrored the person''s monitor and transferred all the activity onto hisptop, ensuring that the other person remained unaware of his actions and that no trace could be linked to him.


    However, like the other person had detected something was amiss, all movements ceased again.


    The room was enveloped in silence, and his jaw tightened as he continued to stare at the unmoving screen.


    After a long minute, his dark eyes leisurely flutter. He nces at theptop. If the person made a move, he could see it from his side. However, seeing that there were also no movements there, he narrowed his eyes.


    He had a gut feeling that he knew who the other person was, but he needed more evidence before confronting the person.


    Coming to this decision, he picks up his phone only to see his wife''s message.


    The intimidating aura that once wrapped around him dispersed into thin air and was reced with a smile.


    Once he finished reading it, he let out a deep sigh. His wife was going to bete, and it seemed like she had forgotten her promise from the afternoon.


    He stares at her message and wants to tell her toe home because he misses her, but after careful thinking, he replies with ''Okay. I''ll wait for you at home.''


    So what if his wife forgot about what she had promised in the afternoon, once she gets home, he can just remind her.


    Thinking this, he felt a little better. He scrolls through his contact list and calls his assistant.


    He didn''t allow the man to speak, and his deep voice sounded before ending the call.


    "Get over here."


    Xu Long had just stepped out of Lu Corps when he received a call from his boss. He stared down at the phone in his hand and wanted to cry.


    The moment Lu Tian decided to work from home, all the work left at Lu Corps seemed to have increased. As his assistant, Xu Long had been running back and forth trying to decrease the workload, but every time he stepped inside his boss''s office, it was as if nothing had been done.


    By the time he finished one task, another would appear.


    Now that he was finally off the clock, he had hoped to go home, and maybe he''d run into his pretty neighbor.


    However, knowing that he can no longer do that, he drags his feet in the direction of his car.


    Even if he didn''t want to go to his boss''s house, he knew that Lu Tian wasn''t just working from home for no reason. They were still searching for Choi Li Sun and the other mysterious person.


    The only person who could help his boss was him.


    He sobs inside and swears that once all of this is over, he will put in a request for a very long vacation.

 Chapter 960: Caught having an affair

    By the time Yue Ling finished nning with her design team, the sky outside was no longer bright. She looks at the clock in the room and sees the time, her eyebrows raised.


    She nces at her team and sees each person continuing to work diligently.


    When she returned from An Qing, the design room was a mess, and now it was as if a tornado had swept through.


    However, despite the work, no one paid attention to the time, making her smile.


    She had to admit she was proud to be able to work alongside these people.


    Everyone was working together, but she straightened her posture, knowing it was getting toote into the night.


    "Alright, let us call it a night."


    Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked up at the beautiful woman. Instead of feeling relieved, they could go home, their expression only held confusion.


    Why was their boss calling it a night already?


    "We can still do more."


    Gui Tian Lan was the first to speak. The trailer was standing behind a mannequin, pinning the back part of the dress in ce.


    He stabs the remaining needles into the wrist pin cushion and straightens his posture.


    "I mean, there''s not much left to do."


    Yue Ling''s bluish-green eyes met seven pairs of eyes, and she smiled a sigh.


    "I know, but it''s already a little past 11 pm. We can pick up where we left off tomorrow."


    Hearing her mention the time, everyone looks up at the time and then at the window.


    Even they were surprised to see the dark sky outside. They had been so focused on work that they forgot about the time.


    Tang Zhonghui, who was cutting fabrics, plops down on a chair and stares in disbelief at the sky outside.


    "I swore we just started. How did the time go by so fast?"


    Everyone silently agreed with the young technical designer. If Yue Ling had not stopped them, they were sure that it would have probably been the following day by the time they finally snapped out of work mode.


    Yue Ling didn''t need to ask what her design team was thinking. In the past, the moment they started working, it was like they had shut off the world.


    She found herself like that sometimes and would onlye to her senses once someone reminded her to take a break.


    Taking another look at her team, she gives them a reassuring smile.


    "We''ve made great progress today despite the short time we had. Everyone should go home and get some rest."


    She picks up her ck book and a few pieces of documents before turning away. However, before walking out the door, she looks back at her team.


    "Get some rest. You all cane inte tomorrow."


    She finishes giving her order and disappears out the door, making her way to her office.


    While Yue Ling went to get their things, everyone also gathered their things to leave. Of course, they didn''t forget to clean up a bit.


    Within fifteen minutes, the once noisy room was left with nothing but silence.


    Everyone had left for the night.


    However, as quickly as the silence came, the faint sound of heels cking in the distance could be heard.


    The sound started faintly before gradually getting louder and louder until it came to a stop in front of the room.


    Yue Ling entered the room again, and seeing it empty, she sighed inside. She was d her team listened to her order and decided to call it a night.


    She walked to the tables and started organizing the mess on top before moving to another pile. Before she knew it, the room was neat and organized.


    It was as if the mess was never there.


    She turns to look at the dress on the mannequin and takes a few steps toward it. Her eyes take in every detail, and a smile curls on her face.


    The tips of her fingers gently caress the dress but with carefulness. The only thing keeping the dress in ce were the needle pins Gui Tian Lan had inserted.


    After admiring the dress, she walks out of the design room. She made sure to turn the lights off and lock up before leaving.


    She sends Lu Tian a message to let him know she is heading home, then departs from De L''amour in her car.


    Due to howte it was, there was no traffic, so it didn''t take long before she reached home.


    Her left eyebrow arched when she noticed Xu Long''s car. Tilting her head back, she looked at the study room window and saw the light was still on.


    She didn''t need to think twice and knew that Lu Tian was still up working. It was also enough to exin the reason for Xu Long''s car.


    Without thinking much, she enters the house. Quickly changing out of her heels, she slips into herfy house slippers and ces her work bag on a nearby table with her coat.


    She wanted to go upstairs to see Lu Tian, but thinking about how hard he must be working, she decided to go to the kitchen to make some tea.


    Once it was ready, she ced two cups of tea on a tray and made her way up the stairs.


    Coming up to the study room door, she could hear the keyboards clicking,bined with Lu Tian and Xu Long''s voices.


    She couldn''t hear them clearly but could tell it was about something serious.


    However, she was never one to eavesdrop on other people''s business, so she casually walked in since the door was left wide open.


    Xu Long gasped in surprise at seeing her, but he was quick to collect himself. He takes a deep breath and smiles.


    "Ms. Han, you''re back."


    Yue Ling looked at the assistant and didn''t know whether tough or cry. For a second there, the assistant looked like he had been caught having an affair with her man.


    She held a smile in ce and gave him a polite nod in greeting.


    "It''s good to see you, too, Assistant Xu."


    She walks over to Lu Tian''s desk and ces the tray down.


    The second she took her hands off the handle, she felt Lu Tian''s big and slightly callous hand hold her hand.


    She looked at him and was met with deep, dark eyes filled with longing.


    Despite being a grown man, he looked like a boy who had been obediently waiting at home all day.


    Lu Tian didn''t get up from his chair but continued to gaze at his wife.


    "You''re home."


    He didn''t know why, but the moment he saw her enter the room, he couldn''t move. He could only stare at her and take in the view of her walking towards him.


    She looked so beautiful that he couldn''t but fall in love with her again.


    Yue Ling stared back at Lu Tian, and seeing the adorable sight of him made her smile a chuckle.


    "I''m home."


    A faint smile crept on Lu Tian''s lips, and he softly kissed her hand.


    "Wee home, my love."


    Yue Ling felt her cheeks turn warm, and she blushed shyly. However, aware that Xu Long was still here, she quietly cleared her throat.


    "I sent you a message to let you know I was on my way, but seeing you working so hard, I decided to prepare some tea for you and Assistant Xu."


    She picks up a cup of tea and sets it in front of Lu Tian while passing the other to Xu Long.


    "Drink it while it''s still warm."


    Xu Long rolled his eyes at the couple in front of him. He couldn''t believe they were unknowingly throwing dog food at him. However, the second he heard his bossdy had prepared tea for them, he didn''t hesitate to take it.


    He grins with his teeth at her and takes a sip as he walks back to his seat to continue his work. The report he was in the middle of giving his boss could wait.


    Lu Tian frowned at his assistant. Why was his assistant acting like a child at a cup of tea made by his wife?


    However, thinking about her words, his frown deepened.


    He had been so busy trying to find Choi Li Sun and the mysterious person that he didn''t have time to look at his phone.


    Seeing the crease between his eyebrows, Yue Ling''s smile widens, and she raises a hand to smooth it out with her finger.


    "You shouldn''t frown so much. It''ll add wrinkles to your handsome face."


    She lowers her hand and finally notices the scattered documents on his desk. She sees some parts had been circled while some were crossed out but doesn''t dwell on it.


    Her view subconsciously shifts to hisptop, and she pauses for a split second.


    The screen was opened, and the disy was one she felt she had seen before but couldn''t remember where.


    "Are you tired?"


    Lu Tian''s deep voice asked and brought her attention back to him. She looks down at him and shakes her head.


    "I''m not, but I''ll let you get back to work."


    She could see a reluctant look on the man''s face andughed.


    "I won''t go anywhere. I''ll go prepare for bed and wait for you to finish."


    She gives him a reassuring smile and walks away. Her thoughts about what she saw on theptop were tossed entirely out the window.


    Lu Tian watched her leave the study room, and he felt a sudden wave of emptiness inside. He wanted to go after her and pull her into his arms, but he held himself back.


    He had work to do, but the faster he got it done, the sooner he could be near his wife again.

 Chapter 961: Need to leave

    It was already past midnight, but Yue Ling remained awake on her stomach in bed. She had turned off the main light in the room, leaving one of the side tablemps on. She was tired from a long day at work, but she didn''t feel like sleeping after showering. Not only that, but she also told Lu Tian that she would wait for him to finish work.


    She had gone downstairs to watch a movie but feeling bored, she returned to the study to join Lu Tian and Xu Long. However, she felt she was bothering them and left to stay in the bedroom.


    Lu Tian told her she was not bothering them, but she thought differently from him.


    She also felt Xu Long had things to tell his boss, but with her around, the assistant was probably hesitant.


    Left with nothing else to do, she decided to browse through her phone on the bed.


    She thought about what she heard from her employees and searched for thetest trending news.


    However, to her surprise, the news of her and Lu Tian''s wedding was still the top trending one.


    She wanted to click on it, but seeing the news of Ji Chu Hua and Gui Ting Fei, she suddenly wanted to look.


    Seeing the pictures that had been posted, she covered her mouth and gasped.


    Numerous photos of Ji Chu Hua running naked out of Imperial Hotel. The only thing she had to cover was a bright red dress. Gui Ting Fei''s situation wasn''t much better than the woman''s, but Yue Ling didn''t care to look at him.


    She couldn''t help butugh and regret not being there to see the scene unfold.


    With a sigh, she scrolled through thement section, and one of thements caught her attention.


    [Qwerty123: "Thanks a lot. I''ve been meaning to get my eyes checked. Now I have a reason to go see my Optometrist."]


    Sheughed and couldn''t help clicking the like button, unaware that her innocent gesture would cause an uproar amongstizens.


    Feeling bored with her phone, she sits it on the side table and stares at the ceiling again.


    If Inu had been here, the little guy would have kept herpany while she waited for Lu Tian toe to bed.


    Thinking about Inu, she suddenly missed her grandfather and brother. She wanted to call them but held back the urge to do so because of howte it was. She also thought about what Ji Jingxu had said and decided to wait for them to call her.


    She turns to lie on her side, with her head turned to stare out the window into the darkness. However, it didn''t take long before her sightnded on the empty spot next to her.


    It was the side of the bed Lu Tian slept on.


    He was home, but she felt he was so far away from her grasp.


    She lets out a small yawn and sits up. She gets out of bed, puts on a cardigan that matches her silk nightgown and walks out of the bedroom.


    Since Lu Tian didn''t seem like he would finish work soon, she kissed him goodnight and then went to sleep.


    As she neared the study room again, she could hear their conversation.


    Lu Tian: "Anything?"


    Xu Long: "It''s the same dead end. Whoever is helping him seems determined to keep him hidden. He''s here, then he''s there, then he''s gone. Even his spending can''t be traced. It''s like he was never here. How''s your search going?"


    Lu Tian: "Close."


    Xu Long: "Does this mean you''ve figured out who it is?"


    Lu Tian: "I have my suspicion, but I need more evidence before confronting them."


    Xu Long: "Wow. You''re something. No wonder you dominate the business world."


    Their conversation continued until it suddenly stopped.


    Yue Ling knew they had heard hering. She didn''t mind. It wasn''t like she was trying to hide her footsteps or listen to their conversation.


    She leisurely enters the study room and walks over to the aloof man. She could see Xu Long quickly returning to his work from the corner of her eyes.


    Lu Tian leans back on his chair and looks at his wife. He smiles at her and stretches his left arm, his hand reaching for her.


    "You''re still up? I thought you would be asleep by now."


    He had seen her walking back and forth from the door earlier, but he thought she had gone to sleep because he didn''t see her anymore.


    "I still have a few things to take care of, so you should sleep first."


    Yue Ling takes Lu Tian''s hand and sits on hisp. However, before she could sit down, she felt embarrassed and decided to stand at his side.


    She didn''t want Xu Long to think she was trying to disrupt their work.


    With this in mind, she leans down and quickly kisses the man''s lips. She pulls away and sighs with a pout at him.


    "I know. I was waiting for you toe to bed, but you didn''t, so now I''m going to sleep first."


    Lu Tian had intended for her to sit on hisp to coax her, but he was disappointed seeing her stand at his side. However, hearing her words and suddenly being kissed by her, he was taken aback.


    He stares at her captivating face, and his mind thinks about one thing only.


    She was waiting for him.


    Yue Lingughs at his stunned expression and gives him a hug, unaware that the man''s body is suddenly stiffening. She gives him another kiss, but this time, she kisses his cheek and then walks away.


    "Don''t stay up toote. It''s not good for your health."


    She reaches the door and turns back to look at Lu Tian with a wave and a yful wink.


    "Goodnight."


    Lu Tian watched her every move, and he swore his heart jumped out of him. His ears turned slightly red, and he gulped as his breathing became heavy.


    The moment she hugged him, he could feel her breasts brushed against his body, and he realized that she was not wearing a bra.


    He knew she didn''t do it intentionally, but it was enough to send a wave of electricity through his body.


    Even the heat in his ear traveled down to the sleeping beast below.


    He tried to calm himself down, but when he saw her turn around to give him a wink, he saw her nightgown.


    Although it was a simple champagne silk nightgown, it wrapped around her body perfectly, outlining every curve of her body.


    Had she not worn the cardigan to cover herself, he was sure that Xu Long would have seen what he shouldn''t be seeing. Of course, he would never give the opportunity to another man unless they''re asking for a death wish.


    However, remembering how bewitching his wife looked just now, he knew he could no longer hold himself back.


    It was not his fault that she tempted the sleeping beast in him.


    "Leave."


    His deep voice sounded inside the study room. It was a low growl, but it carried dominance behind it.


    Xu Long jumped the second he heard his boss. He lifted his head from hisptop and was met with dark eyes that could pierce a person''s soul.


    He gulped in fear but was confused about what happened. His head tilts slightly to the side, and he asks.


    "Did something happen?"


    Lu Tian grew impatient and red at his assistant for being unable to read the room. His jaw tightened, and he clenched his fists.


    "You need to leave now."


    He wanted to go after his wife but could only do so once Xu Long left.


    Xu Long was puzzled at the sudden order to leave. There was still so much work to be done.


    Besides, his bossdy was home. She even bid goodnight to his boss, so why was the man suddenly so angry?


    It''s not like¡­


    His thoughts are cut short, and he looks at his boss again. Meeting his boss''s murderous re, he felt a shiver down his spine.


    It was only at that moment that he put the pieces together. His boss wanted to be alone with his bossdy.


    His jaw dropped to the floor, and he stumbled up from his seat. He quickly picked up all his things and scurried out of the study room.


    He dared not look back and ran as fast as he could, like the Grim Reaper was out for his soul.


    However, inside, he was screaming at the top of his lungs.


    ''Oh, my Lord! I''m going to die if I don''t leave now!''


    The second Xu Long took off running, Lu Tian wasted no time and took big strides towards the bedroom.


    Unaware of what had happened since she left the study room, Yue Ling had just returned to the bedroom.


    She closed the door behind her and walked towards the bed. She had only taken a few steps when she felt a strong gust of wind behind her when the door opened again but with force.


    "Ah!"


    She yelped in surprise and turned to see Lu Tian at the door. She lets out a breath and pats her chest.


    "Are you trying to scare me? Why did you suddenly open the door like that?"


    Her words fell with ease, but when she saw how he was staring at her, she felt her heart skip a beat.


    She watched him close the door and couldn''t help but feel he was like a predator staring at his prey.


    His usually dark eyes seemed to have darkened, and the dim light in the room made him look all the more evil yet suggestive.


    She swallowed with difficulty, not knowing what made him this way.


    "What is it? Why are you so quiet?"


    She utters before he grabs her wrist and pushes her against the door.


    He didn''t give her time to react and smashed his lips into her delicate ones.


    A satisfied groan escapes him as he turns into a hungry beast, finally getting to taste his favorite food¡ª her.

 Chapter 962: Waited all day

    Yue Ling felt her mind go nk, and she couldn''t think about anything other than the man before her. His lips devoured her like she was the sweetest thing he had ever tasted.


    Yet, it didn''t take long before she found herself wanting him just as much as he wanted her.


    She closes her eyes and wraps her arms around his neck, ignoring the hardness of his length pressed against her stomach.


    Her sudden move made Lu Tian groan again, but he didn''t stop. He wanted to take her immediately, if possible, but he couldn''t.


    He wanted to savor every inch of her.


    His tongue pries her lips apart without little force, allowing him to taste the inside of her mouth.


    He slid his hands inside her cardigan and traced the side of her body wrapped in silk.


    Yue Ling couldn''t help moaning softly between their passionate kiss when she felt his touch. Despite the thinyer of her nightgown being the only barrier from his bare touch, she didn''t mind.


    Her hands raised to the back of his head, and she ran her fingers through his hair.


    Lu Tian pulls away from his wife''s lovely lips and gently kisses her cheek, making his way down to her neck.


    With each kiss he nted, he couldn''t help but inhale her scent, which could drive him insane.


    He held her back with one hand, and his other hand found its way to her breast. He cups it with a squeeze, making sure it gives her pleasure only and not pain.


    "Ah~"


    A moan escapes Yue Ling''s lips, and she tilts her head back. She could feel him removing the straps of her nightgown, allowing them to slip down her arms.


    With her breast lying bare in front of him, his head lowers to take one in his mouth. His tongue never forgot to tease her nipple.


    She moans again and arches her back. Her entire being is asking for more.


    Lu Tian parts ways with her breasts and kneels in front of her. Only then did Yue Ling feel a slight chill on her body.


    She opens her eyes and looks down. He had taken off her cardigan and nightgown. All she had left was herced panties.


    Her bluish-green eyes met his dark ones, and she swallowed a gulp.


    Their eyes remained locked on one another while Lu Tian''s hands moved to remove the remaining cloth on her body.


    Yue Ling bit her bottom lip to steady her heavy breathing. She wanted to tell him to take her to the bed, but before she could say anything, Lu Tian''s fingers lightly touched the space between her legs.


    A devilish smirk on his face when he felt how wet she had be.


    She felt a sensational wave of shiver and grabbed his shoulder. She inhaled a deep breath only to gasp a moan when he suddenly thrust a finger inside her.


    Her fingers dug into his skin, and she leaned against the door. Each time he thrust his finger inside her, she felt herself unable to focus.


    Lu Tian kept his eyes on his wife. He loves the face she makes when he gives her pleasure. However, in the next moment, he looks away from her.


    He parts her legs a bit and leans in. He needed to taste her.


    His tongue yed her most sensitive ce and drew in her nectar while his finger continued to thrust into her walls.


    Her moans grew louder and less coherent, but he knew she was enjoying it.


    He ignores the sharp pain of nails digging into his shoulders and the bulge underneath his pants.


    Yue Ling could feel her legs turning weak, and she clutched onto Lu Tian''s hair. His every move gave her pleasure each time until she reached climax.


    Her chest heaved with heaviness, and she let herself fall onto the floor. However, before her body could even move, she was swiftly picked up by Lu Tian.


    He held her back with one hand and his other hand supporting her bottom. She tirelessly rests her head on his shoulder with her legs wrapped around his waist.


    "I''m tired¡­"


    She murmurs near his ear, hoping he will let her rest for a bit, but little does she know it is only the beginning.


    Lu Tian chuckles at her words. He carries her to the bed and gently puts her down. He kisses her temple and whispers before moving away.


    "Not yet, my love."


    His eyes traced every outline of her body as he stood beside the bed and removed his clothes.


    Yue Ling caught her breath for a brief second and looked at the man. Her cheeks turned red, and she held her breath.


    She doesn''t look away but stares in admiration at his god-given body.


    Every part of him was perfectly carved as if God had taken his sweet time on him.


    That is until he removed his boxer briefs, and his beastly manhood came into her view.


    She inhales in a deep breath and looks away with her face as red as a tomato. However, she couldn''t help but nce back at the bulging length of him.


    Her hands clenched onto the bedsheet, and she swallowed despite feeling her throat turn dry.


    Lu Tian didn''t feel difort being eyed by his wife like he was a piece of meat. He could stand here all day and let her look if she wanted.


    However, taking in the sight of her naked body in front of him, he steps forward.


    He gets onto the bed and grabs his wife by the ankles. With a swift but gentle tug, he pulls her towards him before getting on top of her.


    Yue Ling blushed more than she already was and felt her weak legs being parted by him.


    Her entire being is turned bashful, and she adverts her eyes.


    "Can we wait a bit?"


    Lu Tian gazes down at his wife, and a mischievous smile appears. He leans down and kisses her lips.


    "But I waited all day for you. I even ordered my assistant to leave so we could be alone."


    He moves from her lips to her cheeks, then to the tip of her nose, before finding her lips again.


    "Are you going to break your promise?"


    Yue Ling froze in ce at the mention of the promise. She had been so busy with work she had forgotten all about it.


    Also, when she came home and saw him working, she thought he had forgotten about it, too.


    Lu Tian knew what she was thinking, and he pursed his lips with a disappointing yet pitiful sigh.


    "Does this mean you don''t want me anymore? Is that why you forgot about your promise?"


    His words dumbfounded Yue Ling. She was sure he must have forgotten, too, considering how distracted he was with work. However, she felt guilty for forgetting.


    She avoids his gaze, and a faint but coy smile appears on her blushing red face.


    "What do you mean I don''t want you anymore? I always want you."


    Lu Tian intended to tease her only, but the second he heard her response, he felt his heart skip a beat. Better yet, it probably shot up to the moon before entering his body again.


    His breathing grew heavy, apanied by a racing pulse. His wife''s words only added more excitement inside him.


    He held her chin to make her look at him, and he lowered his body more until the tip of his manhood pressed against her entrance. He doesn''t enter her right away but wants her to feel how aroused he is for her.


    A glint of light shed across his eyes, and one corner of his mouth raised into a devilish side smirk.


    "Good, because I''m not letting you go all night."


    Hearing his words, Yue Ling wanted to retort, knowing he was severe, but before she could say anything, her eyes widened, and she cried a moan.


    She grabs his arms, and nails dig into his skin.


    Lu Tian doesn''t give her any room to say anything and thrusts inside her. He utters a low growl as his beastly manhood stretches the tightness of her moist walls.


    Just being inside of her at this moment was enough to make him release, but he held himself back.


    He doesn''t move but remains in ce inside of her. His forehead pressed against hers, and he gave her time to adjust to his size.


    "Rx, my love. You''re squeezing me."


    He whispered into her ear and waited. Once he felt her starting to rx, he began to thrust inside her with slow movements.


    Yue Ling''s mind was all over the ce. She held onto the side of his arm, allowing her moans to echo inside the room.


    The moment she felt him enter her, she swore it was as if her insides were being torn apart. However, it didn''t take long before the pain was reced with a pleasurable sensation.


    Lu Tian''s movements did not seem to cease. He moves away from his wife and grabs hold of her hips, lifting her bottom from the bed. His thrusts continue, but faster and rougher.


    His eyes on his wife darken with lust for her, and he increases his speed. With one hard and deep thrust, he found his release inside her.


    At the same time, Yue Ling''s hands clenched tightly against the bedsheet. Her body shook as she felt a tingling sensation shot throughout her body.


    She had reached her climax with him.


    Her chest moved up and down with heaviness. She ignored the feeling of Lu Tian still inside of her and tried to catch her breath.


    Having only taken a few breaths, she felt her body yanked forward with minimal force.


    The sudden change of position causes her to straddle the man, and she cries a moan, feeling the man''s beast plunging deeper inside of her.


    She grabs his shoulder and looks down at him. Her bluish-green eyes trembling ever so slightly.


    "Can I rest for a bit?"


    Lu Tian gazed up at his wife. Even with her disheveled appearance, everything about her was tempting. His hand gently traced her back in a teasing manner, and a sly smile curled on his lips.


    "But the night is not over yet, my love."


    Yue Ling opened her mouth to protest, but all she could do was moan.


    Even though she was tired, she could feel his palms on her body. He was helping her move on top of him.


    His actions gave her no choice but to submit to him.


    Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she submerged in the pleasure, knowing full well that she would pay the price in the morning.

 Chapter 963: Obligated to take responsibility

    Morning came, but the sun remained hidden behind the gray clouds hovering over Imperial. Rays of light shone through the window, touching the cheeks of the woman lying asleep on the king-size bed.


    "Hmm¡­"


    Yue Ling stirred in her sleep, slightly squeezing her closed eyes from the morning light. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing her bluish-green eyes, and she stared at the ceiling.


    After being eaten the entire night by Lu Tian, she felt sore. She had pleaded with him to let her rest, and he did, but only for a brief moment before he devoured her again.


    It wasn''t until the sky began to lighten that he finally let her sleep.


    Remembering the night''s intense pleasure, she groans with a blush in bed. Despite her tiredness, she still needs to get ready for work.


    Moving her arms, she pulls the nket off her. In doing so, she subconsciously nced down at her naked body, and her blush intensified.


    Her body was covered in love marks and a few bites.


    "He really did not spare me at all."


    She murmurs and swallows a hard gulp to steady herself. She should have remembered that Lu Tian was a man of his word. He had told her that he was going to have her all night and that he did not lie about it.


    Pulling herself together, she sits up with another groan and gets up from bed.


    "Ahh¡ª!"


    The moment she stood up, she let out a yelp and fell onto the ground, pulling the nket down with her.


    She stares at the cold floor in disbelief.


    ''Is something wrong with me?''


    She thought to herself and tried to get up. However, every attempt she made was a failure.


    Her legs shook each time, and she felt like all the strength in her legs had gone out the window.


    In another attempt to stand up, she hears the sounds of hurried footsteps outside the door. She knows who it is but still covers herself with the nket just in time for the door to open.


    Frustration red in her body, and she red at the person behind her sudden fatigue.


    "What happened? Are you hurt anywhere?"


    Lu Tian entered the room with a panicked face. His brows furrowed upon seeing his wife sitting on the floor, but he didn''t forget to stride over to her side.


    He swiftly picks her up and ces her back on the bed. Seeing her ring eyes, worry etched in his expression as he tugs a strand of hair behind her ear.


    "What is it? Does it hurt anywhere?"


    He had been in the study ever since he woke up. Just when he told himself it was time to make breakfast, he heard his wife''s sudden cry. He didn''t hesitate to run to their room in fear something might have happened to her.


    Yue Ling was in utter disbelief, staring at the man before her. She could not believe he had the audacity to ask if she was hurt. He was the culprit behind her reason for falling.


    Compared to her, he seemed to be glowing from head to toe. It was as if what they didst night until a few hours ago did not tire him out but gave him more strength.


    Lu Tian''s brows creased more when he didn''t hear a response from his wife. He stares at her captivating face, then lowers his eyes to check her body to see if she is hurt anywhere.


    However, the only thing he found on her body were the many love marks he had left on her.


    Reaching out to pull the nket from her grasp, he needed to take a closer look in case he missed anything.


    "Stop."


    Yue Ling felt the nket move from her body, and she whispered in amanding tone. Her hands on the nket clenched more as if holding onto dare life.


    "What is it? Why won''t you let me check?"


    Lu Tian frantically asks, not once concealing the worry in his face. He needed to know that she was fine and did not hurt herself from the fall.


    "You."


    Yue Ling uttered behind her clenched teeth and red at the man. Seeing his expression change from worry to confusion, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.


    "It''s your fault."


    Her words escaped her lips with anger, but blood rushed to her cheeks, turning them redder than they already were at the moment.


    Here she was on the floor with no strength in her legs, and the man in question didn''t seem to be suffering at all. It was like he was an almighty deity standing tall on a mountain.


    She res at him and curses under her breath. Only God knows how frustrated she is feeling right now.


    Lu Tian tilts his head to the side and ponders her words. He is confused at first, but his realization quickly dawns on him, and the corners of his lips curl up.


    "Oh¡­"


    He clears his throat and leans towards his wife until they only breathe away.


    "I''m sorry, it''s my fault."


    Hearing his apology, Yue Ling frowns and opens her eyes. She wants to tell him off, but suddenly, seeing his face so close to her own, every word in her mind gets stuck in her throat.


    After a long minute, she lets out a dryugh and turns her head away from him, not wanting to meet his eyes.


    "At least you know it''s your fault."


    Lu Tian couldn''t contain the smile on his face. He inches closer to her as he holds her chin, turning her face to look at him.


    "But I''m not sorry for having you all night."


    Yue Ling''s face turned into a tomato, and she shot him with a murderous re. She could not believe how shameless he was being with his words.


    She wanted to shift her attention elsewhere again, but he held her chin firm to keep her from looking away. Left with no choice, she could only avert her eyes with a pout.


    "I need to get ready for work."


    Even with no strength left in her legs, she tells herself that she needs to go to work. There were too many things she still needed to finish.


    Lu Tian stares at his wife''s pouting face for a long second. He leans in and gives her a quick peck on the lips before scooping her up from the bed.


    "Let me give you a hand."


    He headed for the bathroom and was surprised to see that his wife did not protest against him. He nced down at her and arched his brow.


    "What''s on your mind? You don''t want me to help you?"


    Yue Ling rolled her eyes but kept a firm hold around his neck. Thinking of something, she slightly straightened her posture in his arms and tilted her chin up.


    "Hmmf. As the culprit, you are obligated to take responsibility."


    She had wanted to get ready, but knowing how weak her legs were now, she knew better than to risk it. Once she takes a nice hot shower, her muscles will return.


    At the same time, she reminds herself to get back into exercising. She really needs to build up her stamina.


    Lu Tian smiles again and kisses the side of her head. He leaned his head a bit until his lips barely touched her ear.


    Discover exclusive tales on m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "Don''t worry, my love. I will take responsibility."


    His words sent a chill down Yue Ling''s spine, and she froze in his arms. Her eyes widened, and she stared agape at the man.


    She knew the smile on his face, and that smile was the same one he gave her when he was up to no good when it was just them.


    Seeing her stunned expression, Lu Tian gives her an innocent look and shrugs his shoulders as if no crime had beenmitted.


    "What? I''m taking responsibility as you ordered."


    His words fell, and his innocent look gradually turned into a mischievous grin. He kicked the bathroom door open with minimal strength and kissed his wife again.


    "Besides, while you were still sleeping, I informed your assistant that you''re taking the day off. You''re working too hard and need rest."


    Yue Ling''s jaw dropped at his words. She was left speechless and could not believe he made such a decision without consulting her.


    There were too many things she needed to get done. What if things don''t go ording to n? What if something goes wrong with the designs for De L''amour''s new designunch? What if the new dress she designed with her team runs into some trouble?


    On the other hand, she understands his reason for doing so. With everything that has been happening at work, she does need a day off.


    Watching her face express different emotions every second, Lu Tianughs softly as he brings his wife into the bathroom. He lets his wife''s mind wander and shuts the door to give them privacy before helping her wash up for the morning.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!